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The Only Shot that Mattered

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The day she walked into my life, she changed the game.
I’ve spent my entire life chasing wins on the court, but as I get closer to retiring from the NBA, I can’t help but feel uncertain about my future. Then I saw her.
Kenna James.
Unlike most women who threw themselves at me, she didn’t even want to give me the time of day. There was something so cold and guarded about her, but that didn’t stop me from pursuing her and breaking down those ironclad walls she built around her heart.
I notice everything about her. Loud noises terrify her, she hates attention, and crowded places make her uncomfortable. Her eyes hold a trauma I have yet to understand… something I can tell she won’t let herself feel.
It’s not in my nature to give up on something I desire. And Kenna?
She’s the only game I never want to lose.

185 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2025

420 people are currently reading
192 people want to read

About the author

Cyn

36 books107 followers

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5 stars
640 (62%)
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263 (25%)
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104 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Profile Image for Taees_Cozy_Corner.
783 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2025
I have no idea how I came across this book but I praise the soul who put it in my path. This is the second book in my life that mad made me cry. It was worth every tear. The way you wrote these characters, the passion, the pain, the love, the growth!!! Omg I can go on!!! This was pure perfection!!!! Absolutely amazing. Literary genius!!!! I loved everyone. Then the cherry on top, you followed up with the update years later 😢!! The way this was a full circle story!!! Lord I’m crying again!!! Bravo now I’m all over your catalog!!!

Damien & Kenna were everything each other needed. They were what the people around them needed. L!! Omg y’all I can’t stop crying!!!! Every single character has a backstory that has some kind of struggle and to what them all grow and find peace and happiness tore me clean apart. I literal loved every second of this book and I wanna give details but you truly need to experience it blindly. Please trust me. GO NOW, and read this!!!

Profile Image for Melise.
489 reviews52 followers
June 13, 2025
Overall it was a beautiful story, I didn’t like how Kenna was traumatized multiple times. I also didn’t like Skylar’s behavior and the fact that her parents ain’t really let her have it cus she was rude and nasty. I also felt like the timeline was a little rough just cus at times I had to restart the chapters to figure out how long it’s been. Like they meet then a couple months later he flying her out but we ain’t see them in between that time lol, like maybe a few scenes of them without each other so we could grasp the time that passed. Only reason we knew is because it came up in dialogue.
Profile Image for ohnelreads.
208 reviews64 followers
June 29, 2025
Made it count !

First of all I shedded some tears when I first opened up this book oh my gosh, I felt so much for Kenna & her bestfriend Cam because to go through a tragedy and remembering great losses lord.

I really loved Damien and Kenna. They each brought a different perspective showing love and how to be loved opening up to a person and realizing that sometimes that’s all you need to prosper. Damien instantly went into protective mode and we love a king who protects his lady who will do anything for her to make her feel comfortable. Kenna was able to overcome the tragic things in her life and move without being afraid. Facing that last tragedy and her standing up and being in protective mom mode. I am so happy that they got the happy ever after and created an amazing blended family , that just had me in so much bliss.
Profile Image for Mrs..
5,949 reviews104 followers
June 9, 2025
I'm good with this one...
Profile Image for Monique.
387 reviews15 followers
June 26, 2025
(3.5⭐️) So out the gate we’re hit with a tragedy that had me wanting to cry. But This was such a cute love story. Very love at first sight. All of the characters were likable and I loved that the attraction between the two was mutual and palpable. Kenna had A LOT of trauma and unfortunately was re-traumatized multiple times, but the way that Damien loved her through it was 🥰 also shoutout to the author for having an epilogue 12 years into the future. I love to have an actual update on a couple. Can’t stand a “3 months later” epilogue 🤣
Profile Image for Mz_MELLO YELLO from the BAY.
396 reviews3 followers
June 10, 2025
It Only Take One Shot 💛

Sometime it only takes one shot to get want you want or need. Just know that one shot has to be your best shot! Let’s chat…

First and foremost, losing a love regardless of how it happens is never a good feeling. I was able to personally relate to the incident that occurred as I lost a close cousin the same way. That feeling is indescribable. Grief is handled differently by everyone, however losing yourself to grief is a different loss in my opinion. Kenna, however experienced something so much more, the difference is she has her best friend Cam who experienced the thing and they were able to be each other’s support. The friendship they have is beauty and feel everyone should have one 🥰! The way they know each other energy and when each other is off or under the weather was amazing and I was here for it. Who would’ve thought that a night at a basketball game would change Kenna life for the best. Kenna never thought a famous NBA player would want her attention - Damien. oh, but in his eyes it was more than wanted.

Damien, the fine star of the NBA had his fair share of women, but none can light a candle to Kenna and he knew from first site. My guy just knew she needed to feel loved and protected. My guy was determined to do just that. But that daughter Skyler! When I say she had me hot, she had me hot. She needed her feelings hurt for acting like the brat she was. Then there’s the set up - 😡. She was so wrong for the way she been acting, but when all said and done, she needed Kenna more than you knew. That was one thing that made Damien happy, the two of his favorite ladies getting along and bonding because he had no intentions of coming off Kenna. We can’t forget Jendaya! At first I was looking at that relationship sideways, but that changed as I read 🤣🤣! I love their relationship ands how they co-parent with Skyler!

Lastly, the connection between Annalise, her grandson Alanzo and Kenna & Cam. Despite the bickering between Zo & Cam he cared for that young man. Just the connection alone was beautiful as they built their own family. The connection was instant and I love that for Kenna & Cam due to trauma!

Can I just say how I enjoyed and loved the character development, personalities and growth. The detail of Kenna life was needed and appreciated. Cyn did an amazing job with this read and I loved it. There was more to mention but I’ll end here.
Profile Image for Q. Moore.
954 reviews37 followers
July 21, 2025
An Intentional Man....

Cyn, this is my second book that I have had the honor to read by you. Each book is summoning me more and more into your catalog. I am feeling your writing style and the topics that you are addressing in your books. This masterpiece alone touched on trauma, grief, loss, friendship, family, and career choices. You hit quite a few deep topics from different angles and perspectives. I am glad through it all you brought to the light - love. It came out of the mud of the issues.

Damien knew the minute that he laid eyes on Keena, that she was going to be an important person in his life. It is something about an intentional man that is always refreshing. He was strong about what his intentions were after he retired from the NBA and had in mind who it was going to involve. He incorporated his present life into his future, which spoke for his character. Keena needed another strong male in her life to aid in fighting her demons so she could conquer that hurdle. Damien was that man for her.

Novels like this draw you in with the first word on the first page. The way the author intertwined an older lady raising her grandson with two high school best friends and survivors was genius. In addition, she demonstrated a healthy co-parent relationship between two mature adults. It was absolute zero baby mama drama. With all of that being said, grab your copy "tuh-day." You will be highly intrigued with this storyline. It will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Profile Image for TheTBRWhisperer.
103 reviews
June 8, 2025
FROM THE PROLOGUE TO THE EPILOGUE

FMC- reclusive game developer related to a childhood event
MMC- soon retiring professional basketball player

Spice was nice but not overwhelming to the story.
FIVE STAR READ

This PROLOGUE 🥹🥺😭. GREAT talent is needed to write something like that with such grace and poignancy…..Whew, this alone was a powerful yet respectful visualization.

All the characters were well developed and dynamic to the story. They also brought great humor to some of the heavy moments.

There was so much in this book that I almost wanted to highlight every page so I know I’m missing some points in this review.

The attraction and attention our MMC gave the FMC was beautiful from the start. We were able to watch our FMC find herself, apart from the trauma. That was an awesome journey.

I also believe this is the first story I ever read where the MMC’s baby mama was a dream to deal with. That storyline in itself was beautiful!

I fear you now have a KU stalker! I shall be going through your catalog heavy- 5 Stars with all the emotions. Thank you
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,520 reviews97 followers
June 10, 2025
Damn Cyn! One would think I would be ready for your reads by now, but you get me every time! 👀 That first chapter almost took me out! 💔 Thank God Kenna had Cam. I loved their friendship, and the way they loved and protected each other was beautiful. Although years later, Kenna still keeps her circle tight, as to not make life uncomfortable. However, when Cam invites her to a pro basketball game, everything changes.

Damien has enjoyed his pro career but is very much looking forward to retirement. On a random walk through the crowd to find fans for his meet and greet, he locks eyes with Kenna. Although a bit skittish, she is beautiful, and Damien immediately feels the need to protect her. It doesn't take long before those thoughts become a reality, and the beginning of a beautiful love story.

Damien slowly brings Kenna out of her shell, as he reassures her that she has so much life to live and enjoy. Kenna is right on time to fill the void as Damien's career is coming to an end. Whew... the emotions you brought outta me ma'am! Great job! 👍🏿👍🏿
Profile Image for Denise Newman.
204 reviews
June 8, 2025
LOVED IT SO MUCH!!!

I read this book because I’m kinds stuck on reading sports romances right now and I’m so glad that I did. This book is so not your typical sports romance but it is so much more. I cried, laughed, and fell in love with love and life again just reading this book.

Damien and Kenna’s love story was so beautiful, that it made the woman in me that has dealt with trauma want to live and find love again. They were definitely each other soulmate and did the work that needed to be done for their love to grow.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves romance books.
Profile Image for Micaiah.
Author 4 books19 followers
June 10, 2025
A lot to unpack but love wins and heals

That’s a lot to unpack starting from the beginning! But I loved Kenna, Cam, Damien and everyone. The only unlikable people in the book were the people that caused the trauma. Otherwise every other character was so likable and relatable. The way Damien saw and loved Kenna even before he knew the full story was admirable. Trauma, grief itself can be all consuming but when it’s done in such a tragedy a way, that’s a lot to work through. But as the book showed with great friends, family support, therapy and love people can get through even the most painful and challenging of things. Thanks for reminding us in a way that was heart warming in the end.
432 reviews4 followers
June 9, 2025
The Only Shot That Mattered

Listen, this book is so warm and fuzzy. My heart stopped swelled with each word that I read. I love when a story immerses you in so deep that you feel like you are right there living out each scene.

The school shooting and bombing was tragic, but out of trajady a love so true was born. Who knew that Damien would pick Cam and Kenna for his meet and greet. And who knew that Ms. Annalise and Zo would sit next to them and become family.

This story was so awesome. Damien and Kenna were meant to be. And as he said, "she was the only shot that mattered".

Profile Image for Shahtia Gay-hairston.
3,395 reviews26 followers
June 8, 2025
Only Shot

I love the perspective we get from a survivor and seeing them navigate life after something so horrific. Damien was just all around a dope person! Him and Kenna♥️♥️♥️
939 reviews6 followers
June 8, 2025
Beautiful love story ❤️ 💕 love it from beginning to end amazing characters ❤️ I love how they all came together as a family one of my favorite 😍 yesss simply beautiful 😍
Profile Image for NeasNovelNest.
94 reviews
June 10, 2025
Never fails. This book was incredible! The love the mmc’s give to the fmc’s in the works Cyn creates always make my heart swell! They love so loudly and so effortlessly. The women are always made to feel safe and protected and seen and it’s so beautiful.
Profile Image for Shalana.
451 reviews8 followers
August 10, 2025
3.5 ⭐

Very Insta love and very good.
542 reviews
June 9, 2025
So cute ❤️❤️

Kenna and Damien!!!!!!!!!

A lot of trauma and definitely some triggers. Whew I cried a little but really it was a cute story. Damien knew immediately he wanted her. And Kenna needed him. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Lisareadsromance.
620 reviews14 followers
June 11, 2025
Awww..cute

Man this one started out rough I was crying literally not even 2% into this book but it progressively got better and better and just sweeter and sweeter. I loved Damian and how he was so enraptured with Kenna. The fact that he was sprung at first sight had me giggling. Kenna and Can's relationship was so beautiful, The fact that they were already best friends when they went through that traumatic experience as teenagers and it just blossomed into a stronger bond and adulthood was beautiful. I like that this book really explored how a person can go from such a trauma filled experience to not being able to live life to the fullest and it molding adulthood. It really showed that there really isn't a quick fix and that was what I really enjoyed she was still dealing with PTSD, From when she was 18 and though she was slowly learning to get through life she was only living half of it.

Now when I met Skylar I ain't like that little girl because she was really trying my girl Kenna. But I definitely like when my girl stood up for herself and was like look at here... You ain't gonna talk to me no type of way. I do hate that they ended up blinding off the trauma of the second incident But also it was nice to see her want better for Skylar and for her not to end up In the same shoes as herself. This is just a wonderfully written story, And I enjoyed every second of it.
Profile Image for Ruby.
608 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2025
Damien and Kenna!!

Damien and Kenna met by happenstance at one of his basketball games. Damien was smitten from the very beginning and didn't let up off of her at all. Kenna was still suffering from trauma since a tragic high school event and didn't want to give him a chance. Since Damien didn't give up, Kenna was able to come out of her shell and fall in love with him. I loved the way that Damien's love gave Kenna the confidence she needed to start living life again. I also loved how Kenna formed a new family dynamic with Annalise and that little cutie-pie Alanzo whom she met at the game as well. Damien and Jendaya's friendship/parenting relationship was a refreshing change from the usual baby mama drama, and I'm glad that Kenna was able to form a friendship with Jendaya too. Damien's daughter, Skylar, and her stank attitude got on my nerves. I was waiting on Damien and Jendaya to put her in check, but the movie theater incident got through to her. Cam, Jenna's best friend since high school, was a hoot. He kept me cracking up with his antics. His support of Kenna since high school was very emotional since he literally saved her that day and throughout the years afterward. All of connections that the characters formed with each other made this a great book that I recommend.
Profile Image for Dannie.
167 reviews
June 30, 2025
Insta love done right

Experiencing trauma with also dealing with grief could change anyone. Kenna and Cam both try to deal with the trauma the best way they knew how. Witnessing something so horrific already stays with you but when it includes someone you love it really never goes away. Her and Cam having eachother made it easier to navigate their own grief.
Kenna was so guarded until she met Damien. He pulled out the parts of her that she’s been missing since the passing of her brother. He applied pressure, but never pressured her. No matter how many times she questioned herself, he always reassured her. He was patience with her and made it clear he was not coming up off her❤️😩.
I love how Annelise and Lonzo just fit so perfectly in the family. Him and Cam always bickering had me cracking up😂.
And I love me a good coparenting relationship even though I was ready to fight Skylar at some parts lol. That girl was a mess, but I’m glad she got it together, even though it had to be under such a traumatic situation.
Love the epilogue seeing everyone get their happy ending always does it for me .
Profile Image for Sassha Reads❤️❤️.
2,033 reviews19 followers
June 16, 2025
I enjoyed reading Damien and Kenna’s love story. The trajectory of Cam and Kenna’s lives were changed when they experienced a mass school massacre their senior year. It was so sad that Kenna not only lost her younger brother but also had to see his lifeless body. Cam real deal saved their lives because not only did the fellow student shoot up the school, he set off a bomb as well. Damien fell in love with Kenna the moment he laid eyes on her and didn’t stop courting her until they were married with kids. Skylar worked my nerves being a brat towards Kenna and I don’t like how she put herself, Kenna, and Alonzo in the predicament that she did that reopened trauma wounds for Kenna. I do like the fact that it did allow Skylar and Kenna to bond with Skylar accepting Damien and Kenna relationship. I like how everyone bonded with Annalise and Alonzo making them a part of their blended family.
Profile Image for KweenBee.
274 reviews3 followers
September 10, 2025
A Lot of Shots, But Only One Mattered.

The trigger warning definitely needs to be heeded for this one because it was very heavy right out the gate. After a couple chapters though, it was also funny and made me swoon a time or two. Kenna and Damien were cute, and I also really liked him and Jendaya's relationship and the relationship that Kenna and Jendaya grew to have too. I really loved the bond and her and Cam had and how quickly they pulled Alanzo and Annalise into their fold. And although I felt like Skylar was let off way too easy for the very detrimental stunt she pulled, my heart eventually softened for her as well. Overall, I enjoyed reading about these characters and seeing how they all overcame and grew in the advanced epilouge.
Profile Image for D Michelle Reads .
54 reviews
June 14, 2025
Prepare Yourself

⚠️Please read the trigger warnings⚠️
I loved everyone in this book! Kenna went through a traumatic experience with her best friend Cam that changed their life forever. Love wasn’t on even something she was looking because she doesn’t even go out side enough to do so. Fast forward to her bestie pulling her out for a NBA game. He lied about their seats,but it played in their favor and she meets three people that will bring her out of shadows. I cried hard and laughed at this story of not allowing the past to block your blessings. Mr.Blaze is top tier book husband of the year and the best friend award goes to Camden Lewis.
Awesome job Cyn! You did this!
Profile Image for Verlana Munn.
2,006 reviews40 followers
September 11, 2025
When Love Over Rules Fear

Cyn, what a great read. This was a true look at real friendship. Of real teenage drama and of how fear even when justified will hinder your life. Watching Kenna go through so much but to have such a strong unit was just beautiful. Cam was a character all by himself. To see how Annalise and Alanzo round out this group of folk that didn't realize they needed each other. Skylar learned what being untruthful would get. I love the way they rode hard for the family. Blood and non blood🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
Profile Image for Angie.
115 reviews7 followers
October 10, 2025
Amazing story with a deep theme to it about why we may face traumas in life! The author did a wonderful job of sending a powerful message on a sensitive topic.

Along with the lesson and reminder, I loved Damien and Kenna together! Their romance was extremely quick; however I loved it! Kenna was a trooper who grew tired of allowing her trauma and tragedy to hold her back from living. And Damien! That man! He was so patient and loving towards her.

I loved the epilogue and would definitely recommend this book!
Profile Image for She Reads.
123 reviews
August 16, 2025
This book was so dead! There was zero chemistry between the FMC and the MMC. I feel like Damien had more chemistry with Jendaya (wtf type of name is this 🤦🏽‍♀️) than his love interest. I get this was supposed to be insta love but damn! No plot just I love you. I’m not sure about this but it seemed like the book was addressing PTSD and how to overcome it but none of it made sense. How can a man come into your life and solve that kind of trauma…it makes no sense.
428 reviews3 followers
November 5, 2025
So, so cute and beautiful and 👍

This was a short, sweet, sexy and beautiful story between two people finding each other in the most weird yet beautiful way. The way the story started was so sacred and the way the characters came together was amazing and wovenly done.
I love me some feel good stories and moments and this did not disappoint. Now the only thing I want next is the fire 🔥 scenes, but we will stay tuned. At least we had Cam.
Beautiful 🤩
18 reviews
June 25, 2025
Super sweet

I was looking for a light hearted, fun book to read and this was it. The beginning was a little traumatic, but it tied into the story so well. Mannn that Skylar tho, I wanted to wring her dang neck. It’s sad how she was forced to humble herself, but it was needed. And we all need a ride or die like Cam (he was hilarious)… 10 out of 10 highly recommend!!
Profile Image for Stacie H.
111 reviews
June 29, 2025
Great read

Damien and Kenna had a beautiful love story. I really liked the way it evolved. It didn't take forever, and it wasn't rushed. Damien took the time to understand Kenna's trauma and love her. Her support from Cam was awesome, and the bonds she formed with Annalisa and Alonzo were sweet. I loved this story.
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