Book Blog Tour: Recommended Reading – Paul Coccia

I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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!

Paul Coccia’s Recommended Reading is a heartfelt, witty rom-com that cleverly dissects the gap between storybook romance and real-life connection. Seventeen-year-old Bobby Ashton—a lovable, book-smart protagonist with a flair for grand gestures—learns the hard way that life doesn’t follow a rom-com script when his very public declaration of affection spectacularly backfires. Exiled to his uncle’s quaint bookstore for a summer reset, Bobby channels his encyclopedic knowledge of literary tropes into curating perfect reads for customers, only to face his greatest challenge yet: Luke, a charmingly gruff lifeguard who scoffs at love stories.

Coccia balances humor and vulnerability as Bobby navigates the messy terrain of a budding relationship. Their dynamic—grumpy-meets-sunshine banter, slow-burn chemistry—delights, but the story’s true strength lies in Bobby’s growth. Forced to question whether grand gestures or quiet authenticity win hearts, he discovers that love isn’t about tropes but trust, communication, and embracing imperfections. Bobby’s journey—from cringe-worthy missteps to tender introspection—is relatable and uplifting, reminding readers that the best love stories aren’t scripted; they’re written together.

Perfect for fans of banter-filled romance and anyone who’s ever swooned over a fictional meet-cute, this book is a testament to finding love and yourself—one page at a time.

Reviewed by: Orsayor

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