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Thursday, August 18, 2022

BLOG TOUR & 5 STAR REVIEW: The Close-Up by Kennedy Ryan

The Close-Up, an all-new moving second-chance novella set in the Hollywood Renaissance/HOOPS world from New York Times bestselling author Kennedy Ryan and 1,001 Dark Nights is available now!

But one awful moment ended it all.

Years later when we meet again, we’ve both pursued our dreams, lived a little, found success…but never found love. What began as a tiny flame when we were young now threatens to consume us. I’m more drawn to Naz than ever, but his complicated history with my brother makes whatever this could be…nearly impossible.

But Naz accepts impossible as a dare.

Through his clever maneuvering and dogged determination, I find myself on a yacht with him and his friends cruising through the Mediterranean. It’s a whirlwind set ablaze. Away from reality, surrendering to the tender heat of his touch, I forget that everything could burn.

*This is the love story of Takira, who first appears in Reel, book 1 of the Hollywood Renaissance series. Characters from the HOOPS series also make appearances, but you do not have to read any of those books to enjoy this one.*

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Grab your copy today, exclusively on Amazon!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3a9gD87

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/theCloseUp

Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/3nRG2Jl

Audible: https://adbl.co/3AE4iWV

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3nkcnq8

My Review

I received an advanced copy if this book with the promise of an honest review.

Naz and Takira had ONE night together. And to be honest, it wasn't even a full night. It was just a few hours. But it was during those few hours that they formed a deep connection. Unfortunately for them life got in the way and now they find themselves reconnecting years later.

I. LOVED. THEM. SO. MUCH. It was clear that when Naz and Takira found each other again, that the feelings were still there. And I loved how Kennedy kind of "forced" them to reconnect by putting them on a yacht with friends who were definitely pro Naz & Takira. It gave them time to reconnect and get to know the people they grew up to be.

I got so many warm and fuzzies while reading this book. Naz was so in tune with Takira's needs and he just wanted to take care of her. (see the excerpt below.) And Takira let him. It's just all so good. *sigh* And don't let the warm and fuzzies fool you...some scenes had me reaching for a fan to cool off. This book is sexy as hell!

And with it being a crossover, there are plenty of familiar faces that make an appearance in this book! I always like when that happens because I love to see characters still living their HEA.

Keep reading for a look inside The Close-Up!

Naz has abandoned his cabin completely and has spent every night over the last week with me. Why front? He brought me here, and we can’t get enough of each other. I’m glad we’re on this yacht with a bunch of couples who also can’t get enough of each other because we’d be pretty obnoxious otherwise.

He’s rich as hell and could shower me with material things. And he does. At every port, I find some keepsake from the local shops he’s left for me in the room—an ankle bracelet, clips for my hair, diamond earrings. There has been no shortage of gifts, but the real gift has been his attention. The way he cares. The man bathes me. He wraps my hair up at night. He washes my face. I don’t know what this is, but I feel spoiled. Doted on. Adored. At first I was like…is this cringe? Is it weird? But then I recalled all those times when I didn’t feel valued in a relationship. All those times a guy disrespected me by looking at other women all night. All those times I didn’t feel this almost embarrassing amount of single-minded focus from a man who’s determined I’ll know how much he enjoys me. How much he likes me. Cherishes me, even. He’s constantly pulling me onto his lap. We sneak away from the group anytime the mood strikes us. Last night at dinner, he fed me from his plate.

From his plate.

Who am I right now?

I’m that girl, living out a fantasy on a half-a-billion dollar yacht floating on dreams along the coast of Italy. Forget Black girl magic. This is pure sorcery, and if it’s a spell, we’re both under it.

USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Kennedy Ryan and her writings have been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, Glamour, Cosmo, TIME, O Mag and many others. A RITA® and Audie® Award winner, Kennedy writes empowered women from all walks of life and centers those who have found themselves perennially on the margins of traditional storytelling.

Her Hoops Series (Long Shot, Block Shot and Hook Shot) and All the King's Men Series (The Kingmaker, The Rebel King and Queen Move) have been optioned for television.

An autism mom, Kennedy co-founded LIFT 4 Autism, an annual charitable initiative, and has appeared on Headline News, Montel Williams, NPR and other media outlets as an advocate for autism families. She is a wife to her lifetime lover and mother to an extraordinary son.

Connect with Kennedy

Text KennedyRyan to 797979 for release alerts!

Subscribe to Mailing List: subscribepage.com/kennedyryan

Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2GY6eyb

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For More information about 1,001 Dark Nights, visit

Facebook: https://bit.ly/3ONzTtZ

Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rTZdo3

Website: https://bit.ly/2AIIr3A

Stay up to date on all 1001 Dark Nights releases, join their mailing list today! https://bit.ly/2zgxaHu

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

RELEASE BLITZ: The Close-Up by Kennedy Ryan

What began as a tiny flame when we were young now threatens to consume us.

The Close-Up, an all-new riveting and emotional Hollywood Renaissance/HOOPS novella from New York Times bestselling author Kennedy Ryan and 1,001 Dark Nights is available now!

I met Nazareth Armstrong when I was eighteen years old. From the beginning, my brother warned me to stay away from him. Told Naz to stay away from me.

Our hearts didn’t listen.

I shared one magical night under the stars with my brother's rival, thinking it was the start of a once-in-a-lifetime something.
But one awful moment ended it all.

Years later when we meet again, we’ve both pursued our dreams, lived a little, found success…but never found love. What began as a tiny flame when we were young now threatens to consume us. I’m more drawn to Naz than ever, but his complicated history with my brother makes whatever this could be…nearly impossible.

But Naz accepts impossible as a dare.

Through his clever maneuvering and dogged determination, I find myself on a yacht with him and his friends cruising through the Mediterranean. It’s a whirlwind set ablaze. Away from reality, surrendering to the tender heat of his touch, I forget that everything could burn.

*This is the love story of Takira, who first appears in Reel, book 1 of the Hollywood Renaissance series. Characters from the HOOPS series also make appearances, but you do not have to read any of those books to enjoy this one.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Grab your copy today, exclusively on Amazon!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3a9gD87

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/theCloseUp

Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/3nRG2Jl

Audible: https://adbl.co/3AE4iWV

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3nkcnq8

Connect with Kennedy

Text KennedyRyan to 797979 for release alerts!

Subscribe to Mailing List: subscribepage.com/kennedyryan

Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2GY6eyb

TikTok: @kennedyryanauthor

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2TaYiAi

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2GUq0uF

For More information about 1,001 Dark Nights, visit

Facebook: https://bit.ly/3ONzTtZ

Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rTZdo3

Website: https://bit.ly/2AIIr3A

Stay up to date on all 1001 Dark Nights releases, join their mailing list today! https://bit.ly/2zgxaHu

Thursday, April 21, 2022

Kennedy Ryan HOOPS Series Special Edition Covers!

Wall Street Journal bestselling author Kennedy Ryan is excited to reveal the gorgeous special edition paperback covers for her award-winning HOOPS series!

To celebrate this opportunity, Kennedy has bundled the Hoops Series in a limited time digital boxed set and it’s ON SALE NOW for only 99¢ and FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Get Special Edition HOOPS Paperbacks!

Long Shot

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Mb4W0y

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/LongShotPB

Block Shot

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xFfalR

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/BlockShotPB

Hook Shot

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3jW02Iv

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/HookShotPB

Signed Copies: https://bit.ly/38eMy8s

PRE-ORDER YOUR HOOPS SERIES BOOK BOX NOW featuring special edition paperbacks, dust jacket hardbacks and thoughtfully curated merchandise

inspired by the series.

Pre-order here >> https://bit.ly/3MyUNLt

Download the Limited Edition Digital Hoops Series Boxed Set for only 99¢,

or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited Today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Lb7Y4A

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/hoopsboxset

"Kennedy Ryan breaks me apart and puts me back together every time with her gorgeous prose and deeply human characters who tear their hearts out for one another."

–Andie J. Christopher, USA Today Bestselling Author

All 3 Books of Kennedy Ryan's Award-Winning HOOPS Series!

Long Shot: A Forbidden Basketball Romance

Think you know what it's like being a baller's girl?
You don't.
My fairy tale is upside down.
A happily never after. I kissed the prince and he turned into a fraud.
I was a fool, and his love - fool's gold.
Now there's a new player in the game, August West.
One of the NBA's brightest stars.
Fine. Forbidden.
He wants me. I want him.
But my past, my fraudulent prince, just won't let me go

*Contains intimate partner violence not involving the hero. Read reviews for further guidance.

