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Grip Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Kennedy Ryan (Author), Jakobi Diem (Narrator), Maxine Mitchell (Narrator),
4.5 out of 5 stars 3,568 ratings
Best of #BookTok

Resisting an irresistible force wears you down and turns you out.

I know - I've been doing it for years.

I may not have a musical gift of my own, but I've got a nose for talent and an eye for the extraordinary.

And Marlon James - Grip to his fans - is nothing short of extraordinary.

Years ago, we strung together a few magical nights, but I keep those memories in a locked drawer and I've thrown away the key. All that's left is friendship and work.

He's on the verge of unimaginable fame, all his dreams poised to come true.

I manage his career, but I can't seem to manage my heart. It's wild, reckless, disobedient - and it remembers all the things I want to forget.

Contains mature themes.

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  1. Listening Length
    14 hours and 49 minutes
  2. Author
    Kennedy Ryan
  3. Narrator
    Jakobi Diem, see all
  4. Audible release date
    August 8, 2017
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Tantor Audio
  7. ASIN
    B0746QMBNN
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
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Product details

Listening Length 14 hours and 49 minutes
Author Kennedy Ryan
Narrator Jakobi Diem, Maxine Mitchell
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date August 08, 2017
Publisher Tantor Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B0746QMBNN
Best Sellers Rank #180,243 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#1,703 in Fiction Sagas
#6,118 in Contemporary Romance (Books)
#6,238 in Family Saga Fiction

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
3,568 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this romance novel compelling, with one review describing it as intricately woven. The writing is praised for its articulate flow, and customers appreciate how it illuminates real-life social issues and makes readers think. Customers love the chemistry between Grip and Bristol, and one review highlights the slow-burn relationship development. Customers describe the book as real and intelligent, with one noting how the author tackles complex subjects.

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194 customers mention "Romance"191 positive3 negative

Customers love the romance in this book, describing it as a compelling and HEA story that is full of love.

"...And yet I do. SO much. SO much. Their love for each other- ALWAYS- is just magical. It's why I read romance. They are the definition of soulmates...." Read more

"...story about what love is wiling to endure, and their love could endure anything. The plot twist was anticipated, but so perfect with the resolution...." Read more

"...I haven’t read flow yet but I love these characters. Their love is incredibly sweet and written with such thought and care." Read more

"...I don't like, usually I need a HEA, thrive on it but the story is that consuming so it's okay here. Strong hero and heroine, yes...." Read more

155 customers mention "Heartfelt"155 positive0 negative

Customers find the book emotionally powerful, describing it as heart-wrenching and intense, with one customer noting how it made their heart melt.

"...For lack of a better word, I am floored by this series. Overwhelmed. Emotional. Unable to move on...." Read more

"...I also enjoyed the conversations with Grip’s Mom, and the way the author showed the struggle of black women...." Read more

"...The ending had me in tears, because Bristol deserved all of it, and to see the way it all came together in the end was beautiful...." Read more

"...Strong hero and heroine, yes. Cursing, not that bad. Typos, not sure, I enjoyed the story that much to not pay attention to them...." Read more

122 customers mention "Writing quality"118 positive4 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting that it flows articulately and transcends the page, with one customer highlighting how the lyrical prose is brutally honest.

"...The writing was flawless. It was just so well written and just so SMARTLY written. This author made us a part of the story. And side note...." Read more

"...Their love is incredibly sweet and written with such thought and care." Read more

"...Her word structure, her poems were beautiful and powerful. There was so much I wanted to highlight that touched me in a way no other book has...." Read more

"...Their intelligence isn’t only hinted at, it’s shown in their dialogue, and readers who love meaningful and moving conversations will love this..." Read more

86 customers mention "Social issues"86 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate how the book illuminates real-life social issues and makes readers think, with one customer noting how it handles these topics with reverence.

"...Simply put, this book makes you think. In the best of ways. We are all flawed. We all have biases. We are all naive to others struggles...." Read more

"...One of the things I LOVED about Flow were the great conversations about race, and that continued to be one of my highlights in this book as well...." Read more

"To say that this book opens doors for conversation is an understatement...." Read more

"...unlike most contemporary romance reads not only for its racially and culturally diverse cast, but also for its authenticity and openness...." Read more

67 customers mention "Character development"67 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, describing them as phenomenal and charismatic, with one customer noting the slow-burn relationship between the main characters.

