What I Liked: The book opens with Bobby's big romantic gesture failing in front of so many people and that completely changes his plans for his summer. At this point in time, I honestly wasn't rooting for Bobby and found him quite annoying because he was very whiney. It wasn't until Bobby met Luke who challenges his perspective on things and makes him think that Bobby started to grow on me.

When Bobby and Luke first meet each other, I was a bit worried that it would be an instant love story, so I was pleased that while it was instant attraction, there wasn't instant love between the two. Bobby was a bit skeptical about Luke's feelings and was pretty sure that Luke wasn't even interested in guys until he finds out otherwise later. The relationship develops between Bobby and Luke naturally and its fun getting to see them get to know each other.

While Bobby is a hopeless romantic, he has given up on love for himself which is hard to see happen. I felt bad for him as he gives up on romance for himself because of his appearance even as Luke is telling him that sometimes you look beyond a cover. Bobby works hard to ensure that all the people around him have a healthy love life so you can't help but want that for himself. It's nice to read as the other people surrounding Bobby are also getting into relationships and how supportive he is of his friends and family.

Final Verdict: Recommended Reading is a great book for those of you who are looking for a cute, fun, and fluffy romantic comedy to get you through these tough times. Young adults will enjoy this book as it gives them hope for romance if they are different from others and adults will enjoy having something hopeful and lighthearted to read.

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.

Recommended: sure!
For characters that are the right blend of mature and still an inexperienced kid, for some quirky/stereotype breaking characters, for an impossible town where everyone agrees reading is cool and necessary

Thoughts:
Wow, boy this book. Overall I did enjoy it, but there were some things that I didn't totally buy (maybe I'm just a cynic) and some things that had me side-eyeing the story wondering if I would like where it went. In the end I generally did, and overall it's a lovely addition to the world.

So the things that were a little harder for me: first, Bobby sounds like a person who would exhaust me. This is much a personal thing, but he and I are incredibly opposite in some ways to a point where just reading about him tired me out. He's a very big personality, and I can match that energy... for a while. Before I have to check out and go somewhere quiet to recharge. In the story at one point he even notes that usually when people call him "extra" they don't mean it in a good way. He's a sweetheart, but he is also very extra. Everything is to the maximum with him!

Next up is another "maybe it's just me" issue where the setting of the town was not one I could buy into. The idea that a book is always the solution to anyone's problem was... even as a reader, I just couldn't get on board. The closest I can describe it is that it felt naive, although at least they set it up well (it's a big reading town overall) and point out the obvious drawbacks ("you have this meeting in an hour so you can't really sit down and read a whole novel before then"). Maybe if it were more overt it would have been great, but it was subtle enough like it wanted to pretend it was actually believable. Considering how hard it is to find a bookstore near me, it feels outlandish to say there are multiple in one small town THRIVING. Please world, tell me I'm wrong and this is totally believable.

The last side-eye issue I had was the writing flirting with quintessentially quirky characters. You know, where there are characters that so aggressively buck the norm that they pair opposing traits together to find some "unique" thing that is very try-hard. Think: the bodybuilder who knits, the Trump supporter who cares about other people, the rabbit that is a vicious killer, the villain that wants to be good. I ended up okay with this because I love Gladys (x2) but it set me on edge at first wondering if there would be some tedious "wowwww, who could have guessed...." mediocre reveal. And arguably there was, but I liked it, so who cares.

OKAY! Now I know that's a lot of things against it, but honestly they're all pretty small things and they're largely specific to me, I think. And more importantly, the story, the message, the vibe was 100% on point. It was refreshing to read a story where the characters' sexuality and identity was a focus, but not the only defining thing about them or motive to the plot. Characters who are queer can bring so much life, where sometimes queer characters are only that -- defined solely by their sexuality. It wasn't them feeling shit about themselves, or being bullied, or afraid. It was just normal stuff wondering if the person you like also likes you back, and how to be a good friend, and how to make a good first impression at your new school.

There were also some really honest and mature discussions where both people were vulnerable and accepting, even if they were disagreeing or being told something that would hurt them to hear despite needing to hear it. Even when they mess up, they are held accountable in a loving way rather than an absolute blow-up. In that way this was so comfortable and safe in a way I really liked. I'm happy for that reason that this book exists.

So in all, if you like a story with a soft heart, big characters who do their best, and a world that feels just a little too good to be true, sink into this and pretend things aren't as shit as they are for a little while.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free advanced copy. This is my honest review!

So, so cute! I loved that this was an adaptation of Emma, but readers would love it with or without knowledge of the text… if anything it just enhanced the story for me. Standout components of the story for me were the setting (competing bookstores! college campus!) and the banter. Really enjoyed this one. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

This book gave me all the feels. I absolutely adored the main character, Bobby Ashton. I would definitely want to be friends with that guy.

Bobby has painted the idealistic picture of summer prior to starting college. Unfortunately, what starts out with a flash mob and a grand gesture with a red rose ends in Bobby nearly losing his scholarship, losing his job and destruction of a very expensive window. His mother pleads on his behalf to save his college life and Bobby turns to his (unrelated) Uncle Andy for a job at his bookstore, Corner Books.

Bobby is crestfallen by his perfect summer plans being derailed but determined to salvage what he can. He meets mysterious stranger, Luke, in the stacks of Corner Books reading a bodice-ripper romance novel. This turns into a charming friendship and a will-they or won't-they scenario.

I found myself laughing out loud at some of Bobby's dialogue and antics. He certainly has a lot of charisma and charm. I would read more books with him. I'm sure the author could chronical each year of college and they would be just as delightful as this book.

I had a happy feeling when I finished this book. I don't get that very often (course I also read a lot of dark and dreary...not so much feels there).

My thanks to Zando Young Readers and Netgalley for this ARC.

Wonderfully sweet and over the top! I loved the banter between Bobby and Luke and the slow build up between them. I loved the cast of quirky characters. I loved the literary backdrop.
This was an easy read, low angst, great character development and wonderful cast of characters!

This book fills me with such joy. Recommend reading for sure. The title says it all. This book is witty, the characters are loveable, the story just flows. I couldn’t put this book down. I just loved Bobby. He shines on every page. If you enjoy LGBTQIAP+ romances, then you must read this book. I will be recommending this book like none other. I am so excited it will come out soon.
Thank you so much to Zando Young Readers for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

**Thank you to Zando Young Readers for this free digital review copy.**

In the small college town of Little Elm, romance-obsessed almost-college-freshman Bobby has a checklist for the perfect summer, but of course, things don't go to plan. Bobby pivots with aplomb through the majority of this novel, and when he does struggle, he has a wonderful cast of supporting characters to help him turn things around. Bobby is loved by everyone in town, and I quickly fell in love with him as well!

The story tiptoed down the road of miscommunication, which is my biggest pet peeve in romance novels, but gratefully it didn't linger there long. The book was a quick and easy read — I read the whole thing on one day — and the romance was kept age-appropriate. Something about a YA romance makes everything seem so high stakes (because it is to the characters at the time) without actually being that high stakes, so I'm not stressed reading it.

When a grand romantic gesture gone wrong destroys Bobby's plans for the summer, and threatens his ability to attend the local college, Bobby is forced to find a new job and new goals. Working at Corner Books isn't what he expected, but he soon enjoys helping folks find their perfect books. Including newcomer and romantic skeptic, Luke. Perhaps Booby will find his place after all.

Overall this is a really fun and kind story, with a plus sized protagonist that is doing his best to overcome his insecurities. Though the first few pages are a lot to take in, Bobby is a charming and caring character that just wants the best for those in his life. Yes, he meddles. But he means well. One thing that is made clear to the reader is how good Bobby is at connecting with people, and helping them make their own connections. It would have been nice if that message was made clear to Bobby as well, rather than him assuming he was only good for matchmaking and book recommendations.

Luke is an interesting foil to Bobby, since he is rather anti-love and romance. But their opposites work well. My chief complaint (minor spoiler ahead) is that Luke accuses Bobby of sending mixed signals, when Luke never once outright tells Bobby he's interested in him, or in guys in general. Instead, he drops a metaphor that doesn't connect and Bobby spends most of the book assuming Luke is straight and being careful about it. As a reader I too did not pick up on the metaphor being made, and I know this is a RomCom where they'll end up together.

Here are some facts about glass: Once a window's dimensions are beyond a certain size, there are regulations about what that window can be made out of. Large windows have to be made out of tempered glass, also known as safety glass. Yes, you can acid-etch this type of glass. However, when you break tempered glass, it shatters in a very specific way to avoid injuring people. Basically, it falls into these sort of dulled irregular pebbles. You know what you can't do with tempered glass? Score and break it the way you would break for in stained glass craftsmanship. I mention this because the inciting incident in "Recommended Reading" is a broken storefront etched glass window that ends the book in a new form as a stained glass sculpture.

I feel like my problems with this book boil down to this: if I didn't ask too many questions, or wonder what the characters' motivations were, I was okay. When I tried to bring in real-world logic, I got frustrated. I know this type of rom-com works for people, especially for people looking for a contemporary retelling of a story they already love and want to see themselves in. I struggle with retellings sometimes, because I want the book to stand on its own, and I'm not convinced that this one did.

Here's what I liked about it: It's fluffy and silly. The side characters are quirky. Some of the banter really worked for me. There's Achillean romance, and other than the question of someone's mystery orientation, it's not a "problem" in terms of the plot. There's plus-size rep, and it's a source of insecurity for the MC in terms of how other people see him, but not something he feels like he needs to "fix" about himself. It's 2025, and this book is FUN, which I desperately need. Also, there's no queer trauma! Hooray!

Things I didn't love: A lot of the conflict feels contrived, and in order for the plot to work, Bobby treats some of his friends and acquaintances in a way that I really didn't like. That would be fine if it was addressed in a more meaningful way before the end, but it felt glossed over to me. My biggest problem, though, was that a lot of the characters felt flat, which made me less invested in them. They serve a purpose in terms of keeping the story going, but they didn't have enough substance to make them feel human.

So, basically, I'm a Love Grinch like Luke. I do think that most of my gripes with this book are a matter of taste, and my ongoing frustration that fat characters so frequently have to be seen as funny in order to be considered romantic leads. I would read other books by this author in the future, for what that's worth.

This was a quick read in the general vein of Jason June, with a bit of "Pumpkin" in the mix. There's also a drag queen guest star, which was a delightful surprise. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book. My thoughts and feelings are my own and this review is being left voluntarily.

I was hype about this book as soon as I saw the cover. I didn’t need much prodding. It has everything I want in a book basically. A diverse couple, books, AND a character with body diversity. So obviously i had to read it right? It basically was a need not a want lol So imagine my surprise when it showed up at my house!

So one thing I loved about this was the romance. It was the slowest of burns and usually I hate that lol But this time I actually thought it was ok. I think I didn’t mind because Bobby had some growing up to do and he needed to realize that he needed to love himself more than whoever it was he was trying to get with. He needed to realize that he meant more than anyone else. But when they finally got together it was the cutest. Maybe I’m biased because it all started in a bookstore but whatever. They were cute and I was happy to see them together. (If you’re wondering, I’m purposefully not saying WHICH bookstore it was because reasons lol) The rest of the plot tho was all over the place lol There was so much happening. I don’t think I can really explain how much. The way he was recommending reads to people, the putting people together, the drag queen, the bonfires, the Gladys x2, it was just a lot lol

The romance was cute, but I didn’t care for the actual characters by themselves. Which is 100% different than what I usually think when reading. But this one was weird. Bobby didn’t grow up the entire book. He saw what happened at the very beginning and he STILL was doing the same thing over and over. I thought at most he would have left his friend alone, but he still did what he did to her. And that was 1,000% not his call. She was right, what if that had gone bad? But he didn’t grovel enough for me. He did all of these things to the people in his lives and they thanked him. No one actually got mad so I don’t think he learned anything from it.

The premise was cute! I love romances set in bookstores. The visiting author was random, but still cute. I loved how REAL Bobby was. Because let me tell you I have reacted the exact same way being in line for an author that I love. I cannot tell you how much I’ve fan girl-ed for authors. And I know its weird to say when I’ve already found my hubs, but I love the fact that I felt seen. It means the author sees us and accepts our fan person-ing (???) and I loved that. I also thought he was real because of his body imagining. I didn’t care for how he saw his body (I thought he was perfect and that other guy would absolutely be looking at him) but in reality I knew that wasn’t how he always saw himself. That’s not how many people would see themselves. I’m never surprised at that because I experienced this first hand back in the day. The important thing is Bobby ended the book seeing himself the way the love interest saw and appreciated him.

This book was really cute. It definitely wasn’t what I was expecting but it was fun and I enjoyed it. It definitely kept me on my toes because I had no idea what to expect next. I hope if you pick this up you’ll come and let me know how you like it. I need to compare notes.

This book was full of pleasant surprises in the best way. I made a lot of assumptions about what to expect from the story and the characters in the first couple of chapters, but as the book continued we got so many more layers to explore.

Bobby is the star of the show in this book, quite rightly so! I really enjoyed getting to know his character, and the journey he went on. He was very relatable as a plus-sized character, and I thought the balance of his confidence vs his insecurities felt very true-to-life. I also really liked his relationship with his mother. It could easily have felt quite jokey and ‘quirky’, but it felt really authentic and added depth to the characters.

There were plenty of laugh-out-loud moments too, which were really fun and brought out the rom-com side of the story. I particularly enjoyed Gladys’ character; she always had something to say, and her romantic side-plot was very entertaining and very sweet!

To be honest, the links to Emma felt slightly tenuous at best, and I think it would have worked better as its own entity. For example, I loved the idea of Bobby becoming famous as a ‘book whisperer’, but we kept being told that he was a matchmaker with no real evidence for it – and he didn’t have Emma’s prickly audacity at taking credit for something which he really didn’t have much input in. I thought the story worked great on its own, and that the Emma references held it back slightly.

Overall this was a fun and enjoyable read, full of heart and lovable characters.

I received a free copy for an honest review.

This was a cute, lighthearted read, perfect for the start of the year when everything seems to be awful. I loved Bobby and his enthusiasm for books, how he knew everyone in his town, and how much he loved himself. I enjoyed reading a book with a fat main character who wasn't fixated on not being fat as the main storyline. This is definitely a found family, feel good, figuring out who you are, being comfortable in your own skin, warm hug of a read.

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.

I really loved this book, though I will admit that at first Bobby annoyed me quite a lot, but as he grew as a character I really grew to adore him. This is good retelling of Austin’s Emma, without it feeling like the author was just trying to copy plot point by plot point. I would call it more inspired by rather than a retelling. I love the queer representation, the strong parent child relationships and the great platonic relationships. Highly recommend!

I really enjoyed this sweet, queer romcom. It was a fun and cozy read which are my favourite! I loved the small town vibes and the focus on books and bookstores especially.

The beginning really makes you feel for Bobby as his grand gesture goes awry and his love is unrequited. I mean who hasn't felt that sting especially as a teen?! You want to scoop him up and give him a hug right then and there. You will be rooting for Bobby to find his own love story as he helps others find theirs along the way, that's for sure. He is so well written and will find a place in your heart as you watch him find his way and learn some hard lessons throughout.

I will echo other reviews in that I wish there was more time spent on the actual romance since when it comes together for the HEA you are definitely happy but maybe not as invested as you want to be. It felt a little rushed with everything else that was happening at the end possibly. I also really loved the references made to books and movies throughout but I'm not sure if the intended audience would get some of them since they are older (like me, lol).

I loved the side characters especially Gladys and Uncle Andy. I want to go work with them at Corner Books and watch Gladys kick ass and take names. Uncle Andy is so protective and sweet and just what Bobby needs in his corner especially when his mom is being less than maternal.

In the end, there was all the best romcom tropes and a wonderfully body positive, queer MC that you will love and root for. All the teen angst and worries and feels that will bring you in and make you want to stay for awhile in Little Elm.

I received an advanced digital copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Bobby Ashton has big plans for the summer before college—including making a grand gesture to the boy he loves and recording it for the world to see. The one thing Bobby loves even more than the boy is the idea of love. But plans go off the rails immediately, and the epic fail of his declaration leads to a bookstore window crashing and Bobby finding out that the love of his life has friend-zoned him. How did he read everything so wrong?

This novel is full of smart banter and lovely romantic moments throughout. I liked the appealing characters’ clever, sometimes snarky dialogue. There are plenty of laughs. Bobby describes himself as “extra,” but he just wants to be appreciated for who he is: plus-size and gay.

In "Recommended Reading," a delightfully cozy and relatable queer rom-com, Paul Coccia tells the story of Bobby, a chubby romantic bookworm after an embarrassing failed public declaration of love. As he attempts to recover and have one at least perfect summer before he begins his first year of college, Bobby has his very own "meet cute" with the athletic jock Luke. But Bobby quickly learns things don't always follow the same script as his romance novels.

Funny and cute, the story will appeal to teens and adults comfortably settling into all the best romantic tropes. Its lovable character offers diverse representation and body positivity alongside universal experiences and big feelings that present themselves at the start of adulthood. While some minor plotlines could have been dropped, Coccia keeps the story moving with an enjoyable pace and rom-com humor. This book is begging for an on-screen adaptation! For fans of feel-good romances, “Recommended Reading” is a must-read that genuinely lives up to its title.

What a delightfully fun and over-the top book! Perfect for book lovers and, particularly romance novel lovers!! Bookstores, literary festivals, drag queen romance writers, and, of course, books, play key roles in the plot. The main MC, Bobby, is about to enter college in the small town of Little Elm and wants to make sure his final pre-college summer is memorable. He is a fan of the big gesture and of playing matchmaker, not only between people, but between books and people. He becomes the "book whisperer." But can he find a boyfriend for himself over the summer? Kudos to the author for creating an MC who is flawed but has the best intentions and who is also, as he describes himself, "fat." Can he get over his internalized shame and accept that he can be loved as he is and without the grand gestures?

This is a quick read--nicely arriving in time for Valentine's Day. Fun and light.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

The book tells the story of love, heartbreak and self discovery. Set in a small college town where everyone knows everything. Bobby is discovering when you have a major life changing event this is not always a good thing. He tries to escape to his uncles book store where he meets an unexpected ally. He has spent the majority of his years being the town matchmaker and everyone knows this. How can he hone his skills and use them to help his friends and family. This is a very heartwarming story with well -developed characters and a satisfying conclusion. I highly recommend this book!