Kennedy isn’t just going to write…she is going to give you a story! Loved it. I really enjoyed the positive ex-relationship (as this is how my divorced parents are with each other). Really lovely dynamic.

What a beautiful Experience!!!

Soledad is a a Wife and stay at home Mother of 3. After her husband Edward's company party life for her changes.
Judah is an Accountant, Divorcee, and father of twin boys. After his company Christmas party life after his divorce becomes interesting.
This story was so beautiful. I don't want to give to much of the story but, I learned so much from the pages of the book. And love between friends cannot be defined by others, you make that yourself.

Woah! I think this is one of Kennedy Ryan's best books so far. I personally love the Skyland series more than any other. I just feel it has such depth and nuance its like no other. It also deals with characters at such an older age which makes sir for such a different dynamic and different set of characters.

The amount of growth these characters went though in the timeliness of this book, the representation Kennedy does and does it so carefully. I honestly love all of her books and treasure all of them however this one was something oh so special.

Thanks to NetGalley for ARC copy in exchange for an honest review as always all words are my own.

I want to start this review off by saying I liked but didn't love the first book “Before I let go” in the Skyland Series so I was skeptical about this book. However, I absolutely loved “This could be us.” Soledad and Judah are such beautifully written characters. Their interactions and budding relationship was the right amount of spicy and the yearning jumps off the page. Getting to know more about both of their families and their individual lives was so enjoyable. I was rooting for them the entire time. The supporting cast didn't steal the show from the MCs but they still felt fleshed out and important to the story. The villages Soledad has around her while things are falling apart and at other points coming together and Judah’s reflection on his children’s disabilities brought tears to my eyes. Beautiful book, I could gush about it for hours!

I never write reviews but I could not wait to write about this book! "This Could Be Us," is nothing short of a literary gem that resonates with profound beauty and empowerment. Having had the privilege of reading an advance copy, I am compelled to express that this novel is easily one of the most beautiful books I have read in a long time.

The narrative revolves around Soledad's captivating journey, skillfully woven by Ryan to not only tell a poignant story but to serve as a powerful mirror reflecting the strength and self-worth of BIPOC women. As a reader, I found myself profoundly moved by the way Soledad's experiences echoed the universal themes of self-discovery, self-care, and the invaluable nature of self-love.

Through Soledad's character, Ryan masterfully navigates the complexities of identity, resilience, and the pursuit of one's own narrative. What sets "This Could Be Us" apart is its ability to transcend the boundaries of fiction and resonate with readers on a deeply personal level. Soledad's journey becomes a mirror reflecting the importance of recognizing one's self-worth, a poignant message that struck a chord with me as a Black woman who found myself in a similar position as Soledad in my own life.

The novel is a testament to Ryan's prowess as a storyteller, seamlessly blending elements of romance, self-discovery, and empowerment. The characters are vividly painted, the dialogue is rich with authenticity, and the emotions are palpable.

I felt like this book was a transformative experience that spoke to my soul. It gave me hope in love and reminded me that all is not lost after divorce. Kennedy Ryan has not just written a novel; she has crafted a masterpiece that serves as a beacon of inspiration for anyone in search of their own strength and worth. It's a celebration of love, resilience, and the undeniable truth that, no matter the circumstances, we have the power to start again.

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?

My Take:
Publishing March 5, 2024, this is the second book of Kennedy Ryan's "Skyland Series," but can be read as a standalone book. I was happy to receive the ARC because I read the first book, "Before I Let Go," as a buddy read and I know that this book will be read more formally as a book club pick. The title, "This Could Be Us" didn't only refer to the romantic pairing of the book: the journey that Soledad embarked on is a journey that any one of us could emulate-no matter where we are in life. I won't say too much more about the book except this: if you liked, "Before I Let Go" and wanted more about the community and friends described therein, this book gives you what you want and more with sensitivity and passion.

I have been in quite the reading slump lately and have not been able to start or finish many books. This book was incredibly different. It had my attention from the very first page and I found myself reading voraciously and unable to put it down.

Love, love, loved this book! The storyline was so good! Kennedy Ryan did such an amazing job developing the story and the characters. I won’t put any spoilers but I love the character development, the relationships. The CHEMISTRY!! The amount of spice was just right for me and whew…it was spicy!!

Such a good follow up to Before I Let Go!

Loved following Soledad’s work on herself and Judah allowing for her to grow! Hope to keep seeing more of them in the next one

This book was amazing! Just like Before I let go I was invested in the story from cover to cover! It’s a page turner! I loved the characters, the love and care that went into transforming the life of Judah and Soledad! Perfect read for me! I truly appreciate Ryan’s ability to speak to her audience about hard topics through her books! Amazing read! Loved it!

