Scan barcode
kerosenelit's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
"When you hurt the way we women sometimes have to, when you lose so much, when the world ends over and over and over again, we are no longer butterflies. Those wings are much too fragile to carry us on and through. I'm a hornet. I can love. And I can sting."
What a beautiful story for Soledad. I loved her spirit in Before I Let Go and seriously could not wait for her to rid herself from that toxic husband. The way this book made me hate him even more. Oof. Good riddance.
I was glued to the messy drama in this one! The perseverance from Soledad after the utter turmoil her husband leaves her with was so admirable. This woman was STRONG. This definitely focuses on Soledad rediscovering herself as a now single, working mom—and I found some aspects a little slow in the middle—but the achy, delicate, forbidden(ish) romance she finds in Judah was such a treat.
Judah, a single parent himself to two autistic boys, couldn't have been more perfect for Soledad. I loved the way he allowed Soledad to set the pace of their blooming relationship, especially when it was so apparent how absolutely mad he was for her.
And once again, the friendship between Yasmen, Soledad, and Hendrix makes me so happy. I always look forward to their banter. Hendrix in particular makes me laugh like no other, and I can't wait to see how her future story will play out!
(heat level: a few open-door scenes, explicit details)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Infidelity
Moderate: Cancer, Death of parent, and Grief
gabichatslit's review
5.0
Kennedy Ryan has done it again.
I’ve been waiting for Sol’s story since the moment I finished Yas’ book in October, and it did not disappoint.
This book was joyful, heartwarming, heartbreaking, funny and affirming, all at once. As always, chock full of lessons and love, and I can’t wait to see what I pull from the book the second time I read it.
Sol and Judah deserved their happy ending and it was so beautiful to watch them find each other and make their dream life for themselves. I already miss them. But I can’t wait for Hendrix story next year— it’s gonna take a special person to get Miss Thing to settle down but I know Kennedy will craft the perfect partner for her and give us another fictional man to fall in love with.
More thoughts to come at some point but wow wow wow this was so good!
I’ve been waiting for Sol’s story since the moment I finished Yas’ book in October, and it did not disappoint.
This book was joyful, heartwarming, heartbreaking, funny and affirming, all at once. As always, chock full of lessons and love, and I can’t wait to see what I pull from the book the second time I read it.
Sol and Judah deserved their happy ending and it was so beautiful to watch them find each other and make their dream life for themselves. I already miss them. But I can’t wait for Hendrix story next year— it’s gonna take a special person to get Miss Thing to settle down but I know Kennedy will craft the perfect partner for her and give us another fictional man to fall in love with.
More thoughts to come at some point but wow wow wow this was so good!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Cursing, and Sexual content
Minor: Grief, Death of parent, Death, and Emotional abuse
amandas_bookshelf's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Infidelity, and Sexual content
Moderate: Confinement, Cancer, and Death of parent
shanaetheflyest's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Abandonment, Cursing, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Cancer, Confinement, Medical content, Racism, Death of parent, Terminal illness, Infidelity, and Injury/Injury detail
pattykcreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Body shaming, and Infidelity
Minor: Gaslighting, Ableism, Death of parent, Medical content, and Medical trauma
lauraelovesbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Another fantastic read from Kennedy Ryan. Her beautiful writing and emotional stories are next level. I devoured this book and it left me in awe.
I initially planned to mention how it compares (to me) to Before I Let Go but I would rather look at this book as a continuation of that story than a standalone sequel (but don’t worry, it could for sure be read as a standalone, though I wouldn’t recommend it). I am so invested in the Skyland universe and can feel the connection between all the characters. This book felt like revisiting old friends while making new ones at the same time
I was really invested in the plot of this book (I went it knowing as little as possible and highly recommend people do the same). I loved Soledad’s journey to regain herself and loved her connection with Judah.
