3.5 stars. Molly and Seth are high school exes, forced together at their 15th high school reunion where they make a bet about which couples will still be together at their 20th reunion.

This book was an entertaining romcom with great banter and chapters alternating between Molly and Seth's perspectives. Molly is a grump who doesn't believe in love, yet can't stop thinking about her connection with Seth. Seth is a hopeless romantic, still in love with Molly after all these years but afraid to get his heart broken.

Molly's attitude and self-sabotage drove me nuts throughout -- she got in her own way time after time. I liked Seth, who was not afraid of his feelings and was great at communication. This is full of pining and heartache, but will have you laughing throughout. Overall an enjoyable story and I'd recommend it for romcom fans.

I enjoyed the audiobook narration -- thanks Macmillan Audio for the complimentary copy.

Isn't it funny how cycles occur in books and publishing? This is probably the third book I've read recently about a screenwriter. And I did not like this one as much as I'd hoped. Molly Marks, a pessimist when it comes to love, has made her career in writing romantic comedies. When she reunites with her high school sweetheart turned divorce lawyer, Seth, at their high school reunion they make a bet on 5 couples and whether they'll last.

The beginning of this book was delightful. I loved the reunion, Seth coaxing Molly out of her shell, and their banter. But after about the 20% mark, I just didn't like the steam (and there's a lot), Molly's and her very wishy washy toward Seth, and Seth's golden retriever energy was almost too much. This is a book full of missed connections and "right person, wrong time" and it got frustrating for me.

Thank you to MacMillan Audio for my complimentary ALC. All opinions here are my own.

If you give me a dual point of view romance, Im happy. If you then add in a story across multiple years with a flare of When Harry Met Sally - I’m really happy.

I loved the witty banter and great chemistry these two had. I also completely adore that the author showed Seth’s emotional side. Not to mention a role reversal of the stereotypes of the grumpy - sunshine trope.

If you need a spicy romance that will keep you guessing if these two ever get together - absolutely check this one out.

Just Some Stupid Love Story

Oh my goodness, I absolutely ADORED this one! What a delightful, and engaging love over time second chance romance!

Molly and Seth had a bad ending to their high school romance, only to rekindle a flame at their high school reunion. Molly, a romcom screenwriter who doesn’t believe in love, makes a bet with Seth, a divorce lawyer looking for his soulmate, on five couples they think might or might not make it to their next reunion. Over time, the share tidbits and updates and run-ins that ultimately rewrite the ending to their love story.

I am not usually a fan of second chance romance but this one was so well done. The extended timing of their relationship arc felt so realistic on their reigniting their romance.
I also loved that it wasn’t just miscommunication. They talked! They worked through feelings! Admitted what they were scared of! We love love love to see that level of communication, even when it’s hard.

I also enjoyed the honest way the years, and quarantine were handled. Their journey covered 2020, and the way it was incorporated in the story was realistic and honest without being over dramatized.

I listened to the audio and the casting was spot on. I was laughing out loud at times, and swooning over the gestures. I highly recommend the audio.

An absolutely phenomenal debut - thank you to Maximillian Audio for the ALC! My opinions are my own.

I really hesitate to give books this low of a rating, but there were a slew of issues for me here:
-Pacing/cadence was too slow
-Both main characters were insufferable and not in an endearing way. Both felt far too juvenile for being in their 30s
-Relationship felt very insta-lovey. I would've liked a lot more banter
-There was a LOT of spice that I was not anticipating early on

There are definitely readers who will like this, but I am not one of them.

Thank you to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC!

This was a fantastic love story. It was a slightly predictable but in the best way. There were surprises throughout and the exact kind of summer read romance that I hoped it would be. The back and forth will they, won't they was cute and felt mostly realistic. I also enjoyed the representation of different types of love and the positive mental health messages.

I absolutely L O V E this book!! It is NOT "just some stupid love story." OK, well it is a little predictable but what Rom Com isn't. The characters personalities were so funny, and I loved their playful banter back and forth. It has the perfect amount of spice and lust. Plus, you just want to hate the BF/GF when the main characters are not together. I meant come on.... pretentious pretty boy, and vegan long-distance runner (BARF!) 🤢. I am not going to spoil anything, but I literally had to pause my audiobook at one point as I was laughing so hard.
Thanks to #netgalley for allowing me to listen as an ARC.

A cute little story about high school love, second chances and right person wrong time.
It was a bit too meta for me with the script. But cute over all

When former couple Molly and Seth, meet up again at a high school reunion, sparks fly. After a one night stand, they set a bet with each other - they'll bet on the outcome of 5 different couples over the next 5 years. The fifth couple is Molly and Seth themselves - Molly doesn't believe in love despite being a rom com writer and Seth is a hopeless romantic despite being a divorce lawyer. Throughout the 5 years they find themselves constantly coming together, though the timing never works out.

Ya'll I LOVED this! It feels like such a unique premise, which is something I'm always looking for as a voracious romance reader. I loved that the relationship took place over so much time - it felt so realistic! I really dug their relationship and felt for Molly working through all of her issues and really trying to be in a relationship. I'm not always a second chance romance fan because there's often a lot of miscommunication, but this book just worked so well for me! I think part of the reason it worked is that the book is written in dual POV - you get to see how the relationship affects both characters so deeply over the years.

I really enjoyed the dual narration by Christine Lakin and Tim Paige. They really brought the characters to life and added so much to my reading experience.

Also the sexting scene was hottttttt - this book isn't super spicy but what we do get is really well done and we actually got more than I anticipated!

Thank you to Macmillan audio for the ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A rom com about old high school boyfriend & girlfriend who reunite at their 15 year reunion and make bets on other couples.

This book goes through the next five years to see how the other relationships pan out, and also the back and forth tension between the two: Molly & Seth.

I immediately disliked Seth, and unfortunately never really did start to like him. He seemed arrogant and immature and desperate for love. I liked Molly though.

The narrators were great, especially Christine Lakin, already one of my favorite female narrators.

Talk of covid and pandemic in the middle of a rom com is a huge no for me. I was leaning toward “meh” because I didn’t care for Seth, but then 2020 hits in the book and it’s just the last thing I want drawn out in a rom com.

Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for my ALC!

#MacAudio2024

Wow! I loved this story & the audiobook! Two all-star voice actors delivered this sweet romance with a bang. Equal parts humorous and emotional- this story follows former high school sweethearts as they navigate being at the wrong place/right time or wrong time/right place. The self growth from introspection was realistic and the characters are so lovable. I was rooting for them and felt like all of their obstacles were realistic and made their story more intense. Highly recommend!

Not sure if it’s just me but I am really loving the romance books coming out lately. A lot of the rom-coms I’m reading are hitting the spot- including this one. It was funny, cute, and tragic all at the same time. A love story strung out over the years with so many almost moments and finally the ending we were all hoping for.

🌀Synopsis
Molly and Seth have a long history. They were together in high school but then went their separate ways. College and now adulthood has left space between them, especially hatter a tough breakup. Now they are forced to see each other at a reunion and both of them have a rush of feelings come back. After a crazy night they both go their separate ways again with some predictions for the next reunion.
Time passes and Molly continues to struggle in her relationship with her father. A chance run in with Seth has her believing she really blew it, he’s now dating someone else. Heck, he’s going to marry someone else.
When they see each other again their 5 year timeline is winding down and some of Seth’s predictions have already come true. In a rare twist of fate, Molly and Seth are both single and it finally is the right time for them to give it a try. Molly is still terrified though and she really makes Seth work for it.

**Thank you to Macmillan for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

I absolutely loved this book!! This is the perfect second chance romances for lovers of romance with both humor and emotional depth, much like Abby Jimenez or Emily Henry! This book also has the "black cat/golden retriever" trope, which I love!

This book follows Molly Marks and Seth Rubenstein, exes who reunite at their 10 year high school reunion. Molly is a rom-com screenwriter who doesn't believe in true love and Seth is a divorce attorney who also happens to be a hopeless romantic. These two are the ultimate "right person, wrong time" couple. After a one night stand after the reunion, the two make a bet on the fate of 5 couples at the reunion, which will still be together in 10 more years? Whoever wins will declare who is correct about love in the end. The catch is - one couple is the two of them.

It follows them over several years, as they keep connecting with each other, and while they do have feelings for each other, it's never the right time. Both of them have a lot to work through - Molly has a terrible fear of abandonment and commitment because of her dad, and Seth rushes love because he thinks it will fix all his problems.

Spoiler: after they get together finally, there is a third act breakup, but truly it felt necessary for me because they needed to work on their own issues apart from each other before they got together, even though they knew they were right for each other, and I think this breakup was motivation to do that!

This book was much more emotional than I expected it to be, I definitely cried, but I also laughed several times too! It strikes a great balance!

Overall, this is 5 stars for me!

My main issue with this is that it's being comped to Emily Henry. I know she's popular and an easy go-to comp for rom-coms, but this is nothing like an Emily Henry book. I actually don't think people that like Emily Henry in particular would gravitate toward this. I opened this expecting a certain type of story and that's not what I was given. This might comp better with Christina Lauren or something. I know that's nitpicky but it's how I feel.

The narration is well done, and I appreciate the two narrators for the two POVs. I would listen to other books with their narrations.

I don't know if I would read another book by this author however. The story just didn't work for me.

Just Some Stupid Love Story by Katelyn Doyle is the perfect contemporary rom com for the summer!

This second-chance romance follows the ever-practical Molly Marks as she is reacquainted with high school sweetheart, the charming Seth Rubinstein, at their high school reunion. After a drunken hook up, the two make a bet about the likelihood of five couples being together after five years (including themselves).

Doyle’s book is witty and laugh-out-loud funny, but it also has heart. I continued to root for our two lovers the entire time!

Narrators Christine Lakin and Tim Paige are superb! Their witty back and forth is so fun and entertaining!

Overall, I really loved this book. Fans of Emily Henry will not be disappointed by this one!

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advanced audio-copy of Just Some Stupid Love Story, in exchange for an honest review.

'Just Some Stupid Love Story' by Katelyn Doyle is a swoon worthy novel that captivates readers with its second chance romance, dual perspectives, and exploration of relationships and soulmates.

The story revolves around former high school sweethearts, Riley and Ethan, who reconnect at their high school reunion. Fueled by a desire for closure, they make a bet: to prove whether true love and soulmates exist. The wager involves observing the relationships of four of their couple friends and predicting their future.

Doyle deftly weaves together Riley and Ethan's past, present, and future through alternating chapters. The flashbacks provide depth and understanding to their initial connection and the reasons for their breakup. The present-day narrative explores their evolving feelings and the obstacles they face.

The author skillfully handles the emotional complexities of second chance romances. Doyle portrays the characters' vulnerability, longing, and the lingering pain from their past. The story is filled with missed timing, hurt feelings, and moments of pure longing.

What sets this book apart is its unique premise. The bet adds an extra layer of intrigue and tension to the narrative. Readers are invested in not only Riley and Ethan's relationship but also in the fate of their friends' relationships. Doyle keeps the reader guessing until the very end.

The audiobook narration by Christine Larkin and Tim Paige is exceptional. They bring the characters to life with distinct voices and emotions. The pacing is perfect, and the performance enhances the story's impact.

Overall, 'Just Some Stupid Love Story' is an unputdownable and highly recommended read for fans of second chance romances, dual POVs, and stories that explore the nature of relationships and soulmates. I truly loved this book and would recommend it to anybody that enjoys a good romance. 4.90 Stars!

Just Some Stupid Love Story centers on Molly Marks, a Hollywood screenwriter who goes to her 15-year high school reunion and meets again Seth Rubinstein, her former high-school boyfriend and divorce lawyer. They made a bet on who best predict five couples' romantic status, one of which includes them.

From the plot, I find Molly and Seth's relationship toxic. As much as I envision Molly as a unlikeable character from her nihilistic viewpoint of love and marriage early on in the story, the reason I couldn't click strongly with their chemistry is the lack of background. Most of the writing is telling than showing and there was a lot of direct mentions of the main characters' past yet I didn't have the opportunity to learn about their past interpersonal behaviors as a flashback. I am not part of the target audience for this book, but it shares some funny moments.

If you're looking for something along the lines of the punchy comedic flair of Funny Story and Love, Rosie but more smuttier and dialogue-heavy, this is the perfect audiobook to listen for the summer. Christine Lakin and Tim Paige's performance made this story breezy and memorable. This audiobook genuinely elevated my reading experience of Just Some Stupid Love Story that I will pick up another book from Doyle if it is the same narrators.


Story: 2/5 stars
Audiobook narration: 4/5 stars

Oh my goodness, I loved this!!! Christine Lakin is one of my favorite narrators and she captured Molly so well. Seth was so good and swoony and I loved their chemistry! Their relationship felt so real and hard won and I loved every minute of it! Such an amazing romcom!

Just Some Stupid Love Story was a fun audiobook to get me through my errands and day! Molly Marks is a romcom writer who does not believe in love; her high school sweetheart Seth Rubinstein is a divorce attorney who is ready for the love of his life—at their fifteenth high school reunion though, the two meet again and they make a bet: whoever predicts the fate of five couples before the next reunion must admit the other is right. This has a lot of elements of a classic rom com. There were some When Harry Met Sally vibes, and it felt like a kind of gender-swapped He’s Just Not That Into You. It was funny and original and I really enjoyed the pacing. I have trouble reading covid storylines, but this felt relatable and honest (covid was just a small part). Personally, I felt the steam levels were inconsistent, some of it was steamy and other parts were closed doors in ways that felt like a big difference. The third act breakup also didn’t super work for me, but the rest of the book did. The dialogue was fun and sharp and the characters were well developed. I loved the connection of Seth and Molly. They’re both complex characters and the banter was spot-on from their emails to texts to FaceTimes to in-person running. I do think this is one of the only grump/sunshines where they guy was the sunshine, and I do think I prefer a broody hero, but this book is bright and witty, and a fun rom com.

Rating: 4.5 stars!

The audio book narrators (for the dual POVs) are fantastic! You can hear the heartbreak and the hopefulness in their voices. The book was a spicy compared to the books I typically read, but if that's your thing, you're sure to love it!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.