Seth is such a golden retriever and die hard believer in true love, while Molly is a complete cynic with debilitating anxiety. They had a thing in high school that ended in disaster, but maybe this time could be different. This one had me cheesing. It was a bit predictable and made fun of itself and I have a soft spot for that fourth wall breaking style of writing. The spice came completely put of left field, but I like how they kept their silly banter throughout. It dragged a bit in the back half, but things pick back up and close out in dramatic rom-com fashion. If you're looking for a funny and emotional second-chance romance, this definitely fits the bill.
*Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC*

This has an extremely rough beginning, where I was debating quitting and having a DNF book, but I kept pushing myself through and by the last 1/4 of the book I was finally a little into the story, but it was rough. The narrator was good, and I liked the premise of the book, but a lot of the dialogue bothered me and I just really did not like it.
It follows the story of Molly and Seth, former high school sweethearts, as they reconnect 15, and then reconnect again, and again and finally wind up together, then apart then together. Again, the premise of the book really sounded like something fun that I could enjoy.
For me, the book felt like it dragged somewhat and was a little too long. I think part of that may have been because their bouts of friendship/not speaking/attempts at reconciliation are drawn out over five years. At some point it just became tiresome. While the banter between the two main characters can be entertaining at times, it’s clear they don’t have a healthy connection with each other (romantic or otherwise). As a high school librarian, in a rural community, it was a little spicy for me to house at our school. But I probably would not recommend it to a friend either. I just couldn't love the book.
This is the first book I’ve read from Katelyn Doyle, and while this one wasn’t really for me, I would give another book by her a try.
Thanks Netgalley for the arc copy to preview.

Okay, I was *immediately* drawn into by the amazing cover and first chapter. It's captivating right off the bat.

JUST SOME STUPID LOVE STORY opens with jaded rom-com screenwriter Molly Marks visiting Florida for her fifteen high school reunion. She's immediately (and reluctantly) reunited with her high school boyfriend Seth, an in-love-with-love, charming, (now) divorce attorney who is enthusiastically searching for his soulmate. But still, he holds a candle for Molly, who ghosted him on the eve of their graduation and gave him his first heartbreak.

As the two reconnect at the reunion, their clashing beliefs in love lead them to wager a five-year bet involving the romantic fates of a handful of their close-friend couples -- and themselves. This story is funny and a right person, wrong time journey that has you aching for the love interests to finally just FIGURE IT OUT and get together. It's a sexy romp that will really be some readers' cup of tea.

It wasn't totally mine, however. While it started strong, I was a little put off by Molly's "not like other girls" energy -- it grated on me more and more as the story progressed. And while I loved the narrator for Molly, I didn't like the male narrator for Seth, and that made it hard for me to like him as a character. And in order for me to root for Molly and Seth's relationship, I needed a much stronger development of their high school romance (beyond the fact that they were physically attracted to each other). I just didn't understand how they could fall in love in the first place, given how truly opposite they were. I think more solid flashbacks to their teenage connection could have helped make the eventual romance more believable, and the struggle more worth the resolution. By the middle, I was increasing the audio speed to finish more quickly because I was losing interest and investment in the outcome.

I genuinely hope this book finds its audience, because the world needs more literary rom-coms. It just wasn't a knock-out for me unfortunately.

Thank you to Flatiron Books and Netgalley for the e-ARC, and to Macmillan Audio for the ALC, in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. JUST SOME STUPID LOVE STORY is out 6/4/24.

I liked this story well enough. Good second chance at romance type of book. I felt it could have been shorter and just as good, some parts were dragged out way to long. I can tell you Seth is non existent in the real world, or I am more of a Molly type. It had some spicy parts, not many, but be aware. Will recommend to friends for a fun summer read. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I haven't read this author before, but I will be searching out her books.

Molly and Seth were sweethearts in high school. She broke up with him to head up a future breakup. They run into each other at their 15th high school reunion. They had a wonderful time together. He lives in Chicago, she lives in LA. There is no reason to start up a relationship. But each of them has been reawakened to their past and current attraction. Seth is in search for "his person" and he disparately wants to be married and to have a family of his own. Molly has commitment problems. As they run into each other now and then for the next year or two, each is in another relationship.

I really enjoyed this book. Loved the characters and the story telling. If you're looking for a spicey love story, with laughter, sadness, love and breakups, this is a great book for you. I listened to the audio version. The narration was wonderful.

This delightful rom-com really hits the mark for it's genre. Sparkling banter between the main characters Molly and Seth, spicy sex scenes, very funny dialog between supporting characters and a few good life lessons thrown in for good measure. I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrators were excellent. Molly and Seth meet again at their fifteenth high school reunion which is a bit awkward as Molly had broken up with Seth right before graduation. But there is still a spark between them, they had never really gotten over each other. After too many cocktails they spend the night together and wake up to some regrets. But they make a bet. They each choose which of five couples at the reunion they think will be together at the next high school reunion. This is just the beginning of how they will make their way back to each other. Of course it won't be easy but it is a pleasure to go on this journey with them, rooting for them all the way. I really enjoyed this novel. Fun, flirty and full of lovers trying to find their soul mates. Highly recommended. 5 stars.

