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ambitiouslycierra's review
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
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I enjoyed Before I Let Go but I LOVED this book as the second installment of the Skyland series. I was most impressed with the pacing of the book. There was never a point where I felt bored or wanted to hurry the story along. I adored all of the characters (it was nice to have some cameos of Yaz and Hen). There are self-love (and internet) elements to the book that made it more relatable to me as someone that has not been married and is child-free. Gah, snaps to Kennedy Ryan. I can’t wait to read the next book about Hendrix!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer
shanaetheflyest's review
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
sincerelydebi's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
5/5✨…Like y’all didn’t already know🤣🤎
As usual @kennedyryan1 has proven to be a phenomenal writer, who truly understands love, and what it means to love yourself. I saw A LOT of myself in this book, as Soledad navigated through her new reality. Her doing everything she can for everyone else, especially her daughters…but ultimately finding and doing what makes her happy in the end. She was truly an inspiration, and I’m grateful this book exists.
The Austism Rep was more than eye opening, and I have learned so much…and will continue to learn even after this post! Aaron & Adam were true pleasures, and I loved what they added to the story. The dynamic between Judah and his ex wife, Tremaine. Chefs kiss! I loved how their boys came first, and how much they loved each other in the process.
One of the best parts was the friendship aspect. Yas #BeforeILetGo and Hen (her book comes out in the spring on 2025😭) my God! I already loved them but these 3 women are some of the strongest, most loving ride of die bffs anyone could ask for. Low key had to look at my own life to make sure I am being, and giving the type of energy they gave.
Judah & Soledad’s relationship was special from the start. It was also: thoughtful, steamy, and beautiful.
✨Btw, I think Judah is my #1 book boyfriend now👀 he was everything, and glasses bae. Are we calling him that yet?✨
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
mrscorytee's review against another edition
emotional
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? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer
mollyrook's review
emotional
funny
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
3.0
I liked this book and I will definitely read more by Kennedy Ryan, but the central premise didn’t really do it for me. I want a romance to be about both characters’ journeys, and because Judah spent most of the book just waiting for Soledad to be ready for him, I didn’t feel like there was any major character growth that he needed to do. Soledad’s journey was much fuller and very compelling, but the romance wound up being what interested me the least in this book, even if I really liked both Judah and Sol as characters. So, on the whole, I enjoyed it, but I wanted a little more than it gave.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Cancer, and Emotional abuse
adri_enne's review
emotional
funny
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Infidelity
Moderate: Cancer
Minor: Body shaming, Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, and Pregnancy
Absolutely loved this book!! It really stresses the importance of having self love, forgiving yourself, and putting yourself first especially when life throws you curveballs. A must read ladies!!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
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
jotheblackbookworm's review
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