Reading this book was sort of a confusing experience because both of the main characters were deeply unlikeable. I’m still not sure if I’m even rooting for them. But as a reality tv girl, the concept and setting were quite fun.

Despite the morally grey discomfort, I don’t regret reading it.

3 stars.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Best friends Murray and Lily spent their entire careers together producing reality TV and are co-showrunners on the Bachelor-inspired series, Marry Me, Juliet. One night a tragic accident involving Lily’s husband pulls her away from the show (and Murray) as she processes her grief. The following year Murray, left missing his best friend and co-showrunner, is on his own to produce a history-making season amidst pandemic restrictions and pressure from executives.

I really enjoyed the first half of this book. The mutual pining layered by Lily’s POV in the past over Murray’s POV in the present built delicious tension and angst. Both MCs were upfront with their skewed moral compass which invited outrageous behavior in their professional and personal lives. I appreciate that the author was direct in her criticism of the history of misogyny and lack of diversity in the Bachelor franchise.

I read as a standalone however, based on other reviews it appears to me that readers were more satisfied with the story when read as a series than as a standalone. The three books make up a series of interconnected romances following three couples all occurring during the same period of time.

Read this book if you are a fan of:
+ the Bachelor franchise and Lifetime series UnREAL
+ morally grey MCs
+ coworkers to best friends to lovers
+ years of mutual pining

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Australia for and advanced reader's copy of this novel.

Not Here to Make Friends by Jodi McAlister follows Lily Ong and Murray O'Connell on the set of Marry Me, Juliet, a Bachelor style reality dating show. Murray is one of the show's producer's and Lily is a wildcard contestant that Murray has a hard time keeping a handle on. And that's because before Lily was the show's villain, she was Murray's best friend. Now, she's throwing a wrench in all his plans for the show. Can the two figure out what they want before the end of the season?

I really enjoyed Not Here to Make Friends. I thought it was a fun twist on the best friends to lovers trope. I liked how the chapters alternated with Lily and Murray's POV. Lily's antics as Lily Fireball were hilarious. I liked Murray as a love interest. I haven't read the other two books in the Marry Me, Juliet series, but this book made me want to read the other two. Overall, it was a really fun read.

Thank you to Atria Books & NetGalley for this ARC!

I really wanted to like this book. The concept had a lot of potential, but I felt like a lot was lacking. I was honestly very bored reading this and just couldn't wait for it to be over. The Lily character was supposed to be a "fun villian" but she was just incredibly annoying.

Unfortunately this romance had a lot of tropes that I don't like and I don't have many good things to say about it.

These feelings are solely on my personal tastes and I understand that many people will love it.

If you love a slow burn, want to learn a whole lot about the behind the scenes of producing and manipulating a reality dating show, and a very slow burn romance- then this will be right for you.

I personally would have liked the spicy scenes to have more chemistry and many of them ended up being "behind closed door's" or cut scenes. The ending felt a little rushed as far as the finale of Lily and Murray's romance goes, but I'm glad it ended on a happy note.

Mutual pining at its finest. Murray and Lily made for get tension and great tv in book form. Their story of friends to lovers who have been in love with each other for years and finally reconnected on a dating reality show who one of them is the producer. So much goodness happens, I loved it.

The premise of this book initially grabbed me. As a former lover of reality tv dating shows, I thought I would really enjoy this story. It was good but not great. There were a lot of characters and I didn't get really invested into any of them. I have not read the other books in this series, so that could be part of my problem. I think it definitely could be read as a stand alone but might make more sense to read the rest of the series first. Murray and Lily Fireball were good main characters that kept the book interesting. It was a fun read but I don't think I'll go back and read the other books in the series. Thank you for my eARC that was provided provided by Atria BBoks via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really fun romance, primarily told from the MMC's perspective. I loved the reality show producer angle, and the sharpness of the characters is a really nice, somewhat different side to your typical rom com.

Thank you Atria and S&S for the review copy! I think this one is a win in concept and less a win as I read it, this might be a case of me, not the book...

I wanted to like this one, I LOVE reality show romance themes, I think they can be fun and I love behind the scenes stories too. I just felt thrown into a story without a lot of sense about the backstory and here is a case where I think the back and forth timelines lessened my enjoyment, I think a more straightforward backstory into present day story would have worked better for me. I didn't have any sense as to who the main characters were and why I should follow their story... and for me, the chemistry was hard to feel when everyone felt manipulative, larger than life, or just lacking some of the depth, banter, and spark that I look for in a romance. So it's just not my kind of romance.

I also struggled with a lot of the premise overall, it felt like I didn't really understand a lot of the motives behind Lily Fireball's role on the show, the willingness to be a villain, and I had trouble accepting a lot of the premise (and I am usually ok with a little suspension of reality). I felt out of sync often with the pacing and style/direction of the plot, feeling a few steps behind with each shift in plot and how the reality show was being handled.

Surely a fun book for many and a creative, thought provoking plot, but this is one that I could not get into.

I didn’t realize that this was the third book in a series - whoops! - but the good news is that you can absolutely read and enjoy this latest release even if you haven’t read the earlier books. However, they are both on Kindle Unlimited, and I am so excited to go back and read them after being introduced to these characters!

The books take place on the set of Marry Me, Juliet - a fictionalized version of the Bachelor franchise. Not Here to Make Friends focuses on Murray, a producer on the series, and Lily, Murray’s former producing partner who has returned to the show, this time in front of the camera. Lily Fireball, her onscreen persona, is the perfect villain that viewers love to hate, but after she disappeared from his life for the past year following her husband’s death, Murray is worried about why she seems so hell-bent on burning down her career and her reputation.

The book alternates between present-day Murray’s POV and Lily’s POV over the history of their friendship, and over time we realize that these two still hold a flame for each other, even though they previously swore it would never work between them. But can they find a way to make it work now that Lily has made herself the show’s newest antihero?

I don’t watch the Bachelor franchise anymore but I absolutely love behind-the-scenes looks at how these shows are made, so I loved this book. If you enjoyed Unreal, the TV show on Lifetime about what really goes into producing these shows, then you’ll enjoy this as well.

NOT HERE TO MAKE FRIENDS by Jodi McAlister is reality television turned dramatic romance when showrunner Murray is charged with making a successful season of reality dating show Marry Me, Juliet featuring former co-showrunner Lily as antagonist and major interest for viewers. Being a fan of reality television deepened my enjoyment of the fits and starts, highs and lows of powerfully motivated and eminently equal partners in love and work. A really fun read -- highly entertaining. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

I was expecting a quick cheeky read about a reality show but it was so much more! This book has a magic heart wrenching feeling. The dual timeline narrative makes the chemistry between Lily and Murray pulpable. I ached for them and their right person wrong time love story. One of my favorite books of the year so far.

Not Here to Make Friends by Jodi McAlister is a light-hearted rom-com.
This is extremely well written and I found it thought provoking with underlining messages.
I really enjoyed the dual POV of Lily and Murray. It really set the scene.
This book was tender, thought-provoking and emotionally engaging but it also had its funny moments.

Thank You NetGalley and Atria Books for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

⭐️rating: 4.5/5

I was addicted to this book and couldn’t put it down. I honestly didn’t think I’d love it as much as I did, but sure enough I did! I was hooked and it was wildly entertaining. This was the first book I read in the series, but now I definitely wanna go back to the first two books!

Lily and Murray were so interesting and so entertaining. I loved the development of their relationship, broken out over what’s happening in the present on the reality show and what’s happened year by year in the past. They’re so clearly perfect for each other and as we navigate through all the craziness, they’ll finally get their chance to be together.

The behind the scenes of the reality TV show was wild and extremely entertaining, it was so fun to read. And there’s so much drama and tension, I couldn’t put it down! All the other characters were also really fun, and the spiiiiice was spicin’🥵

Anyway, I loved it and I highly recommend if anything about this book sounds interesting to you. It’s super fun! I’m looking forward to reading more by Jodi!

Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In this riveting exploration of reality TV production, we are plunged into the chaotic world of "Marry Me, Juliet" through the eyes of Murray O’Connell, a driven showrunner on the brink of career-defining success. The narrative grips you from the outset, highlighting the high stakes and intense pressures of orchestrating a hit reality dating show.

Murray’s ironclad determination to ensure the season’s success sets the stage for an intense and tumultuous journey. His meticulous planning and fierce resolve are put to the ultimate test with the introduction of Lily Fireball, the network’s chosen antagonist for the season. Lily is the embodiment of classic reality TV dynamism—fiery, unyielding, and inherently dramatic. The twist? Lily isn’t just another participant; she is Murray’s estranged best friend and former co-showrunner, injecting a potent mix of personal history and professional rivalry into the storyline.

The book expertly captures the frenetic energy and unpredictable nature of reality television. The intricate dance between scripted scenarios and genuine emotion is portrayed with authenticity, making the behind-the-scenes turmoil as compelling as the on-screen drama. The tension between Murray and Lily is palpable, driving the narrative forward with a blend of conflict, camaraderie, and unresolved tension from their shared past.

Character development is a strong suit of the story, with Murray and Lily standing out as multifaceted protagonists. Murray’s struggle to maintain control and his vulnerability in facing his unresolved feelings toward Lily are portrayed with depth and nuance. Lily’s portrayal as both the perfect villain and a complex individual with her own motivations and history adds layers to the narrative.

As the two clash and collaborate, the lines between their professional ambitions and personal lives blur, leading to unexpected twists and heartfelt moments. The book delves into themes of friendship, betrayal, and redemption, all while maintaining the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of reality TV production.

The author’s insightful commentary on the nature of reality television—where the line between reality and performance is perpetually blurred—adds a reflective dimension to the story. It invites readers to question the authenticity of what they see on screen and consider the real emotions and stories behind the spectacle.

In conclusion, this book is a captivating and thought-provoking read, blending the allure of reality television with the complexities of personal relationships. It’s a rollercoaster of drama, secrets, and romance that keeps you hooked until the very last page. Whether you’re a fan of reality TV or simply enjoy a well-crafted, character-driven story, this book is sure to entertain and engage.

Thank you NetGalley & Atria (Simon & Schuster) for an ARC copy of this book.

Lily and Murray have been best friends and work partners for the past 13 years, and have climbed up the career ladder to be the showrunners of the Marry Me, Juliet franchise. Until Lily loses her husband Jeff in an accident and disappears from Murray’s life for an entire year. The last thing he was expecting, starting on the new season of MMJ, the first with a diverse cast, and shooting in the middle of pandemic restrictions, is to find that Lily was cast by the network to be this season’s villain.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! I loved having morally grey and villainous main characters, who didn’t hesitate to cross some lines to produce good reality TV. The tension between Lily and Murray was delicious! I could easily see how these two best friends hadn’t managed to find a good time to come clean about their feelings, which made the resulting blow-up make so much sense.
Seeing the behind-the-scenes of reality TV, even a fictional one, is always fun. I love seeing how unreal that “reality” is.
The diverse set of characters was a fun component, and it made me curious to go back and read the earlier books in the series!

Murray O'Connell is the showrunner for the reality TV dating show Marry Me, Juliet, but this will be his first season producing the show without his longtime professional partner, Lily Ong. Lily tragically lost her husband one year earlier and has cut all ties with Murray since. So imagine Murray's surprise when Lily shows up to the first day of taping the new season -- not as a producer, but as a contestant named Lily Fireball. And she makes one thing very clear: She's not here to make friends, she's here to win her man.

I'm not much of a watcher of reality TV shows, but I do enjoy romance novels set in them. Going into the book, I didn't know that this was the third in a series that all take place during the same season of the show. So, the endings of the other two books will be spoiled if you read this one first.

I thought this was a fun and interesting romantic comedy. There aren't any big surprises or twists with the story, so I think this makes a nice comfort read. I'll be adding the other books in this series to my TBR.

Content warning: The season of this TV show takes place during a pandemic lockdown.

This review will be posted to Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/goodquietkitty) on June 2, 2024 and to Instagram (@goodquietkitty) on June 3, 2024.

🤍Book review 🤍

Not Here to Make Friends
A Novel
by Jodi McAlister
"Not Here to Make Friends" by Jodi McAlister dives into the chaotic world of reality TV with a twist of romance and drama. The story centers on Murray O’Connell, a determined showrunner for the dating show Marry Me, Juliet, and his estranged best friend, Lily Fireball, who’s thrust into the role of the season’s villain. As old friends with a complicated history, their dynamic brings tension and unpredictability to the storyline.
Told from dual perspectives, the narrative alternates between Murray's present-day challenges and Lily’s flashbacks, offering a layered view of their relationship. While the premise is intriguing, the execution feels a bit slow and cluttered. Too many characters and subplots sometimes makes it hard to follow.
Fans of The Bachelor and reality TV drama will likely appreciate the behind-the-scenes chaos and romance. However, the convoluted plot and pacing didn’t fully match my expectations. Overall, an interesting read but not particularly memorable for me.
Very grateful to the publisher for this copy, opinions are my own.

2.5-3.5/5 ⭐️

I will preface this review by saying that I am not a fan of The Bachelor or reality dating shows. It still sounded like a good book, though, so not being a fan didn't mean I wouldn't like a romance with that premise. However, so much of this book was about the show. And I know that seems like a DUH thing to say, but it was a whole lot of the technicalities of making the show. Working long hours, setting things up, bossing people around, telling the stars what to say, etc. I just wasn't interested in that, so the first 50% of the book drug on for me.

But it really got good around 60-70% when things picked up between Murray and Lily, and when the reality show got intense too. There was a betrayal between the MCs that I didn't see coming, but the person who was betrayed was so strong through the pain, even after pining for the other person for soo many years. I liked that that person took a break to think things through. It did end in a satisfying HEA.

I found the writing impressive overall. I imagine it was difficult to write the characters of Murray and Lily because they were both so smart and conniving and had to always think 10 steps ahead. Which means the author had to really put thought and creativity into the writing, and it paid off.

The first half of the book is 2 stars for me, while the second half is a 3.5 stars. I definitely recommend this book if you're a fan of The Bachelor. I think I would have been satisfied with the "behind the scenes of filming" feel if I was a fan.

🌶 mostly closed door spice but with a little more detail

ARC review 🤍 all opinions are my own.
Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for this book!

This was a fun, drama filled, dual POV, friends to lovers romance set in the reality dating tv show world similar to The Bachelor that sees two former besties who have unknowingly been pining for one another for YEARS finding their way back to each other as one produces the show and the other is one of the contestants. I loved the emphasis on diversifying these kinds of shows and the use of flashbacks. I did feel like the two leads came together rather quickly in the end but there was a lot of history there to help make it more believable. The third in a series, this can definitely be read as a standalone and is highly recommended for fans of books like If the shoe fits or On the plus side. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!