A jock, a journalist and a second chance . . .MacKenzie Decker was a question Avery never got to ask, much less answer.They met when she was a young reporter fueled by ambition, and the ink on Deck’s first NBA contract was barely dry. Years later, they’ve climbed so high and lost so much, but one thing hasn’t changed. The attraction that simmered between them in a locker room before is still … before is still there. With success like theirs, everything has been possible . . . except them.
That was then.
But what about now?
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I quickly became a huge fan of Kennedy Ryan when I read Block Shot. I fell in love with that story HARD, so I knew that I had to read Hoops Holiday because we were getting more deliciousness from this amazing author.
Deck and Avery — even though they didn’t start off on the right foot when they first met, they certainly made up for it 10 years later. Deck always harbored a major crush on Avery but Avery was hardcore, determined woman who didn’t want to jeopardize her career by getting involved with a professional athlete. But deep down inside she found Deck to a beautiful specimen of a man and hard to resist if she continued to be near him. But their worlds lead different paths and didn’t have much interaction with each other for the next several years.
When they meet again, Deck is determined to win Avery’s heart one way or another. After finding out why she is so broken and sad, he is more determined to fix that beautiful little heart of hers and instead of having a frown he was going to make sure she had a smile.
This was a sweet, delicious, sexy little read that had me in all kinds of shambles. I just couldn’t get enough of these characters. They were just so perfect. This is the perfect quick read for the holidays that will leave you swooning!
HOOPS Holiday was such an enjoyable read!! First there is Full Court Press, Avery and Decker’s novella length story. It may not be long on pages, but it is a full story packed with emotion, humor and angst.
“I thought butterflies in your stomach were some urban myth from Harlequin romance novels, but sure enough, something is fluttering in my belly at his words.
Aw, crap. I don’t do butter f***ing flies.”
Full Court Press is a second chance romance with characters that feel so real you don’t want to let them go when you reach The End.
“Missed chances.
Avery feels like the biggest missed chance of all.”
HOOPS Holiday also includes amazing bonus epilogues for Long Shot and Block Shot. It was great to catch up with Iris and August. And Jared and Banner’s story just tore at my heartstrings and made me feel EVERYTHING!
“Sometimes you don’t want to be soothed. Sometimes you want to ache. You want to feel the pain because it’s attached to something so vital, so important, it’s worth the hurt because it will make the ultimate joy that much richer. I just wonder if joy is in store for me.”
This author draws such real and powerful characters. They are flawed but strong and strive to be better at each turn. I couldn’t help but fall in love.
-5Stars!-
Good novella – 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed Deck and Avery’s story. Deck is totally swoony! Even though it was a novella, I think deck and A wry’s Story did not feel rushed or incomplete. As much as I enjoyed Deck and Avery, the best part of this for me were the bonus stories from Long Shot and Block Shot. Revisiting characters and getting new updates is great. And now I’m even more excited for Kenan and Lo’s story (and I was already pretty darn excited).
Ms Ryan writes a full length novel or a short story or now a novella. All with same intensity of emotions, same depth in characters, same subtlety in feelings….. it’s uncanny. She is a supreme commander of words, a true markswoman I must say,her words find the target in our hearts. Bullseye, every time!!!!!
Basketball up has a new hero, drop-towel sexy.
MacKenzie Decker’s arrogance is tailor-made, draped over him like one of his Armani suits. Fitted to his shoulders by years of fawning fans. Tapered to the broad, muscular back through a myriad of accolades, trophies, titles and championship rings. Perfectly fit to slide along the muscled length of his legs
He meets Avery a Cohost in Twofer at SportsCo in new York. First meeting is a huff and puff encounter, wrong place, wrong timing.
Breathtaking desires lying dormant for ten years suddenly get a second chance to flare up. One look, one encounter is all it takes for them to blaze roaringly. But She has a dark cloud following her perpetually poking, needling, piercing her in perpetuity.
Why?
How could you?
What didn’t I do?
Could I have been enough to keep you here?
She’s hurt, aching, bleeding out life. No healingbin sight cause the wounds are self inflicted-her insurmountable guilt is eating away at her
You can get lost in this hectic, harried press of humanity. I have over the last year. I’ve hidden myself in its crevices and I’ve hurt in my solitude.
I was amazed by Kennedy’s skillful manipulation of my heart, she just played me like a guitar. Soulful rendition of a story, so moving and pining, I wanted to shove Avery out of the way and lay at McKenna Decker like a carpet, I swear!
I’m a huge Ken fan and THIS is why!! I was in pain for her, I was lusting after him, all within this short span of a novella. CANNOT wait for Hoops novel next.
Bonus LONG SHOT novella
Omg, what a beautiful surprise and a sneak peak into life of my fave West family again. I’ve missed Iris,Sarai and August. They’re as loving and adorable as always and more-!!!!!!
Bonus BLOCK SHOT
Jared is my fave, so loving, loyal and level headed, it was amazing meeting him again with his Ban or Zo & Bannini. This was a real complicated story and I’m so glad the sneak peak was into the same vein. Loved Ban and Jared find their own little piece of heaven
5 Filthy as Charged stars
When I first read Full Court Press in Team Player Anthology, I knew I want more of Avery and Decker. Their story just got me, especially what Avery is going through. When I heard that there will be a special holiday book for this couple, I couldn’t be happier. And after reading, Hoops Holiday, Kennedy didn’t disappoint in bringing back Avery and Decker. I love this updated version. It was cleverly written with scenes that will make you feel and think at the same time. It was indeed an enjoyable read the second time around with epilogue that makes me so happy and satisfied. If you’re looking for something enjoyable read this holiday season, I highly recommend this one.
Reading a Kennedy Ryan book always leaves you wanting for more.
I’ve read most of her books and it never fails to give you all the butterflies.
What I love about her stuff is that there’s always a message that’s deeper than your usual romance feels… about finding love and happiness within yourself… about sacrifice and self-worth… it also talked about suicide and grief…
This short, sweet, angsty love story will definitely pull on your heartstrings… I can only wish this will become a full novel. I definitely want to read more about Mack and Avery.
My heart is so full after reading this book. I think Deck was such a well written character and really just a great alpha without being overbearing. I loved how strong and independent Avery was and the simmering chemistry between them captures you and draws you in. Really such a delight of a read that will stay with me
As short as it was sweet, this story is as fantastic as the other hoops stories. A second chance story that started with a locker room interview, an accidental towel failure resulting in a dick display and poor Avery had to live the teasing and ribbing for a good long time. As soon as Deck saw Avery, he felt she was special. But she was not amenable to a drink invite where her job as a reporter could be compromised. She was transferred to another beat and they lost contact.
Ten years later MacKenzie Decker is invited to co-host Avery’s TV show, and he had no intentions of missing this second chance. I loved how he expressed to him, she was like a lost opportunity and that years ago, he felt like she could be “the one” but they were not in the right moment. This was their moment and he seized it, except that Avery was dealing with a sad loss and she needed time and space.
I loved both characters. Mack was cocky but he had a right to be; he was a legend in basketball and he gave it six good years. He was also very intuitive and considerate and it was lucky he was also insistent because Avery needed a push. In this book, the author dealt with another sensitive issue and as before, she dealt with humanity and compassion and a clear view of what it entails for all persons affected. This was a novella, and yet the plot and the characters felt very rounded out and heartfelt. I got a kick from reading about August West in the story. Another win for Kennedy Ryan.
Kennedy Ryan is a master of words even in a novella!!! Her development of characters, the love she brings alive, and her use of words make every story an emotional adventure!! Deck and Avery are one great love story of what if and having the courage to go for it. As always Kennedy is not afraid to touch on sensitive subjects, or face them head on!! But let’s not forget the hotness factor!!! Can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us.
Hoops Christmas
I loved Full Court Press when I read it in the Team Player anthology and the second time around, it was just as good. I loved the new check ins with August and Iris and Jared and Banner. I’m so excited for the next book in this series!!
Once again I was drawn into Kennedy Ryan’s world and I’ve gotta say I loved every word!
I’ve read this as a part of the Team Player Anthology but it was an amazing bonus to get those extra bits about August/Iris and Jared/Banner
Second time was as good as the first one!
This is a novella but the writing is not taken lightly. Impeccable as everything Kennedy Ryan.
Loved it!
Make no mistake for a short read, this book packed one hell of a punch.
This is the story of Decker, retired basketball player and Avery, a sports journalist. They first meet when Avery interviews him after a Basketball game and lets just say he certainly made an impression.
We then fast forward ten years, Decker had since retired from Basketball and the couple both found themselves having some unresolved business.
I loved Avery. She came across as such an independent woman who worked her way up in such a male dominated environment, yet there was also such a vulnerability to her, which is where Decker was just perfect for me. Not only was he incredibly hot, he was also so caring and patient with her.
