Starred review from August 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.
Starred review from September 1, 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
Copyright 2022 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
September 15, 2022
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.
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