From Wall Street Journal, USA Today Bestselling and RITA® Award-winning Author Kennedy Ryan, comes a captivating second chance romance like only she can deliver…..Book Riot Pick – Best Romances of 2020O Magazine – Best Romances of 2020All About Romance – Best Romance of 2020 (Reader Selection)The boy who always felt like mine is now the man I can’t have…Dig a little and you’ll find photos of … who always felt like mine is now the man I can’t have…
Dig a little and you’ll find photos of me in the bathtub with Ezra Stern.
Get your mind out of the gutter. We were six months old.
Pry and one of us might confess we saved our first kiss for each other. The most clumsy, wet, sloppy . . . spectacular thirty seconds of my adolescence.
Get into our business and you’ll see two families, closer than blood, torn apart in an instant.
Twenty years later, my “awkward duckling” best friend from childhood, the boy no one noticed, is a man no one can ignore.
Finer. Fiercer. Smarter.
Taken.
Tell me it’s wrong.
Tell me the boy who always felt like mine is now the man I can’t have.
When we find each other again, everything stands in our way–secrets, lies, promises.
But we didn’t come this far to give up now.
And I know just the move to make if I want to make him mine.
more
Overall Grade: More than 5 This is a top read for 2020.
Remarkably, but not surprisingly, Kennedy Ryan has, once again, woven a romantic tapestry of ideas that challenge our thinking about identity, inclusion and diversity, and womanhood in her newest book, Queen Move. Sometimes, unbeknownst to the reader, opening and reading a Kennedy Ryan book is a step in activism. Her heroine’s father raises his children with the ideology that “big moves make big waves.” When you take one step into a Ryan romance, you are choosing to align yourself with the possibility of making big waves. Each Ryan story is intentional and grounded in hours and hours of her research about societal issues, challenging us to expand our knowledge and our thinking. As Kimba, her heroine, suggests “simply being myself is an act of resistance.” Likewise, simply inhaling the words of a Ryan romance is also a call to change.
To begin, the absolute power of this story is Ryan’s heroine, Kimba. She is the quintessential Kennedy Ryan heroine. At the very least, you should read Queen Move as it exemplifies the power of her heroines through one of her most impressive ones, Kimba. One of my favorite parts of reading certain authors is their surety in developing their voice and their “brand.” I don’t even know if “brand” is the right word, but their voice and style have evolved into creating archetypes specific to their brand of romance. And Kennedy Ryan’s heroines are an archetype. In the world of romance, they are a necessary character type. In brief, a Ryan heroine is always intelligent first, beautiful second. They are not perfect; their power comes in embracing their weakness and finding strength in the hero to support that weakness. Notice I didn’t say clarify it or correct it or complete it. Her heroines’ weaknesses are acknowledged and accepted by her heroes. Even more, Ryan oftentimes monopolizes on it and turns it into power. In Queen Move, this looks like Kimba’s stutter. I remember reading Ryan’s All the King’s Men duet and telling myself that Kimba’s words of wisdom for Lennix were always profound, insightful. As you read Queen Move, this is even more clear. Interestingly enough, Ryan gives her the weakness of a stutter. So, in the Ryan universe, the weakness of a character is the power of the greatest moments of her story. The stutterer is the most eloquent when it’s needed. You see this same thing happen over and over again with any of her heroines. She empowers their weakness. And in my most inarticulate of ways, that’s pretty da$n impressive.
Through Kimba, Ryan introduces us to the bits of her messages in Queen Move: the struggle of being a woman and the expectations for us to oftentimes sacrifice parts of ourselves to follow a dream. In Queen Move, infertility becomes a front and center message, along with the juggling of identities that women so often engage in. As Kimba moves from political strategist to daughter to sister to lover to woman, Ryan calls for us to recognize that feat. It becomes a reminder that the expectations for women feel sometimes more profound, and we sometimes sacrifice aspects of those identities as we inhabit the others. And that sacrifice oftentimes feels like a “lack.” Kimba encounters this feeling over and over again in this story that when one of the biggest moments comes in the book, Ryan has constructed this profound moment of emotion. It rolls over you tying your heart to her story. I would like to say that this is accidental or momentary or specific to this book, but it’s part and parcel for Ryan’s heroines. Her ability to craft of heroines is one of the many impressive tools in her writing toolbox.
