Kennedy Ryan strikes again! I find Ryan to be the most compelling romance writer. She has a way of gripping you with her stories in a way that you just need to finish the story as soon as you can otherwise all you do is just think about it. This was no different.

I love a good single parent romance esp a single mom romance. It's no secret that single dad romances are inherently more popular in the genre (in my experience, at least), so I always love to see a single mom finding love. It is just so beautiful to witness. Add to it Ryan's compelling writing and it just made everything so much better.

I applaud Ryan's commitment to always giving a well rounded cast of characters in her stories. I have always found multiple side characters to adore in her books and this was no different!

The one issue I think I would point out is that the book seemed a little repetitive after a point. The same conversations kept happening again and again, which I found myself skimming through. If those had been edited out, the experience would have been much better!

✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨

This Could Be Us - Kennedy Ryan
🌟🌟🌟

LIKES
☀️ Soledad’s journey and development was the real star of this story. I really admired her strength and how she unapologetically learnt to put herself first.
☀️ It got off to a strong start and held my interest well.
☀️ So. Much. Drama!
☀️ How everything took place over a long span of time.
☀️ Amazing autism rep.
☀️ The friendship trio.
☀️ Both characters relationships with their kids and the different challenges they each faced. The kids very much had their own personalities which was so special.
☀️ The buddy read 🥺

DISLIKES
🌙 Aside from Josiah’s insta obsession with Soledad and the love he has for his kids, we never really learn much about him as a person.
🌙 The talk of Soledad’s ass knows no bounds. Literally every single character seemed to mention it and it became a bit of an eye roll.
🌙 The story lost momentum and went a bit stale. Even the convos between Soledad and her friends went round in the same circle of ‘he likes you’ / ‘I like him too but I’m working on me’ over and over.

This was my second book by Kennedy Ryan and let me you that she did not disapoint!!! Such a beautifully written book and I loved being back with these characters. I have zero complains about this book. This was pure perfect.
Now excuse me while I'm going to read absolutely everything Kennedy Ryan ever wrote.

Kennedy Ryan is a master of gripping dramas with equally important and swoony romances plots. This does not disappoint. Soledad’s life as she knows it comes crumbling down and she must face the fact that her husband is not who she thought he is. She meets Judah and both feel a connection that is impossible to ignore. So many things stand in their way though - both are single parents with complicated and intense situations and Judah is responsible for outing her husband as a fraud, he’s the last man she should be with.

I was GRIPPED by the family drama of this, of all the ways Soledad’s husband let her down and how she picked herself and her family back up. The romance on top of this was a beautiful bonus. The tension and longing between Soledad and Judah was deliciously excruciating. Can’t wait to read the last in this series 🥰

What to expect:

- single parents
- forbidden romance
- family drama
- slow burn
- spicy

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this e-arc.

I really enjoyed this, I loved seeing previous characters again and I loved that it explored many different aspects and not just the romance story lines.

I loved Soledad and how she started dating herself! I think it’s something everyone should do.

I loved Judah from the get go and could totally see those two together from their very first interaction! He was the perfect gentleman and gave her all the time she needed to process everything she needed to.

I really loved this book and feel it’s something that a lot of people would enjoy and benefit from reading and how she learns to thoroughly be in tune with who she is.

A solid 4.25 read for me!

I really enjoyed this book, it did take me longer to read as I was really busy with college and work but I loved it from the start to the end.
It’s so nice to read a romance book where the love interests actually communicate with each other and you can tell they had a connection the moment they met.

This book is something very important and valuable. I had a great time reading the story of Soledad and Judah. I didn't want the book to end.

I love Kennedy Ryan's books because she talks about very important things and weaves these themes into her stories flawlessly.

“This is could be us” is a story about self-discovery, healing, love, friendship, motherhood, family ties. The characters go through difficulties, they grow, heal and find support and support in the form of each other. This is a beautiful story full of heart.

