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Stupid Love
"Love is, well, stupid."
Get ready to read the book you swore was written for you. Ever been in love? Loved someone completely wrong for you? Had your heart broken (more than once—and maybe by the same person)? Maybe even tried making sense of all the chaos surrounding love?
Inspired by true events, Danielle Dexter takes us on a journey of self-discovery and healing in book one of The Salt City Diaries series.
Rachel Parker has had enough. Why does dating have to be this hard? No, really, WHY?!
After breaking up with her boyfriend and moving back to her hometown in Syracuse, NY, Rachel finds herself having to
dive back into the dating pool without any life preservers to keep her afloat. She is drowning. And she doesn't understand why everything has to be so complicated. All she wants is to find "the one," but instead, she keeps dating all the wrong ones.
So, what's a girl to do? Instead of whining about it, she writes about it—in her anonymous blog, that is. But writing about love and heartbreak and actually putting her advice to good use is proving to be quite the challenge as her dating life progresses. Why? Because she never anticipated falling hard for Ben Healey: The man, the myth, the cliché--who enters her world and complicates her love life even more.
Get ready to read the book you swore was written for you. Ever been in love? Loved someone completely wrong for you? Had your heart broken (more than once—and maybe by the same person)? Maybe even tried making sense of all the chaos surrounding love?
Inspired by true events, Danielle Dexter takes us on a journey of self-discovery and healing in book one of The Salt City Diaries series.
Rachel Parker has had enough. Why does dating have to be this hard? No, really, WHY?!
After breaking up with her boyfriend and moving back to her hometown in Syracuse, NY, Rachel finds herself having to
dive back into the dating pool without any life preservers to keep her afloat. She is drowning. And she doesn't understand why everything has to be so complicated. All she wants is to find "the one," but instead, she keeps dating all the wrong ones.
So, what's a girl to do? Instead of whining about it, she writes about it—in her anonymous blog, that is. But writing about love and heartbreak and actually putting her advice to good use is proving to be quite the challenge as her dating life progresses. Why? Because she never anticipated falling hard for Ben Healey: The man, the myth, the cliché--who enters her world and complicates her love life even more.
- GenresRomance
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2022
18 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Dexter
5 books16 followersDanielle is a born and raised Upstate, NY girl, living there with her two daughters, and Project Manager husband. She lives for '90s nostalgia and is currently collecting all things Clueless.
She never turns down Cinnabon, a hot Americano, and will steal your French fries.
She writes heartfelt, messy, and occasionally glitter-covered romantic comedies about women who swear off love—then fall right into it again. When she's not writing, she can be found over-caffeinating, quoting 90s romcoms, and pretending she doesn’t cry at Hallmark movies.
For updates, blog information, and appearances, you can contact press management at www.danielledexterofficial.com
Instagram: @authordanielledexter
TikTok: @authordanielledexter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 11, 2022
the only love I should be focusing on is the love I have for myself. THAT is true love.
This is probably an inspirational and relatable book for people who have been dating for some time and, for whatever reason, haven’t found ‘the one’ yet.
It is advertised as ‘not-your-typical-romance novel’ and it is indeed not typical. Nor is it a romance novel. At all. Despite having characters and a storyline it is a self-help book in disguise. As I’m not exactly the target audience, unfortunately I didn’t enjoy it.
Next to the format that didn’t work for me I couldn’t connect with the characters. We believe in different things, and I couldn’t wrap my mind around their idea of relationships. The way they were overthinking dating was truly mind blowing. On top of that the constant reminders about self love and ‘healing that comes from within’ became repetitive and tiresome at some point.
If you are in your late twenties or early thirties, went through a bad breakup and/or are frustrated with your dating life, you may enjoy this book. If you want a romance novel, keep looking.
I’m struggling with rating because it’s not a bad book, the writing is decent and some observations quite astute. It is just not what I was looking for.
2.5 round up to 3
Thank you NetGalley, Danielle Dexter and Cupid's Arrow Publishing for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is probably an inspirational and relatable book for people who have been dating for some time and, for whatever reason, haven’t found ‘the one’ yet.
It is advertised as ‘not-your-typical-romance novel’ and it is indeed not typical. Nor is it a romance novel. At all. Despite having characters and a storyline it is a self-help book in disguise. As I’m not exactly the target audience, unfortunately I didn’t enjoy it.
Next to the format that didn’t work for me I couldn’t connect with the characters. We believe in different things, and I couldn’t wrap my mind around their idea of relationships. The way they were overthinking dating was truly mind blowing. On top of that the constant reminders about self love and ‘healing that comes from within’ became repetitive and tiresome at some point.
If you are in your late twenties or early thirties, went through a bad breakup and/or are frustrated with your dating life, you may enjoy this book. If you want a romance novel, keep looking.
I’m struggling with rating because it’s not a bad book, the writing is decent and some observations quite astute. It is just not what I was looking for.
2.5 round up to 3
Thank you NetGalley, Danielle Dexter and Cupid's Arrow Publishing for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2022
This book just did not do it for me. I was so hopeful when I saw it compared to Sex and the City, and while it truly did give those vibes, it fell extremely short for me.
The story is told completely in first person by our MC Rachel, as well as told by blog posts that are written by her. Please understand, it is not that I did not like her. The dating antics that her and her friends are going through are so relatable to anyone who has dated, and especially to people in their 20s, such as the characters in this book. I loved that Rachel had such great best friends who were there for her, and each other. The emotions that she feels and goes through throughout the story are completely valid. She even gives some great, useful and relatable advice in her blog posts.
My issue with this book is that it felt like a bunch of thoughts just slapped together. The book starts off very dry, and that at almost the halfway point it started to pick up pace, and I thought okay, here we go. However, the second half of the book was a jumpy roller coaster between dull content, and not knowing what was going on because the story was jumping all over the place.
