Long Shot: A HOOPS Novel

Hoops Series, Book 1

By: Kennedy Ryan

Narrated by: Sean Crisden, Jo Raylan

Length: 13 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

A forbidden love story 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.

*Contains domestic abuse not involving the hero.

©2018 Kennedy Ryan (P)2018 Tantor

Best Audiobook of the year!

I’ve followed Kennedy Ryan and her success stories for quite a while now. However, this was the first book that I’ve read/listened to by her. This is, without a doubt, the best audiobook I have ever listen to. Long Shot captured real emotion that so many authors can only aspire to capture and the narrators literally NAILED the performance. There’s a reason Kennedy is a RITA award winner and this book taught me why. It floored me in ways I can’t even begin to describe. I’m looking forward to more by her and will be one-clicking the next book in the Hoop series!

Heart Wrenching Good!!!

This is not your typical romance novel and as others have mentioned, it should come with a trigger warning. With that being said, this is one of the best books I've read in a while. I was perfectly written to address a serious issue that women face and spread awareness. I was also just beautiful. The long between Iris and August was the love of every woman's dream but also very realistic. He wasn't perfect and neither was she, but they were perfect for each other.

If you skip this book, you will be missing out!

I am officially a Kennedy Ryan fan and I cannot wait to read her other books.

Fantastic narrators!

I’m going to start by saying that I don’t think the small warning in the description about this book containing sensitive topics is strong enough. This book requires a stronger content warning about its depiction of physical abuse and graphic rape. I’m not a very sensitive person, but I was very disturbed by the material in the first 60% of the book. I honestly considered DNFing this book, not because the writing was bad, but because the writing was so good and truly bothered and upset me. I’m glad I saw this book through to the end. It was satisfying. This book was terrifying, upsetting, but also hopeful and joyful. Not to mention sexy. It covered topics also covered in Colleen Hoover’s “It Ends With Us,” but in my opinion, this book was so much better. I felt upset and dissatisfied throughout that book, and didn’t feel much resolution with the ending, or the romance aspect of the book. This book’s ending was satisfying, and while much of the book covered Iris’s abusive relationship, it also left plenty of space for her romance with August, which I very much enjoyed. Both narrators were absolutely fantastic, and I plan on seeking out more of their work!

Heart Wrenching and powerful

Every little girl dreams of a prince who will sweep her off her feet. Iris’s story of resilience, fight, and struggle is one so many women struggle with every day. Me included. Some may not see the romance, but every relationship has a lesson even one involving violence. As a survivor her story is real and August’s desire and dedication for the woman he barely knows but trust there connection to never give up makes this one of my favorite books in the series this is must read

Wow

Not your “typical” Kennedy Ryan story. Definitely the theme is disturbing but it was compelling. I find it hard to say I enjoyed this story but I definitely was pulling for the heroine through this whole story. The strength that the heroine showed was amazing. Be aware that the this can cause some people great distress.

Love!

This is quite possibly one of my most favorite fictional books EVER! I love the ride that Ryan took me on. I disliked and loved the complexity of several characters!

You MUST LISTEN/READ THIS one!!!

What I lied the most? How carefully crafted main characters were! Wow! Nothing is at it seems, no black and white, there’s lots of gray.
I like how there’s lots of facts about domestic violence and any prejudices you may have will be checked. And can we get an August in our lives? Delish😊PS : Kennedy is a queen!

not smut, no cringe, predictable

it was okay. I was expecting smut when I picked it up. the ending is so predictable basically she got exactly what she wanted and that's just not realistic

Worth the Shot

I loved this book so much. Really got invested into the characters & loved each of them. The author does a great job to both write a compelling story & make you feel like you can picture each of the scenes & each person. TRIGGER WARNING FOR PHYSICAL & MENTAL ABUSE & RAPE. The way it was written into the book held meaning & was for a purpose but it is very detailed & depressing & may not be something you should read if dealing with triggers for those things. That being said as a survivor I did find the ending perspective & empowerment it gave the woman in the story a good one. That she wasn’t used & dirty but that her body was her own to have & to share with those she chose & that a man would love her deeply scars & all❤️.

sensitive topic done well

what an incredibly heartbreaking and yet also heartwarming story 🥹 the care in with kennedy ryan wrote iris’ story is so good