Can I Steal You for a Second?: A heartwarming queer love story

Written by Jodi McAlister

Narrated by Anthea Greco

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 for fans of The Charm Offensive. 

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 fellow contestant Dylan Gilchrist, who 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.

‘Sizzles with smart social commentary, an inclusive cast of characters, plenty of humour and a love story with tectonic chemistry.’ Clare Fletcher, author of Five Bush Weddings

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Australia
• Release date: Apr 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9781761105012

Jodi McAlister

Jodi McAlister, PhD, is an author and academic from Kiama, Australia. Her academic work focuses on the history of love, sex, women and girls, popular culture, and fiction. It means that reading romance novels and watching The Bachelor is technically work for her. She is currently a aenior lecturer in writing, literature, and culture at Deakin University in Melbourne. For more, visit JodiMcAlister.com.au.