whatmeaganreads's review against another edition
5.0
Let me start by saying that I did not see the warning about domestic violence in this book. I somehow missed that but I will say there's a good bit of it in this book and Kennedy Ryan leaves NOTHING to the imagination in the way it's described. I have never disliked a character as much as I disliked Caleb. The things he does to Iris are gut-wrenchingly awful and to think there are men out there that do this. It's gross and maddening!
August West and Caleb are rival basketball players and a chance encounter puts Caleb's gf in August's path one night. They have an enlightening conversation and it's all August can think about afterwards. There are a few more times when they see each other and then she just disappears. Before she disappears though a few things have happened, Caleb catches the way Iris and August look at each other, August finds out a secret about Iris, they share a moment together and August is injured.
A little while later Iris surfaces and her and August see each other and she's able to tell him a few things about why she disappeared but not everything. She leaves out a few details that almost end up getting her killed.
This book is definitely a must read and it's even better with the audio as the narrators' voices bring it to life. However, you are being warned again that this book is brutal in the way of domestic violence.
“Ours is a love that reimagines—that peels back the sky at high noon searching for the stars, collecting them like shells in a bucket. We bathe in stardust, drink from the Milky Way, and dance on the moon. We pierce the firmament, peer into infinity, and tread on time and space. There is no before. There is no after. Now gives birth to forever. This moment may die, but this love never will. Time is not a line. It’s a circle, and we, August and Iris, we stand at the center.”
― Kennedy Ryan, Long Shot
“You’re right.” I loosen my fingers from hers so I can hold her face between both hands. “Going to Houston is my best shot at winning a ring.” “Then why would you—” “But staying here,” I cut in, caressing the fullness of her bottom lip with my thumb. “Staying is my best shot at winning you.”
“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.”
― Kennedy Ryan, Long Shot
― Kennedy Ryan, Long Shot
August West and Caleb are rival basketball players and a chance encounter puts Caleb's gf in August's path one night. They have an enlightening conversation and it's all August can think about afterwards. There are a few more times when they see each other and then she just disappears. Before she disappears though a few things have happened, Caleb catches the way Iris and August look at each other, August finds out a secret about Iris, they share a moment together and August is injured.
A little while later Iris surfaces and her and August see each other and she's able to tell him a few things about why she disappeared but not everything. She leaves out a few details that almost end up getting her killed.
This book is definitely a must read and it's even better with the audio as the narrators' voices bring it to life. However, you are being warned again that this book is brutal in the way of domestic violence.
“Ours is a love that reimagines—that peels back the sky at high noon searching for the stars, collecting them like shells in a bucket. We bathe in stardust, drink from the Milky Way, and dance on the moon. We pierce the firmament, peer into infinity, and tread on time and space. There is no before. There is no after. Now gives birth to forever. This moment may die, but this love never will. Time is not a line. It’s a circle, and we, August and Iris, we stand at the center.”
― Kennedy Ryan, Long Shot
“You’re right.” I loosen my fingers from hers so I can hold her face between both hands. “Going to Houston is my best shot at winning a ring.” “Then why would you—” “But staying here,” I cut in, caressing the fullness of her bottom lip with my thumb. “Staying is my best shot at winning you.”
“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.”
― Kennedy Ryan, Long Shot
― Kennedy Ryan, Long Shot
crumbofcare's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I loved this book by the end and I'm glad I finished it, but I will never judge anyone for not being able to finish this book bc the first 50% is HARD to read. I had to take a few breaks to read a fantasy book battle scene to help alleviate some of my bloodthirsty feelings in the first half.
August and Iris are fantastic and swoonworthy. I trust Kennedy Ryan to break my heart, make me cry, and then glue my heart back together and give me a happily ever after and this book was no exception.
August and Iris are fantastic and swoonworthy. I trust Kennedy Ryan to break my heart, make me cry, and then glue my heart back together and give me a happily ever after and this book was no exception.
lyndseyislit's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
🏀🏀Long Shot🏀🏀
Wow.. just wow.
This book is very heavy. It’s got some dark elements to it so if I’d highly recommend looking at the triggers prior to reading it if you need to. It include domestic abuse and rape.
I’ll be honest and say that I did not read a description about this book prior to reading it. I saw that it had good reviews and was a sports romance. Kennedy Ryan will also be at an event that I will be attending in a couple weeks so I wanted to read some of her books. So I picked this one and jumped right in.
Man, did this book twist my heart around. I had so much hate in my heart for Caleb. I’ll be honest I wanted to jump in the book and unalive him myself.
I loved how Iris’s character was written. She was such a strong and brave woman. She always put her child first and I respect her for that. She got herself out of a horrible situation and really did the work to help improve herself.
I absolutely adored August. He is what a real man looks like. I am so happy that he got his HEA.
This was such a well written book. I highly recommend it!!
