Introduction
As a romance girl, it’s only right that the first review of my blog is a romance book. This was technically my second read as I read it for the first time 4 years ago, and I am very excited to delve into it with you. This book is more than just a love story—it’s a tale of passion and the sacrifices one makes to achieve one’s dreams even to their detriment. Reel by Kennedy Ryan is a beautiful romance that intertwines ambition, artistry and the complexities of unexpected love. It is a heartfelt exploration of love and surrender in exceptional circumstances that will resonate with readers long after they turn the final page.
Book Synopsis
The story follows Neevah Saint, an aspiring actress, a theatre understudy awaiting her big break in Hollywood. She catches the eye of Canon Holt, a visionary film director who is determined to create an authentic and groundbreaking biopic that reveals the untold stories of black artists in the 30s and 40s. He believes that Neevah is the perfect fit for the lead role.
As they work together, their undeniable chemistry becomes harder to ignore, but they both have their reasons for holding back. Neevah faces the challenges of breaking into the entertainment industry while navigating personal issues. Canon is fighting for his story to be told his way while trying to avoid making the same mistakes as in his past.
Characters
I loved both Neevah and Canon, I think they perfectly complemented each other both within the art they were creating and outside of it.
Canon was UNAPOLOGETICALLY himself. He was serious about his work and did not yield to any of the qualms of the producers until Neevah. I love a romance when the MMC goes against everything he holds for the FMC. He stood ten toes down beside her and even when things weren’t going to plan, his commitment never wavered and he never let anyone (especially Neevah) see him falter where she was concerned.
Now Neevah was something else altogether. I loved her, she was free and open and some might consider this a bad thing, but ready and willing to risk it all for that man. Romance books are hilarious because I am advocating for things I would not do in real life! But sometimes the plot calls for it. Canon was far more level-headed than Neevah but it worked for them. When she was spiralling, he was there to centre her. Usually in these books when there is one major plot point, one character often needs the other more and heavily relies on them. So we see Canon be an absolute stronghold for Neevah but never see it the other way around. This is not necessarily a critique but an observation, and I can say it was very much needed in this story. For this reason, Canon ranks very highly in my Favourite Book Boyfriends List.
Plot
What I loved
I appreciate a book with a dual point of view as we get to experience both character’s inner thoughts, their musings and what they are going through. Reel is filled with the intensity of Canon and Neevah’s unfulfilled desire and this drives the narrative. We get to experience the act of falling in love, from the subtle glances, a lingering gaze or even the brushing of hands. While I would consider this a slow build it is by no means boring. The book captivated me and each build of tension that eventually leads to the emotional crescendo was well worth the wait. When the yearning submits to fulfillment it is all the more satisfying and impactful.
The story takes place over a long period so the two characters falling in love is not the only premise of the story. we get to see our two characters who are still getting to know and understand each other be hit with major life issues. usually in these kinds of romances, there’s always an internal conflict that drives the couple apart. whether miscommunication, trauma or in extreme cases infidelity and the likes. What I love about this book is the relationship is tested without either party playing the damning role. I cannot stand a ‘we have been through so much together’ story but ‘so much’ is one character being the worst human being on the planet and the other accepting the bare minimum. This is not the case with Reel. We get to watch two people go through real-life issues be good to each other through them despite dealing with their conflicts and still come out the other end even better for it. I applaud Kennedy Ryan for romantically conveying such a real experience.
What could have gone better?
We are introduced very early on to Neevah’s family and the difficult dynamic she is navigating. I am trying to avoid spoilers so I will not be stating the cause of said tension, but at some point in the story, she is forced to seek reconciliation with her estranged sister. Due to the backdrop of which this reconciliation takes place it feels as though the work that would ordinarily go into such a reunion is passed over. There’s a big blowout, some vague sorries and at the end, we’re all happy families again. I am so sorry but I don’t buy it! I feel as though it is rushed and unfinished which ends up diminishing the severity of the situation. This could have been a great teaching moment about realistically navigating hurt and betrayal and it just misses the mark. This is where the book falls short for me, I think it is unrealistic and could’ve been handled and fleshed out much better.
The need to resolve this major plot point in time for the conclusion makes the end of the book happen so quickly and what had been beautiful pacing at the beginning crumbles just as the book is about to end.
Writing Style
Kennedy Ryan is DESCRIPTIVE. Fair warning there is nothing PG about this book so keep that in mind when you’re reading, because she will make you BLUSH! Kennedy Ryan writes like she wants you to experience each moment as the characters. She uses very rich and elaborate language to paint vivid pictures that engross the reader and thrust us into the headspace of her characters. This is what allows the emotional tension to be conveyed in such a way that it feels like I am in the story.
She also depicts love in such an all-encompassing way, almost like it is something that takes over you and is not just a feeling. This is my favourite quote from the book.
‘Saying it aloud is liberating. Mama would be pleased. Her wish for me—that I would find someone to love more than my work, than my art—has come true with a vengeance.’
Themes
There are many great themes touched on in this book and I wish I could expand on all of them. I think my favourite one is loving through difficulty. This book delves into the complexities of human resilience, vulnerability and connection. It explores how love persists—or even grows stronger—amidst hardship and what that says about the depths of our humanity. Life is unexpected and you never know what may come that could throw everything off-kilter. Reel demonstrates that love cannot be passive but must be an active choice to stand by someone both in joy and adversity. We know and hear all too well of people who give up when it gets too hard and let go, but not in this story. Would some consider this overly optimistic, possibly, but I think there is beauty in choosing to value connection over realism.
Final Thoughts and Rating
I loved this book! I had a book club event and this was the required reading. I loved re-reading and even delved into the audiobook. I always say I can’t responsibly give reviews of books I read years ago as my tastes and understanding have changed over time. Sometimes you have to experience something with a new mind and new perspective. In this case, I think I loved it even more the second time around. If you are looking for a story filled with angst, yearning and no unnecessary drama this is the one for you. I hope you enjoyed this review
Thank you for reading this review, and stay tuned for more!
Signed,
A Mo-tivated Reader ☺️
Reel is a part of my 5 Romance Books You Need to Read Right Now
Such a balanced review. Definitely going to read this
Love this review! So detailed and hit the nail on the head with all points! Definitely agree!!