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A review by spicycronereads
This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Another beautiful book by Kennedy Ryan. The second in the Skyland series, this one focuses on homemaker extraordinaire, Soledad. In the first book we definitely see the way that Edward, Soledad’s husband, neglects her and seems uninvolved in the lives of their three daughters.
This book starts with a closer look at their relationship, while we also meet Judah, divorced father of two ND boys. Judah has a mature and loving coparenting relationship with his ex-wife and it is a joy to see them remain friends and prioritize the well-being of their kids.
I won’t spoil anything here except to say I felt really seen and validated in Soledad’s journey to loving herself. I recognize that as a white woman I haven’t had to face the racism, structural barriers, and microagressions that Soledad has. Nor experienced the cruelty and duplicity she has. But her experience of feeling invisible and starved for touch…well, let’s just say those resonated.
One of the most powerful quotes I have read lately: “I’ve come to realize that a woman who wants more and realizes she deserves it is a dangerous thing.”
This book has also inspired me to return to a book that was really pivotal to my thinking twenty years ago - bell hooks’ All About Love. I can’t wait to see how it echoes differently across my life now.
And I think I may get a tattoo of one of the chapter epilogues: “I am out with lanterns looking for myself” - Emily Dickinson 💕
Like Before I Let Go, this is a slow burn. But once the spice hits, it is joyful. 🌶️🌶️
And it is a gorgeously diverse book - racial diversity, sexual diversity, neurodiversity.
Overall, a beautiful read. I am so glad that I picked up a copy at SteamyLitCon and got it signed by Kennedy Ryan. Who was so nice and blew me away when she told me that it is actually her on social media. She’s always out liking posts and commenting! 👑
Six out of five stars! I *CANNOT WAIT* for Hendrix’s book.
This book starts with a closer look at their relationship, while we also meet Judah, divorced father of two ND boys. Judah has a mature and loving coparenting relationship with his ex-wife and it is a joy to see them remain friends and prioritize the well-being of their kids.
I won’t spoil anything here except to say I felt really seen and validated in Soledad’s journey to loving herself. I recognize that as a white woman I haven’t had to face the racism, structural barriers, and microagressions that Soledad has. Nor experienced the cruelty and duplicity she has. But her experience of feeling invisible and starved for touch…well, let’s just say those resonated.
One of the most powerful quotes I have read lately: “I’ve come to realize that a woman who wants more and realizes she deserves it is a dangerous thing.”
This book has also inspired me to return to a book that was really pivotal to my thinking twenty years ago - bell hooks’ All About Love. I can’t wait to see how it echoes differently across my life now.
And I think I may get a tattoo of one of the chapter epilogues: “I am out with lanterns looking for myself” - Emily Dickinson 💕
Like Before I Let Go, this is a slow burn. But once the spice hits, it is joyful. 🌶️🌶️
And it is a gorgeously diverse book - racial diversity, sexual diversity, neurodiversity.
Overall, a beautiful read. I am so glad that I picked up a copy at SteamyLitCon and got it signed by Kennedy Ryan. Who was so nice and blew me away when she told me that it is actually her on social media. She’s always out liking posts and commenting! 👑
Six out of five stars! I *CANNOT WAIT* for Hendrix’s book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity