What an utterly fab YA book!

Thoroughly enjoyed this one, it has some of my favourite elements, LGBTQ, YA, angst, drama, and turmoil, but is set within the backdrop of life in a boyband.

I have to say I immediately began making comparisons between 1D with Harry and Louis, but in a way (for me at least) it made it all the more enjoyable, taken with a pinch of salt and a lot of good humour.

The MCs are all loveable, I really did like Angel, even though he is the most troubled. Jon I felt had quite a background role, I would’ve liked to see a bit more of him, but of course, Ruben and Zach are the main duo. I found myself feeling like a piggy in the middle, I could understand both of their points of view and was rooting for them throughout (sometimes you just wanted to bang their heads together!).

Alongside the cutesy romance storyline, there are a lot of issues around drugs, toxic parenting, homophobia, coming to terms with identity and sexuality, the question of coming out if/when, and being controlled. Seeing these issues being addressed was brilliant, I am sure readers will find themselves relating and empathising with many of them. I particularly liked (although like is perhaps not the correct term) the toxic parent relationship, I’ve not seen this before in YA lit. With it being something I have experienced it was nice to see it acknowledged, and the effects it can have on a young person growing up and moving into adulthood shown.

I can easily see this being a smash with the target audience as well as us ‘older’ readers who enjoy YA books. Definitely one to be added to our school library!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the Publisher St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books for the e-arc to review.

Yes yes yes yes YES.

Do you like boy bands? Adorable characters? Fluffy romance? A surprising amount of angst that makes you happy and sad and angry and heartbroken all at once? Then have I got the book for YOU.

I had no idea what I was getting into when I started this book. I just saw “boy band” and “queer romance” and slammed the NetGalley request button. And let me tell you, I fell in love with these characters on the first page.

Ruben, Zach, Angel, and Jon were the PERFECT crew. I loved every single one of them in different ways, and I loved their individual personalities and strengths and struggles. Despite being so different, it was so amazing to see how they all came together to really make an incredible cast that I would die for.

I’ve never read a book like this. It tackled difficult issues white still managing to stay light and fun. I laughed with these boys, cried with them, screamed into the void with them. More than once, I found my heart pounding, and I absolutely cried multiple times. It was a feel-good angsty adorable story that I’m going to be thinking about for a long time.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow!

First, this story follows eighteen-year-olds Ruben Montez and Zach Knight, band members on a grueling tour through Europe. As best friends, the two boys have come to rely and lean on one another under the pressure that has come with maintaining the perfect image…and hiding who they truly are. But when their friendship evolves into something more, Ruben and Zach must find a way to hold onto each other when they are being forced to stay in the closet. But when one of their bandmates begins to lose himself to drugs because he’s sick of not being able to be himself, it becomes hard for the rest of the band to continue to play along, too.

This book was SO good! I loved the characters from the very beginning. Ruben and Zach were the perfect leads, and their dynamic with their parents added a great layer to who they were. There was SO much making out! And it was extremely sex-positive. I happy-cried four separate times, and often found myself smiling. The only complaint I had was that I didn't want it to end!

Highly recommend!

I was sold on this book based on the premise alone, and it was everything I hoped it would be and more. The dual POVs and each main character’s inner monologue was done so well, and I felt seen when I read Zach’s thought process while coming to terms with his sexuality. This is a must-read for sure!

Thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday books for an advanced copy of this to review! It’s one of those books I saw talked about on Instagram and knew that it would be right up my alley. I’m happy to say I wasn’t wrong!

For everyone who loves reading fanfiction, this reads a bit like that. Which is totally not a bad thing! You can tell the story is in-part, based on real life, which makes some of its messages even more important. Yes, the story is about Ruben and Zach’s relationship, but it’s also about fame and image and what that can do to people. Saturday’s management team is so obsessed with their image that the four boys feel smothered most of the time, and they’re not able to fully be themselves.

Told in alternating perspectives between Zach and Ruben, each voice is distinct and easy to read. The two clearly have chemistry from the get-go, and I loved how their relationship developed throughout the book. They’re both able to grow as characters, which in-turn, helps their relationship grow. Angel and Jon both have their own character arcs and aren’t just flat side characters. Their group dynamic was fun to read, especially with how well they knew each other and how they were willing to support each other.

