Reviews with content warning for Cancer - This Could Be Us

The first half or so was really good but slow. I feel there isn’t enough relationship building to Judah & Soledad’s relationship. Judah seems to just be sexually obsessed with her and it’s weird he masturbates to thoughts of her after basically just meeting. Some parts where there could’ve been a meaningful convo between the two, his character seems to just dive into sex with her. I don’t know how many times I had to read him describe her curves, her curls, and her jasmine scent. I liked the inclusion of autism, stay at home dad, and influencer career. But I can’t help but feel their relationship was based off of just sex and the whole wishy washy FWB trope. I hated how he legit knew everything about her and she wasn’t ever creeped out, just made jokes about him stalking her *tehe so funny you show up around and know my schedule and watch all my content*!!! I don’t know- maybe just too much spice for me and not enough romance substance. ALSO something grossed me out was her not wearing underwear in HER DAUGHTERS SWEATPANTS before having sex!!! I’m a germaphobe so if I were that daughter and I somehow knew, you can keep those pants mama. Overall, not a terrible book but I just expected more and could’ve done with a whole lot less of the repetitive “I’m an independent girl boss” and spice themes.

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rdebner's review

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emotional funny 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? No

4.5

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domi_francois's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-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? It's complicated

4.75

Oh my…fellow bookish peeps…THIS BOOK…it literally just like, ripped my heart out, stomped on it, then picked up the delicate pieces and stitched it back together and then it only became stronger after all that. I loved Soledad and Judah’s journeys both separate and together. I loved their love story. Now, there are some elements where I was like okay, I don’t happen to agree with that, but overall, the story just pulled me in, kept me hooked from beginning to end. Kennedy Ryan’s treatment of certain heavy issues was tender and full of grace which I appreciated very much, even though the situation with Edward and Edward’s character were at certain points a little too overdone. No subtlety, little finesse, only because of the main plot, which was the love story but I do think that Edward could have been a bit more developed. Overall, This Could Be Us is bingeable and full of heart and soul.

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juliana_reads's review against another edition

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emotional 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? Yes

4.5

Amazing follow-up to “Before I Let Go.” Kennedy has such a gift for mature main characters and stories with real world stakes. Also- the drama in this one had me shocked in the best way! My only thing that made it 4.5 stars is that

I felt that Judah and Soledad’s relationship started off as “lust at first sight” which is fine, but never seemed to develop much beyond that. I needed more of them just spending time together and not having sex. (Although don’t get me wrong- the sex was excellent).

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100_pages_hr's review against another edition

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4.5

The romance in this book was amazing, but the true beauty of this book was autism representation. I absolutely scored how Adam and Aaron were written. As a teacher it was beautiful to see these boys shine in their own ways. I loved how unique they were. I also loved how often Judah admitted to some of the same tendencies as his boys. I loved how he ran with them, how he sacrificed so much for them, and how he coparented them.

I loved Sol too. Her tenacity was impressive. I found myself cheering for her and even though she had some understandably emotional reactions in the book she was one of the most level headed moms ever. I loved her sacrifices for her kids too. But I also respected the things that she did for herself to heal. Very impressive.

I really appreciated the timeline of the romance in this book. I loved that it wasn't rushed into. I loved that Judah and Sol found happiness without sacrificing their relationships with their kids.

I highly recommend this book but do appreciate the author's warning that there is past mention of death of a parent to cancer. I didn't lose my mom to cancer but it was a prolonged illness so I appreciated the warning.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

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rachelschloneger's review

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emotional hopeful fast-paced

3.75

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shlymiller's review against another edition

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challenging 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

4.75

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bookfulthoughts's review

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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 🩵.

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