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bg_oseman_fan's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
There were lots of things i loved about this book. i liked the focus on mental health, identity, and the role of celebrity and paradoxical relationships. i liked that both leads had problems to overcome individually and together. the supporting characters were also handled well. sometimes the narrative could delve into too black and white, but still had enough contemplation to keep me engaged.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, and Homophobia
Moderate: Addiction, Drug use, and Alcohol
Minor: Racism, Sexual content, and Suicide attempt
jbt1234's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I loved this story. For the most part the characters are fantastic and the plot was super engaging. I was pretty hooked. It's a great exploration of the exploitation of music artists and the effects of the industry on people.
The only places it fell short for me were sometimes it felt a little too 'on the nose'. While overall the story and characters were great, some clearly didn't have the same depth as others, and sometimes the writing styles owed themselves to over explaining.
Overall, however, ive immensely enjoyed this book. I think I'm just being critical đŹ
The only places it fell short for me were sometimes it felt a little too 'on the nose'. While overall the story and characters were great, some clearly didn't have the same depth as others, and sometimes the writing styles owed themselves to over explaining.
Overall, however, ive immensely enjoyed this book. I think I'm just being critical đŹ
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Homophobia, and Sexual content
oakleys_readinglist's review against another edition
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Body shaming, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Sexual content, Outing, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
diana_raquel's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
âOnce you've learned shame, it settles into your skin like a tattoo. You can cover it up, but you can't scrub off the sense of inadequacy.â
When I brought this book I didn't know what to expect. I saw it in the shelves of my local bookstore and the tittle caught my attention. Upon reading the summary, I decided to buy it because it seemed like something that I would like.
And I was right! I really like it! Look, the way that the story is structured, I can see why people may think that this is a somewhat one direction fanfic turned book. There isn't anything that tells me that one direction (and the fan theories about some members of the band having a secret relationship) were an inspiration to the book but comparisons can be made. Nonetheless, lets review the book by what it is and not what could be. And I liked it! Its cute, heartwarming and has fluff, just the sorta of thing that I was looking to read at the time that I started this book.
So, I would recommend it if you want to read something sweet, light and cute.
When I brought this book I didn't know what to expect. I saw it in the shelves of my local bookstore and the tittle caught my attention. Upon reading the summary, I decided to buy it because it seemed like something that I would like.
And I was right! I really like it! Look, the way that the story is structured, I can see why people may think that this is a somewhat one direction fanfic turned book. There isn't anything that tells me that one direction (and the fan theories about some members of the band having a secret relationship) were an inspiration to the book but comparisons can be made. Nonetheless, lets review the book by what it is and not what could be. And I liked it! Its cute, heartwarming and has fluff, just the sorta of thing that I was looking to read at the time that I started this book.
So, I would recommend it if you want to read something sweet, light and cute.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Biphobia, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Toxic relationship, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
Moderate: Cursing, Drug abuse, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Vomit, and Outing
Minor: Racism and Sexual content
allforevermore's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse and Drug use
Moderate: Addiction, Sexual content, Car accident, and Alcohol
Minor: Chronic illness
bookb1itch's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
Moderate: Sexual content and Injury/Injury detail
this was recommended by a Y7 girl, so i thought I'd read it before buying for our library. I was pleasantly surprised. A little bit more sex than I expected (possibly because I was watching Heartstopper at the same time) but the focus is on the relationship and everything is consensual. Characters other than the main two are well written and the story shows both supportive friends and some adults who struggle to understand. This could so easily be a true story, sadly.jazzy_t's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
4.5
Enjoyable read. Kinda fun to read if you are active in any boy band fan base. Think it tackled some important subjects but kept a light hopeful feel.
Felt the ending was a little lack-luster.
Felt the ending was a little lack-luster.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Gaslighting
Moderate: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Sexual content
Minor: Homophobia
zefancifulreader's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This was a fun read!
Boy Band public image drama plus friends to lovers romance?! Joy.
I loved the duel authorship of having each author focus on just one half of the couple. It created a realness to the characters, especially in moments of relationship miscommunication/ duality in arguments.
The Angel side story was very interesting, and although YA sugar coated, didnât shy away from the addiction reality and itâs pain and consequences.
The ending felt a tiny bit rushed and I was honestly surprised when/where the story ended⌠But, them saying âbye, see you NEVERâ to Geoff was as good of a happy ending as any. (What a dick.)
I really wish they had included a âone year laterâ epilogue. I want MORE.
The main four boys are a very fun group of characters and I could enjoy reading about their bickering and playfulness all day long. I was worried that the story would dissolve into the classic âsolo careerâ angle but the love and commitment these four have for each other is strong and it was a joy to experience.
If this book were a drink:
It would be cherry coke. I have no idea why. It just fits.
Boy Band public image drama plus friends to lovers romance?! Joy.
I loved the duel authorship of having each author focus on just one half of the couple. It created a realness to the characters, especially in moments of relationship miscommunication/ duality in arguments.
The Angel side story was very interesting, and although YA sugar coated, didnât shy away from the addiction reality and itâs pain and consequences.
The ending felt a tiny bit rushed and I was honestly surprised when/where the story endedâŚ
I really wish they had included a âone year laterâ epilogue. I want MORE.
The main four boys are a very fun group of characters and I could enjoy reading about their bickering and playfulness all day long. I was worried that the story would dissolve into the classic âsolo careerâ angle but the love and commitment these four have for each other is strong and it was a joy to experience.
If this book were a drink:
It would be cherry coke. I have no idea why. It just fits.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, and Drug use
Minor: Sexual content
lennie_reads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Thanks to Netgalley and Hachette Children's Group, Hodder Children's Books for my ARC.
So from the moment I picked this book up I really struggled to put it down. For me, it was just one of those books that grabs you and it's all you can think about.
This is a dual pov story about two members of a very famous (fictional) boy band who are best friends, until things start to change.
I adored both Ruben and Zach and could very much relate to Zach's internal thought process around realising he's bisexual.
I, obviously, have no idea what it's like to be famous or in a boy band but the lives of these *literal teenagers* was terrifying and claustrophobic and so so many of the things they went through enraged me.
Despite knowing these characters are teens I did feel like their inner monologue made them sound older - like early / mid twenties. But that could be because I am old, or because they've had to deal with a lot from a young age. Either way I feel like this maybe could've worked a bit better as a New Adult age range rather than Young Adult, but I still loved it.
Definitely check out the content warnings on this book because there are some dark themes.
So from the moment I picked this book up I really struggled to put it down. For me, it was just one of those books that grabs you and it's all you can think about.
This is a dual pov story about two members of a very famous (fictional) boy band who are best friends, until things start to change.
I adored both Ruben and Zach and could very much relate to Zach's internal thought process around realising he's bisexual.
I, obviously, have no idea what it's like to be famous or in a boy band but the lives of these *literal teenagers* was terrifying and claustrophobic and so so many of the things they went through enraged me.
Despite knowing these characters are teens I did feel like their inner monologue made them sound older - like early / mid twenties. But that could be because I am old, or because they've had to deal with a lot from a young age. Either way I feel like this maybe could've worked a bit better as a New Adult age range rather than Young Adult, but I still loved it.
Definitely check out the content warnings on this book because there are some dark themes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, Homophobia, Toxic relationship, and Alcohol
Minor: Sexual content
anaguana's review against another edition
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse and Drug use
Moderate: Homophobia and Sexual content