Reviews with content warning for Medical content - If This Gets Out

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was as fun as I thought it would be, but it also delved into a lot more important social topics than I thought it would. I really liked Ruben and Zach and their relationship is an example of friends-to-lovers done really well.

Zach's gradual realisation that he might not be straight and the way he goes back and analyses his previous attraction on other guys felt so real and made me want to give him a hug. The fact he begins to realise this while in the middle of a global tour in front of millions of people can't be easy, so it was lovely that Ruben being supportive and providing comfort when it was needed.

I didn't have many strong feelings about Angel or Jon, but I liked how they supported Ruben and Zach when their management were trying to prevent them from coming out. On the whole, the book delves into some important issues about fame and privacy, substance abuse, being open about mental health, and having a support network around you. The narrative also comments on the heteronormativity of the music industry and the subtle ways in which homophobia can pervade daily life, while also encourages readers to challenge prejudices and injustice.

Final note: I've seen a lot of people saying this is One Direction fanfiction, or that the book started life as such, and while I don't know the origins of the story, it didn't read this way to me. I will say that I was never a 1D fan so I don't really know much about the band and I didn't follow them when they were active, but this read like a YA contemporary in its own right and not really a fanfic of any kind (and I saw this as someone who reads plenty of fic).

Content Warnings

jfield351's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

This was a very lovely book! Very real and interesting insight into the pressures and hardships of celebrity life. It was a beautiful love story.

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moll_g's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I really loved this book and couldn't put it down! The plot had me absolutely hooked, but what really stood out for me was the depth of each of the characters. I found myself very emotionally invested (and may have even shed a few tears at the ending). A lot of important themes are covered and handled well - the authors did justice to some pretty difficult topics in a YA context.

The chapters alternate from the POV of Ruben (Sophie Gonzales) and Zach (Cale Dietrich), but if I hadn't known it was co-authored I don't think I'd have been able to tell since the book as a whole is so cohesive. I tend to stick to books with a single author but I'm very glad I took a chance on this one.

Overall, a very enjoyable read with loveable characters and a heartwarming storyline.

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anniereads221's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

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beautifulpaxielreads's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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