“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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Before I start, let me just say that if you have not read the prequel, FLOW, you must read it before beginning GRIP. It’s free on Amazon too, so you’ve got no reason not to one-click and start reading.
Kennedy Ryan’s GRIP is one of my favorite reads so far this year. I’m a little late to the party as I had not been introduced to this author until fairly recently, but after reading this book and its prequel, I want to consume everything she has ever written. The story was inspiring and the writing was beautifully poetic. I found myself rereading parts because they were simply stunning.
GRIP took me on an angst-filled, emotional roller coaster ride and I loved every minute of it. The characters of Bristol and Grip were well-written and complex. The intricate mosaic of themes and social issues concerning interracial relationships were communicated with compassion, understanding, and grace.
GRIP is a brilliant story about friendship and family, fear and misunderstanding, forgiveness and healing – it is ultimately a story of unquenchable hope and enduring love. It concludes with a satisfying HEA with no cliffhanger, although there is another book in the series called STILL. I’ll be reading that next because I’m hooked and can’t wait to read more!
Woah! What a story! The eloquence with which Kennedy Ryan writes resonates deep within you. It’s raw, genuine, honest, and sincere. This story is powerful and emotional and gives you so many feels. And the poetry! My goodness Kennedy, we need a book of poems from you. Simply stunning.
Grip and Bristol have such an intoxicating connection. The lengths in which they go to, their perseverance and dedication to each other, their vulnerability, it’s beautiful.
The journey to each other is filled with obstacles, hurt, insecurities, hope, and love. There’s so much packed into this story and it takes root in your soul and warms your heart. A fantastic read you don’t want to miss!
This was a great story. It would have been a 5 star for me but I couldn’t stand the whole back and forth between Grip and Bristol and their emotions for each other. I almost stopped reading it because at one point, I wanted to pack it in and forget about them. But I pushed through and I was glad when they finally got their shit together. But man, why did it have to take sooooo long? So much time wasted. That’s one of my little pet peeves in my fake reading world.
Everyone should read this series. The world is filled with so many thoughts of what a relationship is supposed to look like, but never embraced what a relationship is. Kennedy Ryan captured the truth in this book. She gave us raw, and real daily issues in Grip.
Hands down Favorite read in 2017.
I am still processing everything that this story made me feel, oh God, I literally do not have words to describe it, it trapped my soul, it wrapped my heart, it tore at me and left me in tatters, it left me breathless and even now my eyes filled with tears when thinking about it. It is a love story but it focuses on many other issues that make it completely different and very important.
The plot is located 8 years after the events in Flow. Bristol, is a manager of several artists, including Rhyson and Grip. The fire and attraction that existed between them remains latent and in my opinion stronger than before, even though they are just friends. That spark, that consuming fire is noticeable every time they interact, but Bristol has erected walls around her to avoid getting hurt. Grip does everything he can to get close to her and turn the relationship from just friends to something else, but Bristol does not give him a chance at anything. Rather it does everything possible to get Grip away.
That fire, that passion, that attraction is too strong between them. Their interactions are difficult because of everything they feel toward each other. That attraction and slow burn romance had me eating my nails. But I felt so frustrated during one part of the plot, it made me suffer too much the time they spend separated. The writing provoked a thousand sensations, I lived the story with the characters, I suffered, I cried, I laughed, I loved with them.
Grip and Bristol are authentic, complex and passionate characters and were meant to be from their first encounter. Bristol is a girl who gives herself unconditionally and gives everything for those she loves even at the cost of her own happiness. Grip is a loyal, unconditional, sincere, intelligent character, I completely fell in love with him.
I already knew when I read Flow, that Grip would become one of my favorite readings of all time and I was not wrong, magnificently written, poetic, touching, intelligent, it is so captivating that it keeps you completely hypnotized and totally hooked from start to finish.
It is a beautiful story, heartbreaking, rude, passionate, intense, sexy, but more than that, it is necessary because it makes you think, it goes beyond love because it deals with racial issues and social injustice, things that most of the time we ignore, or do not pay it attention, but it is the constant in the lives of many.
As always, the author manages to create a moving and completely addictive story. His words reach your soul and your heart. I just have to say thank you very much to the author. A standing ovation for her masterpiece.
