Long Shot (Hoops, #1) in Fallen Into Tijan Books

Mar 27, 2018 Katie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, read-in-2018

I judged, but who am I to judge?

I loved this book. I ached while reading this book. I judged while reading this book, and I hated myself for judging while reading this book.

Everyone and I do mean everyone should read this fantastic, wonderful, eye opening novel. It’s not only a lyrical, mind blowing read, it’s also a reminder not to judge until you’ve walked in someone else’s shoes. Im a huge believer that the world would be a better place if people just followed the golden rule of life; “Treat I judged, but who am I to judge?

I loved this book. I ached while reading this book. I judged while reading this book, and I hated myself for judging while reading this book.

Everyone and I do mean everyone should read this fantastic, wonderful, eye opening novel. It’s not only a lyrical, mind blowing read, it’s also a reminder not to judge until you’ve walked in someone else’s shoes. Im a huge believer that the world would be a better place if people just followed the golden rule of life; “Treat others, how you want to be treated” or even better, “treat, help, and defend other people the same way you would want people to treat, help, and defend the person or persons you love best”

The relationship between Iris and August was beautiful and healthy and healing. It’s the kind of relationship a girl would get if she got her actual “Prince Charming”, but the relationship between Iris and herself is also a huge plot point in this story. Kennedy Ryan never takes the easy road in her writing, whether it’s about race, or police brutality or abuse, she tells it like it is, and it’s heartbreaking to read, you’ll want to scream and yell, you’ll want to throw your kindle and you’ll probably want to throw up, heck you may actually throw up! But please don’t think it’s all dark, because as much as Kennedy doesn’t shy away from real issues and doesn’t candy coat them, she also has the ability to bring you out on the other side. Kind of like a healing, soul cleansing rain. You’ll question yourself, you’ll have to re-evaluate who you thought you where and fight harder to be the person you want to become. I say this because as I wrote earlier and am embarrassed to admit again, I judged, I yelled, and called her stupid, the solution seemed so simple in my head. But I know it’s not, and I need to remind myself to keep knowing better.

SPOILER AHEAD!

The truth is Iris wasn't wrong in her theory of guys like Caleb and the things they do that get swept under the rug, we’ve all seen it happen time and time again. People do terrible things, but because their famous or a leader of the community, or have money, people thinks it’s a lie, or that they must have been pushed, or that its was just this one time, as if that somehow makes it justifiable. If your a victim of abuse, Kennedy’s descriptions may be to much, but I’d still recommend reading this story, even if you skip over some things. Because it’s a reminder you aren't alone, or dumb, or weak. It’s a reminder that your just trying to survive. For those that are not looking into themselves and evolving, for those still judging, tell me, what would you do with no money, an estranged family, CPS, and the police thinking your abusive and crazy, and a baby to protect? What would you do with a famous "all American" man that people adore, who's father, and family protect him at all cost, who is physically and verbally abusing you, who rapes you, and isn't afraid to put a gun to your head, reminding you that he has no problem killing you, while keeping you hostage. What would you do, if it wasn't you but a loved one, would you sit back and say their stupid and judge, like some of these other ignorant, fools that have left reviews?

END SPOILER

I owe Kennedy Ryan a huge apology, because at one point during one particularly hard scene I accused her of creating an unrealistic drama just for the sake of creating drama. I think I said that because deep down even though I trusted that Kennedy was going to get me through this nightmare, I was so anguished, and petrified, and angry, and desperate, and hopeless right along side Iris, that I doubted her for a minute. So I’m sorry Kennedy because you got me through, and put me back together, you made me reevaluate myself, I thought I was past being a judgmental shrew, and you showed me it’s still there deep in me, and that I need to keep working on me. That’s not a bad thing, we’re all human, none of us perfect and we all need to keep evolving into a better us.

I planned to take a few days before writing this review, I planned to put quotes in, and try to show the deep feelings without giving anything away. I may still go back and do that, but I decided I couldn’t wait to get my thoughts together before telling people to go read this Novel. Congratulations Kennedy Ryan, your writing has always touched me, and I’ve been 1 clicking for awhile, but this story is on a completely different level, your soon to be a household name, one of the all time greats. ...more

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Mar 20, 2018 Bookjunkie_Anne rated it it was amazing

This is so unexpected! I know in it's entirety it's a love story, but the psychological thriller side of it made it so riveting and exhilarating—from beginning to end, I was hooked! I was excited and scared at the same time... I felt the longing, the frustration, the anger, the hopelessness and the hopefulness... I even felt empowered.

Just like in the Grip Series, it touches about topics that are significant and relevant in present times like racism, slut-shaming, domestic abuse, emotional abuse ...more

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Apr 04, 2018 Jaime Seal rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Oh my goodness....best book of 2018

Wow...I’m at a loss for words. I loved this book so much. It was my first Kennedy Ryan book, but it won’t be my last. I love Iris and Austin’s story! You will too, so be sure to one click it! I love basketball, so that made this book even better!! Thanks for your words Kennedy! ❤️🏀 You have a new fan!!!

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Mar 21, 2018 Diana Carolina rated it it was amazing

5 amazing stars ! Kennedy doesn’t only give you a story just makes you feel everything the characters are going thru . This story will forever stay with me .

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