They Don't Know About Us: A Second Chance Romance

by Jeannie Choe

Kendall Cohen thought she had the kind of love that would last forever, until it slowly stopped feeling like love at all.

She has a home by the sea, a bright and curious six-year-old daughter, and a husband who has always loved her. But now their conversations barely scratch the surface. Smiles feel practiced. And the space between them is filled with everything they refuse to say.

James Cohen knows he loves his wife. That has never changed. But love has not been enough to carry them through the grief they never learned to share. The loss that changed everything still lingers, shaping the way they speak, the way they parent, the way they hold back. Once, there was laughter, late nights, and a future that felt certain. Now, they are left holding onto a version of love they barely recognize, staying for their family and the hope that something of it still remains. But staying has come at a cost.

Now, with tension finally boiling over, they are forced to confront what they have been avoiding for years. James is ready to fight for their marriage. Kendall is not sure she has anything left to give. And when everything unspoken finally comes to light, they must decide if love is enough to rebuild what they lost, or if holding on will only break them further.

Heartbreaking, intimate, and deeply honest, They Don’t Know About Us is a story about marriage in crisis, the lasting weight of grief, and the fragile hope of choosing each other again.

Perfect for fans

Slow-burn reconnectionMarriage in crisisSecond chance romanceGrief and healingQuiet loveAfter loss romance

Genres: Second Chance

359 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2026

About the author

Figuring out the indie-author world one happily ever after at a time...

Specializing in New Adult/Contemporary Romance Novels, Jeannie offers stories ranging from angsty/emotional to heartfelt and outright adorable. Because who doesn't love a happily ever after filled with squeal-inducing moments of romantic gestures?


Jeannie lives in Southern California with her hubby, two babies, and fur babies.

All of Jeannie's books are available on Kindle Unlimited. For more information on upcoming new releases, check out Jeannie's Instagram page.

Reviews

[Lauren (lololovesthings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars.

"They don’t know about us, all the broken parts we hate to acknowledge. All they see is this pretty shell, painted and shellacked into something much more attractive than what it is."

"Who knew honesty would've been the largest piece of the puzzle? We reached a breaking point and all it did was crack open the quiet secrets we've kept bottled up.

"I don't want to lose you... I know this was a lot for us, but it doesn't change how I feel about you."

"They Don't Know About Us" by Jeannie Choe is such an emotional roller coaster. This is not a lighthearted romance, so know that going into it. Still, it feels so authentic, so realistic, so heavy. Anyone who has ever been in a relationship, or been a parent, or has had a miscarriage, or separated from their ex, or grieved any sort of loss, will identify something personal within this book. It is thoughtfully but painfully written. Despite all of their issues, I was rooting for Kendall (FMC) and James (MMC) the entire book. I can see some readers not getting invested in their relationship because it all happens between them very quickly, and while I am usually the first to complain about insta-love/insta-lust, I did not feel anything but a solid connection between the two of them from the start. I enjoyed the dual timeline, which shows Kendall and James's relationship at different points, the highs of the beginning and the lows of the "after." We, the readers, can see what broke between them over the course of their relationship, what worked and what didn't, where they kept their secrets and when they should have been louder, when they were afraid to tell the truth and when they physically connect on a deep and intimate level. It explains her frustration at not feeling supported after tragedy, how she felt he closed off and waited for everyone and anyone else to come up with answers and solutions. It expresses his frustration with her inability to explain why she feels the way she does and what he can do to make it better. It shows how talking it out in therapy can help not only themselves, but each other in the process to repair their broken marriage. This book will make you cry, so have tissues close by! I really enjoyed this, even in its sadness and painfulness!

Thank you to Jeannie Choe for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

[Franny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really had to pace myself on this one because it hit too close to home.

[Cookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

They Don't Know About Us is the third book in the Take Me Back to the Start standalone series.

Kendall knows she should be happy. With a beautiful home, daughter, and doting husband, what more can she ask for? Kendall can't shake the grief from a loss that happened nine years ago that is consuming her and her marriage. Her husband, James, is willing to fight for her marriage, but she is not sure if she deserves to.

