Published By: First Ink
Pages: 352
Released On: 05/06/2025
Reading Age: 12+
Eighteen-year-old Allegra Brooks has skyrocketed to fame after starring in a hit television show, and she’s the overnight success that everyone’s talking about. They just don’t know she’s autistic. Now, all she wants is a normal teenage summer.
Her destination for escape is the remote Lake Pristine and its annual Book Festival, organised by the dedicated but unfriendly senior bookseller, Jonah Thorne.
In small towns like Lake Pristine, misunderstandings abound, and before long the two are drawn into high-profile hostility that’s a far cry from the drama-free holiday Allegra was craving. Thank goodness for her saving grace: the increasingly personal emails she’s been sharing with a charming and anonymous bookseller who is definitely not Jonah Thorne . . .
An unforgettable romcom about finding the one person who makes you feel yourself when the whole world is watching.
*****
Thanks to NetGalley and First Ink for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I have been so excited about this book that I was thrilled to receive an early copy.
I loved Allegra. A young Hollywood star could be spoilt and stuck up, but she’s just a young kid who wants to be normally and I instantly loved her. Jonah was also a well-rounded, troubled but passionate young man who really shone. The only character I’d have liked a bit more of was Allegra’s dad George; there were a few things a bit unfinished with his story.
I read a lot of child/YA books, and as much as I love them, I’m very aware that I’m a 31 year old reading a kids book and I feel I have to justify myself. But with this one, whilst its target aged is 12+, I felt it was equally as wondering as an adult book as there’s lots that older people will relate to.
I know it’s *just* a fun romcom and maybe I’m reading too much into it, but it really shows the downsides of fame, particularly at a young age. We think of it as glamorous and exciting, lots of money and fancy clothes etc. but it can be very difficult, especially at such an impressionable age.
I loved the exploration of neurodiversity in it. I believe Elle is autistic herself, and you can tell she has a personal passion for it. She’s not just added an autistic character because she wants to tick a box, it means something to her, and that then gives the characters more depth.
This is a genuine, beautiful romance novel. I haven’t read one of them for so long and it was just what I needed. Cosy, warming, funny, hopeful, and joyful. It’s so full of love, love for family, friends, in a romantic sense; a love for your home and a job.
It was fully absorbing and addictive and just flew by. It manages to be deep but not bogged down in seriousness.
I didn’t realise it was part of a series and it didn’t make any difference to the reading of this whatsoever. But I’ll definitely be keeping my eye out for the others.
Books By Your Bedside 