Highly recommended
*This book needs to be read! It may bill itself as a romance but what it really is shouldn’t bog itself down with labels. It is a really insightful, but not preachy look at race relations in this country with a HEA thrown in there 🙂 Make sure you have read the prequel Flow or you will be slightly lost.. okay and now to my review!*
Bris and Grip are back after the cliffhanging conclusion of the prequel and boy oh boy are we in for a rollercoaster. Bris walked away from Grip, thinking him liar and with her family’s particular track record with cheaters she doesn’t want to hear that noise. The feelings that she has for him are so strong after just one week and already threaten to crush her she just couldn’t risk giving her anymore of her heart away to someone she cannot trust. So she closes the door on it – for wait for it…eight years! As planned after graduating from school head back to LA as planned and end up managing Grip, but she just cannot bring herself to let him in any further. Once a player always a player – right? Grip is so despondent over what went down with Bris. He blew it and now he cannot convince her to give him a second shot. He tries but when she rejects him repeatedly he cannot help but to continue at least live somewhat of a life. Even years later his heart still yearns for the connection forged at the top of the Ferris wheel, but convincing Bris to take a chance is going to a miracle. Internal struggle pulling at them from one side and then they have the whole world’s prejudice and wants on the other side. A double edged sword they must tread carefully – but love knows no bounds. Get ready to pull your hair, sigh, and contemplate for Bris and Grip!
An important message. A beautiful romance. A lasting friendship. A fierce heroine. The MOST captivating hero. Brilliant story-telling. Grip embodies it all.
Intelligent, impacting, insightful, inspiring- a truly true MUST READ book. If you’re a romance reader, a fiction reader, a reader at all and you’re not ready for this book – get ready – Kennedy Ryan is about to rock your reading worlds with Grip.
An absolutely beautiful, powerful story. Heartbreaking at times. I’m impressed that the author didn’t gloss over the problems they run into as a mixed race couple and not just from strangers and media, but also from family and friends.
“You always said you prayed I’d find someone just like you. As fierce as you, ride or die like you, as strong as you.” I shake my head, rubbing her fingers between mine. “You don’t realize your prayers were answered, exceeded.”
Grip is an amazing hero. He lives and loves big.
“A storm could come, the winds will blow
The rain can wash away
But what we have will stand forever, to last another day.
The world can rail, their weapons clatter
Let them wage their wars
But peace I’ve found, and all that matters
Everything here in your arms.”
After thinking long and hard about this book and reading a very honest review that I agreed with I decided to change my rating of this book. There were things I liked and things I didn’t and it has been the things I didn’t like that made me come to my final rating and my decision to not read Still because I’m just that interested.
I wholeheartedly understand why people loved this book. The writing was very poetic and strong. The main characters have so much depth that’s it hard not to fall for their story. Grip is someone I couldn’t help loving. The way he viewed life and the world, how smart he was, and his pure love for Bristol were admirable. The ending of this book was the best part.
I’m sorry to say that I did not like Bristol’s character. In her determination to have a relationship with her brother and them building a company together, they never actually got closer. I hated that she threw that in his face every chance she got, that’s a two-way street honey. I also couldn’t stand the fact that it took 8 years for Bristol to finally admit her feelings to Grip. When the entire time she was scared to end up like her mom and that Grip would hurt her. Seriously??? She had the nerve to be mad that Grip slept with other woman and he didn’t maintain celibacy while she shot him down all the time. I didn’t like that Grip had to explain his blackness or things about African American culture to her. I mean open your eye girl, try to learn something about black people and not live in a bubble. (He had to explain hip-hop and rap to her when she wanted to manage music artists). I don’t think everything had to be explained, especially when she’s been friends with him for 8 years and she was in love with a black man.
There were a lot of stereotypes thrown around in this book. I have to say that I didn’t like how black woman were portrayed, especially Grips cousin and Qwest. I’m not going to harp on Grip’s mother and her desire for Grip to marry a black woman because I understand her reasons. Most black parents want their children to be with black people because its easier for them, we’re used to it being frowned upon, we were beaten or killed for being with anyone white. I get that, but I think Grip’s mom was over the top. There are some other stereotypes I didn’t like, but don’t want to drag on.
So ultimately I thought this book was ok. I’m not going to lie, I had a hard time reading this book. I’m not saying that it wasn’t interesting, I just didn’t like Bristol for Grip and I think she caused a lot of drama in their relationship when there didn’t need to be. The chemistry between these characters is great, it just wasn’t enough for me. But for anyone that reads this book and gets understanding out of interracial relationships and lives of African Americans, thank you for being open minded. Romance needs more books like this. I’d still recommend this to readers and commend Kennedy Ryan on writing this book. I know it couldn’t have been easy.
