Iris is a glorious and incredible character. A warrior. A survivor. Her story brought me to my knees. My heart broke for her cause her story is another woman’s too. I knew there was light at the other end of the tunnel and it was worth it to go through all this violence to get it. Their love gave me hope. It also helps that it made me swoon so bad. With the connection these two have, you won't even have any space in your heart to deny they're meant to be. I spoke because maybe there’s some girl like me. Young. Vulnerable. Naïve. Flattered by his attention. Maybe she thinks his jealousy means he loves her more or that it’s cute. Does she realize that slowly, surely, she’s being cut off from her friends? Isolated from her family? Being molded into something she’s not? Into what he wants her to be?” She is singular, obliterating every kiss that came before her, eliminating the possibility of anyone else ever tasting this good.”

None for Iris in a relationship she made clear she wasn't interested in—but still commited because... reasons.

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Overall Opinion: Yet again I feel like a broken record here. Why oh why can't we get some good closure?! We have such troublesome times that we experience with these characters...is it so much to ask for some more of the good stuff thrown in to balance it all out?! The drama seemed a little too OTT as well. At the time of reading it I let it go thinking that we would get those happy times to even it all out, but sadly I don't feel like I got enough to justify it all. I enjoyed the book enough to keep reading it, but I honestly think that it could've been a lot better. I had a hard time with the balance between the characters as well. The H seemed too good for the h, and I didn't feel like the h deserved him and all he did for her a lot of the time. She just seemed to be a taker in the relationship and not so much a giver (if that makes sense 🤷🏻‍♀️). Iris and August have a few things in common; 1) they are both huge basketball fans, 2) that they both have troubled pasts that have impact on their lives as adults, and 3) they have this instant connection that can be seen from a mile away. Iris and August meet at a bar on possibly the eve of his biggest game ever. She is watching her favorite team and he is drawn to her like a moth to a flame. They have a wonderful conversation that is easy and charged with sexual chemistry. However, when the bartender lets them know they can't stay any long the two of them have a moment of do I stay or should I go. Because life is complicated they go their separate ways but that one brief encounter forever haunts them. Their story is not an easy one as a matter of fact it is hard, heartbreaking, and just painful at times.

Iris and August meet just before their lives changed. They were just two college students who met at a dive bar and have a mutual love for basketball. Who both, at one point, have felt like they never really belonged. It was easy to open up to a stranger who seems to understand you more than anyone else, and that's what they did that night. There was a connection neither of them can deny, they just can't do anything because they're going on different paths in life. Book Genre: Abuse, Adult, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Dark, Fiction, New Adult, Romance, Sociology, Sports, Sports Romance 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. A Standalone 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 stars. Fine. Forbidden. He wants me. I want him. But my past, my fraudulent prince, just won’t let me go. for further guidance. Long Shot (Hoops, #1) by Kennedy Ryan – eBook DetailsAs a reviewer, I like to think I make it pretty clear when something works for me and when something doesn't work for me. When it doesn't, I'll honestly lay out why. And when it does, I'll shout my love from the rooftops. Long Shot is by far one of the best books I've read. Its a real life story with a very relevant story line, all set in the exciting world of basketball, with all the good, bad and the ugly. Remember these lines women of the world. These are your rights, never to be taken for granted and never ever to be violated. The free will counts ! As you progress in the story you will see that kennedy doesn't hide the ugliness of an abusive relationship at all. She lays them bare for the readers to see. Stark and naked, they are right in front of your eyes , for you to take note and see all the flags. I’ve commented a few times as I’ve read this book that it is nothing like I expected. Nothing like I expected in a good way. It showed me a completely different style of Kennedy Ryan’s writing. And it was stunning, beautiful, and tragic

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. 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.

Some people are afraid a gator will crawl out of the swamp and emerge as a threat. My nightmares star a different predator. I dream Caleb will rise out of the bayou some day and eat me whole, and next time I won’t be able to pry his jaws open and escape. My first disappointement with the book is that I couldn't connect with any of the characters prior to get into the gritty parts. Sure Iris sounded all kind of awesome and August looked like a hero with charm and potential. I liked their first interaction very much. Long Shot,' is a story set in the Basketball sports arena with a very sexy basketball playing hero who I absolutely adore. He is caring, charming and totally charismatic; a hero to fall in love with. However, for me, this is Iris' story. She is without doubt the character at the heart of the narrative and the emotional layers that are in glorious abundance in this story. Her strength, determination and survival are firmly encased in a story about love, a love that readers will long to see flourish. Kennedy Ryan navigates through a sensitive topic with eloquence and compassion ensuring that I understood the standpoint of the heroine and felt compassion for her situation. All the reasons why are convincingly depicted in the thought process and actions of both protagonists. It truly opened my own personal thought process into the judgments I may have made about someone like Iris prior to her experiences being so vividly depicted. My understanding surrounding the topic at the heart of this story was richly broadened which perfectly shows the power of reading. 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 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!!

Wow, I was blown away with this story, not only does it awaken the awareness of domestic abuse but tells the story of two relationships, one that was destined to heal and one that had the potential to destroy. I could hug Lotus so tight for her appearance at the most crucial juncture, to save the story and save her sister. Everybody should have a Lo in their corner #HOPSCOTCH! Iris’s story is important. I wish I could explain how much this book touched me. These characters, their stories, and my girl Iris… the way she fought, sacrificed, and found herself. She is the hero of this story, the shining star. As much as I loved August (and I really loved August) Iris stole the show for me. I loved watching her come into her own. Her story broke me at times, it felt so real, because it is real for a lot of people, but it gave me hope. I loved her relationship with her cousin, Lo. I loved the bond they shared with their MiMi. I loved the sisterhood in this story.

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I recommend you invest in a therapist before and after reading this book 😣. I get a thought, but unfortunately I get a second thought. They ricochet off each other and I can't find either anymore 😭 I’ll see her again. That thread that connects us, glowing neon, it’s still there. I may not be able to see it, but I feel it. It’s still wrapped around me. Wherever Iris is, I hope it’s wrapped around her, too.” Life isn’t a road that forks or a line of numbered sliding doors. There is no alternate universe filled with only right choices. There’s just this one-just this life, and we go where are choices take us and grow wiser from our mistakes.” Even when you think you’re defeated, dig deeper. Go harder. Press, because there is something worth it on the other side.”