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kassielovestoread's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I fear that this review will be a total mess for my final thoughts! I did like it, a lot actually, but I do have a lot to say about it.
Firstly, this is NOT a contemporary romance novel like many, MANY people have advertised it to be! It does feature a second chance romance, but it takes a backseat to the anguish and the suffering the MC's have endured/will endure throughout the story. The reader can expect to witness a lot of the day to day dynamics of Yasmen and Josiah as they also navigate their complicated, evolving feelings for each other. The romance eventually manifests, about 50-60% into the book. It's a lot of will they or won't they, I'd categorize this as one of the slower burns I've read this year. I do believe a lot of the book could've been trimmed down, specifically within the first 100 pages or so. For a while I wasn't sure in which direction this book was going to take!
Back to the genre, this is women's fiction and if that's your jam: that's fine! And maybe this is more my fault for not double checking, but again, this was not the contemporary romance read that I wanted, LOL. Something I've come to understand is that I don't vibe with women's fiction. I often find that this genre features novels primarily dealing with heavy topics. Before I Let Go was definitely one of these books, and it was a journey to get through. Not sure if I'd willingly read something this heavy again.
With all that being said: I did really enjoy this book. I'm ashamed to admit that it took me a bit of time to figure out that this was either the most unique rom-com I've ever read orrrrrr I possibly picked up the wrong book in a genre I don't love, LOL. When I figured that out, I adjusted my expectations and strapped in for the ride. I loved our MC's and I did enjoy reading about the complicated dynamics of their lives! I rooted for their love the entire time, I knew it was only a matter of time before they got their HEA's . I thought the epilogue was lovely and tied things up in a heart-warming way!
Would I read the sequel? To be honest....I'm really not too sure. I'm super intrigued about Soledad's story , but can I really read a women's fiction book in earnest and not accidentally?? I don't know! I'm going to play it by ear. I can't commit to either a yes or no. However, I'm seriously interested in Kennedy Ryan as an author and I think I'm going to dive into her backlog to see if she has written any rom-coms in the past! If so, count me all the way in!!
Firstly, this is NOT a contemporary romance novel like many, MANY people have advertised it to be! It does feature a second chance romance, but it takes a backseat to the anguish and the suffering the MC's have endured/will endure throughout the story. The reader can expect to witness a lot of the day to day dynamics of Yasmen and Josiah as they also navigate their complicated, evolving feelings for each other. The romance eventually manifests, about 50-60% into the book. It's a lot of will they or won't they, I'd categorize this as one of the slower burns I've read this year. I do believe a lot of the book could've been trimmed down, specifically within the first 100 pages or so. For a while I wasn't sure in which direction this book was going to take!
Back to the genre, this is women's fiction and if that's your jam: that's fine! And maybe this is more my fault for not double checking, but again, this was not the contemporary romance read that I wanted, LOL. Something I've come to understand is that I don't vibe with women's fiction. I often find that this genre features novels primarily dealing with heavy topics. Before I Let Go was definitely one of these books, and it was a journey to get through. Not sure if I'd willingly read something this heavy again.
With all that being said: I did really enjoy this book. I'm ashamed to admit that it took me a bit of time to figure out that this was either the most unique rom-com I've ever read orrrrrr I possibly picked up the wrong book in a genre I don't love, LOL. When I figured that out, I adjusted my expectations and strapped in for the ride. I loved our MC's and I did enjoy reading about the complicated dynamics of their lives! I rooted for their love the entire time, I knew it was only a matter of time before they got their HEA's . I thought the epilogue was lovely and tied things up in a heart-warming way!
Would I read the sequel? To be honest....I'm really not too sure. I'm super intrigued about Soledad's story , but can I really read a women's fiction book in earnest and not accidentally?? I don't know! I'm going to play it by ear. I can't commit to either a yes or no. However, I'm seriously interested in Kennedy Ryan as an author and I think I'm going to dive into her backlog to see if she has written any rom-coms in the past! If so, count me all the way in!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death of parent, and Self harm
spellbindingtomes's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Child death, Death of parent, and Grief
Minor: Dementia
ebartsch85's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I know this isn't shocking information, but Kennedy Ryan is a Goddess.