I was definitely wooed by Grip and his delicious chocolate charm. Marlon aka Grip isn’t all about being a famous hip hop star. No, he has so much story hidden behind those good looks of his. A voice to be heard because he has plenty to say. Not just through his lyrics but also in general. A very strong opinion and a talent beyond words. He’s also a good man who’s been raised right by his mother in a tough environment in Compton. When he finally gains success he never forgets where he’s from or the people that matter the most to him.
Bristol is my kind of woman and I have to be honest that I wasn’t a fan of hers when I met her in the Souls series. But already while reading Flow I had to admit that I was wrong. She won me over and after reading Grip I want her as my best friend cause she kicked ass. I also saw a more vulnerable side to her that immediately captured me. That vulnerability goes back to her strained relationship with her parents and her brother Rhyson. It will also play a huge role in her relationship with Grip.
Grip and Bristol’s relationship is extraordinary and so intense that I got chills every time they were around one another. There’s so much history between them since their friendship goes back years. That only strengthened my connection and my need to know more. What I love about them is how at ease and comfortable they were with each other. They connected on deeper level. Through conversations about race, society and music. Only open to each other’s opinions and never narrow minded. One thing they both wanted explore further was their mutual attraction which was out of this world. Simply magical. Their love and how far they will go for it and one another knows no bounds. I was drunk on their love.
One of many things Kennedy Ryan succeeds with in Grip and also Flow are her choice of topics and how she weaves them into Grip and Bristol’s story. Especially music and race plays a huge and important role. It gives the story an edge but most importantly it also gives more depth to the characters. Not just to Grip and Bristol but also to the secondary characters. Grip is an extraordinary story with a powerful message which has to be experienced.
5 BadAssDirtyPoeticStars
Grip is such a powerful, beautiful, mesmerizing, romantic story…….truly a one of a kind book. There’s something about the love between Bristol and Grip that makes you long for that type of love. It is a love story unlike anything else I’ve ever read.
After reading it a second time (and after reading the Soul Series where the characters were introduced)….I’m even more in love with this book. I know a lot of people think Bristol is a B**** in the Soul Series, but knowing the environment in how she was raised, no wonder her heart is so guarded. Yet, she still has the ability to love so immensely, even if it causes her pain in the end. But, I’m glad she finally realized what she knew all along – that Grip was the only man who truly understood her, loved her for her…..they are such a perfect couple, even though they had a bumpy road to their happily ever after.
Kennedy is truly a gifted storyteller – and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next for Grip & Bristol 🙂
How can I possibly compete with words after the beauty of what I just read. When you read a book and can see the colors or In this case not see them is genius. You are feeling everything but you want more it’s pure truth to the words on these pages. I’m embarrassed for myself to even attempt to give this book the Justice it’s deserves. This story this journey we have been on has been pivotal and monumental to me. It’s broken and honest . It touches things you don’t want to know and you don’t care to hear. When it’s over you want more ,you don’t want it to end. I’m craving it now I am already missing Bristol and Grip. Epic read.
From the moment I started reading this series I was hooked. When I started Flow I knew that Grip and Bristol were going to be so much more than someone could ever hope for in a couple. Just them speaking to each other, I knew they were different. The level of conversation these two have is just out of this world.
The game that Bristol and Grip are playing was really starting to get old. I love seeing the woman that Bristol has become and see Grip finally be the big star we all knew he’d be. But these two were SO DAMN STUBBORN! I couldn’t believe that they kept playing these games. And how the heck did no one notice??? The heat between these two was always so hot!
Everything that led to the moment where they finally let go was such an uphill battle! It was the crescendo that everyone always waits for. Just like in a movie, Kennedy did an amazing job with building us with excitement. We got to the top of that crescendo and crashed sooooo hard to the ground though. We finally got what we wanted and we could finally breathe easy. Or could we? These two never made breathing easy. They made us cry, laugh, scream, be angry. It was the best kind of emotional mash up.
