Eighteen-year-olds Ruben Montez and Zach Knight are two members of the boy-band Saturday, one of the biggest acts in America. Along with their bandmates, Angel Phan and Jon Braxton, the four are teen heartbreakers in front of the cameras and best friends backstage. But privately, cracks are starting to form: their once-easy rapport is straining under the pressures of fame, and Ruben confides in Zach that he’s feeling smothered by management’s pressure to stay in the closet.

On a whirlwind tour through Europe, with both an unrelenting schedule and minimal supervision, Ruben and Zach come to rely on each other more and more, and their already close friendship evolves into a romance. But when they decide they’re ready to tell their fans and live freely, Zach and Ruben start to truly realize that they will never have the support of their management. How can they hold tight to each other when the whole world seems to want to come between them?

Though I’ve read romance books on band/group members falling in love, somehow If This Gets Out just seemed something fresh. An escapism read. Perhaps, it’s because it's a boy band, where the ones I had read are more centered around adults. Rock bands. Bands members who break up and are looking for new members. And, although, I did grow up with boybands there was always this line with shipping in real-life people that I never crossed nor cared to cross. Though just because we don’t partake, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist in those spaces. But that’s a topic and conversation that I will not get into for this review.

If This Gets Out is written from the dual points of view of two of the band members of the boy band Saturday. Ruben Montez and Zach Knight, our two narrators, have just finished the American leg of their tour and will soon go overseas with the two other band members, Angel Phan and Jon Braxton. In between, stacked scheduled, frenzied fans, controlling management, and little to no freedom, the only things the boys really had to themselves is each other.

I’m unsure of where I want to go with this review because I’m so unsure of how I feel about the book. I get what it was trying to do, and I have to admit I enjoyed the latter part of the book almost that I want to rate it higher but I’m just not sure how I feel about it all. Perhaps, it’s because I wanted one thing and got another, but that should be on me and where and how I wanted the story to play out. The acknowledgment further clarified the points and angle the authors wanted with this story and I get it and agree with it.

It’s a story that talks and doesn’t shy away from the gritty reality of fame. Though it doesn’t say explicitly and I wished this was confronted head-on in the novel, also the power abuse that adults have on young kids that get in the business so young. How easily they are mentally abused and control to do what the adults want in the industry. You read about it in the novel with how the members are forced into some dubious personas, doing things they don’t want nor feel comfortable with, with having to fit into stereotypical narrative predisposed by their management.

It was like a train waiting to happen when you see how fast and easily Angel spirals out of control. With the accessibility of drugs and alcohol, with the fact that no parents are present, that as long as he’s putting on a show, management doesn’t care. The way they have no freedom. In their work, songs, in their lives, over their bodies. No control whatsoever. All in the name of fame. A step out of line and they were told they would get their manager, who they were all afraid of, even if he was one of the members' father. The lack of space from stalker fans and the media. There’s a lot that I appreciated and respected being explored.

Yet, at times, I was a bit confused. Sometimes. Often, I felt I couldn’t really tell how, why, and how much Ruben and Zach liked each other. It felt like we were told they liked each other, but then I got whiplash from each of the POVs because they kept changing their mind. I get it, especially for such a blooming relationship, with a guy coming to terms with his sexuality, but it was in such a way that felt more like the sake of angst rather than a natural progression. Like, one of the last arguments, though I understood, and even like the dialogue, it felt really out of nowhere. Same with the friendship within the group. Things were told out of order so I couldn’t really tell at the beginning how they became a band, if they were friends if they even liked each other all that much within the band. Until I was told they did. Or the fact that the guys would throw a party in their hotel room and people were recording them and somehow it didn’t leak to the press? Imagine if a boy band would have that type of fodder they wouldn’t get intense backlash from the media and their fans. A lot of it I couldn’t imagine them getting away with—all the partying and drinking. I didn’t get how famous they were to NOT get leaked and the press having a field day with that.

A lot of it I could get behind if it was told in a different way, and more of showing rather than telling me. Sometimes Ruben and Zach could be cute, but there was so much going on that I just knew it would last only for a scene before I got whiplash.

Again, I liked a lot of it individually. But I knew it wouldn’t get the importance it should have. Something I hate in the media is that things aren’t handled with the gravity they should be. That there’s little to no consequences, that things aren’t touched on until the last part in a story and just get a passing note. For example, Ruben and his mom. The insidious abuse suffered at her hands. And although something does happen at the end, I don’t know, I wish more was done. On a lot of fronts.

Is this a light-hearted, easy read? Hmmmm, no. Definitely not a rom-com, nor a light read especially because of some of the subject issues. I think the story just lightly touched on such important issues—fame, controlling management, identity, substance abuse, recovery, mental abuse, parent abuse. Whilst a burgeoning romance is happening with two of the members. The little solace they have they find it with each other.

