NOW A TOP 25 AMAZON BESTSELLER.
A deeply emotional standalone romance set in the worlds of professional basketball and high fashion.Divorced. Single dad. Traded to a losing squad.Cheated on, betrayed, exposed.My perfect life blew up in my face and I’m still picking up the pieces.The last thing I need is her.A wildflower. A storm. A woman I can’t resist.Lotus DuPree is a kick to my gut and a … pieces.
The last thing I need is her.
A wildflower. A storm. A woman I can’t resist.
Lotus DuPree is a kick to my gut and a wrench in my plans
from the moment our eyes meet.
I promised myself I wouldn’t trust a woman again,
but I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want Lo.
She’s not the plan I made, but she’s the risk I have to take.
A warrior. A baller. The one they call Gladiator.Kenan Ross charged into my life smelling all good, looking even better and snatching my breath from the moment we met.
The last thing I need is him.
I’m working on me. Facing my pain and conquering my demons.
I’ve seen what trusting a man gets you.
I. Don’t. Have. Time. For. This.
But he just keeps coming for me.
Keeps knocking down my defenses and stealing my excuses
one by one.
He never gives up, and now…I’m not sure I want him to.
Kenan…Kenan…Kenan…and Lotus…
First, let me say, the guys on the book covers in this series, are..just…gorgeous….but this one is…whoa! It was definitely no hardship picturing him as Keenan…
Keenan Ross is 36, he’s big, an NBA veteran, captain for the expansion team to which he was traded and, realistically, in his last years of play…and he is just hot!!! Kenan had a good childhood, from a good family, but his ex cheated with a teammate, and he has been through a bad divorce…plus, he is helping raise his teenage daughter….Kenan is not looking for a woman when he visits a friend in the hospital and he sees the sexy, petite, Lotus, Iris’s cousin…but there is an immediate spark….
Lotus Dupree is 25, had a hard start in life and was raised by her great grandmother in New Orleans and is now working for a fashion designer in NYC…Lotus is a free spirit and, maybe a voodoo priestess…..She starts to feel the lasting effects of childhood abuse…and until she takes care of her, she has decided a man is the last thing she wants or needs…but Kenan…is hard to not want…and he doesn’t really listen….
After reading the previous books in this series, I already knew and loved Kenan and Lotus…and was waiting for HOOK SHOT…it did not disappoint….There is funny, but it’s intense…it’s Kennedy Ryan….Kenan and Lotus have so much chemistry, my kindle was smoking…I love them…I love their story…and this book…so much…and I really love this series….so good…
Breathtaking. Epic. Awesome love story.
This was a great standalone story. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline a lot. I absolutely loved Lotus (Lo) character in the previous book so I was more than excited to get her story. Kenan was a wonderful character but I disliked his ex-wife Bridget. She was a very messy and petty person. Her character changed a little in the end but I still didn’t care for her. However, the chemistry between Lo and Kenan was off the charts. I absolutely loved the two of them together. They made me smile, laugh and their heartfelt moments were everything. I also enjoyed that this book had a different aspect to it with the voodoo. Mimi was a wonderful character and she definitely left her mark when it came to Lo and everything she taught her. It definitely made this story interesting. This story was sweet, funny, steamy and romantic with some drama thrown in there. The ending was sweet but I wanted more and I was able to get a little more of them by signing up for the authors email. I wish the bonus content would have been added to this story because that would have made this a 5 star read for me. I look forward to reading more books from this author.
What a wonderful healing story.
I’ve been dying to read Lo and Kenan’s story since Long Shot (dont worry, this is a standalone, but I totally recommend reading the previous books first), and it was so worth the wait.
Since Long Shot (and the beginning of this book), we know Lo has suffered imensely in the past, such an unspeakable pain. But since that time, she’s been trying to rise above it and not face her demons.
But sometimes, to let go of the pain and baggage, you need to acknowldge them first. And that is what she decides to do.
And in doing so, her first rule is to stay away from man.
But fate has its own agenda and decided to put in her way the man with the potential to wreck her or to help her heal.
Kenan is fighting his own battles. After a nasty divorce with an ex-wife making his life miserable and a teenage daughter struggling with the new reality of her family, he needs all the simplicity he could get.
The thing is that, even though they need simple, they want each other. With all the battles, the demons, the fears and struggles, all the hopes and love, all the ugly past and wonderful rising.
This is not just a romance story. It’s a journey towards healing, for both of them.
