Member Reviews
I got scared when I realized where this book was going to go. 'How will Kennedy Ryan write herself out of this conflict since it has to be believable?!'
Boy, was I naive. Had no faith in Queen Ryan.
The way every character is approached with so much love and care, compassion and heart - no one else can write characters like that. I fell in love with every single one of them (well, except Edward, and he will be catching these hands if he ever decides to jump off this book's pages.)
No one writes women like Kennedy Ryan: powerful, fearless, and true to themselves.
Someone needs to lead a college course on Ryan's female main characters. I volunteer as a tribute.
I know that when I read Kennedy Ryan the road to happily-ever-after will be an emotional, hard fought journey. THIS COULD BE US is no different. (PUB 03.05)
This is a raw, honest and hopeful story about Soledad's journey to self-love and awareness as both a woman and a mom after she was betrayed by her husband. Judah is a father to twin autistic boys and perhaps the most thoughtful, patient man ever. I appreciate how Kennedy Ryan leaned into her personal experience while tackling a broad topic such as autism. It was treated with a tender hand.
At its core this is a love story about self-discovery , second chances and intimacy while trying to rebuild a life turned upside down. The writing was fabulous and it had me emotionally invested from page one. I experienced a wide range of emotions as I read but never felt manipulated. I found my eyes brimming with tears more than once.
This is the second in the Skyland "series" and I enjoyed seeing characters return. You don't have to read Before I Let You Go, but I loved that book as well.
Kennedy Ryan is a gift to romance!! Soledad and Judah’s story was one with challenges and patience but it was so beautiful!
This book was so enjoyable, it had it all; the drama, the romance, and the characters were so amazing. As always, Ryan wrote such an emotional and deep story full of real life relationship struggles in such a beautiful way. The journey that Sol goes through discovering herself after her life is shaken up, is one that i’m sure many women can relate to. The trust she needed to build in herself and the strength was inspiring and I LOVED reading about it.
The patience Judah had is shown in his actions as a father and co-parent and shows such a healthy relationship. I adored their growth together, and the building of a beautiful blended family!
Another amazing part of this book, and the series as a whole is the found family these women have, I can’t wait to read the next book in this series, and read more about the friendships they have and how they navigate their lives together.
Thank you Forever and Netgalley for the arc.
This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan was unputdownable. I read it in one sitting. It's that good. Ms. Kennedy Ryan can write just about anything and I will inhale it. This book was emotional, thoughtful and SO good. The characters are flushed out, the storyline develops nicely and overall, it kept me entertained. This book is a perfect recommendation for anyone who enjoys a well written romance and I will be recommending to everybody.
This book is a masterpiece! Sol’s story is so relatable! The HEALTHY friend circle, the life shift, the beautiful co-parenting, the autism rep, the resilience all depicted in this one book is captivating. The spice, the connection, the love interest?!? Kennedy Gosh Darn Ryan is the GOAT!
"This Could Be Us" by Kennedy Ryan presents a powerful and poignant tale of resilience, self-discovery, and the possibility of love after loss. The synopsis introduces Soledad Barnes, a woman whose carefully planned life unravels in the face of betrayal and disillusionment. The narrative promises a journey of rebuilding, both in terms of personal identity and the prospect of new love.
Soledad's character is portrayed as a domestic goddess and a master planner, emphasizing her ability to control and design her life. However, when faced with a life-altering crisis, she is forced to confront the unpredictable and uncontrollable aspects of life. The mention of her determination to keep a roof over her daughters' heads adds a layer of maternal strength and responsibility to her character.
The theme of rebuilding and rediscovery emerges as a central focus of the story. Soledad's journey of self-discovery, rising from the ashes of a burned life, suggests a narrative that delves into personal growth and the strength found in the midst of adversity. The character's refusal to repeat past mistakes hints at a strong-willed and resilient protagonist.
The introduction of an unlikely man, the forbidden one, adds an element of tension and complexity to the plot. The internal conflict Soledad faces—between what she shouldn't want and what she can't resist—foreshadows potential emotional turmoil and challenges. This forbidden connection becomes a source of intrigue, raising questions about trust and the capacity for love after heartbreak.
The narrative's exploration of loss, resilience, and the possibility of a new beginning positions it as a compelling read for those who appreciate stories of overcoming adversity and finding love in unexpected places. The emotional depth suggested by the themes of rebuilding and rediscovery, combined with the forbidden allure of a new romance, creates a promising backdrop for a contemporary novel that explores the complexities of life, love, and personal transformation.
This Could Be Us
Soledad is a wife, mom, friend, and domestic goddess living the perfect life. Judah is a divorcee and the perfect father co-parenting twins on the spectrum. One night at a party, their eyes lock across the room, and sparks fly. That night begins a year-long journey leading to healing and self-discovery that transforms their lives forever.
Once again, Kennedy Ryan delivers a compelling read that immerses you in her characters’ lives. “This Could Be Us” is a contemporary romance and a good read.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
This was a great read. I loved Soledad’s story and the chemistry between her and Judah. I love how Soledad was able to connect with Judah’s kids. It was great to see Soledad overcome everything she went through in her marriage. The close relationships Soledad has with her sisters and friends was beautiful to see. Overall, I loved the book and I’m looking forward to reading Hendrix’s story next.
This Could Be Us was in a word (or four) amazing, incredible, and beautifully layered. I absolutely adored it from beginning to end. One of the things I appreciated the most was the author focusing on Soledad first loving herself before looking for a romantic partner to fill a void.