One of the important themes in This Could Be Us is the topic of autism, where Kennedy Ryan shows different sides of this topic. At the very beginning of the book, she says that she shares her personal experience and the experience of autistic people and their parents. This is so valuable and important, it made me emotional.

Kennedy Ryan is a great woman who writes such wonderful stories. I am completely and completely in love with everything she writes. And I look forward to new books.

I love that this is not your everyday kind of romance book. The story is at times twisted, devastating, emotional and oh so completed. I also enjoyed that the mmc and mfc are parents which is not something I read too often about. I also loved that there was representation of autistic children but I don't feel comfortable judging if the representation was good since I am not part of the community and not educated enough to make a judgment, but it seemed respectful to me.
I also really enjoyed the moral conflict that Soledad had to face because of the situation she was put in. I loved the way she handled the situation, I loved the chemistry between the main characters and I absolutely HATE Soledad's ex-husband (can't remember his name and also not going to look it up bc I don't care for him).
Overall great book and I am actually buying a physical copy right now bc I loved it so much.

This is a wonderful story about self-exploration and self-love. Kennedy Ryan does a fantastic job at writing books that aren't just romance books, but books that go a little deeper. I was so excited to read this and didn't get disappointed.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I didn’t know this before going into it but, as soon as I found out this was going to feature a parent with autistic children written by someone who (I assume, from the note at the beginning of the book) is not autistic, I got very nervous. I’ve had so many bad, hurtful experiences before and I wasn’t sure what I was getting into. Thankfully, it went well! I thought it was handled with care, love, respect and kindness. I was especially nervous about the treatment of Aaron, a high support needs autistic, but he was written very well and treated with so much support and love by the people around him. I think it also helped that there were three autistic people in this group, all very different from one another, and with varying support needs. It helped broadcast the diversity of autistic people. I also loved seeing Black autistic people in books!

There was a whole lot more to love about this book, too. Not Edward, though, my anger towards him only rose as the book went on. I loved this even more than the first book, as I loved that we got to see more of a connection between the two love interests. I especially loved that it was more about a romantic and emotional connection, and their communication between each other was great (there’s nothing that annoys me more in a romance novel than when we are reading about two grown adults who don’t tell each other anything!!)

The kids, too, I loved all five of them! Even though she was being a pain, I really felt for Inez, especially. It must be very challenging to have all of that going on, it wasn’t a surprise to me that she would act out as a result of that, but I loved the way Soledad didn’t love her any less and helped her through it, even though that must have been so difficult for Soledad too. Very wholesome and realistic, I thought.

The friendship group I loved too!

The thing I didn’t like was that, even though Soledad and Judah had known each other for a while, I feel like we didn’t really see that, it felt like it jumped a bit in the middle and I’d have liked to see them get to know each other more and connect. i did still feel their connection, though. They worked great together.

I also thought there were some minor pacing issues, some things went too slowly for me and too things went too quickly and were wrapped up with too fast or not explored enough at all.

Otherwise, I loved this. It was a really great book.

This was such a beautiful beautiful read. I enjoyed it so much. From Soledad's growth to the explosive love between her and Judah, to her friendships with her besties and sisters and her relationship with her daughters, everything read perfectly and in the exact pace it needed to. Nothing was rushed.
I learnt a lot of things from this book and will not be forgetting soon. Everything I learnt is pivotal to my growth as a person and it almost felt like KR was talking to me through these characters!
I enjoyed reading soooooo much. I highly recommend. 5 stars!

