4.25 Stars
This book, like in true Kennedy Ryan fashion, was so beautifully written. I loved Kenan and I loved Lotus, who is a total badass, and I loved them even more together as a couple. I really enjoyed getting to catch up with the couples in the series and I am sad this series has come to an end. I cannot wait to read more books by Kennedy in the future!

I can’t stop thinking about them they were so cute and the story was so beautiful and emotional a little. I loved this book so much.

This book has so much like single dad and all the cute moments with that. It has friends to lovers. They didn’t just go straight into it, it was slow and beautiful and friends to lovers.

I really want to reread this book again and get me a best friend like Lotus and a man like Kenan.

Review from goodreads

This entire series was top tier. I loved Hook Shot - the story of Lotus and Kenan. Kennedy Ryan weaves magic in her stories and I love getting lost in her world. We had little teasers of Kenan and Lotus in the prior two books so it was good to finally dig into their story and see them find a HEA of their own. Of course they have to work hard to get there and sort through all kinds of trauma and trust issues but it’s so worth the angst to see where they end up. Thank you to Bloom Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

I really struggled through the first maybe half of this. I feel like it took forever for them to get together, just for the brief third act breakup to happen. I kept struggling with some of the cringy moments (I.e. Lotus basically getting off to Kenan’s nipples….). But the in between moments, of Kenan and Lotus opening up to each other, healing, and falling in love was really sweet. I was a little confused sometimes with the incorporation of MiMi and the voodoo that lives in Lotus’s blood. I liked it I think? But because she said multiple times she didn’t practice, it seemed weird when she’d suddenly be super in tune to that side of her. I did find the way Simone, Kenan’s 14 year old daughter to be unrealistic - I thought she was like 8. I don’t think it was super realistic that a 14 year old is calling their parents mommy and daddy and in intense therapy for a messy divorce in which she doesn’t get that they aren’t getting back together after three years and a very public cheating scandal. I like this authors writing, it’s very poetic and emotional. I liked Lotus a character. I’m glad we got to experience her healing from her sexual abuse, and also how amazing and patient Kenan was with her. The first book in this series was so good, I just feel like nothing loved up to that. Oh there’s also basically no basketball, which is fine with me, but this does advertise like it would have more to do with sports.

TW sexual assault of a child, suicide

3.5 ⭐️

In "Hook Shot," we follow the story of Kenan, a divorced basketball player and father of a young girl, and Lotus, Iris's cousin, who dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Kenan, following his divorce, has lost trust in women, and Lotus prefers to avoid men for the time being. However, as they spend more time together, their attraction only grows stronger...

This conclusion to the saga is truly beautiful! It's by far my favorite in the entire series. I've loved these characters since their very first appearance in "Long Shot." Their dynamic and personalities have truly captivated me. I eagerly anticipated delving into their story and concluding this series with a heartwarming happy ending. The author's writing remains as captivating and enchanting as ever, immersing us deeply in the emotions and dilemmas of Kenan and Lotus.

This novel is more than just a love story. It also tackles profound themes such as trust, resilience after divorce, career dreams, and family. The character development throughout the story is remarkable, and I was particularly moved by their personal growth. Kennedy Ryan has once again showcased her talent for weaving a captivating and memorable tale.

The conlusion to the Hoops trilogy! And what an ending that was. Came extremely close to beating Long Shot for my favourite in this series… Lotus’s story is something I’ve been waiting for since the beginning. The trauma, the hurt, the recovery and her journey towards finding her true soulmate and love for the ages, was so wonderful to read. Hard at times, especially the part where she tells in detail what happened to her, but also so uplifting when she starts to tackle and deal with it head on. Such a strong and badass woman. And Kenan, is a MAN, like a real man if you catch my drift. Not a misogynistic toolbag, but a man that sees his partner as an equal and worships her. The love and passion literally leaps of the pages and they are so emotionally intelligent and mature.

This is also a story about how a nasty divorce can affect your children very badly, and the consequences that come from this.

TW’s for rape and sexual abuse of a child, attempted suicide by a minor.

I read Kennedy's Grip trilogy and I fell in love with her words. It was a beautiful story. So I knew her other work would be great too.

So when I saw this I had to request it. I absolutely loved it. It was everything and so much more. Loved the story and the characters.

Another win by Kennedy Ryan. She's a fairly new to me author and I know I will continue reading whatever she puts out. She has a way of sucking you in and not letting you go until the last word.

"I don’t kiss my friends.”
"Good. Then, when you kiss me, I don’t know you want to be more than just my friend.”

This was the perfect ending to the series! In this book Lotus finally gets her happily ever after. We have been getting snippets of Lotus and Kenan’s interactions throughout the series and there’s hints to both of them being infatuated with each other. I loved how right away Kenan is enamored by her. I loved how he waited for her to finally agreed to go out with him. For her to realize that Kenan is a good man and to try a relationship with him. Kenan was so patient and understanding with Lotus. Always there for her! He was so swoony! The steamy scenes between the two of them are heaven! I really liked that while one of them was going through something, the other would be there to hold them through it. There was a little bit of annoying scenes with both Lotus and Keenan‘s exes, but otherwise I really enjoyed this romance. I would definitely recommend looking up the trigger warnings for this book. I am also really happy to say that this book didn’t really have a third act breakup and I’m really happy about that!
While this is part of a series and I’d recommend reading all the books since it’s such a great one, it can be read as a standalone.

