✒️ 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
Stepping into the world of "Isn't It Obvious?" by Rachel Runya Katz was an absolute treat, even in its ARC form. As a huge fan of "rom arc" stories, I'm always on the lookout for fresh, diverse voices, and this book certainly delivers. It's not just another romance; it's a vibrant, "Queer Rom-Com!" that reimagines classic tropes with a modern, inclusive lens. What truly captivated me about this "Isn't It Obvious book" is its incredible cast of characters. Yael, a Jewish woman of color who identifies as bisexual, and Ravi, an Indo-Trinidadian bisexual man, bring so much depth and authenticity to the narrative. It’s so refreshing to see such rich, multifaceted representation, extending even to the supporting characters who embrace aro, trans, and other queer identities. This isn't just tokenism; it's woven into the fabric of the story, making it feel genuinely real and relatable. You can tell Katz put her heart into crafting these diverse experiences, grounding them with threads of mental health and family obligations that resonate deeply. The premise itself is pure gold: "IN LOVE ONLINE, ENEMIES IRL." If you, like me, adore the classic "You've Got Mail" setup, imagine that delicious tension amplified by secret identities, a queer modern setting, and the delightful enemies-to-lovers trope. Yael, secretly the critical podcaster "Elle Rex," hires a remote editor who turns out to be Ravi – her roommate's infamous one-night stand. Their email exchanges spark, creating this wonderful, "spicy!!!" slow-burn connection while their real-life interactions are, shall we say, less harmonious. It’s a masterful dance between digital intimacy and real-world friction, keeping you hooked from start to finish. While I did notice some areas in the prose that felt a bit uneven in this advanced reader copy, it's important to remember that ARCs are works in progress. I have high hopes that these will be polished in the final version. The heart, the wit, and the sheer joy of the story shine through regardless. For anyone diving into "rom arc" reads, especially those looking for a queer romance with a lot of soul, this is a must-add to your TBR. For readers who might be searching for engaging romance with strong characters and fresh perspectives, perhaps even exploring authors like Tia Louise Pinch who deliver compelling narratives, "Isn't It Obvious?" offers a fantastic alternative. It brings a unique blend of humor, heart, and important representation that enriches the romance genre. The way it tackles themes of identity, passion, and personal growth while wrapping it all in a genuinely fun and "spicy" love story makes it stand out. I’m genuinely excited for everyone to get their hands on this when it officially releases on October 21st, 2025. This "Isn't It Obvious book" is more than just a rom-com; it's a celebration of diverse love stories that deserve to be told and cherished. If you're ready for a romance that’s clever, inclusive, and utterly charming, mark your calendars!
