This Could Be Us Summary, Characters and Themes
This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan is a 2024 adult romance novel, the second in the Skyland series, that brings together the lives of two compelling protagonists, Judah Cross and Soledad Charles Barnes. Set against the backdrop of personal transformation, complex family dynamics, and the pursuit of true love, the story explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and healing.
As Judah and Soledad navigate the challenges of their past and present, they find themselves drawn to each other in ways that challenge their notions of love and identity. Ryan’s novel is a heartfelt exploration of what it means to truly love oneself before loving another.
Summary
Judah Cross and Soledad Charles Barnes are the heart and soul of This Could Be Us. The novel opens with Judah, who, despite being divorced from his ex-wife Tremaine, maintains a respectful and supportive relationship with her as they co-parent their twin sons, Adam and Aaron, both on the autism spectrum.
Their marriage lacked passion, but Judah’s devotion to his children remains unwavering.
Fast forward three years, Soledad is preparing for a Christmas party with her husband, Edward Barnes.
However, her once-loving marriage has grown cold. Edward is distant, his cruel behavior toward Soledad now apparent, and she’s tormented by his late-night mutterings of another woman’s name—his assistant, Amber. At the party, Soledad meets Judah, the new accountant at Edward’s company, and feels an instant, undeniable attraction.
The calm of their lives is shattered when the FBI arrives at the Barnes’ home, arresting Edward for embezzling $6 million from his company, CalPot. Judah, a forensic accountant, uncovered Edward’s fraudulent activities.
As Soledad reels from the shock of Edward’s betrayal—both financial and marital, as she discovers his affair with Amber—she channels her rage into destroying his belongings. Amidst the wreckage, she finds a flash drive containing details of the secret accounts where Edward hid the stolen funds.
She hands the drive to Judah, signaling her resolve to end her marriage and regain control of her life, though the magnetic pull she feels toward Judah complicates her emotions.
Eight months later, Soledad is on a journey of self-reinvention. With the help of her friend Hendrix, she’s working hard to build her brand as a social media influencer while struggling to make her food business viable.
Judah re-enters her life when he buys one of her focaccia baskets, and the spark between them reignites. He later attends a dinner she hosts at the Skyland Harvest Festival, intensifying the connection between them.
Despite the attraction, Soledad is determined to focus on herself, remodeling Edward’s “man cave” into her personal retreat and celebrating her independence, even as Judah’s quiet support and patience begin to break down her defenses.
Judah’s patience is rewarded when, at the company Christmas party, he and Soledad share a passionate kiss. Though she’s still committed to her self-partnering journey, the kiss signals a shift in their relationship.
As Christmas approaches, Soledad brings Judah pasteles, and their evening together evolves into a deeper physical and emotional connection. However, Soledad remains cautious, aware of her need to maintain her boundaries.
On New Year’s Day, Soledad’s visit to Edward in prison is a painful reminder of his betrayals, especially when she learns about his new child with Amber. Seeking solace, she turns to Judah, and their relationship finally blossoms into something more.
Despite their happiness, the road isn’t smooth—Soledad’s daughters, particularly Inez, struggle with her moving on. Recognizing that she still has work to do on herself, Soledad and Judah part ways temporarily, with Judah vowing to wait until she’s truly ready.
A trip to her childhood home and the discovery of her mother’s journal helps Soledad realize that self-love is the cornerstone of all love.
When Judah’s son, Adam, has a medical emergency, Soledad rushes to be by Judah’s side, finally admitting that she wants a future with him, no matter the obstacles.
The novel concludes with Soledad embracing her blended family, including Judah’s sons and his ex-wife’s new family.
As she rides with Judah on his motorcycle, she knows she’s ready for the life they can build together. In the epilogue, a year later, they enjoy a romantic getaway in Morocco, fully free from the shadows of their past, with Soledad surrounded by the love she’s cultivated within herself and those around her.
Characters
Judah Cross
Judah Cross is a complex and multifaceted character, defined by his deep sense of responsibility and commitment to his family. As a forensic accountant, Judah plays a critical role in the novel, not just in the plot but also in Soledad’s life.
He is a devoted father to his twin sons, Adam and Aaron, who both have autism. This aspect of his life shows his nurturing and patient nature, as he remains deeply involved in their lives despite the challenges that come with co-parenting with his ex-wife, Tremaine.
Judah’s relationship with Tremaine is amicable, highlighting his ability to maintain respectful and caring relationships, even after love has faded. Despite the lack of passion in his previous marriage, Judah deeply values emotional connections, which becomes evident in his growing affection for Soledad.
His attraction to Soledad is immediate, yet he respects her need for self-discovery and independence. This respect and patience are defining traits of Judah’s character. He is willing to wait for her to be ready for a relationship, demonstrating his understanding of love as something that should not be rushed or forced.