Block Shot: An Enemies-to-Lovers Second Chance Romance

JARED
If I had a dollar for every time Banner Morales made my heart skip a beat...
The heart everyone assumes is frozen over.
Her anger is . . . arousing.
Every glare from those fire-spitting eyes, every time she grits her teeth, gets me . . .well, you know.
If I had a dollar for every time she's put me in my place, I'd be an even richer man.
I'm a successful sports agent because I assume "no" means you'll think about it.
I'm sure what you meant to say is "Coming right up."
They say even rich men don't always get what they want,
but those men don't know how to play the game. The trick is to keep them guessing.
Take Banner. She assumes she's winning, but this game?
She doesn't even know how to play.

BANNER
If I had a dollar for every time Jared Foster broke my heart, I'd have exactly one dollar.
One night. One epic fail. One dollar . . . and I'm out.
I've moved on.
I've found success in a field ruled by men.
Anything they can do, I have done better.
They can keep the field while I call the shots, blocking them when I have to.
And Jared has the nerve to think he gets a second chance?
Boy, please. Go sit down. Have several seats.
I'll just be over here ignoring the man carved from my fantasies with a lust-tipped chisel.
Oh, I didn't say the struggle wasn't real.
But I've got that one dollar, and Jared won't have me

HOOK SHOT: An Age Gap Single Dad Romance

A deeply emotional standalone romance set in the worlds of professional basketball and high fashion.

KENAN
Divorced. Single dad. Traded to a losing squad.
Cheated on, betrayed, exposed. My perfect life blew up in my face and I'm still picking up the pieces.
The last thing I need is her.
A wildflower. A storm. A woman I can't resist.
Lotus DuPree is a kick to my gut and a wrench in my plans from the moment our eyes meet.
I promised myself I wouldn't trust a woman again, but I've never wanted anyone the way I want Lo.
She's not the plan I made, but she's the risk I have to take.

LOTUS
A warrior. A baller. The one they call Gladiator.
Kenan Ross charged into my life smelling all good, looking even better and snatching my breath from the moment we met. The last thing I need is him.
I’m working on me. Facing my pain and conquering my demons.
I've seen what trusting a man gets you.
I. Don't. Have. Time. For. This.
But he just keeps coming for me.
Keeps knocking down my defenses and stealing my excuses one by one.
He never gives up, and now...I'm not sure I want him to.

About Kennedy Ryan

A RITA® and Audie® Award winner, USA Today bestselling author Kennedy Ryan writes for women from all walks of life, empowering them and placing them firmly at the center of each story and in charge of their own destinies. Her heroes respect, cherish, and lose their minds for the women who capture their hearts. Kennedy and her writings have been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, TIME, O magazine, and many others. She is a wife to her lifetime lover and mother to an extraordinary son.

Connect with Kennedy

Text KennedyRyan to 797979 for release alerts!

Subscribe to Mailing List: subscribepage.com/kennedyryan

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Wednesday, June 9, 2021

BLOG TOUR & 5 STAR REVIEW: Reel by Kennedy Ryan

"Emotional, layered, sexy, and deeply satisfying, with stunning prose and a sweeping storyline, REEL is everything that has Kennedy Ryan fans devouring her books.”

-- Lexi Ryan, New York Times bestselling author

Reel, an all new epic CONTEMPORARY STANDALONE love story from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Kennedy Ryan, is available now!

One moment in the spotlight.

For months I stood by, an understudy waiting in the wings, preparing for my time to shine.
I never imagined he would watch in the audience that night.
Canon Holt.
Famous film director.
Fascinating. Talented. Fine.
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 love of a lifetime—cost me everything?

Goodreads

Grab your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xwekW8

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/Reel

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3dWwUyG

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2QCKcHS

Nook: https://bit.ly/3nsKKfr

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3gHMDUc

Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2RpXgAe

Barnes and Noble Paperback: https://bit.ly/3nsKKfr

ORDER YOUR SIGNED PAPERBACK NOW>> http://bit.ly/EagleEyePB

ALSO AVAILABLE IN AUDIO NOW!

"Bravo . . .A true literary audio experience!"

-- Alexandria House, Amazon & Audible bestselling author

Narrated by Eboni Flowers and Jakobi Diem

Featuring Nicole Small

Vocal Performance by April Christina

➜ Audible: http://mybook.to/ReelAudio

My Review

I received an advanced copy of this book with the promise of an honest review.

