Hello my lovely readers, it’s been a while since on the blog but I’m currently on holiday and I have just finished my first book and I loved it so much it’s inspired me to pick up the keyboard and start my blog once again.

I’m really excited to be on the blog tour for This Song is About Us by Sara Barnard. I originally posted a shorted version of this review on my instagram but I wanted to write a little bit more here. So without further ado here is my review *stretches fingers, poised on the keyboard*…

This Song is About Us by Sara Barnard
Published by Walker Books on April 3, 2025
Amazon | Waterstones
Goodreads

Told over three summer festivals, this stunning novel from a bestselling author charts the emotional turmoil of young love and early fame.
The Kerbs are a four-piece pop rock band on the verge of breaking big the moment that frontman, Drew, turns 18. But Drew and his long-term girlfriend Ruby have a decision to make: go public right from the start or keep their relationship private, away from the intrusive lens of the tabloids and the scrutiny of the Kerbs’ fanbase. The choice seems easy. Ruby wants her life to remain her own – she's seen how fame can devour the lives of those who stand in the periphery.
But staying secret comes with a price. As Drew's star rises and rumours begin to stir, Ruby starts to wonder if love is strong enough to keep them together when Drew's fame seems destined to drive them apart.

I read this book is my version of one sitting which basically means, I unfortunately had to go to sleep to then resume it when I woke up. I couldn’t put this book down, it was a book that I needed, something lighthearted, romantic but also some many realistic layers to the book as well which I really enjoyed. I have been a reader of Sara’s books since I received my very first ARC as a blogger of Beautiful Broken Things all those years ago and every time a new novel comes out I devour it. She is an auto-buy/favourite author when it comes to UKYA and YA romance/contemporary novels.

This Song is About Us follows star-studded, hot band lead of The Kerbs from Stevenage, Drew Schafer is first love, his first girlfriend Ruby. They have been together forever and when the band goes mega, Ruby and Drew have to make the decision whether to go public or be a secret. In order to protect what they have and love, they both decide to keep it a secret, signing NDAs and Drew becoming publicly single. It’s a strain on their relationship and Drew is falling under the drink, drug and rock n’ roll lifestyle being ‘The Drew Schafer’ not the ‘real Drew’, ‘her Drew’ that she loves.

This book encapsulates a true romance that really makes your heart lift. It builds on the long distance relationship and the longing that each of them had but what I love about Sara’s book as I said there is very realistic layers to our relationship in and out of the limelight with the toxicity of celebrity world and the sacrifice it bears on the relationship, the pain of saying no and most of is making sure that both are the best of themselves. I adored Drew and Ruby without a doubt, but my favourite relationship and I personally think that Sara is the queen of friendships in her books as I adored Stel. Ruby found unlikely friendship in the people close to her with the loveable, she is quirky, a chatterbox and is 100 mph but her heart is golden, her flare and just pure love for her best friend is priceless. I wish there was more of her or maybe she could have her own book.

Sara’s writing is emotive, seamless and beautiful. In her authors bio she said she wants to write sad books that are good for the soul and happy books to lift the heart and she does that every time. I wasn’t expecting it but after being completely absorbed in the relationship of Ruby and Drew, I couldn’t help but have tears in my eyes at the end of the book. For me this book reminded me of Band version Prince and Me the film, it had those vibes and more. It’s the perfect spring/summer romance read. If you were also a fan of Chris Russell’s Songs About a Girl series then this is the perfect read.

If you haven’t picked a YA book by Sara Barnard then what are you waiting for. I would highly recommend all of her books and I similarly if you love Holly Bourne like me, then you will definitely love her books.

Thank you Walker Books for sending me copy in exchange for a review.