This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan Series: Skyland #2
Also in this series: Before I Let Go, Can't Get Enough
Published by Hachette Book Group, Forever on March 5, 2024
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Contemporary
Pages: 416
Format: Paperback
Source: Personal Copy
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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?
For fans of Tia Williams and Colleen Hoover comes a deeply moving and personal novel about sacrifice, self-reliance, and finding true happiness from “one of the finest romance writers of our age.” ―Entertainment Weekly
"A gorgeously grown-up romance and a story about self-love and reinvention...a great novel for readers who appreciate multilayered romantic fiction with elements of domestic drama, scandal, and inspiration." ―NPR
Review
Kennedy Ryan’s latest novel, This Could Be Us, isn’t your typical romance. Sure, there’s love, steam, and a swoon-worthy man named Judah – but that’s not what makes this book special. At its core, this is a story about a woman who had to break before she could rebuild.
Meet Soledad Barnes, a near-40 fixer and planner whose life crashes when her husband pulls the rug out from under their family. But instead of diving into a rebound romance, Soledad does something radical: she focuses on herself.
Ryan’s writing hits different here. She weaves humor into heartbreak, balances steam with substance, and tackles messy realities like co-parenting with unflinching honesty. The result? A story that feels real – sometimes uncomfortably so.
The supporting cast shines too. Soledad’s daughters and their extended family bring the kind of chaos and comfort that only family can provide. And while Judah makes a compelling love interest, he never overshadows Soledad’s journey of rediscovery.
What’s refreshing is how Ryan flips the script on romance conventions. Instead of racing to the happily-ever-after, she lets Soledad take the scenic route through self-discovery. It’s a bold choice that might surprise romance purists, but it works beautifully.
The pacing keeps you hooked without sacrificing depth. Ryan masterfully balances quiet moments of reflection with enough drama to keep the pages turning. The result is a story that’s both satisfying and substantial.
This Could Be Us proves that sometimes the most important love story isn’t about finding someone else – it’s about finding yourself. And Ryan tells that story with grace, grit, and just the right amount of steam.
4.5/5 stars
Perfect for readers who love:
- Rich character development
- Real-world relationship dynamics
- Stories of personal transformation
- Modern family drama with heart
