This Could Be Us Paperback – March 5, 2024

This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan is more than a romance — it’s a masterfully told story of resilience, rediscovery, and redemption. As someone who hasn’t read a romance novel in a while, this book reminded me why I fell in love with the genre to begin with. Kennedy Ryan creates characters that feel so real, you root for them like family.Soledad’s journey as a stay-at-home mother was beautifully depicted. Her role in holding her family together, often without recognition or appreciation, reflects the real labor that so many women experience. Kennedy does an incredible job showing how motherhood is work — emotional, physical, and spiritual. Soledad sacrifices her own dreams to support her husband’s career, only to be betrayed in the most devastating ways: emotional neglect, infidelity, financial scandal, and ultimately abandonment.Yet, through all the loss, this is a story about becoming.Enter Judah Cross — a father, co-parent, and deeply intentional man who contrasts everything Soledad’s husband failed to be. His slow, supportive love is gentle but unwavering. He doesn’t try to save Soledad; he simply sees her. Their connection unfolds with a tension that feels honest, patient, and deeply earned. It’s the kind of romance that builds trust instead of burning fast and fading.By the end, Soledad reclaims her voice — not just through love, but through purpose. Watching her rise as a creative entrepreneur and finally prioritize herself was so rewarding. The friendship she shares with Yasmen and Hendrix (whose story is next!) adds even more richness and makes you want to stay in the Skyland universe forever.Kennedy Ryan writes with warmth, complexity, and intention. She brings emotional intelligence to the page in a way few authors do. This Could Be Us is tender, real, and unforgettable.I’m officially a fan.

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!!!

I loved how Kennedy had us as the reader go through Soledad’s journey with her. One where she learned a different level of love, while also realizing she didn’t need to limit herself. We were able to see a strong mom step in to take care of her family by any means.Judah was the perfect father, friend, companion/lover. He listened and made sure to retain anything that was mentioned. I love the way he did anything for his kids and family to make sure they were good in life as well.Both main characters made sure to put their kids first while also exploring a new relationship. I am so ready to read Hendrix’s story.

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.

I loved this book from start to finish! First time reading this author’s work and I am looking forward to the next book. It’s so great to be able to read something that you can relate to and see how things develop for the characters!

I enjoyed this book about love and self discovery! I was especially moved with the aspects of autism covered in this book. The way the realities associated with autism spectrum was thoughtful and informative! Thank you!