"...No. Kennedy took her time and she stayed true to her characters and to her story. And we are lucky for it. Because it was such a beautiful story...." Read more

"...Bristol and Grip were both really intriguing characters, and the chemistry between them was amazing!..." Read more

"...Grip is a book where these characters hold absolutely nothing back...." Read more

"...In this novel, two strong, soulful, vibrant characters embark on a journey of love so dynamic that a hangover is guaranteed...." Read more

48 customers mention "Authenticity"48 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the authenticity of the book, describing it as real and well grounded in reality.

"...They were not stereotypical. They were not shallow. They were just so very real...." Read more

"...I thought that was explored tastefully and realistically...." Read more

"...Hearing their suffering thru Grip's lyrics, it's oh so powerful and so true...." Read more

"...To put it simply, it's the truth. The truth we hear about but don't react to. The truth we sometimes think we know about, but do we really?..." Read more

35 customers mention "Intelligence"35 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's intelligence, with one customer highlighting its sophisticated approach to complex issues, while another notes how the author skillfully handles challenging subjects.

"...I thought that was explored tastefully and realistically...." Read more

"...The way this author navigated hard truths, cliches, love, and elegance was incredible...." Read more

"...Their intelligence isn’t only hinted at, it’s shown in their dialogue, and readers who love meaningful and moving conversations will love this..." Read more

"...Not to mention she spoke up for herself when needed 🤷🏾‍♀️. She was smart, sassy, and loveable which why I seen why Grip truely loved her...." Read more

34 customers mention "Grip"34 positive0 negative

Customers love the chemistry between Grip and Bristol, with one customer noting the intense build-up between them, while others praise the family dynamics and find the book swoon-worthy.

"...We also have Bristol who is just as loyal, hardworking, and passionate as Grip...." Read more

"...Bristol is brilliant at managing Grip’s career but managing her heart has not been easy… Grip is not short of female fans throwing themselves at him...." Read more

"...The chemistry between her and Grip was amazing, and his character was just everything...." Read more

"...This book is powerful. It is gripping. And it will stay with me for a long time." Read more

Go read this book- NOW
5 out of 5 stars
Go read this book- NOW
Grip By Kennedy Ryan Ok, wow...... I saw this book from someone I follow on instagram. She said it was not of her favorites and I normally love everything she does. So I one clicked and BAM! Our history was set! I'm in love with Grip and Bristol! I mean, is Grip real? May I meet him? I'll travel!!! The story of how they met in the prequel is sooo good. I had high hopes of this amazing love story. Like a deep rip your soul out love story. I had no clue what this book was even about and I would say for the majority of it, I felt all sorts of way. I couldn't put it down and felt almost strung out. My anxiety was crazy and I found myself begging the author to put me out of my misery! I almost read ahead- I refrained...it has been awhile since a book has made me feel the NEED to do that. It's like I couldn't take it anymore!!!! There was such a time span on this book that I felt things were slipping away. I longed for Grip and Bristol to figure it out. I may have even tagged the author on the gram to scold her. Ooopsie! Bristols brother and parents played such a significant part to understanding her and the depth of her love. She longed for acceptance and wanted just one person to feel a connection with her deep enough to fight for. She built a walls around herself and loved even harder because of her family. Grips family was awesome. A strong group full of love and survival! His mom is probably one of my favorite throughout the book. She had a bit of a set back for awhile with Grip and Bristol being together but loved prevailed with her. She saw the love her son was receiving and it's clear that's all she ever wanted. She is a swoon worthy momma! I could really go on and on about this book and it's story. I pretty sure I can sum it up by saying I WANT MOREEEEEEE! If anyone has questions about choosing this book or not~ GO READ IT! xoxo Nic
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Top reviews from the United States

  • acl036
    5.0 out of 5 stars We should all have a Grip
    Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Kennedy Ryan was a new-to-me author, and with this series she has carved a special spot in my bookshelves. I finished this series in 4 days- and although I wasn't planning on reading them back-to-back, I could not have stopped even if I wanted to- which I didn't. Not even close.

    For lack of a better word, I am floored by this series. Overwhelmed. Emotional. Unable to move on. Although I read a lot- and have some favorite books where I LOVE the characters- this was on a different level. Grip and Bristol. Just.. we should all be lucky to have a love like Grip and Bristol.

    This is why I waited to write a review. Even two days later I am still incoherent. Sigh.