When Molly Marks runs into her high school sweetheart, Seth Rubenstein, at their fifteenth reunion, they're amused to find their lives are a bit backwards- she, the cynic, writes Hollywood rom-coms, and he, the hopeless romantic, is a successful divorce attorney. As they chat (and drink a bit!) they find there is still a good spark between them. Embarking on a bet to be settled at their twentieth reunion, Molly & Seth continue to float in and out of each other's lives, each time trying to determine if this is their own happily ever after.

I absolutely adored this book! I love a good second chance romance but typically read the more serious, tragedy-separated-us type so this extra cheesy rom-com was a fun departure for me. The characters are fantastic, they're a bit stereotypical but are fleshed out enough to make them feel real. I also thought the fact that both characters are pretty wealthy and successful was written in a way that didn't make you dislike them or portray them as snobby.

The only thing I didn't love was that a little more than halfway through things seemed to be pretty much resolved, so for a little bit I wasn't really sure where the book had left to go. It did pick back up quickly and I really enjoyed the rest of the book as much as I enjoyed the first half so it all worked out in the end. I sincerely hope this one gets made into a movie. I would love to see people with cute Katie Holmes/Joshua Jackson chemistry bring this to the big (or little!) screen!!! Can't wait for more from this author!

Also, the narrator in this book is excellent!! Absolute perfection!

3.5🌟
Just Some Stupid Love Story by Katelyn Doyle was a cute RomCom with a bit of spice.
The story for me dragged somewhat, too much prolonging.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

There were parts of this story that I really enjoyed but some I also did not. First I will say that I really loved the narrator for Molly in this book but the narrator for Seth didn’t work as well for me. I almost stopped listening because I felt like his narration was sort of off-putting. However the audiobook was overall really easy to listen to and kept me engaged. Otherwise I think the story was interesting but I think it just wasn’t totally for me.

Let me start by saying that I don’t always love stories that take place over many years. It stresses me out as a reader to watch the ups and downs of the characters’ lives over the years-don’t ask me why. However, Katelyn Doyle has done a fantastic job of taking us on the journey of Seth and Molly’s life and ultimate love story. Seth and Molly were high school sweethearts but Molly dumped Seth because her father left her and she had major issues with love and being left behind. Fast forward a decade and Seth and Molly meet again at their high school reunion. Steamy bits happen and they then part ways, aside from the occasional text or email. We then follow both characters (gotta love a dual POV) as they navigate their lives apart and sometimes together through the years. Both Seth and Molly realize that their lives would be better together but Molly has to deal with her insecurities around love and her father (who is the WORST) and Seth needs to learn to take things slow and not jump head first into the dream of kids and a white picket fence.

Also, I need to mention COVID! Doyle did an excellent job of incorporating covid with all the nuances, ie, masks, social distancing, working from home, online school, travelling risks, and the isolation of sheltering in place. It brought me back to that time without feeling like the book was dated.

Watching Molly mature and accept that she can love and be loved was so satisfying. Her mother and friends were phenomenal and Seth’s family was wonderful and hilarious!
The audio was great and I loved the dual narration. A lot of this book was text and email based but it was done so well, which can be tricky with audiobooks. It was so easy to follow and not at all distracting.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Just Some Stupid Love Story by Katelyn Doyle is a High School lovers/besties turned enemies to lovers story with a decent bit of steam. It has a pessimistic lead female, Molly, who is a rom-com writer who doesn't believe in the happily ever after she peddles. The golden retriever main male character, Seth, is a divorce attorney who wants nothing more than his happily ever after. When they meet up at their high school reunion they place a bet on who knows relationships better and pick some couples at the reunion to guess if they'll make it to the next reunion or be history by then.

I related to the anti-emotion sentiments of Molly and highlighted this quote that is so me "I hate to experience emotions, at least in public" 😂 I also appreciated the brief WI rep of Lake Geneva and the mention of cheese curds 😂

This didn't hold my attention much, and a week later, I barely remember what I did enjoy about it. I remember liking some parts of it, but it felt too long.

From the moment I hit play, I was swept away on a whirlwind of emotions, captivated by the tantalizing dance of longing and desire. The chemistry between the protagonists crackled with intensity, fueling the flames of a love born from the most unlikely of circumstances.

The enemies-to-lovers trope, executed flawlessly, added layers of complexity to their relationship, keeping me on the edge of my seat with every encounter. Yet, what truly sets this romance apart is its exploration of opposites attracting.