This series has turned out to be amazing for me, which has surprised me as sporting romances can sometimes be a bit hit and miss with me. But despite this being a novella I have to admit that I cannot say a bad word against this book or any book of Kennedy Ryan’s I have read so far. And yes, good things really do come in small packages.
I love everything that Kennedy Ryan writes, she puts her heart and soul into every story you can literally feel it.
If you have read Long Shot and Block Shot you have already met Deck and Avery. I so enjoyed getting their back story to see how they meet and went their separate ways only to be thrown together 10 years later. It is their second chance can they make a go of it?? One-click and find out.
Loved the new stories for Long Shot Iris & August and for Block Shot Banner & Jared I miss them all time to pull out the audibles.
Can’t wait till March when we get Hook Shot Lotus + Kenan story.
Decker is immediately smitten with Avery the first time they meet, but she rejects his advances as she wants to be taken seriously in a male dominated field. Years later and lots of life lived, they come together once again……and the sparks flew between them immediately. Decker makes no secret of his attraction to Avery; but she is extremely hesitant for anything more, as she is still trying to deal with the loss of her fiancé and the guilt she feels about that. When Decker learns the whole story, I love that he treated her with such tenderness and grace. Avery needed to hear those words from someone other than her therapist in order to try and move forward with her life. Decker definitely was the perfect match for Avery – just loved those two!
And the bonus chapters from August & Iris and Jared & Banner…….absolutely fantastic!!
Holiday Hoops is a short novella featuring all of our favorite characters from Full Court Press, Long Shot and Block Shot and it’s the perfect read when you want something steamy, sassy, passionate to read. Kennedy all delivers and she doesn’t disappoint with this at all.
What a great treat to read about our fave characters from the Hoops series. You have to have read the books in the series before this one!
I csnt say enough about the characters Kennedy Ryan creates. They are so darn real. Jared and Banner are my absolute favorite and I love what Kennedy did in this novella with the two of them. It amped up my love for them. August and Iris will always be swoon worthy. Decker and Avery are a perfect pair.
You’ll love catching up with these beautifully written characters. You’ll love to feel the love from these characters and the words Kennedy Ryan uses to make that happen.
D 4/5
As always, Ms. Ryan has provided me with all the feels in this book. Warm and fuzzy, soft and goey feelings with this one. Derek and Avery are secondary characters in the ‘Hoops’ series and they are just perfect!
Omg I love this author! I devoured Long Shot & Block Shot super fast! Hoops Holiday, yup, one sitting read for me…
Decker is one gorgeous, hot, alpha lead! Avery, so perfect for him!
Getting follow ups on August & Iris, Banner & Jared, thank you Kennedy Ryan! Love all these couples so much!
Beautiful story telling as always! Highly recommend
This was short but didn’t feel like a novella. It was so well written that nothing was missed and you wouldn’t realize that it’s not a full novel.
When Avery and Decker met she was a sports journalist and he was a second year NBA player. He was immediately attractive to the no nonsense reporter but she wasn’t impressed with him and he didn’t make the best first impression either, lol. But Avery was not a groupie and didn’t date athletes.
Fast forward 10 years and a lot has happened and these two find themselves again being in close quarters. Decker wastes no time. Over the years he’s thought about Avery and now he wasn’t going to let the opportunity past him by. But Avery is still a hard nut to crack but there’s so much more to her. Once you read the things that has happened to her you’ll have so much more respect for her and why she’s such a tough cookie.
These two FINALLY get together but it’s not a walk in the park. Decker make sures to not let her get away and does everything that he can to keep her. Avery is reluctant but gives in. Very emotional but beautiful love story.
If you have the [book:Team Player|37539470] anthology, you may already be familiar with Deck and Avery from Full-Court Press, if not, here’s your chance to meet them! This is an expanded version of that novella, including a new, and completely sweet, epilogue. Ms. Ryan sure can pull out all the emotions, no matter the length of her story, and Full-Court Press is no different. You’ll be completely invested in Deck and Avery’s lives within minutes and you’ll be sad when their story is over.
The bonus Christmasy chapters for Long Shot and Block Shot was the tinsel on the tree! Getting to revisit Iris & August and Banner & Jared, seeing what’s happening in their lives since we last said good-bye, is always a good thing. And what’s happening with them is all good things!
I’m excited for Keenan and Lo’s story- I have a feeling it’s going to be quite explosive!