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amanda_reads13's review against another edition
emotional
funny
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It was love a frist sight for Kenan, but Lotus's past has her shying away from any long term commitments.
As usual, this book is so beautifully written. This story is so heartbreaking and emotional, yet has so many heartwarming moments. The characters are so vibrant and well developed.
Their chemistry was palpable. The tension and banter was perfection. I loved the slow burn in this book. They took their time to slowly transition from friends to lovers. The slow pace of their relationship makes so much sense considering Lotus's past trauma and Kenan's challenges with his ex-wife. Their relationship isn't perfect, but they choose each other and have open communication.
Kenan has been through a horrible and public divorce after his wife cheated on him with a teammate. His ex-wife was so emotionally abusive and was a master at manipulation. He is such a empathetic, compassion, protective, and complicated man. He didn't let many people in, but he felt an instant connection to Lotus. He was so patient with her and his letters were so endearing.
Lotus was a strong and mighty woman. She is struggling with PTSD and has massive trust issues. She was a survivor.As a child, she was raped by her mother's boyfriend and then her mother rejected her for him. Her circle is small, but close, it takes a lot for her to trust. She was bold and loud, yet vulnerable and struggling. It takes a lot for her to let Kenan in, but once he is in, he is her world.
The addition of Voodoo was interesting. Lotus was raised by her grandmother and was taught about her "power".Lotus predicts death around Kenan. They end up discovering that his daughter has ODed and then she almost dies. Lotus assumes this was the feeling she gets, but later in the book Kenan is in a car accident and is declared dead. Lotus and Iris somehow save him with their "energy". To me it seemed like a bit of a gimmick in the book. I would have liked to have seen it explored more.
Tropes: friends to lovers, found family, slow burn, single dad
As usual, this book is so beautifully written. This story is so heartbreaking and emotional, yet has so many heartwarming moments. The characters are so vibrant and well developed.
Their chemistry was palpable. The tension and banter was perfection. I loved the slow burn in this book. They took their time to slowly transition from friends to lovers. The slow pace of their relationship makes so much sense considering Lotus's past trauma and Kenan's challenges with his ex-wife. Their relationship isn't perfect, but they choose each other and have open communication.
Kenan has been through a horrible and public divorce after his wife cheated on him with a teammate. His ex-wife was so emotionally abusive and was a master at manipulation. He is such a empathetic, compassion, protective, and complicated man. He didn't let many people in, but he felt an instant connection to Lotus. He was so patient with her and his letters were so endearing.
Lotus was a strong and mighty woman. She is struggling with PTSD and has massive trust issues. She was a survivor.
The addition of Voodoo was interesting. Lotus was raised by her grandmother and was taught about her "power".
Tropes: friends to lovers, found family, slow burn, single dad
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Child abuse, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Grief, Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Rape
gabichatslit's review against another edition
5.0
I have the most bittersweet feeling growing in my chest, having completed this series now. So much so that I stretched this last book out because I didn’t want it to end and to leave this world that Mrs. Ryan created and this lovable cast of characters.
And wow, was it easy to love and root for Lotus and Kenan.
Two characters who had an undeniable connection, who meet during a crossroad in their respective lives and try to ignore (mostly on Lotus’s part lol) what they know will be a life changing love. Getting to see more of Lotus upbringing and her time with MiMi was really nice, despite the heartbreaking circumstances. I enjoyed seeing how devoted she was to her career as well. And I loved her conviction— in herself, in her love, in her faith even in the face on misunderstanding or other’s uncertainty. I loved Kenan’s surety of Lotus. His commitment to her and to his daughter. To being Lotus protector, her ‘gris-gris’.
Also the bits of Song of Solomon, made my heart ache and brought tears to my eyes.
This book was so beautiful and healing in its portrayal of love. I loved seeing Lo’s village grow and provide space for her to heal and grieve and stretch. She deserved every second of her HEA and Mrs. Ryan delivered ten-fold. This is my new favorite book series.
And wow, was it easy to love and root for Lotus and Kenan.
Two characters who had an undeniable connection, who meet during a crossroad in their respective lives and try to ignore (mostly on Lotus’s part lol) what they know will be a life changing love. Getting to see more of Lotus upbringing and her time with MiMi was really nice, despite the heartbreaking circumstances. I enjoyed seeing how devoted she was to her career as well. And I loved her conviction— in herself, in her love, in her faith even in the face on misunderstanding or other’s uncertainty. I loved Kenan’s surety of Lotus. His commitment to her and to his daughter. To being Lotus protector, her ‘gris-gris’.
Also the bits of Song of Solomon, made my heart ache and brought tears to my eyes.
