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
New from the queen herself! I love Kennedy’s writing SO MUCH!
Single Dad
Childhood Besties
Reunion romance
Second chance
I will never turn down a Kennedy Ryan book and Queen Move is here! And what a read it turned out to be with a friends to lovers/second chance romance that you’ll feel to the depths of your soul. Compared to the other books I’ve read by her, it wasn’t high up there on the emotional scale and I’ll be honest, I was pretty thankful for that. If it were, I’d be an absolute mess!
I loved the topics that Kennedy chose to write through her characters, Kimba and Ezra. I am a Jewish brown girl still trying to very much navigate it all since it is still new to me. And with Kimba and what she goes through throughout this story, I understood her on different level. To me, I was able to connect to them almost instantly.
Normally friends to lovers don’t really do it for me, but it worked so damn well in Queen Move. They were two souls that were always meant to be in each other’s lives, time and space would note mute what they’ve had since they were kids. And I just loved that.
When it comes to the various conflicts that truly held them back to REALLY be together, it irked me to no end. Just all the hurdles they had to get through to finally get their happily ever after. But it was worth it in the end, their love was able to bypass every complex situation they were facing. They found their balance.
Truly another memorable story by Kennedy, who masters such a beautiful story that’ll resonate with her readers. She covers various topics that soooo many of us can relate to. Queen Move is another recommendation that you need add to your TBR.
**AN ARC WAS PROVIDED BY THE PR IN EXCHANGE FOR A REVIEW**
Kennedy Ryan
• • • •
They were childhood friends. Seeing them as kids was the sweetest thing ever.
As they grew older I could feel their friendship become a deeper bond which was beautiful. They loved each other before they even knew the true meaning. Young innocent love. Because love is simply felt with no explanation.
There’s just no denying the connection between these two. The respect, admiration and love they have for each other. And let’s not forget about their crazy chemistry that jumps right out. They are so right together. I was in la-la-love-land
Kennedy Ryan puts her signature all over this one. Giving me all the feels.
Making my heart skip beats and giving me much to think and reflect on.
What an amazing journey to not only be able to fall in love but also gain perspective. I LOVE IT!
AND • • • •
Ezra is perfection.
It’s true.
It’s a fact.
I wanted to Hold him. Hug him. Keep him. Kiss him and run my hands through his hair
Kimba is the badass I knew she was when I met her in ATKM. She’s true to herself. She’s a fighter and I was beyond happy when she fought for her own happines.
Quote “You could never be a lot of people, Ez. There’s everyone else, and then there’s you.”
Ezra and Kimba have touched my heart.
“If love is not just an emotion, but a type of eternity, an infinity that lives in our hearts, then we have always been in love.”
A sexy, single-dad, second-chance romance!
4.5 stars
Queen Move is a childhood friends to tween crush to adult lovers story. The background story for these two and their family friendship was wonderful! There is also a lot of wonderful diversity in background in this book, and I love how Kennedy Ryan is able to highlight people of backgrounds that we don’t see often in romance. The storytelling is excellent, as usual from this author, and the personal trial of each main character during this story, separate from each other, while they also try to find a way to each other, is what made the story great in my opinion. I loved Ezra and Kimba both individually. I admit there was a moment or two early on where I was worried about where this story might be going, but I should have known better than to have any doubts! I stayed up way too late finishing this book because I couldn’t put it down and had to see how everything was resolved. Overall, this is a moving, well-written story and I always appreciate the worlds that Kennedy Ryan takes me to.
Love Kennedy Ryan and this books looks hardcore phenomenal!
Love single-dad, second chance romances…especially when they’re written by Kennedy Ryan!
Don’t miss this stunning second chance romance. All the feels. All the swoons. It’s a must read!
My Rating: *****
Type: Standalone
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Narration: Dual POV
Primary Characters: Erza and Kimba
Source: ARC – Courtesy or Author/publisher
Review
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book in exchange for honest review.
I have only read King’s Duet series from this author and I loved the immense knowledge on each topic this author had mentioned in that series. I knew this book will be adept and she didnt disappoint. In this book she has shed light on racism, women empowerment, revolutionizing education for underprivileged kids, American politics and political strategies, social discrimination, cultural differences and to some extent on identity crisis.