And the obstacles. The obstacles were soooo strong. They knew they’d be facing a lot, but they didn’t care. The love that they felt was more than enough. More than enough to overcome anything, because they could do it together
Wow it took me so much time to get around Grip because i knew it was going to be a very emotionally ride and i needed to have a few strong hairs in me hahah not to cry that much but wow this book is just breathtaking.. so many emotions through the whole story… The way Kennedy take us in this ride full of love, and raw emotions, is just beautiful…
Grip is the continuation of Bristol and Grip story .. it is a very emotional book.. not only because Bristol and Grip have so many ups and downs, as well as so many challenges that life and people throw at them because they’re an interracial couple .. they’re constantly fighting so many obstacles including their families, who are against their relationship.. so many things are at stake for Bristols mom and a few other people who are determine to separate them…
Grip is the typical boy who comes from the wrong side of the neighborhood but his mamma kept him away from the wrong side…. Grips is a fighter he is trying to make something of himself.. he has a very deep soul, he is persistent, a very talented hip hop artist trying to make his way on the music industry Bristol works as his Manager making their relationship a lot of harder…
Bristol is a very strong heroine, beautiful, sassy and comes from a very rich family…. she is also vulnerable and sensible, she keeps herself from Grip thinking she is doing the right thing.. and also remembering old words from her past that keep coming back to hunt her and making her feel that men and love are not to be trusted … but no matter how much she try Grip has the power to make her fall to her knees (well sometimes lol) because she is stubborn as hell..
You’re going to cry, laugh and sometimes want to slap a few characters .. Prepare yourself for a great story full of love and emotions that will leave you with a book hangover for days..
love Kennedys writing.. definitely a page turner…
REVIEW: 6 MAGNIFICENT STARS
“Her body is honest with me even when she hides the truth. I want her truth. I have to know.”
IF I EVER CONVINCE YOU TO PICK UP A BOOK THIS YEAR, PLEASE LET THIS DUO BE THE ONE. PLEASE.
Having said that, I can only shake my head. If you have been reading my reviews for any amount of time, you know that’s a sign of awe….of wonderment, something I know I won’t be able to properly convey how good it was. I know authors constantly say that they hope to be able to bring a book to their readers that is amazing. After reading this book, I can only hope as a blogger that I can do this book justice with my review. That is my blogger confession right now.
“I’ve had some pretty wild dreams about Bristol Gray. But in my wildest dreams, I couldn’t imagine that, not the nakedness of her body, but the nakedness of her soul, would be the thing that tempted me the most.”
The words in this book emote more than anything I can describe and this love story will haunt me for a long time. The meaning behind the words, the depth of Grip’s soul and the fear behind Bristol’s heart, they are what drive this book. The feelings seep off the pages and you can’t help but be moved by the way Kennedy Ryan writes this one. This book truly moved me….the beauty in her words is indescribable.
It’s books like this that I question WHY I am so willing to give my heart to authors. It’s like they don’t care. I feel like Ryan said, “Let’s see how many ways I can break her heart before I can put it back together. Hopefully I use all the pieces.” I feel like I was put through the wringer with this one. *sigh* So amazing. You won’t walk away unscathed with this one.
Grip’s need for Bristol is so visceral, so deep, so real…but also, know that his mind is what drives him. His soul is what feeds him. My gosh, I FEEL his need. The craving? The want? The desire? He knows she is “it” for him and that he needs to have her. There is a constant thrum of sexual energy you just can’t deny and their chemistry is undeniably off the charts!
“I look at her, cataloging her features one by one and realizing the most fascinating thing about this girl isn’t visible to the naked eye.”
If you were sitting in front of me, I’m sure I would have wide eyes and my arms flailing around as I tried to explain just how much this book affected me. Just how much this book is a MUST READ. Just how much I think everyone should read this. You will be a changed person after reading it. It opened my eyes to some things, hurt my heart with others. I am in awe of her storytelling. She is so visual and descriptive. I think your soul will sigh….I know mine did.
I will never be able to say enough, but this book is worth every minute of time you spend on it. My reaction alone will never convey accurately the perfection that is this book.
“And I know in this moment, I know that I’m lost to him.”
~BEE
10 Stars for this one if I could!!!! Seriously! This book leaves you SPELLBOUND! It Grips you too the core. No pun intended. Kennedy Ryan went above and beyond with Flow & Grip. It testifies to your soul and gives human nature a different meaning. The words just flowed freely like air leaving your body. It leaves you Bare and open. I cannot explain how many emotions I felt throughout this book. Excitement, butterflies, confusion, frustration, pain, fear, jealousy, envy, anger, rage, sympathy, empathy, understanding, heartbreak, turmoil, stubbornness, rejection, loss, grieve, contentment, illness, love, hate, passion, etc. You name it, and I felt it! The writing was so in depth and raw that it literally shook me to my core.
