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Long Shot: A Forbidden Basketball Standalone Romance (HOOPS Book 1) Kindle Edition
A FORBIDDEN LOVE 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/sexual abuse not involving the hero. Read reviews for guidance.
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateMarch 20, 2018
- File size1759 KB
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From the Publisher
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Praise for Long Shot"A heartbreakingly romantic tale about true love and inner strength. You will never forget it." -- Kristen Callihan, New York Times bestselling author "A devastatingly beautiful, unforgettable and incomparable journey and a happy-ever-after will leave you with a feeling of unrestrained joy deep in your chest."-- USA Today "Satisfying and soul-gripping!" --Lucy Score, Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author |
More Reader Favorites From Kennedy Ryan• The Kingmaker • Grip • Queen Move • Block Shot • Reel |
Praise for Long Shot"If you read one book this year, make it this one."- Natasha is a Book Junkie "A STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING AND READ THIS NOW kind of book. Don't hold your breath, this story will steal it from you." --J. Sterling, New York Times Bestselling Author "Soulful, deep, and steamy, Long Shot riveted me from page one." -- Rachel Blaufeld, Author of Verite |
Editorial Reviews
Review
"There are sports romances and then... there's Long Shot. Unflinching, challenging and powerful, Long Shot transports readers from the highest highs to the lowest, most harrowing lows...This book will wreck you and then restore you. Kennedy Ryan writes with confidence and skill, capably guiding this difficult, complicated novel to its terrific, hard-earned happily ever after." -- Em, All About Romance
"Long Shot...is so delicious and so important...Basically, it's proof of what romance can be at its very best." -- Sarah MacLean, NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author
"Long Shot is real life set in the rarefied air of the NBA, but this book is so much more than a sports romance. Instead of glitz and glamor, Ryan reveals the hard, ugly, behind-the-scenes world of professional sports that sadly, so many won't find hard to believe. Yet against a harsh and sometimes hopeless background, true love blooms under Kennedy Ryan's incredible prose." -- Amy Harmon, NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author
"Every once in a while, a book comes along and takes you on an emotional journey you know you'll never forget. Through pain and injustice to hope and healing, Kennedy Ryan's Long Shot has touched my heart. This book delivers a powerful and important message all while re-affirming this reader's belief that love will always prevail." - Devney Perry, USA Today Bestselling Author
"Gripping and emotional, LONG SHOT is a heartbreakingly romantic tale about true love and inner strength. You will never forget it." -- Kristen Callihan, New York Times and USA Today best selling author
"Long Shot is a devastatingly beautiful, unforgettable and incomparable journey that will stretch your emotions to the breaking point, and its happy-ever-after will leave you with a feeling of unrestrained joy deep in your chest." -- Mary Dube, USA Today HEA
"I had one OMG, WTF, HOLY CRAP, NO WAY, OH DEAR JESUS moment after another as I read this book...A MUST READ sports romance layered in heartache and steamy sensuality. It's a harrowing ordeal, a horrific account, a blissful romance, all woven together with the promise of hope in the end." -- Jessica, Angie & Jessica's Dreamy Reads
"Long Shot...obliterated my heart. It scratched at my soul. It boggled my mind...Kennedy Ryan will break hearts and open up minds with this unique and angst-filled love story. She will call upon the deepest part of you and will request that you be brave and open-minded...one of the BEST of the year." -- Shayna Renee Spicy Reads
"Soulful, deep, and steamy, Long Shot riveted me from page one." -- Rachel Blaufeld, Author of Verite
"Kennedy Ryan tackles sensitive topics, but layers them effortlessly into a sexy sports romance. The result is a rich, deep story of loss and love, while delivering ALL the angst and feels. A must read!!" --Emma Scott, Amazon Bestselling Author
"Satisfying and soul-gripping!" --Lucy Score, Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author
"A raw, passionate, sexy, emotional rollercoaster." --Ilsa Madden-Mills, Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author
"I could not wish for a more incredible heroine to recommend to every reader in the world. I hope that every 18 year old woman out there reads this book and sees an example of how this can happen to anyone, and that you can have a good life after." -- Kristen Kranz, Hypable
"There's nothing I can possibly say that will prepare you for this...Long Shot is its own entity, it cannot be compared. I've NEVER read anything like this. Ever." --Chele, 4 The Love of Books
"If you read one book this year, make it this one. And then give it to every woman you know." - Natasha, Natasha is a Book Junkie
"Long Shot is hands down my favorite Kennedy Ryan book...This story lifted me high and buried my soul at times, and the ride was powerful and poetic." --Amazon Bestselling Author, Ginger Scott
"This story was brutal truth wrapped in hope, courage and unflinching love. It's a must read. It's a STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING AND READ THIS NOW kind of book. Don't hold your breath, this story will steal it from you." --J. Sterling, NYT Bestselling Author
"I can count on one hand the number of books that have rendered me speechless...But there are those books that just punch you right in the gut and grasp every little piece of you...you come out a different person...After reading Long Shot, I am forever changed, for the better." --Vanessa, Nessreads
From the Author
About the Author
Kennedy Ryan is the author of the Soul series and the Bennett series. Her writing has appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul, USA Today, Modern Mom magazine, and elsewhere. The founder and executive director of a foundation serving Georgia families living with autism, Kennedy has appeared on Headline News, Montel Williams, NPR, and other outlets as a voice for families living with autism. She lives in Southern California.
