Here for the right reasons by Jodi McAlister

 As a fan of the YA Valentine series by Jodi McAlister I was keen to read an adult novel by her and I was not disappointed. The setting of a TV show, Marry Me, Juliet, is sure to engage anyone who is a fan of the TV show Bachelor, while people like me who do not watch reality TV will enjoy learning about how such shows are set up and filmed. Cece James and Olympic gold medallist Dylan Jayasinghe Mellor are both characters that readers can emphasise with. Cece has been brought up in foster homes and has trouble believing anyone can stay with her, while Dylan is plagued with anxiety attacks. Both have their own reasons for being on the show – Cece is an unemployed student and really needs the money, while Dylan wants to promote his men’s mental health charity. When Cece gets eliminated on the first night of the show, she thinks that everything is over for her, but the director of the show is persuaded to film a developing friendship between Dylan and Cece.

The other Juliets on the show are all accomplished and clever women and could become Juliet to Dylan’s Romeo and tension is built up amongst them. The global pandemic and lockdowns also mean that the women must stay in a bubble, and this gives McAlister the opportunity for the reader to get to know many of them.

This is a feel-good romantic comedy with some great dialogue. It is enjoyable to read about the antics of the Juliets to win over Romeo while the slow growth of friendship and attraction between Cece and Dylan is a delight to read.

Themes: Romantic comedy, Love, Anxiety.

Pat Pledger