I've never met a Kennedy Ryan book I didn't like. And usually when I finish one of her books, I immediately message friends to see if they have also read it. And if they haven't, I tell them to.

Neevah and Cannon are just wonderful. I was a bit worried with him being her director, that their relationship could have easily gone into extremely inappropriate territory, but thankfully it didn't. There were actually a few plot points that I kept waiting to go certain ways. Basically the plot of this book could have turned into one big cliché trope, BUT that didn't happen and I am grateful to the author for that.

I just loved this book y'all. It's sweet and sexy and tackles important topics. Kennedy is so good at creating a complicated story, but allowing it to unfold so effortlessly. I won't get into the specifics because I don't want to give anything away, but just know that there a lot that goes on, but it never feels like too much.

CW: cheating (past relationship), death of a parent, chronic illness

EXCERPT

“Turn around.”

It’s a guttural command. He bends me over the arm of the couch, and my hands hit the cushion for support, to steady myself. At the sound of the condom tearing, my inner muscles contract, bracing for him. He spreads my cheeks and, slipping his whole hand between my legs, cups the trembling flesh. I’m unprepared for the swipe of his tongue. For the subtle abrasion of his beard scraping the inner skin of my thighs. For the sound of him eating me. I push back against his face, helpless, no shame. Digging my nails into the cushions, I widen my legs to give me more, to take more for myself. He grips my thighs, holding me steady for his devouring mouth until, with a sob that sails over the rooftop, over the city, I contract around his delving tongue. The orgasm hits hard, tightening the muscles in my thighs and calves. With staccato breaths, I bury my face in the couch, biting my lip to the point of pain. 

“Canon,” I beg. “Stop teasing me and—”

He shoves in, and the words tumble back down my throat, recessing into the shock of this pleasure.

“Jesus.” Need shreds my voice to ribbons.

He coasts his hand up my back, gently cuffs my neck. Ass in the air, I rise up on my toes, begging for breath, petitioning for more dick. He gives it to me, pushing impossibly deeper.

“So damn good,” he grunts behind me.

I hope I never get over how perfect he feels inside me, like I was molded to his specifications. Shaped for his dimensions. I moan and reach my hand back to pull at one of my cheeks, widening the way for his cock. It feels like he goes where no dick has gone before, deeper, better. Somehow I feel each thrust in my heart. His every touch plays on my emotions, and tears sting my eyes. His hand tightens at my hip, and he slides the other hand up my arm, finds my hand on the couch and laces our fingers together. He sets a frenetic pace that sends the blood singing through my body again. The cushion absorbs my scream as I come, and I punish the soft cotton with clawing nails. With his voice strangled, his fingers fisted in my hair, he comes.

Collapsing against my back, a heavy, happy burden, his breath stilted and warm at my neck, he snakes one muscled arm around my middle, clutching me. After the urgent, feral coupling, it’s a cherishing hold. I cross my arm over his at my waist and tangle our fingers. It’s fragile and sweet, this moment, like flakes of sugar disintegrating on your tongue when you’ve barely had time to taste.

Add Reel to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3p28fwL

A USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Kennedy Ryan and her writings have been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, Glamour, Cosmo, TIME, O Mag and many others. A RITA® Award winner, Kennedy writes empowered women from all walks of life and centers those who have found themselves perennially on the margins of traditional storytelling.

Her Hoops Series (Long Shot, Block Shot and Hook Shot) and All the King's Men Series (The Kingmaker, The Rebel King and Queen Move) have been optioned for television.

An autism mom, Kennedy co-founded LIFT 4 Autism, an annual charitable initiative, and has appeared on Headline News, Montel Williams, NPR and other media outlets as an advocate for autism families. She is a wife to her lifetime lover and mother to an extraordinary son.

Connect with Kennedy

Text KennedyRyan to 797979 for release alerts!

Subscribe to Mailing List: subscribepage.com/kennedyryan

Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2GY6eyb

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2TaYiAi

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2GUq0uF

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/2NE0cU0

Tuesday, June 8, 2021

RELEASE BLITZ: Reel by Kennedy Ryan

"Reel is alive and pulsing like a beating heart.

This romance is a triumph of art and emotion."

--Talia Hibbert, New York Times bestselling author

Reel, an all new epic CONTEMPORARY STANDALONE love story from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Kennedy Ryan, is available now!

One moment in the spotlight.

For months I stood by, an understudy waiting in the wings, preparing for my time to shine.
I never imagined he would watch in the audience that night.
Canon Holt.
Famous film director.
Fascinating. Talented. Fine.
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 love of a lifetime-cost me everything?

GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xwekW8

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/Reel

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3dWwUyG

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2QCKcHS

Nook: https://bit.ly/3nsKKfr

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3gHMDUc

Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2RpXgAe

Order your Signed copy of REEL today>> http://bit.ly/EagleEyePB

ALSO AVAILABLE IN AUDIO NOW!

"Bravo . . .A true literary audio experience!"

-- Alexandria House, Amazon & Audible bestselling author

Narrated by Eboni Flowers and Jakobi Diem

Featuring Nicole Small

Vocal Performance by April Christina

➜ Audible: http://mybook.to/ReelAudio

ENTER RELEASE G!VEAWAY ➜ https://geni.us/ReelReleaseGive

$50 G!FT CARD + Signed Paperback

JOIN THE ZOOM RELEASE PARTY ➜ http://bit.ly/REELPARTY

USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Kennedy Ryan and her writings have been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, Glamour, Cosmo, TIME, O Mag and many others. A RITA® Award winner, Kennedy writes empowered women from all walks of life and centers those who have found themselves perennially on the margins of traditional storytelling.
Her Hoops Series (Long Shot, Block Shot and Hook Shot) and All the King's Men Series (The Kingmaker, The Rebel King and Queen Move) have been optioned for television.

An autism mom, Kennedy co-founded LIFT 4 Autism, an annual charitable initiative, and has appeared on Headline News, Montel Williams, NPR and other media outlets as an advocate for autism families. She is a wife to her lifetime lover and mother to an extraordinary son.

Connect with Kennedy

Text KennedyRyan to 797979 for release alerts!

Subscribe to Mailing List: subscribepage.com/kennedyryan

Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2GY6eyb

TikTok: @kennedyryanauthor

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2TaYiAi

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2GUq0uF

http://bit.ly/REELGoodreadsGive

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

COVER REVEAL: Reel (Hollywood Renaissance #1) by Kennedy Ryan

Reel, Kennedy Ryan’s new breathtaking standalone romance set in the glamorous world of film and theater, is coming June 8th, and we have the beautiful cover and your first look!

Award-Winning Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Kennedy Ryan launches a brand new series with a Hollywood tale of wild ambition, artistic obsession, and unrelenting love.

Cover Designer: Lori Jackson Design

Photographer: Sophia Barrett Studios

Models: Jasmine Raiford and Ajayi Bodden

Reserve your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xwekW8

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/Reel

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3dWwUyG

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2QCKcHS

Nook: https://bit.ly/3nsKKfr

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3gHMDUc

Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2RpXgAe

Barnes and Noble Paperback: https://bit.ly/3nsKKfr

➜ Enter the Goodreads Giveaway! Kennedy is giving away 10 Signed Reel Paperbacks!

➜ Follow Hollywood Renaissance series on Instagram:

@TheHollywoodRenaissanceSeries

Keep reading for the very first excerpt from Reel!

When the show reaches its climax, at the very end, the song pries the final note from my diaphragm, pulls it from my throat and suspends it—leaves it throbbing in the air. The theater goes quiet for the space of a breath held by 800 people and then explodes.

Applause.

The relief is knee-weakening. I literally have to grab John, the lead actor's arm for support. He doesn’t miss a beat, pulling me into his side and squeezing.

“Bravo,” he whispers, a broad, genuine smile spread across his face. The last song made me cry, and my face, still wet from those tears, splits into a wide, disbelieving grin.

I did it. I survived my first Broadway performance.

The lights drop and we rush backstage, a cacophony of laughter and chatter filling the hidden passageways. When the curtain call begins, the cast return to the stage in small waves, the applause building as the principals take their bows.

And then it’s my turn. On legs still shaky, I leave the safety of the wings, the long skirt of my costume belling out around me. I take center stage. The applause crescendos, approval vibrating through my bones and jolting my soul. Someone thrusts flowers into my arms and the sweet smell wafts around me. Every sense, every molecule of my being strains, opens, stretches to absorb this small slice of triumph. I can’t breathe deeply enough. The air comes in shallow sips, and I’m dizzy. The world spins like a top, a kaleidoscope of colors and light and sound that threatens to overwhelm me. The whirl of it makes me giddy, and I laugh. Eyes welling with tears, I laugh.

