By Paul Coccia
Publisher: Zando Young Reader
Print Length: 320
Release Year: 2025
Genre: Young Adult Romance
Avg. Goodreads Rating: 4.08
Available on Amazon, B&N, AbeBooks and your local library.
Special thanks to Zando Young Reader and HearOurVoices for providing me with an ARC.
In this opposites-attract YA rom-com inspired by Emma, a failed romantic gesture puts a damper on a queer teen bookseller’s summer of book matching and matchmaking until a handsome lifeguard and romance skeptic waltzes into his bookstore. Sometimes you get a second chance at happily ever after when you least expect it…
Curvaceous, clever, and an avid reader, seventeen-year-old Bobby Ashton never misses a main character moment. So when it comes to asking out his crush, he plans a romantic gesture grand enough to go down in local history. Unfortunately, though, his extensive knowledge of every rom-com trope ever doesn’t prepare him for how tragically he misreads the situation. Suddenly Bobby’s very public romantic gesture turns into an ordeal so embarrassing it could be a villain origin story.
Having masterfully shattered every plan for his perfect summer before college, Bobby’s last resort is working at his uncle’s sleepy bookstore. Soon, Bobby is expertly recommending books for customers to perfectly cure what ails them. Attempting to rebound after a breakup? There’s a book for that. Trying to tame your crochety coworker? There’s a book for that too. Then a plot twist Bobby never saw coming walks through the door in the form of Luke, an unfairly attractive and staunchly anti-romantic lifeguard.
Bobby’s blossoming connection with Luke reminds him of some of his favorite tropes: grumpy-sunshine, quippy banter, and even forced proximity. But after his last romantic disaster, should Bobby use all the tricks in his arsenal to turn Luke’s head? Or is he misreading all the signs again? Do grand gestures really need to be so…grand? (Goodreads)
There are few better ways to start out the year than to enjoy an adorable rom-com. Recommended Reading comes just in time for the holidays with an Emma-inspired story following Bobby Ashton. Bobby isn’t the only main character of this book, but the main character of his life. Curvaceous, smart, bookish and a professional romantic, Bobby must recover from a failed romantic gesture and work to recover his grand plans for the summer.
Recommended Reading is undoubtedly cute and definitely delivers on the rom-com vibes. Subsequently, the writing appropriately reflects the style of many early 2000s romantic comedies without missing a beat with modern references. Fast-paced and straightforward, every character has a plot line that keeps the reader interested.
There is a lot to like about this book, the characters being at the top of the list. Everyone from our main character, Bobby, to his grumpy old coworker, Gladys, adds to the story entertainingly. Not only are they entertaining, but they’re very real. Many members of the LGBT community know or are friends (dare I say besties) with a Bobby and everyone has worked with someone like Gladys. We all know those cool moms and those found family members.
Recommended Reading is an easily recommendable retelling of Emma. It follows in the footsteps of many early 2000 comedies, being a great time. In an era where everything can feel overwhelming and stressful, a little moment that lets us return to different times is a much-needed escape.
| Writing | 65 |
| Story | 70 |
| Characters | 70 |
| Setting | 60 |
| Atmosphere | 80 |
| Enjoyment | 75 |
Final Score
70/100
Geekyst 
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