A review by thebookstagrambabe
This Used to Be Us by Renée Carlino

challenging emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Holy Moly be prepared to have your heartstrings pulled with This Used to Be Us. This story follows Danielle and Alex who after 20+ years together decide to part ways. Its the trials and tribulations of finding a new normal, living separately, finding romantic and business success and yet still having to be together while not actually together anymore. Still, they find that they just can’t stay away from each other, and somehow, the distance allows them to remember (for the first time in years) what each used to love about the other. When a family crisis draws them back into each other’s orbit, Dani and Alex are once again put to the test, which leads to a dramatic conclusion that will have readers weeping.

I've loved Renee Carlino's books for years and this felt unlike anything she's ever written. Not only do we see their first love story in bits and pieces throughout the story, but we see their second chance at a family amidst their breakup. It's not a fairytale, it's not a formulaic romance book, this is real-life romance. Heads up the ending will make you cry! Was it necessary? I don't think so, but it definitely hit the nail on the head about not wasting the little time you have being unhappy or putting energy into things that aren't worth it. 

Read if you like emotional, family dramas, and second-chance romances. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review. This book releases 7/9