A hilarious and heart-warming romantic comedy that examines how the unlikeliest of loves can bloom in – well, the most likely of places. Perfect for fans of The Hating Game and The Spanish Love Deception.
When Cece James agrees to be cast as a ‘Juliet’ on the next season of the hit television show Marry Me, Juliet, it’s certainly not for the right reasons. She’s knee deep in debt and desperate for the associated paycheck. The last thing on her mind is the hunky ‘Romeo’ waiting for her at the end of the gravel driveway.
But Dylan Jayasinghe Mellor isn’t your usual fame-hungry TV star. An Olympic gold medallist with calloused hands, kind eyes and a propensity for panic attacks, it turns out he’s not here for the right reasons either. As spokesperson for a men’s mental health foundation, and the franchise’s first non-white male lead, Dylan’s got a charity to plug and something to prove.
When Cece gets eliminated on the first night, it seems like her and Dylan’s awkward first meeting will be their last conversation. But when the TV set is shut down unexpectedly, Cece and Dylan suddenly get a little more time together than they’d expected.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
Here for the Right Reasons is a book about Cece and her entry into a Bachelor-like romantic reality show. What happens is less than expected with her being eliminated on night one. I loved this book as it was like reading a season of the Bachelor but it included a behind the scenes ‘real’ look into the reality TV world. Cece was a relatable character and I loved her tough exterior with a soft centre nature. I would recommend this book to someone who loves the Bachelor franchise and is wanting a light read with lots of poignant moments. Great holiday read. Katarzyna, VIC, 5 Stars
As a reality TV tragic, this was a delicious book that I inhaled over the course a weekend. Witty and funny it kept me entertained right til the end. Reading this felt like I was behind the scenes of a reality TV show…the good, the bad and the ugly! Justine, NSW, 5 Stars
After watching the final of “Marry Me, Juliet” with her friends, Cece James applies and is accepted to go on the show for the next season. She is broke and sees it as a way to end her financial problems. Dylan Jayasinghe Mellor is not your normal TV Romeo. He is an Olympic Gold Medalist and has his own issues and see the show as a way to promote his charity. Neither are there for the right reasons. Cece nearly falls over and is eliminated after the first night and as there is a pandemic the eliminated contestants have to remain on the set. The two become friends and share some TV time but things get rather uncomfortable as other contestants that have been eliminated move into the house. Liz, VIC, 5 Stars
Fabulous, funny and heartwarming, great story. Mary, VIC, 5 Stars
This is the book that I have been waiting for! “Here for the Right Reasons” is a funny, charming and light-hearted read – perfect for when you need some cheering up. I loved everything about this storyline and the characters. There is nothing this book was missing, it was simply perfect. Nicole, NSW, 5 Stars
This captivating read is about the The “Fictional Reality” Dating Show, Marry me Juliet. It tells of Cece & Dylan who meet on the set of the show during the pandemic and their growing love for each other whilst following the constrictions of a very contrived setting. The characters were interesting and provided what could be a peek into the real world of reality TV. This book was a welcome relief from all that has been & is still going on in our world. Olimpia, NSW, 4 Stars
Cece James has lost her job during the pandemic and is struggling to keep the cash coming in. One night with her 2 friends, Flick and Ayo, they enter themselves to be cast as “Juliet” on the next season hit TV show, Marry Me, Juliet. And by surprise, she’s been offered to be one of the Juliets. Keeping her eyes on the money rather than finding love. When Cece gets eliminated on the first night, it seems like her and Dylan’s first meet will be their last conversation. But when there’s a hidden agenda, things take an unexpected turn. This book had it all. Romance, girl on girl drama, twists and turns, passion and friendships. It was such an enjoyable read, that I LAUGHED OUT LOUD! As a huge “TV dating show” fan, this ticked all my boxes and I loved reading every page. Cece is such a loveable character that you will love and you really do feel for her at times. An eye opening read as to what really happens on these dating shows. Kristina, VIC, 4 Stars
As a long time fan of a certain reality TV franchise, I devoured ‘Here for the Right Reasons’ by @jodimcalister in a day! Cece applies for a dating show referred to as ‘Marry Me, Juliet’ and the ensuing drama is outrageous! The characters were portrayed accurately and I loved how they showed the main stars interacting with the producers. It felt like a “behind the scenes” look at the show. Fast paced and constant action, this is a delight for romance lovers! Kendall, SA, 4 Stars
Here for the Right Reasons, by Jodi McAlister, is a delightful novel for fans of reality TV. Drama, big personalities and all things love… This one makes for a great weekend read! Rebecca, TAS, 4 Stars
This is a reality dating show romance novel. Cece is the broke uni student, Dylan is the Olympic gold-medallist ‘bachelor’. While it had the potential to be sickly-sweet, it was so much better than that! I read the entire thing in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. I really liked all the characters, the writing was easy to read and the sexual tension didn’t disappoint! The diversity was refreshing but not too preachy, and the little twist at the end was a delightful cherry-on-top. I very highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a happy, feel-good light holiday read. The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars is because it isn’t exactly a life-changing book, but it’s the most enjoyable read I’ve had in a while! Clare, NSW, 4 Stars
Here for the Right Reasons is a very easy read. The characters are well thought out and interact so well. All the action & suspense of the similar TV genres with some of the behind the screens antics, that the public may guess, but are never confirmed or denied. A great page turner that finishes well. Great way to spend a lazy few hours. Leanne, NSW, 4 Stars
A fun yet romantic read that will keep you laughing. I am not a reader of romance books but love books that are fun and make you smile and laugh and this book did that for me. It has all the aspects of a romance with some humour thrown in and a bit of fun as well. The characters are delightful and the twists are fun and relatable to a point with a bit of craziness thrown in. Dating game shows, pandemics, people thrown together in strange circumstances. It all adds up to a quirky read. I loved that it is an easy read, with easily relatable characters and delves into personalities and the way the world has changed over the years. It is a fun book, light-hearted and as I say it is a romance. Recommended for light reading, romance and fun! Donna, TAS, 3 Stars
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