Michelle sits down with Mackenzie Newcomb, founder of Bad Bitch Book Club, to talk about the Amazon adaptation of The Love Hypothesis and why the film worked so well for readers. They also dig into how Bad Bitch Book Club grew from a tiny Facebook group into a 50,000-member reading community with chapters, events, and retreats across North America. They discuss the business behind book clubs, what makes a romance adaptation succeed and which changes worked, and didn’t work, from page to screen. Mackenzie shares what she thinks made the movie such a strong adaptation, along with the book-to-screen projects she’s most excited about next.
Key topics
Mackenzie’s pivot from influencer and celebrity marketing at Petrosian Caviar to building Bad Bitch Book Club as a side project that became a full-time business.
How hotel front-desk work taught her resilience and hospitality, while luxury-brand marketing shaped the club’s retreat experience.
How Bad Bitch Book Club serves about 50,000 members through online book clubs, in-person city chapters, and monthly reading retreats.
The club’s intentional growth, with community coordinators running local groups under clear guidelines and flexible expectations.
How events are funded, including low-cost book swaps, publisher partnerships, and ticketed screenings.
Why the adaptation of The Love Hypothesis captured the spirit of the book, including its chemistry, fake-dating trope, and key scenes readers were waiting for.
Standout performances and the film’s handling of emotional beats and comedy.
Meaningful book-to-screen changes, including Olive’s more grounded styling, Adam’s softer characterization, and visual storytelling that shows growth.
What felt missing: some of Adam’s supporting relationships and a more satisfying confidence arc for Olive as she learns to advocate for herself.
Why the book resonated with readers, including its accessibility, appeal to demisexual readers, and STEM romance setup.
Upcoming adaptations Mackenzie is excited about, including projects from Kennedy Ryan, The Nightingale, and Fourth Wing.
Resources & Links:
More BTS from My Substack
Connect with Mackenzie:
Mackenzie's Instagram Bad Bitch Book Club's Instagram
Bad Bitch Book Club Website
Mackenzie Newcomb is the founder of Bad Bitch Book Club, a community of readers with over 50,000 members worldwide. Best known for their viral summer camp experience, BBBC has helped countless readers find friendship and connection through books. She lives in Manhattan with her husband, rescue dog, and three year old son, Sebastian.
