"My loving you isn't luck."

First, let me just say I hate to rate a Mhairi McFarlane book 3 stars, as I think she's a fantastic writer. However, Mad About You wasn't what I expected. The synopsis and title suggest you're about to read a romance, but this was in fact a contemporary women's fiction novel focusing on heavier topics like gaslighting, emotional abuse, cheating and loss.

It begins slow, with wedding photographer Harrier breaking up with her boyfriend after his spontaneous proposal. She then moves in with Cal, who's the book's bright light. But instead of focusing on their blossoming friendship and relationship, another ex enters the scene and we learn more about Harriet's past.

Now, there were definitely things to like about Mad About You. For instance, Harriet's character development and her relationship with Cal. I appreciated how honest and vulnerable she was with him even when he was a stranger. Their relationship was built on trust from the beginning and honestly, if the book's focus was on their love story I would have rated it higher. Cal was a delightfully charming hero and hopeless romantic who deserved to be more than a side character.

I also liked that Mad About You was still written in McFarlane's signature candid style. The more emotional moments were perfectly juxtaposed with lighthearted and humorous ones. Harriet was surrounded by a formidable cast of females too.

But overall, Mad About You just didn't meet my expectations. I also thought there were some plot points that added unnecessary drama, as there was definitely already enough of that!

Thank you to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Having now read the last four of Mhairi McFarlane's books, I can truly appreciate her growth as a writer. Just Last Night was comparatively dark, the romance was tied up too quickly in If I Never Met You, and Don't You Forget about Me is less emotionally complex than these other titles. Mad about You has a great balance of light/dark with just a touch of romance. McFarlane's stories always try to incorporate all the messiness in life - from flawed heroines to messy friendships and emotionally damaging relationships. I usually fly through her books, but I needed to take breaks while reading Mad about You. Having been in an emotionally abusive relationship before, certain parts struck a bit too close to home. That being said, all my favourite elements of McFarlane's books remain in her newest story: strong female friendships, a focus on characters' emotional growth, and a willingness to embrace the messy/sad/upsetting elements of life. My single biggest frustration with McFarlane's books has nothing to do with her writing, but with her publisher. Her books are *never* marketed correctly. They are packaged as romantic comedies while they're NOT. Her books are much better categorised as "women's fiction" that are much darker and more complex than a simple HEA story. Her publishers do her (and her readers) a disservice in not acknowledging that.

A thoroughly enjoyable read with some very likeable (& equally unlikeable) characters. The main character, Harriet hasn't had an easy life and has made some questionable choices but for these reasons, as the reader you really root for her and want the best possible ending. Loved it.

I’m a big fan of Mhairi McFarlane (having read a fair few of her books: If I Never Met You , Don’t You Forget About Me and Last Night ) so I was made up when I received an E-ARC of her latest book, Mad About You.

The book follows Harriet Hatley before and after breaking up with her long-term boyfriend. Much like McFarlane’s previous protagonists, Harriet feels relatable and I loved her development and sense of humour (plus her fashion sense, too!).

Mad About You is, in a way, a love story. It’s a falling out of love story, it’s a finding new love story and finding love with yourself after trauma. McFarlane is an autobuy/read author for me and her latest book only reaffirmed this.

Harriett Hatley already has doubts about her relationship but when her boyfriend ambushes a marriage proposal on her, she decides to make the break and moves into a house share with stranger.
The story develops into Facebook trolling, new relationships, friendships and a lot of laughs.
Mhari McFarlane is one of my favourite authors and this book didn't disappoint.

Mhairi McFarlane’s stories are the perfect blend of humour and romance, often tackling serious issues. This story is slightly different in that the romance part takes more of a back seat.

Hatty is pretty anti marriage, so when she receives an unwanted marriage proposal from her boyfriend this leads to her realisation that she is not happy in the relationship and breaks up with him. Needing to find alternative accommodation fast, she lodges with Cal, who himself has similar views about marriage having had cold feet and not going through with at his own wedding. This makes thing rather awkward for Hattie and Cal as she was hired as the wedding photographer. There are a few misunderstandings but they slowly work their way through these.

This story very much deals with toxic relationships, emotional abuse and narcissistic personalities, but does so with a lightness of touch that makes you cheer Hattie on.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review.

