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Checking You Out
Not yet published
Expected 23 Jun 26XO, Kitty meets Dash & Lily in this rom com about two teens falling in love via letters left in their favorite library books - even if in real life they think they have nothing in common.
Lizzie Wei is a huge book nerd, and proud of it. And when she realizes there is a mysterious reader who has been checking out all of her favorite books from the library, she can’t help but get a crush on someone she’s never even met. Her friends make it their mission to find Lizzie’s long lost book soulmate and convinces her to leave notes for her crush. But what if the person Lizzie is looking for, isn’t at all what she expects?
Dylan Lin loves reading, secretly anyway. Ever since a bullying incident at his last school, he’s hidden his love of fantasy novels, instead leaning into his jock persona. Now he's the tennis team captain, runs every day, and actively avoids reading. So, when he decides to start volunteering at a kitten nursery, and his super cute co-volunteer Lizzie asks if he likes reading, he says no. He never expects the look of complete and utter disappointment on Lizzie’s face.
Lizzie is certain her secret crush isn’t Dylan. It can’t be! But when he accidentally makes an obscure reference to her favorite book during their volunteer shift, she’s not so sure anymore. Can Lizzie forgive Dylan for lying? And can Dylan be brave enough to be himself?
Lizzie Wei is a huge book nerd, and proud of it. And when she realizes there is a mysterious reader who has been checking out all of her favorite books from the library, she can’t help but get a crush on someone she’s never even met. Her friends make it their mission to find Lizzie’s long lost book soulmate and convinces her to leave notes for her crush. But what if the person Lizzie is looking for, isn’t at all what she expects?
Dylan Lin loves reading, secretly anyway. Ever since a bullying incident at his last school, he’s hidden his love of fantasy novels, instead leaning into his jock persona. Now he's the tennis team captain, runs every day, and actively avoids reading. So, when he decides to start volunteering at a kitten nursery, and his super cute co-volunteer Lizzie asks if he likes reading, he says no. He never expects the look of complete and utter disappointment on Lizzie’s face.
Lizzie is certain her secret crush isn’t Dylan. It can’t be! But when he accidentally makes an obscure reference to her favorite book during their volunteer shift, she’s not so sure anymore. Can Lizzie forgive Dylan for lying? And can Dylan be brave enough to be himself?
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication June 23, 2026
4 people are currently reading
9193 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This book was okay, I guess.
I liked the friendships between the main characters and their friends and when the FMC and MMC became friends and bonded.
I liked Dylan, he was sweet and kind and had the most common sense out of all the characters.
I had a hard time liking Lizzie because she was difficult to listen to and she was kind of a hypocrite.
The book was relatable for the most part...there were times where the author tried to be relatable but it fell through.
There was hardly any romantic chemistry between Dylan and Lizzie so when they finally got together it didn't feel deserved.
No hate to the author but I feel like this book was written by a middle schooler and the book was mostly about another book that they bonded over more than the plot itself.
But it's perfect for a younger audience!!! Maybe it wasn't my cup of tea.
I liked the friendships between the main characters and their friends and when the FMC and MMC became friends and bonded.
I liked Dylan, he was sweet and kind and had the most common sense out of all the characters.
I had a hard time liking Lizzie because she was difficult to listen to and she was kind of a hypocrite.
The book was relatable for the most part...there were times where the author tried to be relatable but it fell through.
There was hardly any romantic chemistry between Dylan and Lizzie so when they finally got together it didn't feel deserved.
No hate to the author but I feel like this book was written by a middle schooler and the book was mostly about another book that they bonded over more than the plot itself.
But it's perfect for a younger audience!!! Maybe it wasn't my cup of tea.
February 1, 2026
STARS: ⭐⭐⭐
This is my first introduction to Jennifer Chen's work.
Book ❤'s:
I enjoyed the concept of finding love through a secret mysterious admirer at the library.
Dylan stood out as a genuinely sweet and endearing character. He was the most mature and likable of the group, and he carried the story for me through to the end.
I loved how close-knit the friendships between the characters were. Definitely a highlight for me.
I mean who doesn't love little kittens, books and love? The best combo!
Book 👎:
Though the characters were meant to be young adults on the verge of college, they were written with the tone and maturity of middle schoolers. Much of the storyline also revolved around their interest in books aimed at younger audiences, which I found harder to relate to at my current age. Sexual and Gender representation also felt a little forced rather than natural for me.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t a big fan of Lizzie. She seemed to develop an instant crush on nearly every new character who appeared, which made her relationship with Dylan feel less meaningful to me. She also seemed a little over sensitive at times.
I was defiantly disappointed with the Fantasy Reader Reveal. I did not expect it to go down the way that it did. It was underwhelming when we had been leading up to it that whole time. I would have enjoyed it much more if it had gone differently.
Final Thoughts ❤'s:
I have mixed feelings about this book, while it was cute, it was almost a little too youthful cute for my taste. However, I do very much recommend and think it's precious for Young Adult readers!
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and Jennifer Chen for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. I’m glad I got the chance to read this one early—everyone should grab a copy when it releases on 23 June 2026. Looking forward to reading more from Jennifer Chen in the future. Wishing her the best in her health journey.
This is my first introduction to Jennifer Chen's work.
Book ❤'s:
I enjoyed the concept of finding love through a secret mysterious admirer at the library.
Dylan stood out as a genuinely sweet and endearing character. He was the most mature and likable of the group, and he carried the story for me through to the end.
I loved how close-knit the friendships between the characters were. Definitely a highlight for me.
I mean who doesn't love little kittens, books and love? The best combo!
Book 👎:
Though the characters were meant to be young adults on the verge of college, they were written with the tone and maturity of middle schoolers. Much of the storyline also revolved around their interest in books aimed at younger audiences, which I found harder to relate to at my current age. Sexual and Gender representation also felt a little forced rather than natural for me.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t a big fan of Lizzie. She seemed to develop an instant crush on nearly every new character who appeared, which made her relationship with Dylan feel less meaningful to me. She also seemed a little over sensitive at times.
I was defiantly disappointed with the Fantasy Reader Reveal. I did not expect it to go down the way that it did. It was underwhelming when we had been leading up to it that whole time. I would have enjoyed it much more if it had gone differently.
Final Thoughts ❤'s:
I have mixed feelings about this book, while it was cute, it was almost a little too youthful cute for my taste. However, I do very much recommend and think it's precious for Young Adult readers!
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and Jennifer Chen for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. I’m glad I got the chance to read this one early—everyone should grab a copy when it releases on 23 June 2026. Looking forward to reading more from Jennifer Chen in the future. Wishing her the best in her health journey.
January 14, 2026
I absolutely adored this book!!
Checking You Out met just about every one of my expectations and surpassed it multiple times.
Lovable F!mc, absolute cutie of an M!mc, pining, queer rep, AND cute kitties? Absolute win!
I could definitely say that this book was a little corny, but by the time I was half way through it absolutely had my heart. Lizzie and Dylan’s relationship throughout the entire book feels like an absolute dream and had me squealing and kicking my feet for the entire duration of my read.
I not only enjoyed the Mc’s to this story, but the side characters as well. Their dynamic together and apart was just to die for and I can’t help but clamor for more books about the rest of them (Jonny and cute bookstore clerk PLEASEEEE)!!
All in all, the book was adorable and a great way to spend some time. I’m so, so grateful for the opportunity to read such an enjoyable book.
Checking You Out met just about every one of my expectations and surpassed it multiple times.
Lovable F!mc, absolute cutie of an M!mc, pining, queer rep, AND cute kitties? Absolute win!
I could definitely say that this book was a little corny, but by the time I was half way through it absolutely had my heart. Lizzie and Dylan’s relationship throughout the entire book feels like an absolute dream and had me squealing and kicking my feet for the entire duration of my read.
I not only enjoyed the Mc’s to this story, but the side characters as well. Their dynamic together and apart was just to die for and I can’t help but clamor for more books about the rest of them (Jonny and cute bookstore clerk PLEASEEEE)!!
All in all, the book was adorable and a great way to spend some time. I’m so, so grateful for the opportunity to read such an enjoyable book.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This book was ok. The story overall was cute. But I feel like the ending was rushed, like there was a deadline for the book to be published…so we’re just gonna put a period at the end of this next sentence and hit submit. Lol
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This was super cute. I don't read a ton of YA/NA anymore, but I enjoyed this one. I loved all the book content and the friend group in here.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Fun cute read!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews