this_momma_is_booked's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I'm sure the day will come when a Kennedy Ryan book doesn't live up to expectations. Today is not that day.
I loved this book so much. I love how Kennedy masterfully weaves in social justice issues with romance and then ties it all together with steam. There is nuance to her writing and she is so good at drawing the reader in and making them fall in love with her characters and their growth. I adored the tension between Grip and Bristol, the myriad ways in which they ebbed and flowed. Eight years is a long time to pine for someone but damn if Grip doesn't make it seem effortless.
Most important in this book, though, is the underlying discussion of race, racism, police brutality, and white privilege. Through their relationship, the reader is able to enter Grip's world as he sees it, lives it, experiences it, thrives in it, struggles in it. As he's trying to teach Bristol, he is also teaching readers who may not be familiar with this lifestyle. Bristol is forced to not only confront her privileges but also admit that she needs to do something about them. The scene where Grip is stopped by police and he's guiding Bristol on how to behave? Powerful. His entire "Bruise" song? POETRY. This story is impactful, engaging, thought-provoking, and so damn sexy. It's a must-read.
I loved this book so much. I love how Kennedy masterfully weaves in social justice issues with romance and then ties it all together with steam. There is nuance to her writing and she is so good at drawing the reader in and making them fall in love with her characters and their growth. I adored the tension between Grip and Bristol, the myriad ways in which they ebbed and flowed. Eight years is a long time to pine for someone but damn if Grip doesn't make it seem effortless.
Most important in this book, though, is the underlying discussion of race, racism, police brutality, and white privilege. Through their relationship, the reader is able to enter Grip's world as he sees it, lives it, experiences it, thrives in it, struggles in it. As he's trying to teach Bristol, he is also teaching readers who may not be familiar with this lifestyle. Bristol is forced to not only confront her privileges but also admit that she needs to do something about them. The scene where Grip is stopped by police and he's guiding Bristol on how to behave? Powerful. His entire "Bruise" song? POETRY. This story is impactful, engaging, thought-provoking, and so damn sexy. It's a must-read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Police brutality
Moderate: Gun violence, Gaslighting, and Emotional abuse
imireviewsbooks's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Sexual content, and Alcohol
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Racism, Violence, and Gaslighting
More...