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kay_reads_books6's review against another edition
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.
๐๐ฉ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฌ ๐บ๐ฐ๐ถ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐๐ฆ๐ต๐๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐ฆ๐บ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ฏ๐ฆ๐ฅ๐บ ๐๐บ๐ข๐ฏ ๐ง๐ฐ๐ณ ๐ฑ๐ณ๐ฐ๐ท๐ช๐ฅ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ฎ๐ฆ ๐ข๐ฏ ๐ข๐ฅ๐ท๐ข๐ฏ๐ค๐ฆ๐ฅ ๐ค๐ฐ๐ฑ๐บ ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ต๐ฉ๐ช๐ด ๐ฃ๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฌ.
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.
๐๐ฉ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฌ ๐บ๐ฐ๐ถ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐๐ฆ๐ต๐๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐ฆ๐บ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ฏ๐ฆ๐ฅ๐บ ๐๐บ๐ข๐ฏ ๐ง๐ฐ๐ณ ๐ฑ๐ณ๐ฐ๐ท๐ช๐ฅ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ฎ๐ฆ ๐ข๐ฏ ๐ข๐ฅ๐ท๐ข๐ฏ๐ค๐ฆ๐ฅ ๐ค๐ฐ๐ฑ๐บ ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ต๐ฉ๐ช๐ด ๐ฃ๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฌ.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Gaslighting, Cancer, Terminal illness, and Infidelity
readwithria'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 didnโt 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.
Itโs 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 didnโt 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.
Itโs 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
takarakei's review against another edition
emotional
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
4.25
Going into this knowing nothing, but having read the first book in the series, I was quite surprised by the first part of the book being our MC Soledad dealing with a very dramatic ending to her marriage. The author makes you immediately dislike her husband and you're not at all sad with what happens to him. This is a big deal because it's a life-altering event for Soledad and their 3 kids, and she is left to pick up the pieces of their life. There is great emphasis on Soledad's relationships with both her best friends (cameo of Yasmen from book 1!) and her sisters who really hold her down. This was super relatable to read about the close bonds of women.
There arenโt enough sonnets for friendship. Not enough songs for the kind of love not born of blood or body but of time and care. They are the ones we choose to laugh and cry and live with. When lovers come and go, they are the ones who remain. We are each otherโs constants.
Soledad spends most of the book then reforming her new life and working on deprogramming the BS her ex said to her. There were some beautiful quotes and I really enjoyed reading about the self-discovery journey Soledad goes on to find her true self. I already had 'all about love' by bell hooks on my TBR for this month and this book made me even more excited to read it! It's definitely Soledad's book, she has most of the pov chapters, but we do get some from the perspective of Judah...
& Judah is a dream of a partner, really the epitome of a supportive man who has no ego, and just wants the best for Soledad. This is a fairly slow burn (not the slowest I've ever read, but def slower than most romances I read) which I honestly appreciate! He's a divorced dad with two autistic sons (he is friends with his ex and they have split custody). The author notes that she has an autistic child and did lots of research on the many varied experience of people with autism, and their families. I think there's a lot of care given to this subject.
I think my only qualm with this book is while I understand why there's so much focus at the beginning on Soledad's ex - I wish there was slightly less, and that might have allowed for a bit snappier pace.
Thank you to netgalley and Forever books for this ARC!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Infidelity, and Sexual content
Moderate: Body shaming and Cancer
Minor: Ableism, Death of parent, and Physical abuse
bookishmillennial's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
disclaimer: I donโt really give starred reviews. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial
"Knowing how to be solitary is central to the art of loving. When we can be alone, we can be with others without using them as a means of escape." - bell hooks, All about Love: New Visions
Kennedy Ryan simply gets better and better with each book she writes. Soledad's coming-of-age story with a subplot of romance was absolute perfection. I savored every single word KR wrote, and I will be buying a physical copy ASAP so I can re-read, annotate, and highlight absolutely everything. This was one of my favorite reads this year, and I can say with absolute confidence that the KR hype is *real* and well-deserved.
