Hook Shot

Hook Shot by Kennedy Ryan is book three in her Hoops Series. Every book in the series is about another couple and can easily be read as standalones.
The previous books are Long Shot and Block Shot.
Hook Shot tells Lotus and Kenan’s heart wrenching story. I will not spoiler here, only so much, there are characters from previous books that appear and I loved it. Just like Lotus, she’s Iris’ cousin and they grew up together.
Lotus and Kenan know each other for years. They have strong chemistry and are drawn to each other, but never acted on it. Kenan’s personal life is a mess and Lotus tends to stay away from relationships and messes. At first sight they have not much in common, but both carry a lot on their backs, have issues and scars, visible and invisible.
I couldn’t wait to read this highly anticipated book – and I had high expectations. And what can I say, Hook Shot is better than I could have dreamed of. Kenan and Lotus’ story remebered me a bit of Grip and Bristol and made me want to read their books again – as if I don’t re-read them the whole time anyway.
OK , back to Hook Shot. Since Gus and Iris’ book I wanted to know more about Lotus and now the author dekivered. Than you so much KR !! It’s a raw and gritty story, a story that stays with you. I highly recommend the book and give 6 stars.

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by Kennedy Ryan is a beautiful, poignant, emotional masterpiece! It moved me. It broke me. It healed me. In true Kennedy Ryan fashion, she created this heartwrenching and passionate tug-of-war between my head and my heart, and with each turn of the page, I felt myself falling deeper and deeper under her spell. Lotus DuPree was a force to be reckoned with in the heroine department. I absolutely loved her style, her confidence, and her courage and determination. Kenan Ross, our hero…I fell for him at the very start. I admired his patience, his loyalty, and his persistence when it came to our leading lady. Together, Lotus and Kenan were EVERYTHING! Both had issues when it came to trust, but through pure will, determination, and affection, they were able to break down those walls and heal one another. This author absolutely SLAYS when it comes to emotional romances, and this EPIC love story right here, is one you can’t miss out on.

#FREE in KU!
Amazon → https://amzn.to/2UiZ1jm
Paperback → https://amzn.to/2U2R0tU

As I was reading HOOK SHOT the words going through my head included sigh-worthy, swoony, a delicious slow-burn, sexy, sultry, sumptuous, steamy and electric. OK, I went overboard with the ‘S’ words but they fit!

I loved Lotus DuPree. I loved Kenan Ross. I loved Lotus and Kenan together.

Let’s talk about Lotus first. She is such a strong and capable woman. She’s heading for emotionally turbulent times and Ryan does an excellent job in portraying her vulnerability and confusion as she works her way through issues that stem from childhood. I really liked that even during times of uncertainty she was an open and clear communicator. She was never coy or timid in her interactions with people, especially Kenan. She handles herself well, making her one of the strongest romance book heroines that I have read.

Kenan really piqued my interest when he appeared in the previous Hoops books. I do enjoy reading books about heroes who’ve been previously betrayed by a woman. I wonder how they’ll react when they show an interest in another woman that’s beyond the physical. Kenan is a basketball player yet his on-court confidence is not mirrored in his personal life; he’s been betrayed by his now ex-wife and the daughter they share is struggling to find her equilibrium as a result of all the upheaval. Kenan is definitely attracted to Lotus, and he wants to spend time with her but he is not offering anything beyond a short term arrangement.

And then there’s Lotus and Kenan together. They are so good! Their chemistry is certainly combustible but what I enjoyed even more is the time they spent getting to know one another. They talked, they communicated, and they did not play games. They spent time together but did not cling. They appreciated each other and they supported each other. These are relationship goals!

I am a bit of a latecomer to Kennedy Ryan’s Hoops series. I’ve heard only good things but somehow placed them on my ‘one of these days’ pile. Perhaps it’s not so foolish a decision because I got to indulge in these books one after the other without having to wait for a new release. I highly recommend the Hoops series but for me, HOOK SHOT stands slightly above the others. I absolutely loved this book!

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~~ 4.5 GLADIATOR Stars! ~~

“I have found the one whom my soul loves.”

Kennedy Ryan landed a SLAM DUNK with Hook Shot!

Fact. Every time this regal author announces a new book release, my breath catches in my throat and giddy butterflies start erupting in my belly because she never fails to weave a masterpiece that resonates so deeply in your heart and soul that it’s guaranteed to STICK with you for days, weeks, months, perhaps even years to come.

