4.5 stars
This book felt thick and yet I absolutely flew through this book, it was that good. I'd already gotten to know some details of the tension between Soledad and her husband in Before I Let Go, and knowing that she was married to Edward, someone who was not the main character of this book, had me so intrigued to find out how everything was going to play out. And oh my goodness did BIG THINGS happen for Soledad and her family to lead her to divorce.
I loved that the book takes place over a significant chunk of time, because it really allows Soledad to figure out her next steps and find her own identity as a single mother, and in a new career. I loved reading about her whole journey, with both her sisters, her closest friends, and her children to help her navigate this new path she was on.
At the same time, I loved the chemistry between her and Judah. Judah Cross is the forbidden man who played a hand in Edward's demise, but I did not care one bit. From the moment they met, I was ready for these two to be together. It's a pretty slow burn romance, but it makes the romance worth it in the end. And also just learning more about Judah was fantastic! I loved finding out more about how he navigates both blending a family and taking care of his two children.
Kennedy is an incredible writer and her prose is always perfection. Definitely my favorite of the Skyland series!

I loved everything about this. One of my favorite things about the Skyland series is Kennedy Ryan's ability to bring balance, no matter how wild the aspects of the character's lives are. Her ability to weave in such believable feelings, traumatic experiences, joy, peace, and excellent communication is award worthy. I really enjoyed how minimal Edward's part of this book was. While he's a big looming figure because of the damage he caused, so much of this is Soledad's journey to healing and a chance for us to get to know Judah. I really respected her approach to having multiple characters on the autism spectrum and Judah's realization about his own idiosyncrasies and likely place on the spectrum. I appreciated how clear and direct he was when he wasn't sure about how a conversation was going. It never felt like his need for clarification of other's emotions/thoughts was using autism as a plot device, but instead it was just a part of him and ultimately his relationship with Sol. His need for clear, direct, and honest communication continually strengthened her and at moments opened her up to things she was unsure she was deserving of. Lastly, I appreciated that the story ended in a very realistic place. With five kids between them, all at various stages, ex spouses and careers, there wasn't some grand Brady Bunch-esque shoving together of their lives in a way that didn't make sense to the story. I could have asked for a better place to leave these two until we meet again in book three.

I loved this book! The characters were developed so well and the story line was relatable. I was able to see myself in both of the main characters. I was so connected to them it was hard to put this book down. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

I loved reading about Soledad! I read before I let go and she appeared in book 1. Kennedy Ryan sure knows how to create a fmc.

Soledad had a good life until her husband is found guilty of stealing money from his company. Now forced to start over with her daughters she finds help with the guy who put her husband away, she soon finds herself having feelings for this guy but it’s not as easy as it seems.

I was excited about Soledad's story when we heard about her husband saying his assistant's name in his sleep. This was about so much more than a cheating husband. Her life was completely upended by her husband's deviousness. I loved how her friends supported her during the rough times. Sol went on a journey of self love and I was there for it. Now on to my main man Judah. I loved him. He was so thoughtful and supportive of Sol as well. I loved these characters so much. I just wish we would have gotten more of them together. I feel that something was missing. I also loved how authentic she portrayed a parent with children with autism. I truly connected with Judah and loved his character the most. Definitely feel this was more of a women's fiction read than romance.

In the sequel to Before I Let Go, Soledad is the main focus in book two and she has a lot going on. Her marriage ends up in shambles after her not-so-great husband does a lot of unthinkable things to ruin it.

She has to start over. It’s hard at first but she treks on and along the way, she finds herself quite attracted to a handsome man.

Judah Cross did his job a little too well and Sol’s husband’s sketchy ways caught up to him. Judah has a soft spot for Sol after all the drama with her husband took place but he’s felt some kind of way since they first met at a work party.

Sol has no choice but to go on a life journey of reflection, being single for the first time in a long time and making a living to support her three girls. She gave up so much to be a supportive wife and now it was time to take back her life.

Judah and Sol connect on so many levels as they’re both single with kids, dedicated to making their lives as smooth as possible for said kids and yearning for someone to be their person.

I loved that the MCs are over 35 years old. As I’m getting older, I appreciate reading books where the characters are close to my age as well. They’re grown people with real problems and have needs that need to be met. Judah Cross…this man…*sigh* he just knew what to say and do at all times. I was a little frustrated with Sol but I also understood that when it came to Judah (or any relationship with a man going forward) it would be a challenge due to what happened before.

Thank you Net-Galley and Forever for the e-ARC

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. Kennedy Ryan has a fabulous writing style and I loved this read! The story has everything but the best parts for me was the dialogue and banter! Romance, love, lifting each other up what more could you ask for? Looking forward to Ryan's next book after this one! Fabulous

This book is phenomenal! A pining, steamy, beautiful romance, page-turning family drama, and a friend group with some of the funniest banter I've ever read. I had trouble putting this one down and it only took me a week to read because I was juggling two other books, my day job, and my own edits at the same time. I absolutely cannot wait for Hendrix's story next year!

Soledad and Judah!!!🥰

❤️‍🩹 both divorced and experiencing healing love!
🏡 parenthood experience, autism rep, supportive partners and community
❤️‍🔥 spicy, heartwarming, and easy to root for MCs
🎧 fun and quick read, didn’t require too much focus, made for an enjoyable audiobook experience!

This book makes me excited to go back and read Before I Let Go!