Along with the Ryan heroine comes the Ryan hero. Now, there is a bit more diversity of this archetype. Quite often, they are incredibly alpha, always $exually adept meeting the deepest needs of their heroine, and intelligent (oh and don’t forget, handsome and virile). This intelligence isn’t only in terms of thinking; so often, they have an emotional intelligence that girds their maturity. They might make a rash decision (we see you Maxim), but they learn quickly from their mistakes and work diligently to rectify the situation. Like her heroine, these seem to be the innate qualities to her heroes. However, there are some differences in terms of traditional expressions of masculinity. With Ezra Stern, Ryan is playing with this idea. Ezra is a special brand of hero. Yes, he is traditionally masculine. Yet, Ryan molds him with soft edges. Fatherhood is a primary identity for him, and he wears it well. He offers us a complex mix of fathering with tenderness, insight, and awareness. He makes comments about guiding Noah to speak out his emotions. Ezra is the 21st-century father. He wants his children to express themselves and bring more into the world than take from it. As such, his children are aware and mature. It’s all of these traits that make it easy for you to fall in love with Ezra Stern. Add to that a willingness to be careful with his words, using them sparingly so that they are weighted. Kimba’s trust is easy with Ezra because his words are the commerce of his integrity and love.
Additionally, through Ryan’s creation of Ezra, one of her other messages finds its home: the idea of identity and diversity. This is one of the biggest messages of the story, and (not to undermine Kimba’s travails) it’s most profound. We live in a culturally, racially, $exually diverse society oftentimes at odds with each other. There are more and more instances of insensitivities to people’s differences, and an almost disinterest by certain segments of our society to be open and inclusive. Ryan’s solution, as outlined in Queen Move, is embracing it. Fall into each other; try new foods, new cultures. Be open; communicate. Recognize it. Know it. Read about it. Talk about it. Quite literally in this book, marry it and bring it all together. Ryan gives us her truth in the end when she says “[a] cacophony that from the outside looking in probably seems discordant and sounds like a mass of noise. But to us it makes sense, all the notes fitting together. Harmony where there would be chaos. The tastes, the sounds, the stories, gathered from distant lands, borne by our blood, blended in our bonds.” Through Ryan’s hero, Ezra, we are treated to the gravity of this message beyond her typical heroic archetype, and it should challenge us all to be better, to think better, and to do better.
Queen Move is a story of soul mates, a standard of Kennedy Ryan romance. Ezra and Kimba are Lennix and Maxim or Grip and Bristol or any of the couples of the Hoops series. They are fated. As such their journey is never easy, and that’s the masochistic fun in reading Ryan’s romance. One minute, you find yourself falling over yourself at Ryan’s powerful exemplifications of Ezra and Kimba’s love for each other, and the next minute, you find yourself crying at life’s disruptions to their journey. It’s this evil rollercoaster ride that a Ryan Reader embraces. You throw your hands up and live for the valleys and the highs because the story feels lived in for you. Their chemistry, their $exual attraction, their almost feral, base pairing adds more height and depth to their journey. Queen Move is just as fiery as her other books. That’s the magic of her pairings, and one of the many reasons we buy books like Queen Move.
When it comes to Kennedy Ryan’s style, there are few who touch her, in my opinion. There is a consciousness in detail after detail of her storytelling. The eloquence, the lilt, the rhythm of her words push you further and deeper into her story. It’s the cadence of her romance. The words equal the kisses and the emotions and the passion of her story. She knows how to build chemistry through pacing and her ability to create pictures, and it grounds you to her romance. Every word is intentional, and if you’re like me, you end her book with too many highlights in a variety of colors. For me, Kennedy Ryan’s voice slays me every single time, and Queen Move manifests this as all of her other books do. As I was reading this book, I wanted to shout to the heavens my adoration for Ryan because her prose flows through me like some type of life force. When I read and review books, there are very few times when the words for my review begin to come to me as I’m reading the story. My next comment is not hyperbole: Ryan’s style inspires the words of my reviews that they spring from my mind onto any scrap of paper or Google Doc that I can find while I’m reading her book. Her words quite simply inspire me and make me cry at their beauty.
