Kennedy Ryan has done it again. Soledad and Judah's chemistry jumped off the page from their first encounter and I was enamored. I physically felt Soledad's pain through her traumatic experience. Kennedy also did a wonderful job with autism representation. Five stars!

3.5 ⭐️

I enjoyed this one A LOT at the beginning, but it kind of went downhill for me as the plot went on! Based on the first few chapters, I was hooked and expecting so much fun drama, but as we got to like 60-70% it all just seemed kind of..easy? I also wish there wasn't a time jump in the beginning from the big event that happens. I wanted to see more of the FMC working through that time period rather than jumping to when everything is okay again. I did enjoy the personal growth of both Soledad and Judah, but I think I needed more for their actual romance to make this as much of a favorite as Before I Let Go was. The insta-love was insta-loving 😅

ALSO this is a personal ick - but I think I just don't love reading about influencer characters because everything is always SO OVER-EXPLAINED. I think back when the entire construct of "influencers" was brand new, all the detailed explanation of her job would've been useful, but at this point I feel it's common knowledge what a brand deal, live stream, etc. are that we don't need it so explicitly stated every time.

I went into this book so excited because of how much I loved Before I Let Go and the other Kennedy Ryan books I’ve read. I was really intrigued in Soledad’s story after learning about her through Yasmen’s story and I was eagerly anticipating this one.

This story follows Soledad and her husband, Edward. We learn very quickly that Soledad and Edward aren’t the picture-perfect family that they seem to be. Soledad’s sole purpose in life is to care for her three daughters and work as a stay-at-home mom. I loved the commentary on stay-at-home mothers because my mother stayed home with my brother and me throughout my childhood. My life wouldn’t have been the same had my mother not made that decision to stay with us. Soledad has been in this working-mother life for nearly 20 years while Edward is working at his corporate job.

When the inciting incident occurs, Soledad’s life is knocked off course, and had me sucked in. You couldn’t pry that kindle from my hands if you tried. The first half of this book was so gripping and so good. I couldn’t wait to learn more about these characters and see what happened to them.

Like I said, the first half of the book was great and I had no complaints. But the second half of this book felt so disconnected from the first half. I was so completely underwhelmed by the second half because it went in a way I didn’t expect.

I didn’t like how the two main characters were separated for almost the entire story. It felt like they met a few times, had a few intimate meetings, and then exchanged “i love you’s” which felt super weird to me. I didn’t feel like the characters were fleshed out enough nor did I feel like the characters knew enough about each other to believe those “i love you’s”.

A book I thought about while reading this that had the same type of forbidden romance was Long Shot, also by Kennedy Ryan. Long Shot is probably my favorite KR book to date. It had the same type of romance where the characters were separated for a large part of the book, but August and Iris had a believable romance at the end.

Soledad is focused on her own personal growth and “dating myself” as she preaches throughout the story. Her growth is based on her beginning to understand that she doesn’t need a man to find happiness and she definitely doesn’t need a man to survive. I definitely felt like this was the theme of the second half along with Soledad loving herself as a woman and learning to stand on her own two feet, but it made for a boring second half. I’m not saying that Soledad learning these things about herself is boring, but I wanted there to be more to the second half than just that.

And the third act conflict was VEEEERY underwhelming. There was a blatant conflict that could have been used, but KR went on a completely different pathway. If there was one word I could use to describe this book it would be underwhelming. I remember feeling so heartbroken while reading Before I Let Go, but feeling so giddy upon finishing it. I didn’t have those feelings upon finishing this one which brought my rating down.
I did love Judah. Learning about his experience with autism was very enlightening and inspiring to read. While KR has a gift for writing about grateful and sweet kids, she also knows how to write a really unfair and belligerent kid too.

Overall, I did enjoy the book and I can’t wait to read Hendricks’ story!

I received this as an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

Picking up a Kennedy Ryan novel is more than just reading a book. It’s an emotional journey that transports you. Soledad’s story was so empowering and uplifting. This fell more into the women’s fiction genre for me since so much of the novel focused on Soledad’s growth and evolution, but the romance also plays a central role.

Things to look forward to:
- an absolutely amazing friend group and strong sibling relationships. Soledad’s support system was extraordinary and I loved how they supported and lifted each other up.
- a strong and fierce heroine. I loved that Soledad saved herself and that she took the time to stand on her own two feet. Her character arc was very satisfying.
- a supportive, patient, and generous hero. Judah is an incredible father and partner. He’s also so damn sexy!
- mature main characters with life experience who communicate openly and honestly
- tropes like: found family, single parent, slow burn, pining, dirty talk, forbidden/taboo-ish romance
- a healthy coparenting relationship. Judah and Tremaine always put their boys first and chapter 1 establishes the level of respect and love that these two have for each other. I also appreciated the autism representation and found the scenes and discussions very informative and insightful.

I mainly listened to the audiobook of This Could Be Us and the narration was fantastic! The casting of Ines del Castillo and Jakobi Diem couldn’t have been more perfect. Truly a wonderful listening experience!

Audiobook Review
Overall 5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 5 stars

CW: embezzlement, prison time, financial concerns, death of loved one (past), grief, STI, infidelity, MMC’s son has a seizure resulting in a brief hospitalization, autism

*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book and listened to the audio via Libby/my public library*

This is probably going to be one of the hardest reviews I've ever done. Mainly because Everything has been said. This book was absolutely amazing. I felt seen as a woman wondering how to move in my current station in life. And with all of the memories from my 20's I truly felt seen in this story . I especially appreciated her showing a different perspective for those dealing with autism as well as their families. This story blew me away and I am so expectantly awaiting the next story

I received a copy of the book via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.

Kennedy Ryan can do know that wrong. While I didn’t love this one as much as Before I Let Go, I still enjoyed myself and the story of two real people. My only qualm was the pacing. However, JUDAH… damn that’s a man. I did enjoy the soap drama of this one and the focus on the love also being about self-love and growth but it felt less realistic than the first in this series however, the spice scenes were on fire!!!

This book was beautiful. Soledad and Judah were literally perfect for each other. I loved how patient they both were with each other and their relationship. I also loved how devoted they both were to their families. The coparenting in this book was phenomenal.

I felt for Soledad through this book. Edward was a piece of work, and Soledad and their girls suffered because of him and what he did to them. But, in a way, it was good for Soledad because she was able to prove to herself that she could survive on her own and provide for her girls. I loved her friend group and sisters just as much as I loved Soledad and her daughters. Everyone was super fleshed out, and I felt super connected to everyone in this end.

Judah was a fabulous father to his boys and friend to his ex-wife. I loved that he didn't take crap from his job, but he was so soft and caring to his family and Soledad and her girls. I definitely had heart eyes the entire time.

I also liked that Soledad and Judah were older and mature. They were able to figure their relationship out in a realistic way and communicated openly with each other about their feelings. Basically, I loved this book so much! I'm so glad that I was given an early copy to read and review. Thank you, NetGalley, Kennedy Ryan, and the publisher for the opportunity.

I have been reading Kennedy Ryan's books since I discovered The Kingmaker.
This new series transcends typical romance tropes, something that Ms. Ryan's excels at.
It has disability representation and unconventional romance roads.
Masterfully written, this book is what happens when you're too busy making plans.

It's no surprise this book is resonating with so many readers!

Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥 /5
Overall: 5/5

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review!

Kennedy Ryan has perfected the craft of romantic fiction. The first two books in the Skyland series are among my favourites of all time for their delicious blend of romance, struggle, and healing. The series centers around a group of women who love each other fiercely building the lives they deserve. Y’all know I love romance that is basically just pure smut, but this book is not that. Its super spicy, don’t get me wrong, but it will also have you crying into your pillow.

This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan is the second book in the Skyland Series. This is Soledad and Judah’s story.
 
Soledad is Yasmen’s friend from the first book, and I really liked that we get her story now. Soledad is very organized, loving and gives everything for her family and three daughters. I admired that, but unfortunately there are two people in a relationship and her marriage is in shambles and ends. This book is her story of living and loving again afterwards and it was very beautiful to follow alongside her.
 
Judah is divorced as well, and he is co-parenting his two sons who are both autistic. I appreciated how this was shown and it gave me a new perspective. He is a well-established man from the start who doesn’t really show any character development, but that was also not necessary as he is the supportive and perfect partner for Soledad as is.
 
Judah is the one who falls first, and I really liked seeing that. At the same time, he gives Soledad enough room to explore herself. The story is not solely focused on the romance, but rather on life and how these two can make it work. I usually don’t read a lot of Women’s Fiction, but this book is a shining example of what that should be.
 
Overall, This Could Be Us is a very empowering and deep romance that I really enjoyed. 4 stars.
 
(ARC kindly provided in exchange for a review.)

At the end of 2022, I read (and devoured) the first book in this series, Before I Let Go. Hands down, it was my very favorite romance novel of that year. There’s no doubt about that. Kennedy Ryan has a knack for creating the most complex, layered, and well-crafted characters. The plots she develops for them are just as stellar. They feel so raw, realistic, and intense. You can’t help but get swept away in their lives. I was rooting for Soledad and Judah from start to finish. I adored their individual storylines, and felt a burst of excitement each time their paths collided in the novel.

WHAT I LOVED:

- Great character growth and development
- Influencer lifestyle and culture
- Themes of motherhood, marriage, and friendship
- Yummy food references
- Neurodivergent representation
- Hot and steamy bedroom scenes
- Dreamy Judah 😍

Even though I didn’t love the second installment as much as the first, it still impressed the heck out of me. Book one is really hard to beat, trust me! I’m crossing my fingers for a book three in the near future! I’ll read anything the author writes! 4/5 sexy stars for This Could Be Us! It’s out now!

Thank you Forever Publishing for the advance copy.

If you’re looking for a book with an incredibly strong female main character with an awesome friends group, This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan is for you. I only have high praise for Soledad and company.

This was my first read by Kennedy Ryan and I can see why she is a favorite! More than a romance, this was the story of a woman coming into her own, finding herself again after giving all she had to everyone else. Soledad’s life is turned upside down by the husband she has supported and loved, and without realizing it, lost her identity to. Judah is a swoon-worthy divorced hands-on dad of twin autistic boys, co-parenting with his ex-wife but often the parent in charge. He’s also the one who helps explode Soledad’s life.
The story is almost a coming-of-age story for Soledad, as she has to pick herself up, find herself, set boundaries and discover what makes her happy. She also needs to find the balance of prioritizing herself and allowing others into her life.
As the mother of an autistic son, the author authentically presents life as a parent of an autistic child and the struggles, the fears and the immense pride. As someone who loves someone who struggles with some of the same issues, I can attest how genuine this felt.
Unbeknownst to be me when, this is technically the second book in a series. But that in no way has any impact on reading this book.

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️

This could be us is a story of self love, recovery and identity. I saw so much of myself in these pages but I also found much more than that! This story was entertaining and empowering. There was heart ache and drama and an abundance love that took many different forms.

Soledad is a character who I could absolutely root for! She deserved everything. I’m happy for her wins and I cried for her losses. Her big heart and resilience was inspiring and I wished for her to find that joy that I knew Kennedy had coming. Her ex husband was absolutely Delulu! That man needed a kick to the head. May he rot in the fire pits of you know where! The audacity! I can’t even with him. But Soledad’s diligence in rebuilding what he broke was INCREDIBLE! In love with Soledad! She was an amazing mom, manager and business woman! Gotta love a woman with a sense of hustle 🥰

Judah! Oh, I will fight any and everyone about this man! He was scrumptious OMG! I loved his patience and his honesty. The love he had for his sons was abundant and pure and just everything! He is the standard! **You better come over here and get you one of these.** But this man loved on Soledad in anyway that he could while Soledad was on her journey. I swear it can’t only be me who loved his pining! Y’all know I’m a sucker for some good pining! 🙌🏽 He had me weak in the knees. You could tell that he truly cared for Soledad for more than just her looks. He did the work hunny!

When I spoke with Kennedy Ryan last year about this book, I was already in tears just hearing the description. It’s no secret that KR is one of my favorite authors and I have yet to be disappointed by something that she written. When it comes to The Could Be Us, it’s no different! She handled the heavy topics in the story with care and compassion and for that I have to thank her so much for the advanced copy for review!

I HIGHLY recommend this book to EVERYONE, but especially my single ladies, my single mothers and anyone who has ever been made to feel small. This romance is for you if love a man obsessed and self-love. This is book 2 of the Skyland series but it can be read as a complete standalone. I recommend Before I Let Go as well though (book 1)!

This was one of my most anticipated releases this year and I’m so sad to report that it just missed the mark for me. It felt much more like a lit fic/womens fic (hate that term) than it did as a romance. The story was great, Sol was an absolute warrior, but the romance threw me off.

