★ 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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I’m not sure where to begin and I feel like I’m at a lost for words because Long Shot is that freaking AMAZING!!! Long Shot is so much more than a sports romance and I’m glad I took a chance on it. This book consumed by mind, heart and soul. It has a raw, honest, passionate and powerful story line filled with depth and meaning. I feel elated when an author creates a book that’s so good it lingers in my mind for days or weeks even. Kennedy Ryan did not disappoint.
Long Shot is a story about the forbidden love of August and Iris’s complicated relationship and their incredible journey to finding love. August’s character is down to earth, caring, flawless and inspiring. He’s everything I want in a man. Iris is a survivor and a phenomenal woman. Her cousin, Lotus and great grandmother, Mimi are beautifully written secondary characters. All three of these women are everything along with courageous, brave and empowering. Kennedy Ryan made my heart swell by writing such relatable and inspirational women.
I wish that I could give Long Shot more than five stars. It’s certainly one of my top favorite books of 2018. This is the first book I’ve read by Kennedy Ryan and it definitely will not be my last.
Oh wow. To me, this book is about bad timing, regrets, bad decisions and survival. Or as I like to call it, life. What a phenomenal book. It was hard to read some parts because even though you know it’s fiction, you know it’s someone’s real life. I do wish we got more of August and Iris together outside of all the drama, but besides that, this was some fantastic writing right here. Powerful storytelling.
The emotion driven and soul altering story that is Iris and August’s journey is one that absolutely can not missed as it changes you irrevocably. August should be on cloud 9 – he’s young, handsome, headed for the the NBA… but he cannot seem to forget a mesmerising night spent with Iris. Just conversation, but in that alone he felt a truer deeper connection than he’s ever felt. But coveting another’s girl is not only foolhardy it’s useless. He’s disliked Caleb for years and this is just the cherry on top of that sundae. Iris wasn’t expecting August West. He’s nothing she’s ever experienced before and it’s confusing and conflicting her even more than she already was over Caleb. Caleb, while the golden boy to everyone around him, has no regard for her dreams or plans. The ensuing twists of fate that keep her from the paths she truly wants to take are crushing and shattering. August and Iris are going wreck you before any chance of healing, but you’ll come out with an understanding that things aren’t always what they appear and that true strength is never giving in to darkness.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book.
I don’t think that I will ever forget any detail of this beautiful,sad,happy,heart string pulling story. It was just so amazing and tragic and all the feels! Every minute of this book, I was feeling something and so engaged in these characters and their stories. I was really sad to get to the end. There wasn’t a single page or chapter that I struggled to get through. I loved that Kennedy was not afraid to dive so deeply into a subject that people dont talk about that gets swept under the rug. To really view it and touch on all its different angles and perspectives, was just brilliant. It was intense and raw and so real. This is an amazing read and I highly recommend it! I was so excited to see that there will be a couple more to touch on other characters’ stories! So excited! The only regret that I have is that I didn’t read it sooner!
Absolutely adored the characters. I loved the plot which had me hanging on to every word. There are so many feels! You will LOVE this book! I highly reccomend reading it.
4.5 stars
“I saw her nakedness, but I’m the one exposed. I can’t hide how much I want her.”
Long Shot is the first book I read by Kennedy Ryan, and let me tell you that it won’t be my last! I was hooked on her writing and the story plot immediately. Her ability to bring the characters to life was phenomenal. The characters were AMAZING, and I was able to connect with them so well. I usually have a thing for anti-heroes/villains, but I fell so hard for the loving and super supportive August. This guy was almost perfect, and I fell in love with him pretty quickly. I loved the way he meets Iris, and their instant connection was done really well. These two were made for each other, however they meet at the wrong time, and they can’t pursue this attraction between them.
“I want you to know there’s someone who will follow you.”
Iris is a very strong and independent woman, and doesn’t want to end up like her mother. She wants to take care of herself, and have her own career. However, because of certain events she has to put her dreams on the back burner. She goes through some horrific things in this book, and it just broke my heart. However, each time she meets August, she is shown that she is her own person. August is such a loyal and understanding guy, and he did everything right. He is one of my favorite book boyfriends, and I want to find my own August West.
“I started falling for him the day we met, and I haven’t stopped falling since.”
This book was amazing, and I just couldn’t get enough. The story had a great pacing and it kept me interested until the end. The love between Iris and August was beautiful. The only reason why I didn’t rate it 5 stars was, because I thought the ending was a bit rushed. I was surprised when I suddenly got to the epilogue. In my opinion it could’ve wrapped up better with another chapter or two. Maybe, I just wasn’t ready to say goodbye yet. I also enjoyed all the side characters, and I can’t wait for them to get their own books. I especially look forward to reading Lo and Kenan’s story.
The distinct, prominent, and important voice of author Kennedy Ryan speaks volumes in Long Shot. This book hails as an emotional experience in reading as Kennedy Ryan daringly takes a risk to stand up, tall and proud, and use her voice to enlighten, to prove love eventually conquers all, and to pay tribute to the strength and resolve all good men and women have within them. This book, gosh this book, it’s not for the faint of heart. It’s not all 3 pointers and dazzling smiles from hot ballers – that’s there of course too, don’t worry. But this one – it’s dark and scary too. It’s takes you to a place I hope you’ve never been but will understand more after reading it. It’s really tough quite honestly. But it’s also freeing and more than worth every single word.
Kennedy Ryan opened my eyes with Long Shot. She took the unfathomable, the misunderstandings, the atrocious and presented it me in a way that I’ll never, ever be the same. She created a shift in my own personal bubble that allowed me to see more sides of issues that are vital to understand as a woman who wants to breathe compassion most of all. With her concise and beautifully written story she’s empowering women and urging us to all understand a little more, to believe in each other and uplift each other through love.
Thank you Kennedy Ryan. Thank you for taking the shot. Thank you for your voice and your courage to tell the tough stories that touch us so very deeply. You’re an inspiration.
I just loved this beautiful, heartbreaking and oh so real story! It was at times extremely hard to read because of its stark and honest truthfulness, but very worth reading! A definite must read!
“Strength. Dignity. Courage. All these things belong to you. Take them back. Your soul is yours. Your heart is yours. Your body is yours. Yours to keep and yours to share.”
-5Stars!-
Against all odds love story!
I was hesitant to read Long Shot after several friends said it was too much for them to read then two other friends assured me that the hard parts were absolutely worth it and encouraged me to start it and power through. I don’t usually read angsty books but this book is absolutely everything!!!
I won’t go into the events that made this book, at times, really difficult to read. I’ll just say it’s real. These things happen every day. They likely have happened to someone you know. Some of them have happened to me. What I loved the most about this book was the incredible strength and character of the characters. And there was so much love and hope. So yes, to the two friends who said it would be worth it, it absolutely is. It took me a week to be able to write this review but I’ve thought about Long Shot every day and I can’t wait until book two.
This is hands down the most difficult book I’ve ever read but definitely one of the most IMPORTANT books I’ll ever read. I’ve read difficult books before but nothing can compare to the rollercoaster of emotions I felt reading this book as Kennedy never fails to amaze me with her words and depth. Iris might be the strongest character I ‘ve ever read about and I deeply felt every single emotion she experienced.
I have so much love and admiration for August and Iris but I think Mimi was my favourite and I’m glad we get more of her in Lo’s book next because I couldn’t get enough. Loved seeing Avery and Deck again as well.
I’ve said this before but one of the things I love and respect most about Kennedy Ryan is that there is nothing she writes that doesn’t carry an important message or a voice unheard, no matter how difficult it is. Because these topics are always the things most people shy away from or say isn’t their problem but could still happen to anybody and to even the strongest one of us.
Not only are Kennedy’s books thought-provoking and stay with you long after but she also calls to action in a way that reminds you of your responsibility and your voice. I couldn’t help but stop reading several times to breathe, research, think, and write.
It’s been so long since I’ve read something, especially a novel, that made want to research and learn more. Not just for common knowledge but to learn what can be done to help; and Kennedy always has that effect on me.
I was so nervous to start it and there were times I thought I couldn’t continue reading but it was so worth braving through and finishing it. It is so much more and everyone needs to read it because we all have something to learn from it. Don’t just read it, experience it and try to read between the lines. See the toxic roots of the problem that resides in our societies and recognize what we must unlearn and what needs to change.
The Grip series is still a favourite of mine but Long Shot is on another level and definitely a new favourite.
I’ve read every book from Kennedy Ryan and what characterizes her work is that she always goes big. Epic. In every sense of the word. It’s the same with Long Shot. She has a clear point of view with this story. She doesn’t hold back and goes with her characters where it hurts. Long Shot is brutal, raw and heartbreaking but it has to be cause it’s the truth given the topics this book centers around. Nothing is sugarcoated and the actions and choices that are made feel real and true to the characters. The author has done her research when it comes to domestic abuse and it showed in her characterization of Iris and August, Lotus, Caleb.
Long Shot is Iris’s story. No, it’s not just Iris’s story. It’s a lot of women’s story.
Long Shot spans over years and it gives the reader time to connect and invest themselves in Iris and August. In their story. Separately and them together. I sure as hell. From their first meeting in the bar. Their connection was immediate and palpable.
Iris is a glorious and incredible character. A warrior. A survivor. Her story brought me to my knees. My heart broke for her cause her story is another woman’s too. I knew there was light at the other end of the tunnel and it was worth it to go through all this violence to get it.
Iris got her freedom because of her strength, determination, love for her daughter and support from her cousin and BFF Lotus. From her incredible man August.
Iris and August are destined to be together from the moment they met but choices derailed that. Long Shot is also about taking chances. Risks. Seize the moment and make choices that feels right for you. Make you feel heard. Iris encompasses and captures all of that with her independence and incredible strength. August is her compass. Her love and her center and vice versa. He’s deadset in his love for Iris and it never wavers. Together they’re an entity.
Once again I’m amazed and in awe of this author. Her prose and dedication to the story is spectacular. Her prose is poignant and powerful. With Long Shot she captures a crime which is deeply rooted in the societal inequality between women and men. It’s done with respect, care and thoughtfulness. This’s exactly why this book is important. It matters and must be read and experienced. I can’t recommend it enough.
5 BadAssDirtyPlayMeAtThe5Stars
If I could give more than 5 Stars for Kennedy Ryan’s new stand-alone set in the world of the NBA I would and I so hope we get more from this very talented author and her basketball team. Long Shot will have your emotions all over the place, it will catch you off guard and it will have you falling in love with not only the characters but the game itself. Iris and August hold a very special part of my heart because my heart was all over the place as I joined them on their very emotional journey to find true love, they didn’t have it easy but every tear I shed was worth it in the end. Brilliant read from the very talented Kennedy Ryan
Kennedy Ryan is an exceptional writer and all her books have hit me right in the feels.
Long Shot is no exception. Deep, powerful and soul wrenching is how I would explain this book to anyone asking. It does contain a sensitive subject, but awareness to this subject is crucial in today’s society. Kennedy weaves it into an amazing love story between August and Iris.
“If you were mine, Iris, there would be no doubt what position you’d hold in my life. You’d be center. I’d play you at the five.”
“She remembered who she was and the game changed.” ~Lalah Delia
Poignant, heartwarming, emotional, and tragic are just a few words I would use to describe the brilliance that Kennedy Ryan has put together in her latest novel, Long Shot. Long Shot covers the sensitive and sometimes controversial topic of domestic violence, which, in my opinion, is still something of a “silent epidemic.”
The story is set in the world of professional basketball and all that it encompasses. Two players who have been up against one another for years finally make it to the pros and find that now that they have made their dreams come true, they both want the same dream woman. I don’t want to give too much away so that is all that I will say as far as the men in this book.
Our heroine, Iris, however, was written so poetically that I cannot put my feelings for her story into adequate words to express all of my thoughts. Kennedy took time to research this book in depth and as I read Iris’ story I could hear her knowledge in this storytelling. As someone who formerly worked with women getting out of violent situations at home, she was able to explain how hard it is for most women to leave. The shame women often feel who endure such struggles and how complex this issue truly is.
Kennedy truly lent her talents of writing this story to all women and I would highly recommend that all women read and share with a friend. We all need to unite together to end this “silent epidemic,” otherwise this horrific treatment of abuse will continue to cycle for a long time to come.
I thank you Kennedy for using Long Shot to educate us all.
“Strength. Dignity. Courage. All these things belong to you. Take them back. Your soul is yours. Your heart is yours. Your body is yours. Yours to keep and yours to share.”
Remember these lines women of the world. These are your rights, never to be taken for granted and never ever to be violated. The free will counts ! As you progress in the story you will see that kennedy doesn’t hide the ugliness of an abusive relationship at all. She lays them bare for the readers to see. Stark and naked, they are right in front of your eyes , for you to take note and see all the flags.
Kennedy skillfully elaborates this sentiment in this Raw story of two kindred spirits, misfits in the world. They meet serendipitously in a bar one night, feeling a pull, a tug towards each other. Outside they seperate to go their own ways, and leave the reader hanging with “what if” moment !
Sometimes, we stand at a juncture on which our path, our very life can turn. A fork in the road. Sometimes the heart speaks in whispers, and by the time we hear, by the time we listen, it’s too late and we don’t know
And it DOES get too late for both of them . They get mauled, abandoned, broken.