If I could give this a million stars I would. This Could Be Us is a multifaceted story of love. Self love. Parental love. Grieving love. Safe love. Soledad’s story had me feeling stressed with her, healed with her, and loved with her. Soledad felt things so many people can relate to. Questioning yourself, your worth, your life over someone else’s bad behavior. Her journey was the main focus to me and I loved it. Judah’s relationship with her gave me the warmth of sun. Their story is so perfect and so fundamental. I love the couple as individuals, parents, and partners which I think drives the point of this story. We are all to be loved and cherished wholly and unapologetically by others and most of all ourselves.

I cried and was bared to my bones. This is a story of a lifetime for me.

Kennedy Ryan does it again. Watching Soledad learn love again and learn herself again was really a treat. I fell in love with the characters on page one and found myself making guesses and desiring to finish it more and more as the book went on.

This book is rightfully one of the most anticipated romances of the year and it does not disappoint. You will find yourself re-engulfed in the world of skyland and eager for the next read.

5 stars Once again Kennedy Ryan put my heart in a vase grip. Soledad was a strong woman and great mom. Judah was great dad very forced on his kids and himself.. Balanced life is hard work and they both worked toward there goals. Both characters were NVP. Love Kennedy stories telling. Thanks

I was drawn in from the first chapter of the book. Seeing Soledad's journey from hurt to self-love was heart-wrenching and refreshing. The dialogue and relationships between the characters made me picture that I was there. It didn't just focus on the love in a romantic relationship. It delved into the love between family, between friends and how they are all connected. I would definitely use this in our book club in 2024.

There really aren’t enough words but Kennedy Ryan has done it again. From the drama to the angst to the friendships to the witty but sassy one liners—I’d give this book more stars if I could.

This book was amazing!! I loved the story between Judah and Soledad. Also loved the minor characters in the book. It was such a great story but also sad. The slow burn was so good! I also enjoyed the relationship Judah had with his ex wife and how they were still on good terms and had a good relationship with their boys. Awesome job Kennedy!! Can’t wait for the next book!

Soledad was so unexpected. I was surprised to see how much fight and bite she had in her. This romance is about recovery and a new beginning and I felt satisfied in her journey. I had moments where I was GASPING AND CRYING from anger on her behalf. I couldn't put this book down. Everything Kennedy Ryan writes is 5 stars but this book was unexpected and wonderful. I can't wait to read Hendrix's story and everything else by Kennedy Ryan.

Soledad Barnes is everything to everybody. She is the homemaker, the problem solver, and the primary parent. But when shit hits the fan and the life she built with her douche of a husband falls apart she is forced to pick up the pieces to keep herself and her daughters going.

Of course, because she is beautiful and amazing an unlikely man enters the picture but has she reconnected with herself enough to trust herself to fall in love again?

Can she make room for possibilities?

✨✨✨

Soledad was so unexpected. She was someone I deeply related to and I was surprised to see how much fight and bite she had in her. When we met her in Before I Let Go, I assumed that her journey would be met with a lot of resistance on her part rather than the desire to want more for herself.

This romance is about recovery and a new beginning and I felt satisfied in her journey. I had moments where I was GASPING AND CRYING from anger on her behalf.  I think the only thing that kept it from being a 5-star was some of the development between her and her daughter Inez.

In comparison to Before I Let Go, where Yasmen and Deja had a very cathartic conversation that helped shape their connection and bring it to life, I felt like we didn’t get that as much between Inez and Soledad. The girls are navigating something really intense with their father but unlike the first book, I felt like I didn’t feel the intensity as much which made them a little flat. But then again, it is a beginning, whereas with Before I Let Go, their story feels like almost the middle of a healing journey.

Overall, it’s a must-read. You don’t need to read Before I Let Go to read this one thought I definitely recommend that you do to be grounded with all the characters!

Wow it must have been meant for me to read this book at this time because I swear this is what my husband did to me. Making me feel insecure every chance he could and the final blow up said some things to me that made me feel that I never knew him and I too had been with him for over two decades. And I also got a call, letter letting me know after an annual that I had chlymidia as well. What a dirty bastard???? And then the audacity to blame her for getting it, “The notion of me being unfaithful to you is ridiculous. If you have the clap, I’m asking who you’ve been with.”

The questions Soledad asked of herself while she confronted the asshole in prison are all questions I have wondered about my marriage. How long has he been looking right through me? Not seeing the woman I’ve become? Did he ever love me? Is he even capable of it?

