★ A Top 30 Amazon Bestseller & RITA® Winner ★.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 … 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
*Contains domestic/sexual abuse not involving the hero. Read reviews for guidance.
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See my review in French here
I found the Grip Series completely amazing, but LONG SHOT totally wrecked me!
This is not your usual Sport Romance.
And yes, some parts of this story will hurt. So much.
Kennedy Ryan’s talent is here, she gives us an amazing love story, full of passion, tenderness (and boy, K.R. knows how to write steamy stuff!!!).
And yes, we’re in the NBA’s world, with all the glitter, the fame, the bright future and all those opportunities awaiting, both for Iris and August…
But LONG SHOT is mainly a big punch in the gut.
Against self-righteous people, prejudices, façades and opinions we’re too quick to make and share, when we even don’t take a minute to stop and really think about what can be happening out of spotlights, in the backstage or behind closed doors…
As I was saying, this is not an easy reading.
On more than one occasion, I had to stop reading. I had to breathe. To breathe in. Breathe out. To calm the beatings of my heart. Literally.
And go back to read.
So, why the “effort”? After all, reading should only be a “pleasing” experience, right?
Well I just couldn’t stop.
Because this book is so worth it.
It may be a world of fiction, with fictional characters and plot, but this story needed to be written. And read. It was worth suffering through Iris and August, especially through Iris.
For all those women who had to go through this.
And Kennedy Ryan did an amazing job, with her characters, the best ones and the worst ones too.
I am a big fan of romance, and I am so glad this genre doesn’t restrict to RomCom. I enjoy all great love stories, the funny ones, the angst ones, and the raw ones too.
And LONG SHOT is a real call to our consciences and society.
Because, sadly, the main subject here concerns all the women. Of any race and social origin, it doesn’t matter if they’re rich or poor, if they’ve received or not an education, if they’re a “stay at home” or focused on their career.
The battle and the curse are the same, and I thank the author (and the women who shared their experiences with her) for giving me Iris, a strong woman, and August, a “real” man.
This book is a sad reminder that we must stay vigilant, even today, in 21st century
For us, for our sisters, daughters, the next generations. For all the women who lost this battle, and the women who even don’t have the right to fight it.
And of course for our boys, because they’re will be the men of tomorrow…
With this book, you will hurt, but you also heal, hope again, trust and swoon. And I hope it will make you think, once you’ll leave the “fictional world” and close the book.
Think about this curse.
Think before judging.
Well, you’ve guessed it, LONG SHOT is one of the best reads this year.
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The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost is a poem that everyone has heard of. Two roads diverged in a wood and I- I took the one less traveled by. And that has made all the difference. But what if you didn’t take the less traveled path but took what you considered the “safe” route. One decision that altered the course of your life. A choice of always wondering what if. And in Kennedy Ryan’s latest release, Long Shot what if you had the opportunity to redo and get that second chance to choose differently and make it right. Is it truly a long shot for two strangers whose path were meant to cross?
The spark. You know the one that every romance author speaks of. That spark of meeting the one and knowing that person completes you and speaks to your soul. And for August West and Iris Dupree, that one fated night in a bar, they had that connection. The spark but unfortunately, the timing was never right. And so Iris Dupree would be left wondering what if? But leave it to fate, their paths were to cross once again and what happens when you get that second shot? Do you take it?
August was amazing but I have to say Iris was the shining star. She was the true MVP. Her story is what took this book to another level. Her perseverance, pain, struggle, and defying all the odds is what made this book. She is a source of inspiration to us all that stars can’t shine without darkness and for Iris, her biggest supporter was August West. He allowed her to shine on her own.
Ironically, sadness is a necessary ingredient for happiness to exist: how could happiness be defined if its binary opposite,sadness, wouldn’t exist? How would we define “hot” if there was no “cold”? We wouldn’t be able to. Thus, the sadness is necessary for happiness to have a definition. After the storm, comes the rainbow; for Iris Dupree she was the rainbow. The sun. The shining factor of this book. And so if you are looking for a book that broke your heart and was slowly pieced back together then this book is for you. Ryan will speak to your soul as she captures the true essence of resilience, love, hope, survival, and happiness. As always, the writing was phenomenal and breathtaking. A must read of 2018!!
An overwhelming and heart-wrenching romance that will refuse to leave you even you’re done…
I love this lady. Kennedy Ryan is one of those authors that once you read one of her books, you know that you need to read them all. Her writing isn’t you usual round of the mill romance that gets your heart doing funny thing and your tummy fluttering. No. Her writing is something completely out of this world. She manages to tell a brutally honest and socially awkward story with the same ease and the same heart-wrenching emotion as you favourite everyday romance. after Marlon and Bristol’s story in Grip and Still, I never imagined that I’d be saying what I’m about to—this book, Long Shot, is by far one of the best books I’ve ever read. If not the best. I cannot get over it. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get over it. It has used and abused my soul with its tragic and yet hopeful words. It has attached itself to every one of my heartbeats. I feel almost as though I’m at a loss for words.
I have recently come to terms with the solid understanding that sports romances are one of my all time favourite tropes. I used to be a die hard military maniac, but of late I cannot get enough of any romance that has even just a teenie weenie tiny murmur of a sports element to it. And Long Shot, where do I even start? This story doesn’t just have characters that are sportspeople, every single part of this story is somehow woven into the the basketball culture. The adrenaline that you feel during the very agilely written action scenes is what I would imagine being at a live game would feel like. This is a story where the romance is woven into the sports and not vice versa. However, fear not for it is still a love story at heart. Well, actually it’s so much more than a story. Long Shot really does take you on a deep and treacherous journey that is unpredictable and filled with traps and sinkholes. Even at it’s most volatile it has a way of instilling you with hope on behalf of and for the characters.
For me Ms. Ryan is one of those authors that could never disappoint. Her words will always be so much more than writing on a page or markings on a screen. It doesn’t matter what she is writing, there is always so much to get from it. Some of it isn’t pretty, it’ll cast a dark and cold shadow over your soul, but even through that there is always a flashing bulb offering you aa breath of light and a ray of peace. Her stories reflect our society. They stop you mid pace and force you to look around you. They open your eyes to the ugly and fill your heart with bright hope and earthquaking love. And for me, Long Shot was no exception. I can’t quite describe all the things I felt without going off on a tangent that could potentially spoil the story for anyone going in. I cannot be the person to deprive readers of the experience that I had. I went in blind and with no knowledge of the world that I was about to enter. I’m so glad that I got the opportunity to experience August and Iris’ story the way I did. I was hooked from the opening line to the closing line and every single word in between.
The characters were not only personable despite their brilliance, but they were also human and flawed. They were people. People like me and like you and every other body around us. They were so real that there were times I found it impossible to distinguish between the fiction and the reality. I loved that beneath August’s sweetness and care there was a man that was resilient and hard and willing to do whatever it took. I loved that he wasn’t about the big and grand gestures that impressed you, but rather about the small and maybe inconsequential appearing actions that little by little made him something great. And not celebrity wise, but rather as a man. I loved that he never just saw Iris, but he took in everything in her, about her and surrounding her and that all those things added together were what made her for him. Not just the good parts, or the hurt parts, but also the flawed and ugly parts. Saying that, Iris was a character that was difficult not to fall in love with from the off. I felt a connection to her from beginning to end. I liked that she stuck with who she was and she wasn’t above accepting the help that was offered to her. I felt that her ability to stick to her guns and her morals even when she didn’t have to was something that made her standout from many other heroines. I really just adored the dynamic between her and August. They have that whole yin and yang thing that balance each other out perfectly.
I can’t get over this book. I’m still thinking about it and living it piece by brutal piece in my head. It is at the moment my tied number one read for 2018 so far. It wasn’t easy or enjoyable at times. There points that were just downright harrowing, yet even through those moments there was this brilliant hope and anticipation that made it almost impossible to put the book down. In fact, this book is the definition of unputdownable. I struggled to put it down so badly that I ended up with a completely numb butt and a crook neck from sitting in the same position for over 9 hours! Every time I tried to put this book down it was like my heart overruled my brain and pulled me straight back to it.
Long Shot is a read that is by all means unmissable and completely and utterly compelling. It’ll draw you in from the off and it’ll refuse to let you go long after you have finished it. I still haven’t. I really can’t imagined not ever having read this book. In my head I’m still finding it difficult to compute that it is fiction. That these characters aren’t living and breathing, blood and bone…for me Iris and August will always feel and be real. Because their story is real. Their fight is real. Their connection is real. And their love is the stuff that makes it impossible to breathe and comprehend how there could be such cruelty in this world.
I think that the saying never judge a book by its cover apply so well there.
I genuinely do not think that I can find the right words to describe how this book made me feel. I should have known better… I should have known that as far as Kennedy Ryan is concerned, she never writes easy stories that make you dream. She writes stories that make you feel and think about your existence, about the meaning of life and love. I got drunk on her words and I am mesmerised by her talent and her prose.