Soledad Charles Barnes
Soledad is a woman on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. At the beginning of the novel, she is trapped in a loveless and oppressive marriage to Edward Barnes, a man who is dismissive and emotionally abusive.
Soledad’s initial characterization is of a woman who has been neglected and undervalued, not only by her husband but also by herself. The arrest of Edward and the subsequent revelations about his infidelity and embezzlement serve as a catalyst for Soledad’s transformation.
She decides to rebuild her life, focusing on her own needs and desires for the first time. Throughout the novel, Soledad’s growth is evident as she transitions from a dependent wife to an independent and self-assured woman.
Her journey is marked by her struggle to balance her deepening feelings for Judah with her commitment to self-partnering. Soledad’s character is rich with emotional depth, as she navigates the complexities of love, motherhood, and self-identity.
Her relationships with her daughters, particularly with Inez, add layers to her character, showing her as a caring mother who is also trying to reconcile her past and future. By the end of the novel, Soledad emerges as a woman who has learned to love herself, which in turn allows her to fully embrace love with Judah.
Edward Barnes
Edward Barnes serves as the primary antagonist in Soledad’s life. He is characterized as cruel, dismissive, and emotionally distant. His behavior towards Soledad is emblematic of a controlling and toxic partner.
Edward’s infidelity and his illegal activities further paint him as a morally corrupt individual. His arrest for embezzlement is not only a pivotal moment in the plot but also a symbolic breaking point for Soledad.
Edward’s downfall is both personal and professional, as he loses everything—his family, his job, and his freedom. Despite his negative qualities, Edward’s character is crucial in the novel as the catalyst for Soledad’s transformation. His betrayal forces Soledad to confront the reality of her marriage and pushes her towards reclaiming her independence.
Tremaine
Tremaine, Judah’s ex-wife, is portrayed as a supportive and amicable figure in Judah’s life. Despite their marriage not being passionate, Tremaine and Judah maintain a friendly and cooperative relationship for the sake of their twin sons.
Tremaine’s character is a study in mature co-parenting, as she works with Judah to provide a stable and loving environment for their children. Her presence in the novel contrasts with Soledad’s tumultuous relationship with Edward, highlighting that relationships can evolve into healthy friendships even after romantic love has faded.
Tremaine’s new marriage also shows her ability to move on and find happiness, adding depth to her character as someone who has successfully navigated the complexities of love, divorce, and parenting.
Inez and Soledad’s Other Children
Soledad’s daughters, especially Inez, play significant roles in her journey. Inez, in particular, represents the voice of skepticism and resistance to change.
She is deeply affected by the betrayal of her father and is initially resistant to the idea of Soledad moving on with Judah. Inez’s reaction is a realistic portrayal of how children can struggle with their parents’ relationships, especially when there has been a betrayal.
The conflict between Inez and Soledad adds a layer of tension to the narrative, showing the difficulties Soledad faces not just in her romantic life but also in maintaining her role as a mother. Soledad’s ability to navigate this relationship and eventually gain Inez’s acceptance is a testament to her growth as a character.
Hendrix
Hendrix is Soledad’s friend and a source of support and encouragement throughout the novel. Hendrix’s role is that of a confidante and a cheerleader, helping Soledad to build her brand as a social media influencer and to find her footing as an independent woman.
Hendrix represents the importance of friendship and community in Soledad’s journey, providing a contrast to the toxic relationships that Soledad has experienced. Hendrix’s character is vital in showing how women can support each other in personal and professional growth.
Adam and Aaron
Adam and Aaron, Judah’s twin sons, are integral to his character development and add emotional depth to the novel. Their autism is a significant aspect of their lives, requiring Judah to be a patient and attentive father.
The boys’ presence in the story highlights the theme of unconditional love and the challenges and joys of parenting children with special needs. Their bond with Judah and, eventually, with Soledad, represents the blending of families and the importance of acceptance and understanding in relationships.
Amber
Amber, Edward’s mistress and his accomplice in embezzlement, is a minor but significant character in the novel. She symbolizes the betrayal and deception that Edward embodies.
Her relationship with Edward not only destroys Soledad’s marriage but also contributes to Edward’s downfall. Amber’s character serves as a plot device to catalyze Soledad’s realization of her own worth and the beginning of her journey towards independence.
Catelaya (Soledad’s Mother)
Though not a central character, Catelaya’s influence on Soledad is profound, particularly through the discovery of her old journal. The journal provides Soledad with insights into her mother’s life and the struggles she faced, helping Soledad to understand the importance of self-love and resilience.
Catelaya’s presence in the novel, though indirect, is a guiding force for Soledad as she learns to value herself and her own happiness.
Themes
The Complexity of Self-Love as a Foundation for External Relationships
Kennedy Ryan’s This Could Be Us intricately explores the profound theme of self-love as an essential foundation for healthy external relationships. The narrative emphasizes that genuine self-love is not merely a precursor to romantic relationships but a necessary condition for them to flourish.
