Ezra Hayes has always felt like a background character compared to his best friends, Lucas and Finley. But after discovering his secret boyfriend, Presley, is a cheating liar—and realizing his friends have their own ex-boyfriend drama—the trio plots revenge. Their schemes range from sabotaging the biggest party of the year to entering a drag competition, but when their school district enforces anti-LGBTQ+ censorship through the Watch What You Say initiative, their mission evolves into something bigger. As Ezra takes to TikTok and launches “The Last Boyfriends Student Rebellion,” he finds himself at the center of a movement that’s about more than just payback—it’s about fighting for the right to be seen, heard, and openly queer in small-town Alabama.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge by Matthew Hubbard. From the moment I picked it up, I expected a fun romp through teenage revenge, akin to Mean Girls meets John Tucker Must Die. Yet, it delivered so much more. The story centers on Ezra Hayes, a relatable protagonist who, alongside his best friends Lucas and Finley, sets out on a mission to get back at their ex-boyfriends. What begins as a scheme for revenge quickly transforms into an exploration of identity and activism in the face of oppressive school policies.

What stood out most to me was the rich diversity and authenticity of the characters. Ezra, as a bigger-sized gay teen, Lucas, the flamboyant and outspoken friend, and Finley, the confident black bisexual, each brought a unique perspective to the narrative. Their journey from plotting revenge to leading a student rebellion against censorship was both empowering and inspiring. Hubbard skillfully weaves humor and heart into a narrative that tackles serious themes of acceptance and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in a small Southern town. The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge isn't just a coming-of-age tale; it's a rallying cry for queer youth everywhere to embrace their true selves and stand up against injustice.

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5