I absolutely loved this book. Kennedy Ryan writing has a way of moving and making me cry my heart out. I’m so excited to read the next installment in the series.

This book was everything I didn't know I needed. It gave me validation as a parent of two autistic children. Its hard to put into words how great this book was. Soledad's journey to giving herself the same love she gives to others unconditionally was freeing. I LOVED how Tremaine and Judah navigated their twins having autism. They made me believe that it is possible to still achieve my goals while supporting both my husband and my children. The scene where Aaron had a "moment" in the toy store, broke me but also validated me as mother of autistic children like nothing else could have.

In short, this book made me feel seen, helped me reflect, and grow a deeper appreciation for the way I have learned to communicate with my non-verbal daughter and my son.

My first by this author. Thoughtful, provocative. Readers are sure to find their hearts tripping over this one!

Another amazing story by Kennedy Ryan! I was excited to follow Soledad’s story in this book. I love how she went on a self love journey and finally doing the things that made her happy.

There hasn’t been a single Kennedy Ryan book. I have read where I didn’t get emotional, and This Could Be Us is no exception. Solidad‘s life takes an unexpected turn with the crumbling of her marriage. All the walls are crumbling down all around her. To watch her pick up the pieces of her shattered life to fight for herself and her girls is powerful. She goes on this journey of self-discovery and self-love for herself that she didn’t have before in her marriage because she lost herself in the identity of being a mother and a wife.

Judah is a single dad of twin teenage boys, both of whom are on the Autism Spectrum. Judah and Solidad unexpectedly enter each other’s lives and begin to spend time together. Solidad does not want to be involved with someone again because she wants to find the woman she is without being dependent on a romantic relationship.
I was in awe of Judah because of his willingness to wait for Solidad,

There’s something in the way that Kennedy Ryan writes about the human experience that makes it feel relatable, hopeful, and romantic. Her writing always evokes some emotion in me that will leave an impression. Not many authors do that. It’s just breathtaking., I want to thank her for writing about autism in a vulnerable way because I know that’s from her own lived experience, and to share that with your readers is fantastic. Overall, My critique is that it was a good story about self-discovery and Soledad’s journey. I felt it overshadowed the romantic almond in this book.

Loved this story. Love how Yas reclaimed her life, her way. I enjoy the fact that they showed how Judah was an active father and maintained healthy relationships and how he allowed Yas to just be and to heal while still showing interest . Yess sir!! The friendship, the mother daughter relationships all of it. Proves how even though people try to break us we can keep moving forward. I can’t wait for the next book.

Soledad is the ultimate strong female character, and her journey of self-discovery is truly inspiring. I loved the authentic autism representation and the way Kennedy Ryan skillfully wove diverse cultures into her characters. Soledad’s focus on self-love and growth was powerful, and Judah’s caring, supportive nature, especially with his kids, made him a standout. However, while I usually enjoy a slow burn, I found myself waiting for the romance to develop, and when it finally did, it felt a bit late for me to fully connect with their relationship. Kennedy Ryan’s inclusion of meaningful themes is always impressive, though in this case, it gave the story more of a women’s fiction feel. This was a beautiful, reflective read, even if I wanted more romantic moments between Soledad and Judah.

Soledad’s story is heartwarming, a rebuilding and finding yourself kinda read. I enjoyed the development of the story and how it all unfolded. The highs and lows were definitely relatable and Kennedy Ryan did a really good job highlighting the struggles of starting over and also blending families. I think the value of the importance of family and a good group of friends was really highlighted in this book also

I loved this book. It was nice to meet this friend and find out what was going on in her life from her POV. She was an interesting character in Before I Let Go.

This book is truly life changing! I read it when I got the early copy and finished it in 30 hours! I re-read it with my bookclub and it was truly a hit. Kennedy is truly gifted. She creates the most beautiful romances that also feel relatable. You can feel the love and research that she pours into her books! I am so grateful to have gotten an early copy and would love to host an intimate dinner for the 3rd book in the serious Can't get Enough- Phoenix, AZ would show up and show out!!

