Reviews tagging 'Terminal illness'

This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan

8 reviews

rachellbc's review

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funny inspiring lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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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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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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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shanaetheflyest's review

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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. 
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laurrelise's review against another edition

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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. 
 
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kay_reads_books6's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny informative inspiring lighthearted 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

Kennedy Ryan, you did it again! 

Before I Let Go was beautiful and amazing. I didn't think the second book could top it. But it did! 

This Could Be Us is a slow burn romance that was burning for so long, I thought it couldn't get any hotter!

Judah and Soledad met in the most inconvenient of ways. I'm not here to spoil the book for anyone, just to say that I loved the book.

From having older, mature MCs to the beautiful writing, I'm in love. I recommend Before I Let Go and This Could Be Us to everyone I meet.

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘒𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘥𝘺 𝘙𝘺𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬.
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michelle_my_belle's review against another edition

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challenging 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? Yes

5.0

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