Kennedy Ryan Discusses ‘Groundbreaking’ Intimacy Scenes, Unwavering Determination, and Her Upcoming Novel (Exclusive)
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Kennedy Ryan, an acclaimed author renowned for her stirring romance novels, such as Before I Let Go and This Could Be Us, is a staunch advocate for female empowerment within her storytelling. In a recent exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Ryan delves into the core message that resonates throughout her work – the importance of not settling for less. She emphasises, “A lot of times, society asks us to settle. It asks us to choose, ‘You can have this or you can have this.’ These [characters] are women who are like, ‘I may have to wait a little while, but I’m going to pursue relentlessly what’s going to make me happy.'”
Ryan’s commitment to female empowerment shines through in her upcoming release, Can’t Get Enough, set to be published this spring under the Grand Central Publishing Forever imprint. The novel, the third instalment in the beloved Skyland series, revolves around Hendrix Barry, a dynamic figure balancing her career in entertainment with caring for her elderly mother. Hendrix’s life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Maverick Bell, a tech professional entangled in a complicated romance. Their burgeoning connection forces Hendrix to confront the future’s uncertainties.
Can’t Get Enough, a seamless blend of sweetness and allure typical in Ryan’s works, has garnered significant attention and is now prominently featured in Spotify’s Spicy Audiobooks Hub. Recognising the pivotal role narrative voices play in enhancing the audiobook experience, Ryan strives to maintain a delicate equilibrium between passion and emotional depth within her characters. She asserts, “I want a sex scene to be hot, yes, but I also want it to deepen the connection between the characters and push the story forward.”
The evolving relationship between Hendrix and Maverick in Can’t Get Enough intricately captures the intertwining of desire amidst life’s challenges. As Hendrix navigates her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Ryan meticulously weaves in societal reflections, notably highlighting childless-by-choice characters like Hendrix. Ryan shares, “Even as we’re swooning, even as we’re kissing, there’s some real things that we can interrogate as we’re reading.”
Ryan is at the forefront of a transformative era within the romance genre, propelling underrepresented narratives to the forefront. Her groundbreaking work has earned her recognition as the first Black recipient of the prestigious RITA Award for Best Contemporary Romance. She fervently champions diverse storytelling, explaining, “I write from the margins to the center, meaning any identity, community, or group that is usually relegated to the edges, in my narratives, I want to push them to the center.”
Beyond the narrative intricacies, Ryan’s novels also radiate a celebration of happiness, encapsulating diverse experiences and joyous outcomes. She reflects, “I get to control that and make sure that Black women, brown women, queer women, disabled individuals, chronically ill individuals, queer individuals get to see themselves living with joy.” Can’t Get Enough is poised for release on May 13, available for preorder across various platforms.
The burgeoning success of Ryan’s novels underscores a broader shift towards inclusive storytelling and nuanced depictions of intimacy in literature. As readers eagerly anticipate the release of Can’t Get Enough, Ryan’s masterful storytelling continues to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide.
With an unwavering commitment to authenticity and empowerment, Kennedy Ryan propels the romance genre into a new era of inclusivity and emotional resonance. Stay tuned for the release of Can’t Get Enough, a testament to Ryan’s unparalleled storytelling prowess and dedication to championing diverse voices in literature.