You know that feeling when you pick up a book from thirty years ago and expect it to be a total cringefest, but it actually ends up wrecking your emotions? That’s basically the experience of reading It Had to Be You. Written by Susan Elizabeth Phillips in 1994, this isn't just another "sporty spice" romance. It’s the book that launched the legendary Chicago Stars series and, honestly, it changed the way a lot of people think about the "bimbo" trope.
Most people see the cover—or the blurb about a ditzy socialite inheriting a football team—and think they know exactly where this is going. They’re usually wrong.
The Setup: Pigskins and Polka Dots
The story kicks off with Phoebe Somerville, a woman who is essentially the human embodiment of a "New York knockout." She’s got the curves, the clothes, and a reputation for being about as deep as a puddle. When her father dies, he leaves her the Chicago Stars football team. But there’s a catch. A big one.
She only gets to keep the team if they win the championship. If they fail? It goes to her slimy cousin Reed.
Enter Dan Calebow.
Dan is the head coach. He’s a former gridiron legend, a "good ol' boy" from Alabama, and a man who believes women belong in the kitchen or the bedroom, certainly not in the front office. When Phoebe struts in with her designer heels and a poodle named Pooh, Dan decides she’s a "meddling bimbo" who wouldn't know a pigskin from a pitcher’s mound.
It's a classic enemies-to-lovers setup. But Susan Elizabeth Phillips (or SEP, as fans call her) does something sneaky here. She gives you the tropes you expect, then pulls the rug out from under you.
Why Phoebe Somerville Isn't Who You Think She Is
If you read It Had to Be You looking for a fluff piece, you're going to be surprised by the darkness. Phoebe isn't actually a ditzy blonde. She’s playing a character.
Basically, she uses her sexuality and her "airhead" persona as armor. Why? Because her father was a monster who told her she was his only failure. Because she was raped when she was eighteen and never quite healed. By acting like a woman who only cares about fashion and parties, she keeps people at a distance. If they don't know the real her, they can't hurt the real her.
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It’s a defense mechanism. It's also why her interactions with Dan are so explosive. He sees the "mask" and hates it, but he can't help being attracted to the woman underneath.
The Dan Calebow Problem
Let’s be real for a second: Dan can be a jerk. In 1994, he was the "Alpha Male" gold standard. In 2026, some of his dialogue feels... dated. He’s sexist. He’s bossy. He’s incredibly judgmental.
But SEP writes him with a specific kind of nuance. He’s not just a brute; he’s a man who has been burned by women who wanted him for his fame and "rough" edges. He thinks he wants a quiet, conservative wife. He thinks he wants a "lady." Then he meets Phoebe, who is loud and "shameless," and it breaks his brain.
The growth in this book isn't just Phoebe finding her confidence. It's Dan unlearning a lot of the toxic garbage he grew up with. When he finally realizes that Phoebe’s "bimbo" act is a shield for a woman who is actually brilliant and deeply kind, his world flips.
The Secret Sauce of the Chicago Stars
What makes this book a "Google Discover" worthy classic isn't just the romance. It's the world-building. SEP didn't just write a love story; she created a family.
- The Humor: This book is genuinely funny. Not "polite chuckle" funny, but "laugh out loud in public" funny. The banter between Dan and Phoebe is sharp, mean, and eventually, incredibly sweet.
- The Side Characters: We get introduced to Molly Somerville, Phoebe’s half-sister. Their relationship starts out toxic—Molly hates Phoebe for being the "glamour girl"—but watching them build a real sisterhood is one of the best parts of the novel. (Molly eventually gets her own book, This Heart of Mine, which is also a fan favorite).
- The Stakes: You actually end up caring about the football. Even if you don't know a touchdown from a field goal, the tension of the Stars' season keeps the plot moving.
Dealing with the Heavy Stuff
It’s important to acknowledge the limitations. This is an "old school" romance. The way the rape survivor plotline is handled—especially the confession scene—has been criticized by modern readers for being a bit too summarized. Some of the gender dynamics are definitely a product of their time.
However, for a book published in the mid-90s, Phoebe’s autonomy is pretty radical. She doesn't let Dan "save" her in the traditional sense. She saves the team. She saves herself. She just happens to let Dan tag along for the ride.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Read
If you’re planning to dive into It Had to Be You or the rest of the Chicago Stars series, here’s how to get the most out of it:
- Check the Reading Order: While you can read them as standalones, the series is much better if you follow the publication order. You’ll see characters grow up and get married in the background of later books.
- Context is Queen: Remember this was written before cell phones and social media. The "missed connections" and the way rumors spread feel very different than they would today.
- Look for the Themes: Don't just focus on the football. Look at the way Phoebe reclaims her identity. It’s a masterclass in character evolution.
- Prepare for a Binge: Once you finish this one, you’ll probably want to grab Heaven, Texas (Bobby Tom Denton’s story) immediately. Just clear your weekend now.
The book is a heavy-hitter for a reason. It balances the "slapstick" humor of a runaway poodle with the crushing reality of family trauma. It’s messy, it’s loud, and it’s unapologetic. Just like Phoebe.
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To get the full experience, grab the 1994 original or the updated anniversary editions. Pay attention to how Phoebe uses her wardrobe—it's not just clothes, it's a tactical strategy. If you're a writer, study the dialogue tags; Phillips is a pro at making two characters sound like they’re in a high-stakes tennis match. Once you've finished, track down the sequels to see how the Somerville legacy continues through the Stars' locker room.