I loved so much about this and to avoid writing an entire essay, I will try to succinctly sum it up in long-winded bullet points lmao:
"Knowing how to be solitary is central to the art of loving. When we can be alone, we can be with others without using them as a means of escape." - bell hooks, All about Love: New Visions
Kennedy Ryan simply gets better and better with each book she writes. Soledad's coming-of-age story with a subplot of romance was absolute perfection. I savored every single word KR wrote, and I will be buying a physical copy ASAP so I can re-read, annotate, and highlight absolutely everything. This was one of my favorite reads this year, and I can say with absolute confidence that the KR hype is *real* and well-deserved.
I loved so much about this and to avoid writing an entire essay, I will try to succinctly sum it up in long-winded bullet points lmao:
- the nods to TikTok / Instagram influencer culture - I think this book is for the BookTok/bookstagram honeys who have been hyping up KR forever lol
- the care and love that went into illustrating an authentic representation of two beautiful autistic young Black men! Judah's boys, Aaron and Adam, were so sweet, smart, and precious!
- Soledad's grief over losing her mom to cancer, and how All About Love by bell hooks operated as a way to work through that grief, as well as the grief of her old life and her marriage
- Soledad's struggle as a newly single parent, while carefully towing the line between turning her daughters (Lupe - the eldest, probably around 16 who looks most like her white dad; Inez - middle child, who has the hardest time with recognizing that her dad and only her dad is responsible for how he got in trouble with the law; and Lottie - who I believe is ~12 years old) fully against their father who stole a fuckton of money, and helping them maintain a relationship with him in their new reality of being divorced and while he is incarcerated
- The sisterhood among Soledad, Yasmen, and Hendrix: We saw a glimpse of it in Before I Let Go, and we get even more in this book. These women foster brave spaces for each other, they invite dialogue in, and they root for each other HARD! These types of friendships are invaluable.
- Hendrix gets her own bullet point because she is so fucking funny: "Girl, no one could blame you under those circumstances...Of course you went to him with legs wide open." I AM DONE WITH HER HAHAHAHAHAH
- Soledad's biological sisters make their mark too! I loved getting to know Lola (who is moving to TX to open a bookstore with her best friend turned possibly sapphic lover? Sign me up for that book!) and Nayeli
- "My friends, my sisters, my daughters. My great loves." - The way that different kinds of love was showcased in this novel and they all shined so brightly on their own and were all equally valid and valuable! Friendship, sisterhood, motherhood, daughter-hood (is this a word?), self-love, romantic partners! It all is so beautiful and an absolute privilege. I loved the homage and tribute to all kinds of love in this novel.
- Judah's curiosity around his own possible autism
- Judah and his ex Tremaine's healthy co-parenting relationship and genuine friendship: I need more representation like this. How refreshing to see!
- Judah's integrity and honor: he reminded me of Ned Stark (like NS dies because he's so dumb and cannot play the game for shit, my goddd) HAHAHA but better and smarter, because he would not lie or steal or do anything against his morals. I loved how strongly this man stood in his convictions!
- Judah's support for and dedication to waiting for Soledad to be ready for romance again
- kids, stop reading here! NIPPLE ORGASMS MY GAWWWWWWD!! KR knows how to get you hot & bothered! Steam was a 3 or 4/5 - it's a slow burn, but once it gets hot, it gets oh so steamy & delectable whewwwww!
Overall, Kennedy Ryan's writing and the characters she brings to life are an absolute gift. Her writing flows seamlessly, her characters' inner monologue is so tender and vulnerable, and the arcs simply have me in tears.
I am forever seated when she writes something new, and I will read her work until I leave earth.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Infidelity, Ableism, Sexism, Sexual content, Body shaming, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
Minor: Physical abuse, Cancer, and Death of parent
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
_astoldbyem's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Cancer, Gaslighting, and Infidelity
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 couldnโt 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, theyโre such a fun friend group, and Iโm excited for Henโs 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, theyโre such a fun friend group, and Iโm excited for Henโs 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
aromanticreadsromance'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
5.0
Words cannot describe how much this book meant to me. I may not be a 40-year-old newly-divorced single mom to three girls, but I related to Soledad SO much. This is definitely more of a "love story" than a "romance," but I didn't even mind, because it was so powerful, emotional, and beautiful (which we've all come to expect from a Kennedy Ryan novel). For about half the book, Soledad is solely on a self-love and self-partnering journey, partly thanks to bell hooks (we LOVE her). I didn't even find myself skimming these parts, because I was as much invested in Soledad and Judah as individuals as I was in Soledad AND Judah as partners. Which, by the way, Judah's story was equally beautiful. The way that man was a father above all else? Ugh, I'd marry him yesterday.
