Recommended Reading : Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan
TRIGGER WARNING: This book contains graphic details of emotional, sexual and physical abuse.
This post may also contain spoilers.
Imagine this: a guy turning down a contract worth millions, to stay in the city you’re relocating to, all for the slim chance of being with you. That's exactly what August West does for Iris DuPree. This isn't just some fleeting crush; August has been carrying a torch for Iris for years, holding onto a promise he made to himself to chase that chance when the stars finally align. It's the kind of grand, bold move that you don't see every day, a real testament to how deep his feelings run for her. The story paints August as someone who's willing to put it all on the line for love, even when the odds are stacked high against him. It's the kind of thing that keeps you hooked, wondering what you'd do if you were in their shoes.
Kennedy Ryan's "Long Shot" from the Hoops Series is not just a book; it's an experience that transcends typical romance narratives. These stories pack a punch, hitting you with a wave of emotions that can knock the wind out of you one moment and have you bursting with laughter the next. When I'm deep into one of Ryan's books, I'm often on my phone, firing off texts to my friends, urging them to dive into the story with me. I mean, you gotta have someone to unpack all those feelings with, right?
Each book in the series, which includes “Block Shot” and “Hook Shot,” can be enjoyed on its own. They are standalone stories, but they interconnect in a way that just enriches the whole experience.
But here's the real talk: "Long Shot" comes with a heads-up that you can't ignore. It delves into heavy stuff like domestic violence and sexual assault. If these topics hit too close to home or trigger something in you, tread carefully, or honestly, skip this one all together. This warning isn't a small print to be overlooked; it's essential info for anyone picking up the book. Remember, the right book at the right time can be a sanctuary, not a source of pain. So choose your reads with your heart and mind in harmony.
"Long Shot" kicks off with a chance meeting that's anything but ordinary. Picture this: August, amped up to ball in The National Championship the following day, finds himself in a bar, and there's Iris. Their connection? It's like lightning in a bottle, sparking up from a deep place. They have real talk that stretches long into the night. August is totally taken by Iris - she's more than just a pretty face; she's got this fire for basketball that lights her up, making her even more irresistible. But as the night draws to a close and August wants to kiss her, there's a curveball: Iris drops the bomb that she's already taken, and plot twist – her man turns out to be August's rival on the court. You’ll ended up hating him just as much as August does.
Iris isn't just any character with simple dreams. She's got big plans post-college, but life throws her a curveball: she ends up pregnant with Caleb's baby (SPOILER: we will later find out he intentionally did this). Caleb, the guy you will hate, drags Iris into a world of chaos. Bedridden during her high risk pregnancy, Iris finds herself trapped and eventually moves in with Caleb after his draft to the NBA, marking a dark turn in their tale. What starts as a tight grip on Iris quickly spirals into a nightmare of physical and sexual abuse, laying bare the harsh realities of Iris's fight and fortitude.
Iris's journey in "Long Shot" is no walk in the park. Though the book is categorized as romance, it immerses you in a reality that's hard to shake off. The darkness in her life, mainly due to Caleb's brutality, is laid out with unflinching honesty. There are scenes of violence, meticulously detailed, that show the extent of her suffering. Caleb, with his twisted ways, even ropes in a med student cousin, whom he's blackmailed, to tend to Iris at home after his assaults. This ensures her injuries remain hidden from the world, adding another layer to the harrowing situation.
At one point, things escalate to where Iris even loses consciousness. Caleb's manipulation knows no bounds; he even goes as far as threatening her family, including her cousin Lotus, who's the focus of the third book, "Hook Shot." He uses every tool at his disposal to keep Iris under his thumb, including calling Social Services and weaponizing her postpartum journal against her. Then there's a scene involving a gun that's particularly disturbing, a moment I'll leave you to discover on your own if you choose to read this one.
But let me tell you, Iris's story is a testament to survival. She endures a kind of Hell that's almost unimaginable, with every twist and turn more harrowing than the last. It's a raw, unfiltered look into a brutal reality that many face but often goes untold.
Through it all, the bond and attraction between Iris and August only grows stronger over the years when they randomly run into one another, even as they're worlds apart. But Caleb's violence continues to escalate, and Kennedy doesn't hold back in detailing the harrowing abuse Iris endures. There were moments I literally winced, feeling every ounce of Iris's pain. I teared up for her, raged for her, especially with every ruthless move Caleb made. Iris's journey is raw and real, and it hits hard – it's intense, graphic, and it'll stir up a storm of emotions in you.
In Kennedy Ryan's gripping narrative, Iris's ordeal with Caleb epitomizes the complex realities many women face in abusive relationships. Leaving isn't just about walking out the door, especially when someone like Caleb wields his money, power and influence like weapons, even using their daughter as a manipulative tool. It's gut-wrenching to read, but it makes you root for Iris all the more, hoping against hope she finds her way to safety.
Contrast this with her moments with August - they're like a breath of fresh air. With him, Iris gets to drop the weight of her world and just be a young woman, cherished and adored. Kennedy skillfully juxtaposes the hellish experience with Caleb and the heavenly simplicity in Iris's interactions with August. It's a balancing act that's both incredible and deeply impactful, highlighting the importance of such stories.
In one of my reading groups, when someone anonymously asked for romance recommendations featuring a female protagonist who finds happiness after domestic abuse, "Long Shot" was our unanimous choice. Despite its tough sections, the book is a beacon of hope. It's a romance, after all, which means (spoiler alert!) it promises a happy ending. Iris's journey to victory is an emotional rollercoaster - you'll find yourself yelling, tossing the book in frustration, and needing to phone a friend.
Among the Hoops series, "Long Shot" is undoubtedly the most intense. "Block Shot" turns up the heat all the way up in the spice department, while "Hook Shot" is a charming tale brimming with sweet courtship. Remember, each book can be enjoyed independently of the others.
This book reinforces why romance is such a vital genre for me. Too often, romance is dismissed as trivial or overly idealistic. However, these stories, often penned by women for women, resonate with themes of resilience, representation, and personal growth. Kennedy Ryan's work embodies all these aspects.
Why do I recommend it? First off, Kennedy Ryan's writing is exceptional. The pacing is spot on, the characters are compelling, and the story stays with you long after you've turned the last page.
Iris's fictional journey impacted me so profoundly that by the time I reached "Hook Shot," the third book in the series, I was moved to tears seeing how her life unfolded even after “Long Shot” ended. It's like watching a friend triumph against all odds – "Look at Iris, just thriving."
Iris's story in "Long Shot" had me rooting for a fictional character like never before. It's not just about wanting a happy ending for her; it's about wanting her to find healing, peace, and the kind of love she deserves. And although it all culminates in a violent end, she ultimately gets her freedom. This isn't just another character in a book; Iris's struggle and eventual victory feel personal, like you're right there with her, cheering her on every step of the way.
August's love for Iris and her daughter is the kind of thing that hits you right in the feels. It's deep, genuine, and unflinching, even in the face of Iris's past abuse and the fact that she's got a child from a previous relationship. This part of the story is so real, it had me tearing up more than once.
For all the women out there who've walked a tough road, who've faced abuse, or who are raising a child on their own, this book is a heartfelt reminder. It shows you that love isn't just a fairytale for the untouched and unscarred. You deserve love, full and true, no matter your past. This story paints that picture with bold, vibrant strokes. It tells you that even after the darkest nights, love can and does find a way.
Will you pick up this book? If you have already,
Let’s chat, book club style…
Personal Reflection: Have you ever rooted for a character as much as I did for Iris? Share your experience with a character who deeply moved you.
Real-Life Parallels: Can you relate to Iris's journey or know someone who has faced similar challenges? How did their story inspire or affect you?
Book Recommendations: What other books have you read that blend intense, real-life issues with a compelling love story? Let’s build a must-read list together!
Character Analysis: What qualities in Iris did you admire the most? How did her character development impact your reading experience?
Discussing the Plot: Were there any plot twists in "Long Shot" that you didn't see coming? Which moments were the most shocking or impactful for you?
Literary Themes: This book explores themes of resilience and hope after trauma. What other themes did you find powerful or resonant in the story?
August’s Sacrifice: What are your thoughts on August turning down a lucrative contract for Iris? Would you make a similar sacrifice for love?
Book Adaptations: If "Long Shot" were to be adapted into a movie, who would you cast as Iris and August? Why?
Author’s Writing Style: How do you think Kennedy Ryan’s writing style contributed to the story's impact? What aspects of her writing did you enjoy the most?
Future Predictions: What do you imagine happens to Iris and August after the book ends? Share your own epilogue!
