Soledad and Judah! The boys, the blended family. Friendship and community. I really enjoyed reading Sol’s journey and was so happy for her rebirth after the hell her husband put her and her family in. Really enjoyed the inside look into parenting. Sol’s solo self partnering journey. I left wanting more Soledad and Judah in bliss. So glad to receive an ARC and I look forward to Hendrix’s story!

As always this has Kennedy Ryan’s beautiful prose and emotionally evoking story-telling. I think going in I was expecting it to be an amazing romance book, but it read a lot more like Women’s Fiction; which is completely fine if you are prepared for that when picking it up. And the social media aspect included in this is an element I don’t particularly enjoy reading about; it’s something that is hard to portray realistically, in my opinion, and can often come off “cringey”. But, I can definitely still see fans of Kennedy Ryan loving this!

The way Kennedy writes is truly amazing. This was such a good book ! I can not recommend this series enough.

4.5 ⭐️ One of my highly anticipated companion novels of 2024 and it did not disappoint!

What I loved:
- Soledad 🔥 What a fierce FMC. I loved seeing her rediscover her strength and independence without Edward cause the shit this woman went through… 😅 y’all it was telenovela level, but did I enjoy every second of it? You bet!

- Judah… Daddy Judah 🥹 I adored him. His relationship with his two autistic sons was so heartwarming, but more importantly handled with so much care. Kennedy Ryan really put her whole heart into this story.

What I wanted more of:
- Personally the tension between Soledad and Judah did not stand out to me as intensely as it did in book 1 with Yasmen and Josiah (weird to say considering all the drama that happens!). Probably because the characters actually spend a lot of time apart throughout the book.

Regardless I can’t recommend enough and will now be eagerly awaiting Hendrix’s story. 😌

Thanks to Forever and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

There were several unnecessary pages before the prologue, including an author’s note, and the author’s catalog that should be moved to the back of the book. As a reader I don’t care about the author’s catalog until I’ve already been impressed by there work and want to know where I can get more of it. I skipped past it and I feel it will get more attention at the end of the book.

Secondly, the first chapter feels like a medical lesson on Autism. There’s so much technical information that seemed to drone on for pages. It wasn’t necessary. The author did a great job giving us facts and helping us understand autism through the character interactions. It was more natural to get the information that way instead of in one lump at the beginning of the book.

That being said, once I got past the medical lesson, what an amazing read! Soledad’s journey shows us that there is joy after heartbreak and that it is possible to heal from the worst betrayal and atrocities women face. She shows us that it is ok to focus on yourself and that it is never too late to find your path. AND JUDAH!!! What can I say about Judah! Can we make him standard issue. He could teach a class on loving a broken woman.

All of the supporting characters were phenomenal. I need a Hendrix in my life. I loved Adam and Aaron, their quirky ways were a joy to discover. Wanted to spank Inez a couple of times. To be honest I was a little disappointed that Edward got out early and disappeared with the money. The villain didn’t get his comeuppance. Overall this was a great read and I’d definitely recommend it to my friends.

After loving book 1, I nearly screamed when I saw this one on NetGalley. I was so excited to get to know Soledad and see what her journey would be all about. I LOVED the first half of the book and I really love the self love journey she goes on. For some reason I disconnected from the second half and I can’t quite put my finger on why. Regardless, I loved Judah and his family and I adore Soledad and her family. We also get a healthy dose of the side characters we meet in book one and some new ones. The autism representation was great and I felt it was portrayed really well. I’m so grateful for the dual POV, especially knowing Judah is a bit different than the mmcs we usually get. Also, he is delicious and my goodness does he know what he’s doing… if you know what I mean. This story is strong on loving yourself and finding peace in your own time and I really love that. There is still a beautiful love story, which I loved of course, but I loved reading about Soledad’s journey as a mother and as a single woman after so many years in a relationship. I could have done with a bit less of a focus on the social media aspect and less details, but other than that I really really enjoyed this book and already cannot wait for Hendrix’s story in 2025.

Thank you NetGalley for the early access!

Tropes/themes:
-love after heartbreak
-slow burn-ish
-single mom/single dad
-opposites attract
-steam

AMAZING. NO NOTES. A wonderful follow up to the first book in the series. Ryan approaches this story with depth and such a great expression of romance. While we all know the "formula", her writing makes a romance novel seem fresh and new. I loved this book and cannot wait for the third book.

Kennedy Ryan literally writes masterpieces. I’m always so invested into her stories and the characters she creates. And the way her writing is so relatable as an adult is EVERYTHING.

I’m not sure what she puts in her books, but I tend to always cry at some point. I loved Soledad and the way she grew. And Judah was so patient and respectful. Love love love!

I'm so conflicted about this. I liked the way this book dealt with the more mature themes related to parenthood. The prose was also fantastic, as always. Kennedy Ryan is just so readable. There's no other way to put it. But I just could not get into Sol's whole thing being an influencer. It just frankly made me cringe. And it took up so much of the story. I just could not. I also though Judah was kind of bland. He did not have much of a personality and I didn't find his slightly obsessive fixation on Sol to be compensation enough for his dullness. Unfortunately, I just don't think this book was totally the right fit for me. Hopefully Hendrix's book has a more interesting mmc and way fewer social media references.

Kennedy Ryan is THAT author!

She wrote the characters in this book to be intricate! Reading Soledad’s story to see how she overcame every obstacle was inspiring !

There isn’t one ideal way to go through life. Sometimes you have to lose everything to gain a level of happiness you could never imagine. That’s just what this book showcased.

I’m so ready for This Could Be Us to officially be released

I enjoyed meeting Soledad in Yasmen’s story. I already had a bad taste in my mouth about her husband and this book confirmed it! The second half of this book was top tier. Soledad deserves everything she receives, especially Mr. Cross.

Kennedy Ryan… the queen of emotional damage. I need your address to send my next therapy bill to. In all seriousness I had such high hopes for Soledad’s book and as usual the queen didn’t disappoint. Right off the bat we were thrown into it from the author’s note. As someone who works in the medical field and comes into contact with every single type of person… this hits home. The autism rep was done so well. Soledad and Judah have both been through so much separately. Eventually and trust me I mean eventually when they get together they have to overcome many obstacles. If they instantly got together the book wouldn’t have been as amazing as it was. The build up, the banter, the chemistry, the relationship with their children. The words that come out of Judah’s mouth… Jesus. I’m so obsessed with that man. I can’t wait for everyone to read This Could Be Us! Comes out March 5th 2024! 5/5 ⭐️

“I’ve come to realize that a women who wants more and realizes she deserves it is a dangerous thing.”

I will never understand how Kennedy Ryan writes such amazing books, I will just continue to be grateful she does. This book took me on a journey of all the emotions it is possible for me to feel and I loved ever minute of it.

Two characters who meet under decidedly bad circumstances and really shouldn’t be attracted to each are so drawn to each other it is undeniable. Both are devoted parents. Both are used to denying themselves in service of others. But when they come together, they feel everything their lives have been missing. But this isn’t only a romance. Soledad goes through a journey of self discovery that really resonated with me. It is also about family and friendship and showing up for the people in your life. It is a wonder of a book and one I will read again and again.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Babbbyyyyyyy!! When I tell you I knew Soledad’s book was going to be interesting because the way her ole dusty, trifling a** husband was acting in Skyland #1 Before I Let Go….Tuh I just knew he was up to no good!! Chile It was good. Better than Before I Let Go in my personal opinion. I know some won’t agree buttttt ya know it is what it is. Drama oh baby this book brought it, more specifically in Part 1.   Soledad is "the cool mom" who has to put her and her daughters’ life back together after her ex-husband, Edward, destroys it in more than one way. In this book we see her putting the pieces of her own life back together after the worst of betrayals. Overcoming adversity, on a journey of self love and self healing being able to trust herself. Her support system, her sisters and her best friends, are the bomb. But through navigating this new life, she finds an unexpected & irresistible love with someone who is a loving father and has an amazing coparenting relationship and family dynamic with his ex wife. There was an immediate attraction at first sight with Judah! The chemistry between them was confusing yet beautiful, unavoidable and sensual. Judah was the one she didn’t realize she needed in her life. Honey, just let me say a man who listens and is attentive, loving, strong, smart and fine and whew…lawd yes!! I have the book that was referenced and I will be reading come 2024!! I can’t wait for Hendrix's story. Seems so far away for hers!

