Lotus Dupree, ladies and gentlemen.

Once again, Kennedy Ryan takes two people who have been through so much and makes them so perfect for each other that it almost hurts your heart, all while handling the most sensitive of topics with the gentlest hands possible.

I absolutely love Kennedy's writing style, and I only regret not finding her books sooner!

I like the twist on the single-dad trope wherein, most of the time, the dad is looking for something serious because he has to think about his child; however, Keenan is looking for just a bit of (responsible) fun after spending most of his adult life in a loveless marriage or highly contentious divorce. Lotus, after an adulthood spent hooking up as a way to guard her heart, is thinking maybe she is ready for a serious commitment. I love that Lotus and Keenan didn't just break down each other's walls, but used the pieces of those walls to create a foundation for a wonderful life together.

I really didn’t want this series to end because I love Kennedy, Ryan, and her writing these characters are hard not to love. I definitely recommend starting with longshot even though these are all interconnected books, just appreciate the finale that much more highly recommend five stars all the way!

Hook Shot is the final book in the Hoops series by Kennedy Ryan. Kenen Ross was a divorced, single dad in the final years of his basketball career. Lotus Dupree was eleven years younger and working in the New York fashion scene. They met and were drawn to each other, despite each having no plans to trust and let anyone in. Kenan moved to New York to be near his daughter for the summer, and the two were unable to avoid the attraction they felt for one another. The question that remained: was it enough to break down their walls and truly let each other in? This was an excellent conclusion to the Hoops series, books that dealt with difficult issues and overcoming adversity to find love. The challenges for Kenan and Lotus were significant, but their chemistry was undeniable and their story impossible to resist. I thoroughly enjoyed this age-gap romance which was full of emotion, and snark, and a delicious happy ending. I definitely recommend this book and series to readers of contemporary romance. I don’t think that one can ever go wrong with a book by Kennedy Ryan, and this book is a perfect example of that. I am voluntarily submitting this honest review after reading an advanced complementary copy of this book thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks, Bloom Books.





She's not the plan he made, but she's the risk he has to take.

A single, divorced dad in the final years of his basketball career, Kenan Ross's perfect life has blown up in his face. He's still picking up the pieces when he meets Lotus DuPree. A wildflower. A storm. A kick to his gut and a wrench in his plans from the moment their eyes meet. He promised himself he'd never trust a woman again, but he's never wanted anyone the way he wants Lo.

At twenty-five, Lotus is finally living out her dream, becoming a force in New York's fashion scene. Focused on her future and not looking for love, she's seen where trusting a man leaves you. Kenan is the last thing she needs. But from the moment they meet, she's drawn in, even if he's eleven years her senior and her opposite in every way.

When Kenan moves to New York for the summer to be near his daughter, Lotus can no longer avoid the attraction that pulses between them—but she still won't let him in. Not after what she's been through. Except Kenan wants her so badly, he'll do anything to knock down her defenses.

He won't give up on her…and soon, she's no longer sure she wants him to.

Kennedy Ryan has a lovely way of blending her characters, and their in depth backgrounds together into a wonderfully romantic story that indeed does have basketball in it, but manages to not have the main focus. I was intrigued by Lotus and Kenan's relationship and what it could be when I read Long Shot, and I was pleased to read this book. Although it didn't touch my soul as deeply as the first book did, it did keep my interest from beginning to end. Lotus truly dealing with her past trauma, forgiving her mother and truly overcoming it is amazing, especially considering that the book acknowledges many paths that mental health help can take when it comes to weekly meetings with other survivors, and regular meetings with an actual therapist. This book was worth the read, but did deal with sexual assault/rape, along with a suicide attempt, so if those are trigger warnings for you, I would avoid this book.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a wonderful conclusion to this series. I love that the glimpses we have gotten of Iris and Kenan through book one and two finally comes together in this beautiful and tragic story.

Kennedy Ryan's "Hook Shot" is a captivating love story filled with intense emotions. The characters, Lotus and Kenan, are beautifully crafted, and their chemistry is palpable. Kenan's devotion and Lotus's strength make them a compelling pair. The novel explores themes of patience, acceptance, forgiveness, and sacrifice, delivering a passionate and heartfelt romance. Ryan's writing effortlessly sweeps readers off their feet, making it a must-read for those who appreciate genuine and emotional love stories.

I loved this book! I devoured it in only a few sittings and wish there was more to read. The story line was paced very well and the characters were easy to love!

I was halfway into this book before I realized it's the third in the series, not the second. I read the first book and enjoyed it, and I've enjoyed both books enough to go back and read the second one. I loved the romance in the book and I enjoyed the drama that came from it. Lotus and Kenan's relationship was fun to read about, and I liked how they both worked on themselves and still had their own lives and the book wasn't just about how in love they are. Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for this ARC!

I really enjoyed this book was completely hooked from the first page and couldn't put it down definitely recommend

Kenan & Lotus 👏🏻💕 PERFECTION 😘 I wish I could give Lo the biggest hug 🤍 she is one of the strongest characters I’ve read, & seeing her work through her challenges & overcome them was inspiring! I was rooting for her the entire time! And fell in love with her personality in book 1! And Kenan 🥰 what a perfect person to support Lotus along the way 🥹 his patience, loving nature, & loyalty make him a top book bf!

Please check TW!! There are content warnings at the beginning of each book in the series, but if you need to do your research, do it!

Hook Shot by Kennedy Ryan is a captivating love story that will leave you breathless. The author has masterfully crafted a tale about two people who are not looking for love but are drawn to each other in ways they cannot explain.

Kenan Ross is a single dad who is going through a rough patch in his life. He meets Lotus DuPree and is immediately drawn to her. However, Lotus is not interested in a relationship as she has been hurt before. Despite this, Kenan is determined to win her over and make her see that he is worth taking a chance on.

The chemistry between Kenan and Lotus is electric. You can feel the tension between them every time they are in the same room. Their banter is witty, and their conversations are filled with humor and emotion. The author has done an excellent job of making the characters feel real and relatable.

What I loved most about this book is how it tackles tough issues like trust, forgiveness, and second chances. It shows that no matter how broken a person may be, they can still find love and happiness.

Overall, Hook Shot is a beautiful story that will make you laugh, cry, and swoon. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good romance with a little bit of drama and a lot of heart.

Looks like this was a reprint of a book that I previously read in 2019. I didn’t see any changes except the cover. The end of the series, this is Lotus and Kenan’s story.

I’m so obsessed with this series. Kennedy Ryan does amazing giving spotlight to black characters and relationships while also discussing very real issues. The romance is spectacular and the plot line is consistently strong. Highly recommend

KENNYEDY RYAN - HOOK SHOT (HOOPS #3)

Kennedy Ryan gives us a treasure in the anticipated closure of the Hoops series.
The story of Lotus and Kenan had a some might say taboo romance with the age gap between them and the fact that he was a single dad. But their love story was gentle, fulfilling, the chemistry was explosive on the pages.I would recommend the book and I might even have to check the previous standalones in the series!

Ever since Long Shot I've always been curious about Kenan and Lotus. I kinda had the hint already that they were gonna get together at some point. I was so happy when I found out that Hook Shot was aboutt them. I thoroughly enjoyed the narrative featuring Kenan and Lotus! Right from the beginning, both characters acknowledge their mutual attraction, yet they are resolute in resisting its pull. However, as circumstances conspire to bring them closer, the challenge of staying apart intensifies. The characters are endearing, making it easy to cheer for their union from the outset. With its gradual, captivating romance, well-constructed plot, impeccable pacing, and delightful characters, this story is undoubtedly a keeper, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Kenan is dealing with a messy divorce, an ex-wife out for revenge, and a teenage daughter who wants nothing more than her parents to get back together. Lotus is busy with her fashion career, but comes up short when emotional and sexual trauma from her childhood affect her present-day relationships. Still, she can't help but be drawn to Kenan, a handsome and kind basketball player. As for Kenan, he's head over heels for Lotus, even if she's 11 years his junior.

