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This Used to Be Us
10 hours, 38 minutes
There are two sides to every love story—and every breakup. Get ready for an emotional roller coaster of family, marriage, and divorce that will have you both laughing and crying, from the bestselling author of Before We Were Strangers.
After twenty-two years together, Danielle and Alex are getting a divorce. Once fiercely in love, they can barely stand the sound of each other’s voice. Instead of shuttling the kids between two broken homes, Alex and Dani decide to share a nesting apartment while swapping days with their two teenage boys at the family home.
In the apartment, Dani and Alex, on their own, begin to reflect on the last two decades—why they fell in love and why the marriage fell, spectacularly, apart. With the newfound space and time, they are given a chance to rediscover their autonomous selves again. They both get back in the dating pool. Dani finds major success at work as a showrunner on her own TV project, while Alex faces the challenges of a new relationship.
Still, they find that they just can’t stay away from each other, and somehow, the distance allows them to remember (for the first time in years) what each used to love about the other. When a family crisis draws them back into each other’s orbit, Dani and Alex are once again put to the test, which leads to a dramatic conclusion that will have listeners weeping.
There are two sides to every love story—and every breakup. Get ready for an emotional roller coaster of family, marriage, and divorce that will have you both laughing and crying, from the bestselling author of Before We Were Strangers.
After twenty-two years together, Danielle and Alex are getting a divorce. Once fiercely in love, they can barely stand the sound of each other’s voice. Instead of shuttling the kids between two broken homes, Alex and Dani decide to share a nesting apartment while swapping days with their two teenage boys at the family home.
In the apartment, Dani and Alex, on their own, begin to reflect on the last two decades—why they fell in love and why the marriage fell, spectacularly, apart. With the newfound space and time, they are given a chance to rediscover their autonomous selves again. They both get back in the dating pool. Dani finds major success at work as a showrunner on her own TV project, while Alex faces the challenges of a new relationship.
Still, they find that they just can’t stay away from each other, and somehow, the distance allows them to remember (for the first time in years) what each used to love about the other. When a family crisis draws them back into each other’s orbit, Dani and Alex are once again put to the test, which leads to a dramatic conclusion that will have listeners weeping.
Audiobook
Published July 9, 2024
579 people are currently reading
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About the author
Renee Carlino
25 books8,680 followersComing July 9th 2024'...
THIS USED TO BE US
Renée Carlino is a screenwriter and the bestselling author of Before We Were Strangers, Swear On THIS Life, Wish You Were Here, Sweet Thing, Nowhere But Here, Sweet Little Thing, Lucian Divine, After the Rain, The Last Post, Shopping For Love, Blind Kiss, and - coming July 9th - THIS USED TO BE US.
Her books have been featured in national publications, including Cosmopolitan Magazine, InStyle Magazine, USA TODAY, Huffington Post, Latina magazine, Publisher's Weekly, Redbook, Sunset Magazine, Coastal Living and the Union Tribune.
Her adaptation with Julia Stiles for “Wish You Were Here” is currently in production and scheduled to shoot in New Jersey in January 2024'.
Renée grew up in California and lives in the San Diego area with her husband, two sons and their sweet pup John Snow Cash.
Learn more at www.reneecarlino.com
THIS USED TO BE US
Renée Carlino is a screenwriter and the bestselling author of Before We Were Strangers, Swear On THIS Life, Wish You Were Here, Sweet Thing, Nowhere But Here, Sweet Little Thing, Lucian Divine, After the Rain, The Last Post, Shopping For Love, Blind Kiss, and - coming July 9th - THIS USED TO BE US.
Her books have been featured in national publications, including Cosmopolitan Magazine, InStyle Magazine, USA TODAY, Huffington Post, Latina magazine, Publisher's Weekly, Redbook, Sunset Magazine, Coastal Living and the Union Tribune.
Her adaptation with Julia Stiles for “Wish You Were Here” is currently in production and scheduled to shoot in New Jersey in January 2024'.
Renée grew up in California and lives in the San Diego area with her husband, two sons and their sweet pup John Snow Cash.
Learn more at www.reneecarlino.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,247 reviews
December 30, 2024
Um excuse me but this book WRECKEDDDDD ME!!!!! So unique, a fantastic audiobook, and so so many emotions wow
August 28, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️
- This book has SO much depth and I really feel like anyone who has been in a long term relationship or marriage will love this story. Would be the PERFECT read for a book club because there are so many deeper themes in this. Be warned that this book is vastly different than the believed before we were strangers, but I personally resonated with this story so much more.
- I rarely annotate books and this was one that I would love to go back to find the quotes that really jumped out at me. Both characters at the beginning of the story are seemingly unlikeable in many ways, but I feel like that’s the point of the story. By the end of the story you fall in love with their quotes and it really shows how love can truly be all about perspective.
- The ending was so unexpected, but I really loved it. Was the best ending and made the story even more heartfelt & deep.