These are the moments a lifetime in the making. We toil in the shadows of our dreams. In the alleys of preparation and hard work where it’s dark and nothing’s promised. For years, we cling by a thread of hope and imagination, dedicating our lives to a pursuit with no guarantees.

But tonight, if only for tonight, it’s all worth it.

I’m still floating when Takira bursts into the dressing room.

“Neevah!” she screams, throwing her arms around me and rocking me back and forth. “You did it. You chewed that performance up and spat it out. You hear me?”

I laugh and return her squeeze, new tears trailing down my cheeks.

“Thank you.” I pull back to peer into my friend’s face. “I can’t believe it.”

“Well, believe it. You served notice.” She snaps her fingers and grins. “Neevah Saint is here.”

“Now to do it seven more times.” I laugh and start taking pins from the wig, which is as hot as a herd of sheep on my head.

“Oh, you got it, unless Elise hears how amazing you were and cuts her vacation short.”

“Not happening. She was ready for a break, but she’d never missed a show.”

I strip off the costume and stand in only panties, unselfconscious. Modesty is one of the first things to go in this business. I’ve undressed hurriedly in a roomful of actors and dancers in smaller shows where there was a dressing room, so we get real communal real fast.

I tug on skinny jeans with a tight-fitting orange sweater, and layer it with a brown leather jacket, scarf, boots. I wipe away the heavy stage makeup. It feels like my skin can breathe for the first time in hours. I assume there will be some fans at the stage door, even if it’s just a few. They’ll have to get the real Neevah because I don’t want anything more than a slick of lip gloss and a bit of mascara. A brown, orange and green plaid newsboy cap covering the neat cornrows I wore under my wig is all I’m doing for hair. Slim oversized gold hoops in my ears finish the look.

“Ready?” I ask Takira, hefting a slouchy bag on my shoulder.

“Let’s do this. Hopefully your adoring fans won’t take all night, ’cause your girl is starving.”

We’re still laughing, and I’m so preoccupied with my empty stomach, I’m completely unprepared for the crowd at the stage door. Are they here for John? For some principal player because surely they’re not all here for the understudy.

“Neevah!” a young girl, maybe ten or eleven, calls. “Can you sign this?”

She thrusts a pen and a Splendor playbill toward me. She glows, her smooth brown cheeks rounded with a wide grin. Her eyes shine with . . . pride?

“Oh, sure,” I mumble dazedly, taking the pen and signing my name.

She’s the first in a long line of girls, all shapes and colors and ages, saying what it meant to see me onstage. Mothers whispering how impactful it was for their Black and brown daughters to be in the audience tonight. The impact is on me; what could feel like a weight or burden or responsibility feels like a warm embrace. Feels like strong arms encircling me. Supporting me. The first time I saw someone who looked like me onstage, it planted a seed inside of me. It whispered a dream.

That could be you.

It makes me emotional to think I might have done that for any of these girls tonight, and I spend the next twenty minutes scribbling my name on playbills through a film of tears.

“Neevah!” a deep male voice calls from the back of the now-thinning crowd.

I squint at the tall man, frowning until I place him.

“Wright!” I take a few steps and he meets me halfway, giving me a tight hug. “Oh, my God. You were here tonight?”

“Was I here?” When he pulls back, a warm smile creases his handsome face. “You blew it out of the water. I knew you were good, but damn.”

Laughter spills out of me and I don’t think this night could get more perfect. I randomly met Wright Bellamy a few weeks back at a gig when he subbed for the pianist, giving the audience more than they bargained for with such a famous musician tickling the ivories that night.

“Thank you.” I step away and shove my hands into the pockets of my jeans, huddling in the leather jacket against the chill of an October night. “I was nervous as hell.”

“Didn’t show. Your voice is spectacular. I knew that from the gig we did, but I had no idea you were that good. Wow. Glad I saw your post on Instagram or I would’ve missed it.”

I’m stone-still, shocked that he came tonight specifically to see me perform. “I’m so glad you made it. You’re still in LA, right?”

“Yeah, but I’m here for some stuff. Heading back home in a few days.”

Takira walks up, linking her arm through mine. “Girl, if we don’t get some food,” she whispers.

“Oh, yeah. Sorry.” I turn back to Wright. “Takira, this is Wright Bellamy. Wright, my friend Takira.”

“Nice to meet you,” Takira says. “You got any food on you? I’m about to eat your hat.”

