I loved this, first time reading this author and not what I'd usually choose, but was intrigued and really enjoyed it. I found the first half interesting as there was a lot of detail about making comedy sketches for a live TV show, it also sets the scene for Sally and Noah making contact. The parts where they start emailing during lockdown were when it really took off for me. I felt covid was handled really well, some recent books kind of acknowledge it but this book really integrated it into the story. Sally was a great character and I rooted for her. Plot zipped along and was very witty, would definitely read more by this author, highly recommend.

I've been a fan of Sittenfeld since reading 'Prep' many years ago. I wasn't too sure how the story would evolve here. For me it was a slow burn, but I ended up really getting into it when Sally and Noah were emailing one another.

As the title suggests this is a romantic comedy where a writer of a comedy show that is Definitely Not Saturday Night Live falls for one of the guest hosts. It’s playing with the ideas of romantic comedy movies whilst also being a romantic comedy and following a lot of the rules that you would expect but in subtle (well sort of) ways. What I always enjoy about Curtis Sittenfeld’s books are the heroines – they’re always smart often a little (or a lot) neurotic and have interesting and not perfect lives and back stories. It’s fun just to spend time with them – but even more so when Sittenfeld is playing with something that you love – which I think is why I loved her Eligible (modern day retelling of Pride and Prejudice) so much. And this is a good one. If you follow celeb gossip in anyway you can probably work out who inspired the Danny Horst rule, but actually that’s just a device to set up everything else. I’ve read a bunch of books recently where one half of the couple is famous and the other isn’t and while a lot of them give their celebrities similar issues not all the books are good at it. And yes I realise that I’ve now recommended three of them in a very short time – but I’ve read more of them than that and haven’t told you about the rest!

I guess the main difference with this is that because it’s Curtis Sittenfeld it gets a hardback release and a photo cover (in the UK at least) rather than coming out in paperback with a cartoon/drawn cover like Nora Goes Off Script or Funny You Should Ask. But it’s actually much more similar to those in style and tone than it is to a lot of the other stuff that gets hardback releases. And that’s a good thing not a criticism. And it’s also a Reese Witherspoon pick. So that’s fun too. All in all, really, really good and also a book that will make you smile.

I found the book like a diary. I didn't really find it romantic or funny so didn't really enjoy. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book.

I enjoyed this, though I’ll admit the comedy sketch discussions and dissections in the first half of the book held very little interest for me. The characters I rather liked thought and the story took off and became more interesting after the half way point when the two main characters start chatting and getting. to know each other during lockdown via emails.

One thing though - I know it was meant tongue in cheek by the author but 52 is not old!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for my review.

I am one of a seemingly rare type of person who picked Prep up in 2005 and have read it annually since - despite never picking up another of Sittenfeld’s books. And I adore everything about Prep.

Romantic Comedy gives off a lot of these same vibes - the semi-awkward characters, the fact that it is so much an exploration of character rather than merely a focus upon building a narrative. And, for me, it works well. There is so much humour in the pages and it feels just as much a coming of age story as Prep - albeit a later-life one.

Many books in the last couple of years have given a nod (or more) to Covid. And usually it makes me cringe as it can add little to the narrative other than “and we couldn’t leave the house so…” - but here it is crafted well into the prose and brings out the story more.

This is definitely one of my top reads of the year so far. Highly recommended.

I seem to be in the minority on this book in that I expected to love it but didn’t. I absolutely adored Eligible by the same author, a contemporary retelling of Pride & Prejudice. She’s clearly a clever and witty writer. For what it’s worth, here are my thoughts.

I’ll be honest and say it took me quite a while to get into this one. Most of the first half of the book, the first chapter, focussed on the ins and outs and the comedy sketch show The Night Owls. There was a lot of detail about coming up with the sketches, the writing process, how they were selected and so on. It was interesting to get an insight into this fast paced and high pressured world but it took a while for even a glimpse of a romance element to feature. It’s apparently clearly meant to be based on the tv show Saturday Night Live but, not being American, that passed me by.

The second chapter is made up of emails and I really enjoyed this part. It was much more like I was expecting, was entertaining and often funny. This chapter takes place in 2020, partly in lockdown, and Sally and Noah get to know each other more honestly through emails. They begin to find they quite like each other and perhaps had more in common than they thought. In chapter three, they decide to take a chance and meet up again. There’s a few days of bliss, of a normal relationship, before the paparazzi spots them. I could really see the challenge of being in a relationship with someone mega famous. This was an issue for Sally even though she was used to being around celebrities with her job on The Night Owls. I found myself despairing at Sally sometimes and wondering if the strain of being in the media would break them.

I felt this was a book of two halves. I really wasn’t keen on the first part at all, really enjoyed the second and quite enjoyed the last part. As you’ll have gathered, this wasn’t a big hit for me. So many other people absolutely love it though so don’t let me put you off. Give it and go and let me know what you think.

Romantic comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld.
With a series of heartbreaks under her belt, Sally Milz - successful script writer for a legendary late-night TV comedy show - has long abandoned the search for love.But when her friend and fellow writer begins to date a glamorous actress, he joins the growing club of interesting but average-looking men who get romantically involved with accomplished, beautiful women. Sally channels her annoyance into a sketch, poking fun at this 'social rule'. The reverse never happens for a woman.Then Sally meets Noah, a pop idol with a reputation for dating models. But this isn't a romantic comedy - it's real life. Would someone like him ever date someone like her?
A good read. I did like Sally and Noah story. 4*.

This is a lovely heart warming story of love slightly later in life, when the heart has been bruised a bit and you are looking at the world through not quite rose tinted glasses, set in the comedy writing world of a show not unlike Saturday Night Live. I loved the insight in to how a show like that is put together, I loved loved loved the camaraderie and affection between the people who work on the show. Sally is a smart and funny writer who ends up having a bit of a crush on one of the guest hosts, a pop star called Noah, and can't quite believe that he could like her. There are lots of funny one liners, and clever writing, especially once the pandemic hits and Noah gets in touch and their "courtship" is conducted through email.

This is the first book that I have read by this author, but I doubt it will be the last. It really is a lovely book which I would recommend you read and you won't be sorry that you did

Wow, I just loved Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld (ad pr product via Netgalley).

Sally writes for a late night comedy sketch show that has a weekly celebrity guest presenter. This week very handsome musician Noah is the guest host. Sally finds herself reluctantly drawn towards him but would a successful and gorgeous musician be interested in an ordinary writer, or does that only happen when the genders are reversed?

In many ways this book is exactly what it says on the tin, a really lovely romantic comedy with Sittenfeld’s writing elevating it with strong and smart women characters who are both relatable and likeable. I’ve found that many so called ‘feel good’ and ‘romance’ books have a really dark side to them which ruins them a bit for me. This one was just pure page turning joy. If you are looking for something to take on holiday this year, then add Romantic Comedy to the top of your book buying list.

I can see myself re-reading Romantic Comedy anytime I need a pick-me-up. It publishes on the 6th April.

What a wonderful book, heartwarming, engaging and FUNNY! Curtis Sittenfeld is one of my go-to authors, she never lets me down.

I really enjoyed this behind the scenes look at the production of a satire show. Havent worked jn TV, but have worked in an all-consuming business, where nothing else matters - at times, this novel transported me there!

Loved the characters, particularly Sally and her gang of Vivienne, Henrietta and Danny.

A really enjoyable book - if you’re looking for a pick me up book, this should tick your boxes! 4.5*

Really enjoyed it - plus, happy ending! Found the TNO bits super interesting and the celebrity clichés amusing throughout.

Romantic Comedy is the first book I’ve read by Curtis Sittenfeld, and while I liked it enough to finish it, I didn’t think it was anything special. I don’t want to be too negative as obviously some people will love it, but overall it didn’t quite work for me, and its unusual structure made it feel like it was, confusingly, three unconnected books.

Romantic Comedy is split into three very different chapters, hence feeling like totally separate stories all rolled into one. I thought the first section was interesting, as it’s a very detailed account of what happens behind the scenes of a comedy sketch show called The Night Owls (which is basically Saturday Night Live, or so I hear; I’ve never seen it), from the point of view of staff writer Sally. I learned a lot about what goes into creating a show like that, from writing to pitching to recording, and I think the first quarter was my favourite part of the whole book. After that it got a bit too repetitive, and I was eager for the story to move forward.

Unfortunately I didn’t warm to Sally as much as I should have, and I’m not entirely sure why, though I did think her inner monologue was constantly negative and far too self-deprecating. Her voice wasn’t overly engaging, and I also didn’t think she had much chemistry with famous singer-songwriter Noah. Their relationship is quite integral to the story, so I was disappointed not to feel more positively towards them. There’s nothing inherently wrong with them, and Noah was nice and unproblematic, but for me they just fell somewhat flat.

Romantic Comedy does have its comedic moments, and I laughed out loud several times at Sittenfeld’s clever turn of phrase. There’s no doubt she’s a great writer, and I hope I’ll like some of her other books more. You can’t win ‘em all, but I’m glad I tried — it’s always exciting to read a new-to-me author and, even though this one wasn’t for me, I’ll be sure to check out her earlier works.

