BLURB:

Soledad Barnes has her life all planned out. Because, of course, she does. She plans everything. She designs everything. She fixes everything. She’s a domestic goddess who’s never met a party she couldn’t host or a charge she couldn’t lead. The one with all the answers and the perfect vinaigrette for that summer salad. But none of her varied talents can save her when catastrophe strikes, and the life she built with the man who was supposed to be her forever, goes poof in a cloud of betrayal and disillusion.
 
But there is no time to pout or sulk, or even grieve the life she lost. She’s too busy keeping a roof over her daughters’ heads and food on the table. And in the process of saving them all, Soledad rediscovers herself. From the ashes of a life burned to the ground, something bold and new can rise.
 
But then an unlikely man enters the picture—the forbidden one, the one she shouldn’t want but can’t seem to resist. She’s lost it all before and refuses to repeat her mistakes. Can she trust him? Can she trust herself?
 
After all she’s lost . . .and found . . .can she be brave enough to make room for what could be?

MY THOUGHTS

Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan is absolutely mind-blowing! I was buzzing with excitement to delve into This Could Be Us, expecting more of Ryan’s magic. Little did I realize that Before I Let Go was part of a series, but the moment Soledad, Yasmen, and Hen stepped into the picture, I had my cosmic “Aha!” moment. This Could Be Us didn’t quite measure up to its predecessor, but Judah’s and Soledad’s narrative still had me hooked. I’d slap five stars on this one, however, the excruciatingly slow start shaved off two of those stars. It’s exasperating, really. These slow burn stories are testing my patience to the limit!

WHAT I LOVED:

As a mom to a three year old on the spectrum, I found the inclusion of Adam and Aaron to be quite refreshing. The relationship between Tremaine and Judah’s also caught my attention. Despite being divorced, they managed to build a true friendship, which was quite remarkable. The diversity in this book is definitely a highlight, with Soledad being Puerto Rican and Black, and the portrayal of Autism and more.

Soledad’s focus on self-partnership after enduring Edward’s troubles was a bold move, and it’s the first time I’ve come across that phrase. The story’s emphasis on healing, love, and transformation resonated with me, especially now that I’m in my 30s and have had my fair share of challenges. However, I didn’t connect with Soledad as much as I did with Yasmen.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

Edward. Of course. Edward. He was quite the character! Bringing up Edward and the dysfunctional marriage really brought back memories of Diary of A Mad Black Woman. Soledad even had her moment of tearing clothes and all of his items up! Where is Madae when you need her? Edward really got under my skin. He didn’t treat Soledad well at all.

The anticipation was excruciating! It felt like an eternity before things heated up! I mean, come on, more than halfway through the book before anything juicy happened? It was dragging on and on and on. And don’t even get me started on the whole content creator thing – it was just too much. I get why she included it, but definitely not my favorite aspect.

Nonetheless, I’m eagerly anticipating delving into Hen’s story. Judging by the tantalizing hints she dropped in Yasmen and Soledad’s comments, I’m certain it will be a steamy and thrilling read. I may be jumping the gun here, but I sincerely hope it lives up to my expectations. Happy reading, folks!