It seems the things worth keeping are often the hardest to hold…
KAI
I had two things in life that mattered. My mother and my music.
Mama was taken from me too soon, and now music is all I have left. It’s the thing that’s pushed me right out of backwoods Georgia into Los Angeles, where the line between fantasy and reality shimmers and blurs. I’m finally making my way, making my mark. I can’t … making my mark. I can’t afford to fall for one of music’s brightest stars. Not now. Music is all I have left, and I’m holding on tight with both hands. I won’t let go, not even for Rhyson Gray.
RHYSON
I had one thing in my life that mattered – music. The only constant, it’s taken me to heights most people only dream about; a gift dropped in my lap at birth. I thought it was enough. I thought it was everything until I met Kai. Now she’s all I think about, like a song I can’t get out of my head. If I have to chase her, if I have to give up everything – I will. And once she’s mine, I won’t let go.
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I actually read this book after I read the Grip Series. I love how Kennedy Ryan developed her characters and stories to be different, engaging and strong. If it’s a Kennedy Ryan book, you will not be disappointed. The Soul Series is a must read.
Now for the story. I have loved all of Kennedy’s books. I started with the GRIP series. Seeing Bristol now, is a bit of a hurt to the heart. She is so mean. Not the Bristol of that series. And I don’t like the playboy ways of Grip here. But I know their love story and the ups and downs they took.
There were a few times I was so mad at Kai, I hate secrets and she had plenty of time to share hers but she chose not to and it pissed me off. How Rhyson was able to look beyond that hurt I don’t know. Love does crazy things, speaking of, while I know his heart was in it, he did WRONG! Especially knowing her feelings on making it on her own.
I love Kennedy Ryan’s writing and loved this romance, but you need to know it is part of a series. Rhyson and Kai are well written, complex characters, who have both had a difficult life. Rhyson is a musical star who had an unhappy, complicated childhood. Kai is trying to establish herself as a singer and dancer. There is an instant undeniable attraction and I enjoyed the long slow build from friends to lovers. They seem to be true soulmates, but there are relationship complications that they will hopefully resolve in the next book.
A wonderful love story- Kai and Rhyson. Both broken through individual situations in life, both driven by their careers, he wants her, she wants to make it on her own but together- a romance and joy.
Kennedy Ryan is such an amazing writer who gives her readers beautiful heartfelt detailed stories that as a reader keeps you wanting more. It is not only Kai and Rhyson but the people around them as well that you fall in love with.
Kai and Rhys..what can I say except this was a well written powerful story and I look forward to the next book!! I loved everything about this book!!!
Very emotional and engaging story. I was in deep from the beginning. Both Kai and Rhyson bring so many different things to this story. Heartbreaking childhood moments, struggle, despair and survival. He is at the top of the music world, yet she’s trying to break into the business. She wants to do it all on her own, with no help, but Rhyson wants to make things easier for her. There is a constant back and forth with these two. They are falling fast for one another, but there are curve balls being thrown at them around every corner. I really like these two characters. They are intriguing and fun to read about. I love their friendship and the slow build to something serious. The supporting characters are all great and each give so much to the story in their own ways. Of course, the ending leaves us wanting and praying for more. But, I really enjoyed their story so far and will patiently wait for it to continue.
I am still trying to find the right words for this review. This book was amazing. I cannot say how much I loved it enough. From the first chapter I was hooked and I can even say I was a fan of Kai from then as well. This is not something I normally experience. I am rarely a fan of the female lead from the beginning. Sometimes they grow on me but I can honestly say I loved this character from the beginning of the story. She is strong, independent, caring, funny and I love her. Rhys, I can’t even express how much I loved this man. He is Swoonworthy with a capital S. He is alpha yet sweet which on its own is enough to make him my new favorite book boyfriend. He is patient and knows what he wants and goes after it.
There were moments in this book that made me laugh, there were moments that made me ugly cry, there were moments that made me fall in love and moments that just made me put the book down and sigh. Since I have put the book down, those feelings still remain. Kennedy’s books are always amazing and this one is no different. Brilliant five star read!
This book made me happy,cry,believe in all. All is posible in true love. From opposite sides of society. She a country girl and he a rich georgeous rock star.She makes him work for her affections and he does. Rhyson is so characsmatic and detertermined to win Kaison over and he does.
The love they have for each other puts a smile on your face and keeps you constantly sighing. Kennedy Ryan has a way of getting you involved in her characters.
I can’t help to buy everytime i finish her books. It has to be said i have read her books twice. In the soul series i have just reading it for the 4th time. I love Kennedy Ryan please keep putting a smile on my face and heart.
Great read!!
It’s always so good to read a book where the man makes the love in the story.. Rhyson did that. The book went from working on a friendship to fast paced high-society relationship. To say that I’m anxious for the next book is… well…. Understated. This was a tremendous story, with a lot of pressure. Awesome quotes.. I’m just ready for more.
Kennedy Ryan rocked this 5 star read. Kai and Rhyson connect on an elemental level through their music. Both have amazing talent that speaks better than words. They are haunted by loss of family, one through abandonment and death and the other by choice for self-preservation. Even in this they find they are soul-mates. Their love is beautiful. Their respective music and talent is their spirit, their entire being. Friends then lovers. Fear and insecurity will drive a wedge that may be insurmountable.
Book 1 in this series is truly beautiful and will touch your heart.
I read this first Nov 2015 and just completed a re-read in preparation for DTMS. I loved it just as much the second time. Rhys and Kai just make you feel; sadness, loss, hope, jealousy, anger, love.
Audiobook Review
Overall 5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4.5 stars
I have been meaning to start this series since meeting Rhyson and Kai in the Grip series. I wish I hadn’t waited so long! It was amazing to finally know their story from the very beginning. The duet narration of Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross worked so well in this emotional slow burn romance. Listeners/readers should note that this is book 1, but all books in the series are currently available.
Kai and Rhyson have an instant connection, but I loved that Kai stayed true to herself and kept Rhyson in the friend zone, despite his clear desire for more. It allowed them to truly get to know the other beyond their physical attraction and connect on a much deeper level. Their relationship grows organically, even though Rhyson is a huge celebrity, and made for some major fireworks once things come to a boil. Yes, there is a lot of push and pull, and there were definitely times when I was frustrated by both of them, but the story flowed well and felt perfect for our characters. It was fun to see Marlon/Grip and Bristol make appearances as well, though I’m glad I met them first, otherwise I may not have been so enthusiastic to read the Grip series! LOL
Though I love both narrators, Kai Kennicott truly gives an incredible performance. She captured all of Kai’s pain, fire, strength, anger, and joy so perfectly. I can’t wait to start the next book!
What an amazing introduction to these characters. I read this book will over a year ago for the first time and was immediately drawn to the writing style of Kennedy. This was the first couple of her’s that I ever read, and their story sucked me in. Kai is such a headstrong woman and Rhyson is an enigma that you just want to figure out.
My Soul To Keep is an exquisitely orchestrated friends to lovers romance that will capture your heart! This is a beautifully poetic and emotional story of 2 people who come from totally different backgrounds but yet are connected so intrinsically. Rhyson Gray was a child prodigy and is now a famous Rock star. Kia Pearson is a hard working aspiring singer/dancer. They meet when Rhys performs for the music students at the studio where Kai works. She is instantly engulfed in his music, and him, as they are inextricably entwined.
“I’ve never been moved this way by it. Not this deeply, this quickly, this thoroughly. Like those fingers touching those keys are actually touching me. And though I’m completely covered, I feel naked and exposed. I can only hope that no one sees. That he won’t see.”
But Rhys does see Kai, that she doesn’t just appreciate the music but communes with it like he does. He feels so connected to her that for the first time in his life he wants more from a woman than a one night stand. Kai isn’t cooperative with dominate Rhys’ plans to make her his. Even tho she is wildly attracted to him, she asks him if they can just be friends for now. She realizes that Rhys is not arrogant but kind and considerate and is afraid she will lose herself in him. She wants to make it on her own and not be dependent on him. Rhys recognizes how talented she is and only wants to help her. But more than that, he sees that she is fun, loyal, caring and loving and needs her to be his in every way.
“Either I’m yours and you’re mine, or we’re nothing. I don’t want to be your friend. I want to be… yours.”
I really like Rhys and Kai and I love them together. They have fun and truly challenged each other. Their relationship isn’t easy but they try to work through all of their vulnerabilities and insecurities as well as the outside forces trying to separate them. Ms. Kennedy weaved a story about love and loss, loyalty and betrayal, passion and heartache so beautifully. I love how poetic her writing style is. It is so alluring and seductive that when the twists and turns happen, you definitely feel every emotion. I wasn’t ready for it to end and I can’t wait for the next book! Reading the sneak peak did nothing but add to my eagerness!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first book by this author and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. I’ve been wanting to read this author for awhile now because her name is so cool. My kids names are Kennedy and Ryan and I was all, I have to read a book by her!
Kai and Rhyson. Kai is a dancer/singer and Rhyson is child prodigy pianist. Kai wants a shot at the big times and Rhyson knows first hand what the big times can do to a person.
Even though I really liked the story, I was a wee bit frustrated with all the back and forth between them. I get it, but after awhile, I felt like here we go again. The book ended on a cliffy. I was shaking my head at Rhyson at the end of the book. I believe he meant well and had good intentions, but sometimes boys are dumb. Amiright?! But on the flip side, I wanted Kai to give the poor man a break. Quit being so stubborn girl!
Having said all of that, of course I’ll read the next one. I need to find out what happens! I live them together!! Oh yeah, I’ll for sure be checking out her other books as well.
For me, as an already established fan, she elevated her story-telling game tenfold. 100-fold, if you will. She hit all my favorite romance story buttons creating a unbreakable connection to these characters – so strong I couldn’t stop reading. Friends-to-romance, angst-ridden, music industry culture, independent heroine, eccentric hero – this book has it all and is brilliantly pieced together providing an extraordinary reading experience. To say I’m excited about this book would be an understatement.
Kennedy Ryan wrote a brilliant story. Connecting all the elements of her love story to my reading soul with characters for whom I want to spend more time. Her writing here is crisp, fluid, and cohesively masters the plot and the souls of her characters. Her enticing word choices and the descriptions she uses to drive home their connection and their feelings so vivid easily creating moving pictures in your mind as you read her words. It weaves together so many great romance elements while giving you a story with depth and emotion. I was a Kennedy Ryan fan before, I’m a SUPER fan now. Rhyson Gray and Kai Pearson catapulted My Soul to Keep to my Top 5 list and that’s in no small way thanks to the excellent story telling of Kennedy Ryan. I’m so excited about this book and where this author plans to take us. I’m urging to you to read it!
I’ve been holding off reading My Soul To Keep because I didn’t want to wait too long for the sequel. It was a battle cause I kept seeing rave reviews everywhere. So now close to a month before Down To My Soul is going to be released I jumped in. Let me tell you all, it exceeded all my expectations. What a magnificent and beautiful love story.
I loved the music element of the story and the two opposite characters falling for each other. The characters, Kai and Rhyson were truly amazing. I have to say that Kai blew my socks off. I loved everything about her, from her strength and determination to her insecurities and fears. I don’t know what to say about Rhyson except, that I can totally understand why Kai fell head over heels in love with him. Such a strong man with opinions and a hell of a lot of love for Kai.
I simply loved the time Rhyson took to court Kai. It really strengthened their relationship and my connection to them both. As friends and as lovers. There were so many great, funny and especially earth shattering moments and it felt real.
The secondary characters were interesting as well and they felt necessary for the story. I needed to know more about all of them.
