Probably my fav Kennedy Ryan book yet!!! I absolutely adored the characters, the story line, the plot, ALL OF IT!!

After reading Before I Let Go, I was so excited to catch up with Soledad in This Could Be Us. And my goodness. THIS. BOOK. From uncovering Edward’s truth, to meeting the man that is Judah Cross, to Soledad’s determination to provide for her family. I was in it from the beginning!!

I loved the focus on parenting and it being both a challenging and rewarding journey, but also a role that one can choose for oneself. Soledad and Judah navigating parenthood was so incredibly moving. As a former teenage girl (🥺), I was in tearssss seeing them pour their entire selves into their children while sometimes neglecting their own needs. Parenting can truly feel like a thankless endeavor at times 😭

But it warmed my heart knowing they both had such lovely support systems. I loved hanging with Yasmen and Hendrix again. They are just so fun! But we also meet Sol’s sisters and we see Sol’s girls learn and understand more about their mom, not just as a mom, but as a woman who was hurting and doing her best. 💕 Women supporting women 💕 They remind her that even as a mother who provides, she’s allowed to want and be taken care of as well.

And Judah!! I loved everything this man said. He was so respectful of Sol’s journey while supporting her in quiet ways. But he is also a man who makes things happen and goes after what he wants. And boy does he know what he wants!! This man was so beautifully down bad. I LOVE HIM.

I’m so looking forward to Hendrix’s book. We get to see more of her this time around and everything she said had me cracking up. So excited to revisit Skyland in the eyes of a single rich auntie acting her wage!

Kennedy Ryan has written a stunning novel that encompasses so many important and relevant themes.

- single parents romance
- slow burn
- autism rep

Soledad goes THROUGH IT and comes out so much stronger. I always love the FMCs that Kennedy writes and Sol is so thoughtful, caring, strong and such an amazing parent. The solace that her and Judah find in each other was so beautiful. I loved that this was a slow burn!! It made so much sense for their characters and the storyline. And Judah OMG he is such an angel.

I think what struck me most was everything Sol realized after she left her relationship with Edward. She wanted to spend time on herself, get to know the person that she'd been who had been in this relationship with someone that she. clearly didn't know like she thought she did. Watching her question herself and her be so emotionally intelligent about why and what she was seeing in Judah to make sure it was RIGHT was just so relatable. I loved that about her even though i was DYINGGGG for her and Judah to get together sooner.

Watching both of them find something in each other that they'd never even realized they could want in a partner was touching and inspirational. Kennedy Ryan truly writes the most well rounded romance books out there.

Well y’all I’m about to get real here. It’s no secret I’m a forty something bookstagrammer living vicariously through mostly twenty something romances. While I adore young love
books with “mature” female characters have never made me feel more seen.

This Could Be Us by @kennedyryan1 is one of those heart wrenching reads that I’ve been looking for. She speaks the hard truths about marriage, motherhood and female friendships. Yet she celebrates these themes at the same time. She knows the insecurities of women all too well. Through her writing she is able to show us the path to accepting ourselves and ultimately celebrating who we are as women. If you can’t tell I love these books! They are full of love, hope and spice 🔥

Thank you @readforeverpub for the E-ARC!

KENNEDY RYAN IS A QUEEN AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK. I would highly recommend this book to everyone and anyone!!!

Really enjoyed this booked! Loved the storyline, the drama, the representation of autism and of course the characters. I connected with this book more than I did with book #1. While the romance was spicy, I think I enjoyed the focus on self love even more!

Kennedy Ryan does it again with Before I Let Go. With beautifully written and richly developed characters, the second book in the Skyland series doesn’t disappoint.

Judah and Soledad are drawn to each other like magnets. I loved their story as well as Soledad’s story of finding herself after divorce.

Ryan also writes about the autism spectrum based on her own experience with an autistic child,

Read if you like:
🩵 Love after divorce
🩵 Food
🩵 Found family

Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the eARC of Before I Let Go. Don’t miss this book when it’s released in March!

Kennedy Ryan can do no wrong! If you are looking for a complex, emotional, sexy romance then she is the author for you. This Could Be Us delivers exactly that. I loved being able to Soledad find herself and rebuild a life on her own terms. Her dynamic with Yasmen and Hendrix is such a beautiful display of supportive female friendship. Now for Judah- get you a man who is an excellent father and will support you even if it puts his desires on hold. Judah has is bad for Soledad from the start, it was great seeing them get to know another and have their relationship evolve. My only gripe is that this book is a big of slow start for the romantic plot. We do not see them together for a good portion of the book. I wish it was paced up a little so we could sit in their beautiful little love bubble. Aside from that I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I am very excited for Hendrix’s story next year.

Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley for a copy of this e-arch in exchange for an honest review.

KENNEDY RYAN CAN DO NO WRONG. Every single book I've read has been 4 stars and above. This book was stunningly written and overall has a beautiful message. Soledad Barnes thinks she has her life together, but when her husband's choices blow up their lives, she is forced to face reality. But she still has to make sure she and her three kids stay afloat. Enter Judah Cross, the most perfect book boyfriend.