Kimba is a black woman who runs a political advisory campaigning firm. She has never regretted her decisions in life and have always worked and run towards a making what she wanted in life. Erza is a biracial African-Jewish who is currently a revolutionary educationalist working towards education for underprivileged kids. Erza’s influence from Jewish culture is substantial. Erza and Kimba have known each other since babies. These two were inseparable best friends during children. Their families become from neighbors to enemies on one fine day they get separated. Now after 20 years they have become successful and influential people in their own field. Kimba is sexy, confident, knowledgeable, intelligent and strong heroine. Erza is a perfectionist. I cannot tell more about main protagonists as they are more mature, practical and intelligent, read and know for yourself.
This book highlights the culture difference from baptism, Buddhist to Jewish. How a Friday Shabbat in a Jewish synagogue is different than having a boisterous playing cards and going through six-packs like no tomorrow in an African family. When I read the acknowledgements of author in last and she has mentioned that CROWN Act (Create a Respectful and Open workspace for Natural Hair) is real, I never knew it existed. While discussing political strategies, they talk about women rights and education. This book bought wonderful feelings and emotions.
“I’m not sure you can call it just Christmas when there’s Baptists, Buddhists and Jews”
Overall, Queen Move is a delightful story with phenomenal plot with several twists and turns in a thrilling way along with a romantic angst love story and highlight on several social aspects. What else do you need in a book? She has covered everything adequately. Go ahead and enjoy reading it.
Review other books here: https://meander23.com
“ . , ’ . . , ’ , – . .”
–Ezra
WOW! This book took my breath away. I cannot describe in words how I feel right now. But I’ll try.
This is my second Kennedy Ryan book, and she did not disappoint. Don’t know what took so long , but I’ll never miss another book again. Queen Move is so uniquely special. It’s poignant, relevant, and diverse. As usual, Ryan incorporates representation, which I love. It’s so important. And being able to identify with Kimba was amazing. Not to mention Kennedy’s penmanship is nothing short of masterful. The words came alive and enrapt me in this spectacular world, she created.
A world of beautiful words, strong charismatic character’s, and a touching plot of second chances. Kimba and Ezra’s story wasn’t an easy one, by far. They were childhood friends who’d drifted apart that’d somehow trekked the same path again. Their love affair is complex, angsty (not too angsty) and tragic. Yet simultaneously, light, blissful and hopeful. This book made me believe in the power of love. The timing of fate. And the resoluteness of the heart. It is a glimpse, I feel, of Kennedy’s heart cause she writes with so much soul. You feel…everything! I laughed, cried, got upset, but at the end of this roller coaster ride…breathed a breathe of relief. It’s a read I’m certain, I’ll reread again, and again. I can’t recommend this book enough! 5 Stars all the way!!!
*Thanks so much Kennedy Ryan for providing this amazing ARC in exchange for an honest review*
This story, y’all! If ever I NEEDED two characters to get together it…all the feels…all the swoons…all the second chance, single dad goodness I needed in my life…all in this book! Don’t miss this one. It’s amazing.
*4,5 stars*
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book by this author but every time she just gets to me with the stories she writes. Queen Move is a story about two people who have known each other since they were babies and slowly find their way and place into the world. The book is being told in two parts but flows very nicely. I just really loved Kimba’s strength throughout the story and Ezra was really a guy you could easily fall in love with. Definitely worth the read!
Kimba and Ezra have known each other since they were kids and always had a close friendship that blossomed throughout the years. When Ezra had to move away, they lost touch but years later they are both back in the same city and their feelings for each other are still strong. But a lot is still in their way and Kimba has a lot to deal with but fate seems to have a way of stepping in. Will they finally be able to find their way back to one another or will the past and present still keep them apart?…
Single Dad
Childhood Besties
Reunion romance
Second chance
As I was reading this book, a phrase came frequently to my mind: Power to the woman! This is a book about a powerful woman and the second chance she got at love. What I love most about Kennedy Ryan’s stories is that you get more than a love story. You get a life lesson, an inspiration to be more, to do more. You read about people with strong drives to do good, to help the less fortunate and you’re motivated to have compassion and empathy. This author also opens your eyes to social injustices and opens your heart to a desire for more equality and better justice.
“Big moves make big waves. Do big things. Make big waves.”
Kimba Allen was forged in the steel of her father’s legacy. Actually, the legacy of the Allen family, since she comes from a line of activists. Her father and those before him have worked to improve the situation of many by ensuring that those who get into power positions have the motivation to help those less fortunate. At one moment, she felt overwhelmed by the expectations of her family and her legacy, and she broke tradition and studied someplace else, in Arizona, where she met Lennix, her best friend and partner. Kimba and Lennix made history by campaigning and getting the first independent President in history elected. Now Kimba is starting a new phase in her life working independently from her bestie who is now the first indigenous First Lady.
“Daddy used to say don’t talk about it. Be about it. The fastest way to shut up someone who thinks you can’t do something is to do something. Two years since he passed away, and his words continue to guide me every day.”
Ezra Stern was Kimba’s best friend since they were babies. Their parents were neighbors and best friends also, and they practically lived in each other’s houses. When they were thirteen, they were in the beginning of a different type of relation, a promise of a future. But they were inexplicably torn apart, Ezra’s family left, and Kimba was left bereft with no explanation for what happened. Twenty years later, on her father’s funeral, Ezra appears again, to give his respects, bringing his son and the mother of his son with him. It’s at this point that I felt such a huge yearning for what could have been. You could feel the connection between them, like an incomplete melody that desperately needed to find completion. However, Kimba recognized that Ezra had a family and she let him go.
Years later, they were to meet, when Ezra has his school for disadvantaged children and Kimba is working in election campaigns. Their attraction is so strong that they can’t help but want to be together, to forge a future together, but there are many obstacles and secrets dividing them. It’s very difficult and Kimba has many concerns. Their story is strife with interruptions and separations, and indecision. I admired Ezra so much because he was determined to resolve his issues so he could get his woman. He was honorable, kind and considerate, but also direct and driven. He waited with so much patience and love and fortitude for the woman he loves to come to him. He was like this silent force, emanating a magnetic field of love to bring Kimba to him.
“Every campaign, every election, each candidate—I’ve believed in. I believed that putting that person in power advanced one of my convictions.”
Kimba was a life force, driven to help, driven to make her candidates succeed so they could perform on her ideals. You’d think she was a complicated woman, but she’s not; she’s driven by heart and passion and it reflects on her love for Ezra.
“You save all your tears for the things that set you on fire inside. Anyone who’s ever thought you were cold never got to hear your passion for people, never got to see you fight for them when it’s inconvenient or even a lost cause.”
I loved both characters for their integrity, honor, and social compromise. Each one, in their own style, helped overcome social problems. They had the same drive, he teaching, she getting responsible politicians elected. Apart from the love, they saw each other, they were the perfect other to support and help in their quest.
There were also secondary plot lines, like Kimba’s relation with her family, a reunion with Mona, a childhood friend who had strong opinions on Kimba’s and Ezra’s relation, Kimba’s brother’s political ambitions. All plot lines were seamlessly woven together into this flawless story that motivates, enthralls and make your heart sing with the happiness of a wonderful story and a beautiful romance. I loved every sentence and every word. It was an honor to be given the opportunity to review an arc.
You know when you’ve been waiting and anticipating a book for so long that you’re afraid it won’t live up to your expectations? Rest assured, Queen Move actually surpassed all of mine! Honestly, coming up with words for how much I loved this book has been difficult. There isn’t a single Kennedy Ryan book that I didn’t adore but Queen Move has topped all of them. It supplanted my initial favorite book of 2020 and now holds the reigning stop.
Kimba and Erza are childhood friends who share an unbreakable bond. As they grow up, their friendship moves to something more but outside forces break them apart, physically at least. When they briefly see each other again, that bond makes itself known. However, because they aren’t at a place to act on it, they are forced to go their separate ways for fear of the destruction that bond will cause. I mean, just read this quote from Erza describing his relationship with Kimba:
“I do know if soul mates are real, Kimba is mine. I believe that if people are “created”, we were made together. She was there for my scaffolding- there when my flesh was knit over my bones. And if love is not just an emotion, but a type of eternity, an infinity that lives in our hearts, then we have always been in love. It’s an ageless thing that isn’t about puberty or chronology, or even if we get to live our lives together.”
Chapter 30, Queen Move
When they finally meet again, Kimba is a powerful political campaigner who just helped elect the President, see All the King’s Men duet. Erza is a single father who runs a school in Atlanta. The bond between them is there, as strong as ever. Both are at pivotal moments in their lives. Kimba especially has been given news that makes her reexamine what she really wants out of life. As they come together, they have serious issues to work out in order to have a future together.
Kennedy Ryan has created the most complex and realistic characters in Kimba and Erza. Both have struggled with their identities, Erza specifically, growing up biracial in Atlanta. Kimba, as well, has had to fight her way out of the legacy of her family and create her own. In addition to Kimba and Erza, the minor characters in the book, from Ezra’s son, Noah, to their friends and families, are all excellently crafted.
Honestly, there isn’t a single thing about this story that I don’t love. All I can do is end this review by saying read this book, now. And here’s another of quote to showcase just how beautiful this story is:
“It’s the kind of perfect kiss that has nothing to do with technique of experience. Nothing even to do with ardor, though that’s evident in the way we clutch, we cling. It’s perfect because it’s her and it’s me and it’s about time and it’s overdue. And we kiss like there’s no tomorrow because there have already been too many yesterdays, too many years we were apart. Centuries separated us, but now here we are and here’s our chance. It’s not ideal, and it has its complications, but it’s ours. And we’re taking it.”
Chapter 28, Queen Move
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Kennedy Ryan just doesn’t do simple or expected in her stories. Queen Move is an enthralling journey through layers of humanity and chaos of emotions. This is the quintessential epic romance in true Kennedy Ryan style. Larger than life characters with larger than life story and larger than life circumstances. A timeless romance that truly deserves every accolades.
The premises of the story was pretty simple. Kimba and Ezra have known each other since they were babies. They were best friends. And they were becoming soulmates. Just at that junction, their lives get torn apart. Now years later they face each other. The powerhouse of American politics, most sought after political strategist and epitome of women empowerment meets the legendary educationalist revolutionizing education for underprivileged and marginalized kids. And Ezra is taken. But they have not come this far for nothing.
The beauty of the story is in the undiluted honesty and brutal reality. I didn’t only fall love with Kimba and Ezra’s starcrossed journey. I also fall in love with their individual journey as they grow, evolve and succeed. They both are from unique backgrounds. Kimba is a black woman. Ezra is mixed jewish and black. They fought against social discrimination, peer disadvantage and identity crisis valiantly. Sometimes they were alone. Sometimes they were partners and had a loyal group of friends. And it was fascinating to read about their cultural rituals, ethnic roots and religious callings. Kennedy Ryan’s stories are a treasure map for anthropological, sociological, political and historical lessons.
Kimba is the woman all of us want to be. Well she is made of a bit from all of us. Fierce. Brave. Hardworking. Righteous. Fair. Compassionate. Passionate about her work, her family and her man. Real with moments of vulnerability. She made an impression on my heart as her pain and heartbreak touched me deeply. Ezra is an intriguing man. He has left behind his days of uncertainty and self consciousness. And this man is a formidable figure. He is gorgeous and rough. He is strong, determined , protective and loving to the extremity. They have an electrifying connection that cannot be ignored. But it is forbidden in society’s face that doesn’t want to see the truth or fine prints. Their heartbreak broke me so badly! It was pure torture to read about their heartwrenching emotions.
Queen Move by Kennedy Ryan was truly inspiring and memorable romance for me. This story gave me that overwhelming kind of feelings those tear me apart and then make me whole again. No words are enough for Kennedy Ryan’s brilliance.
Received ARC for honest review
Whenever I am looking to be challenged by a book, especially when it comes to my view of the world and my place in it, I know which author to turn to. That would be Kennedy Ryan and in Queen Move she (once again) gives us a master piece wrapped up in two human, sometimes less than perfect people.
For loyal Ryan readers, Kimba is not a new character. But, for the sake of Queen Move we meet her and Ezra for the first time as children and follow them through friendship to the beginning of more when circumstances separate them at 13. When we see them reconnect 20+ years later, things are complicated……
And inside the complicated is where Queen Move and Ms Ryan shine. I won’t touch on all the issue addressed because each reader needs to experience the book for themselves and find their takeaways. For me, it was love finds a way and takes many different forms.
The characters in this book are dynamic, interesting, and relatable. That relatable piece made the messages that much more powerful for me. Especially as Ms Ryan challenged the bubble I find myself (often) in when it comes to the situations that real life brings to others who may look different than I do.
My one caution, don’t start Queen Move unless you have time to invest in the book. The well crafted story pulls you in and does not let go until the very end.
5+ STARS
NO SPOILERS!
Queen Move was absolute romance PERFECTION, and has been the BEST second chance romance that I’ve EVER read! I completely fell head over heels in love with Ezra and Kimba’s beautiful, soulful, sexy, emotional, and swoon-worthy love story, and it has by far been my FAVORITE romance from Kennedy Ryan to date!
The storyline was outstanding and so much more than I hoped it would be. Kennedy Ryan’s prose and talent is truly unparalleled, and the story she created for Ezra and Kimba was incredibly special and memorable, and I couldn’t get enough. Everything from beginning to end had me captivated and addicted, and I honestly loved it with all of my heart and soul. I was sad when I reached The End, but couldn’t have been more ecstatic with the conclusion. Ms. Ryan definitely made this reader one happy camper. 🙂
The characters were phenomenal, and that word doesn’t even do them enough justice. Ezra and Kimba were EVERYTHING, and I simply adored them to pieces. They were amazing in every way and I loved their personalities. They were incredibly likable, lovable, relatable, and I was rooting for them from the start. Ezra and Kimba had insanely hot chemistry together, and I loved the deep connection and friendship they shared. It was truly special and definitely made me envious. I also loved all of their banter and interactions with each other, and how their relationship progressed throughout, despite some of the complications that arose. Ezra and Kimba’s love story was anything but easy, and there were a lot of trials and tribulations to overcome, but I would give almost anything to experience the journey with them all over again for the first time. Ezra and Kimba were true soul mates, and I’ll never forget this couple or their exceptional love story.
Kennedy Ryan’s books are on another level of romance excellence, and Queen Move was another MUST READ from this beyond talented author! Ezra and Kimba’s story surpassed all of my expectations and more, and it is definitely NOT to be missed!
This book -so full of joy, hurt, loss, secrets, warmth, hopefulness, love.. I could go on and on- took my breath away. Kennedy provided us with such a beautiful and heartfelt book that touched so many real life issues. Real life fears and things you need to try and overcome. And it was simply amazing to see the growth in these characters who did just that. I loved it. It was everything I thought it would be and so much more. I love a book that makes me guess where things will go and what will happen and I could never quite guess where and what. She had me on the edge of my seat, rooting for this perfect love that anyone would be lucky to find and have. Another amazing story.
There really aren’t any better words to describe reading a Kennedy Ryan story other than a Breathtaking Experience . Her words are absolutely incredible and take you on a journey from beginning to end where you do nothing but feel thr impact of her passion and intensity deep inside. Kimba and Ezra were nothing short of amazing. Their chemistry was fire but their emotional connection was on another level. I loved this story so much!
I have gotten attached to Kimba Allen through Ryan’s All the King’s Men duet and could not wait to meet the man that would sweep her off of her feet. She is such a powerhouse of a heroine that I knew that her match would be nothing short of exceptional. Ezra Stern was exactly that type of man. He was the perfect ying to her yang and was a much needed safe haven when life and work threw her up against difficult storms.
Overall, this story was sexy, emotional and provided a poignant look at a couple faced with shocking family secrets, revelations and a second chance at love they never expected to have but always wanted. I felt this story down to the depths of my soul and will never forget Kimba and Ezra! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula