Review: If This Gets Out

Title: If This Gets Out

Author: Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Publication date: December 7, 2021

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Summary

Ruben and Zach are a part of the wildly popular boy band, Saturday. With their bandmates, Angel and Jon, they’re some of the biggest heartthrobs in America. In front of the cameras, everything seems perfect. Behind the scenes, cracks are starting to show, especially for Ruben, who is told to stay in the closet by band management.

When Ruben and Zach’s friendship turns into a romance, they eventually decide they want to tell the world. However, management will never support putting their relationship out in the public. Will they be able to stay together, despite the pressures surrounding them? And will they actually be able to come out of the closet and be themselves?

Review: If This Gets Out

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.

4/5 stars