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Soul #1

My Soul to Keep

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It seems the things worth keeping are often the hardest to hold...

KAI

I had two things in life that mattered. My mother and my music.
Mama was taken from me too soon, and now music is all I have left. It’s the thing that’s pushed me right out of backwoods Georgia into Los Angeles, where the line between fantasy and reality shimmers and blurs. I’m finally making my way, making my mark. I can’t afford to fall for one of music's brightest stars. Not now. Music is all I have left, and I’m holding on tight with both hands. I won’t let go, not even for Rhyson Gray.

RHYSON

I had one thing in my life that mattered – music. The only constant, it’s taken me to heights most people only dream about; a gift dropped in my lap at birth. I thought it was enough. I thought it was everything until I met Kai. Now she’s all I think about, like a song I can't get out of my head. If I have to chase her, if I have to give up everything - I will. And once she's mine, I won't let go.

366 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 13, 2015

About the author

Kennedy Ryan

62 books28.3k followers
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I write contemporary romance and women's fiction. I always give my characters their happily ever after, but I love to make them work for it! It's a long road to love, so sit back and enjoy the ride.

I am wife to the love of my life, mom to a special, beautiful son, and a friend to those living with autism through my charitable foundation.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 759 reviews
Profile Image for Jx PinkLady Reviews ♡.
736 reviews1,068 followers
August 12, 2016
This is without a doubt a 6 star read for me!
* Amazon US * Amazon UK *
★ NOTE: This is a three book series and all books will be available be August 15th 2016 ★


This story is outrageously good. I laughed, I cried and my heart soared as this gorgeous, romantic friends to lovers story unveiled itself to me and completely transported me into the fictional world that's convincingly dominated by Rhyson and Kai, the hero and heroine of My Soul to Keep, one of my TOP READS of 2015!

Rhyson is a musician, a very successful one and Kai is a girl with a dream who longs to fulfill her passion to perform professionally... Music is in their heart and soul. The emotion of the story caught me early on with the family dynamic of Kai; her poignant story is closely rivaled by the tumultuous upbringing of Rhyson. It's their combined histories that are provide much of the driving force behind the angst of the story, providing authentic motivation, motivation I wholeheartedly believed every step of the way. That's all I wish to profess about the mechanics of this story because Kennedy Ryan is an author who reveals her story and characters slowly, she builds and she shows allowing natural development and growth to all aspects. It's my belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to bask in the happenings I relished as they're presented on the pages of this story. My feelings concerning the writing and mere glimpses of the story arc for this exceptional romance will provide the basis of the remainder of my spoiler free review.



I love the depiction of Kai; she’s brave, proud, courageous, ambitious, principled and stubborn. And Rhyson, well he is the epitome of what one craves from the character of a book boyfriend. He's sexy, caring and deep with presence and charisma, and flaws that warmed my heart convincingly to his persona.

The progression of this strongly character driven story takes the protagonists from strangers, to friends, to more. As their friendship develops within the confines of a solid story base their flirtatious banter becomes simply adorable as they caress their way to seduction. With the evolution of their friendship the anticipation heightens and I fell hard for Rhyson and Kai. They completely captured my book heart and made it beat fast as I swooned, loved and laughed. Equally, it allows the reader the opportunity to understand the actions and behaviors of the hero and heroine leaving no doubt in our mind of the completely authentic and plausible actions, thoughts and dialogue that comes from them. Their exuberance is seriously infectious and their character development immense.



MY SOUL TO KEEP is richly laced with imagery and metaphors that feel natural and pure, never forced or contrite. The writing, for me is flawless, intelligent and effortless as it glides lyrically with perfect pace on the page producing picture perfect passages. The emotion Kennedy Ryan evokes with her words is simply exquisite. The anticipation heightens with each passing moment, the prose constantly moving the story arc forward, developing both the characters and emotion. The beauty is not only found in the passages between the hero and heroine but between the supporting cast and the protagonists at every turn a barrage of beauty engulfed my senses.



As this is the first of a two part series it's justified that I mention my feelings regarding the end. It is a cliff-hanger, as one would expect from a two parter, but the cliff-hanger came at the perfect moment for me, effectively raising my anticipation for book #2. I'm so happy I get to spend more time with Rhyson and Kai, to experience their relationship, their friendship, the good and the bad because it's the angst filled raw times that grab my heart, make me feel and care. It's this penmanship that has provided me with one of my favorite reads of the year making this a story that I highly recommend to all who crave the most perfect of Romance stories.


Note: My Soul to Keep is the first in a TWO PART STORY and is told in the first person narrative from the alternating perspective of the hero and heroine.

Read the first three chapters for FREE here

Initial reaction and feelings.....
I cannot express enough how perfectly this author paints the most beautiful pictures with her words. With every turn of the page I fell deeper for this story. It's romantic and swoony and gorgeous. I laughed and I cried and I felt the beauty of this exquisitely told story that's lyrical, with the most picturesque metaphors and descriptions.


★As a special CHRISTMAS TREAT TO HER MSTK FANS here's a deleted scene from Kennedy Ryan!

My Review thoughts for-->
DOWN TO MY SOUL (Soul Series #2)
REFRAIN (Soul Series #3)

EXCERPT-->


Advance copy provided for my honest review thoughts
*Teasers made with stock image purchased from deposit photos*
Profile Image for Christy.
4,191 reviews35k followers
May 19, 2017
5 stars!!!

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Kennedy Ryan, where have you been all my life? My Soul to Keep is a book that has been on my TBR for the longest! I finally made the time to listen to the audio book and I’m so glad I did! This was a perfect 5 star read for me! The narration was fantastic, the characters were amazing, and I loved the writing! Honestly, there was nothing I didn’t love about this book!

Kai is a sweet southern girl trying to make it big in LA. She’s an amazing dancer and singer, but she’s been through a lot to get where she’s at and she’s determined to make it on her own. After losing her mom, who was her life line, she’s only got her music left. I loved how strong and independent Kai was. She is a bit broken and a bit damaged, but she always tries to have a positive outlook. 



When Kai meets Rhyson Gray, she is a bit star struck. Rhyson is someone who she’s looked up to for many years. He’s a famous musician, but he’s so much more to her than that. His music is what got her through some the hardest moments of her life. Kai and Rhyson start out as unlikely friends, but there is so much more there than friendship between them. Kai is determined to keep Rhy at a distance due to her wanting to establish herself and do it on her own two feet. Rhyson knows how talented Kai is and wants to help…
Rhyson’s words set my heart free like a stampede of wild notes across a music staff, falling off the lines, running off the page. I’m a composition out of control, without form. Freestyled. Improvised.

I loved these two characters together. They were both a little broken and a little damaged (my favorite) but with time, they started to heal with the help of one another. Their friendship was beautiful and I rooted for them to become so much more than friends. I loved how character driven this book was and the authors writing was enthralling. This was a rather long audio book, but I didn’t want to stop listening. In fact, I’m already listening to the second book now! After how this one ended, I want to see what happens next!
“You have no idea what I’d do for you if you’d let me.” He runs his thumb over my bottom lip., his touch light, but enough to seize my breath. Enough to triple my heartbeat. “But one day you will.”


After reading this book, I will be getting to all of Ryan’s others soon. I adored her story telling ability and beautiful words. Kai and Rhyson are both fantastic and their story is an unforgettable one! This gets a full 5 stars from me!
Profile Image for EmBibliophile.
603 reviews1,879 followers
March 11, 2020
5 stars




There’s no use in denying that i have an unhealthy obsession with Grip and instead of rereading his book (again) I remembered that I still need to read this series, which I was saving because these are the last Kennedy Ryan’s books, that I’m interested in and haven’t read yet.

I’ve never though I would love the “rockstar” trope until I read this book. I wouldn’t really call it a rockstar romance. I don’t know, it just felt deeper than that. It’s more of a friends to lovers story. And it’s one of the best I’ve ever read. I loved Kai and Rhyson as single individuals, I loved them as friends, and I couldn’t help but love them as lovers. Their chemistry was flawless.

I want to see her soar. Hell, I’m determined to help her soar higher than she ever imagined, if she’ll let me, but when she comes down, I want her to land with me.

