The Close-Up

A Hollywood Renaissance Novella (1001 Dark Nights)

By: Kennedy Ryan

Narrated by: Marissa Hampton, Winston James

Set in the dynamic worlds of professional basketball and entertainment, two of Kennedy Ryan’s most critically-acclaimed series—HOOPs and Hollywood Renaissance—collide in this tale of forbidden romance.

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.**

©2022 Kennedy Ryan (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved. Foreword © 2014 by M. J. Rose

Just Ok

I have enjoyed the past work from Kennedy Ryan by way of audiobooks, but this one was just ok. However, the narrators were great. Winston never disappoints. This was my first time hearing Marissa; she is a matter of fact, but decent. Although her rendition of the male characters was mediocre, as well as her emotions during the spicy scenes (from what I'm used to). Speaking of spicy, there was a lot of that in here; when it's like that it's hard to determine did the love develop because of the intimacy? I didn't hear how they developed in other areas. It was almost as if Kira and Naz had this overpowering intimacy that was waiting to be released once they reconnected. And, boy was it! It was kind of cute that their initial encounter when they were teenagers was able to almost pick up where they left off. It was something that clicked from that first moment of meeting. It was unfortunate that their relationship that never came to be was due to the actions of someone else. It all worked out in the end. I didn't understand the very beginning, maybe it is something that is referred to in other books. I do like that I was able to relate to some of the characters from Kennedy's other books (although, I've only listened to one other).

realistic story

The situations were realistic. The love came through. I can't wait to read more from this author

Omgeee

Naz and Kira did not come to play. In 12 grade they knew they had something special but life happened. When faith brought them back together Naz held no punches in going after Kira when the saw each other in a chance meeting.

Relatable and draws you into the characters

Enjoyed the storyline and how other characters of the series are mentioned. Looking forward to my next read by Kennedy Ryan.

Loved this performance!

I loved reading the print copy of this story and these narrators really brought it to life in an amazing way. Marissa Hampton is a newer(if not new) to me narrator and she was perfect in this role. I thoroughly enjoyed this storyline, as well as catching up with previous couples.