Can I Steal You for a Second?

Marry Me, Juliet #2

by Jodi McAlister

When you sign up to a dating show, you’re supposed to fall in love with the male lead, not another contestant … A delightful romantic comedy with ALL the feels, by one of Australia’s leading romance experts. 

Mandie Mitchell will do anything to get over her toxic ex. Even sign up to the polarising reality dating show, Marry Me Juliet. But with her self-esteem in tatters, she’s not sure she’s brave enough to actually go on the show until she forms a friendship with Dylan Gilchrist at the auditions that gives her the push she needs. 

Dylan is everything Mandie is not – tough, strong, and totally unafraid to speak her mind. Unfortunately, she also looks set to win, as she soon becomes the clear favourite of the Romeo, who also happens to share the same name. It’s annoying, really, just how perfect the Dylans seem for each other... 

Mandie’s jealous. But it’s not because she wants to win the show. It’s because in her effort to get over her ex, she’s gone and fallen right back in love… with the wrong Dylan.  

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Queer, Lesbian, LGBT, Adult, Audiobook

Audiobook

First published April 4, 2023

About the author

By day, Jodi McAlister writes romance novels. By other time of day, Dr Jodi McAlister studies them. She's written romantic comedies for adults, romantasy and contemporary romance for young adults, and several academic books.

For adults
If you're a reality TV lover, the Marry Me, Juliet series are the books for you. Even if you're not a reality TV lover, they might be the books for you - several reality TV haters have enjoyed them.

The trilogy all take place at the same time on the same season of a reality dating show called Marry Me, Juliet (which bears a very strong resemblance to The Bachelor). While they all stand alone and can be read in any order, they work best when read in order.

Start with Here For The Right Reasons (he's the series lead, she's the contestant he eliminates on the first night), move on to Can I Steal You For A Second? (she's a contestant, she's... also a contestant), and finish with the book the New York Times called a "full-on villain romance", Not Here To Make Friends (she's the villain, he's the producer who's pining for her).

For young adults
If you're a romantasy reader, you'll like the Valentine series, a young adult paranormal romance/urban fantasy series about smart girls, small towns, and scary fairies. There are three books: Valentine, Ironheart, and Misrule. If Picnic at Hanging Rock meets Holly Black sounds like something you’d be into, these are the books for you.

And if you're a theatre kid, Libby Lawrence Is Good At Pretending is the book for you. It's my love letter to theatre kids as someone who used to be one.

Academic books
No one really cares much about these on Goodreads, do they? More info on my website if you're interested.

About Jodi
Jodi is originally from Kiama, a seaside holiday town on the south coast of New South Wales, and has lived in a bunch of different cities: Canberra (where she did her undergrad degrees), Wollongong (where she lived while she did her PhD in Sydney), and Hobart (where she held her first academic job) among them. Currently, she lives in Melbourne, where she works as a Senior Lecturer in Writing, Literature and Culture at Deakin University.

When she’s not writing about romance, Jodi is an academic studying romance. Her research focuses on representations of love in popular culture and fiction. It means that reading romance novels and watching (and let’s be real, writing huge amounts about) The Bachelor/ette is technically work for her.

**Want to dip your toes into the Valentine universe? Try the free short story Galentine, set a year and a bit before the events of Valentine. http://jodimcalister.com.au/galentine/ **

**Want to read a bonus epilogue to Libby Lawrence Is Good At Pretending? Check it out here: https://jodimcalister.com.au/libby-la... **

Reviews

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5★s
Can I Steal You For A Second is the second novel in the Marry Me, Juliet series by Australian author, Jodi McAlister. Barely three months since Jac dumped her, and twenty-seven-year-old petite blonde mechanic, Amanda Mitchell is far from over it. In an effort to put it behind her, or maybe as revenge(?), she signs up for Marry Me, Juliet, knowing how much Jac hates the program. If she can win the Romeo’s heart, it will be proof she’s fully recovered.

But at the audition, she’s comforted in a teary moment by a gorgeous woman also vying for a place in the program, and her attraction is instant. She and Dylan Gilchrist become texting friends, and when they are both chosen as part of the initial fifteen women, Mandie has trouble keeping her loving gaze off Dylan.

She’s quite certain, though, that Dylan will ultimately be the Romeo’s choice: “now I was going to lose my perfect rebound man and my hopeless crush to each other”

Still continually plagued by Jac’s super-critical whispers in her head (You rely too much on validation from other people, have you no self-respect?), Mandie soon realises how much better a friend Dylan would be, and is determined to keep her friendship.

McAlister’s twist on the (sort-of) love triangle is certainly original: a bi-sexual woman attracted to both the Romeo and one of her fellow contestants. COVID lockdowns, program producer machinations, a nasty ex, same-name characters, and a myriad of personalities amongst the Juliets add some interesting wrinkles to the plot.

Anyone who has watched a reality TV dating program will agree that McAlister certainly conveys her setting well, and the story is likely to appeal to fans of these programs, quite probably in their twenties or thirties, readers who won’t be irritated by, or perhaps even notice, the many grammatical errors of the I/me type. Others of a certain vintage will have their dislike of such programs confirmed by the goings-on that McAlister describes.

McAlister’s second novel is entertaining if a little too long. There are spoilers for the first book, Here For The Right Reasons, in this one, so this is probably a series best read in order. Readers of a certain vintage are bound to enjoy this happy-ever-after romance.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Australia.

[Sarah (sarahknowsthestory) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the best kind of reading experience with this book - I just couldn't put it down! McAlister's previous Here for the Right Reasons was a charming and easy read, and this, its successor, is no different.
Mandie is a bi woman who works as a mechanic and is getting over a tough breakup. Dylan is a nurse with a son who is burnt out and wanting to escape the front-lines of the oncoming pandemic.
Set in the same timeline as the previous book, the story follows them as they are falling in love on a TV dating show. Unfortunately, it's not with the person they're supposed to - ie. the "Romeo", a Bachelor-style leading man (who as we know from the previous book, is falling in love with someone unsuitable all on his own... ).
They first meet at the auditions and a firm friendship is struck up between them. When they get locked down together in the Juliet mansion in the show's quarantine bubble however, sparks fly and both of them are conflicted about their growing feelings for each other. And of course they have to hide it from everyone, including the other cast, the production crew, the Romeo and each other.
The book is told from Mandie's POV and she's a very sympathetic character - strong-willed, determined, smart and capable but also very impulsive and craving external validation. I love behind-the-scenes books like this (even though I hate most reality TV) and clearly McAlister knows her stuff. This was an enjoyable sapphic love story filled with yearning, angst and a HEA that left me smiling. The sexy times are all closed door but there's plenty on the page to please.
I just need to know now - will there be a third book?? Because I MUST know about Lily and Murray...
Thanks to #netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC.

[Sara Oyston · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Can I Steal You For A Second, we follow Mandie, a contestant in the Marry Me Juliet reality tv series, who is vying for Dylan’s heart. Unknown to almost everyone at the time, it’s another Dylan who captures her attention.

The story progresses through the filming of episodes but given the dates were detailed in Here For The Right Reasons, we see more of a behind the scenes in the mansion angle. Because I had finished the first book less than a week earlier, I was attached to the characters and rooting for their developing relationship. Mandie and Dylan are just as relatable as Cece and Dylan. Both also have their own struggles and it’s easy to imagine they were someone you know. I was proud of how Mandie overcame the self esteem issues left behind from her previous toxic relationship.

I was turning the pages on the second book even faster than the first, reading it within about 5 hours. If this is Jodi McAllister’s style, then I’m keen to see what future books she has up her sleeve. I’d love to see the series rounded out with Lily and Murray’s story.

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for my copy.

[X · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burned through this in one sitting, even better than the first one. Just so readable!! I am however stressed to have just discovered that (the eagerly awaited by me) book #3 is not on Kindle Unlimited… 😥

[Grace Arango · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you know me, you know I absolutely adored Here for the Right Reasons, but just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, Jodi seriously knocks it out of the park with Can I Steal You for a Second?!

I was anticipating Amanda and Dylan’s love story since I inhaled-read the first book and I can say with confidence that delivered on every level! Cece’s story was a journey I was emotionally attached to because I felt that I could resonate with her personally and I’m pleased to say that I was also emotionally attached to Amanda’s journey. While I really enjoyed the romantic aspect of this book, I also really appreciate that it was a story of self-love and personal development.

By the way this series is going, I reckon it’s going to get better with every book!

Everyone go pick this series up, I need someone to scream about it with!

[Lakinloveslit · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is really well written and is funny and great, but for me I just felt like I was reading Here For The Right Reasons again but with different main characters. I think I would’ve loved this more if it took place in a different timeline to the first book. Huge thanks to Harper Collins NZ for the review copy.

[Bec (Aussie Book Dragon) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one! I wish it were written in dual POV because I would have loved to see Dylan G's perspective. But anyway, I loved Mandie so it was fine.

Either way, I'm keen for the next one (Lily and Murray are going to be fascinating) and definitely want to do a tandem reread once all the books are out.

Full review to come... eventually.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster ANZ for sending me a copy of the book, and Tandem Collective for having me along for the Aus readalong.

[kowgurlkween · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, McAlister certainly got me with those opening chapters. Unfortunately, they didn’t sustain anything quite enough. Worst than simply cutting off the limb and letting me call the shots of a bad book, it’s a slow death. The worst kind of all.

While Mandie’s POV is certainly endearing, her inner thoughts drag the plot down to a redundancy akin of a woodpecker beating down every last chip. In short, it’s repetitive and flat, almost glaringly so. I wonder if this is just the general curse for a lot of reality show based plots but Mandie’s POV gets criminally tiring, and married to the plot of her relationship with her ex (which seems to geniunely take over a majority of her personality—ironically enough). Even weaker is Dylan G, whose character never seems to properly bloom, or even resolve (?). In fact, given her criminal amount of affirmative speeches about how amazing Mandie is, she is like a walking L.A life coach. Her dialogue, while sincere, fare too unnaturally, especially in the pace of when she supposedly likes our main character.

Personally, this wanes a lot as soon as Mandie registers attraction by page 90 or so, which ruins a lot of the tension and reveal of her attraction. It would’ve been considerably acceptable, say, if Mandie and Dylan did not at all click from Chapter 1, but that situation is neither here nor there. They’re besties from, like, page 2. From the fatal attraction, things rapidly dissolved into all bumbling inner thoughts from Mandie, which, while initially endearing, becomes increasingly worn and made it a weary experience. There was a lot of potential here, but the depth of Dylan is woefully unfound (strange, considering Too Much potential—she has a whole kid!). The transition between friendship to gradual attraction is none too existent. No one is more sadder about it than I, since the friendship was perhaps the reason I picked this up in the first place. (Again, those opening chapters got me good.)

Apart from Lily—who happens to be the most interesting bitch alive and will likely have a sequel with Murray, if I’m a good guesser—the rest of the cast unfortunately melds into a day-old microwaved soup of random women with varying random hobbies which are neither distinct except for Heather (who I didn’t know to be racist until it was pointed out because I also couldn’t tell a majority of the dialogue apart ((certainly not McAlister’s intended effect)).

Plot wise, it’s not terrible, and certainly some points along the second half kept me reading. Mandie is still endearing through it all, though she tests my patience. Perhaps everyone in this book did. Except for Murray—consistently bitchy. He delivered.

McAlister knows how to write. Unfortunately, she even knows how to write redundantly.

[Leigh Kramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This series just gets better and better! The books happen concurrently and are best read in order. Whereas the first book was a romance between an eliminated contestant and the Romeo, this is a romance between two of the contestants. Yes, we get a Bachelor-inspired sapphic romance!!

Mandie meets Dylan while they’re both interviewing for Marry Me, Juliet. Dylan comforts her while she’s falling apart and suggests they go out for drinks afterward. A quick friendship forms and they’re thrilled when they both make it onto the show. Only Mandie hasn’t been completely honest with Dylan. She decides not to be out as bisexual on the show because of its terrible history with previous bi and pan contestants. She wants to trust Dylan but it’s difficult to keep secrets on a set like this.

Dylan has her own struggles. She’s burned out on nursing and she misses her son. She struggles with whether coming on the show was the right call when the pandemic is happening but at the same time, she didn’t have much more to give and she wants the space to figure out what might be next for her. She also has her own secret, which readers know from the first book but Mandie has no idea.

Then there’s the way Mandie realizes she’s actually into Dylan as more than a friend…but how can they possibly do anything about that when they’re filming a reality show, especially when she’s not sure Dylan is into women? It was so fun and heart-warming to watch everything come together. Mandie experiences some solid growth as a people pleaser too, which I was glad to see happen. This also sets things up for Lily and Murray’s book and I am dying to find out what makes Lily (the show villain!) tick.

The one criticism I have is the depiction of race. The author is white and chose to make her premise about Marry Me, Juliet finally having its first POC Romeo. To me, that means the show has to reckon with race and racism in a real way. Most white authors aren’t equipped to do so, nor is it necessarily their lane. But at a minimum, the characters of color need to be well developed; there was room for improvement with both contestant-Dylan or Romeo-Dylan. When Mandie first sees contestant-Dylan, she identifies her as Pasifika. Romeo-Dylan later refers to her as Samoan. And that’s all we get, besides a few references to brown skin. Mandie and Dylan never talk about being in an interracial relationship once they get together or what kind of racism Dylan has experienced in Australia. Mandie misses another contestant being racist in the house, which would happen when no one else was around but also the other POC contestants never told her either, including Dylan. That made me question Mandie’s level of awareness about racism and her privilege, as well as how close they really were. Beyond that, Dylan felt underdeveloped. We don’t know anything about her family or friends beyond her son. This is solely in Mandie’s POV so some limitations are to be expected and nothing bad happened. But again, the author made the choice of having POC main characters paired with white characters in all three of her books (Lily is East Asian), while also depicting a reality show that is finally rectifying its past systemic racism. She needed to do these characters justice and I’m not sure she did. However, I’m saying this as a white woman and will defer to reviewers of color.


Characters: Mandie is a 27 year old bisexual white mechanic. Dylan is a bisexual Samoan nurse. She has a 7 year old son named Noah. This is set in Australia.

Content notes: COVID-19, closeted MCs and concern of forced outing no forced outing occurs, racist secondary character, bullying, past infidelity (Dylan’s ex-husband cheated; Mandie left her ex-boyfriend for another woman), panic attack (secondary character), anxiety (secondary character), toxic/emotionally abusive ex-girlfriend, past divorce, past forced outing of contestant as pansexual on the show, past biphobia and panphobia on the show, workplace sexism and sexual harassment (including being hit on by married men), Mandie cross-dresses as Mr. Wickham for a photo shoot, diet culture, secondary characters on diets, fainting (secondary character), past death of Mandie’s father (cancer), off page sex, alcohol, inebriation, gendered pejoratives, ableist language, hyperbolic language around addiction

[Cleo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. A-/B+ Adorable Sapphic bi romance between two contestants on a fictional version of The Bachelor, set in Melbourne during the 2021 pandemic lockdowns.

I really enjoyed this, despite some pacing issues at the end. It's told from a single, first person POV, which I think tends to be less romantic than getting both / all MC's POVs. Amanda, our narrator, is recovering from being dumped - her ex really did a number on her confidence. I think how much you enjoy this will depend on how well you tolerate Amanda putting herself down and her general passivity. She does eventually take more control of her life and I enjoyed her character growth.

Some readers may also be cautious about reading an escapist romance set during the pandemic lockdowns. The setting worked for me - having the whole show in a bubble during production meant that the characters were believably insulated from the pandemic but with some anxiety about what was going on in the outside world seeping in. For me that was the right mix.

I enjoyed the MC's developing friendship and romance and I really enjoyed the behind the scenes feel of the book. The author clearly is a fan of The Bachelor but not blindly so and the same is true of the MCs, who are fans but aren't actually expecting to fall in love with the guy they're all competing for, even though he seems like a much more interesting and all around better human being than any of the American Bachelors I'm familiar with.

It's the 2nd in a series and it takes place concurrently with book 1. It worked as a stand alone for me (books 1 and 3 are m/f and it looks like they're both straight romances, so I was less enthusiastic about paying full price for them, even if they're not usually available in the US).

[Donna McEachran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.

Having read the first book 'Here for the right reasons', it was interesting to see the competition from Dylan G and Mandie's perspective. Now need to read Lilly's story!!

[Matt Hortomaris · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good in the trashiest way. Second book in a series, going over the same ‘The Bachelor’ esque season of the first book but from different perspectives. One of the rare occasions where this kind of story adds to the first, although I couldn’t help think it should have just been combined with the first book. This is a guilty pleasure 4 star that I will not defend

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

A queer bachelor romance? This was written just for me. All the stars.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for Gong Girls Book Club - June 2025
Pick an lgbtqia+ read

The bachelor but queer?? I'm here for it!

[Stef (Noveltea Corner) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mandie Mitchell applies for Marry Me, Juliet in an attempt to get over her break-up with her ex-girlfriend. She doesn't intend to fall for one of her fellow contestants, but Dylan G becomes a fast friend before they even hit the set and Mandie is just drawn to her. Dylan's tipped to win and Mandie doesn't want to rock the boat - but the question is, can Mandie overcome her jealousy and let the woman she loves go, or will she fight for her?

Full disclosure - I don't watch reality dating shows (or any reality tv at all). I have zero interest in them, but apparently I don't mind reading them? Having read Here For the Right Reasons I knew exactly what I was going to get in this book, and there's a comfort in that. I loved that it's a sapphic romance (even if it's closed door) and that the relationship is heightened because both protagonists are on a dating show to win a man but they're in love with each other. It was also fun to see a lot of the things that happened in the first book from the perspective of a character who isn't eliminated straight away (both books run parallel). I do kind of wish we'd had Dylan's POV because she makes some questionable decisions that we only ever see from Mandie's perspective that might have made her a tad more sympathetic of a character, but the book overall was deeply enjoyable.

Be aware that both protagonists identify as bisexual but choose not to disclose that information during the filming of the reality tv show because of concerns about how they'll be treated and potential biphobia.

CW/TW: Toxic relationship (past, but heavily influences the main character), pressure cooker environments, set during COVID-19 lockdowns

Tropes/Keywords: Friends to lovers, reality tv show, sapphic, bisexual protagonists, closed door, mechanic, nurse, single POV

[Imogene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc received from Netgalley in exchange for honest review.

I was 62% through this book when I realised why I was loving it so much. There is a kindness to the way McAlister writes that is so warm and genuine and refreshing. As a writer, you can tell that she loves her characters. It’s not that there isn’t capital D Drama, and it’s not that any of them are perfect. There is enough that is messy and chaotic about them that we can all relate. There is just so much joy in the way that she lets them be who they are, and it’s a joy to read. McAlister has embraced her unashamed love of reality tv and romance, and while reading these books, you can tell that she’d support you and cheer you on in every single little thing that brings you joy.

If you want to hugged by a book that is going to let you know how wonderful and worthy you are no matter what, then this is the one.

[Alyce Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ARC from Simon & Schuster Australia (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review.

Mandie is a longtime watcher of reality show Marry Me, Juliet, but she would never have applied to be on it - before she got dumped by her toxic girlfriend, that is. She's not even sure she has the courage to go through with it. But then she meets Dylan, another romantic hopeful - who should be her competition, not her new obsession! After all, they're on the show for a chance at love - with a man.

How can you not love that premise? Two contestants on a Bachelor-style show falling in love (which has actually happened IRL!)? Sign me the heck up! To say I enjoyed this would be a vast understatement. There was plenty of delicious drama to be had, so much heart-twisting angst, and a strangers-to-friends-to-lovers tale that had me up past my bedtime.

But the best part? Representation. Oh my gosh. YES.

I don't usually see myself in romcoms. I will devour ALL the sapphic romances, but I'm always keenly aware that bisexual women like myself are generally not going to be the heroines. Unicorns are more visible than us lol. So imagine my delight to discover that both heroines were bi!

And pandemic fiction is my biggest weakness atm, so I ate up that aspect of the story. xD

[Isabel James · Rating 2 out of 5]

My main grievances with this book are:
- Jac is written to be so unlikable, she’s like Amanda’s inner demon character that hurls verbal and emotional abuse at her constantly. She’s a complete villain character with no depth or personality so it makes it very hard to envision what Amanda even liked about her in the first place
- The use of the phrase “Mummy Mandy”
- The fact that the two love interests are both called Dylan: beyond the mildly amusing gimmick it logistically is very annoying to read and adds nothing to the book
- I didn’t feel like the main characters had real chemistry, it was basically just Dylan constantly giving Amanda verbal affirmations because Amanda is so insecure. It felt like that was the entire crux of their relationship
- Why is Murray always GROWLING

[Tasha Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who knows me, knows I want to vomit at the thought of a fluffy romance novel. But oh my lord, I have loved this series so far.

And the squeal that came out of my mouth when I read the acknowledgements and saw there's another one coming. I think maybe someone body swapped me or played in my brain while I was sleeping.

Honestly all I can say is I think Jodi McAlister may have changed my mind about an entire freaking genre and I think I may be ok with that

[Christina]

Dnf @ 32%

This is just page after page of Mandie saying she thinks Dylan is pretty and amazing in a somewhat obsessive way, with the occasional interspersing of Mandie being insecure.

It’s not remotely interesting. Hopefully the third one is better since Lily is such an absurd character.

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel so bad I actually liked the first book but this one drained my will to live and idk why

[Bron · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I was super excited to get Mandie and Dylan’s love story in Can I Steal You for a Second?, I did have one small reservation, which was whether McAlister could make the broader plot feel fresh and exciting when we’ve also already seen it from the perspective of Cece and Dylan in Here for the Right Reasons. I feel like she absolutely nailed this – seeing events unfold around Mandie and Dylan and their developing relationship worked so well for me. So much so that I had my fingers crossed for a third book in the Marry Me, Juliet series around another couple, and I was so pleased to read that this will be happening.

The relationship we see grow between Mandie and Dylan was really lovely. Like in the first book, the feelings between them felt natural and the pacing worked well for me. I thought Dylan was a great character and I thought the tension she feels as a nurse facing down the growing pandemic and feeling torn between wanting to help and wanting out felt quite authentic to me. I wasn’t quite as sold on Mandie, who – for me – was really right on that border of being almost too down on herself for me to enjoy spending time in her head. She did have some great moments though, and I loved seeing he start to be kinder to herself and grow in confidence a bit.

Overall this was a sweet and fun read. McAlister manages to keep things feeling fresh and swoony, while tackling some more serious themes too. I definitely recommend this one to fans of romcoms and reality tv, and I will be hanging out to get my eyes on the next installment!

[Teresa Ruscito · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved reading the second installment of this series!!! It was such an incredibly sweet alternate perspective from two different characters going through the same journey in the first book! A super fun and interesting way to do a continuation and sequel in storytelling. These two love interests were so sweet and seeing how Amanda and Dylan open up to each other, become close, become important to each other, and take that to a deeper romantic level was so romantic and rewarding. Bonus points for queer main character storylines too!! These women both made such endearing and likable heroes that they were easy to root for. Seeing them get their happiness was a joy and my heart feels full and I want to squeeze out all the love juice and drink it with a side muffin cuz it feels so good I bet it would taste good too. I’m like legit so excited for the third installment, I feel like Murray and Lilly are going to rev my engines. LFG.
PS once again same style of closed door spice level, but the author continues to do a great job making the tension and the buildup to the big come together moments feel very rewarding.

