Before I Let Go: The Most Breathtaking (Divorce?!) Love Story

Book Title: Before I Let Go

Author: Kennedy Ryan

Publication Year: 2022

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Social Media: Instagram @kennedyryan1

The novel is set approximately two years after Yasmen’s and her ex-husband, Josiah’s, divorce. While co-parenting and co-owning a business together they wonder if the sparks are still there and if they will ever be able to rebuild what they once had. The story fluctuates between the past and present so that readers get a strong grasp of how a couple that was once head over heels in love could ever be torn apart. 

What a beautiful story. I read this book in one day, that's how addicting the story line is and I can say I haven’t read a romance novel like it. I loved how it intertwined topics ranging from marriage, grief, mental health, therapy, depression, family, personal growth etc. And I think the author discussed each topic so eloquently. I am a big fan of romances where the characters are in their thirties and up because might I say, they done been through some sh*t and it is always thought provoking on my end.

Because the book is written in split perspectives, Josiah & Yasmen, you see how they both navigate each event within the book very differently, and neither are necessarily wrong or right. As the two face life as fairly new singles, you get to differentiate how both healed (or still healing) from the divorce and the emotions from both sides that led to that decision. The side characters: Yasmen’s best friends, Josiah's friend, business colleagues and more all play key roles in the decision making from both sides. I like that Ryan decides to not tell the readers what caused the split until well into the book because it leads to multiple jaw dropping moments that are bound to make anyone with a heart choke up. 

The author also shows how the divorce affected their daughter, Deja, and son, Kassim. Incredibly fond of how Ryan highlights how impactful perception is for each of the characters. Reading the novel as I am coming into adulthood, it made me grasp how it was so easy to be angry at your parents in adolescence about things you don’t really understand. It is easy to place blame on a parent for the way your life is when as kids sometimes you only know the surface and your parents deserve compassion as well. The book has your typical mama’s boy and daddy’s girl dynamics and I enjoyed seeing the perspective of the parents on that.

I suggest going into reading this book with an open mind. Because the book starts off with the couple being divorced, as you progress it can be easy to point fingers about what each character should’ve done and to get annoyed. But that’s not what this book is about. This is going to sound a bit dramatic to some but —- I think it’s the perfect read if you want marriage in the future. The novel really makes you think about the unexpected things that can arise and how it’s not just love that will allow you and your partner to grow through that but compassion, forgiveness and understanding is key too. 

This love story is raw, real as it comes and truly breathtaking. Perfectly written, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Also a love story with two black HBCU grads — gotta love that!

Favorite Quote:

“I was no walk in the park…” - Yasmen on her and Josiah’s marriage

“Who wants to walk in the park? I think that man would run wild with you.”