Just Some Stupid Love Story by Katelyn Doyle
Contemporary Romance
June 4, 2024- Flatiron Books
ARC

Review by Angela

Second chance romance is my weakness in contemporary romance. So is the grumpy/sunshine, and opposites attract tropes, which is why as soon as I read the blurb, I couldn’t help but hit that request button. Just Some Stupid Love Story introduces high school sweethearts, who reconnect after attending a high school reunion and falling into bed. The next morning doesn’t immediately bring them together, but they make a bet about relationships and which of their friends will still be together by the next reunion.

Molly Marks writes Hollywood romantic comedies, but she doesn’t believe in lasting love. Her high school boyfriend, Seth Rubinstein, believes in soulmates, and a forever kind of love, despite being a divorce attorney. Their teenage romance ran hot and heavy, until Molly broke it off suddenly right before college. The reunion brings them together again, and their friendship and feelings for each other are rekindled. This book takes place over several years so there are a lot of ups and downs. Dating other people, always coming back to each other. There was almost a When Harry Met Sally feel as they navigated the relationship over the years.

The extended timeline felt almost too long. I enjoyed their love story and watching them work through their issues that have kept them apart for so long, but I kind of wished it was over a shorter time period. I kept having to go back and check the year and date before each chapter to see where they were in the time jumps. There is a HEA, and I liked the angsty last several chapters and resolution.

I can honestly say that I was just as invested in the secondary couples’ relationships as with the main characters. The bet kept them at the forefront of my mind throughout the book, and I wondered along with Molly and Seth who would make it and who would end up with a new partner.

While I had some issues with the long timeline, I did enjoy this read. I’ll definitely be looking forward for more from this author in the future.

Grade- B-