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?

I read my first Kennedy Ryan book – which just so happened to be the first book in the Skyland series – last year and absolutely loved it. While I thoroughly enjoyed “Before I Let Go,” I loved this book even more. If you read the first book and if you were drawn into the bond between Yasmen, Soledad, and Hendrix like I was, this story is a welcome return to a world rich with friendship, love, and resilience.

While the first book focused on Yasmen’s story, this book takes us deeper into the life of Soledad. When we first met Soledad in Before I Let Go, she was portrayed as poised, organized, and seemingly in control of her life, even if her husband, Edward, occasionally came off as kind of an ass. In this book, Ryan pulls back the curtain to reveal the truth about Soledad’s seemingly perfect life – and it is anything but. Edward’s true colors shine through in acts of betrayal and slimy behavior that rock his entire family to the core. Soledad is left to pick up the pieces of her shattered world while protecting her daughters and rebuilding her sense of self. Her journey to rebuild her life while taking care of her girls is inspiring. I also loved the unexpected connection she finds with Judah – a man she should despise due to the circumstances, but one she grows to embrace and eventually love.

Since we’re on the topic of Judah, where do I even begin? He is everything a romance reader could hope for in a love interest: he’s confident without being overbearing, supportive without being condescending, and undeniably sexy. His presence in Soledad’s life is transformative, yet he never overshadows her journey of self-discovery. Instead, he complements her growth, offering love and stability in a way Edward never could. Their connection is deeply emotional, and their chemistry is electric (and the spicy scenes? Damn!)

What truly elevates this book is – just like in the first book – Ryan has a way of portraying female friendship that is beautiful and inspiring. The bond between Soledad, Yasmen, and Hendrix remains a cornerstone of the Skyland series, and it’s so nice to see women supporting each other. These three have each other’s backs without question, and I love watching how they show up for each other. These women are each other’s anchors, offering unwavering support and tough love when needed. Their friendship feels so real and vibrant that it becomes a character in its own right. It’s rare to find a series where the friendships are just as compelling as the romances, but Ryan manages to achieve this balance effortlessly.

Another standout element of this book is how the author thoughtfully incorporates autism into the narrative. Drawing from her personal experiences as a mother to an autistic child, Ryan presents an authentic and compassionate portrayal of autism through three different characters, each at varying levels of the spectrum. This nuanced representation adds a layer of depth and realism to the story, making it both educational and heartwarming. The inclusion of autism isn’t just a subplot – it’s woven into the fabric of the characters’ lives, showcasing the beauty and challenges of living with neurodiversity. This representation felt incredibly refreshing and meaningful, especially for readers seeking more inclusive narratives.

Overall, this is a wonderful second book in this series. I loved its exploration of love, loss, friendship, and personal growth. Soledad’s journey is inspiring, Judah is swoon-worthy, and the representation of autism is a breath of fresh air in contemporary romance. If this book is any indication of what’s to come, I can’t wait to dive into Hendrix’s story when the next installment is released in a few months. If you haven’t already started the Skyland series, now is the perfect time to dive in. You won’t regret it.

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