Format: ebook
Published: 6th May, 2026
Age: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Oh, this book was adorable! Right from the start I suspected I’d love this one, and I wasn’t let down. The two at the centre of this – Olly and Tarun – are written brilliantly. I think this will appeal to both the youth readings and young at hearts. I’m surprised it’s not been more popular and talked about more, with currently only 14 reviews on Goodreads. It deserves so, so much more!
Olly is returning for his second year at a UK competition for teen musical theatre performers, determined to prove himself after he was sabotaged the year before. For Olly, this is the most important event of his life, and can open doors for him as an actor – he lives and breathes musicals, and is excited to be back among his own people. Tarun couldn’t be more different – nominated for a role he wasn’t supposed to perform, he knows little about musicals and can’t imagine being so open about who he is. Thankfully, his crush – who he understudied for – is also at the competition, and Tarun hopes they can talk about the kiss they shared after the show.
Olly is baffled by Tarun’s lack of musical knowledge, while Tarun is overwhelmed by Olly’s outgoing, bubbly, theatre kid energy. It doesn’t help that they’re paired together as roommates, but as they get to know each other, they revise their judgements and realise they might just be exactly what the other needs.
The characters read as teenagers. I feel like it’s often important to point that out in YA – especially contemporary – as there are writers who seem to ignore how messy and judgemental and lacking experience teenagers really are! Both Olly and Tarun make snap judgements about it each other, and it’s only when they acknowledge they’ve done so and consciously make an effort that they’re able to move past it. They both make mistakes, but importantly they show each other compassion and care.
I loved the attention given to the friendships around them both, too, but also the sense of other lives happening outside our little MC bubble. You can feel the love and respect for the theatre through the pages, even as Ramsay highlights the difficulties and bigotry performers can still face. This was another thing I really appreciated: the adults who are coaching these kids mean well, but through their own specific lens, and absolutely don’t give the best advice or act in the best way. It adds a challenge for our characters, but also allows them more room to grow and work things out for themselves.
This was a fantastic book, and absolutely recommended from me for anyone who enjoys gay YA Romance.
Reading Challenge
Musicals Reading Challenge 2026
Prompt: The Prom – Unruly Heart – YA LGBT+
Progress: 16/24, +1 Bonus