This book was so beautiful and healing in its portrayal of love. I loved seeing Lo’s village grow and provide space for her to heal and grieve and stretch. She deserved every second of her HEA and Mrs. Ryan delivered ten-fold. This is my new favorite book series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
Moderate: Child abuse, Abandonment, Death of parent, Grief, Rape, Suicide attempt, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Misogyny, Car accident, and Pregnancy
cathyo_113's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
My Rating: 4.25 ⭐️ | 2.5 🌶️
Tropes:
x Single dad
x Age Gap
x Summer Love
x Sports Romance
x Slight Insta-love
My Review:
Lotus and Kenan’s love story is so sweet and strong. Kennedy Ryan does a fantastic job unraveling the attraction and emotion between the characters.
But, I am mad about the last few chapters/ending of the story. Like Long Shot, this book is not a romance. There is no HEA nor a HFN before the epilogue. The majority of the situations that stand between the MCs and an HEA or HFN remain unresolved by the end of the last chapter. The story and drama that unfolds between Lotus and Kenan is told so well and with a lot of care. But there is a MAJOR plot twist(?) in the last three chapters. Wtf? And it isn’t fully resolved before the epilogue. IMHO, the story and all major plot points should be resolved in their entirety before the epilogue. As a reader, I am not owed an epilogue and know it doesn’t come with every romance book. So in my opinion this is contemporary fiction with a love story.
Also - that MAJOR plot twist is not necessary. The author could have had just as a meaningful exchange between Lotus and the people in Kenan’s life in a different setting with just as much emotion. Instead, the reader is forced to read through another tragedy in the last 30 pages of the book before the epilogue.
This whole book, it’s like a love story between two people who have an insta-attraction/love but are mired but a ton of effed up situations that are happening to and around them. Like, please just get them to an HEA before the epilogue. I shouldn’t have to wait for the Epilogue for all major issues/challenges faced by the MCs to find a resolution.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Death, Death of parent, Toxic relationship, Violence, Child abuse, Sexual violence, Physical abuse, Suicide attempt, Sexual content, and Infidelity
booknerdcoco's review against another edition
I just could not get into this book. I tried, I really did as I really enjoyed kennedy Ryan's previous books. However, this one was not my cup of tea. I found it boring at best.
I listened to an audiobook and the thing that usually puts me off is the narration. However in this case I enjoyed the narrators. I think that's partly why I persevered as long as I did.
I got over half way and felt loke i should continue but I can't face another 6 and a half hours when I have no investment in the story. I ended up not really listening to it anyways in the end.
There are a couple if things I liked though.
The fact that it is a standalone but part of the interconnected series. I was already familiar with the characters and was pleased to find out this story focused on Lo as she intrigued me in the previous 2 books of the series (however the investment dismissed as I progressed).
I really liked how the themes if Lo's upbringing and experience of voodoo was a thread that continued throughout the story.
Though there were some redeems qualities, it was nit enough for me to continue. I really enjoyed the previous 2 books of the series and am disappointed at the anti climax with thus third and final installment.
I listened to an audiobook and the thing that usually puts me off is the narration. However in this case I enjoyed the narrators. I think that's partly why I persevered as long as I did.
I got over half way and felt loke i should continue but I can't face another 6 and a half hours when I have no investment in the story. I ended up not really listening to it anyways in the end.
There are a couple if things I liked though.
The fact that it is a standalone but part of the interconnected series. I was already familiar with the characters and was pleased to find out this story focused on Lo as she intrigued me in the previous 2 books of the series (however the investment dismissed as I progressed).
I really liked how the themes if Lo's upbringing and experience of voodoo was a thread that continued throughout the story.
