I really loved LONG SHOT, the first book in this series, so I was really excited when I received the next two books as ARCs, as they are being re-released. I am a total sucker for sports books, especially basketball ones. These books can be read independently, though some characters do reoccur. BLOCK SHOT picks up with Jared, the stepbrother of August West from the first book. Jared is a ruthless sports agent who has built his agency, Elevation, from the ground up. His life motto is built around not getting attached to anyone, especially women. But he cannot get a certain woman, Banner, his college best friend, out of his mind. They shared one special night together before a misunderstanding tore them apart.

BLOCK is an interesting book. Jared is not necessarily a good guy, and it takes a while to grapple with his desire for Banner. He is dominant, possessive, and pushy. Jared refuses to take no for an answer in all areas of his life, especially with Banner (not sexually, thankfully) or care she has a boyfriend. That's a little difficult to take in. He does grow throughout the course the book, but perhaps not as much as he should. He's not the easy-to-love hero that August was, though you come to understand his flaws.

There's a ton of focus on Banner's weight and while the book seems to be focused on body positivity--Banner loves herself at any size, so does Jared, etc.--that was a stretch at times. Body positivity morphed into a constant discussion of her size and the emphasis is less on health and more on her losing pounds, not eating, what she ate, etc. No thanks, and it seemed rather triggering for anyone with food disorders.

I did love Banner's intelligence and spark. That woman was tough! And freaking smart! It's great to see a woman in the sports agency market, especially one beating all the boys. The basketball talk was enjoyable. Her relationship with Jared was charming and quite sexy. Overall, while I didn't love this one quite as much as LONG SHOT, it was still a fun read.

3.5 stars.

"Block Shot" is the first Kennedy Ryan book I have read that I am not obsessed with. It's also the first I haven't given 5 stars. There are things to like about this book. The main characters, Banner and Jared, have terrific chemistry and banter and pining for one another, despite Jared being an alpha male douchebro... it got to be a bit too much even for me. Just because he calls himself an "asshole" doesn't mean I have to like it. The pining is off the charts, full of emotion, and deceptively deep. A simmering cauldron of want and need and teeth and limbs... everything I adore from a love connection in a romance novel. Kennedy Ryan is one of the best authors out there, and she's definitely in my top 3 authors who write the best spice. This book is no exception. The steam is top-tier, immaculate, impeccable. Unfortunately, I wish their relationship hadn't revolved around cheating. Banner, Jared, and Zo, Banner's boyfriend, all have some horrible characteristics. I'm all for morally gray characters and situations, but I felt really bad for Zo while Banner and Jared were cheating. But then again, Zo is a terrible person for using his health situation to keep Banner within arm's reach of him. Banner also exploits plenty of situations on her own to be with Jared. There is just a lot of toxicity and manipulation going on. It was difficult to root for any of them. I love that Banner is a successful Latina woman in a male-dominated field, and how she holds her own and advocates for herself despite the odds. I also love that is a thicker plus-size woman, more of that in fiction, please. Unfortunately, some of her behaviors might be a little triggering to people with ED or who are in recovery. She exhibits some traits and behaviors that lean into and tend toward disordered eating. I was a little surprised by this, honestly. The fixation on Banner's weight was not my cup of tea... it was almost like an obsession and kept popping up throughout the book. Still, Ryan's writing is so, so good... I will read anything she writes. I love a second chance, forced proximity, friends-to-enemies-to-lovers situation, but some of the themes and goings on here made me scratch my head. I didn't love this one.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kennedy Ryan, and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

This book was really good and Jared and Banner were a perfect second chance couple. She is brainy and curvaceous, while also naively unaware that Jared likes her. A decade of one-sided animosity comes to an end when they are near each other again and this time they are fire.
She struggles to deal with her weight and he is enthralled with her. I am really enjoying this series of stand alone romances. I can’t wait to see what happens next. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.

If Kennedy Ryan writes it more than likely I will love it. So far this has rung true with me!
This book was a lot easier to read than Long Shot. Definitely spicier too.

Banner is a curvy Latina who struggles with what society has deemed the norm when it comes to body image. But she quickly overcomes that and I love that Jared truly makes her see how beautiful she is.

Jared is grumpy and mean to everyone but Banner. I love how bossy and possessive he is. But most of all I loved how he turned to putty when it came to Banner.

I enjoyed this book very much. And what I really swooned over, was the accuracy of culture and sayings. As a Latina I really appreciate when an author does the work and research to represent a community to the best of their ability. Kennedy does this beautifully! Take notes (yes I'm talking to you other authors).

Kennedy Ryan always does such a beautiful job of telling a love story between two characters who aren’t perfect, Her handling of their flaws is one of the things that makes her stories so raw and real. In this love story between Jared and Banner, the two start out as friends and then become enemies and rivals in their career lives, but the chemistry they felt in their younger years has never truly gone away.

Know that there is cheating in this book, and if that is one of your hard stops, you may have problems in reading this book. Cheating is one of the things I hate to read about in books, but I felt that in this book the cheating was instrumental in moving the story forward and in painting our characters as real people with real struggles.

