This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan

A Four-Star Book Review

I learned about Kennedy Ryan’s writing talent when I read her book Before I Let Go, the first in her Skyland series. I was instantly drawn to Ms. Ryan’s beautiful style, real-world characters, and life-altering plot lines, so I knew Skyland Book 2, This Could Be Us, would be a winner.

Summary of This Could Be Us (Some Spoilers)

Soledad Barnes knows there is something wrong with her marriage. With no intimacy, Edward’s long work hours, and his apparent obsession with a new accountant’s hard look at his projects at work, Sol feels alone and lost. Then one night everything changes when the FBI raids their carefully curated home in the Atlanta suburb of Skyland, charging Edward with embezzlement. That accountant, Judah Cross, was right.

What follows is Soledad’s journey to stand on her own and ensure that she and her three daughters maintain a happy, close relationship. While betrayed by Edward, Soledad must make choices, and that includes whether or not she should let attractive Judah into her new life. With the help and encouragement of her daughters, sisters, and friends, Soledad must find her way in a life that looks very different than the one she’d planned.

What I Enjoyed about This Could Be Us

Kennedy Ryan writes with authenticity and depth. This Could Be Us is a heartfelt exploration of love, family, friendship, and empowerment. Here are a few reasons why I enjoyed it so much:

• Soledad is a testament to strength and resilience. Her journey as an entrepreneur and a dedicated mother to three daughters is inspiring. When she must learn to balance personal and a new professional life, Soledad shows that determination and commitment can overcome any barrier. She has an empowered spirit. Finally, as a Puerto Rican and Black woman, Soledad weaves her cultures into every part of her story.

• Judah a devoted father who navigates the intricacies of co-parenting twin boys who have autism with grace. Judah’s patience in allowing Soledad to find herself before pursuing a deeper relationship demonstrates maturity and respect, qualities that are often overlooked in simpler romantic narratives.
• The friendship between Soledad, Yasmen, and Hendrix is another highlight of This Could Be Us. Their bond is depicted with warmth, humor, and honest, reflecting a true female friendship that feels like a breath of fresh air. I loved their dialogue and the BIPOC representation that each brought to the friendship. The support and understanding Yasmen and Hendrix offer Soledad is a powerful reminder of strength in female unity.
• Furthermore, the novel’s representation of autism is both necessary and beautifully executed. Ms Ryan describes her personal connection to the subject in the introduction, and that shines through in her sensitive handling of Aaron and Adam’s stories. By including characters on the autism spectrum, the book challenges stereotypes and fosters a deeper understanding of diversity. We need more representation like this.

My Final Thoughts about This Could Be Us

This Could Be Us is more than just a novel; it’s a celebration of hard things and the power of genuine connections. Through its memorable characters and thoughtful storytelling, it is an engaging read, although a bit slow at times. It calls for more stories like this, where representation of BIPOC female empowerment, neurodiversity, and authenticity take center stage.

I’m eager for Hendrix’s story in Skyland Book 3, Can’t Get Enough, to be released in May 2025.