This Could Be Us (Skyland, 2)

Miss Kennedy did it again! I loved this book so much! Judah?? That is my man!!! This story started with Soledad experiencing such a huge and unexpected issue, and we are on a journey of her picking herself up and let me tell you... What a ride! Soledad goes through a transition of self loathing to self love in such a wholesome and inspiring way! That is the best part this of book, it felt like the romance was not just between the FMC and the MMC but with Sol and herself. I love how the author can write such well rounded characters who are resilient and can stand for themselves, that the partner is a bonus and not a necessity! Judah, is just so wonderful. He is an amazing father and was such a great partner too. He was so kind, so loving and so patient!! I loved now considerate he was to Sol’s journey and how he put his want for her aside to support her and allow her to reach where he is at without pressuring her! I loved him so much. I also enjoyed the friendships within this story, both with Soledad and the girls and Judah with Truman. Just beautiful. I also noted the autism rep and how Judah was also realising his own neurodivergent traits similar to his twins who both are autistic and both in different ways. Overall this was an amazing story and such a high. Also, Judah supremacy!!!

This Could Be Us is a magnificent, poignant, and intense story about the deep-seated love we should have, not for others, but for ourselves. It's a story about the impassioned and ardent love of the self. This novel is life-affirming, uplifting, and inspirational. In this scintillating and sanguine work of fiction, we see Soledad Charles go from the life of a glamorous housewife to the life of a struggling single parent provider just trying to keep a roof over her head after her husband not only cheats on her but is jailed for embezzling money from his employer. During Soledad's sojourn of self-discovery, she has to tackle finding a way to survive and ultimately thrive on her own as the divorcee of an ex-con. While confronting the devastation her ex-husband has left her with, she falls in love with Judah Cross, the man who put her husband in jail. Soledad is a woman of incredible inner strength, compassion, and fortitude who is surrounded by friends and family that cherish and fortify her. Relationships with the women in her lives are aspirational and inspirational. Frequently books geared towards women, especially romance, feature toxic love interests and harmful relationships. You won't find any of that negativity in this refreshing narrative. I loved everything about this book from its cover to the last page. The book is a fast-paced page turner that even those who aren't into romance will love. It's the most inspirational and empowering work of fiction I've come across. I can't recommend this novel enough; every woman should have a copy of This Could Be Us on her shelves.

The book starts strong with Judah, Tremaine and their twins with autism. Then we are introduced to Soledad, whom the story ends up being about. Considering this point, I feel it should have started with Soledad. For the first third, or so, of the book, I felt the writing was strong and the story very much captivated me. Unfortunately, the longer it went on--too long, I fear--the looser, or maybe it's uneven, it got. Until the last four chapters, which I thought were strong again I felt this book would have been better as two different stories. One, a divorce story in which the character of Soledad is betrayed by her criminal husband and then puts her life back together with her children. Those sections had some great writing. The second story could have been a second chances romance between Judah and Tremaine in which the children with autism temporarily have the heartbreak of losing the family unit and then regain it because Judah and Tremaine find each other again when the boys are a little older and don't take all the bandwidth. I read the book on Kindle, so I'm not sure how much of it I skipped through, but it feels like close to half. And then I read the last four chapters which, to me, were mildly satisfying. All that said, I feel Kennedy is a good and strong writer with tremendous heart and the facility to convey it, and I wouldn't be surprised to discover that she has written stories that are more of a piece than this one. I started out with three stars, then changed it to four, because writing is dang hard, even for the best. And you don't always have all the time in the world to make your book everything it could be.

I love all of Kennedy Ryans this one is my favorite thus far. How Soledad fought for herself, her girls. I felt that. And Judah just OMG. The love he gives is just like a beautiful fairy tale.

Loved this book I couldn’t stop reading it.

Love this book so much, the pace is perfect, I love the detail and effort she puts into making the characters individual like each one is there for a purpose, even the supporting characters. Kennedy writes so beautifully it brings everything to life and you can really see the connection that Judah and Soledad have. Lastly, i also love that its not just a romance novel but one with empowering female relationships and also a journey to self discovery.10/10 Looking forward to Hendrix's story!

Kennedy Ryan has a way of taking my heart, breaking it, and piecing it back together in the most beautiful way possible. This Could Be Us is no exception. It's not just a story—it’s an emotional experience. This novel follows two deeply flawed yet profoundly lovable characters as they navigate love, heartbreak, and second chances. Ryan’s writing doesn’t shy away from the messiness of relationships—the fights, the misunderstandings, and the moments where love isn’t enough… or so it seems. Every page is drenched with raw, real emotion that made me laugh, cry, and hold my breath all at once. What truly sets this book apart is its unflinching portrayal of healing. The characters are layered and complex, carrying burdens that feel heartbreakingly real. Their struggles are not magically fixed but are addressed with honesty and care. You feel every moment of their journey, rooting for them even when the odds seem impossible. Ryan’s prose is nothing short of poetic. There were lines I had to stop and reread because they were so beautiful and full of truth. The romantic tension? Off the charts. The chemistry between the characters is electric—equal parts fiery and tender, leaving you desperate for them to find their way back to each other. This book isn’t just a romance; it’s a story of resilience, forgiveness ( forgive yourself), and choosing love (love yourself) even when it’s hard. It’s about fighting for what truly matters and finding the courage to open your heart again. If you’re looking for a love story that will wreck you in the best possible way and leave you clutching your chest by the final page, This Could Be Us is a must-read. Kennedy Ryan has delivered yet another masterpiece that I won’t stop thinking about anytime soon. ✨ Rating: 5/5 stars 📚 For fans of: Emotional, character-driven romances with second chances and unforgettable love stories

Kennedy Ryan writes stories that have deep undertones and lessons to be learned. This story holds no punches in showing one woman’s work to rediscover her true self and open herself to love that’s true and pure and fierce.