There’s just something about Kennedy’s books that is so poetic and beautiful. I love her writing and how she created real characters. Kai is the best brave independent stubborn heroine. And Rhyson was a lovely caring persistent and just as stubborn hero. I love music and songs. And I loved how music played a huge role in this book. I loved how it was a part of their heart and soul. This book was so sensual and beautiful and I didn’t expect anything less.

Song recommendation:
One dance by Drake
Please don’t say you love me by Gabrielle Aplin
Fire meet gasoline by Sia
Shallow by lady Gaga ft. Bradley Cooper
Profile Image for Geri Reads.
1,232 reviews2,120 followers
November 23, 2015
I spent the entire weekend reading this gem. Kai Pearson is a struggling dancer-singer waiting for her shot at performing. She moved from Georgia to LA after her mother died to pursue her dreams. Like many struggling out of work actors and singers, Kai works as a waitress, a teacher and assistant to a vocal coach in LA. This is where she meets Rhyson Gray. Rhyson is a piano prodigy turned rockstar. He's been there and done that many times over and he's looking for something more. When he meets Kai, he feels an instant connection with her. But she's having none of it despite feeling the same way about him.

So they begin a friends-who-wants-to-bang-each-other-but-won't-because-of-reasons relationship.

Yeah. Like that ever works out well for everyone.

It started out slow with a doozy of insta-lust/connect/love whatever, which is a pet peeve of mine. I almost gave up on it because I wasn't connecting with the Kai, and Rhyson was much too controlling and stalkerish for my taste.

But then things started coming around for me at about 40% or so. I understood why Kai was so reluctant to let anyone in. The author was able to show me that yes, her concerns about being in a relationship with Rhyson is valid and true. Suddenly, the book just took off and I could not put it down.

Oh my gosh. Things start to happen as Kennedy Ryan was slowly building the pieces of the story which at first I didn't quite grasp until it all started coming together and bingo! Puzzle pieces fall together beautifully: the conflict, the angst, the family drama...everything! The story just took flight as Kai struggles to keep her identity and not be overwhelmed by Rhyson's will. And Rhyson is a force. I do believe he loves Kai but he seriously has no boundaries whatsoever. Some of the things he did undermined their relationship in the worst possible way.

Unfortunately, every single doubts and reservation that Kai had about Rhyson all came true and it hurts reading about it. The angst especially in the second half was phenomenal.

Unfortunately, there was no relief yet for my poor, bruised heart because I have to wait for March 2016 to get the conclusion of Kai and Rhyson's story.

And so it begins...

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ARC provided by Kennedy Ryan in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for SueBee★bring me an alpha!★.
2,417 reviews15k followers
Want to read
August 10, 2016


PERFECT TIME TO READ WITH THE CONCLUSION/BOOK 3 RELEASING.

Book 1 of 3
Purchase: | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
Blurb:
It seems the things worth keeping are often the hardest to hold...
KAI
I had two things in life that mattered. My mother and my music.
Mama was taken from me too soon, and now music is all I have left. It’s the thing that’s pushed me right out of backwoods Georgia into Los Angeles, where the line between fantasy and reality shimmers and blurs. I’m finally making my way, making my mark. I can’t afford to fall for one of music's brightest stars. Not now. Music is all I have left, and I’m holding on tight with both hands. I won’t let go, not even for Rhyson Gray.
RHYSON
I had one thing in my life that mattered – music. The only constant, it’s taken me to heights most people only dream about; a gift dropped in my lap at birth. I thought it was enough. I thought it was everything until I met Kai. Now she’s all I think about, like a song I can't get out of my head. If I have to chase her, if I have to give up everything - I will. And once she's mine, I won't let go.


Books in Soul series should be read in order:
Book 1: My Soul to Keep
Book 2: Down My Soul
Book 3: Refrain