This is Jeannie Choe's best writing to date. The way that she made me feel what Kendall and James were feeling in this book so viscerally with her in-depth writing - it was so good! I'm not going to lie, it wasn't necessarily a pleasant emotional ride. This book touches upon some pretty heavy topics but I think the overall messages from this book are worth it: (1) marriage takes work and it is a choice you make every single day; and (2) depression is not a choice and it sometimes takes a lot of work and time to feel better.

"This is just a speed bump." "What if it isn't?"

Ooof! This quote hit me hard! Kendall wanted so badly to fix things but she was also scared that they wouldn't be able to. Thankfully, James wasn't going to stop at anything to fight for their marriage. Yes, he took some missteps, but he dusted himself off and got back on the horse to try again and again and again. What an amazing partner he was!

I liked the dual timeline so that we could see how their relationship developed years ago and how they got to where they are now. It was clear that they had great chemistry from the start - from their meet cute to their first time doing the deed - it was clear that life as they knew it was over, no matter how much Kendall tried to resist it. I was rooting for them hard after their third date.

Pick this one up for a second chance romance/revitalized marriage romance that will have you in tears but also give you a wonderful HEA at the end!

Steam level: 🔥🔥🔥

[Sammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third and final book in the Cohen siblings series, and what a beautiful story to end with. James and Kendall are married with a young daughter but are struggling with grief and it’s slowly tearing them apart. They’ve become different people from it and don’t really recognize each other anymore, and where the story picks up things are dire in their marriage.

The writing in this story was addicting - bouncing back and forth between the past and present timeline, and seamlessly alternating POVs that made everything flow really well. You could truly feel the love James has for his wife, and then to be able to get to Kendall’s perspective and see how much she was hurting just made for great storytelling. You knew they could get there eventually; the puzzle pieces were there, just needed to be sorted out!

The way Jeannie Choe wrote about depression made me, and I’m sure so many others, feel seen and understood and I can’t say enough about it. In the first chapter alone when Kendall is describing the weight she feels related to it… I just know people will read this and things will click for them if they are struggling. It’s not an easy read, this is emotional and heartbreaking, but it’s also beautiful and real and I completely fell in love with James and Kendall’s story because of all the flaws and issues they were going through as well.

Thank you to TAA for the ARC!

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️2

Thank you to the author agency for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 🩵

Going into this book, I already knew the trope, so I had a pretty good idea of what to expect, but unfortunately this book ended up being very different from what I expected, and I don’t think it matched my reading preferences.

This story follows Kendall and James as they are trying to navigate problems in their marriage. I had a really difficult time connecting with either of them, so instead of rooting for them to work things out, I feel like they personally needed more time apart and I never fully believed that they should be together.

The pacing also wasn’t helping to keep me engaged. Considering how this book centers heavily on grief and loss, I expected more character development, but I just feel like this book just felt really repetitive. Because of that, I don’t think I truly believe that they still will be together.

I was also pretty upset with the ending. I just feel like this book didn’t completely satisfy me because I just feel like the resolution was not enough. I feel like Kendall and James needed more time together to fly. Convince me that they had evolved.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I was an early reader + ARC reader for this book)

trigger warnings will be at the bottom of this review, to avoid spoilers
This is a story of a marriage in trouble. It has a focus on loss and depression with on page therapy. I have included a more detailed list at the bottom.

I have spent five months loving this story, and after reading it a third time and STILL feeling heartbroken, gutted, and so in love, the obsession is well and truly intact! It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve read it, how much I’ve thought about it, it still feels raw every time. I cannot say enough good things about this book. The emotions are laid out raw. Everything is described and detailed to make sure you’re right in the moment with them. Beautiful beginning to end. Beautiful portrayal of love, doubt, courage, being a mom, being a human with real emotions. I was emotional in the first chapter, cried by chapter two, (I cried during a sex scene for goodness sake!) and personally thanked Jeannie for writing the book before halfway through. (And have thanked her multiple times since.) Loud things were handled with such gentle care, in a quiet way. The heaviness of their grief was a weight I felt as a reader. There’s pain in allowing someone to have space, being all alone but refusing to go where you don’t belong in the current moment. It’s something much stronger than love. And this story perfectly lays that out. Being in one character’s POV made some moments that much more heartbreaking, but it never ignored or diminished the other’s emotions. It was truly beautifully done. Depression was once described as “Sometimes, it’s the only thing that feels familiar”. And I felt that in my bones. I have a personal connection, an understanding, with this book’s story. And I think in a lot of ways, many readers can find a connection to things that occur.

My Favorite Quotes:
• “I signed up for you.”
• “I’m here, and we’re going to figure it out together.”
• “You’re so beautiful.”
• “I want to kiss you all the time.” “Then kiss me.”
• “I can’t lose you.”
• “I’m genuinely in awe of you.”
• “Loving you has been the most natural and simple thing in the entire world. Like breathing.”
• “We’re going to get through this together, and we’re going to figure this out. Together.”
• “I have absolutely zero interest in living a life without you.”
• “Whatever comes after, it doesn’t scare me. As long as you’re here.”

5/10 Dirty Birdy
9/10 Second Chance
9/10 Tearjerker
7/10 Series

This is my review for Take Me Back to the Start
This is my review for Keep You Like a Secret

Trigger Warnings include:
Marital disputes/arguments, pregnancy loss, post-partum depression, delivery of a pre-term baby (does not actively happen on page, but is heavily discussed)

[Jenna Lundberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

💔 When Love Is Still There, But Everything Else Feels Broken 💔
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️

This was such an emotional, raw look at what happens when two people still love each other, but years of grief, silence, and things left unsaid have created a distance neither of them knows how to cross.

Kendall and James have the life that looks beautiful from the outside. They have a home by the sea, a daughter they adore, and a marriage built on a love that once felt unshakable. But behind that picture-perfect exterior is a couple who has been quietly hurting for years. Their grief has affected them differently, and instead of leaning on each other, they slowly stopped communicating about the things that mattered most.

I really enjoyed the dual timeline because we get to see both versions of Kendall and James. We experience the beginning of their relationship and that immediate connection between them, while also seeing the present-day marriage that has reached its breaking point. Knowing how deeply they once loved each other made watching them struggle even more emotional. Their love never completely disappeared. It simply became buried beneath hurt, resentment, grief, and so many conversations they should have had years earlier.

James especially made me feel so much. He knows he loves Kendall, and once he realizes just how close he is to losing her, he is determined to fight for their marriage. He doesn't always get it right, and I appreciated that. Neither of them is portrayed as the villain. They are two people who experienced the same devastating loss but processed it very differently, and somewhere along the way, they stopped knowing how to reach each other.

Kendall's journey was difficult to read at times because her pain felt incredibly real. There were moments when I wanted her to communicate what she needed, but I could also understand how overwhelmed she had become by everything she had carried for so long. Watching Kendall and James finally begin confronting those feelings, being honest with themselves and each other, and getting help gave their reconciliation so much more meaning.

This is definitely not a lighthearted romance. It explores miscarriage, grief, depression, marriage struggles, parenthood, and the complicated reality of trying to rebuild something after years of hurt. There were moments that genuinely hurt to read, so I would recommend checking content warnings and having the tissues nearby.

More than anything, They Don’t Know About Us reminded me that sometimes love itself isn't the problem. Sometimes it's everything that goes unspoken around it. Kendall and James had to learn that choosing each other again also meant being willing to finally say the things they'd spent years keeping inside.

Thank you so much to Jeannie Choe and The Author Agency for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 🤍

[Edie L · Rating 4 out of 5]

They Don’t Know About Us by Jeannie Choe

I was NOT emotionally prepared for what this book was about to put me through.

This was my first book by this author, and let me just say… consider me a fan because WOW. From the very first chapter, this book had me in an absolute chokehold and refused to let me go. I kept thinking, “Okay, surely it can’t get more emotional than this…” and then the author said, “Hold my coffee.”

You guys… this book absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way. It wasn’t just an emotional roller coaster—it felt like the roller coaster caught on fire halfway through. 🎢😭

And here’s the thing… I’m not a crier. Like, ever. But this book? It had me quietly sobbing into my Kindle. There were multiple times I had to put it down, stare at the wall, take a few deep breaths, and emotionally recover before I could keep reading.