- This book has SO much depth and I really feel like anyone who has been in a long term relationship or marriage will love this story. Would be the PERFECT read for a book club because there are so many deeper themes in this. Be warned that this book is vastly different than the believed before we were strangers, but I personally resonated with this story so much more.
- I rarely annotate books and this was one that I would love to go back to find the quotes that really jumped out at me. Both characters at the beginning of the story are seemingly unlikeable in many ways, but I feel like that’s the point of the story. By the end of the story you fall in love with their quotes and it really shows how love can truly be all about perspective.
- The ending was so unexpected, but I really loved it. Was the best ending and made the story even more heartfelt & deep.
February 5, 2024
2.5stars⚝
Danielle and Alex, who have been together for twenty two years, are getting a divorce. Instead of having the kids move between two homes, they decide to share an apartment while swapping days with their sons. In this new space, they reflect on their past, rediscovering themselves and even dating again. Despite their attempts to move on, they find themselves drawn back to each other.
I was really hesitant about requesting another book on NetGalley, but then I saw that the release date was on my birthday, and I couldn't resist! While I've enjoyed most of Renee Carlino's books, this one just didn't click with me.
I wasn't a fan of both mcc. Danielle and Alex had their flaws, and they both played a role in what happened to their relationship. I saw more of their negative aspects and not enough of why they truly loved each other. The story felt like it dragged on for a while, and then when it finally got to the heartbreaking part, it was over in just three short chapters. It would have been better if that heartbreaking moment were given more time to really sink in. Even though I didn't enjoy this book, I found myself reading it quickly.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dial Press Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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pre-view: trying to get my feedback ratio back 80%😅
Danielle and Alex, who have been together for twenty two years, are getting a divorce. Instead of having the kids move between two homes, they decide to share an apartment while swapping days with their sons. In this new space, they reflect on their past, rediscovering themselves and even dating again. Despite their attempts to move on, they find themselves drawn back to each other.
I was really hesitant about requesting another book on NetGalley, but then I saw that the release date was on my birthday, and I couldn't resist! While I've enjoyed most of Renee Carlino's books, this one just didn't click with me.
I wasn't a fan of both mcc. Danielle and Alex had their flaws, and they both played a role in what happened to their relationship. I saw more of their negative aspects and not enough of why they truly loved each other. The story felt like it dragged on for a while, and then when it finally got to the heartbreaking part, it was over in just three short chapters. It would have been better if that heartbreaking moment were given more time to really sink in. Even though I didn't enjoy this book, I found myself reading it quickly.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dial Press Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
────────
pre-view: trying to get my feedback ratio back 80%😅
December 25, 2025
So this book left me an absolute emotional wreck. Not your typical love story in the least, but if you’re looking for a heartfelt, emotional roller coaster of a book, read this right now.
After two decades together, Dani and Alex have reached a breaking point in their marriage. Amidst divorce, they agree to share a nesting apartment, while swapping days at their family home to provide normalcy to their kids. With distance and time, they reflect on why they fell in and out of love, while discovering themselves, their careers, and new relationships. A reverse love story if you will. But they can’t seem to stay away from each other…
This author is three for three in the sense that the three books I’ve read of hers have all been five stars. Again not at all the traditional romance book, but I absolutely loved the complex emotions and depth to both the characters and story. I appreciated how over and over again, Alex and Dani would face certain problems where there wasn’t a clear cut solution and neither was wrong but neither was right. It’s just the human condition.
The characters were moderately unlikeable at first, but at the same time, I sympathized with both of them. I loved that this was written in dual POV, which often showed how their perception of themselves contrasted with how the other person saw them. And I liked how they had drastically different experiences navigating modern dating.
At first, I’d hoped that there would be more flashback to the past scenes. Though I loved how it the focus was solely on “what now?”Also the little details were incredible, especially the notes Dani and her dad wrote in the vinyls. This really would be such a great book club book. Very it’s time to go by Taylor Swift. Couldn’t recommend more!
After two decades together, Dani and Alex have reached a breaking point in their marriage. Amidst divorce, they agree to share a nesting apartment, while swapping days at their family home to provide normalcy to their kids. With distance and time, they reflect on why they fell in and out of love, while discovering themselves, their careers, and new relationships. A reverse love story if you will. But they can’t seem to stay away from each other…
This author is three for three in the sense that the three books I’ve read of hers have all been five stars. Again not at all the traditional romance book, but I absolutely loved the complex emotions and depth to both the characters and story. I appreciated how over and over again, Alex and Dani would face certain problems where there wasn’t a clear cut solution and neither was wrong but neither was right. It’s just the human condition.
The characters were moderately unlikeable at first, but at the same time, I sympathized with both of them. I loved that this was written in dual POV, which often showed how their perception of themselves contrasted with how the other person saw them. And I liked how they had drastically different experiences navigating modern dating.
