I just turned the last page, and I'm in tears. Renee Carlino was born to write books, and I can't express how deeply this one moved me. I equally loved both main characters and admired their maturity (most of the time) while navigating one of the most challenging decisions any married couple could face. Witnessing Dani and Alex relive their memories, co-parent, and rediscover themselves was genuinely touching. I didn't want it to end, and when it did, I cried—really hard. In the end, it gave me hope.

Renee has a way of writing characters that feel so raw and real. The story of Dani and Alex was heartbreaking but also hopeful at the same time. Their journey was very unexpected with a lot of twists and turns and was very emotional at the end. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.

Before We Were Strangers is one of my favorite books of all time and I was so excited that Carlino was coming out with a new book!!

Renee Carlino knows how to write a gut wrenching love story that’s for sure and this was definitely the most emotional one I’ve read by her.

She has such a way of making characters feel like real people that you’re spending time with and not fictional people you’re reading. I didn’t want to put it down because I had to know what was going to happen. And her chapter titles always get me 😭

I also think the second chance romance with a marriage is very relatable compared to one about childhood friends which I enjoyed.

Overall, I loved this book so much even though it absolutely destroyed my heart in the process. If you’re wanting an emotional romance, this is it.

I think I’m sitting at a 4.5 rating!

I now have the book hangover of the century. I’m not ready to let this story go. I can’t let it go. I want to keep reliving it, re-reading it. I want to experience this majestic love story over and over again and let it keep sinking deeper into my heart. Every time I re-read quotes, tears fill my eyes and the feels come flooding back. the beauty, the love, the loss, the healing, all of it. In every way, this is an unforgettable story.

Renée has done it again! I was obsessed with "Before We Were Strangers" so I was really looking forward to this release and it didn't disappoint. From the beginning, I was immediately drawn in by the story and the characters. You really feel the love in the beginning, empathize with both sides during the messy divorce and then find yourself crying alongside both of them when they finally make it back to one another only for it to be ripped away. Was a truly beautiful messy story, would absolutely recommend.

Renee Carlino knows how to write a heart wrenching romance book. This was outstanding as always. The conflict between the two main characters was so raw and realistic, which I appreciate when it comes to a contemporary romance. I loved this one

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the arc.

Renee Carlino has a way of ripping out your heart and putting it back together.

From page one, I was absolutely hooked into the story line. I really connected with the way the story was told and I could "hear" the characters in my head. I loved the short chapters and the multiple timelines. I loved the songs that matched a certain phase in the character's lives. I played the songs to enhance the experience of this book. This is unlike Renee Carlino's other books, but it is absolutely a masterpiece nonetheless. It broke me, it made me ugly cry, I laughed, I was frustrated, I fell in love with the characters all over again.

Absolutely grateful to the publishers for early access to this book. I am so in love and can't wait to re-read it when it publishes!

PS. My only complaint is that this book had to end. I need more of Renee Carlino's writing in my life!

Dani and Alex are great characters, and I enjoyed seeing them come together and drift apart. Their relationship seems very realistic. The story is emotional and messy, just like real life. This is not the most sophisticated prose, but the novel should appeal to many readers, especially those looking for a tear jerker. The message is nice as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance e-galley; all opinions are 100% my own.

Synopsis: Renee Carlino was a new to me author this year when I read Swear on This Life and loved it. When I had the chance to read her new arc I jumped at the chance. I don’t want to give too much away about this plot but it follows the story of a divorced couple.
Pros and cons: This story was relatable. It had so many enjoyable moments. It was love and romance and heart break. I have never had a story gut me like this one. It made me SOB. Like snotty, can’t breathe cry. READ IT (now if you can get the arc- or July when it’s released.) But just know that I forewarned you.
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing and Renee Carlino for this beautiful story.

This book is quintessential Renee Carlino-- it is emotional, messy, and full of realistic and rich characters. Further, there is a strong message that is brought to life on every page of this story. On a personal level, second chance romances paired with divorced couples can be challenging for me to read, but this was probably one of my favorite ones yet. Carlino will make you empathize with both Dani and Alex, flaws and all. And, as with all of her books, be sure you have some tissues nearby. It wouldn't be a Renee Carlino book, if I didn't tear up!

Thank you to Dial Press Trade for my ARC

So so so many stars for this one! Renee Carlino always knows how to break me. Full RTC

Read if you like:
-Messy love stories
-Marriage in crisis
-Second chances
-Characters in their 40s
-Books that make you cry