About the Book:

Can a modern woman take lessons in love from Shakespeare? Beth O’Leary meets 10 Things I Hate About You in this sparkling romantic comedy from beloved Aussie author Jessica Dettmann.

‘Sigh no more, ladies, sigh no more. Men were deceivers ever …’

Since she was sixteen, Willa’s curious touchstone in life and work has been the 1993 film Much Ado About Nothing. She’s always looking for The Feeling, the stirring in her heart – and loins – that she gets when watching the opening scenes. Now she’s navigating her mid-thirties, her career as a romance publisher in an unusual family business, and her determination to remain child-free, while quietly holding out for a love as big as Beatrice and Benedick’s.

But when relationships start to get complicated between Willa, her cousin Imogen and the four sons of the family she works for, and the events of her own life begin to mirror the plot of her beloved comedy, Willa must consider whether there is such a thing as too much ado.

A delightfully Shakespearean romantic comedy about modern love, women’s roles and how the films and stories we grow up with shape us.

Published by HarperCollins Publishers Australia

Released 8th March 2023

My Thoughts:

I loved, LOVED, loved this! Jessica Dettmann might just be the funniest author I’ve ever read. She has such a knack for writing classy comedy, from punchy dialogue to the most hilarious introspection and observation. There was never a dull moment within this novel, and I enjoyed every second of it.

Along with the comedy, there were so many meaningful and heartfelt moments throughout between many of the different characters. This is a story about friendship, family, and love – how to find it, how to keep it, and how to treasure it – with Shakespearean themes lighting up in the background. Not so much of a retelling, but more of an inspired by, in the sense that Willa was living her life chasing a feeling that she had gotten from the film Much Ado About Nothing, to the point where perhaps it was beginning to hold her back more than see her through.

I don’t know what else to tell you. This is the perfect novel. You can stop looking now, I found it for you. Five stars!

Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.