Profile Image for Stephanie.
404 reviews8 followers
November 15, 2015
Wow I'm speechless at the moment I guess because this book is absolutely spectacular. I'm going to dream about Rhyson omg that man melts my freaking heart. Kai is a strong young woman who has been through alot but very stubborn. I loved her anyway though this is how much this story will affect you. Your emotions will be pulled back and forth saying oh God please Pep. To AHHHHHHH why Rhyson don't do it. This book has feels and angst the kind that makes you not want to put this story down. I was so engrossed and consumed I didn't want to do anything else. Kai and Rhyson have a connection that is so deep that not everyone will understand. I sometimes get lost in a song that takes me to another place I can imagine in my head seeing these two together so clearly because they are as one for a moment. Like the world just stops and it's just them. Not everyone is on board with Rhyson going in this direction but he doesn't care he has one thing he wants and he needs to have her. Kai is frustrating because you completely understand why she's pulling back but I wanted to push her to the ledge. I love rocker books but this one is deep the depth of the story will stand out to you like Kellan. The magnitude of getting lost in this story was out of this world. If I could rate this book for real it would be to the roof. Also country girl hello always going to relate to this. I'm a southern girl that country accent and all. You have to respect Kai for everything she's trying to accomplish and value her morals. Life is not easy at all and you can totally connect with both characters and understand there choices. I'm in awe of this author I'm going to hunt you down if you make me wait until February AHHHHHHH I need this next book like this morning at 1:54 am 10/29/15 hahaha yes I might even be in stalking mode. Anyways you never seem to fail me getting lost in one of your stories so realistic and I thank you for letting me review for you. I received this as an arc from the author for an honest review. I will be purchasing this book because its been added to my top 2015 list I have a few but this stands very strong. Get ready everyone because this story is amazing and you will love every moment. Reviewing for Night and Day book blog http://ndbbr2014.com Stephanie Powell
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,102 reviews1,352 followers
November 16, 2015
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

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#MySoulToKeep


Breathtakingly Beautiful!!!! Kennedy Ryan has captured my heart, my attention and my soul as she delivers one of the most awe-inspiring, touching, emotional, and captivatingly raw story that I have read in her newest release, My Soul To Keep. With her gorgeous and beautiful prose, Ms. Ryan has delicately weaved a book layered with emotions, heart, beauty, and raw characters.

#MySoulToKeep1

In all honesty, My Soul To Keep is a book that you need to experience and savor. It is a book that cannot be reviewed properly because the story of Rhyson and Kai was so much more. There aren't enough eloquent words to describe the feelings that Ms. Ryan has bestowed and left her readers. I practically went into reading this book blind with no expectations and barely read the blurb. All I knew was the title and book cover alone captured my attention and I knew I had to read this book stat. My Soul To Keep is the first book that I have read from Kennedy Ryan and definitely won't be my last. What I can attest and say is that my heart is bursting with so much emotions. My Soul To Keep was brimming with so much passion, raw emotions, tangible connections and a palpable romance that will leave you begging for more. Ms. Ryan has orchestrated a story that tugged all the heartstrings. She beautifully weaved a story that incorporated music, love, and heart. As Ms. Ryan collides two stranger's hearts, she has perfectly created a song that will engulf our soul and leave us a beautiful mess. Two hearts, two songs, and two rhythms that beats as one. So if you love a book that is brimming with so much depth, beauty, and raw emotions, then I highly recommend you to read My Soul To Keep. Ms. Ryan will fill your heart with the lyrics of Rhyson and Kai.


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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Kennedy Ryan
Profile Image for Syndi.
3,231 reviews948 followers
November 4, 2020
DNF

Disappointed! I love Grip series. I thought that series open my eyes and propel my romance taste to the new level. I thought I was going to be blown away by My Soul to Keep. I am very confuse. Miss Ryan is suppose to be my favorite author. Now... I am not I want to pick up another of her book.

My Soul to Keep does not connect with me. The characters, the story and the pace is just not working. The back and forth between Rhys and Kai is like watching the cote result between Biden vs Trump. Boring. Hey I am not USA citizen!
I am always sad shelving a book under DNF. I really want to read a good book today. Well another day goes wasted, I guess.

2 stars
Profile Image for Olga therebelreader.
890 reviews757 followers
November 16, 2015
The author will take you on an up and down roller coaster pulling your emotions and heart strings along the way. This book had me laughing, yelling, and shedding a few tears. It's such an amazing feeling when an author can bring out so many different emotions all at once.

