Before I Let Go

"Reading this book was as enjoyable as feasting on a plate of good ol’ southern comfort food — not just because its two main protagonists own & operate an Atlanta soul food restaurant called GRITS, but because the characters in this book are the kind of people I’d feel comfortable & happy hanging out with — they’re extremely relatable and lovely, & they all care for one another. The two protagonists were once married to each other, and are now divorced due to some difficult life-changing events, but you can tell through dialogue, flashbacks, and through each of their innermost intimate thoughts that these two are still obviously attracted to one another…. But at the current moment, they are caught between the memories of intimacy and the reality of divorce & trying to raise their two teenagers the right way, while also trying to keep their restaurant afloat & successful. So, as the reader, you’re cheering for these two to reconcile & reunite, hopefully 🤞🏾 I’d say this book has just the right amount of non-cringy #spice 🌶️ and a lot of good laughter, giggles, & good old #girltalk amongst 3 girlfriends who who seek comfort in one another & share an easy, authentic friendship — they’re able to comfortably chat about anything, particularly when it comes to discussing sex & talking about “their men” 😉… and especially Hendrix; that girl always added spice 🌶️ to their conversations 🤭 "

" 4.5 ⭐️ First just look at that stunning cover! When I saw it I knew I was going to read it no matter what it was about. I didn’t care as long as I could gaze at this beautiful piece of art. Turns out it’s not really my genre ~ deep emotional romantic drama. My romances are 100% romcom ~ I need fun, light, and hope with just a smidge of angst. Fortunately I ended up loving this story almost as much as the cover lol. A divorced couple slowly find their way back after tragedy and loss. Since it takes place 2 years later it’s not sad or depressing. But yes emotional and yes spicy too. And hopeful with a little bit of angst haha. You’re rooting for them all the way. If you like emotional romances this is a must read!"

"GUYS I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!! I cried a couple of times!! This book is so raw and beautifully written. Their l love for each other and the struggle they went through… 🥹😭🖤"

"Ecclesiastes 3:1 says “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under Heaven.” <br/><br/>Kennedy Ryan started this masterpiece 15 years ago. She shared that this was the first book she ever wrote. But it wasn’t the right time. But here and now is the right time and season for this book! I am sure after reading this that somehow it served some type of purpose in her life and will serve others. I am so grateful for this book, it is absolutely stunning, poetic, emotional and beautiful. It is poignant and took me through so many emotions…thank you. I love this book, I love Kennedy Ryan! She is a gem, an absolute treasure. I love the way she puts words on paper and how they breathe life and wisdom into lives, creating emotional responses and depths of feeling that are hard to put into words to but they are deeply felt. These words go down deep into your being, tugging and pulling at things sometimes you don’t even know are there. <br/><br/>I love her characters. Josiah and Yasmen Wade are loved equally by me. Josiah is strong, hardworking, tender and sexy as hell. Yasmen is smart, beautiful, honest and resilient. They feel like home. They make you laugh, cry and hope. They feel like family. Lots of healing takes place in this story, the Wade family is at the center surrounded by a community of friends, loved ones, and therapists that help them along on this journey of healing. Thank God for second chances! Thank God for healing! Thank God for family and community!<br/><br/>You have to read this book! This just solidified why Kennedy Ryan is one of my favorite authors. This isn’t the first book I have read by her and it certainly won’t be my last. This book was meant to be just like Josiah and Yasmen."

"This is a raw, moving depiction of drowning in depression and clawing your way through. Character development felt very real. Great read. "

"This is a really beautiful story! I love a second chance romance so this was up my alley. There are definitely some difficult themes so read the trigger warnings. This book is really well written and told. It showcases so many differing dynamics and character emotions through the dual POV. I really enjoyed this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶/5 "

"It was hard to root for a marriage that revolved around only lust. At least that is how their marriage came off to me. I would have appreciated hearing more about the love for one another beyond just physical attraction. I did appreciate the value of therapy being in this book. Depression and grief can cause so much pain."

"One of the best books I’ve read in while. Warning: Do check the trigger warnings. It’s a beautiful l love story filled with challenges and obstacles. 5⭐️"

"A deeply real story about pain, loss, and working your way back to living again. A great plug for therapy (we could all use some help now and then!). I was really invested in the characters and certainly didn’t mind the spice. 😉 This is one book you CAN judge by its cover…beautiful. "

"Amazing book! "