Thank you for the e-ARC Forever Publishing, NetGalley, and Kennedy Ryan.

Kennedy Ryan has once again proved that she is a force to be reckoned with. Is there anything that this woman rights that isn't a masterpiece? I loved every single second of this read.

I don’t know how Kennedy Ryan does it but she does it so well. This Could Be Us is going to be a classic in this genre. I can’t wait until everyone can get their hands on it.
Soledad Barnes is a top tier, level 10, super mom. She is the Latina Martha Stewart if Martha had three daughters and a trash bag for a husband.
Said husband upends her picturesque life when he’s accused of some shady business at work. And the man doing the accusing? Judah Cross is a single father of twin boys who has been singularly focused on their care since his (amicable) divorce 4 years ago. His routine and structured life is woken up when he meets Soledad.
This book is very much about the spark between them and their instant connection.

However, it’s also about Soledad’s journey to self-love and rebuilding her life. With the help of her wonderful friends and sisters, she learns to use her superior skills as a homemaker to support her family. In that process, she learns how to trust herself and her instincts. Most importantly, she learns to fall in love with herself. The message in this book is so important for people who have lost themselves in service to others.
I could go on and on about the themes in this book. It’s an absolute must read from the master herself.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever books for the eARC.

I adored this narrative! It unveils a compelling event that disrupts a family's life, and witnessing how the characters navigate the aftermath is a poignant blend of heartbreak, grit, and heartwarming resilience.

Soledad, a confident woman, grapples with uncertainty in her marriage, but the beauty lies in her transformative journey towards a stronger self.

The male protagonist, a devoted single father, faces the challenges of raising teens requiring extra attention and love. His exceptional co-parenting and friendship with his ex-wife add a remarkable layer to the tale.

Delve into the details yourself; this one's a must for your TBR. The writing is truly phenomenal.

I enjoyed the book. Good plot. I wish more exploration of the relationship between the main characters.

I loved this story! There is an interesting event that causes a disruption in the life of a family. How the characters manage in the aftermath is heart breaking, gritty, heart-warming all at once.

Soledad is a confidant woman, but unsure in her relationship with her husband. The best part of the story is how she grows into the stronger version of herself.

The male main character is a single Dad trying to do his best with teens that need extra attention and love. He and his ex-wife have a remarkable relationship as co-parents and friends.

The story details are best left to the reader. Put this one on your TBR. The writing is phenomenal.

#soledad
#judah
#singleparents
#scaredtoloveagain
#friendtribe
#strongwomen

This Could Be Us, part 2 of Kennedy Ryans Skyland series, is Soledads story, who we met as Yasmins friend in part one of this series. For the past 20 years Soledad has been raising 3 active girls, taking care of her home and being active in her community while her husband is always busy at work, when he is put in jail for stealing a large amount of money from his company. As we learn more about what her husband has done and what kind of man he is, Soledad must find a way to support herself and her girls and pick up the pieces of her life.

This is more a woman's fiction novel with a back story of slow burn steamy romance than a straight romance in my opinion, and is a testament to a woman's ability to re invent herself, show her daughters how strong women can be, as well as a story about female friendship and empowerment. Chapters alternate between Soledads and Judahs point of view, the man who sent her husband to jail by discovering his theft and who has an instant sizzling connection to Soledad. Judahs storyline includes two teen autistic boys, and I think the author did a great job with her representation of autistic characters, as well as with her LGBTQ characters.

I love reading books with mature characters with real problems and some life experience, and this novel hit the mark for that. The characters for the most part were fleshed out and interesting. I did feel that Soledads self love discovery, and her emphasis on "self dating" got a bit repetitive, which keeps me from a 5 star rating.
Be aware, like all her books, this is very open door.

Thank you to net galley and the publisher for the e galley in exchange for an honest review.