A review by yajairat
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan

emotional reflective sad fast-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

3.75

When it comes to romance books, I rarely read ones that deal with a second chance romance. Or those involving a formerly married couple with a life they had built together, now learning to navigate that while not being together. It's refreshing! I think overall, this was a good and fast read. I loved how it dug deep into the root of their problems, and we got to see their healing journeys. There are some really heavy topics discussed, and I think Ryan wrote about them beautifully. She doesn't shy away from writing about the difficult parts of marriage, and the hard work it takes to save a relationship. I ultimately want to believe that a couple is going to make it in the long run, well beyond the last page of a book. Yasmen and Josiah are for-lifers! I liked seeing how something as traumatic as a separation can affect children, and how their family dynamics healed as well. Also the friendships were really meaningful and well-written. 

Only some qualms with the book - I found it to be repetitive at times. Felt like I kept reading about the stakes a little too much. Also this is just me being petty, but have to take off .25 for the constant use of the word breasts throughout this entire book. I swear I saw it about 200 times. Not even just when they were having sex! It could be a description of Yasmen's outfit and it's going to mention breasts. Please! Synonyms or something! 
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