There Has to Be a Reason

Reviewed by Erin for Diverse Reader

New Adult or NA stories are one my favorite sub-genre's. There's just something about that age, late teens or early twenties, that is just so appealing, you know? You've got characters who may or may not be on their own for the first time, figuring out who they are, and spreading their wings to see who and what they want to be. I love it. Such is the case with Kate McMurray's new book, There Has to be a Reason. Dave and Noel are two great, likable characters who meet, fall in love, and in the process find out more about themselves along the way.

Dave is in his junior year of college and a chance meeting with Noel, in a bathroom of all places, sends Dave into a bit of an identity crisis. He has a girl he's been seeing for a while, but he's not exactly feeling all warm and fuzzy with her. But seeing Noel around campus a few times has certainly got him interested. He's never been attracted to guys before, but he's not really too surprised to see himself attracted to the cute, and very out, Noel. What begins first as a friendship, with some flirting thrown in, quickly turns to a complicated relationship as Dave tries to come to terms with his bisexuality. He's afraid to talk to his friends about his feelings for Noel for fear of their reaction, but Noel is out, and won't stay in the closet for anyone, not even Dave.

As always, McMurray's great writing shines through from beginning the end. There's nothing new going on in this book, we've seen these same topics done over and over again, but Kate has a way of telling a story that sucks you in and doesn't let go. Dave (even when you kinda want to kick him in the shin) and Noel and even Joe and Kareem are engaging, multi-faceted characters. The romance is sweet, even when it's fraught with angst, and like anyone in their early twenties mistakes aplenty are made, but it's how you grow from them that makes a difference. Kate McMurray shows the changes each of her characters goes through in a realistic way. There Has to be a Reason was a lovely, entertaining read. For any fan of hers, you'll definitely enjoy this one, and if she's a new to you author, definitely check this one out.