Kai and Rhyson's story deals with learning how to love deeply and how to overcome obstacles to be together with the one you love and desire. Kai is a down-to-earth talented dancer and singer who has the ambition to build a good career in the show business. Rhyson is a brilliant genius composer and music player who electrifies the senses through his music. Their strong friendship will soon evolve into romance and deep love. Their story shows that in overcoming our fears, we can move forward, stronger and wiser within ourselves. Kai and Rhyson are destined to be together and determined to fight together and apart for a lasting love.

I was thoroughly captivated by this story and all the amazing characters who left a lasting impression. The connection established between the characters was strong and the story was heart-warming and extremely emotional. The flow was outstanding, it was not forced or hard to follow; the plot was written beautifully, and the ending just leaves you craving more.
Profile Image for Antonella.
3,781 reviews521 followers
February 12, 2020
Exceptional writing!!
How does she do it? Makes me this addict once I start I can't stop reading...
I don't really care for rockstar romance or friends to lovers..what is happening?!

Kennedy Ryan is a talented goddess!

Even when they make me angry these characters are realistic & I understand their struggles.
Been there done that have a t-shirt to prove it type of thing...

I feel like my reading for the contemporary readathon just changed because I am not reading anything else until I read this series. Now!!!

"True freedom is only really found in those moments where you're unleased into your purpose."

I am ready for them to grow in the next books!!
Highly recommend this author and her books!!

It is weird to say I screamed when Grip appeared..I knew it but still wasn't ready...
Anyway, go read Kennedy's books...check out Scrib or Audible Escape if you love audiobooks and enjoy!!
Profile Image for TeriLyn.
1,366 reviews439 followers
October 23, 2015

**My Soul to Keep generously provided in exchange for an honest review.**

5+++ ”Some risks are worth taking.” Stars

As a fan of Kennedy Ryan’s previous Bennett series I was really excited to learn she had something new and self-published releasing soon. For me, as an already established fan, she elevated her story-telling game tenfold. 100-fold, if you will. She hit all my favorite romance story buttons creating a unbreakable connection to these characters - so strong I couldn’t stop reading. Friends-to-romance, angst-ridden, music industry culture, independent heroine, eccentric hero – this book has it all and is brilliantly pieced together providing an extraordinary reading experience. To say I’m excited about this book would be an understatement. I hope you’ll all read this new contemporary romance as My Soul to Keep definitely lands on my TOP 5 “Books of 2015” list.

My expectations for this book, well honestly I didn’t know what to expect. I thought I was going to be reading about two music students trying to make it big in the industry. I was so very wrong. And what I actually received from this story completely blew me away. As always, to preserve the plot and allow a reader to really feel and understand these characters for yourself, I give nothing away and instead will try and convey how I felt while reading. The main characters are truly the feature of this story for me, as they should be, however the secondary characters really play well into the overall tone of their lives at the present time. Who Rhyson and Kai are and where they came from is fully represented by the secondary characters – whether they be likable characters or not.

From the very first, poignantly real, and moving chapter I was hooked on the story of Kai Pearson and Rhyson Gray. Through alternating first person points of view, Kennedy Ryan digs deep into the souls of both characters. She eloquently exposes their deepest vulnerabilities through the up-front, immediate honesty they both share with only each other. The trust and connection they feel from the minute they meet drives their relationship as well their connection to the reader. With a beautifully constructed “slow-build” where they transition to the best of friends while fighting an attraction to each other to the epic romance you feel forthcoming, so many moments between these two stand out in my reading heart as I reflect on the book. Kennedy Ryan moved the plot by being totally main character-centric, the focus constantly on them even as outside forces sweep in to disrupt them.

I just can’t express enough my love for both Rhyson and Kai. So polarizing their connection to each other, so perfectly structured their “moments” thanks to the great story telling of Ryan. She easily builds up the angst and carefully moves beyond it before arc’ing again. I understood their plights, empathized with their feelings, and thought each of them so pure in their honesty to each other that this nagging feeling of self-destruction kept looming. The results of that are fantastic. Something about the two of them together and as individuals resonated so completely with me throughout the book. Maybe each of their fierce ambition, the way they couldn’t resist each other even though they should, the way they rocked each other’s worlds at first sight or rather, first note. The feral temptation hidden beneath an immediate trust. Maybe the very real, human qualities in them to realize their mistakes and move forward, their honesty and compassion for another.

