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This Used to Be Us
Win a free print copy of this book!
26 days and 16:12:55
24 copies available
U.S. only
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 shuffling the kids between two broken homes, Alex and Danielle 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 find 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 they just can’t stay away from each other, and somehow, the distance allows them to remember (for the first time in years) what they used to love about one another. When a family crisis draws them back into each other’s orbit, Danielle and Alex are, once again, put to the test, which leads to a dramatic conclusion that will have readers weeping.
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 shuffling the kids between two broken homes, Alex and Danielle 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 find 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 they just can’t stay away from each other, and somehow, the distance allows them to remember (for the first time in years) what they used to love about one another. When a family crisis draws them back into each other’s orbit, Danielle and Alex are, once again, put to the test, which leads to a dramatic conclusion that will have readers weeping.
384 pages, Paperback
Published July 9, 2024
About the author
Renee Carlino
26 books8,087 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 339 reviews
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.
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pre-view: trying to get my feedback ratio back 80%😅
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 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!
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.
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.
June 17, 2024
“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.
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
July 12, 2024
what the hell was that ending
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
July 21, 2024
Wow!! I LOVED this!
April 13, 2024
4.5⭐️ renee carlino, you have done it again
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC! <3
This book was absolutely heart wrenching. I normally don't like second chance romances but Renee Carlino does it so unbelievably well.
The book is a heartbreaking look at marriage and divorce. Renee Carlino tells the story of Dani and Alex, a couple whose love is fading after twenty-two years together. She writes it so well that you'll feel like you're right there with the MCs, experiencing their relationship falling apart.
The book shows how their marriage falls apart, from small annoyances to big disappointments.
The thing about the book that i thought was really special was the music aspect of it. I loved the little notes on the vinyl records. (I love the music references in Renee carlino books in general omg)
However, i do wish that we got to see more of Dani and Alex when they were younger and actually in love. We only got to read two flashback chapters and that was a little disappointing, because i would have loved to see how the characters developed over the years. It was a great book nonetheless and i'm definitely buying the physical copy once it comes out.
Again, thank you 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
This book was absolutely heart wrenching. I normally don't like second chance romances but Renee Carlino does it so unbelievably well.
The book is a heartbreaking look at marriage and divorce. Renee Carlino tells the story of Dani and Alex, a couple whose love is fading after twenty-two years together. She writes it so well that you'll feel like you're right there with the MCs, experiencing their relationship falling apart.
The book shows how their marriage falls apart, from small annoyances to big disappointments.
The thing about the book that i thought was really special was the music aspect of it. I loved the little notes on the vinyl records. (I love the music references in Renee carlino books in general omg)
However, i do wish that we got to see more of Dani and Alex when they were younger and actually in love. We only got to read two flashback chapters and that was a little disappointing, because i would have loved to see how the characters developed over the years. It was a great book nonetheless and i'm definitely buying the physical copy once it comes out.
Again, thank you to NetGalley, Random House, and of course, Renee Carlino for this incredible book 💗
July 24, 2024
Dani and Alex are middle-aged parents of two teenagers who have become "stuck in a rut" in their relationship. It has progressed into spite and resentment, so much so that they are in the process of trying to finalize a divorce. There have been many life factors that have built up to this point, and no amount of therapy has been able to resolve the issues.
They agree to a living arrangement where their boys will continue to live at home and they will each split the week with one of them staying at the house while the other stays at a nesting apartment they cohabit and then switch off the rest of the week.
With time apart, newfound freedom of single life, and complications of dating, they both find themselves reminiscent of the past and begin to realize what it was about each other they were attracted to in the first place.
This story had me choked up so many times. The tears were streaming down my face. Dani and Alex will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. Their passion is very well written. Whether it's frustration and anger or loving so hard, the author captures these moments with her writing and makes you feel all the emotions. The character development was outstanding, realistic, and made me love both Dani and Alex from start to finish. If you're looking for a good tear jerker, this book is for you.
They agree to a living arrangement where their boys will continue to live at home and they will each split the week with one of them staying at the house while the other stays at a nesting apartment they cohabit and then switch off the rest of the week.
With time apart, newfound freedom of single life, and complications of dating, they both find themselves reminiscent of the past and begin to realize what it was about each other they were attracted to in the first place.
This story had me choked up so many times. The tears were streaming down my face. Dani and Alex will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. Their passion is very well written. Whether it's frustration and anger or loving so hard, the author captures these moments with her writing and makes you feel all the emotions. The character development was outstanding, realistic, and made me love both Dani and Alex from start to finish. If you're looking for a good tear jerker, this book is for you.
August 2, 2024
4/5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. The character development was fantastic and it had me hooked until the very last page.
I really enjoyed this book. The character development was fantastic and it had me hooked until the very last page.
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!!
July 15, 2024
4.5 - I could not put this book down. Renee Carlino has once again written a beautiful story
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 🫶🏼
March 9, 2024
not so thankful to netgalley for the early copy of this one - this book was good but also traumatizing.
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 3, 2024
This absolutely broke me and I will not be okay for a long time 😃😃😃😃 continue reading for my full review lol
Before We Were Strangers is one of my favorite books of all time and I was so excited that Carlino was coming out with a new book!!
Renee Carlino knows how to write a gut wrenching love story that’s for sure and this was definitely the most emotional one I’ve read by her.
She has such a way of making characters feel like real people that you’re spending time with and not fictional people you’re reading. I didn’t want to put it down because I had to know what was going to happen. And her chapter titles always get me 😭
I also think the second chance romance with a marriage is very relatable compared to one about childhood friends which I enjoyed.
Overall, I loved this book so much even though it absolutely destroyed my heart in the process. If you’re wanting an emotional romance, this is it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Before We Were Strangers is one of my favorite books of all time and I was so excited that Carlino was coming out with a new book!!