Though there were some redeems qualities, it was nit enough for me to continue. I really enjoyed the previous 2 books of the series and am disappointed at the anti climax with thus third and final installment.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Child abuse, Cursing, and Infidelity
blakeandbooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Infidelity, Abandonment, Suicide attempt, Rape, Medical trauma, Child abuse, Sexual content, Grief, Death, Death of parent, Sexual assault, and Injury/Injury detail
bronxgirlreading's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
So excited to read Lotus’ story!! I’ve been obsessed with her since she showed up in Iris’ story. If you love strong but broken, independent women who fall for too good to be true but is true and is good men, this is for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Child abuse, Rape, Car accident, and Grief
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Suicide attempt, and Toxic relationship
stephwtsn27's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I loved everything about this book! The love story, family dynamics, divorce/parenting, fashion, basketball, music, friendships. Kenan was so patient with Lotus the entire book and Lotus was unapologetically herself. The entire Hoops trilogy is AMAZING and you should probably do yourself a favor and go read them all immediately!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Rape, Death of parent, Grief, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Car accident and Infidelity
Minor: Toxic relationship and Pregnancy
shaipanda's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I’m so glad I got back into Kennedy Ryan’s work because I loved Reel but also reading it was so painful at times that I never delved into the rest of her backlist. But I’m seriously so glad I did because this is literally by far one of my favorite couples I’ve read about this year - they go through so much in this book but they combat it all so well and I suprisingly didn’t feel like what they gave throughout the book was too much too quickly. I mean obviously it’s a lot in one book and probably one of the huge crises/hospital trips in this book could have been cut because it was a lot, but also everything served a purpose and was amazing written and discussed
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Abandonment, Suicide attempt, Medical content, Toxic relationship, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Pedophilia, Car accident, Sexual content, Grief, and Child abuse
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Panic attacks/disorders, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Pregnancy, Infidelity, and Physical abuse
psydneigh's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I liked this one. I felt like Simone shouldve been 9 or 10 instead of 14 though, her dialogue made her seems like she should be a lot younger. Loved this series!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Death of parent, Infidelity, Child abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Rape, Self harm, Suicide attempt, and Toxic relationship
naaytaashreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“What if she gave me to you?” I bend to whisper over her lips. “What if I’m your gris gris now?”
Trigger warning: Rape, sexual assault, suicide, grief, divorce, broken families, trauma and PTSD.
I cannot believe I have to an end to this beautifully written series.
Kennedy Ryan literally struck an arrow in my heart and introduced me to her world.
Each series is beautiful on its own and I can't pick a favourite, however Hook Shot definitely was so emotional and tugged the strings of my heart.
We follow Lotus and Kenan who are facing different struggle in their life.
They swear off relationships, and trust is something to be earned.
Reading Hook Shot definitely made me even believe in fate. I believe in fate and how it stumbles into our life.
Sometimes love happens, can be the wrong place and time, but what will always find its way back to each other.
I enjoyed the two POVS and character growth for each of them.
With how their life is individual and how it affects them and their relationship.
The decisions they have to make, sacrifices and patience.
Lotus, our brave, fierce boss, definitely went through so much in her life and following her journey was heartbreaking but hopefully. It's difficult to face trauma but with time and the right people, she found her own happiness not saying the trauma ever goes away, but she found her balance of facing with it.
While following Kenan's journey in balancing his career, relationship and co-parenting.
The idea and plotline of seeing a counselor is such a big eye opener, as it might seem taboo or something is wrong when one seeks help.
Their chemistry was raw, honest, and natural. They are so beautiful individually, but together they create a rainbow in each other's life.
Kennedy Ryan did a phenomenal job with this series.
Not only did she write an amazing sports romance but writing on real-life issues that we avoid having conversations in real life, her story gives people hope and conversation starter on how we can help others and change how society sees them.
“Nothing against fake lashes. I just don’t like it when the woman blinking them is fake, too.”
Trigger warning: Rape, sexual assault, suicide, grief, divorce, broken families, trauma and PTSD.
I cannot believe I have to an end to this beautifully written series.
Kennedy Ryan literally struck an arrow in my heart and introduced me to her world.
Each series is beautiful on its own and I can't pick a favourite, however Hook Shot definitely was so emotional and tugged the strings of my heart.
We follow Lotus and Kenan who are facing different struggle in their life.
They swear off relationships, and trust is something to be earned.
Reading Hook Shot definitely made me even believe in fate. I believe in fate and how it stumbles into our life.
Sometimes love happens, can be the wrong place and time, but what will always find its way back to each other.
I enjoyed the two POVS and character growth for each of them.
With how their life is individual and how it affects them and their relationship.
The decisions they have to make, sacrifices and patience.
Lotus, our brave, fierce boss, definitely went through so much in her life and following her journey was heartbreaking but hopefully. It's difficult to face trauma but with time and the right people, she found her own happiness not saying the trauma ever goes away, but she found her balance of facing with it.
While following Kenan's journey in balancing his career, relationship and co-parenting.
The idea and plotline of seeing a counselor is such a big eye opener, as it might seem taboo or something is wrong when one seeks help.
Their chemistry was raw, honest, and natural. They are so beautiful individually, but together they create a rainbow in each other's life.
Kennedy Ryan did a phenomenal job with this series.
Not only did she write an amazing sports romance but writing on real-life issues that we avoid having conversations in real life, her story gives people hope and conversation starter on how we can help others and change how society sees them.
“Nothing against fake lashes. I just don’t like it when the woman blinking them is fake, too.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Toxic relationship, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Death, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Car accident, and Death of parent
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