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brokenrecord's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars. This was fine but not what I was looking for. I generally prefer more of a slow burn, but here, It's not that it was terrible, but the story ended up being more about the band being overly managed/controlled, when I thought I was getting an m/m romance in the setting of a pop band. The romance almost felt secondary to the band as a whole. The characters also came off a bit younger than I was expecting. I mean, it's YA, and the characters are all 18, so it's probably my own fault for not adjusting my expectations, but I guess I would've liked something with band members maybe more in their 20s. I also felt like some of the resolution at the end was a little too easy and tied up too neatly, and the romance got super cheesy by the end. I mean, again, this was fine, it's not a terrible book, and if it sounds like it'd be up your alley, you probably won't be disappointed, but it fell flat for me.
Spoiler
they kiss fairly early on, and then it leads to a classic misunderstanding between them for awhile because Ruben thinks Zach is straight and Zach needs space to figure out his feelings, but they barely interact during that period of tension. When they finally talk and get together halfway through the book, that's basically it for the relationship development. At that point they're together and happy about their relationship but have to deal with the external pressure from the band management and not being able to come out. There's a little at the end about Zach being more go with the flow and less determined to come out because he just wants everyone to be happy, but after like one talk he's like, "Oh actually I do want to come out and be with you, screw the band."Spoiler
The coming out on stage scene felt overly scripted, rang completely false, and made me cringe.luckywerewolf's review against another edition
4.0
This is a book that reads like fanfiction, which as a lover of fanficiton was a refreshing change of pace. It tackles tough issues while remaining light-hearted and fun. The evolving relationship between the two main characters feels real in a way that most regular people don't get to see from the side of celebrities.
If you loved a certain boyband from a singing competition show then you'll love this. If you thought there might have been more going on between two members of said boyband, then this might just heal that piece in you.
Great read, well-written.
If you loved a certain boyband from a singing competition show then you'll love this. If you thought there might have been more going on between two members of said boyband, then this might just heal that piece in you.
Great read, well-written.
elisanataf's review against another edition
4.0
i had a really fun time reading this. I think it took awhile for me to get into the book, but once I did I absolutely loved it. I love books that deal with the toxicity of the media and this one was no different. All the characters were so great and they genuinely all added so much to the story. I had a great time reading this book and would definitely recommend it if you're looking for a fun ya romcom!!
cosmicwillow's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
4.25
this was such a fun read! definitely harkens to a very popular 2010s fandom lol but i loved what was done with this. i love how the authors really fleshed out all the characters, and made them all really unique in their struggles. i really really enjoyed this and definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet queer ya book with great depth!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, and Car accident
Moderate: Addiction, Homophobia, and Alcohol
jen_garry's review against another edition
5.0
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?
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?
mickyletters23's review against another edition
4.0
*******Thank You Netgalley for the ARC******
Okay, these boys need therapy and a hug. This was a boyband romance, so I kind of knew what to expect but not. Behind the scenes, what happens when a band gets off the stage, were as endearing as they were terrifying. I knew the music industry has a toxic environment, but for 18 yr olds, this was heartbreaking. They are popular overnight and they still are finding out who they are. Ruben's parents made me so angry. You'll see.
This book was long, which I think it didn't need to be. This could have worked out as a duology. The ending didn't feel complete because there was so much they were going through that wasn't mentioned. Those boys needed help and I would have loved to see that. Other than that, I did love them and their personalities. Angel, Zach, Jon, and Ruben shined on their own even if the POV was between Ruben/Zach. I would say an overall 3.5.
Okay, these boys need therapy and a hug. This was a boyband romance, so I kind of knew what to expect but not. Behind the scenes, what happens when a band gets off the stage, were as endearing as they were terrifying. I knew the music industry has a toxic environment, but for 18 yr olds, this was heartbreaking. They are popular overnight and they still are finding out who they are. Ruben's parents made me so angry. You'll see.
This book was long, which I think it didn't need to be. This could have worked out as a duology. The ending didn't feel complete because there was so much they were going through that wasn't mentioned. Those boys needed help and I would have loved to see that. Other than that, I did love them and their personalities. Angel, Zach, Jon, and Ruben shined on their own even if the POV was between Ruben/Zach. I would say an overall 3.5.
scotia_mullin's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-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
4.0
This was a really fun book. It was such an easy read and very cute storyline. The characters felt a little bit like One Direction fan fiction but I liked it!
melanie_de_winter's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.0