“If This Gets Out” is the upcoming co-written novel from Sophie Gonzales (“Only Mostly Devastated,” “Perfect On Paper”) and Cale Dietrich (“The Friend Scheme”) and it’s one of my most anticipated books of 2021, so I’m incredibly honoured and grateful to Wednesday Books, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read it early.

The story of “If This Gets Out” is told from the perspectives of Ruben and Zach, who are members of a globally famous pop boy band called “Saturday.” The two of them grow closer over the course of the European leg of thief world tour, and eventually fall in love but when they’re ready to announce their relationship to their fans and the world, the dark side of fame creates many obstacles. Can their relationship survive amid stifling management, strict contracts and the band’s squeaky-clean image, or will they crumble under the pressure?

THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING! I read it in one day and it completely lived up to all the hype that I had for it. Sophie and Cale are both great writers and while this was my first time reading a book from either author, it definitely won’t be my last. Both of our main characters are brilliantly written, with distinct voices, personalities and backstories, and they felt very real and three-dimensional. I enjoyed the dynamic of their relationship and their dynamic with the other members of the band. The book was a pitch-perfect blend of pining, angst, fluff and romance, while also serving as an illuminating glimpse into the darker side of the music industry and of fame as a whole.

“If This Gets Out” is scheduled for publication on December 7, 2021 from Wednesday Books. I’ve already pre-ordered a finished copy and if anything I said in this review appeals to you, I highly recommend you add this one to your TBR’s! It’s definitely NOT to be missed!

Thanks again to Wednesday Books, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read this one early!

Wow. I've been looking forward to If This Gets Out for quite awhile now as there's been a lot of buzz about it. The hype was not misplaced. If This Gets Out is a powerful queer love story, as well as a tale of friendship, unity, strength, hope, and resilience, that I feel people of all ages can enjoy and learn from. The authors created well-developed characters who were easy to love and root for, and delved deeply into many issues facing music artists to this day in a world where the powerful only see them as dollar signs and have no qualms about controlling every aspect of their lives. It was clear to me that this was well researched and that the authors took into account the many artists who have given firsthand accounts of the rampant industry abuse they've experienced through the years. I seriously fell for this fictional band and felt heartbroken over the events these characters went through, but was also in awe of their strength and so proud of them. Books like this are so important and I'm grateful to have had the chance to read it.

If This Gets Out follows two members of a famous boyband, Ruben and Zach, as they navigate falling in love and coming out as international pop stars. I know a lot of people are going to say this is basically one direction fanfiction, but I don't know enough about that to really say. I was able to detach and enjoy the story on its own, so I hope others can too. If anything, I feel like the authors were making a comment on the destructive nature that fans can have when en masse, but ultimately the good that can be done when people support each other.

This book was a little corny at times but overall fun, witty, and sharp. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I laughed out loud more than a few times, got that warm butterfly feeling when Zach and Ruben shared a cute moment, and rooted for them as they learned how to be themselves with the whole world watching. Honestly I expected this book to just be a sweet-tooth romance and nothing more, but I was pleasantly surprised with how real it was. The authors confront the realities of the pressure and trauma that come with fame, and especially the experience of queer artists who are pressured to stay closeted and maintain a certain image. The character development was good, both Zach and Ruben confront and help each other grow through their own internalized issues. For Zach this is being an extreme people pleaser, and for Ruben it's his lack of boundaries with his overly-critical mother.

I'm SO happy with all the bisexual main characters I've read lately, and this book was no exception. I was happy that Zach didn't immediately assume he was gay and negate his past experiences with girls. Just, thank you. Bisexuals exist and we're still queer. We deserve inspiring coming out stories, and this book served.

Other things I liked about this book:
- the Mom Squad (will destroy you)
- I would like to hear some Saturday songs please
- teenage boys supporting each other! and having emotions!

Eh:
- I'm not knowledgeable or really interested in the entertainment industry so some of the in-depth technical stuff pulled me out of the story
- I know it's about a boyband but I wish the lady characters had more depth
- the ending felt a bit rushed, there were a lot of problems presented and they wrapped up very quickly and easily when previously it was made to seem like a huge deal

A huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
I'm not a huge fan of YA, but I will always read sweet teen gay romance, and top that off about two members of a boy band falling in love? sign me up
This book was pure adorable and heartwarming story that kept me reading well into the night.

It did read to me like a Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera book, Which is a great thing because I love when they Collaborate.

When I saw this book was out for review my whole day screeched to a halt. Literally. This has been on my radar for months as my most anticipated book of the year, and December is a long wait, so when I discovered I could have it my hands right now.... well, other projects and books went by the wayside. For some background, I am a self-professed Boy Band junkie, albiet an elder statesman. I've loved boy bands since I was in elementary school back in the 80's (NKOTB forever), so when I saw the synopsis for If This Gets Out, I was all in. And a little terrified, because what if they got it wrong? What if instead of falling into a world of boy bands I found a story I didn't like. Luckily (for me), Gonzales and Dietrich did something with this book that was so unexpected to me, and so very wonderful. I anticipated that when I read this book I woud l connect the characters directly to specific real life boy banders. In fact Twitter and TikTok have been saying this book could be about Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson and their percieved relationship, and while I definitely saw shades of boy banders past (going all the back to my first boy band love Jonathan Knight), these characters are 100% their own people. You can probably read more into them if you were so inclined, but for me Ruben, Zach, Angel and Jon stand on their own.

While this book is, at it's heart, about two boys falling in love and figuring themselves out, where this book surprised me is how deep it went into how messed up the system is. As a boy band fan I can recall how poorly artists have been treated for decades. We usually hear about it later, after bands have broken apart, far after the actual damage is done. We hear about how they were pushed to hard, how it takes a toll on their health. We learn about dangerous coping mechanisms, and we see artists entering rehab for "exhaustion" to try and pull their lives back together. We get coming out stories years after the bandmates have gone their seperate ways, stories about how they've always been this person, but had to hide it, contractually obligated to be someone they aren't, even if the lie is killing them inside. This isn't new. We know that they way management treats artists, especially young ones, in unacceptable, and yet it continues to happen, and If This Gets Out doesn't shy away from any of it. We see Ruben and Zach stuggle to hold onto themselves and each other when the management does everything in their power to tamp it down and keep it hidden. We see Angel struggle with addiction, while the management company turns a blind eye. I deeply appreciate that Gonzales and Dietrich balance the romance and friendships with the harsh reality of what finding fame young can be like.

I also super appreciate that this book gives us the boy band that we want- diverse, openly struggling with life (beacuse life is hard sometimes), and free to be who they are openly. Boy band fans are often written off as silly girls, but we are one of the most loyal fan bases you can find, and we're here for the long haul. We don't dip out that easily, and If This Gets Out also nails that aspect, the relaionship between the band and the fans. It's sometimes chaotic and messy, but at the end of the day we want them to be happy and free.

I absolutely loved this book. I can't wait to add the physical copy to my shelf when it comes out in December.

First of all I was really excited because Sophie Gonzales quickly became a favorite author, so I dove right into this book, can't say much for Cale Dietrich because I don't really know him but the colab really worked for me.
The synopsis instantely appealed to me, the theme about celebrities being treated like merchandise have always made me angry, they're people too and I get that you can't really know them but limiting them so much to appeal to public tastes and to sell is a bit sickening, which is a main theme in this book and I loved it, the situation of the characters made me angry but I really liked reading it, if it makes sense; to me the four main characters in the boy band were very compelling and I geniunly liked them all, also I love how they dive into the themes of relationships and mental health from the pressure of fame, can't talk much about it without spoiling but really looking forward to getting my finished copy!

This story follows Zach and Ruben as they navigate a forbidden romantic relationship within the worlds biggest boyband. I could not love these characters more, everyone was so distinct, and vibrant, and felt so so so completely real. This book feels like a return to the times when stories were allowed to just be pure entertainment, yet still covers so many important topics!!!! I especially appreciated how not everything was wrapped up in a neat bow by the end, because that would've felt cheap, I think? Like there are real consequences, that can't be avoided. But it still leaves with an overarching sense of hope. (Sequel??? Maybe??? Please?????)

*3.5 stars rounded up. SPOILERS AHEAD.
The following sentence is purely a joke because I thought of it and decided it was hilarious.

In the words of me, “This book reminds me of fanfiction in many ways: drama, writing, and definitely being about One Direction.”

In all seriousness, the cover reveal of this book did result in a lot of people saying it was based on the “Larry” ship created by fans of One Direction. I was never a 1D stan and therefore don’t know all of the lore, but I think the main thing in common between Saturday and One Direction was just that they’re both boy bands with teenage girl fans. That’s it. There are going to be shippers for a lot of celebrities, I don’t think that the authors were really copying One Direction fan theories. That being said, I’ve wanted to make a joke about “They Don’t Know About Us” (One Direction) because of the secret relationship plot for a WHILE.
Anyways, the actual content! My favorite character was Angel because he’s chaotic and hilarious but also human and more knowledgeable than anyone have him credit for. I think Ruben and Zach had a relatively healthy relationship: even if Zach was really passive and didn’t quite know what he wanted for a while, they always communicated and respected each other (after the initial “making out while drunk and insulting each other” debacle).
I don’t usually read about boy bands for fun, but I’m trash for a secret relationship trope and couldn’t resist. I saw this book more as enjoyable than good, but definitely worth my time.

Sophie Gonzalez and Cale Dietrich have created a story rich with the highest highs of first love, mixed with the confusion of attempting to put a label on yourself, with a *sprinkling* of the unnecessarily harsh reality of the music industry and the public eye.

Zach realizes that he may not be as straight as he has thought himself to be, and Ruben can't help being in love with his best friend and bandmate. While they are both celebrities and under the thumb of their management team, these authors excellently portray them still as teenagers trying to figure themselves and their feelings out. Knowing what *you* want and deserve, communication, and boundaries with loved ones are some of the themes thoughtfully explored within the pages and events. Highly recommend for teenagers in their first experiences and adults who might still be trying to figure these things out for themselves.

If This Gets Out is a book you will not be able to put down once you start it. Told through the alternating viewpoints of Ruben and Zach, it's their story. The story of their relationship. Of them navigating their relationship and in Zach''s case figuring out his own sexuality while being in the US's biggest, hottest and in-demand boyband "Saturday".

It's fast-paced and action-packed and carries an extremely important message as it shines a light on the conditions that many artists within the industry face, especially those who enter the industry at a young age, those that belong to the LGBTQ+ community and otherwise marginalised artists. It shows how overworked they are, they are slowly stripped of all autonomy, their names, who they can and can't socialise with, what they wear, Every aspect of their lives is controlled and manipulated to maintain a public image, an image that is carefully crafted to appeal to an artist/bands demographic so it maximises sale potential.

Both Ruben and Zach have their own distinct voices, their own issues and struggles with the constraints placed on them from their management team who control every aspect of their lives. The relationship between the band and their management team is best described as toxic. The management team is headed by band member Jon's Dad. The relationship between the band and their management is abusive and it's a well-depicted struggle by Sophie and Cale who have clearly done their research into the topic. As there are sadly many very public cases of the things depicted in the book happening. The exploration of what the control of the bands lives does to Ruben, Zach, Jon and Angel both psychologically and physically at times can be uncomfortable reading but it's necessary as it makes you fully understand and emotionally connect with each character. Not just Ruben and Zach but with Jon and Angel as well.

If This Gets Out is one of the most powerful and necessary reads of this year and a must-read for anyone who has ever been in a love with a boyband or an artist who has suffered at the hands of an industry that must change.

*3.5 stars

Did I read this book because it made me think of Larry... yes. Someone mentioned that it was on Netgalley to read and I rushed to go request it. I’ve been on a romcom binge and this was perfect for it.

Overall the premise of this book is really fun and entertaining. The book has a really entertaining writing style, however it does kind of read like a fanfiction. Which I personally don’t really like in published books.

This book does touch on a lot of real issues so I probably wouldn’t recommend it if you just want fluff. The book is also really well researched and that much is clear.

I’m going to be writing a full review in a few days once everything has set in because I tend to be someone who needs time before I write a review but overall it was a really fun read.

If This Gets Out follows Zach and Ruben, two members of America’s biggest boyband, Saturday, as they undertake a forbidden romance behind the scenes of their sold-out international tour.

When Saturday commences its first ever world tour, the band is thrilled to be leaving the USA for the first time and traveling Europe. When Ruben and Zach finally admit their feelings for each other and begin dating, their oppressive management team appears initially supportive, although encourages them to keep the relationship—and their sexualities—under wraps for the duration of the tour, for the band’s safety. But as the rules placed on the boys start to seem less about their wellbeing, and more about keeping all four boys on a tight leash, Ruben and Zach start to realize their management team never intend on allowing them to tell the world the truth.

Amazingly written, with two distinct voices (I can’t pick which perspective I liked most! I’ll just have to pick both), this book deftly explores a range of important topics, from closeting within the music industry, to the pressures of fame, drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, homophobia, emotional abuse, childhood trauma… but somehow it doesn’t ever feel heavy handed or preachy. It’s simply an incredible, fast-paced, well-told story.

The characters are so well fleshed out! There’s Zach, the people-pleasing songwriter of the band who’s cast as the Bad Boy against type, who goes through a complex journey of both realizing he is bisexual and coming to terms with his propensity to put other’s needs before him out of fear rather than selflessness. Ruben, the self-assured former theatre-kid, who’s gay and desperate to come out to the world, but gets shoved into the background by management to keep him in line despite being the band’s most talented singer. Jon, the son of the head of management, who gets shoved into the spotlight and forced to, essentially, sell sex to the fans, despite his religion and morals being incompatible with this. And Angel, the ladies-man party boy who lashes out against the managements attempts to turn him into a sexless boy-next-door type.

The romance in this book is top notch. The authors have created two characters who are clearly made for each other, and their chemistry is off-the-CHARTS (#zuben). I ship it. Although this book is sold as a romantic contemporary, it almost leans thriller-esque in parts. The stakes grow higher and higher as the four friends find themselves more and more trapped by their management, and as they begin to suffocate, find their safety, and maybe even their lives, at risk. Still, the heavy stuff is undercut with plenty of humor and romantic fluff (there’s even an only-one-bed scene!) in a way that keeps it readable and not too bogged-down in angst and dread. Also, I loved the way that the fans end up being sort of their own character, as the boys work through their changing relationship with their fans, their ambivalence and awe, and how the fans ultimately play a huge role in the plot (I can't say much more without spoilers). These parts of the book felt like a love letter to fandom.

In terms of diversity, Zach is white, Ruben is Hispanic, Angel is Asian and Jon is biracial. Although Jon’s father is the villain of the story, he is white. Ruben is gay and Zach is on-the-page bisexual, and there are multiple LGBTQIA side characters. The discussions around homosexuality and bisexuality, as well as homophobia, are done very well (as is usually the case when these things are written from experience!).
Overall, a romantic, heart-pounding read that manages to be fast-paced despite its length, inclusive, and in some sections, terrifying. Highly recommend.