FLOW must be read before GRIP“I can’t stop thinking about this book! The story reads like a movie…GRIP has everything I want in a story–dynamic characters, soulful plot, and a lesson at the end that change the way you look at life. 5 massive, gripping stars from me…One of my favorite reads this year. Maybe ever.” — Adriana Locke, USA Today Bestseller“Ryan continues her streak of amazingly … continues her streak of amazingly accessible and authentic romantic fiction. Grip is a bold and unapologetic look at interracial romance and does not shy away from any of the ideals and prejudices that most of us are too polite to acknowledge – head on- amidst one of the sexiest, and provocative true love romances Ryan has penned to date. Break out the fans folks, Grip is aptly titled and sure to make you need a grip! — Sheena, Smexy Books
In 8 years, Marlon James will be one of the brightest rising stars in the music industry.
Bristol Gray will be his tough, no-nonsense manager.
But when they first meet, she’s a college student finding her way in the world,
and he’s an artist determined to make his way in it.
From completely different worlds,
all the things that should separate them only draw them closer.
It’s a beautiful beginning, but where will the story end?
more
I don’t usually read series that follow a single couple. However, this story was so compelling that I wasn’t ready for Grip & Bristol’s story to end. I loved watching this couple form an unlikely relationship, and I enjoyed the smart, honest dialogue they had about sensitive issues.
I wanted more of this couple. And I look forward to the rest of the series.
Wow !!!!
I ‘ve been meaning to read this book for a while. I m so glad I finally read it. It’s the prequel to Grip and I m glad I read it before I started Grip. This book gave me a look into Bristol and Grip. They have both very different lives but there connection and attractions is so strong it’s hard for them to stay away from each other. Bristol is Rhyson’s sister and he’s Grips best friend so them starting anything is a bad idea. But it’s so hard when they get close and talking to each other so easily about things they haven’t told anyone. It might of only been a week but they can hide from the attraction.
This story is so so good. I m dying to read the next book. The characters are just brilliant I need to know more about them. The ending to this book is a killer. Cliffys are the devil they make me want to scream and the end of this book made me do that. This book was so addictive once I started it. I luv both Bristol and Grip I need to know what’s goin to happen between them. I actually want more from Rhyson and Jimmi as well. Really hope something happens with them. Why am I only reading this now.
Flow is the perfect prequel to set the scene and tone of GRIP, a gorgeous love story by Kennedy Ryan. Fans of the Soul series will be familiar with the characters at the heart of this story but rest assured if you have not read the afore mentioned novels, Kennedy Ryan has carefully crafted Grip and Bristol’s story to ensure it is the perfect standalone. The protagonists are introduced so the reader effortlessly becomes aware of the circumstances that have brought them to this particular moment in their life. It completely secured my interest in them as they engaged in conversation that at times is light hearted and at others deeply serious with hard-hitting complex themes weaved eloquently into the writing canvas. Themes that need to be given attention and thought and were showcased with the usual flair and writing personality of this author
“I don’t care what color a girl is. I like the color of smart, the shade of funny, and sexy is my favorite hue.”
Flow is the stepping stone to the full-length novel convincingly depicting Bristol and Grip’s passionate and evocative dance to friendship. A friendship that quickly and organically felt like it could be whole lot more. Kennedy Ryan’s stories resonate, they make me feel and love, and want to step right into the story bubble with her characters, FLOW and GRIP are no exception deserving #AllTheStars and are NOT TO BE MISSED!
Advance copy / reviewed voluntarily
What an amazing, wooing, swooning, heartfelt, beautiful, real and unputdownable story.
Grip & Bristol = Crazy chemistry you’ll be able to feel coming from the pages. Both these characters have such passion that it makes some choices hard to make.
1st book by this author and it won’t be my last.
aaarrrgggghhh!!!! On to book 2
sign me up to the Kennedy Ryan fan club!
Grip is guy from a tough neighborhood. He’s seen violence, gangs, and injustice. But his talent in poetry and music has helped him leave that life.
Bristol is from a family with power and wealth. Everyone in her family has a talent in music… everyone but her. She may not understand Grip’s struggles, but she has her own conflicts in life.
The two create a powerful connection with raw honesty. With open hearts and ears, they listen to each other about race, culture, and music.
I absolutely loved this story. This series is a spin-off of Kennedy Ryan’s Soul series, but you don’t have to read that series in order to enjoy this book.
Flow is a prequel that needs to be read before Grip. It’s a quick story about Grip and Bristol as young friends finding their path in life. I can’t wait to dig into Grip.
Such a stunning introduction to the Grip series. Kennedy Ryan can do no wrong. Her words are pure silk. Longer reviews to come for Grip and Still <3
I really wanted to love this novella, but it was just a little dull for me. I never felt fully invested in these characters or their story. The ending was the most interesting part for me. It definitely got a little exciting and interesting. A good lead in for the next book. But the book a a whole was just okay.
An amazing beginning to what I think will be a new favorite series. Bristol and Grip are wonderful and strong characters. I am eagerly anticipating the back and forth of what I am sure will be a frustrating and yet beautiful story
The first of three fabulous books, Flow, introduces us to Grip and Bristol. The two young people live in different worlds yet their attraction is instant. They stay open minded and curious about each other’s world and a deep bond develops. This book addresses difficult topics, challenges stereotypes and simmers into a slow burn .
• •
: Flow
: Grip 0.5
: Kennedy Ryan
: 4.5/5
This was an amazing prequel novella, it was a really nice way to introduce the characters and the story itself. It really sets the tone for what you can expect from the rest of the story in the other books. I already love all the diversity and serious topics. I know from the beginning this is a book series that I will never forget. Even though, it was a relatively short story since it is a novella, however, it did capture my attention immediately! I also loved the chemistry between Grip and Bristol. The connection they have from the beginning is already just short of amazing. After reading this, I had to start Grip asap to see where the story would take them.
Most of my reviews are also available with photo at my Bookstagram: @justmyfantasyworld
This was such a great introduction to what promises to be a beautiful and emotional story! I completely LOVED the set up of this story… Bristol and Grip’s budding relationship along with the connection with her twin brother, Rhyson.
It was only a “week in the life” and really just introduced us to these characters, but I’m so excited to continue this story. Kennedy Ryan’s writing style makes it so easy and fun to read. I love the back and forth banter between Bristol and Grip, their relationship was so effortless and you could really feel the chemistry and sexual tension between them. Definite angsty moments and the ending just made me want to jump immediately to the next book… which I think is exactly what I’m going to do! Highly recommend this one!
“I like the color of smart, the shade of funny, and sexy is my favorite hue.”
I loved this prequel. I am in insta-love with Marlon. He has a “Grip” on my heart!!
BOOK REVIEW
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Rating:
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Flow (a novella- prequel to Grip) by @kennedyryan1
Full disclosure, I listened to Grip first. I almost didn’t go back for this one, but I’m glad I did. It gave me more insight into the chapters and made me love them more.
The reader gets to see the build up between Grip and Bristol – it’s filled with intense conversations and vulnerable unveilings of the younger versions of themselves. The kind that make up the most memorable moments in a person’s life.
It solidifies the intimacy and smolder between the couple dropping the reader right at the door of Book 1 of the Grip Series.
If you haven’t read the series, start here first
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#kittyriosolreads #gripstolforever #flow #kennedyskrew #romancereadersofinstagram #bookstagram #interracialcouple
This is only a prequel, but I am already in love with this story so far! It ends on a cliffhanger, but that’s okay because I have the boxset. There isn’t any sex, but the romance is quickly blossoming between Grip and Bristol. There was so much emotion packed into this novella. And the author/characters did not shy away from tough topics. I’m super excited for the rest of the story.
Omg. This book. I don’t have enough words to tell you how much I loved the start of Grip and Bristol’s story. Kennedy Ryan’s words are magic. I was sucked in from the very beginning. The characters grabbed me. The plot was fast-paced. The writing so descriptive and eloquent that I found myself stopping just to absorb all of the perfect. Do yourself a favor and read this book today.
Tropes: best friends sister, mixed race romance, opposites attract and controversial topics.
It begins with twins reminiscing about their parents: one escaped while the other remained. Five years of living without each other: one living in LA the other in NY. One went to study music at the School of the Arts while the other studied business. Ones a musical genius the other a lover of music with no gifted talent of playing, composing or writing. Yet they share a love of music.
