After having this on my TBR for a while, I saw a review on Tik Tok that highly recommended this book to those seeking a nice gay romance. I am so happy that I decided to take a chance on this one! I love how different both Sandro and Sebastian were compared to the other LGBT novels on the market. Normally I am not a huge fan of the "straight to gay" trope, but I feel like this novel does a solid job representing a real experience that could happen. This felt more realistic to me than some other novels I've read where the straight guy says "Oh I'm gay now!". This had very real thoughts, very real issues, and felt very lifelike. As a teacher, I only wish I could have this available in my classroom- but being that I'm in Florida- this wouldn't be allowed. Especially because there are some sexual scenes... but I happily purchased a copy for my own personal library at home. Thanks Netgalley and Inkyard for the advanced review copy!

A strong coming of age story between to masculine senior athletes who struggle to be their authentic selves. This story as heavy emotions with the two flawed MCs figuring out themselves . I do wish it had more of a solid HEA with a epilogue of them further in the future.

This was a very cute read. I love a good mm romnance. This one did not disappoint!

I loved how Sandro and Bash were friends first and the slow burn romance.
So so cute!

A coming of age story that I can close to wholly enjoying. Sadly it did not speak to me. This is not against the quality of the book- which is competent. I personally could not connect with the main characters and that is the downfall for me.

Coming of age stories are stories I enjoyed. People figuring themselves out and coming to terms with what that means for them. It can be so beautiful. The Long Run seemed like it was going to be exactly that, and I think it could have been, but I couldn’t bring myself to finish this one.

I was put off pretty early on, but tried to ignore it and continue. The voice was young, but I am out of the age range and reading a YA novel, so I understand that the voice may be off for me. But, as I continued, it never improved for me and is ultimately why I ended up putting it down.

Bash and Sando are two jocks and this story doesn’t allow the reader to forget it. Not due to this being extra sporty, but before of the stereotypes one might think of when they think of jocks. The locker room talk is thick throughout this story, making this so “bro-y” that it was a struggle for me to get through. It pulled me out of the story and had me curling my nose in disgust at how they were continually talking with no one questioning it.

Beyond that, the relationship was instalove. When they were together and kissing, I was so confused. I didn’t understand where that came from. While I knew it was going to happen, not just because of the blurb, it was still baffling. The lead up to it occurring was so obvious that it felt forced.

The gay slurs were abound here. I’m all for queer people reclaiming words. Go on, reclaim them–I didn’t feel like that was happening here. Maybe further on in the book, past the 55%, it feels more like that. But, it didn’t. Left and right, it felt like I was being insulted. That the characters were being insulted (which maybe they stood up for themselves later). I struggled to believe this was a reclaiming and more the author being excited that he could use it as part of his locker room talk.

The Long Run had plot lines which I do believe could have led to a satisfying ending or that proud feeling that they learned to love and accept themselves, but I couldn’t get there. The narration and bro-y attitude of this book was hard for me to look past. It’s one I can’t even bring myself to recommend to anyone.

This was a fun little romance! I enjoyed the characters of Sandro and Sebastian, especially because they weren't your typical white characters that we see featured in ya lit so much.

What I Liked:
-Follows classic romance tropes, so you know exactly what you're getting out of this one
-Both main characters have fun and endearing personalities so it's easy to root for them
-The banter 😍
-Multiple Perspectives
-Real, raw feelings and situations that make it that much more relatable

What I Didn't Like:
-Are there really families out there like Sandro's who are so oblivious to what their teenager is going through even when they're practically begging for attention? Like, his foot is broken and his family doesn't seem to care to get him the help he needs? Yikes.

Note: I did read this a few months ago and I can no longer remember just how graphic the physical intimacy is in this book. Iowa teachers, be careful with the current legislation before putting this one in your classroom libraries.

I didn't really like this book and I wouldn't read it again. The overall story was sweet, a coming-of-age tale of two jocks falling in love and learning how to love themselves and their families. Very heart-warming stuff. And it wasn't super sportsy, which would have been a major turn-off because I couldn't care less about high school athletics.

What I didn't like about the book was how crude and "bro" it it was. The word "F-G" appears in this book 30 times. The sex scenes read like, "crotch forestation," and, "that boy's fingernails were in my butt-meat." When one of the leads first says he loves the other, the response he gets is, "Me, too, bud." I get that they're teenage boys but I just didn't find the romance..."romantic." I understand I'm not the target audience here, but... lol

There's also a point where one of the boys gets physical with the other, like abusively. And he doesn't even apologize until the other guy apologizes first, as in, "I'm sorry for making you hit me." I was so turned off by the abusive one that I lost any interest in them staying a couple to the end and just wanted the book to be over. The way the book wrapped up could have been great, but the one boy was just such a red flag for me. The way his behavior was excused and forgotten because he came from a rough family ruined the book for me, basically. If the author wanted a reason for them to have a temporary breakup so they could learn, grow, and get back together, it could have been literally anything else and it would have been fine, but that, for me, was just too much.

Unfortunately, I didn't finish reading The Long Run. I thought the premise was interesting, and I enjoyed the characters, but the writing style was not for me. I felt like it was a rather drudging experience as I tried to make it through the first 20%. I think if I had stuck it out for longer, the plot would've gotten more complex and perhaps I would've been more interested and engaged, but I could not bring myself to do it.

While I didn't like it, other readers may enjoy it! I think it's worth a try for those looking for a queer, contemporary read, especially one with POC representation.

One of my favorite books of the last year. I already wrote a GR review, but forgot to give credit for the ARC Copy.

I love YA books, and I love the theme of sports romance. This adds depth with the theme of the leads dealing with homophobia, which may be challenging for some readers.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me. All thoughts are my own.

This was a well-developed, fun, character-driven romance. I loved watching these two characters get to know each other and find their way through their own growth and into their own relationship. A delight!

(3.5) Two teenage boys—one suffering in a toxic family with a broken foot and anger issues, the other grieving the loss of his mom and feeling like he's standing still instead of moving forward—fall in love in their small New Jersey town.

TW: homophobia (including slurs), vomit (moderately graphic), toxic family home (violence, borderline abuse), past death of a parent, grief as a theme

If you're not into teenagers drinking, having sex, or fighting with their parents/each other, then this won't be the book for you. It is very angsty. I did love the wisdom teeth caretaking scene, Bash's relationship with his stepdad Del, and Sandro's relationship with his Ma. There were a couple of things I didn't like as much, like how neither boy really got come out to their parents? Their parent just basically went "u fruity huh" and they confirmed it.

Keep scrolling to see all the rep this story has. I loved reading about so many characters of color, even though their race isn't really brought up in the story. Also, I am always going to love a book that shows the wear and tear of friendships as you outgrow them or discover they're not serving you anymore.

I'm worried that I'm reading too many sad YA books with queer and mentally ill characters and now they're not standing out to me anymore. I love You Asked For Perfect, Ander & Santi Were Here, If This Gets Out,Darkhearts, Unexpecting, I Wish You All the Best, Little & Lion, and This is Why They Hate Us. I feel comfortable recommending it, but I didn't feel as invested in this story as I did in those others listed.

Rep: bisexual half-Black, half-Mexican main character; gay Italian main character; Black side character

Thank you to Inkyard Press and Netgalley for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

"The Long Run" stands out as one of the most genuine YA novels I've encountered. It centers on Bash and Sandro, two high school seniors navigating their identities, futures, and the evolving nature of their relationship. The portrayal of Bash’s bisexual awakening and their mutual sexual experiences is handled with remarkable realism and sensitivity, free from clichés and unnecessary plot twists. The authenticity of their teenage angst and miscommunication resonates deeply with the real teenage experience.

The contrasting family backgrounds of Bash and Sandro are depicted with great depth and understanding. The dynamics in a large family versus living with a single step-parent are explored thoughtfully, adding layers to both characters. Their journey from being classmates and reluctant track teammates to friends, and eventually lovers, unfolds beautifully. Their relationship is raw and real, offering a fresh perspective compared to many YA romances.

While the first quarter of the book takes its time to build momentum, the payoff is well worth the patience. "The Long Run" is a compelling and meaningful story that's definitely worth the read.

This is without a doubt one of the best books I have read this year. Acker approaches his characters and their motivations with such tenderness and compassion, and I absolutely adored both of them as they struggle to become the people they want to be, despite the situations they find themselves in. This was marketed as a read-alike to Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, and while the stories themselves are very different, the narrative tone of both is absolutely similar -- so if you loved the energy of Aristotle & Dante, you'll likely also really enjoy this one.

I cannot overstate how much I adored this book. I'm so glad I took a chance & picked it up. I will be buying my own copy soon, and I can't wait to give it to my friends and have my library purchase it.

This is a coming of age story about two teen athletes who both a bit lost as they prepare to graduate high school. Finding each other helps them to find themselves. This story will appeal to teens who can identify with the anxiety of moving on to the next stage of life post-high school.

The Long Run by James Acker is a compelling and emotionally resonant novel that explores the themes of redemption, resilience, and self-discovery through the lens of long-distance running. With its relatable characters and authentic portrayal of the sport, it is a book that will appeal to both running enthusiasts and anyone seeking an inspiring story of personal growth. Despite some pacing issues, the novel's powerful message and engaging narrative make it a worthwhile read that will leave a lasting impression.

Acker spins such an amazing character focused story that kept me turning pages far after I should have gone to bed! It has been one of my favorite reads. It is a genuinely exceptional and emotionally engaging coming of age tale. The only complaint I have is I wish there was more but excellent from start to finish!

Thank you to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me access to the free advanced digital copy of this book.

A quick read and an intense story that is raw and real and that leaves you thinking about it long after it’s over.

I struggled to get in to this one, and ultimately gave up about 25% through. I'm sure it will be a hit for many readers, but the "bro" talk as others have mentioned just wasn't for me.