Kennedy Ryan is one of the greatest writers of our generation and I do not say that lightly. I’m completely blown away by her powerhouse of words—words that emit warmth, understanding, and wisdom. This Could Be Us isn’t just a book; it’s an experience, a deeply moving story that reassures and embraces you with its relatable themes. Kennedy Ryan masterfully weaves together meaningful words that feel thought provoking, rich with emotion, and layered with cultural and autism representation.

While a part of me craved even more romance, my rating reflects that this book was so much more than that. Like Before I Let Go, this leans toward women’s fiction, with romance as a subplot. It’s a story of rediscovery, self worth, self love, and sisterhood—interwoven beautifully with a second chance at love. The angst may not have been as intense as in the previous book, but the emotional depth was undeniable, perfectly balanced with humor and resilience.


Kennedy’s ability to create strong, resilient women shines yet again. Soledad’s journey was deeply moving—years of belittlement and shame had shaped her, but she never stopped forging ahead. Her resilience, her determination to provide for her daughters, and her fight to reclaim herself were both heartbreaking and inspiring. The influencer/content creator aspect was seamlessly woven into her story, making it feel like a triumph for every mom who’s had to rebuild from scratch. Sol’s journey of self love and healing felt deeply personal and commanding.

And Judah? Perfection. A man so patient, perceptive, and completely gone for Soledad. He was there, giving her space to grow, reassuring her at every turn. The heated stares, the subtle touches, the slow burn... he was the perfect balance of strength and tenderness.

The healthy co parenting in this book? Phenomenal. Judah’s relationship with his twin boys—who are on the autism spectrum—was beautifully written. Kennedy Ryan’s personal connection to this subject shines through, and it’s evident she poured immense care into getting it right.

The found family aspect in this book? Exceptional. The women in Sol’s life—Yasmen, Hendrix, her sisters—were the kind of unwavering support every woman deserves. The nostalgia, the cultural references, the moments of reflection—they all hit deep. And speaking of representation, the Puerto Rican rep? Flawless. Seeing this level of authenticity was just so perfect.

This Could Be Us may not be perfect, but it is beautiful. It’s a book that will stay with me, not just for the romance, but for the strength, the message, and the love embedded in every word.

Thank you, Kennedy, for another masterpiece. And as for the upcoming Hendrix book—I need it ASAP!