    So here are just SOME of the things I loved about this series. The writing was flawless. It was just so well written and just so SMARTLY written. This author made us a part of the story. And side note. HIS LYRICS. HOLY CRAP. I just bow down to this author who not only wrote a beautiful book, a beautiful series, but she's also a poet. And that's not the same kind of skill. Bruise is the kind of song that should be real. And his vows. And Still. And his words at THAT moment. And there are just numerous other times where Grip's words play integral parts to the story. And they were so so well written.

    And her characters were really well developed. They were not stereotypical. They were not shallow. They were just so very real. Their reactions made sense because they were exactly what people would do in real life. Their thoughts made sense. In a lot of romances the "villain of the story" is another person. This is not a knock on them because who doesn't like to see our hero or heroine rise above "the other person" and be victorious. But it makes the story about someone else in part. But that's not the point of this story- this story is all Grip and Bristol. Always. And I love that so much.

    But what I loved the MOST about this book, so much so it deserves its own mention, is the weaving of social commentary throughout the story. Simply put, this book makes you think. In the best of ways. We are all flawed. We all have biases. We are all naive to others struggles. (And Iz statement on being naive to something not being the problem- its what you do after- this is one of my favorite quotes). It takes a special kind of someone to be able to write a story, that not only shows everyones flaws, but does so in a way that does not put us on the defensive (oh I would NEVER do that. I would NEVER think that) or make us judge from a moral high horse. It simply makes you think and RELATE. What does bias mean? What does finding commonality mean? Can you really step into someone else's shoes? How do these things play out in real life experiences.

    Which takes me to our main characters. I don't think I've ever loved a couple so much. These two. Just from the start they stole my heart. And it was a surprise because I honestly didn't expect to love them (or this story) so much (what can I say- I'm ALWAYS skeptical of books that get a lot of buzz). And yet I do. SO much. SO much. Their love for each other- ALWAYS- is just magical. It's why I read romance. They are the definition of soulmates. Their souls are MADE for each other- regardless of their background, race or what anyone else thinks about them.

    And because each book deserves it's own recognition here are just a few more incoherent thoughts on the individual books.

    FLOW

    Flow was a free prequel. It showed how the two of them met- and gave a little background on where they came from. Bristol's story is more prevalent in this story. And I really felt for her. I will say if you've read some of Kennedy Ryan's other books you probably know her back story- but as this was my first book by her I had no idea what I was getting into. This book may be short- but it packed a punch. I was already invested by, like, page 3. I wanted to see these characters interact and get to know each other. And by the end of the book there was no way I wasn't going to immediately start Grip.

    GRIP

    So this story picks up where Flow left off. And I have to say I loved it. I was hooked on their interactions, both professionally and personally. I was rooting for them to sort their issues. I felt for both of them. That is something I should mention too- the POV switching. So good. Seeing inside these characters heads. There is truly not a villain in this story. Because even those characters you love to hate- when you start thinking about their experiences and WHY they are acting the way they are- even if you don't love them- you can understand. And I should mention that is one of the most amazing things about Kennedy Ryan's writing. She is such a SMART writer she is able to weave all these issues flawlessly into the story- and she's able to show everything to a point where you would think every single thing that happened was something she personally experienced- that WE personally experienced... because we kind of did. And while we know that isn't really true- you could believe it was because honestly it doesn't matter if she was writing from his (gender) view or her (gender) view- whether it was from his family's perspective or hers-it was all relatable.

    This was just an epic love story. It is not a case where they resolve everything ASAP and then have a whole bunch of misunderstandings. No. Kennedy took her time and she stayed true to her characters and to her story. And we are lucky for it. Because it was such a beautiful story. So much so that if everything ended with Grip... I would have been happy. But I had no idea what I was getting myself into with Still.

    STILL

    This book GUTTED me. There is no getting around it and no other way to put it. And I will stop here and say it is without a doubt my favorite book of the three. Even with how much it hurt. I was not expecting it. But the thing is, once again every situation her characters find themselves in- they are all things that happen in real life. Even now. And that they're happening to our Grip and Bristol (because at this point there's no way you aren't possessive over these two characters) it's just brutal. As I'm writing this two of my book buddies who were behind me in reading are both messaging me. Because they just got to THAT part. And I'm experiencing it all over again. And I have to say it just hurts. But it's also beautiful. That Kennedy can write so many emotions- that she can evoke so many emotions from us. And in the end, after we don't think we will ever breathe again, we can take a deep breath and just "dwell in the possibilities."