James and Kendall completely stole my heart. Watching them carry the weight of their pasts while trying to figure out if love could survive all the broken pieces was absolutely heartbreaking. Their story felt so raw, vulnerable, and painfully real that I couldn’t help but become completely invested in them.

There were two quotes that absolutely shattered me because I know so many people will see themselves in these words:

“They don’t know about us, all the broken parts we hate to acknowledge. All they see is this pretty shell, painted and shellacked into something much more attractive than what it is.”

“Who knew honesty would’ve been the largest piece of the puzzle? We reached a breaking point and all it did was crack open the quiet secrets we’ve kept bottled up.”

Those quotes hit me right in the heart.

This book is a reminder that everyone is fighting battles we can’t see and that sometimes healing begins the moment we finally let someone see the parts we’ve spent so long trying to hide.

I closed this book and just… sat there. Staring at the wall. Replaying everything I had just read because I wasn’t ready to let these characters go.

I fear this book changed my brain chemistry.

If you’re looking for a romance that is equal parts beautiful, heartbreaking, healing, and unforgettable, this is it. Just do yourself a favor and check the trigger warnings first because this story doesn’t pull any punches.

Read it. Cry over it. Then come find me so we can emotionally recover together.

I cannot recommend this one enough.

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️

A marriage in crisis story will always be a story that captures my attention. Having my own marriage go through a time where continuing didn’t seem possible, I truly love when an author is able to capture the hard work marriage requires and that both sides have to stay committed. Jeannie Cho took me on an emotional journey with They Don’t Know About Us, book 3 in her Take Me Back to the Start series. I was able to connect to her MCs easily and their journey resonates with me.

Kendall and James have fallen into a routine within their marriage. They know they love one another, but something feels off or missing to each of them. While one isn’t sure they have any more fight left in them, the other is willing to do whatever it takes to save them. Jeannie provides a timeline of present and past that truly allows a full picture to be painted to understand why they are where they are. Understanding what they have been through makes their current situation easier to understand. Each of Kendall and James’ perspectives is brought to life and their inner battles made known to the readers. Jeannie propels the story with where they once were, where they are now, and where they want to go. I also loved how she made it clear marriage takes work, from both sides. You can’t fill someone up if your own cup is empty.

Every book that I have read by Jeannie has taken me on an emotional journey that is completely worth it. I have cried, laughed, screamed, and sobbed while reading her books and yet I will continue to come back to her over and over again. The heartache is worth the pain to see how she brings her characters out on the other side.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
💙Second Chance Romance
⭐Marriage in Trouble
💙Accidental Pregnancy
⭐Secret Emails
💙Dual Timeline
⭐Grief and Healing
💙Love/Healing after Loss
⭐Men in Therapy

[Jocelyn Delarosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Rating: ⭐ 4.75/5
Spice Rating: 🌶️ 2/5

This is one of those books that quietly sneaks up on you, and before you know it, you're completely invested in two people just trying to find their way back to each other and crying your eyes out! It is raw, emotional, and so incredibly honest. I loved all the emotion behind this story.

Kendall and James' story felt so real. Their marriage wasn't falling apart because they stopped loving each other. It was because grief took over and built that wall between them. Watching them slowly learn how to communicate, heal, and choose each other again was both heartbreaking and beautiful. Seriously, make sure you have tissues on hand here!

James was absolutely amazing. He never stopped loving Kendall, even when she struggled to believe there was anything left to save between them; he still tried. I LOVE THAT. He wasn't perfect by any means, but he kept showing up, listening, learning, and fighting for their marriage. It was so swoon-worthy.

I also really liked the dual timeline because it let us see not only the love they once had but also how they slowly started to lose themselves along the way. It made every emotional moment hit that much harder and reminded me why I was rooting for them in the first place.

Overall, They Don't Know About Us is a beautifully written story about love after loss, healing, and the hard work that goes into choosing each other every single day. It broke my heart, put it back together again, and left me thinking about Kendall and James hours after I was done. If you love emotional romances that feel deeply authentic, this one is absolutely worth the read!

