Kennedy Ryan
Kennedy Ryan | |
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| Alma mater | |
| Occupation | Novelist, writer  |
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| Website | kennedyryanwrites |
Kennedy Ryan is the pen name of an American romance novelist recognized for her contemporary romance novels highlighting social issues and diverse characters. She is the first Black winner of a RITA Award for romantic fiction and is an activist and founder of a nonprofit for autism awareness.
Early life and education
[edit]Ryan wrote for her city's newspaper in her senior year of high school, then studied journalism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.[1][2][3] She worked on writing for non-profit organizations and non-fiction ghost writing before focusing on fiction.[4]
Career
[edit]Ryan's writing career focuses on contemporary romance novels noted for their emotional depth and portrayal of social issues.[5] She got her first book deal when she was 40 years old.[1]
Ryan's "Hoops" series explores the lives of professional basketball players with its rights, and for her "All the King's Men" series, being acquired by The Traveling Picture Show Company (TPSC).[6]
In 2019, Ryan was the first Black author to receive the RITA Award[5] by the Romance Writers of America for Best Contemporary Romance for her novel Long Shot, a recognition considered one of the highest honors in the romance writing community.[7][8] The novel was inspired by the domestic violence incidents around football player Ray Rice.[8]
In 2023, her bestselling novel Before I Let Go was in development at Peacock from UCP and Universal Television.[9]
Personal life
[edit]Ryan is also known for her advocacy work, particularly in raising awareness about autism, inspired by her personal experiences with her son.[10]
Writing
[edit]Ryan likes to write stories that aren't the traditional happily ever after, saying "I'm going to write about neurodivergent people. I'm going to write about people with chronic illness. I'm going to write about people who are plus size. I'm going to write about people who may not see themselves in a traditional happily-ever-after but still deserve one."[1]
Interviews are an important part of Ryan's writing process.[1]
She has said Shonda Rhimes was an inspiration for her writing work.[11] Some other authors that Ryan has said inspire her include Tiffanie DeBartolo, Alyssa Cole, L. J. Shen, Nana Malone, Dylan Allen, Emma Scott, Kate Stewart, Amy Harmon, Helen Hoang, Andie Christopher and Talia Hibbert.[12]
Bibliography
[edit]The Bennetts
[edit]- When You Are Mine (2014)
- Loving You Always (2014)
- Be Mine Forever (2015)
- Until I'm Yours (2014)
Soul
[edit]- My Soul to Keep (2015)
- Down to My Soul (2016)
- Refrain (2016)
Grip
[edit]- Flow (2017)
- Grip (2017)
- Still (2017)
All the King's Men
- The Kingmaker (2019)
- The Rebel King (2019)
- Queen Move (2020)
Hoops
[edit]- Long Shot (2018)
- Block Shot (2018)
- Hook Shot (2019)
- Hoops Shorts (2022)
Hollywood Renaissance
[edit]- Reel (2021)
- The Close-Up (2022)
- Score (2026)
Skyland
[edit]- Before I Let Go (2022)
- This Could Be Us (2024)
- Can't Get Enough (2025)
Awards and reception
[edit]- 2019 - Romance Writers of America RITA Award, Contemporary Romance: Long – Long Shot[13]
- 2022 - Audio Publishers Association Audie Award for Romance – Reel, narrated by Ebony Flowers, Jakobi Diem, Nicole Small, and April Christina[14]
- 2025 - Audio Publishers Association Audie Award for Romance – This Could Be Us, narrated by Ines del Castillo and Jakobi Diem[15]
- 2026 - NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction Finalist – Can't Get Enough[16]
Hoops
[edit]Long Shot received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews which called it "a triumphant story" and a "sports romance that should be read by everyone who cares about women's safety".[17]
Skyland
[edit]Kirkus Reviews called Before I Let Go a "melodramatic family saga with a side of romance".[18]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Winfrey, Kerry. "Kennedy Ryan Delivers Happily-Ever-Afters for All". Kirkus. Archived from the original on February 24, 2026. Retrieved May 24, 2026.
- ^ Sickles, Dolly R. (November 15, 2022). "For Kennedy Ryan, love isn't easy—that's what makes it so precious". BookPage | Discover your next great book!. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
- ^ Mahoney, Ashley (August 8, 2019). "Novelist Kennedy Ryan breaks down barriers with prize". www.thecharlottepost.com. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
- ^ "Kennedy Ryan". Yummy Mummy Club | yummymummyclub.ca. Archived from the original on May 21, 2024. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
- ^ a b Veltman, Chloe (May 19, 2023). "Kennedy Ryan's romances are coming for your heartstrings". National Public Radio.
- ^ Lang, Brent (April 9, 2021). "Kennedy Ryan's 'Hoops,' 'All the King's Men' Acquired by Traveling Picture Show Company (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
- ^ Brown, Janelle (September 29, 1999). "Forbidden romance?". Salon. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
- ^ a b Glenn, Gwendolyn (December 3, 2019). "Author Kennedy Ryan Talks Winning Prestigious Romance Novel Award". WFAE 90.7 - Charlotte's NPR News Source. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
- ^ Campione, Katie (April 21, 2023). "'Before I Let Go' Adaptation In Development At Peacock From Universal TV & UCP". Deadline. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
- ^ Ryan, Kennedy (April 1, 2015). "Romance authors help to raise autism awareness". USA TODAY. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
- ^ Lenker, Maureen Lee (October 3, 2019). "Exclusive: Kennedy Ryan on how Shonda Rhimes and Scandal inspired her latest romance novels". EW.com. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
- ^ Muncuff, Natalya (August 22, 2019). "Interview: Author and RITA Winner Kennedy Ryan". BOOK RIOT. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
- ^ "Past RITA Winners". Romance Writers of America. Archived from the original on April 20, 2026. Retrieved April 30, 2026.
- ^ "2022 Audie Awards". Audio Publishers Association. Archived from the original on October 6, 2022.
- ^ "2025 Audies WINNERS". Audio Publishers Association. Archived from the original on March 8, 2025. Retrieved March 10, 2025.
- ^ "57th NCAAP Image Awards". BET. Archived from the original on March 26, 2026. Retrieved May 24, 2026.
- ^ "Long Shot". Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved May 24, 2026.
- ^ "Before I Let Go". Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved May 24, 2026.