    People ask often whats your favorite series is- and I have very diverse reading habits- but when I start listing mine (because who can really just pick one) there is no doubt this one will be high on my list. I think it is the type of book you are lucky to experience. That everyone should read it. Every word was beautiful. Every step was worth it. Even those difficult ones. This is the kind of book you don't get over. It stays with you. It makes you think. It hurts. But it also makes you smile. It's the kind of book where you wish your book buddies lived nearby so you could demand hugs (seriously guys please get on that- k thanks bye). And not have your husband sitting next to you on the couch looking at you like you're crazy (not even a little sorry). And that kind of book is rare and should be appreciated and enjoyed. So I am just so so happy. And so not ready to move on or let them go. So for now I'm just going to live vicariously through my book buddies. But I'll definitely be rereading them... and without a doubt going back to read her other books. I cannot wait to go back and read Kai and Rhyson's books.

    "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."
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  • Lenoreo @ Celebrity Readers
    4.0 out of 5 stars SOOOOOO GOOD!!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    4.5 stars — This is another review that I left for like a month with only a few notes, so it’s going to be disjointed and lacking. Heck, at this point I don’t even remember if I’d wanted to round up or down! :S I think it was down, but honestly I need to get better at being on top of things.

    I was so excited to start this one after reading Flow. Bristol and Grip were both really intriguing characters, and the chemistry between them was amazing! I was curious how their relationship was going to play out, especially considering this book was starting out quite a few years later than I had been anticipating. For some reason I thought perhaps the story would start up again when Bris moved back to California, but it was even a few years after that. I’m not sure how I feel about that. I feel like I missed something in the interim…although a lot of that was my curiosity about Bristol’s twin Rhyson, and what happened with him. I loved seeing that he got his HEA, but I kept wondering if he had a book, and if he did I really want to read it!

    OK, so back to our main players. I actually got really frustrated with Bristol quite frankly… I definitely understood her reservations to a point, but it almost went on too long. And poor Grip, he just wore his heart on his sleeve and didn’t get basically anything in return. She done him wrong! She punished him for her parents mistakes. Again, I understand to a point, but…

    Bristol was also really hard to love because she was so brittle, but I did end up loving her anyways. And more than that, I was worried for her. And not just wrt the creepy guy (whose name I have totally forgotten, whoops)…and dude, was he ever freaking creepy. I know he was supposed to be, but wow. But in a broader sense I was worried for Bristol. I was worried she wasn’t going to figure things out and learn to love herself and be loved, you know?

    As for Grip…can I just start off by saying he was hot AF? Like SERIOUSLY. Wow. And I’m not just talking in a physical sense. It’s just everything that makes him up. How he holds himself, how he interacts in the world. And most importantly, his inner self. I LOVED Grip’s raps and his words. They were SO effecting. I also loved that he just wouldn’t give up on Bris. Not that he didn’t have his dumb moments, and not that there wasn’t a point where he got fed up, but that doesn’t diminish the rest. Though I will admit I got worried at one point, b/c I felt like Grip was almost victim blaming Bristol about her getting taken advantage of. WAS NOT IMPRESSED with that. It was just slight, but I’m sensitive to it.

    But then when they FINALLY get together?? HOOOOOOWEEEEE!!!! Dude. That’s all I’m going to say about that. Just, mmmmm….

    One of the things I LOVED about Flow were the great conversations about race, and that continued to be one of my highlights in this book as well. I really felt like I understand exactly what it would be like to be pulled over for driving while black. Seeing it through Grip’s eyes made it so real for me. I also enjoyed the conversations with Grip’s Mom, and the way the author showed the struggle of black women. I thought that was explored tastefully and realistically. However, I was a bit annoyed with Jade, even knowing what got her there…but I appreciated that she didn’t have some miraculous turnaround…just seemed to be trying.

