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For the Long Run #1
For the Long Run
An enemies-to-lovers lesbian sports romance about making it to the finish line.
A koala ruined her life. Well, that’s how elite athlete Shan Metz sees it. When an idiot charity runner in a koala suit trips Shan during a community fun run, her knee blows out, destroying her dream of making the Australian Commonwealth Games team. Recovering from knee surgery will be bad enough, but living on her building’s fourth floor will make it a nightmare.
Consultant Lizzie Carras, aka the dream-wrecking koala, does guilt like a pro. The only decent thing to do is offer Shan her spare bedroom during recovery. Their incompatible lifestyles don’t help matters. Neither does Shan’s training partner, the haughty and possessive Celia. But they’ll muddle through until Shan’s knee has healed enough to get out of Lizzie’s life.
Because it’s not like Shan would ever miss a dream-wrecking koala or anything. Right?
Tropes: enemies to lovers romance, opposites attract romance, roommate romance, sports romance
A koala ruined her life. Well, that’s how elite athlete Shan Metz sees it. When an idiot charity runner in a koala suit trips Shan during a community fun run, her knee blows out, destroying her dream of making the Australian Commonwealth Games team. Recovering from knee surgery will be bad enough, but living on her building’s fourth floor will make it a nightmare.
Consultant Lizzie Carras, aka the dream-wrecking koala, does guilt like a pro. The only decent thing to do is offer Shan her spare bedroom during recovery. Their incompatible lifestyles don’t help matters. Neither does Shan’s training partner, the haughty and possessive Celia. But they’ll muddle through until Shan’s knee has healed enough to get out of Lizzie’s life.
Because it’s not like Shan would ever miss a dream-wrecking koala or anything. Right?
Tropes: enemies to lovers romance, opposites attract romance, roommate romance, sports romance
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2022
103 people are currently reading
721 people want to read
About the author
Cheyenne Blue
98 books476 followersCheyenne Blue is a sapphic author from southeast Queensland. Her short stories appeared in over 90 anthologies before her stories got longer and more romantic, so she went with the flow and switched to writing romance novels.
She now has a bunch of big-hearted sapphic romance novels mainly set in Australia, and has won both IPPY and Golden Crown Literary Society awards.
She lives in southeast Queensland, Australia in a small house with a big view—perfect for morning coffee, evening wine, and anytime writing. Find her at www.cheyenneblue.com on Facebook, or Instagram.
She now has a bunch of big-hearted sapphic romance novels mainly set in Australia, and has won both IPPY and Golden Crown Literary Society awards.
She lives in southeast Queensland, Australia in a small house with a big view—perfect for morning coffee, evening wine, and anytime writing. Find her at www.cheyenneblue.com on Facebook, or Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
November 12, 2022
Shan Metz is an elite runner with a dream of racing in the Olympics. Lizzie Carras is a casual runner who would rather stay in bed most mornings than go running. The two meet in an unfortunate collision which leaves Shan on crutches and requiring surgery. Guilt and compassion moves Lizzie to take care of Shan as she recovers.
Blue finds her stride in For the Long Run with a compelling story and interesting characters. I am sure the life of an elite runner is a mystery to most readers, yet what I enjoyed the most was Lizzie’s journey and competition. The final race is so well written that I could feel the blisters on my feet. I highly recommend this novel.
I received a free advance review copy from Ylva Publishing and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blue finds her stride in For the Long Run with a compelling story and interesting characters. I am sure the life of an elite runner is a mystery to most readers, yet what I enjoyed the most was Lizzie’s journey and competition. The final race is so well written that I could feel the blisters on my feet. I highly recommend this novel.
I received a free advance review copy from Ylva Publishing and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 25, 2022
Balancing act.
Cheyenne Blue has published a number of books but I've only read one before this - The No. 94 Project - and I didn't like it. Hence, I was hesitant to pick this one up though I thought I probably needed to give this author another chance and I'm glad I did.
This book is about life choices and priorities and I really like it because it advocates for the fact that dreams and relationships are not mutually exclusive. Shan is a pro-athlete with a real shot at making the Olympics team. She trains hard and considers relationships a distraction, hence she avoids them. When she injures herself tripping over a woman dressed in a koala suit at a fun run, her dream comes to a temporary halt. She has to take time off running to recover and Lizzie, in the koala suit, offers to take care of Shan and the two become close. But despite her feelings, Shan is unable to commit to a relationship because of priorities.
The Olympics is a huge deal and I'm so glad this story doesn't suggest otherwise because that would have been unreal. I'm glad that Lizzie was there to support Shan. Lizzie is a kind soul and genuine and I really like her. Shan, on the other hand, is a bit selfish but there is change and enlightenment as the story progresses and Shan realises that life is a balancing act. I'm also happy that Shan also learnt to recognise Lizzie's dreams as well so it wasn't so one-sided.
While I'm generally fine with the main characters, I think the development with Shan's best friend, Celia, could be worked on more. But other than that, I thought this book was quite good.
I received this ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Cheyenne Blue has published a number of books but I've only read one before this - The No. 94 Project - and I didn't like it. Hence, I was hesitant to pick this one up though I thought I probably needed to give this author another chance and I'm glad I did.
This book is about life choices and priorities and I really like it because it advocates for the fact that dreams and relationships are not mutually exclusive. Shan is a pro-athlete with a real shot at making the Olympics team. She trains hard and considers relationships a distraction, hence she avoids them. When she injures herself tripping over a woman dressed in a koala suit at a fun run, her dream comes to a temporary halt. She has to take time off running to recover and Lizzie, in the koala suit, offers to take care of Shan and the two become close. But despite her feelings, Shan is unable to commit to a relationship because of priorities.
The Olympics is a huge deal and I'm so glad this story doesn't suggest otherwise because that would have been unreal. I'm glad that Lizzie was there to support Shan. Lizzie is a kind soul and genuine and I really like her. Shan, on the other hand, is a bit selfish but there is change and enlightenment as the story progresses and Shan realises that life is a balancing act. I'm also happy that Shan also learnt to recognise Lizzie's dreams as well so it wasn't so one-sided.
While I'm generally fine with the main characters, I think the development with Shan's best friend, Celia, could be worked on more. But other than that, I thought this book was quite good.
I received this ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2022
For the Long Run by Cheyenne Blue is a sports romance about an Australian elite runner finding love in the most unlikely of places and under the most difficult of circumstances. Ms. Blue is no novice when it comes to writing love stories around sports, and while I’ve loved all of her former sport themed books, this may be her best one yet.
Shannon (Shan) Metz is on her way to a great running career. She is training for the Commonwealth Games coming up soon, and after that, the Olympics in less than two years. That is, she was training until a runner in a koala suit causes her to fall and blow out her knee in a community race. The koala, AKA Lizzie Carras is no elite athlete, but she is a pro at something else…guilt. This guilt, and her innate kindness, pushes her to try and help Shan. In spite of Shan’s anger at what’s happened to her, she ends up rooming with Lizzie as she recovers from surgery. These two women really have nothing in common. Their lives and personalities are totally different. There is no way they should ever become a couple. If only their hearts would believe that.
This is truly a lovely tale about two opposites who fall in love in spite of themselves. The author did her research on the subject of elite running, and it shows in the narrative. Shan’s character is the ultimate athlete with a focused and somewhat selfish personality, at least at the beginning. Lizzie is just a kind person, the type of woman you want as a best friend or lover. The character that really melted my heart in more than one way though was Presto, the rescue dog that Lizzie and Shan ended up fostering. For those of you who have read some or all of Ms. Blue’s other novels, you may also find a few familiar faces in some of the secondary characters. I do love these little Easter Eggs in a story.
If you love romances based on sports with an enemies-to-lovers and opposites-attract tropes added to the tale, then you are going to love this book. I certainly did, and I bet you will too.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Shannon (Shan) Metz is on her way to a great running career. She is training for the Commonwealth Games coming up soon, and after that, the Olympics in less than two years. That is, she was training until a runner in a koala suit causes her to fall and blow out her knee in a community race. The koala, AKA Lizzie Carras is no elite athlete, but she is a pro at something else…guilt. This guilt, and her innate kindness, pushes her to try and help Shan. In spite of Shan’s anger at what’s happened to her, she ends up rooming with Lizzie as she recovers from surgery. These two women really have nothing in common. Their lives and personalities are totally different. There is no way they should ever become a couple. If only their hearts would believe that.
This is truly a lovely tale about two opposites who fall in love in spite of themselves. The author did her research on the subject of elite running, and it shows in the narrative. Shan’s character is the ultimate athlete with a focused and somewhat selfish personality, at least at the beginning. Lizzie is just a kind person, the type of woman you want as a best friend or lover. The character that really melted my heart in more than one way though was Presto, the rescue dog that Lizzie and Shan ended up fostering. For those of you who have read some or all of Ms. Blue’s other novels, you may also find a few familiar faces in some of the secondary characters. I do love these little Easter Eggs in a story.
If you love romances based on sports with an enemies-to-lovers and opposites-attract tropes added to the tale, then you are going to love this book. I certainly did, and I bet you will too.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
October 17, 2022
As a runner myself this was a no-brainer to read.
The blurb describes this as an enemy-to-lovers book, it sorta is, but its extremely one sided. Shan is late for her run and ends up behind the elite athletes in the fun run, where she doesn’t pay attention and trips over Lizzie in a koala suit. Lizzie blames herself and is unbelievably nice. She takes it upon herself to drive Shan to the hospital, waits for he, drives her home, follows up, offers a better place to stay. She might just be a bit TOO nice. Meanwhile Shan remains a bit of a grump and puts all the blame on poor Lizzie. Shan’s friend/ training partner/ rival Celia is awful.
I like how the running part of the story provides the push and pull in all the relationships. It’s an excellent vehicle. The characters from Blue’s Project 94 make an appearance and it’s fun. But aside from the running there is another star of this story and that’s Pronto, Lizzie’s foster dog.
In the end I would think Lizzie settles for Shan, or she just sees something I don’t necessarily see. I don’t see the click beyond a good friendship. A friendship is as good a basis for a relationship as any so that’s fine. I like the mindset change in Lizzie about running, I know all too well what that feels like. Although I am never ever going to run a marathon, a half one is far enough for me!
*ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review*
The blurb describes this as an enemy-to-lovers book, it sorta is, but its extremely one sided. Shan is late for her run and ends up behind the elite athletes in the fun run, where she doesn’t pay attention and trips over Lizzie in a koala suit. Lizzie blames herself and is unbelievably nice. She takes it upon herself to drive Shan to the hospital, waits for he, drives her home, follows up, offers a better place to stay. She might just be a bit TOO nice. Meanwhile Shan remains a bit of a grump and puts all the blame on poor Lizzie. Shan’s friend/ training partner/ rival Celia is awful.
I like how the running part of the story provides the push and pull in all the relationships. It’s an excellent vehicle. The characters from Blue’s Project 94 make an appearance and it’s fun. But aside from the running there is another star of this story and that’s Pronto, Lizzie’s foster dog.
In the end I would think Lizzie settles for Shan, or she just sees something I don’t necessarily see. I don’t see the click beyond a good friendship. A friendship is as good a basis for a relationship as any so that’s fine. I like the mindset change in Lizzie about running, I know all too well what that feels like. Although I am never ever going to run a marathon, a half one is far enough for me!
*ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review*
November 25, 2022
3,5 - 4 ⭐️
Lizzie was a lovely character but I couldn’t connect with Shan and I got a little bit bored with the story in the middle of the book.
Lizzie was a lovely character but I couldn’t connect with Shan and I got a little bit bored with the story in the middle of the book.
October 29, 2022
A disasterous fall ends Shannon/Shan's dream of making the running team for the Commonwealth Games. Bitter and disillusioned, she blames the koala costumed idiot who got in her way. Guilt riddled Lizzie is the target of her anger but (fate works in mysterious ways) she is the only one available to take Shan to the hospital. A "busted" knee, surgery, rehab and shared accommodations and we're off into another credible, hot, sports romance from Cheyenne Blue.
Cheyenne's clever writing of happenchance, remorse and recognition of personal choice and responsibility is intertwined with eventual smoldering emotion and information on the sport of distant running. The dedication and intensity needed when aiming for a spot on an Olympic team.
Polar opposites, Lizzie's character is warm and kind. Shan, less so - an accomplished athlete, the anger, pain and disappointment she feels due to the accident permeates her character and rings true. Her friend/training partner Celia shows as bitchy, selfish and detached. I can't leave out Dee (Lizzie's BF) but for me rescue dog Presto is the little cupid that eventually brings Shan and Lizzie together with running and love.
Thank you, Cheyenne for a well written, enjoyable 5 star romance, firmly on my favorites/re-read shelf.
I rec'd a copy through Ylva Publishing. This review is voluntary and completely unbiased.
Cheyenne's clever writing of happenchance, remorse and recognition of personal choice and responsibility is intertwined with eventual smoldering emotion and information on the sport of distant running. The dedication and intensity needed when aiming for a spot on an Olympic team.
Polar opposites, Lizzie's character is warm and kind. Shan, less so - an accomplished athlete, the anger, pain and disappointment she feels due to the accident permeates her character and rings true. Her friend/training partner Celia shows as bitchy, selfish and detached. I can't leave out Dee (Lizzie's BF) but for me rescue dog Presto is the little cupid that eventually brings Shan and Lizzie together with running and love.
Thank you, Cheyenne for a well written, enjoyable 5 star romance, firmly on my favorites/re-read shelf.
I rec'd a copy through Ylva Publishing. This review is voluntary and completely unbiased.
Read
November 29, 2024I’m a little late to Cheyenne Blue’s books, but they’re already an automatic read for me. For The Long Run centres around an elite athlete and the woman who wrecks her dreams while dressed as a koala bear. Set in Australia, see? This story is an enemies to lovers sandwich with an enforced proximity filling, served with extra relish. Can Shan and Lizzie navigate their differences, find love and achieve their dreams? I’d bet the house, but there are a stack of obstacles to vault first. The writing is dreamy, and the ending feels are BIG. Plus, it almost made me get my runners out. Almost.
November 3, 2022
Shan Metz is focused on making it to the Olympics but first she needs to make the Australian Commonwealth Games team. Running is all that matters to her and nothing will derail her plans. Nothing, except a woman in a koala costume she trips over causing her to blow out her knee.
Lizzie Carras feels awful to have caused Shan's injury and offers her spare room for Shan while she recovers from knee surgery. It's not like Shan can navigate four flights of stairs to get to her own apartment. Shan doesn't exactly endear herself to Lizzie, she's snarky and rude, but when the snark fades all that's left is a mutual attraction neither can ignore.
This is my first Cheyenne Blue book and it won't be my last. The chemistry and banter between these two characters was highly entertaining. The writing was sharp and flowed beautifully. I am also a bit in love with both Lizzie and Shan. Lizzie is absolutely one of the sweetest characters ever. She radiates warmth and kindness and there was no way Shan could deny how attractive those qualities are. And Shan's single-minded determination to succeed at all costs, while a bit counterproductive to all around happiness, is still pretty hot.
I love an opposites attract, enemies to lovers story and this one held my attention, made me laugh and most importantly, made me feel. For the Long Run is a great read while lounging on the couch with a blanket or if you feel inspired, while running on the treadmill.
An ARC was received from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
Lizzie Carras feels awful to have caused Shan's injury and offers her spare room for Shan while she recovers from knee surgery. It's not like Shan can navigate four flights of stairs to get to her own apartment. Shan doesn't exactly endear herself to Lizzie, she's snarky and rude, but when the snark fades all that's left is a mutual attraction neither can ignore.
This is my first Cheyenne Blue book and it won't be my last. The chemistry and banter between these two characters was highly entertaining. The writing was sharp and flowed beautifully. I am also a bit in love with both Lizzie and Shan. Lizzie is absolutely one of the sweetest characters ever. She radiates warmth and kindness and there was no way Shan could deny how attractive those qualities are. And Shan's single-minded determination to succeed at all costs, while a bit counterproductive to all around happiness, is still pretty hot.
I love an opposites attract, enemies to lovers story and this one held my attention, made me laugh and most importantly, made me feel. For the Long Run is a great read while lounging on the couch with a blanket or if you feel inspired, while running on the treadmill.
An ARC was received from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
October 27, 2022
Calling this an enemies-to-lovers romance is a bit of a misnomer, because only one of the characters considers the other an enemy. The other was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, and really - not even that.
Elite runner Shan Metz is a character that takes a while to warm up to. While she's understandably devastated by her injury, she thinks nothing of taking that frustration out on job consultant Lizzie Carras, who is kind and generous with her, trying to help as much as she can. Lizzie didn't even need to offer assistance, but feels somewhat responsible since Shan tripped over her at a fun run and blew out her knee.
I can certainly see Lizzie's appeal to Shan, but initially it was more difficult to see Shan's beyond her good looks. Thankfully that changes later in the story. I am no expert on being an elite athlete, but there's no doubt in my mind that only a very few get there because of the sheer amount of time, work, determination and discipline it requires. And, yes, perhaps a bit of selfishness as well. Shan recognizes this and although she finds Lizzie more attractive by the day, she just can't let anything - or any ONE - distract her from her end goal, which is making the Olympic squad. While Lizzie understands and supports Shan's goal, the heart wants what it wants! And maybe - just maybe - Shan will start considering hers as well.
