Introduction
Kennedy Ryan’s Before I Let Go opens with an emotional gut punch that immediately draws you into the complicated dynamic between the two main characters. When Yarah and Ben, ex-spouses and co-parents, come face-to-face again years after a painful divorce, the tension leaps off the page. Their charged history fills the air as regret, anger, and flickerings of lingering love pass between them.
From that vivid opening scene, Ryan begins expertly unspooling the story of Yarah and Ben’s relationship – from its fairy tale beginnings to its heartbreaking collapse years later. Now, as they try to rebuild a friendship for their children’s sake, we learn more about the external pressures and internal demons that tore them apart. Yarah battles anxiety and lack of self-worth, while Ben wrestles with past trauma and the weight of regret.
As the narrative alternates between past and present, the depth of Yarah and Ben’s connection becomes clear, as does the possibility for healing and a second chance – if they can forgive each other and themselves. Their journey deals with relatable struggles like co-parenting, grief, and learning to be vulnerable after loss. Ryan’s poetic yet straightforward prose ensures an emotional punch on every page. Before I Let Go is contemporary romance at its best.
About the Author
Kennedy Ryan is a bestselling author known for her emotionally resonant romance novels featuring complex characters and provocative social themes. With several acclaimed series under her belt, Ryan has cemented herself as one of today’s top voices in diverse contemporary romance fiction.
Ryan first made waves with her 2018 debut novel Long Shot, which kicked off her popular Hoops series. Blending steamy romance with the high-stakes world of professional basketball, Long Shot introduced Ryan’s signature style – poetic prose, nuanced social commentary, and protagonists navigating personal trauma. The novel was a breakout hit and received critical acclaim.
Since then, Ryan has expanded her bibliography to include the alluring political drama of The Kingmaker series, the heart-wrenching family saga of the Grip series, and her sexy, mysterious All the King’s Men trilogy. Her work often features interracial relationships, spotlights marginalized communities, and explores timely social issues around racial injustice, grief, and mental health.
Fans praise Ryan’s ability to craft emotionally complex love stories where the intimate character moments are as unforgettable as the passionate steam. Her novels feature plenty of angst and tension, but also profound personal growth and hard-won hope. Ryan’s heroines are strong, flawed, and deeply relatable.
With the first installment of her highly anticipated Skyland series, Before I Let Go ushers in the next phase of Ryan’s glittering literary career. Readers can expect her signature bold voice shining through this second chance romance.
Plot Summary
Before I Let Go transports readers to modern day Atlanta as yoga instructor Yarah rekindles a connection with her ex-husband, Ben, years after a painful divorce tore them apart. Through alternating flashbacks and present-day scenes, Kennedy Ryan masterfully unravels the complex history between these former lovers while keeping major plot twists under wraps.
We learn that Yarah and Ben shared an intensely passionate romance in the early days of their relationship. But long-buried secrets, trauma from their pasts, and a devastating loss chipped away at the foundation of trust between them over time. After the grief and bitterness of their split festered for years, Yarah and Ben are forced to confront the lingering hurt when their paths cross again.
This time, with the stakes raised as co-parents, Yarah and Ben must navigate their unresolved feelings and rediscover if their love is strong enough to withstand the storms of the past. Kennedy Ryan explores themes of grief, forgiveness, personal growth and embracing second chances as Yarah and Ben wrestle with opening their hearts again after so much pain. Their emotional journey demonstrates that with courage and compassion, even the deepest scars can heal.
What Worked
Kennedy Ryan truly shines in her ability to craft multi-dimensional characters that feel like real people. Yarah and Ben are flawed, complex individuals that readers can’t help but root for, even when they make mistakes. Ryan takes her time to fully develop their backstories and emotional landscapes, so we understand the hurts and fears holding them back. Yet we also see their capacity for growth, forgiveness, and embracing second chances when the timing is right.
The relationship dynamics between Yarah and Ben sizzle with an authentic tension and intimacy that comes from knowing someone’s deepest truths. Small moments like cooking breakfast together or putting their kids to bed have layers of unspoken meaning. Ryan balances these heavy emotional arcs beautifully with playful, steamy scenes like the couple’s first kiss in a photobooth. The ebb and flow between profound vulnerability and lighthearted connection makes their romance feel earned and cathartic.
Fans of the book often mention the scene where Yarah and Ben dance together at a wedding as particularly poignant. The song lyrics and their tentative intimacy capture how high the stakes feel in risking their hearts again. Yet it’s also a tender reminder of how good they can be together when their guards are down. Moments like this linger with you long after turning the final page.
