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sydapel's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.0
Knowing what to expect from Kennedy Ryan's books is paramount to feeling connected to them, which I learned from experience after reading the first in the series. These are slow burn, heavily focused on the heroine's personal journey with herself rather than with her love interest and Ryan nails the satisfying, affirming character arc while still managing to make the spicy scenes red hot. More Emily Henry girlies should be reading her books, often the development is handled better and the men feel more dynamic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Toxic relationship, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Self harm and Ableism
this_momma_is_booked's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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? No
5.0
Kennedy Ryan can do no wrong. She once again hit it out of the park with this book! Soledad's journey was heartbreaking at times but incredibly inspiring. I love that this book explored motherhood and the ways in which mothers shrink themselves to give space for their family to grow. I appreciated Soledad finding herself again, finding love again, and providing that example for her daughters.
AND JUDAH CROSS, THE MAN YOU ARE.
AND JUDAH CROSS, THE MAN YOU ARE.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Minor: Ableism
bookfulthoughts's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.75
✨Inspirational and full of love✨🩵
“When are we ever done working on ourselves? I believe wholeness is not a destination, but a lifetime process. Something that instead of waiting for, you could be living for.”
I loved Soledad and Judah’s story! This book had me through the wringer with emotions. I was all over the place at the beginning of the book I got whiplash! The plot with Edward and Soledad had me sitting on the edge of my seat! It grounded me to my spot and I was flying through pages. The complexity of all of the characters and their families ran DEEP in this book. I have so much appreciation for the way Ms. Kennedy can write well-rounded characters. Soledad’s journey of self-love was a beautiful thing to read about. The way she was expressing her wants and concerns and proactively making choices to move in the direction of growth was admirable. Her fealty to her family and determination to hustle and make things happen had me cheering on from the sidelines. This book wasn’t just about the typical romance between partners; it was about the love and affection one can have with themselves. The ever-lasting love you cherish with your tribe of friends.
Judah is a beautiful soul who cherished people whom he held dear, who loved hard and unconditionally, and who feels with every fiber of his being unwavering. The relationship shown with his sons was so breathtakingly beautiful. I’m so happy that Soledad got someone like Judah and vice versa. The only reason I took off points was for the plain fact that I wanted to see the aftermath of Edward leaving prison. The mess of it all was just so good in the beginning that I just wanted a juicy ending as well. I’m not going to lie I did feel slightly disappointed for this reason. I believe that would put this book on top. I loved it either way and I can’t WAIT for Hendrix's book 🩵.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Abandonment, Body shaming, Cancer, Toxic relationship, Terminal illness, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Sexual content, and Grief
Minor: Death, Stalking, Ableism, Domestic abuse, and Racism
auteaandtales's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
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
4.5
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Cancer, Confinement, Gaslighting, and Sexual content
Minor: Ableism and Death of parent
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
jelkebooks's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
I received a galley of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kennedy Ryan really just likes breaking my heart with this series, doesn't she? Truly, this was yet again a really heavy read but also an incredible romance. The importance of family and parenthood within this book was also just so well done. Honestly, I don't think I've read many romances where the main characters were parents and the kids were this big of an aspect of the book. It felt very honest, and real, and I just really loved that aspect of the book.
Soledad was also just an incredible protagonist. Honestly, she was so strong, and such a badass. The way she totally reformed her life after being absolutely screwed over is an incredible force of strenght. I also love the love she has for her family, not just her kids but also her sisters and her found family. (Truly the friendgroup in the middle of this series is absolutely incredible. They are such a great group.) I also loved her journey of finding and loving herself again throughout the book.
I also quite liked the romance. The instant attraction between our two leads was just really well done, and just completely jumped off the page. There is a little sense of forbiddenness between them, but mostly it's just Soledad keeping her distance as she's finding herself. I truly loved how Juddah respected her boundaries, and really supported her in that journey even before anything ever happened between them. I also just really liked the emotional connection the two formed, and the respect they had for the other person's family. It was just so delightfully done.
My big complaint in this book comes from Judah though. I mean, he was a great love interest. Don't get me wrong on that. However, he wasn't a good character. I didn't feel like there was anything to him besides his love for his kids, and his attraction to Soledad. Besides the fact that he's an accoutant, and divorced I could not tell you very much more about this man. It is an absolute shame, especially in comparison to how much I could tell you about Soledad. In a book mostly about finding yourself, and not letting your love for others erase who you are, one of the two leads doesn't really have a distinct personality and it just seems completely against the morals of the book. It really did lessen my love for this book sadly enough. However, I do still highly recommend this, and I'm excited to read the next book in this series as well.
Kennedy Ryan really just likes breaking my heart with this series, doesn't she? Truly, this was yet again a really heavy read but also an incredible romance. The importance of family and parenthood within this book was also just so well done. Honestly, I don't think I've read many romances where the main characters were parents and the kids were this big of an aspect of the book. It felt very honest, and real, and I just really loved that aspect of the book.
Soledad was also just an incredible protagonist. Honestly, she was so strong, and such a badass. The way she totally reformed her life after being absolutely screwed over is an incredible force of strenght. I also love the love she has for her family, not just her kids but also her sisters and her found family. (Truly the friendgroup in the middle of this series is absolutely incredible. They are such a great group.) I also loved her journey of finding and loving herself again throughout the book.
I also quite liked the romance. The instant attraction between our two leads was just really well done, and just completely jumped off the page. There is a little sense of forbiddenness between them, but mostly it's just Soledad keeping her distance as she's finding herself. I truly loved how Juddah respected her boundaries, and really supported her in that journey even before anything ever happened between them. I also just really liked the emotional connection the two formed, and the respect they had for the other person's family. It was just so delightfully done.
