Special thanks to the author & @readforeverpub for my gifted e-ARC!!!

Kennedy Ryan is one of my favorite romance authors if she wrote it I’m buying it. She knows how to bring all the feels up outta you not to mention the drama to keep you engaged. This Could Be Us was one hell of a story kind of a slow-burn so Before I Let Go is still my top fav but this one didn’t disappoint. Josiah and Judah are both officially bae material IYKYK.

Now this book was such a rollercoaster Sol’s life was turned upside down and we journey with her as she finds herself again. The way Edward played with Soledad had me screaming at the book no this trick a** b**** didn’t!!! His assistant would’ve caught hands the first day Sol saw her leaving the jail. I was like don’t be naive Sol you know what’s up go slap her lol. The fact they both played in Sol’s face and weren’t apologetic about it made the whole situation worse. Edward’s mother (eye roll) . . .

Loved Yas and Hendrix they were so supportive throughout the book. Judah being the perfect man he is swooped in and gave Soledad a million reasons why he should be her man. Some people might not be fond of them dating. But I was happy when Sol stopped caring about what others thought and did what made her happy for once.

I love how the author creates these authentic relatable characters and gets you all invested in their lives and story. She touched on so many themes surrounding life after divorce and betrayal, bossing up, being a single parent, learning to love again, finding yourself, mental health and so many other things. Overall, it’s Kennedy Ryan borrow the book, buy the book, read the book you won’t be disappointed!!!

I loved this book so much more than the first book, although it was a bit of a slow burn when it came to the action, the connection between Sol and Judah was palpable from the moment they met. I absolutely adored his kids, and how accurately they were portrayed from their fixations to their eye contact. One of my best friends has a child on the spectrum and seeing representation in books that spans the spectrum was beautiful. Those parents don't get enough of it I don't think, and being someone like Judah can be thankless no matter how necessary, and the continued and never-ending support that he offered his children, ex-wife, and Sol was iconic. This book was hot and had me scrunching my toes at some spots from how spicy it was getting, but like usual I highly recommend a Kennedy Ryan book. She touches on sensitive subjects, but truly does so beautifully. In this book alone she has single mother, borderline domestic violence, marital cheating, and cancer and she handles every subject with grace. I can only imagine how pure of a person Kennedy Ryan is to bring such touching characters to life on paper.

4.5/5

I discovered Kennedy Ryan with Before I Let Go and I haven't been the same since. That book seriously moved me, making her an instant auto-buy author that I need to read more of. Although Soledad's character was introduced in the first book, I really don't remember her, but I had no problem diving right into This Could Be Us. I do wish I could have caught that further characterization of her, but I loved the book all the same and was really happy with not only her character but Judah as well. Ryan speaks about her own life with the creation of Judah’s autistic sons, and that piece of the book never ceased to put tears in my eyes. Judah and Soledad are both very complex and empathetic characters that felt as real as life to me.

The audiobook was incredible with Ines del Castillo narrating Soledad and Jakobi Diem narrating Judah, but I also loved hearing the author pop in as well. She read her author’s note in the beginning and man did that make me feel closer to her when I don’t know her at all. Knowing she also has a son with autism made me connect with the book even further, and I love that our main characters are adults going into their 40s which is where I am at age-wise though not situation-wise. The romance is a slower burn but there is SPICE 🌶 and it fits perfectly into the storyline. I even got a couple of surprises along the way and if you are a romance and/or Ryan fan you do not want to miss This Could Be Us.

Thank you so much for the advanced copy! Absolutely no surprise that everyone has been raving about this one. Kennedy Ryan truly is incredible.

This was such a heart warming storyline of how Soledad is resilient and overcome the heartbreak of her husband’s Edward betrayal of embezzling from the company he works for and eventually is arrested and convicted to a jail sentence. This leaves Soledad to care for her three daughters Inez, Lupe and Lottie by herself when she has been a stay at home mom.
Thanks to her friends Hendrix and Yasmen who help her start a influencers following online teaching DIY and cooking recipes.
In the meantime Judah Cross, the man who is responsible for investigating Edwards embezzlement sees Soledad at the company Christmas party and there is an attraction between them.
As time goes by Judah keeps up with Soledad by watching her online influencer channel and secretly supporting her business. Since Soledad is now divorced, she just wants to get herself together before dating someone but finds it hard to do because of her attraction to Judah also.
The characters were well developed and I loved how a couple in there 40’s take their time to know each other and not put pressures to rush into a relationship especially if one is not ready.
I highly recommend this book to read. It was an excellent read and page turner.

I received an Arc from NetGalley and this review is of my own honest opinion and thoughts.

