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cassiereadsbooks_'s review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, and Gaslighting
mrsmishler's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Cancer, Panic attacks/disorders, and Medical content
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: Cancer, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Sexual content, and Gaslighting
Minor: Ableism and Death of parent
spellbindingtomes's review against another edition
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? Yes
3.5
𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨.
𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:
Soledad Barnes, a meticulous planner and domestic expert, faces a life-altering crisis when her marriage ends due to betrayal. Forced to rebuild her life while caring for her daughters, she rediscovers herself. As she navigates this new chapter, an unexpected and potentially risky romance emerges, challenging Soledad to decide if she's ready to trust again and embrace a new chance at love.
•
•
•
So, I have mixed feelings on this one. Before I Let Go is one of my top romance reads of the year so far, and I adored Soledad in that book, so I was thrilled to get her story. Her journey of self-discovery in This Could Be Us is beautifully written, but it took me a while to get invested.
A big reason for this is that I went in expecting another romance-heavy story. However, This Could Be Us is actually a slower-paced women's fiction that focuses more on Soledad's personal growth - which isn't a bad thing at all! It just caught me off guard.
After adjusting my expectations about the book's focus, I found myself fully absorbed in Soledad's story. It was empowering to see her choose her own happiness despite all the resistance she might meet.
That said, the ending felt a bit rushed. I would've loved to see more of Soledad and Judah's relationship after they officially got together - more moments with their families blending, scenes with Judah and the girls, or Soledad with the boys.
If you loved Before I Let Go, approach this as more of a women's fiction with a dash of romance. It's a touching exploration of finding happiness and strength after life's setbacks.
𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦, 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘺. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵. 𝘐'𝘮 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵. 𝘛𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘵.
What to expect:
🌼 self-discovery
🧡 afro-latina FMC
🌼 strong friendships
🧡 women empowerment
🌼 forbidden romance
🧡 autism representation
𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:
Soledad Barnes, a meticulous planner and domestic expert, faces a life-altering crisis when her marriage ends due to betrayal. Forced to rebuild her life while caring for her daughters, she rediscovers herself. As she navigates this new chapter, an unexpected and potentially risky romance emerges, challenging Soledad to decide if she's ready to trust again and embrace a new chance at love.
•
•
•
So, I have mixed feelings on this one. Before I Let Go is one of my top romance reads of the year so far, and I adored Soledad in that book, so I was thrilled to get her story. Her journey of self-discovery in This Could Be Us is beautifully written, but it took me a while to get invested.
A big reason for this is that I went in expecting another romance-heavy story. However, This Could Be Us is actually a slower-paced women's fiction that focuses more on Soledad's personal growth - which isn't a bad thing at all! It just caught me off guard.
After adjusting my expectations about the book's focus, I found myself fully absorbed in Soledad's story. It was empowering to see her choose her own happiness despite all the resistance she might meet.
That said, the ending felt a bit rushed. I would've loved to see more of Soledad and Judah's relationship after they officially got together - more moments with their families blending, scenes with Judah and the girls, or Soledad with the boys.
If you loved Before I Let Go, approach this as more of a women's fiction with a dash of romance. It's a touching exploration of finding happiness and strength after life's setbacks.
𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦, 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘺. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵. 𝘐'𝘮 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵. 𝘛𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘵.
What to expect:
🌼 self-discovery
🧡 afro-latina FMC
🌼 strong friendships
🧡 women empowerment
🌼 forbidden romance
🧡 autism representation
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Dementia and Abandonment
sydcreads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Emotional abuse
lovelymisanthrope's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
This was one of my most anticipated releases for this year, and I have been so excited to pick this one up.
"This Could Be Us" follows Soledad as she tries to redefine her life following the several infidelities committed by her husband. Soledad has always planned her life perfectly, but her carefully crafted world is threatened when she discovers that her selfish husband has embezzled his company out of millions of dollars. Left with only two options, she has to decide if she should crumble or take the reins back in her life and rebuild her world into something even better than before.
Soledad is such a strong protagonist and I loved reading from her perspective. She could have so easily crumbled, and I think most people would have entirely understood given the situation her husband put her in. But Soledad was determined to finally take her life back and she worked endlessly to provide for her three daughters. I also loved seeing her realize that she had been dimming her spark for her husband for years, and that she is just as worthy as her husband.
Soledad's husband was a piece of garbage and I hated every word that came out of his mouth. I wanted to dive into this book and ring his neck on behalf of Soledad. He got everything that was coming to him, and I was happy with the ultimate resolution arrived at for his character.
Judah, Soledad's new love interest and the man responsible for sending Soledad's ex-husband away, was the picturesque man. He has twin boys who are autistic, and he has never batted an eye at rearranging his life for them or his ex-wife. Although things did not work out for him and his ex, he has nothing but adoration for her as a mother and person. He acknowledges that they were not soulmates, but they can be good friends. I think this is such a healthy and mature approach to divorce, and it is a great example of human behavior that I hope to see represented more in the future.
Judah, even when they were not speaking, was always supporting Soledad as best as he could. He allowed her to come to him and he never pressured or guilted her into being anyone other than herself.
Soledad and Judah together were magic. They really balanced each other out, and their story felt so relatable and believable. Despite initial attraction, they did not cheat, and they did not pursue a relationship until Soledad's divorce was 100% finalized AND they both felt like it was the right thing for their kids as well.
This story was beautiful, and I already wish I could reread it without knowing the story. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a hard-hitting romance, and I cannot wait to pick up more from Kennedy Ryan.
"This Could Be Us" follows Soledad as she tries to redefine her life following the several infidelities committed by her husband. Soledad has always planned her life perfectly, but her carefully crafted world is threatened when she discovers that her selfish husband has embezzled his company out of millions of dollars. Left with only two options, she has to decide if she should crumble or take the reins back in her life and rebuild her world into something even better than before.
Soledad is such a strong protagonist and I loved reading from her perspective. She could have so easily crumbled, and I think most people would have entirely understood given the situation her husband put her in. But Soledad was determined to finally take her life back and she worked endlessly to provide for her three daughters. I also loved seeing her realize that she had been dimming her spark for her husband for years, and that she is just as worthy as her husband.
Soledad's husband was a piece of garbage and I hated every word that came out of his mouth. I wanted to dive into this book and ring his neck on behalf of Soledad. He got everything that was coming to him, and I was happy with the ultimate resolution arrived at for his character.
Judah, Soledad's new love interest and the man responsible for sending Soledad's ex-husband away, was the picturesque man. He has twin boys who are autistic, and he has never batted an eye at rearranging his life for them or his ex-wife. Although things did not work out for him and his ex, he has nothing but adoration for her as a mother and person. He acknowledges that they were not soulmates, but they can be good friends. I think this is such a healthy and mature approach to divorce, and it is a great example of human behavior that I hope to see represented more in the future.
Judah, even when they were not speaking, was always supporting Soledad as best as he could. He allowed her to come to him and he never pressured or guilted her into being anyone other than herself.
Soledad and Judah together were magic. They really balanced each other out, and their story felt so relatable and believable. Despite initial attraction, they did not cheat, and they did not pursue a relationship until Soledad's divorce was 100% finalized AND they both felt like it was the right thing for their kids as well.
This story was beautiful, and I already wish I could reread it without knowing the story. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a hard-hitting romance, and I cannot wait to pick up more from Kennedy Ryan.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
mamaofperfectpayton's review
emotional
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? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Abandonment
Moderate: Body shaming, Cancer, Emotional abuse, and Death of parent
gabichatslit's review against another edition
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: Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Death of parent
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, Infidelity, Sexual content, Grief, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Cancer, Confinement, and Death of parent
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: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Abandonment
Minor: Cancer, Confinement, Infidelity, Racism, Terminal illness, Medical content, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail