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A scorching second-chance romance between a talented screenwriter and a phenomenal musician from "a fantastic storyteller and superb writer." ―NPR

​You never forget your first love. Isn't that what they say? Verity Hill knows this truth intimately. She didn't simply miss Wright "Monk" Bellamy when they parted ways in college. She's haunted by his touch. Every kiss, any lover since—it's a shadow of what they had.

Time heals all wounds. Isn't that what they say? Monk doesn't believe that for a second. He wasn't simply betrayed when he and Verity split. He was devastated, with parts of him left behind in the ruins of all that was destroyed.

More than a decade after their disastrous breakup, Verity and Monk must work together on the set of an epic Harlem Renaissance biopic. With Monk, now a world-class musician, creating the score, and Verity, an award-winning screenwriter, penning the script, there's Oscar buzz before shooting even begins. This once-in-a-lifetime project could catapult them both to new heights, but can they can put the past behind them for the sake of the film…for the sake of something more?

Unknown Binding

Expected publication May 19, 2026

4 people are currently reading
5620 people want to read

About the author

Kennedy Ryan

84 books35.4k followers
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I write contemporary romance and women's fiction. I always give my characters their happily ever after, but I love to make them work for it! It's a long road to love, so sit back and enjoy the ride.

I am wife to the love of my life, mom to a special, beautiful son, and a friend to those living with autism through my charitable foundation.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for tai.
577 reviews85 followers
Want to read
June 13, 2021
MONK AND VERITY YESSS PLEASE!!!!
96 reviews74 followers
Want to read
February 21, 2022
THE THINGS I WOULD DO FOR THIS BOOK 👩🏽‍🦯
Profile Image for abire.
1,068 reviews97 followers
tbr-unreleased
October 27, 2025
veritymonk owning 2022 before it even begins? I KNOW THAT'S RIGHT!
Profile Image for Munsaka.
555 reviews218 followers
Want to read
August 29, 2022
Black singer and screenwriter !!!A follow up to Reel!!!! I love you Kennedy Ryan. I'm so ready.
Profile Image for lacie.reads.
145 reviews8 followers
Want to read
February 26, 2025
I am re-reading Reel for the second time and can’t wait for Monk and Verity’s story!!! I just know they have a backstory.
Profile Image for iamstassiebaby. .
38 reviews
Read
May 20, 2025
omg what happened here?? i need some Monk and Verity. i KNOW it has to be good!!
Profile Image for alana ☁️.
1,168 reviews1,353 followers
upcoming-release
November 10, 2025
the day this releases is the day world hunger resolved
Profile Image for Justine.
175 reviews7 followers
Want to read
November 4, 2025
GIVE IT TO ME NOW


*hasn't read Reel yet😅*
Profile Image for Sisireia .
50 reviews
Want to read
October 27, 2025
If Kennedy wrote it-I'm going to read it!!

Can't wait to read about Monk and Verity! The cover is beautiful!!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 14 reviews

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