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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!!womanwill's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
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
Another stunning Black romance from Kennedy Ryan with a saga of self-discovery and growth for the woman main character built in.
Soledad's life is left spinning after the FBI arrests her husband for financial crimes right as she discovers her husband's infidelity. She is left raising their 3 daughters in a very expensive neighborhood in Atlanta with no job and frozen bank accounts. Soon she is developing her career as an influencer, leveraging her lifelong talents of building community, making people feel heard, and kitchen and household hacks. She is dating herself.
...And also avoiding a strong pull to Judah, the forensic accountant at her ex's workplace who discovered his financial crimes.
Read if you love:
- women rising from the ashes of a toxic relationship and getting a second chance at true love
- Black romance w/Afro Puerto Rican rep
- relationships where both have kids from previous relationships
- a glance at healthy coparenting (Judah and his ex)
- Autism rep of multiple types
- A bad ass female friend group that cheers Sol on
- women rising from the ashes of a toxic relationship and getting a second chance at true love
- Black romance w/Afro Puerto Rican rep
- relationships where both have kids from previous relationships
- a glance at healthy coparenting (Judah and his ex)
- Autism rep of multiple types
- A bad ass female friend group that cheers Sol on
I can't wait to see what Ms. Kennedy has in store for Hendrix next!
Thanks to Read Forever and Netgalley for the e-ARC. All thoughts my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Confinement
vjzacharias's review
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
I was slightly hesitant to read this book after having my heart ripped out and put back together by Before I Let Go. Adult relationships are scary and sometimes it’s hard to separate the book from what could happen in your own life.
Soledad is a strong, intelligent woman who is at home raising her three daughters. Her marriage is stale and she has suspicions that her husband isn’t being truthful with her. When their world blows up, Soledad rises to the challenge of keeping her family together.
Judah is THE man. He supports his ex-wife and co-parents their autistic twins flawlessly. He is an absolute dream. He is the quiet, smart guy who everyone underestimates.
Soledad’s ex is a bottom of the barrel human. We hate him and she deserves better. I love that she didn’t just fall into the arms of someone else. She builds up her life and takes care of herself first. Her friends and sisters are there to encourage her and help her when she’s confused.
I’m so excited to stick with this world.
Judah is THE man. He supports his ex-wife and co-parents their autistic twins flawlessly. He is an absolute dream. He is the quiet, smart guy who everyone underestimates.
Soledad’s ex is a bottom of the barrel human. We hate him and she deserves better. I love that she didn’t just fall into the arms of someone else. She builds up her life and takes care of herself first. Her friends and sisters are there to encourage her and help her when she’s confused.
I’m so excited to stick with this world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting
Minor: Cancer and Death of parent
lololovesthings's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
5 STARS!!!
Kennedy Ryan does it again!! "This Could Be Us" gives readers Soledad's story, the second book in the Skyland series, and boy oh boy is it a good one. Kennedy Ryan is virtually incapable of misses at this point. I found myself transfixed with Soledad and Judah's story. The pining. The passion. The longing. The lust. The caretaking. The steaminess. The scandal. The intrigue. Oh. My. God. I could NOT put this book down. I stayed up late and woke up early just to finish it because I needed to know how the story ended. Ryan weaves a delicate tapestry of self-discovery, family, friendship, angst, and love, and finds a way to balance the heaviness with some fun and lust. I love the way she writers her dialogue dripping with intensity. Her characters are as fantastic as ever. I adored Judah Cross. *SWOON* I loved Soledad's journey to finding herself after getting divorced from her ex-husband Edward (no spoilers, but one of the best book "villains" I have read in a long time....GOD I LOATHED HIM!). Soledad and Judah's stories are separate but ever-revolving around one another until they converge and...FIREWORKS. Their romance is sooooooo freaking good. I am going to be thinking about them for a long time. As with the first Skyland book, I absolutely loved the relationship between Soledad, Yasmen, and Hen... what an incredible display of female friendship and empowerment, women lifting each other in times of darkness. I also loved the relationship between Soledad and her sisters. This book is incredible, and I urge you to read it as soon as possible. Another tremendous notch in Kennedy Ryan's already stellar belt!
