OK, I’m going to start off with that I haven’t read the book that the show Sex/Life was inspired by, but I’ve had several conversations with those that have read the book. And the show (naturally) changed a bunch of things from the book.
SHOW SPOILERS AHEAD.
Where do I even begin with my review? I’ve never reviewed a TV show on the blog, but here we go … For a while now, I’ve been hearing about Easton’s book 44 Chapters About 4 Men coming to Netflix as a new series. Of course, all of romancelandia loves when we hear about a book coming to the bring screen. But naturally, there’s always a ton of nerves because of what we’ve seen before is that it normally turns out to be a meh representation of the books we’ve loved.
Knowing what I know about this book, I was like what the hell, let’s give this show a try. I was expecting a rom-com with a couple whose marriage was kind of pushed aside due to a busy work schedule, having kids, and gradually the couple loses the focus on their intimacy. In brings the journal that Billie writes in reminiscing about her rather steamy relations she had with her ex before her now-husband, Cooper.
I thought we’d be getting a show about this couple trying to spice up their marriage and to get back on track. Make it something relatable. I’m a stay-at-home mom and life is chaotic being a parent of two, also trying to navigate postpartum and juggling all the stress (and joys) that come along with being a parent. Plus, my husband’s very demanding job that keeps him away from home, a lot. I was eager and excited to see what Netflix was going to do.
And it pretty much went in the opposite direction of my expectations.
Instead, they go down the road of exploring a little bit and trying to spice things up in their relationship. But the ex ended up playing a much bigger role in this tv series and going down towards tropes that I absolutely don’t like to read in a romance. So, of course, I don’t want to see it on the screen.
The show really focuses on the sex between Billie and her ex, yes it’s super steamy, I’m sure plenty will love that content. But it also felt like this show was what everyone (non-romance readers) think about our genre and that’s what I found most upsetting. This could definitely be another blog post, but as it’s mostly romance readers that follow me, they know exactly what I’m talking about.
Sex/Life is not a romcom, definitely some ha moments, but if you’ve read the book and enjoyed the romcom factor. It’s not what you’ll get here.
Even though we don’t physically see any cheating (as far as I can remember, I did end up skipping around), the thoughts and emotions are all there. And by the end, you can definitely make assumptions of what’s to come if they get a season 2.
As an author, it’s a huge milestone for one of their books to hit the big screen. But if this were my book, I’d be pretty upset with the direction it went. Unfortunately, that’s how it goes.
Marriage is work and I would have loved to see this couple work at it. Because I know there are so many that totally understand this, but they decided to go down the road towards infidelity. By the end, I was rooting for no one.
I do plan on reading the book and will definitely tie in my review when I finish.
Questions/Thoughts, let me know in the comments. Also, don’t mind my grammar and typos.
I haven’t watch the show yet, Malia. I am planning to if I’m in the mood for it. I wish romance book adaptations are done right and never go beyond its context. Does B.B. Reid have a part in the production of this adaptation?
If you do end up watching it, I wish you good luck. let me know when you do! Curious to see what your thoughts are. And I have no idea if Easton had much say or not?
Thank you Malia! I’ll update you once I watched it 🙂