And Ms. Ryan sure LIVED UP TO THE LEGEND with this third spectacular standalone in her HOOPS series. HOOK SHOT is the kind of all-consuming story that you devour, that you LIVE AND BREATHE, that you stay up till the wee hours of the morning reading.

If I could put my finger on what made this book so MAGICAL, I would, but honestly there are so many moving parts at play here. It’s the resplendent poetic prose and the intricately woven storyline that strikes an indelible chord. It’s the charismatic, deeply complex, beautifully crafted characters. It’s the spellbinding, sensuous, soul searing romance that GUTS YOU and HEALS YOU often in the same breath.

In a nutshell, this “deeply emotional standalone romance, set in the world of professional basketball and high fashion” centers around the combustible friends to lovers relationship between fashion designer Lotus DuPree and hotshot San Diego Waves baller Kenan Ross. For followers of the Hoops series, these characters were first introduced in LONG SHOT and anticipation has been building for this duo to get their story. Well, their time is NOW!

OMFG…as far as Tall, Dark and Alphalicious lone wolves go, Kenan is THE LEADER OF HE PACK! At a towering 6 foot 7, he’s a “supple canvas” of big, bronzed sculpted muscle and pure potent virility! And…MEGA SWOON ALERT: He may be a superstar in the NBA, but his most important job is as a loving, fiercely protective father to his 14-year-old daughter, Simone.

In the aftermath of his messy divorce, when Kenan’s spoiled ex drags their kid across the country with her so she can shoot a reality TV show, he relocates to NYC for the summer so he can spend quality time with Mona before the basketball training season starts. Mona has been caught in the crosshairs of her parents ugly split and Kenan is determined to help his precious, emotionally fragile girl get through this rough patch. Ms. Kennedy’s true to life depiction of the painful ramifications of divorce on a child, combined with the ovary-combusting daddy/daughter scenes between Kenan and Simone, just WRECKED me!

And, eeeep, in a twist of fate, Kenan’s temporary stint in NYC thrusts him back into Lotus’s orbit.

From the moment they lock eyes again at a glitzy fashion soirée there’s just something intoxicating about Lotus that permeates his senses. Unravels him. And if any woman has a shot at breaking down this broody baller’s barriers, it’s this sweet, exotic beauty. But, alas, she’s got some major intimacy issues and is even more emotionally guarded than he is…. Which becomes abundantly clear when the sultry fashion diva pronounces that she’s sworn off sex after their euphoric night of revelry together culminates in an earth-shattering liplock!

But even though she has “friend-zoned” Kenan, this ferociously sexy gentle-giant is not ABOUT to stop fighting for her.

I love both these characters truly, madly, deeply but while Kenan may be the “Gladiator” on the basketball court, imho, Lo was the REAL CHAMPION of this story! The tiny, tenacious, bohemian spitfire is a heady blend of sass and softness, sensitivity and spirituality, and despite all the agonizing trauma she has endured in her life, she’s a TRUE SURVIVOR.

This love story, which is bolstered by a vibrant and diverse cast of supporting characters and dips our toes into the mystical voodoo world, was BEWITCHING! I adored every moment that transpired between Lo and Kenan. The fun, flirty banter and the deep, philosophical convos. The smoldering sparks. The raw, blistering intensity. The sweet, soul deep fusion of their hearts and souls. But, sheesh, this wicked author sure TORTURES us with every excruciating beat of this seductively sexy, slow building romance. I mean the tension was so freaking palpable I felt a PHYSICAL ACHE, but in hindsight, having this duo start off as friends and watching their complicated relationship evolve from purely platonic to hot burning, soul-healing love was an utterly MAGNIFICENT thing to behold.

BOTTOM LINE:
Ultimately its near impossible to sum up HOOK SHOT . Because, in essence, it encapsulates this and SO MUCH MORE:

It’s about an extraordinary love that’s patient and kind, self-sacrificing…and BOUNDLESS.

It’s about faith, healing and forgiveness, and the unbreakable bonds of friends and family.

And last, but certainly not least, HOOK SHOT is about facing your battles head on to forge a beautiful new tomorrow even when IT HURTS SO BAD.

But, of course as with all of Kennedy Ryan’s novels, this tale ends on a high note with a deeply fulfilling HEA that had me doing a VICTORY LAP!

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Kennedy. Kennedy. Kennedy.

I don’t know where to start….just kidding I do!

