Member Reviews
Unfortunately, I could not get into this one. I tried a few times but the story never grabbed me enough. Sadly, this was a DNF for me.
I love a romance where the characters are old enough to have some life experience, and know what they want. Not every love story starts when you're in your twenties, as Kennedy Ryan proved with the book.
Soledad and Judah both have complex lives and responsibilities that they're bringing to this relationship. They're both whole and complete people before they come together. I loved seeing Soledad's evolution, and Judah's respect for her journey.
Both books in this series have been a hit for me.
A PERFECT book! This book definitely stands on its own, though it's technically "Skyland #2." Soledad has an incredible life, but her husband just doesn't seem interested in her and nothing seems to be turning the tide. When she meets his so-called nemesis at his company's holiday party, she's immediately drawn to him, but doesn't know why. Within a matter of days, her entire life is turned upside down when her husband's ethics are called into question. This book is very much a romance, but before the reader even gets to that part of the story, it's a book about a woman learning to love and trust herself, her friends, her children. All of the characters have depth. I've found myself thinking about them since I finished the book because they seem so real. A totally engrossing novel. Highly recommend for any adult library.
Many thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an advanced reader's copy of this title in exchange for my honest feedback.
Kennedy Ryan was already a favorite, but she gets better and better with each book. If Ms. Ryan has no fans, I am no longer on this earth. I didn’t think I could I could love a book more than BEFORE I LET GO, but THIS COULD BE US is right up there with it!
I enjoy Kennedy Ryan books and this one was no exception. This second installment of the Skyland series was more enjoyable for me than the first! Soledad and Judah's journey is so authentic, even when you want them to just get together, they won't do it! That speaks to the characters love for themselves and their children, making sure the timing is just right.
This book was the best book I've read for 2024, hands down. It made me feel emotional in all the best ways. The characters were strong, funny, and relatable. The MMC was the exact type of male lead I love in a story. He was so swoon-worthy. Kennedy Ryan knocked it out of the park again!
Kennedy Ryan is a marvel, a master of her craft. This book is no exception — she poured her heart into this story and it shows. The dynamic between Soledad and Judah felt so raw and authentic, particularly as it involved both of their respective children. I also appreciated the care in which Kennedy took to discuss her autistic characters and the nuance of both *being* autistic and being a *caregiver* for autistic loved ones. To me, Kennedy’s books transcend the romance genre because there is so much *more* to them — putting them somewhere in the romance + women’s fiction venn diagram to me. The added depth — and care in which she addresses such heavy topics — is something I always look forward to when picking up Kennedy’s books. Love love love this book and this series!
Kennedy Ryan does it again.
One of my favorite elements of this book was Soledad’s commitment to rediscovering herself following a marriage that sapped her dry. While the content creation bit of it was not my favorite, I can still appreciate how social media has given a unique sense of agency to SAHM’s. I’m not a mother, but I truly appreciate the themes of motherhood, sisterhood, and generally what it means to be a woman. Soledad was the true star of the show for me, KR just does a fantastic job of fleshing out these beautifully raw and impactful characters.
Thank you, @kennedyryan1, from this mama who is learning every day how to break through to my sweet pea when he’s having a hard time. It isn’t easy but reading these pages make me feel very grateful, seen, and so understood. Thank you. #asd
Honestly, I don’t even have the words 10 out of 10 as always we love Kennedy Ryan here her writing is beautiful. Her writing is everything that I needed to be all the time. I can’t wait to read her next release. I was so excited to get this arc copy.. Everything about this book, I felt in my heart and my soul like I always do when I read Kennedy Ryan book and I think that’s one of the reasons why I love her riding so much even if you and her characters aren’t the same you still have this way of connecting with them because they’re so real.
After reading Before I Let Go last year, This Could Be Us was one of my most anticipated reads this year. And it didn’t disappoint! I’m still in love with Kennedy Ryan’s writing!
After getting small glimpses of Soledad’s life in the first book, I knew her story was going to be a potentially sad one. And there was certainly some sadness - the first few chapters made my heart break for Soledad and what she would have to survive - but it was also so damn inspirational!
I don’t think there’s ever been a character I identify less with (what’s the opposite of a domestic goddess? 🤔 That’s me! 😅) but something about Soledad’s strength for her girls really resonated with me. Being a parent can be so damn hard even on the easiest days but Soledad was major #momgoals with her love and patience. And Judah was #dadgoals too! 😍
This book has some steamy scenes but it’s the other intimate scenes, involving more conversation than sexy times, that really stole my heart. Both Soledad and Judah have unique situations with their lives and children, and I love the maturity they brought to the table.