Not just a romance, but a life that has romance in it. Kennedy Ryan did an amazing job, she always does. This is Soledad and Judah’s story. “This Could Be Us” had it all, including intrigue and scandal - nothing better than intrigue and scandal unless you mix it up with angst, passion and lust. It’s a book about self-discovery, the end and new beginnings and how women can lift each other up.

Kennedy Ryan does not disappoint, definitely worth the time! Enjoy!.

I listened to the audiobook of the first book in this series (likely a trilogy) (Before I Let Go) last year and absolutely loved it. The narrators were amazing and the female friendship was beyond admirable and the romance storyline felt messy and emotional and ultimately so sweet. I was so excited to read this second book but since it had been awhile, I felt like I was still going into it a bit blind not remembering Soledad extremely well.

I started this on a Friday night and finished it on Saturday morning. It was utterly impossible for me to put down - partly because there's a bit of a suspenseful and mystery storyline, but mostly because the story was just so incredibly good. The pace of it worked so well - it takes place over about a year but there's an initial series of events and then a few months pass. It's a romance in the way I didn't quite expect and I really loved the way it ended up.

The female friendship is still very much at the forefront of this book and it was beautiful to read. There's also a lot to reflect on as a mother and there's so many beautiful moments about rediscovering one's passion and building identity after focusing on family. There were a few absolutely hilarious parts, some really sad parts, and some very swoony parts. I loved chatting about it with a friend too!

I definitely recommend it and I expect the audiobook will be beautiful just like Before I Let Go...I read this one on my kindle thanks to the ARC from the publisher but if I ever reread it I'll listen to it! ❤️❤️

4.5★ rounded up. I loved this. Kennedy Ryan’s writing is beautiful and raw. I’m not typically a fan of slow burns, but I appreciated this one. The character development is truly top tier between the main character’s growth and self-love to the autism representation, it was so well done.

Thank you, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for this ARC!

I loved this book so much. This is the first book I read by Kennedy Ryan and will not be the last. As an autistic mom of autistic children it was great to see good representation in a book. I loved Soledad from the moment we meet her, she is is a bad ass. The instant connection and banter between her and Judah had me shipping them immediately. So we'll done !

Rating: I loved it!
Crying: 1
Laughing:2

I don’t know why it took me so long to read this and I knew as soon as I read it I’d wish I’d read it sooner. Kennedy literally doesn’t have a bad book. Each book is better and better and they all blow me away.

I absolutely loved this one, it had heavy elements, but gosh, I loved it. I loved the woman empowerment in this book, and the getting to hang out with Yas, Hendrix and Sol again. I loved Sol’s story, and since I hated her husband in Before I Let Go, I was happy that what happened in this book happened. I didn’t expect what happened to happened, but I’m HAPPY IT DID. IFYKYK! If you don’t know, then read this book ASAP lol.
I couldn’t waaaait for Sol and Judah to get together. The tension was soo good. I loved Aaron and Adam so much, and loved learning more about their autism, and live with it. I know this story is meaningful for Kennedy and I am just so glad she wrote it.

Read if you like:
Tension
Representation
Kids in books (why did I love lottie so much lol)
Best friend group

What’s your favorite Kennedy Ryan book? I’ll never forget how The Kingmaker made me feel, but honestly, ever book is AMAZING.

This felt more like women’s fiction than romance but I still really enjoyed! The emphasis on Soledad’s self love journey really cemented that for me.

Before I Let Go was one of my top reads of 2022, so the second book in the Skyland series was such an anticipated read for me, and I absolutely loved it!

This Could Be Us is at its core a story about self-love and finding yourself. It was emotional, beautifully written, and empowering. It's a book that will stay with me for a long time and I think many people will be able to connect with it the way I did. I can't recommend it enough!

This book was truly an experience. I felt so many emotions as Soledad went on her journey of self discovery. I enjoyed riding along with her struggles regarding Judah and I appreciated his patience. I love that they developed a relationship that was unique and worked best for them. It made the story feel so real. So many aspects of this story were different than anything I’ve read before so I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Another beautiful romance by Kennedy Ryan: not only a love story with a magnificent male main character, but a love story that the female main character has with herself. After being betrayed in her marriage, Soledad learns that in order to have enough love for everyone who needs it, and to be capable of fully trusting and committing again, she needs to love herself fully first.

I loved this story, as I expected to considering Kennedy Ryan's track record. I'm excited to share it with others.

After her husband’s imprisonment for embezzlement, Soledad Barnes takes charge of her family, divorces her husband, starts a new career, and rebuilds her confidence as an Instagram influencer. Enter Judah Cross, a man who turns her world upside down. Their encounter leaves a lasting impression, and they find themselves unable to shake thoughts of each other but his involvement in her husband’s downfall complicates their budding connection.

Judah isn’t your average single father; he shares custody of his two autistic teenage boys with his ex-wife and her new husband. Kennedy’s portrayal of their blended family is incredibly touching. She handles autism with sensitivity and professionalism, shedding light on its complexities. Judah’s deep love for his sons, Aaron and Adam, is heartwarming, and witnessing their tender moments together was a joy. His dedication and passion for them are mirrored in his relationship with Soledad.

Two highlights stood out to me:

Soledad’s journey of self-improvement resonated deeply. It’s a reminder that personal growth is ongoing. “When are we ever done working on ourselves? I believe wholeness is not a deviation, but a lifetime process. Something that instead of waiting for, you could be living for.”

The authentic development of Judah and Sol’s love story captures the essence of patience and support. “Draw a picture in your mind of what a future could look like and really believe this could be us. And whenever you’re ready, I’m right here.”