I understand why many people do not like this book as much as the first one but I disagree. I love this story, Banner, the FMC, was such a great character and I enjoyed reading her story. I would have wished for the story to start earlier on so I could have seen Jared and Banner interact in College but the book was already really long, so I understand why it started, where it started.

If you have a problem with cheating in books, you should probably skip this one though.

It's another Kennedy Ryan masterpiece (i know some people say that we shouldn't use the word masterpiece lightly but when you are an author know for write certain scenes and love stories is hard to keep it up with your game and Kennedy didn't disappointed one bit.

Rating: 3.5 stars

This wasn't a series for me but I suggest that you form your own opinion.

Thank you to Netgalley, Kennedy Ryan and the publisher for providing me with this copy. All opinions are my own.

Kennedy Ryan is a fantastic author! Block Shot was a great follow up to Long Shot and a far easier read! I look forward to reading Hook Shot next

*Enemies to lovers
* Second Chance
* Cheating
* Love triangle
* Basketball romance

Banner is a strong leading female character. The story line will have you considering your own moral compass. There are twists and turns and a fair amount of angst. The spicy scenes are pretty steamy. Storyline had a nice flow and pace and was easy to follow. It kept me on the edge of my seat. While it is part of a series it can be enjoyed as a stand alone.

The cheating!! A big no for me. I just can't love a book if there's that. Even if it's supposed to be redeemable

The dynamic between Jared and Banner is nothing short of electric. The push-and-pull, the simmering tension, and the undeniable attraction make every page turn with anticipation. Ryan expertly navigates the intricacies of their relationship, transforming what could be a clichéd romance into a nuanced and emotionally resonant love story. This book is a must-read for fans of romance and contemporary fiction alike.

3.5 ⭐️

It was *really* difficult for me to rate this book. There were times when I was sure I’d give it a 4, and other times I felt my rating dropping to a 1, but all averaged it’s a solid 3.5 for me.

First, I LOVED Banner and Jared. Their chemistry was great, and their relationship was believable. I thought their relationship development was smooth and I liked it for the most part. However, there were some things I really hated:

1. Banners OBSESSION with her body. I know that her weight is basically her main arc, but I kept waiting for Jared to pull her out of the downright unhealthy obsession she had with her weight, food, dieting. I was convinced for the first 50% of the book that there was going to be an “aha!” Moment where Banner realized being woken up by a 5 am alarm yelling insults at her to get up and work out, counting weight watchers points, examining herself in the mirror was SO UNHEALTHY, but it wasn’t. It was apparently supposed to be a positive thing?? But it was just… yuck… for me. I wish Banner’s confidence and self worth in adulthood was built off of something other than her weight loss- she had TONS of other amazing things going for her.

2. Banner’s infidelity w/Zo was not believable. There is no world where her character, the epitome of a moral and helpful being, would be so easy to convince to cheat. It didn’t work.

3. Zo was a factor for WAY too long in the book. This book isn’t particularly long, but by the last 60 pages I was skimming. I just wanted to read about Banner and Jared finally being together, but instead it was all about Zo’s health developments.

Overall, I will read the next. I think the characters were great and I did love a lot about this book- the romance and spice was great, and the tension between the characters was well built.

ARC received for review

Loved Banner and Jared. She was a spit fire and could hold her own against the big boys. Bless Jared's heart all he wants to is to be with her, but there's a very big obstacle in their way.

I wanted so badly to absolutely love this book because I adore Kennedy Ryan’s writing, but unfortunately, the story just didn’t connect with me. If this was rated solely on writing style and skill, it would easily be a 5/5, but I have a lot of other thoughts.

Thoughts:
-Jared started off so good, I thought for sure I was going to become obsessed with him. However once the storyline flashed forward to Jared and Banner as adults, Jared was just an asshole. And I don’t mean an asshole in the ‘aw tough boy exterior with a heart of gold’ - no, I mean a real asshole. He was entitled, possessive, and just all-around a dick most of the book. He spoke and acted like Banner was his to own and to steal - like she was a possession rather than a real human
-Banner herself was a badass. In a male-dominated career, being not only a woman but also a Mexican-American, created challenges that were important to see someone navigate and excel through. I loved her dedication and compassion for her clients while also being a ruthless sports agent for them. She showed there is still room to care about human beings even in a field as cut-throat as professional sports
-I’m obsessed with Banner’s best friend Quinn, she deserves her own book
-For as strong and badass Banner is, I didn’t love how she kind of turned into putty around Jared. She bent some morals and made some bad judgment calls, which I know is part of life, but it just felt out of character
-If you’re looking for spice, this is the book! 🔥🔥
-Kennedy Ryan has a way of writing that pulls emotions out of you, even if you don’t like the main character. That’s an incredible testament to her writing
-I love how Ryan showed the difference between loving someone and being in love with them. It showed how complex human emotions can be

Overall, I enjoyed this, despite ~really~ hating one of the main characters. I especially loved how Ryan writes female characters so incredibly powerful.

Thank you Kennedy Ryan, Sourcebooks Bloom Books, and Netgalley for my #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!

This was a cute book. The characters were entertaining and the romance was fun to read about. There were some parts of the book that I didn't feel like really worked, and I kind of felt like Banner being overweight and getting fit was a little..... disappointing. On one hand, I think it did kind of touch on body dysmorphia, but I also think it could've done a bit more. Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom books for this ARC.

What are my favorite books of the year? I absolutely love Kennedy Ryan, and this series is amazing. The characters are also wonderful. And who doesn’t love a sports romance? I highly recommend this series and this book while Dan Kennedy, Ryan, you were literally one of my favorites. Five stars!

"Block Shot" by Kennedy Ryan is a story about Jared and Banner with charming banter and real-life issues. The characters' actions might provoke mixed feelings, especially with Jared's acknowledged selfishness and Banner's understandable mistakes. Despite some unnecessary drama, the book offers genuine emotions and showcases Ryan's talent for storytelling. While it may not be a favorite for me, the chemistry between the characters and Ryan's compelling writing style make it worth a read.

I've heard so much about this book and have had this on my tbr for ever and I'm so glad to have received a review copy it was amazing. I loved it so much.

Block Shot by Kennedy Ryan is a modern romance novel that takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the complex dynamics of love, rivalry, and second chances. With a backdrop of sports and a steamy chemistry between the protagonists, Ryan weaves a captivating tale that explores the boundaries of trust, forgiveness, and personal growth. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions as the characters navigate their intertwined lives in this powerfully written and emotionally charged story. Plot and Characters: The story revolves around Jared Foster, a successful sports agent, and Banner Morales, a determined and accomplished woman in a male-dominated field. The undeniable connection between them is marred by past heartbreak and unresolved conflicts. Ryan skillfully portrays their simmering tension, showcasing the push-and-pull dynamic that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages. Jared, known for his ability to turn "no" into "maybe," is tantalized by the enigmatic Banner Morales. Though they seem to clash at every turn, their confrontations become a kind of foreplay, igniting the passion that lies beneath their surface animosity. Meanwhile, Banner, resilient and fiercely independent, refuses to give Jared another chance after a devastating encounter. As the story progresses, their individual journeys of self-discovery and personal growth intertwine, creating a captivating narrative that explores both their internal struggles and their undeniable chemistry. Themes and Writing Style: Ryan masterfully explores themes of trust, redemption, and the power dynamics between men and women in professional settings. She delves deep into the characters' psyches, allowing readers to uncover their vulnerabilities and insecurities. The author's narrative style is emotive and evocative, drawing readers into the story's emotional core. The dialogues between the characters are sharp, witty, and filled with tension, complementing the overall narrative arc. Conclusion: Block Shot is a gripping tale of love, passion, and the complexity of human relationships. Kennedy Ryan's ability to create multidimensional characters, coupled with her skill in crafting a compelling plot, makes this novel an engaging and thought-provoking read. The chemistry between Jared and Banner is palpable, and the obstacles they face provide a backdrop for their personal growth and the development of their relationship. Whether you're a fan of romance novels or simply looking for a captivating story, Block Shot is a must-read that will leave you yearning for more.

Absolutely loved Jared & Banner! Their chemistry, & rivalry, was off the charts 👏🏻 they are both so passionate about their careers, & loyal to those they care about 💕 getting to know them both from their past & their present made me smile 🥰 this was a perfect addition to the hoops series 🏀 and one I won’t forget anytime soon!

Kennedy Ryan is known for her strong characters and heartbreaking topics. This one is no different.

Banner is fierce in all aspects of her life. How she loves and how she carries herself in her career, as a friend and a lover. She meets the hero early on, but they don't work out, for a reason that goes unexplained for ten years. When she is established in her career and has a loving partner, Jared comes back into her life to shake things.

Jared has the same profession as Banner, sports agent, and they compete sometimes. I was not the biggest fan of him because it seems like Banner is just convenient to him, when he wants her, he gets her, even if she is with someone else

Yes, there's cheating here, and that's why I didn't love this one. I feel like it didn't need to be this way, but Kennedy writes nothing if it isn't to make us suffer. I will continue to read her books, of course.

This series is so unique to me, for the different topics Kennedy broaches. This one makes you struggle with your own morals because of the infidelity, but the couple is obviously meant to be. I also think the MMC is a tricky one to root for because he’s kind of a jerk lol. Overall though, super enjoyed it!

This was another powerful story from none other than the wonderful Kennedy Ryan. Thank you Netgalley and Bloombooks for this eARC. Banner was such a queen throughout this story and Jared was one morally grey hot shot. The banter in this book was so laugh out loud at times but when it came to pulling off the heartstrings, Ryan delivered. I couldn't rate it a 5 star though because of the miscommunication trope but I was able to quickly shrug it off because it wasn't too crazy. I love how good hearted Banner is although I did not fully agree with all of the choices that she did in this. I guess they were both morally grey at one point. This book showed us how evolving love can be and that it's represented in so many ways. Highly recommend this book from one of my auto buy authors.

In two minds about this book. On one hand, I really enjoyed our main character Banner. I felt that she was a strong and well developed character who intrigued me. I'm just not sure that I massively enjoyed the storyline as a whole.