When you choose to read Queen Move or any of Kennedy Ryan’s books, you are taking action: “an act of resistance.” What is involved in that act? Acknowledging that romance can be more than $ex or love or happy endings. Instead, romance books such as Queen Move can challenge our thinking and push us to be more, think better, and embrace change. Without any doubt, Queen Move is a “big move” sure to make” big waves” in a world of happily-ever-afters.
Powerful, Inclusive, Female Power these are just a few words that come to mind whenever I think of Queen Move.
Yessssss another amazing book by Kennedy, Whenever I get to read a book by Kennedy Ryan I know I’m going to get so much more than just a story, I know my emotions will be all over the place and that I’m going to enjoy so much the ride. but mostly I know I’m going to feel so much and to find for sure many powerful Female characters that will bring any hero to his knees.
Queen Move it’s a very powerful story where we get to meet Kimba, Kimba was not your typical heroine she was strong and very determined but what I really love about her is that she wasn’t the typical heroine being saved by the hero, she didn’t need someone to help her move forward or to achieve anything in her life, she was her own powerhouse giving so much love and strength to all of those around her. She was never fearful to face all these obstacles in a man-made world.
The story of Kimba and Ezra goes way back, it started when they were just growing up, learning about the life, they were neighbors, they were friends, a friendship that lasted more than a lifetime. no matter how life kept trying to put many obstacles for them, sooner or later nothing will separate them ever again.
Kimba was a beautiful woman trying to find her way in life, working hard to establish her position, to show the world that she is perfectly capable to do what she does. until her past shows making her aware that the only person who can shake her and make her feel vulnerable was the only person, she could always call a friend.
Ezra was not your typical hero, he was bullied when he was growing up because of his heritage, his skin color, and race, he never felt like he fit anywhere, but now all grown up and stronger than ever he fits everywhere when it comes to Kimba. he is perfect, kind but very much in control when whenever Kimba is around.
The secondary characters where great giving so much to this story and also more depth to the main characters like, Mona, Noah, Aiko, and many more who were perfect but at the same time who had many flaws and made them at times to be not so kind and helpful.
I’m having a hard time expressing how much I love this book, I can’t find the right words to describe it, there is so much to say. if you’re looking for a book that is inclusive, that will make you feel strong, empowered, and bold this is the one. Queen Move is one of those books that will keep making you feel worth it and see.
I probably will come back and add more, Overall was an amazing read!!
I can say without a doubt, you can never go wrong with a book by Kennedy Ryan. She is an amazing writher and will make you feel every word you read and she did just that with Queen Move. The feels! Though we first meet Kimba in The Kingmaker, this can be read as a standalone, however, the previous book were amazing and worth reading as well.
Ezra and Kimba were childhood friends and truly cared for each other. But as life tends to happen, they were separated and when they are face-to-face again, things are complicated, to say the least. Kimba is strong, smart and independent. Ezra is a very determined man. I just loved reading Queen Move by Kennedy Ryan. It was an emotional, angsty and moving read.
Read and reviewed for Reviews From the Heart.
Happy reading.
Soooooo freaking good! Worth the lack of sleep i got the previous night. Kimba’s story didn’t disappoint one bit. It was good and written so well. I love how she manages to throw in some many things in a story that happen to women in life. Whether it be health wise or politically in a job setting. Freaking Queen of this. Ezra lordddddd he done grew up. Loved him and Noah. Noah was such a cute, intelligent hoot! But seriously i loved the little pop ins we got from characters past. I can’t wait for others to read and fall in love with these guys!
5+ ‘Big moves make big waves’ Stars!
ARC provided via Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review.
I bow to Queen Kennedy Ryan! She has done it. Again. Her own queen move! A moving love story developing from childhood to adulthood that was absolutely EPIC from beginning to end. I had no doubts Kennedy would give Kimba her much deserved love story in a very special way and she did not disappoint. I was completely engaged to the narrative and the way she developed Kimba and Ezra’s relationship. Well done, lady!
