Readers highly praise 'Reel' by Kennedy Ryan for its portrayal of a love story between a Broadway actress and a famous Hollywood film director. The book delves into the relationship dynamics between the main characters, exploring forbidden romance, chronic illness representation, and a strong connection between the leads. The writing style is described as stunning, with beautiful chronic disease representation and a focus on Black creatives in the entertainment industry. The plot includes elements of Black love, historical context, and a taboo romance between the director and actress.

The book is commended for its engaging storytelling that weaves in elements of Black history and the production of a biopic. Readers appreciate the well-developed main characters, the emotional depth in their relationship, and the inclusion of script excerpts within the narrative. The book also stands out for its exploration of chronic illness, the forbidden nature of the romance, and the captivating writing that draws readers into the Hollywood setting.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, showcasing a strong emotional connection while representing diverse backgrounds and addressing chronic illness.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is evocative and superb, skillfully combining narrative prose with the intricacies of Black cultural themes and script elements.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intricately weaves a medical storyline with a romance, focusing on a director and actress navigating their relationship amidst the heroine's health struggles.

Setting:

The setting captures the vibrant world of the Hollywood film industry, enriched with historical context relevant to Black creatives.

Pacing:

The pacing is compelling, blending emotional depth with a quick progression that keeps readers engaged throughout.

First period, Mr. Kaminsky called on me just when I realized I’d left my AP English assignment at home. At lunch, I dropped my tray, spilling chocolate milk, mashed potatoes and my fruit cup all over ...

Notes:

The heroine in Reel by Kennedy Ryan has Lupus, which complicates her life and career.

The story features a strong love story between a director and an actress, with elements of a forbidden workplace romance.

The book includes historical references related to Black creatives in Hollywood.

There are script excerpts included in the book, although they may not be correctly formatted.

The audio version features a narrator who sings songs written into the story, adding a unique experience.

The book deals with themes of chronic illness, which is not often represented in romance literature.

Readers have praised the writing as superb and emotionally engaging.

The main characters have a strong, genuine connection that feels like fated mates.

Reel was recognized as one of the best books of 2021 by multiple sources.

A sequel is in development, focusing on a second chance romance with complications.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include chronic illness depiction, hospitalization, and potential triggers related to health issues.

Has Romance?

Yes, there is a strong romantic presence in Reel, characterized by deep emotional connections and passionate encounters.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

For months I stood by, an understudy waiting in the wings,

preparing for my time to shine.

I never imagined

would watch in the audience that night.

Canon Holt.

Famous film director.

Fascinating. Talented.

Before I could catch my breath, everything changed.

I went from backstage Broadway to center stage Hollywood.

From being unknown, to my name, Neevah Saint, on everyone’s lips.

Canon casts me in a star-studded Harlem Renaissance biopic,

catapulting me into another stratosphere.

But stars shine brightest in the dead of night.

Forbidden attraction, scandal and circumstances beyond my control jeopardize my dream.

Could this one shot—the role of a lifetime, the

of a lifetime—cost me everything?

Ratings (4)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (3)

Reader Stats (14):

Read It (4)
Want To Read (8)
Not Interested (2)

What can you read after
Reel?

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Reel

Kennedy Ryan

Book 1 in the series:Hollywood Renaissance