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What Is This Feeling?
This joyful romp from Robby Weber, perfect for fans of Jason June and Morgan Matson, follows a boy who will do anything to win his drama club's scavenger hunt in New York City, even if it means teaming up with a tech crew loner…and discovering unexpected sparks between them.Theater star Teddy McGuire is ready for all his dreams to come true. He and his best friend, Annie, have been counting down the days to the end-of-the-year drama club trip to New York City. To make it even more magical, if they can win the annual scavenger hunt, they’ll get a chance to meet their popstar idol, Benji Keaton.But the universe has other when Annie can’t go on the trip, Teddy is forced to room with tech crew loner Sebastian, who has no interest in the scavenger hunt—or Teddy—and seems to have a secret agenda of his own.On a larger-than-life adventure across the city, the boys will discover a lot more than what’s on their checklist, including masquerade mishaps, obstacles of Jurassic proportions, Hollywood starlets, and, most surprisingly of all, sparks beginning to fly between them. In a story about chasing your destiny, Teddy and Sebastian are about to learn the secret to making their own luck.Also by Robby If You Change Your Mind I Like Me Better
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First published September 17, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
September 6, 2024
Books like this sometimes make me question my love for the YA genre. Sometimes I wish I could outgrow and leave it, but other times, books like these are also the reason I end up coming back. So yeah, I’m a bit conflicted.
It’s my first Robby Webber book, and it wasn’t the best introduction.
I loved the aspect of being young and not knowing what you want in life. Our main character, Teddy, is undecided for his college major and decided on going to community college, which was awesome to see. I think too often people think you need to have your major and life decided after finishing high school, which is pretty insane to me as I’m almost 24 and I’m still confused on this whole “dream career” thing. Robby’s addition of this was awesome, because it can bring awareness but also make it more realistic to show that yeah, it’s pretty damn normal and understandable to be 18, graduate high school, and not know what you want in life. Enjoy it while you can and if you can. Not everything needs to have a solution right away, and you really don’t need to have everything figured out when you’re barely becoming an adult.
The romance between Teddy and Sebastian was pretty cute overall. It’s not my favorite YA romance, but it had enough elements of what I like to see in these stories. The development worked well, and I thought the progress of it (for two teens aged 18) was accurate. Sebastian was more of an enigma, and we don’t really learn about him to give us a big perspective of who he is, but there’s enough information to get an idea of his character. We get brief information and glimpses into his life that offer something new and more depth. One thing I didn’t like about him was how pushy he felt about Teddy writing lyrics. It came off as a little hypocritical about how he wouldn’t allow Teddy on his business, which Teddy actually learned, yet Sebastian felt like he was continuously nagging Teddy about his songwriting and how he should pursue it as a goal. That was something for Teddy to decide and agree on, but for many moments it felt like Sebastian kept pushing and pushing him about it. I wasn’t a fan. Don’t tell someone to mind their own business while you keep interfering in theirs. That being said, Sebastian was a lovely character. He’s more mysterious than Teddy, much more reserved, and becomes an unexpected close friend (later boyfriend) to Teddy, which was adorable to witness. Some calls this grumpy x sunshine, but I kind of don’t see it that way. Sebastian was simply more reserved and private, not grumpy or cloudy at all.
There are a lot of moments in this YA romance to root for the relationship. The forced proximity of being roommates and having to complete the scavenger hunt together provided a lot of physical interactions, moments to learn about each other, and of course, develop feelings for one another. The New York setting is incredibly vibrant throughout the whole book. I only visited NYC for the first time last year, and could easily envision this story as my trip not only because I had the visuals personally, but because the author did a fantastic job of providing many details and descriptions for the reader to envision the city. It’s easy to imagine you’re with these two young boys completing the scavenger hunt with them. We also see some mature moments between the two, and it pleases me to say that there was, shockingly so, no third act conflict despite this being a teen romance. Yeah, it was pretty cool to see that, as we see it enough in adult romances that never make sense. Pretty awesome that these two teens finishing high school soon were able to communicate and sort out their feelings way better than some adults can’t.
That being said, I had enough moments that were not enjoyable or likable. Teddy was a difficult character to like. He was annoying at the beginning, had this awesome character development in the middle, and somehow made his way back to square one in the end. I felt like his character development was underdeveloped after making some progress. His personality revolved around the scavenger hunt and meeting Benji Keaton the entire time, which became pretty annoying and obnoxious to continue reading about. I was hoping he would embrace his school trip a little more. His development towards the middle, as he realizes there really is more than just the hunt and Benji, was giving me a little bit of hope, but as we neared the end more and more, it all shattered. And honestly, that’s a bit dramatic to say but Teddy was actually insanely dramatic. He did not come across as an 18-year-old to me at all, and instead he felt like he was on the brink of a young adulthood, near 15-years-old or something, barely getting an idea of your youth.
In addition, sometimes it felt like Teddy not knowing what he wanted in life felt like an excuse, as if his whole infatuation with Benji was his only means of life and meant everything to him. It was tiring, honestly. I was hoping he would offer something new after spending the majority of the book making his entire personality trait Benji and winning the scavenger hunt. There were even moments when I thought he would grow a pair or two and realize what more there is to life than just this artist he looks up to so much, and just when I think he is getting somewhere, he falls behind. It would’ve been better if he had gotten some sort of inspiration from his trip, or taken something out of it that didn’t just happen near the end. Again, the character development was progressing, until it wasn’t. I don’t know why the author decided to make progress and then stop towards the 75%. Or at least that’s how it felt to me.
Adding on to that, I did not like how the author decided to make Eden redeemable. It’s as if every character in this story had to be likable, or at least forgiving, because that’s just how the author wanted to make the world? And then giving up her spot to Teddy so he can meet Benji? Yeah, no. That’s absolute bullshit. Again, this would’ve been so much better had Teddy not met Benji, and I’m saying that because it would’ve added to his growth. All the growth being made throughout the whole story related to the scavenger hunt and starting to see that not everything was about Benji felt irrelevant. It’s as if the whole goal was meeting Benji, instead of a traditional coming of age story where the main character realizes there really is more to life.
Overall, not the worst, but not the best. A bit disappointing, and it really did take me until the 45% or so mark to start enjoying the story. Then we hit the 75% mark and I started getting a little bored, skimmed some scenes, did not care about where the story was going, and felt conflicted with the whole thing. While I wasn’t a big fan, I’m sure this will be more enjoyable for the right audience. And no, it’s not because it’s YA. I’ve read some amazing young adult stories that are even better than adult stories. This one in particular just did not tick off all the boxes for me.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
And thank you to my friend Lila for buddy reading this with me. 🖤
It’s my first Robby Webber book, and it wasn’t the best introduction.
I loved the aspect of being young and not knowing what you want in life. Our main character, Teddy, is undecided for his college major and decided on going to community college, which was awesome to see. I think too often people think you need to have your major and life decided after finishing high school, which is pretty insane to me as I’m almost 24 and I’m still confused on this whole “dream career” thing. Robby’s addition of this was awesome, because it can bring awareness but also make it more realistic to show that yeah, it’s pretty damn normal and understandable to be 18, graduate high school, and not know what you want in life. Enjoy it while you can and if you can. Not everything needs to have a solution right away, and you really don’t need to have everything figured out when you’re barely becoming an adult.
The romance between Teddy and Sebastian was pretty cute overall. It’s not my favorite YA romance, but it had enough elements of what I like to see in these stories. The development worked well, and I thought the progress of it (for two teens aged 18) was accurate. Sebastian was more of an enigma, and we don’t really learn about him to give us a big perspective of who he is, but there’s enough information to get an idea of his character. We get brief information and glimpses into his life that offer something new and more depth. One thing I didn’t like about him was how pushy he felt about Teddy writing lyrics. It came off as a little hypocritical about how he wouldn’t allow Teddy on his business, which Teddy actually learned, yet Sebastian felt like he was continuously nagging Teddy about his songwriting and how he should pursue it as a goal. That was something for Teddy to decide and agree on, but for many moments it felt like Sebastian kept pushing and pushing him about it. I wasn’t a fan. Don’t tell someone to mind their own business while you keep interfering in theirs. That being said, Sebastian was a lovely character. He’s more mysterious than Teddy, much more reserved, and becomes an unexpected close friend (later boyfriend) to Teddy, which was adorable to witness. Some calls this grumpy x sunshine, but I kind of don’t see it that way. Sebastian was simply more reserved and private, not grumpy or cloudy at all.
There are a lot of moments in this YA romance to root for the relationship. The forced proximity of being roommates and having to complete the scavenger hunt together provided a lot of physical interactions, moments to learn about each other, and of course, develop feelings for one another. The New York setting is incredibly vibrant throughout the whole book. I only visited NYC for the first time last year, and could easily envision this story as my trip not only because I had the visuals personally, but because the author did a fantastic job of providing many details and descriptions for the reader to envision the city. It’s easy to imagine you’re with these two young boys completing the scavenger hunt with them. We also see some mature moments between the two, and it pleases me to say that there was, shockingly so, no third act conflict despite this being a teen romance. Yeah, it was pretty cool to see that, as we see it enough in adult romances that never make sense. Pretty awesome that these two teens finishing high school soon were able to communicate and sort out their feelings way better than some adults can’t.
That being said, I had enough moments that were not enjoyable or likable. Teddy was a difficult character to like. He was annoying at the beginning, had this awesome character development in the middle, and somehow made his way back to square one in the end. I felt like his character development was underdeveloped after making some progress. His personality revolved around the scavenger hunt and meeting Benji Keaton the entire time, which became pretty annoying and obnoxious to continue reading about. I was hoping he would embrace his school trip a little more. His development towards the middle, as he realizes there really is more than just the hunt and Benji, was giving me a little bit of hope, but as we neared the end more and more, it all shattered. And honestly, that’s a bit dramatic to say but Teddy was actually insanely dramatic. He did not come across as an 18-year-old to me at all, and instead he felt like he was on the brink of a young adulthood, near 15-years-old or something, barely getting an idea of your youth.
In addition, sometimes it felt like Teddy not knowing what he wanted in life felt like an excuse, as if his whole infatuation with Benji was his only means of life and meant everything to him. It was tiring, honestly. I was hoping he would offer something new after spending the majority of the book making his entire personality trait Benji and winning the scavenger hunt. There were even moments when I thought he would grow a pair or two and realize what more there is to life than just this artist he looks up to so much, and just when I think he is getting somewhere, he falls behind. It would’ve been better if he had gotten some sort of inspiration from his trip, or taken something out of it that didn’t just happen near the end. Again, the character development was progressing, until it wasn’t. I don’t know why the author decided to make progress and then stop towards the 75%. Or at least that’s how it felt to me.
Adding on to that, I did not like how the author decided to make Eden redeemable. It’s as if every character in this story had to be likable, or at least forgiving, because that’s just how the author wanted to make the world? And then giving up her spot to Teddy so he can meet Benji? Yeah, no. That’s absolute bullshit. Again, this would’ve been so much better had Teddy not met Benji, and I’m saying that because it would’ve added to his growth. All the growth being made throughout the whole story related to the scavenger hunt and starting to see that not everything was about Benji felt irrelevant. It’s as if the whole goal was meeting Benji, instead of a traditional coming of age story where the main character realizes there really is more to life.
Overall, not the worst, but not the best. A bit disappointing, and it really did take me until the 45% or so mark to start enjoying the story. Then we hit the 75% mark and I started getting a little bored, skimmed some scenes, did not care about where the story was going, and felt conflicted with the whole thing. While I wasn’t a big fan, I’m sure this will be more enjoyable for the right audience. And no, it’s not because it’s YA. I’ve read some amazing young adult stories that are even better than adult stories. This one in particular just did not tick off all the boxes for me.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
And thank you to my friend Lila for buddy reading this with me. 🖤
August 26, 2025
This is one of those cases where an author is so focused on writing one character that they lose sight of what an asshole the other character is. While I found Teddy to be annoying and his character development arc to be half cooked, I didn't dislike him as much as I did Sebastian. The constant harping on Teddy's songwriting and wanting him to open up while refusing to reciprocate this vulnerability was the major reason I didn't like Sebastian. I have no issue with closed off/reserved characters but I do expect a certain amount of opening up especially with the person they're falling in love with. Another thing is how we never meet anyone important to Sebastian, not his friends or even his half sister that was mentioned. It's doesn't sit right with me to present one half of your main couple as an island of his own.
Back to Teddy and his poorly written character arc. He started off very annoying and not in a way that was indicative of him being 18,rather I felt like he was a preteen the way he was acting. Mid way through, I thought we were getting proper development when he began to acknowledge that there was more to experience from life than just his celebrity crush but nope! It almost immediately goes downhill and then the icing on the shit take was having Teddy still meet Benji at the end of the book. It seemed far too much of an easy ending and a copout for actual good character writing and I really didn't like it.
What I did like though was the overall atmosphere and romance of the book. It was very cute!
Back to Teddy and his poorly written character arc. He started off very annoying and not in a way that was indicative of him being 18,rather I felt like he was a preteen the way he was acting. Mid way through, I thought we were getting proper development when he began to acknowledge that there was more to experience from life than just his celebrity crush but nope! It almost immediately goes downhill and then the icing on the shit take was having Teddy still meet Benji at the end of the book. It seemed far too much of an easy ending and a copout for actual good character writing and I really didn't like it.
What I did like though was the overall atmosphere and romance of the book. It was very cute!
August 23, 2025
A YA romance novel with no third act break-up or never meet your heroes trope? Unprecedented.
interested-in
June 15, 2022"Connolly Bottum while at Inkyard Press acquired What Is This Feeling?, a YA rom-com from Robby Weber (If You Change Your Mind). High school theatre star Teddy just wants to win the scavenger hunt and meet his Broadway idol on the drama club trip to New York City, but when he's stuck sharing a room with Sebastian, the snarky loner from the tech department, the last thing he expects is to form a friendship... and maybe more.Publication is set for summer 2024, with a second untitled novel set for summer 2025. Kristy Hunter at Knight Agency brokered the two-book deal for world English rights." Source.
September 13, 2024
Oh gosh, this story was so sweet! What Is This Feeling is an excellent coming of age story that examines the breadth of adult feelings and changing circumstances for a high school senior all against the backdrop of a New York City scavenger hunt. I loved all of the shenanigans that Teddy and Sebastian get up to, and while their slow burn romance is definitely not the focus of the story, it's very swoony when it does. Such a fun YA romcom!
Even though Teddy could be a little (ok, sometimes A LOT) extra, he's incredibly endearing and I really loved his character. He's so introspective on this trip of a lifetime, trying to figure out how to navigate being separated from his best friend after graduation, his own career path, and his growing feelings for Sebastian. The book is told entirely from Teddy's POV, so it took a while to kind of figure out Sebastian, but I ended up loving him too. In addition to the MCs, New York City itself is basically a major side character in the story. You really can feel the magic of the city in the descriptions and picture all the major tourist stops the guys hit during their scavenger hunt, and Teddy's wide-eyed marvel is really cute.
I was so thoroughly entertained by Teddy's constant fangirling of Taylor Swift-esque mega star Benji Keaton. Teddy uses Benji's songs and life story as a kind of framework for analyzing what he's going through, and it was really interesting to see how that worked out.
While this book is listed as young adult, I could see it appealing just as much to even middle grade readers. It's fast paced and easy to interpret, definitely relatable to younger readers. I really appreciate Robby Weber reaching out to me to read this one! I've been trying to get out of my niche a little bit more recently, and I've really enjoyed dipping my toes back into YA romance.
Even though Teddy could be a little (ok, sometimes A LOT) extra, he's incredibly endearing and I really loved his character. He's so introspective on this trip of a lifetime, trying to figure out how to navigate being separated from his best friend after graduation, his own career path, and his growing feelings for Sebastian. The book is told entirely from Teddy's POV, so it took a while to kind of figure out Sebastian, but I ended up loving him too. In addition to the MCs, New York City itself is basically a major side character in the story. You really can feel the magic of the city in the descriptions and picture all the major tourist stops the guys hit during their scavenger hunt, and Teddy's wide-eyed marvel is really cute.
I was so thoroughly entertained by Teddy's constant fangirling of Taylor Swift-esque mega star Benji Keaton. Teddy uses Benji's songs and life story as a kind of framework for analyzing what he's going through, and it was really interesting to see how that worked out.
While this book is listed as young adult, I could see it appealing just as much to even middle grade readers. It's fast paced and easy to interpret, definitely relatable to younger readers. I really appreciate Robby Weber reaching out to me to read this one! I've been trying to get out of my niche a little bit more recently, and I've really enjoyed dipping my toes back into YA romance.
November 9, 2024
I absolutely adored this story. As a big fan of NYC, it was the perfect love letter to the city. I first visited when I was 10 years old and the magic has never faded for me. Getting to experience it again through Teddy’s eyes was so wonderful.
It’s a little alarming how much I relate to Teddy. I also feel like too much. I feel big feelings. I get inside my head. I create whole scenarios and situations. I have a competitive streak. I really love NYC and broadway and music. Some of his lines and scenes just hit so hard!
The romance with Sebastian was SO incredibly sweet and just pure magic. The banter, the silliness, the friendship, the small gestures, they were so lovely. And that first kiss?????????? On top of the Empire State Building???? It was too pure for this world. I wanted to hug them.
In conclusion, this is an enthusiastic yes from me.
It’s a little alarming how much I relate to Teddy. I also feel like too much. I feel big feelings. I get inside my head. I create whole scenarios and situations. I have a competitive streak. I really love NYC and broadway and music. Some of his lines and scenes just hit so hard!
