Grip

Kennedy Ryan was a new-to-me author, and with this series she has carved a special spot in my bookshelves. I finished this series in 4 days- and although I wasn't planning on reading them back-to-back, I could not have stopped even if I wanted to- which I didn't. Not even close.For lack of a better word, I am floored by this series. Overwhelmed. Emotional. Unable to move on. Although I read a lot- and have some favorite books where I LOVE the characters- this was on a different level. Grip and Bristol. Just.. we should all be lucky to have a love like Grip and Bristol.This is why I waited to write a review. Even two days later I am still incoherent. Sigh.So here are just SOME of the things I loved about this series. The writing was flawless. It was just so well written and just so SMARTLY written. This author made us a part of the story. And side note. HIS LYRICS. HOLY CRAP. I just bow down to this author who not only wrote a beautiful book, a beautiful series, but she's also a poet. And that's not the same kind of skill. Bruise is the kind of song that should be real. And his vows. And Still. And his words at THAT moment. And there are just numerous other times where Grip's words play integral parts to the story. And they were so so well written.And her characters were really well developed. They were not stereotypical. They were not shallow. They were just so very real. Their reactions made sense because they were exactly what people would do in real life. Their thoughts made sense. In a lot of romances the "villain of the story" is another person. This is not a knock on them because who doesn't like to see our hero or heroine rise above "the other person" and be victorious. But it makes the story about someone else in part. But that's not the point of this story- this story is all Grip and Bristol. Always. And I love that so much.But what I loved the MOST about this book, so much so it deserves its own mention, is the weaving of social commentary throughout the story. Simply put, this book makes you think. In the best of ways. We are all flawed. We all have biases. We are all naive to others struggles. (And Iz statement on being naive to something not being the problem- its what you do after- this is one of my favorite quotes). It takes a special kind of someone to be able to write a story, that not only shows everyones flaws, but does so in a way that does not put us on the defensive (oh I would NEVER do that. I would NEVER think that) or make us judge from a moral high horse. It simply makes you think and RELATE. What does bias mean? What does finding commonality mean? Can you really step into someone else's shoes? How do these things play out in real life experiences.Which takes me to our main characters. I don't think I've ever loved a couple so much. These two. Just from the start they stole my heart. And it was a surprise because I honestly didn't expect to love them (or this story) so much (what can I say- I'm ALWAYS skeptical of books that get a lot of buzz). And yet I do. SO much. SO much. Their love for each other- ALWAYS- is just magical. It's why I read romance. They are the definition of soulmates. Their souls are MADE for each other- regardless of their background, race or what anyone else thinks about them.And because each book deserves it's own recognition here are just a few more incoherent thoughts on the individual books.FLOWFlow was a free prequel. It showed how the two of them met- and gave a little background on where they came from. Bristol's story is more prevalent in this story. And I really felt for her. I will say if you've read some of Kennedy Ryan's other books you probably know her back story- but as this was my first book by her I had no idea what I was getting into. This book may be short- but it packed a punch. I was already invested by, like, page 3. I wanted to see these characters interact and get to know each other. And by the end of the book there was no way I wasn't going to immediately start Grip.GRIPSo this story picks up where Flow left off. And I have to say I loved it. I was hooked on their interactions, both professionally and personally. I was rooting for them to sort their issues. I felt for both of them. That is something I should mention too- the POV switching. So good. Seeing inside these characters heads. There is truly not a villain in this story. Because even those characters you love to hate- when you start thinking about their experiences and WHY they are acting the way they are- even if you don't love them- you can understand. And I should mention that is one of the most amazing things about Kennedy Ryan's writing. She is such a SMART writer she is able to weave all these issues flawlessly into the story- and she's able to show everything to a point where you would think every single thing that happened was something she personally experienced- that WE personally experienced... because we kind of did. And while we know that isn't really true- you could believe it was because honestly it doesn't matter if she was writing from his (gender) view or her (gender) view- whether it was from his family's perspective or hers-it was all relatable.This was just an epic love story. It is not a case where they resolve everything ASAP and then have a whole bunch of misunderstandings. No. Kennedy took her time and she stayed true to her characters and to her story. And we are lucky for it. Because it was such a beautiful story. So much so that if everything ended with Grip... I would have been happy. But I had no idea what I was getting myself into with Still.STILLThis book GUTTED me. There is no getting around it and no other way to put it. And I will stop here and say it is without a doubt my favorite book of the three. Even with how much it hurt. I was not expecting it. But the thing is, once again every situation her characters find themselves in- they are all things that happen in real life. Even now. And that they're happening to our Grip and Bristol (because at this point there's no way you aren't possessive over these two characters) it's just brutal. As I'm writing this two of my book buddies who were behind me in reading are both messaging me. Because they just got to THAT part. And I'm experiencing it all over again. And I have to say it just hurts. But it's also beautiful. That Kennedy can write so many emotions- that she can evoke so many emotions from us. And in the end, after we don't think we will ever breathe again, we can take a deep breath and just "dwell in the possibilities."People ask often whats your favorite series is- and I have very diverse reading habits- but when I start listing mine (because who can really just pick one) there is no doubt this one will be high on my list. I think it is the type of book you are lucky to experience. That everyone should read it. Every word was beautiful. Every step was worth it. Even those difficult ones. This is the kind of book you don't get over. It stays with you. It makes you think. It hurts. But it also makes you smile. It's the kind of book where you wish your book buddies lived nearby so you could demand hugs (seriously guys please get on that- k thanks bye). And not have your husband sitting next to you on the couch looking at you like you're crazy (not even a little sorry). And that kind of book is rare and should be appreciated and enjoyed. So I am just so so happy. And so not ready to move on or let them go. So for now I'm just going to live vicariously through my book buddies. But I'll definitely be rereading them... and without a doubt going back to read her other books. I cannot wait to go back and read Kai and Rhyson's books."And when the years have passed,and we have watched a thousand sunsets, and we are bent,our bodies crooked with ageask me again.In the twilight,in the shadow of the life we have shared,ask me if I love you,and my heart will answer before my lips can part.My love, my life,my heart never left your hands.Always,evermore,even after.Still."

