4.5 stars rounded to 5.

Summary
Don't you love a book that’s truly just a pleasure to read? Where even though you know how it will end (or maybe because of it!), you enjoy the characters and the universe so much that picking it up is a treat? This debut from Katelyn Doyle is one of those books – make sure she’s on your radar because she’s going to be a star.

Just Some Stupid Love Song is an opposites attract, second chance rom-com featuring Seth, a hopelessly romantic divorce attorney, and Molly, a rom-com screenwriter who doesn’t believe in soulmates. Oh, and they’re exes. At their fifteenth high school reunion, they make a bet – whoever can predict the outcome of five relationships before their twentieth reunion has to admit that the other is right about romance. We watch them over the next five years – getting to know each other again, helping their friends navigate challenges and celebrate triumphs, and working through the baggage that shaped their views on romance and their interactions with each other. It gives strong When Harry Met Sally vibes with the jumps in time, their “will they/won't they” moments, and their “never the right time” situationship – I mean this as the highest compliment. If you liked When Harry Met Sally, you’ll enjoy this for sure.

Audio: Seth is narrated by Tim Paige, a new-to-me narrator. I didn’t love how we portrayed Seth when I first started the book – he came off very cocky and said a few things that were very cringe when I heard them but looked fine when I read them with my eyes later. It got better as the story went on (or I got used to it). The female narrator, Christine Lakin (Just For the Summer, Life’s too Short), does a fantastic job! Overall, I enjoyed the audiobook but would probably opt for my physical copy to re-read (and I WILL be re-reading this one!).

Characters (4/5)
Molly and Seth are opposites attract to the extreme and they each embody the opposite gender stereotypes we often see in rom coms. She’s a romance screenwriter who doesn’t believe in soulmates. He’s a divorce attorney and a hopeless romantic. This book is a romcom so you know it's going to end with a HEA, but I loved watching them get there. They both have a lot of baggage that have shaped their perspectives on romance and true love and they have to work through their own issues to be able to see the other’s point of view. And they do. And watching them get there and find what they need in each other is really a treat.

Atmosphere/Setting (4.5/5)
The setting changes every time we time jump, depending on whose POV we’re reading and what that character is doing. Molly lives in LA and the author nails it - sprawling city, pool-party level heat in the summer... The exact opposite of Seth’s home in Chicago. We also spend time on the gulf coast of Florida, New York City, the northwoods of Wisconsin, and Joshua Tree. As the narrative progresses through leaps in time every few chapters, the changing settings effectively distinguish each block of time.

Writing (4/5)
Generally well done. The dialogue is natural - not too colloquial or too formal.

Plot (4.5/5)
Love love love! The story takes place over a 5 year span with periodic jumps in time. It gives strong “When Harry Met Sally” vibes with the jumps in time, will they/won’t they, right person/wrong time, etc. The five year period spans 2018 to 2023, so you see Molly and Seth handle the pandemic and watch it impact their relationships. It’s well executed and feels authentic.

Intrigue (5/5)
I didn’t want to put it down because I enjoyed the characters so much. I just completely lost myself in the book, in the best way.

Logic (5/5)
No notes

Enjoyment (5/5)
I can't believe this is a debut, I just enjoyed the heck out of it

Narration
Seth is narrated by Tim Paige, a new-to-me narrator. I didn’t love how we portrayed Seth when I first started the book – he came off very cocky and said a few things that were very cringe when I heard them but looked fine when I read them with my eyes later. It got better as the story went on (or I got used to it).The female narrator, Christine Lakin (Just For the Summer, Life’s too Short), does a fantastic job! Overall, I enjoyed the audiobook but would probably opt for my physical copy to re-read (and I WILL be re-reading this one!).

I am blown away by this debut from Katelyn Doyle. It was right person, wrong time/second-chance romance done right imo. I loved the opposites attract and dual POV. The pining!! These characters had a lot of depth to them, which I appreciated. The premise itself was really interesting on its own but it wasn't relied upon entirely as its one and only "thing" which I found to be refreshing. There are times you want to strangle the MCs for not overcoming their issues sooner, but that all builds up so nicely, so hang in there. I will definitely add Katelyn Doyle to my "authors to read" list.

The narration was spectacular and I highly recommend checking out the audiobook!!

I received an ALC from Macmillan Audio via NetGalley and this is my honest review!

I did not finish this book. I absolutely could not take the male narrators voice. This is the first netgalley book I have not finished.

Overall, I really liked this book, this story and the fact that it was a debut!

If I am being critical, I struggled with Molly. Molly was VERRRRRRRRRY unlikeable and if my friend had dated her and been hurt by her, I'd be feral in keeping my friend away from her in the future. Seth deserved better! Yes people are flawed and grow, but she never really showed much growth.

That being said, I loved the second chance element, Seth was an absolute delight, the friendship circles were delightful and I absolutely loved that this started with a high school reunion - something I avoid like the plague, but made for a great book backdrop!

The writing was so well done, the characters were nearly perfect, I just think Molly needed more finessing as our main character, and I loved how this both started and ended.

An OUTSTANDING second chance, dual POV, romance debut that sees two former high school flames reconnecting at their high school reunion and making a bet on whether true love and soulmates exist and on the fate of the relationships of four of their couple friends as well as whether they will ever find a chance to make it work together.

Lots of missed timing, hurt feelings and a story that takes place over a number of years, including before, during and after the pandemic, this book was unputdownable and really great on audio narrated by Christine Larkin and Tim Paige. 10/10 recommend and I cannot wait to read more by this author! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.

Steam level: a couple hot open door scenes

Just Some Stupid Love Story, written by Katelyn Doyle and narrated by Christine Lakin and Tim Paige is ABSOLUTELY adorable!!!!

The narrators did a terrific job -- I enjoyed both of their voices. It was such a good book, made only better by the narrators.

I just adored this book. There was so much I liked about it. The class reunion. The pact. The friendship between the three ladies. Seth's family. All the things!

This book was well-developed and just so good. It was funny. It was sad. Seth Rubenstein was awesome. So much good.

(****there was one scene that was a little NC-17-ish)

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillion Audio for this advanced listen in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

So, I received this as an advanced listener copy from NetGalley. The narrators were great. The premise of the book is that two exes from High School reunite at their 15 year reunion and bet on whether couple around them will remain together in five year (including them). The back and forth and self sabotage was really frustrating for me to read. The FMC was really unlikable to me, and I found myself not caring whether they really ended up together or not. The MMC claimed to have worked on himself and understood his issues and yet repeats them. I felt like the character development and growth really wasn't there for either one of them. I also did not like that they talk about tropes repeatedly and used words in casual convo that were not realistic. Overall, it was an ok book. The banter was good. There were a couple funny moments. There is spice, but low level.

~opposites attract
~reverse grumpy sunshine
~second chance romance

I really enjoyed listening to Just Some Stupid Love Story by Katelyn Doyle and narrated by Christine Lakin and Tim Paige.

Here are the things I really liked about this book:
- the banter between Molly and Seth whether in person or through email/texts.
- I am so happy that this book was done in dual POV.
- Molly's childhood trauma was done very well and in a relatable and vulnerable way.
- the spice was perfect
- the connection between Seth and Molly
- Molly was very relatable
- Seth- the hopeless romantic who never gave up and was patient and understanding
-the emotions it made me feel (I laughed, swooned, was sad) I felt all the feels!

Read if you enjoy:
- reverse grumpy sunshine
- 2nd chance romances
- Dual POV
- opposites attract
- high school reunions

The narrators on this audio are 5/5. They really brought the characters to life and contributed to me feeling all the emotions in this book. I highly recommend the audio!

Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an ALC of this book. I voluntarily listened to it and gave an honest review.

I was up late listening to this book. I couldn't put the phone down. It was funny, cute, romantic and spicy -

“Just Some Stupid Love Story” is a second chance spicy romance by debut author Katelyn Doyle. Seth Rubinstein, a hopeless romantic divorce lawyer, and Molly Marks, a rom com screen writer who doesn’t believe in love are reunited at their 15 year reunion after Molly ghosted Seth on the night of their graduation. Convinced that they are soul mates, Seth makes a bet they would be together by their 20th reunion despite going their separate ways.

This is a fun dual POV rom com that was an easy listen or quick read. While Seth was a little too nice and Molly a little too jaded by her parent’s divorce, I was rooting for them to get together throughout the book. The storyline was unique and the side characters were interesting. Overall a good romance and a debut author to watch!

Amazing! I love a second chance romance. Rarely does a book make me tear up but this one did it! The relationships felt so real. Everyone needs a Seth!! Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to review.

3.5 stars. Cute second chance romance.

This debut wasn’t anything new, but it was an easy read with good banter and chemistry between the MCs.

I enjoy dual POV in audio and Christine Lakin and Tim Paige did a great job.

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan audio for the ALC.

Just Some Stupid Love Story follows exes Molly and Seth over a 5 year span after they make a bet at their high school reunion. Molly is a pessimistic rom-com screenplay writer that doesn't believe in soul mates, and Seth is a divorce attorney that does believe in them. I thoroughly enjoyed their banter, character development, and spicy scenes. I love when a romance includes elements of platonic relationships or family relationships, and this one includes both.

Perfect for fans of second chance romances, witty banter, and cinnamon roll MMCs.

I really enjoyed the narration and loved that there was a narrator for each POV.

I received an ALC from Macmillan Audio via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"Just Some Stupid Love Story" creates a wonderfully nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of a When Harry Met Sally romance - if they had been high school sweethearts. Molly, a cynical rom-com screenwriter, and Seth, an optimistic divorce attorney, reunite at their 15-year high school reunion. With Seth as sunshine and Molly the grump, we follow them over the next 5 years.

Seth, the sunshine hero, is a character that naturally won me over. His optimism and charm are brought vividly to life, not only through the story but also through the excellent performance by Tim Paige in the audiobook version. Christine Lakin, who narrates Molly's character, also does a fantastic job, further enhancing the listening experience. The dual POV format of the audiobook truly brings the characters and their emotions to life - making you (well me at least) adore Seth even more.

The sparkling dialogue and the fun, enjoyable storyline make "Just Some Stupid Love Story" something I would recommend. My only minor gripe is the prolonged 'will they/won't they' tension, which may be a tad too long for those of us with less patience.

Overall, "Just Some Stupid Love Story" is a charming and fun audiobook that is a solid 4 out of 5 stars for me. I have a feeling Katelyn Doyle will be an author on my must read list moving forward!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced audio copy of this book, provided in exchange for my unbiased review.

I’d like to start by saying I adored this book - it contains some of my favorite rom-com tropes and plot devices. I’ve already reviewed the e-book ARC of Just Some Stupid Love Story, and I’m adding that review below..

For now I’d like to focus specifically on the audiobook version. I tend to buy the audiobook versions for my favorite books, which I listen to while working. It’s funny how the vocal performances can sometimes change your perception of the plot or the characters. In this case, I realize I probably downplayed Seth’s cheerful and cheesy nature when I read the book. Those qualities really come across in the audiobook performance. This really emphasis the black cat/golden retriever elements of Molly and Seth’s personalities. Both performances were well executed, even if I did find Seth’s enthusiasm to be a bit much at times. I think that was probably the point.

I gave the e-book a solid 5 stars. The audiobook is 4.5, rounded to 5, in my opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced audio copy of this book, provided in exchange for my unbiased review.

Original Review:

This book - I cannot overstate my level of emotional involvement. Near perfect. If you’re a fan of right-person-wrong-time, second chance, slow burn romances with some depth, this is for you.

As a woman who is allergic to displays of emotion, I related so much to Molly, and the chemistry/rapport with Seth was spot on. Every time they almost got together only for something to go wrong had me on the edge of my seat. I always enjoy seeing older protagonists work through real issues, vs. cutesy rom-coms with little real-world conflict. No, there are some legitimate traumas and personal issues here that need to be worked through before our main characters get their happily ever after.

I loved the premise of the book - the cynical romance screen writer and the romantic divorce attorney making a bet on the fate of five couples. Even though some of those couples don’t get their own happy ending.

A wonderful contemporary romance debut. Can’t wait to read more from Katelyn Doyle.

Molly is a pessimist when it comes to love. Seth is a hopeless romantic. Molly and Seth dated in high school. Everything was going great, until she broke his heart. Now they've reconnected at their high school reunion, but Seth doesn't understand why Molly still doesn't believe in soulmates. They make a bet on where 5 of the relationships of their classmates and friends will stand in 5 years, theirs included. What's on the line? Can true love prevail.

I thought the idea of this story was really cute. It felt very much like a rom-com, however it was very frustrating at times that our MCs had these huge character flaws that they were completely aware of the entire book, and yet continued to make the same mistakes throughout the ENTIRE BOOK. I was glad for the rom-com happy ending, but I think it would have almost been better for these two if they hadn't ended up together.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this audiobook!

I was a little put off by the narrator that read Seth’s character. His voice could be a little grating at times. Once I was enthralled by the story I no longer felt that way. Molly and Seth’s story spanned from high school sweethearts to strangers with different views on love and life. Molly had to get through past hang ups on relationships to see what was right in front of her in the end. Seth was a true hero for waiting her out to catch up to how he felt they were meant to be. Full of laughs and frustrating moments this was a great read. Thank you to NetGalley for this free advanced copy in exchange for my honest review

Thank you NetGalley, Katelyn Doyle, and Macmillan Audio for granting me access to this ALC in exchange for an honest review. The narrators, Christine Lakin and Tim Paige were incredible!

What a unique, hilarious, and entertaining <I> debut </I> romantic comedy!! It combines a captivating blend of sweetness and tenderness, all wrapped up in a steamy package with the most adorable cover imaginable! "Just Some Stupid Love Story" follows Molly and Seth, high school sweethearts who reunite fifteen years later at their reunion, sparking a friendly wager. Filled with hope, pining, tension, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, it also delivers a generous dose of sizzling spice. The narrative presents authentic and relatable characters, making it effortless for readers to connect with and cheer for them! The reason I didn't rate it five stars is because I felt the book was a bit too lengthy. There were numerous occasions where it seemed like the characters were on the verge of resolving their issues, only to encounter another setback. Despite the occasional frustration, the payoff of a satisfying happily ever after made it all worthwhile!!

<I>Tropes/Themes:</I>
🧡Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine
🧡Second Chance at Love
🧡High School Sweethearts
🧡Slow Burn Romance
🧡Opposites Attract
🧡Cinnamon Roll/Golden Retriever MMC
🧡Dual POV
🔥🔥Spicy Scenes

<I> Synopsis: </I>
A romcom screenwriter who cynically rejects love and a divorce attorney who ardently believes in it find themselves reunited at their high school reunion fifteen years after their break up. Molly Marks, jaded by her Hollywood rom-com career, views love as a sham, except for her past with Seth Rubinstein, whom she ghosted years ago. Meanwhile, Seth, despite his job as a divorce attorney, remains a hopeful romantic, convinced that Molly is his soulmate. When circumstances force them together, fueled by martinis and nostalgia, they make a bet: predict the fates of five couples before the next reunion, with the fifth couple being themselves. Molly insists they are doomed to heartbreak, while Seth vows to win her over. As they embark on their wager, Seth has five years to prove Molly wrong and convince her that true love exists.

In summary, it is a delightful, fun, spicy and well written rom-com that kept me engaged until the very end! This is my first read by Katelyn Doyle and I look forward to reading more of her books.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

really liked this, it was sooo hot and steamy (the phone sex scene... hello!!!) like woah. i loved the writing and the mmc was actually genuinely funny, i really liked his vibe, very witty and related SO much to Molly and loved how she started opening up to the idea of being loved and in a relationship. Molly gave black cat energy and Seth (btw i love that name so much) gave golden retriever. Really enjoyed this and kinda reminded me of pwmov by emhen actually!!! Also really loved this as an audiobook

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC <<3

If you’ve seen the movie Down to You, about two exes who seem to weave in and out of each other’s lives before ultimately getting together, this has a very similar feel. Deep down, you know they belong together- but it’s deeply painful to get to that point.

I wanted to like it, but it was infuriating seeing Molly emulating the behavior of her father, someone she vehemently despises.

The time span of five years just feels too dang long, for them to have gotten together by year 2 and then take turns breaking each others hearts for the following three.