Sean Crisden is an actor and Earphones Award-winning narrator. He has also voiced characters in numerous video games, such as the award-winning ShadowGun, and has appeared in many commercials and films, including The Last Airbender.
Jo Raylan is known for engaging first person POV, credible delivery of male characters, delivery of suggestive humor, and deft handling of intimate scenes. Her voice has been described as "slow whiskey and chocolate," and her work on the Submission series by CD Reiss was nominated for an Audie Award.
Product details
- ASIN : B07BLZ7S7T
- Publisher : (March 20, 2018)
- Publication date : March 20, 2018
- Language : English
- File size : 1759 KB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Sticky notes : On Kindle Scribe
- Print length : 462 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #3,694 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kennedy Ryan writes for women from all walks of life, empowering them and placing them firmly at the center of each story and in charge of their own destinies. Kennedy and her writings have been featured in NPR, Entertainment Weekly, USA Today, Glamour, Cosmo, Ebony, TIME, and many others. The audio edition of her novel Reel received the prestigious Audie® Award, and her Skyland series is currently in development for television at Peacock. The co-founder of LIFT 4 Autism, an annual charitable book auction, Kennedy has a passion for raising Autism awareness. Dubbed "Queen of Hugs" by her readers, she is a wife to her "lifetime lover," and mother to an extraordinary son.
Customer reviews
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To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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I don't have the vocabulary to review this book properly. This was a well written book full of gritty, realism. Her characters were so well developed I recognized them. We had Katrina victims come to our church with relatives. A few are still here and are members of our family. I am a basketball freak with cousins who played AAU ball and traveled the country from a young age. The abuse is something most families hide. I had two aunts who were the victims of spousal abuse. One was sent to another city so her brother wouldn't kill her husband. She had a bullet behind her ear untiI the day she died. Even modern medicine couldn't remove it. Another aunt went from family members to family members every time she was brutally abused but always went back. She knew she had family members who would keep her safe. The bad thing about that was when everything was going well, he participated in family get togethers. Difficult to say the least.
So, until you walk two miles in Iris's shoes, don't judge her. I loved August (not Gus) and Lo. Both were forces to be reckoned with. Why didn't she reach out to them, you ask? If you have lived through something like that, you wouldn't ask that question. In my family we knew what going on, but couldn't help because she was afraid for us and was protecting us. When you're in that situation, that's your truth. Why am I talking about my family's situation? The book was so real, it brought those memories to mind. That's why it's an excellent book.
I admire Iris for her strength and endurance but hate she couldn't see another way out. God always provides a way out no matter the situation. See, I'm doing it again as if she's real and not a character in a book. I'm glad Lo didn't kill Caleb and his name won't cross my lips again. Hell is too good for him. I loved August for waiting on her no matter how difficult. His maturity, passion and patience was unbelievable; and the boy could hoop. I could see everything in my mind. That's not all good but still worth reading This book.
