• Long Shot: A HOOPS Novel

  • Hoops Series, Book 1
  • By: Kennedy Ryan
  • Narrated by: Sean Crisden, Jo Raylan
  • Length: 13 hrs and 10 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,469 ratings)

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Long Shot: A HOOPS Novel  By  cover art

Long Shot: A HOOPS Novel

By: Kennedy Ryan
Narrated by: Sean Crisden, Jo Raylan
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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

Featured Article: From Sweet to Steamy, Here Are Our Picks for the Best Black Romance Authors


Romance is a vast genre, but there is still a comparatively small number of Black authors working within it. But stories by Black authors are essential—their viewpoints, their art, and their experiences should be uplifted, celebrated, and widely listened to. Here are some of our favorite Black romance authors who are making their mark in the field. No matter what kind of romance fiction tugs at your heartstrings, there’s something to fall in love with in this list.

What listeners say about Long Shot: A HOOPS Novel

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Not quite romantic

I think there should be some kind of a warning. This books deals with domestic violence and brutal rape. At one point I was going to stop reading but I am sucker and need to know the ending. It was tough read and a bit traumatizing. Not what I would categorize as a romance. It’s a survival story.

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23 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

MAJOR TRIGGERS

I wish this book would have come with a warning actually - the book is tough to get through. I'm only able to listen to a couple of chapters at a time - and of course with the subject matter the plot and pace make complete sense. It doesn't make it any easier to listen to. I wish I hadn't wasted a credit on it now that I'm almost done but at this point I'm determined to listen to the whole thing at least once, even if afterwards I shelve it and never listen to it again. Unfortunately for me the credit was kind of wasted here but it *is* a powerful book. Just a bit too dark for my tastes. You've been warned.

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16 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

So Many More Than 5 Stars!!

I am still speechless to what I should be writing for this review. Kennedy Ryan has this beautiful way of telling a story that you can relate to and just be in that moment with her characters. Sean Crisden and Jo Raylan embody everything these characters feel and go through. AMAZING narration!!

Iris and August have a few things in common; 1) they are both huge basketball fans, 2) that they both have troubled pasts that have impact on their lives as adults, and 3) they have this instant connection that can be seen from a mile away. Iris and August meet at a bar on possibly the eve of his biggest game ever. She is watching her favorite team and he is drawn to her like a moth to a flame. They have a wonderful conversation that is easy and charged with sexual chemistry. However, when the bartender lets them know they can't stay any long the two of them have a moment of do I stay or should I go. Because life is complicated they go their separate ways but that one brief encounter forever haunts them. Their story is not an easy one as a matter of fact it is hard, heartbreaking, and just painful at times.

Their story is beautiful, heart breaking, funny, sexy, and so very relevant. There are some trigger warnings for abuse and trauma but if you can just be in the moment with these characters, feel with them there is resolution.

This is specific video review will be included in the August 2018 wrap-up.

For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk.

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16 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Epic!!!

Wow! This book was so good! The narration was super well done! Suspense, angst, drama... this book had me ugly crying in the car line picking up my kids while I was listening. My heart hurt for these characters and some of the scenes were honestly really hard to read but I loved the strength of these characters and the way they found their way to happiness. This is my first Kennedy Ryan book and the writing was off-the-charts amazing, I just bought every book she has so I can read all her words - simply amazing! Long Shot is a top pick of 2018 and going on my favorite heroines shelf. This is an a fantastic story and I highly recommend it! I can't wait for more by this author and these narrators!!!

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13 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Emotional rollercoaster

There were a few chapters that were unbearable. One I couldn't finish. That's how raw & good this book was.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

August West!

This was my first Kennedy Ryan's book and won't be the last. This is the first book in the Hoops Series. This forbidden love story, is set in the world of the NBA. This story wasn't what I had expected, it was so much more. The story is well written, realistic and breathtaking. The storyline is filled with angst, drama and suspense. I loved Iris and August. The other characters were also interesting. I can't wait for the next book in the Series! The narration was absolutely stunning, emotional and breathtaking. I really enjoyed my listening and I totally recommend this audiobook.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Long Shot comes to life!

i read the book and waited for the audio version so I could do a re-read, and it was absolutely worth the wait. Long Shot cane to life with the narrators, and added to the intensity of situations and emotions. It cut straight to the heart.

Long Shot is by far one of the best books I've read. Its a real life story with a very relevant story line, all set in the exciting world of basketball, with all the good, bad and the ugly.

August and Iris. The characters draw you into their lives. You feel their joy, their struggles, their pain, their successes, their loss and their love. "Oh, the feels." They are so real. They're human.

Their story is fiction but it could be your own story. Ok, maybe not being a basketball superstar, but that adds to the depth of the story. I don't want to tell the secrets of the story, but there are parts that will shred you. It will make you really think. Have I ever judged someone before for this very thing? Have I missed something in someone I know? Would I recognize it and how would I handle it? What if it was me?

The supporting characters are equally as engaging. MiMi, Lo, Kenan, Deck, Jared, August's mom.

Love waits. The timing must be right to take the shot.

My favorite quote is "I'd play you at the five".

Long Shot is an absolute "must read". You will love August and Iris. You will be gutted with the story. And you will fall in love as they find the strength to fight their way to that perfect moment and take the long shot.

I think the author just made the game winning shot at the buzzer from mid-court. Long Shot is amazing.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Epic

Kennedy Ryan is brilliant. Her ability to capture Iris's story was gut wrenching, and refreshing. It's that bitter before the sweet. People may not agree with battered women and the choice we made to stay. It's a survival tactic, which builds your strength to leave when the time comes. This is THEE story which identifies with each and every abusive relationship. Kennedy, you are one of my Great eight, you inspire me every day. Thank you.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

so much detailed rape.

way too much rape in this book. seriously, even when rape is not happening in graphic, anal ripping detail, she is replaying the rape....just in case we might forget. well written rape porn, but not the book for me.

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Heavyweight

Heavyweight in the most beautiful and agonizing ways a story can be! It kept me anxious and angry, frightened and scared. Then there was a light at the and of the longest tunnel. In spite of the very sensitive matter, domestic abuse, the love story is one of unmatched passion and chemistry. We all should be as blessed to have what August and Iris did.

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