Reviews with content warning for Grief - Before I Let Go

Omg this book was so good! I can confidently say it will be in all my top read lists for the year and it’s landed on my forever shelf!!

This book had it all. A unique second chance love, of finding yourself amidst tragedy and filled with raw emotions and a realness to the characters that you felt fully immersed in the story. And ooooh the spice. Talk about chemistry. 🌶️🔥

I’m not usually a fan of the divorced trope, but let me tell you, this book blew me away and did this trope justice. I loved the dual POV between our two MC’s Josiah and Yasmen. And all the supporting characters were just as endearing and rounded out the story!

And can I point out how gorgeous this cover is. 🧡💛
This is the first in the series and I’m excited to read more.

Don’t hesitate and grab this book. You won’t regret it!

⚠️ There are some heavy topics so please make note of my trigger warnings:
Loss of a child. Miscarriage. Grief. Divorce. Depression. Suicidal thoughts. Death of a parent.

Content Warnings

gabichatslit's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense

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

5.0

Where does the love go?? Nowhere. The love stays.

My first Kennedy Ryan read and I am forever changed. This is my favorite read of the year. This book was amazing. It was emotional and sad and funny and loving and real and raw. Yas and Josiah, and all their friends and family felt so real. And I absolutely love them and reading their love story. I have never giggled and blushed and kicked my feet and screamed and cried as much as I did reading this book. I don’t remember the last time I read a 300+ book in one day. Like any free moment I had, I was picking this book up. I’m about to go listen to the audiobook while I cook breakfast rn just because I’m not ready to leave these characters and Skyland. I’m so excited for Sol’s story, March can’t come quick enough lol and I’m glad I preordered my copy the other day (before I had even started the book mind you lol)

Ryan is easily one of my favorite authors. She has this way with words that I can’t even put into words. It’s just beautiful and tender and I’m just so glad I picked this book up. I’ll have more thoughts later. But yeah, my number 1 of 2023 for sure.

Content Warnings

jikuuu08's review against another edition

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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.

Content Warnings

sleepybunnyreading's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful reflective sad tense 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

“Here’s to sex that cracks our backs, adventures that snatch our edges and friends that stick like you glue”

This book had me in all the feels, honestly it was such a pleasant experience. Although daunting because of its size I truly did love the characters and dynamics and troubles within this book. I could truly find myself relating and understanding Yasmins struggles throughout the book as well was gaming a new level of understanding with the dual POV.

Content Warnings