Read if you like:
Dual POVs
Basketball romance
Single dad
Age gap
Hero falls first
Protective hero
Swoony hero
Open door romance
Friends to lovers
No third act breakup

4 stars!

After a slight dip in greatness with "Block Shot," Kennedy Ryan's HOOPS series returns to its former glory with "Hook Shot," an age-gap single dad insta-love tale. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, the settings, the situations, and the characters here. I adored Lotus and Kenan's instant chemistry, which is full of intense pining, sexy glances, inside jokes, and deep connection. Kenan is the kind of alpha male who doesn't grate on my nerves. He's possessive and grumpy, but not entirely overbearing, just enough to catch the eye of the strong, wild, wonderful Lotus. I loved the voodoo element of Lotus's character, too. It's not something you typically see in romance novels. The emotional journeys Kenan and Lotus go through together and separately kept me invested in them and wanting more. They both have past and present traumas that they need to overcome so they can begin their relationship on solid ground. Once again, Kennedy Ryan's prose is just breathtaking and heartwrenching and soul-shattering. Her words are so impactful and important and moving. The story flows together impeccably well. Then, there's the spice. Dear lord, the spice! Kennedy is the queen of making me blush. It's full of passion and yearning and desire, and boy, do I love it. Another winner for Kennedy Ryan!

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 entire series has just been a delight to read. Fun and easy breezy to read. A cute rom com with a little grit and heart. Solid job!

I love the whole trilogy, and my favorite couple is Kenan and Lotus; they are both such good characters. I love how he was patient with Lotus, and I also love how he put his daughter first. Lotus's connection to her grandma made me both sad and happy. Seeing how their friendship turned into a beautiful romance was fantastic. I love them together.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I love this authors writing style! I love sports romance books and this one did not disappoint!

5 stars don’t do this book justice!

This book is unforgettable, a true masterpiece. Kennedy Ryan’s writing is impeccable and how this series ended was perfect.

Lotus and Kenan’s story is just great.

Honestly go read Long Shot, Block Shot and Hook Shot. What a wonderful series

This is the third book in this trilogy being re-released by Bloom Books!

First: Lotus and Kenan’s dynamic? Masterclass.
I really love a strong FMC in books especially when it is done so well where it feels genuine with the intensity she has, which is equally as intimate. Kenan is the perfect grumpy sunshine, cinnamon roll single dad.
The slow burn romance between the two is so expertly written. Leading you to the upmost unstable tip of the story and swiftly drops you with no remorse to ride out the fallout of everything falling apart only to crash right back together again.

Ryan masterfully writes such difficult subjects and real life trauma into her stories that will absolutely gut you and still have you begging for more. This story was flawless, captivating, real and raw.

Ryan is a true gem in the romance genre. From the family dynamics, and societal issues she effortlessly writes in, she truly immerses you into the center of it all. Her world building is masterclass and continues to show it time and time again with every release.

I loved this whole trilogy but I think this one was my favorite. Lotus was such a great character. She is strong and wild. Kenan is the cinnamon roll protector. They just are perfect for each other. There is lots of drama and lots of spice. I did not want to put the book down. I cannot wait to read more by this author. Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

I was so eager to know the story of Lotus! This volume is my favorite of the three thanks to her. Both characters are warriors but Lotus even more. And despite the traumas, she does her best to get out of it, to trust. And Kenan who gives her the space she needs while being there for her. I love how Kennedy Ryan makes us feel so many emotions with her words as if we were really living the scenes. Once again, a must read.

This is likely my favorite of the series. I like Lotus and her voodoo. I like Kenan and his big grumpy heart. I love how he only likes her. This felt way less traumatic than the first two, but by the time I got here, I was a little tired with the self sacrificial break up (however, this time it was the most needed). It was good. I am glad for a break from the emotional stress.

Again, Ryan is a beautiful writer. Her tropes and triggers are just a lot to handle at a time. So know what you are getting into and read with a friend.

Okay, I really didn't like the book before this one and DNF'd it. Initially, I decided I wouldn't be reading this one and marked it as not providing feedback since I already had it available.

I really struggled with this one too. I didn't feel any connection to the characters and felt that the pacing was off. It felt quite drawn out and repetitive. Which, in turn, made me feel quite disconnected from the story and I wasn't hooked during intense scenes.

I did enjoy the alternating POV and the multicultural backgrounds.

Please make sure you read the TWs before you read this book.

This is the story I’ve been waiting for! Lotus and Kenan had sparks in book one but this book was fireworks. Kennedy Ryan writes such intense and moving love stories. Be sure to check trigger warnings but know that she handles these sensitive topics with honesty and compassion.
I will say that I know that Bridget is supposed to be a villain in this story but nothing irks me more than parents that get away with using their children to manipulate their partners. I wish Bridget wasn’t granted so much slack by those around her; we need to call out behaviour like that because in the long run that s**t is really damaging for kids. Anyways that was my soapbox moment.
Off to read the entire Song of Solomon now 😉