“Did you ever feel like you didn’t quite fit anywhere?”
“like you were always kind of in between?”
The story is Rich, powerful, loaded !
It’s rich with really brilliant writing .
Powerful, because the characters are such a force to reckon with. Be it evil in disguise or a Phoenix rising from the ashes.
Loaded with very human emotion possible. Lust, love, bravery, endurance, persistence, courage, sacrifice and motherhood. Motherhood is THE most powerful of all emotions in this book.
A journey of girl trying to raise herself with hopes and dreams in her eyes, wings stretching just to take flight when EVERYTHING in her life just comes go a standstill. She’s snatched from her golden trail and thrown in the thorny bushes of her circumstances . And she bleeds so bad, her spirit, her soul, her dreams, her body, all are dessicated.
I cannot even begin to tell you the importance of this book. Every woman/girl/daughter/sister/mother should MUST READ this story. Especially those stuck in dark novels where hope doesn’t shine for days/months/years. This story is a beacon of hope, that yes, there IS a light at the end of a tunnel, they only have to stand up on their own two legs and take a step.
There were those who stayed too long.
Remained when they should have fled.
They did not live to regret it.
A story of true survivors, though it’s fictionalized, it could be anyone we come across everyday in our lives. A neighbour, a friend, your child’s teacher, a fellow reader. This book did open some wounds for me, the ones I left behind long ago, but it definitely strengthened my belief in women being the stronger sex, esp when they have their backs to the wall and their kids hiding behind them.
I fell in love with Iris “Gumbo”, an ill-fated girl, who tried so hard to believe in her love and family, just for the sake of her daughter. Her growth from girl to woman to mother to ultimately a warrior just left me in awe. She’s got the spirit of Mighty Mississippi in her, changing course, adapting and finally wreaking havoc.
Some people are afraid a gator will crawl out of the swamp and emerge as a threat. My nightmares star a different predator. I dream Caleb will rise out of the bayou some day and eat me whole, and next time I won’t be able to pry his jaws open and escape.
Her courage in the face of Clear and Present Danger is laudable and admirable. A tigress protecting her cub is the fiercest fighter indeed. A true HEROINE !
I just couldn’t stop drooling at August West, a rising star on the court and a real life hero off it. #Keeper !! His unwavering support and Unconditional Love feeds Iris’s soul and gives her strength to tackle her demons
I could hug Lotus so tight for her appearance at the most crucial juncture, to save the story and save her sister. Everybody should have a Lo in their corner #HOPSCOTCH!
I wish I had met MiMi, her wisdom and her clairvoyance guiding me too. Her cryptic support meant for Iris, could be helpful for
“Struggle does not make you weak,” she whispers back. “Struggling against those who hold us is what makes us, over time, stronger than they are. Strong enough to fight back. Strong enough to win.”
Decker, a brother in arms and guide/mentor, always a pillar for August to lean on.
And I so wish I could get my hands on Caleb! I’d choke him with my bare hands and gouge his eyes out. One thing to note, he didn’t change throughout the story, his venom never diluted, just distilled to potency and for that I must applaud Kennedy. She never gave him an out, or attributed his vehemence to obsessive love. Nope, he was pure evil through and through!
Bravo Ms.Ryan for adopting such a fearless tone while penning this unprocessed story of Domestic Abuse. You didn’t soften the blows or tone down the humiliation. Throughout the first half of the story I was crying in rage & helplessness and the Rape had me puking ! My heart just raced, my pulse went berserk and I had to calm myself down because it did transport me back to my own dismal hole many a times.
Thank you for writing this necessary story.
Thank you for showing a path to survival.
Thank you instilling courage in women everywhere.
Some unfortunate victim, somewhere might read this and find courage to save herself like Iris and you would have accomplished your mission.
5 “Bayou flower” stars
A powerful, captivating, emotional read. One of the best books I’ve read all year! Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan sent a powerful message through words. This book drew me in from the very beginning, it was hard to put it down. I went through a roller coaster of emotions, it was painful and raw.
August West is at the top of his game, one of the best college basketball players of his time. He is an exceptional athlete, but that is not what defines him. As he is getting ready for the next chapter in his life, possibly being drafted into the NBA, he is determined to not lose sight of what is important. August doesn’t just want to play ball, he wants a home, a family of his own, he wants to find love. The night before a very important game he meets the girl of his dreams, only to find out she has a boyfriend.
