Author: Kennedy Ryan

The Weekly Recap (143)

Posted January 6, 2020 by Rowena in Features | 0 Comments

Hello! My name is Rowena and I used to blog on this thing a lot. It’s a new year, so hopefully, some new blogging hobbies will reappear in my life. Ha! Anyway, I’m back! I’ve written up some posts to keep this blog running and though it’s a personal blog (that is very bookish), I’m happy to have everyone here. 🙂 I missed y’all! Also…

I’m hoping that 2020 treats us all better than 2019 did and that we’ll all read our next favorite book this year. Like, that book. I hope everyone had a great end of the year celebration and that you guys are all ready to kick 2020’s ass. Make it a good year, folks!

Now, onto the books…

What I’m Currently Reading
The Weekly Recap (143)The Rebel King
by Kennedy Ryan
Series: All the Kings Men #2
Published by Self-Published, Kennedy Ryan on November 18, 2019
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Point of View:First Person
Pages: 348
Format: eBook
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Add It: Goodreads
Reading Challenges:2020 Goodreads Challenge

Ambition. Revenge. Love.

Raised to resist. Bred to fight. Survival is in my blood and surrender is never an option.

Though surrender is what Maxim Cade demanded of my body and heart, I had other plans. We were fast-burning fascination and combustible chemistry, but the man I trusted with everything was a trickster. A thief who stole my love. If what we had was a lie, why did it feel so real? The man I swore to hate will have it all, and wants me at his side. But power is a game, and we're the pawns and players.

Facing insurmountable odds, will we win the world, or will we lose it all?

Rita Award-winning author Kennedy Ryan delivers the gripping conclusion to the All the King's Men Duet.

I have caught up on all of my review books, well I should say that I’m current on all of my review books so now I can jump back into the world that Kennedy Ryan created for Maxim Cade and Lennix Hunter…and I can’t wait. This is what I’m reading today.

What I Read

Grumpy Jake by Melissa Blue (eBook) | 4 out of 5
Grand Theft N.Y.E. (Holiday Heist #1) by Katrina Jackson (eBook) | 4 out of 5
The One for You (The Ones Who Got Away #4) by Roni Loren (eARC) | 5 out of 5
Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn (eBook) | 3.75 out of 5
Headliners (London Celebrities #5) by Lucy Parker (eARC) | 4 out of 5

What I Reviewed

Lady Derring Takes a Lover (The Palace of Rogues #1) by Julie Anne Long | 4.25 out of 5
Getting Played (Getting Some #2) by Emma Chase | 4.25 out of 5

What I Got

Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn
Grand Theft N.Y.E. (Holiday Heist #1) by Katrina Jackson
Every New Year (Love at Last #1) by Katrina Jackson

What I Got for Review

Chasing Cassandra (The Ravenels #6) by Lisa Kleypas

What Made Me Laugh

There you have it, my week in review. How was your week?

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Review: Block Shot by Kennedy Ryan

Posted November 1, 2018 by Rowena in Reviews | 4 Comments

Review: Block Shot by Kennedy RyanBlock Shot
by Kennedy Ryan
Series: Hoops #2
Also in this series: Long Shot
Published by Kennedy Ryan on September 10, 2018
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Point of View:Alternating First Person
Pages: 444
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
Add It: Goodreads
four-half-stars

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If I had a dollar for every time Banner Morales made my heart skip a beat... The heart everyone assumes is frozen over. Her anger is . . . arousing. Every glare from those fire-spitting eyes, every time she grits her teeth, gets me . . .well, you know. If I had a dollar for every time she's put me in my place, I'd be an even richer man. I'm a successful sports agent because I assume "no" means you'll think about it. I'm sure what you meant to say is "Coming right up.” They say even rich men don't always get what they want, but those men don't know how to play the game. The trick is to keep them guessing. Take Banner. She assumes she's winning, but this game? She doesn't even know how to play.

??????

If I had a dollar for every time Jared Foster broke my heart, I’d have exactly one dollar. One night. One epic fail. One dollar . . . and I'm out. I've moved on. I’ve found success in a field ruled by men. Anything they can do, I have done better. They can keep the field while I call the shots, blocking them when I have to. And Jared has the nerve to think he gets a second chance? Boy, please. Go sit down. Have several seats. I'll just be over here ignoring the man carved from my fantasies with a lust-tipped chisel. Oh, I didn't say the struggle wasn't real. But I've got that one dollar, and Jared won't have me.

Block Shot is the second book in Kennedy Ryan’s Hoops series and it’s another enjoyable romance from this new to me author. After reading Long Shot and bawling my eyes throughout the entire book, I was expecting another gut punch with this book and while my heart hurt for both Jared and Banner in this book, it wasn’t the same kind of gut punch that I had for August and Iris.

Jared and Banner went to college together and they were friends. Banner is a bigger girl and Jared is a hottie so she didn’t think she ever had a chance with him but Jared had a huge crush on Banner. He was head over heels in love with her. He was obsessed with how smart and determined she was, her weight never registered for him. He liked the way that she looked and wanted her body just as much as he loved her mind. When he finally shoots his shot, things go horribly wrong and Banner vows to never let Jared Foster in her life again.

Years later, they’re both at the top of their field as sports agents and they still hate each other so much. They were able to avoid each other when Banner was on the east coast and Jared moving to the west coast but now Banner is running the Los Angeles office of her firm and Jared has moved his firm to Los Angeles after being in San Diego for a while. Of course, they were going to run into each other. One of her clients is Jared’s brother’s teammates.

Seeing each other again after all these years stirs up resentment in Banner and lust in Jared. He’s over what happened even though Banner never gave him a chance to explain what happened. Sure, he was angry at her with that because she believed the worse in him but seeing her again has stirred up everything he knew and loved about her back in the day. Her brain is just as great now as he knew it was back in college and with every moment they spend in each other’s company now, Jared believes more and more that they belong together.

Kennedy Ryan writes angst really well. I shouldn’t have loved Jared and Banner together in the present day so much because Banner was in a relationship. It was a good relationship too, her boyfriend wasn’t bad for her. He wasn’t mean or anything like that and yet, as much as I liked her boyfriend, it was Jared that I was rooting for. It was Jared that I wanted Banner to be with. What a difficult situation for Banner to be in. Her heart wanting one but that same heart not being able to let go of the other one because of…things.

This book wrapped me up with feels from beginning to end. My heart hurt for both Jared and for Banner and seeing their journey through was hard and it was emotional but it was good. I enjoyed getting to know both Jared and Banner and loved that they were able to overcome a lot of their issues to be together and I really loved the way that they loved each other. They loved each other fiercely and passionately and they were perfect for each other. Kennedy Ryan has cemented herself on my auto-buy list with this book and I am looking forward to reading Hook Shot I just know that it will be just as good as the other books in this series.

Final Grade

4.25 out of 5

Hoops Series

four-half-stars

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Buddy Review: Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan

Posted October 9, 2018 by Rowena in Reviews | 0 Comments

Buddy Review: Long Shot by Kennedy RyanLong Shot
by Kennedy Ryan
Series: Hoops #1
Also in this series: Block Shot
Published by Kennedy Ryan on March 22, 2018
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Point of View:Alternating First Person
Pages: 460
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
Add It: Goodreads
five-stars

A FORBIDDEN LOVE SET IN THE EXPLOSIVE WORLD OF THE NBA...

Think you know what it's like being a baller's girl? You don't. My fairy tale is upside down. A happily never after. I kissed the prince and he turned into a fraud. I was a fool, and his love - fool's gold. Now there's a new player in the game, August West. One of the NBA's brightest stars. Fine. Forbidden. He wants me. I want him. But my past, my fraudulent prince, just won't let me go

*Certain aspects of this story may be sensitive for some readers.

Rowena: Our October buddy review book is a book that we both read last month but it’s also a book that both of us really enjoyed.

August West met the girl of his dreams the night before he played in the national championship game. He knew after that one conversation they had that she was his person, too bad she already had a boyfriend. He may have won on the court but he didn’t win the one thing that he wanted more than he wanted anything else.

Iris DuPree has plans for her future but when those plans go up in flames, she needs a new plan and time to make that plan happen. Her road to freedom becomes a lot harder than she anticipated and with each passing day, her freedom is bogged down with complications but she can’t mess up her escape so she fights day in and day out for the day when her and her daughter can get to freedom, safely.

August and Iris are dealing with a lot of things on their own but coming together again is inevitable because the heart wants what the heart wants.

Gah, this freaking book. What did you think, Ames?

Ames: This book gave me all the feels! I went into it with no expectations and I was blown away. I remember messaging you the morning after finishing this book. I’ve turned into an old lady these days and don’t sacrifice on my sleep. This book kept me up until 3am! Do you realize what that means? This book was amazing. Part thriller and full on epic romance this book was a roller coaster and I loved it all. Really, I don’t want to say anything more because it will just be fangirl gibberish at this point. LOL.

What did you think Ween?

Rowena: I agree. As much anxiety as I felt while reading this book, I couldn’t completely walk away because I needed to know that things would get better. That Iris would get the happy ending that she deserved and so desperately needed. Never have I ever wanted someone to get their happily ever after as much as I wanted Iris to have hers with August. I cried while reading this book and I couldn’t get enough. You’re right, it was pretty amazing and hard to read at the same time. Gah. I have so much love for this book, for these characters and for everything that they went through to get to that ending. So much love.

Ames: I agree that it was hard to read because you know what was coming wasn’t going to be easy. But I think we need to read books like this to shake things up from time to time. The topic here isn’t dealt with in a lot of contemps I read so I liked that it didn’t make it something that happened in her past that she got over – it was something happening to her NOW and that made us root for her and rejoice when she found that inner strength and rallied and made things better for her and her daughter. As much as this was a great romance between Iris and August (loved him!!) it was about Iris and her journey. This was a scary feel good book. It scares you and then you feel good. LOL

And kudos to Kennedy Ryan for writing such an amazing story. I know I tried reading one of her earlier books and I couldn’t finish it (this was years ago) but she’s come a long way and I can’t wait to read more by her.

Rowena: Yes, exactly what you said. I don’t think this story would have been as powerful for me if we weren’t right there with Iris while she’s going through everything. Seeing her motivation to be better for her daughter, seeing her fight for their freedom, it all made me anxious at the same time that it made me eager for her to finally get out on the other side. There wasn’t a moment of this book where I wasn’t invested in what was going on. This is my first Kennedy Ryan book but it won’t be my last.

I loved Iris but I also really loved August. I loved seeing how determined he was when he figured out that Iris was his person. I loved that he knew what he wanted and where his heart lay, he didn’t question the who, the how or the why. He just understood that Iris was his future and he was patient waiting for her to catch up to him. I loved the way that he was with Sarai and I loved Lotus too. Gah, so freaking good!

I give this one a 4.75 out of 5, you?

Ames: I liked that about August too. That he knew Iris was his person and that never wavered. This couple went through hell before they even got to be a couple and August’s steadfastness was great. And the love he felt for Sarai? Melt my heart! He wasn’t perfect and that’s what made him such a great character.

I hope Lotus gets a story. That would be even more epic if possible. LOL

Okay, I have to give this one a 4.75 as well. This was one of the best books I read this year. I highly recommend it.

Buy the Book

AMAZON || BARNES & NOBLE || GOOGLE BOOKS || KOBO || THE RIPPED BODICE

Final Grade

Ames: 4.75 out of 5
Rowena: 4.75 out of 5

Hoops Series

five-stars

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Book Boyfriend: August West from Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan

Posted September 14, 2018 by Rowena in Features | 6 Comments

This feature keeps changing because I’m trying different things out but I think I’m going to stick with this format from here on out. Thanks for coming along this ride until I figure out what the hell I want to do here. LOL.

Book Boyfriend: August West from Long Shot by Kennedy RyanLong Shot
by Kennedy Ryan
Series: Hoops #1
Also in this series: Long Shot, Block Shot
Published by Kennedy Ryan on March 22, 2018
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Point of View:Alternating First Person
Pages: 460
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
Add It: Goodreads
five-stars

A FORBIDDEN LOVE SET IN THE EXPLOSIVE WORLD OF THE NBA...

Think you know what it's like being a baller's girl? You don't. My fairy tale is upside down. A happily never after. I kissed the prince and he turned into a fraud. I was a fool, and his love - fool's gold. Now there's a new player in the game, August West. One of the NBA's brightest stars. Fine. Forbidden. He wants me. I want him. But my past, my fraudulent prince, just won't let me go

*Certain aspects of this story may be sensitive for some readers.

It took me a long time to read this book and when I finally did, I was in love with August West. It’s really easy for me to love a basketball player because they love the game of basketball just as much, if not more, than I do. And I love basketball a lot. I grew up a huge Los Angeles Lakers fan and even though we haven’t been a contending team in years, they’re still my team. I still love them just as much now as I did when I was little. So I was already won over when we find out that Iris DuPree, the heroine of this book is a huge Lakers fan.

I’ll discuss my thoughts on the book when I review it with Ames but for this post, I want to focus on my love for August West.

From the moment that August West met our heroine, Iris DuPress, he knew that he found his person. Too bad, circumstances kept them apart for years and yet, his faith that they would end up together kept him going and he was true to those feelings. He tried to get over it but once he realizes that there will never be another person for him, shit starts getting real for him. When a window of opportunity comes his way, he jumps on this chance to be with Iris and when she disappears for reasons he doesn’t know or understand, he stands by those feelings and boy did I stand by him.

What really took the cake for me and won me completely over was when he tells Iris this:

“If you were mine, I’d play you at the 5.”

I didn’t need the author to explain this to me because as a basketball lover, I knew. I knew what he meant and holy cow did he melt me with these words because the #5 position is the center. A center is normally your biggest position player because they’re in charge of protecting everything in the middle, and he said that she’d be his center. The center of his body is his heart. <3<3<3 He believed it and he wanted it so bad to come true that he didn't give up on her. Gah, to find a love like that in this day and age? How can you not fall in love with August West? This is why August is my book boyfriend for this week. For this reason but for so many other reasons that I won't even get into because you should read the book for yourself.

Hero Casting

That’s exactly who I pictured while reading this story. The curls, his coloring, it’s all perfect and cover boy is beautiful, exactly how I pictured August to be. August is just a small portion of why I loved this book. Check back soon for all the reasons why you should read this book.

Buy the Book

AMAZON || BARNES & NOBLE || GOOGLE BOOKS || KOBO || THE RIPPED BODICE

Hoops Series

Have you read this book? If so, did you enjoy it as much as I did and love August as much as I did? Who is your book boyfriend of the week?

five-stars

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The Weekly Recap (102)

Posted September 10, 2018 by Rowena in Features | 6 Comments

Last week was a short work week but I was still super busy. I was busy trying to track down late reports, project managers that tried to ghost me for not turning in their reports but I was also busy with my bestie Theresa’s surgery. She had her thyroid removed and it took a lot longer than we anticipated but all is well and Therese is on the mend. I didn’t get as many books read but I dug into my re-reads of the Julie Garwood books like nobody’s business at the hospital. I had forgotten how much I love Julie Garwood’s older stuff.

On top of Therese’s surgery, it’s football season so I went to cheer on Chase and the North High Saxons on Friday night and then Brody and the Torrance Panthers (Pop Warner) on Saturday. Brody scored a touchdown and I heard Chase’s name announced at his game. I was a super proud Aunt this week.

Now, onto the books…

What I’m Currently Reading
The Weekly Recap (102)Long Shot
by Kennedy Ryan
Series: Hoops #1
Also in this series: Long Shot, Block Shot
Published by Kennedy Ryan on March 22, 2018
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Point of View:Alternating First Person
Pages: 460
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
Add It: Goodreads

A FORBIDDEN LOVE SET IN THE EXPLOSIVE WORLD OF THE NBA...

Think you know what it's like being a baller's girl? You don't. My fairy tale is upside down. A happily never after. I kissed the prince and he turned into a fraud. I was a fool, and his love - fool's gold. Now there's a new player in the game, August West. One of the NBA's brightest stars. Fine. Forbidden. He wants me. I want him. But my past, my fraudulent prince, just won't let me go

*Certain aspects of this story may be sensitive for some readers.

I started this book late last night (after I finished For the Dukes Eyes Only) because I couldn’t sleep and I’m so excited to jump right back into it today. Ames enjoyed this book (she stayed up past her bedtime to read it so you know that’s a good sign) so I just know that I’m going to love it too.

What I Read

Beyond the Night by Colleen Gleason (Joss Ware) | 4 out of 5
Say You’ll Stay by Corinne Michaels (audiobook) | 1 out of 5
The Lion’s Lady by Julie Garwood (re-read) | 4 out of 5
Guardian Angel by Julie Garwood (re-read) | 4.25 out of 5
For the Duke’s Eyes Only by Lenora Bell | 4.25 out of 5

My favorite new to me read from last week is For the Dukes Eyes Only by Lenora Bell. That book was so much fun and the chemistry between the hero and the heroine was real. I felt it all and I was sad when the book ended. I so love a good best friends/unrequited but totally requited love. So good.

My least favorite read of the week goes to freaking Say You’ll Stay by Corinne Michaels. Yeah, that book wasn’t for me. One of my biggest gripes is cheating and stupid jealousy games and this book was chock full of all of the stuff that I hate. I didn’t even DNF it either, I read the entire thing. Gah.

Book Boyfriend

Josh Im
Josh & Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren

What I Reviewed

Wanderlust by Lauren Blakely | 4 out of 5
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen | 4 out of 5

What I Posted

The Weekly Recap (101)
The Monthly Recap: August 2018
Can’t Wait Wednesday: The Other Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
Book Boyfriend: Josh Im from Josh & Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren

What I Got

Say You’ll Stay by Corinne Michaels
Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe by Jenny Colgan
Block Shot by Kennedy Ryan
Not So Nice Guy by R.S. Grey

What I Got for Review

The Scoundrel in Her Bed by Lorraine Heath
Governess Gone Rogue by Laura Lee Guhrke

What Made Me Laugh

There you have it, my week in review. How was your week?

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