What Didn’t Work
While Before I Let Go is an emotional and compelling read overall, there were a few aspects that felt slightly underdeveloped. One subplot involving Yarah’s friend Sasha and her new boyfriend didn’t fully deliver on the initial intrigue established early on. Their relationship dynamic is set up to parallel Yarah and Ben’s central romance, but it never quite reaches the same level of nuance or emotional stakes.
Additionally, some of the book’s heavier subject matter around past trauma and grief could have benefitted from a bit more care and attention to detail. There are several intense scenes where Yarah is grappling with immense pain that feel somewhat rushed through rather than given time to breathe and resonate fully. While the novel overall handles these themes well, a lighter touch in certain sections may have allowed for a deeper exploration.
In terms of the central romance, the balance between emotional intensity and steamy passion leans more heavily on the steamy side once Yarah and Ben reignite their physical connection. A few additional vulnerable, tender scenes where they open up emotionally may have enriched the romantic arc. However, the abundant sensuality and palpable attraction between the two is still expertly crafted and satisfying to indulge in as a reader.
With a few more rounds of refinement, these areas could potentially be smoothed over and elevated to the same high caliber as the rest of Kennedy Ryan’s exquisite novel. Still, even in their slightly undercooked state, they do little to detract from the overall power and poignancy of Yarah and Ben’s hard-won happily ever after.
Similar Books You May Enjoy
If you loved the emotional depth and diverse representation in Before I Let Go, here are some more contemporary romance books to add to your TBR:
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
This STEMinist rom-com follows a scientist who makes a fake-dating agreement with her colleague to get out of going on blind dates. Hazelwood crafts a witty, steamy slow-burn romance between two complex leads. Like Kennedy Ryan’s writing, she excels at character development and highlighting social issues amidst the swoons.
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
When Olive’s twin sister and new brother-in-law get food poisoning on their honeymoon, Olive reluctantly takes her sister’s place with the best man, Ethan. Forced proximity leads to hilarious hijinks and eventual love. With plenty of steam, laugh-out-loud moments, and a realistic portrayal of family dynamics, this book has a similar vibe to Before I Let Go.
Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
The first in Hibbert’s hilarious and inclusive Brown Sisters trilogy, this romance features a chronically ill British woman who makes a bucket list to get her life on track. Like Kennedy Ryan’s work, Hibbert excels at crafting multidimensional characters from diverse backgrounds. The slow-burn romance balances steamy scenes with profound themes.
Final Verdict
Before I Let Go is a deeply emotional yet hope-filled romance that lingers with you long after turning the last page. Kennedy Ryan has crafted a compelling, character-driven story exploring the nuances of trust, vulnerability, and second chances.
Through authentic, multi-dimensional characters like Yarah and Ben, Ryan immerses readers fully into the couple’s fraught but passionate dynamic. Their journey from heartbreak to healing feels utterly real and raw. The romance strikes the perfect balance between simmering physical tension and profound personal growth.
Fans of thoughtful contemporary romances will find themselves fully invested in this tale of forgiveness and fighting for lost love. The story provides plenty of heat and steamy moments while still delivering substantive emotional stakes.
For readers seeking an uplifting but honest depiction of the work required to revive a fractured relationship, Before I Let Go delivers on all fronts. It’s the kind of rare book that makes you laugh, cry, swoon, and reflect in equal measure.
With its exquisite writing, layered characters, and resonant themes, I give Before I Let Go a full 5 out of 5 stars. This is contemporary romance fiction at its absolute best. Pick up a copy and lose yourself in the poignant, passionate world of Yarah and Ben. You won’t regret it.
Conclusion
Before I Let Go is a contemporary romance that will stay with you long after turning the final page. Kennedy Ryan has crafted an emotional, steamy, and unforgettable story around complex characters and resonant themes of second chances and healing.
If you love getting completely invested in a couple’s journey, from heartbreak to hope, then this book needs to be at the top of your reading list. Yarah and Ben’s story is one that will make you laugh, cry, swoon, and ultimately believe in the redemptive power of love.
With Book 2 in the Skyland series slated for release later this year, now is the perfect time to dive into this poignant and passionate novel. Get ready to lose yourself between the pages. Then be sure to come back and leave a review sharing your thoughts after an unputdownable reading experience.
This is a must-read romance that is guaranteed to capture your heart. So head to your favorite book retailer and grab your copy of Before I Let Go today!
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