There's something about Keenan and Lotus that is just so soothing for your soul. She's been through so much in life and he is able to come in and make her believe again. She learns who she is and how to continue being strong. They are both just such good characters and I love them together.

I really enjoyed this one! I loved Kenan and Lo. I love how they both got past the trauma of their past and it was so beautifully written!

Hook shot
By: Kennedy Ryan

📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚

The book can leave you breathless!

In book 3 in An Age Gap Single Dad Standalone Romance (HOOPS Book 3) series we get Kenan and Lotus’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: A deeply emotional standalone romance set in the worlds of professional basketball and high fashion. Divorced. Single dad. Traded to a losing squad.Cheated on, betrayed, exposed. My perfect life blew up in my face and I'm still picking up the pieces.The last thing I need is her.A wildflower. A storm. A woman I can't resist. Lotus DuPree is a kick to my gut and a wrench in my plans from the moment our eyes meet.I promised myself I wouldn't trust a woman again, but I've never wanted anyone the way I want Lo. She's not the plan I made, but she's the risk I have to take.A warrior. A baller. The one they call Gladiator.Kenan Ross charged into my life smelling all good, looking even better and snatching my breath from the moment we met. The last thing I need is him.I’m working on me. Facing my pain and conquering my demons.I've seen what trusting a man gets you.I. Don't. Have. Time. For. This.But he just keeps coming for me. Keeps knocking down my defenses and stealing my excuses one by one.He never gives up, and now...I'm not sure I want him to.

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.📚💕

Kennedy Ryan is an auto-buy author for me and Hook Shot is just as good as the other books in the Hoops series. This book has spice, hot athletes and some hot scenes but the plot is also so so good! If you enjoyed the other books in this series, pick this one up. You won't regret it.

Once again, Kennedy Ryan proves she’s a Queen.

Kennedy has the unique ability to write about trauma and healing in such a beautiful way. She intertwines this with strong lead characters, trials and tribulations, pain, sorrow, heartbreak, sacrifice but also with a truly breathtaking love story.

Lotus was a phenomenal FMC and Kenan was the perfect MMC for her. She was so brave and strong, owning her own mental health and facing her trauma the way she did. All while commanding her fashion career, falling in love, dealing with Kenan’s ex wife, sacrificing for his daughter Simone…
And Kenan was such a rock, so patient, kind and always protecting her.

This was another beautiful novel by Kennedy Ryan and she has quickly become one of my favorite authors.

this is my first Kennedy Ryan series and I am not dissapointed. I can't recommend it enough. the spice is just right and the plot is interesting.

Oh My Goodness. Lotus and Kenan's story was everything I had hoped for and more. I am so sad that this series is over but I can say with absolute certainty that this won't be the last time I read them. Kennedy Ryan has such a gift and I've loved every moment of reading these books.

Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to review this book in advance.

"Hook Shot" by Kennedy Ryan is a phenomenal romance novel that once again showcases the author's talent for crafting captivating and emotionally-charged stories. The dynamic between Kenan and Lotus is electric right from the start, with both characters acutely aware of their intense attraction to one another. However, they are determined to resist the pull, leading to a captivating dance of temptation and restraint.

As circumstances bring Kenan and Lotus closer together, the walls they've built start to crumble, and the weight of their unfulfilled desires becomes harder and harder to bear. Ryan expertly teases readers with a slow burn romance, building the anticipation and tension with each passing page. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and you can't help but root for them to find their way to each other.

What makes "Hook Shot" stand out is not only the romance, but also the well-crafted plot and engaging pacing. Ryan effortlessly weaves in elements of personal growth, family dynamics, and societal issues, making the story feel multi-dimensional and thought-provoking. The development of not only Kenan and Lotus, but also the supporting characters, adds depth and richness to the narrative.

Overall, "Hook Shot" is a true gem in the romance genre, offering a compelling mix of passion, emotion, and introspection. Kennedy Ryan's skillful storytelling and ability to create relatable and unforgettable characters make this book a definite keeper. If you're in search of a love story with depth, heart, and a touch of forbidden desire, I highly recommend diving into the world of Kenan and Lotus in "Hook Shot."

Hook Shot is a book about Lotus DuPree, a girl from New Orleans with a lot of trauma from the past and Kenan Ross, divorced hockey player, who is also a single dad.
I loved everything about this book, from the characters to the plot. I specifically liked Lotus' origins and acknowledgment of the cultures and religions around the world.
The single dad role and the daughter, Simone who was struggling a lot, were presented perfectly, and also the ex-wife Bridget.
This is a perfect age gap, strangers to lovers, single dad sports romance, would definitely recommend to my friends.

5 star read for sure.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Looooooved it! Wow! I loved the Block Shot aloooooot! But the Hook Shot blew me away! The love that Kenan and Lotus shared had no bounds. It was magnetic, sexy, raw, rough, sultry and deep! Definitley worth the read! Impossible to put down! A must read! The perfect fall romance read. Kennedy Ryan has now jumped to my favorite author list.

This is the third book in this series, and although it can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading the others first.
Hook Shot is a beautifully written, poignant story of overcoming trauma and past hurts and opening yourself up to healing and love.
Kenan is a star basketball player with a cheating ex-wife and a fourteen year-old daughter who is having a hard time with the divorce.
Lotus is working for one of the most prestigious fashion designers in the world as his right-hand woman. She is a trauma survivor and has sworn off men after realizing her sleeping with men and allowing no emotion or intimacy is not working anymore.
Lotus and Kenan meet after seeing each other before when he is the new model for their watches. What ensues is a beautiful story of healing, passion, and love.
I love this couple and this book. Get it now!

📚 Hook Shot
Hoops series Book 3
✍ Kennedy Ryan
📖 Romance, Contemporary, Drama.
4★⚊
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🇲🇽
Lotus y Kenan. Estos dos son una fuerza, un complemento, magnetos que se atraen.
Lotus, ha perdido la confianza con los hombres, la ha pasado mal, y ha tenido un pasado muy dificil. Kenan, un papa soltero, jugador de la NBA, también ha jurado nunca confiar en una mujer después de un largo y tormentoso divorcio. Pero el amor no avisa, llega derepente, haciendo estragos por donde va.. Una historia exquisita y altamente emocional.
Lectura para +18 años
Checar Notas del Autor por el contenido.
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🇺🇸
This couldnt have been more perfect 😭
Lotus has give up faith on men, she had a really bad time trusting them, and also her past is still triggering her present.
Kenan, a single dad, NBA baller, swore he would never trust a woman again after a nasty and difficult divorce.
But love doesnt gives you a date or time
Simply arrives with a full force, and Lotus and Kenan have a lot to work in order to be together.
This story is absolutely exquisite, and utterly emotional.
⚠️ please check trigger warnings before reading ⚠️

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Read if you like:
🌠 second chance
🌠 unrelenting attraction
🌠 single Dad
🌠 overcoming trauma
🌠 undeniable chemistry
🌠 broken soul
🌠 spicy romance
🌠 kickas$ heroine
🌠 slight age gap
🌠 broken hero
🌠 sports romance
.
.
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Special thanks to Author, Publisher and Netgalley for giving me this arc, the opinions here are on my own.

The characters were quite contrasting to eachother yet interesting at the same time. Both has their own share of background stories to share along with the new one which included their interaction and relationship with eachother.
The author has penned down an amazing plotline of romance and emotional turmoil that it kept me hooked till the very end of the book. I had a great time reading this one.

Thanks so much to bloom books/source books, Kennedy Ryan and NetGalley for the eARC, all opinions expressed are my own!

I think this might be my favourite of the series. The story is such a compelling and emotionally charged romance that had me hooked from start to finish. The story follows Kenan Ross and Lotus DuPree, and takes the reader on a journey filled with passion, trust issues, and the power of love.

Kenan Ross is a single father at the crossroads of his basketball career, trying to rebuild his life after a painful divorce. Lotus DuPree, a vibrant force in New York's fashion scene, is fiercely independent and wary of love due to her past experiences. Their paths collide, setting off a series of sparks that ignite a slow-burning and intense connection between them.

The depth of the characters is what sets this story apart, they are so well developed, and Kenan and Lotus are both flawed and relatable, making their struggles and vulnerabilities all the more compelling. The emotional journey they embark on is beautifully portrayed. The chemistry between Kenan and Lotus is electric, and Kennedy Ryan's writing skillfully captures the intensity of their attraction. The slow buildup of their relationship allows the reader to savour every moment, making their eventual connection all the more satisfying.

Ryan's prose is evocative and poignant, delving into complex themes of trust, healing, and second chances. The author tackles these issues with sensitivity, making the characters' growth and transformation feel genuine and heartfelt. Lotus' backstory is absolutely heartbreaking and Ryan creates a positive equal in Kenan's character despite the hurdles they encountered.

I honestly cannot recommend this book enough!