I gotta say I didn't know what I was purchasing when I downloaded Grip, I believed it was a rock star erotica romance read and was surprised it was an eclectic read about hip hop and rap and a little of other music types. I was a little taken aback by it because I'm not a hip hop rap music fan but my love for music in general marched me forward.Hmm, why the 3.5-4 star review and not 5? It took a little too long for me for the hero Grip (Marlon) and Bristol to get together, a tad much of the going back and forth for me. That is the only reason for the lower star review otherwise the story was magnificent. The poetry the author Kennedy Ryan suggests you read, brilliant, beautiful and it should be read. It ties this beautiful story solidly together. I didn't realize before purchasing this the hero was African American and the heroine was white, not something I normally read, not because I'm against it, it just has never been my preference or a thought. Am I prejudice, absolutely not, being of white and Hispanic heritage, I can tell you there are many mixed marriages in my family and we don't look at color, after all we all have the same blood running in our veins, cut any of us open and we all bleed the same. As I stated it's just not my preference but this opened my eyes to this type of read. This is a first read for me by this author and it won't be my last. Her word structure, her poems were beautiful and powerful. There was so much I wanted to highlight that touched me in a way no other book has. When I say everyone should read this book I mean EVERYONE. Knowledge is power and that's what this book represents. It's not right what goes on and looking the other way, allowing it, isn't the answer either. I get it trust me, I'm married to a retired cop and not all of them are as described here but there are some that are, sadly, and it's just so wrong. Hearing their suffering thru Grip's lyrics, it's oh so powerful and so true. Shame on us as a society for looking the other way and allowing it.Honestly, excellent read. Again, my only issue is it took too long for the pairing for my liking. Her hang ups went on for a little too long for me. I get her reasons because of her own dysfunctional family, I do, but I need some juice before 60% of the book, a preference for me. I was close to giving up, just putting the book aside because of the non pairing, the waiting game.Cliffhanger, no. Good story, excellent. Cheating, no. HEA...no, HFN which is something I don't like, usually I need a HEA, thrive on it but the story is that consuming so it's okay here. Strong hero and heroine, yes. Cursing, not that bad. Typos, not sure, I enjoyed the story that much to not pay attention to them. Real, every day crisis/hardships, you better believe it which is what I love about this read or any read for that matter that yes, it's fairy tale but the story deals with truism. Those are the best that pull at your heartstrings for real issues people struggle with today. This story is as real as real gets. Reminds me of Rock The Dream by BB Miller and Leslie Carson, another incredible music read that deals with a very real serious issue today spun with an amazing love story.I definitely recommend this to everyone, even if you're not a fan of an African American hero and a white heroine or of hip hop and rap music, make an exception, this story is so much more than that. Get over it and read for yourself why Kennedy Ryan's story needs to be heard. Don't choose to be ignorant and blind, knowledge in this case, is most certainly power.I am not a friend of this author and was not asked to give my review. This is my honest review.

This book puts rock-star romances to shame. Before starting this series, I was hoping for a bit more original rock-star romance than what we get from so many writers these days. I went in blind thinking it's about time I read a Kennedy Ryan although I was a bit scared.Boy, oh boy! This book is so so much more than a romance. First of all, it's an original mixed-race rapper romance with amazing dialogue and relevant messages.The characters that KR created are utterly relatable. I felt so much through them. I got so invested in their story, their reactions, their pain, their joy and their love.At the end of Flow I was mildly invested. I don't like cheating in books and Grip had technically cheated on his then girfriend Tessa and had lied to Bristol. The story could have gone either way.What I didn't anticipate was the most infuriating, frustrating but also romantic story. There is an 8 year gap here, just so your know in case that's a thing for you.At 15% I was angry and sad reading Chaz and Greg's story (Grip's cousins), two brothers on opposite sides of the law.At 30% I was crying for Bristol. For her unfair childhood, her absent parents, her lack of relationship with her brother, her awful mother that always kept her at a distance and made her feel less than and undeserving of love.At 50% I was ready to throw my kindle after the most painfully infuriating will they won't they dynamic I've ever read.At 60% I was swooning so hard over Bristol and Grip's epic love story and perfect chemistry.At 70% I was so angry over Grip's unjust experiences with the police, the shame and lack of control in that situation.At 90% I wanted to set my kindle on fire. The conflict was so so good. Infuriating, but good.At then the end came and it mended my broken heart and made the world right again.This book deals with so many hard-hitting and relevant topics: child neglect, date rape, police brutality, racism on all sides of the color spectrum, abuse of power, the challenges of mixed-race couples.It was the perfect mix of angst, romance and depth, one of the most original and amazing romances I've read and I can't recommend it enough.

If you want to read a romance book but at the same time inform yourself about white privilege and how big of an impact racism has on the POC’s communities in the US, this is your book.A great love story between a black man and a white woman but saying it is only that would be oversimplification and doing this book a disgrace.As always, Kennedy Ryan captivated the reader with great characters, interesting and realistic stories, filled with witty dialogues and dealing with social issues.If you were maybe thinking about reading it as I was, think no more and read the entire series, you won’t regret it.

Ok I have been recommending this book all over the place and its time I finally write a review on it. I read this book a couple months ago and I haven’t written a review on it yet because I just don’t even know how to put into words how AMAZING this book & series is. I absolutely LOVED the story of Grip & Bristol. I also loved each of their characters so much. Both of them were strong, determined and smart with just enough vulnerability and humility to each other. You also see them go through so much throughout the book - the story of them being kept apart and finally giving into each other, the super hot characters & sex scenes, that all-encompassing love and passion that Grip & Bristol have for each other which is just breathtaking. But Kennedy Ryan also always adds MORE into her stories. It’s not JUST about their love story. As an interracial couple, they go through other challenges which she addresses really well. I really felt that I actually learned something after reading these books, as I was made aware of some issues that I had not considered before. I think that is part of the reason why I’m still feeling so much after reading these books!The book is pretty long, which is great, because there are lots of details in their interactions, which means you see exactly why and how their connection is so strong and they’ve fallen so completely for each other. You sort of experience it yourself instead of the author just telling you that its there. Seeing how they truly love and value each other and their relationship above all else through all that they’ve gone through is amazing as well. It dives a bit deeper into the relationship than most stories would go. I can’t recommend this book & series enough. It is absolutely a MUST READ.

I loved the book. Couldn’t put it down. The first book was great and this was a great follow up. I was not disappointed

I loved it! Just loved it! Great development, the book makes sense. It's great. Kennedy Ryan did an amazing job bringing to light some really important issues that are not talked about enough. And she did that in a beautiful way with a great story!