Queen Move is Kennedy’s upcoming release, it can be read as a standalone but it’s connected with her All the King’s Men Duet where we actually met Kimba Allen for the first time. Kimba and Ezra Stern have been in each other’s lives literally since they were babies. They became best friends and they shared a connection that developed to the next level after sharing their first kiss. But for unknown reasons between their families, life separates them for 20 years. Their paths cross again, after both have become very successful and influential people, and the sparks are still there. But their lives have changed in many ways and that makes it difficult to find their way back to each other. Is it time for them to be happy?
“Be strong, very strong.” […] “And we will strengthen each other.”
I am still mind blown by the talent Kennedy Ryan has. What an outstanding story! The writing, the characters, the development of their relationship, the chemistry. WOW. Everything was amazing. As always, her stories are more than a burning, emotional romance. They make you think, they make you understand things better, they get you involved and interested in everything that is happening around the main and secondary characters. Kennedy’s novels are smart and full of power. And Queen Move is no exception. Both Kimba and Ezra are pillars of society, in very different ways but both in very important matters. I just love how Kennedy works so much on her characters and gives them big dreams, purposes, strengths and vulnerabilities. In my opinion, it makes the whole story and especially the romance even better.
“You could never be a lot of people, Ez. There’s everyone else, and then there’s you.”
And what a romance this was! The whole love story gets you hooked from the very first page to the very last one. It’s addicting to read how a beautiful childhood friendship turns into sweet young love and after into an epic and explosive adult romance. And all that amazingness is because of the couple living it. Kimba is just one hell of a heroine: strong, working, sexy, confident but also vulnerable and loving. And Ezra.. oh Ezra! What a wonderful hero. Sweet, protective, intelligent. A gorgeous fighter decided to win Kimba’s heart back at all costs. The chemistry and love between this couple is larger-than-life and, in the end, completely worth it.
“When did you fall in love with her?”
[…] “I was six years old. […] And again when I was seven. Eight. Nine and ten. I think I fell in love with her every day for the first thirteen years of my life, and as soon as I saw her again, my heart just remembered.”
Therefore, I am rating Queen Move with my special 5+ STARS rating because I 100% assure the book deserves it. It was one of my most expected releases of 2020 and it definitely is one of my favorites this year. After loving the All the King’s Men Duet, I just knew Kennedy would not fail to give us a just as impressive love story for Queen Kimba. It’s so clear that Ezra is her soul mate and their story was stunning and an absolute delight to read. I am sure many romance lovers will fall in love with this story because it’s just THAT GOOD. Highly, hiiiighly recommend!
This book deserves so much more than 5 stars. It just doesn’t seem like enough.
Kennedy Ryan is a poetic master at her craft. Simply put she just has a way with words. This story was breathtaking, messy in the best way (when you read it you’ll know why) and so very honest. LOVEDDDDD it! Kennedy unapologetically touches on certain subject matters that I’ve definitely lived through and I’m so happy she went there. What I love most is that her readers are so diverse and the way she tells her stories gives us (women & women of color especially) a voice. One that isn’t always understood but in her writing it tells our truth & our struggles in a very raw way. I thank you Kennedy, for always doing your due diligence and research when it matters most in order to get it as accurate and right as possible. You’ve never failed in that regard.
Kimba and Ezra were always meant for each other. Reading their journey was mesmerizing and beautiful. It was one of growth, self awareness and definitely self assurance. With their story traveling through years of these characters lives we’re able to see how far they’ve come and why they are who they are. When these two are together try not to touch the pages or your kindle because you may get burned with all the fire coming off these two. I’m girl crushing on Kimba so hard and that Ezra is the absolute sweetest of any KR male leads. Mark my words you will fall in love with these characters. They are one of my favorite couples from the KR vault. A lot of their story hit super close to home and that’s why they’ve left their mark on me. I adored our updates about the President and First Lady as well.
I urge you to read this book. A lot of KR’s stories are memorable and timeless and this one is no different. You’ll be left a big ball of goey emotions in the best of ways. Once again Ms. Ryan I give you a standing ovation, beautiful work.
