This Could Be Us
by Kennedy Ryan
Skyland - Book 2
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: March 5, 2024
Reviewed by PJ
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?
PJ's Thoughts:
This story. OMG! I loved this story! If you haven't yet read Kennedy Ryan, pick up a copy of This Could Be Us and let her carry you away on a wave of emotion before gently depositing you onto an island of hard-earned happiness. It's a ride worth taking.
There's so much to love about this book. I don't want to give away spoilers so I'll try to steer clear of specifics but here are some of the things that make it special.
Autism representation: This is a topic with which Ryan has personal experience and it shows in her writing. Her characters on the spectrum are realistic, layered, whole individuals, written with a caring, relatable hand.
Finding your voice again: Soledad's journey out of the ashes of her shattered life is a blueprint for all women. I loved how she gradually rediscovered her strengths, her persistence, her worth. I admired the example she set for her daughters, how hard she fought for them. And I cheered her on as she learned to once again love and trust herself. She's one of my favorite characters that I've met in a book this year.
The single dad we all deserve: It's the bad boys who get all the attention (don't get me wrong, I do love a bad boy as well as a redeemed rake) but Judah is the good guy we need, the one we all deserve. Best friends with his ex and her new husband, successful, loving co-parent of twin boys with Autism, worthy of trust, determined to do the right thing, respectful of Soledad's journey, supportive, and sensual in all the best ways. A lifetime love.
The bonds of friendship: Get you some girlfriends like Soledad's. These women are the ride-or-die women you want in your corner. I love how these friendships are portrayed in this book, how they have one another's backs, the lengths to which they will go to support, lift up, encourage, and love one another. I love the example they set for the younger generation of girls in their lives.
In short, this book is a shining star of emotion, friendship, mothers and daughters, starting over, self love, romantic love, and finding - and using - your voice. I loved it.
