Hook Shot

Hook Shot follows NBA star Kenan Ross and fashion CEO Lotus DuPree as their paths intersect in New York City. Kenan is a single father juggling his basketball career with raising his daughter, while Lotus runs her growing fashion empire. Despite their initial resistance, Kenan and Lotus find themselves drawn together through chance encounters and mutual attraction. Their developing relationship forces them to confront past wounds and navigate present-day challenges including career demands, family obligations, and trust issues. Both characters bring complex family dynamics and personal histories to their connection. The story tracks their journey as they attempt to balance professional success, personal healing, and the possibility of love. The novel explores themes of second chances, the impact of childhood trauma, and the tension between protecting oneself and opening up to vulnerability. Through its central romance, the book examines how past experiences shape current relationships and the courage required to move forward.

Readers praise the emotional depth and chemistry between the main characters Lotus and August, with many highlighting the realistic portrayal of co-parenting and family dynamics. The book resonates with fans due to its handling of mental health, anxiety, and personal growth themes. Readers liked: - Strong character development for both leads - Balance of steamy scenes with emotional storytelling - Accurate representation of anxiety and therapy - Quality of writing and dialogue Readers disliked: - Slow pacing in first third of book - Some found the basketball elements underdeveloped - A few felt the ending wrapped up too quickly Ratings: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (1,200+ ratings) BookBub: 4.7/5 (900+ ratings) Several reviewers noted this as their favorite in the Hoops series, with one Amazon reviewer writing: "The poetry woven throughout added another layer of beauty to an already moving story."

The Love Playbook by Suze Diaz A basketball player and a single mother navigate their past traumas while finding love in the competitive world of professional sports.

Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan A woman caught between an abusive relationship and her connection to a rising NBA star must fight for her freedom and chance at true love.

Block Shot by Kennedy Ryan Two marketing executives with a complicated history reunite in the sports industry while dealing with professional rivalry and unresolved feelings.

The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton A single mother falls for a professional football player while balancing her son's needs and her own career aspirations.

Scoring Wilder by R.S. Grey A college soccer player develops feelings for her coach while pursuing her athletic dreams and professional future.

🏀 Hook Shot is part of Kennedy Ryan's "Hoops" series, but can be read as a standalone romance novel featuring a professional basketball player and a fashion designer. ✨ The book tackles complex themes including co-parenting, chronic illness, and balancing career ambitions with personal relationships. 👗 The female protagonist, Lotus DuPree, was inspired by real-life fashion designers and entrepreneurs in the Black fashion industry. 📝 Author Kennedy Ryan is known for her extensive research process, including interviewing professional athletes and their families to authentically portray the lifestyle of NBA players. 🏆 The book won the 2020 Romance Writers of America RITA Award for Contemporary Romance: Long, making Kennedy Ryan the first Black author to win this prestigious award.