Whispers in the Bar

On the eve of the NCAA championship, August West, a rising basketball star, meets Iris DuPree in a bar. Their conversation is electric, filled with laughter, vulnerability, and a sense of belonging neither has felt before. Both are mixed-race, feeling out of place in their own families and communities, and they bond over their shared love of basketball and dreams for the future. The chemistry is undeniable, but Iris reveals she has a boyfriend, Caleb, another basketball player. They part ways, but the night leaves a mark on both, a whisper of what could have been if timing were different.

Collision of Destinies

The next day, August and Iris cross paths again at the championship game—August on the court, Iris in the stands supporting her boyfriend, Caleb. The game is a microcosm of their lives: August and Caleb are rivals, both on the court and, unknowingly, for Iris's heart. August's team wins, but the victory is bittersweet when he discovers Iris is Caleb's girlfriend. The three meet, and the tension is palpable. Iris is torn between loyalty and longing, while August is left with a sense of loss for something he never truly had.

Rivalry and Regret

As August's basketball career takes off, so does the rivalry with Caleb, now intensified by their shared history with Iris. Iris, meanwhile, faces unexpected news—she's pregnant. Caleb is thrilled, seeing the baby as a way to secure their future together, but Iris feels trapped, her dreams of independence slipping away. The pressure mounts as she's forced to choose between her own ambitions and the expectations placed on her by Caleb, her family, and society. Regret and resentment begin to fester, setting the stage for heartbreak.

Choices and Consequences

Iris's pregnancy becomes a battleground for control. Caleb's possessiveness grows, and subtle manipulations begin to erode Iris's autonomy. She's pressured to abandon her career aspirations and move with Caleb, who is drafted into the NBA. Iris's support system dwindles as she's isolated from friends and family. Meanwhile, August's career flourishes, but he can't shake thoughts of Iris. Both are haunted by the choices they've made, and the consequences ripple through every aspect of their lives.

Trapped by Love

Iris's relationship with Caleb turns dark as emotional manipulation escalates into physical and sexual abuse. Caleb's jealousy and need for control become violent, and Iris is trapped—financially, emotionally, and physically. She's cut off from resources, her every move monitored by Caleb and his bodyguard. The world sees her as the perfect partner to a star athlete, but behind closed doors, she's fighting for survival. August, sensing something is wrong, tries to reach out, but Iris is unreachable, lost in a prison built by love turned toxic.

The Price of Dreams

August's NBA career is both a dream and a burden. He's drafted by a struggling team, far from home and from Iris. Despite fame and fortune, he feels empty, haunted by what he lost and what he can't save. Iris, meanwhile, is forced onto bed rest, her career dreams slipping further away. She's offered a prestigious internship but must turn it down. The cost of ambition is high, and both August and Iris are forced to reckon with what they're willing to sacrifice for their dreams—and for each other.

Breaking Points

The abuse escalates, and Iris reaches her breaking point. She tries to escape, only to be dragged back by Caleb's power and influence. He manipulates the legal system, accuses her of kidnapping their daughter, and weaponizes her own words against her. Iris is left with nothing—no money, no support, no way out. But a spark of defiance remains. She begins to plot her escape, gathering evidence and allies, determined to reclaim her life and protect her daughter, no matter the cost.

Bruises and Secrets

Iris's cousin, Lotus, becomes her lifeline, helping her escape Caleb's clutches. Together, they gather evidence of the abuse, documenting every bruise and injury. Iris's journal, once a source of vulnerability, becomes her weapon. She negotiates with Caleb's powerful family, trading silence for freedom and sole custody of her daughter. The secrets that once kept her captive now set her free, but the scars—physical and emotional—remain. August, learning the truth, is devastated by what Iris endured and vows to protect her.

Survival and Sacrifice

Iris and her daughter find refuge with her great-grandmother, MiMi, in rural Louisiana. Surrounded by family and tradition, Iris begins to heal. MiMi's wisdom and rituals help her reclaim her sense of self, and she starts to believe in the possibility of happiness again. August, meanwhile, must choose between his career and his heart. When Iris reaches out, he sacrifices a lucrative contract and a shot at a championship to be with her. Their reunion is tentative, both scarred by the past but hopeful for the future.

The Power to Leave

Just as Iris and August begin to build a life together, the past resurfaces. Caleb, stripped of his career and reputation, seeks revenge. He tracks Iris down, intent on reclaiming what he believes is his. In a final, violent confrontation, Iris fights back, drawing on every ounce of strength she's gained. With August's support, she survives, and Caleb is finally gone. The power to leave, once denied to her, is now hers—and she uses it to choose herself and her daughter.

Healing on the Bayou

With Caleb gone, Iris is free to rebuild her life. She returns to her career ambitions, supported by August and her family. The bayou becomes a place of healing, where old wounds are tended and new dreams are born. August and Iris learn to trust each other, navigating the challenges of blending their lives and raising a child together. The scars remain, but they are no longer sources of shame—they are badges of survival, reminders of how far they've come.

Second Chances

August and Iris's relationship deepens as they learn to love each other in the light, no longer hiding from the past. They face challenges—public scrutiny, lingering fears, and the complexities of co-parenting—but their bond is unbreakable. August's devotion to Iris and her daughter is unwavering, and together they create a new family, built on trust, respect, and hard-won joy. The possibility of marriage and more children is on the horizon, but Iris moves at her own pace, determined to never lose herself again.

Love in the Light

Iris and August step fully into the light, no longer defined by their pasts. They celebrate small victories—shared meals, laughter, the milestones of their daughter's growth. August's career flourishes, but he never lets it overshadow his commitment to Iris. She, in turn, finds fulfillment in her work and motherhood, finally believing she deserves happiness. Their love is a testament to resilience, a beacon for others who have survived darkness and found their way back to joy.

Facing the Past

The past is never far, but Iris and August face it together. When the truth of Iris's abuse becomes public, they weather the storm as a team. Iris speaks out, not as a victim, but as a survivor, using her story to help others. August stands by her side, proud and protective. Together, they redefine what it means to be family, to love, and to heal. The future is uncertain, but they face it with courage and hope.

The Center of Everything

August and Iris create a home filled with love, laughter, and second chances. They blend their lives, their dreams, and their families, making space for each other's scars and strengths. August's promise to "play her at the five"—to make her the center of his life—is fulfilled every day. Iris, once afraid to trust, learns to lean on him, to let herself be loved. Their daughter thrives, surrounded by the security and joy her parents fought so hard to give her.

Taking the Shot

In the end, August and Iris choose each other, not in spite of their pasts, but because of them. They take the shot—on love, on family, on happiness. Their story is one of survival, resilience, and the transformative power of love. They are not defined by what they endured, but by what they built together. The heart speaks in whispers, and they have finally learned to listen.

Characters

Iris DuPree

Iris is the emotional heart of the story—a woman of strength, intelligence, and deep vulnerability. Raised in a fractured family, she's always felt out of place, yearning for independence and a career in sports marketing. Her relationship with Caleb begins with hope but devolves into a nightmare of abuse and control, leaving her isolated and desperate. Iris's journey is one of survival: she endures manipulation, violence, and the loss of her dreams, but never loses the core of who she is. With the help of her cousin Lotus and the love of August, she reclaims her autonomy, heals her wounds, and learns to trust again. Her development is marked by resilience, courage, and the refusal to be defined by her trauma.

August West

August is a gifted basketball player whose life is shaped by loss, ambition, and a longing for connection. The death of his father and his mixed-race identity leave him searching for belonging, which he finds, unexpectedly, in Iris. His rivalry with Caleb is both professional and personal, fueled by love and regret. August is fiercely loyal, compassionate, and driven—not just to succeed on the court, but to be a good man, partner, and father. His love for Iris is transformative, leading him to make sacrifices for her happiness and safety. He is patient, supportive, and unwavering, helping Iris heal and build a new life. August's journey is one of growth, learning that true strength lies in vulnerability and love.

Caleb Bradley

Caleb is the story's primary antagonist—a talented, privileged basketball player whose charm masks deep insecurity and a need for control. His relationship with Iris begins as a romance but quickly devolves into manipulation, possessiveness, and violence. Caleb's actions are driven by entitlement and fear of losing what he believes is his. He uses his power, wealth, and influence to isolate and abuse Iris, weaponizing love as a means of control. Caleb's psychological complexity lies in his ability to appear perfect to the world while being monstrous in private. His downfall is a result of his own actions, and his legacy is a warning about the dangers of unchecked power and toxic masculinity.

Lotus DuPree

Lotus is Iris's cousin and closest confidante—a woman of strength, wisdom, and resilience. Having survived her own trauma, Lotus is fiercely protective of Iris, offering support, guidance, and, when needed, tough love. She is deeply connected to her family's Creole and spiritual roots, drawing on tradition and intuition to help Iris heal. Lotus's presence is a lifeline for Iris, reminding her of her worth and the power of survival. Her own journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment, and she serves as a model of what it means to reclaim one's life after trauma.

