blakeandbooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Infidelity, Abandonment, Suicide attempt, Rape, Medical trauma, Child abuse, Sexual content, Grief, Death, Death of parent, Sexual assault, and Injury/Injury detail
eap157's review against another edition
3.0
Eh. I appreciated that they both had scars and were afraid to trust someone new, but not a whole lot happened until the last, say, sixth of the book?
Long Shot was INTENSE and so much more happened and it was deeply emotional, harrowing, satisfying. A lot of the emotions were there but we only got to know some basic facts about Kenan in the end. I love how intense Kennedy Ryan is but didn’t love this one.
Long Shot was INTENSE and so much more happened and it was deeply emotional, harrowing, satisfying. A lot of the emotions were there but we only got to know some basic facts about Kenan in the end. I love how intense Kennedy Ryan is but didn’t love this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Child abuse
christiegirl11's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would! I'm not a huge basketball person, so when this was passed on to me I admit I put it off for a while. But this book really dove into the effects of childhood trauma from both perspectives- the child and the survivor as an adult. I felt like that could have been a bigger part of the book, especially between but I recognize that that's not the intent of the book. Readers who enjoy a good romance, some smut, and a bit of depth to their characters would enjoy this book. I was also very intrigued by the little bit of voodoo included in the book! If I came across the other books in this series, I would definitely read them!
Spoiler
Simone and Lotus
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Child abuse
The author gives a content warning at the beginning that chapter 30 includes the in-depth description of the sexual assault.katie_lacour's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Hook Shot is an incredibly well-written novel. The story follows Lotus, a complex woman confronting her childhood trauma, as she falls in love with Kenan, whose messy divorce means he has plenty of problems of his own. The characters’ patience, love, and fight for one another makes it a special relationship the reader has the privilege to witness.
I always appreciate when authors include content warnings at the beginning of their book, and it is especially appreciated that the author included the specific location of a graphic scene in the book which could trigger certain audiences.
Hook Shot is an incredibly well-written novel. The story follows Lotus, a complex woman confronting her childhood trauma, as she falls in love with Kenan, whose messy divorce means he has plenty of problems of his own. The characters’ patience, love, and fight for one another makes it a special relationship the reader has the privilege to witness.
I always appreciate when authors include content warnings at the beginning of their book, and it is especially appreciated that the author included the specific location of a graphic scene in the book which could trigger certain audiences.
My absolute favorite aspect of this book is the vivid imagery the author provides in her writing. The descriptions are some of the best I have ever read and are truly an example every author should follow.
Some of my favorite imagery is “We linger that way, lingering in elastic seconds, stretched for us to revel in one another”; “a communion of flesh and bone and heart and soul”; “here between our chests, our hearts beat like ancient drums”; “I feel his eyes on my profile as tactile as a caress.” Every page includes such descriptive writing I was shocked at how vividly I was able to sense the emotions and sensations of the characters.
I really liked the unique perspectives this book offers; for example, the book illustrates the meaningful place voodoo has in New Orleans culture. I especially appreciated the diversity of the characters in the book; the inclusion of characters from so many different backgrounds is an example of how all books should be (and an accurate representation of our world today).
While I appreciated the respectful manner in how Lotus’s healing process is written, I would have liked to read more about her healing process, especially as towards the end it is not mentioned as much. Healing from trauma is often a continuous process, and I wish the book reflected that more.
I also would have liked to have had more of Kenan and Simone’s relationship explored and discussed especially in the later part of the book. I liked Kenan less as a character because not enough was included about his role as a father. Although this was a side plot, I think it would have been prudent to include more about his development as a father in order to fully flush out the story.
Kennedy Ryan is an incredibly talented writer and it is clear she puts a lot of thought and work to her writing. It is admirable to see so much research and dedication to one’s craft. I would love to read more books by her and I look forward to seeing what else she comes up with!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Child abuse
Moderate: Suicide attempt
batam's review
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-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
This book was awesome!
Both characters needed to heal and that they did. They healed together.
Lotus: this woman got through a lot, but she raised like a Phoenix! She stands for herself, helps where she can, has so much power and character.
Kenan: I NEED TO FIND A MAN LIKE HIM 🥹😭😭😭 i loved him. His care, patience, LOVE, his ability to listen, to feel… man oh man. And then he is also sexy AF. Call him THE daddy 🤣
The story was well paced, i loved the growing of both characters, their growing love, trust and more love. They deserved each other in the best way!
Both characters needed to heal and that they did. They healed together.
Lotus: this woman got through a lot, but she raised like a Phoenix! She stands for herself, helps where she can, has so much power and character.
Kenan: I NEED TO FIND A MAN LIKE HIM 🥹😭😭😭 i loved him. His care, patience, LOVE, his ability to listen, to feel… man oh man. And then he is also sexy AF. Call him THE daddy 🤣
The story was well paced, i loved the growing of both characters, their growing love, trust and more love. They deserved each other in the best way!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Rape
shania_siobhan's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Car accident, Pedophilia, and Rape
Moderate: Infidelity and Suicide attempt
Minor: Bullying
jasminekelp's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual assault, Rape, and Suicide attempt
bronxgirlreading's review
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
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? No
4.75
So excited to read Lotus’ story!! I’ve been obsessed with her since she showed up in Iris’ story. If you love strong but broken, independent women who fall for too good to be true but is true and is good men, this is for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Child abuse, Rape, Car accident, and Grief
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Suicide attempt, and Toxic relationship
jess_chang7's review against another edition
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Child abuse, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Suicide attempt
veektorya's review
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Abandonment, Child abuse, Rape, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Infidelity