A review by thebookishmama
Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino

5.0

I read this in one sitting and that should be enough to convince you to read it. Idk what Carlino puts in her books but both times I have read one of her books I cannot put them down. I loved this book and was so invested in what was going on. I loved the dual timeline and the dual POVs, both added so much to the story. There is something about being able to go back in time to the beginning of a relationship or previous relationship that I just love to read about. It also adds so much more to the characters we are reading about, almost another layer? These characters felt so raw, real, raw, and flawed and I think that had me all the more invested in their journey in both timelines. This is the type of love story that makes you believe in fate. The type of love that nothing can come between, sure they may rock, but they are together for the long run. My only slight qualm was the pacing toward the end but maybe that’s just because I wanted more of the present! Regardless, read this book thank you. 

Tropes/themes:
-dual timeline
-dual POV
-second chance 
-friends to lovers
-slow burn

Other books:
Swear On This Life ★★★★★