Thank you to NetGalley, Kennedy Ryan, and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Kennedy Ryan does it again!! "This Could Be Us" gives readers Soledad's story, the second book in the Skyland series, and boy oh boy is it a good one. Kennedy Ryan is virtually incapable of misses at this point. I found myself transfixed with Soledad and Judah's story. The pining. The passion. The longing. The lust. The caretaking. The steaminess. The scandal. The intrigue. Oh. My. God. I could NOT put this book down. I stayed up late and woke up early just to finish it because I needed to know how the story ended. Ryan weaves a delicate tapestry of self-discovery, family, friendship, angst, and love, and finds a way to balance the heaviness with some fun and lust. I love the way she writers her dialogue dripping with intensity. Her characters are as fantastic as ever. I adored Judah Cross. *SWOON* I loved Soledad's journey to finding herself after getting divorced from her ex-husband Edward (no spoilers, but one of the best book "villains" I have read in a long time....GOD I LOATHED HIM!). Soledad and Judah's stories are separate but ever-revolving around one another until they converge and...FIREWORKS. Their romance is sooooooo freaking good. I am going to be thinking about them for a long time. As with the first Skyland book, I absolutely loved the relationship between Soledad, Yasmen, and Hen... what an incredible display of female friendship and empowerment, women lifting each other in times of darkness. I also loved the relationship between Soledad and her sisters. This book is incredible, and I urge you to read it as soon as possible. Another tremendous notch in Kennedy Ryan's already stellar belt!
Thank you to NetGalley, Kennedy Ryan, and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Toxic relationship, Infidelity, and Sexual content
kelly_e'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
4.75
Title: This Could Be Us
Author: Kennedy Ryan
Series: Skyland #2
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4.75
Pub Date: March 5, 2024
I received a complimentary eARC from Forever, a division of Grand Central Publishing, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted #Ad
T H R E E • W O R D S
Empowering • Complex • Steamy
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Soledad Barnes has her life all planned out. Because, of course, she does. She plans everything. She designs everything. She fixes everything. She's a domestic goddess who's never met a party she couldn't host or a charge she couldn't lead. The one with all the answers and the perfect vinaigrette for that summer salad. But none of her varied talents can save her when catastrophe strikes, and the life she built with the man who was supposed to be her forever, goes poof in a cloud of betrayal and disillusion.
But there is no time to pout or sulk, or even grieve the life she lost. She's too busy keeping a roof over her daughters' heads and food on the table. And in the process of saving them all, Soledad rediscovers herself. From the ashes of a life burned to the ground, something bold and new can rise.
But then an unlikely man enters the picture--the forbidden one, the one she shouldn't want but can't seem to resist. She's lost it all before and refuses to repeat her mistakes. Can she trust him? Can she trust herself?
After all she's lost . . .and found . . .can she be brave enough to make room for what could be?
💭 T H O U G H T S
Even before having read Before I Let Go, the second installment in the Skyland series was one of my most anticipated releases of 2024. After reading book one in January, I just couldn't wait to jump into This Could Be Us. I'd be remiss if I also didn't take a moment to acknowledge the absolutely stunning cover art. Just - wow!
I absolutely devoured this book! Exploring self-love and self-discovery, this second chance romance is so much more than that. It has characters who are flawed and well-crafted. Soledad is fiercely independent. Judah is caring and attentive. This combination was pure romance gold. I could feel their chemistry rising off the page. Their relationship is respectful and authentic. And oh boy - the steam is certainly steamy.
Beyond the romance, there's so much depth to this story. There's a fantastic depiction of sisterhood - both biological and found. Soledad is surrounded by strong, supportive women. It really showcases the importance of having those people you can count on through thick and thin. The author also sheds some much needed light on all of the hard work and commitment that goes into being a stay at home parent. Society in general can brush all that they do under the rug, but I know there are people who wouldn't last a day. There is also a healthy example of co-parenting between Judah and his ex-wife and how blended families can really work. These were all reminders that healthy relationships can exist.