For as much as this felt like Soledad's story, the book opens with Judah and his then-wife, Tremaine, mediating the end of their marriage. It was refreshing to read about an actually amicable, mutual divorce, where we could see how much Judah and Tremaine loved each other, but were no longer in love with each other. Judah is father to twin boys, Adam and Aaron, at different points on the autism spectrum (and might be autistic himself, though he has never been formally diagnosed). At the time of the divorce, they are twelve. I loved the tender loving care with which Kennedy represented their autism. I know she is a mother to an autistic son, but even so, you can tell she did her research on how autism shows up differently in different people (and you can tell how much she loved and cared about these two/three autistic characters).
Three years later, Soledad is getting ready for her husband's company Christmas party. From the very beginning, we are privy to the ways in which her husband, Edward, neglects, undervalues, and diminishes her. He makes her feel unwanted ("You have pushed out three kids. Things get loose down there" should NEVER be words that come out of ANYONE'S mouth) and like she's nothing without him (when really, he is nothing without her... major projection). Together, they have three girls, Lupe (15/16), Inez (maybe 13?) (who worships the ground Edward walks on), and Lottie (11). At the Christmas party, Soledad and Judah meet for the first time. Edward despises Judah (but that hatred likely stems from fear... of being caught in his web of schemes and lies), and because he's jealous that Soledad and Judah had an instant connection, he has angry sex with Soledad that night. The next morning, cops show up and arrest Edward (and that's as much as I will say without spoiling anything).
I want to touch on why this book meant so much to me. After her split with Edward, Soledad needs to learn that she is whole on her own. She's not half of anything. We hear those phrases all the time - my other half, my better half - that when you're single, you start to question your completeness. Soledad starts dating herself, and she brings the world along with her (oh yeah, she becomes a major influencer... if only it were that easy!). She learns that she is not by herself; she is with herself, and that is so powerful and badass. (And Judah is SO respectful of her boundaries and her decision not to date, even though he likes her. Another reason to like him!)
I could have easily ingested this book in a day or two, but I took my time with it. I'm feeling empty without it, but it's inspired me to 1) read bell hooks' All about Love, and 2) date myself.
I cannot recommend this book enough. It is life-changing (I don't normally think of fiction in those terms, but seriously. It will change your life).
And lastly, screw you, Edward. I hope you rot in hell.
I'm beyond grateful to have received an e-ARC of this book, and I'm providing a voluntary, honest review. All thoughts are my own.
For as much as this felt like Soledad's story, the book opens with Judah and his then-wife, Tremaine, mediating the end of their marriage. It was refreshing to read about an actually amicable, mutual divorce, where we could see how much Judah and Tremaine loved each other, but were no longer in love with each other. Judah is father to twin boys, Adam and Aaron, at different points on the autism spectrum (and might be autistic himself, though he has never been formally diagnosed). At the time of the divorce, they are twelve. I loved the tender loving care with which Kennedy represented their autism. I know she is a mother to an autistic son, but even so, you can tell she did her research on how autism shows up differently in different people (and you can tell how much she loved and cared about these two/three autistic characters).
Three years later, Soledad is getting ready for her husband's company Christmas party. From the very beginning, we are privy to the ways in which her husband, Edward, neglects, undervalues, and diminishes her. He makes her feel unwanted ("You have pushed out three kids. Things get loose down there" should NEVER be words that come out of ANYONE'S mouth) and like she's nothing without him (when really, he is nothing without her... major projection). Together, they have three girls, Lupe (15/16), Inez (maybe 13?) (who worships the ground Edward walks on), and Lottie (11). At the Christmas party, Soledad and Judah meet for the first time. Edward despises Judah (but that hatred likely stems from fear... of being caught in his web of schemes and lies), and because he's jealous that Soledad and Judah had an instant connection, he has angry sex with Soledad that night. The next morning, cops show up and arrest Edward (and that's as much as I will say without spoiling anything).
I want to touch on why this book meant so much to me. After her split with Edward, Soledad needs to learn that she is whole on her own. She's not half of anything. We hear those phrases all the time - my other half, my better half - that when you're single, you start to question your completeness. Soledad starts dating herself, and she brings the world along with her (oh yeah, she becomes a major influencer... if only it were that easy!). She learns that she is not by herself; she is with herself, and that is so powerful and badass. (And Judah is SO respectful of her boundaries and her decision not to date, even though he likes her. Another reason to like him!)
I could have easily ingested this book in a day or two, but I took my time with it. I'm feeling empty without it, but it's inspired me to 1) read bell hooks' All about Love, and 2) date myself.
I cannot recommend this book enough. It is life-changing (I don't normally think of fiction in those terms, but seriously. It will change your life).
And lastly, screw you, Edward. I hope you rot in hell.
I'm beyond grateful to have received an e-ARC of this book, and I'm providing a voluntary, honest review. All thoughts are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Infidelity
Moderate: Cancer, Body shaming, and Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent and Ableism
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
snipinfool's review against another edition
challenging
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
5.0
Soledad Barnes had what appeared to be a perfect life. Her three daughters were thriving and her marriage looked solid. That was on the surface. Below the surface, all was not as smooth. Her children were fine. It was her marriage that seemed to hit a rough spot. Her husband, Edward, had become distant in the past several months. Soledad soon learned the reason for the distance and it completely changed her and her daughters' lives.
Judah Cross worked at CalPot, a well-known cookware brand, as the Director of Accounting. He had years of experience as a forensic accountant, tracking company expenses and profits as well as looking for discrepancies. Judah noticed a problem with the White Glove program. The clients were being charged more than what it cost to run the program, including the expected profits. After finalizing his findings, he was sure the head of the program, Edward Barnes, needed to answer some questions. Close to six million dollars was a huge imbalance to be just an accounting mistake.
This was my first Kennedy Ryan novel. I had heard her books were fantastic. This one did not disappoint at all. I fell in love with Soledad. Her strength, determination, and commitment to turn her life around were driven by the love of her daughters and finally of herself. I resonated with her feelings of self-doubt and questioning whether she should have known about Edward's dealings. As a wife and mother, one tends to put everyone else's needs before their own. That is not always the best plan as sometimes one has to take care of themselves first before they can help others. Soledad found her footing and made pivots to find a way to enter the workforce and be there for her daughters as she had in the past. Judah was attracted to Soledad from the first time he saw her. After Edward's arrest, Judah found the means to help Soledad in ways that would allow her to have choices for her life going forward. He was very sensitive to what and how she would accept help. I enjoyed Soledad's interactions with her sisters and her best friends. Their conversations were very well written and I felt I was there with them. The relationship between Judah and his ex-wife, Tremaine, and how they co-parented their two autistic sons was beautiful to read. This is the second book in Ryan's Skyland series. I will be reading the first novel very soon as I loved Soledad's friend, Yasmen.
Judah Cross worked at CalPot, a well-known cookware brand, as the Director of Accounting. He had years of experience as a forensic accountant, tracking company expenses and profits as well as looking for discrepancies. Judah noticed a problem with the White Glove program. The clients were being charged more than what it cost to run the program, including the expected profits. After finalizing his findings, he was sure the head of the program, Edward Barnes, needed to answer some questions. Close to six million dollars was a huge imbalance to be just an accounting mistake.
This was my first Kennedy Ryan novel. I had heard her books were fantastic. This one did not disappoint at all. I fell in love with Soledad. Her strength, determination, and commitment to turn her life around were driven by the love of her daughters and finally of herself. I resonated with her feelings of self-doubt and questioning whether she should have known about Edward's dealings. As a wife and mother, one tends to put everyone else's needs before their own. That is not always the best plan as sometimes one has to take care of themselves first before they can help others. Soledad found her footing and made pivots to find a way to enter the workforce and be there for her daughters as she had in the past. Judah was attracted to Soledad from the first time he saw her. After Edward's arrest, Judah found the means to help Soledad in ways that would allow her to have choices for her life going forward. He was very sensitive to what and how she would accept help. I enjoyed Soledad's interactions with her sisters and her best friends. Their conversations were very well written and I felt I was there with them. The relationship between Judah and his ex-wife, Tremaine, and how they co-parented their two autistic sons was beautiful to read. This is the second book in Ryan's Skyland series. I will be reading the first novel very soon as I loved Soledad's friend, Yasmen.
I received an e-ARC for This Could Be Us and want to thank Kennedy Ryan, Forever Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to voluntarily read and give an honest review of this book. This Could Be Us will be published on March 5, 2024.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Body shaming and Cancer