onceuponafrida's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
anotherreadingblonde's review against another edition
4.0
Jared the king of not giving a shit.
First of all I have to say - the only reason this book 'only' gets 4 stars from me is that it features a trope I don’t like.
Which is sad cause otherwise it would have been a straight 5 like the first one.
But since this is only personal preference I can’t omit more than one star!
So let’s get deeper into it:
I loved Banner as a character. Struggling with her weight and insecurities she becomes what you find if you look up the term power woman.
She speaks several languages and shows the men in the industry how it’s done. She’s the one everyone knows. And she gained that success without ever loosing herself and what she stands for. For this alone she deserves everything and I’m in love with Kennedy Ryan for writing her.
She’s not only an inspirational person in her book. She is inspiration and motivation for every reader too!‘
And Jared. Oh boy. This man doesn’t give a fuck. But I loved him still. He had such a passionate and strong love for Banner which is what she deserves! Everything he doesn’t believe in - he would do it for Banner in a heartbeat.
But I hated that she was in a relationship and the situations that evolved out of that. Not a fan of it. Probably really great if you enjoy it but it’s a no from me. But again, it isn’t because it’s done bad but just because I don’t like it. Despite this trope, I was totally enchanted by this book.
Their relationship is goals. She teaches him compassion and caring. He shows her to accept herself. They really captivated me on their story and i was rooting for them to finally get together!
So I can totally recommend this book! Not only because I love the characters but also because it is, as expected, written in the typical Kennedy Ryan trade mark mind blowing impeccable writing style that I enjoy so much. Even if you don’t enjoy certain parts of the book, in the end you still love it because her characters are fantastic and she writes everything so damn enchanting. You just devour it and can marvel at the perfection that is the way she describes things, executes dialogue and formulates inner monologues.
So overall great Book. Featured some tropes I wouldn’t read normally but looked past it because i needed to see Jared in love. And I favor of this series. And I don’t regret it. Despite this part of the book it’s so damn good and in the end it didn’t matter to me anymore. And normally I would omit at least one star but I just love the rest too much to do more than one.
Go read it if you are looking for a sports romance. Enemies and rivals to lovers. Forbidden romance. Second chance romance. Book written as an example for perfection in terms of writing. Sports romance/ kind of workplace romance. Just read it. It’s what you are looking for, I promise!
4
First of all I have to say - the only reason this book 'only' gets 4 stars from me is that it features a trope I don’t like.
Spoiler
the trope I’m talking about is cheating. Physically and emotionally. Which I absolutely detest normally. I can get on boat with many 'taboo' thing about cheating is where I personally draw the line. Attraction okay. Acting on it, a no from me. But even though I don’t condone to such actions it was bearable in this book because I just loved the main characters and their forming relationship and backstory too much.Which is sad cause otherwise it would have been a straight 5 like the first one.
But since this is only personal preference I can’t omit more than one star!
So let’s get deeper into it:
I loved Banner as a character. Struggling with her weight and insecurities she becomes what you find if you look up the term power woman.
She speaks several languages and shows the men in the industry how it’s done. She’s the one everyone knows. And she gained that success without ever loosing herself and what she stands for. For this alone she deserves everything and I’m in love with Kennedy Ryan for writing her.
She’s not only an inspirational person in her book. She is inspiration and motivation for every reader too!‘
And Jared. Oh boy. This man doesn’t give a fuck. But I loved him still. He had such a passionate and strong love for Banner which is what she deserves! Everything he doesn’t believe in - he would do it for Banner in a heartbeat.
But I hated that she was in a relationship and the situations that evolved out of that. Not a fan of it. Probably really great if you enjoy it but it’s a no from me. But again, it isn’t because it’s done bad but just because I don’t like it. Despite this trope, I was totally enchanted by this book.
Their relationship is goals. She teaches him compassion and caring. He shows her to accept herself. They really captivated me on their story and i was rooting for them to finally get together!
So I can totally recommend this book! Not only because I love the characters but also because it is, as expected, written in the typical Kennedy Ryan trade mark mind blowing impeccable writing style that I enjoy so much. Even if you don’t enjoy certain parts of the book, in the end you still love it because her characters are fantastic and she writes everything so damn enchanting. You just devour it and can marvel at the perfection that is the way she describes things, executes dialogue and formulates inner monologues.
So overall great Book. Featured some tropes I wouldn’t read normally but looked past it because i needed to see Jared in love. And I favor of this series. And I don’t regret it. Despite this part of the book it’s so damn good and in the end it didn’t matter to me anymore. And normally I would omit at least one star but I just love the rest too much to do more than one.