The way in which Soledad comes to stand on her two feet again was empowering. There is definitely a touch of privilege, but it didn't overtake the narrative. Influencer storylines don't always work for me, but here it just made sense. The inclusion of some recipes at the end was fantastic because all the food vibes had be salivating with hunger.
Even the side characters are all so wonderful. The kids reactions to the situation with their father. Judah's supportive parents. The ex-wife and her new husband. Sol's sisters. The author also details her personal connection to the book, highlighting how parts of it are what she's been living for the past twenty years. She demonstrates care and thought in crafting two authentic representations of people with autism. She does a good job showing how each individual with autism is different.
This Could Be Us was a definite hit for me! It was such a refreshing romance with depth and maturity. It could easily be read as a standalone, yet for maximum enjoyment I highly recommend starting with Before I Let you first. Now just let me devour Kennedy Ryan's backlist, while I eagerly await Hendrix's story. And also secretly hoping this series may continue beyond her with the introduction of Soledad's sisters...
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Kennedy Ryan devotees
• readers who like mature MCs
• fans of romance with depth
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"All loves aren't created equal. Some spring from the earth and wrap around and twine through our souls like vines. Some are plants that start with tiny seeds in your heart and blossom over time, nurtured by years and commitment."
"You feel the loss of those you loved most acutely at the times when they made you feel so alive."
Author: Kennedy Ryan
Series: Skyland #2
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4.75
Pub Date: March 5, 2024
I received a complimentary eARC from Forever, a division of Grand Central Publishing, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted #Ad
T H R E E • W O R D S
Empowering • Complex • Steamy
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Soledad Barnes has her life all planned out. Because, of course, she does. She plans everything. She designs everything. She fixes everything. She's a domestic goddess who's never met a party she couldn't host or a charge she couldn't lead. The one with all the answers and the perfect vinaigrette for that summer salad. But none of her varied talents can save her when catastrophe strikes, and the life she built with the man who was supposed to be her forever, goes poof in a cloud of betrayal and disillusion.
But there is no time to pout or sulk, or even grieve the life she lost. She's too busy keeping a roof over her daughters' heads and food on the table. And in the process of saving them all, Soledad rediscovers herself. From the ashes of a life burned to the ground, something bold and new can rise.
But then an unlikely man enters the picture--the forbidden one, the one she shouldn't want but can't seem to resist. She's lost it all before and refuses to repeat her mistakes. Can she trust him? Can she trust herself?
After all she's lost . . .and found . . .can she be brave enough to make room for what could be?
💭 T H O U G H T S
Even before having read Before I Let Go, the second installment in the Skyland series was one of my most anticipated releases of 2024. After reading book one in January, I just couldn't wait to jump into This Could Be Us. I'd be remiss if I also didn't take a moment to acknowledge the absolutely stunning cover art. Just - wow!
I absolutely devoured this book! Exploring self-love and self-discovery, this second chance romance is so much more than that. It has characters who are flawed and well-crafted. Soledad is fiercely independent. Judah is caring and attentive. This combination was pure romance gold. I could feel their chemistry rising off the page. Their relationship is respectful and authentic. And oh boy - the steam is certainly steamy.
Beyond the romance, there's so much depth to this story. There's a fantastic depiction of sisterhood - both biological and found. Soledad is surrounded by strong, supportive women. It really showcases the importance of having those people you can count on through thick and thin. The author also sheds some much needed light on all of the hard work and commitment that goes into being a stay at home parent. Society in general can brush all that they do under the rug, but I know there are people who wouldn't last a day. There is also a healthy example of co-parenting between Judah and his ex-wife and how blended families can really work. These were all reminders that healthy relationships can exist.
The way in which Soledad comes to stand on her two feet again was empowering. There is definitely a touch of privilege, but it didn't overtake the narrative. Influencer storylines don't always work for me, but here it just made sense. The inclusion of some recipes at the end was fantastic because all the food vibes had be salivating with hunger.
Even the side characters are all so wonderful. The kids reactions to the situation with their father. Judah's supportive parents. The ex-wife and her new husband. Sol's sisters. The author also details her personal connection to the book, highlighting how parts of it are what she's been living for the past twenty years. She demonstrates care and thought in crafting two authentic representations of people with autism. She does a good job showing how each individual with autism is different.
This Could Be Us was a definite hit for me! It was such a refreshing romance with depth and maturity. It could easily be read as a standalone, yet for maximum enjoyment I highly recommend starting with Before I Let you first. Now just let me devour Kennedy Ryan's backlist, while I eagerly await Hendrix's story. And also secretly hoping this series may continue beyond her with the introduction of Soledad's sisters...
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Kennedy Ryan devotees
• readers who like mature MCs
• fans of romance with depth
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"All loves aren't created equal. Some spring from the earth and wrap around and twine through our souls like vines. Some are plants that start with tiny seeds in your heart and blossom over time, nurtured by years and commitment."
"You feel the loss of those you loved most acutely at the times when they made you feel so alive."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Infidelity
Moderate: Misogyny, Body shaming, Sexism, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Racism
Minor: Death, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, Grief, Cancer, Cursing, and Pregnancy
imprisonment, embezzlementreadwithria's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
3.5
This Could Be Us is a beautifully written book about self love, self acceptance, and community.
I have mixed feelings about this book. I loved the writing, and most of the characters, but the actual romance fell a little flat for me. This is much more a book about learning to love yourself than it is a book about loving someone else, and because of that there were aspects of the romance that didn’t work for me personally.
Judah felt almost too perfect, with his only flaw in the book being that he puts the people he loves before himself, and while in a perfect world he would be the ideal man, he felt fictional to me. I also felt that the instant connection between Soledad and Judah was a bit insta-love feeling, and I prefer for relationships to develop through the characters getting to know each other on the page.
It’s not a book for everyone, but I think that for the right person it will hit hard and be a soul book.
Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the eARC and the opportunity to leave an honest, voluntary review.
I have mixed feelings about this book. I loved the writing, and most of the characters, but the actual romance fell a little flat for me. This is much more a book about learning to love yourself than it is a book about loving someone else, and because of that there were aspects of the romance that didn’t work for me personally.
Judah felt almost too perfect, with his only flaw in the book being that he puts the people he loves before himself, and while in a perfect world he would be the ideal man, he felt fictional to me. I also felt that the instant connection between Soledad and Judah was a bit insta-love feeling, and I prefer for relationships to develop through the characters getting to know each other on the page.
It’s not a book for everyone, but I think that for the right person it will hit hard and be a soul book.
Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the eARC and the opportunity to leave an honest, voluntary review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Cursing
Moderate: Infidelity and Toxic relationship
Minor: Cancer, Stalking, Death of parent, Alcohol, Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, Blood, and Medical content
literaryintersections'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? It's complicated
5.0
No one writes like Kennedy. Truly. Her most recent works have just blown me away, not only with her research but with the stories she is writing that center women who are complex, older, dealing with traumatic experiences. Everyone she writes feels multi-dimensional, everyone feels like a complex human with a deep story.
I especially resonated with Soledad because of her experiences as a parent - giving her life for her children so that they can be raised in a loving household. Putting herself and her desires to the side. I loved how Soledad was such a sexual person - it's like folks think people over 40 don't have sex! It's refreshing to see this in romance. Lastly, I just love the friendships that Kennedy has built, especially with Yasmin, Soledad, and Hendrix. Just there for each other, to laugh, drink, plot murder, and tease. I just love them.
Now let's talk Judah. WHEW the swoon. He is just a phenomenal man, supportive, loving his children (which again is so rare to see in romance novels). The relationship with his ex-wife, his focus and attention. I loved his relationship with Soledad and his care with her from the jump (and hers back with him!). Plus the way that she represented autism you could tell was so important to her, her author's note wrecked me. I am not autistic nor do I have an autistic child so I can't speak to the overall rep, but I do love that she made Judah's children whole humans, and not just their disability. They also didn't become foils for challenges in Judah and Soledad's relationship which I appreciated. The middle did get a little redundant and I wanted them to dive in, but I also appreciated that Kennedy had them take their time, build the romance and tension, and let Soledad just LIVE as herself.
