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4.46 AVERAGE
4.46 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I have no words. This book had me in literal tears. Such a beautiful love story.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I wish it was a real Reel…
Reel was a well thought out and throughly researched story of romance, art history within the black community and the complexities of love across space and time. Per usual, Ms. Ryan builds a world to a get lost in as we explore the lives of these characters she brings to life on the page. I loved Neenah & Canon’s love story, but I loved their respective passion for their craft. Canon as a director, Neenah as actress fueled not only the desire for the Dessi Blue story to come to life, but the passion for their own love and space for them to grow independently, together.
Kennedy Ryan used art as a savior for both the characters and the piece of art they were creating, bringing to life the passion that artists breathe into projects in reality. I so wish I could see Dessi Blue because I know it would be a hit! I’m always impressed, with Ms. Ryan’s work, the way she carefully constructs words on a page to bring the scene to life, where I imagine I’m a fly on the wall watching it all play out. She explores life, love and growth in ways that challenge our comfortability and existence, but also encouraging the possibilities for love.
Thank you for giving us the Hollywood Renaissance series!!!!!!! I cannot wait to get my hands on the physical copy of the Reel re-release, and see the expansion of this world of dynamic, well-rounded characters.
Bravo again Ms. Ryan, thank you for sharing your gifts with us! ♥️
Reel was a well thought out and throughly researched story of romance, art history within the black community and the complexities of love across space and time. Per usual, Ms. Ryan builds a world to a get lost in as we explore the lives of these characters she brings to life on the page. I loved Neenah & Canon’s love story, but I loved their respective passion for their craft. Canon as a director, Neenah as actress fueled not only the desire for the Dessi Blue story to come to life, but the passion for their own love and space for them to grow independently, together.
Kennedy Ryan used art as a savior for both the characters and the piece of art they were creating, bringing to life the passion that artists breathe into projects in reality. I so wish I could see Dessi Blue because I know it would be a hit! I’m always impressed, with Ms. Ryan’s work, the way she carefully constructs words on a page to bring the scene to life, where I imagine I’m a fly on the wall watching it all play out. She explores life, love and growth in ways that challenge our comfortability and existence, but also encouraging the possibilities for love.
Thank you for giving us the Hollywood Renaissance series!!!!!!! I cannot wait to get my hands on the physical copy of the Reel re-release, and see the expansion of this world of dynamic, well-rounded characters.
Bravo again Ms. Ryan, thank you for sharing your gifts with us! ♥️
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I’d heard nothing but praise for this book—and somehow, even that didn’t prepare me for the experience of reading it. From the very first page, Kennedy Ryan had me in a chokehold. That prologue from Neevah? I was barely keeping it together on the plane when I started it.
From the moment Canon and Neevah meet, you’re all in. Both are carrying heartbreak, both guarded—but their connection? Unstoppable. What starts as professional restraint slowly turns into something magnetic and undeniable. It’s not just chemistry—it’s intimacy, safety, and the ache of finally being seen. And when a loved one’s health enters the equation, everything shifts. Priorities change, and what really matters begins to rise to the surface.
This book left me raw. So many emotions, each one more piercing than the last. It’s poignant, multilayered, and deeply resonant. It reignited my love for historical romance and reminded me why I was obsessed with it in the first place. But Reel is more than a love story—it’s a tribute. A love letter, as Kennedy says, to Black creatives whose work has too often gone unsung and unacknowledged. And that message hits.
The book also sheds light on what it means to live with chronic illness—specifically lupus—and I learned so much. It made me reflect on the small things I take for granted, and the importance of caring for yourself fully.
And Canon? Canon Holt is everything. The way he cared for Neevah—emotionally and physically! I don’t know if I’ve fallen in love with him or with Ms Kennedy for creating him. He may come off as a jerk, but to the people he loves, he is soft, steady, and safe. And I loved seeing him receive care in return.
This book left me yearning, laughing, crying, angry (if you know, you know), and so full. My only regret? Not reading it sooner. If you’ve had this sitting on your shelf/TBR, let this be your sign to pick it up. It’s not just gold—it’s a whole treasure chest. 💛
I NEED someone to do a film adaptation for Dessi Blue!!! I am obsessed with her story!!!
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Really enjoyed this book! It was really long, which definitely affected my experience reading. I’ve read a couple other books by Kennedy Ryan and love her writing style. Great read and hope she continues the series!
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
another oneee down! I have always been a Kennedy Ryan fan and this just further proves how fantastic she is. Man Canon & Neevah are such a beautiful love story. Had me crying at work??? She’s an unknown actress, he’s a famous director, and their on-screen magic turns into the kind of love that changes everythinggggg for the both of them. Yes, I would recommend, Yes I would read again!!