A review by bibliophile90
This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan

4.0

**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**

Kennedy Ryan's "This Could Be Us" paints a picture of life after it's been turned upside down. Soledad Barnes, a queen of planning and keeping it all together, finds herself picking up the pieces when her life shatters due to betrayal. But there's no time for sulking; she's busy being a superhero mom to her daughters.

What's refreshing about this read is the lack of unnecessary drama. Sol and Judah, the forbidden love interest, are mature characters who make sensible choices. Their slow-burn romance is heartwarming, but readers might wish there were more moments of them just dating and getting to know each other.

"Even dressed down and with a small streak of dirt on her cheek, Soledad is a feast. I’m always starved around this woman. Always want to consume her through every sense."

Speaking of characters, Soledad shines with her unwavering strength, and Judah scores major points for his patience and determination. And let's not forget the kids! They add an extra layer to the story, showing the characters in a whole new light. The side characters—Sol's best friends, sisters and the kids—are amazing, adding depth and bringing an extra layer to the story. It's great to see their roles intertwining with Soledad's journey. Plus, knowing that Hendrix's story is next has me eagerly waiting to dive into it.

While some might crave a deeper dive into the romance, "This Could Be Us" is a mature, feel-good read. It's all about resilience, love, and finding new beginnings after life throws you a curveball. If you're into stories with relatable characters making sensible decisions (with a side of swoon-worthy romance), this one's for you!