“ I’m the devastation left in his wake”
Her writing style had me engulfed within the first few pages, and the deeper I went – the deeper the words were scarring me.
Iris is a damaged heroine who is brave, strong and so much more. Her story is about abuse and loss. You feel her constant headaches and the wrenching pain in her heart even as you breathe in her strengthening poise and resolve.
Caleb…
August- he is a bit of everything, friend, protector and a knight. I simply love him.
I do not want to say too much about the storyline but I must say this- It’s splendid, it’s heartbreaking. The story is so intense and it captured me the minute it started. Five stars doesn’t do this book justice.
Outstandingly PURE, RAW, HEARTWRENCHING,REAL AND BEAUTIFUL.
“ Iris is my constellation. She took the darkness as her cue to shine.”
I finished reading Long Shot a few hours ago but I know that I will be thinking about it for a long time. This story transcends this book and these characters, and leaves you thinking about life. This story tackles some heavy issues, but the author guides you through. It’s obvious that Kennedy Ryan was careful and did her research.
I enjoyed reading this story. It’s an homage to strong women and the men that love them. I hope that after reading this book people will consider the way they think about certain issues in the future. I also hope you enjoy this story as much as I did.
Ever read a book that you hope changes someone’s life? This is that book. I am Iris I felt her pain, her soul her heart beating while reading this book. I laughed I cried and even smiled and felt myself get even stronger knowing that I am a strong woman like Iris and nothing will change that. Yes this book has many talks about basketball and careers but it’s so much more. August is the sexy man on the cover with his good looks he’s more than that he’s a woman’s dream come true. Once you read the book I hope it changes your thoughts or truly makes you think about people around you daily. Long Shot is truly one book I’ll never forget. 5/5 stars definitely a 10 Star read and my top book of 2018
There are not enough words for how incredible this story is!!
After almost a month long reading slump, I’m FINALLY back in the game and this book is the reason why. The Long Shot blew me away.
There is no simpler way to put it. I fell in love with these characters and was enamored with their story. There were definitely times where the subject matter was difficult to read, but that is because Kennedy’s words are honest and powerful. I applaud her for not shying away from the difficult and ugly parts of Iris’s story. This was a story that needed to be told, without sugar-coating, and Kennedy did it flawlessly. She gave a voice to the women whose stories resemble Iris’s. Women who have endured terrible traumas only to face judgement from people who have never spent a day in their shoes or the injustice of the court system letting their abusers off with a slap on the wrist.
I didn’t think a romance novel could ever be as powerful as Kennedy Ryan’s Grip series or Colleen Hoover’s It Ends with Us, but I am more than happy to say I was wrong. The Long Shot is one of those thought provoking, heart wrenching romances that tears you to pieces then ever so slowly puts the pieces back together.
I’m a lover of words…of carefully crafted sentences and paragraphs…of meticulously detailed storylines that consume me, not only as a reader but also as an English teacher who appreciates a storyteller’s literary prowess. Since I joined the Indie Romance community a little over five years ago, I’ve had the privilege of reading so many amazing stories by authors who have honed their craft since they started publishing all those years ago, and while I definitely have my favorite – my tried and true writers who continually entertain and wow me with their words – I also live for the times when I find a new-to-me author whose ability to tell thought-provoking romances is above and beyond the norm because it’s almost as if the stories become their own living and breathing entities, teaching readers life lessons through multifaceted characters and dynamic story lines that feed readers’ hearts and souls.
And with all of these ideas in mind, I can wholeheartedly say that Kennedy Ryan has become one of those authors to me…in one book, she has managed to overwhelm me in all the best ways, breaking and mending my heart as well as consuming hours of my life reading and absorbing all of her life lessons and teachings of the heart.
Iris and August’s story, Long Shot, is so much more than a book; it’s a soulful experience – one that will make readers believe that a long shot is nothing more than an obstacle to overcome…a challenge that proves the measure of a man…an opportunity to show what Iris and August is made of and let me tell you, these two characters may be bent but they’re definitely not broken regardless of the painful experiences they endure and the amount of time it takes for them to get their shot at a life-changing relationship that’s been suppressed due to bad timing and a maelstrom that refused to loosen its grip on Iris regardless of how much she wanted and needed to be set free.