Since book 1 of this series, I’ve been drawn to Lotus. She’s a strength I can only hope to possess and a beauty that surpasses the physical. She’s an old soul in a millennials mind set, a voodoo goddess in her heart, a survivor and a fierce woman above all. Any of these should make her a must read character in this series by the masterful Kennedy Ryan. But ALL of these will put her smack on the TOP of my list of female characters of all time!

Her counterpart in Kenan is reserved in spirit but his quiet strength is not lessened by my love for his Queen. Instead it makes me appreciate him even more. He has his head on right, he’s mature (and not just in age), he’s a sculpted piece of art in appearance, and he’s a MAN. No boyish games or ridiculousness where Kenan is concerned. You wanna play in the big leagues??? You gotta BE big league.

Kennedy has this way of writing poignant, modern, eloquent, WOKE, epic tales. And Hook Shot might’ve just put itself in my top 3 of her books. And that’s quite the feat! It’s some tough competition!! But the heartfelt emotions, maturity and special surprises she has in store for you make this one a MUST READ!!

Go tell your friends and your mom! #KeLo rules the kingdom and my heart!!

JAGGER. Where you at boo????

Let me preface this by saying that I’ve never read anything by Kennedy Ryan, other than titles I knew little else of her work. I went into this book fully expecting it to be an easy read, you’re everyday sports romance… A forgettable tale. What I wasn’t expecting was the devastatingly sinful, emotionally charged wrecking ball that swung from the pages of Hook Shot.

From their first meeting, I was completely enthralled with Kenan and Lotus. Kennedy Ryan does a phenomenal job, bringing their love to life. With chemistry that sizzles, every romance fan is guaranteed to enjoy their story.

Though Kennedy unapologetically takes things even further, expanding her characters backstory with pasts less than perfect. Unabashedly she dictates Lotus’s story with such conviction, and honesty that at times you will find yourself questioning the fictional aspect of this book.

On the surface Hook Shot may seem like just “another basketball romance”, but as the old cliche says….

Never Judge a Book by its Cover.

“Sure, Kenan is devastatingly handsome. And, yes, this virile man comes at a time when I’ve sworn off men altogether, but so what? I’ve never met a guy I couldn’t resist. How different could Kenan Ross be?

Where do I even begin with this author? Kennedy Ryan is an author that has a very special place in my heart. Her book Grip touched me in ways other books haven’t, if you haven’t read I highly recommend. But I know every time that I go into her books I’m getting ready for a book packed with a punch. Her characters are always so real and honest. Scarred and beautiful. Ryan knows how to make the characters relatable.

“And I want to be eaten whole. Don’t parcel me up. Don’t take me in small bites. Consume me in one starving gulp, because that’s how I want him.”

Hook Shot follows the story of Kenan and Lotus. Gah, was I ever waiting for this book. Having read the previous two books in the series and getting glimpses and pieces of these characters, I was dying to dive in, and dive in I did. These two characters have suffered in their life time. Trauma has happened. Pain has consumed. Lotus thinks her life is perfect but she knows deep down it’s a lie. Kenan is furious his ex-wife made him uproot his life to New York, just so he could see his daughter. These two couldn’t be less ready for a relationship. But life has funny timing.

“I will possess this warrior under me. The man they call Gladiator taken captive by a girl half his size and a decade younger. I’m a girl he could crush, but everything in the way he looks at me says cherish. Says treasure. Says protect. Says I’m his, too.”

Lotus and Kenan had me captivated by the first page, and up until the very last. Though I would have kept reading this book endlessly if I could have. These two characters are raw, real, and find hope in each other.

“Of course, you aren’t afraid of the storm,” MiMi had said with a smile. “You are the storm.”

Hook Shot will have you hooked, trust me. Kennedy writes a breath taking read. Pulse pounding moments lost in her words. I can’t recommend this book enough.

‘…the world might try to get you down, but you gotta glow up.’

And that’s exactly what Lotus DuPree has done for most of her life because not only the world but her own blood have tried to stifle her…to break her…to hold her back from being the warrior she’s meant to be and without her tenacious attitude, her resilience, or her inner strength, she wouldn’t be the driven woman she is – the one who Kenan Ross wants to claim despite the many reasons, both personally and professionally, that should make them stay away.

I have to admit…I have a fierce girl crush on Lotus. It’s clear that she knows who she is and she makes sure that she stays as true to herself as she can. She’s authentic and bold; she’s not a pushover but she also knows when to take a step back to reassess situations and process what she’s learned in order to act accordingly. And the way she takes up her own mental health and does what needs to be done in order for her to be ready to experience the connection she has with Kenan.