The premise and idea behind this story is good, I think it could have been delivered in a way that was more enjoyable to follow.
The story is told completely in first person by our MC Rachel, as well as told by blog posts that are written by her. Please understand, it is not that I did not like her. The dating antics that her and her friends are going through are so relatable to anyone who has dated, and especially to people in their 20s, such as the characters in this book. I loved that Rachel had such great best friends who were there for her, and each other. The emotions that she feels and goes through throughout the story are completely valid. She even gives some great, useful and relatable advice in her blog posts.
My issue with this book is that it felt like a bunch of thoughts just slapped together. The book starts off very dry, and that at almost the halfway point it started to pick up pace, and I thought okay, here we go. However, the second half of the book was a jumpy roller coaster between dull content, and not knowing what was going on because the story was jumping all over the place.
The premise and idea behind this story is good, I think it could have been delivered in a way that was more enjoyable to follow.
June 11, 2023
“It’s not your job to convince people of your worth. If they can’t see it, that’s their loss—not yours,”
This was so different than everything I normally read. I took a break for dark romance for a book that felt like it was speaking directly to me.
“It is not your responsibility to show [them] that [they] messed up. You can’t run around seeking validation from people because you will never truly get it in the end. You have to find validation within yourself because that’s something no one could ever take away from you. Unless, of course, you let them.”
Written from the authors own feelings, this book is a real and raw story about the painful parts of heartbreak and the work we do to find ourselves again. It’s also written as if the author is speaking directly to the reader. It was a different way to read, it read like a journal, but i really enjoyed it. Every second.
Every time our main character Rachel meets a guy my first thought was “is this the one she ends up with?” I was constantly looking for her to get her happily ever after and about halfway through I realized this book was never about her finding her HEA. This was about Rachel finding herself. About leaning on the friends around you to get through everything. About ignoring the gut feelings and not walking away when you know you should because you can’t give up on the what ifs, and how you heal from what comes next.
“I knew what to expect next. It’s the romantic, climactic scene where the two lovers overcome an obstacle that rekindles their love so they can finally live happily ever after—the end. Cut the crap. You and I both know that that’s not what’s about to happen.”
This was a story about real life. It’s not the romantic meet cute, they fall in love instantly and live happily together forever. There’s no rooting for the couple through the third act breakup. You root for her. To take herself out of the situations she finds herself in. To start loving herself. She is the hero of her own story and I can’t wait to see where her story goes.
“To avoid distractions, she suggested that I silence my phone and completely disconnect from the world to give myself the quality time I deserved. Think about being on a date with someone who was constantly on their phone, she said. You would find it rude. So, don’t be rude to yourself.”
I loved the friendships we get to see. Rachel and Leigha? Best friends forever and they’re hysterical. There’s a scene where they’re talking about how the media always shows single women being happy and how it’s because those scenes are written by men and out of the scene comes my favorite quote in the entire book. I legitimately choked on my drink while reading. Please see below
“It’s as deceiving as those happy b—ches in tampon commercials, which were probably also written by men. What the hell do they know about periods? Let me tell you, it would be a cold day in hell before I run carefree on a beach in a white bikini. It’s just not realistic.”
This was so different than everything I normally read. I took a break for dark romance for a book that felt like it was speaking directly to me.
“It is not your responsibility to show [them] that [they] messed up. You can’t run around seeking validation from people because you will never truly get it in the end. You have to find validation within yourself because that’s something no one could ever take away from you. Unless, of course, you let them.”
Written from the authors own feelings, this book is a real and raw story about the painful parts of heartbreak and the work we do to find ourselves again. It’s also written as if the author is speaking directly to the reader. It was a different way to read, it read like a journal, but i really enjoyed it. Every second.
Every time our main character Rachel meets a guy my first thought was “is this the one she ends up with?” I was constantly looking for her to get her happily ever after and about halfway through I realized this book was never about her finding her HEA. This was about Rachel finding herself. About leaning on the friends around you to get through everything. About ignoring the gut feelings and not walking away when you know you should because you can’t give up on the what ifs, and how you heal from what comes next.
“I knew what to expect next. It’s the romantic, climactic scene where the two lovers overcome an obstacle that rekindles their love so they can finally live happily ever after—the end. Cut the crap. You and I both know that that’s not what’s about to happen.”
This was a story about real life. It’s not the romantic meet cute, they fall in love instantly and live happily together forever. There’s no rooting for the couple through the third act breakup. You root for her. To take herself out of the situations she finds herself in. To start loving herself. She is the hero of her own story and I can’t wait to see where her story goes.
“To avoid distractions, she suggested that I silence my phone and completely disconnect from the world to give myself the quality time I deserved. Think about being on a date with someone who was constantly on their phone, she said. You would find it rude. So, don’t be rude to yourself.”
I loved the friendships we get to see. Rachel and Leigha? Best friends forever and they’re hysterical. There’s a scene where they’re talking about how the media always shows single women being happy and how it’s because those scenes are written by men and out of the scene comes my favorite quote in the entire book. I legitimately choked on my drink while reading. Please see below
“It’s as deceiving as those happy b—ches in tampon commercials, which were probably also written by men. What the hell do they know about periods? Let me tell you, it would be a cold day in hell before I run carefree on a beach in a white bikini. It’s just not realistic.”
November 11, 2022
This book is fantastic! The writer has an amazing sense of characters and it is very well written. Being a Syracuse native, I was excited to turn each page and follow Rachel along her journey. The supporting characters made me laugh out loud when reading. The storyline was easy to follow. I read all types of genres from fantasy to classics to suspense thrillers and romantic comedy. This book fit right with my top shelf picks. It's clear why this book won two gold awards and has so much recognition. This is the type of uplifting book that everyone should read. It's not meant to be a self-help guide, but something that you can relate to and it does make you think and self-reflect. It's natural. I love this book and applaud the author for her writing and storyline. I'm excited to see the next book available so I can continue to follow Rachel!
An absolute must read!
An absolute must read!
June 6, 2023
Rachel is a beautiful, kind, and caring soul who wants to fall in love. Unfortunately, she hasn't had the best luck in that department. As Rachel is finding her footing after breakup(s), she writes in her anonymous blog. In that blog, she details her journey of self-discovery.
This isn't your typical romance, but in ways, I think it's better. It's raw and real and true to life.
I was laughing (and groaning) throughout the book, as there is just so much I related to! Some of the thoughts on break-ups were quite poignant. I found one post break-up blog entry to be so beautiful, I was in tears. I felt every emotion reading this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This isn't your typical romance, but in ways, I think it's better. It's raw and real and true to life.
I was laughing (and groaning) throughout the book, as there is just so much I related to! Some of the thoughts on break-ups were quite poignant. I found one post break-up blog entry to be so beautiful, I was in tears. I felt every emotion reading this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
June 7, 2023
I could hear the "Sex in the City" theme song playing!
I really enjoyed getting to read this book. It was a breath of fresh air after a fantasy book hangover. The character development is great, it was nice to follow a FMC who didn't fall for the first guy she met. This isn't your typical romance in books, however it does feel like real life in that sense. It almost felt as if it was happening in real time, like sitting down to watch a season of Sex and the City. It's slow in the best way. You really get to know Rachel, and watch her find her own way through love, life, and anonymity.
A few reviews I've seen so far is that it feels like a self help book as well. I have to agree, if you're someone like me, or Rachel, whose been through this part of life before it's good to see you're not alone. My younger self would've eaten this right up!!
I really enjoyed getting to read this book. It was a breath of fresh air after a fantasy book hangover. The character development is great, it was nice to follow a FMC who didn't fall for the first guy she met. This isn't your typical romance in books, however it does feel like real life in that sense. It almost felt as if it was happening in real time, like sitting down to watch a season of Sex and the City. It's slow in the best way. You really get to know Rachel, and watch her find her own way through love, life, and anonymity.
A few reviews I've seen so far is that it feels like a self help book as well. I have to agree, if you're someone like me, or Rachel, whose been through this part of life before it's good to see you're not alone. My younger self would've eaten this right up!!
June 30, 2022
While this book is definitely a romantic comedy in nature, it’s so much more at its core. The author uses the intricacies of relationships—romantic as well as platonic—to explore themes of self-worth, identity, learning from your mistakes, overcoming your past, developing inner strength, and building hope for the future. In my opinion, I personally found those to be the most dynamic aspects of the novel. No matter what your experience has been like in relationships, this is definitely a book everyone will be able to relate to!
May 26, 2023
This book would have been perfect for my younger self. Some of the things Rachel spoke about were things I struggled with, giving too much of yourself and not getting what you need in return. I feel that if I had read this book then, it would have been at least 4-5 stars.
As I am no longer in the dating pool (thank goodness), I had a hard time connecting with Rachel. Especially when she knew in her hear that B wasn't right for her and she kept going back. I just couldn't get into it.
I was also hoping for the best friends to lovers moment to happen between Noah and Rachel.
As I am no longer in the dating pool (thank goodness), I had a hard time connecting with Rachel. Especially when she knew in her hear that B wasn't right for her and she kept going back. I just couldn't get into it.
I was also hoping for the best friends to lovers moment to happen between Noah and Rachel.
May 18, 2022
This book felt so relatable as a 20 something dating in nyc. There is comfort knowing that others are feeling the same struggle, fictional or not! Another reviewer compared it to Sex & The City which was a perfect comparison. This book felt like a compilation of a season of SATC but yet also crossed with a self improvement book? While I enjoyed the journey of Rachel & her friends, I couldn’t get sucked in to the book like i had hoped.
Thank you Netgalley & Cupid Arrows Publishing for the ARC!
Thank you Netgalley & Cupid Arrows Publishing for the ARC!
October 14, 2022
This book leaves you to think her experiences are relatable. Yet, leaving you feeling a sense of normalcy & contentment that we all have faced in our past relationships. Stupid Love, is real for us all. the humor and the enjoyment I got from reading this book. A must-read!
Finished the book in 4 days!
Finished the book in 4 days!
May 5, 2022
This was so fun and relatable! Definitely Sex & the City vibes, which I loved. I enjoyed the characters journey navigating through love and loss. A very heartwarming read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Cupid’s Arrow Publishing for this arc!
Thank you to NetGalley and Cupid’s Arrow Publishing for this arc!
June 19, 2023
I started this book because I received the ARC for book 2, Elastic Hearts. I knew very little about the series itself other than it was a contemporary romance, quite the departure from my norm but I was excited to give it a try.
I’m not gonna lie, the first several chapters were ROUGH for me until things started happening in Rachel’s life, rather than her reflecting in her relationship with Mike and how she ended up back in Syracuse. That said, there was absolutely nothing wrong with the writing. It was just very different from what I normally read, and I really struggled to get into the story before Rachel began dating and writing her blog.
In short, I’m not convinced this will ever be my go to genre, and yet I am excited to start reading Elastic Hearts now…I have thoughts/hopes and I want to know if they are possible.
I’m not gonna lie, the first several chapters were ROUGH for me until things started happening in Rachel’s life, rather than her reflecting in her relationship with Mike and how she ended up back in Syracuse. That said, there was absolutely nothing wrong with the writing. It was just very different from what I normally read, and I really struggled to get into the story before Rachel began dating and writing her blog.
In short, I’m not convinced this will ever be my go to genre, and yet I am excited to start reading Elastic Hearts now…I have thoughts/hopes and I want to know if they are possible.
March 14, 2022
Stupid Love by Danielle Dexter is a fun, emotional and relatable tale of starting over, in life and love, following a difficult break-up. The lovable main character, Rachel Parker, finally finds the strength to leave a toxic relationship after years of gaslighting and endless broken promises of change. Readers get to join her on her journey of moving back to her hometown. Everything is new, her own apartment, a new job, the new dating scene- but she has a wonderful group of old friends that keep her uplifted and grounded as she navigates everything that comes with her new beginning.
We follow Rachel and her friends as they experience love and heartbreak while hoping to find ‘the one’ and live happily ever after. They are there for each other as they learn the ‘do’s and don’ts’ of dating and work to find lessons and growth through the hurt they experience. Rachel takes her pain to the page and starts an anonymous blog revealing her experiences, thoughts, and feelings on love which allows readers an even deeper view of how everything she goes through affects her. We watch as she starts to date again, makes questionable choices, loves the wrong men, and ultimately discovers what she really wants and needs from both herself and her partner in a relationship.
This was such a fun read, and I think absolutely every girl can relate to how ‘stupid’ love can be. Dexter writes in a way where you feel she is talking right to you as if she is your best friend telling you about her life. She is genuine, vulnerable, and relatable- writing the thoughts we all have felt in a way that ensures the reader that they are not completely senseless, and definitely not alone, in choosing the wrong men even when they know better.
Stupid Love is a heartwarming story of healing and self-discovery, with the ultimate quest of happiness in love. This is an amazing book for anyone who finds themselves scared to start over or wondering why love is so very complicated.
We follow Rachel and her friends as they experience love and heartbreak while hoping to find ‘the one’ and live happily ever after. They are there for each other as they learn the ‘do’s and don’ts’ of dating and work to find lessons and growth through the hurt they experience. Rachel takes her pain to the page and starts an anonymous blog revealing her experiences, thoughts, and feelings on love which allows readers an even deeper view of how everything she goes through affects her. We watch as she starts to date again, makes questionable choices, loves the wrong men, and ultimately discovers what she really wants and needs from both herself and her partner in a relationship.
This was such a fun read, and I think absolutely every girl can relate to how ‘stupid’ love can be. Dexter writes in a way where you feel she is talking right to you as if she is your best friend telling you about her life. She is genuine, vulnerable, and relatable- writing the thoughts we all have felt in a way that ensures the reader that they are not completely senseless, and definitely not alone, in choosing the wrong men even when they know better.
Stupid Love is a heartwarming story of healing and self-discovery, with the ultimate quest of happiness in love. This is an amazing book for anyone who finds themselves scared to start over or wondering why love is so very complicated.
July 9, 2022
This was such an interesting, different type of romance. Dating is HARD. This book navigates the dating world in Rachel and her friends circle. The ups and downs, the ridiculousness, the annoying, the everything. Rachel's boyfriend, well ex boyfriend have broken up because he isn't being very faithful, but she is on a mission to figure out why people do what they do in a relationship. What she does wrong, what she can do better etc.
The book is written in first person, with sections as journal entries. We get in her head of how she is feeling, the hurt, the sadness, the happy, all of it. She goes on dates and also sounds off with her friends. This was cute, more of self discovery, and looking forward to what happens in book 2.
The book is written in first person, with sections as journal entries. We get in her head of how she is feeling, the hurt, the sadness, the happy, all of it. She goes on dates and also sounds off with her friends. This was cute, more of self discovery, and looking forward to what happens in book 2.
June 7, 2023
Stupid Love is purported to be a romance book, but from this reader's perspective it comes across as more of a self-help book / "personal" journal.
Rachel Parker (MC) has recently parted ways with her boyfriend after a long relationship. She decides to start an anonymous blog thinking that it won't only help her, but might help others out there who are also experiencing relationship woes. While her blog is one part of this book, there is also her relationship with her best friends Jessie, Leigha and Noah. We learn more about each of them, and their relationship struggles too.
The format of this book was different than any other I have read, and I struggled with it. As noted there is the standard story with Rachel and her friends, plus there are blog entries. In addition, there also seem to be "breaking the fourth wall" sections where Rachel is talking to the reader (or maybe herself?). It felt disjointed to me, and I therefore I struggled to connect.
Rachel and her friends have lived through a variety of situations in their dating lives, and a few more in the course of this book's 15 month timeline. They do their best to learn from their experience, and share their wisdom with one another. The book therefore has a plethora of great advice for anyone looking for love, especially those who tends to lose part of themselves in their quest.
As a romance novel or chick lit novel, it fell short for me. As a sort of self-help ("Love for Dummies") book, there's some excellent content and many words of wisdom, such as:
I left because I deserved better. I left because I refused to be treated the way he chose to treat me, I left because I didn't want to accept the "love" he was willing to give me when I knew I could be loved better. And I left because I didn't want to continue sharing my life with someone who didn't value some of the most important aspects of what makes up a healthy relationship: Trust, honesty, and respect.
YOU CAN'T CHANGE ANYONE. And you can't expect someone to change when they don't want that change for themselves.
...if they continue to make the same mistake over and over, then it's not a mistake. It's who they are.
If the saying is true that everything happens for a reason, then perhaps, we are all supposed to lose our way now and again. Maybe losing out way is the only way to find ourselves.
When someone hurts you, you believe that, because they were the source of the pain, they would also be the source of the healing. We invite these people to stay in our lives in hopes that they will remedy the wound they inflicted. But the sad part is, we never heal that way. Healing comes from within. It comes from the same place that tells us that we don't have to rely on anyone else for our happiness.
...and so much more.
While I struggled to get through this one, I still feel it has some valuable content, and is worth reading. I believe I saw that it is supposed to be part of a series. I'm intrigued as I'd love for Rachel and her friends to get their HEAs, but I'm not sure about delving into another book with a similar structure. That said, maybe now that I know what to expect..
If you pick up a copy, I'd love to know your thoughts.
Rachel Parker (MC) has recently parted ways with her boyfriend after a long relationship. She decides to start an anonymous blog thinking that it won't only help her, but might help others out there who are also experiencing relationship woes. While her blog is one part of this book, there is also her relationship with her best friends Jessie, Leigha and Noah. We learn more about each of them, and their relationship struggles too.
The format of this book was different than any other I have read, and I struggled with it. As noted there is the standard story with Rachel and her friends, plus there are blog entries. In addition, there also seem to be "breaking the fourth wall" sections where Rachel is talking to the reader (or maybe herself?). It felt disjointed to me, and I therefore I struggled to connect.
Rachel and her friends have lived through a variety of situations in their dating lives, and a few more in the course of this book's 15 month timeline. They do their best to learn from their experience, and share their wisdom with one another. The book therefore has a plethora of great advice for anyone looking for love, especially those who tends to lose part of themselves in their quest.
As a romance novel or chick lit novel, it fell short for me. As a sort of self-help ("Love for Dummies") book, there's some excellent content and many words of wisdom, such as:
I left because I deserved better. I left because I refused to be treated the way he chose to treat me, I left because I didn't want to accept the "love" he was willing to give me when I knew I could be loved better. And I left because I didn't want to continue sharing my life with someone who didn't value some of the most important aspects of what makes up a healthy relationship: Trust, honesty, and respect.
YOU CAN'T CHANGE ANYONE. And you can't expect someone to change when they don't want that change for themselves.
...if they continue to make the same mistake over and over, then it's not a mistake. It's who they are.
If the saying is true that everything happens for a reason, then perhaps, we are all supposed to lose our way now and again. Maybe losing out way is the only way to find ourselves.
When someone hurts you, you believe that, because they were the source of the pain, they would also be the source of the healing. We invite these people to stay in our lives in hopes that they will remedy the wound they inflicted. But the sad part is, we never heal that way. Healing comes from within. It comes from the same place that tells us that we don't have to rely on anyone else for our happiness.
...and so much more.
While I struggled to get through this one, I still feel it has some valuable content, and is worth reading. I believe I saw that it is supposed to be part of a series. I'm intrigued as I'd love for Rachel and her friends to get their HEAs, but I'm not sure about delving into another book with a similar structure. That said, maybe now that I know what to expect..
If you pick up a copy, I'd love to know your thoughts.
June 9, 2023
Stupid Love is my first by author Danielle Dexter. I was drawn in by the title and the description being a cross between Sex and the City and Gossip Girl. It is correct to say it is not your typical romance novel. While I am used to a romance book being the sweet fluffy side of romance, this gives you a realistic and gritty look at dating in your twenties, hell, dating at any age. The pain that comes along with putting yourself out there.
Stupid Love is told from Rachel Parker’s perspective and experience and blog entries. We also meet a few of her friends and hear their stances and experiences with dating. I find each of their experiences incredibly relatable. From the blissful beginnings and the cheating to the heartbreaking end, I totally get it. Sometimes we don’t always make decisions that are best for us; we act with our hearts, not our minds.
I would not call this a romance book, like at all. There it’s more like the dos and don’ts of dating. A self-help book. While I do find the book relatable because of my own dating experiences, I read in order to escape these types of topics. Hahah. I was expecting there to be more comedy when compared to Sex in The City, but it was more about the tight-knit group of friends that are always there for each other, which I love. There is an excellent message of self-love and self-care. I am interested to see what happens in the rest of the series. To see if it focuses on her friend’s relationships more.
Thank you to @BoundbyMischief and Danielle Dexter for gifting me an eARC of Stupid Love. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Stupid Love is told from Rachel Parker’s perspective and experience and blog entries. We also meet a few of her friends and hear their stances and experiences with dating. I find each of their experiences incredibly relatable. From the blissful beginnings and the cheating to the heartbreaking end, I totally get it. Sometimes we don’t always make decisions that are best for us; we act with our hearts, not our minds.
I would not call this a romance book, like at all. There it’s more like the dos and don’ts of dating. A self-help book. While I do find the book relatable because of my own dating experiences, I read in order to escape these types of topics. Hahah. I was expecting there to be more comedy when compared to Sex in The City, but it was more about the tight-knit group of friends that are always there for each other, which I love. There is an excellent message of self-love and self-care. I am interested to see what happens in the rest of the series. To see if it focuses on her friend’s relationships more.
Thank you to @BoundbyMischief and Danielle Dexter for gifting me an eARC of Stupid Love. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 31, 2025
📚 Book Review 📚
Stupid Love by Danielle Dexter
Salt City Diaries – Book 1
I was gifted this book through a giveaway earlier this year.
“Love is, well, stupid.” This book is advertised as not-your-typical-romance novel and that’s absolutely true. It’s raw, real, and feels like two books in one: part romance, part self-help. The first half especially gave strong self-help vibes with stages of love and dating advice woven throughout. While I wish those insights had stayed within Rachel’s blog posts (instead of popping up outside them), the advice was genuinely good and relatable.
Rachel Parker is such a relatable character because let’s be honest, we’ve all been a Rachel at some point. Her dating struggles and the antics with her friends felt so true to life. I loved the friendships in this story, especially with Leighaand Noah (and yes, I had a feeling about Noah 👀). The blog posts were a great addition, even if the Q&A moments outside them felt a little weird.
This book isn’t your typical romance it’s inspirational, honest, and full of reminders we all need, like:
✨ “Friends are essential. And it’s not how many you have, it’s the quality that matters.”
✨ “If it weren’t for my past, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today.”
It’s the perfect read for anyone navigating love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Honestly, my younger self would have loved this book.
Have you ever read a book that felt like it was written for you? 👇
#BookReview #StupidLove #DanielleDexter #SaltCityDiaries #NotYourTypicalRomance #Bookstagram
Stupid Love by Danielle Dexter
Salt City Diaries – Book 1
I was gifted this book through a giveaway earlier this year.
“Love is, well, stupid.” This book is advertised as not-your-typical-romance novel and that’s absolutely true. It’s raw, real, and feels like two books in one: part romance, part self-help. The first half especially gave strong self-help vibes with stages of love and dating advice woven throughout. While I wish those insights had stayed within Rachel’s blog posts (instead of popping up outside them), the advice was genuinely good and relatable.
Rachel Parker is such a relatable character because let’s be honest, we’ve all been a Rachel at some point. Her dating struggles and the antics with her friends felt so true to life. I loved the friendships in this story, especially with Leighaand Noah (and yes, I had a feeling about Noah 👀). The blog posts were a great addition, even if the Q&A moments outside them felt a little weird.
This book isn’t your typical romance it’s inspirational, honest, and full of reminders we all need, like:
✨ “Friends are essential. And it’s not how many you have, it’s the quality that matters.”
✨ “If it weren’t for my past, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today.”
It’s the perfect read for anyone navigating love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Honestly, my younger self would have loved this book.
Have you ever read a book that felt like it was written for you? 👇
#BookReview #StupidLove #DanielleDexter #SaltCityDiaries #NotYourTypicalRomance #Bookstagram
June 13, 2023
2.5⭐️
This is not a romance book and has been advertised as such. It is not your typical book at all. The correct category, in my opinion, is a self help book with a plot.
This book falls into a category of love it or hate it. I don’t have a category for it but I do have some thoughts about it.
It started with an exhausting and boring monologue by the FMC. Granted, it gave us an inkling into the past but 16 pages of monologue is way too long for an introductory chapter.
The FMC was just rambling about how her and her ex never worked out yet we don’t know exactly what Mike (ex) did. C’mon!
It took more than 100 pages for anything significant to happen. Even then, it seemed dragging and all. Having read more than two-third of the book, it finally began to interest me. But the actions of the FMC were off putting.
The FMC doesn’t learn and know her worth. There was no character development as the FMC was right back where she started at the beginning of the book.
Yes, it is a book on dating but the characters were all fixated on being in relationships that it seems to be a competition amongst them.
I will still recommend this to anyone brave enough to try.
I received a copy of this book and the review is entirely mine.
This is not a romance book and has been advertised as such. It is not your typical book at all. The correct category, in my opinion, is a self help book with a plot.
This book falls into a category of love it or hate it. I don’t have a category for it but I do have some thoughts about it.
It started with an exhausting and boring monologue by the FMC. Granted, it gave us an inkling into the past but 16 pages of monologue is way too long for an introductory chapter.
The FMC was just rambling about how her and her ex never worked out yet we don’t know exactly what Mike (ex) did. C’mon!
It took more than 100 pages for anything significant to happen. Even then, it seemed dragging and all. Having read more than two-third of the book, it finally began to interest me. But the actions of the FMC were off putting.
The FMC doesn’t learn and know her worth. There was no character development as the FMC was right back where she started at the beginning of the book.
Yes, it is a book on dating but the characters were all fixated on being in relationships that it seems to be a competition amongst them.
I will still recommend this to anyone brave enough to try.
I received a copy of this book and the review is entirely mine.
June 13, 2023
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In true Hails fashion, I chose to read a book that I knew nothing about, and just judged it by its cover.
Upon starting Stupid Love, I had no idea what to expect besides the fact that it was similar to Sex and the City x Gossip Girl. Having watched all of the Bridget Jones’ Diary movies, it reminded me of those movies as well.
Danielle has done a wonderful job of voicing all the thoughts one has after heartbreak, from the “what ifs”, to “what did I do wrong”, even all the way to “why am I not good enough”
Rachel, the MC, reminds me a lot of myself, in the sense that she keeps slipping up, and repeating the same steps that take her back to square one after every breakup. She is determined to right her wrongs and stop giving when she gets nothing in return and i applaud her for that.
I absolutely loved Rachel’s group of friends. They all rallied behind her when she needed them most and all gave her great advice despite the fact that they basically gave her same advice time and time again.
My favorite character of all has to be Agnes. The way she had to prove her point about the advice she was giving Rachel was perfect in my eyes.
In true Hails fashion, I chose to read a book that I knew nothing about, and just judged it by its cover.
Upon starting Stupid Love, I had no idea what to expect besides the fact that it was similar to Sex and the City x Gossip Girl. Having watched all of the Bridget Jones’ Diary movies, it reminded me of those movies as well.
Danielle has done a wonderful job of voicing all the thoughts one has after heartbreak, from the “what ifs”, to “what did I do wrong”, even all the way to “why am I not good enough”
Rachel, the MC, reminds me a lot of myself, in the sense that she keeps slipping up, and repeating the same steps that take her back to square one after every breakup. She is determined to right her wrongs and stop giving when she gets nothing in return and i applaud her for that.
I absolutely loved Rachel’s group of friends. They all rallied behind her when she needed them most and all gave her great advice despite the fact that they basically gave her same advice time and time again.
My favorite character of all has to be Agnes. The way she had to prove her point about the advice she was giving Rachel was perfect in my eyes.
June 18, 2023
I obtained an eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Stupid Love follows Rachel, an almost 30-year-old woman who has moved back to Syracuse following a break-up with her emotionally manipulative and abusive ex named Mike. Rachel and her friends are all struggling to find romance and get together rather frequently to bemoan that there are "no good men" despite being best friends with Noah, who is a very sweet, kind individual. Throughout the novel, we follow Rachel as she starts an anonymous blog called The Salt Lake City Diaries where she discusses her love life and lack thereof with her 20 unique readers to let them know they are not alone. Rachel moves through I think three boyfriends throughout the course of the book and yet does not even try to pursue the best guy who offers to be her boyfriend. In fact, after that particular guy offers to be her boyfriend and confesses feelings for her, it is never brought up in the book again and that particular character never pops up again.
To be 100% honest, this book felt like an author self-insert, so I did not really get into it. The book was described as having "New Girl vibes", which is why I requested the ARC because I absolutely adored binge watching New Girl with my sister when I was in high school because I was late to the show. However, this book felt nothing like New Girl to me. Some parts of the plot were completely predictable, especially in relation to all the male characters introduced into the story. Furthermore, the ending just didn't seem to exist... The ending of the book is almost the exact same as the beginning of the book. I typically don't struggle to finish rom-com books, but this book took me a full week to read and probably would have taken longer if I didn't have a deadline to review it by.
⭐⭐/5.0 stars for me
To be 100% honest, this book felt like an author self-insert, so I did not really get into it. The book was described as having "New Girl vibes", which is why I requested the ARC because I absolutely adored binge watching New Girl with my sister when I was in high school because I was late to the show. However, this book felt nothing like New Girl to me. Some parts of the plot were completely predictable, especially in relation to all the male characters introduced into the story. Furthermore, the ending just didn't seem to exist... The ending of the book is almost the exact same as the beginning of the book. I typically don't struggle to finish rom-com books, but this book took me a full week to read and probably would have taken longer if I didn't have a deadline to review it by.
⭐⭐/5.0 stars for me
June 10, 2023
This book was both comical and cringy when it came to the FMCs navigating through the dating world after being in a long-term relationship.
Rachel Parker broke up with her long-time boyfriend, moved back to her hometown in Syracuse, NY, is working at a job she really doesn’t like, and to top it all off, she finds herself jumping back into the dating game. Things are not going well for her. So, in order to keep her sanity, she starts writing an anonymous blog.
I really loved the Sex and the City vibes and the way the story was written, like it was a blog within a blog. I saw it as a memoir but you’re living the moments as Rachel goes through them. The strong bonds of friendship she had with Leigha, Jessie, and Noah were so great. She could talk about anything with them and expect the truth, even when she didn’t want to hear it.
The cringe factor came into play for me when one of her dates told her from the get-go that he wasn’t looking for anything serious, and yet she let herself fall for him. Why, Rachel? Whyyyy!? I wanted to shake her when she thought back and states, he should’ve been clearer. Ummm, really, Rachel? Sigh, stupid love.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book because I am really hoping this turns into a friends to lovers deal. Fingers crossed.
Rachel Parker broke up with her long-time boyfriend, moved back to her hometown in Syracuse, NY, is working at a job she really doesn’t like, and to top it all off, she finds herself jumping back into the dating game. Things are not going well for her. So, in order to keep her sanity, she starts writing an anonymous blog.
I really loved the Sex and the City vibes and the way the story was written, like it was a blog within a blog. I saw it as a memoir but you’re living the moments as Rachel goes through them. The strong bonds of friendship she had with Leigha, Jessie, and Noah were so great. She could talk about anything with them and expect the truth, even when she didn’t want to hear it.
The cringe factor came into play for me when one of her dates told her from the get-go that he wasn’t looking for anything serious, and yet she let herself fall for him. Why, Rachel? Whyyyy!? I wanted to shake her when she thought back and states, he should’ve been clearer. Ummm, really, Rachel? Sigh, stupid love.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book because I am really hoping this turns into a friends to lovers deal. Fingers crossed.
June 24, 2023
Absolutely LOVED this book and am so excited for the series! I already have the ARC for book 2 in my kindle 🤩
If you like Sex and the City and love to read, this is for you 💯
Rachel (the FMC) is pretty much Carrie Bradshaw. She creates a secret blog to document her dating woes and life lessons that, if you’re older than 25 and have dated more than your high school sweetheart, may feel like a personal attack 🤣
I highlighted so much of this book and ordered a signed hardback before I even hit the 50% mark.
It’s not non-fiction or self-help, but you will see this in other reviews bc the author states in the prologue that she pulled a lot of inspiration from her life. Contemporary doesn’t have to be relatable to make a good read, but the fact that so many of these lessons I too learned or am still healing from definitely made it hit home.
If you like Sex and the City and love to read, this is for you 💯
Rachel (the FMC) is pretty much Carrie Bradshaw. She creates a secret blog to document her dating woes and life lessons that, if you’re older than 25 and have dated more than your high school sweetheart, may feel like a personal attack 🤣
I highlighted so much of this book and ordered a signed hardback before I even hit the 50% mark.
It’s not non-fiction or self-help, but you will see this in other reviews bc the author states in the prologue that she pulled a lot of inspiration from her life. Contemporary doesn’t have to be relatable to make a good read, but the fact that so many of these lessons I too learned or am still healing from definitely made it hit home.
December 26, 2025
Stupid Love is one of those books that just feels honest in the best way. Rachel’s voice is funny, vulnerable, and painfully relatable especially for anyone who’s ever sworn off heartbreak only to fall right back into something complicated and electric. Danielle Dexter balances humor and heart so well that I found myself laughing in one moment and nodding along seriously the next. The friendships, the messy dating choices, the self-reflection it all feels real.