Before Iris and August get their shot, they need to, individually, find their way, and while August’s path was pretty much laid out for him due to his basketball skills and his ability to not be consumed by the life/world he recently entered by becoming a professional athlete, Iris’ journey is completely opposite to the one she saw herself living, which leaves her questioning who she is and what she’s made of because she found herself in a vulnerable position based on the cards she was dealt and it’s those circumstances that nearly make her give-up…make her wonder if she’ll be defeated…if it will be impossible to dig deeper and go back to the road she was on before her world upended.
HOPSCOTCH – to understand the significance of this work, you’ll need to read Iris and August’s story, but what I will tell you is that this seemingly unimportant and playful word is what saves Iris…is what allows her to fight back against the devastation that surrounds her…is what gives her back her life and allows her a second chance at some of the most pivotal aspects of her life.
‘She remembered who she was and the world changed.’
This quote signifies Iris’ journey…it epitomizes the long road she traveled to find her way back to herself and potentially back to the man who captivated her from their first interaction and what will resonate with readers is the fact that she fights back…she rewrites her story with determination and heart and as she attempts to restrain the monster who dictated too much of her life, Iris works to breathe in the truth…to cleanse her soul…to find herself worthy of love and happiness, and it just so happens that there’s someone waiting for his shot with her…waiting for her to see everything that he saw in the confident girl in the bar the first night they met.
And, what’s crystal clear EVERY time August and Iris find themselves on one another’s court, vying to be on the same team, both playing at the five, it’s just a matter of time before they’re the center of each other’s life, winning it big at life and at love.
Iris and August’s story overwhelmed my emotions and made me dig deep to understand how a strong and independent woman like Iris could lose her way so devastatingly, but because Kennedy Ryan allows readers to walk with both Iris and August as they attempt to traverse the lives that they’re living, it’s clear that Iris is a victim of circumstance and they both must figure out how to dribble out of the trap, so they can make that buzzer beater shot that wins the whole damn thing!
5+ Poison Apples
I wish I could find the words to tell you just how amazing this book is but I can’t seem to think of any that will even come close. What I can tell you is that Long Shot is a raw, powerful, eye-opener for me.
I’ve had my observations about reading stories related to this topic. Usually I’m the first to turn and run on the opposite direction. In this moment, I am so happy that I didn’t because I would have probably have missed out on the most important book of the year. I didn’t just get a story. I got a lesson. An experience. My eyes were pulled open and Ryan showed me that just maybe, things aren’t always as they seem. Just maybe I don’t know what the heck I’m talking about. It made me take a look in the mirror and change some of my thoughts and opinions. Though different than Iris’s, it makes me want to change my own course. Find my own August. Someone who will “play me at the five.”
Kennedy Ryan is one of those authors who pulls out every emotion and makes you a fly on the wall in her charcaters world. She pushes the boundaries like no one else and she does it with so much grace. This book must be read. This story has to be experienced. I recommend this book to anyone who reads this review.
Talking about having a great book hangover.. I am having a hard time writing this review, not only because is a subject that is close to home.. but also because the emotions still flowing.. definitely an amazing story and so much to talk about.. so much to learn too..
August is fighting to have a place on the NBA, his future looks bright and all seems like he is going to get what he wants.. when he meets her at this bar.. a beautiful girl that will change his life and priorities forever.. he wont stop at anything, he will wait until the time is right.. to have her and to be with her.. no matter the cost, no matter the dreams, no matter anything ..
August was a Gentleman, he took his time and never rushed.. he always knew how to read Iris. I also love how August was always treating her with so much respect and giving her what others has stolen from her.. like the freedom to work and do what she wanted the most.. August always saw Iris with joy, and some kind of brightness in his eyes because after all Iris was what brought light into his life..
Iris is a beautiful girl with so much future.. she has been working hard trying to get a good job in the sports industry .. she has everything she needs to get this job.. but life has something else in her path.. in love with her boyfriend.. her life seems great.. until things started to change .. he is not what she though… he is her worst nightmare… someone who will destroy her and still her soul.. if life don’t bring a safe light..
Iris was a very strong heroine, a heroine who fought for her life and the life of whom she loved the most.. Iris fought until the end.. and when you see the way she fought.. you want to cry and held her but at the same time you want to pick her up into your arms and celebrate.. that she finally did it!! that she didn’t stop at anything and like Lo said “Don’t let him win” she didn’t let him win.. she gave me hope, she gave me strength and made me believe that after all, justice will come sooner or later no matter in which life time..