The questions he asked Sol when she was leaving is all questions that were thrown at me when I was put out of me and my husbands home. “You can’t do this,” Edward hurls at my back. “You have no money. They’ll take the house. What do you have without me, Sol? You won’t survive.”

I too feel like Sol. I only have two best friends like Sol and to have to tell them everything that has gone down in my marriage over the last year and the final breakdown/argument was pure embarrassment because I know they too knew and had their thoughts about my husband. It’s like I have been living a lie like Sol.

I ask myself the same questions why would I even be thinking about a man when I am still married to a scumbag? A woman who hasn’t been touched with any real passion in months. Years?” How long has it been since things felt right between Edward and me? Now I just want him out of my life, which leaves a void I probably shouldn’t fill with another man right away. I have other things to focus on.”

I have had to have my mother and brothers to keep me afloat as Soledad has her best friends to do.

Inez the middle child challenges Soledad just as my middle child has done with the pending breakup and chose to stay with her father.

“I’m only now realizing how he subtly cut me down all the time to keep me feeling dependent on him for my worth. All these years I thought we were working together, but Edward thought I wasn’t working at all. He viewed me as a dependent, not a partner, even though he couldn’t have accomplished half of what he has without me.”

“I’m glad you asked. Do they dismiss your feelings as ‘crazy,’ but others in your life don’t agree? Do you often feel manipulated? Controlled? Like you’re losing your sense of self? Then you might be married to a narcissist.”

“No one is on the way to rescue you. No one is on the way to save you and your girls. At the end of the day, it’s up to you.”

Soledad is an amazing woman and so giving when she is even down!!! Reminds me of myself.

“Knowing how to be solitary is central to the art of loving. When we can be alone, we can be with others without using them as a means of escape.”

Wow I have thought about all of this. Where did I go wrong? You should have given him more blow jobs. Cooked better, cleaned better, anticipated his needs. He wanted someone more ambitious. No, more docile. No, more outspoken. Because he obviously wanted someone who wasn’t you.

I’m interested in are the ones about myself. Shouldn’t I have known? The fundamental question becomes not Can I trust another man again?, but Can I trust myself? He was a bad man, yes, but was I a bad judge of character? And would I be again? What will I accept in.

I need to do this. There’s something bold about eating alone, enjoying your own company and not waiting for nobody.

“I’ve come to realize that a woman who wants more and realizes she deserves it is a dangerous thing.”

Wow Soledad I was so happy she got it in to Edward as parting words!!

I am so glad that Soledad got to confront Amber and wish that I too could find out why my life fell apart because I know there is someone else but my husband has done a good job keeping that part separate and a secret!!!

All good advice from Yasmen and I needed to hear this as well. “You were standing on your own,” Yasmen interjects. “Edward wasn’t around at the end. He wasn’t present. He wasn’t loving. You were raising those girls, managing that house, building your investment portfolio. The only way that man could build real wealth was to steal it. He tried to tear you down. He needed more from you than you ever needed from him. It’s his bad luck you finally figured that out.”

“As fast as God gives,” Yasmen says, “as fast as you get. I am waiting on my blessing but I just hope I will know when mine is at my door and I don’t turn it away.

“When we have hard times, huge changes that seem to be the end of the world as we know it, it’s actually an incubator for metamorphosis. For a new beginning.”

“She was in love with two men in her life.” Soledad leans against the stairwell wall. “Lola’s father and mine. Lola’s dad was that passion that burns so hot it consumes you. Her love for my father was...softer, warm, not hot, but it was that enduring kind of fire that just keeps burning and lets you glow.” She bites her lip as if uncertain how to go on, but I let her figure it out in the silence, afraid anything I might say would ruin it. “I used to think of that great passion as a vine that wraps around your soul, makes you feel wild and abandoned and almost out of control. And I thought of what she had with Dad as a seed that grows slowly within. Something you nurture over time that makes you feel safe and secure.” She looks up at me, resolve and wonder in her expression. “I was never sure I had either with Edward, but with you I’ve found both. You make me forget the world when you kiss me, and it’s reckless and out of control, and yet there is no safer place. No one I trust more. You’re a harbor, not just for me, but for your boys, for your ex, for anyone you love and who needs you. You are the seed and you are the vine, and I love you, Judah.”

This is what scared Sol and this is what I would love. It I know it would scare me too!!!

I guess I need to go on a self love journey to be ready when God places someone in my life that loves me unconditionally.

Kennedy Ryan does it again. This book was a warm hug and a lot less heartbreaking than the first one—heartbreak is my go to tho. She has a way of bringing awareness to important topics with a tender and realistic approach. I absolutely I love the way she incorporated recipes and household hacks in this story. I loved this so much and cannot wait for Hendrix’s story!