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Recommended Reading
In this opposites-attract YA rom-com inspired by Emma, a failed romantic gesture puts a damper on a queer teen bookseller’s summer of book matching and matchmaking until a handsome lifeguard and romance skeptic waltzes into his bookstore. Sometimes you get a second chance at happily ever after when you least expect it...
Curvaceous, clever, and an avid reader, seventeen-year-old Bobby Ashton never misses a main character moment. So when it comes to asking out his crush, he plans a romantic gesture grand enough to go down in local history. Unfortunately, though, his extensive knowledge of every rom-com trope ever doesn’t prepare him for how tragically he misreads the situation. Suddenly Bobby’s very public romantic gesture turns into an ordeal so embarrassing it could be a villain origin story.
Having masterfully shattered every plan for his perfect summer before college, Bobby’s last resort is working at his uncle’s sleepy bookstore. Soon, Bobby is expertly recommending books for customers to perfectly cure what ails them. Attempting to rebound after a breakup? There’s a book for that. Trying to tame your crochety coworker? There’s a book for that too. Then a plot twist Bobby never saw coming walks through the door in the form of Luke, an unfairly attractive and staunchly anti-romantic lifeguard.
Bobby’s blossoming connection with Luke reminds him of some of his favorite tropes: grumpy-sunshine, quippy banter, and even forced proximity. But after his last romantic disaster, should Bobby use all the tricks in his arsenal to turn Luke’s head? Or is he misreading all the signs again? Do grand gestures really need to be so…grand?
Perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli, Kacen Callender, and Jason June, Recommended Reading is a big-hearted rom-com about discovering love beyond what’s in the books . . . but hey, the perfect recommendation can get you pretty far!
Curvaceous, clever, and an avid reader, seventeen-year-old Bobby Ashton never misses a main character moment. So when it comes to asking out his crush, he plans a romantic gesture grand enough to go down in local history. Unfortunately, though, his extensive knowledge of every rom-com trope ever doesn’t prepare him for how tragically he misreads the situation. Suddenly Bobby’s very public romantic gesture turns into an ordeal so embarrassing it could be a villain origin story.
Having masterfully shattered every plan for his perfect summer before college, Bobby’s last resort is working at his uncle’s sleepy bookstore. Soon, Bobby is expertly recommending books for customers to perfectly cure what ails them. Attempting to rebound after a breakup? There’s a book for that. Trying to tame your crochety coworker? There’s a book for that too. Then a plot twist Bobby never saw coming walks through the door in the form of Luke, an unfairly attractive and staunchly anti-romantic lifeguard.
Bobby’s blossoming connection with Luke reminds him of some of his favorite tropes: grumpy-sunshine, quippy banter, and even forced proximity. But after his last romantic disaster, should Bobby use all the tricks in his arsenal to turn Luke’s head? Or is he misreading all the signs again? Do grand gestures really need to be so…grand?
Perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli, Kacen Callender, and Jason June, Recommended Reading is a big-hearted rom-com about discovering love beyond what’s in the books . . . but hey, the perfect recommendation can get you pretty far!
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 28, 2025
31 people are currently reading
5374 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
February 20, 2025
Well this was adorable
A really cute, modern, queer, YA Emma adaptation. It was very well crafted and enjoyable. I loved Bobby and his flair, body positivity and overly enthusiastic ambition as a self-appointed love guru. This wasn’t exactly a romcom as the romance was more of a side story, but more of a coming of age, meta story for book lovers of all ages.
The inclusion of Teresa Denys’ books was a nice treat.
Thanks to NetGalley and Zando Young Readers Publishing for the advanced copy of this book.
*************************************************
Got the arc, now to convince my teen to read this with me.
A really cute, modern, queer, YA Emma adaptation. It was very well crafted and enjoyable. I loved Bobby and his flair, body positivity and overly enthusiastic ambition as a self-appointed love guru. This wasn’t exactly a romcom as the romance was more of a side story, but more of a coming of age, meta story for book lovers of all ages.
The inclusion of Teresa Denys’ books was a nice treat.
Thanks to NetGalley and Zando Young Readers Publishing for the advanced copy of this book.
*************************************************
Got the arc, now to convince my teen to read this with me.
January 31, 2025
3.5 Stars
A super cute M/M romance, featuring a plus-sized, bookish MC named Bobby Ashton, who has a reputation for successful match-matching in his small-town community.
Bobby’s a natural-born meddler, with the absolute best of intentions, determined to help those around him find love and happiness, even though his own recent big love pursuit met a publicly embarrassing end that he’s still trying to recover from.
Not one to wallow though, Bobby brushes himself off, puts his own love life on the backburner, and throws himself into having a great, productive summer, helping his “uncle” revitalise his old bookstore, while making new friends, and finding his true worth and happiness along the way.
This story was very sweet and full of charm and wit, as we got to follow Bobby (and his family and friends) over the eventful course of his last summer before college. I enjoyed the small-town vibes and adored the bookstore setting. It’s a book about book lovers for book lovers, and I’m always a sucker for that.
Bobby was a charming MC, clearly inspired by Austen’s Emma but revitalised in this modern YA/NA college-town setting, with great queer and plus-size representation, and a full ensemble cast of quirky characters that kept the whole story flowing with ease.
Naturally, I found myself adoring Bobby’s new friend and love interest Luke, who was the sweetest guy and a perfect match for Bobby. I found myself smiling whenever they shared scenes together, their banter was really good and their chemistry gave me the warm and fuzzies.
I enjoyed this story, but I ultimately decided not to rate higher simply because I read an ARC copy that had a lot of formatting and editing issues, which took me out of the story and had me re-reading passages for comprehension more than a few times. (But I’m sure the final edit had none of these issues ((I hope)) and therefore shouldn’t be a problem for new readers upon the book's official release).
If you’re looking for a low-angst, feel-good M/M romance, or you just love books-about-books, this might just be the story for you!
***A special thanks to the publishers (via Netgalley) for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A super cute M/M romance, featuring a plus-sized, bookish MC named Bobby Ashton, who has a reputation for successful match-matching in his small-town community.
Bobby’s a natural-born meddler, with the absolute best of intentions, determined to help those around him find love and happiness, even though his own recent big love pursuit met a publicly embarrassing end that he’s still trying to recover from.
Not one to wallow though, Bobby brushes himself off, puts his own love life on the backburner, and throws himself into having a great, productive summer, helping his “uncle” revitalise his old bookstore, while making new friends, and finding his true worth and happiness along the way.
This story was very sweet and full of charm and wit, as we got to follow Bobby (and his family and friends) over the eventful course of his last summer before college. I enjoyed the small-town vibes and adored the bookstore setting. It’s a book about book lovers for book lovers, and I’m always a sucker for that.
Bobby was a charming MC, clearly inspired by Austen’s Emma but revitalised in this modern YA/NA college-town setting, with great queer and plus-size representation, and a full ensemble cast of quirky characters that kept the whole story flowing with ease.
Naturally, I found myself adoring Bobby’s new friend and love interest Luke, who was the sweetest guy and a perfect match for Bobby. I found myself smiling whenever they shared scenes together, their banter was really good and their chemistry gave me the warm and fuzzies.
I enjoyed this story, but I ultimately decided not to rate higher simply because I read an ARC copy that had a lot of formatting and editing issues, which took me out of the story and had me re-reading passages for comprehension more than a few times. (But I’m sure the final edit had none of these issues ((I hope)) and therefore shouldn’t be a problem for new readers upon the book's official release).
If you’re looking for a low-angst, feel-good M/M romance, or you just love books-about-books, this might just be the story for you!
***A special thanks to the publishers (via Netgalley) for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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June 6, 2024queer fat characters on the front cover? no, you're in tears
November 4, 2024
This was a cute, queer YA book that’s inspired by Emma. Bobby has had a lot of luck helping people around his small town fall in love… he just can’t seem to work his matchmaking skills on himself. After a failed grand gesture Bobby finds himself out of a job and without his place helping organize the big summer book festival. Working at his uncle’s small bookshop isn’t ideal, but he starts making connections with people through recommending books. On top of that there’s a cute new boy in town that Bobby keeps running into.
Bobby was a fun character to read about. He’s unabashedly a romance lover, dedicated to the people in his life, and he’s not afraid to work for what he wants. It was great to see his development throughout the book as he learns to ask for help and when to make different choices. In addition to Bobby there’s a great group of side characters who really round out the story.
However, I do think that this is one of those romance books where the romance isn’t the strongest aspect of the book. I did enjoy Luke as the love interest, it was fun to see him and Bobby have their banter and moments of growing closer. But in the end I didn’t feel like I got to see enough of them actually convincing me that they’d be a good couple. The book ends so quickly once they finally get together. Ultimately I felt like Bobby’s personal development, the work he was doing at the store, and his relationships with his family/friends seemed more fleshed out than the romance with Luke.
But all in all I did really enjoy my time reading this book. It was a cute, breezy store starring a fat, gay teen boy which isn’t something that’s present in a lot of books. It was also cool to have the book set the summer before college, that’s such an interesting point in a teenager’s life. People looking for a queer, bookish YA story should check this one out.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Bobby was a fun character to read about. He’s unabashedly a romance lover, dedicated to the people in his life, and he’s not afraid to work for what he wants. It was great to see his development throughout the book as he learns to ask for help and when to make different choices. In addition to Bobby there’s a great group of side characters who really round out the story.
However, I do think that this is one of those romance books where the romance isn’t the strongest aspect of the book. I did enjoy Luke as the love interest, it was fun to see him and Bobby have their banter and moments of growing closer. But in the end I didn’t feel like I got to see enough of them actually convincing me that they’d be a good couple. The book ends so quickly once they finally get together. Ultimately I felt like Bobby’s personal development, the work he was doing at the store, and his relationships with his family/friends seemed more fleshed out than the romance with Luke.
But all in all I did really enjoy my time reading this book. It was a cute, breezy store starring a fat, gay teen boy which isn’t something that’s present in a lot of books. It was also cool to have the book set the summer before college, that’s such an interesting point in a teenager’s life. People looking for a queer, bookish YA story should check this one out.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2024
4.5✨️
The way I almost DNFed this only for it to then become one of my favorite reads of the year should be studied 🧐
The way I almost DNFed this only for it to then become one of my favorite reads of the year should be studied 🧐
February 15, 2025
This was the fun, campy fat rep of my heart!!
“But I know despite all my self-acceptance and body positivity, if given the chance to swap out my body, I’d probably take it and I’d see the switch as an upgrade. I try to keep those admissions buried because acknowledging them is like accepting there’s something wrong with how I was made.” OOF like as a body neutrality girlie I can’t lie, sometimes thoughts like these still make it through and I just felt seen reading it
Bobby had the perfect summer planned and it all got ruined in the blink of a failed romantic gesture. But he’s nothing if not resilient, so he gets up and gets a new job at his uncle’s bookstore and makes a new list of goals. He works with the most crotchety old lady, has to avoid his old crush like the plague, could potentially be getting kicked out of college before it even starts because of the physical damage his romantic gesture resulted in… but he’s tough
Soon he’s the book recommendation wizard of the town, still helping OTHER people with their romantic lives, and meets a new friend named Luke who might eventually be more than that... he revamps the bookstore and has a new summer better than his old goals could have even hinted at!!
It’s just fun and sweet and silly and I felt so seen reading it. Small things like a towel not wrapping around Bobby’s body or him not fitting into a chair the way he wants, or big things like feeling afraid to get close to a new romantic partner. The fat rep is so special to me!
Definitely for fans of Pumpkin or Here the Whole Time (two great reads if I must say so myself)
“But I know despite all my self-acceptance and body positivity, if given the chance to swap out my body, I’d probably take it and I’d see the switch as an upgrade. I try to keep those admissions buried because acknowledging them is like accepting there’s something wrong with how I was made.” OOF like as a body neutrality girlie I can’t lie, sometimes thoughts like these still make it through and I just felt seen reading it
Bobby had the perfect summer planned and it all got ruined in the blink of a failed romantic gesture. But he’s nothing if not resilient, so he gets up and gets a new job at his uncle’s bookstore and makes a new list of goals. He works with the most crotchety old lady, has to avoid his old crush like the plague, could potentially be getting kicked out of college before it even starts because of the physical damage his romantic gesture resulted in… but he’s tough
Soon he’s the book recommendation wizard of the town, still helping OTHER people with their romantic lives, and meets a new friend named Luke who might eventually be more than that... he revamps the bookstore and has a new summer better than his old goals could have even hinted at!!
It’s just fun and sweet and silly and I felt so seen reading it. Small things like a towel not wrapping around Bobby’s body or him not fitting into a chair the way he wants, or big things like feeling afraid to get close to a new romantic partner. The fat rep is so special to me!
Definitely for fans of Pumpkin or Here the Whole Time (two great reads if I must say so myself)
February 3, 2025
*ARC provided by Netgalley, this did not influence this review in any way*
This book was so camp, I have no other word for it.
We follow Bobby in his summer before college and he has every intention to make it the greatest one yet. He loves reading, grand gestures and being a matchmaker. But everything goes wrong when he plans to ask out the guy he’s smitten with but instead ends up breaking the window of a bookstore and almost losing his spot at his college.
Bobby was a fun main character to follow. Sure, he was self-absorbed at times, sure he was whining about stuff that I (an almost 30 year old) found irrelevant, but he’s a teenager and I feel like he’s allowed to be this way. All of his problems might not have been the end of the world, but they were to him, and I was exactly the same when I was his age.
This book was also SO GAY. I loved every single queer thing that happened, no further notes on that.
The only reason that this book didn’t get 5 stars from me is that I found the romance to be a bit lacking. It was obvious who the love interest was from the start and they had their moments throughout the book, but I feel like they were underdeveloped? Or just simply didn’t quite hit like the author wanted them to?
But nevertheless, I really enjoyed this one!
This book was so camp, I have no other word for it.
We follow Bobby in his summer before college and he has every intention to make it the greatest one yet. He loves reading, grand gestures and being a matchmaker. But everything goes wrong when he plans to ask out the guy he’s smitten with but instead ends up breaking the window of a bookstore and almost losing his spot at his college.
Bobby was a fun main character to follow. Sure, he was self-absorbed at times, sure he was whining about stuff that I (an almost 30 year old) found irrelevant, but he’s a teenager and I feel like he’s allowed to be this way. All of his problems might not have been the end of the world, but they were to him, and I was exactly the same when I was his age.
This book was also SO GAY. I loved every single queer thing that happened, no further notes on that.
The only reason that this book didn’t get 5 stars from me is that I found the romance to be a bit lacking. It was obvious who the love interest was from the start and they had their moments throughout the book, but I feel like they were underdeveloped? Or just simply didn’t quite hit like the author wanted them to?
But nevertheless, I really enjoyed this one!
February 2, 2025
oh my goddddd
this book was wonderful. i love bobby and gladys haha my fav characters. luke was incredible as well, im glad bobby and luke met.
small town vibes, everyone stressed about the festival.
this book was wonderful. i love bobby and gladys haha my fav characters. luke was incredible as well, im glad bobby and luke met.
small town vibes, everyone stressed about the festival.
June 14, 2024
An adorably sweet and quick witted male-male rom-com with lots of side plots to keep you entertained. A friends to lovers trope with our plus sized main character. A used book store in a small town. A matchmaking main character who sees romance in other people’s lives but can’t quite get his own romance right. A funny and endearing main character who wants the best for those around him. Miscommunications between characters. One of the better YA romances I have read. 4.5 stars, rounded up.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2025
I thought it was a really cute rom-com. It was nice having a larger character as the main character. Light and easy to read and unwind to.
Plus I bought it at a local bookstore with my friend, and it is signed by the author with a cute bookmark inspired by the book.
Plus I bought it at a local bookstore with my friend, and it is signed by the author with a cute bookmark inspired by the book.
December 12, 2024
2,5*
The story follows Bobby, a hopeless romantic who is determined to have the perfect summer and has even made a list to make sure he has everything under control.
One of his hobbies is to help people find love and get couples together but he does not realize that sometimes people do not want others to intervene and tell them what to do.
The book and the story had a lot of potential to become a really cute and heartwarming love story. Unfortunately it is the romance that was missing. The romantic elements feel like just a quick add on but it is more about Bobby realizing he can not control every situation and every person’s life. Learning his strengths and accepting his weaknesses.
All the characters in the book felt a bit flat and even though I really liked Gladys. I appreciated all the representation in the book as well and having a male main character in a ‘romance’ book that does not fit the typical perfect main male character.
After the halfway mark I have to admit that the book started to drag a little bit for me and the dialogues felt at times a bit forced.
But this book has some positives as well. Bookstores and the power of books, Gladys and her personality, good messages like speculation will only cause you heartache and a lot of character growth.
The story follows Bobby, a hopeless romantic who is determined to have the perfect summer and has even made a list to make sure he has everything under control.
One of his hobbies is to help people find love and get couples together but he does not realize that sometimes people do not want others to intervene and tell them what to do.
The book and the story had a lot of potential to become a really cute and heartwarming love story. Unfortunately it is the romance that was missing. The romantic elements feel like just a quick add on but it is more about Bobby realizing he can not control every situation and every person’s life. Learning his strengths and accepting his weaknesses.
All the characters in the book felt a bit flat and even though I really liked Gladys. I appreciated all the representation in the book as well and having a male main character in a ‘romance’ book that does not fit the typical perfect main male character.
After the halfway mark I have to admit that the book started to drag a little bit for me and the dialogues felt at times a bit forced.
But this book has some positives as well. Bookstores and the power of books, Gladys and her personality, good messages like speculation will only cause you heartache and a lot of character growth.
February 2, 2025
Thank you Hear Our Voices Tours & Paul Coccia for sending me an early physical copy as well as an eARC on NetGalley for the tour! 🥰🫶
.
Okay, let me start by saying, that I ADORED this book so much! 🥹🫶 It has my whole heart! I loved the MC Bobby and I absolutely loved the fat representation and felt so seen as a fellow fat, queer, and bookish person.
However, different from me, Bobby is outgoing, loud, and extra (in a good way!). Bobby has been known around his small town as a love guru and has helped many couples get together utilizing a grand romantic gesture - similar to those in the rom-com books and movies Bobby loves. The book starts with Bobby attempting his own romantic gesture and ends up failing horribly sending his “Summer of Bobby” plans crashing out the window (wink wink 😉, IYKYK 🪨). After the accident, Bobby swears off romance for himself and focuses on his new summer job at his Uncle Andy’s used bookstore. Corner Books’ only other employee is an older woman named Gladys who is a bit prickly, to say the least. 😅 However, she DEFINITELY grows on you throughout the book!
While working, Bobby meets new-in-town, Luke, who isn’t a big fan of romance and much prefers a good documentary. I love how Bobby and Luke challenge each other's views on romance and just life in general. This included a lot of fun banter resulting in the nicknames “Love Grinch” for Luke and “Cassanova” for Bobby. ☺️ I love the character of Luke as he is the perfect fit for Bobby and such a sweet guy! I love how he never judges Bobby for his physical appearance and insists on “looking past the cover”. This book definitely has all the slow burn but I just loved it so much with these two! It was so nice to see their relationship progress even if the romance doesn't come until later. 🫶
I loved how Bobby is portrayed as a fat character. He is confident and dresses how he wants, however he is aware of how society views bodies like his. “…I don't own many dark clothes. They blend in and since this body doesn't, I've made the conscious decision to work with my assets.” (Recommended Reading, Paul Coccia). This awareness sometimes leads to moments of feeling too fat for love or for some opportunity or whatever have you. I think this is one of the most relatable things I’ve ever read! I myself am confident and love my body. I try not to care what other people think but that anxiety of how people perceive me always creeps up. Besides this, I love the little moments shown throughout the book that convey how living as a fat person is; such as having a large enough towel, getting hot in the summer, and more.
Another thing I enjoyed was yes, Bobby is fat and queer, but that's not the focus of the story! It's a regular coming-of-age story about a teen dealing with life stuff. This is just such a sweet read with low stakes, funny moments, memorable characters, and a bookish boy trying to figure out romance. 😊
.
Okay, let me start by saying, that I ADORED this book so much! 🥹🫶 It has my whole heart! I loved the MC Bobby and I absolutely loved the fat representation and felt so seen as a fellow fat, queer, and bookish person.
However, different from me, Bobby is outgoing, loud, and extra (in a good way!). Bobby has been known around his small town as a love guru and has helped many couples get together utilizing a grand romantic gesture - similar to those in the rom-com books and movies Bobby loves. The book starts with Bobby attempting his own romantic gesture and ends up failing horribly sending his “Summer of Bobby” plans crashing out the window (wink wink 😉, IYKYK 🪨). After the accident, Bobby swears off romance for himself and focuses on his new summer job at his Uncle Andy’s used bookstore. Corner Books’ only other employee is an older woman named Gladys who is a bit prickly, to say the least. 😅 However, she DEFINITELY grows on you throughout the book!
While working, Bobby meets new-in-town, Luke, who isn’t a big fan of romance and much prefers a good documentary. I love how Bobby and Luke challenge each other's views on romance and just life in general. This included a lot of fun banter resulting in the nicknames “Love Grinch” for Luke and “Cassanova” for Bobby. ☺️ I love the character of Luke as he is the perfect fit for Bobby and such a sweet guy! I love how he never judges Bobby for his physical appearance and insists on “looking past the cover”. This book definitely has all the slow burn but I just loved it so much with these two! It was so nice to see their relationship progress even if the romance doesn't come until later. 🫶
I loved how Bobby is portrayed as a fat character. He is confident and dresses how he wants, however he is aware of how society views bodies like his. “…I don't own many dark clothes. They blend in and since this body doesn't, I've made the conscious decision to work with my assets.” (Recommended Reading, Paul Coccia). This awareness sometimes leads to moments of feeling too fat for love or for some opportunity or whatever have you. I think this is one of the most relatable things I’ve ever read! I myself am confident and love my body. I try not to care what other people think but that anxiety of how people perceive me always creeps up. Besides this, I love the little moments shown throughout the book that convey how living as a fat person is; such as having a large enough towel, getting hot in the summer, and more.
Another thing I enjoyed was yes, Bobby is fat and queer, but that's not the focus of the story! It's a regular coming-of-age story about a teen dealing with life stuff. This is just such a sweet read with low stakes, funny moments, memorable characters, and a bookish boy trying to figure out romance. 😊
February 18, 2025
check out my bookstagram feature for this book here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DFqZmy3y5...
January 28, 2025
This was just the sweetest mm romance! I love a romantic lead that is more realistic in weight and his new friend who is the hulky dreamboat is so into him. But since Bobby just got heartbroken he isn’t even trying to find someone also he might get expelled. He is an act of love with an elaborate display type.
I loved that he was a book whisperer and could read people and suggest the book they needed. There are people that are super empathic and just watch and listen and know vast catalogues of media to recommend. They are spirit animals and helpers.
This was so book related since there were two bookstores involved, a coveted book club and culminating in a huge book event. Luke the athletic swimmer was so supportive and always around and Bobby just thought he was an ally. Media and stereotypes leave so many people out and I love when they get a story even when they don't realize they are the main character for awhile :)
This was YA and it helped with recognizing your worth and finding your voice. Also knowing that you can ask for help and you don’t have to take on everything on your own.
I loved that he was a book whisperer and could read people and suggest the book they needed. There are people that are super empathic and just watch and listen and know vast catalogues of media to recommend. They are spirit animals and helpers.
This was so book related since there were two bookstores involved, a coveted book club and culminating in a huge book event. Luke the athletic swimmer was so supportive and always around and Bobby just thought he was an ally. Media and stereotypes leave so many people out and I love when they get a story even when they don't realize they are the main character for awhile :)
This was YA and it helped with recognizing your worth and finding your voice. Also knowing that you can ask for help and you don’t have to take on everything on your own.
January 20, 2025
Banter. Bodies. Projecting wishes onto the world (and reality showing its less-than-welcome face thereafter). Humiliation. Being different. Owning it. Deciding not to stop at owning it and instead decorating it, celebrating it, and declaring it to the whole damn fucking world. (Still being allowed to be privately sometimes unsure about it.) Believing in happy endings despite everything. Making them happen. Fucking up. Trying again anyway.
I’m going to need all of y'all to stop and grab a copy of Paul Coccia’s "Recommended Reading" pretty much right this moment.
Just trust me.
I’m going to need all of y'all to stop and grab a copy of Paul Coccia’s "Recommended Reading" pretty much right this moment.
Just trust me.
July 4, 2024
This was such a sweet and charming read. Recommended Reading is the story of Bobby and how his grand plans for a pre-college summer of fabulousness don’t quite work out the way he’d hoped. Despite flash mob disaster, heartbreak, disappointment and a fair few misunderstandings, he ends up having a break filled with victories while learning some important lessons about love, friendship, collaboration, boundaries, and success.
There was so much to like in this book. Bobby is a flawed main character but in a very relatable and realistic teenage way. It was impossible not to identify with him and his struggles with self-esteem and peer acceptance as someone who was also a nerdy, awkward bookworm. At one point he says that ‘love is for beautiful people not fat bookish boys’ which broke my heart and I was very happy to see him proven wrong by the end of the story. But there’s also much outside of his romantic life that Bobby has going for him and his summer experiences really demonstrate to him the value of his relationships with his family and friends and his organisational and professional achievements. He learns to adjust his grandiose schemes as a result of truly listening to others and to modify his plans in ways that end up working out better for all involved.
The central romantic relationship was also well constructed – friends-to-lovers is a favourite trope and the way these two interacted and their bond developed was tender, believable and rewarding.
Another strength of this book was its cast of diverse and (mostly) delightful side characters. It was a lot of fun to follow along with Bobby’s journey of learning more about the people in his life and of realising the complexities of their existences beyond what his previously limited understanding of their lives had been. Thus, while this book is a quick, easy and light read, it contains enough substance to satisfy readers beyond its intended YA audience.
3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Zando for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
There was so much to like in this book. Bobby is a flawed main character but in a very relatable and realistic teenage way. It was impossible not to identify with him and his struggles with self-esteem and peer acceptance as someone who was also a nerdy, awkward bookworm. At one point he says that ‘love is for beautiful people not fat bookish boys’ which broke my heart and I was very happy to see him proven wrong by the end of the story. But there’s also much outside of his romantic life that Bobby has going for him and his summer experiences really demonstrate to him the value of his relationships with his family and friends and his organisational and professional achievements. He learns to adjust his grandiose schemes as a result of truly listening to others and to modify his plans in ways that end up working out better for all involved.
The central romantic relationship was also well constructed – friends-to-lovers is a favourite trope and the way these two interacted and their bond developed was tender, believable and rewarding.
Another strength of this book was its cast of diverse and (mostly) delightful side characters. It was a lot of fun to follow along with Bobby’s journey of learning more about the people in his life and of realising the complexities of their existences beyond what his previously limited understanding of their lives had been. Thus, while this book is a quick, easy and light read, it contains enough substance to satisfy readers beyond its intended YA audience.
3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Zando for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 2, 2024
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for sending me this copy of Recommended Reading in return for an honest review!
Tropes:
⚫friends-to-lovers
⚫MC that plays cupid
⚫small-town romance
⚫platonic love
⚫miscommunication
02/10/2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 (3.5 stars rounded up)
Recommended reading's protagonist is Bobby, a bookworm, a romantic, and a teenager who seems to be able to find love for everyone else except himself.
The story follows Bobby after a failed romantic gesture ruins his big plans for the perfect summer. He is fired from his job, and left humiliated. Bobby goes to work for corner bookstore, a small second-hand bookshop that doesn't get much attention.
He meets a boy, and followed is an abundance of drama, misunderstanding and sweet sweet YA romance.
Recommended Reading is the perfect example of a quick, easy read. I don't go out of my way to read romances, and I do not enjoy the miscommunication trope, but when done well I can read past it. Bobby is a drama queen who jumps to conclusions, and doesn't always listen to what people tell him.
Despite the moments that I didn't agree with Bobby, or particularly like what he was doing, I was rooting for him the entire book. I wanted him to grow, to see past his own insecurity and anxiety, even when I disagreed with his actions. This separates the good writing from the bad.
At the end, Bobby discovers that romance doesn't have to be a big grand gesture, and that he too is worthy of love. I loved the representation, and have to give a shout out to Cass, who was definitely my favourite character.
My only critique is that it is very cliché and "tropey", and some of the emotional moments could have been slightly more fleshed out in order to avoid certain scenes feeling less rushed.
Recommended Reading is wholesome, fun, messy in the way a contemporary YA book should be, and an easy read for someone looking to forget about their own drama as they delve into the characters'.
January 20, 2025
Let's call this a 3+, it deserves that plus.
This is a cute story. I kept thinking of the main character's potential to be overbearing and he really tried the limits but never crossed them. He's cute. And a lot of the times I felt sorry for him too. I did feel it was too much that he did manage to help people all the time with his advice, but the writer knew to set the tone for the story in a way that the un-realness of it didn't get in the way.
Not only the story is cute, the romance is too. I liked Luke, and their interactions. I don't think I'll later remember any special scene between them though. They're a good couple but they won't get you swooning much. (And I confess I kept thinking of Milo Ventimiglia in Gilmore Girls whenever they interacted, I'd love to know if Jess was the inspiration for the character who even took the uncle's name!) Their romance isn't the book's forte, as much as Bobby's coming of age is.
;It's a heartwarming story to get you out of your reality and your own problems.
Honest review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.
This is a cute story. I kept thinking of the main character's potential to be overbearing and he really tried the limits but never crossed them. He's cute. And a lot of the times I felt sorry for him too. I did feel it was too much that he did manage to help people all the time with his advice, but the writer knew to set the tone for the story in a way that the un-realness of it didn't get in the way.
Not only the story is cute, the romance is too. I liked Luke, and their interactions. I don't think I'll later remember any special scene between them though. They're a good couple but they won't get you swooning much. (And I confess I kept thinking of Milo Ventimiglia in Gilmore Girls whenever they interacted, I'd love to know if Jess was the inspiration for the character who even took the uncle's name!) Their romance isn't the book's forte, as much as Bobby's coming of age is.
;It's a heartwarming story to get you out of your reality and your own problems.
Honest review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.
November 2, 2024
Recommended Reading is the YA queer Emma retelling we've been waiting for! Bobby has the job he wanted, a spot as the freshman liaison for the town's book festival, a coveted spot in a local bookstore, and he's starting college in the fall. So for the Summer of Bobby, he has an elaborate plan to profess his love to his crush/coworker. But when EVERYthing goes wrong, he finds himself losing everything. But not to be deterred, he immediately sets about remaking his summer plans. It may not be what he hoped for, but it might be what he needs.
Release Date: 1/28/2025
Release Date: 1/28/2025
Want to read
March 14, 2025CW: Body shaming, blood, bullying
I was sent a review copy from the publisher, Zando Projects through Hear Our Voices Book Tours. All of my opinions are my own.
*I do not give books star ratings. It's a personal preference of mine!*
A funny, light-hearted YA summer rom-com set in a small town bookstore about Bobby, a hopeless romantic and "book whisperer" who helps revive his uncles bookshop. After an incident at his college where he will start in the Fall, Bobby declares his love in an exuberant way. But when the feelings aren't mutual, he's embarrassed. The incident leaves him heartbroken, in trouble with the dean, and is fired from his job at the campus bookstore. This leaves Bobby turning to his uncle Andy who has a position open at his store, Corner Books. There, Bobby helps market the store and bring in more customers. When he recommends a book to a customer, he is quickly given the title, "The Book Whisperer" throughout the small town of Little Elm.
In comes Luke, a customer at the store, sneakily reading a romance novel. We learn Luke is anti-romantic and pansexual. Due to his lack of believing in love due to his family's history of divorce, Bobby is blindsided by Luke's flirtations.
I enjoyed this rom-com for the humor, small town vibes, characters, and the lighthearted story. I devoured this book! It was a fast paced and fun read. I also liked the integration of video game streaming as Bobby's friend, Wendy is a popular video game streamer. My only critique is the romance was too slow for me and I wish we had gotten more build up + time with Luke and Bobby to see more of their chemistry. The ending was fun, but I felt like it was too rushed. Coccia is a great storyteller and his characters are loveable. I would read more from him in the future.
Watch the reading vlog
I was sent a review copy from the publisher, Zando Projects through Hear Our Voices Book Tours. All of my opinions are my own.
*I do not give books star ratings. It's a personal preference of mine!*
A funny, light-hearted YA summer rom-com set in a small town bookstore about Bobby, a hopeless romantic and "book whisperer" who helps revive his uncles bookshop. After an incident at his college where he will start in the Fall, Bobby declares his love in an exuberant way. But when the feelings aren't mutual, he's embarrassed. The incident leaves him heartbroken, in trouble with the dean, and is fired from his job at the campus bookstore. This leaves Bobby turning to his uncle Andy who has a position open at his store, Corner Books. There, Bobby helps market the store and bring in more customers. When he recommends a book to a customer, he is quickly given the title, "The Book Whisperer" throughout the small town of Little Elm.
In comes Luke, a customer at the store, sneakily reading a romance novel. We learn Luke is anti-romantic and pansexual. Due to his lack of believing in love due to his family's history of divorce, Bobby is blindsided by Luke's flirtations.
I enjoyed this rom-com for the humor, small town vibes, characters, and the lighthearted story. I devoured this book! It was a fast paced and fun read. I also liked the integration of video game streaming as Bobby's friend, Wendy is a popular video game streamer. My only critique is the romance was too slow for me and I wish we had gotten more build up + time with Luke and Bobby to see more of their chemistry. The ending was fun, but I felt like it was too rushed. Coccia is a great storyteller and his characters are loveable. I would read more from him in the future.
Watch the reading vlog
August 29, 2025
I got this book a while ago and finally got a chance to read it. I'm so glad I did, as it was delightful and charming in so many ways. The banter was witty and kept the story flowing the entire time. I really liked the entrepreneurial aspects a lot, as well, with how Bobby was trying to give his "uncle's" bookstore a makeover. I also enjoyed how he was a book whisperer, as I can relate to that so much.
Bobby tended to make assumptions a lot and would misread a situation, which got him in trouble sometimes. He also had an interesting balance of healthy confidence and poor self-image. Like he'd be so proud of himself one moment and then question his worth the next. I still liked him a lot and was rooting for him.
There was a nice blend of supporting characters. I especially loved Gladys as she was just so snarky, but she'd also have something nice to say out of nowhere.
I could see how this novel was inspired by Emma, but I also like that it went in its own direction instead of following tightly to that story. There was some predictability as it is a rom-com, after all. However, there were some surprising moments too.
I genuinely enjoyed Recommended Reading and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a sweet LGBTQ+ romance!
I don't have a lot of casting ideas, but I could see Kit Connor as Luke and Jackie Hoffman as Gladys.
Bobby tended to make assumptions a lot and would misread a situation, which got him in trouble sometimes. He also had an interesting balance of healthy confidence and poor self-image. Like he'd be so proud of himself one moment and then question his worth the next. I still liked him a lot and was rooting for him.
There was a nice blend of supporting characters. I especially loved Gladys as she was just so snarky, but she'd also have something nice to say out of nowhere.
I could see how this novel was inspired by Emma, but I also like that it went in its own direction instead of following tightly to that story. There was some predictability as it is a rom-com, after all. However, there were some surprising moments too.
I genuinely enjoyed Recommended Reading and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a sweet LGBTQ+ romance!
I don't have a lot of casting ideas, but I could see Kit Connor as Luke and Jackie Hoffman as Gladys.
June 10, 2024
Back when I read a lot of fan fiction, the bookstore trope was one of my absolute favorites. I don’t see it as often in print books, so I was really excited when I found and was approved for this one on NetGalley. This is also a rare find in that the main character of this romcom is overweight.
Bobby loves helping people make grand gestures to show their love for someone, straight out of a romcom. Will he ever get to experience that love?
He also has a knack for getting to know people and being able to recommend just the right book that they didn’t know they needed in that moment.
When his grand gesture to the guy he likes becomes a disaster that is shared online, Bobby has to pick up the pieces and salvage what he can. In the process, he meets Luke, who continually has him questioning himself about who Luke is.
This was a fantastic, funny read! It was a nice change from the types of guys usually represented in MM romcoms. Bobby could make you cringe at times, but you can’t help but root for him and hope he gets a happy ending.
It’s got a while before it comes out, but I think this one is going to receive a lot of love when it does!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher/author for this copy of the book.
Bobby loves helping people make grand gestures to show their love for someone, straight out of a romcom. Will he ever get to experience that love?
He also has a knack for getting to know people and being able to recommend just the right book that they didn’t know they needed in that moment.
When his grand gesture to the guy he likes becomes a disaster that is shared online, Bobby has to pick up the pieces and salvage what he can. In the process, he meets Luke, who continually has him questioning himself about who Luke is.
This was a fantastic, funny read! It was a nice change from the types of guys usually represented in MM romcoms. Bobby could make you cringe at times, but you can’t help but root for him and hope he gets a happy ending.
It’s got a while before it comes out, but I think this one is going to receive a lot of love when it does!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher/author for this copy of the book.
June 27, 2025
Honestly, I’m not sure I’ve ever read a bad m/m romance thus far in my life. I’m sure they exist, I just haven’t come across them and this book didn’t break the streak.
Bobby is just so freaking lovable. Is he a little over the top? For sure. Type A personality? Doubly so (though with a mother like Cass, who wouldn’t be.) But Bobby just wants everyone to be happy. He wants everyone to find their happily ever afters. And even when his doesn’t go exactly the way he planned, he makes the most of his situation after the mess up.
Once we got to know Luke, he was also nothing but lovable. He’s definitely more of a realist than book loving Bobby, but that doesn’t stop him from being kind and caring and compassionate.
I was even hard core invested in all the side characters (CASS AND UNCLE ANDY OMG) Frankly, if Cass and Andy got their own book I’d read it in a hot second.
I will say that everyone was a BIT of a caricature, including the town itself. Bobbly the overly flamboyant gay boy, Luke the easy going loved by all pansexual, Cass the flighty and slightly irresponsible artistic mother. And the small town where everyone knows everyone and is in everyone’s business.
Over all though I just really enjoyed this book.
Bobby is just so freaking lovable. Is he a little over the top? For sure. Type A personality? Doubly so (though with a mother like Cass, who wouldn’t be.) But Bobby just wants everyone to be happy. He wants everyone to find their happily ever afters. And even when his doesn’t go exactly the way he planned, he makes the most of his situation after the mess up.
Once we got to know Luke, he was also nothing but lovable. He’s definitely more of a realist than book loving Bobby, but that doesn’t stop him from being kind and caring and compassionate.
I was even hard core invested in all the side characters (CASS AND UNCLE ANDY OMG) Frankly, if Cass and Andy got their own book I’d read it in a hot second.
I will say that everyone was a BIT of a caricature, including the town itself. Bobbly the overly flamboyant gay boy, Luke the easy going loved by all pansexual, Cass the flighty and slightly irresponsible artistic mother. And the small town where everyone knows everyone and is in everyone’s business.
Over all though I just really enjoyed this book.
February 27, 2025
Thank you Paul Coccia, Zando Young Readers, and NetGalley for the ARC!
Such a cute, cozy little story with some of my favorite things: Jane Austen re-tellings, small towns, bookstores, and gays. It's YA, so there's a coming of age aspect that sometimes overpowered the romance but I didn't mind. It's a true modern adaptation of Emma in that Bobby's relationship with others and how he views himself gets called into question. Centering the story during the summer before freshman year of college, a time when everyone is sort of finding themselves, was a clever way to freshen up the story. I also really loved the slow-burn relationship between Bobby and Luke and appreciated that the queer representation wasn't too tropey or over the top. In a time where book bans and stupid shit like that is on the rise, it reminds me that cozy little books for teens with great queer representation like this are SO important.
Such a cute, cozy little story with some of my favorite things: Jane Austen re-tellings, small towns, bookstores, and gays. It's YA, so there's a coming of age aspect that sometimes overpowered the romance but I didn't mind. It's a true modern adaptation of Emma in that Bobby's relationship with others and how he views himself gets called into question. Centering the story during the summer before freshman year of college, a time when everyone is sort of finding themselves, was a clever way to freshen up the story. I also really loved the slow-burn relationship between Bobby and Luke and appreciated that the queer representation wasn't too tropey or over the top. In a time where book bans and stupid shit like that is on the rise, it reminds me that cozy little books for teens with great queer representation like this are SO important.
June 29, 2025
This was my first book by Canadian author Paul Coccia and I LOVED it!! A loose Jane Austen Emma retelling that features a fat soon to be college freshman who makes a grand romantic gesture that goes horribly wrong and ends up spending his summer at a run-down used bookstore run by a family friend. I loved the diverse cast of quirky queer characters, the indie bookstore setting and that there was so much focus on romance and matchmaking even though the main character was a bit clueless when it came to his own love life. Highly recommended for fans of authors like Julie Murphy and Jason June and books like Meet me on Love Street by Farah Heron or Emmett by LC Rosen. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 4, 2024
I received an Advanced copy of this book. I wanted to read this book from just seeing the artwork and reading the description. I hoped it would be as good as I'd hoped. It was better. I loved Bobby's story although I did worry (needlessly) that the weight thing would be another thing to make Bobby feel bad about himself.
I have to be honest and say I didn't really see a correlation with Jane Austen's Emma. But that may be because the original is not one of my favourite Austen novels. But I suspect that the real reason is I was drawn into this story so hard and fast that I never really had a moment to think about comparing it to another book.
Paul Coccia has written a beautiful story. One I can relate to even being the complete opposite of Bobby. I will be recommending this to friends and look forward to hunting down more novels by this author.
Thank you Paul Coccia and NetGalley for bringing this piece of delight into my reading life.
I have to be honest and say I didn't really see a correlation with Jane Austen's Emma. But that may be because the original is not one of my favourite Austen novels. But I suspect that the real reason is I was drawn into this story so hard and fast that I never really had a moment to think about comparing it to another book.
Paul Coccia has written a beautiful story. One I can relate to even being the complete opposite of Bobby. I will be recommending this to friends and look forward to hunting down more novels by this author.
Thank you Paul Coccia and NetGalley for bringing this piece of delight into my reading life.
September 18, 2025
This was just very cute. The ending veered very rom com, which I anticipated, and it made characters act a tad out of character to me, but it all worked out and I really liked it.
September 27, 2025
i liked this more than i thought i would
March 9, 2025
4.5, a very cute and easy read. I breezed through it.
January 5, 2025
Did Not Finish, sorry. I found Bobby just made me cringe and not want to keep reading.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC.
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