I love Kennedy Ryan's writing and this did not disappoint! Judah is my dream man wrapped in a perfect bow and Soledad is a true queen! This story pulled on the heartstrings and had quite a few jaw droppers but it was and absolutely amazing story and I can't wait for the next book.

Loved!!! Enjoyed for it's perspective of loving yourself outside of a relationship. Great for it's representation of a positive co-parenting relationship and blended families. Slow burn romance, but feel it was appropriate for the story being told.

A very romantic read - drew me in instantly. I loved the slow burn of Soledad and Judah. The picked each other up again - Judah saved Soledad from her horrible marriage and she saved him from being lonely. I also appreciate how they treated each others children and accepted that they were apart of the dynamic.

Kennedy Ryan can do no wrong. This Could Be Us is emotional, romantic, and a page turner. This is definitely one I recommend.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.

Incredibly written, Soledad goes on a journey of self love after the worst betrayal by her husband and comes out better for it on the other size. It takes a village to make it through hard times and Soledad’s character has a village and shows up for her village time and time again.

Judah is also the embodiment of a kind understanding man who respects and supports her putting her self back together before they can try. His coparenting relationship was very wholesome which is a refreshing change.

Fantastic 5/5 from Kennedy Ryan again. Thank you to Forever and Net Galley for making this book available in exchange for a fair and honest review.

actual rating: 4.5/5 stars

kennedy ryan’s writing never fails to move me, and this book is no exception. she has such a gift for weaving together life’s most difficult, emotional topics with moments of lightness and hope. her stories are always a testament to resilience, love, and growth, and this book encapsulates all of that beautifully.

what stood out to me most in this story was soledad’s journey. watching her grapple with tragedy and betrayal while rebuilding her life was both heart-wrenching and inspiring. her path toward self-acceptance and healing felt so authentic and raw. i especially loved seeing her relationship with her daughters evolve. the bond between them was heartfelt and complex, and it was incredibly rewarding to see how much they grew individually and as a family.

judah was such a standout character for me. his patience, understanding, and unwavering support made him the perfect counterpart to soledad. his relationship with his two autistic sons was one of the most touching elements of the book. kennedy ryan handled the exploration of parenting autistic children with so much care and nuance, and it added an extra layer of depth to the story. it’s rare to see this kind of representation in romance novels, and i truly appreciated the thoughtful way it was written.

soledad and judah’s romance was breathtaking in its complexity and tenderness. their relationship was built on a foundation of trust, respect, and deep understanding, which made it feel so real. judah never overstepped soledad’s boundaries, and their love unfolded in a way that honored the challenges both characters had faced. my only wish was for more of their romance earlier in the book. while i understood the importance of focusing on soledad’s personal journey and her process of “dating herself,” i found myself craving more moments of connection between her and judah earlier on. their love story is so compelling that i couldn’t help but want more of it.

overall, this book was an emotional and uplifting read that stayed with me long after i turned the final page. kennedy ryan continues to deliver stories that are as thought-provoking as they are heartfelt, and i can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series. this is a romance that will leave you feeling inspired, hopeful, and deeply moved.

This was perfect on every single page. Kennedy Ryan you are a gift, and I’ll be crying over this book forever. This made me want to hug my mom, hold everyone I love even harder. Books like this are why I love reading. Someone hug kennedy for me, I love her

This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan is a deeply emotional and beautifully written romance that explores themes of love, resilience, and personal growth. The story balances compelling characters with complex backstories and a heartfelt narrative that doesn’t shy away from addressing trauma, forgiveness, and redemption. Ryan’s evocative prose and her ability to tackle heavy themes with sensitivity make the novel both poignant and engaging. The protagonists’ chemistry and their journey of healing and second chances are raw and authentic, leaving a lasting impression. Equal parts heart-wrenching and heartwarming, this book is a powerful celebration of transformation and love.

To be perfectly honest, I believe I could write my own full length novel about how much I absolutely adore, love and obsess over everything Kennedy Ryan writes. Her books truly capture my attachment like no other and have me so immersed in the story I never want to stop till I turn the last page.

Soledad’s story is messy, hard and beautiful. One of my favorite things about Ryan’s books is her character’s maturity levels and ability to show real, honest emotions. She makes you experience every emotion her character’s feel. Judah was exactly the person Soledad needed after her life was turned upside down and yet again, he is another perfect mmc from Kennedy Ryan.

As I said, I could go on and on about how much I love this author and her books. Read anything and everything she writes. They are so achingly beautiful, raw and real. It’s rare to find books that make me feel the way hers do.

NetGalley Review: This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan

Wow, this book hit me right in the feels. Kennedy Ryan just knows how to write stories that stay with you long after you finish. This Could Be Us is such an emotional rollercoaster—in the best way possible.

The chemistry between the main characters? Off the charts. But it’s not just about the romance; it’s about healing, growth, and figuring out what really matters. There were moments I had to put the book down just to process everything. And the writing? Beautiful, as always.

If you love books that break your heart a little but also make you believe in love and second chances, this one’s for you. Seriously, don’t miss it!

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Kennedy Ryan’s This Could Be Us is an absolute masterpiece of emotional depth, passion, and unforgettable characters. From the very first page, Ryan draws readers into a gripping story that explores love, resilience, and the complexities of human connection. Her writing is evocative, seamlessly weaving raw emotion with poetic prose that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page.

The chemistry between the protagonists crackles with intensity, and their journey is as heart-wrenching as it is inspiring. Ryan’s ability to delve into the nuances of relationships, while tackling important social themes with grace and authenticity, sets her apart as a storyteller.

This book isn’t just a romance; it’s an exploration of healing, sacrifice, and hope. Kennedy Ryan once again proves why she’s one of the best voices in contemporary romance. This Could Be Us is a must-read—prepare for tears, laughter, and the kind of joy only a truly great story can bring.

Kennedy Ryan's "This Could Be Us" is a powerful and poignant exploration of love, self-discovery, and resilience that beautifully aligns with bell hooks' philosophy in "All About Love." Ryan's masterful storytelling weaves together themes of personal growth, community support, and the transformative power of love in a way that resonates deeply with readers.
When I tell you Soledads story doesn't disappoint that's exactly what I mean. I have never laughed, cried and hurt for a MC as much as I did in this book. Baby when she went to that doctor my heart literally dropped.
Ryan's novel is a celebration of love in its many forms, reminding us that true love – for ourselves and others – is a powerful force for personal and societal transformation.

I didn't know I was a Kennedy Ryan fan until I read this first book in the series. I love the ways Ryan makes Black and Brown women the center focus and not just them being loved, but them loving themselves for their flaws and all. So many times society shits on Black women when we have so many heavy burdens to carry. If I'm being honest, Black women are usually thrown so much baggage and the world expects us to pick it up like we are not human.

The characters in this book are so very real and relatable. Black women and men have real issues and problems that can be solved through effective communication, patience, and, yes, of course, therapy. Ryan shows readers all of the possibilities when we love others unconditionally.

The autism representation is also a huge plus for a community of individuals and parents that are neglected so I love Ryan for that. I have a nephew who is on the spectrum so this would be a great book for my younger sister to read because she feels like nobody understands her struggles with her son.

Whatever happens next in the Skyland Series...I will be there to read it. I love the series.

5 stars all over the place.

Ms. Kennedy Ryan has done it again. I absolutely loved the story, the plot was interesting and it held my attention throughout the book. I loved the main characters because they felt like real people, with relatable issues.

This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan is a romance that will hit you right in the feels. The story centers on Marlie and Q, who have a complicated history and some serious chemistry, but timing and life just keep getting in the way. Their relationship is one of those "will-they-or-won't-they" situations that’s so much more intense than a typical love story. It’s raw, emotional, and just real.

