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lylesgirl2020 's review for:

This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan
5.0

And just like that... I'm officially a Kennedy Ryan girlie. This was my first, but it won’t be my last.

Kennedy Ryan really did something special with this one. This story isn’t just about love—it’s about every kind of love. The kind that holds you down in family, that blossoms in romance, and most importantly, the kind you fight to find within yourself. And trust, it's all here, layered and full of soul.

Ryan has a gift—she makes you connect with everyone she writes, whether they’re leading the scene or just passing through. Sol’s journey? Whew. It wasn’t just a read, it was a ride. The first stretch builds slow, but once it settles in, watching her grow and unfold was pure magic. Every interaction felt honest, grounded, and right where it needed to be.

And Judah Cross? Easily one of my favorite male characters now. He sees the world through a different lens—quiet, intentional, deeply emotional. He doesn’t open up easily, but when he does, it’s real and soul-deep. The way he connects with Sol is soft, rare, and beautifully done.

What truly moved me, though, was how Ryan wove neurodiversity into the story with such care and tenderness. Her portrayal—rooted in lived experience and real voices—felt genuine, warm, and full of respect. It wasn’t loud, but it was powerful.