It’s a story about hope and faith, the bravery of having faith, the courage of being vulnerable to love and let be loved.
It’s a story about things we don’t understand, and also about things that we could totally understand but maybe it call it differently.
It’s a story to show that there is so much more in this world that we could ever understand and how powerful we are.
This was a story to savour. I couldn’t eat it whole like I wanted. I had to enjoy every bite, taste every flavor, try different ingredients and realize how blissful they are together and apart.
Hats off to the chef. It was exquisite.
This book stuck with me. There is so much to say and I don’t know where to start. By rule, I usually stay clear of sports related books but this one drew me right in. (I read the book plus the extended epilogues from the author’s site.)
At first glance this book may seem like a simple sports romance but it’s not. It’s so much deeper than that. This book directly addresses complex but extremely necessary issues with delicacy. For instance, childhood sexual abuse, colorism, divorce, blended families, depression, death and the list goes on. Then to top it all off the love between the protagonists was so beautiful. It was pure and electrifying. The author’s writing is impeccable and poetic. It was emotionally riveting. I must be honest and admit that at certain parts of the book I had to put it down in tears. It was just that dynamic and intense.
Initially, I didn’t like the main character but as the book progressed I fell in love with Lotus. It was so refreshing to read about a character who looks like me and is just raw and real. She’s a fighter
In the best lossy way. Let’s not even start on Kenan, he is every Warrior Woman’s dream. It was such a breath of fresh air to read about a man who loves a way in the strength that she owns. The characters were so deep, well rounded and captivating. I waited a couple of days to write this review and reflect on any criticisms. I have none.
Lastly, I will say that when I decided to choose this book I was contemplating between this book and The King Maker. I read samples of both and struggled to choose between the two because although they were starkly different, they both drew me in. It wasn’t until afterwards I double checked and realized that they were both written by Kennedy Ryan. I would have never been able to guess that. This only demonstrates how diverse and wide this author’s range is.
Well done.
Ah! Kennedy Ryan stories always hit so deep and make you feel so much!
I was so anxious to get Lotus and Kenan’s story. I needed to know more about Lo and couldn’t wait for more Kenan.
Oh my, Lo, this beautiful, strong woman that just needed to free herself from so many things. It is stunning to watch her spread her wings. Kenan is so patient and understanding and such a great father. Lo and Kenan’s chemistry is intense, and their slow burn relationship is beautiful to watch flourish.
There are a lot of raw emotions in this story and so many beautiful moments that steal your breath. It’s a journey of healing, forgiveness, sacrifice, and love. A beautifully written story that left me with a warm heart.
“Real faith requires bravery.”
Ever since reading Long Shot Lotus intrigued me. I always felt that her story would be one that would rivet me, and I was correct. Kennedy Ryan never disappoints, and always has me feeling a gamut of emotions. Kenan is another prime example of a GOOD man, and seems to completely fit Lotus. Apart they face many obstacles that could destroy anyone but together they overcome and love perseveres. Brava Ms. Kennedy on yet another extraordinary book.
My fave book of the series! Technically, I said it with the previous book in the series, Blocked Shot, but that was BEFORE Hook Shot came out. That just goes to show how well this series grew from book to book. Sadly this is the last book in the series. I’m going to miss this world and these characters. I’ve read other sports romance books, but none as original, complex and well-developed as The Hoop Series. I look forward to what KR comes up with next. She has become a 1-click author for me.
I don’t know what took me so long to read this one. I loved Keenan and Lotus and their journey. Keenan is an all around amazing guy and I loved him from the start. It was clear that he did have issues to work through and realize from his first marriage, but I still loved him. Lotus was a strong lead female, at some points she made me angry, but I understand her. I loved their journey and I loved Keenan’s love for his daughter.
*** 3.5 Stars ***
Hook Shot (Hoops #3) by Kennedy Ryan is a contemporary, sports romance that takes place in the NBA world. Told in dual POV, it’s the third book in a series of interconnected standalones.
I was very excited to read Lotus and Kenan’s story, especially since Long Shot and Block Shot were both 5-star reads for me. Maybe it was my high expectations or my mood while reading, but something kept me from experiencing the deep connection that I felt in previous books.
There are many things that I enjoyed in this story. The characters of both Kenan and Lotus are likeable and relatable. The sensitive subject matter presented is tackled with finesse and class. And as always, the writing is skillfully and beautifully crafted.