The romance with Sebastian was SO incredibly sweet and just pure magic. The banter, the silliness, the friendship, the small gestures, they were so lovely. And that first kiss?????????? On top of the Empire State Building???? It was too pure for this world. I wanted to hug them.
In conclusion, this is an enthusiastic yes from me.
October 10, 2024
2.5.
Teddy was insuferable but at least he had the excuse of being barely 18 and still in high-school, which is more than I can say for so many other MC’s. I did like him more as the book went on, but it took me a good while.
It was cute-ish. Very YA. A lot of far-fetched shenanigans that weren’t all that believable. I also didn’t find the characters all that realistic.
Sidenote: For a character who barely appeared, Benji Keaton took up way too much time.
Teddy was insuferable but at least he had the excuse of being barely 18 and still in high-school, which is more than I can say for so many other MC’s. I did like him more as the book went on, but it took me a good while.
It was cute-ish. Very YA. A lot of far-fetched shenanigans that weren’t all that believable. I also didn’t find the characters all that realistic.
Sidenote: For a character who barely appeared, Benji Keaton took up way too much time.
January 5, 2025
Cute story! Cute characters! And I know the point of the story is embracing yourself, even when you’re too much for some people, but I’d be lying if I said the main characters obsession with his favorite musician wasn’t too much for me. It annoyed me so much by the end.
December 13, 2024
This is a cute YA rom com, two acquaintances to friends to lovers in NYC on a school trip trying to finish a scavenger hunt where the prize access to a Broadway show after party and a chance to meet Benji Keaton, a pop star turned Broadway star and Teddy’s idol.
While cute and very YA, and I usually love YA rom coms, this was very one note. The story moves along very quickly, which is fine, but we don’t really get to know the characters that well. And they don’t really grow that move throughout the novel. Things happen to them, everything is always just sort of fine, I didn’t really feel the intensity of the rivalry between Teddy and his classmate. There’s a happy ending and then it ends and that’s that.
Overall, this was just okay. I didn’t love it, didn’t hate it. Just an okay book to listen to for me. If you’re looking for something low stakes, and a quick read you could pick this one up.
While cute and very YA, and I usually love YA rom coms, this was very one note. The story moves along very quickly, which is fine, but we don’t really get to know the characters that well. And they don’t really grow that move throughout the novel. Things happen to them, everything is always just sort of fine, I didn’t really feel the intensity of the rivalry between Teddy and his classmate. There’s a happy ending and then it ends and that’s that.
Overall, this was just okay. I didn’t love it, didn’t hate it. Just an okay book to listen to for me. If you’re looking for something low stakes, and a quick read you could pick this one up.
September 22, 2024
Nachdem ich das erste Buch von Robby Weber abgebrochen habe und generell eher negative Meinungen über seine ersten beiden Bücher mitbekommen habe, wollte ich ihm trotzdem noch eine Chance geben. Sehr gute Entscheidung!
Ich hatte unfassbar viel Spaß mit Teddys Geschichte. Ich fand ihn als Protagonist super nachvollziehbar und das New York-Setting war sehr atmosphärisch beschrieben. Die Romance war auch cute und der Schreibstil hat mich komplett abgeholt.
Ich hatte unfassbar viel Spaß mit Teddys Geschichte. Ich fand ihn als Protagonist super nachvollziehbar und das New York-Setting war sehr atmosphärisch beschrieben. Die Romance war auch cute und der Schreibstil hat mich komplett abgeholt.
February 3, 2025
Robby Weber delivers it again!!
Teddy is so excited for his end-of-senior-year class trip to New York City! The Drama Club has this big scavenger hunt around New York City. Teddy is going to go with his best friend....but....
Then his friend can't go and he's stuck with the shy, quiet, and seemingly standoffish Sebastian (one of the tech guys).
Can these two opposites work together to complete the challenge and potentially get to meet Teddy's idol, Benji Keaton (who feels very much like a Harry Styles)?
Weber does a phenomenal job (as always) with the descriptions and travels around New York, placing you in the midst of the action (seriously, I want Robby to be my tour guide through NYC). NYC feels like its a character all its own.
Weber's development for Teddy and Sebastian's journeys (literally and internally) lives up to the title, What is this Feeling.
Another fun homage to Broadway and theatre is that every title is a musical number from a musical, providing a theme and tying in beautifully with Teddy's song-writing journey.
Another "Oh My god I love you Robby Weber" moment I love is that he captures the essence of being a drama kid in high school, and school trips, the tropes of drama club (the drama teacher, Mrs. Mckenzie, the budgets, and the apex predator diva Eden).
Take a trip and fall in love with NYC. Its up to you, New York, New York!!
Teddy is so excited for his end-of-senior-year class trip to New York City! The Drama Club has this big scavenger hunt around New York City. Teddy is going to go with his best friend....but....
Then his friend can't go and he's stuck with the shy, quiet, and seemingly standoffish Sebastian (one of the tech guys).
Can these two opposites work together to complete the challenge and potentially get to meet Teddy's idol, Benji Keaton (who feels very much like a Harry Styles)?
Weber does a phenomenal job (as always) with the descriptions and travels around New York, placing you in the midst of the action (seriously, I want Robby to be my tour guide through NYC). NYC feels like its a character all its own.
Weber's development for Teddy and Sebastian's journeys (literally and internally) lives up to the title, What is this Feeling.
Another fun homage to Broadway and theatre is that every title is a musical number from a musical, providing a theme and tying in beautifully with Teddy's song-writing journey.
Another "Oh My god I love you Robby Weber" moment I love is that he captures the essence of being a drama kid in high school, and school trips, the tropes of drama club (the drama teacher, Mrs. Mckenzie, the budgets, and the apex predator diva Eden).
Take a trip and fall in love with NYC. Its up to you, New York, New York!!
November 5, 2024
Känslan var mys 🙂
October 1, 2024
Sweet, PG-rated romance between two teenaged boys. The protagonist is a total musical theatre geek, so all I could think about the whole time was how much my daughter would enjoy it.
I listened to this on audiobook, and it was pure, easy-listening brain candy.
I listened to this on audiobook, and it was pure, easy-listening brain candy.
September 20, 2024
*3.5 stars
September 26, 2024
A big thank you to @robbyreads, @netgalley, and @harpercollins for providing me with a gifted advanced copy of this joyful story! Below is my honest review.
Teddy and his best friend Annie have been counting down the days until their drama club's annual trip to NYC, where the highlight is an intense multi-day scavenger hunt. The prize? A chance to meet Benji Keaton, pop sensation and Teddy's idol. But when Annie unexpectedly drops out at the last minute, Teddy finds himself paired up with Sebastian, a tech crew member he barely knows. With low expectations for his roommate and scavenger hunt teammate, Teddy prepares for disappointment.
Yet as they dive into over-the-top scavenger hunt tasks, sampling overpriced ice cream, landing as extras on a film set, and conquering wild adventures, Teddy and Sebastian begin to open up to each other, sharing secrets and vulnerabilities. What starts as an awkward pairing soon transforms into a deeper connection, and over their time in the city, a heartwarming romance blossoms.
This book is absolutely charming—a tender, feel-good story about first love, personal growth, and finding those rare people who not only see you for who you are but also encourage you to push beyond your comfort zone. Weber beautifully balances fun, light-hearted adventure with deeper themes, making this an uplifting yet poignant read. I wish books like this had been around when I was younger—it's a perfect blend of positivity, joy, and meaningful moments.
Teddy and his best friend Annie have been counting down the days until their drama club's annual trip to NYC, where the highlight is an intense multi-day scavenger hunt. The prize? A chance to meet Benji Keaton, pop sensation and Teddy's idol. But when Annie unexpectedly drops out at the last minute, Teddy finds himself paired up with Sebastian, a tech crew member he barely knows. With low expectations for his roommate and scavenger hunt teammate, Teddy prepares for disappointment.
Yet as they dive into over-the-top scavenger hunt tasks, sampling overpriced ice cream, landing as extras on a film set, and conquering wild adventures, Teddy and Sebastian begin to open up to each other, sharing secrets and vulnerabilities. What starts as an awkward pairing soon transforms into a deeper connection, and over their time in the city, a heartwarming romance blossoms.
This book is absolutely charming—a tender, feel-good story about first love, personal growth, and finding those rare people who not only see you for who you are but also encourage you to push beyond your comfort zone. Weber beautifully balances fun, light-hearted adventure with deeper themes, making this an uplifting yet poignant read. I wish books like this had been around when I was younger—it's a perfect blend of positivity, joy, and meaningful moments.
November 19, 2024
What is this feeling by Robby Weber was a light hearted, cute and fun read. I listened to the audiobook and felt it really added to the story. We have Teddy and Sebastian who are on a school field trip to NYC (I was totally jealous). While there they need to participate in a scavenger hunt where the prize is to meet one of Teddys idols. Through the story they’re faced with snarky competitors, galas and NY hot dogs. There’s hints at sparks throughout this coming of age story and seeing something blossom was quite sweet. While reading this it made me think of all the places I’ve been to when I visit NYC. This was probably the first YA book where I didn’t find characters annoying and was genuinely invested from start to finish. I loved the callouts to all types of plays and musical throughout the book. Check this out if you’re a theater lover but also for a super cute, fun and wholesome read.
September 11, 2024
Having read all of Robby Weber’s, this is probably his best yet! His growth as a writer really shows in this novel. I love that it is still set in the same universe as his first two novels so we get a sense of familiarity without a complete new setting. There are some plot devices that fall a little short for me, but they helped the main character grow and I guess that’s what really matters.
Well done Robby!
Thank you NetGalley, Robby Weber, and HarperCollins Children’s Books for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
What is This Feeling? by Robby Weber releases September 17, 2024!
Well done Robby!
Thank you NetGalley, Robby Weber, and HarperCollins Children’s Books for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
What is This Feeling? by Robby Weber releases September 17, 2024!
September 14, 2025
Actual rating: 4.5 stars!!
I really needed this as a way to know I still enjoy audiobooks because I flew through this so quickly. The narrator started off a bit annoying to listen to but I really ended up liking him in the end.
I love books in NYC and I love a scavenger hunt or adventure. This was a lot of fun and it was good to see Teddy grow and have such a fun time throughout NYC. I love Sebastian and seeing him open up and they are really cute together.
It was a lot of fun!!
I really needed this as a way to know I still enjoy audiobooks because I flew through this so quickly. The narrator started off a bit annoying to listen to but I really ended up liking him in the end.
I love books in NYC and I love a scavenger hunt or adventure. This was a lot of fun and it was good to see Teddy grow and have such a fun time throughout NYC. I love Sebastian and seeing him open up and they are really cute together.
It was a lot of fun!!
January 14, 2025
What a sweet love letter to theater kids, Broadway and NYC! Loved this book.
March 4, 2025
get me back to new york RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!
March 11, 2025
What Is This Feeling? by Robby Weber is a lighthearted and engaging YA romance that explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, ambition and the love of Broadway. The story follows Teddy McGuire who’s eagerly awaiting the class New York trip with his bestie Annie, but are thrown off course when Annie can’t go. The planned scavenger hunt and winning prize to meet teen popstar Benji seems to go up in flames for Teddy, and worst room assignments. All of this ends up forcing Teddy to room with loner Sebastian who’s a tech loner boy who really doesn’t care to participate. But with Teddy optimism the teen high school musical kid might be able to just learn how to pursue one’s dreams and make one’s own luck and help Sebastian see all of this along the way. Weber’s writing is witty and relatable, with authentic characters and heartfelt moments that capture the ups and downs of teenage life. Fans of contemporary LGBTQ+ fiction will appreciate the charming romance and thoughtful exploration of identity. I also loved the nods to Broadway shows, and above all else the Taylor Swift vibe! Super cute!
August 30, 2024
I received this as an ARC from Robby.
I really enjoyed this book and it was a cutesy YA coming of story. I think the main character Teddy perfectly encapsulates a drama kid who’s trying to figure out who he is and what matters most (with all the stereotypical mannerisms a theater kid has). Sebastian was a great little grumpy antithesis to Teddy and it was really easy to revisit that high school/coming of age angst that comes with not being overly open and vulnerable with people. And this makes Teddy and Sebastian such easily loveable characters.
The overall story was sweet and endearing while also feeling a bit nostalgic - transporting you back (for us older folks) back to that high school feeling where all you’ve known for four years is about to come to an end at graduation. And Teddy is big on his superstitiousness and luck giving friendship bracelets. He’s determine to get what he wants by winning the scavenger hunt to meet his celebrity idol. But throughout that journey he gets to team up with Sebastian.
What do you do when you’re a young gay teen and haven’t had the same romantic relationships or experiences as other people? And how do you understand or relate to people who are different than you? What does it mean when you’re trying to figure out yourself, what matters, and what to fight for? What are these feelings that you may have no matter how big or small?
‘What Is This Feeling’ is full of teenage angst and dramatics, but also full of heart-stopping and deeply emotional moments. Our characters each have their own journey within this magical trip to New York that has relatively low stakes as a reader, but is really the highest stakes imaginable for our characters where they are at in their lives. Without any spoilers this was a solid 4.5 star read for me.
If you have read ‘My Fair Brady’ by Brian D Kennedy or ‘What If It’s Us’ by Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera - this is a fun and enjoyable mix of the two but Robby makes this book stand out in its unique and special way.
I really enjoyed this book and it was a cutesy YA coming of story. I think the main character Teddy perfectly encapsulates a drama kid who’s trying to figure out who he is and what matters most (with all the stereotypical mannerisms a theater kid has). Sebastian was a great little grumpy antithesis to Teddy and it was really easy to revisit that high school/coming of age angst that comes with not being overly open and vulnerable with people. And this makes Teddy and Sebastian such easily loveable characters.
The overall story was sweet and endearing while also feeling a bit nostalgic - transporting you back (for us older folks) back to that high school feeling where all you’ve known for four years is about to come to an end at graduation. And Teddy is big on his superstitiousness and luck giving friendship bracelets. He’s determine to get what he wants by winning the scavenger hunt to meet his celebrity idol. But throughout that journey he gets to team up with Sebastian.
What do you do when you’re a young gay teen and haven’t had the same romantic relationships or experiences as other people? And how do you understand or relate to people who are different than you? What does it mean when you’re trying to figure out yourself, what matters, and what to fight for? What are these feelings that you may have no matter how big or small?
‘What Is This Feeling’ is full of teenage angst and dramatics, but also full of heart-stopping and deeply emotional moments. Our characters each have their own journey within this magical trip to New York that has relatively low stakes as a reader, but is really the highest stakes imaginable for our characters where they are at in their lives. Without any spoilers this was a solid 4.5 star read for me.
If you have read ‘My Fair Brady’ by Brian D Kennedy or ‘What If It’s Us’ by Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera - this is a fun and enjoyable mix of the two but Robby makes this book stand out in its unique and special way.
April 21, 2025
This was my favorite so far in this universe! As a former theatre kid / fangirl extraordinaire, I felt very seen by a lot of the references in this book. Bonus points because all the chapter titles were songs from musicals!
Teddy is going on the trip of his dreams - going around NYC with his best friend, seeing a Broadway show, and a scavenger hunt where the winners get to meet his favorite singer of all time. But then his best friend gets suspended, and he is forced to room with (and team up with) Sebastian, a quiet kid on the tech team. Sebastian is not interested in the scavenger hunt and keeps sneaking off, but Teddy is determined to get his new friend on board so he can meet his idol. And of course, sparks begin flying pretty quickly between them.
It was super meta that I was reading this book while in NYC. I went to The Strand one day, and then a few hours later I am listening to the audiobook and the characters went there too. I loved the adventures these two were having. Super cute and fun!
Teddy is going on the trip of his dreams - going around NYC with his best friend, seeing a Broadway show, and a scavenger hunt where the winners get to meet his favorite singer of all time. But then his best friend gets suspended, and he is forced to room with (and team up with) Sebastian, a quiet kid on the tech team. Sebastian is not interested in the scavenger hunt and keeps sneaking off, but Teddy is determined to get his new friend on board so he can meet his idol. And of course, sparks begin flying pretty quickly between them.
It was super meta that I was reading this book while in NYC. I went to The Strand one day, and then a few hours later I am listening to the audiobook and the characters went there too. I loved the adventures these two were having. Super cute and fun!
June 18, 2025
Well this was just the sweetest story I've read in a long time. I really saw a lot of my younger self in Teddy and reading about his shenanigans prompted me to reminisce on my first trip to NYC many, many moons ago.
(I did not sneak into a gala or onto a film set but I did spend 5 glorious days adventuring with my best friend, danced for hours at East Village stalwart Beauty Bar, met/befriended/fell a little bit in love with a gorgeous Australian man named James during a bbq held at the hostel we stayed at in Brooklyn, and potentially walked past a murder scene.)
All in all, this is a very sweet love story with relatable characters and adorable musical theater chapter titles. An all-around winner for me.
(I did not sneak into a gala or onto a film set but I did spend 5 glorious days adventuring with my best friend, danced for hours at East Village stalwart Beauty Bar, met/befriended/fell a little bit in love with a gorgeous Australian man named James during a bbq held at the hostel we stayed at in Brooklyn, and potentially walked past a murder scene.)
All in all, this is a very sweet love story with relatable characters and adorable musical theater chapter titles. An all-around winner for me.
June 13, 2025
4½/5
Teddy's a high school actor and wannabe singer/songwriter. His idol is Benji, a famous singer and actor. If he and his bestie Annie can win the drama club scavenger hunt in NYC, they might be able to meet Benji. But Annie can't go: instead, Teddy's forced to pair up with Sebastian from the tech crew.
A slow-burn romance with lovely misdirection and misunderstanding. I grumbled at a convenient coincidence. But it's my favourite Weber book, I'd say.
Teddy's a high school actor and wannabe singer/songwriter. His idol is Benji, a famous singer and actor. If he and his bestie Annie can win the drama club scavenger hunt in NYC, they might be able to meet Benji. But Annie can't go: instead, Teddy's forced to pair up with Sebastian from the tech crew.
A slow-burn romance with lovely misdirection and misunderstanding. I grumbled at a convenient coincidence. But it's my favourite Weber book, I'd say.
April 20, 2025
Twas really cute, but just took a bit too long to get to the romance, for my taste. Still enjoyed it! 3.5/5
September 11, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This is a perfect book for middle grade and young adult audiences. It talks about learning how to move on as life passes you by, friendships and relationships and learning things about yourself. It’s very coming of age, but I am past that. It doesn’t mean I don’t think others will enjoy it.
I loved “Like Me Better” by Weber, but this reminded me more of “If You Change Your Mind” which I didn’t like as much. If you like that one then you will probably like this. I think I would have liked this more if it was set in Florida more and not New York because I like the beach way better than the big city vibe. This reminded me a lot of my school band trip to New York City, so that was cool.
His characters are always so quirky but loveable. I thought the relationship with Sebastian was cute. I thought it was built up really nicely and didn’t happen too quickly, but I wish I felt more of a spark between the characters. Usually Weber’s writing has a lot more banter, but this one didn’t have as much. Maybe that was part of why I didn’t like it as much as “Like Me Better.” It was a little more serious as Teddy was upset a lot about what was happening in his life and what life would look like moving forward after he graduated.
It’s fine Annie wanted to move on with her life, but she was not being a very good friend in my opinion. She was barely in it, and I know she wasn’t the main point of the story, but you would think they would have talked more than they did. I guess it was only a few days, so I shouldn’t judge their entire friendship based off of that, but I felt Teddy’s pain when he got upset over what she did or didn’t do.
I really liked Dean and his sibling dynamic, I thought Dean was going to be the mean older brother but he was really sweet! That was really touching to see him be there for Teddy as much as he was. Their conversations were some of my favorite parts of the book!
A lot of the things that happened were pretty unrealistic. It was a little too much of a “everything is going perfectly for these characters even though it would never go that smoothly in real life.” For example, the chaperones just let a bunch of teenagers walk around NYC without any supervision. Even if the parents OK’d it and a lot of them were 18, there’s still no way that would happen at a school sanctioned event. But it’s fine, it’s a fictional novel, so I can suspend my disbelief.
I would still read Robby Weber’s other books! I know his audience is not for me, so I don’t fault the book or his writing for me not enjoying it as much because I am not a teenager anymore. I still think the messages he writes and the characters he has in his novels are still worth reading! Especially if you are in high school or about to graduate.
This is a perfect book for middle grade and young adult audiences. It talks about learning how to move on as life passes you by, friendships and relationships and learning things about yourself. It’s very coming of age, but I am past that. It doesn’t mean I don’t think others will enjoy it.
I loved “Like Me Better” by Weber, but this reminded me more of “If You Change Your Mind” which I didn’t like as much. If you like that one then you will probably like this. I think I would have liked this more if it was set in Florida more and not New York because I like the beach way better than the big city vibe. This reminded me a lot of my school band trip to New York City, so that was cool.
His characters are always so quirky but loveable. I thought the relationship with Sebastian was cute. I thought it was built up really nicely and didn’t happen too quickly, but I wish I felt more of a spark between the characters. Usually Weber’s writing has a lot more banter, but this one didn’t have as much. Maybe that was part of why I didn’t like it as much as “Like Me Better.” It was a little more serious as Teddy was upset a lot about what was happening in his life and what life would look like moving forward after he graduated.
It’s fine Annie wanted to move on with her life, but she was not being a very good friend in my opinion. She was barely in it, and I know she wasn’t the main point of the story, but you would think they would have talked more than they did. I guess it was only a few days, so I shouldn’t judge their entire friendship based off of that, but I felt Teddy’s pain when he got upset over what she did or didn’t do.
I really liked Dean and his sibling dynamic, I thought Dean was going to be the mean older brother but he was really sweet! That was really touching to see him be there for Teddy as much as he was. Their conversations were some of my favorite parts of the book!
A lot of the things that happened were pretty unrealistic. It was a little too much of a “everything is going perfectly for these characters even though it would never go that smoothly in real life.” For example, the chaperones just let a bunch of teenagers walk around NYC without any supervision. Even if the parents OK’d it and a lot of them were 18, there’s still no way that would happen at a school sanctioned event. But it’s fine, it’s a fictional novel, so I can suspend my disbelief.
I would still read Robby Weber’s other books! I know his audience is not for me, so I don’t fault the book or his writing for me not enjoying it as much because I am not a teenager anymore. I still think the messages he writes and the characters he has in his novels are still worth reading! Especially if you are in high school or about to graduate.
June 10, 2024
This was a light and sweet book. I like Weber, I've read him before when I picked up a book of his at Barnes and Noble while waiting for an oil change appointment, and I liked it so much I bought it and finished it at home. This is my second out of three books of his, and it had it's ups and downs for me. I typically tend to gravitate less towards YA books these days. There are some with more mature themes, and some that are lighter and sweeter. I tend to like the more mature themed ones, and this one was among the latter of the two. I didn't mind that it was light; I read it as a palette cleanser after a super sad found family book, so it was nice in that regard. I loved emo nerd Sebastian and his music taste, and I loved the way Theo helped him gain the confidence to do what he came to do in New York. I loved the way Theo's brain worked, and how it felt so much like me. I loved the way Weber wove in his fake celebs with real ones. It legitimately made me stop and think: am I just missing some celebs? Do these people exist? Low-key had to do some pondering for a fat second. The most juvenile parts for me were how easily they got through their troubles. Every single obstacle was met with an easy solution, many of which were probably not legal! It irked me a little bit that Theo was so willing to just.. possibly break laws to get to his end goal, I was with Sebastian on that, but it's all part of the fun I guess. It also peeved me a bit that he ended up getting what he wanted despite not winning it; it was sweet that his arch nemesis offered a truce and was actually really sweet to him, and I loved the conversation moment at the party between he and Benji. It seemed authentic and I could totally imagine something like that happening in the end scenes of a movie. I just sort of wish maybe, with the growth he'd had in learning that his trip didn't have to be all about his means to an end, that he would've been okay with not meeting his idol and just moved on. But for all it's worth, I did enjoy this book a good bit. There were just a few things that knocked it down a few stars for me. Good book and would probably read again, just maybe after it sitting on my shelf for a while. A good nostalgia read.
October 21, 2024
I had my eye on this novel ever since I heard about it earlier this year and am so glad I finally got a chance to read it. It lived up to my expectations, and beyond!
I read Remember Me to Harold Square by Paula Danziger when I was growing up. Probably more than once! What Is This Feeling? made me think of that story in some ways, mainly because both are about scavenger hunts in NYC and they involve romance as well. However, What Is This Feeling? takes place over a shorter amount of time and the scavenger hunt is a competition for something Teddy, the main character, really wants to win: The chance to meet his favorite pop star at a private party.
I totally understood Teddy's feeling of disappointment that his best friend wouldn't be accompanying him on the scavenger hunt, leaving him paired up with someone who barely talked to him and couldn't care less about what was at stake. However, I loved how he and Sebastian started to get to know each other and how they had such interesting adventures together during the hunt. The Broadway references were the icing on the cake, especially since each chapter name was the title of a song from a musical. (Strangely enough, I didn't even know all the titles that were mentioned. A few didn't sound familiar to me.)
The only thing that weighed the story down a bit was Teddy constantly questioning his ability to write songs. I get that his confidence was shot down the one time he tried, but there was just a lot of emphasis about him trying to come up with new songs.
Overall, I just really enjoyed this novel and devoured most of it in one day, and that was even with being busy part of the day. Now I need to go back to Robby Weber's earlier novels because I really like his writing style!
I read Remember Me to Harold Square by Paula Danziger when I was growing up. Probably more than once! What Is This Feeling? made me think of that story in some ways, mainly because both are about scavenger hunts in NYC and they involve romance as well. However, What Is This Feeling? takes place over a shorter amount of time and the scavenger hunt is a competition for something Teddy, the main character, really wants to win: The chance to meet his favorite pop star at a private party.
I totally understood Teddy's feeling of disappointment that his best friend wouldn't be accompanying him on the scavenger hunt, leaving him paired up with someone who barely talked to him and couldn't care less about what was at stake. However, I loved how he and Sebastian started to get to know each other and how they had such interesting adventures together during the hunt. The Broadway references were the icing on the cake, especially since each chapter name was the title of a song from a musical. (Strangely enough, I didn't even know all the titles that were mentioned. A few didn't sound familiar to me.)
The only thing that weighed the story down a bit was Teddy constantly questioning his ability to write songs. I get that his confidence was shot down the one time he tried, but there was just a lot of emphasis about him trying to come up with new songs.
Overall, I just really enjoyed this novel and devoured most of it in one day, and that was even with being busy part of the day. Now I need to go back to Robby Weber's earlier novels because I really like his writing style!
October 29, 2025
Teddy McGuire has his life perfectly mapped out — he’s the theater kid with big dreams, a flair for the dramatic, and a heart full of excitement. When a long-awaited drama club trip to New York City promises glitz, Broadway, and maybe even a shot at meeting his favorite pop star, everything feels like it’s finally aligning. But when his best friend can’t go, Teddy finds himself paired with Sebastian, the quiet and mysterious tech crew guy who would rather hide behind the scenes than join Teddy in the spotlight. What follows is a fast-paced, heartfelt adventure through the city that never sleeps — a story about unexpected connections, self-discovery, and finding the courage to let someone truly see you.
I loved this book — it easily became one of my favorites of the year. Robby Weber perfectly captures the excitement and magic of teenage dreams colliding with real emotions. Teddy and Sebastian’s dynamic had me hooked from the start; they’re such opposites, yet they balance each other in the best ways. It reminded me so much of my own friendship — He is Teddy, definitely more of a sensation, full of energy and sparkle, while I am pure Sebastian energy: steady, kind, and quietly grounding. Their banter, chemistry, and growth throughout the story consistently made me smile.
There’s such a warmth to this book — the kind that makes you want to reread certain scenes to stay in that moment a little longer. The adventure, the humor, the heart — it all blended beautifully. “What Is This Feeling?” It’s not just a rom-com; it’s a story about discovering who you are when the lights dim and the show’s over. It made me laugh, it made me melt, and by the end, I was cheering for both boys as if they were real people I knew. A dazzling, feel-good read that left me glowing long after I finished it. -5 Stars!
I loved this book — it easily became one of my favorites of the year. Robby Weber perfectly captures the excitement and magic of teenage dreams colliding with real emotions. Teddy and Sebastian’s dynamic had me hooked from the start; they’re such opposites, yet they balance each other in the best ways. It reminded me so much of my own friendship — He is Teddy, definitely more of a sensation, full of energy and sparkle, while I am pure Sebastian energy: steady, kind, and quietly grounding. Their banter, chemistry, and growth throughout the story consistently made me smile.
There’s such a warmth to this book — the kind that makes you want to reread certain scenes to stay in that moment a little longer. The adventure, the humor, the heart — it all blended beautifully. “What Is This Feeling?” It’s not just a rom-com; it’s a story about discovering who you are when the lights dim and the show’s over. It made me laugh, it made me melt, and by the end, I was cheering for both boys as if they were real people I knew. A dazzling, feel-good read that left me glowing long after I finished it. -5 Stars!
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