This was really good. I loved reading about everyone at camp and I love this really inclusive soccer team. I'd love to read more about them. My one complaint is there are a lot of characters and names and I couldn't always remember who was who but other than that it was a great and highly entertaining and diverse book.

4.5 Stars

Well, well, well - this was quite a delightful surprise. When I started reading I was convinced I was going to have issues. It’s told in a third person narrative, which is fine, but in this instance I was worried I wouldn’t be able to connect with the main character, that I wouldn’t understand where he was coming from and blah blah blah...

Well I was wrong. Epically wrong. Sebastian is wonderful and this book is wonderful and everything a teen needs in their life. I mean I don’t even know where to begin! I guess let’s start with the amazing representation of LGBTQ+ teens in high school athletics. Not only that, let’s talk about how utterly amazing the coach is and every single person on the team. They are truly a family, they go out on a limb for each other, and, of course, bust each other’s chops a bit, but what family doesn’t!! There are so few books out there that create a safe space in sports right off the bat and this was so refreshing to see and something, I hope, becomes true to life.

In addition to this, the author does an amazing job of tackling some super real issues for teens. Topics like male body issues and self-criticism, the terrifying reality of life after high school and having no clue what comes next, the personas we take on when dealing with troubles at home, and, honestly, there’s so much more.

Now you might think this could make the narrative feel cluttered or overwhelming or that some topics don’t get their due, but the author does such an exceptional job of weaving these things into the storytelling that all of it feels so natural. Plus - another of my favorite things about this book - while, yes, this a romance, it’s also so much more than that. The author never completely follows those typical YA romantic plot devices and conventions. I would reach the end of a chapter and think “Yep, it’s coming. That terrible “it,” we see in all YA romances!” And then I’d turn the page and BOOM! That “it” never came and instead the author was able to focus on those bigger topics I mentioned earlier.

Did I have some issues with the book? Sure! But they are so minor compared to the truly fantastic characters and character development and the fact that the author was able to take some tough issues and not only weave them into a sweet love story but also make them accessible and relatable to a teen (and adult!) audience.

At the end of the day, I love a nice surprise and this one surprised me in the sweetest way. A must read, most definitely!

Golly, this book is cute. A fun sports romance. I liked that the book wasn't TOTALLY focused on the romance aspect, and we got to see a bit of the friendships between the boys on the team. I like my romance novels fluffy and sweet like cotton candy and this delivers.

I received and ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was adorable! Sebastian is such a great main character! I loved him so much. Willie was so lovable and I want to be his best friend. Mason was a jerk, but was a good guy who just needed a small push. Amir was so precious. I loved them all.

Sebastian is trying to figure out and deal with a lot of stuff in his life. He is bisexual, but is only out to a few people. He was bullied as a kid and has some self esteem and body image issues. He doubts his leadership skills and soccer skills. He has no idea what he wants to do after his senior year is over. Soccer and his friends are all he has, and after the year is over he will be losing both in different ways. To top everything off, his former best friend who now hates him shows up at soccer camp.

Amir struggles to fit in. He is painfully shy and comes off as an asshole as a result. He is a Muslim and get shit for it. He gets nasty comments about his race. And he’s gay. He joins the soccer team to make his dad happy, but isn’t any good.

Sebastian takes on training Amir after practices to help him improve despite Amir’s protests. They grow closer during this time and their past comes to surface. They find themselves growing closer and closer, their friendship turning into something more.

I really like that this book addresses a lot of issues that teens deal with on a regular basis. One of my favorite scenes is where Sebastian is struggling with his body image and Amir tells him that everyone is imperfect and it’s okay. I was glad when Sebastian got professional help at the end of the book to address some of his insecurities and it was a good thing. Sometimes books make therapy out to be bad when it is extremely helpful.

I love how open this book was about racism and homophobia and anxiety and self insecurity. It’s important for people to read about things they are dealing with and see them in characters. And to see them handled in such a great way.

Plus, it was just such a cute book! I had a big, cheesy smile plastered across my face for most of it. And who doesn’t love the best friends to enemies to lovers angle?

This book was just so special. I don't think I've read a YA romance quite like this especially considering that it was both a sports romance and a book that had a Muslim teen as the love interest. I love the representation in the novel as well as the portrayal of male friendships. There's not many books that focus on the friendships of teenage boys, especially when they look this supportive and sweet. My only issue was with the writing, which was a bit clunky at times (particularly in the beginning) but I felt that the writer got more confident as the story went on (or maybe I was too caught up in the plot to notice...). Overall, a great debut and a wonderful entry into the YA LGBTQIA+ cannon.

You ever read a book that’s so sweet you just want to hug it to your chest and never let go?

“Running with Lions” is a heartwarming journey for senior soccer player Sebastian as he tackles his final year at camp before facing off against the arch rival Spartans where he faces everything from wavering self confidence, team responsibilities, the unknown after graduation and the boy from his childhood who seems less than thrilled at their sudden reunion.

It’s so refreshing to have a book explore sexuality in a way that isn’t a joke or fetishizing giving us a group of people with various backgrounds, religions and sexual identities who are so open and welcoming to those differences. There’s still some conflict especially when it comes to people outside of the group but to see them really just accept these relationships and become a family was one of the greatest things I could ever ask for.

This is also one of those books where there’s plenty of characters but no one becomes a trope or an extra in the background who’s only needed for a specific plot point, they all have unique personalities and layered backgrounds that really helps flesh them out and make you care about them just as much as Sebastian and Emir. I also have to say Grey was a total badass and if there was ever a continuation series set in this world I’d love to see more of her.

I really have no complaints, everything I hoped his would be when I read the synopsis turned out to be exactly what I got and more. If you’re looking for a bit of pain and angst you won’t find it here, but if you’re in the mood for a soccer team filled with pride “Running with Lions” has you covered.

**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**