With 4.6 stars, this book offers a heartwarming and uplifting tale for readers seeking a story of perseverance and personal growth. The book follows a single mother as she navigates betrayal, hardship, and the challenges of raising a child alone. After facing deep pain and disillusionment in love, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Slowly but surely, she learns to rebuild her sense of self-worth, find fulfillment in motherhood, and open her guarded heart to the possibility of a second chance at romance. This book will resonate with those who have endured difficult relationships and emerged wiser yet wary. The author crafts a protagonist who feels relatable and authentic in her hesitations, vulnerabilities, and quiet strength. With emotional depth and moments of both heartbreak and joy, this book illustrates the complexity of the human experience. While the protagonist faces formidable obstacles, the overarching message remains one of resilience, empowerment, and the remarkable inner resources we draw on to transform hardship into wisdom. For readers seeking an uplifting yet honest story of personal growth, this book delivers inspiration and catharsis. With lyrical writing and a compelling narrative arc, it offers a reading experience as moving as it is insightful.
With 4.6 stars, this book offers a heartwarming and uplifting tale for readers seeking a story of perseverance and personal growth. The book follows a single mother as she navigates betrayal, hardship, and the challenges of raising a child alone. After facing deep pain and disillusionment in love, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Slowly but surely, she learns to rebuild her sense of self-worth, find fulfillment in motherhood, and open her guarded heart to the possibility of a second chance at romance. This book will resonate with those who have endured difficult relationships and emerged wiser yet wary. The author crafts a protagonist who feels relatable and authentic in her hesitations, vulnerabilities, and quiet strength. With emotional depth and moments of both heartbreak and joy, this book illustrates the complexity of the human experience. While the protagonist faces formidable obstacles, the overarching message remains one of resilience, empowerment, and the remarkable inner resources we draw on to transform hardship into wisdom. For readers seeking an uplifting yet honest story of personal growth, this book delivers inspiration and catharsis. With lyrical writing and a compelling narrative arc, it offers a reading experience as moving as it is insightful.

One of my most anticipated books of the year and it did not disappoint. The way this author makes me feel with every page and every book they write is simply unmatched

"But there's nothing for him to save me from, because I've saved myself. He doesn't have to awaken me with a kiss. I'm wide awake, reborn, rebirthed through my own fire and pain and work and wisdom.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25

Book: This Could Be Us
Author: Kennedy Ryan

This was a STUNNING story. A beautiful love story, but also a love letter to women everywhere. I felt so many emotions while reading; pain, heartache, warmth, giddiness, the urge to sucker punch a certain character (iykyk).

Soledad is now one of my all time favourite FMCs, I connected to her so deeply through her struggles and I feel that everyone knows a women just like her she is the epitome of a strong woman. I will think about her often. 🥹

This will definitely get a reread in the future.

Read if you enjoy:
🩵 Friends to lovers
🩵 Dual POV
🩵 Strong women
🩵 Emotional love stories
🩵 Single mum
🩵 Autism rep
🩵 Pining

(Thank you so much to Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review 🫶🏻)

🩵

She's an icon, she's a legend, she's Kennedy Ryan.
Absolutely love this book.
As with book one in this series, this book really showed the power of female friendships beautifully.
Soledad finding herself after her useless husband was was amazing, a really great FMC. Judah (the man who reported her husband to the police lol) was a great mmc too.
Really obsessed with this series and can't wait to read book three, love reading about mature characters too.

I absolutely loved this book! I heard some negative reviews about it and was so glad I ignored them. I think if you are expecting the same as Before I Let Go, then this will be disappointing for you, however if you come into it understanding this is a separate book for a separate character that follows her journey after a huge betrayal then you will love it as much as I did. I adored Judah and his chapter's and thought the autism representation was well done, especially for someone who knows the every day experience of having loved ones with autism. It was very well written. I can't recommend enough and look forward to the next in the series. Thank you for the opportunity to read.

*3.5 stars*

This Could Be Us had me gripped from page 1 and then it all slowed down... I wanted to love this book as much as Before I let go which really hit me in the feels. And this one did... at first, but then it really slowed down in the middle, but then I loved the ending again.

I thought the conflict would focus around how Soledad's kids came to terms with her relationship with Judah and then also the whole situation with Edward, but both seemed a bit rushed and it felt that the main focus was Soledad's journey with herself which in itself is a good thing, but it could have been a bit more balanced.