At first, I’d hoped that there would be more flashback to the past scenes. Though I loved how it the focus was solely on “what now?”Also the little details were incredible, especially the notes Dani and her dad wrote in the vinyls. This really would be such a great book club book. Very it’s time to go by Taylor Swift. Couldn’t recommend more!
February 24, 2024
So so so many stars for this one! Renee Carlino always knows how to break me and her writing in this book is on another level.
This story is all about losing and finding yourself, second chances, falling back in love, and appreciating life and the people by your side. I totally fell in love with the characters and the unexpected journey. It’ll make you feel not only every emotion but also think!
Read if you like:
-Messy love stories
-Marriage in crisis
-Second chances
-Characters in their 40s
-Books that make you cry
Thank you Dial Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This story is all about losing and finding yourself, second chances, falling back in love, and appreciating life and the people by your side. I totally fell in love with the characters and the unexpected journey. It’ll make you feel not only every emotion but also think!
Read if you like:
-Messy love stories
-Marriage in crisis
-Second chances
-Characters in their 40s
-Books that make you cry
Thank you Dial Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
July 12, 2024
what the hell was that ending
July 8, 2024
Danielle and Alex were happily married for 22 years, until they weren't. While going through the process of divorce, Danielle and Alex decide to share a nesting apartment so that their two boys don't have to leave their family home. While in the apartment, they each have silent downtime for the first time in a long time. They each use that time to reflect on their lives thus far and focus on their careers and personal lives. Once settled in their new lives, they each can't seem to shake memories of the past. How did their love story go so horribly wrong?
Review:
4.5 stars
The way I jumped up and down when I got approved for this ARC!!! This was my third Renee Carlino book and I just love her writing and characters so much!! 3/3 of the books I have read by her have made me cry!
This was not your typical love story, but I loved that! It was a love story in reverse. This is another story where the characters are far from perfect. They make mistakes (big ones), they make you laugh, and make you mad. But, they are relatable and that's what makes me love them!
Even though the ending made me cry, I was not a huge fan of it. It came out of no where and definitely was not a happy ending, but it was a "life doesn't always work out the way you picture it" moment. And that is realistic and life.
This read definitely reminded me why I love Renee's writing so much and that I need to pick up some of her backlist books immediately!!
This Used to Be Us publishes on 7/9 and I highly recommend picking this one up! You won't want to miss it!
Thank you to NetGalley, Renee Carlino, and Random House Publishing Group for this ARC of This Used to Be Us in exchange for an honest review!
Review:
4.5 stars
The way I jumped up and down when I got approved for this ARC!!! This was my third Renee Carlino book and I just love her writing and characters so much!! 3/3 of the books I have read by her have made me cry!
This was not your typical love story, but I loved that! It was a love story in reverse. This is another story where the characters are far from perfect. They make mistakes (big ones), they make you laugh, and make you mad. But, they are relatable and that's what makes me love them!
Even though the ending made me cry, I was not a huge fan of it. It came out of no where and definitely was not a happy ending, but it was a "life doesn't always work out the way you picture it" moment. And that is realistic and life.
This read definitely reminded me why I love Renee's writing so much and that I need to pick up some of her backlist books immediately!!
This Used to Be Us publishes on 7/9 and I highly recommend picking this one up! You won't want to miss it!
Thank you to NetGalley, Renee Carlino, and Random House Publishing Group for this ARC of This Used to Be Us in exchange for an honest review!
August 21, 2025
“Some things never change. Who would want them to?”
This book had me hooked from page one!!
Everything pulls you in. The characters, Dani and Alex, are both so relatable and felt 100% real. The setting was done so well! The premise behind this was great!
The way Renee weaved past events with the present… just flawless. Truly chefs kiss. Everything about this book surprised me.
I truly didn’t expect it to be so many amazing things. These perfectly placed moments with a great balance of humor. The humor really sent me for a spin because even just reading the synopsis you wouldn’t think this one would be so funny. But it is. Also Dani. Just wow. Well done Renee! Absolutely loved her!!!! Renee truly writes amazing characters.
I can’t tell you the last time I cried throughout a book! So many things hit you hard in the chest. Had to keep stopping to gather myself.
”It sounds like the music you would hear in heaven. This is the moment that represents exactly what love is to me. You look up and smile again.”
I spent 90% of this book thinking “Wow! I’m really about to finish my first 5 star read of the year!!” only to LEGITIMATELY turn the page, hit 91% and things changed immediately.
At one point while reading I marked an update something like “I know how this is going to end and I don’t even care!”, and I meant it. I thought I knew where everything was headed (which would usually piss me off), but I didn’t care. I wanted it!!
The last 9% of this book though... Just why?! Why?! How can something truly go from being absolute perfection… to whatever this ending was. It felt like a completely different book.
Really just wanted something else. Even if it wasn’t the ending I had thought it would be, almost anything else would have been better.
We were so close to 5 stars with this one, sadly I just can’t look past that ending.
Thank you Penguin Random House for the advanced copy.