This book explores two different worlds through the eyes of two unique upbringings. There are preconceived ideas about these characters lives. Essentially it’s the musical talents that define them and mold them.
Bristol is in LA to visit her twin brother whom she hasn’t spoken to in five years, since he emancipated himself from the family. After enduring years under his parents’ tyrannical management Rhyson had to cut himself loose from there money grubby hands. The Gray family are musically talented, but Rhyson is gifted. Bristol on the hand is not musically talented.
Grip is a writer and a rapper. He attended the same School of the Arts music school as Rhyson. Music is the most important thing to him. Music has a carved a lifestyle different from what is traditionally known for black individuals having grown up in Compton.
Overall:
Kennedy speaks passionately about music and race. The way she talks about music fascinates me.
This is my first read by Kennedy Ryan and I can see the appeal of her writing style. She’s brilliant, brave, and intelligent. I can tell she spent time investigating her characters reactions. The dialogue was well thought out. I liked how she brooches the controversial topics of race and music correlating the two.
I did however feel at a disadvantage for not having hip-hop rapper knowledge just like Bristol’s character. Rap music isn’t my forte either and it’s not because I’m white. This type of music doesn’t call to me the way some other music does. I enjoyed the way Kennedy compared race with the music choices. When Bristol started to debate her logic regarding the poetry of the lyrics that’s when I knew music is about the way it makes you feel.
I like opposites attract stories. This is the first time I’ve read a book about a black guy and white girl being drawn to one another. The music bond was refreshing.
I love reading Grip’s thoughts thru his eyes. The way he assesses individuals by intelligence is the way all individuals should look at people. As for Bristol I liked how Kennedy broke the typical stereotypes with her upbringing molding her differently. She is more than an Ivy League elitist wearing fashion designer clothes. Even with the gift of music she stands her own by pursuing entertainment management.
Grip is more cultured then her, but that’s what made his character so fascinating. His ability to see every person as an equal opportunity. No race was discriminated against. Nothing was off-limits in there conversations. She braved the topics with valid points.
I’ve been a KR fan for a while now and I’m finally diving into this series! AHHHH! Grip and Bristol have such incredible chemistry and the tension is everything! Flow is a wonderful quick intro into these two characters and their world and I’m already swimming in the feels! 5 stars for Flow! On to Grip…hold me!
Flow is a prequel to Grip & Bristol’s story. Once I started reading this book I just can’t put it down and got mesmerized how eloquently Kennedy Ryan wrote this story. It’s been a while since I read this fast, that’s how captivating this book is. Now that I’m finished, I can’t wait to start on Grip and see how the story of Grip and Bristol unfolds…
This is the first book of three in this series by Kennedy Ryan. I actually won this series in a book group on Facebook. I am not disappointed. In Flow we meet a handful of characters, but our main characters being Grip and Bristol. Bristol flies from New York to California to see her twin brother whom she has not seen in years. Her brother is too busy to pick her up from the airport so he sends his best friend Grip to pick her up. There is chemistry from the moment they meet, they both have a lot in common and both really enjoy talking to each other. This book begins their journey and I highly recommend it.
Well, Kennedy Ryan knows how to leave her readers hanging! I realize this is the prequal to the series but the ending (which is a cliffhanger) has really set me on edge! With so many books and so little time it’s hard to make series a priority, but since it IS a Kennedy Ryan book, I’ll make an exception. I just NEED to know what happens with Grip and Bristol!
If you aren’t familiar with this series, then let me be the first to tell you that this IS a series that needs to be read in order. This is a prequel novella and really sets readers up for what’s to come. It’s also a great introduction to the characters who we’ll be seeing throughout the series.
The tropes associated with this book is rock star romance (or rather, rapper romance), and we get a bit of a forbidden relationship as well because Grip is Bristol’s brothers BEST FRIEND. Oh, I can already feel the angst in terms of what’s to come ESPECIALLY because Bristol and her brother’s relationship is already to strained!
For the most part, I enjoyed this one. I did find her Hoops series to be better than this, but since I am only one book in, I should save my judgement until I finish them all. First impressions are important though and I enjoyed this one enough to continue the series. Stay tuned!