As usual, Takira never meets a stranger and has us laughing right away.

“We’re actually headed to Glass House Tavern,” I tell Wright. “Come if you want. It’s a group of us from the show. Just some of the cast celebrating, but you’re welcome. We can catch up.”

A small frown dents between his thick brows and he glances over his shoulder.

“I mean, no pressure obviously,” I rush to assure him. This is one of the biggest names in music, and here I go, inviting him to dinner with a group of strangers.

“No, it sounds cool,” he says, looking back to us. “Lemme check with my boy. Can he come?”

I glance over his shoulder and spot a tall man turned away from us, his broad shoulders and back straining a wool blazer, a hoodie pulled up to cover his head and face in the cold. His hands burrow into the pockets of his blazer and he’s nodding like he’s talking to himself.

“He’s on the phone,” Wright explains. “But lemme see if he wants to roll.”

He steps away toward the man and Takira immediately squeezes my hand and squeals.

“Neeve.” Her eyes are wide and bright. Mouth dropped open. “That’s Wright Bellamy.”

“I know. He’s cool as a fan.”

“You know him? How—”

“We’re in,” Wright says, stepping back up beside us. “He’s finishing a call, but we’re ready. Lead the way.”

It’s just a few blocks, and the three of us chat about the show and what Wright’s been doing in New York. All the while his friend’s deep voice rumbles a few paces behind. I don’t want to be rude or nosy and look back, but the rich timbre, his towering height, his face obscured by the hoodie—I’m intrigued. He hangs back on the sidewalk, still on his call, when we enter the restaurant.

Our friends already have a table and a shout goes up, congratulating me on popping my White Way cherry. My three understudy buddies came. John’s here, too, and one other principal. A few from the stage crew. Our little troupe has become a family and, as if eight shows a week isn’t enough time together, we gather and eat every chance we get.

“You’re not paying tonight,” John says, holding out the seat beside him. “And drinks are on me.”

“Awwww.” I plop into the chair and drop my bag to the floor. “You’re so sweet. You don’t have to do that.”

“You were fantastic,” John says, baby blue eyes sincere and smiling. “Let’s do it again tomorrow.”

Takira is already sitting beside me, so Wright takes the seat next to her.

“Hey,” he says to Janie across the table. “Could you hold that seat beside you for my friend? He’s wrapping up a call, but’ll be in soon.”

“Sure.” Janie blushes. “I love your work, by the way. The score of Silent Midnight . . . gah.”

“Thank you. That was a special project. Lots of fun,” Wright replies with a smile. “Now tell me about the show.”

Wright’s a genius, but he’s so unassuming and modest. A man as famous as he is could easily make this conversation about him, let everyone at this table give his ego a real nice hand job, but he doesn’t. He talks about our show, compliments the performance, asks John about his process. I liked him when we did that last-minute gig, and we’ve interacted some on social media since. My impression of him holds up. He’s a good guy.

Not to state the obvious, but also fine. Like fine fine.

He has this Boris Kodjoe vibe. Real smooth. Kind of golden–brown. Clean-cut, close-cut. I can objectively recognize his appeal, even though he’s not my type.

Not that I have a type lately. I’m so deep in this dick drought I’m past the point of thirst.

At first I thought it was merely the grind. Auditioning constantly, taking craft classes, doing commercials and voiceover work to not just keep bills paid, but to save. This business is feast or famine. I’m eating now, but I’ve been hungry before. Not again. I’m thirty. Too old to still be living gig to gig and buying into that starving artist thing. I need health insurance and regularly scheduled meals, thank you very much. So yeah, the grind could account for my semi-disinterested libido, but I suspect it’s more.

Maybe I’m disinterested.

I need a man who doesn’t think that because he has a dick and I don’t that I should defer to him—shrink my dreams down to a more manageable size. I’m cautious not only about who I share my heart and body with, but I’m also protective of my dreams; of my ambition. I won’t endanger my future for a man who can fuck. Though . . . a man who can fuck? I wouldn’t turn it down, but it will take more than that to pique my interest.

“What are you getting?” Takira asks, leaning over to read my menu instead of hers. “Anything here meet your high standards?”

My standards aren’t that high. I’ve just cut out red meat and stopped drinking as much alcohol. My health demands it.

“I’m thinking about the salmon, but I—”

A chair scraping across the floor catches my attention. Wright’s friend has finally come inside to join us. The table shrinks immediately when he settles his imposing frame into the seat beside Janie. He peels the hood away from his head and I bite off a gasp.