I have really loved everything that Kennedy Ryan has done with this series, and am looking forward to the conclusion to this trio!

Thank you to Bloom Books for providing me with an ARC of this book.

This book has two strong characters which creates an explosive relationship. In all Kennedy Ryan’s books the characters are always very realistic, with their qualities and defects that make us love them even more. Even when they make mistakes or things that go against their values.
Jared and banner are an iconic couple to me.

4.5 out of 5 stars!

Jared Foster thought he needed to be part of a secret society to fit in, but when his task is to do something with his friend Banner, all bets are off. Sleep with the fat girl. Jared refused on principle, not because he didn't want to take his friendship with Banner to the next level but because the group was being derogatory. Banner was shy, smart, and hardworking. However, actions are misconstrued and Banner and Jared leave each other on bad terms. Fast forward to real adulthood. When Banner and Jared cross paths, old hurts rise, but they somehow get past it. My one ick with the story was the cheating. That isn't justifiable to me. Given that, the opportunity to right wrongs and mature paved the way for Banner and Jared to embark on the journey to a happy and healthy relationship. The author has a knack for creating strong characters that are mult-faceted and diverse and building stories that tug at the heartstrings.

I received an advance copy of the book from the publisher at my request and voluntarily left this review.

Man oh man, Kennedy Ryan blew me away again with this enemies-to-lovers second chance romance. So far I haven’t found a Kennedy Ryan book that I haven’t liked, Block Shot being no exception.
In the beginning of the book, what starts as an amazing night for Jared and Banner, ends in a big misunderstanding leaving Jared, Banner’s new enemy. Ten years later, both characters work in the sports agency field and now live in the same city. Banner is dating Zo, a long time client of hers, now turned boyfriend. As loyal as she is, she still can’t stop herself from lusting after Jared, all these years later. Jared has never forgotten his night with Banner and after seeing her again, he decides that he wants her back and he’ll do anything to have her.
Jared and Banner have great chemistry from the first page to the last. Their relationship may not be perfect but it’s beautiful how they grow together. Thank you Netgalley and Bloom Books publishing for an arc in exchange for my honest review.

This book has so much heart, soul ,and grit. Being made to feel like she's not worthy enough and just a joke the main female character stands up tall through the tears. Kennedy knows how to connect with readers with emotion and mental stimulation. This series!!!!!

Jarred and Banner were amazing together. After enjoying Long shot I was really excited to start this one and the story did not disappoint. It was even better than Long shot. Characters, the chemistry, everything just pulled me into this story.

When I tell you that this book was an emotional rollercoaster I mean one minute I was laughing my a** of and the other moment I am reading through the tears.

Jared is a harsh but honest man that goes for what he wants. But when needed he can do the right thing.

Banner is so strong and fierce, does not let anyone play with her.

She is smart and she knows it.

Amazingly written about weight insecurities.

I am not one for cheating tope but (Nothing can make it right) but it made it seem real? Life is not always black and white. Not everyone has the same morals.

I was so hurt at the end.

Her mother that is Banners biggest supporter. That broke my heart.

So many ups and downs but sometimes people are better of as friends ...

Absolute perfection!!! No other words!!! Kennedy Ryan is a genius and this book was an absolute joy to read! I am so thankful I was able to get an advanced copy of this book! Kennedy is one of my new favorite authors!!!

I LOVED Long Shot, but I just couldn’t get past the cheating in this one to enjoy it like I really wanted to.

second chance
enemies to lovers


I really did enjoy Banner & Jared. & for the most part the story line was interesting with good character development. However I just could not get past the cheating, multiple only page scenes and it made me lose so much respect for Banner & Jared. Banner because she knew what she was doing, why it was wrong and could have stopped it. & Jared for knowing she was in a relationship with her bestfriend/client of many years, he could have went about his feelings so much differently. I just found them to be a bit selfish and it was hard to move past it because throughout the book they continued to make decisions that were disrespectful.

I love Kennedys writing but this book just wasn’t for me.

I read this as an ARC thanks to the publisher and author. This novel was so good and it just shows how completely talented Kennedy Ryan is. The romance, emotions and the story she weaves together was so good!

Cheaters I love you so much. Jared and Banner are simply perfect for each other and nothing was gonna stop them. Jared was obsessed with her as all men should be with their woman.

Block shot
By: Kennedy Ryan

📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚
Perfect kind of connection!

In book 2 in the An Enemies-to-Lovers Second Chance Standalone Romance (HOOPS Book 2)series we get Jared and Banner’s love story and of course the author doesn’t disappoint. The authors writing flawless and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.