At times, some of the plot points felt a little dragged out and the pacing wasn’t quite there. But, as someone who definitely reads for character, I didn’t find that I minded. The strong character development makes up for some of the lags in plot.

All in all, if you’re looking for a hard-hitting YA gay romance, look no further! This one should definitely go on your list.

Thank you to the publisher for ALC of this book. This book covered so much, from the downside of being a boy band, the friendships of the band members, drugs and alcohol influence, boys growing up in media to gay romance. The book covered all these subjects so well and you feel bad for each of them and the struggles they had individually and how their actions impacted the band. I thought it was really well done and you want to cheer of the success for Saturday.

The narration was great and kept me interested with the story

3.5-4 stars

I liked this one overall, but I have to put this out there...for me this was less about romance and more about what it's like to be in a boy band. To be even more specific, what it's like to be gay or even bi (yet perceived as straight) in a boy band because that's what the record execs think will sell more records.

Dual POV, I liked the message that the story built up to, being true to one's self, even at the possible cost of future success. I liked the family/friendship among the boys in the band and especially how they were so supportive of each other. Straight males can come across as being homophobic at times, so I liked how the boys could be themselves and how they backed each other.

There was A LOT to unpack in this book, part of why it was so long. Controlling and critical parents, minors as entertainers, substance abuse, the process of coming out, the whole boy band storyline, M/M relationships, and all the other small sub plots. Did this book try and do too much??? Maybe? I think the book did a great job covering the "gay in the entertainment industry" plot and everything that goes along with that. But as a huge BTS fan, I just wanted more romance between our two boys, lol. I think the romance plot suffered the most because of all the other important subjects the book was trying to tackle and for me, that was the ONE thing I was looking forward to the most. I liked it but I wanted and expected a little more.

I have seen many reviews for this book that say they do not see a resemblance to any real boybands or "ships." I did not find this to be true as someone who was very much immersed in a boyband fandom. I still enjoyed the book and I think fans and non-fans alike will be able to enjoy and appreciate the stories and characters. The story is important and I cannot wait to get it into the hands of my teens.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

SOPHIE GONZALES DOES IT AGAIN! 😍

The talented Sophie Gonzales is quickly rising to the top of my favourite author list! Every book of hers that I have read have been perfect homeruns for me. Here she has teamed up with Cale Dietrich, an author I do not know, but will most certainly keep an eye out for after reading this amazing book.

❤ What I Loved ❤

Characters: In this book we follow four members of a boy band called Saturday - Ruben, Zach, Angel, and Jon. While Ruben and Zach are the main characters, the story is told from their alternate POVs, Jon and Angel are still very well crafted and distinct characters that you instantly get a feel for. Ruben and Zach have a special friendship and turns into something even more special and I was totally here for it!

Zach: I have to declare myself a Zach-fan! I felt such a kinship with him and I really connected with his character arc. Zach is a total people pleaser, hardly able to make a decision on his own without first consulting the feelings of everyone around him. I was really special to follow his growth throughout the story. His arc was really well handled.

Investment: I got incredibly invested in not the story but the characters as well. I found myself feeling sad when things took a turn for the worse for the boys or cheering when things began to clear. I got very deep into these characters and rooted for all four of them the whole way through.

Plot: Funnily enough, this is first the LGBTQ YA book about a teen band that I have read this year (see my review of It Goes Like This). So, while both books were amazing, this one 'won out' in the end because of the plot. It was layered, it had substance outside of the romance, and it had a clear, engaging arc that really made me want to keep on reading.

3.5 Stars. I was very excited about the premise of this book, since I was boy band obsessed when I was younger. I do think this book provided a lot of very honest background of what it must feel like to be so famous and young and having your every move controlled. Some parts of that were really hard to read and I really felt for all the boys with how they were treated. This was overall a fun and escapist read, but something fell flat for me. I just didn't feel as invested as I would have hoped. Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for the ARC.

Thank you Netgalley so much for this wonderful arc!!

Aaaaahhh! Yes! Boy bands! One Direction!!! Zach and Ruben as the perfect MC's!!! I am a puddle of happiness!

This book revolved around the crazy lifestyle of boy and mania. It is really exciting to read especially because I personally just love this topic, not to mention loving the main characters. There are some serious topics discussed with a few confrontations.

Overall, I really enjoyed this!

I wasn't sure about this one at first, but once I got into it I flew through it and loved it.

I fell in love with these boys. All four of them, really, though we only got into Zach and Ruben's heads. But Angel and Jon were such well developed characters that they didn't really feel like side characters. And I would love to read more from their POV. I would also love to hear some of their songs. I would probably love them.

The premise, of a teenage boy band being stifled by its management and driven to the edge of implosion, echoed several stories that have been in the news of late, and the quiet desperation of each of them rang true. Reading it was at times painful and at times joyful and the experience was overall lovely. I really felt for all four of the boys, and it made me feel again my own teenage angst and love and queer joy.

This is a story about finding yourself and what you stand for, for standing up for yourself and those you care about, and for finding your voice in a world that wants nothing but to stifle it and stuff you back into the boxes you've outgrown. In other words, highly relatable.

The plot was believable, cohesive, and moving. I was surprised to remember that this was a coauthored book, with how streamlined and smooth it all was. I've read and loved Cale Dietrich's work before, and now I'll have to check out Sophie Gonzales' books.

The only criticism I have is that sometimes Zach and Ruben's voices seemed too similar - to the point I had to backtrack sometimes to remember whose chapter I was reading -- especially surprising as I believe each was written by a different author. But most times they were distinct so it wasn't a big deal.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for providing an e-arc for review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc of If This Gets Out by Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich.

Ruben is a teen pop star kept in the closet by management. HIs best friend Zach has always been straight, but what happens when Zach falls for his best friend while they are on one of the biggest tours of their lives?

I adored this novel. It was light and sweet and fun with enough tension and real problems to not rot your teeth as you read it. The characters were great and I loved that even though Angel and Jon were background characters compared to Zach and Ruben they still had very distinct personalities and character as well as character flaws that added to the story, there wasn't anybody in the story who didn't make a difference.

I absolutely devoured this book and it left me with good feelings like you would want with a story like this. I love the representation in this book as well as representing good as well as bad parental relationships, the hardships that all teenager (not just famous ones) go through, and how things can end up alright in the end.

It was 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 for me.

If This Gets Out is the YA boy band LGBTQ book that should hit the top of review must lists this year. Sophie Gonzalezes and Cale Dietrichs’s story is that beautiful, emotional and must worthy.

Zach, Reuben, Angel, Jon: four boys, one band: Saturday. This novel revolves around Zach and Reuben with their dual point of views. One member, out to the band. The other ? Questioning his sexuality but ready to come out. Yet, Chorus band management wants to keep everything on hold. And if it gets out? Well, they don’t want to know what’ll happen.

Sophie and Cale write a beautiful novel about emotions as a teen trying to come out in a world full of noise. The characters are all believable and the emotions are in full force the last fourth of the story. This novel is a long one but the length is necessary. Some may call this novel a boy band fan fiction novel. But for me, I call this one of my top reads of the year and one of my favorite LGBTQ reads.

This was one of my favorite reads of 2021 and it really transported me back to my 1D obsession. It also reminded me of all the Larry fanfiction I used to read in high school LMAO. First and foremost, these bandmates made me love each and every one of them. I don’t think I have a least favorite. I think I definitely do have a favorite and it was Jon. IDK something about him made me absolutely love his character.

This book also reminded me of the reasons why I don’t want to be famous. I could not deal with the paparazzi and having no privacy whatsoever. And the fact that they couldn’t even choose something as simple as their wardrobe? That’s a N-O for me.

Huge thanks to netgalley and Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich for the eARC of this novel in exchange for my review!

Nobody said being part of a world famous boy band was going to be easy. When Ruben and Zack’s friendship became more, they didn’t want hide their relationship, but their record company did not agree.

This story was not the fluffy boy band goodness I was expecting, but I loved and embraced so many aspects of it.

THE FRIENDSHIP

The boys of Saturday started as friends, and their friendship continued to grow as they conquered the world together. Each member of the group was dealing with something difficult, but they showed unfailing support for each other. There were moments when one member would lash out or make poor decisions, and the others would stand by them regardless. When things were falling apart and the fate of the band was in jeopardy, they were most concerned about each other’s needs. The friendship definitely shined in this one, even if there encountered quite a few bumps along the way.

THE INDUSTRY

This was a rather unflinching look at the machine that produces boy bands, as well as the demands the public makes on people at that level of fame. The way they crafted the image for each boy was unreal. It’s probably super exciting to be living what you thought was your dream, but when people like this management team and record label exert total control over their artists, serious damage may be done. That was explored in multiple ways in this book. It was sometimes unsettling, but the way the boys fought for their right to be their own person and to live their truth was beautiful. There were some really moving moments born from that pain.

THE ROMANCE

And now for the part I came here for. Yes, the romance was as adorable and precious as everyone was saying. Zuben were a solid ship, but their union were fraught with many challenges. From being forced into a secret relationship and hiding their sexualities, Zack and Ruben had some major obstacles to overcome. What they had on their side was some honest communication and the support of their friends.

A little bit of a slow start for me, but once the romance ignited, I was all in. There was an actual moment towards the end that was so touching, I cried. I would love to see a “where are they now” because I envision so many amazing futures for these four boys.

GIVE ME ALL THE BOY BAND BOOKS!

This was a highly anticipated release for me, and it did not disappoint! I loved the cast of characters and thought it was well-pace and engaging. AND THAT 70% PART, MAN WOWEE

An enjoyable, angsty, and swoony story from Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich. IF THIS GETS OUT is out December 7, 2021! Now, off to make Saturday my whole personality, thx.

A big thanks to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

This book is everything you hope it will be from the summary. It's very cute from a romance and a friendship standpoint. This book's subject matter got deeper than I expected from a YA romance but the topics were handled well. In only a few chapters, I was hooked and unable to pause.

If you love a good cinnamon roll character and boy bands, you need this book in your life.

3.5/5 stars. Four guys in a boy band. We have alternating viewpoints between Rueben and Zach, two of the members. This sets up for a fun, sweet and cute romance. But, as I read the book, I found so much more.

The major thing I struggled with in this book was the voice. I found, more than once, that I had to flip back to the beginning of the chapter to remember who's chapter I was reading. I really hate, in dual perspective novels, when this happens, because I feel like the voices should be distinct enough for me to know who's chapter I am on.

That being said, the book tackled some real issues that I appreciated. It looked at Zach, understanding and coming to terms with his sexuality in a normalized and real way. The bandmates all seemed real and were multidimensional and different from each other and I could see myself picking a favourite ala boybands of the past. I did find that the adult characters in the book were less developed and seemed more one dimensional, but that could be okay give the audience.

The thing that was most real for me was the portrayal of abuses in the music industry and just how much power producers and the industry as a whole really has over a person. It made me incredibly sad to see this in front of me in book form, but it is something that needs to be seen. I think the authors did a great job in this portrayal and appreciated it.

The romance in this is cute and sweet and you can see how much Zach and Rueben care for each other. Adding the other layers of the band, the touring, the toxic music industry and Zach understanding his sexuality, it really creates a well rounded novel with lots going on. I definitely recommend this book, especially if you like sweet romances with some more serious topics.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an open and honest review. All opinions are 100% mine.

Correct rating: 3,5/5!

First of all, the fangirl in me loved every second of this book, but as the story progressed, my heart also broke immensely for Ruben, Zach, Angel and Jon!
The book also really opened my eyes to the harsh reality of being a sentential boyband! I was a die-hard 1D fan, as many others reading this book, and it never truly occurred to me what the other side of the coin must have looked like! So to read about these four boys and their experiences in the entertainment industry was exciting!

A couple of things that took me out of the story while reading, was things such as it being really hard to understand who was who when reading the guys' text messages. I would've liked there to have been names before each text! - Could have been the format of the E-Book making it hard though!

I was a bit taken aback by the fact the whole book was quite dark and dramatic from start to finish I did not expect it to be so raw! So I also feel split by the fact that I would've liked it to have more "fun/light" parts throughout the book because I also truly appreciate the topics that the book dealt with such as drug abuse, abusive and manipulative parents/caretakers, coming out and coming to terms with who you are and more. But I do believe the book as a whole and its topics would've hit home even harder if it had been slower, in the beginning,* and if there had been more light parts throughout.

* If we had seen even more of the boys and their friendships when it was good, it would've been so much harder to read about their induvial struggles.

The last thing that made it a 3,5 star read for me and not a 4 or 5-star one was the fact I also sometimes found it hard to follow where we were. It felt like time jumped weirdly and I couldn't always follow!

All in all, do indeed read If this gets out if you are looking for a good book that will deal will real and heavy subjects while making you gush over sweet and romantic love that has to be hidden!