This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan | Book Review

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“Heart-searing, sensual, and life affirming.” ―EMILY HENRY, #1 New York Times bestselling author
An instant New York Times and USA Today bestseller, featured on The Today Show and CBS Mornings. 
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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

The more I read by Kennedy Ryan, the bigger a fan I become. There is something about her stories that truly reach deep down and pull some emotions out. This Could Be Us is the second in the Skyland series and it is simply gorgeous. I was so glad to continue with this series — to the point where I have the third book on preorder and am eagerly awaiting its arrival. 

This Could Be Us is about Soledad Charles, a stay at home mom. Soledad has what looks like the perfect life on the outside. She has three beautiful girls, is a wonderful cook, has a beautiful home, and is very involved in the lives of her daughters. Only, that all comes crashing down when her husband betrays the family by embezzling from his company and cheating on Soledad. So now, Soledad has to pick up the pieces and figure out how to support herself enough to keep a roof over her family’s head and pay for all her girls’ needs. So, she gets to work and takes her skills to become a lifestyle influencer. As all of this is happening, Soledad is fighting an attraction to Judah, the forensic account who uncovered her husband’s misdeeds. However, Soledad needs to figure out how to stand on her own two feet before falling in love. That, however, doesn’t mean she can’t get her needs fulfilled in the meantime.

I am not able to read a Kennedy Ryan book and not fall instantly in love with her characters. I instantly was obsessed with Soledad. She is so inspiring and real. I love how hard she worked to keep it together for her girls – but still maintained her friendships and figured out a self care aspect. As a mom, although I am way more messy than Soledad, I found her to be both relatable and aspirational. She deserves the happiest of endings. As for the love interest, Judah! He’s a gem. He is very kind and thoughtful and brilliant. Judah and Soledad have such great chemistry and he’s so respectful of her. Oh and he is a great father to his sons who are both on the spectrum. Oh, and I have to say I love how the boys were represented. 

This Could Be Us is a beautiful, affirming read about falling in love with yourself and then letting that love fuel your next relationship. This story is a must read – particularly if you are a 30 something woman who has been kicked a little bit by life. You will absolutely root for Soledad and for Judah. 

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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