Whew, this book was an emotional roller coaster. Once I picked it up, I could not put it down -- like reading through meals and sneaking pages during conference calls. As other reviews have mentioned, the subject matter is intense. Very graphicly depicted on page physical violence and rape. At one point I had to google "When does the violence end in Long Shot?" (it's at the 57% mark if you need to know). The author's note at the beginning does not go far enough, in my opinion, to prepare readers for this content, and readers should not need to search through reviews for these types of content flags.

That said, the writing is beautiful and the story of Iris's love for her daughter and her strength is really inspiring. I loved the chemistry between Iris and August and felt that longing and pining in every stolen moment they had together. The redemption arc of their love story is really satisfying to read. I also loved meeting some of the side characters who will be the main characters in other books in this series.

I voluntarily read a gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Bravo to Ms Kennedy Ryan for writing another wonderful, moving novel. Kennedy Ryan has such a way of writing a deeply personal book that really makes you feel like you’re right there with the main characters during all their personal struggles through the story.
Iris and August meet early on in the story and it’s obvious that they have great chemistry, the trouble is that Iris is dating August’s long time basketball rival, Caleb. Over time Iris and August have many different run-ins and remember that first night they met. It’s obvious to not only themselves that they have a special connection, but to everyone else, including Caleb.
Now through this story you get dual points of view between August and Iris. August is such a great character but I feel that Iris’s point of view was my favorite to read about. Iris is a survivor and reading about her journey of self healing is inspiring, but first reading about her trauma was very hard. It is graphic when it comes to the physical/sexual abuse so be aware if this might trigger you.
Kennedy Ryan, thank you for writing enjoyable, well researched books. You do an excellent job at conveying the different struggles many people go through. Also thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books publishing for a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I have an insane girl crush on Iris Dupree, her character is just pure gold. This story is heartbreaking, raw, emotional; you name it, it's there! The characters will forever live rent free in my mind. I became so invested in the story and I have shed so many tears while reading this. I would definitely recommend this but definitely be prepared to cry your eyes out.

5/5 stars

Sometimes a book has to hurt you to heal you, and that is the best description of Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan.

What Iris experiences in her relationship with the antagonist is something many other women have experienced, something they learned to fear, and some of them got lucky to leave before things got to that point. She is a survivor, but more than that, Iris is a reminder that when all is said and done and you own yourself again, you can be a thriver.

August is a good guy with a solid head on his shoulders, and even if he's been a superstar in his sport, the circumstances of pieces of his life made him feel like an outsider. A chance encounter in an Atlanta bar with Iris, another outsider, and the two of them are locked into a destiny, even if things get ugly before they reach it. I don't believe in soulmates, but I believe in instant connections, and I loved the way this one is written. I love that it's less about the feelings, and more about what they did with them - sharing real, grounded, deep things, even ugly things. The kinds of things that build a strong foundation, even if it happens in small pieces. It makes the rest of their relationship play out believably. The immediate vulnerability between them builds and builds over and over.

Iris and August are easy to root for. To scream for, in fact. Whatever else happened before they finally get to be, informs them to be a better partner for each other. The book just radiates with that kind of deep, true love. There are also a lot of good people in their lives who offer support and forgiveness, some of whom become characters in later books in the series. It's okay to start loving them now.

This book is hard to read, especially if you've ever experienced interpersonal violence like this, or even a shade of this. It's also worth it. There are so many messages contained within these pages that need to be heard. You might be recently healing or have been free for years, but it still helps to be reminded that you belong to yourself. However, please take your own well-being into account, and don't take the content warnings lightly. The abuse occurs on page, in detail.

Wow I didn't realize that such books could exist! Has opened me up to a whole new genre! Anyone that reads Kennedy Ryan.... you're in for a treat and a new addiction!

5/5

As always my friends please check out the trigger warnings and be aware that there are graphic depictions of abuse within this book.

It's rare to find a book that can speak to both love and pain with a certain ease. But that is exactly what this book does. It really showcased pain, healing, growth, perseverance, strength, and love in a realistic manner. I mean it when I say this book is a force to be reckoned with. It managed to balance being incredible painful, but also very healing. There is a strong message within this book that is spelt out, the important thing is that no matter what life throws at you, that you can overcome it, even if it's at your own pace and on your own terms. That depiction of hope really shone through for me and even if you cannot relate to abuse, I think there is something for everyone to be learned about life and love in this book. Another aspect that I would like to highlight is the fact that there is an important lesson on judgement. Often when individuals think of someone in an abusive relationship, the first question they ask is why didn't you just leave. This books response to that is very crucial. Because when your lives are so entwined, often you cannot, and there is fear around that and the abuser knows how to manipulate you and love bomb so really, it is so much more complicated than we can understand. Extra if there are children involved. That's why it's so important to hear victims, and let them grow at their own pace on their own terms.

This book is very uncomfortable to read at times. Kennedy Ryan does not shy away from depicting an abusive relationship, both physical, emotional, and mental. Reading this book made me feel like I was putting my heart on a table while being told to remain open-hearted. But the sad part is that the contents in this book is a reality for many individuals out there and it really made me want to learn more about the nature of supporting someone going through it. Underlying all of that is another reality that society really does protect abusers, especially if they're in an elite class. I know this is the case with hockey, there have been various reports and convictions, which were overturned and dismissed because 'he is good at the sport.' The abuser in this story for awhile is able to carry on with his glamorous life, which is disheartening and a real wake up call about how we treat certain athletes, in these instances of character, you cannot separate the athlete from their game.

Iris is easily going to be a character that is high up in my heart. I feel like I will always carry pieces of her around with me. She has so much love to give and share and she protects her daughter with a ferocity. She really came into her own and I am so glad that she took the time to heal from her situation, she stayed true to herself, and overcame so much hardship. August himself really stayed true and uplifted Iris, he understood her situation and most importantly supported her through it. He is a genuinely kind man and never asked for anything but love in return. Their love is unconditional. I have zero doubts in my mind that soulmates exist because of them and when it's meant to be, it will be. Their love shined through the darkness in this book and it really was the kind of love worth waiting for.

She was also a good friend, a really good friend and she had that support to lean back on, which was so pure. I love Lotus and I adored their friendship. She stayed strong for Iris when she couldn't be and always cheered her up. Their support was beautiful and her spirit felt so strong.

Above all else, this book was in some ways, a comfort to old wounds sealed long ago. An unfortunate reality is that every woman I know has encountered a moment that they can recall where they were aware of their position in society and how particular men viewed them, not as equals. You don't know who is suffering from what, it could be a friend, a mother, a sister, a teacher, someone at the grocery store, another reader, etc. But above all of this hatred, we can get better, we can choose to become the best versions of ourselves, and support each other. The beauty of getting to watch Iris transition from a girl to a woman to a mother and ultimately, a warrior/survivor was uplifting. I genuinely really look up to her and I salute her courage and admire how she always put her child first. I will remember you forever, Iris.

If you take any of my suggestions seriously, first you'll read the trigger warnings and then read this book if you can. I cannot recommend it enough, seriously.

Special thanks to sourcebooks CA and bloom books for the e-arc :] you can get the paperback copy on August (haha) 8th.

Long Shot is the first book of the Hoops series of interconnected standalones. I honestly don’t know where to start with this review and do this book justice. It was raw, it was heartbreaking, and it was beautiful. The connection between Iris and August is instant and the way it is written made me feel it in my soul. This story makes you really feel for the women that are in Iris’s situation and wonder how you can do your part to help them, to fight for them, and to bring awareness of the injustice that surrounds domestic abuse. This story is gut wrenching and I found my self sobbing through much of it. In spite of the very heavy topics, we see Iris and August’s love and relationship grow and blossom. August is what all men should be and is the ultimate book boyfriend. This was my first book by this author and their writing captivated me from the beginning. I will for sure be reading more of their work!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley I was able to read this as an ARC due to the new cover and publisher change. I absolutely loved this novel and was wrecked by all of the emotion in it. If you like basketball, and forbidden love stories this is for you! I have wanted to read a Kennedy Ryan novel for a while now and this did not disappoint!

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

I really love this author. She is a solid writer of stories with tough topics. Please take the trigger warnings seriously. I read them and was still shook up.

The characters hardships gave me whiplash. I’m not typically a sports romance fan but this became less sports focused after the first half of the book. It’s also spicy with open door scenes. There are also some very graphic, violating, and violent scenes. It’s a bingeable book but I needed to set it down and come back at some parts.

Thank you Bloom for this free arc in return for an honest review.

This book. I have no words. This book captivated the struggles and hardship of a domestic violent relationship perfectly. This book followed Iris through her healing journey and finding her second chance at life. This book follows a basketball player who’s fallen for someone who’s unavailable but will stop at nothing until he gets his hands on her. This book had me sobbing into my pillow multiple times. I will be personally forwarding my therapy bill to Kennedy Ryan after finishing this.

This book handled such triggering topics with care and respect. As someone who’s been in a similar situation, I felt the hurt and pain Iris felt during these tough scenes. When Iris cried, I cried. When Iris laughed, I laughed. Thank you to Kennedy Ryan for captivating this with care and respect to every victim out there. This book will hold a special place in my heart and may even be the best book I’ve ever read

Kennedy Ryan is a master story teller. Be aware of the trigger warnings for this one. There is so much heartbreak in this story and so much strength in the main character, Iris. I read this book in one sitting - could not put it down. This is a brutal depiction of domestic violence and a reminder that not everything is at it seems on the glittering and glamorous surface. While there is a romance in here, the main character’s survival is the bigger story. This is one that will stay in my memory for a long time. Thank you to Bloom Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

Powerful. Angsty. Emotional.
Iris DuPree's life hasn't been easy. Surviving a natural disaster and forced to move to another city while growing up with her Mother, she has to endure a lot of things. Now she has a chance to do what she always dreamed. She has a rich and a famous- on the making -boyfriend, but one night she meets someone in a bar altering everything and in a matter of seconds her destiny sets to take another course. Iris will face some unimaginable things leaving all hopes and dreams on hold.
Beautifully writting. Excrutiating and yet powerful and emotional. A journey of healing and finding love when you most need it .
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Special thanks to the Author, Publisher and Netgalley for this ARC. The opinion expressed here are on my own.

Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan is a soul-stirring sports romance that goes beyond love and basketball. When Iris DuPree meets August West, sparks fly, but their timing is off. August is on the brink of NBA stardom, and Iris is trapped in a nightmare relationship. Despite going their separate ways, their connection lingers, and fate brings them back together. However, Iris's past haunts her, and she must summon her strength to survive and rebuild her life, with the hope that her bond with August can endure. Ryan's poignant storytelling, well-developed characters, and exploration of sensitive topics like intimate partner violence make Long Shot a gripping and emotionally charged read that leaves a lasting impact on readers' hearts.

Long Shot is a tale of resilience and love, woven into the world of professional basketball. Kennedy Ryan skillfully portrays the emotional journey of Iris as she navigates through pain, survival, and healing. The chemistry between Iris and August is palpable, adding depth to the story. While the book addresses challenging themes of domestic abuse, it offers hope and empowers its readers to find strength in the face of adversity. Overall, Long Shot is a powerful and unforgettable novel that captivates with its heartfelt storytelling and leaves a profound impression on those who dare to delve into its pages.

This was an emotionally jarring read! I would strongly recommend checking trigger warnings before heading into this story, it's so much more than just a second chance sports romance. From start to finish my emotions were taken on a rollercoaster ride. If you can handle the content I do think it's an impactful and powerful storyline.

I'm a fan of this author and really enjoy her writing style. I appreciate how she always delivers in my opinion well-developed characters and a strong plotline. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

Thank you Kennedy Ryan, Net Galley and Sourcebooks- Bloom Books for providing me with this book.

Kennedy Ryan never disappoints! I’m very excited about starting this new series from her. This book made it to one of my Top 10 favorites of all time. Iris Dupree was one of the best fictional characters and one of the strongest characters I’ve ever read about. This book was simply fantastic and a wonderful way to kick off this series! I can’t wait for more.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for the arc of this book!

⤷‧₊˚4.5⭑
“you can be on my team.”
“oh, i lob a smile up at him, much too close to flirting.” “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 is small forward, and the four is power forward. the five is… “center,” he says.
“if you were mine, iris, there would be no doubt what position you’d hold in my life. you’d be the center. i’d play you at the five.”

kennedy ryan always writes amazing, heart wrenching storys. but this here is my number #1.

this was amazing and even if i always would recommend this book !please! check the trigger warnings this is not a cute rom com. it has a lot of heavy themes. that being said the characters are work of art no kidding they are amazing. iris is one of the most beautiful and strongest fiction character, her story is heartbreaking. i cries so much but this means a lot to me.

truly a masterpiece.


some more quotes because why not:

“i should have done this the night me met,” i whisper into her mouth, my head spinning from breathing her air. “it should have been me, iris.” her eyes squeeze shut and a tear slides over her cheek. “i know” she bites her lip and nods. “it should have been you.”

“People have no idea what some women go through behind closed doors or what keeps them there.”

“you are pure. you are enough. you are strong.”
“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.”

* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this book. All thoughts are my own.

Kennedy Ryan did a fantastic job with this book. It was very well written and I loved the characters. This book may not be for everyone because of the graphic content, which the author does warn the reader about on the first page. I will absolutely continue this series.

Would recommend!

August and Iris meet and feels an instant connection to each other. Unfortunately, she's with his rival Caleb- a truly despicable guy. They meet again years later and their connection is still undeniable. Will true love conquers all?

This is a very intense and emotional book. There are some trigger warnings: domestic and sexual abuse and rape. Iris and August are both strong survivors and they made this book terrific.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

Wow this was such a powerful and beautiful story!

Kennedy Ryan has quickly become one of my favourite authors and this story is one that will stick with me for a long time.

When Iris and August meet their connection is undeniable. However Iris is in a relationship with Caleb - August's rival in the NBA. The first half of this book was very tough to read. It was so heartbreaking seeing the horrific things Iris suffered. (Trigger warnings for domestic abuse and rape.) I have so much respect for Iris, she is so strong, resilient and brave.

I loved August's character. He is so kind hearted, tender and loves Iris unconditionally. It takes a while for Iris and August to get their HEA but when they do its magical.

I also enjoyed all the side characters (baby Sarai, Lotus and Mimi) and how they added at this wonderful story!

I’ve read this masterpiece a thousand times. This is one of my favorite series ever. As a DV survivor, this story was healing for me as well. This is also what got me into sport romances so thanks for that 😂 I’ve been obsessed ever since!