I was expecting the story to break my heart and then mend it, to devastate and then heal me, but that didn’t happen which is why I couldn’t give a 5-star rating. I’m not sure what caused the disconnect, but even so, I enjoyed it overall and will continue to read and recommend books from this author.
I love Kenans and Lotus’s story! Just awesome.
The third book in the Hoops series, Hook Shot, features Kenan and Lotus . These two have been dancing around each other for a few years. The stars finally align and push them together, where they give in to their undeniable attraction.
As I was reading this book, all I kept thinking about was healing. These two hurting souls, are healing each other. I think they both realized that once they gave in to each other, there would be no holding back. They were both ready to heal and start anew. Kenan’s patience with Lotus brought tears to my eyes. Lotus’ strength in “taking a break” so that Kenan could concentrate on his daughter, was awe inspiring.
This is such an emotional story in so many ways. The emotional toll divorce has on children. The trauma an adult carries with them from childhood abuse, how it affects their relationships and the way they see themselves.
Although their path wasn’t easy, it was nice to see these characters get the HEA.
Man, Kennedy did it again! I don’t know how she does it but every book makes me love her more!
Kenan and Lotus we know from previous books we know they have an undeniable attraction and chemistry. We also know they avoid each.
Lotus and Kenan just made me love them and feel their pain of the past. I loved how they both found ways to work through their hurt and pain.
Kennedy did a great job of taking you on their journey and feeling their. There is many concepts I am looking to research. Excellent story. Another must read!
Love this series each book just gets better and better . A hot single dad and a younger woman with amazing chemistry. This one is not light and fluffy but like the authors other books touches on some real issues. Well written the fantastic relatable characters.
This book was everything! Kenan and Lotus journey to each other was not easy but it was worth at the end. Hook Shot is filled with angst, it will make you cry and laugh. This is the measure of a truly gifted writer that can give you “all the feels.”
I absolutely loved the banter between Kenan and Lotus through out the book. This is hands down on my list of the best books of 2019! I Loved Hook Shot.
Oh my goodness, I don’t know how to write a review that will do this book justice. I was blown away by this story. I loved everything about it. The poetic descriptions and beautiful phrasing were superb, even when the subject matter was difficult to read. The pacing of the storyline was perfect and means it’s not all up in your face. It has a quiet strength and it’s power lies in its intelligence and the sheer perfection of this author’s creative writing.
These characters are made for each other, they have a deep connection, and as the story unfolds you feel every emotion along with them. Their road is a challenging and bumpy one at times. They may not always see eye to eye but they don’t act like children or play silly mind games with each other in order to provoke a reaction. Lotus is a survivor. Damaged but strong, a beautiful soul and I adore her and the bond with her great grandmother and her spiritual traditions. Kenan is quite a reserved character, except when it comes to Lotus. Dedicated to his sport he nevertheless is a wonderful father and makes every effort to put his daughter and her needs to the forefront. Loyal and honourable, I loved the way he was there for Lotus and how he treated her with understanding and such tenderness when she needed it. The author was able to show us his strength and his vulnerability in a way which was real and relatable.
This whole series has been amazing but I must say, Hook Shot is my absolute favourite. You need to read this book, in fact I highly recommend you go read the whole series. You won’t be disappointed.
I am normally not into sports romance, but wow! This story made me forget it was a sports romance, perhaps because the heroine was in the fashion industry.
When Kenan and Lotus see each other for the first time, there is an instant attraction, which occurs every time they encounter each other. However they don’t actually meet until a few years later (where this story begins).
The hero and heroine are solid characters. I really liked the way Ms Ryan used them to tackle some serious real-life issues that many authors would shy away from. This is where I should mention that these issues may be triggers for some readers. However, these aspects of the story also provided depth to the characters and substance to their fears. Love, refused to let Kenan and Lotus hide behind all the reasons they shouldn’t be together. I found myself caring about the characters, including the secondary ones. I cried through half of the final chapter to the sigh-worthy end.
The story is incredibly well-written. Ms Ryan’s writing is top-notch, and I enjoyed the narration as much as the story itself. There are times I had to pause just to absorb the words. #MindBlown
The only thing I didn’t like about the story was the fact that it is written in first person present tense, because a few times I forgot whose POV the scene was in.
It’s still early in the year, but this will undoubtedly be on my favourite reads of 2019 list! Highly recommended.