What I really loved about this book is how deep it goes into both of their personal struggles. Marlie is strong and independent, but she’s also been hurt before and isn’t sure if she’s ready to open up again. Q is charming but has his own baggage, and the push-and-pull between them feels so genuine. The chemistry between them is fire, but the way they both have to work through their issues before they can really be together makes the story that much more powerful.

The pacing is perfect. There’s romance, drama, and a lot of emotional moments that keep you hooked. It’s not just a love story, it’s about healing, growth, and learning to trust again.

I really enjoyed this! Soledad and Judah were perfection and I loved their interactions with each other, with their kids, and with all of the side characters. I am so glad I got to this one so quickly!

Thank you Netgalley and Forever Pub for the ARC.

When we were introduced to Soledad in Before I Let Go, we knew that there was something going on at home. In this book, we find out her husband's secrets, which threaten the family's livelihood. His lies are catching up to him, and he's blaming Judah Cross.

Judah Cross is a single father of twin autistic sons. He has an ideal co-parenting relationship with his ex-wife and her new husband. He barely has time for a social life, but then he meets Soledad…the wife of the man he's been investigating. What first started out as a friendship, slowly became more.

My favorite character in this book is Judah. He was perfect in every sense of the word. His relationship with his mother, his ex-wife and later with Soledad, spoke volumes. His patience with his sons and later with Soledad, was an added plus. My least favorite character was Edward. He was a selfish bastard, who got everything he deserved. He didn't deserve Soledad. Overall, I enjoyed this book by @kennedyryan1, and I'm looking forward to the final installment of the Skyland series.

2.75 ⭐️I really wanted to like this but unfortunately this wasn’t the story for me. I loved the beginning I was invested in the plot but the chemistry between Soledad and Judah was lacking, they had very little interactions with each other. Soledad was very conflicted between her journey to get to know herself and constantly turning down Judah only to be upset with Judah decided to give her space to figure out what she wants. I just didn’t like the lack of character development for Judah, I wasn’t given enough reason to root for them.

This has to be my favorite read of 2024 hands down! I'm new to Kennedy Ryan's work with only having read Before I Let Go but these two novels will certainly not be my last! Soledad was such a beautifully-written character, Ryan truly has such a way of showcasing the best and the most vulnerable parts of her characters. But wow...just everything from the prose to the storyline to the plot twists?? Had me on the edge of my seat with anticipation while only wanting the best for Judah and Soledad to work out! And the way they did was so beautiful yet also in a realistic manner with both parties having communication and understanding at the top of their lists. Yes, I've already preordered Can't Get Enough cause I'm so excited to see what will happen with Hendrix! 10/10, would recommend to everyone!

Kennedy Ryan has done it again with This Could Be Us, delivering a raw, emotional, and deeply layered story that grips your heart and refuses to let go. The novel masterfully explores themes of love, second chances, and personal growth, all while highlighting the beauty and resilience of Black love.

The characters feel incredibly real, flawed yet endearing. Yasmen and Josiah's journey from heartbreak to healing is beautifully written, with moments that tug at your heartstrings and others that leave you cheering for their happiness. Kennedy Ryan doesn't shy away from tough subjects, which adds a layer of authenticity and depth to the story. Her ability to tackle mental health, grief, and the complexities of co-parenting with such care and nuance is truly commendable.

The pacing, at times, felt a little slow, particularly in the middle of the book, but the emotional payoff was worth the wait. The dialogue, both heartfelt and witty, keeps the story engaging, and the chemistry between Yasmen and Josiah is electric.

Overall, This Could Be Us is a stunning testament to the power of love and forgiveness. Kennedy Ryan continues to set the bar high for contemporary romance with her rich storytelling and unforgettable characters. If you're looking for a book that will make you feel deeply and think profoundly, this is it. Highly recommended!