Reviews tagging 'Gaslighting'

Hook Shot: A Verdadeira Jogada by Kennedy Ryan

4 reviews

amanda_reads13's review against another edition

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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

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thirdeyeangel23's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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

5.0

I’ve been obsessed with Lotus and Kenan since reading Long Shot, and this story did not disappoint. After longing from a distance, a brand deal puts Kenan in the perfect position to finally shoot his shot with Lotus. While reconciling with childhood trauma, Lotus finally allows herself to explore true love and intimacy with the one man who can truly hold her down. With plenty of love and lots of spice, Lotus and Kenan are a beautiful story of healing and learning to trust again. A perfect end to the series.

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shaipanda's review against another edition

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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 

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naaytaashreads's review against another edition

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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.”

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