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
We first met Grip and Bristol in the Soul Series, Rhyson (Bristol’s twin/Grip’s best friend) and Kai’s love story! You could feel the tension between Grip and Bristol in the Soul series, but what we don’t know is the reason behind this tension.
After reading Flow, we learn a lot about Bristol and Grip’s back story. I absolutely fell in love with these two. Their chemistry from the get-go is off the charts!
Bristol flies to LA to try and repair her relationship with Rhyson, her estranged twin brother. The two haven’t seen each other in five years since Rhyson emancipated from their parents. What she doesn’t expect is to spend most of her time in LA with his best friend, Marlon (Grip). The more time they spent together, the more Grip and Bris could not deny their attraction. It was magnetic!
Kennedy Ryan nailed this prequel! It is amazing and the ending leaves you salivating for MORE!
Bristol is an Ivy League student who comes from a wealthy background. Grip is an aspiring hip hop artist who DJs. Their worlds couldn’t be much more different, but they meet on Bristol’s spring break and their hearts are forever changed. Flow is the prequel to Grip, the full length novel that tells Grip and Bristol’s story. It covers that week they met 8 years ago. Grip is swoon worthy and I fell for him nearly as hard as Bristol does.
I started this yesterday late in the afternoon (September 7) and I swear I fell a little in love with Grip and Bristol from the very first chapter. I couldn’t put this baby down, I literally read this novella and most of Grip in one go (I still had about 40% left at this point, but I went back to it soon).
A lot of things made me love this novella, first of all it was lengthier than most prequels out there and that made me happy. I hate when novellas are too short, I get that they are called novellas because they are shorter than a normal book, but you can still have a novella that is too short! I loved both characters as individuals, and I of course also loved Rhyson. I couldn’t not even though I was a little frustrated with him sometimes for what he would sometimes say to Bristol (poor gal) but I mean, with the parents they had and what he went through I get why he would be that away but I also couldn’t help felling really bad for Bristol, she just wanted her brother’s love.
Yes, I loved them all as individuals, they were all great people in their own away but I LOVED Grip and Bristol’s connection, their chemistry and interactions, it was all so genuine and very entertaining and just lovely to read. They way they talked about everything and the way they bickered ugh, I LOVED IT ALL. I could not get enough of these two!!
Their conversations were so fun and real too. I love their reaction to each other and the conversations they had. They talked about real issues and that is also something I loved, am loving in this series. That alone makes me want to shout to the world to read this series, for that it is not just powerful for the love story it tells but for the history, the truth of our world.. all the injustices and atrocities Black people have gone through and still go through every day.
I recommend this series 100%. For every romance lover, every new adult lover, every Kennedy Ryan lover, or just for anyone who is breathing right now… go read this.
Flow surprised me. It is the prequel to the full-length standalone novel, Grip. I tend to lower my expectations for books as short as Flow. The storytelling is typically rushed, leaving readers with a flat perception of the characters and an overall unsatisfied feeling. Flow is a wonderful exception.
I was taken by how intricate these fascinating characters are portrayed. Bristol and Grip come from completely opposite backgrounds. They are astonishing in their openness, fearlessness, intellectual sparring, and acceptance. The closeness they develop throughout the mere span of a week is entirely believable. The book, set against the backdrop of struggling musicians and complex family relationships, seems simple on its surface, but it is clear that the foundation has been laid for a story that could have some real legs.
This is the first book I have read by Kennedy Ryan, and her writing is gorgeous, intoxicating, and seemingly effortless.
“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.”
If you decide to read Flow, expect a refreshing, thoughtful story with one fantastic cliffhanger. I can’t wait to dive into Grip.
Wow! What an introduction to a coupe who will wrap around your mind and hopefully change some ways of thinking. Can’t wait for more of Grip and Bris!!!
Oh the back story to GRIP. I did read them in order and I must say while it’s not necessary it’s recommended, HIGHLY!
I absolutely loved this beautiful and heartbreaking introduction to Grip and Bristols story.
We first met them in the Ms. Ryan’s Soul series. We knew they had a history and are now learning the depth of what they feel for each other. When Bristol flew to LA to reconnect with her twin, Rhyson, on spring break, Marlon ‘Grip’ James picked her up from the airport. They spent the evening getting to know each other while Rhyson was working. They connected right from the start, not only physically but emotionally and intellectually as well. They believed they could really have a future together until Grips past came to haunt them both. Bristol went home heartbroken. This is a great start to their love story and is a must read! I can’t wait for more!
