Kennedy Ryan Must-Reads

Posted on March 9, 2025

by Kelsey R

Romance readers, mark your calendars! The Toledo Library is thrilled to welcome Kennedy Ryan to the second annual Romance-Con happening (Sa) Nov. 8, 2025 from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Main Library.

New York Times and 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. Ryan and her writings have been featured in NPR, Entertainment Weekly, USA Today, Glamour, Cosmo, Ebony, TIME, and many others. The audio edition of her novel Reel received the prestigious Audie® Award, and her Skyland series is currently in development for television at Peacock. The co-founder of LIFT 4 Autism, an annual charitable book auction, Ryan has a passion for raising Autism awareness. Dubbed “Queen of Hugs” by her readers, she is a wife to her “lifetime lover,” and mother to an extraordinary son.

Before you meet Kennedy Ryan in person, here are some of her books to check out from the Library:

Before I Let Go

Skyland Series: A second-chance romance that explores love, loss, and healing, Before I Let Go follows Yasmen and Josiah Wade, a divorced couple who find their way back to each other despite past heartbreak. This novel is raw, real, and a perfect example of Ryan’s ability to write love stories that feel deeply authentic.

Reel

Hollywood Renaissance: For fans of Old Hollywood glamour and forbidden love, Reel follows an aspiring actress and a brilliant director whose chemistry is undeniable. The story is as beautiful as it is powerful, blending romance with history and music.

The Kingmaker

All the King’s Men Duet: If you love ambitious, politically charged romances, The Kingmaker is a must-read. It follows Maxim and Lennix, whose love story spans years, power struggles, and personal growth. This one is perfect for fans of epic, slow-burning love stories.

Flow

Grip Series: Flow is a novella is the prequel to the Grip series and introduces the undeniable chemistry between Bristol and Grip. Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, their whirlwind connection explores themes of love, ambition, and race. Kennedy Ryan’s writing is lyrical and immersive, making this a short but powerful read that will leave you eager for more. Perfect for fans of slow-burn romance with depth!

Long Shot

Hoop Series: If you love sports romance with heart, resilience, and a love story worth fighting for, Long Shot is a must-read. This powerful novel follows Iris and August, whose connection is undeniable but hindered by heartbreaking circumstances. It tackles heavy themes, including domestic abuse, with raw honesty and depth, making this an unforgettable read.

More authors, workshops, and discussions will be added and announced. Stay tuned for more event and registration details!

Are you an author interested in being part of our author fair? Complete this application!

Did you like this blog post? Keep up to date with all of our posts by subscribing to the Library’s newsletters!

Keep your reading list updated with our book lists. Our staff love to read and they’ll give you the scoop on new tv-series inspired titles, hobbies, educational resources, pop culture, current events, and more!

Looking for more great titles? Get personalized recommendations from our librarians with this simple form.