[Charmaine Healy · Rating 4 out of 5]

They Don’t Know About Us was such an emotional and heartfelt read that explores love, grief, and the impact that loss can have on a relationship.

James and Kendall clearly love each other deeply, which is what made watching their marriage struggle so heartbreaking. After Kendall suffers a miscarriage early in their relationship, her grief becomes all-consuming. It changes the way she sees herself, the future she imagined, and ultimately creates a distance between her and James. While my heart ached for Kendall, it also broke for James as he desperately tried to support the woman he loved, often not knowing how to help or what she needed.

One of my favourite parts of the story was the emails they both wrote to their baby. 🥹 It was such a beautiful and emotional way of expressing their grief, hopes, and love. Those moments felt incredibly raw and added so much depth to their journey, reminding me that everyone experiences loss differently.

This isn’t always an easy read, but it’s one that handles difficult topics with sensitivity and compassion. It’s a story about healing, communication, forgiveness, and finding your way back to the person you love, even after life has changed you both.

A touching and emotional read that stayed with me long after I finished the final page.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Content note: This book contains themes of miscarriage, grief, and pregnancy loss.

[V G · Rating 4 out of 5]

A romance book like I haven’t read before, this one follows a married couple working through hard times. The dual point of view allows you to connect with both characters as they try to cope with life and save their marriage.

Another stellar story from Jeannie Choe! I don’t know how she does it, but I can connect with an aspect of every character, they are so real and down to earth. And while the problems they are going through are relatable and heartbreaking, she manages to write them with care and I never feel too overwhelmed by the book. I think it’s the dual perspective where you can see them both struggling in different ways that makes this book a page turner for me. I appreciate the care and consideration taken in writing about mental health and I will say I feel better about myself having read these stories and seeing that I am not alone.

I loved reading a story from an established couple. It was also fun to read the cameos from James’ family (Teeny!) This story is about loss, be sure to read the tropes and triggers before starting. If you made it this far, I hope that you enjoy Kendall and James’ story as much as I did!

Thank you to the author and the author agency for this gifted eARC, all thoughts are my own.

[Mel Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Stars

I don't even know where to begin with this one because my heart is still trying to recover. 😭

Jeannie Choe is an author who makes you feel

This isn't light, fluffy romance—it's a beautiful, messy story about grief, forgiveness, healing, and choosing love even when it's hard. Her writing is so raw and authentic, I love a beautifully written, vulnerable man.

There were so many moments that absolutely wrecked me. James and his quiet acts of love, taking care of her when she was sick, the secret emails 😭, the therapy... every piece fit together to create a story that felt deeply human. And yes, I cried. More than once. Maybe even ugly sobbed.

This book was a heavy hitter but so beautiful. I absolutely love the Cohen family. Would recommend to my book club and purchase hard copy for my shelf.

💌 Tropes:
🤍 Marriage in Trouble
🤍 Accidental Pregnancy
🤍 Love After Loss
🤍 He Takes Care of Her When She's Sick
🤍 Adorable Meet Cute
🤍 He Goes to Therapy for Her
🤍 Secret Emails

🌶️Spice: 2/4 - slowburn but yummy spice

Thank you Jeannie Choe for the e-ARC!

[Liz Enow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm sad to see this series coming to an end. I will miss the Cohen family and I look forward to more books from Jeannie. (AND YES I WILL BE PURCHASING THIS BOOK).

What I loved about this series is Jeannie is not afraid to talk about difficult life topics in her books. It's refreshing to see her characters' experience certain events that shape their lives in a realistic portrayal.

They Don't Know About Us is certainly a tear-jerker. This story follows the oldest Cohen Sibling- James and his wife Kendall as they navigate their family and marriage. After experiencing a life altering event during their relationship- the trauma/pain continues to weigh heavy on them and their marriage.

Overall- this book was written very well- the dual pov and dual time was perfect for this story. As a reader I was rooting for them- to heal and work through their marriage. I would recommend reading trigger warnings or looking at the tropes (even though I think Jeannie handled these topics with care).

I rate this book 4 ⭐️ 2 🌶️

Tropes include:
marriage in crisis
healing through grief
accidental pregnancy
second chance romance
dual pov & timeline
mental health rep

My favorite line:
“Our life isn’t perfect. Not by a mile. But it’s our life.”

[Bookskee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uh! My heart.. what can I say about this book?

This is a marriage in crisis trope and I really love these.
This one is focused on healing and processing grief after loss.
It had then/now timelines which I really enjoy for this trope.
Their meet-cute was so adorable and the way things pick up after they start seeing each other seems so beautiful and promising till devastation strikes.

I loved that James never lost sight of what was important to him. Was he a bit too cautious? Maybe.. but I loved that he went to therapy too and didn't give up on Kendall till he had tried everything in his power to restore their crumbling relationship.
I loved their emails to "baby bean", the last one shattered me So yeah.. it was an emotional read for me.
People process grief differently, not everyone can get over it and move on and I loved how this book showed Kendall's experience/journey.

I've really enjoyed this series and I think this might very well be my favourite.
Please check warnings before reading.

Many thanks to Author Jeannie Choe and  The Author Agency for the opportunity to read in advance and share my thoughts💙

[Isabelle Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
5/5 stars
2/5 Spice

Tropes:
- love after loss
- accidental pregnancy
- marriage in trouble
- secret emails

This book is written so in depth about Kendall and James' relationship. I cried, I laughed, and I felt emotionless at times. The dual timeline definitely helps you see their relationship and how it transpired to where they were at currently. You get to be by their side through their darkest paths, and their lightest paths they cross. They went through a few stages of life in their relationship. Dating, loss of baby, marriage, baby, possible divorce, and they show that there is light at the end of the tunnel even when you don't think there is. The friendships and relationships they make with others is inspiring me to find some friends like that of my own! I am incredibly happy I got to read this book as some of it is relatable to me, and things I have experienced and heard from others.

I am so happy I got the chance to read this book, thank you for the opportunity!

[Readwithtaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do with this information what you will, tears made their appearance over here, several times.
 
This was an emotional read that hit so deeply, settling in my chest. The author’s writing was raw, vulnerable, real and deeply heartfelt, bleeding with care and emotional honesty with every chapter. The pain, loss, and grief were portrayed with such realism that it was both haunting and humbling.
 
Jamie and Kendall are a couple living through the unimaginable, facing something I wouldn't wish upon any parent. This is their story, not of magically being fine and moving on, but one of trying to exist again and find a way forward, however messy and imperfect that looked. Life has a cruel way of reminding us that you can do everything right and still have everything turned upside down. What I appreciated was that the author never tried to tell us what grief should look like, how to deal with it or when it stops.
 
Each carried it differently, each coped differently, and neither way was wrong. Jamie couldn't imagine a life without Kendall and Sophia and fought tooth and nail to hold onto his family. And Kendall, suffocating beneath the weight of her unresolved grief, feeling as a burden and undeserving of happiness. I wanted to reach inside and wrap them both in the warmest longest hug and whisper: hang in there, it shall pass.
 
Both were hurting; physically, mentally, and emotionally. Shared loss doesn't always look the same and I appreciated how thoughtfully therapy and mental health were woven into their healing journey. Every emotion they experienced felt valid and every step forward felt earned.
 
This wasn't a perfect couple facing a perfect storm. It was a real couple navigating real tragedy, real marriage struggles, and real heartbreak. And that's exactly what gave this story its sincerity, its authenticity, and heart.
 
Thank you to the author and The Author Agency for the ARC! Consider the tears officially pardoned.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book for the Cohen siblings and what a great book to end the series with (with many tears 😭)

I loved the dual timeline of reading how their relationship first started and where they are at in the present. There were so many ups and downs during their relationship, especially early on, and it was so refreshing to see how raw and fragile a relationship can be during the most difficult seasons.

I really appreciated the mental health rep and how important therapy was for James and Kendall, esp in the later chapters to help repair their marriage. The topic of grief was handled with so much care while showing the reality of how there is no timeline for grief. I truly loved how James did everything he could to save their marriage (the yearning!!! 🥹)

Thank you Jeannie and The Author Agency for the ARC ❤️

[Melly · Rating 5 out of 5]

| absolutely loved beta reading this beautiful, heartbreaking story from Jeannie. Honestly, I fell in love with it even more with each reread. It's emotional, raw, and incredibly real.

