This Could Be Us is the second installment of the Skyland book series which follows Soledad’s journey toward self-healing and independence. Soledad is working toward a future for herself and her family, but is uncertain if she can truly trust herself. Her friends and family rally around her to make sure that she finds good footing. She doesn’t need a man, but finds a friend in Judah Cross, a single navigating parenthood of autistic children.

The biggest rub for me were points in the story when I had difficulty connecting with the characters.. In the author’s note, Kennedy Ryan speaks about wanting to write on the topic of autism with care and empathy. I think she achieves her goal with ease. However, there are times throughout the story where the writing on autism feels prescriptive or educational. During these moments I felt the most disengaged.

True to form, Ryan takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster ride with This Could Be Us and allows the reader to imagine relationships that are not defined by societal expectations but solely by the persons involved.

True rating 3.25 stars

I’ve been awaiting this book! I love Kennedy Ryan! I loved the book color. Soledad is an amazing character. Despite the situation with her marriage she kept her head up for herself but more so for her daughters. She deserved all of her success because she definitely worked for it.

This book did not disappoint! The writing was immaculate and I could envision each character just from reading the words. The care that was taken in discussing the topic of autism was awe inspiring and miss Kennedy Ryan can do no wrong at this point. I will be rereading when I get my physical copy and listening when the audiobook is available because I simply couldn’t get enough.

amazing/phenomenal/did not want to stop reading for one single second once I started!!

Before I Let Go is one of my all-time favorite books so I was really excited for Soledad’s story and it did not disappoint. I was so invested right away and loved the autism rep with Judah’s twin sons and how he also began to understand himself better. And then Soledad’s journey of learning how to love and trust herself while raising her family, an absolute queen.

Beautiful cover and beautiful story. I found Before I let go wayy late but devoured the story in a day. This was no different! Soledad's story was beautiful told. Don't hesitate go get this!

5 stars! Finished this in 24 hours - thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the advanced reader copy!

I liked this story even more than Before I Let Go. I loved the Afrolatina and autism representation especially knowing Kennedy Ryan's personal experiences with autism. The plot was PLOTTING. My jaw dropped with every single revelation and development in part 1 (lets just say Edward put Soledad through some mess...no spoilers here)! It's clear in other romance novels when the relationship and the pining is the main story, but this was a good book all around. It was a slow burn without the miscommunication trope (thank god) and Soledad as a main character was so relatable. I absolutely loved the messages around boundaries, friendships, and found family. One quote that was so beautiful to me was, "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."

I also have to give a round of applause to Kennedy Ryan as an author. She puts so much care, research, and love into her stories. Her writing was already stellar but has improved so much, making this a 5 star read for me.

This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan follows the story of Soledad, who is married to Edward, and a mother to three teenaged daughters as her life feels like it is falling apart when her husband is arrested for embezzlement. Soledad goes on a journey of finding herself, and rediscovering who she is as a mother, daughter, sister, and friend... but also discovers Josiah Cross, who is a single father to two autistic teenage twin boys and happens to be the man who uncovered her husband's crimes.
This was one of the easiest five stars I have ever given, LOVED this book. Every single character (except u Edward) was so easily to love and three dimensional. The dialogue was incredibly natural, and it made these characters feel so real.

Soledad is one of my favorite book characters of all time. Her resilience and love for her children, family, and friends is unmatched. She's emotionally intelligent, and just so intelligent in general, and it was so easy to root for her, her success, and happiness from right in the beginning.


And Josiah??? You simply know this man was written by a woman, because he was so perfectly. He was smart, kind, patient, romantic, compassionate. The things this man was syaing had me BLUSHING and kicking my feet you guys... he is top notch, and perfection.
And this book was special because I feel like it captured so many different kinds of love so well - between parent child relationships, romantic relationships, love between friends, like I felt all that pouring through the pages and it was incredibly well done.
You guys have to pick this one up, I was hooked from page 1 all the way through the end, which wasn't that long because I loved it so much I read the entire thing very fast. GREAT read I would highly recommend it.

THIS COULD BE US by Kennedy Ryan is the second book in the Skyland Series. I cannot say enough that Kennedy Ryan is an auto purchase author for me, full stop. This book is a slow-burn romance where we meet Soladad again and Judah. Soledad was introduced in the first book, Before I Let You Go, and she is the best friend of Yasmen and a housewife to Edward.

