This Could Be Us

By: Kennedy Ryan

Narrated by: Ines del Castillo, Jakobi Diem, Kennedy Ryan

An instant New York Times and USA Today bestseller, featured on The Today Show and CBS Mornings.

From the bestselling author of Before I Let Go, an empowering and sizzling novel about two single parents navigating the balance between sacrifice and their own happiness—perfect for readers of Tia Williams and Colleen Hoover.

“Heart-searing, sensual, and life affirming.” ―Emily Henry, #1 New York Times bestselling author

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?

"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

Glamour: Best Books for Book Clubs

Critic reviews

“Real. Raw. Magnificent!”—Colleen Hoover, #1 New York Times bestselling author, on Before I Let Go

“Kennedy Ryan pours her whole soul into everything she writes, and it makes for books that are heart-searing, sensual, and life affirming. We are lucky to be living in a world where she writes.”—EMILY HENRY, #1 New York Times bestselling author, on Before I Let Go

“The most raw, poignant, and romantic journey of healing I've read in a long time. Kennedy Ryan has a fan for life.”—Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author on Before I Let Go

"Kennedy Ryan knows the secret corridors of the human heart better than nearly any other writer working today. She is a cartographer of the soul and she leads us to a place of passion, love and acceptance."—S. A. COSBY, New York Times bestselling author of All the Sinners Bleed

“Ryan is a fantastic storyteller and superb writer.”—NPR

"Ryan is a powerhouse of a writer."—USA Today

“Ryan creates characters who are deeply relatable, so compelling and lushly drawn that they feel like old friends.”—BookPage

SHE DID IT AGAIN

A masterful storyteller. Kennedy Ryan has captured my heart in this compelling story of love, family and loss.

I love the transparency

I am a Dan of the author. This audiobook offered a genuinely insightful look into the author's life with her son, particularly highlighting the aspects of living with autism. While the narrative doesn't delve too deeply into the specifics, it provides enough detail to offer a real glimpse into the complexities and joys of their experiences. The story's heart lies in the themes of self-love and resilience, particularly in how Soledad manages to maintain the harmony of her home amidst her husband’s deceit. The portrayal of co-parenting is also depicted with a beautiful, harmonious balance, adding a rich layer to the narrative. Although the female narrator's delivery occasionally made it difficult for me to stay engaged, I found myself wishing for more contributions from Jakobi, whose voice is crucial for me. Overall, this book is a commendable exploration of personal growth and familial bonds in the face of adversity.

The Story

I liked that the main character was able to fall in love with herself and find true love at the end.

I didn’t want it to end

The writing, the storytelling, the characters…I didn’t want this book to end! Excited to dive into more work by Kennedy Ryan.

Loved it!

So glad I decided to take a listen. It just got better and better as the story unfolded. Definitely recommend! Absolute fan!!