[Lady Olenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can I Steal a You for a Second by Jodi McAlister is a bisexual romantic novel with reality TV backdrop.

This book is different from other wlw stories because it’s basically art imitates life from a season of Australian The Bachelor. It’s a fresh take on romance (for me anyway since I haven’t read any like this before) and it also has bisexual main characters!

The story is very introspective based on Mandie’s POV. Sometimes it gets a bit tedious with her back and forth but reflecting on it, that’s exactly how real life mental and emotional healing is. Once the negative core beliefs hooks it claws on our self worth, we will always doubt and talk down on ourselves. Mandie’s process was just very well documented by the author. Thus, coming out realistic, one step forward, ten steps back.

You don’t have to love reality TV or have watched The Bachelor to like this book. It’s romance between two bisexual women in the wrong place at the wrong time. What’s not to look forward to in that type of adventure?

[K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger warnings: emotionally abusive relationship (in the past), threats of outing, mental health, COVID-19 pandemic

4.5 stars

I was ridiculously excited about reading this because, like, THE ENDING OF THE LAST BOOK OMG. I went to the book launch because I needed to read it the second it came out. And then I put off reading it for like 4 months because I'm a chump. Anyway, I should have picked this up much sooner than I did because it was absolutely delightful. The dynamic between Amanda and Dylan is wonderful, and I loved getting to see what life was really like for the contestants in the mansion and during the various events.

This was more of a slow burn than I was expecting it to be, but it just WORKED. Also, I am now r.i.d.i.c.u.l.o.u.s.l.y. excited to read the third book in the series because OMG LILY AND MURRAY I NEED IT LIKE AIR. We get so much more of Lily's character in this one, as well as a ton of interactions between her and Murray and I just...I need it. Please and thank you.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A continuation to Here for the Right Reasons and definitely a book you should read after reading the first book.

I enjoyed how cute this was and the character development of Amanda. She really came into her own from where we first start this book so I’m happy for her.

If you’re into reality dating shows, you’ll see that the author does a good job of really setting up the environment.

What I do wish was a bit more of a relationship development with Dylan G. To me it just kind of happened and we don’t really read about it. It’s the only reason I couldn’t fully become grasped to the story.

This is closed door so if you don’t like reading about spicy scenes, you’re safe here.

Looking forward to reading the next book in Lily’s POV.

[Melissa Wilks · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, thankyou to the Beauty and Lace Club and Simon and Schuster for the opportunity to read and review Can I steal you for a second by Jodi McAlister.

Set during the outbreak of Covid, Can I Steal You For A Second is a romantic comedy, it is the second in the Marry Me, Juliet series. Mandie Mitchell is trying to do anything to get over her ex so she signs up to a dating reality show. Upon being accepted as a contestant she meets a woman called Dylan and starts falling for her, despite the show being about Romeo and Juliet.
This was such a quick and great read. I think my favourite character is Lily Fireball and I do hope to read more about her in future books.

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It felt so good to be back with these characters and that’s all thanks to the warmth of McAlister’s writing and the regard with which she renders her characters. This queer romance is adorable (I don’t agree with Mandie’s concerns about that word). Those who have read Here For The Right Reasons already know a little of this storyline but it’s so satisfying and delightful to get the full story. The portrait of an abusive relationship is very well handled. I loved this. Australian rom-coms – keep them coming please.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't let my rating fool you, this was a great and fun read. I do feel like it could have benefitted from a dual POV to help flesh out the romance and help differentiate it from Here For The Right Reasons. Especially as I felt like Mandie and Cece were practically copy-paste versions of each other. For the most part it felt like I was reading a f/f AU of Book 1 which lowered the rating and my overall enjoyment.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so I had no idea this was a sequel until the very end with the author's note. Before that I was going to give it 3 stars because some characters made either no sense or no impact but it makes sense in context of me having missed the first half of the story 😂 Super cute love story and a nice easy read