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Hoop Dreams #1
Hoop Dreams
Darius really knows how to make me crazy Especially now every clout chasing sidechick in the area is after him When Gemini's boyfriend, Darius, threatens his promising NBA career by getting caught up with his thug friends from his old neighborhood, it's up to Gemini to try to get him back on track so he can focus on getting paid and starting a family with her. However, when Darius turns an injury into a major advantage and a NBA deal is finally brought to the table, every clout chaser and sidechick in the area is trying to steal Gemini's man - even the women she thought she could trust most in this world. This book contains explicit sex scenes and adult themes.
119 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2016
295 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Aaliyah Jackson
77 books23 followersHot, steamy and captivating... these are the words that first come to mind when you think of an Aaliyah Jackson book.
What sets her apart is her ability to weave a story that draws you in instantly while also keeping you entertained from the first page to the last.
A single mother, Aaliyah has always been an independent woman, and her sense of adventure shines through in every page - so does her love for bad boys. ;)
What sets her apart is her ability to weave a story that draws you in instantly while also keeping you entertained from the first page to the last.
A single mother, Aaliyah has always been an independent woman, and her sense of adventure shines through in every page - so does her love for bad boys. ;)
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 14, 2016
In my quest to find another free download of a romance book I came across this one and decided to download as I still wait to receive another book to read/review which I’ve won through the internet.
“Hoop Dreams” by Aaliyah Jackson is a true depiction of today’s inner city youth where for males one of the only way out is getting into sports like football, baseball, or as in the case of Darius, the male protagonist in this book, basketball. Where young girls like Gemini have who has a dream of going to college and eventually becoming a lawyer even though she has a tough time making through community. Both dreams are trying to be shot down by those around these two.
And then you have young girls, like Gemini’s younger cousin Phaedra, who have unwanted pregnancies, are forced to give up their child and up no direction in their lives except drugs and more sex. These girls are also usually interested in snagging someone else’s guy due to a possible jealousy, whether or not they’re involved in another family member like Phaedra is trying to do to Gemini.
I was hoping to find out whether Gemini got Darius back in her arms, away from her cousin, but the author ended her book with a cliffhanger which continues in its sequel which unfortunately I don’t really have the luxury of time to read.
Beware, because the language used in this book is at times raw. While on the subject of language, some reviews pointed out the use of British terms in this book. I feel this can be explained by looking at the author’s bio [if I found the right Aaliyah Jackson] which states her parents and older brother are from France. This explains why she can speak French; and since the English used by her parents is British it explains why the author has used “mum” for Mom and “nightdress” for “nightgown,” terms which had been used as she grew up as a child. The difference in the terminology used in this book should have been picked up in its editing.
In the end I’m giving Ms. Jackson 4 STARS for her endeavor here.
“Hoop Dreams” by Aaliyah Jackson is a true depiction of today’s inner city youth where for males one of the only way out is getting into sports like football, baseball, or as in the case of Darius, the male protagonist in this book, basketball. Where young girls like Gemini have who has a dream of going to college and eventually becoming a lawyer even though she has a tough time making through community. Both dreams are trying to be shot down by those around these two.
And then you have young girls, like Gemini’s younger cousin Phaedra, who have unwanted pregnancies, are forced to give up their child and up no direction in their lives except drugs and more sex. These girls are also usually interested in snagging someone else’s guy due to a possible jealousy, whether or not they’re involved in another family member like Phaedra is trying to do to Gemini.
I was hoping to find out whether Gemini got Darius back in her arms, away from her cousin, but the author ended her book with a cliffhanger which continues in its sequel which unfortunately I don’t really have the luxury of time to read.
Beware, because the language used in this book is at times raw. While on the subject of language, some reviews pointed out the use of British terms in this book. I feel this can be explained by looking at the author’s bio [if I found the right Aaliyah Jackson] which states her parents and older brother are from France. This explains why she can speak French; and since the English used by her parents is British it explains why the author has used “mum” for Mom and “nightdress” for “nightgown,” terms which had been used as she grew up as a child. The difference in the terminology used in this book should have been picked up in its editing.
In the end I’m giving Ms. Jackson 4 STARS for her endeavor here.
July 3, 2017
OMG so much drama and life changing challenges. Aaliyah Jackson is definitely a great author I will definitely read some more of this series it definitely a different perspective of Hoop Star. Gemini and Darius are high school sweetheart. Both are going to Community College he a star basketball player. Gemini goal and career path are to study hardworking to become a attorney she has doubts about getting in to law school and being able to paying for school. Darius feel Gemini doesn't believe in his dream to professional basketball player for the NBA. This becomes a conflict in their relationship that cause them to split apart. He doesn't tell Gemini about the exhibition game he doesn't want her to rain on his parade so he keep it to himself. He miss their study session and goes to the exhibition game he meets Noah Adams who works for Kent Carmichael who big time promoter who looking for up and coming star basketball players. Gemini sneak behind cousin got her sights set on her cousin boyfriend Darius to be her next sponsor. Darius parents and Gemini wanted Darius to focus more on his studies and basketball should be a hobby. He finally gets his shot to be in exhibition game to show off his skills to influential people in the sport he loves. He didn't want Coach Wilson to tell anyone about the exhibition game. Until he can figure how to tell Gemini where he was. Gemini confronts Darius about lieing to her and playing the exhibition He was wondering how she found out about the game on the local news. They get into a huge argument she tell him he wasting his time on this impossible dream he needs to concentrate on his studies. He get angry and tells her it will take forever to get into law school and pay for it and he was tired of her nagging him about his dream he was sick of it they both said things they didn't mean. The exhibition games brought out the college coaches and NBA scouts. Darius and Gemini break up she angrily walk off. He decides to walk and clear his head. Meets up with Marcus and Kelvin start drinking and goes to a local bar.
July 9, 2017
I didn't think I would enjoy this book. I'm not a fan of urban lit and when I read the character's ages, 19, I almost put it down. Now even though, steamy, wasn't what I read in terms of romance or sex, steamy is what I received as far as the writing. Jackson paints a picture so well with her words you feel like you're part of the story. Every dribble and slam dunk of Darius' ball along the court, I made along with him. The thoughts and emotions of each character, I felt them, and related to them. This book is a slam dunk in my opinion. I can't wait to get book two and find out what Gemini learns about Darius' new life and love.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 13, 2021
Gemini Jones believed in the future she saw for herself and Darius Darnell. Gemini believed as much and as hard as Darius did that he’d be in the NBA. Provided she could help not give into the lure of a seductive, thuggish street life. Now that the day has finally arrived Darius is looking past Gemini to another woman. One that is much too familiar!
There is nothing remotely wrong with this read, there were good leads and a bit of drama… but it was predictable start to finish. It’s not the read I’d choose and though it’s practically a one sitting read, it’s not my taste, however, a challenge, leads and author of color and price (free), I didn’t go wrong.
Rating: 3.5stars
There is nothing remotely wrong with this read, there were good leads and a bit of drama… but it was predictable start to finish. It’s not the read I’d choose and though it’s practically a one sitting read, it’s not my taste, however, a challenge, leads and author of color and price (free), I didn’t go wrong.
Rating: 3.5stars
October 28, 2020
I chose to read and review this book. Honestly, this book was not what I was expecting it to be. It was not the book that I was hoping it would be. It was not great. I mean nice characters but not that was the story. I guess the best part towards the end but that's as good as it gets. 2 girls 1 boy, 1 girl nice, the other a golddigger with Mr star. Not worth buying
August 19, 2017
This book was pretty predictable. Good basketball player. Innocent girlfriend. Scheming cousin. Ends up with said cousin. Basketball star cuts off family and innocent girlfriend while living the high life with the schemer. It's been written a million times. Nothing new.
September 18, 2018
This book was pretty mediocre, but it did have some interesting characters.
I believe the best part of the book was towards the end. Probably because that was where the most important actions occurred.
I believe the best part of the book was towards the end. Probably because that was where the most important actions occurred.
January 12, 2019
I thought this book was great! So great that Aaliyah Jackson has a new fan! The book is part of a series of 3 and full of drama and is so good that I literally could not put it down!
I advise anyone who has a passion for reading to pick this one up, you will not be disappointed at all!
I advise anyone who has a passion for reading to pick this one up, you will not be disappointed at all!
July 9, 2017
Awesome write. Great vivid storyline with relatable characters.
April 18, 2019
Hoop dreams
The love that they have for one another is something that is rare. Not many people are going to experience it
The love that they have for one another is something that is rare. Not many people are going to experience it
February 24, 2025
Hoop
This book wasnt realistic to me but it held my attention. I don't think ill read boom 2. Felt like so much was missing.
This book wasnt realistic to me but it held my attention. I don't think ill read boom 2. Felt like so much was missing.
June 26, 2016
This book was a gift, in exchange for an honest review. I gave the book 4 stars, because it started out very slow and read like the average dream of an urban young male with some basketball skills. However, as the book picked up momentum, I realized the story was not typical at all. The story was filled with greed, deceit, love, secrets and ambition. I am impressed with the Arthur's ability to describe each character and their individual motivation. Despite the fact that I am not into books dealing with sports and fame, I would love to find out the results of the investigation regarding Darius quick raise to fame. This book will keep the reader engaged until the very last page, fun read.
June 17, 2016
This was a book about a young man with the dream of becoming an NBA star and his girlfriend who wanted him to play it safe and do well in college. Well written, and easy to read, the characters were interesting and fairly innocent for college students.
"Gemini could never resist his sweet face and her mood lightened when he smiled at her."
A conniving cousin of Gemini's has her sights on Darius and the destruction of their relationship.
"We were just saying that someone playing that good should get a reward for their efforts,"
If you enjoy college/New adult books you should like this one by Aaliyah Jackson.
"Gemini could never resist his sweet face and her mood lightened when he smiled at her."
A conniving cousin of Gemini's has her sights on Darius and the destruction of their relationship.
"We were just saying that someone playing that good should get a reward for their efforts,"
If you enjoy college/New adult books you should like this one by Aaliyah Jackson.
July 14, 2016
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. This book is a story of young love lost at the hands of reckless words in the heat of the moment. A boys dreams coming true and it not being anything he expected and so much more. I really enjoyed reading this book. It had just enough suspense and storyline to keep you wondering what would be next. I look forward to reading book 2.
July 19, 2016
Intriguing!!
Very well written, plenty of drama, Intrigue and mystery. Gemini, Darius were and interesting couple but neither had faith in each other. Which left them open for scheming, manipulation from the promoter and Gemini's cousin. Enjoyable read can't wait to read part 2. I would recommend this series. Sexyladi
Very well written, plenty of drama, Intrigue and mystery. Gemini, Darius were and interesting couple but neither had faith in each other. Which left them open for scheming, manipulation from the promoter and Gemini's cousin. Enjoyable read can't wait to read part 2. I would recommend this series. Sexyladi
February 3, 2017
My-Review
I know that Gemini wanna DARIUS to study. But she whine too much for me. Daruis surprise me in the end. Can't wait to see what happens in Part two
I know that Gemini wanna DARIUS to study. But she whine too much for me. Daruis surprise me in the end. Can't wait to see what happens in Part two
January 14, 2018
This book was very boring to me I felt like I had to force myself to finish it. I'm pretty sure that I will not be reading part 2.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews