Thank you so much to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for graciously providing an advance copy of "This Could Be Us" by Kennedy Ryan! Kennedy Ryan's literary prowess shines brightly in this compelling narrative, as she skillfully navigates intricate themes ranging from social justice to matters of the heart. She is definitely one of my fav authors.

Kennedy Ryan's characters are vividly rendered, evoking deep empathy and introspection from readers. The protagonist, Soledad, undergoes a journey of profound transformation, navigating betrayal and discovering self-love amidst adversity. The author provides an amazing depiction of sisterhood, cultural representation, and the complexities of relationships. Particularly commendable is Ryan's portrayal of Judah, a compelling and compassionate character whose dynamic with Soledad is imbued with authenticity and passion. Their chemistry leaps off the pages, captivating readers from start to finish.

In addition to the captivating storyline, Kennedy Ryan's sensitive portrayal of autism spectrum disorder through Judah's twin boys adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. Overall, "This Could Be Us" is a testament to Kennedy Ryan's talent as a storyteller, leaving readers eagerly anticipating her next literary offering. I liked Before I Let Go but I absolutely loved This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan.

Soledad Barnes has her life upended in the blink of an eye when her husband Edward is accused by the FBI of embezzling 6 million dollars from his high-powered job. With her marriage on the collapse, she must do what she can to survive and keep her family afloat with help from her best friends and sisters. But when she finds herself attracted to a new man, Judah Cross, she finds herself stuck in between the man she married and the man who put her husband away. Can she stay away from him, or will their undeniable chemistry be worth risking it all again for love?

This book was so moving. Right off the bat, we are drawn in by the scandal and the need to know what happens. This is very much a slow burn. The love story comes in much later. But that being said, it is so magnetic and powerful! I loved how she brought in realistic characters and family dynamics. Judah's kids have autism, and one of Soledad's kids struggles with realizing her dad is the villain and not the hero she thought he was. The supporting characters (her sisters, friends, and community) are all great secondary characters that help really bring this book along. Soledad is a force and we need more women like her. Judah is such a swoon-worthy hero and all around great man.

The one thing that irked me though was that Soledad is at rock bottom and is worrying about how her family is going to survive while their assets are frozen, She is talking about how she needs financial stability and her reaction to that is to become an influencer, which is the least financial secure and stable job out there. Many times she mentions not making any money on social media, yet they're still somehow making ends meet. Why wouldn't she get a real job?! Influence on the side if you want to, but there is no way off the bat, even after her first "viral" video she is making money. It could be my own biases but I am so over the influencer heroin and it "solving" everything.

Overall I'd rate this 4.5 stars. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review. This book releases 3/5

Kennedy Ryan does not miss! I went into This Could Be Us not knowing what to expect, and I feel like that was the perfect way to experience this book. I was hooked by the prologue, angry by chapter one, and my jaw was on the floor by the end of chapter two. I truly did not see any of the twists coming. But at the heart of this story is Soledad's journey in learning to love herself, as well as trust herself again after being betrayed by her ex husband.

On top of it all, the conflict between Soledad and Judah's romance was so so good. For a good portion of the book, I was really questioning how they could be together when he was the one working to put her husband behind bars. Especially since Soledad's daughters, especially Inez, truly believed he was the one responsible for their father being taken away from them. While I was rooting for Soledad's solo journey after picking herself up and doing what she needed to do in order to provide for herself and her daughters as a new single mother, I was also rooting for her and Judah so hard. He was so patient and understanding with her, and also completely obsessed, which are such good qualities in a love interest.

I love this book, and I can't wait for Hendrix's story next!

This Could Be Us" by Kennedy Ryan is a captivating tale of resilience, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace the possibility of a new beginning. Soledad Barnes, a character with a penchant for planning and fixing, finds herself facing a life-altering betrayal that shatters the foundation she meticulously built. What follows is a poignant journey of rebuilding, not just her life but also her sense of self.

Ryan skillfully weaves a narrative that goes beyond the conventional romance genre, delving into the complexities of trust, resilience, and the capacity for second chances. Soledad's character is well-developed, and her journey from the ashes of her past to a bold new future is both inspiring and relatable. The author's exploration of Soledad's multifaceted talents, from being a domestic goddess to a resilient provider for her daughters, adds depth to her character and makes her journey all the more compelling.

The forbidden romance element introduced with the unlikely man adds an intriguing layer to the story. Ryan navigates the delicate balance of trust and self-discovery with finesse, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, wondering if Soledad will take the leap of faith and allow herself the chance at happiness once more.

The writing style is engaging, with vivid descriptions that bring the characters and settings to life. The emotional depth of the narrative is palpable, making it easy for readers to empathize with Soledad's triumphs and struggles. The pacing is well-executed, ensuring that the story unfolds organically and keeps the reader invested from beginning to end.

Overall, "This Could Be Us" earns four stars for its compelling storytelling, well-crafted characters, and exploration of themes beyond traditional romance. Kennedy Ryan delivers a poignant and uplifting tale that resonates with readers, reminding us all that from the ashes of loss, something bold and new can indeed rise.

This Could Be Us has all my love and admiration. Soledad’s life is thrown a full 360 degrees upside down and then some when the FBI knocks on her door and the truth about her husband’s life and antics comes out. The path forward is uncertain and despite feeling lost, Soledad must try to navigate it.

This book is full of love, determination and transformation. Even when Soledad is at her lowest, she gives herself grace. She allows time for all the feelings and then tries. Even if it’s one small step, she tries. Even when she thinks she has nothing left to give, she still tries for herself and for her daughters. And what blossoms is beautiful.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the gem of a human being, Judah. Despite being the forensic accountant that ultimately triggers the downfall of Soledad’s husband, he is just the sweetest, most respectful human being. The level of patience and understanding he has for his autistic twin sons really shows how big of a heart he has.

There is so much character depth and chemistry, slow burn love, representation, and strength that I cannot do it justice in a review. Go read This Could Be Us for yourself and experience all the emotions.

A big thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read this book. The review expresses my own opinions.

Kennedy Ryan balances messy, entertaining drama with mature and realistic depictions of romance in her Skyland series. In book two, Type A Soledad Barnes is thrown into a life of chaos after facing a devastating betrayal. Just as Soledad emerges from the fog of her new reality, Judah Cross enters her life and shakes it up again. If competent, adoring fathers make you swoon, prepare to get scorched by Judah Cross. Ryan pours her heart into writing Judah’s autistic twin boys, as you’ll read in her author’s note.

An absolutely emotional gut punch of a book. Love love love! The two main leads are my favorite and I cannot gush about this enough! So powerfully emotional and beautiful. A must have!

Another fantastic book by Kennedy Ryan! This is the second installment of the Skyland series and follows the story of Soledad, our badass FMC. Although this book is guised as a romance novel, it is so much more than that; it’s a woman’s journey of self-healing, self-discovery, motherhood, and love through sheer determination and support of those around her.
This novel has a great autism representation and I appreciate the amount of research Kennedy Ryan did on not just on the diagnosis itself but the impact it can have on families. As an occupational therapist, I think she did a phenomenal job bringing light to what the families may go through on a daily basis and the therapeutic strategies that can be implemented to help manage some of the challenges. And most importantly, Kennedy Ryan, somehow, seamlessly introduced Judah, Aaron and Adam and allowed the readers to connect with them in a deep, personal level even with their unique mannerisms and behaviors.
But be warned… Kennedy Ryan has a talent for writing about the worst, despicable, and trash of a human being; the book will make your blood boil at times. The way my blood pressure shot up during the first 1/3 of the book.. I should be on medication right now.

Anyway, I Love it. Loved it. And am definitely looking forward to her next novel!

The first book in the Skyland series is one of my favorite complex romances so, when I heard Soledad's story was next I could not wait to get my hands on a copy! Kennedy Ryan crafts beautifully flawed and layered characters, and weaves romance into emotionally fraught, realistic, and heart-wrenching circumstances.

Slow burn romances do not always work for me, yet Soledad's journey to love herself after her world was shaken made for a believable and necessary reason for her romance with Judah to develop slowly. I was as enthralled with the self-discovery and reinvention storyline as was with the scorching hot romance! I absolutely loved the autism representation, the friendships, sisterhood, and the beautiful examples of parenting throughout this book. A new favorite!

I am a big Kennedy Ryan fan and this series is just so good!

What I loved:
-The main character’s self-discovery and character growth
-The themes of love after heartbreak and second chances
-The friend group! I loved the trio in book one and even more in book 2
-The ASD rep. Right from the prologue when Kennedy shares her experience with Autism, I knew this was going to be such an important and impactful story
-Judah and all of his silent gestures to show Soledad how much he cared

Thank you Forever for the ARC! Pub 3/5/24

Going into this knowing nothing, but having read the first book in the series, I was quite surprised by the first part of the book being our MC Soledad dealing with a very dramatic ending to her marriage. The author makes you immediately dislike her husband and you're not at all sad with what happens to him. This is a big deal because it's a life-altering event for Soledad and their 3 kids, and she is left to pick up the pieces of their life. There is great emphasis on Soledad's relationships with both her best friends (cameo of Yasmen from book 1!) and her sisters who really hold her down. This was super relatable to read about the close bonds of women.

"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."

Soledad spends most of the book then reforming her new life and working on deprogramming the BS her ex said to her. There were some beautiful quotes and I really enjoyed reading about the self-discovery journey Soledad goes on to find her true self. I already had 'all about love' by bell hooks on my TBR for this month and this book made me even more excited to read it! It's definitely Soledad's book, she has most of the pov chapters, but we do get some from the perspective of Judah...

& Judah is a dream of a partner, really the epitome of a supportive man who has no ego, and just wants the best for Soledad. This is a fairly slow burn (not the slowest I've ever read, but def slower than most romances I read) which I honestly appreciate! He's a divorced dad with two autistic sons (he is friends with his ex and they have split custody). The author notes that she has an autistic child and did lots of research on the many varied experience of people with autism, and their families. I think there's a lot of care given to this subject.

I think my only qualm with this book is while I understand why there's so much focus at the beginning on Soledad's ex - I wish there was slightly less, and that might have allowed for a bit snappier pace.

Thank you to netgalley and Forever books for this ARC!

Content Warnings:
Graphic: Gaslighting, Infidelity, Sexual content, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Body shaming and Cancer
Minor: Physical abuse, Death of parent, and Ableism

Kennedy Ryan's book had my full attention from the onset. Soledad's marriage and her lifestyle explode in awful, complicated ways. As she works to build a new life as a single woman who is trying to raise strong, thoughtful daughters, she finds the recovery unexpectedly at risk by attraction to a divorced dad, an attraction she did not want, especially at this point in her personal recovery.

Ryan raises the all important question of how do we figure out how to love ourselves first in order to bring our most authentic self to all of our relationships. I loved seeing how this story unfolded, even if I did get a bit impatient in the second half, thinking it could be a bit shorter. But perhaps that is the point of Ryan's story: self-respect and honoring it is not an easy achievement, especially in a society as full of material distractions and supposed wisdom at every turn in our lives. I loved this sequel to her first novel in the series, Before I Let Go.

Kennedy Ryan, YOU DID IT AGAIN!! This book tenderly navigates the fine line between selflessness and self-preservation, illuminating the often overlooked courage it takes for a mother to seek her own happiness, alongside nurturing that of her children. Growing up, I struggled to understand my own mother's desires that seemed to extend beyond the family home, beyond the identity of being 'just a mom.' It was a concept that felt foreign, almost taboo, in the eyes of a child who couldn't yet comprehend the vastness of a mother's heart, nor the depth of her sacrifices.

Through its pages, I lived another mother's journey—a narrative imbued with love, loss, resilience, and the reclamation of identity. It painted a vivid picture of the emotional landscapes a mother navigates, offering a mirror to the silent yearnings and whispered dreams often shelved for the sake of family.

This could be us was a journey back to the heart of my own family, seeing my mother in a new light—a woman not just defined by her role as a parent but as a person worthy of her own dreams and adventures. It's a poignant reminder that in understanding and supporting the happiness of our mothers, we uncover a deeper layer of love and respect that binds families together.

In essence, this book is a beautifully crafted homage to mothers everywhere, who dare to find themselves amidst the chaos of parenting. It's a must-read for anyone who seeks to understand the silent sacrifices and the loud declarations of love that shape the intricate dance of motherhood and self-discovery.

READ THIS BOOK!!!

Amazing story with a slow burn. I really enjoyed it, although I found that it took me a little longer to read but I still cannot wait for book 3 of the series.

3.5 stars. I had mixed feelings on this one! I appreciate that the lovin' was kept in appropriate places and that as adults they could control themselves when necessary. I thought the writing was well done, but the back and forth between Soledad and Judah became quite exhausting. The romance felt like it took a back seat to a lot of other things... which is fine, but this is a ROMANCE book! I think the book focused on other issues so much that we lacked some of the relationship development and chemistry that we are used to getting from Ryan. There were random side plot points that seemed to only take up time without actually moving the plot along or having any relevance to the story-- I think the book could have easily been 25-50 pages shorter by removing a couple of those things and it would not have lost an ounce of substance! Not my favorite from KR, but still a solid read.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review

I was first introduced to Kennedy Ryan when she helped Abby Jimenez launch her 2023 book. I'd never read anything of hers, and picked up a couple of Ryan's books at the book launch. I was super excited to get an opportunity to review This Could Be Us, as I've loved Ryan's writing and how well she writes relationships and explores relationship dynamics.

First of all, look how beautiful and vibrant the cover is. It immediately draws in the reader and stands out. The inside of the book is as beautiful as the outside. Ryan really outdid herself in how well she wrote these characters. This book had it all, I was angry, I was sad, I was in love, I was hopeful, I was on tenter hooks waiting to see how she would make everything play out. I had certain plot lines that I was hoping would play out, and boy was I rewarded in the end.

Kennedy Ryan really took a horrible situation that Soledad found herself and her children in, and Soledad found her way and found herself while finding security for her and her children. I can't imagine the situation she found herself in, and yet she dug in deep and found ways to support herself and her family. Reinventing yourself in your 40s, and being forced to do so, has to be a huge hurdle and Soledad managed while also making her own self-care a priority. I also loved how Ryan showed life with autism in this novel. I think that there are so many people underrepresented in novels, and a family who is navigating autism is something that is amazing to see, as well as ex-spouses who co-parent amicably and for the good of their children. Again, as I walked away from this novel, I was really left with a great impression as to how well done the characters, their dynamics, and the relationships in this novel were written. I would definitely purchase a copy of this for myself to re-read, and maybe if the author is on a book tour this year, have an opportunity to get it signed. It's really just a well done novel.

Please be advised I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review of this novel.

No one writes like Kennedy. Truly. Her most recent works have just blown me away, not only with her research but with the stories she is writing that center women who are complex, older, dealing with traumatic experiences. Everyone she writes feels multi-dimensional, everyone feels like a complex human with a deep story.

I especially resonated with Soledad because of her experiences as a parent - giving her life for her children so that they can be raised in a loving household. Putting herself and her desires to the side. I loved how Soledad was such a sexual person - it's like folks think people over 40 don't have sex! It's refreshing to see this in romance. Lastly, I just love the friendships that Kennedy has built, especially with Yasmin, Soledad, and Hendrix. Just there for each other, to laugh, drink, plot murder, and tease. I just love them.

