Narrators Wesleigh Siobhan and Jakobi Diem take romance, heartbreak, and sex appeal to the next level. Yasmen (Siobhan) and Josiah (Diem) divorced after devastating experiences, but they can’t run away from the love that created their family and growing business. This dramatic story has emotional ups and downs that both narrators perform passionately in complementary performances. Siobhan’s vocal tone when she is conveying attraction aligns with Diem’s deep-voiced moments of flirtation. Both also convey vulnerabilities in their characters that draw empathy and compassion. And, of course, there are always the humorous best friends to provide a bit of over-the-top humor. This heartfelt romance and family adventure speaks to healing and growth. T.E.C. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine

★ 08/15/2022

Ryan (Reel) brings both tears and laughter in a powerhouse second-chance romance that shines a sensitive light on mental health issues. Following a stillbirth, Yasmen Wade spirals into a depression that drives a wedge between her and her preteen daughter, Deja, and ends her marriage to her first love, Josiah. Two years later, Josiah is still heartbroken over the divorce he never wanted, though he wrote his own fate by refusing Yasmen’s suggestion of couple’s therapy. It’s hard to move on when they live two minutes from each other, co-parent their two children, and remain partners in their soul fusion restaurant. When their son Kassim’s fifth grade teacher suggests that Kassim should see a therapist, Josiah surprises Yasmen by agreeing—and he even starts seeing one himself to support his son. As healing continues, the couple’s fire is reignited. Giving into passion would risk their fragile equilibrium, so they agree to get their lust out of their systems with one steamy night—but one night becomes many as each discovers new love, respect, and appreciation for the other. The struggles here are real and wrenching, and Ryan’s talent is such that, by the end, the characters feel like old, dear friends. This tender contemporary is a knockout. Agent: Kim Lionetti, Bookends Literary. (Nov.)

Ryan masterfully builds complex female characters and she does it again here, crafting a lead who’s as invested in her own personal journey as she is her romantic one.” 
 —USA Today

Ryan is a powerhouse of a writer.

Every time Kennedy Ryan sits down to write a book, she is hunting big game from page one.

Kennedy writes these gripping, touching, romantic, transporting books every single time.

Kennedy Ryan is one of the finest romance writers of our age.

Every time I think Kennedy Ryan can’t possibly raise the bar any further, she proves me wrong in the most delightful way possible.

★ 09/01/2022

The first novel in Ryan's (Queen Move) new "Skyland" series depicts a fractured family's efforts to find joy in life after a year of heartbreaks. Yasmen and Josiah were the perpetually-in-love couple that everybody envied and were sure would go the distance. After back-to-back losses lead them to divorce, they must now figure out how to coexist with someone who they once thought would be their forever. Not communicating or interacting would be impossible, since they remain tethered by two children, a business, and a community that they love. They make mistakes trying to define their new normal when they realize that their romantic relationship may not be as over as they thought, and it's not only Josiah and Yasmen whose life trajectories and feelings are on the line. Ryan's frank discussion of mental health, including some characters' reluctance to seek out the assistance of mental health professionals, elevates the believability of this family's journey. A cast of hilarious, flawed, and largely supportive friends and family sets the stage for future books in the series. VERDICT This novel of rediscovered love is highly recommended for all fiction collections.—Nicole Williams

Narrators Wesleigh Siobhan and Jakobi Diem take romance, heartbreak, and sex appeal to the next level. Yasmen (Siobhan) and Josiah (Diem) divorced after devastating experiences, but they can’t run away from the love that created their family and growing business. This dramatic story has emotional ups and downs that both narrators perform passionately in complementary performances. Siobhan’s vocal tone when she is conveying attraction aligns with Diem’s deep-voiced moments of flirtation. Both also convey vulnerabilities in their characters that draw empathy and compassion. And, of course, there are always the humorous best friends to provide a bit of over-the-top humor. This heartfelt romance and family adventure speaks to healing and growth. T.E.C. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine

2022-08-31
A divorced couple finds love again.

Yasmen and Josiah Wade have been divorced for two years. They met in college, and after marrying, they opened a successful restaurant in Atlanta and started a family. Their seemingly rock-solid marriage went off course after two tragic losses: Josiah’s beloved aunt died, and their much-desired third child was stillborn. Yasmen suffered from brutal, agonizing depression, and, unable to cope with their grief and sadness, the two agreed to a divorce. Now, Yasmen and Josiah co-parent and manage their business, and both are trying to move on with their lives. The catalyst for change is when Josiah starts dating again. Yasmen is surprised to find feelings she thought were long dead rising up to the surface—attraction, possessiveness, and love. What if their divorce was a mistake? The novel is stuffed full of melodrama and angst as Yasmen and Josiah care for their kids, decide if they should expand the business, and explore their wholly unexpected reconnection. Notably, the book shows the benefits of therapy for both children and adults. Josiah resisted therapy after the loss of their baby but now agrees to see a therapist as a model for his son who has been struggling at school. Josiah’s willingness to finally talk about his feelings allows the couple to open up about the end of their marriage, paving the way for a new future together. Colleen Hoover fans looking for a dramatic emotional journey starring people in their 30s will find what they are looking for here.

A melodramatic family saga with a side of romance.