★ 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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“Yours to keep and yours to share.”
It’s hard to write a review for a book that’s left your mind blown and you’re still floating after turning the last page. Saying that Long Shot deserves 5 stars is an understatement, it needs to be in movie theaters. The author is a word wizard and she put a spell on me, keeping me entranced and under her power, dependent upon every word she wrote for my survival. I literally could not put my Kindle down, this story consumed me. It put so many thoughts in my head and pulled so many emotions out of me that I was a mess and not fit company for anyone to be around. It’s a good thing I started reading on the weekend and could hide out in my reading cave.
Since the author chose only to share the name of the sexy baller, #TeamAugust, and not the female character in her synopsis, I’m not going to go there either. But I will share that she’s, “A woman who can talk sports and talk trash? A fucking sparkling unicorn. She gives as good as she gets, this one.” I can tell you that the story is not short and the details are very fleshed out. You will learn everything you need to, and sometimes more than you are comfortable with. It will take you places you might not have been before and touch emotions that haven’t been used in a while. It will make you have opinions about what you think the characters should do, and possibly lead you to make judgments on the choices they made. You will mentally advise, curse, threaten, cry and beg to no avail.
I enjoyed learning about basketball and the behind the scenes details that go into a pro career. I also enjoyed many of the support characters and I’m excited that there’s a Hoops series to look forward to so I can hopefully spend more time with them in the future. I said ‘many’, rather than ‘all’ because there’s one character that set my blood to boiling and enjoyment was at the furthest end of the spectrum as far as he was concerned. I was booing him and wishing I had one of those huge spongy middle-fingers to wave at him during the virtual basketball games that I attended.
And while I’m at it, I would love to hold up a huge sign that says Kennedy Ryan Rocks! from the stands and have it captured on the jumbotron for all the world to see. I don’t know where her next Hoops installment will take me, but I can’t wait to go there. The line forms here…
What I’d like to know is why kennedy Ryan hates me so much to put me through this emotional torture. I’m in literal shreds. With every page I’m more shocked and devastated. The visceral reactions are instant and a constant throughout this whole book.
I feel so much pain for Iris and her situation and more pain for the people who deal with this every single day in real life. These strong individuals who are able to withstand so much and still are able to live another day.
Iris has to be one of the strongest heroines I have ever read about. I admire her so much. SHE IS THE TRUE HERO OF THE STORY! I loved everything about her. I knew that every decision she made was because she was trying to do her best in a HARD situation. She trusted the wrong person and it really backfired.
This book was very emotional and Intense. The angst was REAL. But we did get some comic relief from two amazing characters that I LOVED. Mimi and Lo.
“…Gimme some of that broke dick. That unemployed, still-living-with-his-mama, sleeping-on-her-couch dick.”
Mimi and Lotus are essential parts to the story. They add a rich background to Iris and make the book stand out in a cultural sense. Lotus had amazing humor and made me laugh and you will really need that humor to get through. Mimi had so much beauty in her soul. There was so much amazing imagery in the way her home in Louisiana was described. I felt like I was there myself. She was really a key turning point in the book.
“Breathe in truth.” Her hands are busy in the air over me, slicing through lies. “You are pure. You are enough. You are strong.”
I also loved Jared and Kennan. They were so funny as well! I know Kennan and Lo will have a book but I’m keeping my fingers and toes crossed for Jared too!
The second half of the book is about healing and moving forward. I love Kennedy’s approach to this. It was very realistic and stayed true to Iris’ personality.
We were totally rewarded for all the pain we had to go through because the good times were SO worth it.
August and Iris have that once in a life time love. The obstacles they overcame to be with each other was mind blowing.
There are so many times where he could have given up and I admired him for his belief in Iris. When everyone around him was doubting her character he knew there had to be more. He waited to take the shot.
“You’re a great player, August.” She tips up on her toes until her lips are at my ear. “But I think you’ll be an even greater man.”
I want someone to play me at the five
Kennedy Ryan is a true talent. Her words rendered me speechless at every page. I can’t even put into words how amazing she really is. Her success hasn’t even reached its peak yet and I can see so many amazing things for her in the future. The woman is a poet. An artist. A rare talent.
“Life is a constellation of decisions, connected by coincidences and deliberations, painting pictures in the heavens. During the day, when things are brightest, we don’t see the stars, but they are there. It’s only in the contrast of night, when things are darkest, that the stars shine.”
The story really leaves you feeling hopeful. For the future, for your story!
Millions of stars would be insufficient for this book.
This is a story that everyone needs to read, that is important and that it is much more than a love story. I thought long before writing this review, the words do not reach me to describe everything I felt when reading it, so many feelings, and honestly I do not have enough words to do it justice.
August and Iris meet in a bar and sparks jump immediately, their connection is instantaneous, but something prevents them from acting on what they feel, their time is not right, but despite that they never forget the connection they felt.
As time passes each one follows their life in separate ways, there is no contact between them, except for certain moments, but in spite of all the feelings do not dissipate.
When they reconnect again what they feel is still very strong and in a moment they give in to it, even though reality overcomes it and they have to separate again.
I fell in love with both characters but Iris, definitely one of the bravest and strongest female characters I’ve read, I loved her, her strength is incredible, she’s definitely one of those characters that stays in your heart forever.
Long Shot is a complex and unique story, it is totally different from what I expected, it is a journey that caused me thousands of sensations, it made me suffer, cry, love and thinking on many things and it will stay in my heart forever, it makes you think and value many things that you have on hand that you never give importance to.
This is a story for everyone, an experience that can change you, change your perspective and see things in a new light. Kennedy is an author as few, their stories always provoke so many feelings, highly recommended for everyone, no matter what gender you like, it is a story that must be read.
Very highly recommended
Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan
5 Stars
Let me start my review to tell you a few things: 1) this was my first Kennedy Ryan book, I know how dare I not have read her other books! Don’t worry, slowly but surely I will get to her other books. 2) This was a tough book to read, I will probably mention why later on in my review.
This is August and Iris’s love story. From their “meet cute” at the bar, to their unrequited love, their occasional reunions, their undeniable chemistry. All there, but several factors that lead them not to be “together”, Caleb, Iris’s boyfriend and the baby she finds out she’s carrying. Yeah, hear that shoe dropping? This wasn’t Iris’s plan, her plan was to graduate and set her goals into helping athletes branding themselves. Well that is until Caleb has other ideas. Iris’s mission now is trying to raise her beautiful daughter. Yet, she can’t forget the one night of just talking with August and how much they both had in common and his advice to her about her dreams.
I don’t want to give too much away, but I will admit that this book was very hard to read. Here’s my Public Service Announcement for the day: whenever an author puts a warning at the end of a synopsis, please for the love of God, if you suffer from any type of triggers, then this may not be the book for you. My biggest pet peeve whenever someone post their review how they harp on the tone of a book. This book will make you want to punch someone, that’s for sure, it’s thought provoking. Iris is one of the most strongest women I have read. And I will call anyone out if I hear otherwise. Everyone is entitled to opinions, but I strongly feel she is a strong woman. August is the ultimate book boyfriend. Iris’s cousin Lotus, we all need a cousin like Lotus. We also need a sage great-grandmother like MiMi, she was a very wise woman. And as “love triangle” go, well this is much more than a “love triangle”.
Read with an open mind and an open heart.
*A copy of this book was read using Kindle Unlimited.
What can I say about this story, let me start with it felt so real Kennedy Ryan did a great job telling this story. Two men August and Caleb grow up on similar paths but turn out so differently. Then there is Iris a strong woman, she had her own story. There were time while reading this book my heart beat so fast in anticipation of what was going to happen next. This was a good story to be told. And even better if if helps one person deal with there own situation.
It was amazing
such a powerful story! I am beyond happy to finally reading to the last pages..
Long Shot was my first read from Kennedy.. I cant imagine my hesitation before I read her books. Oh boy, I was wrong… the book was full description of a strong woman.. Everything was written so vividly…thoughtful..each character was hands on playing the part …
Iris and August met and their path wasnt that easy… I cried so much for Iris.. The choices that she had to make…
The story was a hard pill for me to swallow.. it was gut wrenching..emotional..
helpless..petrified.
Some are just plain sadness..Joy because of the love.. hatred and hurt to see the result of jealousy.. When you were blind and crawling in the dark.. mistakes happened.
I can peak the window of my soul … the message behind the book…I savored the words.. beautiful writing..
This book destroyed every bits of my defenses.. I thought of one thing.. but it came out more with many answers…
Cinq étoiles réfléchies! Long Shot est une belle histoire à propos de deux âmes qui se sont rencontrées au mauvais moment même si elles étaient censées être ensemble.
Damn it, I do really don’t know how to start my review! Reading Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan left me emotionally drained and with a deep book hangover (I’m not sure if I will recover any time soon). I dare to say that this book is Kennedy’s best work. Every page of it made me experience many emotions at the same time. I cried. I felt the impotence and fear that the heroine went through. But also I felt hopeful and optimistic because when we thought everything is dark and lost, there is still light and hope. They can hurt your body but they can’t break your spirit.
Kennedy’s writing is deeply human. That is something that characterizes her. She has the talent of creating stories with a human background where she shows us the problems of society in such an explicit way that it leaves you with goosebumps. She does an extraordinary research and put it all in the right path in order to develop a fierce and sharp story where her characters find a way to survive and to keep going despite the adversities they are subjected to. Kennedy’s pen deepens into the human conditions in an excellent way. Now she delivers a book that touches sensitive topics and shows us that even though everything looks bad, you always have to keep strength and hope.
Long Shot is a beautiful story about two souls that met at the wrong time even though they were meant to be together. It broke my soul that the heroine of this book went through a lot. She made a bad decision that almost cost her life. Iris is a strong girl but even the strongest ones are bowed down by the monstrosities of people who confuse love with obsession. When you love, you do not hurt your loved one, on the contrary you always keep his/her welfare.
But let not focus on the worst and let’s talk about something more lightful. August and Iris not only felt a deep connection when they met for the first time, their souls linked. They meant to be together but their time was wrong. Time was against them but fate sealed their life. Iris was in a “comfortable” relationship and August didn’t make a move on her because she was already taken. He respected her but the attraction between them is there. Iris chose the Prince who turned into her executioner. Her life turned into hell. Her body was beaten, violated and abused but her soul was intact. However, she will overcome her fear and will confront her executioner bravely in order to escape him.
Something that I have always had clear is that when a man hit a woman is the warning that you should get away as soon as possible and seek for help. Violence against women is a cruel example of the weakness of men who are not capable of differentiating between love and possession. Those men are wolves disguised in lambskin. First, they treat you like a princess and later they hit you like you were his enemy. C’est fou!
August and Iris gave a new meaning to second chances. Their connection was deep and strong. In another reality Iris will choose August over Caleb. She will follow her heart but life is not a fairly tale. You make wrong decisions and you learn from your mistakes. Iris did that. But she wasn’t alone. August will heal her and will cherish her the way any woman deserves.
I recommend this book for every reader over the world. Books like this open your eyes. Kennedy Ryan is one of my favourite authors because she is not only a talented writer; she inspired me to help people, to believe that this world could be a better place if we forget about colours and shapes. Although this book touches sensitive topics, these are approached in a respectful manner by the author. Never stay silent against of violence. Raise your voice and help.
If you’re expecting a typical love story,boy you’re wrong.
There’s something intoxicating about her words, They are pure poetry,.They speak volumes.
This is not just a story. She wrote this book to deliver a message. She researched,interviewed,talked to as many people possible who went through a similar situation.
August and Iris journey is not an easy one,and it didn’t happen overnight.
I don’t wanna spoil a single bit about the book because this one is a MUST READ.
This book had me shouting and crying and wanting to throw my Kindle through the air because I was so frustrated!
The connection between the characters is instant,sparkling, You will fall head over heels for August West.
And Iris is a fighter,a survivor, A hero
“You are pure. You are enough. You are strong.”
Kennedy Ryan handles such a difficult matter with a class that not many can do. She approaches real issues and waltz us through them in an IMPECCABLE way.
“Let nothing hold you back or keep you down…Even when you think you’re defeated, dig deeper. Go harder. Press, because there is something worth it on the other side.”
This book is a slow burn romance with umpredictable twists that will have you with your heart on your hand. Soul gripping,heart wrenching,powerful.
I don’t have enough praises to what I’ve read.
This book is a MASTERPIECE and everyone should take the shot and read it. It’s one of my faves of 2018
“And what position will I play on your team?”
His smile melts a little around the edges, and his eyes lose some of their humor. “At the five-spot,” he says softly.
The five-spot? His position is the point guard, or the one-spot. Shooting guard is the two. The three is small forward, and the four is power forward. The five is…
“Center,” he says, linking our fingers and toying with the hair hanging on my shoulder. “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.”
Amazing, powerful, real story. Characters who do things they never thought they’d do to survive the unthinkable. This book takes you through so many emotions. August and Iris= love.
Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan is another stunning novel with all the feels. It will make you laugh, cry, cringe, scream with joy, and die of suspense. It’s far more than a romance and more a life tale of two characters who demand your attention, affection, and loyalty. There are so many good quotes and images from this book, but I will let you see for yourself the word artist that is Kennedy Ryan.
Definitely a top pick of 2018.
Intense.
Heartbreaking.
Empowering.
This was an intense read that had my heart clenching and I wasn’t sure how I was going to be able to finish this story. On the outside looking in Iris “had it all’ but all that glitters isn’t gold. We had several tense moments in this story and at times it FELT SO REAL. I felt the terror right along with Iris. Then we have August who is the right guy but the timing is wrong. As time goes on these two are reconnected and I really liked the slow burn and build up. Especially after everything Iris has gone through in her prior relationship. I know my review may be vague but I really don’t want to give anything away. This is a story that you need to go in blind like I did and just ride the waves and feel the feels.
This book was NOT what I expected in the least! I’ve never read anything by Kennedy Ryan and her words sucked me in from the first page. I also loved how realistic and relatable this story was and how accurate someone in this situation can be treated. Kennedy Ryan hit the nail on the head with this story. I’m also picky about my sports romance novels and this had the perfect blend of both in this story. After reading this book I will definitely be bumping up Flow, Grip and Still that have been sitting on my kindle patiently waiting for me to read them!
“She absorbed me,” I say, shaking my head. “I’d never felt that way about anyone else. When she told me she had a boyfriend, I felt like she was reading from the wrong script. Like that’s now how this is supposed to go. How can it possibly go that way when I feel like this already?”
Y’all, I honestly don’t know how to write this review.
How do I put into words all the emotions that filled my body when reading this story?
I read a lot. I appreciate a lot of different genres and viewpoints. I even love a great number of stories and authors. But when an author gives you story after story that doesn’t just tug on your heartstrings, but grabs your whole heart from your body … that author is something special.
So, Iris and August … the moment these two met, even I could feel the pull between them. There was something so different about each of them, that when I found out … well let’s just say I didn’t have high hopes for the future of this story. To be honest, I found the beginning of the story … rough. I could totally feel the connection between these two, but something just didn’t flow for me. Being the reader I am, though, I had to keep going.
The next part is … hard. I felt fear creep through my body for Iris. I had to stop at points to regroup myself before moving on. She, well she suffered. At the hands of a man who claimed “love” was the reason. During this hell, August finds her, but he is oblivious to what’s happening. It’s during this time, though, that August lets her know exactly how he feels “Center,” he says, linking our fingers and toying with the hair hanging on my shoulder. “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.” This moment is when I knew, I knew that August had to break through.
Then, finally, FINALLY — “HOPSCOTCH” (You’ll get it if you read, I promise!)
MiMi. She is EVERYTHING. That woman is the epitome of strength, dignity, and heart. Favorite character. Hands down. “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.” When Iris finally spends time with her, this is when she finds the strength to rebuild herself, and create the life that she had always wanted.
Iris begins the difficult journey to rebuilding her … well, really herself. On this journey, she intersects paths with August. Now, she is a very different woman than she was before, but that pull between the two of them isn’t any weaker, it’s only her trust in men that has her wavering. It’s difficult for her to really trust that August is looking out for her and not controlling her. “When I give you something, it’s yours. You’ll own it, and no one can take it away from you. Not even me.” He bends to whisper in my ear, “The same way you own my heart, Iris. Outright.”
This story was a journey. That doesn’t happen for me often that a story genuinely twists and turns me enough to say I journeyed through it. This story was tough. It made me question ideas I’ve carried for a long time, and it made me question how far you go to secure what you want.
Moving. Ugly. Emotional. Beautiful. Heartbreaking.
“I love that you trust me with that, that you’re so unguarded.”
“That’s because when I’m with you, I’m not unguarded.” I kiss the back of his hand, blinking at tears. “You guard me. I know you’ll always protect me.” <3
Just Wow!
I loved Kennedy Ryans, Grip duet and not having been familiar with her work prior to this, I wasn’t sure what to expect with Long Shot.
What I quickly discovered with this book was that it makes you realise that all may not always be as it seems. It all looked like the perfect life for Iris Dupree on the outside. She was the epitome of a girl who knew what she wanted in life and fiercely independent, but behind closed doors it becomes a world of turmoil.
August West, rising NBA star, was just perfect for me. There was some serious swooning on my part for him and you certainly couldn’t deny the attraction between him and Iris.
I cannot write this review without mentioning one character in particular. I won’t even mention who this character is, but if you read the book it will be clear as to who I mean. I love to hate a baddie. I really do, but it’s been a while since I have despised one on this level. So much so, I actually would have loved to beat them with a rusty hammer. I’m not even a violent person.
Once again another piece of pure class, work of fiction and another hard hitting storylines that just really got to me. And let me tell you, Kennedy is quickly cementing herself as one of my must read authors and one I highly recommend.
When I saw that Kennedy Ryan was writing a sports romance, I thought, awesome! I didn’t expect a sports romance with soooo much raw emotion and such a big story. Iris and August’s story is completely heartbreaking and not what I expected at all and I completely am lost in their story.
The writing of this book deals with sensitive issues, but tells a survivor’s story. It’s also a story of true love and truly finding your soulmate and waiting until the time is right to take your shot. The writing in here is deep and at times I felt like I was a witness to what was happening in the story. I actually stopped reading before I thought I was too far into the story, so I could sleep, only to wake up really early and my mind was right back in the story, I had to know what happened.
Ms. Ryan does a phenomenal job of telling a very hard story to tell. This one had me tied up in knots and I couldn’t wait to see how it played out. This is a slow burn story that will rip your heart out, but if you give it time, August will repair it for you. Absolute must read! There are sooo many good books so far in 2018, but this is right at the top of my list!
Heartbreakingly raw. Breathtakingly real. Brutal. Hopeful. Inspiring.
Once again Ms. Ryan has written a book that is important. Significant. Relevant.
It’s a book of survival, one that will resonate. A book that at times is unbearably, agonizingly hard. It hurt. Boy did it hurt.
But in true Kennedy Ryan fashion she will heal you. It may take awhile, but you’ll get there.
Long Shot will steal your breath, squeeze your heart, and make you think. The story of Iris and August isn’t easy, but it’s necessary, important. With Ms. Ryan’s powerful prose, you’ll be lost in their world, in their love. The saying goes “It’s not about the destination, it’s the journey.” In the case of Iris and August, it’s both. You’ll take a journey that’s unexpected, unpredictable, with many bumps and bruises along the way. But the destination, the light at the end of the tunnel, makes every bump, every bruise, every tear, worth it.
If you’re looking for a light-hearted sports romance, you’re not going to find it here. But if you’re looking for a book that will make you feel, open your mind, and your eyes, then Long Shot is the book for you.
Devastation in the first few pages, Kennedy Ryan’s Long Shot will make your heart bleed. And then there is an instant connection in the next few that gives you hope but not for long. Life happens and it’s written so well. Emotions all over the place, heart aching, anger at the unfairness but through it all there is still hope, love and respect. A sweeping, real-life story, the journey to true love and happiness isn’t always a bed of roses. It opens your eyes to the fact that not everything is as it seems and walking away is a lot harder than people think. It’s a sobering thought. The writing is smooth and descriptive with the pace a little slow in the beginning but only because the importance of the foundation that needed to be laid. August West and Iris Dupree are not only characters that are sexy and attractive, they are human too. They have flaws and aren’t perfect. They are people that you want to know and understand. And with the addition of side characters that not only intrigue but enrich the story too, it’s the beginning to a great series of a world you want a part of. Long Shot is more than just a great romance novel. It’s a romance novel that has a message that everyone needs to hear.
Blown Away! We speak of soul mates . Life journeys . When our lives go off track what are you willing to do for who you love. Beautiful painful and emotional . This handles some sensitive subject matter in such a way that you can’t help but devour the entire book in one sitting. I was in love with the strength of our heroine . I AM NEVER DISAPPOINTED with the stability or strength of Kennedy’s characters. I come away feeling as if there is something to be learned . But the happiness and joy that shines through you just feel.
Holy Freaking Hell. Let me just say that Kennedy blew me away with this book. And i thought this wouldn’t top Grip. BUT in a while new way it did!!!! i know crazy right because Helloooooo, im GRIPSQUEEN! duh Anyways August and Iris stole my freaking heart. The emotions in this book will make you raw but then Kennedy wonderfully comes in and swoons you back into good shape with hearts for eyes I recommend you definitely buddy read this book as its always nice to have a hand to hold in those emotion gripping moments that this book contains. I wholeheartedly loved this book. The story, characters, the messages it send and sends across to readers. EVERYTHING is the best. So i leave you with one of my favs from this book. Take The Shot.
Kennedy Ryan never ceases to amaze me with her words. Her truths. This book was nothing like I expected, but also everything I knew it would be. Moving. Emotional. Gut wrenching. Honest. Hopeful. This is more than a love story between a man and a woman. It’s a love story between parent and child, between family – by blood and by choice, and also with oneself.
Long Shot is not a light and fluffy read. It’s a grab you by the heart, pulse pounding journey that will challenge you, push you, and ultimately lift you. I’m not going to sugar coat it. This book deals with some very difficult and uncomfortable truths. Things that from the outside one can cavalierly dismiss or feel so certain that they would react and respond differently. But would you really if that became your reality?
“Struggle does not make you weak”
Long Shot challenges you to re-examine your beliefs through a different lens. It asks you to see beyond what you think you know and to dig deeper.
Iris and August’s journey is filled with highs and lows, but they are two souls tethered and connected in such a way that time and distance know no bounds. In true Kennedy Ryan fashion, when she writes a swoony scene, she REALLY gets you to swoon. Sigh. I love August.
Iris and August together were electric. I could feel the sparks leaping from the page. Every lingering gaze and stolen moment, made everything so much more profound and meaningful. Readers won’t be able to stop themselves from cheering for these two to overcome every obstacle and be able to finally take their shot. As much as I love August and Iris, I’m also really looking forward to more Lo and Kenan!
Don’t miss this powerful and incredible story of strength, survival, and hope. I cannot recommend this book enough! Give me all the pancakes!!!
Once again I find myself at a complete loss of words and direction when trying to convey my thoughts/feelings about a work of art from this amazing author. Because that is exactly what this book is…a complete work of artful perfection. The author brings everything to the table in this carefully scripted story of heartache, real truths, real pain, real feelings, real struggles, and brings them to life in a painfully beautiful way. This journey is not one to be taken lightly, but in that same breath I want every single person on this planet to read this book. Amongst the agony, real beauty and self worth emerges and it hurts so good to read through it.
It’s raw, it’s real, it sheds light, it brings truths, it will open eyes, and will alter your way of thinking. This book might fall under the generic “contemporary romance” genre…..but it’s so much more. So. Much. More. This storyline leaves no stones unturned and a tale like this couldn’t have been written in a more respectful fashion. This book is everything. As soon as I finished, I wanted to go right back to the beginning and read it all over again. This is one you will be feeling long after you are finished, and the characters will stay alive in your heart and soul for a long time afterwards. No spoilers….just read it. I promise you will have no regrets just like me.
Kel
Kel and Mel Tell Book Blog