Beth Reekles has delivered a charming, heartwarming YA romance that speaks directly to the hearts of fandom nerds everywhere. Do You Ship It follows Cerys, a high school student whose best friend Jake has moved to a new college, leaving her desperate to take their relationship from platonic to romantic before it’s too late. Her solution? Dive headfirst into Jake’s beloved fantasy fandom, Of Wrath and Rune (OWAR), even though she initially can’t see the appeal. But when Jake introduces her to his new friend Max, who loves cosplay and conventions, Cerys realizes she’ll need to do more than just read a few fanfics to catch Jake’s attention.
What unfolds is a delightful exploration of identity, friendship, authenticity, and the beautiful world of fandom communities. As someone who has spent countless hours in various fandoms, I found Reekles’ portrayal refreshingly accurate and free from the stereotypical mockery that often taints representations of fandom culture.
Character Development That Shines
Cerys begins as a somewhat frustrating protagonist—solely focused on winning Jake’s heart and willing to pretend interest in something just to achieve that goal. Her journey, however, is what makes this book truly special. As she genuinely becomes invested in OWAR and forms connections within its fandom, we see her evolve from someone desperate to fit in to someone comfortable in her own skin.
Max, initially presented as a judgmental obstacle between Cerys and Jake, develops into a complex character whose apparent aloofness masks insecurity and passion. His character arc demonstrates the courage it takes to be unapologetically yourself in a world that often demands conformity.
Jake’s storyline includes one of the most sensitively handled coming-out narratives I’ve read in recent YA fiction. His struggle to understand his identity while maintaining his friendships feels authentic without becoming overly dramatic.
The secondary characters also shine:
- Anissa transforms from “the weird girl” to a true friend whose authenticity inspires Cerys
- Daphne and the college friend group present their own complexities around fitting in
- Cerys’s parents navigate their divorce with realistic ups and downs
Themes That Resonate Beyond the Page
Do You Ship It explores several themes with remarkable depth for a romcom:
- Authenticity vs. Conformity: Cerys’s journey highlights the exhaustion that comes from constantly trying to be who others expect. Max’s character serves as her counterpoint—someone who has already learned the freedom that comes from embracing your true self.
- The Nature of Friendship: The evolving dynamics between Cerys, Jake, Max, and Anissa show how genuine connections can survive misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and major life changes.
- Finding Your Tribe: Perhaps the most touching aspect of the book is watching Cerys find belonging in unexpected places—from Discord chats to art rooms. Reekles beautifully illustrates how fandom provides not just entertainment but community.
- Parental Relationships: The subplot involving Cerys’s parents offers a nuanced look at how family dynamics impact teenagers’ sense of stability and identity.
The Fandom-Verse: Remarkably Well-Crafted
One of the book’s greatest strengths is Reekles’ creation of Of Wrath and Rune. The fictional series feels remarkably fleshed-out, with:
- A complex world with fully realized characters
- Shipping wars that mirror real fandom debates
- Authentic Discord exchanges and fanfiction snippets
- Believable conventions and cosplay descriptions
As a reader, I found myself genuinely interested in OWAR—I’d probably watch it if it existed! The “show within a book” device works brilliantly, allowing us to experience Cerys’s gradual investment in the fandom alongside her.
Writing Style: Charming and Accessible
Reekles writes with a conversational, engaging voice that captures the humor and heartache of teenage life. The dialogue crackles with authenticity—these sound like real teens, not adults’ idea of how teens speak. The romance elements build naturally, with tension that keeps pages turning without feeling contrived.
The structure, alternating between real-life interactions and Discord conversations, effectively illustrates how online and offline personas can diverge and converge. This storytelling choice perfectly mirrors modern teen experiences navigating different social spaces.
What Could Have Been Stronger
While I thoroughly enjoyed Do You Ship It, a few elements could have been stronger:
- The “miscommunication” trope: The central plot twist relies heavily on Cerys misunderstanding who she’s talking to online. While executed better than in many romcoms, this device sometimes stretched credibility.
- Early pacing: The first third moves somewhat slowly as Cerys’s character development takes time to gain momentum.
- Art storyline: Cerys’s realization about her passion for art feels slightly underdeveloped compared to her fandom journey, though it adds another meaningful layer to her character.
- Supporting characters: Some of the college friend group beyond Daphne blend together and could have benefited from more distinct personalities.
Comparisons to Reekles’ Other Works
Fans of Reekles’ mega-hit The Kissing Booth series will find a more mature writing style in Do You Ship It, with deeper character development and more nuanced relationships. While maintaining the charm that made her earlier works beloved by teens worldwide, this novel shows significant growth in tackling complex themes.
Her more recent work The Summer Switch-Off shares thematic elements about finding authentic connection in a digital world, but Do You Ship It delves deeper into identity and belonging.
Who Should Read This Book?
Do You Ship It is perfect for:
- Fandom enthusiasts who will appreciate the accurate portrayal of fan communities
- YA romance readers looking for stories with substance beyond the central relationship
- Anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider trying to find where they belong
- Fans of Holly Bourne, Jenny Han, and Lynn Painter seeking books with heart and humor
It would also appeal to readers who enjoyed:
- Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
- Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia
- Geekerella by Ashley Poston
Final Verdict
Do You Ship It is a delightful YA romance that transcends typical genre conventions. What begins as a seemingly superficial pursuit transforms into a genuine journey of self-discovery. Reekles has crafted a story that entertainingly explores how the things we initially pursue for others’ approval can become genuine passions that shape our identities.
The characters feel wonderfully authentic, the fandom elements ring true, and the emotional payoffs are earned through meaningful character development. While not perfect in its execution, the novel’s heart and charm easily overcome its few shortcomings.
In a world where authenticity is increasingly valued yet difficult to maintain, Do You Ship It offers a reassuring message: being true to yourself—pursuing your interests without apology—not only leads to genuine connections but also to a deeper understanding of who you are and what you truly want.
For anyone who’s ever hidden their interests out of fear of judgment or embraced something new only to find unexpected passion, this book will feel like coming home to a fandom you never knew you needed.
The Last Word
Beth Reekles has given us a warm hug of a novel that celebrates the joy of finding your people and the courage to be yourself. In Cerys’s journey from pretending to belonging, we’re reminded that sometimes the detours we take for the wrong reasons lead us to exactly where we’re meant to be. Whether you’re a diehard fandom devotee or someone who’s never understood the appeal, Do You Ship It invites you into a world where passion—for art, for stories, for people—is something to celebrate, not hide.
And honestly? I ship it.