Mad About You is so good. You can’t really go wrong with Mhairi McFarlane, she always makes me laugh and usually makes me squeeze out a tiny tear as well. This one is all about Harriet who’s had a bit of a rough time but when her boyfriend who is perfectly nice on paper asks her to marry him in front of his entire over bearing family she realises she has to get out. And get out fast so when her friend finds her a house share that seems too good to be true Harriet has no choice but to accept. She finds herself living with Cal who also ran away from his perfect on paper partner. This one is all about psychological abuse with some #metoo thrown in. There are a couple of times it goes a bit essay format but that’s kind of the nature of the beast as psychological abuse is really difficult to pin down. McFarlane also writes brilliant breaks ups, she pares relationships right down to the bone it’s wonderful and traumatic and usually spot on. So it’s a good job she’s funny too.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #HarperCollinsUK for providing me with an eARC in return for a fair review.

Harriet is a wedding photographer, but the book starts with the news that on her latest job the Groom has done a runner!

A short segue later & we see Harriet being pressured with a public marriage proposal from her boyfriend Jon. This is unwelcome, and serves as a catalyst to end the relationship, a bit awks as Harriet lives with Jon! Harriet finds herself lodging in a houseshare, with the handsome Cal.

This novel deals with some of the darker issues around relationships, gaslighting, emotional abuse and coercive control, cheating, and online trolling. Not necessarily what you would expect from a book marketed as a RomCom! Mhairi McFarlane is a wonderful writer and manages to tell a story which gives due weight to these serious topics and also has fun with the wider story.

The importance of friendships, female friendships in particular is explored quite a bit in this novel. Harriet's best friend Lorna is great! The romance is a slow burn, and if I'm honest a side plot that could have been left out & wouldn't have detracted from the main story.

“‘What on earth, though?’ Cal laughed, the release of endorphins following the face-off. ‘What century is she in? She sounded like one of those costume dramas. Now you have slighted my son you will never make an advantageous match! She knows this is suburban Leeds and not Bridgerton, right?’” - ‘Mad About You’ by Mhairi McFarlane.

My thanks to HarperCollins U.K. for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Mad About You’ by Mhairi McFarlane in exchange for an honest review.

Mhairi McFarlane is an author whose past novels I have enjoyed and that I completely trust to provide me with an engaging read with relatable characters. She doesn’t write zany chic-lit but what I would class as comedy-dramas that are light but not overly fluffy.

‘Mad About You’ starts with Harriet Hayley receiving a surprise proposal from her long-standing boyfriend at his parents lavish 40th anniversary party. Even though Harriet is a successful wedding photographer in high demand, she has no desire to get married. She panics and runs away upsetting everyone.

She has to immediately find a new place to live and a friend points her in the direction of Cal Clarke, who has just had his own wedding-related disaster and is in need of a housemate. Over time they form a supportive friendship … could it become something more? Hovering in the background is her
ex, Jonathan, whose wounded pride leads him to create trouble for Harriet including via social media.

I appreciated that Harriet at thirty-five wasn’t portrayed as an ingenue but as a successful grown woman seeking to address her long held insecurities. The romantic elements felt organic.

Overall, I enjoyed ‘Mad About You’ very much. It was witty and charming though it didn’t shy away from exploring the effects of toxic relationships.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Thought it was a romantic book but definitively not.
Harriet is a wedding photographer who`s against marriage then her boyfriend proposes in front of his family so is pressurised to say yes but later in the evening she gives her ring back.
Then Harriet has to face her previous toxic relationship which takes you through a very confusing plot line which got quite boring, you were waiting for something good to happen which took a long time to happen, so not my cuppa.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 stars!

When Harriet moves in with Cal, sparks begin to fly. But this romance is not your typical fluffy romance. Yes, it is funny and sweet but this one is also a little dark. I love Mhairi McFarlane's books! They always deal with heavier topics and I feel she addressed these really well throughout this book. If you haven't read anything by her and would like a romance with a bit more "real life" to it, I do recommend picking up one of her novels.

ABOUT YOU by MHAIRI MCFARLANE.

Harriet is a wedding photographer, but the thought of getting married herself leaves her cold and is not something she is planning on doing - ever!
Despite being fully aware of Harriet’s feelings towards marriage, her boyfriend, the odious Jon, throws a spanner in the works by asking Harriet to marry him during dinner to celebrate his equally odious parents fortieth wedding anniversary.
Unable to say ‘no flippin thank you’ in front of Jon’s whole family, Harriet later let’s him down gently and ends the relationship.

Having to start over Harriet takes up a house share with a stranger. However it actually turns out that their paths have almost crossed before.
As Harriet tries to move on with her life, she needs to confront the past and a life that has led her to where she is right now.

This is a tale of self discovery. There is a slow burning romance, but it definitely doesn’t take centre stage in the story.

There are some really difficult and emotional parts in this book. My eyes leaked as I read.