This is the boy band rom-com you didn't know you needed.

It's funny and sweet and explores coming-of-age (and coming out) on the world's stage. While that might sound light and adorable (it was), it also looks at the darker side of being famous (see: mental health issues, substance abuse, navigating friendships and loneliness even when you're never alone).

The perfect combination of joy and heartache, I adored this story and its characters. Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich wrote it so seamlessly that it's impossible to tell where one ends and the other begins. Now... movie? 😃

This was such a fun read! I really loved that the chapters were alternating viewpoints; it was a nice touch where you could feel each author's writing style, but their characterizations were spot on enough for it to be a nice, cohesive book. Also, loved that this was a slow burn romance. I will take a nice slow burn over instalove any day.

I also really liked this behind the scenes look at the entertainment industry. Knowing that this was based off of interviews and actual experiences really is eye-opening for what a lot of artists go through for their fans.

If This Gets Out tells the story of Saturday, an international record-breaking boy band that's on a world tour. The book is told from the perspective of two of the four members of the band: Ruben and Zach.. To the surprise of both of them, they fall in love. We follow their story as they navigate the world while being picked part by the press, their family, and social media. It's an interesting premise and it often feels like Ruben and Zach are living in a dystopia, completely unable to live as their true selves. I enjoyed reading this and it's a nice progressive book to add to the YA stratosphere.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. It was a struggle to not ignore work and keep on reading!
This book focuses on the band Friday - a teenage pop group reminiscent of One Direction. Even though we only get the POV of two of the boys, all of them were very fleshed out characters and I loved each of them! It all felt very realistic and my heart constantly broke for the boys throughout. My only criticism is that I wanted more! The ending resolution wasn't quite a complete resolution in my eyes but maybe that just leaves room for a sequel or a little novella afterwards? I can only hope!

I LOVED THIS BOOK! I was sent an advanced reader copy last week and I could not put it down. The characters were so relatable, the angst not at all contrived, the love wholesome (if at times a bit spicy), and the obstacles very real. The story is told through alternating chapters in each of the two protagonists POVs. It really helped with the momentum and kept me turning pages. Three very clear acts to this story, so the beats felt a bit predictable, but the story itself kept me on edge and guessing. Releasing this December, I highly recommend you put this on your TBR! You will not regret the time you spend with these folks. Five very enthusiastic stars.

If This Gets Out asks the question: "What if two members of a boy band fell in love?" Overall, this was a fun read that the target audience will surely enjoy. It was sweet and sexy without being inappropriate for the age range. I appreciated that we got to see Zach struggle with his identity and see his process for accepting himself and coming out.

Absolutely loved this book, really took me by surprise how hard it hit. I felt a lot of it was very important, and a great dissection of how celebrity culture treats people like commodities. I went into it expecting to enjoy it as a big former boy band fan, instead I was stressed out and worried and sad and happy and the characters were SO fleshed out and human. Great book, and I’ll probably talk more about it once it’s out and I can actually physically own it.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book so much. Everything about it was amazing, from the writing to the characters, the romance, and the whole band dynamic. Even the side characters were so well developed.

Okay this book was exactly what the One Direction fan in me needed. I read it all in one sitting because I was just so engrossed in the story. I absolutely love the characters and was rooting for them the whole time. I would recommend this to basically anyone who loves One Direction, romance, YA, or basically anyone who wants to be happy.

This book was so fun! I really enjoyed the storyline and getting to know the characters. It felt a little fanfiction-y, in a good way! However, I felt the pace was a little rushed, and the characters felt a little flat. The huge accident with Angel toward the end felt pretty expected, and I wanted a more emotional climax.

This book has a little bit of everything: substance abuse, toxic parental relationships, coming to terms with queer identity, and more. Imagine if two members of One Direction or BTS fell for each other and were forced to stay in the closet by their management team. Imagine if the other two members also dealt with their own compelling issues, and that all four members had beautiful and meaningful friendships that were interwoven with the narrative.

Are you imagining it? Well, this is that book. Saturday is basically the American version of One Direction that met at a summer camp instead of the X-Factor. This book is like high-quality queer fanfiction for One Direction, but with commentary on contemporary social issues. I was entirely there for it. It was a joy to read and I would 100% recommend it to anyone who enjoys YA romance.

School librarians: Sex is described freely but not graphically. Appropriate for most high school collections but would not recommend for middle school collections.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. It was well read.

*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.

I'll admit, I'm a little bit obsessed with this book, if 'Saturday' could be a real band that would be grand cause I'm already their #1 fan.
It usually takes me a bit to really get into a book, but not this one. From page one I was hooked and even when I convinced myself to put it down and take a break, I couldn't think of anything else but to pick it back up again. Layered between this love story is a look into how genuinely messed up the Hollywood industry really is, I wish I could say that part of this book was complete fiction. It's amazing the lengths that managers/publicists go to keep their artists from just letting them be their true selves. I love that it feels like the story takes inspiration from many real boybands; I got hints of NSYNC/Backstreet boys, Jonas Brothers, and One Direction through from how they met, who they are as a band, to how their management treats them.
I just know this book is going to blow up, I cannot wait for others to get the chance to read it.

It's been a week since I read this book but I still couldn't gather my thoughts to describe my love for this one 🥺❤️

when you get in the reading slump after reading something, you know that it touched your heart 💓
Well, this book is one of the best Book I've read!
This story is about a boy band of four handsome singers and how they find out about not trusting their management and being private about their own sexuality.

Zachary knights and Ruben Montez are the characters that you'll fall in love with! The story, plots, character development and everything was on point along with the chemistry!
The only complain I've about this book is that it's very short 🥺 I really want more Ruben and Zach!!!

I'm not revealing any spoilers or the storyline because it was ARC but if this book didn't get the hype it deserves, I'm going to throw some tantrum
*sigh dramatically*

THINGS I WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE:
-the second part of this book
- Story of Ruben and Zach
- Story of Angel Phan and Jon Braxton

If This Gets Out is an incredible read. It caught me from the beginning. The romance is wonderfully done, believable, sometimes awkward, sometimes cringe, but always warm and down to earth. It feels realistic in it's presentation of the rigors and challenges of celebrity boy band life. And honestly one of the best things about it was the relationship dynamics between the boys (I loved Angel Phan so much) and the stresses they feel. It comes across so real, so honest when they argue and have disagreements.

This is definitely a five star read and I honestly would love to see more of their story.

This was a great book. I love books that follow bands and show the ''inside'' of the music industry. I'm also a lover of pop bands (one direction, bts, etc.), so this was right up my alley. the writing was nice, the characters were amazing. I loved the story line, i thought it would have went somewhere but instead it was somewhere else.

i cannot wait for this to come out and more people to read it!

This book was such an emotional rollercoaster.
The story was amazing. It's everything you could ask for. It's got Romance, Heartbreak, great representation, Drama, Fights, Tragedies. I can't really put a pin on it yet, but I could sense something missing in the book. However, this is a great read.
I'd also be lying if I said this book didn't remind me of One Direction. Except for the fact that rumors remained rumors in their case.

Based on the synopsis, I expected If this Gets Out to be a boyband rom-com involving a secret relationship between members. What I never anticipated was for it to deliver such hard-hitting themes involving exploitation in the music industry. This was such a powerful story, and I have nothing but praise for it.

~★~ What is this book about? ~★~

As a member of the wildly popular boyband Saturday, Ruben has gotten used to his management team controlling every aspect of his life. During Saturday’s European tour, the constant pressure to perform leads Ruben and his fellow bandmate Zach to rely on each other more than ever, to the point where they find themselves involved in a behind the scenes romance. The two eventually agree that they want to be honest with their fans and come out publicly, but their relationship begins to falter when they find out management never intends to give them the green light.

~★~

If This Gets Out exceeded my every expectation; I adored Rhuben, Zach, Jon and Angel with my whole heart. Their friendship—which went through several ups and downs—felt incredibly real. Angel’s sense of humour in particular was definitely a bright spot for me, I couldn’t get enough of it. His playful banter with the rest of the group (especially upon finding out about Ruben and Zach’s relationship) was everything!

The romance developed at an impeccable pace. Zach coming to terms with his sexuality paired with the details of Ruben’s past created the perfect amount of tension and buildup between them. Soon enough, though, I realized that this story is so much more than just a romance. Ruben and Zach are constantly navigating the confines of their company contracts, searching for the wiggle room that allows them to freely express themselves in public. Even moreso, the depiction of Angel’s mental health battle shook me to my core. Nothing ever felt rushed or out of place, and I found myself very pleased with the way the story wrapped up.

I could continue to sing my praises about this book, but I’m too busy smiling about it to write anything more. If This Gets Out definitely delivers its promised heartwarming romance, but in the end leaves you with so much more to love.

I was fortunate enough to receive an e-ARC for this book as it was my most anticipated release of the year. And it sure did not disappoint! I was pulled into this story instantly, and the story between Zach and Ruben was wild from start to finish. The two different writing stories of Gonzales and Dietrich melded so well together, and felt cohesive while still feeling like separate voices. If you love secret romances and friends to lovers, this is the perfect book for you.