What really stood out to me is how the story doesn’t sugar-coat modern dating. It shows the highs, the red flags, the “maybe this time” moments, and the ways we grow through it all. Rachel’s journey is warm, flawed, and human, and the writing has so much personality. A witty, heartfelt read for anyone who loves romance with depth and emotional honesty.
What really stood out to me is how the story doesn’t sugar-coat modern dating. It shows the highs, the red flags, the “maybe this time” moments, and the ways we grow through it all. Rachel’s journey is warm, flawed, and human, and the writing has so much personality. A witty, heartfelt read for anyone who loves romance with depth and emotional honesty.
November 10, 2022
Hello Readers,
Like most authors, I steer clear (or, at least, try to) from this page. However, I wanted to thank all of you for taking the time to read and review Stupid Love. I appreciate it more than you know.
Written like a season of Sex and the City, it offers a fresh perspective on dating and the inner battles we face with love and acceptance.
Book One of The Salt City Diaries deals with the following:
Gaslighting
Cheating
Breakups
Starting over
Self-discovery
Self-love
Friendship
If you love books where the MC takes a bit longer finding "the one" this may be the book for you.
Please note that this book is listed under the romance genre due to the trajectory of the series.
Happy Reading!
D
Like most authors, I steer clear (or, at least, try to) from this page. However, I wanted to thank all of you for taking the time to read and review Stupid Love. I appreciate it more than you know.
Written like a season of Sex and the City, it offers a fresh perspective on dating and the inner battles we face with love and acceptance.
Book One of The Salt City Diaries deals with the following:
Gaslighting
Cheating
Breakups
Starting over
Self-discovery
Self-love
Friendship
If you love books where the MC takes a bit longer finding "the one" this may be the book for you.
Please note that this book is listed under the romance genre due to the trajectory of the series.
Happy Reading!
D
June 12, 2023
Who can resist a book described as Sex in the City meets Gossip Girl? Not me!
There is so much relatable experience in these pages. Rachel has a terrible habit of giving too much and losing herself in her relationships. She’s always hoping that the red flags she sees are false alarms, and I think most of us can relate to that in some way. Love and our desire to be loved can definitely inspire questionable judgment at times!
It starts slow but I really want to see where things lead in the series. Rachel seems to be getting her footing in both life and the blog, and several side characters have great potential.
Note: I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for my honest review.
There is so much relatable experience in these pages. Rachel has a terrible habit of giving too much and losing herself in her relationships. She’s always hoping that the red flags she sees are false alarms, and I think most of us can relate to that in some way. Love and our desire to be loved can definitely inspire questionable judgment at times!
It starts slow but I really want to see where things lead in the series. Rachel seems to be getting her footing in both life and the blog, and several side characters have great potential.
Note: I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for my honest review.
June 16, 2023
A book that is similar to SATC? SIGN ME UP!!!
What I loved about this book was that it actually felt like I was reading a season of SATC. It possessed all the knowledge, humor and relationship dynamics commonly found in the series. Danielle did an amazing job of creating an MC that was relatable--even if her choices were cringeworthy. But we have all been there. That's what I loved about this book.
I am excited to read book two.
Also, this is an unconventional series debut into the romance category, but it wasn't so much about Rachel finding love with someone else, but more with herself.
What I loved about this book was that it actually felt like I was reading a season of SATC. It possessed all the knowledge, humor and relationship dynamics commonly found in the series. Danielle did an amazing job of creating an MC that was relatable--even if her choices were cringeworthy. But we have all been there. That's what I loved about this book.
I am excited to read book two.
Also, this is an unconventional series debut into the romance category, but it wasn't so much about Rachel finding love with someone else, but more with herself.
June 7, 2023
As soon as I saw Sex in the City & New Girl vibes I had to give this a try.
Now it took me a little to get into it but that could be because I’m a mood reader & if you’re a mood reader you’ll understand what I mean 😉
I ended up enjoying the story and Rachel. She’s such a kind soul who just wants to find her person.
It’s definitely not your typical romance book, but I think it’s very easy to relate to the main character/side characters and their struggles.
Now it took me a little to get into it but that could be because I’m a mood reader & if you’re a mood reader you’ll understand what I mean 😉
I ended up enjoying the story and Rachel. She’s such a kind soul who just wants to find her person.
It’s definitely not your typical romance book, but I think it’s very easy to relate to the main character/side characters and their struggles.
June 12, 2023
Thank you Danielle Dexter,@boundbymischief and Cupid's Arrow Publishing for the ARC! This book was like watching episodes of "Sex and the City" and reading not just the questions that "Carrie" would ponder but the full article. Rachel discusses dating and relationships with her circle of friends and tries to find her happily ever after. She decides to blog about her reflections. The story is told through Rachel's POV. There are a lot of discussions about relationships but I found them interesting. Who amongst us hasn't had repeated conversations on a subject with our friends?
June 15, 2023
I wanted to like this book so much and it had a ton of potential. There were overall good life lessons and I enjoyed the metaphors that were used in relating dating to a playground.
I think the issue was there were too many parts where Rachel droned on and it was disengaging as a reader. I found myself asking “didn’t I just read the same thing… but worded differently?” Maybe that was intentional and just not my style, but I think there could have been more depth to the plot without that.
I think the issue was there were too many parts where Rachel droned on and it was disengaging as a reader. I found myself asking “didn’t I just read the same thing… but worded differently?” Maybe that was intentional and just not my style, but I think there could have been more depth to the plot without that.
October 14, 2022
This book was such a page turner and I couldn't put it down! Whether currently married, Starting over, or have already started over we can all relate to this book. We have all been there and we have all felt at a time that Love is well stupid. Highly recommended if your looking for your next read! Impatiently waiting for the sequal!
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