Our first introduction to Soledad in this book shows her crumbling marriage. Her husband, Edward, and Soledad are headed to his annual Christmas event and are in the middle of a mini-argument. Soledad has a sixth sense that something isn't right in her marriage. She's unsure what it is, but she wants to resolve it. The audience sees right away that Edward is selfish and self-serving.

Soledad is right; there is something amiss. I dont want to spoil it, but it wouldn't be a romance between Judah and Soledad if she stayed married to Edward. After Soledad's divorce, she does a self-reflection and decides to work on her. Making space for yourself is a self-partnering concept I've never heard of. You're treating yourself just like you would a person you were dating. This means that Soledad intentionally was more nurturing, caring, and understanding toward herself. She also became a social media influencer to care for her three daughters.

When we meet Judah, he's in the middle of an amicable divorce, and he is planning, with his soon-to-be ex-wife, joint custody of their two twins who have autism. You immediately get insight into the type of father Judah is and how he sacrifices for the ones he loves. Judah is my favorite person in the novel and easily was added to the ranks of book boyfriends. The twins live with Judah five days out of the week, and he's juggling family life and a budding interest in a colleague's wife- Soledad.

Throughout the tumult of a messy separation- and other things that would spoil the book-Judah is there for Soledad. He gives freely his time, care, patience, and, ultimately, love. He is thoughtful, considerate, and kind of stalkerish- while Soeldad is self-partnering, he follows her on social media and tries to support her business with purchases and online views.

Soledad and Judah both have so much in common but are also different. She is more outgoing, and he's a self-proclaimed introvert. Both are devoted parents who sacrifice for others, even if it neglects their happiness. Both have a belief that there is more than casual sex; sex has meaning for these characters.

My one criticism is that it is TRULY a slow burn. While Soledad is in this self-reflection and finding herself, there are gaps in time spent together. I got to 56% of the way into the book; before they even kiss, Soledad is really anxious about whether this is what she wants to do right now. Should Kennedy have given more than nine months after her divorce before these two met each other again? It may be better to classify this book as a woman's fiction instead of a romance. I dont know.

Kennedy is the queen of pairing couples whose interest and love for each other is there, and outside forces are what work to keep them apart. The reader sees a clear view of a story of two people meant to be together. This novel demonstrates serendipity at its finest. It weaves of tell of what it means to meet the right person at the wrong time and how you navigate falling in love when you don't think you can love anymore.

Thank you, NetGalley and Forever Grand Publishing, for this advanced reader copybook. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I just reviewed This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan. #ThisCouldBeUs #NetGalley
www.netgalley.com

5/5

This was an absolute page turner! I could not put it down, Kennedy Ryan did it again! Her words came alive and played out like a movie in my mind as I read. I love how the author also provides a glimpse into a life of autism. This Could Be Us is book #2 in the Skyland Series, the first being Before I Let Go which is a slow more emotional read about Yasmen. Soledad was my favorite character in Before I Let Go (my least favorite being Deja, but I was most curious about Hendrix). I was thrilled to learn This Could Be Us would focus around Soledad! I was not disappointed, it was an exciting rollercoaster ride I did not want to end. The books can be read independently of each other but there are a few spoilers, or updates on where Yasmen’s life is now. This is hands down one of my favorite fiction reads of 2023.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #NetGalley #ThisCouldBeUs

This was such a highly anticipated read for me considering I ADORED before I let go earlier this year, which only makes this review even more disappointing. I can’t say I particularly cared for this book. The romance was completely underutilized and underdeveloped, which made the whole thing 1) super insta-lusty and 2) took too long to actually happen. I felt no chemistry between these two characters and as the romance took a backseat in this book, the story itself was not enough to redeem the story for me

I absolutely loved Before I let go, so when my friends told me that book 2 in this interconnected stand-alone series was available on NetGalley as read now, I had to get it!!

First of all, I love the representation in this book of an adult on the spectrum, I don’t think I’ve read many of these.
Second, Kennedy Ryan’s writing is fantastic.
And third, as a caribbean girly myself, I approve of the machete.

This could be us (4⭐️) although it did lose me at certain moments was an enjoyable read that kept me thinking about the story whenever I had to put the book down. I did wish to see a bit more of Soledad’s journey and struggles right after IT happened, but maybe that’s just me being a sadist idk 🤷🏽‍♀️

In this book, Soledad had to navigate through different topics like self love, reinventing yourself and learning how to move on, all the while taking care of 3 kids…whew 😅 want to know how she did it? Read the book to find out (pub date: March 5th, 2024)

Thank you Netgalley and Kennedy Ryan for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a satisfying and smoldering, slow-burn romance. Follow Soledad and Judah as she picks up the pieces of her life and he patiently pursues her as they navigate their own roads of healing and growth.

This book was such a beautiful and authentic story for so many reasons. It was thoughtful and compelling, filled with grief, renewal, and hope. There was so much representation in this book-- for parents of children with autism (as well as individuals with autism), for Black Latina women, for children of incarcerated parents. These stories are not included in the romance genre. They just aren't. Kennedy Ryan does such an incredible job of developing dynamic and worthy characters in which each character's story matters deeply and pulls at your heart.

This book was so readable that I devoured it! Thank you Kennedy Ryan, Forever, and NetGalley for this e-ARC! I highly recommend this book as well as its predecessor, Before I Let Go.

This book was everything in more. I know this book will be deemed a romance by many, and it definitely is, but it feel like so much more than that. I absolutely loved the development between Soldedad and Judah, but I believe that Soledad journey in loving herself and building her life back up after so much betrayal and deception was so inspiring. Self love is not a linear process and while that is something that Soledad felt conflicted about at times, she really showed amazing growth in the end and choosing her happiness. I absolutely loved her and I feel like she is my favorite heroine of all time at this moment. Kennedy Ryan is amazing at writing resiliant women and I love that representation in her book.

I also really adored Judah, not only for his place in Soledad's life, but even on his own. He showed up as a great father, a great partner to his ex-wife, and respectful love interest to Soledad. He was all around a stand up guy.

One of the many things that I love about Kennedy Ryan is how intentional she is in her writing. You can tell that she does her research to ensure that when she does write about certain subjects and communities that she does it with great respect. In this book, Judah's sons are autistic. She makes note of her own personal experience, but also understands that everyones experience with autism is not linear. I think she did a great job in representing the spectrum in a way that doesn't demean the community. It gave great insight to people like me who aren't completely familiar.

Overall, this is a 5/5 star book for me.

Thank you to NetGally and Grand Central Publishing/Forever Publishing for this ARC in exchange for review.

*4.5

Kennedy Ryan truly knows how to write a romance that can make me laugh out loud on one page and then have me holding back tears on another. The first book in the Skyland series, Before I Let Go, was one of my favorite books of 2022 and I was beyond excited when I received an eARC NetGalley for the next book!

The story follows Soledad as her life is completely upended when it's discovered her husband has been stealing millions of dollars from his work and is sent to prison for his crimes. Soledad has to pull herself together to make sure her daughters don't lose the only home they've known while also trying to keep food on the table. Soledad uses her expertise in domestic duties, hosting, cleaning, and cooking to launch a career for herself and finding herself along the way. But of course this is a romance novel and when the man she shouldn't want but cannot stop thinking about, she has to learn how to trust herself again when it comes to romantic love.

Now while this is definitely a romance book, the story really does have a strong component of a woman realizing her true worth outside of a marriage, finding what her true aspirations are, and learning to love yourself completely. Kennedy Ryan did a fantastic job of showing Soledad's journey through her divorce and learning to actually take something for herself for once instead of just focusing on what others need from her.

I didn't give this the full 5 stars because I really wish we would've gotten more time with Soledad and her romantic love interest in the book (I'm not going to say who because it kind of is a surprise and once you learn WHY he's "forbidden" its all makes sense why being with him would be complicated for Soledad).

Reading the author's note at the beginning of the book about why Kennedy Ryan was hesitant to write this story because it closely ties to her life as a parent with an autistic child was incredibly thoughtful and heartwarming. You can tell Kennedy Ryan cares deeply about portraying this experience correctly and I think she did an amazing job.

Kennedy Ryan honestly has me in a chokehold 😂 I really loved this book, the character development was *chef’s kiss*.

I’m so proud of Soledad and how she rose from rock bottom. She faced so much trauma but stood on business! I love that she was able to go on her self-love journey and experience healthy love after her trash marriage. I was so happy to see her thriving and happy and hope to see more of her!

I hope Edward rots in hell 🥴 I would like a little update seeing something terrible happen to him 😂

Judah is an amazing man overall! I could definitely relate to his experience of seeing some ASD tendencies in himself but lacking a diagnosis. I also want to see more of Judah and the boys!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I pre-ordered a hard copy and can’t wait to read it again upon official release 🤩

Kennedy Ryan packs so much into this book- but in a way that doesn't feel like too much. It all works!

My top 5 elements, in no particular order:
-female friendships
-functional co-parenting
-inclusion of autistic children
-self-love
-the romance, of course!