Marlon “Grip” James grew up in the streets of Compton. Raised by a single mother and growing up near his cousins taught him early on that his race would always define him. He struggled with his heart and words to understand society and the judgements he faced on a daily basis. However, through his writing and love for poetry he was able to explore his ambitions and goals in life. Being accepted into a prestigious school allowed him to excel. Becoming friends with Rhyson Grey solidified his talent and love for words. Their friendship allowed him to nurture his passion and bring it to others. Meeting Bristol, Rhysons estranged Twin Sister, catapulted his need for love and in depth attatchment to feelings. Bristol was unlike any other female he ever met. She was witty, strong, and downright beautiful. Not to mention, White. Grip never felt the need to justify his liking of other races, he just simply loved. Falling for Bristol in the matter of days was unplanned but ignited his soul in ways he never imagined. Bristol was only trying to reach out and repair a troubled relationship with her Brother. Her abandonment issues and feelings of self worth empowered her to at least Try and get her Brother back in her life. Grip was a welcomed distraction when Rhyson was otherwise occupied. She had never been exposed before and let someone in and in those short moments together, jolted her heart. Fast forward 8 years later and Bristol and Grip are still not “together”. Not by Grips doing though. He has done anything and everything to lay it out there for Bristol, only for her to deny and shove his feelings in the toilet. These two play tug of war with their heartstrings and frustrate the he’ll out of readers. Bristol and her stubbornness leave that lasting impression. Needless to say there is a fantastic HEA that will leave you breathless. I couldn’t put the damn book down for nothing and it was TOTALLY WORTH IT!! 10+STARS****
Phenomenal, gritty, raw, relevant and poetic. An amazing story everyone should read. Breathtaking and heartbreaking, a book everyone should experience…. open your minds and hearts and take in this beautiful yet devastating journey. This Gripping read will stay with you, “Always, Evermore, Even after, Still”
This book continues on the story about Bristol and Marlon “Grip” where we left them after reading Flow. This book I couldn’t put it down and it covers so much more than just Bristol and Grip, it covers a story that spoke to me. As Bristol fights her feelings for Grip, she runs the business that Rhy and her started. This is a must read book but I would suggest reading Flow first before reading Grip to get the most enjoyment out of this book.
“When you grow up on the streets, you don’t just develop a sixth sense.” He captures a lock of my hair and tests it between his fingers. “You have six, seven, eight, nine of ’em, because those instincts could be the difference between death or life. My m om and Jade have so many senses they almost know what you’re thinking before you think it. And even though I’ve never told her, Jade only had to be in the room with us for a hot minute to know I want you.”
I want to begin by saying I totally understand why Bristol took the stand she did. Her background, the situation, her heart, her future … absolutely get it. But, EIGHT YEARS, GIRL?! GRIP!? Geesh! I was so frustrated with her, I honestly wanted to knock some sense into her — and I mean KNOCK. SOME. SENSE.
Grip is something I never expected, especially in the world he’s become immersed in. The entertainment industry, any avenue, usually comes with a lot of dishonesty & insincerity, but he is the absolutely opposite. He’s using his success to bring attention to the needs of his community and to raise up others who may need a chance to get themselves out of the despair and fear that can come with growing up in his ‘hood. As for his relationship with Bristol, woo! That man can carry a flame! There was something utterly heartbreaking seeing a man like Grip carry on feeling everything for Bristol.
Bristol, being his manager, has a front row seat to Grip’s success, as well as his life. While she is overwhelmed with happiness at his talent finally being recognized, she continues to keep distance between the two of them. In Bristol’s life, her heart has been more than broken — it’s been beaten down by hurt from her family. Although she doesn’t seem like it, Bristol gives her whole heart once you worm yourself in even an inch. Unfortunately, this has created tall & sturdy walls around her heart.
There is a shady character, and some shady depths that are revealed as we go, and you truly get to see the ugly that lies within some people. I cannot wait to read Still, and this is actually one of my stories I’ve read this year.
A swoon-worthy epic love story. Grip & Bristol story is beautiful, heart-wrenching and totally intoxicating, I just couldn’t put this book down until I finished and then still took some time to put my feelings into words how much I loved it. Love Love Loved this book.