Long Shot

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Honestly, Kennedy Ryan can do no wrong! I swear it! This is my second read of hers and she is an impeccable storyteller! Here I was thinking this was going to be a hot steamy basketball romance, but it’s so much more!

Do check your triggers as there is much DV throughout this book and it’s very much of a story surrounding survival but also triumph and justice. The amount of research Kennedy shows is above measure. She keeps it authentic without devaluing anyone’s experience. The light shed on this subject and the reality it is for some out there, really allows us as the reader to sympathise, as well as, wanting more for those that go through this without help nor support. This book may bring tears to your eyes as it did mine.

The story follows August, an up and coming NBA star about to get drafted. He meets Iris at a bar and they instantly hit it off, mostly because Iris can talk anyone under the table with basketball stats. They leave the bar when August wants a kiss and Iris tells him that she can’t due to having a boyfriend. As time rolls on, we find out Iris’ boyfriend is indeed August’s childhood rival Caleb who is also drafted to the NBA. August can’t let go of the connection with Iris. Caleb notices the interest August holds for Iris and takes any chance to rub it in August’s face. Behind closed doors, Caleb’s narcissistic behaviour keeps Iris tethered until one night, with the help of her cousin Lo, she gains an opportunity to get out of his control for her daughters sake. Iris takes some time away without contact with August, but then their timing aligns.

I am flawed by Kennedy’s writing. If I wasn’t convinced with Before I Let You Go, I now want to read everything she’s ever written! Just wow!

This book had me laughing, crying, happy, sad, emotional… but in the end when Iris got her justice, I was touched by her triumph. I thought August was sweet - he knew a connection of this magnitude couldn’t be ignored. He hung around hoping one day he’d be with Iris but never pushed it in an obsessive way. It was the ultimate test of patience. August knew Caleb wasn’t right and that his and Iris’ time would come.

You really connected with the characters. The whole time I was thinking, how will Iris get out of this? It was painful to read her journey and I really wouldn’t have guessed how justice would be served to Caleb. I loved her cousin Lo and the strong sister bond they had despite having a fall out. All it took was one word for Lo to come running to help. I loved that!

This book has definitely left an impression! I honestly cannot fault it. The writing, the spice level, the dialogue, the research, the storytelling is all high level! Can’t wait for my next Kennedy read!