Its always hard to truly put into words and express my unadulterated feelings and thoughts about a Kennedy Ryan novel. Queen Move made me question myself because it was that prominent and that epic.
Kennedy Ryan knows, loves and caters to her readers audience with poise, and with extreme grace. This novel will place you in almost a grief setting. I believe that most second chance romances are hard to read let alone experience. The intense longing for the one person who flipped your heart and butterflied your soul.
Kimba and Ezra were no different. However, their circumstances places them in a totally different class and category. Meeting as children, sharing the same birthday and creating priceless moments that will flashback throughout their lives. The hardest part about finding that someone is knowing the truth of circumstances and current situations. These two lost so much and their friendship suffered. However, like all Kennedy Ryan novels, you experience the tough as nails characters and you learn to love each one separately but with just as much passion. I literally couldn’t put this novel down and it only took less than 12 hours to experience the best and worst of reading a second chance romance.
I fall in love with each novel I read be Kennedy and its so incredibly hard to choose a favorite. I don’t even think I can put them in order because they all deserve the same place. At the top of the best sellers list.
Kimba was a badass in her own right. She sought out her dream with the right partner, Lennix. Meeting Kimba in The King Maker allowed us to see her from a backstage audience. We knew her passions and we knew her goals. In her own story, Quuen Move, we learn and love her hurts. We are aware of her insecurities and why commitment and relationships at most times, are placed on the back burner. Its always a moment, or a situation that allows you to reflect on your past. What you missed out on. What you regret. What you loved and who you loved. Kimba may have a hard outer shell, yet she is the most sensetive individual. She chooses when and how to reveal her vulnerability. She doesn’t take crap and she speaks, walks and embraces power. Power with her words that might have made her feel insecure at times. Power in knowing that she was doing the best she could do in her life to choose the right and power forward in her causes. Yet. Nothing could have ever made her more vulnerable and weak then seeing Ezra Stern for the first time after 20 years. This time her words and power wont make much of an impact but they will allow her to find the other half of her soul.
Ezra Stern truly believed that one day he would see Kimba again. He never expected it to be As long as it was. He is however, determined to keep Kimba in his life at all costs regardless of the right relationship he wants. He has a heart of gold and expresses that much more to the ones he loves. He stays focused on family and his greater good of passion as well as his future. Being a educator and brilliant man is revealed throughout this story. He has intense feelings for his childhood best friend and knows that no matter what happens, he will honor his responsibilities and continue to follow his dreams. If anything, he hopes and dreams that Kimba would one day be by his side and he truly has an enormous amount of patience! This man will make you swoon hard and become giggly on your side of the pages.
This book deserves a different rating all together. There is no 5 STARS for this book. It is Simply, EPIC!!!!!
Kennedy Ryan
Kennedy Ryan has a phenomenal way with words and Queen Move is no exception. This emotional, poignant and eloquent friends to lovers, second chance romance spans several decades. I devoured this book I didn’t want to put it down and it honestly took me a week to write this review, as I’m struggling to put my jumbled thoughts to paper.
If you’ve read the All The Kings Men Duet, you will be familiar with the heroine of this title Kimba. She’s intelligent, strong and empowered, and won’t allow her gender to define who she is or what she is capable of. I loved her ambition, drive and determination, but also that under her take no prisoners exterior is a loving and loyal heart of gold.
Ezra is an enigmatic hero, but above all he gives of this vibe of a complete and utter gentleman. I loved the evolution of his character from a teen who struggles with his identity and faith, to a confident, successful and charismatic leader.
This pair of characters are complex, yet authentic and relatable. Whilst perfect they are also flawed, and I loved and admired all their layers as they were revealed.
Ezra and Kimba’s love story is full of twists and turns, but their love is epic and enduring. Their connection is undeniable, as is their mutual respect, admiration, compassion and friendship.
The friends and family who appear as side characters were just and complex and layered as our hero and heroine.
Queen Move is not only an epic love story but a recognition of the social issues of belonging, being different and faith to the redefinition of family.
Not my first, and definitely will not be my last Kennedy Ryan book, if you haven’t picked up one of your books you don’t know what you are missing. Each of her books has a way of staying with you long after you finish reading it, and I will be eagerly awaiting her future works.