Soledad’s journey is not just about extricating herself from a toxic marriage but about rediscovering her own worth and autonomy. The novel delves deeply into the idea that self-love involves more than just self-care routines; it requires confronting painful truths, setting firm boundaries, and making difficult decisions that honor one’s own needs and desires.
Through Soledad’s transformation—from a woman whose life is defined by her husband’s betrayal to someone who learns to thrive independently—the novel argues that self-love is a continuous, evolving process. This theme is further highlighted by Soledad’s internal conflicts, particularly when she grapples with her attraction to Judah.
Her commitment to self-partnering serves as a testament to the novel’s assertion that self-love is an active choice, one that requires constant nurturing even in the face of potential romantic fulfillment.
The Intersection of Family Dynamics, Personal Growth, and Emotional Healing
Family dynamics in This Could Be Us are intricately tied to the characters’ personal growth and emotional healing. The novel portrays family not only as a source of support but also as a potential obstacle to individual progress, particularly through the strained relationships between Soledad, her children, and Judah.
Soledad’s interactions with her daughters, especially Inez, reflect the complex ways in which familial expectations and unresolved trauma can impede personal growth. The narrative reveals that emotional healing within a family context is a multifaceted process, involving not just the resolution of past grievances but also the establishment of new, healthier patterns of interaction.
Judah’s relationship with his sons, Adam and Aaron, also contributes to this theme, demonstrating how parenting challenges and the responsibilities of caregiving can intersect with personal desires and aspirations. The novel suggests that true emotional healing within a family requires not only individual introspection but also collective effort, communication, and understanding.
Soledad’s ultimate reconciliation with her daughters and Judah’s integration into their family unit underscore the novel’s message that healing is an ongoing journey that must accommodate the complexities of familial relationships.
The Role of Autonomy and Personal Agency in Redefining Identity Post-Trauma
Autonomy and personal agency are central to the redefinition of identity in the aftermath of trauma, a theme that is intricately explored through Soledad’s narrative arc. Following the devastating revelations of her husband’s infidelity and criminal behavior, Soledad embarks on a journey to reclaim her identity, which has long been overshadowed by her roles as a wife and mother.
The novel portrays her pursuit of autonomy as a multifaceted endeavor, encompassing financial independence, emotional resilience, and the reestablishment of self-worth. Soledad’s decision to rebuild her life—through ventures like her food business and the renovation of Edward’s man cave into her own space—symbolizes her reclaiming of agency.
This redefinition of identity is not without its challenges; the narrative does not shy away from depicting the setbacks and doubts that accompany Soledad’s journey. However, it also emphasizes the empowerment that comes from making autonomous choices and the significance of those choices in shaping a new, self-defined identity.
The novel asserts that personal agency is both a means of recovery and a vital component of self-realization, especially in the wake of trauma.
The Complex Interplay Between Love, Guilt, and Redemption in Romantic Relationships
The novel delves into the complex interplay between love, guilt, and redemption, particularly in the context of romantic relationships. Judah’s feelings for Soledad are marked by a tension between his deep attraction to her and his guilt over the role he played in her husband’s downfall.
This dynamic introduces a nuanced exploration of how love can be intertwined with feelings of guilt, particularly when past actions have caused harm, even unintentionally. The novel suggests that redemption in such cases is not easily attained; it requires not only the passage of time but also active efforts to heal and rebuild trust.
Judah’s decision to step back from the relationship, despite his strong feelings for Soledad, highlights the novel’s exploration of love as an emotion that can be both selfless and sacrificial. Soledad’s own journey toward accepting Judah’s love is also fraught with guilt—guilt over moving on from Edward and the impact of her decisions on her children.
The narrative ultimately suggests that redemption in love is possible but contingent on both parties’ willingness to confront and work through their guilt, rather than allowing it to dictate their future.
The Intergenerational Transmission of Strength, Resilience, and Cultural Legacy
This Could Be Us places a significant emphasis on the intergenerational transmission of strength, resilience, and cultural legacy, particularly within Soledad’s family. The discovery of her mother Catelaya’s journal serves as a pivotal moment in Soledad’s journey, connecting her current struggles to the strength and resilience of her ancestors.
The novel portrays cultural legacy as a source of empowerment, offering Soledad a deeper understanding of her own capacity for resilience. This theme underscores the idea that the challenges faced by previous generations can serve as a wellspring of strength for those who come after.
Soledad’s ability to draw from her family’s cultural legacy is depicted as a crucial element in her personal growth and her ability to navigate the complexities of her life. The novel suggests that understanding and embracing one’s cultural and familial heritage is not just a matter of honoring the past, but also a powerful tool for building a more empowered and self-assured future.
This theme is woven throughout the narrative, reinforcing the importance of family history and cultural identity in shaping the characters’ present and future selves.