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 loved Avery and Deck in the Team Player book and I love them the more this time around.
Their “meet cute” was funny as hell. How Avery kept her composure is beyond me. Then loads happens (10 yrs) before they reconnect and wowza. I love that Deck knew what he wanted and didn’t quit. I love that he understood Avery and while he might not have liked what she was offering, he was in it for the long haul and kept at it.
The epilogue was great but those bonus scenes were …. gah…. I need a to find me a baller in my next life.
Just because the title is Hoops Holiday: A HOOPS Novella, do not be fouled. This novella offers more than most full length books. Kennedy Ryan is a true wordsmith and writes with such emotion and depth that you feel instantly connected to the story and its characters. This novella is centered around sports journalist, Avery Hughes and former NBA super star, Mack Decker. 10 years after their embarrassing and fateful locker room interview, Avery and Deck find themselves back in each others lives. Though they have experienced their own, loves and loss through the years, neither of them have forgotten their one chance encounter all those years ago. HOOPS Holiday is a emotional read filled with equal parts steam, angst and heart. I felt the chemistry and connection between these two and thoroughly enjoyed watching their journey unfold. Kennedy really delivered with this one and you will fall in love with these two beautiful characters. Also, as an added treat you, will find two extra “stocking stuffers” which allow you an inside glimpse into what is happening in the lives of both August and Iris and Jared and Banner. 5 delicious stars!!
Perfect holiday read. Meet new friends if you haven’t met them in the Team Player Anthology and reconnect with old ones who you’ve come to love in the sometimes painful but always blissful HOOPS world created by Kennedy Ryan. All of the characters that make up the HOOPS realm will charm you in this delightful assortment of holiday stories. Bonus content on couples who stay with you is always a huge plus for avid romance readers and this author knows how to pull all the best attributes of her stories and characters to give you so much more in a short story. She allows you to remember why you fell in the first place while making room for more wonderful and romantic reading memories. I’m thrilled this author decided to revisit August and Iris/Jared and Banner and reintroduce Decker/Avery in this way. These couples stories are ones that have resonated with me since I read them for the first time. If you haven’t read Long Shot and Block Shot now is the perfect time to do it – just in time for some extra goodness this holiday season. So cozy up by the fire, get your favorite blanket and beverage of choice and let Kennedy Ryan dazzle you with her storytelling prowess!
OMGGGGGG. THIS WAS SO GOOD. just everything i needed and more. I missed all these guys and seeing them again was a nice Christmas present!
Hoops Holiday- a novella and a 2 extended epilogues wrapped into a beautiful present!
Decker and Avery- an amazing story!! I love Kennedy Ryan’s writing so much! The journey she takes her characters on is why I cannot get enough. Avery- strong, powerful, driven! Decker- the same in male form!
Both have a histories where you feel for them. They are drawn together though and it’s a beautiful story of 2 strong people realizing it ok to need the other!
The bonus of more Iris and August and Banner and Jared just makes little novella the perfect present! I love knowing the Kennedy Ryan always gives readers a little more of them!
5 STAR Review by Jodi for Ruby Red Romance Review
I loved everything about this Novella. I loved getting to know Avery and Deck even better. In what has become one of my favorite series, this novella gives us more of these two as well as a glimpse of whats to come, very soon! We also get to see what’s going on with August and Iris as well as a hello from Banner and Jarred. I loved getting to see our old friends. It was like coming home, just in time for the holidays.
Avery and Deck were everything I’ve come to love from Kennedy Ryan. They were witty, sexy, and fun. I loved watching these two fall. I want more of Avery and Deck at some point, but I loved getting to see them. I loved this novella and can’t wait to see what’s to come from Kennedy.
Hoops Holiday by Kennedy Ryan contains Full Press Court, a novella, previously published in The Team Player Anthology with new content and extended bonus epilogues from Long Shot and Block Shot.
Full Court Press by Kennedy Ryan: Decker and Avery´s story. Mack Decker is a NBA pro player and Avery Hughes a reporter. There was a incident in the past who humiliated Avery and now he´s her co-host at a sports tv show. He wants her, bad. But she has a lot of guilt and issues. He´s a good guy who wants to do right by her. While she´s a witty and sharp minded at her job, her personal life is a disaster.
Full Court Press is a emotional read. Let me tell you, Kennedy Ryan is a master in making me cry while reading a book and loving it at the same time ! With her words she tears me apart and then she puts me back together.
Full Court Press is a beautifully thought out, beautifully told and beautifully written, heart wrenchingly story about second chances. I can´t say how much I love the characters and their story. I recommend this book and give 5 stars.
Bonus material : Long Shot Stocking Stuffer – no spoiler here.
Block Shot Stocking Stuffer – same, only so much, you don’t want to miss this. A must read !
What a treat it was to re-read about Avery and Decker. I had one of those moments as I was reading and kept saying how familiar this story was, well if you read the Cock Tales anthology, their story was featured. And I was left wanting so much more, which I’m sure we’ll get updates on as this series goes on.
One of the things we can always expect when you open a Kennedy Ryan book is that you’ll ALWAYS get more than a romance. Relevant issues are talked about and it makes all of her books relatable. She combines the two seamlessly and it always makes for a memorable read.
I loved Decker and Avery’s relationship, their connection was instant, but they needed a lot of time before they could really have something. This short really covers all the grounds, passion, loss and pain, healing and most infinitely, love.
I really enjoyed this novella and Kennedy did a great job writing their story is such a short amount of words, but it’s enough to keep us satisfied, but I’d really love an extended epilogue!
The stocking stuffers was another thing that I was looking forward to, which wasn’t in the ARC, but I always support my favorite authors and buy the books that I loved. And it’s so worth it since we get more time with August & Iris and Jared & Banner. You won’t be disappointed, trust me, so pick up your copy!
Next up is Kenan and Lotus story, and color me intrigued! I cannot wait for their story, there’s a bit of a mystery when it comes to Lotus. I was dying to know more when we got a peek of what’s to come.
HOOPS Holiday was such a delight to read!
Kennedy Ryan
HOOPS Holiday is a novella that undoubtedly packs one helluva glorious punch. Every page was dripping with heat and emotion and passion that only Kennedy Ryan can deliver. Full-length novel or not, this author just has a way with words that permeates deep within your soul.
Avery and Deck’s story in Full-Court Press was a beauty loaded with feels. The depth of what Avery Hughes went through, when what she was keeping so close to her chest was revealed, it rocked me to my core. Hell, I’m pretty sure I shed a few tears when I got to a certain part that made my heart squeeze so hard, I needed to rub my chest just to help relieve the ache. And MacKenzie Decker—the man was a complete sweetheart. His patience, his devotion, his strength, his love… everything about him will pull you in. Will have you addicted and enamored. I loved the build up of their story, of how it spanned for over a decade, and still getting the full experience. This novella might’ve encompassed most of how their relationship started, developed and flourished, and yet I still wanted more of them in the end. I guess with Kennedy Ryan, it never really is enough.
The Long Shot and Block Shot stocking stuffers were pure and utter perfection. Seeing where both couples—Iris and August, and Banner and Jared—are now made me giddy down to my toes and had all the butterflies rushing back to my stomach. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of these characters. Reading more about them, reading these holiday bonus scenes were like coming home to me. They just had my heart at the brink of damn near explosion. Again.
If you love Kennedy Ryan and her magical flair with words—I mean seriously, who doesn’t? If you lived for Long Shot and Block Shot like I did… If you’re looking for a novella that will tug at your heartstrings and play with your emotions like it’s nobody’s business… then I highly suggest that you drop everything you’re doing, cozy up and devour this baby. HOOPS Holiday is absolutely nothing but the perfect read you’ll have this Christmas season.
I love Kennedy Ryan’s Hoops series gang so seeing this side of the game was a true delight. Hoops Holiday was a delicious little read. It was sexy and fun and witty and had me glued to my kindle.
The first meeting between Avery and MacKenize was a mix of flirty and serious and I could feel the tension rippling right off the page. Flash forward a handful of years and these two are back in each other’s orbit. And this time Mac is determined to get the chance he always wanted with Avery.
I liked that she was a little broken. That she had lived and suffered and still found a way to chase her dream. But she was scarred and held her pain like a badge of honor. Until MacKenzie, using his charm and kindness, got her to open up and share the burden on her heart.
This book was a slow-burning second chance romance that had me swooning and smiling rooting for these two to get on the same page. I think my favorite thing was that even when Hoops Holiday was over, their journey wasn’t. It’s still open to possibility and my fingers are crossed tight that Kennedy Ryan will bring me more of them.
Avery was mortified the first time she met Mack Decker, and hasn’t forgotten that – or the attraction she didn’t want to feel for him. Mack has been intrigued with Avery since that first meeting, but when they met again several years later he was married and she was engaged. Now, ten years after they first meet, they are both single and will be working together for the next 3 weeks.
Avery has accomplished a lot in her career, but has a devastating personal life. This story takes place a year after the death of her fiance, and she is still grieving and coming to terms with his death. Mack wants a relationship with her, but she is not remotely ready for that.
What I liked: Mack and Avery probably wouldn’t have worked out if they pursued each other when they first met. Ten years later, though, they are both different people and they just work. I loved that Avery wanted to take the time to work out her issues, so she could begin a new relationship with a clean slate. She will always have her past, but she needed to forgive herself so she could move on with Mack in a healthy way. And I loved that Mack understood that and didn’t push her before she was ready.
What I didn’t like: We need more! More Kiera, more Sadie. More Mack and Avery! I’d love to read more about this couple.
Overall: Very good book, despite dealing with a heavy subject.
Ryan always finds a way to sneak in a little realistic advice while spinning a hot yarn. Full Court Press is a journey through what ifs. Avery and Deck had the chance to have forever, but they let the pressures of right now tear them apart. They thought it was over but fate had other plans. This time around, can they stick the landing and win the game of love? FCP strikes right at the heart.
Avery was trying to interview Deck when his towel falls off. Not the best way to start out and it didn’t go anywhere for years. Deck thought he’d he see more of her after that and he’d have another chance to ask her about didn’t.
Fast forward 10 years, each other have been on their minds but haven’t been where they need to be to see if that old attraction was as strong. Now is their chance and Decker is giving it a full court press. I adored Decker. He was sweet, honest and you never doubted what he was thinking or feeling.
When Avery finally opens up and lets him in, it’s a serious awww moment.
Very sweet, heartfelt novella!
YUMMMM!! Sigh Inducing, Swooning and Fanning myself, Such a Sexy Romance. I adore Kennedy Ryan’s Stories and this one is worth all the stars. Characters that will touch your heart and a romance that will leave you breathless. I swooned hard for Decker. The chemistry coming off the pages is explosive. I loved every single page. Prepare for this story to hold you hostage until you are done reading it, and you’ll enjoy every minute.
Perfection! Just the right amount of delicious intoxicating heat as well as heartfelt emotions that will touch your soul with a true love that was meant to be.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4 bouncy basketball stars! Decker and Avery meet when she’s starting out in sportscasting and it’s a rocky introduction at best…or is it! Fast forward ten years and the two meet again when they have to work together and it’s clear neither one of them forgot about their first encounter. Their attraction is unavoidable, but can Avery let go of her past to see if this is more than just amazing chemistry?!?
Kennedy’s writing is flawless, emotional and sexy. She has a way with words and manages to pull on your heart strings once again. This doesn’t feel like a novella, but you will want more. It’s impossible not to get completely consumed by Kennedy Ryan’s beautiful storytelling. Her words are gold and I will keep coming back for more
I absolutely loved Avery and Deck’s second chance romance! I first read and loved their story in Full Court Press, when it was originally published in the TEAM PLAYER Anthology. To my delight, Ms Ryan has expanded this already emotional and beautiful romance with all new content and epilogue, making it even more perfect! This story is about the meeting of two souls when they were just beginning their careers. Avery and Deck made an electric connection, but at the wrong time, making it awkward, and embarrassing. They have never forgotten each other and have frequently thought about the ‘What If’s’. Now years later they are thrust together again, but they are not the same people. They both have suffered in different ways. I loved Deck and his determination to make amends and to finally make Avery his.
“It was my chance to unwind the labyrinth that has been Avery all these years. To understand her and get a glimpse of what’s beneath all that control. It’s beautiful. So beautiful that now I’m addicted to her honesty and her vulnerability and her boldness and her brand of brokenness.”
This is a poignant tale filled with sexual tension and second chances. Ms Ryan created an exquisite story that moved me to tears and made me believe in soul mates.
I also loved the bonus Holiday stories that allowed me to catch up with August and Iris from Long Shot, and Banner and Jared from Block Shot. They were sweet, funny, passionate, and totally satisfying! Ryan also teased us with some crazy electric moments between Lotus and Kenan, making me super excited for their book coming in March 2019!
I usually don’t go for holiday stories, but I loved every word of these beautiful, emotional, and steamy stories. Hoops Holiday will definitely warm up those cold winter nights and add to your holiday cheer!
5 DECKER AND AVERY STARS!! This beautiful story will push every emotion button you have. Decker and Avery have known each for awhile and the chemistry never left. I loved everything about their story and I know you will too. Kennedy Ryan words are flawless and flow like river and you never want it to end. You also get to catch up with some bonus material for Long Shot and Block Shot if you have read them and if not grab them too.
OMG Decker is so Alpha swoony!! On top of that we get extra stories with our beloved August/Iris & Jared/Banner from Long Shot & Block Shot. I gladly absorbed this deliciousness in one sitting!! Avery and Decker are adorable; make sure to read Long Shot & Block Shot before reading their bonus epilogue in this novella. Kennedy has a brilliant way of captivating you with her words, and yet again does not disappoint!!
What a great early Christmas gift from Kennedy Ryan. This book was exactly what I needed. Avery and Deck’s story was sweet, heartfelt and steamy. The bonus scenes with my favorite couples Banner/Jared and August/Iris were EVERYTHING!!!!! Can’t wait for Kenan and Lotus’ story.
I loved this book! I was so caught up in it, I reached for my phone to google one of the characters and then remembered it was fiction. I got so tickled at myself. I was invested from the beginning. I loved their growth in such a short amount in time. Deck had matured and to read his thoughts about her were really heartfelt. Avery’s story was sad, and she was trapped in herself. He gave her an opening to come thru. I absolutely loved this story!!!