2.5/5.

Great easy read.
A famous singer appears on a late night comedy satire. He becomes friendly with a script writer; both test the water where each other is concerned.
A few months later Covid hits the world and emails reconnect the couple. Will they may a go of it or just remain friends?

Not too keen on this one until the last 25%!

I wanted to read this book based solely on the fact that it was written by Curtis Sittenfeld, as I loved Rodham. Unfortunately I found the first half of the book far too detailed to be enjoyable. The minutia of the off air production team for a comedy show at TNS was not appealing to me. We got to go through the writing, then the run through, then the show - too much. Unless you want to live vicariously through the book and experience real life comedy writing for live TV.

I wasn't really engaged with any of the main characters at this point. I did like the female friendships and some of the slick comedy lines, but I was srtuggling with it. I read advance reviews that said to stick with it as the second half was so much better. So I did.

Then came into the storyline Covid, so if you are uncomfortable about revisiting that time this might not be the book for you. I was ok with it but not with the dialogue being through emails. I am not a fan of this style of writing so the next 25% wasn't too good for me either but fared better than the first 50%.

Finally the last 25% of the book was pure genius and I loved it. I felt that I finally got the characters and was really engaged with the story. The writing is certainly intelligent and observational. I'm pleased I didn't stop reading, but I think a lot of readers may not get to that last 25% as the first half is so bogged down in detail.

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

The story of Sally, a comedy writer on TV show 'The Night Owls' and Noah, celebrity singer, whose paths cross when he hosts the show one week.

Loved, loved, LOVED this book! Such a smart, funny, relatable story with fantastic characters, a really interesting setting, great dialogue and a fabulous supporting cast. And clever commentary on so many issues... I honestly have no words for how much I loved it! Very VERY highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

First of all, I’m a huge Curtis Sittenfield fan, I screamed when I was approved for this and it was a huge effort not to read it immediately. However, it was worth the wait. Romantic Comedy tells the story of Sally Milz, a writer on TNO, a SNL type show, and Noah Brewster, a mega famous singer, who guests on TNO. A relationship almost starts but goes nowhere, mainly due to Sally’s belief that it would be preposterous for her to date someone so famous and good looking. However, a connection during the early stages of the pandemic finally leads to a holed up romance in Noah’s house in California. The question is, can the relationship last in the real world?
This is a proper grown up romantic novel where you love the characters, recognise their flaws, but are desperate for them to make it as a couple. I thought I couldn’t read another pandemic novel but it turns out I can if it is written by Curtis Sittenfield and is as special as this. I read it almost straight through and I’m so sad I’ve finished it. Thank you so much to @netgalley and @randomhouse for my ARC, I’ll be buying the hardback on 6th April!

I have had Curtis Sittenfeld forever on my TBR (Eligible), and when I got this ARC, I was STOKED!!

The Story:
Sally Milz is a screenwriter for the live show The Night Owls. She writes funny, bold scripts for TNO though she is a cynical and anxious woman through-and-through. She believes that successful women marry not-so-successful men and not vice versa. She has even created a perfect comedy sketch for it called the "Danny Horst Rule."

When Noah "perfect-surfer-hair" Brewster becomes the musical host for the show one week, there may or may not be sparks flying between the rockstar and the reclusive writer. But according to the Danny Horst Rule, they shouldn't, after all.

Will Noah and Sally work it out in the end? Or is the Danny Horst Rule correct in all cases?

What I Liked:

1) Let me start by praising the Sally Milz stuff I liked. She is 36 at the start of this book - the same age as I am - and I was so happy to see that she acted like she was 36 and not some 17-year-old.

2) Sally is successful at her job and she LOVES her job. She is not actively looking for love or trying to "fill some gap in her life."

3) She is unapologetic about her life choices!!!

4) She is anxious and has foot-in-mouth disease (ahem, did someone mention moi)

5) Noah Brewster (enough of Sally?). He seemed like a genuinely nice guy? (I don't know why this feels so surprising)

6) I got to see the hectic lifestyle of background writers and actors of a live show. And I mustn't lie, it appealed to me. Working nights? Going to work in the afternoon? Sounds like my type of job!

7) The love story seemed organic and not insta.

8) The writing style. The first chapter happens in 2018, behind the scenes at the TNO. The second is epistolary with long, engaging emails. The third part is completely crazy but also totally lovable.

9) Loved the reminders to SNL (I also watched several sketches while reading the book).

What I Disliked:

1) The writing was tedious in the first "chapter" (for want of a better word). I get it, the author wanted to give us a clear idea of how the industry works but there was too much dialogue, some part of which could have been cut, methinks.