I don’t know if I would call this a childhood best friends to lovers story or a second chance at love story. I do know I really enjoyed Kimba and Ezra and all that comes with them.
From the beginning when they had a connection that was uncanny, to the way they just knew what the other needed, they seemed 2 halves to a whole, even when they were young. Then, as life often does, they were thrown a curve that took them away from each other, for years.
When they finally reconnect, the spark is undeniable, regardless of where they are in life now. The story is one of genuine emotions, the good, the bad and everything in between, often messy and not always sunshine and rainbows, but so worth taking the trip.
6 They’re Only Halves Without Each Other Stars!!!
I’m a voracious reader and have read many, many books and while there are joys in finding new or new to me authors, there are authors that no matter what they write, I will immediately one-click and devour every single word they put on paper; Kennedy Ryan is one of these authors for me. I’ve been reading her books for the several years and I have come to expect certain things from her books…. intense research, stories that are relevant to what’s happening in our world today, facing head-on what can be risky storylines and doing it all with class, elegance, heart wrenching honesty and depth that can be off-putting for some.
Queen Move is a book that has rendered me speechless once again. I am overwhelmed with the emotions that I experienced while reading this amazing book. I felt an immediate connection with Ezra Stern…I know you were expecting me to say Kimba…I LOVE her, but because of how I identify myself, as a Jewish woman, Ezra and his mom Ruth took root in my heart and I felt how Judaism drove Ruth and what she wanted for her son. I so admire how Ms. Ryan wrote this aspect of this book because she’s SPOT ON with what it’s like to be in a Jewish family and what happens when they marry outside the faith. I’ve digressed a little but I’ll get back on track with how Kimba and Ezra are each other’s other half and how their lives intersected, joined and shaped who they are as adults who have loved each other their entire lives.
Their story and the path they take to their ultimate HEA is innocent at times, intense, fraught with tension, and a friendship that may have been put on hold, without their consent, was something that drove them to make decisions that altered their lives and those of people in their lives. There are moments in this book that I laughed, cried, raged at my kindle, swooned and felt something breaking inside me with the hurts Ezra and Kimba experienced through life.
This book is so much more than an angst filled contemporary romance. It takes on religion, relationships that are unconventional and that some would consider taboo, love that is different in ways that even I wasn’t expecting and is definitely not tidy… Kimba says it so perfectly….
“When we were made together, our path was set, even with its delays, detours, disillusions. We are made of choices and losses and triumphs and, yes, some happenstance. Ezra and I were made for this moment, made for each other exactly as we are now.”
If you do nothing else in the next few weeks, you must read this book. It’s one that will have you thinking about more than if there’s an HEA at the end. It’s a book that will have you re-examining what and how you think about family and love and it’s many facets.
OMG!!! This is the BEST romance novel I have read for the year, hands down!!!!
Kennedy Ryan is brilliant!!! 10* rating from me. I first learned about Kimba, the sassy powerhouse BFF and business partner to Lennix. The bits about her were so interesting, I wanted to meet her like I did Lennix.
Two kids who were born on the same day grew up living opposite each other, spent every waking moment together, first kiss, play marriage etc, until their parents decided to disrupt their life. They had no contact for decades until they do and the connection is still there, still strong.
Not only is this a romance story there are also current topics discussed. Biracial families, mixed-faith family life, women’s health issues. Issues POC face in the workplace especially females. Strong black families who follow through from generations of higher education, activism, togetherness, respect in the community, etc.
This is a work of love!!!
I was amazing blessed with an ARC because she is such a sweetie and I promptly spent DAYS all up in my feelings with this one and sliding into her DMs to talk through the greatness this book is! Not only does she write characters from all variety of ethnic backgrounds and walks of life in a real as well as larger than life way that makes this book one that you DO NOT want to put down. She also effortless finds the time and energy to include all types of life situations and not just the traditional ones we are told are “right”. Then she throws her signature hotness in it and you are left with an experience that you want to live over and over. Intelligent, sexy, breathtaking – I could go on and ON!! And now I want to read it all over again!
