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A review by teachreadrepeat
Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.5
Holy wow! I saw a TikTok that said, "Instead of reading IT ENDS WITH US by Colleen Hoover, you should read LONG SHOT by Kennedy Ryan." Boy am I glad I listened to that recommendation?? I devoured this book in less than 2 days.
First and foremost, let's get the elephant out of the way. There are graphic, on-page depictions of DV and SA throughout a large portion of this book. This violence is not between the end game couple and is very difficult to stomach, so take care of yourself while reading this one if it's a trigger for you. However, I am so impressed with Ryan's ability to shed light on this very real issue with such care and dignity for victims. DV is an issue that still goes largely ignored and is so often twisted by a society of people who have never experienced it themselves and are unwilling to empathize with those who have. While these scenes are challenging to get through, I think Ryan did a phenomenal job of digging deep into the manipulation tactics that often keep partners trapped in this cycle of abuse. I hope this book also helps victims reconcile what has happened to them OR helps them finally find the courage and ability to walk away for good.
Next, let's discuss August. Oh my good golly gosh!! He is seriously the perfect "man written by a woman." Basketball is one of my favorite sports and it was refreshing to read a sports romance that wasn't hockey (even though I do love me some ice boys as well). August's devotion to Iris was beautiful and heartwrenching and the long journey to the HEA was well worth it in the end.
This book earned 4.5 stars from me simply due to the amount of typos/errors in the KU digital version I read. Even so, I am very excited to continue reading the rest of this series!!
First and foremost, let's get the elephant out of the way. There are graphic, on-page depictions of DV and SA throughout a large portion of this book. This violence is not between the end game couple and is very difficult to stomach, so take care of yourself while reading this one if it's a trigger for you. However, I am so impressed with Ryan's ability to shed light on this very real issue with such care and dignity for victims. DV is an issue that still goes largely ignored and is so often twisted by a society of people who have never experienced it themselves and are unwilling to empathize with those who have. While these scenes are challenging to get through, I think Ryan did a phenomenal job of digging deep into the manipulation tactics that often keep partners trapped in this cycle of abuse. I hope this book also helps victims reconcile what has happened to them OR helps them finally find the courage and ability to walk away for good.
Next, let's discuss August. Oh my good golly gosh!! He is seriously the perfect "man written by a woman." Basketball is one of my favorite sports and it was refreshing to read a sports romance that wasn't hockey (even though I do love me some ice boys as well). August's devotion to Iris was beautiful and heartwrenching and the long journey to the HEA was well worth it in the end.
This book earned 4.5 stars from me simply due to the amount of typos/errors in the KU digital version I read. Even so, I am very excited to continue reading the rest of this series!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Confinement, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cursing, Blood, Police brutality, and Abandonment