I have a feeling this story is going to hit close to home for so many readers. Thank you, Jeannie, for trusting me to read it early and for letting me be part of the process by sharing my feedback. It was truly an honor, and I can't wait for everyone else to experience this incredible story.

Heartbreaking, intimate, and deeply honest, They Don't Know About Us is a story about marriage in crisis, the lasting weight of grief, and the fragile hope of choosing each other again.

What to expect:
🔥Marriage in Trouble
🔥Accidental Pregnancy
🔥He takes care of her when she's sick
🔥Love After Loss
🔥Adorable Meet Cute
🔥He goes to therapy for her
🔥Secret Emails

Coming July 28th

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

They Don't Know About Us by Jeannie Choe is an emotional, beautifully written second-chance romance that explores what happens after the "happily ever after." Instead of focusing on two people finding love, Choe tells the far more complicated story of two people fighting to keep it. In this novel, we get to follow the story of the FMC Kendall and MMC James are a married couple carrying years of unspoken grief, heartbreak, and emotional distance. Their relationship felt authentic from the very first page, making it impossible not to become invested in whether they can find their way back to one another. Overall, They Don't Know About Us was a touching, mature romance that lingered long after the final chapter.

I received an ARC copy from The Author Agency. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel!

[Daniela Mikheal-Meek · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I love that one of my favorite romance tropes is a marriage in crisis because, to me, it feels like its own kind of second chance romance. It's falling in love all over again with the person you've known for years, rediscovering the one you've been sleeping beside every night, and choosing each other even when life hasn't been kind.

Jeannie Choe captured that beautifully in They Don't Know About Us.

Kendall's grief felt so real and so heartbreakingly human. I appreciated that Jeannie never tried to put grief into a neat little box or suggest there's a right way to heal. She reminds us that grief doesn't have a timeline and that it looks different for everyone, even for the people grieving the very same loss.

It was heartbreaking and beautiful to watch James work so hard to understand Kendall and fight for their marriage. He wasn't trying to fix her or rush her healing. He simply kept showing up, loving her through every difficult moment and learning how to carry their grief together. Their love was found in the quiet moments just as much as the big ones, which made their journey feel that much more meaningful.

This was my first book by Jeannie Choe, and I already can't wait to read more from her.

Thank you so much for trusting me with an early copy of this book. It was truly a pleasure to read, and I know Kendall and James will stay with me for a very long time.

[Extraspicybooklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

They Don’t Know About Us
by Jeannie Cho
Take Me Back To The Start book 3

Kendall and James have a heartbreaking journey. The tragedy they endure alone and together absolutely broke my heart. This book dealt with so many heard topics but was written with care.
My heart hurt for Kendall while dealing with so much and not knowing how to heal herself. I could feel her guilt and broken spirit while reading. James was a warrior in his own right while also trying to be there for his wife. I loved getting to see their story evolve from the past. This book was emotional and dealt with the deep topics of marriage and motherhood. It was extremely relatable as a Mom I really enjoyed how real this one was 💕

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this amazing series, and this is Kendall and James’ story.
Kendall and James are a married couple, who love each other, but their marriage is in trouble, due to grief they never learned to share. When the tension finally boils over, Kendall and James are forced to confront what they have managed to avoid for years, but is their love enough to keep them together?
This is a beautifully written slow burn story, with family, friendships, emotions, loss, grief, tension, communication, heartbreak, secrets, honesty, romance, healing, second chances, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and touching page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Elaya · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

This one hurt. And somehow, it also healed.

A second-chance romance filled with grief, loss, and the difficult work of understanding a marriage. Watching him go to therapy, not just for himself but to understand her and what their marriage needed, was something I really appreciated.

I cried a lot while reading this.

But somewhere between the grief and the difficult conversations, this book gave me perspectives I had been trying to understand myself. There were certain things I connected with deeply, and somehow, this read touched and healed parts of me I didn’t even realize needed it.

It felt like the book I needed at this time of year.

a meaningful one. 🤍

Thank you to The Author Agency for providing me with the ARC. All thoughts are my own.

[Stephanie Meyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay read for me. I really liked the premise and appreciated the quiet, thoughtful writing style, but I never fully connected with the characters or the romance. The pacing felt slower than I typically enjoy, so I found myself wanting a little more emotional depth and chemistry to keep me invested.

That said, I don’t think it’s a bad book—it just wasn’t the right fit for my reading preferences. If you enjoy slower, character-driven romances with a softer, more reflective tone, I think this could work much better for you than it did for me. It simply ended up being a middle-of-the-road, 3-star read for me.

[Maram · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review 💜

This was such an emotional story. As a pharmacist and part of the healthcare profession, I always appreciate books that explore the realities of illness and the impact it has on people's lives.

It highlights the importance of patience, love, support, and having an understanding partner by your side when life becomes chaotic.

Life isn't easy, and it's always going to throw curveballs our way. What truly matters is how we choose to face them and keep moving forward.

I really enjoyed this book—even though it had me crying more than once. It was emotional, hopeful, and beautifully written.

Enjoy! 😍

[Bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review • They Don’t Know About Us by Jeannie Choe ✨

⚠️ This book explores some heavy topics, so please check the trigger warnings if needed ❤️‍🩹⬇️

• Pregnancy loss/miscarriage
• Postpartum depression
• Mental health struggles
• Delivery of a preterm baby (discussed)
• Marital disputes & arguments

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
🌶️🌶️🌶️✨ (3.5/5)

This book absolutely broke my heart 💔

Kendall & James’ journey pulled me in. I loved seeing their story come together as the past and present intertwined.

There were so many moments where my heart hurt for both of them. Watching Kendall struggle while James met her with so much patience and understanding made him so easy to love 🥹

Jeannie Choe handled these sensitive topics with so much care and compassion. I really appreciated that healing wasn’t portrayed as something that happens overnight. It was messy, emotional, and authentic.

And yes… there are definitely some steamy moments too. Even with everything Kendall and James are carrying, the passion between them never disappears.

📚 You might like this if you love:
💍 Marriage in crisis
👫🏻 Dual POV & then/now timeline
❤️‍🩹 Healing after loss
🫶🏻 MMC who never stops fighting for his marriage
🤍 He goes to therapy for her
💚 Mental health representation
🤰🏻 Accidental pregnancy
😭 Emotional romances that will make you cry

If you’re looking for an emotional romance that isn’t afraid of difficult topics but reminds you that love is worth fighting for, I’d recommend picking this one up 💜

[Kristina Konrady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow!! This story was so heartbreakingly beautiful🤍 I loved the previous books in this series and was so happy to receive an ARC of this book!

Very emotional read from start to finish. This book depicts mental health and grief in such a raw, relatable way. The struggles Kendall and James face and the way it impacts their marriage are realistic and incredibly well written. I loved the dual timeline/pov, getting to see the start of their relationship and everything that happened to get them to where they are. I sobbed through at least half of the book…⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Lilian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I cried so much reading this. My heart ached for what Kendall goes through daily, and I love how we get to see her break through with James by her side.

Motherhood is full of ups and downs and while I may not have experienced the exact situation which Kendall went through, I can say with confidence that all good mothers have doubted themselves at some point in their lives. Myself included…

Thank you for this book. It was angsty, but so beautifully written. And I loved the buildup to the resolution that was realistic, beautiful, and so worth it.

[Itsmep · Rating 4 out of 5]

🤍 Marriage in crisis
🤍 Second chance within marriage
🤍 Grief & healing
🤍 Quiet love
🤍 Emotional slow burn


They Don't Know About Us is a heartfelt, emotional story about a marriage strained by grief, loss, and years of unspoken pain. The MC's (Kendall and James) journey felt authentic, showing that love alone isn't always enough. I enjoyed the journey the book took us through.

A quiet, character-driven romance that beautifully explores healing, hope, and rediscovering love after loss.

I received this book as an eARC in exchange for my honest review.