Holy moly!!! Throughout this entire series Grip and Bristol have something going on. It’s off the charts, but until now… you don’t know what happened in their past. Let’s just say I’m so happy that Grip (the book) is ready for me now or i’d be screaming at the top of my lungs.
This isn’t only about the story of GRIP and Bristol.. It’s also about Rhys and Bristol and their past. I loved seeing a vulnerable side of Bristol, because we don’t see much of that in Rhys and Kai’s story, but maybe this explains a little more of her persona.
Grip isn’t a relationship type of guy at all, but just the short time he spends with Bristol while she’s visiting Rhys gives us more insight on him as a person. I loved how they opened up to each other and things got real… But that ending?? I’m dying right now., And my heart broke a little. I voluntarily reviewed this ARC, because this author is phenomenal, and this series is the best. This is a must read, but be prepared for Grip!!
The snippets of Bristol and Grip we got during the Kai/Rhyson stories weren’t nearly enough. You knew something happened between them but we’re never given more than a few suggested sentiments. This was a great little read and I can’t wait to read Grip.
Before starting Flow, I had heard amazing things about the conclusion of this story, Grip, so I decided to see read Flow first to see what I thought before committing to a full length novel. I am SO glad I did, because Flow exceeded every expectation I had when starting the book. The conversations between Grip and Bristol touch on very intense political issues that are plaguing our country right now, but a lot of us are afraid to discuss. I can’t wait to see what happens next for Grip and Bristol.
FLOW by Kennedy Ryan is the prequel to GRIP. It provides the backstory between Bristol and Grip, a necessary read for anyone interested in reading GRIP. It is a beautiful introduction to both characters, who despite coming from completely different backgrounds, have a strong connection and are able to find common ground. The story is told from alternating perspectives and touches on some of the prejudices and social issues that arise when two people from differing cultural and economic backgrounds begin to embark on a romantic relationship. It ends with a cliffhanger, which is to be expected as this novella is a prequel to a larger story.
Yes! What a beginning! Grip and Bristol’s attraction and connection is magnetic. And the writing!! Wow! Kennedy’s writing is so descriptive; you feel as though you’re in every moment. Amazing prequel and I can’t wait to see what’s to come.
“There are too few perfect moments in this life. Far too few of us get them, but I am privileged to have this one with this man. When he empties his chest of his heart and empties his body of his soul for me under a starry sky on a Ferris wheel. And I know. In this moment, I know that I’m lost to him. It has been a matter of days. It has been a string of moments. It has not been long enough to tell him, but in my heart, I know I am lost.”
This was book was the beginning of a epic love story.
OMG !!! How I loved this book, is the perfect introduction of the characters in the series. This is an emotional journey, full of anguish, poetry, lyric, sensual tension and perfect chemistry. Besides, it’s a forbidden relationship because Bristol is the sister of Grip’s best friend.
Grip and Bristol, although they are so different, are perfect for each other. The connection is intense between them from the first encounter and continues to increase as more are related. Although they only spend one week together, their feelings for each other grow and become more intense as time passes.
Grip is a sexy, intelligent, fighting guy who is doing all kinds of jobs to achieve his dreams. Bristol is a beautiful, sweet girl, who misses her brother and visits him to try to fix their damaged relationship.
I loved the interactions between the characters, they are so intense, so smart, a few hours talking and it seems they are known for a lifetime. Their dialogues gave me chills, and the scenes between them are just perfect. The ending simply left me waiting for more.
The theme of the book is very interesting and it really is something that involves us all. The author is an expert in awakening all your emotions in her stories. One moment you are with a smile and the next you sob uncontrollably.
And it left me more and more in love with Mrs. Ryan and her writing, complex, poetic, that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. If I’m sure of one thing, it’s that I became addicted to the author’s stories. You CAN NOT wait to continue with GRIP.
Totally recommended.
Bristol and Grip’s intro is a must read and well worth it! Bristol is bringing her East Coast sass to LA to reconnect with twin brother. She hasn’t seen him in years since the very unpleasant falling out he had with their parents. He was a prodigy pianist and they took advantage of that gift and in cutting them out of his life he let his sister get caught up in the crossfire. Determined to not only get her brother back but get him back to playing again, she makes the trip across the country to visit while on break from school. She wasn’t expecting her brother to hand her off to one of his friends while he was working, but when Grip shows up to escort her around his charm and looks make it not much of a hardship. Grip should know better than to catch feelings for his best bros little sis, but the bro code only goes so far… Bris is amazing – so smart, funny, and not to mention beautiful. He is helpless to deny the attraction. Asking Bris to take a chance on him may be foolish, but he would be insane not to at least try right?!
This romance proves culturally and socially important. It’s also full of unrelenting passion. Passion for each other, a understanding of needing passion for yourself, and passion for their crafts and their futures. In Flow Kennedy Ryan sets readers up for greatness, for what is sure to be an EPIC journey through love and friendship and that fierce passion. It’s an amazing start to what will no doubt be an amazing love story. I can’t wait. A must read for ALL readers who love complex, stimulating relationships and truly marveling story-telling.
Flow is the prequel that sets up Grip & Bristol’s story. It is so engaging and pulled me right in. The characters are all multi-dimensional and real.
“When he empties his chest of his heart and empties his body of his soul for me under a starry sky on a Ferris wheel. And I know. In this moment, I know that I’m lost to him.”
Flow is so much more than a short prequel, it is a complete and emotional story. But it definitely left me needing to start the next book right away!
“But there’s no rewind button. There are no do-overs. There’s no delete key that undoes the damage or the guilt or the shame. I’m sorry, but I can’t make it un-happen, and that’s why it’s called regret.”
At least 5 Stars!!!
This was a great prequel that really helped me understand the relationship between Bristol and her brother Rhyson and her relationship with Grip. Kennedy Ryan did a great job unraveling the many layers of Grip and Bristol. I feel like I know them unlike any character I’ve ever read. I understood Bristol’s pain and need, but more than that I got know who she was in her heart, how she thinks, and looks at a situation and I really loved that. Grip is just so amazing. I love the way he can read Bristol, how he looks at the world, how he educates Bristol about black culture. I just all around loved this book. Grip did a great job helping Bristol look her situation with her brother from a different perspective and he kept it real with her.
The only reason I did not give this five stars is because I am kinda annoyed by Bristol at times. I think was really immature in this book in how she acted around Grip and let her anger control her. I also thought that she was completely selfish and only thought of how things affected her after her brother left. She wanted to reconcile with Rhyson, but held on to anger and regurgitated a lot of her parents in how she talked to him and acted around him. She never once thought about how Rhyson was affected and he might feel. But she eventually sees the error in that, so I’ll take it.
I definitely enjoyed reading Flow and am glad I read it before Grip.
When I read the Souls series I was very much intrigued by Grip and Bristol’s relationship and wondered what was their story. Because they certainly had chemistry in spades. Their simmering lust and attraction also hinted at a much more deeper connection.
With Flow, a short prequel, I got not just a hint but a pretty damn good look into how they first met and how deep their relationship goes. Especially on a personal level. Their interactions were phenomenal and I loved how comfortable they were around each other. They reveled in each other’s company and their conversations flowed effortlessly, layered with so much intensity. I couldn’t remove my eyes from the intoxicating prose and words of Kennedy Ryan. Grip and Bristol were amazing and turned out to be very complex and multi layered characters. I loved the range and depth of their conversations which were a great mixture of race and culture. Also their own views and opinions of today’s and the 90’s society played a huge part of this story and I appreciate that Ryan chose to go that route with Grip and Bristol. My impression and love for both of them only expanded and I got so much more excited as the story progressed.
I can easily tell that Kennedy Ryan is a huge fan and admirer of poetry. Her prose feels just like that. Poetry. Her words flows with ease, gently pulls my along like a wave and I’m immersed. I’m in another world, the world of Kennedy Ryan and that’s definitely the place to be.
5 BadAssDirtyChocolateCharmStars
I was so mad when this ended!!! I knew going in it was short, and a prequel, BUT I knew that I couldn’t start Grip right away. I would never have slept after reading this!! LOLOL
I’m so addicted to Flow and Bristol!!!! I love the interactions between these two. From their in-depth conversation to their steamy chemistry. I CANNOT Wait for more!!!