Books Reel by Kennedy Ryan

"Reel" by Kennedy Ryan is a contemporary romance that follows Neevah Saint, a passionate Broadway understudy whose life changes dramatically when Canon Holt, a renowned film director, casts her as the lead in his highly anticipated Harlem Renaissance biopic. Neevah transitions from relative obscurity to Hollywood stardom, but her journey is complicated by her battle with discoid lupus, a chronic illness that affects her appearance and health, and by the forbidden attraction that develops between her and Canon.

The novel explores their intense and often secret romance amid the pressures of the entertainment industry, including scandal and the challenges of maintaining professionalism. Neevah also grapples with family estrangement and the need to confront her past to heal. The story richly portrays Black artistry and resilience, weaving in the historical significance of the Harlem Renaissance through the biopic’s subject, Dessi Blue.

"Reel" is praised for its emotional depth, complex characters, and vivid depiction of the film industry, highlighting themes of ambition, love, vulnerability, and forgiveness. It is a powerful narrative about seizing opportunity, overcoming personal and professional obstacles, and the transformative power of love and art1235.

1 BOOK