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the Advanced Readers Copy of Hook Shot by Kennedy Ryan!

Things I liked: alternating POV, multicultural backgrounds, previous characters making an appearance. Lotus and Kenan's story was a great one to end the series with, but the first book is still my favorite. It's hard to beat Long Shot.

Because you don't have to read the other books sequentially (or at all) to read this one, some of the storytelling came across as unnecessarily repetitive. I appreciate the fact that the books can be read as standalone, but this may also be why I had a hard time connecting with the second and third books. With this one, I was excited to read about Kenan and Lotus, but I had a hard time feeling invested and took breaks during climactic moments. The writing seemed to be a bit drawn out and repetitive again which might just be me not connecting to the author's style. I also felt like the story delved all over the place making it difficult to stay invested.

Overall, it was a good series to read and I appreciate the author's notes at the beginning about possible triggers. For this one, there are more I would add. If you're concerned at all, I suggest looking them up before reading.

I really enjoyed this book, but it seemed a little long for me AND a third act break up so had to knock it .5 stars. But it’s definitely 4.5 stars!! ⭐️

Kenan and Lotus are both dealing with their own emotional traumas and drama with a divorce. Lotus is swearing off guys but then has to kiss Kenan at a party and from there the sparks just fly. They start off as friends and I absolutely love the friends to lovers trope. Getting to know each other before anything intimate happens is *chefs kiss* to me. The chemistry between the characters and the attention to detail is so beautiful. I loved the quotes from Song of Soloman in the book as well.

We get to see Lotus heal from past childhood traumas, go into therapy and become whole. Such a beautiful moment.

Kenan, his ex wife and his teenage daughter also go through therapy for the divorce and I love seeing that so normalized. Kudos to you Kennedy Ryan!

There’s a lot that happens in this book with navigating their relationship and it’s done so well that I definitely recommend. Doesn’t feel like just two people thrown together not communicating, but it feels like a REAL relationship.

Tropes:
POC Main Characters
Friends to lovers
Long distance
Age gap DONE RIGHT
Basketball romance (which there’s not a lot of basketball in here so that’s a plus for me) 🤣

TW:
Child sexual assault
Suicide attempt

I received an early copy through Net Galley

What a way to end her series!!

Quick Summary:
Kenan has some major trust issues. His ex-wife cheated on him with a team mate and then put him through hell during their divorce. Lotus, Iris' cousin from book 1, also has MAJOR trust issues and has sworn off men. That is, until the man she has been avoiding for 2 years comes enters her life determined to make her have a change of heart.
You can read this as a standalone, HOWEVER I highly recommend you reading the first two books to get the full effect of Kenan and Lotus together.

This one hit home for me because it focuses on how much trust someone needs in order to really have intimacy. Lotus is a spitfire, confident in herself and takes ZERO shit from anyone. That doesnt mean intimacy comes easy for her. Kenan was.......perfect. Not much more to say there.

Thank you #NEtGaley for prociding me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

(4.5 ⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️ | check tw’s ⚠️!! SA, suicide)

I said what I freaking said. If Kennedy Ryan ever writes a “bad” book, I won’t be around for it. It simply isn’t possible. 😮‍💨

Kennedy Ryan is like a master weaver. She can take the most broken, complex characters and add the ugliest circumstances and make something so beautiful. She did it with the entire Hoops series and just went extra hard for Hook Shot. I’ve known since “Long Shot” that Kenan and Lotus’ story would be my absolute fave.

This also proves that the combination of grumpy single dad and age gap will always be top tier.

Many thanks to netgalley and bloom books for the eARC! 🫶🏼

Dans Hook Shot, on va suivre Kenan, un joueur de basket divorcé et père d’une jeune fille ainsi que Lotus, la cousine d’Iris qui rêve d’être créatrice de mode. Il ne veut plus faire confiance à une femme suite à son divorce et elle veut éviter les hommes pour le moment mais pourtant à force de se cotoyer, l’attirance ne devient que plus forte…
Kennedy Ryan arrive à se renouveler à chaque fois et nous livre des romans riches en émotions mais surtout avec des thèmes d’actualités et qui sont variés! Tous les personnages sont touchants et j’ai développé une haine viscérale à l’encontre de Bridget ^^ J’ai adoré le fait de revoir Auguste et Iris cela nous permet de les voir s’épanouir dans leur vie ^^

En bref, si vous ne connaissez pas cette série, foncez les yeux fermés, Kennedy Ryan va vous séduire!!