Just when I think I have a favorite Kennedy Ryan hero, she introduces me to a new one and the fact that Kenan’s nickname is Gladiator is fitting on so many levels. The shitstorm that he has to wade through in his personal life because he’s in the public eye is absolutely brutal, but he holds steadfast to following the course – one that is totally upended by his little PYT – but even when he forges a bit of a new path so that he can include Lotus in his life, he never changes from the honest, patient, and giving man that he has always been.

The one character who had an overwhelming presence throughout Hook Shot, even if it was in spirit alone, was Lotus’ Mimi. The reason that Lotus lived with her grandmother in her early teens is not something anyone should have to endure, but Lo is able to do so because of Mimi’s unconditional love and the fact that she saw the warrior inside Lotus and helped her to heal, as best she could, until there was a time where Lo would have the courage…the fortitude…the desire to face her past and live her best life with those who see Lo the same way her Mimi did and love her exactly how she deserves to be loved, and that’s the true gift that Mimi gives Lo and it’s definitely one Lo doesn’t squalor even when it’s overwhelming and difficult.

Kennedy Ryan’s flawless prose, her multifaceted characters, and her realistic and emotionally driven plot lines have such a visceral effect on me because Ryan allows me and perhaps even demands me to be so much more than simply a reader of her stories. She wants me to learn through her characters’ triumphs and struggles…to revel in their ability to weather the storm…to rise above the maelstrom of their pasts and find a way to move forward. Ryan wants me to gain insight about life and love through the hero and heroine’s mistakes…through their acts of courage despite their fear…through their resilience as well as the times where their scars and their baggage overpowers them and they’re laid bare for all of us to see. Those are the times that I’m most riveted to the pages, to the paragraphs, to the sentences, to the words that Ryan so eloquently brings to life.

What I also appreciate about Ryan’s storytelling doesn’t sugarcoat the harsher side of life…the atrocities that people are capable of…the reality of a person’s path being one of highs and lows, ups and downs, light and darkness. And I think that’s one of the components of her writing that not only resonates with readers but captivates them and works its way into the hearts and souls of Ryan’s readers.

5+ Poison Apples

I have just fallen in love with the best book ever! Aspiring new writers should look at this author’s work to understand how to write a real good romance book. There is such a wonderful and slow development of the love between these two characters, a beautiful dance of knowing each other and finding out the little things that make each one special to the other. It’s a journey and a revelation.
Kennan Ross has always been attracted to Lotus, since the first time he saw her. In August West’s brilliant words: “Bruh, she walked in and you were shook!” The same holds true for Lotus but she has some clairvoyance talent and she knew this man was dangerous to her heart so she always kept clear away from him and temptation. Years later, after he has been through the grind of a messy and public divorce, he arrives at the atelier where she works for a work collaboration, and he keeps at it until she can’t resist him.

Initially starting out as friends, they get along so well, their chemistry is so hot and there is a soul connection that makes it inevitable for feelings to deepen and their relation to continue developing. Kennan is a private man, an introvert, it’s not easy to have a conservation with him. Yet, with Lotus, the words flow, his feelings are skin deep, he’s like an open book. There are forces at hand that prevent their path to be smooth. Kennan is just out of a messy divorce, his ex-wife is a witch (with a b), who still harbors hope to get back together, she’s manipulative and vindictive and subjected him to a media circus. His daughter Simone is still struggling with her parents’ divorce and an ex from Lotus’ life is also having tantrums over losing her. Their path is not smooth but their feelings get stronger as time goes on. Secrets from Lotus’ past also come into play but Kennan is a patient and loving man, perfect for Lotus to heal and find her happy.

We are witness to a stellar love story, plot twists that make us gasp and a storyline that makes us want to cry. I was beguiled the whole time as I read this story and now all I want is to start with the first Hoops story and ride this journey again. I totally loved the lines from the Book of Solomon, so perfect romantic, interjected in so many places in the book, enhancing the wonderful romantic vibe of this story. I loved the slow nuances of a love story, that develops slowly, deepens in spite of the characters personal concerns, keeps us riveted and rooting for them. It’s a very romantic and loving story, and I loved it completely.

Hopelessly in love with Kenan!

Oh my what a deep fantastic read. The author brought the big guns this time y’all and gave us a truly emotional and wonderful read.

Kenan and Lotus are such wonderful characters that I didn’t want their story to end. This book is about healing and loving yourself before you can truly love another and the way the author told it was absolutely beautiful. If I could give it more stars I would. Totally loved it!

*Review by Michelle