I'm a fan of Kennedy Ryan's Hoops series (this is the third and final book), because I adore basketball. This book is related to the others (Kenan plays hoops with August; Lotus is Iris' cousin, and Banner is Kenan's agent), but can easily be read as a standalone. I will say that when you read the books closer together, they do feel a bit more formulaic. But overall, I enjoyed this one. As I said, I loved the basketball angle, with Kenan as the player, and seeing glimpses of his teammate August, who we know from other books. There's a good tie back to Lotus and Iris' childhood and New Orleans roots, too.

As with all the other books from this series, Kenan is a really, really good guy, but a bit possessive. This is the straight-up formula for Hoops. Please be aware the book covers sensitive topics like child sexual abuse and there's a trigger warning for suicide. The story felt just a tad bit long for me--it could have been shortened just a little. But it's sexy and fun, with great banter and strong chemistry between Lotus and Kenan. It tackles a serious topics while still giving us a flirty read.

Quite simply, a romantic masterpiece. I devoured this book, and boy did it leave me reeling. It was my first Kennedy Ryan book, and definatley will not be my last. It was incredible.

"Hook Shot" by Kennedy Ryan, the compelling final chapter of the Hoops trilogy, masterfully intertwines the worlds of professional basketball and high fashion, creating a narrative that is both emotionally rich and profoundly engaging. Kennedy Ryan's exceptional storytelling brings to life Kenan Ross, a divorced, single dad and seasoned basketball player, who finds his meticulously planned life upended. His encounter with Lotus DuPree, a spirited and ambitious force in the New York fashion scene, sparks an unexpected and intense connection, challenging both their resolves and opening the door to a journey of trust and vulnerability.

Kenan, often referred to as the Gladiator, is a remarkable character - a towering, introspective figure whose athletic prowess is matched only by his personal integrity. Despite his past marred by betrayal and public scrutiny, his character remains deeply committed to his daughter, navigating the complex landscape of single parenthood with admirable tenacity​​​​.

Lotus DuPree emerges as a true standout in this narrative. Her journey from a painful past, marked by a traumatic experience and familial betrayal, to a woman of strength and resilience is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The spiritual depth and sensitivity she inherits from her grandmother MiMi, along with her fierce determination to conquer her personal demons, makes her a character of immense complexity and appeal​​.

The core theme of the story revolves around trust - a fragile, yet crucial element in Kenan and Lotus's evolving relationship. Kenan's struggle with trust, stemming from a tumultuous divorce and the public fallout, mirrors Lotus's own battle with trust issues, rooted in her harrowing childhood experiences. This shared struggle creates a poignant connection between them, marking their journey towards healing and love as uniquely challenging yet deeply meaningful​​.

In the end, "Hook Shot" is a testament to the power of love and healing. Kenan's journey towards a genuine, heartfelt connection and Lotus's brave steps towards embracing vulnerability and intimacy exemplify the transformative power of love. This story not only enthralls but also enlightens, offering a narrative that resonates with anyone who has ever faced the daunting task of trusting and opening their heart again​​​​.

The thing about Kennedy Ryan, and this series, is that she knows how to shatter your heart into pieces and then build it back together with scar tissue that makes it stronger. I knew that these two would be my favorite, and I wasn't wrong. Kenan brought out every drop of my empathy, it was so easy to side with him, to be frustrated for him, to want things to work out even as people tried to push and manipulate him. His draw to Lotus as a person made perfect sense - she wants it all out there, no deception, no games. Lotus is the kind of lead that you hurt for and love easily, even when you disagree with what she's doing you understand why she's doing it. Seeing these two people find a love that's worth it was beautiful. This series is world rocking, and it ends on such a spectacular note.

Just like the other books in the series, this was so emotional, and so beautifully written. The romance between Lotus and Kenan was so soft. They both had things in their personal lives they needed to deal with, but I love how they came together and seeing Lotus’s healing journey. I’ll read anything Kennedy Ryan writes, I am obsessed.