Scan barcode
A review by emilyreadstoomuch
Just Some Stupid Love Story by Katelyn Doyle
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
5 million billion trillion stars. I'm not joking when I say this needs to be on your TBR shelf immediately. This is one of the best debut romance novels I've read in a long, long time.
The story follows Molly Marks, a rom-com screenwriter who believes true love is a scam to sell naive people the farce of Happily Ever After (a scam off of which she delightfully profits), and Seth Rubenstein, her The One That Got Away high school ex-boyfriend turned divorce attorney who is certain that finding his soul mate will fix all of his problems. They reconnect at their fifteenth high school reunion wherein they place a bet on whether or not true love does, in fact, exist by choosing five relationships they think will or will not last by their twentieth reunion. The fifth and final couple chosen is none other than Molly and Seth themselves, presenting an opportunity for Seth to prove to Molly that their relationship wasn't puppy love. No, Seth Rubenstein has always known Molly Marks is The One, the Real Deal, his one true Soul Mate, despite the way she left him alone and brokenhearted fifteen years ago, and all he needs is the next five years to convince her.
When the blurb says "For fans of Emily Henry," it really means FOR FANS OF EMILY HENRY!!! Katelyn Doyle's fresh voice lends itself well to this unlikely pair and the (frankly) insane situation they've created. I'm obsessed with both main characters, both separately as individuals and as a pair. On paper, Molly and Seth do not belong together. But, when you read the book, it's so clear how well they complement one another. Beyond that, their relationships with their family and friends are so dynamic and well executed.
I've seen some criticism about Molly and Seth essentially being caricatures of the Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine trope, and I actually agree, but I think those stereotypical traits make the story better. Seth's over-the-top dramatics and Molly's disheartening nihilism create such a hilarious chemistry that I found myself unable to put this down.
Thank you so much Katelyn Doyle, Flatiron Books, and NetGalley for the advanced reader's copy!!
The story follows Molly Marks, a rom-com screenwriter who believes true love is a scam to sell naive people the farce of Happily Ever After (a scam off of which she delightfully profits), and Seth Rubenstein, her The One That Got Away high school ex-boyfriend turned divorce attorney who is certain that finding his soul mate will fix all of his problems. They reconnect at their fifteenth high school reunion wherein they place a bet on whether or not true love does, in fact, exist by choosing five relationships they think will or will not last by their twentieth reunion. The fifth and final couple chosen is none other than Molly and Seth themselves, presenting an opportunity for Seth to prove to Molly that their relationship wasn't puppy love. No, Seth Rubenstein has always known Molly Marks is The One, the Real Deal, his one true Soul Mate, despite the way she left him alone and brokenhearted fifteen years ago, and all he needs is the next five years to convince her.
When the blurb says "For fans of Emily Henry," it really means FOR FANS OF EMILY HENRY!!! Katelyn Doyle's fresh voice lends itself well to this unlikely pair and the (frankly) insane situation they've created. I'm obsessed with both main characters, both separately as individuals and as a pair. On paper, Molly and Seth do not belong together. But, when you read the book, it's so clear how well they complement one another. Beyond that, their relationships with their family and friends are so dynamic and well executed.
I've seen some criticism about Molly and Seth essentially being caricatures of the Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine trope, and I actually agree, but I think those stereotypical traits make the story better. Seth's over-the-top dramatics and Molly's disheartening nihilism create such a hilarious chemistry that I found myself unable to put this down.
Thank you so much Katelyn Doyle, Flatiron Books, and NetGalley for the advanced reader's copy!!