Fun fact. Kennedy is the name of my youngest. So of course I had to read a book by an author with the same name! ❤️🏀
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Rape, and Domestic abuse
hewasamoose's review against another edition
3.0
it was sooo much heavier than i expected it to be
if this is what your looking for, its perfect—important discussion about domestic violence etc—however it's really, definitely not the way it was advertised to me and i was gobsmacked when the violence began
if this is what your looking for, its perfect—important discussion about domestic violence etc—however it's really, definitely not the way it was advertised to me and i was gobsmacked when the violence began
anotherreadingblonde's review against another edition
5.0
I’m in awe.
I am at a point where I believe I can’t do a book justice with my reviews.
I’m in awe of Iris.
I’m in awe of Kennedy Ryan for writing this book.
And most of all I’m in awe of every woman who survived something like this. Who fought and got out. Who was able to bounce back. I’m not sure if I would be able to.
This book was eye opening in the most painful and important way. I literally read this in one day. You can’t call it reading - I devoured page after page. I couldn’t let Iris go for just a second. I needed to be with her!
Iris truly is an inspiring and awesome character and knowing this book was based on the story of two woman - how strong must they be.
She survived the worst.
She had more breaking points than twenty people together. And she never once gave up.
She did everything in her power to bounce back and found her so damn deserved happiness in the end.
If only everyone where as strong as her.
I must say Kennedy Ryan did an horrifyingly great job portraying Caleb. The way a relationship full of love can turn into something so tragic. How a person meant to love you can turn into the monster to hurt you. It was so realistic it was scary. How Iris willing to see the best and oversaw her spot to leave. For many woman the realization comes to late to escape. And in this book this was shown so damn good.
This book is so much more than a forbidden sports romance.
It shows how signs of an abusive relationship are often overlooked. How abuser hold such a strong power over the abused. How the victim has no idea how to escape. They see no other option than to stay. And slowly die inside whilst staying.
I was in constant pain reading this book. It was written so real and hurtful. I found myself feeling so deeply with Iris. I hurt for her, I felt for her, I cried with her.
This is a huge recommendation here! Please mind trigger warnings since there is some really serious shit going down but if you can handle it - don’t hold back reading it.
I can only say - every woman who had to go through something like this has my deepest sympathy and I want to safe you all. I hope they all find their happy ending and are able to find peace and find a Prince in this pit of monsters out there. I hope they can forget and come back even stronger!
Kennedy Ryan. You are amazing.
Everyone read this book. I said it before - I can’t possibly do this book any justice with my review. Just believe me when I say: please if you feel like you can handle it, read it. It’s not the cheerful funny sorts romance. It’s some heavy stuff and really depressing at times because of what the mc has to go through. But it’s so worth it. I don’t want to call it a beautiful story, that feels totally wrong.
But this book shows us a woman, stronger than most of us, fighting for her shot at happiness and a good life for those she cares about. She fights the monster and finds herself a prince. But she doesn’t depend on him. She finds herself first which is one of the best parts of the book! She focuses on her needs and her healing.
Give it a try. Read reviews from more talented people than me if you are still hesitant. But honestly - why should you be? I stressed several times now that this was impeccable and amazing and I can’t even comprehend how good this was. What are you waiting for????
Kennedy Ryan has a writing style that’s just something else. The experience of reading her books is just on a whole different planet. She provides a full packed reader experience holding you in a chokehold starting on page one that will never really let you go again. I’m still reeling after finishing.
For fairness I want to point out that there was a damn great love interest too! He was so perfect I can’t. I loved him the second we met him in the bar. August, you are a good guy. Thank you for taking care our our girl Iris. She doesn’t need you - she can survive literally anything on her own. Power woman rule! - but you make her life so much better.
This is the first time I don’t want to snag the love interest away from the main character but it’s not because he’s not worthy of a spot in my harem of book boyfriends. It’s because those two truly deserve each other, their love and their happily ever after.
Also Lotus. Girl you are something else. Thank you for existing. Or thank you Kennedy for thinking of her. I can’t wait for her and Jared’s story. It’s gonna be amazing I already know.
And MiMi - the great-grandmother everyone deserves and I wish everyone had.
I’m so glad I finally read this book after it spend a while on my tbr. It was so worth every minute reading and every second of pain and loss of tears on my side! It’s so impactful. I’m still not over it.
5
I am at a point where I believe I can’t do a book justice with my reviews.
I’m in awe of Iris.
I’m in awe of Kennedy Ryan for writing this book.
And most of all I’m in awe of every woman who survived something like this. Who fought and got out. Who was able to bounce back. I’m not sure if I would be able to.
This book was eye opening in the most painful and important way. I literally read this in one day. You can’t call it reading - I devoured page after page. I couldn’t let Iris go for just a second. I needed to be with her!
Iris truly is an inspiring and awesome character and knowing this book was based on the story of two woman - how strong must they be.
She survived the worst.
She had more breaking points than twenty people together. And she never once gave up.
She did everything in her power to bounce back and found her so damn deserved happiness in the end.
If only everyone where as strong as her.
I must say Kennedy Ryan did an horrifyingly great job portraying Caleb. The way a relationship full of love can turn into something so tragic. How a person meant to love you can turn into the monster to hurt you. It was so realistic it was scary. How Iris willing to see the best and oversaw her spot to leave. For many woman the realization comes to late to escape. And in this book this was shown so damn good.
This book is so much more than a forbidden sports romance.
It shows how signs of an abusive relationship are often overlooked. How abuser hold such a strong power over the abused. How the victim has no idea how to escape. They see no other option than to stay. And slowly die inside whilst staying.
I was in constant pain reading this book. It was written so real and hurtful. I found myself feeling so deeply with Iris. I hurt for her, I felt for her, I cried with her.
This is a huge recommendation here! Please mind trigger warnings since there is some really serious shit going down but if you can handle it - don’t hold back reading it.
I can only say - every woman who had to go through something like this has my deepest sympathy and I want to safe you all. I hope they all find their happy ending and are able to find peace and find a Prince in this pit of monsters out there. I hope they can forget and come back even stronger!
Kennedy Ryan. You are amazing.
Everyone read this book. I said it before - I can’t possibly do this book any justice with my review. Just believe me when I say: please if you feel like you can handle it, read it. It’s not the cheerful funny sorts romance. It’s some heavy stuff and really depressing at times because of what the mc has to go through. But it’s so worth it. I don’t want to call it a beautiful story, that feels totally wrong.
But this book shows us a woman, stronger than most of us, fighting for her shot at happiness and a good life for those she cares about. She fights the monster and finds herself a prince. But she doesn’t depend on him. She finds herself first which is one of the best parts of the book! She focuses on her needs and her healing.
Give it a try. Read reviews from more talented people than me if you are still hesitant. But honestly - why should you be? I stressed several times now that this was impeccable and amazing and I can’t even comprehend how good this was. What are you waiting for????
Kennedy Ryan has a writing style that’s just something else. The experience of reading her books is just on a whole different planet. She provides a full packed reader experience holding you in a chokehold starting on page one that will never really let you go again. I’m still reeling after finishing.
For fairness I want to point out that there was a damn great love interest too! He was so perfect I can’t. I loved him the second we met him in the bar. August, you are a good guy. Thank you for taking care our our girl Iris. She doesn’t need you - she can survive literally anything on her own. Power woman rule! - but you make her life so much better.
This is the first time I don’t want to snag the love interest away from the main character but it’s not because he’s not worthy of a spot in my harem of book boyfriends. It’s because those two truly deserve each other, their love and their happily ever after.
Also Lotus. Girl you are something else. Thank you for existing. Or thank you Kennedy for thinking of her. I can’t wait for her and Jared’s story. It’s gonna be amazing I already know.
And MiMi - the great-grandmother everyone deserves and I wish everyone had.
I’m so glad I finally read this book after it spend a while on my tbr. It was so worth every minute reading and every second of pain and loss of tears on my side! It’s so impactful. I’m still not over it.
5
thewandering's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
miranda__'s review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
3.25
karalouise's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
kdealtn's review against another edition
5.0
I am sincerely blown away.
I needed a light hearted romance to listen to on a road trip and picked up Long Shot. It looked like a steamy romance from the cover. I learned not to judge a book by its cover once again.
This story is NOT light hearted but it is one of the most emotional, heartbreaking, triumphant stories of two people and the journey life took them on to be together I’ve ever read.
It was brutal. It was sweet. It was sad. It was joyful. It was just everything. I cannot say enough. The narrators were absolutely amazing. Especially the narrator for Iris.
Read this book. It will change you and if you’re like me, you’ll think about Iris and August for a long time to come.
I needed a light hearted romance to listen to on a road trip and picked up Long Shot. It looked like a steamy romance from the cover. I learned not to judge a book by its cover once again.
This story is NOT light hearted but it is one of the most emotional, heartbreaking, triumphant stories of two people and the journey life took them on to be together I’ve ever read.
It was brutal. It was sweet. It was sad. It was joyful. It was just everything. I cannot say enough. The narrators were absolutely amazing. Especially the narrator for Iris.
Read this book. It will change you and if you’re like me, you’ll think about Iris and August for a long time to come.
sydneek01's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
So when I picked this book up, I was not ready for the emotional rollercoaster, the gut - wrenching sadness, or anything else that happened in this book. Iris is the strongest FMC I’ve read by far…
Basically, Iris finds herself in a very dangerous situation & must leave to protect those she loves but when she comes back & sees August again, she’s got to decide if she’s ready to let him show her how love should be.
Make sure to check all trigger warnings, as this book gets pretty dark.
Basically, Iris finds herself in a very dangerous situation & must leave to protect those she loves but when she comes back & sees August again, she’s got to decide if she’s ready to let him show her how love should be.
Make sure to check all trigger warnings, as this book gets pretty dark.