Soledad and Judah together were like fireworks on the 4th of July and candy hearts on Valentine’s Day. They complimented each other so well. I was happy that despite all of the things they went through and had going on in their lives (and it was a lot!) they were able to find time for themselves and each other.
Be forewarned this story is a slow burn with regards to Soledad and Judah becoming a couple. I had to pack my patience with this one! 😫 But it was sooo worth it! I can’t wait to get a physical copy when it’s released on March 5, 2024!
Kennedy Ryan has done it again! I read Before I Let Go last year and it was easily one of my favorite books of the year! This follow up, This Could Be Us, was even better! Soledad’s story of redeeming self-love can be empowering to any woman. The relationships with her daughters, sisters, and friends are also inspiring. The way that autism was represented in this book was very well done. Healthy co-parenting was a refreshing touch to the book as well! My main takeaway was that in order to love others we have to love ourselves first! This story was also proof that love comes in the most unexpected ways! I loved to see the reference to bell hooks’ All About Love because I am currently reading that as well!
Thank you NetGalley and Kennedy Ryan for the digital ARC! I am definitely also buying the hard copy when it’s available! I can’t wait for Hendrix’s story!
Kennedy Ryan has done it again, folks!!!!
This was like a Lifetime movie but made more real. The characters were human versus being caricatures or stereotypes.
While I did love Judah and Soledad's love story, the true love story for me was that of sisterhood and mother/daughter relationships. Watching Sol pick her life up with the support of the women around her was exactly the story we need. The way female friendships were so honored and highlighted in this book made me feel seen and loved. Those are the types of friends and sisters we need in our lives.
It was a beautifully written book. It was a make-me-cry-while-reading-in-public book. It was everything I wanted from the follow up to Before I Let Go.
Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed falling in love with Soledad and her girls. Her resilience and self-love journey was inspiring. I love that the book really centers on Soledad's individual journey and how she welcomes a new love on her own terms. I can't wait for book 3!
I absolutely loved this book! To me, this book was better than BILG, the first book in this series! I enjoyed reading about Soledad and Judah! It was enlightening to learn about autism, and the effect it has on the family as a whole. Great read! So glad I was able to read it before it came out!
I am so happy I got access to this ARC through NetGalley.
This book was truly life changing. The book was filled with so much love. Soledad is truly an inspiration. The way she was able to thrive after all that she been through. Her best friends, sisters , kids & Judah showed her so much love and support it made my heart warm.
Judah is such a kind and loving man. The way he cared for his two sons & his son’s mom was beautiful. The way he supported & loved Soledad through her trama was beautiful.
Everything about this book was beautiful.
Thank you kennedy for this amazing book.
This is an amazing book. I love that it features autistic children and gives us a glimpse into life with autism! Follow Soledad as she ventures on a journey of self love and self discovery as a mom and influencer. Who after divorce needs help to discover who she is as a single person and how to love that person! Through this journey Sole is able to raise her three girls with no help and fall in love with herself and possibly someone else. I highly reccomend you read this!! I just reviewed This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan. #ThisCouldBeUs #NetGalley
ARC Review @netgalley - 'This Could Be Us' - Skyland #2 by Kennedy Ryan (3/5/24)
Read if you like -
+ real life women with real life problems!
+ second chance at love
+ divorced, single mom
+ BIPOC FMC/MMC
Oh. My. God. I dont even know where to start with this book. Kennedy Ryan is so so so good at capturing real life problems and raw emotions and mental health and just everything! Soledad's story is so heartbreaking but also so life-affirming. I felt all the emotions while reading this - horror, outrage, despair, hope, frustration, excitement, love - I was cheering for Soledad throughout her story of navigating divorced single parenthood and her second chance at love. Soledad learns to love herself first and foremost and i think that's such a beautiful reminder for women. I am having a difficult time putting my love for this book into coherent sentences but if you've never read Kennedy Ryan, the Skyland series is a great place to start.
This second installment in the Skyland series releases 3/5/24!
Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc, and to Kennedy Ryan for writing such a beautiful story
This book was a good read. I liked that we saw character development in real time. The kids the main character has is her primary focus. This book showcases how sometimes we overlook things in a relationship that could be suppressing our growth a bit. This book is a slow burn but when they get together you root for them. You root for the characters to expand. I can't wait until I hear the next spinoff.
This book was amazing! I loved everything from the multiple storylines that weaved together, to the cultural references and societal influences. It was refreshing to read about how parents handle raising children that are near diverse. I also loved how the Kennedy Ryan used current and relevant examples of how people actually can make it as an influencer. This storyline was important because while Soledad did make money, it wasn't like she was an overnight success making millions, so this was realistic. I adored the love story in this book and I left wanting to read more and more.
AMAZING!!! This book had he me in a chokehold. Very good storyline and holds the reader's attention by keeping the anticipation there, but not giving too much too soon. It's definitely a must-read! Can't wait for the official release next year.
WOW! I was so enthralled in this story, I quite literally couldn't put it down!!
I can't get enough of Kennedy Ryan's raw talent, man she can right emotional storylines like no other! This was no different. Soledad and Judah, two very different yet strong individuals. But I'm so impressed with how Ryan is able to write the most impressive and powerful women, even when facing diversity, just amazes me. I was so damn proud of Soledad, for her strength and ambition, for her love and devotion to her family and to the ones she loves. Judah is also very strong man who is devoted to his family above everything else.
Judah and Soledad simmered for quite some time so when they finally came together, it was explosive in the best possible ways! WHEW!!!
I can't wait for the next one in this series!!