Under All the Lights is a YA novel about Ollie, a singer-songwriter who explores love, his sexuality and fame simultaneously. It's an interesting coming-of-age story.

I absolutely loved his book! It dives deep into heavy topics and thought-provoking discussions that sometimes make it tough to get through, but every moment was worth it. Each character jumps off the page, feeling so real that you could easily picture them as your friends. They’re all navigating their own struggles and finding unique ways to persevere.
The music bits were definitely my favorite! I love how they highlight the musicians, their creative processes, their wild tours, and how they unwind during their downtime. Imagining those incredible experiences was such a thrill!

I absolutely loved this book and I can't wait to see what this author does next. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.

This was a great follow up to Canadian YA author, Maya Ameyaw's debut, When it all syncs up that features Ollie, a bisexual singer/songwriter who goes viral and gets invited to go on a cross Canada tour with Jesse, another young hit singer.

Not yet out to his parents, Ollie struggles with sexual assault trauma from his past plus his sexual identity especially as he grows more attracted to his tourmate. Conflicted over his new feelings and the fact that he also has a girlfriend back at home (Aisha from the previous book) Ollie finds himself spiraling a bit trying to balance everything. Performing on stage is also triggering his anxiety and causing panic attacks forcing Ollie to adjust his meds and rely more on friends and his therapist.

His mental health overall also suffers as he gains popularity and is increasingly under public scrutiny. Full of excellent mental health rep, this was good on audio and perfect for fans of books like Kiss & Tell by Adib Khorram. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!

CW: sexual assault survivor, anxiety, panic attacks, biphobia

I found this book odd and didn't enjoy it. It had the potential to be a compelling narrative about self-acceptance and embracing one's identity, yet it succumbed to promoting stereotypes that should be avoided. I hoped it would delve into exploration without resorting to such clichés.

Ollie Cheriet’s viral song launches him into a life-changing tour and album deal, but his anxiety and stage fright threaten to derail his success. As he navigates the pressures of fame and his growing feelings for his talented touring partner, Jesse, Ollie must confront his struggles to find self-acceptance and overcome his fears.

*please read content warnings prior to reading.*

I read When It All Syncs Up immediately prior to reading this book and I’m SO glad I did! The book starts up at the epilogue from the prior book and takes off running. I was immediately bought into the story because I already adored the characters.

The whirlwind Ollie finds himself in was like a Cinderella story and I loved his growing friendship with Jesse. I LOVED that his favorite band had a hand in his journey. BUT even while this wonderful thing was happening, he had so much on his shoulders.

I LOVED how this book explored Ollie’s bisexuality in a way that showed his confusion, shame, excitement, curiosity, love, and vulnerability. I loved the portrayal of anxiety manifesting in different ways for him, how he learned how to open up to others and own who he is, and how even at the end he is still learning. Ollie was an incredible character and I already miss him! I hope there’s a book 3 because I adore these characters.

The songwriting showing the growth and that beautiful ending had me hoping for the best for Jesse, Ollie, and Aisha. I really love them 🥹🥹😭😭

Also Jesse being vulnerable too at the end had me in my feelings ok!!!!

*I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, all thoughts are my own.*

I had a few major problems with this book. I thought it leant too far into "bisexual people can't be happy in a monogamous relationship/will end up cheating/always want the gender they aren't with" stereotypes. There was also a little throwaway passage with the characters blaming 14 year olds for not knowing how to interact with celebrities, which felt like a wild and alienating thing to include in a YA book. I do appreciate that this series is written at an accessible level for teens though!

In book 2 of It All Syncs Up, Ollie takes us backstage of touring musicians when he is discovered when Jesse Jacobs sees his video on his YouTube channel. When Jesse invites him to meet with him and his record label they invite him to open for Jesse on his cross-country tour. Ollie’s parents could use the monetary help since his dad lost his job. Ollie worries because he has panic attacks and takes meds sometimes for them. The first time he’s set to go on stage he gets stage fright but works through it. Jesse asks if he’s okay and Ollie says yes secretly wondering if he’s physically attracted to Jesse. As the tour continues, Ollie tells Jessie he likes writing songs because it quiets his mind. This is a great book about self acceptance, support, and friendship.