"Not Here to Make Friends (Marry me, Juliet #3)"

I have several television shows that I watch every week like clockwork, immersing myself in their intricate plots and character developments, but I hate to admit that my guilty pleasure is undeniably reality TV. I know what you're thinking—reality TV is so fake and quite possibly the farthest thing from actual reality that one could imagine. It often showcases exaggerated personalities, staged scenarios, and scripted drama that can make it feel more like a theatrical performance than a genuine representation of life. However, I was a late teen and an early twenty-something when reality TV exploded in popularity and became the cultural phenomenon that it is today. Shows like "Survivor," "The Real World," and "American Idol" dominated the airwaves, capturing the attention of audiences across the nation.

As a result, I think it's not so much that I even enjoy it anymore in the traditional sense, but rather that old habits die hard, as the saying goes. The thrill of watching these shows became ingrained in my routine, creating a nostalgic connection to my youth and the carefree days of my early adulthood. The drama, the romance, and the outrageous antics of the participants have a certain allure that, despite my better judgment, I find myself drawn to time and again. When I stumbled upon the description of this book, it struck a chord deep within me. It had all the elements that appealed to my sensibilities, sounding remarkably like a book version of "The Bachelor" or "The Bachelorette," complete with the promise of love, heartbreak, and unexpected twists. This connection to reality TV made me feel that I would actually really enjoy this story, and I wasn't wrong. The narrative unfolded with the same tantalizing tension and emotional rollercoaster that I have come to expect from my favorite reality shows, pulling me in and keeping me engaged from the very first page.

As I dove deeper into the story, I found myself captivated not only by the plot but also by the characters, each of whom seemed to embody the archetypes I had come to recognize from countless hours spent watching reality TV. The complexities of their relationships, the challenges they faced, and the decisions they made mirrored the very essence of the shows I had grown to love. In many ways, this book became a delightful escape, allowing me to indulge in my guilty pleasure while also providing a rich and immersive experience that transcended the typical reality TV fare.

The Review

“Not Here to Make Friends” is the third novel installment in the Marry Me, Juliet series by author Jodi McAlister. I found that even though this was the third book in the series, that this could be read as a standalone and still make perfect sense. The story follows reality tv co-producers Lily Ong and Murray O’Connell as they weave a brilliant love story between split narratives. I think the story ebbed and flowed quite well including some fiery spicy scenes. The only complaint I have about the characters was that they were both married to other people at various points and their connection toed a fine line that made me slightly uncomfortable. Would still recommend to anyone who enjoys a dramatic romance.

Finished Reading On:  August 23, 2024

Book Information

Author Name: Jodi McAlister

Publisher Name: Atria Books

Published Date: June 4, 2024

Final Thoughts

   Have you read Not Here to Make Friends? Drop a comment, a rating, and let me know your thoughts. Thanks for reading! If you're interested in purchasing this book for yourself, feel free to check out the link below.

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