Book-to-Screen Adaptations: The Love Hypothesis with Mackenzie Newcomb of Bad Bitch Book Club

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