Block Shot

BLOCK SHOT follows the story of Banner Morales, a plus-size sports agent trying to make her mark in a male-dominated industry. She encounters Jared Foster, a man from her past who is now her direct competitor in the cutthroat world of athlete representation. The narrative switches between present day and their college years, revealing the complex history between Banner and Jared. Their professional rivalry intensifies as they pursue the same rising basketball star, forcing them to confront both their ambitions and their unresolved feelings. Through the lens of sports management and business competition, Block Shot examines themes of ambition, body image, and second chances. The story explores how past wounds shape present choices, and questions whether success and love must be mutually exclusive.

Readers consistently highlight the enemies-to-lovers dynamic and complex character development. Many point to the chemistry between Banner and Jared, with several reviews noting the balance of professional ambition and romance. Liked: - Strong female protagonist who prioritizes career goals - Business world setting feels authentic - Steamy scenes with emotional depth - Tackles themes of racism and sexism in sports management Disliked: - Some found the angst and conflict prolonged - Side characters needed more development - Pacing drags in middle sections - Several readers struggled with Jared's initial actions Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (22,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (1,800+ ratings) BookBub: 4.4/5 (2,100+ ratings) "The perfect balance of steam and substance" appears frequently in reviews. Multiple readers noted they "couldn't put it down," though some mentioned it was "emotionally draining." Several reviews praise the author's research into sports management and agency operations.

The Love Act by Rowan Cole A professional basketball player and an entertainment lawyer navigate their fake relationship while confronting past hurts and career conflicts.

Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan A woman must choose between security and passion when she falls for a rising basketball star while engaged to his mentor.

The Fine Print by Lauren Asher An independent bookstore owner becomes entangled with her landlord's CEO son through a contract marriage arrangement.

The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas A workplace rival agrees to pose as a woman's boyfriend at her sister's wedding in Spain, leading to complications in their professional and personal lives.

Terms and Conditions by Lauren Asher A CFO enters into a marriage contract with his terminally ill boss's daughter to secure his position in the company.

🏀 Block Shot is the second book in Kennedy Ryan's Hoops series, but it can be read as a standalone romance novel. 💫 Kennedy Ryan made history as the first Black author to win a RITA Award, considered the highest honor in romance writing, for her novel Long Shot (first book in the Hoops series). 📚 The book tackles complex themes including colorism in the beauty industry and the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs in male-dominated fields. 💝 The main characters, Banner and Jared, have a second-chance romance that spans 10 years, beginning when they first meet in college. 🎯 The author conducted extensive research on sports management and the business side of basketball to create authentic storylines, as the main character Banner works as a sports agent.