This was a cute book, but sadly not very original. Or maybe I just read too many queer YA books this year? Is that even possible? I still think a lot of people will like this though.

Oh Truman… I loved him in Big Love and I loved him even more in Bigger Love – which I suppose is kinda appropriate. ❤

Truman had grown a lot since his freshman year. He was more sure of himself. He had friends and even though he was still a victim of random bullying, it had died down and he had also learned to ignore most of it. I really liked the young man he had grown to become. His relationship with his mother had grown as well. They were a great team – more than mother and son – more like best friends. Even though Truman was afraid things would change if his mom fell into a serious relationship, he really wanted her to be happy – and she wanted him to be happy too.

Mike was a mystery. Even after that first encounter. Truman didn’t even know his name, but he was still hard for him to forget.

Mike was as confused about his feelings as Truman was, which meant he had a lot to come to terms with. One thing he did know was that he didn’t want to hurt Truman, he wanted to protect him – he just didn’t go about it in the right way. He grew a lot too in Bigger Love and he eventually got it.

We head back to Summitville High to catch up with Truman; he has embraced his differences and isn’t afraid to be himself despite the small-minded people in his town. He is stunned the first time he encounters the new boy, Mike Stewart, but they don’t really cross paths again until the senior class play. Another emotional and thought-provoking story from Rick R. Reed; loved it. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A real life style coming out story of teenage love between an open out honest teenager and a new boy in town that is far from out and scared. A romance story with all the right elements, well written by Rick Reed and one to make you want to read more of his books

Rick R. Reed's "Bigger Love" is a sequel/companion to "Big Love." You do not need to have read the preceding novel, yet there are enough winks to the other novel that it can be fun to read both. This story follows Truman through the beginning of his senior year of high school. He's quickly pulled into the school play and drama ensues, particularly as it comes to Truman's love life. He quickly develops a fascination with the new boy in town, Mike. The two have enough opportunities to interact to show why they like each other, yet it still feels like a sudden shift into their relationship. It's a fine romance, it just flew by.

First off, I have not read Big Love so I'm not sure if that would make a difference instead of reading Bigger Love as a standalone book.

The book addresses a couple of important topics such as toxic masculinity, homophobia and owning who you are. However the characters were flat and didn't really have a personality.

Truman came off as more of a "insert stereotypical caricature of a feminine/gender fluid" character than anything else. Mike on the other hand was only a sex object that struggled with his sexuality briefly before shrugging off his internalized homophobia and self hatred. They also interacted a handful of times, most of which they never even talked and decided they're both in love. Since we don't really know much about either character and the most time they spend together was getting each other off, they were definitely in lust not in love.

I rated the book 3 stars but I think 2.5 is more appropriate. The book has potential to be a cute story but comes off as a cheap erotica novel.

I received an eARC from NetGalley for a review.

🌈Small-town teen braves hatemongers to be true to himself: inspiring😍

I could not put down this moving continuation of Truman's story and read it in one sitting.. Young Truman debuted as a high school freshman in Big Love, another great Rick R. Reed MM romance based in a high school in a small Ohio town. Truman first exhibited his bravery in Big Love, and, though it's not necessary to fully enjoy this story which takes place during the fall of his senior year, I recommend reading the earlier standalone as well.

Truman is the star of the book, longing for Mike, a boy who's new in town and apparently unobtainable and uninterested. Truman is so brave because he's often terrified or hurt by other people's reactions to his unique style and attitude yet he pushes through his fears to earn respect and acceptance. He's got some great people in his corner, most particularly his mother Patsy and a mentoring teacher.

The social setting of the story helped elevate this book out of the ordinary for me. Truman and his friends are struggling, working class people, with few hopes for more than a high school education, from a Rust Belt town. I read alot of MM novels; though many deal with small-town prejudice, few broach the issue of life on the lower margins and the economic and social disappointments that can contribute to the rage vented against those who dare to be different and special like Truman.

I give Reed high marks for creating a love story with complex, flawed characters. So many emotions and, in the end, a young man who risks even a budding relationship to stand in his own truth.

Thanks to publishers NineStar Press and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.