Kennedy Ryan just doesn’t miss honestly. The autism rep seemed well researched and you can tell the author has first hand experience with what she is writing about. The romance felt so realistic and I love the respect the mmc had for the mother of his children. Perfect continuation of this series. I love the ladies friendship and can’t wait for book 3

I expected a lot more from this book, but I did enjoy it for what it was. This story was really about a woman discovering herself and that's okay, but I I was expecting more romance. I felt like Judah deserved way more than what Soledad was able to offer him initially. I also LOVED seing Judah as a dad to two autistic boys.

This book was incredible. I could not have been more in love with all of the characters in this story and their self love journeys. I think this book would serve as a huge piece of hope for anyone struggling through divorce. Soledad was so inspiring and I felt I could connect with her so much even though I haven't been through the same things as her. Overall, I loved this book. I cannot recommend it enough.

Thank you so much to Forever (Grand Central Publishing), NetGalley, and Kennedy Ryan for an Advanced Reader’s Copy (ARC) of This Could Be Us.
#ThisCouldBeUs #NetGalley

Synopsis: Soledad Barnes has her life all planned out. Because, of course, she does. She plans everything. She designs everything. She fixes everything. She’s a domestic goddess who's never met a party she couldn't host or a charge she couldn't lead. The one with all the answers and the perfect vinaigrette for that summer salad. But none of her varied talents can save her when catastrophe strikes, and the life she built with the man who was supposed to be her forever, goes poof in a cloud of betrayal and disillusion.

But there is no time to pout or sulk, or even grieve the life she lost. She's too busy keeping a roof over her daughters' heads and food on the table. And in the process of saving them all, Soledad rediscovers herself. From the ashes of a life burned to the ground, something bold and new can rise.

But then an unlikely man enters the picture—the forbidden one, the one she shouldn't want but can't seem to resist. She's lost it all before and refuses to repeat her mistakes. Can she trust him? Can she trust herself?

After all she's lost . . .and found . . .can she be brave enough to make room for what could be?

Kennedy Ryan did it again! This Could Be Us was such a sweet and emotional love story and you just can't help but to fall in love with Soledad and Judah. Kennedy Ryan truly knows how to write a GOOD love story. Yes there is spice, yes there are cutesy scenes, but most of all there is a PLOT and a relationship that feels like watching a real-life movie. I love easy romances just as much as the next person but this book was so hard hitting in all of the best ways. Auto buy author!

Judah is an exceptional character! but I feel like we were cheated. We unpack everything about Sol’s character, meanwhile all we know about Judah is that he’s an accountant who hasnt been on a date since his divorce. Yes this is Soledad’s story, but I personally want to feel connected to both main characters. Judah spends hours watching Soledad’s social media to try to get to know her while Soledad doesnt take any time to know Judah.. but she loves him?? at 90% of the book? Babe you dont know this man lol all you know is that you love what he does for you. To me this literally felt like 2 different stories that occasionally has cross over episodes. Judah stalking Sol.. and Sol being a social media influencer.

I did love the message of taking time to learn and fall in love with yourself after ending a relationship that has lasted half of your life, but she was on this journey for over a year. I am all for taking your time, especially when children are involved but in a way Sol was almost convincing herself that she doesn’t deserve to fall in love again because she picked a bad man before. A quote that I highlighted:

“Do you have to deny yourself happiness with someone else in order to be happy with yourself?” - Yas

I also love the representation of autism, and the reflection of a healthy relationship between 2 people that are co parenting.

Lastly, Edward got let off way too easy and the surprise plot twist with Amber was honestly unnecessary if it wasnt going to shake the table with Soledad and her daughters. The ending was rushed and I didnt like it. It took Sol 90% to tell that man she loved him and now you want to fit trips and family dinners in this last crumb of the book. Atp I just wanted it to be over

I will say this book is perfect for women that have experienced divorce, and dating again after being comfortable with one man for so long

OMG, This Could Be Us is such a gem! 💖 Kennedy Ryan totally nails the mix of love, resilience, and all the feels. From the get-go, I was hooked on the characters—they’re so real and relatable, and you can’t help but root for them.