This is a MUST READ!!! This book deserves ALL THE STARS!! Kennedy Ryan has surpassed all my expectations of what this book would make me FEEL!! Kennedy has a way with words that leave you feeling EVERYTHING!!!! Her words will pull you in, but her storytelling will keep you there. There is not a story told by her that doesn’t resonate deep in your soul, EVERY SINGLE BOOK, EVERY. SINGLE. ONE . has a deeper meaning, a TRUTH, a lesson, a REASON why she writes ,,,,, and HOOK SHOT is no different!!!
Lotus Dupree is an embodiment of strength and power. A force to be reckoned with. But she never lets anyone get to close. Never really trusting anyone with her heart, after all, the one person who she trusted the most, who was supposed to protect her as a child, failed her miserably.
Kenan Ross is a basketball star, known as the Gladiator. A Single dad who wants nothing but his daughter to be happy. When he has his life turned upside down by his ex-wife, he vows to never trust another woman again.
But when these two meet through August and Iris (Lo’s cousin), all bets are off!!
Get your Kleenex ready!!! This will make you cry, laugh, get mad,, and absolutely make your heart full with LOVE!!!!
Hook Shot took me places I could not have conceived possible. I’m still listening to Miles Davis and John Coltrane because of Kenan (and Lotus). This book touched me as a parent, as a woman, and as a human. Some people internalize trauma and grief and it makes them hard and combative and selfish and vindictive. But then there are people like Lotus – who take that same trauma and allow it to help them become sensitive and empathetic and… woke. Lotus is so beautifully self-aware and vulnerable and the type of woman that I want to know, want to be, and want my daughters to be. The fact that Kennedy Ryan was able to create her (and Iris and Banner and Mackenzie) makes me believe that women such as these exist in real life because they exist within Kennedy. And Kenan. He is a reminder that it is okay to expect MORE from a man. That I should demand more from my man. He was such a good father and a good man. I loved his interactions with his sister and mother, with Gus, with Banner, and especially with Lotus. Their friendship was absolutely delicious and their ascension into something more is such an astronomically grand journey. And don’t EVEN get me started on the steamy bits (the part with Lotus and Kenan in the workroom is on par with August and Iris in the janitor’s closet). I wish I could experience it for the first time again and again and again. I’ll have to settle for experiencing for the second, third, and fourth times, etc. Hook Shot is definitely on my Best of 2019 list. All the wine glasses.
SWEET BABY JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This book was even more than I had ever hoped it would be! Kennedy is such a genius when it comes to words. There’s just no one word to describe how amazing her writing is; it is magnificent, life-changing, inspirational, hell, it’s almost religious. I was so sad that I had to read this book all chopped up, I felt like this is a book that I needed to read on a beautiful sunny and lazy day. I want to re-read this book this summer when I can just sit and let the sun and words soak in.
Back to the masterpiece at hand. Seeing the build up between Lotus and Kenan in the previous books was such a sight to see. We knew there was something lurking around those corners and we knew it was going to be explosive. I had no idea that these two would be like rays of sun. You just get pulled in and you never want to leave it! The amount of power that Kenan and Lotus had between them was so powerful, that they couldn’t have stayed away if they tried. When Lotus tried to stay away, it was pretty laughable. I also loved how determined Kenan was to win over Lotus, he stepped way out of his comfort zone for him. Really, I think they both did. One might think that they each gave up a little bit of themselves to be with each other, but it’s more like they transformed into something even greater. The bond between them was so hot too! That is another one of the beautiful things about Kennedy’s writing, it’s such an art that you don’t shy away from anything. The love making between Kenan and Lotus was just as artful as the rest of the book. It took them to such a beautiful place. You also have these added touches of their past and the little touches of voodoo, it’s all just magical and thought provoking. You are really transformed to another place and taken on this amazing ride.
Now, one of the big things in writing for me are the secondary characters. I truly loved the editions of Billie, Yari, Chase, JP, Simone and Bridget! They created the perfect amount of drama and insight to the story. Speaking of drama, I loved how much of it there was! Of course, it was tastefully done, but it was just the perfect amount. We got a few good runs down the roller coaster with them too! The amount of emotions that all of these characters evoked was enormous. Each one of these secondary characters was so significant and emotion provoking, that it was really just next level!
I don’t really know how much more I can say about this book without giving too much away. Everything Kennedy does is amazing. Every time I think I finally have a favorite, the next book makes me think the same thing. The way she writes is just so beautiful and inspiring. She has the best female characters too! Each one of her women make you want to be a better woman. And every one of these kind and understanding man makes you want the same. You truly feel like you are in their world and living their lives when you read her work. You really can’t ask for more. If it were possible this book would get a 10!