I really enjoyed the slow burn aspect of this romance. The best part about the slow burn plot was that the FMC was trying to make sure she had self love down first before stepping into a new relationship. I appreciated the thought and care with how the MMC's children were portrayed. Overall this was a really sweet romance

I was enjoying it a lot until about halfway through. There was so much at the beginning of the book that once we hit the "self love" journey part it really seemed to stall and I just could not connect with it anymore. I love that Kennedy Ryan deals with tough topics in such a beautiful, heartfelt way. Unfortunately this one just wasn't for me but I'll definitely be trying her next one since Before I Let You Go was one of my favorites from last year.

I unfortunately DNFed this at 50%. While I think it has the potential to tell a beautiful story, it is incredibly slow and does very little to move the plot forward at a decent pace. I would find myself skipping through pages and not missing anything, which is problematic to me. If I can skip through several pages and not miss anything, is the content really necessary? While the time jump is necessary, it's like the author wasn't sure of what to do after the time jump, if that makes sense. Nothing is happening, things are a bit all over the place, and there is no sign that it's moving in a solid direction. At half way through, I should have some idea of what the end game is, or be ready to be surprised in a good way, and that isn't happening here.

Kennedy Ryan has done it again!

Wow did I enjoy the twists and turns of Soledad’s story!! Although this is marketed as a romance, I truly believe that the book is more about Soledad’s journey to finding her independence than her relationship with Judah.

LIGHT SPOILERS BELOW!!!

This book was so beautifully emotional and I loved the incredibly enlightening representation for parents of autistic children and children with autism. I enjoyed the focus on Soledad’s journey to self love and growth–her exploration of indepence led to some really amazing quotes from the book. The drama in this book is second to none!!! My jaw dropped so many times because Kennedy Ryan did her thing and kept the twists coming. I also really appreciated the ending of the novel because it’s more reflective of the characters. Not all stories should be tied into pretty bows at the point that the characters are at, so I love that Soledad and Judah are committed to each other with the door open to marriage in the future.

Romance wise, Judah is a sweetie.

I had a couple things that I couldn’t look past in this book, so I had to subtract one star. The first thing that irked me was Soledad becoming such a successful lifestyle influencer which to me felt exaggerated and unrealistic. I’m not sure this feels like a realistic money making route for Soledad when she was in desperate need of money because I’m sure a retail or fast food wage job would’ve been a much quicker way to make ends meet. Her new job played a significant role in the plot, so I understand why it was chosen, but it makes Soledad feel more artificial as a character instead of a character who could be a real person struggling after a crisis. The second thing that made me take away a star is the use of Soledad’s self-love journey as a plot device to delay the romance with Judah. It was as if Soledad kept reeling in Judah like a fish on a hook and then casting him away once she remembered that she valued finding her independece after her ex more. I think Soledad and Judah’s relationship took a back seat to Soledad’s own self discovery, which is fine, but I think this book should’ve been marketed as women’s fiction instead of romance to do more justice to the depth of Soledad’s story.

I found this story to be a nice mix of women overcoming obstacles and experiencing healthy romances. I loved the characters and the diversity/inclusion that the cast provided.

I loved the concept of this book and the characters. Kennedy knows how to bring together characters through her writing in such a beautiful way that will capture you from the beginning of the story and you will not be able to put the.book down.

This book have become one of my 5 star reads of the year. I cannot believe it took me this long to finish this. Part of me thinks it’s because I was sad about this book coming to an end and another part of me thinks it’s because of it being a slow burn which is something of a turnoff for me but honestly this was so worth it. I had so much fun reading it, the author did a great job making me hate on Edward, I really disliked that man, also this story just felt so real even I was questioning Soledad. Also the eye candy that Judah was, lord have mercy, I need one of those in my life. I can’t wait to dip my toes into the authors other books. 10/10

This book was phenomenal. Soledad Barnes was a committed wife, mother, and friend. She kept everything together including her home and her marriage. She was supportive and her husband's number one cheerleader. Soledad's entire world came crashing down when she not only found herself in a marital crisis, but a crisis that turned over her apple cart.

Marriage was supposed to be forever, to death do us part, but she soon realized that her husband was a dud, deceptive, and deadbeat. Her husband was a masterful manipulator, but Soledad did not see it until life came crashing down. Then there is Judah. He is professional, highly attractive, and poised. He was a single father, forensic accountant, and is navigating through the last four years post divorce, Judah is not into casual dating, but committed to his autistic sons.

While Soledad struggles to regain herself, redefine herself and rediscover herself by putting herself first. Judah is committed to work and his sons. Will Soledad be able to trust herself, love herself and forgive herself? Will self-partnering become her launching pad or landing board? Will Judah get what he wants after being divorced or will he remain absorbed by work?

This book was so rich and I thoroughly enjoyed every word. I have a huge appreciation for Kennedy Ryan and her style of writing. This book conveyed a strong message of inclusivity, with the two characters with autism. What a great way to use diversity and inclusion. Even though the sons were secondary characters, without them in the book I believe the book would have gone flat. Though I am hopeful we will learn more about Aaron and Adam, and how autism can manifest.

