Overall Grade: A
Recently, on social media, there have been readers who have spoken ‘from their chests’ that books shouldn’t be political. However, if you dive into a Kennedy Ryan story, you can’t help but understand the importance of highlighting social issues so that readers can learn and understand diverse cultures. To read a Kennedy Ryan book is a political act, and I am here only to amplify her voice and experience so more people can understand the challenges for people of color, ones that are universal as well as unique. Can’t Get Enough is a reminder that Kennedy Ryan is a tour de force in the romance book community and should be required reading in any college classroom.
Universal Challenges Through a Distinct Lens
Kennedy Ryan writes characters whose experiences might be distinctly different, but Ryan shows through the experiences of her main characters, Hendrix and Maverick, that life challenges don’t care about differences. Ryan has written the challenges of living with a relative with Alzheimer’s with extraordinary sensitivity and authenticity. The portrayal creates an emotional resonance that transcends any demographic boundaries, serving as a mirror to anyone who shares this difficult lived experience.
One of the most viscerally emotional moments in the book happens in Chapter 52, as Ryan treats us to the profundity of her writing, writing that acts as a reminder of her exceptional talent. Consider yourself forewarned: have a tissue box within arm’s reach for that chapter (and the one after it).
Hendrix has been one of my favorite characters throughout this series because I see aspects of myself reflected in her: strong, independent, and emotionally solid. Characters like Hendrix showcase the complexities of cultivating genuine intimacy, particularly when that requires a level of trust with individuals who have, historically, been disappointing. In the first two books of this series, Hendrix stands as the stalwart woman, dispensing wisdom to her best friends as they navigate their emotional labyrinths.
Yet Ryan brilliantly illuminates how life weighs heavily on the shoulders of those who serve as pillars for others. While maintaining a nuanced portrayal of Hendrix’s experience as a woman of color—bearing burdens unique to that identity—Ryan also develops Maverick into a partner truly deserving of Hendrix’s formidable strength. Their partnership emerges as one of the book’s most compelling elements, demonstrating Ryan’s gift for creating relationships that feel both aspirational and authentic.
The Politics of Representation
This novel possesses remarkable depth and substance. Kennedy Ryan confronts us with the shared experiences of people of color, gently but firmly compelling readers to consider the challenges faced by marginalized communities. She infuses her narrative with representations of Black excellence through the achievements and ambitions of Hendrix, Maverick, and other characters.
Here lies the critical juncture where readers from different backgrounds have the opportunity to “listen,” learn, and ultimately advocate for people of color. This is precisely where incorporating social issues becomes not merely appropriate but necessary—a political action essential for meaningful change. In this space, Kennedy Ryan truly shines, distinguishing herself from contemporaries in the romance genre through her willingness to engage with difficult realities while still delivering the emotional satisfaction readers seek.
Prose That Transcends
Another element that sets Kennedy Ryan apart is her extraordinary facility with language. I found myself highlighting passages on nearly every page, captivated by her ability to weave words and phrases into sentences of remarkable beauty and power. Within these exquisitely crafted sentences reside a spectrum of emotions and insights designed to challenge our intellects and evoke profound emotional responses.
Ryan’s passion for writing manifests itself on every page, creating the ultimate connection with her readers. Her prose doesn’t merely tell a story—it creates an experience that lingers long after the final page.
A Fitting Conclusion
Can’t Get Enough brings Kennedy Ryan’s Skyland series to a beautiful conclusion. This series serves as a poignant reminder of the work still to be done in our society, while simultaneously celebrating the beauty of cultures that might differ from our own. Kennedy Ryan continues to challenge us intellectually and emotionally, all while showcasing her remarkable literary talents.
For readers seeking romance with substance, depth, and purpose—romance that entertains while also expanding our understanding of experiences beyond our own—Can’t Get Enough stands as an essential text, further cementing Kennedy Ryan’s place as one of the genre’s most important and gifted voices.
In love and romance,
Professor A
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