    Also, shoutout to Greg at the end for making me cry in public…good going Greg. 😛

    I’m intrigued by what’s going to happen in the next book. I apparently totally misread the top of the blurb and thought it said this book WAS going to be a cliffhanger, not that it wasn’t. So I’m curious where Bristol and Grip’s story will go. I need to get back and finish it!
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  • Brittany Cuccia
    5.0 out of 5 stars I was not expecting that at all!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    To say that this book opens doors for conversation is an understatement. The way this author navigated hard truths, cliches, love, and elegance was incredible. This is my first experience with this author, but I just could not put it down. Bristol and Grip have a beautiful story about what love is wiling to endure, and their love could endure anything. The plot twist was anticipated, but so perfect with the resolution. The ending had me in tears, because Bristol deserved all of it, and to see the way it all came together in the end was beautiful. I can’t wait to dive into the next one!
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  • Nina Rodriguez
    5.0 out of 5 stars my favorite series so far
    Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Wow a nice little surprise. This is PROBABLY my favorite series from Kennedy. Dare I say topping the skyland series. I haven’t read flow yet but I love these characters. Their love is incredibly sweet and written with such thought and care.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Cliente Amazon
    5.0 out of 5 stars This was very good!
    Reviewed in Brazil on April 25, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I loved it! Just loved it! Great development, the book makes sense. It's great. Kennedy Ryan did an amazing job bringing to light some really important issues that are not talked about enough. And she did that in a beautiful way with a great story!
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  • Linda Vermuyten
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
    Reviewed in Australia on March 4, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This story was incredibly thought provoking and eye opening, I can honestly say I have never read anything like it. The topics throughout, were real, currrent and ongoing.
    The characters were so well developed, sometimes i wanted to reach into the pages and slap Bristol upside the head for her choices and her fears. But I guess we can all get consumed with the what ifs and can developed learnt behaviours from those that influence us the most.
    I found this a story of love as well as social injustice in the world we live in. It was a poetic (and I use the word poetic because so much of this story displayed different elements of poetry) glimpse of life through the eyes of someone other, someone different to ourselves, be it race, social status or gender. It was an exploration of the expectations we put on ourselves, that society puts on us and that choices we make that we deem noble or for our own protection are quite often fear based and self sabotaging.
    Kennedy wove a detailed story of the lives of her characters that I was so invested in, i was disaapointed when it ended. I wanted to know more, what happens next, what does life look like 2years, 10years down the track. Even though I trusted and did deep down know what happened, I wanted to experience it firsthand and continue their journey with them.
    I stumbled across this book by accident but believe it was for a purpose, this story serves a higher purpose, thank you for sharing it. Xxx
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  • Ramya Mahesh
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping
    Reviewed in India on January 18, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Gripping and beautoful
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  • Corinneandthebooks
    5.0 out of 5 stars So much more than a beautiful romance
    Reviewed in Germany on April 10, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This book puts rock-star romances to shame. Before starting this series, I was hoping for a bit more original rock-star romance than what we get from so many writers these days. I went in blind thinking it's about time I read a Kennedy Ryan although I was a bit scared.

    Boy, oh boy! This book is so so much more than a romance. First of all, it's an original mixed-race rapper romance with amazing dialogue and relevant messages.
    The characters that KR created are utterly relatable. I felt so much through them. I got so invested in their story, their reactions, their pain, their joy and their love.

    At the end of Flow I was mildly invested. I don't like cheating in books and Grip had technically cheated on his then girfriend Tessa and had lied to Bristol. The story could have gone either way.
    What I didn't anticipate was the most infuriating, frustrating but also romantic story. There is an 8 year gap here, just so your know in case that's a thing for you.

    At 15% I was angry and sad reading Chaz and Greg's story (Grip's cousins), two brothers on opposite sides of the law.
    At 30% I was crying for Bristol. For her unfair childhood, her absent parents, her lack of relationship with her brother, her awful mother that always kept her at a distance and made her feel less than and undeserving of love.
    At 50% I was ready to throw my kindle after the most painfully infuriating will they won't they dynamic I've ever read.
    At 60% I was swooning so hard over Bristol and Grip's epic love story and perfect chemistry.
    At 70% I was so angry over Grip's unjust experiences with the police, the shame and lack of control in that situation.
    At 90% I wanted to set my kindle on fire. The conflict was so so good. Infuriating, but good.
    At then the end came and it mended my broken heart and made the world right again.

    This book deals with so many hard-hitting and relevant topics: child neglect, date rape, police brutality, racism on all sides of the color spectrum, abuse of power, the challenges of mixed-race couples.
    It was the perfect mix of angst, romance and depth, one of the most original and amazing romances I've read and I can't recommend it enough.
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  • rut
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mandatory read specially right now
    Reviewed in Spain on June 5, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    If you want to read a romance book but at the same time inform yourself about white privilege and how big of an impact racism has on the POC’s communities in the US, this is your book.

    A great love story between a black man and a white woman but saying it is only that would be oversimplification and doing this book a disgrace.

    As always, Kennedy Ryan captivated the reader with great characters, interesting and realistic stories, filled with witty dialogues and dealing with social issues.

    If you were maybe thinking about reading it as I was, think no more and read the entire series, you won’t regret it.
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