Isn’t It Obvious?
Isn’t It Obvious? by Rachel Runya Katz, published by St. Martin’s Publishing Group on October 21, 2025, is a 320-page romance novel that explores the complexities of love and identity. The story follows Yael, a high school librarian whose secret podcast gains popularity, leading her to hire Kevin, a remote freelance editor. Their communication remains anonymous through email, where they develop a connection, unaware of their tumultuous history in real life.
Readers will find a narrative rich in romantic comedy elements, featuring themes of multicultural and interracial relationships, as well as LGBTQ+ romance. As Yael and Kevin navigate their professional relationship, sparks fly amidst their personal clashes. The story delves into the challenges of hidden identities and the dynamics of falling in love through messages, all while balancing the pressures of their everyday lives. This edition presents a humorous and heartfelt exploration of modern romance.
Official synopsis Publisher
“I’m obsessed with everything Rachel Runya Katz writes.” – Rachel Lynn Solomon, New York Times bestselling author
After a meet-disaster, a podcaster and her producer fall in love over email without realizing they know (and hate) each other in real life.
When high school librarian Yael’s secret podcast starts to take off, she decides to hire Kevin, a remote freelance editor/producer so she can manage juggling her mental health, day job, and the queer teen book club she’s been hosting at school after hours. To maintain her anonymity, they communicate strictly via email and Kevin only knows her by her podcast persona, Elle.
Little does Yael know that Kevin, who in real life goes by his middle name, Ravi, is the same man she tore apart for climbing out of her bedroom window after a one night stand with her roommate, Charlie. And she certainly never expects him to show up to volunteer at her book club.
In person, Yael and Ravi clash until their sparks turn into something more. Over email, Elle and Kevin are starting to fall hard when they decide to keep things strictly professional. But when Ravi discovers the truth, will keeping it a secret mean the end of everything he’s built with Yael/Elle? And what happens when she finds out? Will they fall twice as hard, or cut ties in more ways than one?
Rachel Runya Katz’s Isn’t It Obvious? is a sharp, funny romance about loving the whole person and finally taking a chance on love.
Includes fan favorite tropes:
– enemies to lovers
– epistolary / falling in love through messages
– hidden identity
– slow burn romance
– forced proximity
– workplace romance
“This kind of hidden identity story is my absolute favorite, and I am on my KNEES with gratitude that Katz wrote one just for me. I adored every toe-tingling moment…” – Alicia Thompson, USA Today bestselling author of The Art of Catching Feelings
“Smart, sexy, and sincere… Yael and Kevin’s banter-filled interactions in person will have readers giggling and kicking their feet!” – Samantha Markum, USA Today Bestselling Author of Love, Off the Record
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