Kennedy Ryan wrote a brilliant story. Connecting all the elements of her love story to my reading soul with characters for whom I want to spend more time. Her writing here is crisp, fluid, and cohesively masters the plot and the souls of her characters. Her enticing word choices and the descriptions she uses to drive home their connection and their feelings so vivid easily creating moving pictures in your mind as you read her words. It weaves together so many great romance elements while giving you a story with depth and emotion. I was a Kennedy Ryan fan before, I’m a SUPER fan now. Rhyson Gray and Kai Pearson catapulted My Soul to Keep to my Top 5 list and that’s in no small way thanks to the excellent story telling of Kennedy Ryan. I’m so excited about this book and where this author plans to take us. I’m urging to you to read it!
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,451 reviews173 followers
December 6, 2021
Having really enjoyed the Grip series by the same author I was really pleased to hear about the Souls trilogy as I wanted more of these characters!

Whereas the Grip series focuses on Bristol and Grip, in this trilogy Rhyson and Kai take centre stage.

Rhyson is a piano playing superstar with a complicated family. Kai is an aspiring singer with the smallest family in the world. Both have shoulders heavy with trauma and this is how their romance begins. 

Ryan is fantastic at fleshing out her characters, making them both loveable and irritating at the same time. The romance steams off the pages.

I endeavoured this book and I'm looking forward to seeing how their story unfolds in the next two books.

At time of posting this trilogy is available on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for TJ ☾.
732 reviews1,707 followers
March 24, 2021
3.5 Stars

I had a gr8 time reading this but it had less to do w the story/characters and more to do with Kai making Rhys wait and wait and wait until he was absolutely desperate for her. I see you girl ;)

me when a guy is reluctant to commit:

description

me when a girl is reluctant to commit:

description

yes its an unfair double standard and ill just have to live w myself. something I will say about this book tho: too much 'Pep'
Profile Image for Ⓐlleskelle - That ranting lady ッ.
1,011 reviews913 followers
March 31, 2016
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️3.5 STARS⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Trying to keep my thoughts short, as plenty of readers already explained why they liked My Soul to Keep, I've read truly engaging reviews that made me pick up this one a while back, but being a moody reader, I've only just read it recently.
Anyways... This was a nice story, small town girl falls for music rockstar prodigy, some welcomed angst coming in pair with fame.

I've been a little annoyed with the heroine stubbornness and the hero juvenile streak at times but overall I enjoyed the chemistry between these two.
If you like alpha males, Rhyson should be just up your alley. Sweet and caring but downright pushy and possessive. He reminded me a lot of "The Lord of the Manor - Jesse Ward", from This Man trilogy, in that aspect.

All in all a nice read, yes it was predictable but I let myself enjoying the tale, I wasn't expecting the last twist from the sneak peak chapter, and fortunately I've had book 2 on hand and didn't have to suffer from the cliffhanger...

More reviews and book talk at :

You can find me here too ☞
Profile Image for JAIME LOUISE.
380 reviews241 followers
December 4, 2015
This book was silly and predictable (rock-star romances, eh) and I kind of loved it for right now because silly and predictable is about where my head is at.

I'm sure I'll look back on this and be all 'ugh, why did you even read that' but, yeah.
Profile Image for Wil Loves Books!.
1,330 reviews479 followers
January 4, 2018
Um, I didn’t love it as much as I thought I would. Kai annoys me to no end. Seriously can’t understand what Rhyson sees in her and why he’s so obsessed, dude also has issues. I hope Book 2 gets better. This ended in a huge cliffhanger and I honestly don’t see why 3 books are needed. Hope it’s not filled with lots of back and forth between the MCs or I might just DNF...
Profile Image for tai.
562 reviews86 followers
June 13, 2020
Kennedy Ryan does it again! I just love her books so much! I don’t feel like writing a huge review right now, but I absolutely loved everything about this one! Kennedy has a gift, not only with her amazing writing but also with her ability to write amazing connections between her main characters. I couldn’t get enough of Kai and Rhyson!

I think the only reason why this is not a 5 star read is because I wasn’t a fan of Rhyson’s actions at the end of the book. I’m excited to see how things will work out in the next book.

Even with my small problem, you can never go wrong with a friends to lovers and Kennedy created amazing characters in Rhyson and Kai and another amazing relationship. I loved every moment between these two!