Fans who read “Before I Let Go” already knows Soledad’s husband doesn’t deserve her. She meets Judah Cross at her husbands company holiday party, and the first thing she notices is his warm smile. They hit it off right away but he is definitely off limits.

Judah is divorced and successfully co-parents his twin autistic boys. Ms. Kennedy masterfully writes about Aaron and Adam and their separate journeys on the autism spectrum. I love how Ms. Kennedy writes about Judah and his ex-wife. They are friends and want the best for the boys and each other. Soledad makes a connection with Judah’s son Aaron very early on and that says alot for him. Soledad’s world literally blows up and the story goes from there.

Soledad picked up the pieces to provide for her family and embarks on a journey of self discovery and self love. Judah is obsessed with Soledad, but in the cutest way. He is a dream as a hero. Ms. Ryan writes that every touch with Judah feels like an intimate kiss. Judah is patient and gives Soledad room to get back in touch with herself. This book is also about supportive friends and I can’t wait to see how Ms. Ryan does Hendrix story. She is a mess! Finally, there is a connection to Bell Hooks that has led me to read one of her books this year. Kennedy Ryan is an excellent writer and I highly recommend this book.

I thought I loved Before I Let Go and other books I've read by Kennedy Ryan, but I loved This Could Be Us.

I enjoy books where the main theme is a woman finding herself and falling in love with herself, and the romance is more of a subplot. That's exactly what we got with This Could Be Us. Soledad had to pick up the pieces after her husband betrayed her and turned her and her daughter's lives upside down. The way she takes a bad situation and spins it to bring in income and keep their lives as close to normal as possible, all while trying to find and forgive herself, is amazing. And even though Soledad was "self-partnering," Kennedy Ryan made sure to let us know that just because you're self-partnering doesn't mean you can't want to be with someone or that it is a replacement for romantic love (I think we forget that sometimes). The book's display of sisterhood, community, and culture was done well.

On to Judah, I LOVED everything about Judah. His relationship with his ex-wife, her husband, and his sons made me smile every time they interacted in the book, Getting an insight into their journey on navigating their son's autism and making him realize that he too is on the spectrum was my favorite part of his story. I think Kennedy Ryan did a fantastic job showing the autism spectrum. Now, his relationship with Soledad made my heart smile. He was so kind and patient with her from the beginning. The way he looked out for her while he was actively investigating her good-for-nothing husband, showed how great of a man he was. Their chemistry was off the charts, and I'm glad Soledad was able to learn to trust herself and him, to get the love she deserves.

The QUEEN has done it again!!! I wanted more of Soledad’s story after reading Before I Let Go, and boy did Miss Ryan SERVE us just that! One of the best and most powerful writers of our time! With strong themes of healing, self-love, and sisterhood, this book was an emotional rollercoaster for me and now I must patiently await Skyland book 3.

Soledad is a strong and amazing woman. I loved reading about her in the first book of this series and I knew I hated Edward but I didn't know how much until I got into this one. I love how we get see her low point and when Edward gets caught and then we get to see her pull herself up, make a name for herself doing something she loves, make a life for herself and her children. I love her relationship with her friends and sisters. Reading her story feels being a part of her world. I always love the day in the life books. You just get to fall in love with the characters.
I loved how Judah would allow her space and find peace with herself while still loving her. He was such a wonderful father figure. The representation of Autism was done so well. As I watch my nephew grow up with Autism I loved seeing him in characters. Judah and Tremaine's struggle with child care, with schooling, with fidgets and special interests and having to make fiscal decision for their kids future are all things that I have witness in real life. Their storyline really resonant with me.
I love Kennedy Ryan's writing. She portrays characters with such depth. The stories are so real. I think the only thing I was missing in this was a rubbing of her happiness in Edwards face. He just got away. I wanted him to suffer. (i know petty but he was despicable).
of the friend group I love Henderik. I can't wait to see how her story goes. Spring 2025 can't come soon enough.
Highly recommend for lover of emotional love stories, with family drama, fantastic sisterhood and friendships and real in-depth characters.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc of this book. All opinions are my own.

Incredible! I absolutely loved this one. Such a great book to curl up with. It was hard to pull myself away to do things, but I always looked forward to diving back in. Highly recommend!