Iris DuPree is a college senior, she is determined, smart, and ambitious. Growing up she watched her mom struggle through life, and at a young age decided she would be nothing like the women that raised her. She was determined to make a name herself, to have a successful career and never have to depend on anyone but herself. When her boyfriend, Caleb Bradley, starts hinting at more she is absolutely sure she is not ready to commit to more. But Caleb, the golden boy, had other things in mind and Iris had no idea what was to come.
When Iris and August first meet there is definitely a pull, they can’t help but fall into a comfortable conversation. There was no doubt they were attracted to each other. They connected on a different level, but Iris was dating the one man August couldn’t stand. Their relationship was scattered over a long period of time, their interactions were few and far between, but powerful nonetheless. Kennedy takes us on a journey that will rip your heart out, it was painful and so real.
August is determined to end up with the girl, but the road isn’t an easy one. Through some very painful moments in his career he never loses hope, he is determined to win and not just on the court. Because of circumstances Iris ends up living with Caleb, the golden boy to the world, and her biggest nightmare. Caleb is brutal, he puts Iris through hell and back but never breaks her. She puts up with more than anyone should ever have to, all to keep the one person who means the word to her safe. She is the definition of strength and survival. Through it all August and Iris survive, they were meant to be and there was no stopping them.
This was by far one of my favorite reads ever. It gripped at my heart, it made me feel so much. I was determined not to cry, but it was an impossible task. Kennedy has a way with words, every single character came to life, even the ones I wanted to strangle. Every chapter drew me in, it was mesmerizing. This book was phenomenal! An absolute must read!
5 heartwarming stars!!
**Review by Nancy, Late Night Reviewer for Up All Night with Books**
I love Kennedy Ryan’s words, even when they’re hard to read. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book. When reading authors that I trust I tend to stay away from blurbs and reviews. I want to know as little about the story as possible. I want it to unfold before me with no preconceived notions. Well this story took my breath away. It also broke my heart. But also gave me perspective. There’s an element to this book that is so difficult to comprehend. But it is also a reality that so many individuals have endured and many are probably living right now. It serves as a reminder to those of us who are lucky enough not to be in a situation like the heroines, that you never know what a person is going through or why it may appear that they’re doing nothing to change a situation. I cried while reading this story. I was angry. My stomach was in knots anticipating what was ahead for these characters.
The connection shared between August and Iris is one for the ages. They are soul mates. From their first interaction it’s evident that they belong together. Their journey is difficult but watching them survive was beautiful and it gives you hope. To say that I loved this story feels wrong. So I’ll say that I loved August and Iris and what they had and who they were as individuals. Honestly give this story a chance. I’m sure it will impact you some how.
This story is absolutely phenomenal!! My heart was pounding, hands were shaking, tears in my eyes……I just felt every emotion possible while reading Long Shot! Kennedy Ryan created a beautiful and powerful story of love, loss, heartbreak and survival. It truly is one of those books that everyone needs to experience for themselves.
Not ENOUGH Stars In The UNIVERSE For Long Shot!!!
There are times that you read a book that EVERYONE has been talking about, that you pick up JUST because of the hype, because there are sooooo many posts about this particular book that have you curious, that make you WANT to read it….and you think “It was good, but it wasn’t worth all the hype”. Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan WAS ABSOLUTELY NOT THAT TYPE OF BOOK!!!!! This book…this EPIC, MIND-BLOWING, SOUL-CRUSHING journey I took while reading it, is worth SOOOOOOO MUCH MORE than the hype that made me buy it!!! It has IRREVOCABLY changed me, right down to my very SOUL!!!
Iris and August’s story IS a love story, but it’s also a story about finding strength within yourself that you NEVER knew existed! It’s about mislaid trust and learning to trust not just yourself and your own judgement, but trusting someone else with your very essence. It’s about finding yourself, loving yourself and believing in yourself after the most unimaginable events have shaken your belief in everything good and right in life. It’s about righting wrongs and uncovering evil at it’s darkest….and destroying that evil to come out on the other side stronger, better, with a clear heart and a clear conscience.
The journey through this book was, at times, EXCRUTIATINGLY painful. it felt soooooo real, it felt like I couldn’t breath, like my heart was so broken that it wouldn’t ever be whole again….and then, Ms Ryan put it back together again! Not the same as it was before! No, it can NEVER be the same as it was before, not after this!!!
“This-what I’m feeling, what’s washing over my reservations and fears-this must be what the Mississippi feels at that very moment every thousand years when it’s course resets: that deltaic switch. That monumental chrysalis. My heart resets in an instant.”
I can’t tell you that you NEED to read this book! I can only say that you MUST EXPERIENCE it!!! You will never be the same!