I love Mhairi McFarlane’s writing. She is astute, laugh out loud funny and poignant. She can take you from a proper belly laugh to tears of sheer sadness in the the flip of a page.

This book is an absolute joy. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll be gutted when you finish the last page.
Mhairi at her very best.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Out now on all formats.

With thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins Uk for a digital arc of this wonderful book.

#Netgalley
#HarperCollinsUk
#MhairiMcFarlane
#MadAboutYou

I found this book a bit slow to start with but it certainly got very interesting about half way through.

Harriet is a wedding photographer but does not see herself as a bride. She also is getting away from her boyfriend and his family who she does want to be with. Harriet ends up sharing a house with Cal and they seem to get on and have a laugh together. Lorna is Harriet’s friend and has been with her for a long time and will stick with her through all that she has gone through.

The book deals with some issues that happen in life and I felt this was dealt with very well.

The book I found had some funny bits in it.

Another dark, emotional read from a writer whose books tick all the right boxes. Layered and complex from a writer who also doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects.

This is a good book but this was not the book I thought I was going into. How does one rate and review that? A person’s thoughts regarding this book will undoubtedly centre around what you are looking for, but please note, this is not a romcom. Based on the cover and blurb that is what I thought I was getting. No, this book is much darker … good … but no light and fluffy escapism to be found here.

‘It was completely harrowing to choose to shatter another person like this. It wasn’t a choice, she told herself - except it was, because it was within her gift to not break up. She kept her weeping silent, bit it back, because it felt like giving him false hope that she was going to regret her decision - agreeing that it might be a mistake.’

There is much going on throughout the story - gaslighting, falsehoods, emotional abuse, toxic relationships, cheating and online trolling - yup! There is a lot going on as I stated. So not only was I surprised by what the cute cover failed to contain, I also came away somewhat drained rather than being uplifted by my usual light and fluffy chick lit. That being said, it is no reflection on the author or the tale, but just a warning to be sure about what you are venturing into.

If I look at the topic under review, then the author has done a good job. The writing style, the messages conveyed and how it was all tied up with everything well handled with only perhaps the romance an unnecessary add on in my opinion. This is a book that would be recommended to those who appreciate a contemporary tale exploring the impact of toxic relationships.

‘I’d started to think that life was mostly to be endured. I’d lost hope that I could ever sincerely feel certain ~feelings~ again.’

This was my very first Mhairi McFarlane and I can see she has a solid following of fans. Maybe this was the wrong book to start with? If you are in the mood for putting some serious domestic issues under the spotlight with a light dusting of female friendships and a topping of romance then I suggest you give this book a go.






This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

I'm mad about Mhairi McFarlane, she makes what is very difficult look very easy. Combining humour with hard issues and still getting the message across is a rare talent.

This story is another absolute cracker and I can't wait to read the next

Highly recommend.

Five stars because it got to me emotionally and made me cry at the end. I loved the story and the characters. Brought out the serious issue of coercive abuse and I think might make someone in this situation step back and think about their situation. A book that can deal with such serious issues while making you laugh is a good one. #netgalley #madaboutyou

Another epic read from Mhairi McFarlane, you always know you are in safe hands when you open the first page. Always well paced, you always want to read on.

In this book Harriet is a wedding photographer who is herself allergic to marriage. This leads to the break up of her own relationship and meaning that she has to start over in a flat share.

As the book progresses you learn why she is so reluctant to marry. In fact the book deals with toxic relationships and emotional abuse in a very sensitive way.

It’s so much more than a rom com / chick lit and I would recommend you give it a go. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Mhairi's writing continues to go from strength to strength.

Mhairi's books have never been your average chick lit, but in this and the last book she's begun to tackle deeper subjects. It's a little heads up for those that would like a cosy chick lit, as this book deals with coercive relationships in a very down to earth way. Unsettling but entirely readable.

I really liked Harriet and her friends. The writing was realistic and didn't pull any punches, especially when the actions of one of the friends really had me speechless. Social media plays a big part as this is a modern novel. The consequences of how it can be used to someone's detriment I found really frightening. I almost didn't want to read on, unsure of how this was going to be resolved.

As I read I was wishing the ending would not come around, as I really wanted to stay and hang out with everyone. My heart was in my mouth in one of the scenes near the end, so well written I could just imagine being there. As is usual with Mhairi's writing there were too many amusing one liners to remember from the mouths of the characters. I would just love to be able to use one of them some time.

Loved this one for the great storyline and the relatable characters, really down to earth and could connect with them easily. Always look forward to Mhairis Books and this one didn't disappoint.