It’s Canon Holt.

Like the Canon Holt.

The director I, and probably every actress at this table and in this dining room, would sacrifice a pinky toe to work with. Canon Holt is at my table sitting across from me.

Takira’s expression doesn’t register this massive earthquake of a revelation, but she kicks me under the table and hisses from the corner of her mouth. “Did you know?”

I pretend I need to reach for something on the floor so I can whisper back, “Do you think I would have kept my shit together this long if I knew?”

“True. True.” Takira casually glances up from her menu and smiles in Canon’s general direction, but he’s not looking at her. He’s studying his screen. He’s apparently in an exclusive relationship with his phone, and no one at this table tempts him to stray.

Which means I can look at him.

Good. God.

He’s not that handsome, but that’s irrelevant. Some might even call his features, examined on their own, unremarkable.

They’d be wrong.

It’s a Maker’s sleight of hand. Now God knew this man did not need lashes that long and thick, a paradox against the hard, high slant of his cheekbones. Canon hasn’t looked twice at anyone here as far as I can tell, but I’ve stolen enough glances to know there’s a fathomlessness to his dark eyes that is arresting. His unsmiling mouth is wide, the lips full in the blunt elegance of his face. A five o’clock shadow licks the ridge of his jawline. There is a geometry to him—angles, lines, edges—that disregards the individual parts and illuminates the compelling sum.

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About Kennedy Ryan

A USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Kennedy Ryan and her writings have been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, Glamour, Cosmo, TIME, O Mag and many others. A RITA® Award winner, Kennedy writes empowered women from all walks of life and centers those who have found themselves perennially on the margins of traditional storytelling.

Her Hoops Series (Long Shot, Block Shot and Hook Shot) and All the King's Men Series (The Kingmaker, The Rebel King and Queen Move) have been optioned for television.

An autism mom, Kennedy co-founded LIFT 4 Autism, an annual charitable initiative, and has appeared on Headline News, Montel Williams, NPR and other media outlets as an advocate for autism families. She is a wife to her lifetime lover and mother to an extraordinary son.

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Thursday, October 1, 2020

RELEASE BLITZ: The Grip Trilogy Box Set by Kennedy Ryan

"Kennedy Ryan writes straight-up poetry.”

—L.J. Shen, USA Today bestselling author

The Grip Trilogy, the acclaimed series from USA Today bestselling author Kennedy Ryan, is bundled into a box set for the first time and has gorgeous new covers AND NEW CONTENT!

99¢ Sale Release Week Only!

Available FREE in Kindle Unlimited.

The Grip Trilogy charts the course of rising star Marlon "Grip" James and his manager Bristol Gray. From the beginning, attraction ignites between the struggling musician and his best friend's ambitious sister. It starts with a kiss at the top of a Ferris Wheel when they're young, combusts into a tumultuous love affair, and matures into an epic love that defies each odd and defeats every obstacle. Discover why Buzzfeed selected Grip to its list of books that will change the way you see the world.

3 Books

2 Decades (Nearly!)

1 Love of a lifetime

This enhanced box set includes:

All 3 books of the groundbreaking trilogy, Flow, Grip & Still

(2) Grip Short Stories! Brand new scenes!

Audio bonus content EXCLUSIVE to the ebook!

Download your copy for ONLY 99¢ today!

Regular price will be $9.99

FREE IN KU!

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Get Your Grip Box!

To celebrate the Grip Trilogy box set and new covers,

Kennedy is offering a Limited Edition Grip Box filled with signed paperbacks and items inspired by the most meaningful moments from the series.

Pre-Order from October 1 to October 14.

Pre-Order Your Grip Box Here:

http://bit.ly/GripBox

A RITA® Award Winner, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Kennedy Ryan writes for women from all walks of life, empowering them and placing them firmly at the center of each story and in charge of their own destinies. Her heroes respect, cherish and lose their minds for the women who capture their hearts.

Kennedy and her writings have been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, Oprah Magazine, TIME and many others. As an autism mom, she has a special passion for raising Autism awareness. The co-founder of LIFT 4 Autism, an annual charitable book auction, she has appeared on Headline News, The Montel Williams Show, NPR and other media outlets as an advocate for ASD families.

She is a wife to her lifetime lover-husband and mother to an extraordinary son.

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