This book had me hooked from page one!!
Everything pulls you in. The characters, Dani and Alex, are both so relatable and felt 100% real. The setting was done so well! The premise behind this was great!
The way Renee weaved past events with the present… just flawless. Truly chefs kiss. Everything about this book surprised me.
I truly didn’t expect it to be so many amazing things. These perfectly placed moments with a great balance of humor. The humor really sent me for a spin because even just reading the synopsis you wouldn’t think this one would be so funny. But it is. Also Dani. Just wow. Well done Renee! Absolutely loved her!!!! Renee truly writes amazing characters.
I can’t tell you the last time I cried throughout a book! So many things hit you hard in the chest. Had to keep stopping to gather myself.
”It sounds like the music you would hear in heaven. This is the moment that represents exactly what love is to me. You look up and smile again.”
I spent 90% of this book thinking “Wow! I’m really about to finish my first 5 star read of the year!!” only to LEGITIMATELY turn the page, hit 91% and things changed immediately.
At one point while reading I marked an update something like “I know how this is going to end and I don’t even care!”, and I meant it. I thought I knew where everything was headed (which would usually piss me off), but I didn’t care. I wanted it!!
The last 9% of this book though... Just why?! Why?! How can something truly go from being absolute perfection… to whatever this ending was. It felt like a completely different book.
Really just wanted something else. Even if it wasn’t the ending I had thought it would be, almost anything else would have been better.
We were so close to 5 stars with this one, sadly I just can’t look past that ending.
Thank you Penguin Random House for the advanced copy.
June 22, 2024
This is romance for grown ass adults, it’s raw and vulnerable and shows the not so pretty side of a decades long marriage that is unraveling at a rapid speed. It’s very emotional and I knew it was gonna make me cry, I tried to avoid it but damn it was truly heartbreak at times. I warned you. BUT. It is a very worthwhile read if you want a romance that is flawed and that you can sink your teeth into. The author captured the complexities of marriage and parenthood in such a profound and relatable way. This one took me on an unexpected journey that won’t soon forget. If you like messy stories that will lift you up and break your heart try this.
October 6, 2024
3 stars
Renee Carlino’s writing is stunning. This Used to Be Us had great prose, an interesting storyline, and was character-driven. Unfortunately, I was not fond of the main characters for most of the book. That was my biggest issue with this story. By the time I started liking them and rooting for them, we got the ending we got, and honestly, I don’t know how to feel about it. I’m a fan of this author, but this was not my favorite book from her.
Renee Carlino’s writing is stunning. This Used to Be Us had great prose, an interesting storyline, and was character-driven. Unfortunately, I was not fond of the main characters for most of the book. That was my biggest issue with this story. By the time I started liking them and rooting for them, we got the ending we got, and honestly, I don’t know how to feel about it. I’m a fan of this author, but this was not my favorite book from her.
Audio book source: Libby
Story Rating: 3 stars
Narrators: Rob Sharpiro & Eileen Stevens
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary
Length: 10h 38m
July 9, 2024
3.5 out of 5 stars!
Miss girlis ready to break broke my heart again with her new book.
Miss girl
July 15, 2024
4-4.5⭐️ While I went into this one thinking I was prepared for heartbreak, I definitely was not. Keep some tissues handy as Carlino is sure to make you run the gamut of emotions.
What I enjoyed most about this story is how rich and complex it is. There are layers upon layers to both the characters and the plot, and as the characters shift and grow, and we work our way through the story, it begins to shape and shift Into something even more dynamic than it first appeared. I have to admit, I did end up wanting to throw my book at the wall, but the fact that Carlino can elicit such powerful emotions is a testament to the quality and depth of her writing.
🎧 I read this this in part via audio and while I found myself preferring the physical book slightly more, I still thoroughly enjoyed the narration of Rob Shapiro and Eileen Stevens who each breathed life into their characters. If you are a fan of audio, you will not regret listening to this one with your ears (just make sure tissues are handy).
Read if you like:
-women's fiction
-second chance romance
-emotional reads
-dual timelines
-books about writers
‼️ CW: This book is heavy and contains triggers.
Please check content warnings or feel free to send me a DM.
Thank you Dial, PRH Audio and Booksparks for the gifted copies.
What I enjoyed most about this story is how rich and complex it is. There are layers upon layers to both the characters and the plot, and as the characters shift and grow, and we work our way through the story, it begins to shape and shift Into something even more dynamic than it first appeared. I have to admit, I did end up wanting to throw my book at the wall, but the fact that Carlino can elicit such powerful emotions is a testament to the quality and depth of her writing.
🎧 I read this this in part via audio and while I found myself preferring the physical book slightly more, I still thoroughly enjoyed the narration of Rob Shapiro and Eileen Stevens who each breathed life into their characters. If you are a fan of audio, you will not regret listening to this one with your ears (just make sure tissues are handy).