Kennedy Ryan makes you feel things you either never thought you’d feel or never thought you’d feel again. Her stories aren’t just great, it’s the fact that her words are so breathtaking I will forever come back to her books.

I loved seeing the 3 besties back in action in this book… cannot wait for H’s story to be next.

Kennedy Ryan is back at it again with an incredible novel that is so much more than a romance.

This Could Be Us is a beautiful ode to self-love, starting over, and journeys of self (re)discovery. While I’ve never had a cheating husband who went to prison for embezzlement, I have gone through a period of losing myself and having to rediscover who I am and how to love the person I’ve become.

Soledad’s journey is a wonder to witness and the fact that Judah is so supportive and respectful of her choices is absolutely swoonworthy. He’s head over heels for her but maintains his distance while she rediscovers her independence and rebuilds the foundation for her family.

This Could Be Us is the second book in the Skyland series, the first being Before I Let Go. Both books are ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in my mind and I can only imagine how good the third book is going to be!

If this isn’t on your tbr then you need to add it right away! And then add All About Love by bell hooks immediately after. (if you know you know and if you don’t you soon will)

Thank you @‌foreverpub for the free copy!

5⭐️ 2.5🌶️

I can honestly say, this book was a healing experience for me. Something I didn’t know I needed. I was lucky to get an arc, thank you @readforeverpub for always spoiling me, and something held me back when I did, so I pushed it off but it found its way back into my ears at the best moment.

Soledad’s story is absolutely inspiring. Kennedy nailed her character so so well because more often than not, women (specially hispanic/latinx) get written in ways that don’t feel do justice to what we go through, what men have the audacity to put us through and specially they don’t show how strong and resilient and independent we can be. I hate how there’s books where the man comes back, does less than the bare minimum and the FMC is back at his feet as if she is nothing without him.
That was not the case here at all. The character development from the
It was beautiful, heartbreaking, angering, just a masterpiece of fiction with a side of tension so big I was actually screaming into my pillow because the slow burn would not fucking burn!!!

I think absolutely everyone should drop whatever they’re reading and start this.

Soledad’s story isn’t your typical love story. It’s a story of self discovery, self love, self discipline and regaining your confidence. I appreciated the research and the care taken to write this beautiful story. Every word written, centered around self love, spoke to me in ways I’ve never been able to understand. Kennedy Ryan is a legendary woman. 🩷 pick this one up!

I loved the complexity in this book. In the romance, in the MCs, in their families, and in the side characters. I generally find "influencer" storylines boring/unrelatable, but I really liked how this one was done. I LOVE the relationship between Judah and his ex and kids, and seeing a healthy example of coparenting.

My girl did it again!
This book has Kennedy Ryan's fingerprint all over it. From the engrossing story, to the way you fall in love with the characters to how their story pulls at your heart. I was enveloped from beginning to end.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for an arc in exchange for a review

This was so good! I was a little sad to learn book two followed Soledad instead of Hendrix but I actually really enjoyed her story. There is something about Kennedy Ryans writing that sucks you in and gets you addicted instantly. She is my go to author for when I want a grown folks type of romance with adult communication skills. These books are a perfect blend of romance and women's fiction. Soledad was such an interesting character to follow and I enjoyed her story. I can't wait for Hendrix story next!

Wonderful!
I loved this book. Soldad everything to her family, which consists of her husband and 3 daughters. She is also a wonderful friend. She is who you go to if you have to throw a party, because she's not just going to come to the party but she is going to help you make sure that it is a wonderful party. Despite all the things that she knows how to do none of it prepares her for the bomb that is about to explode her family. Because she has her girls she can't take the time she needs to grieve over her loss. She has to hustle in order to keep her family in the house that they have grown up in.

During the trying time, she meets a man that she shouldn't like, but they have a natural connection. Her heart and mind are at odds because she loved someone deeply before and they betrayed her.

This book was fabulous. This is one woman's story of finding herself and finding out that all the little things that she has done for everyone in the past come together to be big things that can support her family. This is the story of one woman finding herself and loving herself so that she can be the best mom possible for her 3 girls.

I will definitely recommend this book to all of my friends.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a great follow up to Before I Let Go! Soledad is such a fierce and wonderful fmc. Not only do we see her find love again but find it within herself too and rediscover who she is. Was such a beautiful story and Kennedy’s writing never fails to capture you. Can’t wait for the 3rd book!

In This Could Be Us (TCBU), book 2 of Kennedy Ryan’s “Skyland Series,” we meet Soledad Barnes, super mom from Before I Let Go (BILG) book 1 of the series.

In TCBU, Soledad goes through a phenomenal change to become a true powerhouse.

Where BILG, is about trusting a past version of yourself to prepare you for your future, TCBU is about creating a new version of yourself to move beyond past versions of yourself and trusting that new version to carry you into your future.

