Beth Reekles delivers a delightfully warm YA romance that perfectly captures the awkward, exhilarating journey of teen self-discovery through the lens of fandom culture. “Do You Ship It” is a pitch-perfect coming-of-age story about the masks we wear, the friendships we nurture, and the unexpected ways we find ourselves when we stop trying so hard to fit in. While occasionally predictable, the novel’s clever narrative twists, genuine character growth, and thoughtful exploration of identity make it a standout addition to the YA romance genre.
The Story: When Fandom Meets First Love
Sixteen-year-old Cerys has a problem: her best friend (and secret crush) Jake has moved to a new college across town, and she’s determined not to lose him. Her solution? Immerse herself in “Of Wrath and Rune” (OWAR), the fantasy series Jake obsesses over, despite her complete lack of interest in elves, magick, and quests for long-lost kings.
But when Jake introduces Cerys to Max—his new friend and fellow OWAR devotee who isn’t afraid to cosplay in public—Cerys’s carefully constructed plan begins to unravel. As she navigates new friendships at college, her parents’ drawn-out divorce, and her growing passion for art, Cerys finds herself increasingly caught between the person she pretends to be and who she really is.
A party gone wrong, a life-changing kiss, and a case of mistaken online identity force Cerys to confront an unexpected question: is she chasing the right boy for the wrong reasons, or has she been overlooking something (and someone) right in front of her all along?
What Makes It Shine: The Standout Elements
1. Authentic Fandom Culture
Reekles brilliantly captures the joyful intensity of fandom participation, from cosplay decisions to fanfiction writing, Discord chats to heated ship debates. The fictional “Of Wrath and Rune” series feels genuinely developed, with its rich world-building, complex character dynamics, and passionate fan theories making it entirely believable as a cultural phenomenon with a dedicated following.
The author perfectly illustrates how fandoms create connection:
“It’s a different kind of friendship—low stakes and no pressure, nobody minding how little I know about the fandom or if I have silly questions about the lore of the show I don’t quite understand. I don’t feel like I have to work so hard to cultivate it, or to keep my place there. They’re always there, whenever I want to be part of it.”
2. Richly Developed Characters
The novel features a fully realized cast that grows throughout the story:
- Cerys starts as someone desperate to fit in, but learns to embrace her creativity and authentic self
- Jake navigates his own identity struggles with surprising vulnerability
- Max moves beyond his aloof facade to reveal genuine depth
- Anissa develops from perceived outcast to confident friend with hidden talents
- The supporting cast (including Cerys’s parents and her college friends) all have meaningful arcs that intersect with the main storyline
3. The Central Romance
Without spoiling the journey, the central love story unfolds with satisfying emotional depth. What begins as misaligned expectations transforms into something genuine through mutual understanding and vulnerability. The climactic “grand gesture” scene delivers that perfect romcom moment while still feeling earned and true to the characters.
4. Complex Themes Handled With Care
The novel deftly explores:
- Self-acceptance vs. conformity through Cerys’s journey of finding her authentic voice
- Friendship dynamics across different social circles
- Family tensions through the realistic portrayal of divorce
- Art as self-expression in Cerys’s evolving relationship with her creativity
- Communication and miscommunication in both face-to-face and online relationships
Room for Improvement: The Not-So-Perfect Parts
Predictable Plot Turns
While Reekles includes some genuinely surprising twists, certain plot developments (particularly in the romantic storyline) follow well-worn paths that seasoned YA readers will spot coming. Some readers might wish for more subversion of these familiar patterns.
Pacing Challenges
The middle section occasionally meanders before finding its footing again. Some of Cerys’s internal conflicts around “The Plan” become repetitive, and certain scenes could have been condensed for a tighter narrative flow.
Limited Diverse Representation
While the book focuses well on themes of belonging and identity, it misses opportunities for more diverse representation across its character ensemble.
Writing Style: Fresh and Authentic
Reekles writes with the perfect balance of emotional authenticity and humor. Her dialogue captures the awkwardness and electricity of teen interactions, while her use of modern communication platforms (Discord chats, social media posts) feels genuine rather than forced.
The author particularly excels at showing Cerys’s interior monologue as she overthinks social situations in painfully relatable ways:
“I’m hyperaware of how every time I shift on the bed to try and get more comfortable, I am on Jake’s bed, and Jake is right there. I’ve also got Daphne’s voice in my head saying that I don’t want to do a Cher from Clueless, so I’m too scared to move much at all, terrified I’ll somehow slip and fall right on to the floor.”
The integration of fanfiction excerpts and Discord conversations elevates the storytelling by showing rather than telling how the characters communicate in different contexts.
For Fans of Beth Reekles’s Previous Work
Readers who enjoyed Reekles’s “The Kissing Booth” series will recognize her talent for crafting engaging teen protagonists and swoon-worthy romantic moments. However, “Do You Ship It” shows significant growth in the author’s handling of complex themes and character development. The writing feels more assured, the character journeys more nuanced, and the emotional payoffs more earned than in her earlier works.
Perfect for Readers Who Love…
- The Heartstopper series by Alice Oseman for its authentic portrayal of teen relationships
- Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell for its exploration of fandom culture
- Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia for its themes of creativity and online identity
- Tweet Cute by Emma Lord for its clever use of digital communication and mistaken identity
- You’ve Reached Sam by Dustin Thao for its emotional depth and friendship themes
Final Thoughts: A Celebration of Finding Your Tribe
“Do You Ship It” ultimately succeeds as a celebration of the courage it takes to be yourself in a world that often pushes for conformity. Through Cerys’s journey, Reekles reminds us that sometimes the most powerful act is to drop our carefully constructed personas and embrace who we truly are—especially when that means confessing our feelings to the right person.
The novel’s final message resonates beautifully: our passions—whether they’re fantasy series, artistic pursuits, or romantic feelings—aren’t things to hide or apologize for. When we live authentically, we find the people who appreciate us for exactly who we are.
With its pitch-perfect capture of fandom culture, believable character growth, and sweet romantic payoff, “Do You Ship It” deserves a place on any YA romance lover’s bookshelf. It’s a charming, heartfelt reminder that the best ships—both fictional and real—are built on a foundation of genuine connection and mutual understanding.
The Verdict
Strengths:
- Authentic portrayal of teen friendships and fandom culture
- Well-developed character growth across the entire cast
- Satisfying romantic storyline with genuine emotional depth
- Thoughtful exploration of identity and self-acceptance
Weaknesses:
- Some predictable plot developments
- Occasional pacing issues in the middle section
- Limited diversity in character representation
Overall: A refreshingly genuine YA romance that celebrates finding your tribe and your authentic voice. Beth Reekles has crafted a story that’s equal parts funny, touching, and relatable—perfect for anyone who’s ever felt caught between who they are and who they think they should be.
Whether you’re a fandom veteran or someone who’s never understood what all the fuss is about, “Do You Ship It” offers a heartwarming reminder that being true to yourself is always worth shipping.