Perfection… Enough Said…
I devoured this book and have been trying to find the right words to explain the beauty of this story without giving away any secrets. Queen Move. This story will have you feeling your emotions from the first page to the last. Happiness. Sadness. Anger. Joy. Laughs. Tears. You will feel them all and ask for more. Kennedy Ryan is a story writing genius!
Ever since the end of All The Kings Men Series, we have all been waiting to hear Kimba’s story. Watching her handle the world with Lennix made you want to know what her story would be. And you know there was more to her.
Kimba Allen has lived her life pushing boundaries. She grew up working hard and with a strong family behind her. But sometimes the strength that held her together also felt a bit confined.
Ezra Stern. Kimba’s best friend growing up. They were close as two kids could be and they promised to always be there for each other. And that made their lives easier because they always had someone to talk to (or just be there for!)
But just like any relationship, things can pull you apart and affect the way you move forward. And even more so, affect the way you mold yourself.
Both Kimba & Ezra have to find their paths. This journey is what makes you love these two. They have a beautiful sense of family, love, and friendship.
Without telling the story, because you NEED to read this, you will find a way to cheer for the success and scream at the sadness. As a woman, and a woman of color, you will cheer to see the strength and courage of Kimba. And yes, with the drop-in of Lennix, you will love the feeling of strong friendship.
Ezra has his own struggles and successes. Don’t get me wrong, he wasn’t perfect, and his life isn’t easy. But you definitely don’t know his full story!
All I can say is READ IT! You will see what it takes to be a QUEEN and you will know that sometimes the KING is not the only path for you! Never expect the world to be easy but appreciate the journey to get to your happiness. Kimba surely understands that! And Kennedy Ryan has excelled in showing this as a fierce QUEEN MOVE!
4.5 Stars for Queen Move.
This is a second chance love story that’s full of drama, emotion, secrets and lots of heartfelt soul searching into the past. It’s a story that will draw you in and won’t let you go until you have read the final words, It’s a romance about families, love and courage and how at times we as women often need to be strong and stand up for what we want and believe in when it comes to life.
This is one of those stories that you know from the first page this couple are meant to be together and as soon as I started Kimba and Ezra journey I knew they were soulmates looking to get the HEA they both deserved. I highly recommend this gem of a read because it’s a book with all the feels, it’s got love, it’s got romance and it’s got chemistry and let’s not forget great characters and a great storyline.
Another 5 stars read for Ms. Ryan!!!!!
In this story you saw the real Kimba and I loved her just as much as I loved her in Lennix story. By the way these two have an unbreakable bond and I just love it. You realize why Kimba is the way she is and she’s more human in this one. Yes she’s still a political baddie but her heart is so wow. Her and her childhood best friend Ezra see each other again after 20 years and then again 2 years later and boy can you feel the chemistry between these two. But they were so many obstacles and third parties, by the way I despised Aiko, that you just didn’t know what was actually going to happen. When Ezra saw her again he realized she was the missing piece his life needed. It was slow at first but he always showed her that he was interested. And Kimba did too but she had a lot weighing on her mind. When Ezra decided he was going for what was his all Alpha I loved it. But then there was an issue that made me want to throw my kindle at the wall. In time things fell into place, all complications were resolved and they got HEA.
Another stellar book from Kennedy Ryan. Are you at all surprised? I didn’t think so. I completely adored Ezra and Kimba’s childhood love story. But Ms. Ryan didn’t balk at creating a life for these characters which wasn’t together and yet, was still full and beautiful. I truly loved how they had to work to be together, and how much they both appreciated it once they got there. Magnificent description, heart pounding sex, and delightful characters. I highly recommend you read it for yourself!
I received an ARC of this story.
5 We were never lost STARS
I have always found reading a Kennedy Ryan story to be a wonderful experience. She is an amazing storyteller and I love that her books contain a powerful message, always sensitively delivered in my opinion, with strong multilayered plots and wonderful characters. Queen Move is no exception.
