Thank you to @thedialpress @randomhouse and @netgalley for this e-arc copy. All thoughts are my own.


Danielle and Alex were married young and have been so for 22 years. After all these years, they’ve grown apart and can’t stand each other. They have a shared apartment where they alternate their time, so their children can have a solid home.

In the apartment, both of them are reflecting on the past, and in doing so, they are rediscovering themselves.

As time passes, they find themselves being drawn back to each other. Maybe distance does make the heart grow fonder. Just as they’re figuring things out, a family crisis brings them firmly back.


This book isn’t labeled a romance for a reason! I think that while yes it does have some romance vibes, romance is not the focus of the book, the journey is. So, to me this is more of women’s fiction. This book ends in a way I wasn’t fully expecting and wow, just wow. I don’t want to say too much because it would be a spoiler, but if you’d like to discuss and have read this one – just message me. This book is an emotional journey that’s for sure. I was not only happy and sad, but also annoyed as heck at the characters, because yup you guess it – miscommunication. I think it would be a struggle to have a book focusing on a breakup without miscommunication. I really enjoyed this book and getting to know the characters. They were both messy and flawed and I hated certain parts about them, but that made them more real to me.

I think that this book is really going to resonate with readers who have been, or are, married. And, even more so for those married or in a long-term relationship for a while.

I can confidently say that I’ve never read a romance book quite like this one before. Dani and Alex’s story was written with so much emotion and compassion.

The first handful of chapters were written in the past tense, while the rest of the book was written in a pretty standard nonlinear timeline, with some flashbacks scattered throughout. The first person dual POV allowed me to feel like I was along for the ride with each character.

This book was messy — and I mean that in the best way possible. There were certain times when the characters (especially Dani) would do/say certain things that would make me wonder, “Why is Carlino making this character so self-deprecating?” But the further I got into the story, the more I realized how relatable the characters were. This also speaks volumes as to how much growth the characters experienced from the beginning of the story to the end.

I cannot wait to dive into Carlino’s backlist after reading this one. I also read and loved Before We Were Strangers, but now that I know that she’s such a dynamic author, I would absolutely consider myself a Renée Carlino fan.

I received an ARC ebook of this story thanks to NetGally. The book caught my attention within the first few pages and it was all that I could think about, I had to know how it would end. I really enjoyed the dual POV. Reading their journey really brought to attention things that happen when you have been married for a long time and the reader is able to easily connect with the chatacters. Highly recommend this book!

I’m so glad that I was given the opportunity to read this! I loved swear on this life so I jumped at the opportunity to read another Renee Carlino book. A ‘will they won’t they’ trope will always pull me in, but the entire book was so well developed that I couldn’t put it down. I read it in one sitting. I couldn’t handle the ending but I need to get over my self. Overall this book was amazing,such a pleasure to read. I truly can’t say enough.

hank you NetGalley for letting me read this. when this book comes out, get your hands on it !!!! i have never been so emotional while reading a book. What a beautiful story.

It’s taken me a few weeks to really let this book sink in. It was heart-wrenchingly beautiful and I didn’t want it to end. Renée Carlino knows how to write complex and relatable characters.

This was a one of a kind second chance romance which made it memorable. I saw this described as an emotional romance and that is the perfect way to put it. This Used to be Us will make you feel everything in the best way.

I am a huge Renee Carlino fan so I dove into this immediately after getting approved. I flew through it, it was super easy to read and kept me entertained the entire time wondering what was going to happen next.
The premise is extremely unique and unlike anything I've ever read before. I typically like to read about young adults and people in their 20s and 30s because I feel that I can relate to them the most, so reading about more middle aged couple in the middle of a divorce threw me off at first just because its so foreign to me. However I came to really understand how a couple could get to that point in their lives, even after being madly in love at a previous time, and I think Carlino did an excellent job of conveying that.
I wish the ending wasn't so rushed, that made me rate this lower than I would have. Both the main characters were unlikeable at parts, but I think that was important and helped me not choose a side in the divorce. Overall a really unique read that kept me entertained, not going on the favorites shelf but I feel like I learned a lot about relationships and dynamics and just overall understand divorce better and how it comes so easily these days!

I am exhausted. This Used To Be Us has brought every emotion I can think of to the surface. I felt as if I was experiencing life with Dani and Alex. There were ups and downs and a twist I could never imagine that gutted me. And I wouldn't change a thing!

Renee Carlino writes amazing and beautiful stories. This one will certainly put you through your paces - in a great way. With full disclosure I must say that I bawled at the end. And I never cry!

I absolutely recommend This Used To Be Us!

5 stars

#AuthorReneeCarlino #ThisUsedToBeUs #Dani&Alex #drama #romance #emotional

Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I had high hopes for it, as I had just finished another Renee Carlino book, so I was trying to ride that excitement into this one. That wasn't the case. This wasn't the typical book from the author, and I was frustrated with the characters the whole book. There were parts of their story I connected to and did get teary eyed, and that speaks to how well of a writer Carlino is. However, I debated on DNF'ing, but wanted to give it a chance considering I like the authors previous work. By the end, I wished I had because not only was it abrupt with no glimpse into the future, but the MCs went through their whole situations for it to end up like that?! Just no.

I appreciate the ARC opportunity and look forward to future releases from the author.

GOD. I haven’t cried over a book in and while and this one did me in. SUCH A BEAUTIFUL story of marriage, the trials, and redemption. Perfectly written. Well done. I cannot think of a single thing I’d change.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

3 ⭐️

I read this book in less than a day. I think it was beautifully written and I really enjoy Renee Carlinos writing, it’s very unique. This book however was not my favorite of hers. It’s raw, it felt realistic and what I imagine divorce to be like for many people. I think this had a lot of potential to impact me emotionally because it’s a sad book, but I didn’t feel much for them because 80% of it focused on how bad their marriage was and the resentment and anger they felt toward each other. The last 10% took a massive turn and I just feel that it wrapped up way too quickly in the end. I do love how old fashioned their love felt in the happy parts, it reminded me of Before We Were Strangers which I loved. The record player notes were definitely my favorite part.

Thank you to Random House and Netgalley for the arc!

Contemporary romance is always a hit or miss with me. It’s hard finding one that I really like and that keeps me reading. Sadly this wasn’t one of them.

Thank you to Random House Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my first ARC and to say I died of excitement seeing it was Renée Carlino’s new novel is an understatement.

It’s taken me too many Renée Carlino books to realize why I’m so absolutely obsessed with her writing style but it finally hit me like a bag of bricks on page one this time. I love happy endings. I rage when I don’t get one. I read romance for a reason so when I happen upon a “real life” ending, I die a little inside. I usually don’t allow myself to read heart-wrenching stories because I can’t possibly go through all the heartache only to be dropped off the side of a cliff when the characters part ways or die at the end. Renée sandwiches the heart-wrenching stuff in between the deliciously romantic flashbacks and it just does it for me. Every time. UGH. I will forever devour her books.

Boy oh boy am I laughing now that I’ve read this book.

THIS WAS NOT THAT TYPE OF BOOK. There were happy snippets here and there but this book was raw. You felt every moment of struggle between this couple on every single page and it definitely makes your heart ache.

This is not a fluffy book and if you need to read trigger warnings, I highly suggest you do it for this one.

I can’t say anything I want to say without giving it away but that ending had me sobbing. I do not like sobbing. But I do like Renée Carlino and, selfishly, I hope her next book is a very different story. This one was very rough for me but I still caught myself feeling every emotion these characters did. That is something Renée accomplishes with each and every book. By the end, I know the characters better than I know my own friends and that’s what makes these novels so believable and heartbreaking.

Thank you again for the ARC and for the opportunity to read this story. I will spend all my days hoping it is not an accurate depiction of someone’s reality.

Love! Love! Love! I can’t recommend this book enough. Read it! You will not be disappointed! It was awesome!

I really enjoyed Renee Carlino’s writing style. As a mother and wife, this book was extremely heartbreaking. It’s not going to make you laugh out loud or swoon, but it will tug at your heartstrings.

Some of the dialogue felt a little unnatural to me and this definitely could have been wrapped up in <375 pages.

There are multiple trigger warnings that you should be aware of, if there are topics you need to avoid. I won’t list here as they will be spoilers.

4⭐️

Renée Carlino has done it again with her latest novel, This Used to Be Us! From the very first page, this captivating book had me hooked with its moving story. Renée Carlino is a true master at writing romance novel that stay with long after you've finished. Her novels have a way of taking readers on an emotional rollercoaster, and This Used to Be Us is no exception.

I finished reading This Used to Be Us early in the year, and I knew right away that it would be one of my top favorite romance novels of 2024. Renée Carlino has once again outdone herself with this magnificent novel. As a fan of her work, I went into this book blindly, and I am so glad that I did because it surpassed all my expectations.

Whether you are a casual reader or an avid one, you don't want to miss out on this fantastic novel that deserves a spot on everyone's reading list. I highly recommend This Used to Be Us to anyone who loves a good romance with a strong emotional pull. I can't wait for Renée Carlino's next masterpiece!

I am a huge Renee Carlino fan! After reading Before we were strangers I did a deep dive and read most of her books.

This one follows a couple in duel POVs with flashbacks. Like all of her books this one is highly emotional and character driven. It was refreshing reading a novel about characters in their forties. Though I do wish we had gotten a bit more of the happy "before" times.

Thanks so much for the ARC.

Renée Carlino has written a heart wrenching story of being young falling head over heels in love and getting married.Then as we turn the pages years pass their in their forties and filing for divorce,True emotions nasty arguments love turns to turmoil,a book to read with tissues by your side.Will be catching up with other books by this author.#netgalley #randomhouse

Who doesn’t love a good break up story? This Used To Be Us is an emotional roller coaster ride that will have you feeling all of the feels. This was my first book by Renee Carlino & I immediately fell in love with her unmatched storytelling ability. It was such a breath of fresh air to see main characters in their 40s & I think this will make this story appealing & very relatable for a wide audience. Be warned though - this one will guarantee a good cry. I can’t recommend this book enough!!

Thank you NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group- Random House for an ARC copy of this book.

Renee Carlino's storytelling skills shine brightly once again in her next release. As a committed Renee Carlino fan, l've always turned to her books for an emotional experience, and this one did not disappoint.

In This Used to Be Us, Dani and Alex find themselves at a crossroads in their marriage, grappling with the painful decision to end it. However, their commitment to co-parenting leads them to a unique arrangement: sharing an apartment where they can still be present for their children, albeit separately. It's a concept that intrigued me.

Throughout the book, Carlino skillfully portrays Dani and Alex's raw emotions, allowing readers to feel their struggles and perspectives. The alternating viewpoints provide insight into the interworkings of their relationship, making the journey all the more compelling.

As I continued to read and became a part of their story, Renee Carlino's storytelling tugged at my heartstrings, breaking me apart and piecing me back together with each turn of the page. This Used to be Us captures the essence of second chances, highlighting the imperfections in marriage, parenthood, and the human experience. It was profoundly relatable and stayed with me long after the final chapter.