Just like in Before I Let Go, moments that deal with class, race, mental health, and gender are woven into the story through Ryan’s character’s lives. These topics add real-life depth to the drama, relationships, and romance. Her books leave me swooning and with a lot to think about!
Don’t miss the author’s note at the start of the book, where Ryan talks about her personal experience with autism. Judah’s sons are autistic in the story, and she wrote their characters with so much love and understanding. ❤️
I can’t wait for the third book in the Skyland series, with Hendrix’s story!
Solid 4⭐️ book! I enjoyed this one far more than the first book. It was engaging from the first page which showed I was into the pacing of the story. Loved Soledad’s journey and it was so relatable with learning self-love and accepting/finding yourself. Her relationship with her daughters was so beautiful to see. They truly are each other’s foundation and seeing her parenting style come from a place of understanding is beautiful. Same with Judah and his relationship with his boys (both who are autistic) and the co-parenting he has with his ex-wife and her new husband. Such healthy relationships that readers can definitely learn from.
Speaking of Judah, he now goes on my Book Boyfriend list. That is a man! He is intelligent, sympathetic, empathetic, and a great partner. The spice and chemistry between him and Soledad…you could literally see the string of fate wrapped around them. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for Hen’s story! Very solid series!
I do wish Edward got his though and I hope that his storyline gets brought back up in the next one. I would love to see how that concludes.
Kennedy Ryan knows how to write a damn book! The depth of these characters along with a solid storyline?! Give me more!
This is one of those stories that will leave you emotionally drained when you're finished. I loved the characters and I cried my eyes out during this story. It was breathtaking and wonderful!
5 ⭐
This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of relationships. Set against the backdrop of an evocative narrative, the story delves into the lives of two individuals whose paths intertwine in unexpected ways. Ryan's writing is rich and lyrical, capturing the raw emotions and vulnerabilities of her characters as they navigate their personal struggles and desires. The depth of character development allows readers to fully engage with their journeys, making the stakes feel incredibly high and the moments of joy all the more impactful.
The novel not only highlights the beauty of connection but also addresses the societal challenges that can impede love. Ryan skillfully weaves themes of race, class, and ambition into the fabric of her storytelling, prompting readers to reflect on their own perceptions and experiences. This Could Be Us is both a heartfelt romance and a thought-provoking commentary on the world we live in, making it a compelling read for anyone who appreciates stories that resonate on multiple levels.
Soledad’s story is so powerful. i loved how this romance novel really depicted a journey of self love after deep betrayal, while showing the light that comes at the end of a hard season. Judah’s love for his sons and his dedication to caring for them in the ways that are best for them and their journey with autism. The author’s own experience with an autistic son clearly helped the authenticity shine and you can tell she took such care with this story.
This book was so good and it was so good to be back in this world. The chemistry of these characters had me hooked! I kept begging for the connection to happen! The beginning twist was great but it was fun watching the character development. Amazing!!
I would literally read anything Kennedy Ryan writes but even more so when the characters are as dynamic as in this series. I loved Soledad’s journey and the sisterhood with her friends.
Impatiently waiting for book three!
This is book 2 of Kenney Ryan's "Skyland" series.
Soledad Barnes is the kind of person who always has everything planned out—she’s the go-to for hosting perfect parties, managing life’s details, and always knowing just what to do. But when her world suddenly crumbles due to betrayal, she’s left to figure out how to move forward and take care of her daughters.
I really admired Soledad’s strength and determination. Watching her rebuild her life and rediscover herself after everything falls apart is inspiring. She’s a character you can’t help but root for as she navigates the ups and downs of starting over.
That said, the story felt a tad predictable at times. The forbidden love interest added some tension, but their relationship didn’t have the spark I was hoping for, which made it hard to fully connect with their romance.
Overall, it’s a good read with some uplifting moments, but it didn’t completely draw me in. If you like stories about personal growth and second chances, at this one to your TBR. Its 3.5 stars for me. Thanks NetGalley for the complimentary copy.
I love everything Ms. Ryan writes, and this book was no exception! This book is so much more than a romance, and it follows a self-love/discovery and healing journey that was so refreshing to read. This book is somewhat of a slow burn, and I think that’s what makes the story so impactful and special. It was so beautifully written and I loved getting to see Sol prioritize herself while so being an amazing mom to her girls. And Judah!!! he was just so patient, kind,and understanding, and he really took the time to get to know Sol. He was exactly what she needed and I’m so happy they got their HEA💕
I love this series, I love these characters, and I cannot wait for Hendrix’s book!!