Long Shot - Special Edition (Hoops)

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At times Long Shot was difficult to read because of the emotions it stirred in me. I raged a bit then steeled myself to face some more. And it was so worth it. You know, I wrote BMF so that you CAN jump in, even though it is the third book in the series, but I don't think you SHOULD. I'm not saying that just to get you to buy the first 2 books. Separation: Kind of They are separated shortly after kissing (and other things) for the first time for about a year, but they were not technically "together" at that point. The h was raped by the OM and the H hadn't been with anyone during this time. Kennedy Ryan is officially on my list. Not only did she go the extra mile and put in that note and throughly explained why domestic abuse is wrong through her characters story's but she clearly did her research. I want to throw my metaphorical hat up in the air and rejoice because you can see that this woman is passionate not only about writing, but loving what she writes. It's not just some bullshit - it's a story within a story, where she took different testimonies and put it together to create what we now know as Long Shot. I am still speechless to what I should be writing for this review. Kennedy Ryan has this beautiful way of telling a story that you can relate to and just be in that moment with her characters. Sean Crisden and Jo Raylan embody everything these characters feel and go through. AMAZING narration!!

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. The heart speaks in whispers, but sometimes by the time we listen, it’s too late. I learned that the hardest way. And maybe that girl can change her course before it’s too late.” Long Shot follows star-crossed lovers; the sports marketing student Iris and August, the rookie basket ball phenom and their long road to one another. They meet by happenstance one evening, and fall into easy, intriguing conversation and mutually forge a fast but fierce bond over shared childhood challenges, goals and personal triumphs. They seem like peas in the most adorable pod only the timing is off, Iris has a boyfriend and they part ways, magnets being pulled apart, though they longed to connect. Over the next year they saw one another twice, each time the magnetic pull between them stronger than before. But time, that elusive, and world’s most valuable commodity never seems to be on their side, you see in that year, Iris has had the very goals and dreams she shared with August become derailed and deferred and has found herself trading the life she wanted for living the life someone else fashioned for her, breaking her mind, body and spirit to fit into their mold. But through it all, that undeniable attraction never dies and when tragedy strikes on and off the court for them both, it is that very connection that will save each of their lives.

Parallel to the excruciating, very graphic and horrid POV from Iris days of abuse, we had August's POV. All slow, recovering from an injury, growing as a NBA player and as a man. Alright. I'm not sure what was the author's intent, but I had difficulties to remain interested about what was going on in his life. The alternate POVs felt so unbalanced. All I wanted to know was how Iris would eventually escape her living hell and be done with the book. There is a reader sensitive content warning at the beginning of the novel, and it is well-earned, however, the content is so well written, so responsibly conveyed that I have little doubt that readers will digest and appreciate the difficult scenes. The author writes the ugly, so beautifully, looking away is not even an option. I read it half breathing at times, heart pounding throughout. I was not the same person in the few hours it took me to finish it. I’d gone from casually reading to pass the time, to wanting to DO SOMETHING! Upon reading this book, I was vibrating with energy and excitement. I felt so alive and happy. So, happy. The author obviously touched a lot of readers with Long Shot, I've been hearing how good and emotional the book was before it even released. Both bloggers and readers adored it, connected with it on different levels. Before I get into it, I have to warn readers that this book has sensitive themes that may trigger some. It is told in graphic detail, so tread lightly.

Spoiling this book would be a travesty, it’s best experienced as raw and undiluted as possible, but Iris’ boyfriend is a manipulating tool to say the absolute least and through it all August remained her beacon of hope. He wasn’t her savior, he didn’t take care of her, he didn’t make things better, he simply made things possible, hopeful and with that knowledge, that there was light and hope possible in her life, Iris saved herself. Her beacon was a lighthouse on her dark expanse. But she took command of her own ship and when she was ready, sailed toward the light on her own terms. August was amazing, but not infallible. He wasn’t perfect but he was perfect for her and she for him and these two magnets were made to attract. August West and Iris Dupree meet in a bar before the two graduate from college. They have an instant spark followed by the conversation of a lifetime, but something prevents them from taking things further than a one time kiss. Their timing is all wrong, but they never forget the connection they felt that night.

i read the book and waited for the audio version so I could do a re-read, and it was absolutely worth the wait. Long Shot cane to life with the narrators, and added to the intensity of situations and emotions. It cut straight to the heart. But like I said, it truly did get better towards the middle and I really enjoyed how the author incorporated elements of humor, suspense, sports and romance all in one to create this phenomenal piece of writing! I am wife to the love of my life, mom to a special, beautiful son, and a friend to those living with autism through my charitable foundation. NEWSLETTER: I want to start by congratulating the author on doing everything right in the domestic violence front. In my last review, in fact, I stated how if an author is going to talk about subjects such as domestic violence or heavy themes like it - it is their duty as an advocate against it to leave a little note at the end of the book that could help any potential victims.

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Holy Moly this was one powerful read! Kennedy Ryan’s writing grabbed hold of me from the beginning with a connection between Iris and August that spans years. Centered around two NBA ball players and a beautiful young women fresh out of college. Iris is driven by her own career dreams and aspirations. Iris Dupree’s life takes several dark turns during the years and her situation seems hopeless. What did I do to deserve this? 😭😭 I don't have the capacity to put together words to explain the state of my thoughts and feelings. I loved Iris' relationship with her cousin and best friend Lotus. Their solidarity and deep bond. She was there when Iris needed her the most, and stayed strong for Iris when she couldn't be. Their relationship with their grandmother was beautiful. Iris first meets August when Caleb is playing away,she is watching a game in a local bar near her hotel and they chat the night away, its like their souls are aligned, like they have known each other years and in the moment when it's time to say goodnight Iris doesn't take it any further and even though the pull is strong for them to kiss she tells August she has a boyfriend, that moment, if only Iris had known this was a sign, an invisible crossroads in her life.