Block Shot, by Kennedy Ryan

omg. i LOVED this book!

this is the second standalone in the Hoops series by Kennedy Ryan- and once again, she did not miss! (gotta love her. the writing and stories are ALWAYS phenomenal.)

the tone of this book, coming after Long Shot, although still emotional- was a lot lighter.

Banner and Jared were soooo cute together, even before they officially got together. the beginning scenes with them were heartbreaking- because as the reader we knew how Jared really felt, but we also could relate with Banner feeling betrayed (especially after what she had previously gone through with other classmates and her ex-boyfriend.)

the natural pull they had to each other, even with the time and distance, is something most people only experience once in life. i think they were fortunate enough to come back together and feel that pull still keeping them connected.

from talking with other readers, i know some didn’t care for the infidelity in here- but honestly… i think it made the story even more relatable, because often times than not, you have instances were the timing isn’t right- but the love and affection is still there, and has never left. but one person may have moved on to a different relationship, while the other still wants another shot. and will do whatever is necessary for who they love. thus in this case, Jared was determined he was not giving up on them two. though his methods were a little extreme and blunt, we all knew where his heart and intentions were.

as for Banner- absolutely LOVED her character. i really enjoyed seeing her grow and get rid of her insecurities. she was extremely relatable (as are all of kennedy’s characters) and really owned the boss role that she was… her heart was so big and wanting to always do right by people, if it it meant sacrificing her own happiness at times. (that’s exactly how i can be most times, so i loved to know that i’m not alone with that. haha.) i was really happy to see the two of them overcome everything in the end- and the passion and heat between them, was definitely what was needed.

if you haven’t read this yet, i definitely recommend. it follows Iris and August’s story in Long Shot, and proceeds Lotus and Keenan’s in Hook Shot.