I absolutely adore everything Kennedy writes and this is no different.
*Edward can kick rocks. I truly wanted him to die and would've wanted no less. He is a garbage human.
I especially resonated with Soledad because of her experiences as a parent - giving her life for her children so that they can be raised in a loving household. Putting herself and her desires to the side. I loved how Soledad was such a sexual person - it's like folks think people over 40 don't have sex! It's refreshing to see this in romance. Lastly, I just love the friendships that Kennedy has built, especially with Yasmin, Soledad, and Hendrix. Just there for each other, to laugh, drink, plot murder, and tease. I just love them.
Now let's talk Judah. WHEW the swoon. He is just a phenomenal man, supportive, loving his children (which again is so rare to see in romance novels). The relationship with his ex-wife, his focus and attention. I loved his relationship with Soledad and his care with her from the jump (and hers back with him!). Plus the way that she represented autism you could tell was so important to her, her author's note wrecked me. I am not autistic nor do I have an autistic child so I can't speak to the overall rep, but I do love that she made Judah's children whole humans, and not just their disability. They also didn't become foils for challenges in Judah and Soledad's relationship which I appreciated. The middle did get a little redundant and I wanted them to dive in, but I also appreciated that Kennedy had them take their time, build the romance and tension, and let Soledad just LIVE as herself.
I absolutely adore everything Kennedy writes and this is no different.
*Edward can kick rocks. I truly wanted him to die and would've wanted no less. He is a garbage human.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Gaslighting
sarahmcg's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
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 does it again! With emotional depth, beautiful writing, and an incredible but complex love story, I couldn’t put this book down once I started it.
It wasamazing seeing Soledad find her way and begin to trust herself again after Edward left their family shattered and with basically nothing. I also really loved Judah, as he gave her the space she needed when she asked but gave her reassurance that he would be there when she was ready. With both of them being parents, it was so important that they really thought through a relationship.
I loved that Yasmen & Hendrix were involved in this book often, they’re such a fun friend group, and I’m excited for Hen’s book when it gets here! I also thought that Soledad earning money through being a social media influencer was so fun and timely.
Also, the machete scene was iconic.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!
It wasamazing seeing Soledad find her way and begin to trust herself again after Edward left their family shattered and with basically nothing. I also really loved Judah, as he gave her the space she needed when she asked but gave her reassurance that he would be there when she was ready. With both of them being parents, it was so important that they really thought through a relationship.
I loved that Yasmen & Hendrix were involved in this book often, they’re such a fun friend group, and I’m excited for Hen’s book when it gets here! I also thought that Soledad earning money through being a social media influencer was so fun and timely.
Also, the machete scene was iconic.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Sexual content
Moderate: Cancer, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Death of parent
brewdy_reader's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? No
4.5
𝘈𝘥𝘶𝘭𝘵 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 • 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘍𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯
𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘮 • 𝘙𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 • 𝘋𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘗𝘖𝘝
𝘗𝘶𝘣 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘦: 5 March 2024
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Open door spicy scenes
"𝑀𝓎 𝒻𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓃𝒹𝓈, 𝓂𝓎 𝓈𝒾𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓇𝓈, 𝓂𝓎 𝒹𝒶𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝑒𝓇𝓈. 𝑀𝓎 𝑔𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓉 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓈."
Kennedy Ryan's books are so much more than "just a romance". In fact, this novel spends so much time on other topics that I think it might lose romance reader traditionalists. I, however, loved it and I'm here for all the other themes 𝙥𝙡𝙪𝙨 the sizzling romance.
Judah is a nerdy, autistic, MIT-trained accountant and a data geek. Dad to twin boys on the spectrum who he co-parents. Soledad is a black-Puerto-Rican American homemaker and girl mom whose life is about to be upended when she finds out her husband is living a double life and not the man she believed him to be. Both leads are in their early 40s and you'll want to be friends with them by the end.
As Sol goes on a journey of reinventing herself, finding a way to stand on her own and provide for her daughters (dusting off that Cornell degree), she is not alone. She is buoyed by her girlfriends and family, who are always there for her. I cried me some alligator tears. Relationships with kids are also developed, like the difficulty navigating a divorce and mom dating again. Race topics are woven in subtly into the narrative.
This book feels different that the first in the series & avoids feeling formulaic. Part 1 was gripping and although the pacing slows considerably in act 2, this was still top shelf romance. Highly recommended. Releases March 5th!
Thank you to @netgalley and Forever/Grand Central Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC.
𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘮 • 𝘙𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 • 𝘋𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘗𝘖𝘝
𝘗𝘶𝘣 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘦: 5 March 2024
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Open door spicy scenes
"𝑀𝓎 𝒻𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓃𝒹𝓈, 𝓂𝓎 𝓈𝒾𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓇𝓈, 𝓂𝓎 𝒹𝒶𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝑒𝓇𝓈. 𝑀𝓎 𝑔𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓉 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓈."
Kennedy Ryan's books are so much more than "just a romance". In fact, this novel spends so much time on other topics that I think it might lose romance reader traditionalists. I, however, loved it and I'm here for all the other themes 𝙥𝙡𝙪𝙨 the sizzling romance.
Judah is a nerdy, autistic, MIT-trained accountant and a data geek. Dad to twin boys on the spectrum who he co-parents. Soledad is a black-Puerto-Rican American homemaker and girl mom whose life is about to be upended when she finds out her husband is living a double life and not the man she believed him to be. Both leads are in their early 40s and you'll want to be friends with them by the end.
As Sol goes on a journey of reinventing herself, finding a way to stand on her own and provide for her daughters (dusting off that Cornell degree), she is not alone. She is buoyed by her girlfriends and family, who are always there for her. I cried me some alligator tears. Relationships with kids are also developed, like the difficulty navigating a divorce and mom dating again. Race topics are woven in subtly into the narrative.
This book feels different that the first in the series & avoids feeling formulaic. Part 1 was gripping and although the pacing slows considerably in act 2, this was still top shelf romance. Highly recommended. Releases March 5th!
Thank you to @netgalley and Forever/Grand Central Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, and Body shaming
Minor: Death of parent
annamay1021's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
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
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Kennedy Ryan does it again! I loved Sol's story even more than Yasmen's.
When Sol's husband gets in legal trouble, caught by his new coworker, Sol's life gets turned upside-down. With 3 girls to raise and her husband's income gone, Sol must figure it out all on her own. Using the support of her 2 sisters and 2 best friends (the female groups in this are the best!), she makes a path for herself. This becomes even more complicated when Judah, the accountant who uncovered her husband's wrongdoings, and her start to fall for each other.
I so appreciated how Kennedy incorporated many unique elements to her story- a beautifully coparented family with 2 Autistic teenagers. The complexity of her daughters having to cope with loving their father and understanding his mistakes. The legal drama undercurrent of this story was gripping! The spice is slowwww burn but so worth it! Can't wait to read Hendrix's story- to come in 2025!
Kennedy Ryan does it again! I loved Sol's story even more than Yasmen's.
When Sol's husband gets in legal trouble, caught by his new coworker, Sol's life gets turned upside-down. With 3 girls to raise and her husband's income gone, Sol must figure it out all on her own. Using the support of her 2 sisters and 2 best friends (the female groups in this are the best!), she makes a path for herself. This becomes even more complicated when Judah, the accountant who uncovered her husband's wrongdoings, and her start to fall for each other.
I so appreciated how Kennedy incorporated many unique elements to her story- a beautifully coparented family with 2 Autistic teenagers. The complexity of her daughters having to cope with loving their father and understanding his mistakes. The legal drama undercurrent of this story was gripping! The spice is slowwww burn but so worth it! Can't wait to read Hendrix's story- to come in 2025!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, Infidelity, Body shaming, and Grief
Moderate: Cancer