Hook Shot

This was a bit of a disappointment after loving Long Shot so much, it was one of my favourite books of last year and I enjoyed these 2 characters when they appeared in that first book.

I did still enjoy the characters and seeing them work through their pasts, especially Lotus, but the actual story around their relationship was just a bit meh. It was underwhelming and didn't have the spark and intensity the first book had.

CW: Child Rape, Assault, Attempted Suicide, Near Death Experience


A LOT happens in that third scene. Like one thing after another. Also, this spoils the Grip series a bit.

I love how Kennedy Ryan handled beliefs surrounding Vodun. It was respectful.


Edit: 5 mins later

After reading a review where the reader (who is entitled to their own uneducated opinion) stated that there was silly Voodoo and 14 year olds don't need that much counseling because they are self absorbed and don't care that much about their parent's divorce AND the typical bitchy ex wife—I bumped my rating to a 5 star.

** Vodun is a beautiful religion. Comes in clutch when you are just trying to survive, trying to live and accept yourself. It's usually a journey of self discovery which Kennedy Ryan captures and depicts perfectly in Lotus' story, past and present. It is through her teachings that she understands when to step back and deal with underlying issues. It is through these teachings that she stays quiet enough to really listen to her surroundings. It is through these teachings that she saves herself after the tragic events that brought her to live with her grandmother.

If it's not your thing—cool, but don't shit on it. Just move on but know that there are other people in the world than just you. And you called 14 year olds self absorbed...

14 year olds are extremely emotional. They feel everything and it is all in the surface but unfortunately don't know how to channel those feelings or are rarely given permission/encouragement to voice those feelings. They need that permission because adults are always trying to impose their authority over them. Counseling is often frowned upon or not as widely accepted among POC families. The fact that the author included this and made it normal and necessary was amazing and needed. Yes, there are bitchy and petty ex wives. There are bitchy and petty ex husbands. It happens A LOT. So??

Absolutely thrilled to have Kenan and Lotus' story.

Kenan is a introverted single dad, who's ex-wife loves drama and the spotlight. The warrior on the court.

Lotus works in fashion and is swearing off sex, to work through personal roadblocks. So of course she runs into the sexiest NBA player during this hiatus. Lotus is such a strong and powerful woman.

They start as friends only, but then slowly start to become more. Watching them fall in love was truly a gift.

This story is beautifully written, touches on really important topics with grace and respect.