“The story reads like a movie . . powerful and intoxicating … and sinfully sexy. GRIP has everything—dynamic characters, soulful plot, and a lesson at the end that change the way you look at life. One of my favorite reads this year. Maybe ever. 5 massive, gripping stars from me!” — Adriana Lock, USA Today Bestselling AuthorResisting an irresistible force wears you down and turns you out.I know. out.
I know.
I’ve been doing it for years.
I may not have a musical gift of my own, but I’ve got a nose for talent and an eye for the extraordinary.
And Marlon James – Grip to his fans – is nothing short of extraordinary.
Years ago, we strung together a few magical nights, but I keep those memories in a locked drawer and I’ve thrown away the key.
All that’s left is friendship and work.
He’s on the verge of unimaginable fame, all his dreams poised to come true.
I manage his career, but I can’t seem to manage my heart.
It’s wild, reckless, disobedient.
And it remembers all the things I want to forget.
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This is one of my favorite books of all time. It’s an emotional, evocative, page turning read that you’ll never forget.
WOW…
I am blown away by this read by Kennedy Ryan.
BLOWN.AWAY!!!
I have had this series on my TBR for quite a while. I am definitely kicking myself for not picking up earlier..but I tell you that I am so glad I finally picked it up and got lost in this story about a rapper and his manager and LOVE and hate and racism and LOVE and subjects that make your heart hurt. I.Cried. My heart hurt.
If have to say that It is crazy that I picked up this series right now and what a time to pick it up with all the terrible things going on in the world right now….With the police, with racism..with black people dying.. For no reason(Well not just now..but In the past and present.)
If you haven’t read this series like me..and I still have one more book to go…make sure you pick it up. It’s AMAZING!! This series will definitely have a place in my heart forever!!!
Thank you for writing Kennedy!!!
#IStandWithYou
PS..I hope I didn’t say anything offensive in this review for anyone. I’m not a writer, an author.. I’m just a reader that felt a lot of feelings while reading an amazing book and hoped I did this review a bit of justice
GRIP is a bravely written, intelligent story that has completely grabbed my heart, made me feel and attacked my sensibilities in the best possible way. This is the Kennedy Ryan affect. Her writing is beyond brilliant in the manner that it resonates, the way that it makes me think deeply. The key themes of Grip are ones not often tackled in the romance trope, of course, primarily it’s a love story with all the facets of a developed and engaging swoon-fess: engaging beautiful protagonists, a dynamic supporting cast and a plot with light and shade in an eloquent and lyrical prose. In addition, the exploration of sensitive complex issues concerning race take this multifaceted Contemporary Romance to a whole higher level of breath-taking and powerful brilliance. Kennedy Ryan shows unapologetically and honestly the inequality and injustice of our times in a non-judgemental measured manner raising the profile positively.
Grip is the hero at the heart of the story, a sexy hip hop poet, a wordsmith who I have utterly fallen in love with. He has a crazy good aura that springs vividly from the page oozing personality and a vibe that I totally bought into. I wanted to read his thoughts, hear his words, listen to his music and see him interact with Bristol his co-star whose personality equally shone through the narrative, her strength, her mind and her words. Her honest thought process and dialogue at certain pivotal moments in both FLOW (the Grip Prequel) and GRIP enhanced my understanding of the relevant-to-our-times social issue making me feel like my own understanding developed with hers.
The sexual tension that ignites between the protagonists creates an inferno as they dance their way through a working relationship, a friendship of sorts and a palpable need for each other that has been repressed since an incident in FLOW. There are so many elements that I could wax lyrical about not least the imagery created by this author as she peels away the layers of her narrative showing me the action, thought and feeling of her characters creating a world in which I became totally invested. I laughed, I shed a tear and my heart ached for Grip and Bristol as their authentic dialogue, their motivation and lyrical prose completely hooked me into their romance and made me root for them as a couple. I felt the angst and the power of the richly vivid narrative that surrounds this glorious story and no matter how much I write, no matter the words I use I cannot even begin to do this wonderful story the justice it deserves. I cannot recommend highly enough to my romance reading friends.
Advance copy proivided / reviewed voluntarily
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND reading the Grip series. They have everything: fully-dimensional & fully-realized characters that are unforgettable, a sultry & sensual romance that will carve a place inside your heart, and the most intelligent, thought-provoking writing that transports you instantaneously. You will lose yourself to these characters and this masterful world of music & soul-deep romance.
— Becca
I discovered Kennedy Ryan’s books this year, and I’m reading everything by her that I can get my hands on! She is a skilled storyteller, and this one is one of my top 3 faves for 2018.
More stars needed!!!!
I can not, even if I tried -(my heart is completely full)-love Marlone aka GRIP more than I do. He is absolute PERFECTION!!! In soo many different ways. He is such an amazing person. I’m just “Whoa” #woo #swooned #LoveGrip4Life
AND— Although she kinda got on my nerves (a little. from time to time) I Love Bristol!!!! I totally understood her once ‘it’ came to light. I was like “Omg… Yes, that makes sense. I get it” #girlpower #strongwoman #loyal
This entire story beginning with FLOW book #0.5 has been quite a page turner for me. I’m onto book 2 STILL
Please read the prequel, FLOW, before reading this book!
GRIP is an unforgettable read! It’s so honest and raw as it touches sensitive topics like race. Kennedy Ryan does an amazing job writing a love story that conquers social barriers.
“I like the color of smart, the shade of funny, and sexy is my favorite hue.”
Bristol has always held a place in her heart for Grip. She loves his passion and creative mind, but doesn’t want to start a relationship with him. She fears that once she hands over her heart, she’ll never be able to let him go. She’s scared that she’ll become like her mother and let a man mistreat her.
Grip has always loved Bristol. And now that they’re older, he allows Bristol to manage his rising career. His plans to get closer to Bristol work, but he has to break down her impenetrable walls.
Even though they are from two different backgrounds, they have a connection that speaks louder than words. I loved all the characters and the poetry. Even though this is a spin-off of Kennedy Ryan’s Soul series, this series can be read separately.
There is no possible way that I can put my love for this book into words. I find myself battling that same feeling every time I finish a KR book, because words are sometimes just not enough.
Grip is genuinely one of the most stunning love stories I’ve ever read. Grip and Bristol are soulmates. They are made for each other. They make my tummy do somersaults and my heart explode into a million tiny pieces. I could sit here and write thousands of words about my love for Gripstol, but there’s so much more to love about this story than the couple.
The way KR incorporates poetry into this story stole my heart. Took my breath away. I can’t even describe it. This story also educated me so much. As a white woman, there’s always room for improvement and education when it comes to black lives and what they’ve been through, and what they continue to go through. I love that Kennedy slips education into her stories without making it feel like lectures. I always close her books feeling so filled with knowledge and hope of being a better person.
I cannot recommend this book enough. Everyone needs to experience Gripstol.
Wow. Do you ever come across a book so powerful that you find yourself thinking about it, even when you’re not reading it? This is one of those books. And finishing it left me wrecked. The love story between Grip and Bristol is so compelling. There is so much push and pull that it will give you whiplash, but it is definitely worth it. This is a slow burn. The feelings are already there, but the timing isn’t, so it takes our protagonists forever to get it together. But when they do, watch out! It ended with a HFN, so I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next for the star-crossed lovers.
• •
: Grip
: Grip 1
: Kennedy Ryan
: 4/5
After Flow, I had to dive into this book asap and I was so glad I did. Yes, there were a couple of things that I would have liked to see different and that’s why I only gave it 4 stars. I got a bit frustrated with Bristol at times, how she keeps going on with the pushing and pulling. The first half of the book did really feel slow and my frustration with Bristol did not help.. but when it did pick up, I could not put it down: I really liked the action towards the end as well. I think the best part of this book was that I did not only enjoy the story and the romance, but I felt like I learned something as well. Racial inequality, interracial relationships and police brutality are important topics and they were explained and intertwined so well with the story. I think this is what makes the book so good and it is definitely worth 4 stars, since I never read a book that did this so flawlessly. It is definitely a slow burn romance, but it is all worth it in the end!
Most of my reviews are also available with photo at my Bookstagram: @justmyfantasyworld
Wow!! This book was so emotional… beyond the romance between Grip and Bristol, the racial prejudices that we still live with in this world today were portrayed so realistically. I felt like I was watching a movie while reading, it was so well written and so well done.
The love story was incredible too! The jealousy, the angst, the passion that Grip and Bristol felt for each other was so much fun to read… there was seriously never a dull moment. I’m so excited to read the final part of their story in Still. Highly recommend this series by Kennedy Ryan!
Grip knows how to keep a grip on your heart. The author knows how to not just grip your heart, but also your mind and make you think.
Though a romance at its core, there is a relatable story to current events that truly needs to be digested by everyone. This world would be a better place if we were blind to the color of each others skin and realize that everyones heart is the same color and everyone deserves love, respect and to be treated equally.
BOOK REVIEW
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Rating:
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Grip by Kennedy Ryan
Kennedy Ryan is the queen of the sexual tension that lasts decades – a slow heavy burn … and I always love it.
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Grip and Bristol from opposite ends of the country and opposite life experiences are the reason why that old adage is true— opposites attract.
I’m in love with how Kennedy Ryan can tackle important controversial topics without it feeling didactic- I feel the weight and importance of the issues and am simultaneously swept up by Grip and Bristol’s LOVE.
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I started reading Kennedy Ryan later in the game and now I’m playing catch up with her previous novels and loving the journey.
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If you haven’t read or listened to this one yet, take it off your TBR (you know it’s there….) and indulge.
To say that Kennedy Ryan’s writing is impactful is a huge understatement. I started with Kennedy’s books that were published after Grip and I’ve been awestruck time and time again by her poignant storytelling. Grip (and the entire trilogy) is no exception, and its deeper thought-provoking impact is especially relevant today. Grip’s experiences as a Black man in America are heartbreaking and written honestly with raw emotion. And the way he tries to convey these realities to Bristol is heart-achingly genuine.
This is a love story though, at its heart. Grip and Bristol’s journey is not an easy one. Grip is an amazingly talented, smart, strong man and Bristol is a breathtaking, fierce woman with true vulnerability. Together their connection is purely heartfelt. The hurdles that are thrown at them—some self-imposed, some from outside influences—make their story captivating and brilliant. Kennedy’s interwoven comments on cultural and societal pressures and hurt, and mountains to climb are painful and meaningful. Your emotions will take a hit with Grip, but it’s so worth it. 5 plus stars for this beautifully written story.
I wish I could give this book so many more than just 5 stars. The plot of this book sucked me in and I couldn’t stop reading. Kennedy Ryan is a magical goddess of all the words and I can’t believe it took me so long to find her books. This is definitely one of my new favorite series.
I’ve never fallen in love and when I read that book the power of love posses me, I felt it hurt me as if Kennedy Ryan know how to make me feel I read her book for the first time she took all my feeling and gave me what I need to feel.
Flow Grip my heart yes but Grip posses me I did not know loving someone like Grip love Bris or Bris love for Grip could be so exhausting. I got mad, I’d tear in my eyes, I laughed but I felt love on every page even when there were some pretending about moving on I don’t know how Kennedy Ryan did this to me and all that Black and White peoples relationship break my heart. I’m a black woman it crushed my heart to saw how they treat Bristol I was so mad but let just say that kind of thing exists and it kinda hurt my heart.
But what I kept in mind is Bristol and Marlon did not give up on each other even if people did not accept them they stand strong side by side
I’m a huge Beyoncé fan and you know what I mean he chooses a Becky. “He better calls Becky with the good hair”
Grip is like poetry in motion. Every word flows articulately beautiful from start to finish. No wonder I’m experiencing some book hangover. I just love how the story of Grip and Bristol was written.
Bristol Gray the independent, strong-willed heroine who will do everything to protect the one she loves. She has a successful career in managing up and coming artist and has everything money can buy, but she doesn’t want that, Bristol wants someone who will love her as her.
Marlon “Grip” James worked his way up from nobody to somebody in the music industry. Equipped with determination and unparalleled talent and with a manager like Bristol, he’s about to experience what success is all about. But what is a success if the one person you like doesn’t give you the time of day?
This is my first interracial book and Kennedy was able to pull it off with ease. It also covers some sensitive issues which we still face up to this day and age.
Overall, it is a great read for me and when Kennedy Ryan writes a book, you can only expect to read the best plot and well-developed characters. It’s always a treat to read a book by this author. The series is done and I want more #gripstol. Is it too much to ask for more #chololatecharm?
In Grip, the story of Grip (Marlon) and Bristol continues. It is years later from when they meet in Flow. Bristol is now signing musicians and her brother is helping run the new business. Grip has finally agreed to sign on with their company, even though there is feelings between Bristol and him that he can’t seem to shake. Follow them through this book on their rough journey to stop fighting fate and let each other love. True love conquers all when it is as pure and real as these two characters have. You will have to read to go on roller coaster with these characters, but you will not be disappointed.
Grip is one of those books that will stay with you forever. It makes you think and feel about the real world and talks in a way for everyone to learn what others are going through. Bristol and Grip face so many obstacles but love conquers all. Their story is a beautiful one and I am so happy to have read it.
A STUNNING six ‘s for Kennedy Ryan and Grip!!
“He’s never lived with this constant threat, and I’ve never lived without it.”
The line above, both in and out of the passage that contains it, is a perfect feeling for the entire book and even your own experience as you read it.
Bristol abandoned any chance with Grip when she thought he was a cheater, he had stepped out on someone, so of course Bristol couldn’t believe he would treat her differently. Then when she arrived home to New York another revealing episode slapped her in the face, and proved correct all the insecurities she already felt towards men.
Grip has waited all this time for Bristol, even though she’s ignored him for years. But he knew her, even if he really didn’t, and felt certain Bristol would eventually come back to him. Because he has never lived her life, Grip is unprepared for the amount of push back he’s getting from the girl he loves.
Even knowing the love that they could bring to the table, Bris and Grip continue to hurt each other for years. Each of them looking at their lives as an us vs them mentality. And it isn’t until Bristol fully realizes the damage they are doing that she ends the torture for both of them.
This is not the end though, and there will be pain, blindness, and tears before they ALL come together to make sure everyone gets exactly what they deserve. This book is not just a romance, it is a siren’s call to what is going on in the community around us, a commentary on the social issues trapping us in grief and anger every day.
Kennedy Ryan writes a story with such finesse that you don’t feel the changes she’s spinning in you until it’s too late! An absolutely beautiful book, with poetry that will blind you with its clarity, super steamy sexy times you don’t want to miss, friends who become all the family you need, and a guaranteed happy ever after!