The Long Run

This book was agonizing to get through, and not in the fun way.

While the main characters had very real and valid things to unpack and work through, they also had minimal spark on the page together after the halfway point in the book, imo. The latter half became a drag to get through, and I honestly thought it could've benefitted from some trimming. Because 400 pages.

Two New Jersey high school bros fall in love whilst dealing with difficult family dynamics and toxic dude-bro culture. One MC is gay but not out, and the other is bi but not even aware of it yet, so they develop a strong friendship before anything becomes physical. Debut author James Acker does an exemplary job of portraying the boys' gradual realization and relief that they can talk to each other about real things. The ending is a sweetly hopeful HFN for two teens in their senior year.

Oh. My. God. I do not even have words right now. This was everything I didn't know I needed.

I will fight for Sandro. Such a lovable teddy bear! Bash can defend himself, but ugh what a relatable character!

And the rep?! A Mexican Black bi boy and an Italian gay bear? Like what hello!

I know this isn't much of a review, but just know I want to tell everyone to read this book!

Thank you NetGalley, James Acker, and Inkyard Press for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

The Long Run by James Acker releases February 7, 2023!