Read if you like:
-women's fiction
-second chance romance
-emotional reads
-dual timelines
-books about writers
‼️ CW: This book is heavy and contains triggers.
Please check content warnings or feel free to send me a DM.
Thank you Dial, PRH Audio and Booksparks for the gifted copies.
August 10, 2024
4.5 stars for a great one day read. I couldn’t put it down. I had to see what happened to Alex and Dani. A long marriage that is no longer perfect or even good. A divorce that follows bc the person you fell madly in love with has changed. Or is it you who has changed? Time changes you. Life experiences change you. Loss and grief change you. Love changes you. This novel encompasses every emotion of a couple who loved and lost. Sooo good.
July 20, 2024
An emotional, second-chance romance with miscommunication, journeys of self discovery and very relatable family dynamics when divorce is added in to the mix. Love how Carlino tethers music into her storyline.. brilliant! Such a beautifully written story! ❥ 4.5 stars — Pub. 7/9/24
March 15, 2024
It's about what happens when the fairytale doesn't last forever. It's when true love gets tainted with real life responsibilities like adulting and parenting muddies the waters.
After more than 20 years together, dating, marrying, having two tween sons, surviving miscarriages, Dani and Alex are finally getting divorced.
It's such an emotional story watching the two figure out how to live life apart, but yet still together to raise their sons.
I loved the strong tie in to music. I'm a huge music fan and so many songs spark memories for me about events, certain times in my life and various people who have crossed my path.
I loved this very special story, these characters will stay with me for a long while
This quote is everything
"I know for sure that loving your people well will make your life better, but you have to practice it every day. It's a skill to refine.. a craft to perfect."
This story is a grown up real romance.
After more than 20 years together, dating, marrying, having two tween sons, surviving miscarriages, Dani and Alex are finally getting divorced.
It's such an emotional story watching the two figure out how to live life apart, but yet still together to raise their sons.
I loved the strong tie in to music. I'm a huge music fan and so many songs spark memories for me about events, certain times in my life and various people who have crossed my path.
I loved this very special story, these characters will stay with me for a long while
This quote is everything
"I know for sure that loving your people well will make your life better, but you have to practice it every day. It's a skill to refine.. a craft to perfect."
This story is a grown up real romance.
April 22, 2024
I have long been a fan of Renee Carlino's books and have been eagerly awaiting an announcement that she would be releasing a new one. This is Carlino's first release since 2019 and it was absolutely worth the wait. This book was so well written and powerful, it broke me and make me feel whole again. I only hope I won't have to five more years for another book from her!
Thank you to Random House for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Random House for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
December 28, 2023
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.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the arc.
August 11, 2024
I have mixed emotions with this book, definitely did not expect to be a crying mess in the final 10%😭❤️🩹
Full review to come- if you like books like One True Loves I think you’ll like this one!
Full review to come- if you like books like One True Loves I think you’ll like this one!
July 6, 2024
I liked this book, didn’t love it, but the ending ruined it for me. Marriage in crises books are not my favorite and this one honestly just made me sad. Alex and Dani were both very frustrating characters but I did partially enjoy following along on their journey. It was entertaining enough and I just wanted to know what was going to happen. The writing was fast paced so it kept me engaged and I read the book quickly. I was going to give this book 3 stars until the last 25 pages. I truly felt like that ending came out of nowhere and was so rushed. I was also very unsatisfied with the last few pages. I’m so mad.
August 23, 2024
I was thrilled to receive an advanced copy of Renee Carlino’s latest release, This Used to Be Us, especially after hearing such wonderful things about her previous book, Before We Were Strangers. However, I found this book to be quite disappointing. The story centers around a couple dealing with marital issues and divorce, and unfortunately, it felt like I was stuck in the middle of their constant fighting for the majority of the book. By the time I reached 60%, it was still all about the arguments, which became quite exhausting. The ending also left me baffled and unsatisfied. Overall, this book did not meet my expectations.
Thank you Netgalley, Random House Publishing Group - Random House | Dial Press Trade Paperback, and Renee Carlino for the eARC.
This Used to Be Us is out now.
Thank you Netgalley, Random House Publishing Group - Random House | Dial Press Trade Paperback, and Renee Carlino for the eARC.
This Used to Be Us is out now.
August 30, 2024
".. 𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒓𝒖𝒍𝒆𝒔, 𝒏𝒐 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔, 𝒏𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒔 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖.."
one second please .. I need more tissues and to call my therapist , be right back ..
𝐌𝐲 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
𝘗𝘭𝘰𝘵 : 4.5 🌟
𝘞𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 : 5🌟
𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 : 3.5🌟
𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭 : 4🌟
𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗹-𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲.. Over the years, though, life starts to wear them down. Instead of communicating, 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅 and 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗶 begin to nitpick on each other. It eventually gets to a point that even mediation doesn’t seem to help which only leaves them with one option: ᴅɪᴠᴏʀᴄᴇdivorce. Something neither of them ever saw in the cards.