Life, and the path to true love, does not come easy for Kimba and Ezra. Their idyllic childhood, a time when they were inseparable, was suddenly, almost cruelly and certainly inexplicably whipped away from them, sending each in different directions, to futures they couldn’t possibly have imagined. However, fate and a tragic event place these two in each other’s orbit once more. I wondered then, if young love, conceived in childhood and first experienced at a time when you’re not really sure what love means, could possibly weather the storms of life and still remain strong. If life’s choices, responsibilities and obligations would prove to be too many hurdles for them to overcome.
Kimba is an amazing woman, her personality and achievements were written in such a way that I couldn’t help but feel proud of her. She’s strong and astute, independent and intelligent but still with some insecurities which make her real and hugely likeable. Certain obstacles in her life seem almost insurmountable, but she deals with them at her own pace, in her own way, selflessly, unapologetically and with class and dignity.
Whereas Kimba is the more logical thinker of the two of them, Ezra is motivated by his heart. He has no doubt that he’s found his soulmate when he sets eyes on Kimba again after so many years, but the stars are not yet aligned. A true gentleman, he’s honourable and respectful and hugely supportive. A good man. It was wonderful to see him grow from the awkward child of the past, not really knowing or understanding where he fit into the world, to the confident, successful, charismatic sexy man of the present. I loved him. In fact the very talented Ms Ryan has created two remarkable characters in Ezra and his Tru. Characters who were incredible in their own right but spectacular together.
Queen Move is an emotional and poignant romance. An unconventional, often frustrating, journey to love, but one which is so worth it in the end. I finished the book with happy tears in my eyes and a smile on my face.
This book.
Yes.
To every word on every page.
I think I’ve read enough Kennedy Ryan to know now that she doesn’t shy away from heavy topics and this book is no different.
You will be taken on a journey and you might not always make it over every bump without shedding a tear or feeling like you want to, but by the end, your heart will be full.
Queen Move features Kimba, who is a side character you meet in the Kings Men duet. Although this can be read as a standalone, you should totally read The King Maker and All The Kings Men simply because it’s Kennedy Ryan and the writing is beyond beautiful.
5 stars aren’t enough for this book, but it’s all I have to give.
This book deserves ALL OF THE STARS! OMG Kennedy! HOLY WOW! Absolutely PHENOMENAL! Kennedy never ceases to amaze me with her words and her ability to touch on sensitive issues, issues that need to be addressed and brought to our attention, with such beauty, fierceness, & finesse. It is not an easy love story nor was the journey to love smooth, but is a beautiful and poignant story of friendship and love, that once in a lifetime love that stands the tests of time.
These characters y’all. Kennedy writes the best characters. They are multifaceted, inspirational, strong, and unique. I loved them! EZRA! I need Ezra! He is so tender, patient, considerate, loving, sweet, sexy, and swoony. All of the things I would love to have in a man. Kimba aka “Tru” is so strong, loyal, and fierce. She battles for who and what she believes in. I adored her for everything she stood for. The passion sizzles between these two (It is hot!) but their connection is what I love the most. The secondary characters were wonderful as well.
Book hangover doesn’t even begin to describe it with this book. This was such a unique, inspirational, touching, and powerful story. All of the feels! It wasn’t just about romance. It has heart, substance, and depth. I needed a moment after reading it to gather my emotions before I wrote my review. I loved that Kennedy manages to write books with powerful messages that dig deep into your heart and soul. They are unforgettable. My top read for 2020? Freaking top read for the past couple of years! It was that amazing, beautiful, & unforgettable! Thank you Kennedy!!! #EzraAndTru #RelationshipGoals #QueenMove #phenomenal
“Be strong, be very strong, and we will strengthen each other”
Ezra Stern and Kimba Allen have been apart for twenty years after growing up in each other’s pockets. Born on the same day and sharing a soul deep connection that miles and years can not touch. Married at six years old but torn apart as young teens by a mysterious family dispute. When finally, finally, they re-connect, they find themselves dodging landmines every other day. Love is messy, as Kimba’s mom tells her, but how sweet the reward.
Kennedy Ryan is a queen, and she writes the best queens! Kimba’s take no prisoners lifestyle is an inspiration for us all! And the way Ezra loves his queen makes my heart beat faster. Read this book and let yourself fall in love.