Watching two seemingly incompatible souls gravitate towards each other, drawn by an irresistible magnetic pull, left me breathless with anticipation. And as the story unfolded, each twist and turn only served to deepen my investment, leaving me utterly spellbound until the very last word.

With its expertly crafted narration and emotionally gripping plot, this audiobook has secured its place as a cherished favorite in my collection.

3.25 stars

I have mixed feelings on this book. I really enjoyed the first half of the book, but the last half felt repetitive and very tiresome. It made this book feel a lot longer than it actually was.

The FMC Molly got on my nerves. She was so cynical and unlikeable. I totally understand why she is the way she is, but she got in her own way so many times, I couldn’t stand it anymore. The MMC Seth was more likeable, but very naive and almost a little too whimsical/mythical (I know this is a book, but come on, no guy is like this at all).

I know this was listed as a Rom-Com, but I really didn’t find it too funny. There were a couple scenes that were kind of silly, but I wouldn’t call this a Rom-Com.

Thanks NetGalley and publisher for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

I was given an audio arc of this through NetGalley and the publisher Macmillan. I gave this book 4 stars.

The book starts out with Molly going to her high school reunion and running into Seth, her high school love. Molly writes rom-coms for a living and Seth is now a divorce lawyer, both jobs at odds with their beliefs in love. Molly doesn’t believe in love, while Seth is a huge romantic. They end up together after the reunion, and from there it’s a long run of hits and misses.

This book started off a little silly and I did not like Seth at first, but I grew to love him throughout the book. I loved the second half of the book. Even though it was chaotic, I loved the journey and the focus in both people as individuals as well.

Solid 4 stars.

This book was such a cute lil romcom - which is very meta for the plot. The story follows Molly and Seth. They were high school sweethearts who broke up shortly after graduation. Molly completely shattered Seth's heart and they have both been in and out of relationships since. When they find themselves seated at the same table at their 15 year reunion, old feelings flare and emotions run high. The book follows the next 5 years of their lives as they weave through different relationships and try to fight the invisible string that pulls them together.

FMC: Molly is a romcom screenplay writer who ironically is an pessimist when it comes to real life relationships.
MMC: Seth is an optimistic divorce/family law attorney who has been chasing love his entire life. For a lot of the book Seth is a bit too overbearingly positive and it gave me the ick.
They are literally black cat x golden retriever energy.

Spice: 3/5, their are some pretty spicy scenes but it is not the overall narrative of the story.

Tropes: second (and third and fourth) chance romance, high school sweethearts, opposites attract, reversed grumpy x sunshine.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Macmillan audio for this ARC!

I really enjoyed this book! Loved the character of Seth! His positive attitude was so refreshing. I can't believe I am saying the ending felt rushed while at the same time the book was a little too long. I'm giving it 4 stars b/c it was just too long.

This book offered a second-chance romance with a high school sweethearts, which is a trope I always love. The premise, involving a bet that pushes the characters together, had a lot of potential.

While I can see where they might have been going by billing this as a book Emily Henry readers would love with the grumpy/sunshine vibe, but the similarity ends there. The overall feel differed from the heartwarming and witty style of Emily Henry. It aligns more with Tessa Bailey's work, though the spice level was dialed back.

The characters' stubborn personalities clashed frequently, leaving me unconvinced of their romantic spark. Their journeys of self-discovery and the bet that brought them together in the first place could have been more fleshed out.

However, the glimpse into the world of screenwriting was fascinating, and I found myself wanting to see more of the main character's professional journey. The audiobook narration was well-done overall, but the male narrator's voice didn't quite match my image of the character.

Overall, this book had some charming elements, but the execution could have been stronger. With a bit more development of the emotional connection and a tighter focus on the second-chance aspect, it could have truly shined.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the opportrunity to read and review.

Give me all the rom-coms- especially ones that involve a main character who writes them! Just Some Stupid Love Story is a fun, easy read with a very unique storyline. Katelyn Dole throws in just enough nostalgic references to transport me back to my high school years. Molly & Seth are both such lovable, well-written main characters in this story. This would be the perfect beach read/listen this summer!!

Thank you NetGalley , Macmillan Audio, &Flatiron Books for an ARC copy of this book

This book was really unique and fun. We have a grumpy/sunshine trope, but our heroine Molly is the grump and our hero Seth is super upbeat. The ex-high school sweethearts Molly and Seth meet at their 15th high school reunion. They hook-up and have a debate on whether soulmates exist. So they make a bet, and they choose 5 couples from the reunion including themselves, to see who will make it to their 20th reunion together. This is such a unique concept, and I loved the dynamic where Seth was so ready to settle down, and Molly is skittish about relationships.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the advanced reader copy. Christine Lakin and Tim Paige were great narrators and really enhanced the story. I highly recommend this audiobook, I really enjoyed it.