Recommended Reading

by Paul Coccia

Curvaceous, clever, and an avid reader, seventeen-year-old Bobby Ashton never misses a main character moment. So when it comes to asking out his crush, he plans a romantic gesture grand enough to go down in local history. Unfortunately, though, his extensive knowledge of every rom-com trope ever doesn’t prepare him for how tragically he misreads the situation. Suddenly Bobby’s very public romantic gesture turns into an ordeal so embarrassing it could be a villain origin story.

Having masterfully shattered every plan for his perfect summer before college, Bobby’s last resort is working at his uncle’s sleepy bookstore. Soon, Bobby is expertly recommending books for customers to perfectly cure what ails them. Attempting to rebound after a breakup? There’s a book for that. Trying to tame your crochety coworker? There’s a book for that too. Then a plot twist Bobby never saw coming walks through the door in the form of Luke, an unfairly attractive and staunchly anti-romantic lifeguard.

Bobby’s blossoming connection with Luke reminds him of some of his favorite tropes: grumpy-sunshine, quippy banter, and even forced proximity. But after his last romantic disaster, should Bobby use all the tricks in his arsenal to turn Luke’s head? Or is he misreading all the signs again? Do grand gestures really need to be so . . . grand?

Perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli, Kacen Callender, and Jason June, Recommended Reading is a bighearted rom-com about discovering love beyond what’s in the books . . . but hey, the perfect recommendation can get you pretty far!

Available January 2025

“This fun read is ideal for romantics, pragmatists, book lovers, and underdogs alike. The appealing characters’ clever, sometimes snarky dialogue supplies readers with plenty of laughs. Bobby describes himself as “extra,” but he just wants to be appreciated for who he is: plus-size and gay. 10/10 would recommend!”
— ★ Kirkus starred review

  • “Funny, romantic, and ridiculously charming, with a full ensemble of characters who feel like new best friends. Bookworms, rejoice: Paul Coccia has written the ultimate ode to self-love and shelf love.”

    -Becky Albertalli, #1 NYT bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

  • “With just the right combo of dramatic declarations, mixed-signal cuties, and crotchety coworkers, Paul Coccia shows that every last one of us is worthy of being the lead in our own lovestory.”

    -Jason June, NYT bestselling author

  • “Paul Coccia’s Recommended Reading is very recommended reading for fans of romantic comedies that fizz with authenticity and humor. A love letter to romance that you’ll love reading.”

    -Abdi Nazemian, Stonewall & Lamba Literary award-winning author of Like a Love Story and Only This Beautiful Moment

  • “A winning will they/won’t they romance for anyone who’s ever dreamed of having a meet-cute in a bookstore. Readers will be rooting for Bobby as he matchmakes and book-talks his way to a true, well-earned main character moment.”

    -Andrew Eliopulos, author of The Fascinators

  • “Readers will fall in love with Recommended Reading! It has everything romance readers enjoy--small town vibes, dramatic declarations, witty banter, a swoony love interest, and a protagonist to root for. It’s hilarious, fun, and entertaining.”

    -F.T. Lukens, NYT bestselling author

  • “Equal parts sweet and dramatic, full of pop culture references and body positivity, Recommended Reading is for all the booklovers who know that sometimes getting to your own happy ending means having the courage to rewrite your own story.”

    -Edward Underhill, author of Always the Almost and This Day Changes Everything