Rachel Runya Katz's smart, sexy third rom-com, Isn't It Obvious?, presents a fresh take on the classic You've Got Mail premise, with two queer protagonists who fall in love over e-mail while sparks of various kinds fly in real life.
When school librarian Yael hires editor Kevin to assist with her secret podcast, she never dreams that Kevin is actually Ravi, whom Yael meets in person as he's sneaking out her window after a one-night stand with her roommate. Ravi is juggling his remote editing work with helping his brother care for his young niece, plus volunteering at the queer after-school book club Yael runs. As the friction between Yael and Ravi flares into heat, Elle (Yael's podcast pseudonym) and Kevin also fall for each other but decide to keep things professional. However, Ravi stumbles upon the truth just as Yael's podcast goes viral, and they both must decide if this relationship is worth risking their hearts.
Katz (Whenever You're Ready) excels at witty banter, peppering her protagonists' conversations (e-mail and IRL) with wry quips and literary longing. Ravi is also wrestling with complicated family dynamics, including his father's refusal to accept Ravi's bisexuality, while Yael struggles with her mental health and her willingness to risk being loved. Katz sensitively explores her protagonists' challenges and fears while gently nudging them together in swoon-worthy fashion.
Thoughtful and tender, Isn't It Obvious? is a thoroughly 21st-century romance that handles serious questions of identity, vulnerability, and belonging with humor and heart. --Katie Noah Gibson, blogger at Cakes, Tea and Dreams