I cannot wait to read more from this series
I initially planned to mention how it compares (to me) to Before I Let Go but I would rather look at this book as a continuation of that story than a standalone sequel (but don’t worry, it could for sure be read as a standalone, though I wouldn’t recommend it). I am so invested in the Skyland universe and can feel the connection between all the characters. This book felt like revisiting old friends while making new ones at the same time
I was really invested in the plot of this book (I went it knowing as little as possible and highly recommend people do the same). I loved Soledad’s journey to regain herself and loved her connection with Judah.
I cannot wait to read more from this series
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, and Cancer
Moderate: Medical content, Physical abuse, and Death of parent
sdupont's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Kennedy Ryan can do no wrong! If you are looking for a complex, emotional, sexy romance then she is the author for you. This Could Be Us delivers exactly that. I loved being able to Soledad find herself and rebuild a life on her own terms. Her dynamic with Yasmen and Hendrix is such a beautiful display of supportive female friendship. Now for Judah- get you a man who is an excellent father and will support you even if it puts his desires on hold. Judah has is bad for Soledad from the start, it was great seeing them get to know another and have their relationship evolve. My only gripe is that this book is a big of slow start for the romantic plot. We do not see them together for a good portion of the book. I wish it was paced up a little so we could sit in their beautiful little love bubble. Aside from that I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I am very excited for Hendrix’s story next year.
*I received the ARC for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
*I received the ARC for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Infidelity
Moderate: Cancer and Racism
Minor: Death of parent, Physical abuse, and Ableism
jotheblackbookworm's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"Knowing how to be solitary is central to the art of loving." —bell hooks, All About Love: New Visions
"This Could Be Us" book review
Soledad has arrived at a crossroads in her life, especially in respect of her marriage. She desires to feel like a woman & to feel alive within her marriage, but with her husband calling the name of his assistant in his sleep, Soledad's security within their marriage is slipping away bit by bit. When devastation hits Soledad & her daughters, she has no choice but to rebuild their life from the ground up.
Disclaimer: This is not a romance novel. I REPEAT: This is not a romance novel. Please do not allow this to skewer your enjoyment of 'This Could Be Us'. Additionally, nor should you judge this book off of the merits of its predecessor. Soledad's story is a far cry from Yasmen's in Before I Let Go, but it is a story that is just as important. Let's go!
As a champion of #MeMoments & #solodates, the inclusion of Soledad's self-love journey really struck a chord with me. The joy that I have found in these solitary moments are nothing short of beautiful & Kennedy captured this journey so wonderfully. If you would have asked me 10yrs ago if I would feel comfortable languishing in the presence of only myself I would have laughed.
After reading books such as The List; The Hive; Influential etc. It was refreshing to read a positive exploration of the use of Social media.
Another aspect of this story that I enjoyed reading was Kennedy's approach to Autism. Whilst this is not a main feature of the story, you can feel the personal experiences of Kennedy seeping into the pages of Judah's story. I will say that I do wish that Judah's experience of fatherhood felt a bit light in contrast to Soledad's but I did appreciate him all the same.
Overall, I enjoyed This Could Be Us, it was a novel that made me feel seen wholly as a woman & as a mother. There will be many differing opinions on this book, but make your own mind up 💖
This is a novel for those who have lost themselves along the way to victory. It is for those who bruised their hearts whilst masssging the hearts & ego's of others. It is for the mother's whose love knows no bounds. It is for the women who are rebuilding the pieces of their life, one step at a time.
"Sometimes we fall into the trap of thinking sacrificing everything is the greatest measure of our love."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Is This Could Be Us on your TBR? 💖
"This Could Be Us" book review
Soledad has arrived at a crossroads in her life, especially in respect of her marriage. She desires to feel like a woman & to feel alive within her marriage, but with her husband calling the name of his assistant in his sleep, Soledad's security within their marriage is slipping away bit by bit. When devastation hits Soledad & her daughters, she has no choice but to rebuild their life from the ground up.