Now let's talk Judah. WHEW the swoon. He is just a phenomenal man, supportive, loving his children (which again is so rare to see in romance novels). The relationship with his ex-wife, his focus and attention. I loved his relationship with Soledad and his care with her from the jump (and hers back with him!). Plus the way that she represented autism you could tell was so important to her, her author's note wrecked me. I am not autistic nor do I have an autistic child so I can't speak to the overall rep, but I do love that she made Judah's children whole humans, and not just their disability. They also didn't become foils for challenges in Judah and Soledad's relationship which I appreciated. The middle did get a little redundant and I wanted them to dive in, but I also appreciated that Kennedy had them take their time, build the romance and tension, and let Soledad just LIVE as herself.

I absolutely adore everything Kennedy writes and this is no different.

*Edward can kick rocks. I truly wanted him to die and would've wanted no less. He is a garbage human.

This book was so disappointing. I've seen numerous 5-star reviews, and I'm confused if we read the same book. It took way too long for the characters to get together. I think if the slow burn felt more purposeful, I could have understood, but it just felt like it dragged. I was so disappointed in not even interested in the next book in the series.

This was an instant five star read for me! Soledads story is full of love, sisterhood, resilence and the power of self love. Its about choosing to love yourself and rising above. It also has great representation for autism. And Ryan does a great good both highlighting the lives of autistic people as well parents of autistic children. As a mother of autistic children and an autistic Black woman, i felt both seen and heard from borh perspectives! The main character is a Afro Latina woman, and you can see throughout the story how is enriched in both of her cultures, both African-American and Latin roots. Great read! Thank you so much for gifting me this ARC!

Thanks to NetGalley and Forever for this ARC!! Here are my thoughts!!

I’ve only read two Kennedy Ryan books at this point, but it’s safe to say I am OBSESSED. The way she writes just captivates me from the first sentence of each book. She draws me into these complex characters and their lives, and I can’t get enough. Her writing magic knows no bounds.

I have so much love for Soledad. I cannot think of a single other fmc that made me feel so connected and seen. She’s truly the most complex character in this book. Her journey through healing and expanding her own life on her terms at her own pace was quite literally the best thing about this book. Don’t get me wrong I loved the romance and the found family and the overall story itself, but following alongside Soledad as she grows and finds everything she ever wanted was the most rewarding part. She’s glorious and I would do anything for her.

Now for the rest. JUDAH CROSS THE MAN THAT YOU ARE. I LOVEEEEEE HIM. I love him. He’s fictional and it’s ABHORRENT that he isn’t a real person. He just kept raising the bar and making himself the most amazing mmc. The way he cared for his own kids and worked to take care of them was just spectacular. His relationship with Tremaine and their easy going friendship and coparenting was honestly so refreshing. I’m tired of CONFLICT between exes. LET THEM BE FRIENDS. His unwavering love for Soledad made this book so special. The care and attention and love he gave her was just so amazing I CRIED OKAY.

I loved seeing Yas and Hen again. I don’t think I can wait a year for Hen’s book. I need to be back in their world ASAP. I never want to leave. I just love how they support each other and raise each other up and there aren’t ever any expectations. They are each other’s chosen family and WE LOVE TO SEE IT. I’m also dying to know more about Soledad’s sister and her “friend.” I gotta know what happens there.

As an autistic person myself, I really loved the care and thought and intention Kennedy put into writing these characters. I loved how she represented just how different the autistic experience can be for each person. I also love how Judah was on his own journey, even undiagnosed. I just truly love when you can feel that the author is writing about these things from a place of love. And Kennedy nails it.

Overall, this is the most spectacular book and I ADORE KENNEDY FOR HOW SHE WROTE IT. I will definitely be DEVOURING the rest of her books.