✒️ ARC REVIEW 📧
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5/5)
📧 Between keyboard clicks and live mics, love blooms 🎙️
Yael wears too many hats - librarian by day, host of a queer teen book club by night, and behind it all, the secret voice of “Elle Rex,” a podcaster who critiques school reading lists. When she hires a remote editor to help keep her double life afloat, their email exchanges begin to spark with something more. What Yael doesn’t realize is that her new editor, 'Kevin', is actually Ravi - her roommate’s infamous one-night stand, and someone already tangled in her orbit. Think "You’ve Got Mail" - the ’90s rom-com where two people fall in love through emails without realizing they’re sparring in real life - only here it’s reimagined for a modern, queer audience.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its inclusivity: Yael is a Jewish woman of color who identifies as bisexual, and Ravi is an Indo-Trinidadian bisexual man. The supporting cast includes aro, trans, and other queer identities. The breadth of representation is refreshing, and I appreciated how Katz wove in threads of mental health and family obligation, grounding the story in something that feels entirely relatable.
Where I stumbled was with the writing. At times the prose felt uneven, the pacing disjointed, and transitions abrupt, which made it harder to stay immersed. I realize this is an ARC and some of that will likely smooth out in the final version, but it did impact my overall reading experience.
Even so, "Isn’t It Obvious?" has heart, inclusivity, and a clever premise. While it wasn’t a perfect fit for me, readers who enjoy the enemies-to-lovers trope, queer rom-coms, and stories that embrace the beauty (and chaos) of love will definitely find this story worthwhile.
❤️ Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and author Rachel Runya Katz for the eARC in exchange for an honest review
"Isn’t It Obvious?" stands out in the queer rom-com genre by blending classic romantic tropes with a refreshing level of inclusivity and authentic representation. The story’s modern take on the iconic “You’ve Got Mail” formula invites readers into a world where digital communication sparks unexpected romance amidst real-life complexities. What makes this novel particularly engaging is its commitment to diverse identities and experiences. Yael, a Jewish bisexual woman of color, juggles multiple roles that many readers might find relatable, from managing a day job as a librarian to her passion project as a podcaster criticizing school reading lists. Meanwhile, Ravi, her editor and a bisexual Indo-Trinidadian man, adds another layer of rich cultural and sexual identity to the narrative. Their interactions, crafted mainly through email and online editing work, capture the flirtatious and awkward dance of modern romance. Representation extends beyond the main characters, as the supporting cast includes aro, transgender, and other queer identities, offering readers a wide spectrum of perspectives on love and identity. This breadth of inclusivity not only reflects the diversity of modern society but also deepens the emotional impact of the story, making it resonate on multiple levels. Beyond identity, the novel thoughtfully addresses mental health and familial responsibilities, grounding the romantic plot in real-world challenges faced by many readers. This adds authenticity and emotional depth that elevates the story beyond a typical rom-com. Although the writing shows signs of an early review copy, with occasional pacing and prose unevenness, the novel’s heart and clever premise shine through. Fans of rom-coms that highlight modern relationships, especially those within the queer community, will find much to love here. Importantly, the ARC’s timing, with its official release scheduled for October 21st, 2025, signals exciting upcoming opportunities for readers to dive into a heartfelt, funny, and inclusive love story. For anyone seeking books that highlight queer love with warmth, humor, and cultural insight, Rachel Runya Katz’s "Isn’t It Obvious?" promises to be a memorable read. This review and discussion align with conversations on platforms like #booktok and #bookstagram, where queer romance and diverse narratives continue to gain passionate followings. Engaging with such communities can enhance the reading experience, providing additional perspectives and recommendations. In summary, "Isn’t It Obvious?" offers not just entertainment but a meaningful exploration of identity, love, and connection in the digital era, making it a valuable addition to contemporary queer literature.
