Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - Hook Shot

Oof this story was so much. Glad Lotus and Kenan got their HEA. They deserved it.

Lotus was an unabashed, strong, powerhouse... despite her brutal history. (CW: on the page description of
rape and sexual assault of a minor
- all of Chapter 30 - but mentioned in other instances as well). I loved how she had this trauma that broke something in her, but didn't leave her broken. She was fierce in holding her own boundaries, making her own decisions, and standing by her convictions and beliefs.

She deserved better from her mother... Gosh that was truly brutal and heartbreaking. Chapter 30 basically had me feeling sick and on the edge of tears. But the sacrifice Lotus was able to make, clear-eyed and confidently, for Simone because she knew the feeling, was really powerful. Speaking of Simone, ugh I was so frustrated at her till the very end. Believable behavior from a kid who's struggling with their parents' divorce for sure, but just enraging how myopic she was, especially forgiving or turning a blind eye to her mom's

infidelity

and then trying to blame her dad. When I tell you I did not have the patience!

Also, Kennedy Ryan was too generous to Bridget, ha. God I loathed her. She was so selfish and self-centered and manipulative. Kennedy Ryan injecting some nuance into her was more lifelike, sure, but man did I just want her to be pure villain throughout because jeeze she sucked. 😖

Kenan was also strong in his own right, but so tender and safe for/with Lotus. I think that's what I loved most about him is that at every turn, he just showed up right for Lotus and in every interaction with her. He was respectful. He was always safe. And that kind of trust is the sexiest thing about a romance. He didn't fuck up or have some major misstep... he was consistent and that was really nice in a MMC.

Did I care about the fashion or the basketball background plots, not really. But the voodoo bit was unexpected and kinda fun.

CWs:

rape

vicitm blaming or disbelieve of person who experienced sexual assault

colorism

car accident and medical trauma

attempted suicide

physical abuse

toxic relationship/messy divorce

...

Content Warnings

geevenchy's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

I was not mentally prepared for this book but when I say it was exactly what I needed, I kid you not.

The ways this book navigates around childhood trauma and neglect really spoke to my inner child.

I related so much with Lotus and the things she endured. Kenan's patience with her and even the women from her support group made my heart grown. I cried, I laughed, and I learned so much.

Content Warnings

coils_n_commentary's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful reflective 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

4.25

This is by far my favorite book of the Ballers series. Keenan is the perfect (slightly older) book boyfriend, expressing tenderness and care through every step of his relationship with Lotus. Kennedy Ryan constantly takes you through loops and turns through their relationship, so be prepared to be on your toes until the epilogue!

Content Warnings

gabichatslit's review against another edition

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5.0

I have the most bittersweet feeling growing in my chest, having completed this series now. So much so that I stretched this last book out because I didn’t want it to end and to leave this world that Mrs. Ryan created and this lovable cast of characters.

And wow, was it easy to love and root for Lotus and Kenan.

Two characters who had an undeniable connection, who meet during a crossroad in their respective lives and try to ignore (mostly on Lotus’s part lol) what they know will be a life changing love. Getting to see more of Lotus upbringing and her time with MiMi was really nice, despite the heartbreaking circumstances. I enjoyed seeing how devoted she was to her career as well. And I loved her conviction— in herself, in her love, in her faith even in the face on misunderstanding or other’s uncertainty. I loved Kenan’s surety of Lotus. His commitment to her and to his daughter. To being Lotus protector, her ‘gris-gris’.

Also the bits of Song of Solomon, made my heart ache and brought tears to my eyes.

This book was so beautiful and healing in its portrayal of love. I loved seeing Lo’s village grow and provide space for her to heal and grieve and stretch. She deserved every second of her HEA and Mrs. Ryan delivered ten-fold. This is my new favorite book series.

Content Warnings