The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
unfxckwhittable's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-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 the experience of reading this book and Kennedy Ryan is easily my favorite author of 2023.
I typically don’t go into books knowing what to expect because I read them based on covers or recommendations so the DV in this book was shocking and incredibly graphic. But I felt so many emotions and I loved the MCs. I loved the description of iris’s new orleanean history,
her relationship with Lotus, how she learned from her mistakes. And I loved how gentle August was with her throughout and also learned from his mistakes. I don’t like the miscommunication trope, and appreciate that Ryan didn’t ruin his development with it.
I typically don’t go into books knowing what to expect because I read them based on covers or recommendations so the DV in this book was shocking and incredibly graphic. But I felt so many emotions and I loved the MCs. I loved the description of iris’s new orleanean history,
her relationship with Lotus, how she learned from her mistakes. And I loved how gentle August was with her throughout and also learned from his mistakes. I don’t like the miscommunication trope, and appreciate that Ryan didn’t ruin his development with it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Sexual violence, Rape, and Physical abuse
faitheslibrary's review against another edition
5.0
This was one of the heaviest books I’ve read in a while. I loved watching Iris take back her power and her journey to healing. I also loved how patient August was with her even without knowing the full scope of the horrible things she had to go through. I’m so happy they got their happy ending , they both deserved it so so much.
donnakay's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
gigireadswithkiki's review against another edition
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? It's complicated
5.0
I've been reading a lot of books that are misses for me lately but its so refreshing to know that Kennedy Ryan can, and always will be, a 5 star read for me. Every single topic in her books are handled with so much love and care, and in the case of "Long Shot", its domestic abuse. Though I've read books covering domestic abuse before, and though "Long Shot" doesn't shy away from the distinct horrors that are inflicted upon Ivy, it does provide glaring insight into the ways that abuse is not only skin deep. Ivy's story explores facets of slut shaming/victim blaming, the paranoia and PTSD that haunt a victim even after leaving your abuser, and so much more. Her story was not easy to read, but was handled so lovingly that this book was well worth the read.
It also helps that August is a phenomenal MMC in his own right, with his own fantastic character development arc. AND that the ending is deliciously gratifying. Kennedy Ryan is one of my top 3 favorite authors now, I can't wait to get to the rest of her backlist.
It also helps that August is a phenomenal MMC in his own right, with his own fantastic character development arc. AND that the ending is deliciously gratifying. Kennedy Ryan is one of my top 3 favorite authors now, I can't wait to get to the rest of her backlist.
ericas_bookshelf's review against another edition
5.0
FIVE STARS IS NOT ENOUGH.
“The heart speaks in whispers, but sometimes by the time we listen it’s too late.”
I am not exaggerating when I say this is one of the best romance books I have EVER read. You can’t narrow it down to “tropes” and I won’t attempt to. Kennedy very obviously did her research when it comes to domestic abuse survivors and the hell they endure. I loved that she didn’t shy away from the ugly parts of this story, but she balanced it out with everything that is August. There are heavy TW’s, so take care. But I would highly encourage you to persevere. Because this story will stay with me forever.
Total cry count: 10 separate times, and countless tissue paper graveyards
Spice:
“The heart speaks in whispers, but sometimes by the time we listen it’s too late.”
I am not exaggerating when I say this is one of the best romance books I have EVER read. You can’t narrow it down to “tropes” and I won’t attempt to. Kennedy very obviously did her research when it comes to domestic abuse survivors and the hell they endure. I loved that she didn’t shy away from the ugly parts of this story, but she balanced it out with everything that is August. There are heavy TW’s, so take care. But I would highly encourage you to persevere. Because this story will stay with me forever.
Total cry count: 10 separate times, and countless tissue paper graveyards
Spice:
kdipreta421's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-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? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this one. The cover (the one with the male) is why I didn’t start it until a few days ago but I’m so glad I decided to read it finally. It’s for sure not just a fluffy romance novel. There is some heaviness to this one and at times i was so frustrated! A few good spicy scenes, and I like the different POV’s. Definitely worth the read.
bookishgworl's review against another edition
5.0
This book is one of the best books I’ve read this year. Ms. Kennedy outdid herself writing this story.
The domestic violence awareness in this book is AMAZING! It was so heartbreaking to read but so good at the same time. Iris is such a strong individual and a bomb ass mother! August is truly the perfect man. This story was so raw and heavy, I will never forget this book.
I’m still gathering all of my thoughts.
Pls check tw!!!!
The domestic violence awareness in this book is AMAZING! It was so heartbreaking to read but so good at the same time. Iris is such a strong individual and a bomb ass mother! August is truly the perfect man. This story was so raw and heavy, I will never forget this book.
I’m still gathering all of my thoughts.
Pls check tw!!!!