The book focuses on so many important topics. From self-worth, autism representation, and cultural representation, to romance subplots, I loved every second of it. If you ever need to read about about badass women, this is the one. Soledad's strength through tough times is tested often, but the way she overcomes her struggles by herself at first and then with Judah is beautiful. I cannot recommend this book enough. And I can't wait for the next book in the Skyland series.

thank you netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange of an honest review!

this has been sitting on my kindle library for weeks now, and honestly, i regret not reading it sooner! ''this could be us" by kennedy ryan is a touching story about soledad, a strong and relatable female lead, and her journey of self-discovery and resilience after a big hit in her life.

ryan skillfully incorporates different ethnicities and cultures into the story's fabric, and while romance isn't the main focus, the connections Soledad forms, especially with Judah and his children, are heartwarming to witness. Judah's understanding of Soledad's journey adds depth to their relationship, and i might honestly be obsessed with him.

Overall, it's a beautiful and empowering read that highlights the importance of having a good support system and resilience.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Read How: 📱
Genre: Romance
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Series: Book two

“I fall in love with myself and I want someone to share it with me.” —Eartha Kitt, iconic actress

This Could Be Us is the second book I have by Ryan and my favorite. This was just a fantastic read and love the message behind it. In my opinion, even though this is the second book of the Skyland series, I don’t think it’s necessary to read the first book. I thought Ryan did a great job giving details about the characters from the first.

What I like:
- The representation of autism was handled with care. Every autistic people are different but I saw many of the things she wrote with my own son.
- Y’all this book was messy messy messy in the beginning. I loved it.
- Even though this was a slow burn, it was filled with dialogue. It had a couple of laugh-out-loud moments
- I really enjoyed learning more about Judah and his ex-wife's relationship and even though they did not work out, the level of respect is impeccable.
- I loved learning about Soledad’s Puerto Rican culture and foods.
- Soledad took the time to reconnect with herself and self-exploration even when it was easier to jump into Judah's arms. #datingmyselfchallange
- The relationship between Judah and Soledad. What I liked about this couple was they talked through their feelings (even though they didn’t fully understand what they were feeling) with each other instead of using sex.
- Soledad's relationship with her daughters. Judah's relationship with his sons.


What I didn't like:
- I thought what Edward did in the end was too convenient.

Thank you so much Netgalley and Forever for the ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

5 Phenomenal Stars

If Kennedy Ryan writes it, I’m going to read it. This Could Be Us is a perfect example of why she has become my top five of “go-to” authors. This book shows the breadth of her writing and all that she puts into a story. We have a story that while it’s light on the “romance” side is absolutely a love story and second chance story.

Soledad has her life upended and her perfect world just may come crashing down around her… but she’ll stop at nothing to provide a life for her daughters and that doesn’t include introducing a man into their lives. But she’s underestimated Judah. This man is everything I love in a book hero, kind, thoughtful, has an amazing relationship with his kids and when he loves, he loves hard.

This story took me on a journey of life, love, friendship and all that is possible in life. Ms. Ryan is a wonderful storyteller and the way she writes her characters I can’t help but fall in love with everyone and everything in this book. It’s very clear that a lot of thought and research was put into this book and I was once again drawn away from my sometimes mundane life and lived in a world that was full of love and what trusting again can bring into our lives.

Thank you Netgalley for an early ARC of this book.

I loved this book so much. Soledad is such a strong, amazing character. Judah was the man of every girls dreams. Soledad's life changes in an instant but she show grace and determination to make a beautiful life for her and her kids. She is on a journey of rediscovery when she begins to fall for someone she shouldn't. I al so glad that we got a story from Soledad's POV. and we also got glimpses of Yasmyn from Before I Let Go. This book was s heartbreaking and healing as the first one.

This was beautiful written and hilarious. Once again, sisterhood and friendships are the highlights of the story. I love her relationship with her sisters and her best friends. (Impatiently awaiting Hendrix's story).

This Could Be Us is a beautiful tale of self-forgiveness, self-love, and resilience after the unexpected. I love the way Kennedy Ryan weaves a story and her Skyland series is really a showstopper. Love, family, friendship, and finding oneself takes center stage and I could not put it down. Thank you to Forever Publishing for the advanced reading copy, receipt of which did not impact my review.

This Could Be Us is the second book in the Skyland series by Kennedy Ryan. We revisit Skyland, one of Atlanta's most desirable communities. One minute, Soledad is having dinner with her husband and three daughters and the next minute, FBI agents are at the front door arresting her husband for embezzlement. This is literally just the beginning.

The domestic goddess now has to provide for her daughters, keep a roof over their heads and food on the table, while fighting an attraction to a man she shouldn't want but cannot resist.

First of all, take a minute to drool over the book cover. Full of vibrant colors, flower sketches and a brown girl with natural hair. It exudes confidence. It gives grown woman fiction. It is eye-catching on a bookshelf, be it physical or digital. You can practically hear it saying, "Pick me up! Read me! Get to know me!" The book cover most certainly caught my attention.