At the heart of it all, TCBU has two great love stories: the FMC’s love of herself and the blossoming relationship between the FMC and MMC.

Diverse and beautifully written, This Could Be Us is hopeful and inspiring and challenging. Kennedy Ryan has done it again.

*ARC review*

A beautiful and emotional story that healed a part of my heart. I LOVED "Before I let go" so I had very high expectations for this and I was not disappointed in the slightest. Soledad is one of the strongest most inspiring main characters I have ever read about. Her friendship with Yasmen and Hendrix is truly a love story in and of itself and it made me so happy to read about it. This book had my emotions all over the place from the very beginning and the journey we took was truly perfect. As a Puerto Rican woman, I related to Soledad so deeply and I loved all the little details and nods to the culture. I loved Soleda's relationship with her daughters, her sisters, and her mom and how that impacted the story so much.

Judah Cross the man that you are!! This man was everything and more I could've wanted for Soledad and even for myself. His care, tenderness, and attention for those he loves were so perfect and I appreciated that he wasn't afraid to show that he cared. His relationship with his sons was written with so much care and it was truly beautiful.

Soledad and Judah had so much tension from the very beginning and the way their story develops had me gasping for air. They truly were each other's perfect match and seeing them get to a point where they could be together and happy was so rewarding. Truly what an epically beautiful story about all different kinds of love, culture, growth, grief, trust, and care.

kennedy ryan romances never fail to impress me and this book was no exception! there is something so beautiful and captivating by her writing style and the depth that it holds. while this was evidently a romance, there were so many layers to this story, diving a bit into the womens fic genre even, which made the book that much more incredible. after reading before I let go, I was so excited to dive into soledad's story to see her hopefully get her well-deserved happy ending and this did not let me down.

the plot was SO good! I was invested in every single twist and turn from the very beginning and did not want to put the book down. and one of the best parts of the whole book was the incredible character development. these genuinely might be some of the best developed characters I have ever read about. getting to see soledad explore her identity as she suddenly finds her life flipped upside down, discovering what it means to love yourself and discover your true worth after being in a toxic relationship. the whole family environment was so beautiful and seeing how she stayed strong for her 3 daughters was just amazing.

and then judah! seeing his dynamic with his ex-wife and two sons was so incredible and the autism representation was phenomenal. and the romance was of course incredible too! the small moments that meant so much, the directness of their conversations, and the maturity within their relationship was so good and made for such a refreshing read.

this book was truly everything good wrapped in one! it contained so many incredibly poignant conversations about deeper topics such as race, friendship, complex relationships, and more. you just can't help but fall in love with every single one of these characters and there were so many incredible quotes throughout as well. highly recommend picking up this book (and series!)

I had to stop reading the first one in this series since the content was too much for me. I didn’t want to live through their pain.

This was stilll thought provoking, but overall it felt lighter. I read the book in two days and just couldn’t stop myself from devouring it. The book I everything you’re in the mood for.

This Could Be Us
By: Kennedy Ryan

Talk about rising from the ashes and keeping it sexy while you do it! Forget a mid-life crisis… Kennedy Ryan has delivered a mid-life comeback that should have us all cheering out loud.

When we met Soledad in Before I Let Go, it was clear that her life was not going as smoothly as it looked on the outside. She has three beautiful daughters and is a homemaker extraordinaire with friends that love her fiercely, but something is… off. When the unthinkable comes to light, Soledad’s life begins to crumble and she must use all of her strength and resources to piece it back together. It doesn’t look even remotely the same, and through mile high adversity and against all odds, the life she rebuilds is even more beautiful than she could have imagined… even if it does include the man who should be her enemy.

Judah Cross is quiet, career focused and absolutely gorgeous. He is devoted to his family in a way that few will understand, but it won’t stop him from destroying someone else’s family for all the right reason. He doesn’t have space in his life for a serious relationship, but what about something else? In the midst of such a volatile work assignment, this unnamed connection that he feels growing could ruin everything he’s been working on, or it could be exactly what he’s needed all along.

Kennedy Ryan has a knack for writing romance into real life in a way that never feels like love is happening in a bubble. She includes difficult and sometimes heartbreaking issues in her stories, but it never takes away from the sexy. She also does a brilliant job of centering and celebrating grown women and showing that there is still so much life to be lived in your 30’s and beyond. The characters are alway layered and imperfect in a way that makes the reader fall in love with them and relate to them even if their life and situation is completely foreign.

This book was filled with love, heartbreak, family, misunderstandings, reconciliation, friends and rebuilding. In a word; it was BEAUTIFUL.

4.25 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kennedy Ryan is an expert in making the reader feel. We've been all been waiting for this book. It was the perfect representation of love.