As a side note, I also loved seeing Grip and Bristol! When I read Grip I didn’t know Rhys and Kai had a book so it was fun to read their book now, and seeing those two characters in someone else’s eyes.
Profile Image for Bookphenomena (Micky) .
2,672 reviews515 followers
February 12, 2020
Well then, that was as wonderful as I've heard. It was wondeful because of the characters Rhyson and Kai. I'm not generally a fan of rock star romances, unless it's stand-out and I don't often pick them up to read but the buzz on this one came from trusted sources. The connection between these two was based in friendship, somewhat slow burn and had such chemistry that it sucked me in totally. I became wrapped up in these two and their lives. There are of course, complications, stupidity but connection that speaks of everything.

This is a series I can't wait to continue and I feel so excited to have found a new author whose writing I found so compelling.
Profile Image for Anna.
484 reviews370 followers
December 10, 2016
Loved this book !!!

There's nothing better than experiencing how two soulmates find each other and fall in love ! I was with this couple their whole journey and it was beautiful! I can't wait to continue this series !!
Profile Image for Kelli C .
1,052 reviews355 followers
December 14, 2015
Hmmmm...did this doozy in the plane and all I can say is...CLIFFHANGER! Not sure if I loved it. I do love some Rhyson and all his pushy, all-consuming lust and love. Not sure what he sees in a stubborn and totally naïve Kai, but I am buying into the tale! I will definitely pick up book 2 because I am a sucker for a hot rock-star and let's be honest, this one is pretty hot! I am looking forward to seeing this scandalous event come to light and how the future will play out!
Profile Image for Donna ~ The Romance Cover.
2,817 reviews321 followers
November 16, 2015
My Soul to Keep (Soul #1) by Kennedy Ryan
5 stars!!!

“Am I worth the risk?”


I absolutely loved this book, sometimes you just start reading and you connect and that is what happened when I started reading My Soul to Keep. I had never read Kennedy Ryan before and I can honestly say that it won’t be my last. I love finding new to me authors, or even better new to anyone authors but it was the cover that attracted me to this one, not normally a fan of faces on covers but the girl spoke to me, so I read.

“He was a flare of light that illuminated everything around me and showed my just how dull my existence had become.”


This book covered a multitude of my favourites, I love the music industry, I worked in it for a few years and it still remains a favourite of mine to read about and brings back some fantastic memories. Friends to lovers another one of my favourites, I love it when you get the “getting to know you” stage, where the characters actually take the time to learn everything about each other and it helps with that character connection ten-fold and I crave character connection. I love my angst, and this book had it in spades…tears galore but perfectly balanced with everything in between.

“Watching you guys trying to be friends is like watching porn with no penetration. Really hot, but no climax.”


Kai Pearson was a woman that had put her life on hold caring for her terminally ill mother. Her mother was her world and her death hit her hard but now she had to make her mother proud and chase her dreams…finally. She was an extremely talented singer and dancer and was highly motivated. She had to make up the time she had lost and she works hard at it. She wants to succeed on her own merits, she wants to get noticed and nothing, especially a man would detract her from her end goals.

“That song was how I felt. I loved it because I was so lost…because sometimes I still am.”


Rhyson was a child prodigy, he was a master on the piano, he was a talented musician, singer and song writer and was now in a band. His band was like no other as it was a fusion of all his talents and they were insanely popular. Rhyson keeps women at arm’s length…until he meets the insanely stubborn Kai.

“Without realizing it, I’ve started playing Tchaikovsky’s Romance in F Minor. Even my subconscious wants to seduce her.”


I loved the slow build in this book, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t but for me, their story was insanely addictive. Kennedy Ryan draws you into these characters by highlighting their strengths and their weaknesses, she exposes their vulnerabilities as well as their talents and draws you in to a connection so mesmerising that you cannot stop reading…at least I couldn’t. Kai’s initial constant knock backs and Rhyson’s determination was a pleasure to read and even funnier seeing him friend zoned. But it is this friendship that is the crux and back bone of their relationship. This friendship was their foundation and their stark honesty with each other was refreshing. Neither trust easily and have a very small circle of confidantes and these two told each other everything. It was a relationship borne from all the right ingredients, but even a chef can muck it up…

“I want to hold her so close our heartbeats syncopate.”


This book is about a woman that is desperate to succeed and a man who has been there and is doing it and knows all the pit-falls and will do anything he can to protect her. This book is about a fantastic friendship, sizzling chemistry and that all intoxicating push and pull of emotions, that do they, don’t they? That first love, the learning of the complexities of a relationship, the pressure of success and those dreaded paparazzi, it is all encompassing and super emotional.

“The thought of being without her strips away all my bravado. She has no idea how much power she has over me. I’m the famous one. The rich one. The one who has nothing left to prove, but she holds every card. Especially the ones with the hearts.”


Kennedy Ryan’s writing style really resonated with my romantic reader heart, her lyrical writing captivated me from the start and didn’t let me go until the very end and I am desperate for more. I absolutely loved this book, loved the characters and even the side characters that all had their parts to play and while this is definitely Kai and Rhyson’s tale they all added depth to the overall story. I seriously need book two, like RIGHT NOW!!

“And there, with only our hearts as witnesses, our bodies make a vow that our souls will keep.”


www.theromancecover.com



Profile Image for Paula .
704 reviews232 followers
December 31, 2015

Loved, loved, LOVED! This book was so well written, funny, swoony, sexy, frustrating, angsty, emotional - it was everything that I love in a story and more! I couldn’t put it down. I just wanted to keep reading I was so lost in Rhyson and Kai’s story. Even though they're relationship was a bit dysfunctional and full of drama, I loved them together. These two made me laugh, made me cry, made me mad, made my stomach flip flop the sexual tension was so palpable and intense. I adored Rhyson. Adored! And that ending... GAWD! I’m definitely going to be stalking Ryan Kennedy until the next book comes out. Read this book!
Profile Image for alana ☁️.
886 reviews1,158 followers
January 19, 2023
3.75 stars

having met Kai and Rhyson in the Grip trilogy, it was so nice to be able to go back and read their story. i thought this was really solid — both our MCs had moments of being complete dummies but it sure was easy to see their connection and passion. KR's writing always leaves an impression on me and this book was no different. now onwards to book 2~
Profile Image for book bruin.
1,325 reviews344 followers
May 27, 2018
Overall 5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4.5 stars

I have been meaning to start this series since meeting Rhyson and Kai in the Grip series. I wish I hadn't waited so long! It was amazing to finally know their story from the very beginning. The duet narration of Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross worked so well in this emotional slow burn romance. Listeners/readers should note that this is book 1, but all books in the series are currently available.

Kai and Rhyson have an instant connection, but I loved that Kai stayed true to herself and kept Rhyson in the friend zone, despite his clear desire for more. It allowed them to truly get to know the other beyond their physical attraction and connect on a much deeper level. Their relationship grows organically, even though Rhyson is a huge celebrity, and made for some major fireworks once things come to a boil. Yes, there is a lot of push and pull, and there were definitely times when I was frustrated by both of them, but the story flowed well and felt perfect for our characters. It was fun to see Marlon/Grip and Bristol make appearances as well, though I'm glad I met them first, otherwise I may not have been so enthusiastic to read the Grip series! LOL

Though I love both narrators, Kai Kennicott truly gives an incredible performance. She captured all of Kai's pain, fire, strength, anger, and joy so perfectly. I can't wait to start the next book!
Profile Image for Suzana.
232 reviews11 followers
December 13, 2015
Again with the damn cliffhanger ... grrr



I really liked this book ... music, hot guy ... swoon ...



description

“I'm his and he's mine.”
Profile Image for Korrie’s Korner.
1,255 reviews13.4k followers
October 20, 2019
Love Geritol & Pep!

“She grew up with unconditional love, but no fame. I grew up with fame, but no unconditional love.”

This story was so good! Ever since reading The Grip Series, I’ve been wanting to start back at one with Rhyson & Kai. What a tsunami of feels these two gave me. Friends to lovers. Rhyson the Playboy, to man truly in love with one woman. I look forward to continuing this series, discovering how they work through the messes of fame, jealously and heartbreak.

Loved seeing Grip & Bris in this book. I love them so much.
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