This is an enjoyable traditional romance with an athletic spin. For more from Cheyenne Blue, I also highly recommend my favorite book of hers, Code of Conduct.
Elite runner Shan Metz is a character that takes a while to warm up to. While she's understandably devastated by her injury, she thinks nothing of taking that frustration out on job consultant Lizzie Carras, who is kind and generous with her, trying to help as much as she can. Lizzie didn't even need to offer assistance, but feels somewhat responsible since Shan tripped over her at a fun run and blew out her knee.
I can certainly see Lizzie's appeal to Shan, but initially it was more difficult to see Shan's beyond her good looks. Thankfully that changes later in the story. I am no expert on being an elite athlete, but there's no doubt in my mind that only a very few get there because of the sheer amount of time, work, determination and discipline it requires. And, yes, perhaps a bit of selfishness as well. Shan recognizes this and although she finds Lizzie more attractive by the day, she just can't let anything - or any ONE - distract her from her end goal, which is making the Olympic squad. While Lizzie understands and supports Shan's goal, the heart wants what it wants! And maybe - just maybe - Shan will start considering hers as well.
This is an enjoyable traditional romance with an athletic spin. For more from Cheyenne Blue, I also highly recommend my favorite book of hers, Code of Conduct.
October 19, 2022
Slow burn, f/f sports romance with a good sprinkle of Oz-iness
Cheyenne Blue has herself establish as a writer of really good f/f-romances, mostly set in Australia. For the Long Run (clever title) is a very satisfying read which starts off with a slow simmer, turns red hot when you least expect it, and stays on hottihotness course up to the end.
I liked how the author sets-up the slow-simmer-phase where the main characters get to know each other and I loved that there is no easy wham-bam solution for the relationship: Shan‘s struggle to reconcile her professional athlete career with a relationship and Lizzie‘s worries are believable and relatable. And although I am by now means an athlete I relished the insights into the hardships of becoming a top-athlete. Lizzie is a truly kind person and has her own sour spot because her Greek family is not easy to reconcile with a queer daughter. The crescendo of feelings at the end was very well done: sweet, captivating and totally in character.
The characters including the secondary characters really pop off the page. One of the best secondary characters, the cutest rescue doggo ever, Presto, takes his own journey alongside Shan and wormed his way into my reader‘s heart.
The writing is easy and fun. I especially loved that the author has a lot of Oz-iness sprinkled into her writing without leaving hapless readers from outside Australia asking Prof. Google (she/her) to decipher unheard of Australian slang phrase. A noteworthy feat and a pleasure to read. I had a good laugh reading about Sheila-the-sheoak.
PS.: Good to meet again some of crew of the Number 94 Project, another worthy read.
Thanks to Ylva for the ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
Cheyenne Blue has herself establish as a writer of really good f/f-romances, mostly set in Australia. For the Long Run (clever title) is a very satisfying read which starts off with a slow simmer, turns red hot when you least expect it, and stays on hottihotness course up to the end.
I liked how the author sets-up the slow-simmer-phase where the main characters get to know each other and I loved that there is no easy wham-bam solution for the relationship: Shan‘s struggle to reconcile her professional athlete career with a relationship and Lizzie‘s worries are believable and relatable. And although I am by now means an athlete I relished the insights into the hardships of becoming a top-athlete. Lizzie is a truly kind person and has her own sour spot because her Greek family is not easy to reconcile with a queer daughter. The crescendo of feelings at the end was very well done: sweet, captivating and totally in character.
The characters including the secondary characters really pop off the page. One of the best secondary characters, the cutest rescue doggo ever, Presto, takes his own journey alongside Shan and wormed his way into my reader‘s heart.
The writing is easy and fun. I especially loved that the author has a lot of Oz-iness sprinkled into her writing without leaving hapless readers from outside Australia asking Prof. Google (she/her) to decipher unheard of Australian slang phrase. A noteworthy feat and a pleasure to read. I had a good laugh reading about Sheila-the-sheoak.
PS.: Good to meet again some of crew of the Number 94 Project, another worthy read.
Thanks to Ylva for the ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
November 3, 2022
Shan Metz is a serious runner looking to qualify for the Commonwealth games when she is thrown off course, literally, by a "runner" at a local fun run race. When her injury throws her future running aspirations in the air and leaves her unable to walk up the six flights of stairs to her apartment Lizzie, the runner she fell over, steps in and invites her to use her guest room. As they navigate their new friendship a spark starts that neither can stop but Shan is unsure of how a future with Lizzie can also include her Olympic dreams.
I've read a few books from Cheyenne Blue but I really enjoyed this one. I felt like I could relate to the characters after running my own half marathon a couple years ago right after I ruptured my ACL. I didn't love the way Lizzie was treated at the beginning but Shan's realizations about herself through the story we're spot on and I loved her evolution throughout. Presto was the magic though, I really loved him and I wanted to ugly cry when Lizzie and Shan dropped him off. This was a great slow burn romance that I really loved and will happily read again.
I've read a few books from Cheyenne Blue but I really enjoyed this one. I felt like I could relate to the characters after running my own half marathon a couple years ago right after I ruptured my ACL. I didn't love the way Lizzie was treated at the beginning but Shan's realizations about herself through the story we're spot on and I loved her evolution throughout. Presto was the magic though, I really loved him and I wanted to ugly cry when Lizzie and Shan dropped him off. This was a great slow burn romance that I really loved and will happily read again.
October 30, 2022
This book has everything you could want. Elite athletes, a runner in a koala suit, unexpected housemates, presto puppy, hot hot hot hot hot scenes, beautiful writing and description, hot sex scenes, heart squeezing moments, laugh out loud times, the beauty of gay Melbourne Australia, oh and did I mention this book is HOT?!
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were amazingly real and dynamic and the entire romance developed in such real and natural ways, with the struggles and the surprises, and how both characters found ways to give the best they could to their life and their relationship without being swallowed by it whole. I want to cuddle this book for giving me all the feels.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were amazingly real and dynamic and the entire romance developed in such real and natural ways, with the struggles and the surprises, and how both characters found ways to give the best they could to their life and their relationship without being swallowed by it whole. I want to cuddle this book for giving me all the feels.
April 18, 2024
2,5 stars
Personality-wise I found both MCs a bit lacking. Not that there was something wrong with them. They just somehow didn't feel three-dimensional.
Which contributed to me not really giving a damn about their relationship.
So the book wasn't bad, but I couldn't care less if I actively tried.
Personality-wise I found both MCs a bit lacking. Not that there was something wrong with them. They just somehow didn't feel three-dimensional.
Which contributed to me not really giving a damn about their relationship.
So the book wasn't bad, but I couldn't care less if I actively tried.
December 22, 2022
Celia is selfish as heck. I realized that when I had only read 11% of the book and by the end my mind never changed.
This book was not an easy one for me and to think that so many people enjoyed it... I questioned myself, lol! I read half of the book, and I still couldn’t connect with it.
Okay, regarding the book. Shan is an elite runner, and she has an accident involving Lizzie so she’s off the track for several months during a critical time for her career.
Bittersweet. The only way Shan found to “apologize” to Lizzie was for her to find out she had a previous injury before their accident, what would have happened if the doctor never let her know? Or even better, why is she blaming Lizzie or being so harsh if she was the one late and was running with the wrong group. This is not about being nice because you have a crush or like someone, this is basic human relations and respect.
The first sex scene. The foreplay was too much, too long but it didn’t maintain me awake or expecting a grand thing to happen. It took me between 4 to 6 attempts to read it and that doesn’t take into consideration how awful Shan was with Lizzie afterwards.
I felt Lizzie needy when she wasn’t a needy person, I felt that way when she started to text Shan. I suffered so much.
After 60% of the book, I started to enjoy it.
I actually did understand Shan’s position regarding Lizzie when trying to decide what to do when she was back to training; the only thing she knew and worked for her was being alone, to include someone is a different game.
The psychologist sessions were so out of the blue, not the sessions but the topics covered, I would even have felt attacked with that kind of question so soon. We didn’t get any information about this session being held so to talk about it right away was a lot.
I definitely think my favorite character was Presto.
This book was not an easy one for me and to think that so many people enjoyed it... I questioned myself, lol! I read half of the book, and I still couldn’t connect with it.
Okay, regarding the book. Shan is an elite runner, and she has an accident involving Lizzie so she’s off the track for several months during a critical time for her career.
Bittersweet. The only way Shan found to “apologize” to Lizzie was for her to find out she had a previous injury before their accident, what would have happened if the doctor never let her know? Or even better, why is she blaming Lizzie or being so harsh if she was the one late and was running with the wrong group. This is not about being nice because you have a crush or like someone, this is basic human relations and respect.
The first sex scene. The foreplay was too much, too long but it didn’t maintain me awake or expecting a grand thing to happen. It took me between 4 to 6 attempts to read it and that doesn’t take into consideration how awful Shan was with Lizzie afterwards.
I felt Lizzie needy when she wasn’t a needy person, I felt that way when she started to text Shan. I suffered so much.
After 60% of the book, I started to enjoy it.
I actually did understand Shan’s position regarding Lizzie when trying to decide what to do when she was back to training; the only thing she knew and worked for her was being alone, to include someone is a different game.
The psychologist sessions were so out of the blue, not the sessions but the topics covered, I would even have felt attacked with that kind of question so soon. We didn’t get any information about this session being held so to talk about it right away was a lot.
I definitely think my favorite character was Presto.
October 18, 2022
How is it possible that this is my very first Cheyenne Blue read? I mean, I've seen her titles all over the place so clearly it was an oversight on my part.
I absolutely enjoyed traveling down the road to romance and love with Shan and Lizzie. They had great chemistry - some nice hot scenes await you! - but they also communicated like adults. It shouldn't be a bonus to have grown ups act like grown ups with skills to talk honestly with each other but in romance novels, it often is.
And another bonus was being immersed in another culture. I've read loads of British and Irish fiction but there were lots of new things for me to look up and learn about with an Aussie setting. Like I now know what a doona is! Learning stuff while being a voyeur to a budding relationship, yay!
So a big thanks to Cheyenne Blue for thinking of TBR Reviews and sending us a copy of For the Long Run. I definitely recommend it.
I absolutely enjoyed traveling down the road to romance and love with Shan and Lizzie. They had great chemistry - some nice hot scenes await you! - but they also communicated like adults. It shouldn't be a bonus to have grown ups act like grown ups with skills to talk honestly with each other but in romance novels, it often is.
And another bonus was being immersed in another culture. I've read loads of British and Irish fiction but there were lots of new things for me to look up and learn about with an Aussie setting. Like I now know what a doona is! Learning stuff while being a voyeur to a budding relationship, yay!
So a big thanks to Cheyenne Blue for thinking of TBR Reviews and sending us a copy of For the Long Run. I definitely recommend it.
October 24, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Its a feel good story, a slow burn romance and an interesting peek into what its like to be a long runner.
The 2 MC's are so genuine. One very ambitious and goal oriented and the other so sweet and giving. During the story they learn to take on some of the others traits. They both become more well rounded individuals.
Great story.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The 2 MC's are so genuine. One very ambitious and goal oriented and the other so sweet and giving. During the story they learn to take on some of the others traits. They both become more well rounded individuals.
Great story.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2023
3.75* An enjoyable light romance featuring an elite runner, Shan, who fell and injured herself after colliding with a fun runner, Lizzie, dressed in a koala suit. They are then thrown together by circumstances ending in Shan living as a housemate in Lizzie's house. Then, of course, sparks fly and attraction occurs. I like the characters well enough. Adding a cute puppy to the picture is never wrong. Bonus point: The way Cheyenne Blue writes about running almost makes me want to take up the sport.
