A review by bribreez
This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

5⭐️/ 3-4🌶️

*Please check trigger warnings before reading.

When I read, “Before I Let Go”, I was impressed with the way the story played out, but I was also intrigued to read Yasmen’s best friends stories such as, Soledad Barnes. Soledad was a dedicated mother, wife, and juggled a lot trying to maintain the best life for her family. Things in her marriage weren’t the same, but Soledad still held out hope that maybe there was a way to salvage it. Until one day, her world was turned upside down and her husband had a major role in all its downfall. Trying to keep her daughters safe and working through the craziness, Soledad found herself through the most unexpected of times, as well as finding an unlikely relationship with Judah Cross, who she wasn’t sure she could trust. This story had, single dad, Puerto Rican/Afro American representation, autism representation, a wonderful friend group, spice, and an amazing, incredibly written story by the ever so talented, Kennedy Ryan.

When I first came across Soledad’s character in the first book, I thought I knew what kind of woman she was, but this book expanded so much more on who she really was. With the upheaval of Soledad and her daughter’s lives being changed due to her husband’s treacherous ways, it was up to Soledad to pick up the pieces and ensure her daughter were good. I initially thought Soledad was a quiet, calm person, but omg I was wrong! I loved seeing Soledad’s sassy side come out especially when she went up against her trash of a human being husband! Soledad was a strong woman, but you mess with her or her kids, and you better prepare yourselves for her to break you down! The more I read, the more I absolutely LOVED Soledad, she was empowering, magnetic, beautiful (inside and out), determined, sassy, and an overall amazing woman. In other words, Soledad came out of the ashes of fire, and emerged a stronger woman than she was before. I loved the growth in Soledad as well as seeing her rediscover herself from her roots to her passions, and eventually even love. 

Among the many things that Kennedy Ryan is so talented at, she knows how to write a meaningful story with amazing characters such as, Judah. (Sigh) I don’t know what Kennedy Ryan did to make such an amazing fictional man so perfect but Judah was one man that I couldn’t get enough of. The way Judah was such an amazing dad to his twin boys was sweet, and his intelligence was so attractive that I loved seeing the moments he was so laser focused in his work. Judah was a single parent balancing life as a father, work, and not having much free time of his own, much less thinking about a romance with anyone. The moment Judah laid eyes on Soledad, it was like that moment kick started something in him and he wanted Soledad. Judah was an intriguing man that with each chapter of his, I got to dig deep into the kind of man he was as well as see him falling for Soledad. If you love seeing a man pining after a woman like BIG TIME then you’ll definitely love seeing how Judah was when he couldn’t take his eyes or mind off of Soledad. 

I couldn’t put this book down! From the moment I started, I was wholeheartedly focused and immersed in Soledad’s story! Soledad’s journey over the course of this book was amazing and showed how much she grew as a woman. Even seeing how Soledad started to transition into a romance with Judah was lovely, passionate, and all kinds of wonderful. The way Kennedy Ryan wrote this book was inspiring, eye opening, and dug deep into the characters backstories. I found myself loving Judah and Soledad more as I continued to read! 

I’m a hopeless romantic, and reading about Soledad and Judah’s romance together gave me exactly what I wanted, and more! Judah’s connection with Soledad was a deep understanding of him seeing that Soledad wanted to focus on herself especially after her divorce. Throughout the book, Judah was always clear in his interest in more with Soledad, but also made it a point that he would wait for her whenever she was ready, AWWW. The more I got to see the moments between Soledad and Judah, I wanted more, and the build up to their romance was AMAZING! Judah was the man PINING AFTER Soledad, and oh boy, that man was OBSESSED WITH HER! I loved it! Once things between Soledad and Judah got even more intense, the intimacy between them became passionate, beautiful, and significant. 

I LOVED SOLEDAD AND JUDAH! This was such a fantastic story! I loved the message that Kennedy Ryan illustrated throughout the whole story of Soledad’s journey of reclaiming her life as her own, but also learning to love herself before all her love into someone else. I think seeing Soledad working on self partnering was a good way for her to see how she could be on her own especially after living a life surrounded by her horrible ex husband. The support Soledad had with Yasmen and Hendrix was strong, and I genuinely loved seeing their friendship once again. Soledad dealt with a lot of ups and downs in her life, but she didn’t let her deter her from making strides to change her life for the better. Judah was a magnificent man and father to his twin boys. The way Judah consistently made me fall in love with him more and more throughout this book was amazing and awe inspiring with how much patient and understanding he had for his family and with Soledad. Soledad and Judah found each other at an unexpected moment in their life, but it was meant to be from their deep connection, unique friendship, passion, and wholeheartedly loving one another. I couldn’t get enough of reading this book, and I want to read it again and again. The romance wasn’t just a beautiful part of the story, it was the messages that Kennedy Ryan highlighted throughout the book. Seriously cannot get over how much I loved this book, and Soledad and Judah, (sigh) hands down a favorite of mine. I’m now excited for the next book about Hendrix!!!