I think this may be my new KR favorite! Beautiful job.

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝙲𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝙱𝚎 𝚄𝚜 𝚋𝚢 𝙺𝚎𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚍𝚢 𝚁𝚢𝚊𝚗

𝙌𝙪𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙨𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨: Soledad Barnes has her life all planned out. She plans everything. But none of her varied talents can save her when disaster strikes…in the process of saving her family, Soledad rediscovers herself. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes of a life burned to the ground, something bold and new rises in its place.

Kennedy Ryan can do no wrong. She knows how to pull out ALL the emotions in her writing and it’s shown that she cares so deeply about the topics she writes about. I loved this book. This is the second installation of the ‘Skyland Series’ & with big shoes to fill from ‘Before I Let Go’ this DID NOT disappoint. I loved the healing journey Sol went through for herself and for her girls. I loved our MMC Judah Cross & just how solid of a man he was for Soledad in her journey for self discovery. Just beautifully written!

Things I LOVED:
✨ Self-Discovery Journey ❤️‍🩹
✨ Dual POV 👩🏾‍🤝‍👨🏿
✨ Neurodiversity Representation 🧩
✨ Strangers-to-Friends-to-Lovers 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨
✨ Found Family 🤞🏾
✨ Strong Family Bonds ♾️
✨ Boss Mom Energy 💅🏾👩‍👧‍👧
✨ Rockstar Single Dad 👨‍👦‍👦

As always, bravo 👏🏽 to Kennedy Ryan for another job well done. I will read anything you put out (Can’t wait for my girl Hendrix’s story)—thank you for all of your wonderful, heart wrenching, & thought provoking stories.

Thank you to both @netgalley and @readforeverpub for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date: 3•05•2024


#ThisCouldBeUs #KennedyRyan #NetGalley #ForeverPub #BookReview

I love all the books I’ve read by Kennedy Ryan and this was no exception! I really enjoyed the voice that the characters used and everything about this was just delightful for me to read! Definitely will be recommending to others!

We were all at the edge of our seat because Before I Let Go left us on our asses. Yasmin and Josiah growth from loss and grief was top notch. We wanted Soladed story because of the "not shit" vibes we garnered from Edward. So, with that said this book was a solid five stars for me. I good follow-up but not as much of a punch as the first story. Now, don't get me wrong, because as a single mother who is still on the journey, Soladed went on I related to many parts. The missing of the one person who you could talk to about anything. I just broke down on November 11 because I wanted to talk to me granny and can't anymore. She was my person, likes old had her Mami.

She was the definition of a single married woman. One that was not valued and basically frowned upon. We all knew Edward was shady, but let me tell you, the twist of his shade was not expected. The audacity to still look down and try to berate and point fingers at someone when they held you down until it was stupid to do so. The threat he brought to her home, kids, life, and body. Let's just say the scene that left a lasting scar was praised by me, and I felt the rage and release as well.

I would say Kennedy embodied the friendship we clung to in book one. Hen role in this one had me in tears. She and Yas were Sol rock even though her sisters were present as well.

“We believe in you, Sol. If there’s anybody on the face of this earth who can make something out of nothing, it’s you. You just need a little time to make your something.”

These words are what true friends/life sisters say to each other. I have my person, and we are going 28 years strong. Some things are just pure and from the heart.

Now on to the love of a man. One who looks out for you and your kids when he has nothing to gain. Someone who lives and breathes for his twin autistic teenage sons. A workaholic who goal is to set up his kids beyond his death. Judah!!!! The man who steals hearts through the pages. Putting real and fictional men to shame. Lord, if he doesn't support me like Judah does Sol, send him back. I felt his revelations in my soul. He was patient but determined, like Sol, not to settle for less than he deserved. He waited 4 years, what was a few more.

Thank you for spiritual journey of self-care and self-love. Proof that you can, and you will. Nothing holds you back more than your fear. However, what pushes you the most is proving naysayers wrong. That, "Watch Me" was a powerful statement.

This is a story of self-discovery, triumph, and forgiveness. I expected to love the book but I did was not prepared for all the feels. Aaron and Adam were the sweetest babies and their parents did right by them. I love the disability visibility and homemaker appreciation. I loved how Mami’s journey gave us clues to the outcome of the story. It took a while to get there, but Judah and Soledad were made for each other.

Also, the symbolism in this book was top notch. The pearl handle machete? Come on Miss Kennedy!! Phenomenal read. I think this will be one I’ll keep reading annually. It was THAT GOOD.