Disclaimer: This is not a romance novel. I REPEAT: This is not a romance novel. Please do not allow this to skewer your enjoyment of 'This Could Be Us'. Additionally, nor should you judge this book off of the merits of its predecessor. Soledad's story is a far cry from Yasmen's in Before I Let Go, but it is a story that is just as important. Let's go!
As a champion of #MeMoments & #solodates, the inclusion of Soledad's self-love journey really struck a chord with me. The joy that I have found in these solitary moments are nothing short of beautiful & Kennedy captured this journey so wonderfully. If you would have asked me 10yrs ago if I would feel comfortable languishing in the presence of only myself I would have laughed.
After reading books such as The List; The Hive; Influential etc. It was refreshing to read a positive exploration of the use of Social media.
Another aspect of this story that I enjoyed reading was Kennedy's approach to Autism. Whilst this is not a main feature of the story, you can feel the personal experiences of Kennedy seeping into the pages of Judah's story. I will say that I do wish that Judah's experience of fatherhood felt a bit light in contrast to Soledad's but I did appreciate him all the same.
Overall, I enjoyed This Could Be Us, it was a novel that made me feel seen wholly as a woman & as a mother. There will be many differing opinions on this book, but make your own mind up 💖
This is a novel for those who have lost themselves along the way to victory. It is for those who bruised their hearts whilst masssging the hearts & ego's of others. It is for the mother's whose love knows no bounds. It is for the women who are rebuilding the pieces of their life, one step at a time.
"Sometimes we fall into the trap of thinking sacrificing everything is the greatest measure of our love."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Is This Could Be Us on your TBR? 💖
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Cancer
vjzacharias's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I was slightly hesitant to read this book after having my heart ripped out and put back together by Before I Let Go. Adult relationships are scary and sometimes it’s hard to separate the book from what could happen in your own life.
Soledad is a strong, intelligent woman who is at home raising her three daughters. Her marriage is stale and she has suspicions that her husband isn’t being truthful with her. When their world blows up, Soledad rises to the challenge of keeping her family together.
Judah is THE man. He supports his ex-wife and co-parents their autistic twins flawlessly. He is an absolute dream. He is the quiet, smart guy who everyone underestimates.
Soledad’s ex is a bottom of the barrel human. We hate him and she deserves better. I love that she didn’t just fall into the arms of someone else. She builds up her life and takes care of herself first. Her friends and sisters are there to encourage her and help her when she’s confused.
I’m so excited to stick with this world.
Judah is THE man. He supports his ex-wife and co-parents their autistic twins flawlessly. He is an absolute dream. He is the quiet, smart guy who everyone underestimates.
Soledad’s ex is a bottom of the barrel human. We hate him and she deserves better. I love that she didn’t just fall into the arms of someone else. She builds up her life and takes care of herself first. Her friends and sisters are there to encourage her and help her when she’s confused.
I’m so excited to stick with this world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting
Minor: Cancer and Death of parent
laurrelise's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
“I can’t decide if it’s a choice, getting swept away.” —Taylor Swift, Treacherous
THIS BOOK. I highlighted so many passages; the writing was so spectacular. I want to live in a world written by Kennedy Ryan. Every single character is so complex and well-rounded. I really liked the way the timeline was handled; it gave me such a full picture of the whole story.
“He’s the kind of man you can count on, but I’m done counting on men.” —Soledad Charles
Soledad’s journey to trusting herself after the ultimate betrayal and heartbreak was such an important and poignant story. This book is more emotional and heavy than a traditional romance, but I could have read 400 more pages detailing the ups and downs faced by Judah and Soledad.
I was so excited when I got to the end and saw there are recipes, because how delicious does strawberry-lemon prosecco sangria sound? I know this book isn’t even out yet, but I cannot wait for the next one. I love love love this series.
Thank you so much to Forever for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Sexual content, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Death of parent and Cancer