“Kennedy Ryan’s writing continues to amaze and inspire. She is a genius wordsmith and a prose poet. And in Banner Morales, she has created the perfect heroine for this day and age. Don’t miss this read. It’s everything.” — Emma Scott, Bestselling Author

Block Shot, Kennedy Ryan’s enemies-to-lovers, second-chance

standalone romance is LIVE and FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Musings…

5 Equinox CROWNS

Kennedy Ryan continues to astound me with her complex and dynamic characters, her exquisite prose, and plots that continually make me examine my assumptions and preconceived notions on life. Her books appeal to my literary soul and my romantic heart, truly making her books must reads no matter what topic she chooses to tackle.

One of the attributes of Kennedy’s writing is that she writes honest characters, filled with flaws. Are they always likable? I think so. But do you always like everything they do? No. Jared and Banner make a lot of mistakes in this book, but their actions after and their acceptance of responsibility make their transgressions more understandable, more relatable, and on a level more acceptable. There are no justifications made, no excuses thrown out, and, as a result, these two earned my respect as a reader.

Jared, specifically, isn’t your typical hero. He has no honest and honorable goals when it come to Banner. Is he honorable in all other aspects of his life? Yes. But when it comes to Banner, he walk through any wall or person to get to her and have her. This should turn me off. I know this; however, his honesty and tenacity when it comes to her lured me in. He is consumed by her and makes no excuses for it. He has one line of vision and sole focus, and it is HOT! What really solidified the deal for me, though, is his respect for Banner. She is the one person he will even amend his goals for. He loves her and wants to nurture he she is, and Jared sacrifices for her in a way that kills him but preserves who she is at her core. SWOON!! Seriously! A man who puts his woman first, choking down his own issues and pride. It just doesn’t get better than Jared!

Kennedy Ryan knows how to write a heroine, and Banner, I dare say, is my favorite Ryan heroine. She is real in everything she does. From her insecurities to her intelligence, women will resonate with her. She is driven, successful, and a hard worker. She has risen to the top in a male dominated work force through grit and determination and hard work. She is smart and shows it, refusing to hide to placate men who are afraid of her strengths. She has the biggest heart and compassion of any character I can recall. Of course she is gorgeous, but what makes her more beautiful is her flaws. Her insecurities make her relatable and real. Her issues with her own weight I have felt. Her healthy way of dealing with it and the self love she cultivates is a message every woman needs to hear. There will be readers that don’t like her for the mistakes she makes, but her mistakes make her an authentic character, because people make mistakes. It was what happens in the aftermath that shows true character, and Banner’s character is solidified in what follows her indiscretion! She is truly a class act, and I adore her.

With all Kennedy Ryan novels, there is a bit of heavy, and Block Shot has that. It is l, however, no where near what some of her previous books are. This is light in the Kennedy Ryan world. That doesn’t mean there aren’t hot topic issues addressed. I don’t think it would be a Ryan book if readers were seeing the world through shades of gray, and Banner and Jared, once again, make readers see situations are always so black and white. My preconceived ideas on topics addressed aren’t so clear cut anymore. Love can’t always be contained. But this is more than a story about their love. It is an examination of feminism, of equality in the workplace, of compassion, and if staying true to who you are. Trust me, their love is steamy and consuming and inspiring, like all of her couples are, but it is more. With Kennedy, it is always more.

Kennedy Ryan continues to be a one-click author for me because she challenges me as a reader. She makes me examine my ideas about humanity. And let’s be real, she gives me hot heroes and fierce heroines with consuming love stories. Her books leave me feeling like love can conquer all the hate in the world and inspires me to be a better, more understanding person. When I get that and an epic romance, it can never be wrong .

ARC received in exchange for an honest review. Continue Reading →