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

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.

One for the books...

Takira and Naz meet at 18. She was off limits because her brother said so, but their attraction to each other was so strong and they both wanted more until Takira brother changed everything.  12 years later, they see each other again and all Naz want is Takira but she has doubts.  Two weeks together and the love that grew, you would have thought they have been together all these years. Takira was a beautiful soul and I loved everything about her. She knew what she wanted and stopped at nothing to get it. Naz was the man of every women dreams and he was a man who went above and beyond to treat a woman right.  I loved Naz and Takira together and was ecstatic that they got their HEA!!! This book was soo good and I couldn't put it down and wanted more of them!!! Kennedy Ryan is a genius at writing beautiful love stories...

Winston James as Naz was soooo good. I couldn't get enough of him.
Marissa Hampton was new to me and she didn't disappoint! I loved her as Takira. I will be checking them out more!!!

The Trini Accent

Great story and performance. However, three fake trini accent was painful to my delicate Caribbean ears lol

what a mash up

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

Obsessed!!

Loved this one (just like every other KR book I’ve read)! I’ve decided that I must read all of this author’s stories ♥️

Another amazing story

Kennedy Ryan is beyond talented. These love stories take you everywhere you wanna go. I can’t wait for what’s next!

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!

Love And Basketball 2

Great love story along with my favorite sport, basKetball
I'm very happy there was not any animosity with the men at the end of the story.

Good story. Narration was awful.

I loved the story. Unfortunately, Marissa’s narration was dry and unemotional. Winston did slightly better. Idk who approved this narration but it’s an “absolutely not”.

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.

Loved the story however,

Really enjoyed this novella. Have read it before but this is the first time listening and I will say the narrators left much to be desired. I kept getting taken out of the story by mispronounced words, weird pauses, not being able to tell the characters apart and cringy chuckles. The right narrator's enhance the story telling experience but in this case didn't do it justice.

🎧 Nazareth and Takira 🎧

Second chance, 12 years on.
I love how Kennedy Ryan writes. Her characters are full and vivid, her storyline engaging and romantic and the sex she writes is 🔥 🔥 🔥 !!

This was a perfect way to catch up with all the Hoops couples: Iris and August, Lotus and Keenan, Banner and Jared - even Avery and Mack got a mention.
And of course Takira had a call with her no.1 girl, Neevah!