I think there was good autism representation in this book and I could really feel like I could relate to how Judah was feeling as a parent, even though I have never experienced this myself. Also, never though I would think of a forensic accountant as hot, but then there is Judah Cross so....

Read this book if you are looking for:
* Second chance romance
* Slow burn
* Good Autism representation
* Single dad
* He falls first

Overall I enjoyed this book, but did not love it as much as Before I let go. This book, like everything by Kennedy Ryan, was beautifully written. Great representation. I look forward to see how Kennedy further expands on the Skyland series.

Big thank you to Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This romance novel was equal parts love story and self-love story. It followed Soledad as she tries to salvage her life after her husband Edward completely imploded it. The mystery as to what Edward did was compelling. His crimes seemed to get worse with each turn of the page.

I was cheering Soledad on on her journey to self-sufficiency. Luckily, she had the unwavering support of her amazing friends and sisters. She was finally independent, yet never alone. Soledad was able to build up her own personal brand on social media and establish herself as an influencer. I wasn’t the biggest fan of this career decision as it felt like an unrealistically easy answer to her problems (and in truth, a bit cringey). Still, I was happy that she found a way to provide for her family that suited her.

While Soledad was setting herself up, romance rightfully took a back seat. She had enough on her plate to deal with. However, Judah was always there, just waiting for her to give him the all clear. Judah was such an idealistic love interest – he was almost too perfect. He was kind, thoughtful, patient and utterly obsessed with Soledad. Judah was even a wonderful dad to his two autistic sons. I appreciated the glimpse into what it’s like to care for loved ones with autism. It was handled with empathy and provided insight in a natural way. Judah looked after his sons with his surprisingly easy-going ex-wife. Their co-parenting setup was truly aspirational. Judah’s compassionate parenting style emphasised how good of a man he was, so I was rooting for the chemistry between him and Soledad to manifest into an official relationship. Soledad’s persistence to ‘self-date’ did start to get annoying. There were definitely some passages on self-love that felt too preachy, but I didn’t mind it too much because it helped Soledad on her path to healing. The ending was a tad sappy, but still very satisfying.

🗣💬: “When are we ever done working on ourselves? I believe wholeness is not a destination but a lifetime process. Some thing that instead of waiting for, you could be living for ”

👩🏾‍🏫 𝔾𝔼ℕℝ𝔼:
Romance

📄 ℙ𝔸𝔾𝔼 ℂ𝕆𝕌ℕ𝕋: 416

🎡 𝕋ℍ𝔼𝕄𝔼𝕊:
Betrayal / Family / Autism / Financial Fraud

✍️ ℙ𝕃𝕆𝕋:
Soledad Barnes has her life all planned out. She plans everything. She designs everything. She fixes everything. But none of her varied talents can save her when catastrophe strikes, and the life she built with the man who was supposed to be her forever, goes poof in a cloud of betrayal and disillusion

💭 𝕍𝕀𝔹𝔼𝕊:
SEXY - INSPIRING - INFORMATIVE - SENSUAL - REFLECTIVE - LOVELY - EXCITING

💟 𝔽𝔼𝔼𝕃𝕊:
Talk about not beating around the bush (pun intended ...)
I LOVE how Ryan can fill 400 pages without waffling or putting in random filler chapters that aren't necessary.
Instead, every word of this book was focused, had purpose and drove the story in a fast paced, satisfying way.
The story is heartfelt and warming and talks so openly about the many different facets of just being an adult that we all struggle with.
It is a great reminder to go for the life you want rather than sitting back and letting life happen to you like you're on the dock of the bay.
There was such an earnestness to both narrative voices and once again I am struck by how wonderfully she writes the male POV.
This book was the reminder I needed that it is never too late to start over or to explore a new dream because life isn't just one thing, it starts over every single day and we are in it for a long bloody time, so we had better make it count!

What an inspiring read.

Beautiful book. I loved the first book in the series and I just knew this one would also be great. Amazing read. Kennedy Ryan you have done it again