This Could Be Us begins with tension that builds and lingers along each page until it bursts like sunlight. Kennedy Ryan expertly weaves themes such as honest parenthood, raw emotions, transparency, truly amicable divorce and self-love. Most importantly, the author raises awareness on autism through two minor characters and handles the close-to-home subject like a pro.

I cannot recommend this new release and series enough. Jump on the bandwagon if you're not already buckled up. For those who read Before I Let Go, welcome back to Skyland. Bookhearts, you are in for a delight!

Happy Early Pub Day, Kennedy Ryan! This Could Be Us will be available Tuesday, March 5.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

The follow-up to one of my favorite reads of 2023, Kennedy Ryan gives us the next installment in the Skyland series, This Could Be Us. My expectations were high, and it delivered another gut punch of reality. This story sizzles as two people discover love can be reborn if given time.

Judah x Soledad duel POV
GenX love story
Second-Chance romance

A great story of self-love, self-discovery and healing.

Thank you, Forever

Read if you like:
💪🏾 Strong FMC’s
💕 Learning to Love Yourself
🧍🏾‍♀️Figuring out how to stand on your own
💔 Heartbreak to..
❤️‍🩹 Healing
👯‍♀️ Strong Friendships
🥵 Excellent Spice

The depth of emotion that Kennedy Ryan writes with literally had me stopping while reading This Could Be Us to buy most of her backlog, because after loving Before I Let Go and being sucked into This Could be Us, I knew I needed her other books.

I truly loved the authors note at the beginning of the book truly set the stage for how this book would be so powerful for me and the way the disability rep and parent of disabled kiddos was written was so beautiful, especially for me as someone who works in the disability advocacy space.

In addition to the way disability was handled, I also really loved how the healing journey was handled for Sol and that she truly was taking the time to figure out what being whole meant to her after her life as she knew it came crashing down.

I truly hateeeeeee Edward, but the way his character was written was perfection for who he was as a character and the reason for Sol, journey being needed because he truly was not a good partner and there were real implications to Sol and her kids that she had to deal with in the wake of the mess he left behind.

Honestly, I am just rambling at this point, but all this to say, I really loved Sol’s story and how it was a story about her and picking up the pieces after finding out what you know is a lie, but being able to see that you are more than how your husband treated you.

Also… Judah freaking Cross… I don’t think I need to say anything more than that…. IYKYK

I can’t wait to read Hendrix’s story next as I just know it is going to be soooooo good! Thank you so so so much Forever Pub for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

At this point, Kennedy Ryan can do no wrong! This Could Be Us is the second in the Skyland series by Kennedy Ryan. We follow Soledad and her messy husband who were introduced in Before I Let Go. Love, patience, and acceptance were explored and highlighted in this story beautifully. Kennedy also does a great job writing children and teenage characters and making them well-rounded. There's very little that I can say without spoiling parts of the story, but Kennedy continues to give a masterclass in crafting thoughtful characters and romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this book and I don’t understand why 😂 On paper, there was so much about this story that annoyed me. The dialogue was wholly unnatural at times. The conflict wasn’t great - Edward was evil but he had no depth, and at no time did I feel there was even the slightest chance everything wouldn’t work out okay. And the fact that Soledad’s reaction to needing money was to become an influencer instead of getting a less risky job to feed her children is just an insane choice.

But Ryan can craft a hell of a story. The chemistry between the two MCs is PALPABLE. I loved both of their perspectives and I was glad I got to spend some time in Judah’s head because he was an absolute delight. And Ryan’s writing about marriage and motherhood and finding yourself is exquisite. I’d probably cry reading her grocery list, that’s how good she is.

So yeah, I had some issues with the plot, but I don’t care at all. This book was wonderful. I’m very much looking forward to exploring more Skyland stories in the next installment.

Thank you to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC. This Could Be Us is out 3/5

I LOVED this first book in this searies so I’ve been eagerly awaiting this one and it didn’t disappoint.

Once again, Kennedy Ryan has written a beautiful story of resilience, a story about starting over, getting your confidence back and finding love along the way. This is a book that will inevitably pull you in from the very first chapters and take you on a rollercoaster of feelings. I loved it and can’t recommend it enough!

Sol was such a badass! I’m obsessed with her😍 After being betrayed by her husband and seeing her life be turned upside down, she didn’t hesitate and immediately started working on building it back up and, perhaps more importantly, build herself and her confidence back up and made them better than ever. Her love for her daughters and her relationship with them was beautiful and same goes for her friends. I love how honest and genuinely good she was, always helping those who needed and being there for them, even when her situation was far from ideal.

And Judah, oh my god what an amazing man! From his relationship with his kids and ex wife to the way he cared for and loved Sol, always giving her space and trying his best not to pressure her into doing anything she wasn’t ready for - he was just a walking green flag, honestly. I’m in love🥺

I absolutely loved this book. Having said that, I will add that I wouldn’t say this is a romance. While that doesn’t make it any worse and I had the best time reading it, though romance is definitely a part of it and it is amazing, it seems this book would fit more into the women’s fiction section.

A big thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review.