January 5, 2025
(March 19, 2024) I saw this book on NetGalley and requested a copy. I knew I had read it before but didn't realize that I enjoyed it so much I had purchased a copy. I did read it again and still agree with my previous review. I have also enjoyed other books by the author since my first reading of this book.
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(November 18, 2022) Thank you to Della B. for recommending a new author to me. In this sports romance Shan Metz is an elite runner chasing her dream to run in the Olympics for Australia. Lizzie Carras is a fun runner who gets in Shan’s way during a charity race. When Shan is injured in the crash, Lizzie offers to let Shan stay with her while she has surgery and recovers. Shan can’t manage the stairs to her apartment. Shan is grumpy and frustrated at the potential detour to her Olympic dreams. Lizzie is genuinely kind and feels a little guilty but she doesn’t want to be a pushover.
These two are lovely as they get to know each other and bond. This isn’t instant and Lizzie in particular doesn’t want intimacy if there isn’t a possible future. I love that the sports journey isn’t about Shan recovering from her injury. Instead it is encouraging Lizzie to embrace running, developing a plan, and encouraging her increasing goals. I almost wanted to see if I could run myself. (The answer is no, I will stick to walking.) Best side character is Presto, the kelpie dog Lizzie agrees to foster. I was as invested in his getting his forever home as I was in this romance.
This is just an enjoyable novel with characters that can grow and change during the length of the story. Shan’s change in thinking about her need for solitary focus training is a little abrupt but her grand gesture is realistic and perfect. (4.5 Stars)
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(November 18, 2022) Thank you to Della B. for recommending a new author to me. In this sports romance Shan Metz is an elite runner chasing her dream to run in the Olympics for Australia. Lizzie Carras is a fun runner who gets in Shan’s way during a charity race. When Shan is injured in the crash, Lizzie offers to let Shan stay with her while she has surgery and recovers. Shan can’t manage the stairs to her apartment. Shan is grumpy and frustrated at the potential detour to her Olympic dreams. Lizzie is genuinely kind and feels a little guilty but she doesn’t want to be a pushover.
These two are lovely as they get to know each other and bond. This isn’t instant and Lizzie in particular doesn’t want intimacy if there isn’t a possible future. I love that the sports journey isn’t about Shan recovering from her injury. Instead it is encouraging Lizzie to embrace running, developing a plan, and encouraging her increasing goals. I almost wanted to see if I could run myself. (The answer is no, I will stick to walking.) Best side character is Presto, the kelpie dog Lizzie agrees to foster. I was as invested in his getting his forever home as I was in this romance.
This is just an enjoyable novel with characters that can grow and change during the length of the story. Shan’s change in thinking about her need for solitary focus training is a little abrupt but her grand gesture is realistic and perfect. (4.5 Stars)
December 20, 2022
I loooooooove running and absolutely love reading romances set around running so this book was a shoe-in just due to that. In addition to the storyline though, I was won over by the two great main characters (Lizzie & Shan) who are strong and ambitious but also really kind. They were a joy to follow and I loved watching their romance unfold.
Also, just quietly - if I could, I would've jumped in the novel to give Presto a big squeeze. What a sweetheart ❤️
Many thanks to Ylva Publishing for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Also, just quietly - if I could, I would've jumped in the novel to give Presto a big squeeze. What a sweetheart ❤️
Many thanks to Ylva Publishing for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2024
3.5⭐️Very enjoyable book about two adult women runners. Low angst and a feel good story. I listened to the audio by Cat Gould and she was excellent. Also fun to see old characters from the Number 94 Project back for a short cameo appearance.
November 27, 2022
An ARC copy was given to me by YLVA for a honest review.
This is a very good opposites attract romance book. Shan Metz (professional runner) and Lizzie Carras (HR Consultat) meet under unlucky circumstances. This is a story about dreams, second chances and about the little thing that really matters. The relationship between both woman starts not so good, but it improve in process.
I really enjoy the reading, even if I am not a runner my self.
This is a very good opposites attract romance book. Shan Metz (professional runner) and Lizzie Carras (HR Consultat) meet under unlucky circumstances. This is a story about dreams, second chances and about the little thing that really matters. The relationship between both woman starts not so good, but it improve in process.
I really enjoy the reading, even if I am not a runner my self.
October 21, 2022
For the Long Run just shot to number one on my list of favourite Cheyenne Blue novels. Here’s why; on more than one occasion, Blue makes running sound more appealing than a glass of wine. Now if that’s not true talent then I don’t know what is!
But there are a bunch more reasons why I couldn’t stop reading this book, and they all start with Lizzie. This down-to-earth, highly relatable very Aussie fun runner is often too kind for her own good. She invites a stranger to stay with her after an accident, in which she plays a role, that left the woman with a bad ACL injury.
Shan, an elite runner reluctantly agrees to stay with Lizzie, while she heals, but can’t let her forget that she is the cause of her career coming to a standstill. Shan spends a big chuck at the beginning of the book not being exactly likable because of her attitude towards Lizzie, but she remains relatable. Her bitterness is understandable after all.
The two women form a fragile friendship while the instant attraction each felt initially slowly builds to a boiling point. While supporting and encouraging each other, they learn that compromise may be the key to a successful relationship, if only they can weather the storms as they come.
Blue set’s the scene of an elite athlete, and casual runner perfectly, by showing passion and commitment at both levels and making the reader feel it (even for those non-runners like myself). The character development of both Lizzie and Shan is a consistent arc throughout the book, and they intersect perfectly to keep the story moving in a fast-paced momentum.
And then there are the cool chapter titles, appearances from the crew from Gaylord Street, Sheila-the-sheoak, and of course the irresistible Kelpie foster dog, Presto. Make sure to check it out.
But there are a bunch more reasons why I couldn’t stop reading this book, and they all start with Lizzie. This down-to-earth, highly relatable very Aussie fun runner is often too kind for her own good. She invites a stranger to stay with her after an accident, in which she plays a role, that left the woman with a bad ACL injury.
Shan, an elite runner reluctantly agrees to stay with Lizzie, while she heals, but can’t let her forget that she is the cause of her career coming to a standstill. Shan spends a big chuck at the beginning of the book not being exactly likable because of her attitude towards Lizzie, but she remains relatable. Her bitterness is understandable after all.
The two women form a fragile friendship while the instant attraction each felt initially slowly builds to a boiling point. While supporting and encouraging each other, they learn that compromise may be the key to a successful relationship, if only they can weather the storms as they come.
Blue set’s the scene of an elite athlete, and casual runner perfectly, by showing passion and commitment at both levels and making the reader feel it (even for those non-runners like myself). The character development of both Lizzie and Shan is a consistent arc throughout the book, and they intersect perfectly to keep the story moving in a fast-paced momentum.
And then there are the cool chapter titles, appearances from the crew from Gaylord Street, Sheila-the-sheoak, and of course the irresistible Kelpie foster dog, Presto. Make sure to check it out.
October 24, 2022
Wonderful enemies to lovers story.
Shan is an elite athlete, looking for her ultimate goal, the Olympics, but when she arrives late at the run that’ll give her the pass to the previous step, she missed her place up front with the other elite runners. She gets “trapped” in the fun run and as fate has it, she trips with a runner dressed in a koala bear suit and busts her knee. Lizzie feels so guilty for ruining Shan's chances that she is so utterly kind and offers her to drive her to the hospital. But of course, things are never easy when destiny is on the way and there are so many trials and tribulations along the way, plus an adorable puppy. Will they be able to sort out the hindrances and their differences to find love in the least expected place and fulfil their dreams along the way?
I like Cheyenne’s writing style very much, she always gets us invested in the stories and this one wasn’t the exception. I was so engrossed by it that at some point I wanted to throw something to the main characters. I love when that happens, means the book it’s so good the author makes us be part of it.
There are so many things to like about this book, you have a very well-developed story, character growth, a romance to witness and a puppy that will steal your heart (stole mine and I don’t even like dogs; but I liked Presto, a lot). There are some interesting obstacles to tackle and a lot of heartfelt and emotional moments to live. So many phenomenal elements to build a great story like this one.
From the moment I started reading until the end, I didn’t want to stop. The story grabbed my attention from the beginning and I only wanted to keep reading, I forgot completely about the outside world. My mind was in Melbourne, with Lizzie, Shan and Presto, of course.
I love to read about other places and cultures and learn about different things. I am sure I’d like to witness the fun run, how cool is a woman running in a koala suit? Loved that. I am not a runner but my co-worker is, so I could relate from the other side and I think I understand a runner’s life better now. Also, for a minute there I even wanted to start running, got me inspired, but of course, that’s not for me, but I wanted to for a hot minute. Great job by Cheyenne.
I got to admit, that I liked Lizzie a lot more than Shan, mostly at the beginning. I was right to think she was being unfair to Lizzie, but I enjoyed very much seeing her coming around and becoming a better version of herself. Even when they are so different and despite the rocky start, I could feel their chemistry. I think, in the end, they made the perfect team, the three of them because Presto is the third MC undoubtedly. I just couldn’t help to fall in love with the little guy, and that’s an achievement from Miss Blue, because as I mentioned before, I don’t like dogs, but I can say I love Presto and I am so glad he had his happy ending too.
If you enjoy stories that leave you no option but get invested in the characters, and the story and enjoy a beautiful, not easy but a heartfelt journey, this is the book for you.
This is an excellent read and I gladly like to recommend it.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Shan is an elite athlete, looking for her ultimate goal, the Olympics, but when she arrives late at the run that’ll give her the pass to the previous step, she missed her place up front with the other elite runners. She gets “trapped” in the fun run and as fate has it, she trips with a runner dressed in a koala bear suit and busts her knee. Lizzie feels so guilty for ruining Shan's chances that she is so utterly kind and offers her to drive her to the hospital. But of course, things are never easy when destiny is on the way and there are so many trials and tribulations along the way, plus an adorable puppy. Will they be able to sort out the hindrances and their differences to find love in the least expected place and fulfil their dreams along the way?
I like Cheyenne’s writing style very much, she always gets us invested in the stories and this one wasn’t the exception. I was so engrossed by it that at some point I wanted to throw something to the main characters. I love when that happens, means the book it’s so good the author makes us be part of it.
There are so many things to like about this book, you have a very well-developed story, character growth, a romance to witness and a puppy that will steal your heart (stole mine and I don’t even like dogs; but I liked Presto, a lot). There are some interesting obstacles to tackle and a lot of heartfelt and emotional moments to live. So many phenomenal elements to build a great story like this one.
From the moment I started reading until the end, I didn’t want to stop. The story grabbed my attention from the beginning and I only wanted to keep reading, I forgot completely about the outside world. My mind was in Melbourne, with Lizzie, Shan and Presto, of course.
I love to read about other places and cultures and learn about different things. I am sure I’d like to witness the fun run, how cool is a woman running in a koala suit? Loved that. I am not a runner but my co-worker is, so I could relate from the other side and I think I understand a runner’s life better now. Also, for a minute there I even wanted to start running, got me inspired, but of course, that’s not for me, but I wanted to for a hot minute. Great job by Cheyenne.
I got to admit, that I liked Lizzie a lot more than Shan, mostly at the beginning. I was right to think she was being unfair to Lizzie, but I enjoyed very much seeing her coming around and becoming a better version of herself. Even when they are so different and despite the rocky start, I could feel their chemistry. I think, in the end, they made the perfect team, the three of them because Presto is the third MC undoubtedly. I just couldn’t help to fall in love with the little guy, and that’s an achievement from Miss Blue, because as I mentioned before, I don’t like dogs, but I can say I love Presto and I am so glad he had his happy ending too.
If you enjoy stories that leave you no option but get invested in the characters, and the story and enjoy a beautiful, not easy but a heartfelt journey, this is the book for you.
This is an excellent read and I gladly like to recommend it.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
November 9, 2022
I haven’t always enjoyed Blue’s books, but she seems to be getting better all the time — For the Long Run is an enjoyable and interesting read. Shannon (Shan) Metz’s dream of competing as a runner in the Olympics is her main focus in life and she will not allow anything to get in the way of her dream. For her, that means relationships are out of the question because experience has taught her that she loses her focus when she’s in love.
The parts of the book that deal with Shan’s training schedule and experience as a runner felt authentic so I was not surprised to read that Blue’s sister is an elite athlete and had advised on those aspects. It’s also not surprising that anyone so totally dedicated and focused on one thing might seem pretty selfish to other people.
Shan and Lizzie’s first meeting is a disaster and Shan blames Lizzie for the accident that leaves her with an injury requiring surgery and sees her missing her opportunity to compete in the Commonwealth Games. Unreasonable, especially as the accident was partly Shan’s fault, too.
Selfish people tend to be short on friends, therefore it’s believable that Shan doesn’t have anyone to provide the care she needs post-surgery. Lizzie’s offer to help stems from guilt over the accident but also from her caring personality. So, Shan moves into Lizzie’s house until she can be self-sufficient. This, of course, leads to the inevitable mutual attraction accompanied by the barrier that is provided by Shan’s need to focus only on her training.
It's a standard cliché romance device, of course, but Blue moves it beyond the usual hackneyed responses and the irritating misunderstandings. I enjoyed Shan’s emotional development as her forced rest from training and competing allows her to examine other aspects of her life. I went from disliking Shan, to understanding her and then liking her. It requires considerable skill to take the reader along this emotional ride and Blue handles it deftly. The romance develops in a believable and sweet way and there were no jarring elements to the story. I also enjoyed that the story is set in Melbourne, Australia.
I’m glad to be able to recommend For the Long Run. It’s satisfying that Blue’s books keep getting better, and I’m already looking forward to the next one.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, but I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.
The parts of the book that deal with Shan’s training schedule and experience as a runner felt authentic so I was not surprised to read that Blue’s sister is an elite athlete and had advised on those aspects. It’s also not surprising that anyone so totally dedicated and focused on one thing might seem pretty selfish to other people.
Shan and Lizzie’s first meeting is a disaster and Shan blames Lizzie for the accident that leaves her with an injury requiring surgery and sees her missing her opportunity to compete in the Commonwealth Games. Unreasonable, especially as the accident was partly Shan’s fault, too.
Selfish people tend to be short on friends, therefore it’s believable that Shan doesn’t have anyone to provide the care she needs post-surgery. Lizzie’s offer to help stems from guilt over the accident but also from her caring personality. So, Shan moves into Lizzie’s house until she can be self-sufficient. This, of course, leads to the inevitable mutual attraction accompanied by the barrier that is provided by Shan’s need to focus only on her training.
It's a standard cliché romance device, of course, but Blue moves it beyond the usual hackneyed responses and the irritating misunderstandings. I enjoyed Shan’s emotional development as her forced rest from training and competing allows her to examine other aspects of her life. I went from disliking Shan, to understanding her and then liking her. It requires considerable skill to take the reader along this emotional ride and Blue handles it deftly. The romance develops in a believable and sweet way and there were no jarring elements to the story. I also enjoyed that the story is set in Melbourne, Australia.
I’m glad to be able to recommend For the Long Run. It’s satisfying that Blue’s books keep getting better, and I’m already looking forward to the next one.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, but I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.
October 23, 2022
The first book I’ve read from this author. It was great! Will definitely have to check if some of the other books as well. This story was really cute. I enjoyed both character’a personalities and their seeing their dynamic change was really nice. It had some cute moments of them just being their for each other. The arc I received was quite short so I’d love to see more of their relationship. Overall a great read!
June 12, 2024
Enjoyable
I liked this book. Blue did a good job with the setting and the characters as well as the Aussie humor, or at least I think that's what it was. I'm American, so I couldn't say for sure
I adored Lizzie and loved her POV. Shan took me a while to warm up too but loved her by the end. Wasn't a fan of Celia and didn't understand their one-sided friendship.
Overall, I'd recommend.
I liked this book. Blue did a good job with the setting and the characters as well as the Aussie humor, or at least I think that's what it was. I'm American, so I couldn't say for sure
I adored Lizzie and loved her POV. Shan took me a while to warm up too but loved her by the end. Wasn't a fan of Celia and didn't understand their one-sided friendship.
Overall, I'd recommend.
October 20, 2022
This is my 1st Cheyenne Blue book and it won't be the last. It was refreshing to read a story based in Australia. The term doggo will stick with me now, Presto was such a sweetheart. I enjoyed Shan and Lizzies story as they each negotiated changes to their friendship/relationship in different ways.
Looking forward to reading The Number Project 94 that's next...
Looking forward to reading The Number Project 94 that's next...
November 5, 2022
Let's start by saying I'm not a runner, but I did play sports in high school. So, I understand Shan's way of thinking. Lizzie is just so sweet you can't help but love her. This book almost got me to think about running, but, I'm old and way out of shape. Yet I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The character development is fantastic! The sex is hot and I give it 5 stars!!
May 6, 2024
I almost didn’t read this book as it was about running. I’m always suspicious of thin athletic people with a lean and hungry look…being built for comfort not for speed myself. However, as I enjoy Cheyenne Blue’s books, I told myself to shelve my prejudices. I’m glad I did. I really enjoyed the characters and the way they worked through their differences. Although my jury is still out on the after-run high, (It’s difficult to be high when you’re laid out low on the ground.) this book is well worth a read.
February 10, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ Fun, feel-good and nicely written, not really enemies to lovers and the last few chapters felt like a bit of a drag to me, yet also felt like it skipped the end to the epilogue (18 mnths later) which was disappointing, but overall an enjoyable read.
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