Wow. Where do I even begin my review of this book? It was all kinds of beautiful and painful, and I honestly don’t know if I’m in the proper mindset to review it already. Dude, I sound like I’m exaggerating here, but I’m telling you, I’m not — it is THAT good.

First, I would like to premise my review by the fact that I haven’t read any of Kennedy Ryan’s works before. And I’m actually wondering if her other works are like Long Shot, too? Anyway, I felt like I was reading a Colleen Hoover book the whole time! What with the sensitive issues, the fleshing out of the characters, the twists, and dear lord, the ending! Everything was just done well. 

Long Shot is set in the world of NBA, and the main character, August West, is a rising basketball star. He meets Iris DuPree, and of course there was an instant connection between them. With August’s own painful past and that of Iris’ too, they immediately found that spark that would tie them forever.  But circumstances were against them because Iris is Caleb’s girlfriend – Caleb being August West’s nemesis both in and out of the court. 

If you think that this sounds just like your usual NA romances, well, I thought so too. But going deep into the novel, August and Iris’ had to struggle through unimaginable pains. I admit it took me longer than usual to read this book because I had to put it down from time to time, as I cannot bear the anger and the pain that I was feeling. I had to breathe! I had to physically move and literally walk around to release the heaviness of my heart. 

I would like to commend Kennedy Ryan on how she perfectly portrayed some very important issues in our society today – especially issues that are very relevant to women like domestic abuse and rape. Although it was very difficult to read about them, it had opened my eyes – and I’m sure that of many other of her readers.

Finally, the love story between August West and Iris DuPree is surely one that would stick with me for a long time. It was a reminder that no matter what evil comes your way, everything will turn out okay in the end – that even if you think everybody is against you, the world will make a way so you can have what truly belongs to you. 

Though this is my first Kennedy Ryan book, I must say I am such a huge fan of her work already and I can’t wait to be blown away by her other masterpieces!