JANUARY 2023 - AudioFile
Narrators Wesleigh Siobhan and Jakobi Diem take romance, heartbreak, and sex appeal to the next level. Yasmen (Siobhan) and Josiah (Diem) divorced after devastating experiences, but they can’t run away from the love that created their family and growing business. This dramatic story has emotional ups and downs that both narrators perform passionately in complementary performances. Siobhan’s vocal tone when she is conveying attraction aligns with Diem’s deep-voiced moments of flirtation. Both also convey vulnerabilities in their characters that draw empathy and compassion. And, of course, there are always the humorous best friends to provide a bit of over-the-top humor. This heartfelt romance and family adventure speaks to healing and growth. T.E.C. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
Publishers Weekly
★ 08/15/2022
Ryan (Reel) brings both tears and laughter in a powerhouse second-chance romance that shines a sensitive light on mental health issues. Following a stillbirth, Yasmen Wade spirals into a depression that drives a wedge between her and her preteen daughter, Deja, and ends her marriage to her first love, Josiah. Two years later, Josiah is still heartbroken over the divorce he never wanted, though he wrote his own fate by refusing Yasmen’s suggestion of couple’s therapy. It’s hard to move on when they live two minutes from each other, co-parent their two children, and remain partners in their soul fusion restaurant. When their son Kassim’s fifth grade teacher suggests that Kassim should see a therapist, Josiah surprises Yasmen by agreeing—and he even starts seeing one himself to support his son. As healing continues, the couple’s fire is reignited. Giving into passion would risk their fragile equilibrium, so they agree to get their lust out of their systems with one steamy night—but one night becomes many as each discovers new love, respect, and appreciation for the other. The struggles here are real and wrenching, and Ryan’s talent is such that, by the end, the characters feel like old, dear friends. This tender contemporary is a knockout. Agent: Kim Lionetti, Bookends Literary. (Nov.)
From the Publisher
Real. Raw. Magnificent!”—Colleen Hoover, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“Kennedy Ryan pours her whole soul into everything she writes, and it makes for books that are heart-searing, sensual, and life affirming. We are lucky to be living in a world where she writes.”—EMILY HENRY, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“Breathtaking, gut-wrenching, viscerally romantic. I want to curl up and live in this book.”—Talia Hibbert, New York Times bestselling author
“Before I Let Go is a masterpiece, and one of those books that you finish reading and just know you'll go back to many, many times. A beautifully honest portrayal of love in its many forms, and the most raw, poignant, and romantic journey of healing I've read in a long time. Kennedy Ryan has a fan for life.”—Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author of Love on the Brain
“I am a sucker for high-stakes, once-in-a-lifetime soulmate love–and Before I Let Go hits every spot! Yasmen and Josiah’s story is emotional, raw, real, grown-up, and it perfectly crystalizes the idea that real, lasting love is an imperfect journey of patience. Forgiveness. Healing. And, of course, wildly hot, steamy sex! Kennedy Ryan has gifted us with yet another addictively delicious read.”—TIA WILLIAMS, New York Times bestselling author
“A knockout.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
“A gorgeously poignant story of healing, family, and love. Kennedy Ryan is a true artist.”—Helen Hoang, New York Times bestselling author
“Ryan always manages to ring her heavy stories with an aura of hope and a propulsive narrative that makes them impossible to put down. Grade: A”—Entertainment Weekly
“Ryan is a fantastic storyteller and superb writer.”—NPR
“A story of resilience, redemption and second chances; it’s heavy but hopeful. With meticulously detailed prose, Ryan creates characters who are deeply relatable, so compelling and lushly drawn that they feel like old friends.”—BookPage
“A stunning look at the nuances of grief, healing, marriage, and love.”—Women's Health
“Ryan crafts a heroine who is empowered, inspiring the men in her world to do whatever it takes to keep that connection alive.”—Ebony
"BEFORE I LET GO is the kind of beautiful, heart-felt love story that stays with you. The only thing that rivals Kennedy Ryan's stunning prose is Yasmen's journey itself—raw and moving and relatable. This book is a must read!"—Lexi Ryan, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
“Kennedy Ryan has written the type of romance you want to slowly savor, yet can’t help but devour. Every page is perfection."—Farrah Rochon, USA Today Bestselling author of The Hookup Plan
"Fans of Colleen Hoover will love this beautiful, unforgettable, oh-so-real second-chance romance whose characters will stay in your heart long after reading. Kennedy Ryan is a brilliant storyteller who can make you cry one moment and snort-laugh the next.”—Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author
"SPECTACULAR! Kennedy is doing something no one else in romance is doing right now. If you love angst with the most satisfying payoff, Before I Let Go is for you."—Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling author
"Ryan is a powerhouse of a writer."—USA Today
"Kennedy Ryan writes modern romance with such emotion and beauty. Her stories are guaranteed to break your heart and then they heal it, each and every time."—Kylie Scott, New York Times bestselling author
"Kennedy Ryan is one of the most talented writers writing today, and Before I Let Go is another showcase of that talent. This book is challenging, bracing, so evocative, and so REAL."—Kate Clayborn, author of Love Lettering
“Kennedy Ryan crafts characters and stories that stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Before I Let Go is a beautifully told story full of hope, sorrow, and healing, a true testament to the power of love, family, community, and soul food. I smiled, pined along with Yasmen and Josiah, and rooted for their reunion. A great read.”—Alexandria House, bestselling author of Let Me Love You
"Kennedy writes these gripping, touching, romantic, transporting books every single time."—Denise Williams, Author of How to Fail At Flirting
"Devastating, thought provoking, and so hopeful, this deeply romantic second-chance love story brought out all my emotions. This book is stunningly beautiful."—Farah Heron, author of Kamila Knows Best
"The queen of hard-hitting romance books."—The Culturess
"Before I Let Go is pure magic. Kennedy poured herself in this raw, real, second-chance love story that will reach out and touch you to your soul. I read this story with my heart in my throat, enraptured by every word. A stunning, stellar, must read." —A.L. Jackson, NYT & USA Today bestselling author
“A must read for lovers of It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover and Seven Days in June by Tia Williams.”—ZibbyMag
"This novel of rediscovered love is highly recommended." —Library Journal, starred review
"Kennedy Ryan captures so many topics in this book from grief, loss, community, and friendship to learning how to forgive yourself, speak your truth, and ask for what you want. It’s a book where you can easily find glimpses of yourself among the pages.”—Conde Nast Traveler
“Kennedy Ryan is frequently compared to bestselling author Colleen Hoover, and for good reason. She writes heart-wrenching romances that are sexy and modern.”—Men's Health
USA Today
Ryan is a powerhouse of a writer.
New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean
Every time Kennedy Ryan sits down to write a book, she is hunting big game from page one.
Author of How to Fail At Flirting Denise Williams
Kennedy writes these gripping, touching, romantic, transporting books every single time.
Entertainment Weekly
Kennedy Ryan is one of the finest romance writers of our age.
New York Times bestselling author of Neon Gods Katee Robert
Every time I think Kennedy Ryan can’t possibly raise the bar any further, she proves me wrong in the most delightful way possible.
Library Journal
★ 09/01/2022
The first novel in Ryan's (Queen Move) new "Skyland" series depicts a fractured family's efforts to find joy in life after a year of heartbreaks. Yasmen and Josiah were the perpetually-in-love couple that everybody envied and were sure would go the distance. After back-to-back losses lead them to divorce, they must now figure out how to coexist with someone who they once thought would be their forever. Not communicating or interacting would be impossible, since they remain tethered by two children, a business, and a community that they love. They make mistakes trying to define their new normal when they realize that their romantic relationship may not be as over as they thought, and it's not only Josiah and Yasmen whose life trajectories and feelings are on the line. Ryan's frank discussion of mental health, including some characters' reluctance to seek out the assistance of mental health professionals, elevates the believability of this family's journey. A cast of hilarious, flawed, and largely supportive friends and family sets the stage for future books in the series. VERDICT This novel of rediscovered love is highly recommended for all fiction collections.—Nicole Williams
JANUARY 2023 - AudioFile
Narrators Wesleigh Siobhan and Jakobi Diem take romance, heartbreak, and sex appeal to the next level. Yasmen (Siobhan) and Josiah (Diem) divorced after devastating experiences, but they can’t run away from the love that created their family and growing business. This dramatic story has emotional ups and downs that both narrators perform passionately in complementary performances. Siobhan’s vocal tone when she is conveying attraction aligns with Diem’s deep-voiced moments of flirtation. Both also convey vulnerabilities in their characters that draw empathy and compassion. And, of course, there are always the humorous best friends to provide a bit of over-the-top humor. This heartfelt romance and family adventure speaks to healing and growth. T.E.C. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
2022-08-31
A divorced couple finds love again.
Yasmen and Josiah Wade have been divorced for two years. They met in college, and after marrying, they opened a successful restaurant in Atlanta and started a family. Their seemingly rock-solid marriage went off course after two tragic losses: Josiah’s beloved aunt died, and their much-desired third child was stillborn. Yasmen suffered from brutal, agonizing depression, and, unable to cope with their grief and sadness, the two agreed to a divorce. Now, Yasmen and Josiah co-parent and manage their business, and both are trying to move on with their lives. The catalyst for change is when Josiah starts dating again. Yasmen is surprised to find feelings she thought were long dead rising up to the surface—attraction, possessiveness, and love. What if their divorce was a mistake? The novel is stuffed full of melodrama and angst as Yasmen and Josiah care for their kids, decide if they should expand the business, and explore their wholly unexpected reconnection. Notably, the book shows the benefits of therapy for both children and adults. Josiah resisted therapy after the loss of their baby but now agrees to see a therapist as a model for his son who has been struggling at school. Josiah’s willingness to finally talk about his feelings allows the couple to open up about the end of their marriage, paving the way for a new future together. Colleen Hoover fans looking for a dramatic emotional journey starring people in their 30s will find what they are looking for here.
A melodramatic family saga with a side of romance.