Renee Carlino knows how to write a gut wrenching love story that’s for sure and this was definitely the most emotional one I’ve read by her.
She has such a way of making characters feel like real people that you’re spending time with and not fictional people you’re reading. I didn’t want to put it down because I had to know what was going to happen. And her chapter titles always get me 😭
I also think the second chance romance with a marriage is very relatable compared to one about childhood friends which I enjoyed.
Overall, I loved this book so much even though it absolutely destroyed my heart in the process. If you’re wanting an emotional romance, this is it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 25, 2024
Damn, I’m so mad right now. I spent the first 40% convinced this was going to be a 5 star read. Then maybe the next 45% thinking it was at least 4. If I could erase the last 15% of this book from my mind, I would. What the hell was that? It felt like I stopped reading a book I was enjoying and picked up some random trauma porn instead. I can’t recall an enjoyable book ever giving me whiplash like that.
I’m going to settle in 3 stars because I did really like it up until that dumb ending.
I’m going to settle in 3 stars because I did really like it up until that dumb ending.
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 9, 2024
This book was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and my goodness, did it live up to my expectations.
Renee Carlino is one of my most favorite storytellers. And while she generally has written incredibly emotional romances, This Used to be Us shines brighter than all her others... and that's saying something because Swear on This Life has been a top read of mine since the day it released!
This Used to be Us brings us Dani and Alex. After 22 years together, they are filing for divorce. They have a "nest" apartment they share when they are splitting their time with their children. From there, we are taken on an incredibly relatable journey through falling in love, marriage, career successes and failures, parenthood, and even forgiveness and second chances.
I don't want to give anything away as I think everyone needs to experience every piece this story from beginning to end. And while the journey through this story was my favorite part, I still appreciated the ending. The dual perspectives added such an essential layer to the story and the interworkings of Dani and Alex's relationship.
Renee Carlino just leaves her mark with another beautifully compelling story that will hit you in all of the feels, and with those characters sitting in their 40s, I was completely pulled in by just how incredibly relatable this story was. This story really sat with me long after I finished reading. I highly recommend.
Renee Carlino is one of my most favorite storytellers. And while she generally has written incredibly emotional romances, This Used to be Us shines brighter than all her others... and that's saying something because Swear on This Life has been a top read of mine since the day it released!
This Used to be Us brings us Dani and Alex. After 22 years together, they are filing for divorce. They have a "nest" apartment they share when they are splitting their time with their children. From there, we are taken on an incredibly relatable journey through falling in love, marriage, career successes and failures, parenthood, and even forgiveness and second chances.
I don't want to give anything away as I think everyone needs to experience every piece this story from beginning to end. And while the journey through this story was my favorite part, I still appreciated the ending. The dual perspectives added such an essential layer to the story and the interworkings of Dani and Alex's relationship.
Renee Carlino just leaves her mark with another beautifully compelling story that will hit you in all of the feels, and with those characters sitting in their 40s, I was completely pulled in by just how incredibly relatable this story was. This story really sat with me long after I finished reading. I highly recommend.
June 2, 2024
2.5 stars
I have been a long time Renee Carlino fan, Before We Were Strangers is one of my all time favorite books. I was so excited to see she was publishing a new book, but sadly this one didn’t resonate with me as her previous work has.
Right from the start, I found both MC’s very unlikeable. And that didn’t change throughout the story. This story is about the demise of a married couples relationship and their impending divorce, so I can only assume this characterization was intentional. But hardly seeing any of their good times and why they loved each other in the first place was the downfall of the story and the characters.
Even though I didn’t like these characters, I liked their ending even less. The last few chapters are so rushed, came out of nowhere, and just didn’t feel like it fit.
I am terribly sad this book wasn’t for me, but I can see many people enjoying this particular journey. I’m still a huge Carlino fan and will always pick up anything she writes and recommend her books to everyone I know.
Thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I have been a long time Renee Carlino fan, Before We Were Strangers is one of my all time favorite books. I was so excited to see she was publishing a new book, but sadly this one didn’t resonate with me as her previous work has.
Right from the start, I found both MC’s very unlikeable. And that didn’t change throughout the story. This story is about the demise of a married couples relationship and their impending divorce, so I can only assume this characterization was intentional. But hardly seeing any of their good times and why they loved each other in the first place was the downfall of the story and the characters.
Even though I didn’t like these characters, I liked their ending even less. The last few chapters are so rushed, came out of nowhere, and just didn’t feel like it fit.
I am terribly sad this book wasn’t for me, but I can see many people enjoying this particular journey. I’m still a huge Carlino fan and will always pick up anything she writes and recommend her books to everyone I know.
Thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2024
I received an advanced reader copy for this book which I was thrilled about because I LOVE Renee Carlinos books.
I’m sad to say though this book was not my favourite of hers. I wish we got a bit more of the happy times in their relationship before jumping into the arguments so quickly. Just so I could fall in love with the characters a little bit and feel that connection between them. So I felt that was missing.
This book does show the raw reality of many relationships though. And I did enjoy the last 10% of the book. I just wish it was more based around that than the divorce/living apart/moving on aspect.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC !
I’m sad to say though this book was not my favourite of hers. I wish we got a bit more of the happy times in their relationship before jumping into the arguments so quickly. Just so I could fall in love with the characters a little bit and feel that connection between them. So I felt that was missing.
This book does show the raw reality of many relationships though. And I did enjoy the last 10% of the book. I just wish it was more based around that than the divorce/living apart/moving on aspect.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC !
July 31, 2024
Need to think on this rating. Heavier book for sure. Was NOT emotionally ready for this one. Not a fan of how it all ended but props to a book that can make you feel deeply.
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