Ryan’s writing is super lyrical and draws you in like you’re right there with them. The chemistry between the main characters? Absolutely electric! 🔥 But it’s not just about the romance; they face real-life struggles that hit home. It’s all about trust, communication, and the ups and downs of relationships.

What I love most is how Ryan tackles heavier themes like grief and past traumas while still keeping a vibe of hope and healing. The dialogue feels so authentic—every conversation is packed with meaning.

This Could Be Us isn’t just a romance; it’s a beautiful reminder that love can blossom even when things get tough. 🌈 Seriously, if you’re looking for a book that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you smiling, this is it! Highly recommend! 📚✨

Kennedy Ryan strikes again with this novel. Her honest and heavy take on dealing with real life while also having your personal world crumbling around you is insanely good. You feel for the characters and root for them. Life is hard and Ryan never shies away from that in her Skyland series. Can't wait for the next one!

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

After Before I Let Go, I could not wait to devour Kennedy Ryan's next book. I am excited to continue with her novels, but I want to take my time with them, so I will slowly read through them all. I am so thankful for NetGallery allowing me to read this book as well. I am also very excited for Hendrix's story!

This was definitely a story about self-love more than romance for me. I mean it all starts with the dedication <i>"For those us who never quite fit into the spaces they made for us."</i> Soledad had to go through a journey of self-discovery after leaving her husband. She had to figure out how to trust herself again, lean on herself and her friends to help support her and her girls, and learn how to be happy with her own company. At times, it did seem to leave very heavy on the self-love journey that it could have started to hold her back in life, but it was still an important and deserved story. She learned how to stand on her own two feet and what she would require in order to give herself to someone again.

It definitely was love at first sight for Judah. You really can understand why Soledad loves Judah because of all the ways he shows up for her and listens to her and tries to understand her. It is a little harder to see why he loves Soledad because she is taking so much and giving so little because she wants to focus on herself and what she needs. He had his initial attraction to her and loved how she took care of her family after leaving her husband, but I was missing a little something from his viewpoint of her in their love story. We got to understand him as a father and as a love interest for Soledad, but we did not get much to understand him as a person. There were glimpses here and there of him trying to understand himself and considering that he himself might have autism, but we did not get the chance to see him as a whole person.

I loved some of her quotes before the chapters:
<i>"There are years that ask questions and years that answer." -Zora Neale Hurston
"I fall in love with myself and I want someone to share it with me." -Eartha Kitt </i>

Two other quotes will stick with me about friendship and love:
<spoiler><blockquote><i>There aren't enough sonnets for friendship. Not enough songs for the kind of love not born of blood or body but of time and care. They are the ones we choose to laugh and cry and live with. When lovers come and go, they are the ones who remain. We are each other's constants.

I've learned that revealing yourself to your partner should bring healing, not harm. That a true intimate relationship is a safe place with no facades. A space where you can be wholly yourself. </i></blockquote></spoiler>

This Could Be Us is book 2 in the Skyland series and it can be read as a standalone. Soledad's life turns upside down when her husband, the father of her 3 daughters, gets arrested for embezzlement. All of a sudden, she has to fight to keep a roof over her family's head and food on the table.

This book is first and foremost about Soledad's journey to rebuilding her life and rediscovering herself in the process. In addition to that, she falls in love with Judah, the man who essentially found the evidence that locked up her husband. I am not gonna lie—the drama about Soledad's husband was juicy lol. I was just as invested in his downfall as I was in Soledad's journey of growth and self-love.

I truly only have just one complaint about this book: I felt like I didn't really experience Judah's previous marriage. The author did a lot of telling instead of showing on that aspect. We are told that Judah and his ex-wife are better off as friends. We are told that they weren't each other's big love. We aren't shown how or why. I understand that there was probably not enough space to expand on Judah's previous marriage because Soledad is the central character. But as a reader, I expected more on that end.

Although I had an e-ARC of this book, I listened to it on audio because I really liked the narration. I would also look for own-voices reviews regarding the autistic/autism representation.

Kennedy Ryan crafts such amazing tales. I laughed, I cried, I wanted more. I love how the characters from her other books return, and we get a glimpse into how they are doing. I can't wait to read more from her!