Kennedy Ryan knows her strengths regarding her writing. She captured me from the first page with her magical words. She really tickled my mindset and I reveled in Kai and Rhyson’s story. This was such a mesmerizing story about dreams, hope and love. Truly a shining star just like Kai and Rhyson. I can’t wait to read Down To My Soul and once again be captivated by Kennedy Ryan’s words.
5 BadAssDirtyPepperStars
I absolutely loved this book! Rhyson & Kai are one of my favorite book couples ever! I read Flow/Grip by Kennedy Ryan first….and didn’t even know about the Soul Series. My Soul to Keep was definitely a great way to get introduced to these characters and get a foundation for who they are and where they came from (a lot of things make so much sense now!). I’ve read this book twice now – and each time it gets better and better. Definitely on my list of books to read over and over again!
4.5 Rhys stars!! Wow! Just wow! A slow build as Kai does her best to keep Rhyson friend zoned while she try’s to reach the next level. Love the instant attraction, “friendship”, the build-up, and it is impossible not to fall in love with Rhyson. One already a rockstar, one upcoming, and they feel like everyone is against them. Add palpable chemistry/tension and a few bad decisions make for a great story. The feels that this amazing writer evokes, amazing! Highly recommend reading this. Looking forward to Down To My Soul.
*** 4.5. stars ***
On really cold days, I love to make use of the fireplace in my house. Lighting the fire is a process. If done correctly, small twigs, crumpled newspaper, and logs are layered in such a way to ensure there is enough space for air to flow but close enough for the fire to catch and remain burning for hours of pleasurable warmth.
The match used to light the fire quickly sparks and flames. When touched to the newspaper and kindling, said flame ignites a fire that spreads through the layers and slowly lights the larger logs to burn and heat a cold room slowly warming the bodies within. A fire is not only pleasing to the sense of feel, its colors as it burns are a hypnotising visual delight. The joy and comfort which results from such a simple thing is an emotional treat and every bit as poignant as the physical effects the fire yields.
The feelings I get from a winter fire are much the same as the ones I experienced when reading My Soul to Keep. The impact from the Acknowledgements and first chapter of this book were the match that sparked my interest with their Intensity. Kennedy Ryan’s then skillfully layered story began to smoulder, flame, and then combust into a barely controlled entity that burned its way to my heart with its painfully sweet and searing heat.
My Soul to Keep is the most bitter and the sweetest of love stories. Love is lost, found, and tested in all its incarnations, at every level, on every step of the journey. It is a hauntingly beautiful book that stoked my soul with its intricately woven words, instantly attractive characters, and unexpectedly unique yet accurate descriptions that only Kennedy Ryan can deliver. The intentional traumatic ending has me instantly reaching for the next book in the series. I need to grow and heal with these characters. True to her style, Ms. Ryan always makes me feel the fate of her characters and the lessons they learn is somehow tied to my reality.
Oh my word, this book, these characters!
I’m not sure what I can say about this book that hasn’t already been said. I loved it.
Kennedy Ryan has such an amazing way with words- her writing is lyrical and beautiful, and utterly enchanting. She has a way of holding me captive with her story-telling, pulling me in and keeping me hooked until the very last word.
MSTK is the epitome of a slow burn. This is a true strangers-to-friends-to-lovers tale, with Kai and Rhyson’s relationship building at a purposeful pace. Rhyson had the patience of a saint, I loved how deeply he cared about Kai. You know Kai felt the same, but because of her past and the plans she had for her future she held Rhys at an arm length, until the pull between them became too much for her to resist. They had such a wonderful friendship and when they finally took their relationship to the next level it was nothing short of perfection.
I’m desperate to start DTMS because of how this book ended. Just as it seemed Kai and Rhys were on a path to happily ever after, we’re thrown for a loop when secrets, lies, and even a little deception are added to the mix. Even though we know that everything Rhys does, and has done, is for Kai’s benefit , because he loves her, it doesn’t ease the frustration and hurt it caused. I have no doubt Kennedy will give Kaison the HEA we all yearn for- but I’m anticipating there will be more heartache to endure before these 2 soul mates reach that point.