Authors Blurb: JARED if I had a dollar for every time Banner Morales made my heart skip a beat...The heart everyone assumes is frozen over.Her anger is... arousing.Every glare from those fire-spitting eyes, every time she grits her teeth, gets me... well, you know.If I had a dollar for every time she's put me in my place, I'd be an even richer man.I'm a successful sports agent because I assume "no" means you'll think about it.I'm sure what you meant to say is "Coming right up." They say even rich men don't always get what they want, but those men don't know how to play the game. The trick is to keep them guessing. Take Banner. She assumes she's winning, but this game?She doesn't even know how to play.BANNERIf I had a dollar for every time Jared Foster broke my heart, I'd have exactly one dollar.One night. One epic fail. One dollar... and I'm out.I've moved on.I've found success in a field ruled by men.
Anything they can do, I have done better.They can keep the field while I call the shots, blocking them when I have to.And Jared has the nerve to think he gets a second chance?Boy, please. Go sit down. Have several seats. I'll just be over here ignoring the man carved from my fantasies with a lust-tipped chisel.Oh, I didn't say the struggle wasn't real.But I've got that one dollar, and Jared won't have me.

This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV my personal favorite this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.

Thanks Netgally for letting me read and review.📚💕

This book is the bomb! ♥ ♥ ♥
.
Ms. Ryan writes the most intense, most emotional books I've ever read, and she does so with a mastery that is unparalleled.
Block Shot is no exception. Jared and Banner's story is simply heartbreaking. It is unbelievable what they have to go through ....
Both characters are so deeply created with so many facets. It's really incredible how Ms. Ryan brings them to life. You constantly expect to see them in front of you. Banner is a protagonist you just HAVE to take to your heart, but who you also tip your hat to and who can truly serve as a role model. Jared almost pales next to her, though only almost. Although he is the complete opposite of Banner both in appearance and character, together they are the perfect couple, the equinox, as Ms. Ryan so aptly puts it. Following his character development is not easy at times. I wanted to shake him several times when he was acting too much like an alpha, but thanks to Banner, he ends up being a dream man who gets the ending he deserves ...
This intricate story is captivating from the start and hard to put down, and I definitely recommend reading it.

A big thank you to Bloom Books for the advance reading copy!

The second book in the Hoops series, ”Long Shot” the first book, is one of the best books I’ve EVER read. And I don’t say that lightly. Kennedy Ryans writing style is immaculate, and it’s so raw and exposed, it makes you feel so vulnerable in a way. I definitely wept whilst reading this one as well, not the full on ugly cry I did with Long Shot, but still. This book does have one of my least favourite tropes, the cheating trope, but it did make a wonderful and heartbreaking story that I didn’t mind it as much. I love Banners character, the relationship she has with herself and her body. The journey she goes on and the insights she gets, was so real and beautiful.

So yeah this was a really freaking good book, Long shot is still number one, but this one came very close. So happy I was also approved for an ARC of Hook shot (Out on Oct 10th), the third and final book in the series. Will get to that one very soon 🫶🏼

"Block Shot" by Kennedy Ryan is a compelling contemporary romance that takes readers into the intense world of professional basketball, where passion, ambition, and love collide. The story follows Jared Foster, a talented basketball player and successful businessman. Jared's life is driven by his desire to succeed, both on the court and in the corporate world. However, his ambitions come at a price, and he finds himself estranged from the woman he once loved, Banner Morales.

Banner is a determined and fiercely independent woman who has built her own career in the sports industry. She has her own dreams and goals, but her heart still aches for the man who broke it. When their paths cross again, old wounds are reopened, and the chemistry between them is undeniable. As Jared and Banner navigate the complexities of their past and present, they must confront their own insecurities and the challenges of balancing their personal lives with their careers. "Block Shot" explores themes of love, forgiveness, and the pursuit of happiness in the face of ambition and rivalry.

"Block Shot" by Kennedy Ryan is a steamy and emotionally charged romance that immerses readers in the high-stakes world of professional basketball. The author's skilful storytelling and well-developed characters make this book a compelling read for fans of contemporary romance. Jared Foster and Banner Morales are complex and relatable protagonists. Their past is marred by misunderstandings and mistakes, which adds depth to their characters and the overall narrative. Ryan skillfully explores their personal growth as they confront their demons and rediscover their feelings for each other.

The chemistry between Jared and Banner sizzles on the pages, and their interactions are both passionate and tender. Ryan excels at building the tension and emotional connection between the characters, making their journey from estrangement to reconciliation feel authentic and satisfying.

The backdrop of the professional basketball world adds an exciting dimension to the story, offering insights into the pressures and challenges faced by athletes and those working in the sports industry. The author's attention to detail and research shine through, enhancing the authenticity of the setting. While it is undeniably a romance novel, it also delves into deeper themes, such as forgiveness, personal growth, and the importance of pursuing one's passions. The characters' struggles with their own insecurities and the sacrifices they make for their careers make them relatable and human.

Kennedy Ryan's writing style is engaging and evocative, drawing readers into the emotions and dilemmas of her characters. The dialogue is witty and realistic, adding humour and depth to the story. For fans of second chance romance with enemies-to-lovers trope with a sports backdrop and complex characters, "Block Shot" is a must-read. It offers a passionate and emotionally resonant love story that will leave readers rooting for Jared and Banner to find their happily ever after.