Go read it if you are looking for a sports romance. Enemies and rivals to lovers. Forbidden romance. Second chance romance. Book written as an example for perfection in terms of writing. Sports romance/ kind of workplace romance. Just read it. It’s what you are looking for, I promise!
4
nebulous07's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
4.0
Kennedy Ryan yet again delivers a powerful, insightful and hard-earned happily ever after in Block Shot.
If you're heading into Block Shot with the expectations of Long Shot, I would ask you to reconsider. Jared Foster is ruthless, principled and driven. It is one of the reasons he's at the top of being a sports agent and being so successful with Elevation with August as a silent partner. His path crosses with studious, loyal and determined Banner Morales. A sizzling night soon becomes a disaster, with the protagonists crossing paths ten years later. Banner has worked hard to leave a mark as a "ruthless with a heart" sports agent. But her heart never forgot the betrayal of Jared, the scars of exes concerning her body and her journey to keep herself healthy.
Kennedy Ryan digs deep with these characters who, at the heart, are flawed individuals but are each other's equinoxes. Both characters' decisions will certainly make the readers question their morals, but it also opens the door to the perceptions Banner and Jared have about themselves and each other. The rough road ahead is full of angst, patience and faith. The author successfully sheds light on the expectations placed on women, particularly on their weight and appearances, the power of words and the challenges women face with male-dominated rules. The chemistry is absolutely sizzling, with in-depth, primal scenes that perfectly suit the characters. I can't wait to read the next book of the series!
Thank you very much for an ARC to NetGalley, SOURCEBOOKS Bloom BooksΩ. This honest review is left voluntarily.
If you're heading into Block Shot with the expectations of Long Shot, I would ask you to reconsider. Jared Foster is ruthless, principled and driven. It is one of the reasons he's at the top of being a sports agent and being so successful with Elevation with August as a silent partner. His path crosses with studious, loyal and determined Banner Morales. A sizzling night soon becomes a disaster, with the protagonists crossing paths ten years later. Banner has worked hard to leave a mark as a "ruthless with a heart" sports agent. But her heart never forgot the betrayal of Jared, the scars of exes concerning her body and her journey to keep herself healthy.
Kennedy Ryan digs deep with these characters who, at the heart, are flawed individuals but are each other's equinoxes. Both characters' decisions will certainly make the readers question their morals, but it also opens the door to the perceptions Banner and Jared have about themselves and each other. The rough road ahead is full of angst, patience and faith. The author successfully sheds light on the expectations placed on women, particularly on their weight and appearances, the power of words and the challenges women face with male-dominated rules. The chemistry is absolutely sizzling, with in-depth, primal scenes that perfectly suit the characters. I can't wait to read the next book of the series!
Thank you very much for an ARC to NetGalley, SOURCEBOOKS Bloom BooksΩ. This honest review is left voluntarily.
cat55's review against another edition
2.0
Disappointing
The first 40% was interesting but after the cheating I checked out. They didn't justify Banner's hypocrisy and Jared's alphamale, "I don't care about anyone but you" personality got tiring real quick
The first 40% was interesting but after the cheating I checked out. They didn't justify Banner's hypocrisy and Jared's alphamale, "I don't care about anyone but you" personality got tiring real quick
kodom251999's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book! I felt the emotion between Jared and Banner from the beginning. I was jumping up and down when Jared turned down the last task regardless of his standing with the secret society. I knew Prescott was slimy. When we jump To ten years later I found Jared hard and ruthless. I found Banner truly cared about more than the contracts and the money. I loved that she made him care, and he made her more confident with her body. I just loved this book!
Merged review:
I loved this book! I felt the emotion between Jared and Banner from the beginning. I was jumping up and down when Jared turned down the last task regardless of his standing with the secret society. I knew Prescott was slimy. When we jump To ten years later I found Jared hard and ruthless. I found Banner truly cared about more than the contracts and the money. I loved that she made him care, and he made her more confident with her body. I just loved this book!
Merged review:
I loved this book! I felt the emotion between Jared and Banner from the beginning. I was jumping up and down when Jared turned down the last task regardless of his standing with the secret society. I knew Prescott was slimy. When we jump To ten years later I found Jared hard and ruthless. I found Banner truly cared about more than the contracts and the money. I loved that she made him care, and he made her more confident with her body. I just loved this book!
melsbooknook's review against another edition
4.0
Who would have thought I'd love a book with Cheating Trope?
Not me.
This book is a Second Change + Cheating Trope.
I was honestly so skeptical before I started this book but OH MY GOD?
The chemistry between Banner and Jared is insane.
Yes, Jared is NOT a nice guy, he never claimed to be but he treats Banner like a Queen.
There were scenes where I really didn't like Jared but I can understand that even if Jared isn't the kinda guy I like, he's actually perfect for Banner. Nobody has loved Banner the way Jared has and nobody ever could. He literally worships the ground she walks on.
Banner on the other hand is a very relatable character. Her insecurities, her inner monologues and the way she copes with all of it is so so relatable. I love how she learned to love herself despite of everything she went through during her uni and otherwise. She's one of the smartest, sassiest and loveliest woman I've read about. I love her to bits.
Now, sexual tension was driving me INSANE. I didn't feel bad for a SECOND for rooting for cheaters. There were scenes that made me wanna SCREAM. It had been a while since a ship/couple made me feel this way but BannerJared are top tier.
Also, we get to see Iris and August so bonus for that, yay.
Not me.
This book is a Second Change + Cheating Trope.
I was honestly so skeptical before I started this book but OH MY GOD?
The chemistry between Banner and Jared is insane.
Yes, Jared is NOT a nice guy, he never claimed to be but he treats Banner like a Queen.
There were scenes where I really didn't like Jared but I can understand that even if Jared isn't the kinda guy I like, he's actually perfect for Banner. Nobody has loved Banner the way Jared has and nobody ever could. He literally worships the ground she walks on.
Banner on the other hand is a very relatable character. Her insecurities, her inner monologues and the way she copes with all of it is so so relatable. I love how she learned to love herself despite of everything she went through during her uni and otherwise. She's one of the smartest, sassiest and loveliest woman I've read about. I love her to bits.
Now, sexual tension was driving me INSANE. I didn't feel bad for a SECOND for rooting for cheaters. There were scenes that made me wanna SCREAM. It had been a while since a ship/couple made me feel this way but BannerJared are top tier.
Also, we get to see Iris and August so bonus for that, yay.
gquartin'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
4.0
_lc_'s review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Banner thought all her fantasies had come true when one of the hottest guys, and her good friend, shows interest in taking their friendship to a more intimate level. When a cruel prank breaks her heart and she ends up avoiding him for a decade as she builds her career as an absolute boss bitch sports agent.
I love a strong FMC who shows that being kind and compassionate in a male dominated environment only makes her more of an asset. I loved the integration of little bits of Spanish and her culture that we got to experience as we went along and the strong friendships she made just because she’s a kind person who doesn’t take shit. The spice was hot AF and I will definitely be picking up some other books in the series.
I liked how the authors shined a light on the disadvantages that a lot of women, especially women of colour, face in certain industries and academia. When the male bosses all schmooze with their bros at strip clubs and whisky bars and exclude women from moving up as they don’t have the same networking opportunities. If you’re not in a secret society or fraternity then you’re starting from behind the start line.
There was a lot of diet and exercise talk and while Jared was always very appreciative and kind about her size/weight/curves whatever you want to call it, Banner was very self conscious and aware about it.
Thanks to #NetGallery and the publisher. I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Genre: Romance
Format: Digital
POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 /5
Age suggestion: 18+
sabireads84's review against another edition
4.0
Block Shot
by Kennedy Ryan
Publication 19 Sep 2023 by SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books, Bloom Books
Book Two of the Hoops Series
Jared and Banner were close in college, about to get even closer, when a cruel joke was splayed on them. Ten years later, chemistry and feelings are still existing but the playing field has changed. Bit are successful, Jared being single as ever and Banner in a relationship with a player she signed ten years ago.
I liked this book and would even rate it 4/5⭐️. It was not as amazing as the first book in the series. But alike the first book, the characters real with serious issues. Banner has struggled with her weight all her life. I get that: that’s a topic I understand all too well.
What disturbed me about this book was that it was so much about sex (for Jared) that the real connection got lost between them at times.
Kennedy Ryan is a gifted author, no doubt about that. But the lines got a bit blurred with this one. While I love the characters and the settings, the story was not as perfect as book one. Still, I read it within 24 hours and there was undeniable chemistry!
by Kennedy Ryan
Publication 19 Sep 2023 by SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books, Bloom Books
Book Two of the Hoops Series
Jared and Banner were close in college, about to get even closer, when a cruel joke was splayed on them. Ten years later, chemistry and feelings are still existing but the playing field has changed. Bit are successful, Jared being single as ever and Banner in a relationship with a player she signed ten years ago.
I liked this book and would even rate it 4/5⭐️. It was not as amazing as the first book in the series. But alike the first book, the characters real with serious issues. Banner has struggled with her weight all her life. I get that: that’s a topic I understand all too well.
What disturbed me about this book was that it was so much about sex (for Jared) that the real connection got lost between them at times.
Kennedy Ryan is a gifted author, no doubt about that. But the lines got a bit blurred with this one. While I love the characters and the settings, the story was not as perfect as book one. Still, I read it within 24 hours and there was undeniable chemistry!