This book has it all. Good back stories for all the main characters and some others. Good knowledge of basketball and how college ball and Pro ball worked together. The author's basketball IQ is spot on. Yes, I know professional ball players. Don't most African-Americans? Too bad none are kin to me. I don't know how someone with no personal knowledge of spousal abuse could write such a real down and dirty book. It messed with every emotion until you wanted to kill him who I won't name again. How true is the way police react to abused people especially women. It doesn't matter what you have, the man is usually let off lightly. Don't think for a moment that it's not still going on. I worked for legal services for years. Our lawyers would help abused victims get divorces. They'd remarry the abuser and come back to us for another divorce. It happened over and over until we had to restrict them to two divorces. Even after getting them divorce, they were still in danger. One morning I was listening to early morning news as I was dressing for work and I heard about a shooting involving three people. I knew the name. Yes, her ex husband killed her and her boy friend and himself. She had been one of our repeat clients. We even had to warn women when we helped them get restraining order that it wouldn't protect them if the man chose not to honor it. Many didn't and even went to jail. Enough, it's just that I know “the heart speaks in whispers."
I'm not touching the interracial aspects and that brown bag test "black folks" know all to well, especially those who aren't close to the color of a brown bag like Lo and myself. Hopefully , we'll read more of that in Lo and Kenan book. I can't wait.
This review didn't do justice to this book. There are characters I didn't touch on - some who should have been imprisoned for years. And Iris's and Lo's mothers, no word in the English lan can describe them and their actions are all too real. They'll get theirs. Maybe Iris's mother is getting hers because of what happened to the nameless. If course Lo's mother should get hers too since they shared everything at the expense of their daughters. Thank God for Grandmothers and Greatgrandmothers.
Nothing can do this book justice and I read some really well written reviews about this book. Just buy and read it. It's more than sensitive, it's gritty, brutal and very real. There are scenes that may be rape triggers for some. My warning is "It'll mess with your emotions and heartstrings and have you ready to kill someone." This the first book I've purchased or read by this author and it won't be my last.
Iris and August meet the night before his big game, and there's a connection, bigger and more meaningful than chemistry, a soul recognizing its other half. But Iris has a boyfriend and nips it in the bud, only for August to discover the following day, she's the girlfriend of his longtime rival, Caleb. And this is no friendly rival because what was once mild dislike becomes acrimonious.
Caleb sees, senses the connection between the two, perhaps realize he's missing that connection with Iris and uses it to provoke August. And the outcome is just heartbreaking!
In one night, one loses their innocence and the other probably the rest of his career.
KR is brilliant as always, her writing, ability to create a story, set a scene, develop her characters, it's a beautiful thing. My cons are some bits seems repetitive, the constant talking about feelings, it was at times sappy (August pining for Iris) and a bit drawn out. Loved it nonetheless
August. Gus. 33. NBA rookie. Right before being drafted into the NBA August meets Iris at a local bar. They have the conversation of a lifetime and at the moment he knew she would be his until he finds out that she is dating his longtime nemesis Caleb.
Iris. Gumbo. Bo. Creole. Sweet Iris is young and ready to kick start her career in Sports marketing. She is dating Caleb, drafted to the NBA at the same time as August. She doesn’t know what it is about him but August is everything she wants but can’t have.
August and Iris meet several times over throughout his rookie career. Each time bringing them closer and closer to each other. There connection was felt on both sides and only grew stronger as time passed. August knows that she is the girl he wants for the rest of his life. Little does he know the life she has isn’t one she ever wanted for herself.
If I hadn’t saw this book online and knew the premise of it, it would completely shock me. It’s violent, sad, brutal and the most painful words I’ve read. This is the first book I’ve read by Kennedy Ryan and it hooked it like a fish. She did an amazing portrayal of what it’s like for a DV victim and the fight for survival. I cried so much reading this. It took everything in my not to throw my kindle. This is a great story of how someone doesn’t allow their circumstances to determine their fate. A great show of strength at the weakest moments in life. When you think things are black and white you realize just how grey they really are. Kennedy Ryan you have found a reader for life and I’m so excited to see what the rest of the Hoops Series has to offer!
Top reviews from other countries
I had this with Long Shot. But nothing would prepare me for what was to come.
I decided to read Long Shot in the dark. My friend Nicole said it was a really amazing story and I dove deep into that world. I decided not to read the synopsis, the tropes or anything else, I just knew that August was a man who would bring me to my knees (which, by the way, is true).
During the first few pages I was in blissful bliss. I was getting that feeling! That this book would change me. And then the shock came.
When I tell you that nothing was preparing me for this, I meant it, because I lost count of how many times I cried, gasped and realized that I was reading with my hand over my heart, pressing so hard, because I was afraid that I would leave my body at any minute with the amount of emotions I felt.
The incredible and responsible way in which this story is handled is something I didn't know I needed until I was already reading it. I wore my emotions on my face throughout this entire experience (if I had a camera there you would see how impacted I was not only by the story, but by the way it was beautifully written).
Kennedy wrote something bigger than just a story about a couple. She wrote about life, pain, love, healing, and discovering yourself when you feel like there's nothing left of you.
And I, obviously, was amazed, dumbstruck, paralyzed and madly in love by page 15.
August and Iris was one of my favorite things this year. To be honest with you, I think they are one of my favorite things in this life.
August, with her kind eyes, beautiful smile and powerful love.
Iris, with her strength, brilliant soul and honest hope.
I tell you with certainty that I will never recover this book. I wish I could tattoo some phrases on my soul. I would like to be more like Iris, like August, like Lotus and MiMi. And as I work to get there, I hope I can carry these characters with me, close to my heart, through the happy times and the bad times, so that I never forget the moment I felt truly alive reading this book.
Because this book? It's more than just a book.
And I will be forever grateful to Kennedy for this masterpiece
August is an promising athlete who is going to the NBA when he meets a passionate, beautiful and vocal sports fan in a bar. They hit it off immediately but she is already in a relationship (who just happens to be his rival/enemy since childhood) so nothing happens between them.
Over the years August and Iris run into one another and still have that connection and pull even after that first brief encounter.
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Iris has never wanted to be taken care of by a man, she is independent and strong. Just when she is about to break things off with her boyfriend who she knows isn’t for her, she finds herself in a position she wasn’t ready for and the path she wanted for herself takes a turn. She find out that her boyfriend will do anything to keep her and his true colours start to show.
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Kennedy had such a way with her words that the story is clear and vivid. It is heart wrenching and raw and she makes you feel everything.
Iris is the picture of strength and will. She was broken but not destroyed.
August was the perfect balance of alpha and protector. He was patient and encouraging, he listened.
We get the HEA but not before having our hearts put through it all.
Absolute must read!
The story of August and Iris is heavy, it holds you on the guts and you cannot put the book down until you finish it. I cried, screamed and my heart pounded like it was me who was living all this. And August, what a man, what a lover. I am definitely in love with his kindness, his beautiful words, his big heart. Every man should be like that.
Iris, the soldier, the fighter, a strong woman who learned through the hard way. But unless you are died, there is still hope and you have to stick on it.
Great story Ms Kennedy ! Looking forward to read the next.
Long Shot is the first book I read by Kennedy Ryan, and let me tell you that it won't be my last! I was hooked on her writing and the story plot immediately. Her ability to bring the characters to life was phenomenal. The characters were AMAZING, and I was able to connect with them so well. I usually have a thing for anti-heroes/villains, but I fell so hard for the loving and super supportive August. This guy was almost perfect, and I fell in love with him pretty quickly. I loved the way he meets Iris, and their instant connection was done really well. These two were made for each other, however they meet at the wrong time, and they can't pursue this attraction between them.
"I want you to know there's someone who will follow you."
Iris is a very strong and independent woman, and doesn't want to end up like her mother. She wants to take care of herself, and have her own career. However, because of certain events she has to put her dreams on the back burner. She goes through some horrific things in this book, and it just broke my heart. However, each time she meets August, she is shown that she is her own person. August is such a loyal and understanding guy, and he did everything right. He is one of my favorite book boyfriends, and I want to find my own August West.
"I started falling for him the day we met, and I haven't stopped falling since."
This book was amazing, and I just couldn't get enough. The story had a great pacing and it kept me interested until the end. The love between Iris and August was beautiful. The only reason why I didn't rate it 5 stars was, because I thought the ending was a bit rushed. I was surprised when I suddenly got to the epilogue. In my opinion it could've wrapped up better with another chapter or two. Maybe, I just wasn't ready to say goodbye yet. I also enjoyed all the side characters, and I can't wait for them to get their own books. I especially look forward to reading Lo and Kenan's story.