Been Here All Along

Gideon has known his best friend Kyle since kindergarten, and they live across the hall from each other. Now in high school, Gideon realizes he has feelings for Kyle that go beyond friendship. Kyle maintains a structured life with his girlfriend Ruby and his clear plans for the future. His world shifts when he begins to question his own identity and his relationship with his closest friend. The story follows both boys' perspectives as they navigate changing dynamics, family expectations, and self-discovery. Their shared history and deep connection form the foundation for potential romance. The novel explores themes of long-term friendship evolving into love, the complexities of coming out in high school, and the courage required to risk a cherished relationship for the possibility of something more.

Readers describe this as a light, sweet YA romance focused on two best friends discovering feelings for each other. The quick pace and dual perspectives keep the story moving. Liked: - Authentic portrayal of anxiety and coming out - Supportive family dynamics - Low conflict/drama approach to LGBTQ+ themes - Casual representation of bisexuality - Quick, easy read Disliked: - Plot feels superficial and underdeveloped - Characters lack depth - Writing style can be repetitive - Minimal tension or obstacles - Some found it too simplistic for older YA readers Several readers noted it works better for younger teens new to LGBTQ+ fiction rather than experienced YA readers. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.54/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (50+ ratings) BookBrowse: 3/5 "Perfect for readers wanting sweet fluff without angst" - Goodreads reviewer "Too basic in plot and character development" - Amazon reviewer

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🌟 The novel explores the friends-to-lovers trope between two best friends and next-door neighbors who have known each other since kindergarten 📚 Sandy Hall wrote this book while working as a teen librarian in New Jersey, bringing authentic young adult perspectives to the story 💫 The book was published by Swoon Reads, an imprint that allows readers to discover and vote on manuscripts before publication 🎭 The story alternates between four different character perspectives, giving readers multiple viewpoints of the same events 🌈 This book was part of a growing wave of LGBTQ+ young adult literature featuring coming-out stories in everyday settings rather than focusing primarily on trauma or tragedy