The Close-Up

A Hollywood Renaissance Novella (1001 Dark Nights)

By: Kennedy Ryan

Narrated by: Marissa Hampton, Winston James

Length: 5 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

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

close

I enjoyed this story. The narration was great also. Kennedy writing is always going to pull you in

Nice Story

This was a pretty good story, but the female narrator was horrible. She really ruined it for me. Winston James was Immaculate as ALWAYS. I'll try this author again.

what a mash up

it was an sensual brilliant story on its own but i love when various stories come together.

I AM COMPLETELY SPEECHLESS!!

How!?!? Just how in the world does Kennedy Ryan do it!? This novella had no business being as piping hot, insanely sexy and just downright addictively exquisite as it was!
Takira was just a whole vibe. Point, blank period. I loved her energy. I loved how she was unapologetically herself. I want to be her best friend while simultaneously green with envy because Nazareth Armstrong is the man of my dreams.
This man has to be one of my absolute favorite heroes written!!! The way this man cared and just wanted to cherish his woman to the fullest?! Not even the things like flying her out to a yacht to cruise to the Mediterranean or surprising her with gifts but the small things like bathing her, rubbing her feet just because. It’s the little things for me. I legit got tears in my ears when he wrapped her hair up because I’m sorry what!? Who is doing that?! Then this same man would whisper both sweet nothings and the filthiest words in your ear before he had you walking funny for days from blowing your back out in all the most delicious ways. Bring a bucket and a mop. If it was ever possible for a fictional man to ruin you for the real life ones, Naz is that one!
My heart overflowed at getting reunited with my beloved Hoops family! The Close-Up was a novella that moved me like the strength of full 500 plus page novel. Kennedy Ryan ma’am, my hat is off to you. This was my first audiobook narrated by Winston James and Marissa Hampton and these two were absolute perfection!!

Worth the Wait!!

This was a binge listen. I was super excited, did the pre-order, and waited. Yesterday morning... it was on! Kennedy Ryan does not miss.

Great story, But…

I really wanted to rate this 5 stars, but the narration by Marissa Hampton is sub par. She is a step above bland, seeming as if she is just reading the book for the first time and she is tired. But Kennedy keep up the good work and pick narrators that will give your characters flare and depth.

Absolutely beautiful

Layered love story with a sad edge but eventual release of joy, romance and love. This couple who were created for each other and despite their issues triumph through patience, understanding and pure love. A beautiful love story.

A GREAT LOVE STORY

I absolutely adore the way Kennedy Ryan writes! It was again an amazing book. I didn’t realize that it would be picking up in the life of a friend from a previous book I read but I love that it was next on my list! Get into the desires of Naz with us obviously fine self! Yep definitely will listen again!