Book Review: Can’t Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan
When I first picked up Can’t Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan, I was drawn in by the promise of a story that intertwines personal reclamation with romance. The tagline itself—“She chose herself, even when it felt like the hardest thing”—echoed a truth I often grapple with. Being a woman today is a complex mix of ambition, love, and societal expectations. Ryan navigates these themes with a deftness that left me both inspired and introspective.
At the heart of this novel is Hendrix Barry, an ambitious talent manager and venture capitalist who finds herself pulled back to her childhood home for Christmas, only to confront the realities of her mother’s decline due to Alzheimer’s. This wasn’t the warm holiday reunion one might expect; instead, it shakes the very foundation of Hendrix’s identity, thrusting her into the role of caregiver in a poignant exploration of familial duty and personal sacrifice.
But it’s not just about loss; it’s about connection. Enter Maverick Bell, a tech billionaire grappling with his own grief. Their meeting at a glittering Miami party is electric—not just due to chemistry, but through a shared understanding of pain and resilience. Watching their relationship unfold was a breath of fresh air; it felt earned and rooted in emotional honesty, rather than typical romance tropes. I found their slow-burning connection refreshingly real, and it made me reflect on my own relationships.
Ryan beautifully captures the essence of female friendship through characters like Soledad and Yasmen, friends who serve as lifelines for Hendrix. Their conversations are not just supportive; they’re full of sass, honesty, and a blend of shared experiences. I loved how Ryan crafted their bonds without unnecessary drama, underscoring the notion that sisterhood is as vital as romantic love.
Another standout moment is the subplot involving the Aspire Fund, which faces a lawsuit aimed at undermining its mission to uplift Black women entrepreneurs. Through this, Ryan skillfully connects personal narratives to broader societal issues. It’s not just a love story; it’s a commentary on systemic resistance. This infusion of political themes brought depth to the narrative, making it resonate even more powerfully.
“Why is it so hard to believe there are women in the world who don’t want to act as host for a human?” This quote absolutely floored me. Ryan is unafraid to tackle uncomfortable subjects with honesty, challenging societal norms around womanhood. In a world so often filled with pressures to conform, it felt revolutionary to read about a woman who boldly claims her choices.
Ryan’s prose, vibrant and relatable, feels like a conversation with a wise friend. Her writing is sprinkled with moments that linger in your mind, reminding you of the intricacies of life. By the end, I was left pondering the delicate balance between ambition and duty, with Hendrix’s journey reflecting many of our own experiences of asking, “What about me?”
In conclusion, Can’t Get Enough is an essential read for anyone who has faced the pressures of duty versus desire. It’s a touching exploration of love—romantic, platonic, and self-directed—that encourages readers to prioritize their own needs and dreams. If you’ve ever found yourself in the throes of societal expectations, this book offers a tender reminder that it’s okay to choose yourself. Kennedy Ryan’s voice is one that resonates deeply, and this story is sure to spark conversations long after the last page is turned.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5) — A story that sings with hope, resilience, and the undeniable power of love in all its forms.
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