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threeundertwopnw's review
challenging
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was a really rough read and I'm not sure I'd recommend it to everyone. Major trigger warnings for domestic violence, rape, abuse, imprisonment and child endangerment. I was in a bad place myself reading part of this book, but had to finish it to make sure the heroine got through to the other side.
That said, the writing is amazing and quotable. The author obviously did extensive research because the circumstances and emotions and decisions ring true. If you are in a dangerous situation at home, call the Domestic Abuse Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233).
That said, the writing is amazing and quotable. The author obviously did extensive research because the circumstances and emotions and decisions ring true. If you are in a dangerous situation at home, call the Domestic Abuse Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Bullying, Blood, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Murder, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Death, Medical content, Sexism, Violence, Stalking, and Toxic relationship
kandacewright's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Rape, Sexual assault, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, Gun violence, Violence, Infidelity, Medical trauma, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Grief
gabichatslit's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so much more than a love story or a second-chance romance. It was life-affirming. It was a reminder that better things await on the other side of people, things and situations meant (and sent) to destroy you. I’ve had a copy of Long Shot for years and I had always been intimidated by the story and its subject matter (PLEASE READ/TAKE NOTE OF THE CONTENT AND TRIGGER WARNINGS). And at one point I resigned myself to just skip the first book and read BS and HS w/o understanding whatever interconnectedness that links the trilogy but I’m so glad that I read it. This book was tough and at times I was microdosing it, reading in short spurts bc I could feel the heaviness/since the pain that was coming and couldn’t handle it, but it was so worth it in the end.
Often times, when reading contemporary romance, I find myself frustrated and irritated when the FMC’s are dealing with a no good man/love interest, whose clearly not who he pretends to be and they keep falling for the lies. However, because of the tenderness and love from which Mrs. Ryan was writing Iris and her story (the stories of so many real women), all I could feel was compassion and empathy. And maybe because there were moments where I saw the behaviors of men I trusted or the lived experiences of women close to me, all I could do was extend grace to Iris. Because while this book might be unique, the experiences detailed are not.
Every time I read a KR book, I think there’s no way I could love her and her writing more than I do, and then she surprises me and I find a deeper well of respect and admiration for her craft and the stories she tells. I’m also thankful to all the people who sat with her and shared their stories that helped her write this book. The strength and courage those individuals possess, is commendable.
August and Iris’ journey and eventual love story was one I won’t forget anytime soon. They cracked me open and I am truly changed. Their HEA was so earned and I loved watching Iris return to herself and learn to trust herself again. I loved August and his brother’s interactions (I called it early on and they did not disappoint), I loved Iris and Lotus, and Kenan’s “who the hell was that??” lol I loved August’s mom and Deck. I loved MiMi and I loved little miss Sarai.
It’s rare that I come across love at first sight in romances that I read and even rarer that I enjoy them, even though I’m still not sure if that’s the best way to describe the beginning of August and Iris’s story. But in every interaction between the two, you know it’s more than lust that’s bringing them together. Like their connection is so much more than just physical. It’s just greater. Their dynamic reminded me a lot of Luca and Ever’s in Luca by Grey Huffington, another one of those undeniable connections that makes little sense and is larger than life.
Often times, when reading contemporary romance, I find myself frustrated and irritated when the FMC’s are dealing with a no good man/love interest, whose clearly not who he pretends to be and they keep falling for the lies. However, because of the tenderness and love from which Mrs. Ryan was writing Iris and her story (the stories of so many real women), all I could feel was compassion and empathy. And maybe because there were moments where I saw the behaviors of men I trusted or the lived experiences of women close to me, all I could do was extend grace to Iris. Because while this book might be unique, the experiences detailed are not.
Every time I read a KR book, I think there’s no way I could love her and her writing more than I do, and then she surprises me and I find a deeper well of respect and admiration for her craft and the stories she tells. I’m also thankful to all the people who sat with her and shared their stories that helped her write this book. The strength and courage those individuals possess, is commendable.
August and Iris’ journey and eventual love story was one I won’t forget anytime soon. They cracked me open and I am truly changed. Their HEA was so earned and I loved watching Iris return to herself and learn to trust herself again. I loved August and his brother’s interactions (I called it early on and they did not disappoint), I loved Iris and Lotus, and Kenan’s “who the hell was that??” lol I loved August’s mom and Deck. I loved MiMi and I loved little miss Sarai.
It’s rare that I come across love at first sight in romances that I read and even rarer that I enjoy them, even though I’m still not sure if that’s the best way to describe the beginning of August and Iris’s story. But in every interaction between the two, you know it’s more than lust that’s bringing them together. Like their connection is so much more than just physical. It’s just greater. Their dynamic reminded me a lot of Luca and Ever’s in Luca by Grey Huffington, another one of those undeniable connections that makes little sense and is larger than life.
‘I’d play you at the five.’ Whew. Seeing August stand ten toes down for Iris even when he couldn’t see/didn’t know all she was going up against. His commitment to her and their family— to his princess, he was a hero/love interest, unlike anything I’ve ever read. I truly believe every book I read after this will be weighed differently against how this book made me feel.
I’m starting Book #2 immediately, and I’m so looking forward to watching Jared come to know and understand why August would walk to the end of the earth, sacrifice anything, for the person that made his soul come alive.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Rape, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Pregnancy, Cursing, Grief, Sexual content, and Blood
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Infidelity, and Stalking
amanda_reads13's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? Yes
4.5
Iris meets August in a bar and they feel an instant connection, but the timing is all wrong - he is entering the NBA draft and she is dating his rival. Years later August renters her life, but she is suffering in ways August couldn't even being to imagine.
I went in blind and this book was not at all what I expected (in a good way). I was expecting a cute basketball romance... It's so much more than that. This book has so much depth and emotion. It is a story of survival, of the magnitude of motherhood, and learning to trust after trauma. There were many parts that were very hard to read, so please check the trigger warnings. This book will run you through the ringer; it is gut-wrenching and heartbreaking, yet incredibly beautiful and so powerful.
All of these character are incredible. Each one is so full of heart that you cannot help but love them. Iris's story is such an important one. Her story will break you. It is easy to look at people and judge, but it really shows you that we never know the battles that people are fighting.The world sees her as a ballers wife, with access to anything and everything she wants. In reality she is being controlled, tortured, and abused by her boyfriend daily.
Iris is the definition of strength. To endure what she did and to not only survive, but to find a way to thrive after all she went through gives you hope. Hope that there is life and love after such incredible trauma. Hope that you can endure the most horrific abuse, yet regain your power. This is a story of her strength, her perseverance, and her will to survive.
How can you not love August? He is so patient and empathetic. All he wants to do is protect and take care of Iris and Sarai. I love how he always puts them first and never diminishes Iris's dreams. He fights for her in every way he possibly can. His love for her is so pure.
The love between Iris and her family was a highlight in this book. Their connection highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with people who love you unconditionally. Lo is an incredible supporting character, she is the best friend we all need. I cannot wait to read her story.
Iris and August have an undeniable connection. Their story is about defing the odds. It is about how patience, love, trust, and strength can help us endure, to live. You can tell that Kennedy put so much time, care, and research into this book. It is truly a powerful read. She is able to create such deep and interesting characters and tackle an incredibly difficult topic with so much heart and empathy. This book will stick with me for a long time.
One small issue I had was that for the first part of the book in August's POV it felt like Iris was a "prize" in a testosterone filled competition with Caleb.
I'm.so glad that Caleb gets what he deserves. He is worse than scum.
I went in blind and this book was not at all what I expected (in a good way). I was expecting a cute basketball romance... It's so much more than that. This book has so much depth and emotion. It is a story of survival, of the magnitude of motherhood, and learning to trust after trauma. There were many parts that were very hard to read, so please check the trigger warnings. This book will run you through the ringer; it is gut-wrenching and heartbreaking, yet incredibly beautiful and so powerful.
All of these character are incredible. Each one is so full of heart that you cannot help but love them. Iris's story is such an important one. Her story will break you. It is easy to look at people and judge, but it really shows you that we never know the battles that people are fighting.
Iris is the definition of strength. To endure what she did and to not only survive, but to find a way to thrive after all she went through gives you hope. Hope that there is life and love after such incredible trauma. Hope that you can endure the most horrific abuse, yet regain your power. This is a story of her strength, her perseverance, and her will to survive.
How can you not love August? He is so patient and empathetic. All he wants to do is protect and take care of Iris and Sarai. I love how he always puts them first and never diminishes Iris's dreams. He fights for her in every way he possibly can. His love for her is so pure.
The love between Iris and her family was a highlight in this book. Their connection highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with people who love you unconditionally. Lo is an incredible supporting character, she is the best friend we all need. I cannot wait to read her story.
Iris and August have an undeniable connection. Their story is about defing the odds. It is about how patience, love, trust, and strength can help us endure, to live. You can tell that Kennedy put so much time, care, and research into this book. It is truly a powerful read. She is able to create such deep and interesting characters and tackle an incredibly difficult topic with so much heart and empathy. This book will stick with me for a long time.
One small issue I had was that for the first part of the book in August's POV it felt like Iris was a "prize" in a testosterone filled competition with Caleb.
I'm.so glad that Caleb gets what he deserves. He is worse than scum.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Sexual assault, and Toxic relationship
cikureads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Stalking, Violence, Rape, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Cursing, Torture, Sexual content, Blood, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, and Toxic relationship
ororoboreal's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, Sexual assault, Murder, Misogyny, Gun violence, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual content, Mental illness, Emotional abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Death
briandagutierrez's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I need to gather my thoughts but honestly, I hate this story for being so good. It’s downright painful to read but also hard to put down and the ending was everything I could’ve hoped for after the first part. It was rough and heartbreaking and important and unfortunately relatable for a lot of people.
This is not for folks looking for a light read.
This is not for folks looking for a light read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Rape, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Violence, and Gun violence
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Toxic relationship, Child abuse, and Confinement
Minor: Blood, Death, and Death of parent
claureading's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I have to say that this rating is no way the author’s fault. I love Kennedy Ryan’s writing! I just didn’t do enough research on the book before starting it and I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I saw it recommended as a sport’s romance and immediately downloaded it on my kindle. Should’ve looked up trigger warnings first. Still, I found it difficult to connect with some characters because of the dialogue, it didn’t really feel natural to me. Anyway, I do think the abuse and circumstances of the FMC were very well represented and felt very real. I really connected with the book in that aspect, and I feel it is the only romance out there (that I’ve read) that takes the matter seriously and handles it well. Still, don’t be like me and check TW so you know what to expect. This is in no way a fun fluffy sports romance!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Rape, Sexual harassment, Violence, Misogyny, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Grief, Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, and Stalking
Moderate: Abandonment, Death of parent, and Medical content
Minor: Racism, Car accident, Infidelity, and Mental illness
reading2201's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Rape, Gun violence, Violence, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Torture, Domestic abuse, and Toxic relationship
sydnees's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0
Wow. Just… wow. This was by far the most powerful, heartbreaking and well written book I’ve read in ages.
I jumped into this book completely blind, it looked like a sports romance but I was pleasantly surprised by the gut wrenching story I was in for instead. Kennedy Ryan is a new author to me but I cannot wait to read the rest of this series and the other books I have by her already on my physical tbr.
Iris is the strongest FMC I’ve ever read, and her story was so horrifically yet so beautifully written.
PLEASE read TW before reading! (I don’t have any TW which is why I don’t do this) Without reading the blurb, this book looks like any normal sports romance by its cover, but it is not. This books main focus is domestic violence and has extremely triggering instances throughout the entirety of the book consisting of heavily detailed SA and physical abuse by the FMC’s husband (not the MMC).
That being said, I loved this book and am so grateful for Kennedy for writing this story. It needed to be told. 🖤
I jumped into this book completely blind, it looked like a sports romance but I was pleasantly surprised by the gut wrenching story I was in for instead. Kennedy Ryan is a new author to me but I cannot wait to read the rest of this series and the other books I have by her already on my physical tbr.
Iris is the strongest FMC I’ve ever read, and her story was so horrifically yet so beautifully written.
PLEASE read TW before reading! (I don’t have any TW which is why I don’t do this) Without reading the blurb, this book looks like any normal sports romance by its cover, but it is not. This books main focus is domestic violence and has extremely triggering instances throughout the entirety of the book consisting of heavily detailed SA and physical abuse by the FMC’s husband (not the MMC).
That being said, I loved this book and am so grateful for Kennedy for writing this story. It needed to be told. 🖤
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Injury/Injury detail, and Sexual content
Moderate: Blood, Death, Murder, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Infidelity