Scan barcode
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!!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 โข W O R D S
Empowering โข Complex โข Steamy
๐ 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?
๐ญ 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...
๐ R E C O M M E N D โข T O
โข Kennedy Ryan devotees
โข readers who like mature MCs
โข fans of romance with depth
๐ F A V O U R I T E โข 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 โข W O R D S
Empowering โข Complex โข Steamy
๐ 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?
๐ญ 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...
๐ R E C O M M E N D โข T O
โข Kennedy Ryan devotees
โข readers who like mature MCs
โข fans of romance with depth
๐ F A V O U R I T E โข 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, embezzlementjennireadsmaybe's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Kennedy Ryan, first and foremost, is THE powerhouse author of this generation!! There isn't a single book I've read from her that I haven't loved with my whole being. This Could Be Us is certainly no exception.
Soledad's story proves that coming of age happens all throughout our lives. It's a love letter to women falling in love with themselves. It's a becoming. Soledad is an example of just how powerful Kennedy Ryan's FMCs are. I love her so much.
JUDAH MF CROSS!!!! This man. This FREAKING man. He loved Soledad so deeply, so clearly, so wholeheartedly, so completely, so any way he could. From the start, he met Soledad where she was and wanted her to become who she wanted to be. I just don't think there is a fictional man that could possibly be as in love as he was.
Let it also be known that This Could Be Us has so many love stories. The love of a mother for her daughters, a sister for her sisters, a friend for her friends, a daughter for her mother, a woman for herself. There are so many versions of love that we weaved into this story. Every page is brimming with love.
The various representation throughout the novel was handled with such care. You can see just how dedicated Kennedy Ryan is to having accurate representation, even if representation can't be summed up by just one or two individuals.
Everyone should read this. Full stop.
Soledad's story proves that coming of age happens all throughout our lives. It's a love letter to women falling in love with themselves. It's a becoming. Soledad is an example of just how powerful Kennedy Ryan's FMCs are. I love her so much.
JUDAH MF CROSS!!!! This man. This FREAKING man. He loved Soledad so deeply, so clearly, so wholeheartedly, so completely, so any way he could. From the start, he met Soledad where she was and wanted her to become who she wanted to be. I just don't think there is a fictional man that could possibly be as in love as he was.
Let it also be known that This Could Be Us has so many love stories. The love of a mother for her daughters, a sister for her sisters, a friend for her friends, a daughter for her mother, a woman for herself. There are so many versions of love that we weaved into this story. Every page is brimming with love.
The various representation throughout the novel was handled with such care. You can see just how dedicated Kennedy Ryan is to having accurate representation, even if representation can't be summed up by just one or two individuals.
Everyone should read this. Full stop.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Ableism, Body shaming, Sexism, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, and Gaslighting
Minor: Physical abuse, Death of parent, Cancer, 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
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
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
๐๐ฅ๐ถ๐ญ๐ต ๐๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ข๐ฏ๐ค๐ฆ โข ๐๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ต๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ข๐ณ๐บ ๐๐ช๐ค๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ โฃ
๐๐ถ๐ต๐ช๐ด๐ฎ โข ๐๐ฆ๐ช๐ฏ๐ท๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ โข ๐๐ถ๐ข๐ญ ๐๐๐
๐๐ถ๐ฃ ๐๐ข๐ต๐ฆ: 5 March 2024
๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ Open door spicy scenes
"๐๐ ๐ป๐๐พ๐๐๐น๐, ๐๐ ๐๐พ๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐ ๐น๐ถ๐๐๐ฝ๐๐๐๐. ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ถ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐."
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 ๐ฅ๐ก๐ช๐จ 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.
๐๐ถ๐ต๐ช๐ด๐ฎ โข ๐๐ฆ๐ช๐ฏ๐ท๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ โข ๐๐ถ๐ข๐ญ ๐๐๐
๐๐ถ๐ฃ ๐๐ข๐ต๐ฆ: 5 March 2024
๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ Open door spicy scenes
"๐๐ ๐ป๐๐พ๐๐๐น๐, ๐๐ ๐๐พ๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐ ๐น๐ถ๐๐๐ฝ๐๐๐๐. ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ถ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐."
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 ๐ฅ๐ก๐ช๐จ 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
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
anna_luquette's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
Kennedy Ryan does it again. I was rabid for this book as soon as I finished Before I Let Go and Iโm so glad I signed up for an ARC of this one. Watching Solโs journey is awe inspiring, beautiful, and meaningful. This book is truly a journey of finding love for not just with a partner but with herself as well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Infidelity, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Cancer and Body shaming