As their ᴅɪᴠᴏʀᴄᴇ process moves forward, 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗶 and 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅 agree to rent a “𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭” so they can co-parent their two teenage sons a little easier–and with hopefully less bickering. It turns out that having a safe space where they can be on their own, to think things through and figure out who they each are twenty-two years since they got married, was a good idea. 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅 and 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗶 both see each other through a different lens.
While they try 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆, it seems 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿, 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 But just when it looks like things are finally going to go their way, fate throws them one more huge curveball : 🅣🅗🅔🅨 🅢🅣🅘🅛🅛 🅛🅞🅥🅔 🅔🅐🅒🅗 🅞🅣🅗🅔🅡 . And this one is the most difficult yet.
"..𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒅𝒂𝒚. 𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝒂 𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒆...𝒂 𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒇𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕. 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇, 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔, 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚, 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅, 𝒇𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒆𝒔, 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒕. 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒐𝒓 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒆 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒃𝒚𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕. 𝑩𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒕. 𝑶𝒌𝒂𝒚, 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏. 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉..."
After the first few chapters chronicling the beginning of 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗶 and 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅’s love story, when everything was fresh and new, it made it clear just how far they had sunk once we learned how much they despised each other at the end of their marriage. Iʇ ʍɐs ɐuʇɐƃouı̣sʇı̣ɔ˙. It was mean and vindictive at times. Most of all, 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝘂𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁.. But it kinda sorta worked out towards 🆃🅷🅴 🅴🅽🅳. It was that out-of-nowhere, 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝘄 𝗺𝗲.
It made the story go from a 2.5 🌟 to a fucking shinning 4🌟 , I cried so hard when I learned that 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗶 had ASL just when she and 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅 got their stuff tg and solved their problems.. and her goodbye to the boys ? HEART WRENCHING .
"..𝑨𝒍𝒆𝒙?"
"𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒕, 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆?"
"𝑾𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒊𝒕," 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔.𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒖𝒑 𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓. 𝑺𝒉𝒆'𝒔 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏.
"𝒀𝒆𝒔, 𝑫𝒂𝒏𝒊, 𝒘𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒅..."
one second please .. I need more tissues and to call my therapist , be right back ..
𝐌𝐲 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
𝘗𝘭𝘰𝘵 : 4.5 🌟
𝘞𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 : 5🌟
𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 : 3.5🌟
𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭 : 4🌟
𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗹-𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲.. Over the years, though, life starts to wear them down. Instead of communicating, 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅 and 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗶 begin to nitpick on each other. It eventually gets to a point that even mediation doesn’t seem to help which only leaves them with one option: ᴅɪᴠᴏʀᴄᴇdivorce. Something neither of them ever saw in the cards.
As their ᴅɪᴠᴏʀᴄᴇ process moves forward, 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗶 and 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅 agree to rent a “𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭” so they can co-parent their two teenage sons a little easier–and with hopefully less bickering. It turns out that having a safe space where they can be on their own, to think things through and figure out who they each are twenty-two years since they got married, was a good idea. 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅 and 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗶 both see each other through a different lens.
While they try 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆, it seems 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿, 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 But just when it looks like things are finally going to go their way, fate throws them one more huge curveball : 🅣🅗🅔🅨 🅢🅣🅘🅛🅛 🅛🅞🅥🅔 🅔🅐🅒🅗 🅞🅣🅗🅔🅡 . And this one is the most difficult yet.
"..𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒅𝒂𝒚. 𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝒂 𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒆...𝒂 𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒇𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕. 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇, 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔, 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚, 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅, 𝒇𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒆𝒔, 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒕. 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒐𝒓 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒆 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒃𝒚𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕. 𝑩𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒕. 𝑶𝒌𝒂𝒚, 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏. 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉..."
After the first few chapters chronicling the beginning of 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗶 and 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅’s love story, when everything was fresh and new, it made it clear just how far they had sunk once we learned how much they despised each other at the end of their marriage. Iʇ ʍɐs ɐuʇɐƃouı̣sʇı̣ɔ˙. It was mean and vindictive at times. Most of all, 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝘂𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁.. But it kinda sorta worked out towards 🆃🅷🅴 🅴🅽🅳. It was that out-of-nowhere, 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝘄 𝗺𝗲.
It made the story go from a 2.5 🌟 to a fucking shinning 4🌟 , I cried so hard when I learned that 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗶 had ASL just when she and 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅 got their stuff tg and solved their problems.. and her goodbye to the boys ? HEART WRENCHING .
"..𝑨𝒍𝒆𝒙?"
"𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒕, 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆?"
"𝑾𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒊𝒕," 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔.𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒖𝒑 𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓. 𝑺𝒉𝒆'𝒔 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏.
"𝒀𝒆𝒔, 𝑫𝒂𝒏𝒊, 𝒘𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒅..."
May 24, 2025
4.5⭐️ renee carlino, you have done it again
thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC! <3
i honestly didn't know what to expect before i started this book. second chance romances aren’t usually my thing, but renee carlino has this way of taking a trope you might not love and transforming it into something so emotionally resonant that it feels entirely new. this book? absolutely NO exception.
this is both a raw and honest exploration of love, loss, and everything in between. dani and alex’s twenty two year marriage is crumbling, and renee carlino walks us through every crack. from the mundane irritations to the heartbreakingly deep wounds, their story unfolds with such authenticity that you feel like you’re living it alongside them. the way she captures the quiet tragedy of two people drifting apart? it’s devastating in the best way possible.
one thing i absolutely loved about this book was its music. renee carlino threads the vinyl record motif so seamlessly into the narrative. her ability to tie songs to emotions, to memories, to moments, is unparalleled. i think it's one of those details that elevates her work from great to unforgettable (she did the same in before we were strangers and i ADORED it).
that said, i found myself longing for more glimpses of dani and alex’s early love story. the few flashbacks we got were beautiful, but i couldn’t help but wish for a deeper dive into who they were before everything started unraveling. it felt like a missed opportunity to fully understand how their love evolved (and ultimately, unraveled).
still, this book was a triumph. it’s not just a story about a marriage. it’s a reflection on what it means to hold on, let go, and rediscover yourself along the way. and the ending?(heart broken by the way) it’s the kind of ending that lingers with you, making you think about your own relationships and your own choices.
this used to be us is a book i’ll reread for its honesty, and its reminder that love is rarely simple, but always worth fighting for. I’ll be picking up a physical copy the moment it hits shelves.
thank you again to NetGalley, Random House, and of course, Renee Carlino for this incredible book 💗
thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC! <3
i honestly didn't know what to expect before i started this book. second chance romances aren’t usually my thing, but renee carlino has this way of taking a trope you might not love and transforming it into something so emotionally resonant that it feels entirely new. this book? absolutely NO exception.
this is both a raw and honest exploration of love, loss, and everything in between. dani and alex’s twenty two year marriage is crumbling, and renee carlino walks us through every crack. from the mundane irritations to the heartbreakingly deep wounds, their story unfolds with such authenticity that you feel like you’re living it alongside them. the way she captures the quiet tragedy of two people drifting apart? it’s devastating in the best way possible.
one thing i absolutely loved about this book was its music. renee carlino threads the vinyl record motif so seamlessly into the narrative. her ability to tie songs to emotions, to memories, to moments, is unparalleled. i think it's one of those details that elevates her work from great to unforgettable (she did the same in before we were strangers and i ADORED it).
that said, i found myself longing for more glimpses of dani and alex’s early love story. the few flashbacks we got were beautiful, but i couldn’t help but wish for a deeper dive into who they were before everything started unraveling. it felt like a missed opportunity to fully understand how their love evolved (and ultimately, unraveled).
still, this book was a triumph. it’s not just a story about a marriage. it’s a reflection on what it means to hold on, let go, and rediscover yourself along the way. and the ending?(heart broken by the way) it’s the kind of ending that lingers with you, making you think about your own relationships and your own choices.
this used to be us is a book i’ll reread for its honesty, and its reminder that love is rarely simple, but always worth fighting for. I’ll be picking up a physical copy the moment it hits shelves.
thank you again to NetGalley, Random House, and of course, Renee Carlino for this incredible book 💗
July 28, 2025
This book started off really promising. Most romance novels focus on how two people meet and fall in love, but This Used to Be Us takes a different route—showing two people who are already deeply in love, slowly falling out of it, and then trying to find their way back to each other. That concept alone had me hooked. I was genuinely excited to see how the story would unfold.
The idea of choosing each other over and over, especially when things get hard, felt mature and refreshing. It’s not something we get to see often in the romance genre, and I appreciated that shift from the usual tropes.
That said, I found myself losing interest in the last 20% or so. The emotional weight started to wear off a bit, and it didn’t land as powerfully as I’d hoped. I wanted more depth, more spark—something to fully match the potential of the story’s premise.
Still, it was a good read overall. It just didn’t hit quite as hard as I wanted it to.🐞
The idea of choosing each other over and over, especially when things get hard, felt mature and refreshing. It’s not something we get to see often in the romance genre, and I appreciated that shift from the usual tropes.
That said, I found myself losing interest in the last 20% or so. The emotional weight started to wear off a bit, and it didn’t land as powerfully as I’d hoped. I wanted more depth, more spark—something to fully match the potential of the story’s premise.
Still, it was a good read overall. It just didn’t hit quite as hard as I wanted it to.🐞
July 5, 2024
An evisceratingly raw look at the ups and downs of a marriage from its very beginnings to its breakdown and the aftermath. Raw, honest and utterly relatable, this book will break your heart and make you ache in the best possible ways!!! Perfect for fans of the movie Stepmom or the show, Parenthood. This is sure to be an underrated gem of a book this year by a new to me author. It was great on audio and was so so so relatable and real! I cannot recommend it enough! Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
CW: miscarriage, deaf/hard of hearing rep and ALS
CW: miscarriage, deaf/hard of hearing rep and ALS
January 18, 2025
3.75-4??? That ending blindsided me damn
July 21, 2024
Wow!! I LOVED this!
July 15, 2024
I delayed reading this because I saw reviews complaining about the ending compared to the quality of the rest of the book. Now I get it. I had a hard time liking the characters to begin with and I found the whole story quite depressing. And the end, tbh, blew. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review
July 28, 2024
I found myself saving so many quotes from this book. So many relatable situations about marriage and how divorce happens because people stop caring and stop trying for really no good reason at all. Life just gets in the way sometimes and this book really shows you what not to do honestly. The ending kinda comes out of left field and I didn’t love it but I’ll accept it for what it is. Another great book by Renee Carlino. Love her!!
August 1, 2024
2.5⭐️ But rounding up.
Firstly, I love Renee Carlinos work! Her writing is beautiful and I’ll always recommend her.
Now, I don’t typically read the marriage in crisis trope because I hate it. However because this was a Carlino book, I was intrigued and knew it would be an emotional ride. Unfortunately I should have just stayed intrigued.
This Used To Be Us was not a book for me. Again, I just hate the marriage in crisis trope and it has nothing to do with the book itself. The characters are petty and mean and honestly the worst thing about a marriage in crisis book is that the couple gets back together. They were so nasty to each other I was rooting for them to just never speak again. My head can just not wrap around hating the person you were supposed to love so much that you act hurtful. I disliked these characters and that is a me problem. I think the writing of this book was beautiful and I was a weeping mess by the end, but between the characters and the ending, I just didn’t love this one.
Firstly, I love Renee Carlinos work! Her writing is beautiful and I’ll always recommend her.
Now, I don’t typically read the marriage in crisis trope because I hate it. However because this was a Carlino book, I was intrigued and knew it would be an emotional ride. Unfortunately I should have just stayed intrigued.
This Used To Be Us was not a book for me. Again, I just hate the marriage in crisis trope and it has nothing to do with the book itself. The characters are petty and mean and honestly the worst thing about a marriage in crisis book is that the couple gets back together. They were so nasty to each other I was rooting for them to just never speak again. My head can just not wrap around hating the person you were supposed to love so much that you act hurtful. I disliked these characters and that is a me problem. I think the writing of this book was beautiful and I was a weeping mess by the end, but between the characters and the ending, I just didn’t love this one.
January 19, 2024
I'm basically writing this review waiting for my tear duct reservoirs to replenish themselves. And apparently, I'm finding out that having your heart ripped out by a Renée Carlino novel isn't a rare occurrence!? We let this woman just roam free in these streets???? 😭 This is my first book of hers and I definitely think I'm a masochist because I may just come back for more.
If I could describe this book in one word, it would be cathartic. It was so beautifully and painfully written, I couldn't bring myself to stop reading once I got started. I will say, that for a good chunk of the book I thought that Alex and Dani were equally insufferable. While I did appreciate having both sides to this story, they were honestly both extremely mean (towards each other) and unlikeable. My fickle heart was going into fight-or-flight mode during some of these post-divorce interactions. I was almost like GIRL, pick yourself up and leave this man for good!! 🤧 but the scary part is that any married couple, who have been together for anywhere upwards a decade, will probably not find any of this surprising. It was oddly comforting knowing this wasn't just dramatized fiction, but will likely connect with so many other people.
I especially enjoyed the little extra touch of adding Dani's love for music and the vinyl record notes 🥲💔- and how a certain song transported the story to an alternate pocket of time and glimpses into why these two fell in love in the first place and what went wrong.. by the end I was weeping, rightfully so. This one is released in July 2024 so you have time to prepare your tissues!
"You are my Times New Roman. The original, bold and classic."
Thank you Dial Press & netgalley for the early copy 🫶🏼
If I could describe this book in one word, it would be cathartic. It was so beautifully and painfully written, I couldn't bring myself to stop reading once I got started. I will say, that for a good chunk of the book I thought that Alex and Dani were equally insufferable. While I did appreciate having both sides to this story, they were honestly both extremely mean (towards each other) and unlikeable. My fickle heart was going into fight-or-flight mode during some of these post-divorce interactions. I was almost like GIRL, pick yourself up and leave this man for good!! 🤧 but the scary part is that any married couple, who have been together for anywhere upwards a decade, will probably not find any of this surprising. It was oddly comforting knowing this wasn't just dramatized fiction, but will likely connect with so many other people.
I especially enjoyed the little extra touch of adding Dani's love for music and the vinyl record notes 🥲💔- and how a certain song transported the story to an alternate pocket of time and glimpses into why these two fell in love in the first place and what went wrong.. by the end I was weeping, rightfully so. This one is released in July 2024 so you have time to prepare your tissues!
"You are my Times New Roman. The original, bold and classic."
Thank you Dial Press & netgalley for the early copy 🫶🏼
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