This book may be really difficult for people to read because of the traumas within the book, but gosh dang is it beautiful.
This book may be really difficult for people to read because of the traumas within the book, but gosh dang is it beautiful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Grief, and Mental illness
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Car accident, Self harm, and Pregnancy
Minor: Death of parent and Dementia
sharry31's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is an absolute page-turner that delves into the depths of love, sadness, and grief, creating a compelling narrative that is difficult to step away from. The characters are beautifully crafted, making it easy for readers to empathize and root for them throughout the story. While the content may be challenging for some due to its emotional depth, the author's inclusion of trigger warnings is commendable. Overall, this poignant and moving tale is highly recommended for those looking for a powerful and thought-provoking read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage
Minor: Self harm
noodlebooknook's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wow the hype does not lie with this book 5 Stars!!!
I am normally not a fan of second chance romance because almost all of them one person majorly majorly messed up and it’s hard to see how someone would forgive them but this book goes into how grief and mental illness and bad circumstances a cause issues that are deeper than whether you love someone or not but in the end if it’s meant to be it will be.
The writing was beautiful without being too flowery
The dialogue was seamlessly casual without taking away from the flowery language in the non-Dialogue sections.
There were 0 cringe items which is almost impossible for a modern romance and even as someone who hates pop culture references these blended so well into the story I wasn’t even mad at them.
My only criticism at all is really a criticism of the contemporary romance genre in that every book as so may sex scenes which hers were very well written I just wish I could find romance books with tension without necessarily reading smut scenes.
But overall this book made me cry and laugh and think about my own grief and relationships it was just so so good
I am normally not a fan of second chance romance because almost all of them one person majorly majorly messed up and it’s hard to see how someone would forgive them but this book goes into how grief and mental illness and bad circumstances a cause issues that are deeper than whether you love someone or not but in the end if it’s meant to be it will be.
The writing was beautiful without being too flowery
The dialogue was seamlessly casual without taking away from the flowery language in the non-Dialogue sections.
There were 0 cringe items which is almost impossible for a modern romance and even as someone who hates pop culture references these blended so well into the story I wasn’t even mad at them.
My only criticism at all is really a criticism of the contemporary romance genre in that every book as so may sex scenes which hers were very well written I just wish I could find romance books with tension without necessarily reading smut scenes.
But overall this book made me cry and laugh and think about my own grief and relationships it was just so so good
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol and Child death
Moderate: Sexual content, Self harm, Abandonment, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Grief, Infertility, and Suicidal thoughts
bunnyreads3's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, Self harm, Body horror, Suicidal thoughts, Alcoholism, Grief, Alcohol, Body shaming, Death, Infertility, Cursing, Death of parent, and Mental illness
jikuuu08's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
each and every individual character had their own voice, their own story.
the dialogue of every character was so distinct and though the topics varied through heavy and emotional situations, the lightness and fun sprinkled into the story was delightful.
the narritive comes full circle and in the end is so heartwarming and satisfying.
i learned that love is not how inherently good it is, but it is more how you can fight through the bad and find your way back to eachother when times are tough.
the dialogue of every character was so distinct and though the topics varied through heavy and emotional situations, the lightness and fun sprinkled into the story was delightful.
the narritive comes full circle and in the end is so heartwarming and satisfying.
i learned that love is not how inherently good it is, but it is more how you can fight through the bad and find your way back to eachother when times are tough.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Car accident, Pregnancy, Racial slurs, Cursing, Death of parent, Grief, Death, Miscarriage, and Suicidal thoughts
ksuazo94's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Child death, Death, Pregnancy, Miscarriage, Car accident, Suicidal thoughts, Self harm, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical trauma, and Injury/Injury detail
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