2) Sally panics A LOT. I get it. She is anxious. But there are only so many times you can insult someone AND they forgive you. Not only forgive you but say sorry themselves. WOW.

3) Noah's actions in the end? Sure, he explained but it did seem like a teeeeeeny bit of gaslighting but I am not a celebrity so what do I know? I am prepared to give him the pass for being so nice throughout.

Final Thoughts:

When I read the title, I automatically assumed that the heroine would be a bumbling, klutzy, doesn't-know-how-beautiful-she-is bimbo (which is usually the case, don't blame me). But I was pleasantly surprised. Sure, she doesn't know how beautiful she is, but she isn't a bimbo or bumbling or klutzy. She is comfortable in her own skin, has great female friends, and, as I mentioned earlier, loves and takes pride in her job. I can safely say I am in love with Sally Milz for being unapologetically herself.

If you are looking for a slow-burn romance (gasp! they actually know each other before falling in love!) with a strong heroine and a likeable hero, this is exactly what you should be reading!

4 stars!

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK for the ARC.

Lovely read. I thoroughly enjoyed this quick paced and very witty book. Curtis Sittenfield is such a huge talent. I was interested in the writing process for the sketches for the show particularly as to how much time and effort from a group went into making material work. At its heart it’s a love story but the fantastic dialogue lifts the story.

I’ll be honest and admit that I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this book. Would this really be a romance—would it have a romantic arc, would there be angst, would things almost go wrong before (most importantly) concluding on a happy ending?—or was I about to discover the title was Romantic Comedy because the story broke all the rules and didn’t give us that all-important HEA? My concerns only increased when I came across the line “Romance doesn’t require a happy ending”. Spoiler alert: yes! it does.

At the risk of actually spoiling the story, I am going to say here that I worried about nothing. Romantic Comedy is indeed a romance in the truest sense of the word, and a delightful one at that. Allow me to list everything I appreciated.

It was wonderful to have two main characters who have some lived experience under their belt. Both Sally and Noah have been through relationships that didn’t last the course and neither of them is looking for love when they first meet.

The road from meeting each other to ending up together is anything but smooth but the obstacles in their way, self-inflicted as they may be, make sense for who Sally and Noah were. The way they reconnected after a two-year separation (as a result of and during the Covid lockdown) made perfect sense. Whatever angst there was, mostly on Sally’s part, felt realistic and was never overdramatic. And, most importantly, I completely bought the fact that these two, apparently mismatched, characters would find each other.

On a non-romantic level, I loved the insights we got into how a weekly comedy show like Saturday Night Live operates, just as I loved the references to songwriting, performing and music in general.

This story hosts a large cast of secondary characters and all of them were well presented and fully formed.

I also want to give a special shout-out to the ‘Danny Horst Rule’ as introduced in this story. Goodness knows it is true that while society at large happily accepts that average-looking men end up pushing above their weight and connecting with women who are more beautiful and successful than they are, the opposite is almost always met with disbelief and scorn.

And then I have one or two very personal reasons why this book resonated with me. Like Sally in the story, I’m a huge fan of the Indigo Girls and I loved how passionate she was when she spoke about them. Noah’s reflection that he isn’t overly fond of having to play his first-ever hit all the time, also made me smile since I have a daughter who would happily never again play the first song she wrote but finds herself doing so occasionally anyway because it is her granny’s favourite.

I’m looking forward to the ‘official’ reviews of this book when it is released. Provided there will be any, of course. As a rule, romances don’t get reviewed by major newspapers and most other major review sites. It is almost as if romance is less worthy as a genre since it is mostly written and read by women. And that makes me wonder if they’re about to come up with a term like ‘literary romance’. I hope that doesn’t happen for the same reason that I’m not a fan of the term ‘literary thriller’. Adding the word literary to a branch of genre fiction doesn’t achieve anything apart from diminishing the rest of that particular genre. While I’m willing to concede that there are badly written romances and thrillers available, I want to say those are vastly outnumbered by well-written and well-plotted books featuring characters with depth and real stories with real messages. What’s more, who is to decide what is literary and what is not? As with many qualifying definitions, the answer appears entirely arbitrary to me.

Since I don’t want to end my review of this fantastic book with a rant, allow me to summarize my thoughts. Romantic Comedy was fabulous. The story and characters pulled me in from the start, the setting is fascinating, the sparkling dialogue is intelligent, and the overall reading experience was uplifting and very fulfilling. In fact, I enjoyed this book so much that I’ve already recommended it to another person even though it won’t be released for another week or two. For me, this book deserves 5 glorious golden stars!