Final Rating:
Date of Completion: 11/06/2026
Published by: Piatkus
ISBN: 978-0-349-43649-4
‘Before I Let Go’ gives a meaningful second-chance romance that blends raw, complex themes with sizzling attraction between the leads.
Cover:
Writing:
Storyline:
Main character(s):
Secondary characters:
Romance:
As the connection between Yasmen and Josiah reignites, the reasons behind the collapse of their marriage are gradually revealed. I really loved how their struggles and heart-warming growth allow themes like therapy, depression, divorce, loss, and parenting to be authentically explored. This, together with the casual writing style, kept the story engaging and easy to connect with. I also loved the extras at the end—discussion questions and recipes—that added a fun, unique touch.
However, even though Yasmen and Josiah had a strong physical attraction, I wasn’t entirely convinced of their compatibility. Their relationship felt a little shallow, especially when compared to the more developed dynamics they had with the supporting characters.
Quotes:
Discussion Questions (Contains spoilers!):
Q: Do you have any similar book recommendations?
Sweet Heat by Bolu Babalola delivers a similar second-chance romance with real, relatable struggles and undeniable chemistry between the main characters. I’d also recommend Seven Days in June by Tia Williams, though its second-chance romance is more intense and explores heavier emotional themes.
Q: What did you think of Yasmen & Josiah’s attempts to move on with other relationships? Did you feel sad for the characters they dated?
Honestly, I had mixed feelings. I understand why Yasmen and Josiah wanted to see other people, and I liked that they were honest about their situation from the start. Still, it was obvious they weren’t ready for new relationships, and I felt bad for the characters caught in the middle—especially Vashti. She seemed genuinely interested in Josiah, and the way he handled it left me feeling uncomfortable. Yasmen’s attempt, driven by jealousy, just felt more frustrating and immature than anything else.
Q: Have you ever been to therapy?
I haven’t yet, but it’s definitely something I’d like to do. For now, I have a few other goals I want to focus on, but when I can, I plan to make therapy a priority.
Q: Was there a specific moment you knew you had fallen in love with someone?
Q: What did you think about how the main characters each handled the big losses in their lives?
Q: Have you ever experienced a painful loss, and how did you cope with it?
Q: How well do you think Yasmen and Josiah addressed the challenges that led to their divorce?
Q: What did you think about how the story handles forgiveness and second chances, both in romance and personal growth?
Q: Do you practice yoga, or is it something you would like to try?
Q: Would you say you are a skilled cook like Vashti, still learning like Yasmen, or not interested in cooking at all?
Q: What did you think about how Yasmen and Josiah handled co-parenting? Were there things they did well?
Q: Do you follow any natural hair influencers?
Q: What did you think about the different life stages Yasmen, Hendrix, and Soledad navigate and how they support each other?
Q: Is there a song that never fails to get you dancing whenever you hear it?
Q: Did the themes feel heavy-handed or well-explored?
Q: Which themes resonated with you the most, and why?
Q: Did the ending feel satisfying for all the characters?
Do you agree or disagree with anything mentioned above? Let us know in the comments below.
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