My big complaint in this book comes from Judah though. I mean, he was a great love interest. Don't get me wrong on that. However, he wasn't a good character. I didn't feel like there was anything to him besides his love for his kids, and his attraction to Soledad. Besides the fact that he's an accoutant, and divorced I could not tell you very much more about this man. It is an absolute shame, especially in comparison to how much I could tell you about Soledad. In a book mostly about finding yourself, and not letting your love for others erase who you are, one of the two leads doesn't really have a distinct personality and it just seems completely against the morals of the book. It really did lessen my love for this book sadly enough. However, I do still highly recommend this, and I'm excited to read the next book in this series as well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer and Grief
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Ableism
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
jennireadsmaybe's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Kennedy Ryan, first and foremost, is THE powerhouse author of this generation!! There isn't a single book I've read from her that I haven't loved with my whole being. This Could Be Us is certainly no exception.
Soledad's story proves that coming of age happens all throughout our lives. It's a love letter to women falling in love with themselves. It's a becoming. Soledad is an example of just how powerful Kennedy Ryan's FMCs are. I love her so much.
JUDAH MF CROSS!!!! This man. This FREAKING man. He loved Soledad so deeply, so clearly, so wholeheartedly, so completely, so any way he could. From the start, he met Soledad where she was and wanted her to become who she wanted to be. I just don't think there is a fictional man that could possibly be as in love as he was.
Let it also be known that This Could Be Us has so many love stories. The love of a mother for her daughters, a sister for her sisters, a friend for her friends, a daughter for her mother, a woman for herself. There are so many versions of love that we weaved into this story. Every page is brimming with love.
The various representation throughout the novel was handled with such care. You can see just how dedicated Kennedy Ryan is to having accurate representation, even if representation can't be summed up by just one or two individuals.
Everyone should read this. Full stop.
Soledad's story proves that coming of age happens all throughout our lives. It's a love letter to women falling in love with themselves. It's a becoming. Soledad is an example of just how powerful Kennedy Ryan's FMCs are. I love her so much.
JUDAH MF CROSS!!!! This man. This FREAKING man. He loved Soledad so deeply, so clearly, so wholeheartedly, so completely, so any way he could. From the start, he met Soledad where she was and wanted her to become who she wanted to be. I just don't think there is a fictional man that could possibly be as in love as he was.
Let it also be known that This Could Be Us has so many love stories. The love of a mother for her daughters, a sister for her sisters, a friend for her friends, a daughter for her mother, a woman for herself. There are so many versions of love that we weaved into this story. Every page is brimming with love.
The various representation throughout the novel was handled with such care. You can see just how dedicated Kennedy Ryan is to having accurate representation, even if representation can't be summed up by just one or two individuals.
Everyone should read this. Full stop.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Ableism, Body shaming, Sexism, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, and Gaslighting
Minor: Physical abuse, Death of parent, Cancer, and Medical content
caseythereader's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? No
4.25
Thanks to Forever for the free copy of this book.
- THIS COULD BE US is another knockout from Kennedy Ryan. It’s her signature blend of drama, longing, and heat and I couldn’t put it down.
- I loved that Soledad was so focused on figuring out who she was separate from a man. Even when she had a perfect man waiting there for her, she still put herself first.
- I do think it could have been a little shorter (Ryan’s books are always tomes!) but there was so much going on in the story that I was willing to be there with them while they untangled everything.
- THIS COULD BE US is another knockout from Kennedy Ryan. It’s her signature blend of drama, longing, and heat and I couldn’t put it down.
- I loved that Soledad was so focused on figuring out who she was separate from a man. Even when she had a perfect man waiting there for her, she still put herself first.
- I do think it could have been a little shorter (Ryan’s books are always tomes!) but there was so much going on in the story that I was willing to be there with them while they untangled everything.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Abandonment, Alcohol, Medical content, Cursing, Infidelity, and Sexual content
Minor: Racism, Death of parent, and Misogyny
takarakei's review against another edition
emotional
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
4.25
Going into this knowing nothing, but having read the first book in the series, I was quite surprised by the first part of the book being our MC Soledad dealing with a very dramatic ending to her marriage. The author makes you immediately dislike her husband and you're not at all sad with what happens to him. This is a big deal because it's a life-altering event for Soledad and their 3 kids, and she is left to pick up the pieces of their life. There is great emphasis on Soledad's relationships with both her best friends (cameo of Yasmen from book 1!) and her sisters who really hold her down. This was super relatable to read about the close bonds of women.
There aren’t enough sonnets for friendship. Not enough songs for the kind of love not born of blood or body but of time and care. They are the ones we choose to laugh and cry and live with. When lovers come and go, they are the ones who remain. We are each other’s constants.
Soledad spends most of the book then reforming her new life and working on deprogramming the BS her ex said to her. There were some beautiful quotes and I really enjoyed reading about the self-discovery journey Soledad goes on to find her true self. I already had 'all about love' by bell hooks on my TBR for this month and this book made me even more excited to read it! It's definitely Soledad's book, she has most of the pov chapters, but we do get some from the perspective of Judah...
& Judah is a dream of a partner, really the epitome of a supportive man who has no ego, and just wants the best for Soledad. This is a fairly slow burn (not the slowest I've ever read, but def slower than most romances I read) which I honestly appreciate! He's a divorced dad with two autistic sons (he is friends with his ex and they have split custody). The author notes that she has an autistic child and did lots of research on the many varied experience of people with autism, and their families. I think there's a lot of care given to this subject.
I think my only qualm with this book is while I understand why there's so much focus at the beginning on Soledad's ex - I wish there was slightly less, and that might have allowed for a bit snappier pace.
Thank you to netgalley and Forever books for this ARC!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Infidelity, and Sexual content
Moderate: Body shaming and Cancer
Minor: Ableism, Death of parent, and Physical abuse