Caleb.. he is evil, he is the devil.. he is the worst man you’ve ever met.. and he wants to destroy you and everything you have.. Caleb is the worst rival in the NBA history has had.. he hates August and he wants everything August has.. his titles, his trophies.. even the girl.. and he wont stop until he takes everything from him.. he wont stop until he finally gets what he wants.. I have never hate anybody in my life but Caleb can be the first one..
So many great characters Lo, Iris best friend. i love her mystic nature, her magic, her occultism.. her background.. I love that she was the friend we all want to have, the friend we need when everything is collapsing around us.. she was amazing and i hope we can see her story with Kenan soon!!!
MiMi another great wise character.. she was the “mother” Lo, kind of never had but also a safe and secure place for Iris when she needed.. love the mystical part of the story with MiMi and Lo all that is beautiful, and of coarse Sarai.. she is just a breathtaking baby with so much personality at such a young age..
I love her and melt with her eveytime she said Gus!! specially in front of Caleb lol .. Go Sarai kill him softly!!!
Long Shot left me speechless… it was a very emotional ride, the story touches a subject that is hard to talk and listen as in a way i went through a similar situation..
Long Shot was a very eye opening story, like Kennedy says at the last page of her book.. we all have that sister, friend or even us who went through something similar.. and even though you can or can’t relate to the story, there is always so much to learn .. so much to ask and so much to give..
“If you’ve never had to fight for your life in your own home, if you’ve never had someone you thought love you hurt you the most, then you don’t know”
I hope this books helps other people who hasn’t live or who doesn’t know anybody that went through this.. to understand more how the mind of a survivor works… to know what to do, to know how to see the signs and stop themselves before judging or making any assumption.. there is always a story behind.. sometimes i dream that we live in a more empathic world, people who feels and holds your pain as if it was theirs.. because they know that pain can be less when is carried as a team..
“If there’s one thing i understand, it’s team, and you and me” “We’re a team, doing everything together”
Really love the book, the story and the characters.. i love how Kennedy always Stir us Up in so many directions but at the end it always have a propose and a great conclusion.. something to share, something to learn.. a little something to make your life more worth it.. to feel your own feelings..
If I could TELL you to read ONE book NOW, it would be LONG SHOT by Kennedy Ryan. I don’t think ANYTHING can prepare you for this story. And it’s not just a story, it’s an experience. Your heart and soul will not be safe. This book will OWN you, mind, body and soul. Get ready to die a thousand deaths and then some.
Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan was…
BRILLIANT.
SOUL SHATTERING.
BEAUTIFUL.
INSPIRING.
BREATH TAKING.
HEART CRUSHING.
ASTOUNDING.
MIND BLOWING.
PERFECT.
It truly is an EXPERIENCE. And one I won’t ever forget. NEVER.
This is on my TOP READS of 2018 and I urge you to take the journey, but it’s not for the faint of heart.
This book…….took me on a journey. A very raw, emotional, stripping of my soul journey. One that made me feel as if I was in the story experiencing all the highs and lows, the joys and sorrows, the hopes and fears, and the strength and determination of characters that engrained themselves into my soul. With the visual clarity of the author vivid, heartfelt, and passionate words, this story felt real, raw and painfully open and honest. A melancholy yet hopeful journey of life’s timing and the choices one makes over others.
This is a love story. A deep commitment of a feeling when you meet someone and can’t get them out of your mind. But, as there is always a but, life’s timing or the choice we choose can make life not as expected. And that feeling, has to be pushed aside until hopefully life’s timing can be on your side.
This emotional story is also about survival. And what we think we know about survival doesn’t really equate with what we think we know. The strength, the hope, and that determination of surviving against all odds is fierce and possessive in the face of fear, hurt and pain.
Iris Dupree is a smart, beautiful, and determined. She has survived so much and has turned out to be a survivor. She will not be like her mother, she has plans and dreams. Caleb Bradley is a star college basketball player and Iris’s boyfriend. But a chance meeting with August West, a fellow rival of Caleb’s, changes something in life’s cosmic plan.
But, as there is always that But…….Life’s Timing didn’t get the memo.
My review will stop here. There is nothing more that I can say without ruining this Epic Read. It needs to be read without prior knowledge or information. Just to be experienced in a pure moment. But know that there are twists and turns, choices and consequences, and dreams lost and taken back throughout the life of Iris Dupree. While the story is told in Dual POV, Iris is my hero in this story. Her life, her strength, her determination and her voice set the stage for an awakening. A story that will grab you, set you on a mesmerizing journey that will both slay you and ultimately heal your mind, your heart and your soul.
#BestReadOf2018 #MustRead #Emotional #LifeChanging #Epic