The Grip Trilogy

Flow - 5 Chocolate Charm StarsWhen I read the Souls series I was very much intrigued by Grip and Bristol's relationship and wondered what was their story. Because they certainly had chemistry in spades. Their simmering lust and attraction also hinted at a much more deeper connection.With Flow, a short prequel, I got not just a hint but a pretty damn good look into how they first met and how deep their relationship goes. Especially on a personal level. Their interactions were phenomenal and I loved how comfortable they were around each other. They reveled in each other's company and their conversations flowed effortlessly, layered with so much intensity. I couldn't remove my eyes from the intoxicating prose and words of Kennedy Ryan. Grip and Bristol were amazing and turned out to be very complex and multi layered characters. I loved the range and depth of their conversations which were a great mixture of race and culture. Also their own views and opinions of today's and the 90's society played a huge part of this story and I appreciate that Ryan chose to go that route with Grip and Bristol. My impression and love for both of them only expanded and I got so much more excited as the story progressed.I can easily tell that Kennedy Ryan is a huge fan and admirer of poetry. Her prose feels just like that. Poetry. Her words flows with ease, gently pulls my along like a wave and I'm immersed. I'm in another world, the world of Kennedy Ryan and that's definitely the place to be.Grip - 5 Poetry StarsI 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.Still - 5+ Pretty Bird StarsI've followed Grip and Bristol since they were introduced in Soul, the two books about Rhyson and Kai where they were secondary characters. What a journey Grip and Bristol have been on and it concludes in this phenomenal book STILL. I was one of those who was left wanting more of Gripstol when I finished Grip, so I was pretty darn happy when Kennedy Ryan announced STILL.I'm not going to dive too much into the storyline cause I don't want to give anything away. If you're a true Gripstol fan STILL is a delicious dessert that'll explore this beautiful couple further, give us fans what we can expect from Kennedy Ryan and a closure that left me satisfied and satiated.My expectations for STILL is fulfilled by a 100%. I was only a couple of pages into STILL and I was back in that warm cocoon exactly when I read the Soul series, Flow and Grip. I didn't want to leave. I just wanted to be in this cocoon with Gripstol.Grip and Bristol's friendship is what drew me to them in the first place. They build such a strong foundation in Flow and Grip that only continues to grow in STILL. As lovers there's so many intense emotions that still comes into play. They are both fiercely possessive and protective and I enjoyed to see that side of them especially Bristol.They're both honest and eloquent when it comes to what they want and need from one another in their relationship. They've matured so much and it shows in their actions. Their love surpass anything and there aren't anything they won't do for one another. They both bravely dive into new challenges. Bristol wants and tries wholeheartedly to understand Grip and his culture. To be a part of his world. Grip uses his fame to educate himself so he can help others who are in need. They both kept surprising me and I fell more in love and in awe of them.Their friendship and love is unparalleled and in STILL both are being put to the test. Grip and Bristol both fight tooth and nails to protect and save one another. No matter the cost. They are each other's constants and confidents.While I read STILL I felt how impervious their love was. It showed in their words and actions. No matter how broken or vulnerable they both were they persevered because of their unconditional love and theirs was truly epic.Kennedy Ryan penetrated my soul with STILL. Her flawless and poetic prose kept me spellbound. Her narrative is strong, powerful and with STILL Ryan captures and explores clearly what's current in the world today, questions it and brings awareness to it with authenticity.How she intertwined those topics into Grip and Bristol's story was executed effortlessly.STILL left me content and very satisfied. I had my own hopes and dreams for Grip and Bristol and Kennedy Ryan delivered. I'm saying goodbye to them with my heart and soul filled with love and joy. What a journey since Soul. They will definitely not be forgotten.All In - 5 starsThis short novella just shows how far Grip and Bristol have come. Their lives are busier than ever and after all they’ve been through they know they need to prioritize each other and their marriage. Their love is stronger than ever.Splendid Happiness - 5 StarsIf this short novella is the last I hear from Grip and Bristol I’ll be very content with how it ends. This was so good. Plenty of cameos from the characters that have appeared in the series and are important to the couple. Splendid Happiness was icing on the cake.

STILLThis book is a powerful redition of true, unabashed love of two people who could weather any storm, as long as they were together facing the rain. Grip and Bristol have been in love with each other for so many years. It was a privilege to watch their love grow together in this book. If one thing gets me to my soul is reading/watching a man be in love with a woman (because he's always loved her). This book does that and my heart is so full. Grip loves Bristol so much, and You feel like they are right there in front of you, and you are witnessing their story first hand."And when the years have passed, and we have watched a thousand sunsets, and we are bent, our bodies crooked with age  ask me again. In the twilight, in the shadow of the life we have shared, ask me if I love you, and my heart will answer before my lips can part. My love, my life,  my heart never left your hands. Always, evermore, even after. Still."This book, like the last one, expels the nature of what can happen when racism is part of your every day life. Not just from strangers or bigots, but from family too. It is hard to understand sometimes because I don't feel that way, but you know it's there. Everywhere. I wish there were more people like Grip in the world who would vocalize the plight of the system that could and do affect those of different races."Too many of our American systems are built on bias. The irony is that these biases are often inextricably, if unconsciously, connected to our own sense of superiority. The very biases that make those in power feel stronger, better, actually weaken them. Our biases are our blind spots, and we need others to guide us in the darkness of our own ignorance."The above quote is mentioned a few times throughout the book, but it's funny (not funny as in ha ha funny though) regarding the person who says this, and the effect it has on those in the book.The flawless words written in this story moved me to the end. I cannot express to you the emotional rollercoaster I was on while reading this remarkable book. It solidifies everything that means anything in relationships, and It binds you to the characters in such a way that you are needing to reread the book immediately just to get more of them.I'm a hard and fast one-click reader for this author. Anything she writes I will read... It's just that simple. If you read about Rhys and Kai's story in My Soul To Keep or Down To My Soul or Refrain you already know Grip and Bristol. Now don't get me wrong, you don't have to read about Rhys and Kai to understand Grip and Bristol. You truly don't. You don't HAVE to read FLOW and/or GRIP to read STILL, but the plot makes more sense, because You understand some of their idiosyncrasies and get their true love story. It's just perfect. I voluntarily reviewed this fabulous book gifted to me by the author. Five stars ***** is not enough. I wish I could give more. I implore you to read this book. "Always, evermore, even after. Still"

Goodness, I don’t even know where to start with a review for this book. Besides being so really really well written, the love story was epic and I had all the feels for these characters. They were perfect, they made me laugh, and oh my god did they make me cry. So many tears…but so relatable.I loved how the author really got down to the dirty truths that happen when people from different backgrounds/races become a couple. She really hit the nail on the head when showing the biases that exist. As a child that comes from a mixed marriage I know the challenges that I faced. But I can’t even imagine the challenges my parents faced in the 70s when they were married. What they still face today after 48 years of marriage.Still, the best part of these books are the best parts of Grip and Bristol. When they had their highs, I was oh so happy. But when they had their lows, I was just devastated as they were. That’s what makes this a great box set. From beginning to end I could totally relate with this couple and totally recommend it.❤️❤️❤️❤️

These books were pure perfection, Kennedy write Bristol and Grip's history with true, love and passion, I love how their love grow up, I was anxious, happy, angry, sorry and sad with them. I completely love this box.

I thought from all the reviews that this would be bring the 3 books separate. But it's all in 1 and I don't really enjoy having such a massive book. It was also pretty dirty and badly printed.

The Grip Trilogy is an evocative, emotional story that completely grabbed my heart, made me feel and attacked my sensibilities in the best possible way. This is the Kennedy Ryan affect. Her writing is beyond brilliant in the manner that it resonates and makes me think deeply. Primarily it is a love story with all the facets of a well developed, passionate swoon-fess: engaging beautiful protagonists, a dynamic supporting cast and a plot with light and shade that is eloquently crafted within a lyrical prose. In addition, the exploration of sensitive complex issues concerning race takes this multifaceted Contemporary Romance to a higher level of breath-taking and powerful brilliance.I have read many, many romance novels over the years and there are few that take my breath away and my emotions to such an intense level that the story stays with me, the characters become so real that they don’t leave me. STILL, the final book in this trilogy is one of those stories. Over the course of reading the series I have watched as Grip and Bristol’s love developed into something deep, something immeasurable. I thought their story was complete, thought I knew everything I needed to know but I was so very wrong. Flow was a dusting, Grip delved in, explored the issues of race further and gave us an incredible love story. And then, Kennedy Ryan wrote STILL. And, oh my goodness this book. I needed this book; we all needed this book and we didn’t even know it. STILL rummages deep in the foundation of the bond shared between Grip and Bristol. Tests their love, shows us their struggles, their incredible relationship and each and every raw layer that life throws their way. We thought their story was done with GRIP, but seriously it wasn't. STILL is the story we needed about them and didn't even know.The ethos of the narrative is deeply thought provoking. Ryan once again offers a candid telling treating readers to a story full of heart and the thoughtful exploration of issues that I needed and wanted to know more about, in a sensitive and measured manner. This author showed me perspectives that I had not considered, perspectives that I did not really appreciate until this series and for that I am so very grateful.Nothing can prepare readers for the emotional fallout, it held my heart in the palm of it's pages. I lost count of the number of times various characters and situations deeply touched my heart. I thought I knew where Kennedy Ryan would take the story, I highly anticipated and looked forward to the exploration of certain themes but I never could have predicted where the author would take me on emotional level with STILL until pivotal moments organically unfolded in the narrative. My heart burst with love and then broke into a million pieces. I sobbed. I was a complete mess. The book hurt so very, very good and had a healing power of the most exquisite nature. I basked in the sheer evocative essence of the storytelling. The narrative and characters sculpted to affect my sensibilities in such a majestic manner. This couple will remain forever in my book heart, their story cemented in my mind. They touched me deeply.Grip and Bristol are perfection. Their strength and integrity shine through the prose and the growth of their relationship is incredible. I could wax lyrical about them as both individuals and as a couple but my small review will turn into a thesis. The essence of their story is awe-inspiring. Deep. Sexy. Thought provoking. Gut wrenching. A forever-favourite multifaceted contemporary romance that transcends the boundaries of romance stories, goes further than the exploration of important issues. This book is everything. Don’t seek out what STILL is about, don’t worry about the tears people are shedding. This is a story that should be uncovered as the reader turns each page. I basked in the richness of this love story, I relished every second of the emotional ride and hope romance readers everywhere chose to grab this story and immerse themselves in a fictional world full of love, hope and inspiration.P.S. THE EXTRA STORY IS BRILLIANT AND THE NEWLY WRITTEN CONTENT IS JUST GORGEOUS. KENNEDY NEVER FAILS TO DELIVER! AND THE SUPRISE AUDIO IS SUCH A TREAT!!!!!

'The Grip Series' made me love being a mess.I truly love every single word, chapter and book in this series. I love the hard stuff, the questions, the answers, the battles, I loved breaking because I knew that their love would put me back together.Kennedy Ryan wrote a trilogy that not only touched me but imprinted on my very being. She writes tough stuff that a large range of people will never truly understand however it's written perfectly, hauntingly and heart stoppingly real from the very first word to the last.If you haven't read Kennedy Ryan's novels, you should. Don't take my word for it if you don't want to, but you'll be missing out on something that will stay with you, change you and rock you to the very core.Throughout their many moments there are struggles, there is love and there is sacrifice.With a kiss on top of a ferris wheel, a whistle and watch, a book of poems, a necklace, a lyric, a feather, a piggyback ride, snow, a feeling and a love that knows no bounds comes a story that is perfectly imperfect.It's theirs, it's real, it's Grip and Bris.Listen to his lyrics, listen to her strength. Undeniable love binds them to one another, protectiveness and honesty with no walls between them form a relationship that can withstand the most tragic of losses.You will cry, break, feel like your heart is in your throat, and nothing can make it right. However, Kennedy Ryan promised she'd put us back together, piece by piece and she definitely keeps her word.I cannot rave enough about this series, I cannot express how deeply it rocked me, how their love made me crave more and how through it all I loved every bit, even when I hated what was happening.It will make your heart stop, beat faster and break.Grip is determined, real, fighting for what he believes in and loving his prism.Bris is strong, fiercely protective, curious and loves her some Grip.This is a work of art, beginning and ending with love, passion and honesty.I can honestly say Kennedy Ryan blows me away every single time, her voice is unwaveringly needed, undeniably important and writing stories that need to be shared.Her books are worth every praise and every dollar ❤