🏀 A Shot at Love Scores Big: Kirkus Gives It a Glowing ‘GET IT’ Review!

I am absolutely thrilled to share that A Shot at Love has received an enthusiastic “GET IT” verdict from Kirkus Reviews. After putting so much hard work into my writing, it feels absolutely incredible to receive validation from such an important entity in the publishing industry. Here are a few of the highlights from the review:

• Overall, Kirkus' headline describes A Shot at Love as “A heartfelt, entertaining story of love and basketball.”

• They provided a clear summary for potential readers of my main character, Annie Larger, and the high-stakes issues she faces in the story: “...a basketball player must navigate a career-threatening scandal while confronting a ghost from her past.”

• The review praises how the story, “...effectively weaves in the inequities that plague women’s sports, providing a strong backdrop for Annie’s personal journey.”

• The review appreciated both the romantic relationship and female friendships in the story: "...her relationships with Jadea and Daniel keep the story tender and compelling."

• Finally, they gave it the official verdict: “GET IT.”

I wrote this novel because I wanted to highlight the incredible resiliency and determination of women's athletes in the face of discrimination and various inequalities. I also wanted to write a story with strong female friendships, an emotionally mature and feminist male love interest, and a focus on second chances. To see all of these elements mentioned positively in Kirkus' review truly made my month!

Ultimately, this is such an important step in a young writer's journey. It allows A Shot at Love to be more visible in the world of literature. It validates my concerns about writing in a new subgenre (sports romance—but make it women's sports!). And, best of all, it gives me a boost of confidence to keep writing and to keep writing stories in the realm of women's sports. My next novel, which follows a women's tennis player, is due to hit the shelves in Summer 2026. It will be book #2 in the Women in Sports series.

Thank you everyone for your support! To everyone who read early drafts, offered feedback, cheered me on, and believed in this story—this moment is also for you. And to you, dear reader: I hope you give A Shot at Love a fair shot (*wink wink*). I hope Annie’s journey inspires you—whether it's to pursue a hobby or career that feels impossible, to ask for help when you need it, or to try to find love again after being hurt.

If you’ve already read A Shot at Love, I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a review, send me a DM, tag me on Instagram or TikTok (@taylorlavonnewrites). If you're thinking of telling a story that's never been heard before--do it. That's what the world needs more of right now <3.

— Taylor LaVonne