Thank you Netgalley, Hatchett Book Group and Kennedy Ryan for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I am ready for Hendrix story!!!!

This Could Be Us is a refreshing take on Romance Novels today. I absolutely love Kennedy Ryan as an author and I adore the way she presents the actual relationships in romances as opposed to straight up smut. Sol's growth over the course of the book was great and I especially appreciate that this book had a lot of depth to it, rather than being a surface level happy go lucky novel.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review from Net Galley.

In the second installation of the Skyline series, we come to more fully know Yasmin’s best friend, Soledad. She was married to a controlling jerk of a husband, but after a shocking discovery, she finds herself trying to find her own two feet.

After years of giving everything of herself to her family, Soledad can no longer depend on her husband. So she takes her gifts and turns them into a full-time job to support herself and children. Along the way, she rediscovers herself - and decides she likes what she’s found!

Kennedy Ryan might just be my go-to author in this genre. Her stories are heartwarming and have such strong, badass lead women. I’m excited for the third installment coming next year when we get to know the last friend in Yasmin’s inner circle!

Soledad's journey was the A plot, and the romance was the B plot. That really worked for me the first half to two-thirds of the book. Then the 'love yourself' message started feeling really heavy-handed, almost like a lecture. I enjoyed the slow build of the romance until I realized we spent so much time retreading the same ground about Soledad's journey. Once they had sex, the romance had no time to breath. The last quarter of the book felt like a speed run.

Rating: 4.5/5

Thank you Forever for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

All I want in life is to read more Kennedy Ryan books—at least once a month. Her storytelling is simply captivating, and each new book seems to outdo the last.

While I don't think I have much to add that hasn't been said already, I can confidently say that Kennedy's work continues to enchant me. Each of her novels is more spectacular than the one before.

This Could Be Us leans more into women's fiction, but the romance still sizzles. Kennedy Ryan masterfully balances emotional depth with steamy romantic elements, creating a story that is both heartwarming and passionate.

If you're looking for a book that will draw you in and keep you hooked from start to finish, this one won't disappoint. Kennedy Ryan's writing is a delightful blend of poignant moments and unforgettable characters, and This Could Be Us is a shining example of her talent.

Why did I wait so long to read this follow-up to Before I Let Go???

Absolutely exquisite! I loved Soledad's journey of self-affirmation and how supportive Judas was of it. Full RTC on Bookbub.

2.5 stars

Soledad Barnes is facing a devastating betrayal that shatters the life she built with her husband. As she struggles to provide for her daughters, Soledad begins a journey of self-discovery and resilience. Alongside her rebuilding, a new romance challenges her to trust again.

When I requested this I didn’t realize it was a sequel, and I’m not sure how that impacted my experience. Yasmen, the protagonist in the first book, Before I Let Go, is here, but with the new center focusing on Soledad, I don’t know that it made any true difference that I hadn't read the first book.

When This Could Be Us opens, we see Tremaine and Judah working through some final stages of their divorce — and the supportive way they decided to break up was really refreshing. Plus, there was a fantastic autism representation throughout that I loved — that’s hard to find these days, especially when it’s not just some “quirky, on the spectrum” protagonist bumbling through their social awkwardness. The spectrum is broad, and I loved this level having a place on the page.

Ryan writes more of a capital-R Romance than I realized, and that’s generally not my cup of tea. The predictability of the plot was obvious from the outset, so with that it’s up to the characters and the narrative voice to do most of the work. However, I never quite warmed to the voice of the book, and with that being paired with present tense — the pacing was awkward, leaving an impression of stutter-steps and bulleted dialogue. The tone and style actually reminded me of a Primetime network drama that might attract a devoted audience, but unfortunately, I’m not among them. While the book was undeniably steamy, the writing style lacked the stronger framework that I prefer, and with a very slim plot and light character development, it just didn’t land for me.

This Could Be Us is a really beautiful story about betrayal and learning to love yourself. Soledad goes through such a journey of self discovery and love after a huge betrayal from her husband. She has to be strong for her children to make sure their lives are disturbed as little as possible by everything going on.

I loved that Judah gave her the space she needed to grow and was there for her as support when she needed it. A story like this could have easily fell into the stereotype of the man being there to save her. Soledad really did save herself and then was able to fall for Judah when she was healed.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Soledad's story is one that so many women can relate to in different ways. Soledad is a giving mother and wife and will sacrifice her own self for her family. She isn't seen as her person but instead is seen as someone's wife or mom. Soledad is thrown the biggest curve balls and she must rise from the ashes of her marriage. I absolutely felt all the feelings that Soledad was feeling. So much betrayal and anger that she grows through while keeping it together for her daughters. Having a group of friends where she is allowed to show her emotions and breakdown is why I love strong female friendships! Now Judah...I love him! He is a true gem of a person. Not only is he selfless when it comes to his sons, but understands all that Soledad is going through. He knows that he isn't going to be the one to save her from this, but is there to support her. We love a supportive KING! I cannot wait till book 3!

3.75 stars. I loved Kennedy Ryan’s first novel in this Skyland series, Before I Let Go, and so I was thrilled to read This Could Be Us.
The story focuses on Soledad, who is the friend of Yasmen. When Soledad’s husband is arrested for a white collar crime, her privileged world turns upside down. They have three daughters who idolize their father, and Soledad is left scrambling to keep a brave face and not lose everything, especially their house in Skyland.

Things get complicated when Soledad’s husband is deemed a flight risk and won’t be released from prison. And another man comes on the scene, on the periphery of Soledad’s life which complicates things immensely. Kennedy Ryan writes relationships and family dynamics so interestingly well, and the banter between Soledad and her friends made me laugh at times. Soledad rediscovers herself throughout the story and becomes a woman to be reckoned with.

I really liked this story. It is 416 pages and flew by, I thought it was much shorter. There is open door content, but it can be skimmed or skipped. I look forward to the next book in this series!

Thank you to Forever publishing and Netgalley for the electronic ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This Could Be Us is a story of resilience. It follows Soledad through a massive betrayal by her husband, as she learns to support herself and her three daughters. She has a great support network, as she works through this life-changing situation: two fabulous long-time friends, Yasmen and Hendricks;, her two sisters; and even her daughters, who also need to come to terms with their father’s behavior.

Soledad’s husband had been acting oddly for a while, and eventually the truth came out, upending her life. She was happy being a stay-at-home mother, hosting parties, shuttling her three daughters to school and activities, etc. Now she has to figure out how to support herself and her daughters, how to keep their roof over their heads.

At the same time, she has to learn to love herself. Her husband’s betrayal has also upended how she thought about herself! She finds a book in her recently deceased mother’s things, called All About Love by bell hooks (a real book that was published in 1999). This turns out to be a resource that Soledad turns to over and over again on her journey to self-reliance.

The characters are great. They are strong women who come from a variety of backgrounds (Soledad, for example, has Puerto Rican and black heritage). Each daughter has her own personality and reaction to their new situation. Judah, who eventually becomes Soledad’s new love interest, has two sons on the autism spectrum and has a wonderful relationship with his ex-wife. I learned so much about autism by reading about Aaron and Adam. There was one particularly affecting scene at a store, when Aaron had a breakdown over a coveted item that was sold out.

I really loved the book, but the repetition about self-partnering and self-love became a bit tiresome. The whole influencer thing was interesting. Chapters are told from either Soledad’s point of view or Judah’s.

Be aware that there are several very explicit spicy scenes and frank conversation about s*x among the three women friends.

This is the second in a series that looks to be at least three books. It’s helpful but not necessary to read the first one before this: Before I Let Go, which follows Yasmen.

I was surprised and delighted to find some recipes at the end of the book but was a bit disappointed that it didn’t include Soledad’s “viral” vinaigrette.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Kennedy once again writes a phenomenal 5 star book! I saw her during her tour and she mentioned that she writes her FMCs first and then writes a MMC that deserving of them. Loved that!

Found my new favorite romance author!

Thanks NetGalley & Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC! I am sorry it took me this long to get to this, but I am glad I finally read it!

Synopsis -

Soledad Barnes’ life is all sorted out. Given that she is a domestic goddess and a mother of 3 girls, she is in full control. But when her marriage shatters and the man who was the love of her life betrays her, she must also suddenly learn to be her family’s only breadwinner. Soledad knows she can do it and stand up to this situation. When Judah comes into her life, she just can’t resist him. But, will she ever trust a man again?

Review -

Wow, it’s not exaggeration if I say this is one of the best romance I’ve ever read in the recent times. I enjoyed #BeforeILetGo too, but I must admit that I love #ThisCouldBeUs more!

We get the alternating POVs of Soledad and Judah and initially I couldn’t imagine how these two would come together. But the author seamlessly brings them into each other’s lives and goodness, their chemistry is nothing short of fireworks 🔥🌶️❤️‍🫶. It’s not only that, but the emotional depths the author explores is immense and we truly come to understand these two people closely.

I loved Soledad and cheered for her as she literally rose from the ashes like a Phoenix and started soaring towards the sky. Her resolve, hard-work, and resourcefulness were admirable even amidst her unending anger and impossible circumstances. I was glad for her rock solid friends too.

Soledad literally converts her marriage filled with lies, betrayal and manipulation into a strong self-transformational journey. She learns to love herself, find her true personality, stand on her own two feet and just enjoy her ‘solitude’.

Although I doubted Judah at first, I couldn’t help but adore him. He complemented Soledad in every way and I just eagerly awaited to see how these two finally connect – building trust with honesty, grace and mutual respect.

Exploring themes of toxic marriages, autism, self-discovery/reliance/love, @kennedyryan1 has given us the most beautiful love story.

Romance lovers cannot miss this series.