Susan Foster

August's mother, Susan, is a source of stability, love, and wisdom. Having lost her husband and remarried, she understands grief, resilience, and the importance of family. She supports August's dreams while encouraging him to remain grounded and true to himself. Susan's acceptance of Iris and Sarai is unconditional, offering them the family and security they've longed for. Her presence is a reminder that healing often comes from community and that love can be a safe haven.

Sarai

Sarai is Iris and Caleb's daughter, a symbol of hope, innocence, and the future. Her existence is both a source of joy and a catalyst for Iris's decisions—her need to protect Sarai drives her to escape Caleb and fight for a better life. Sarai's bond with August is tender and healing, offering both characters a chance to redefine family and love. She represents the possibility of breaking cycles of abuse and building a new legacy.

Jared Foster

Jared is August's stepbrother and business partner, a pragmatic and supportive presence. He provides guidance, resources, and, at times, tough love, helping August navigate the complexities of fame, career, and personal life. Jared's role is often behind the scenes, but his loyalty and wisdom are crucial to August's success and stability. He also serves as a bridge between the worlds of sports, business, and family.

MiMi

MiMi, Iris's great-grandmother, is the spiritual anchor of the family. Rooted in Creole tradition and mysticism, she offers Iris a place of refuge and healing on the bayou. MiMi's rituals and wisdom help Iris reclaim her sense of self, teaching her that survival is not just about escaping harm, but about rediscovering joy and purpose. Her presence is a reminder of the power of ancestry, tradition, and the strength of women.

Kenan Ross

Kenan is August's teammate and mentor, a veteran player who has faced his own share of personal and professional challenges. His guidance helps August navigate the pressures of the NBA, teaching him about humility, leadership, and the importance of character. Kenan's friendship is a stabilizing force, and his own journey of healing and growth mirrors August's in many ways.

Andrew

Andrew, Caleb's cousin, is a complex figure—complicit in Caleb's abuse but also a reluctant ally to Iris. Bound by secrets and guilt, he provides medical care and, eventually, evidence that helps Iris escape. Andrew's role highlights the moral ambiguities faced by those who witness abuse and the importance of choosing to do the right thing, even when it's difficult.

Plot Devices

Dual Narration and Shifting Perspectives

The novel employs a dual narrative structure, alternating between Iris and August's points of view. This allows readers to experience the story's emotional highs and lows from both perspectives, deepening empathy and understanding. The shifting perspectives also highlight the parallel journeys of survival, healing, and love, while underscoring the misunderstandings and missed opportunities that shape their relationship.

Symbolism and Motifs

Throughout the story, motifs such as basketball, music, and the bayou serve as symbols of identity, resilience, and transformation. The basketball court is both a battleground and a place of belonging; music is a source of healing and connection; the bayou represents refuge and rebirth. The motif of "the heart speaks in whispers" underscores the importance of listening to one's intuition, even when it's drowned out by fear or doubt.

Foreshadowing and Parallel Universes

The narrative is rich with foreshadowing—subtle hints of danger, longing, and the possibility of change. The idea of parallel universes, of "sliding doors" and missed chances, recurs throughout, inviting readers to consider how small choices can alter the course of a life. This device heightens the stakes and emotional impact, making the eventual reunion and healing all the more powerful.

Documentation and Evidence

Iris's journal, medical records, and evidence of abuse become crucial plot devices, transforming her vulnerability into strength. These documents are used to negotiate her freedom, protect her daughter, and ultimately bring her abuser to justice. The act of documenting her pain is both an act of survival and a means of reclaiming her narrative.

Public vs. Private Personas

The story explores the tension between public image and private truth, especially in the world of professional sports and celebrity. Caleb's charm and success mask his violence; Iris's poised exterior hides her suffering. The eventual exposure of the truth forces characters to confront the consequences of secrecy and the liberating power of honesty.

Analysis

Long Shot is a searing, unflinching exploration of domestic abuse, trauma, and the long road to healing. Kennedy Ryan crafts a narrative that refuses to romanticize suffering, instead centering the lived reality of survivors—their fear, shame, and the complex web of barriers that keep them trapped. The novel is also a love story, but not in the traditional sense; it's about the love that saves, that waits, that empowers. August and Iris's relationship is built on mutual respect, patience, and the willingness to confront hard truths. The book challenges readers to examine the systems that enable abuse and the cultural narratives that blame victims. It's a call to listen to the whispers of the heart, to believe survivors, and to fight for a world where love is not a weapon, but a refuge. Ultimately, Long Shot is a testament to the indomitable spirit of women, the necessity of community, and the hope that, even after the darkest night, healing and joy are possible.

Last updated: October 27, 2025