It has been a LONG time since I've been this speechless when it comes to describing how much I loved a book. In fact, the last time I felt like this was when I read The Ghostwriter by Alessandra Torre. But when it comes to Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan, I truly believe there are no words to accurately describe how much my heart, my soul, my entire BEING was wrapped up in these pages.

Long Shot is the most brutally honest and beautiful romance novel I have ever read, and undoubtedly my top read of 2018.

"Even when you think you're defeated, dig deeper. Go harder. Press, because there is something worth it on the other side."

I have wanted to read a Kennedy Ryan book for a while now, and as much as I'm kicking myself for waiting, I'm also SO happy that Long Shot was my first read by her. It was such an incredible experience, from the very first word to the very last, and it's absolutely a book I'll never forget.

If you know anything about me and my "type" of books, then you know I CRAVE the real, the raw, the honest. I long for love that burns a little, that doesn't come easily, and Long Shot cured all these cravings and then some. Kennedy Ryan's writing is outstanding and emotional, and it will keep you captivated as you devour Iris and August's love story. If you think it will hurt, you're right. If you think you'll cry, you can count on it. And if you think you'll feel healed in the end, you've never been more spot on in your entire life.

"We may soar, but we land. Not always on our feet, and sometimes so awkwardly that our bones break."

There are so many elements of this story I loved, but what I loved MOST was how fearlessly Kennedy Ryan tackled the taboo subject of abuse -- specifically in the sports world. I think we've all seen within the past year (and more) that the rules get bent far to often for athletes who use their power to abuse, and this story shines a light on the WOMAN, the victim, who actually transcends that label and shows us the true definition of a survivor. It's not a glorious thing, it's not an easy thing, and it's not something you just "survive" and then walk away from forever. No, abuse is with you for your entire life, in subtle and larger ways, but if you dig deep within yourself and lean on those who love you, you can survive, wearing your scars like jewelry.

The characters in this story were so real, so cinematic, it was like they were living and breathing and acting right in front of me. I felt like a fly on the wall, watching with my nails between my teeth, sucked into every single moment. And it wasn't just Iris and August who jumped off the pages, but the supporting characters, too. I felt the menacing evil spirit of Caleb, I loved the free, fierce spirit of Lotus, and I found comfort in the calm, healing spirit of Mimi. It's such a rare feeling and such an AMAZING one to want to stay within a book's pages for long after they end, and that was the case with Long Shot. It was spellbinding.

"Strength. Dignity. Courage. All these things belong to you. Take them back. Your soul is yours. Your heart is yours. Your body is yours. Yours to keep and yours to share."

I could go on and on and on and ON about this book, but all I can really say is if you have a love for honest, sometimes heartbreaking but overall healing romance, this is perfect for you. And if you're scared of the subject matter, of being uncomfortable as you read, please, PLEASE, believe me when I say it's worth it. Sometimes we have to stir the most uncomfortable of our emotions in order to discover a new layer beneath, one raw and untouched and beautiful. I promise, Long Shot will reach so deep down inside your soul that it will touch a place you never knew existed, and you'll be forever changed.

I cannot recommend this book enough. If you take even one book recommendation from me for the year, please, let it be this one. Five angsty, heartbreaking, soul-healing stars.

"If you were mine, Iris, there would be no doubt the position you'd hold in my life. You'd be center. I'd play you at the five."