Can a modern woman take lessons in love from Shakespeare? Beth O’Leary meets 10 Things I Hate About You in this sparkling romantic comedy from beloved Aussie author Jessica Dettmann.
‘Sigh no more, ladies, sigh no more. Men were deceivers ever…’
Since she was sixteen, Willa’s curious touchstone in life and work has been the 1993 film Much Ado About Nothing. She’s always looking for The Feeling, the stirring in her heart – and loins – that she gets when watching the opening scenes. Now she’s navigating her mid-thirties, her career as a romance publisher in an unusual family business, and her determination to remain child-free, while quietly holding out for a love as big as Beatrice and Benedick’s.
But when relationships start to get complicated between Willa, her cousin Imogen and the four sons of the family she works for, and the events of her own life begin to mirror the plot of her beloved comedy, Willa must consider whether there is such a thing as too much ado.
A delightfully Shakespearean romantic comedy about modern love, women’s roles and how the films and stories we grow up with shape us.
Jessica Dettmann is no stranger to the contemporary genre with her previous novels This Has Been Absolutely Lovey and How to Be Second Best, blending all-too-relatable life experiences with her signature witty comedy. It seems no matter what she writes, you’ll always be left laughing. Her latest novel Without Further Ado has her signature tone, while diving deep into romance with some insatiable chemistry and well-written characters.
Having protagonist Willa work in the romance publishing industry was a stroke of genius on Dettmann’s part. The self-aware setting works perfectly for the novel, both reader and Willa recognising the romantic tropes at play. At least, that is until Dettmann hits you with a curveball and expertly subverts your expectations of any romance stereotypes.
Without Further Ado is some of the most fun I’ve had reading a rom-com in a long time; it’s a perfectly paced, delightful read. If ever I needed an excuse to go back and watch the classic film Much Ado About Nothing, Jessica Dettmann’s latest novel will you inspire you to. Full of Shakespearean themes of love and drama, tied together with a modern twist and hilarious characters, this is one you won’t want to miss.
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