You Belong with Me is the follow up to McFarlane’s earlier novel Who’s That Girl and we left ghost writer Edie Thompson and superstar on the rise Elliot Owen at the start of their love story. You Belong with Me explores how Edie and Owen figure out how to make things work under the spot light and whether they really should. I can understand why McFarlane wanted to revisit these character but honestly I don’t think she needed to, i found the ending to their first story satisfying enough and I didn’t really feel this added anything. McFarlane however could write anything and make it great and a worthwhile read.

3 Stars!

I'm kind of mad at myself for not realising this was the second book in a duology and because of that I don't think I got the back story between Edie and Elliot and wish I'd of understood why the characters felt the way they did. I think if I read the first book first and then this I'd get the ins and outs and can understand thought processes.

Seeing this dynamic of super famous boyfriend and the girlfriend working a day job kind of "being a nobody" was such an interesting theme and I low key enjoyed it! Seeing how people treated Edie was low key cruel and also believable.

I think seeing everything go on with Declan I kind of guessed what was going to happen, and I dunno there was just something. It's really hard to explain because you need the sense of drama in romance but there's personal preferences of what I do and don't like.

Overall I would be intrigued to read book one because I love Mhairi McFarlane, if I re-read in future I'm pretty sure that this rating would be more of a 4 star!

"You Belong with Me" by Mhairi McFarlane is a heartfelt and witty romance that explores the complexities of love, friendship, and finding your way back to the person who was meant for you all along. McFarlane’s writing is full of charm, humor, and emotional depth, making this novel a compelling read for anyone who loves stories about second chances and the intricate dance between friends and lovers.

The novel centers around two characters who have known each other for years, perhaps as best friends or even as unacknowledged soulmates. Despite their deep connection, circumstances, misunderstandings, or missed opportunities have kept them apart romantically. As life unfolds, they begin to realize that what they’ve been searching for might have been right in front of them the whole time. McFarlane expertly navigates the ups and downs of their journey, capturing the tension, longing, and undeniable chemistry that build between them.

With her trademark wit, McFarlane infuses the story with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, sharp dialogue, and a cast of supporting characters who add depth and richness to the narrative. The romantic tension is palpable, but the novel also delves into themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the importance of timing in relationships. It’s a story that resonates with the idea that love is sometimes about recognizing what’s been there all along.

"You Belong with Me" is perfect for fans of contemporary romance who enjoy a mix of humor, heartfelt emotion, and the satisfaction of a well-earned happy ending. Mhairi McFarlane has crafted a story that is as entertaining as it is touching, making it a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of love to bring people together, no matter how long it takes.

I'm always up for a new Mhairi McFarlane! I hadn't read the first book, ‘Who's That Girl?’, but it really didn't matter. ‘You Belong With Me’ stands up well on its own. It wasn't my favourite McFarlane, and I actually wanted a different outcome, but I'm sure I'm in the minority in this regard. It's an enjoyable read and I particularly liked the observations about how the media operates and intrudes in people's private lives. Looking forward to the next offering from this author.

A great story with wonderful characters that are easy to relate to. Loved following their journey. Lots of banter and fun. Highly recommended.

OK. Actually, not so sure about this one, again. I mean, there was a book. Without a plot, to be honest. For me it was like a diary of a person meeting another person, but where was the climax? OK, the climax was at the end, will they/won't they, but what was the point?
I mean, please don't get me wrong. It was actually not a bad book when you take characters and dialogues under considerations - because they were really great, brilliantly written and developed, I liked Edie, had problems with Elliot (actually, had problem with their names, to be honest, I spy with my little one two short names beginning with "E", urgh) and I find the dialogues and one - banters so close to life and authentical. I wouldn't say that there was an extreme chemistry between the two main characters, but they worked really well together, they feel like a real thing, honest and genuine. And they didn't shy away from tough conversations, there was not a thing they couldn't talk about - hallelujah, finally a book when the (non)plot doesn't oscilate around misunderstandig, beuase the characters don't talk with each other.

Maybe I didn't fall for this book as much because I haven't read "Who's That Girl"? But really, it just felt like a manufactured conflict, just to fill the space between two covers.

Cannot begin to tell you how great it is to be back in the world and the romance of Edie and Elliot. Mhairi is such a brilliant writer, she immerses you straight back in these characters' world for another funny, moving, sexy story.

Confession time - I actually read this before Who's That Girl so it took me a little longer than expected to figure out what was going on! But I'm not convinced it made any difference as I loved it anyway which frankly tells you a lot about how great a read it is. Beautifully warm and engaging, combining the perfect balance of humour and romance - it's well worth just diving straight in!

First of all, I want to thank NetGalley and Mhairi McFarlane for the opportunity to read this arc!
As a long term Swiftie, when I saw the title of this book on NetGalley I couldn't not ask for it! This Taylor Swift song has a huge meaning in my life and I obviously had to read this book!
The Taylor's references were amazing and the story itself was super cute, but the fact that it was written in 3rd person just wasn't my cup of tea... It made me not connect 100% with the characters and that's why I'm giving it 3 stars

I excitedly requested this on NetGalley as I have previously LOVED Mhairi McFarlane’s books, then realised it was a sequel (see review for “Who’s that Girl?”) and obviously had to go back for context - any excuse to buy a book 🤭 After reading Who’s that Girl, I was silently fuming for all of the people who were left with that cliff-hanger, not knowing there would be a sequel 🥲
I was happy to have more insight into Edie and Elliot’s relationship, even with the long-distance stressors. I would’ve been happy to experience a bit more of them being happy together though, as it felt like they were constantly dealing with something shite. 
Mhairi really breathes life into her characters, with such realistic problems, characters with deep, intense feelings and problems and witty banter. I always feel super invested in her characters, almost feeling their exact emotions during big arguments and sharing in their happiness. 
I truly appreciated this reminder of why I love Mhairi McFarlane’s writing 🩷
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC 🫶🏻

She Found The One. But When Everyone Wants Him, Can She Keep Him?

Edie has found true love, and on Christmas day, her prince charming, Elliot Owen, shows up at her door. Elliot, a handsome and charismatic Hollywood star, claims to be madly in love with Edie, an ordinary woman with tomato soup stains on her coat.

Their relationship is bound to be complicated. Edie must learn to navigate life in the spotlight, but their connection is too strong not to try. However, she soon discovers that having the press involved in her relationship, dealing with leaked stories, and coping with long-distance challenges, including Elliot's attractive co-stars, isn't easy.

As envious individuals dig into her past to sabotage her present, Edie experiences the downside of fame. She’s already familiar with infamy; now she must figure out what it means to be famous.

Will Edie and Elliot’s relationship be a fairytale romance or a cautionary tale about the perils of getting what you wish for?

https://www.thesecretbookreview.co.uk

3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️



✨ Slow paced
✨ Drama
✨ Mystery




✨ I got to warn you. It’s a good ending but goshh it was so slow. Which should have been 150-180 pages . I think it’s been written mostly on repetitive sentence.
Anyway, the ending was not expected. The book gotten better on the end or it should be a 2.
✨ Saphy received a transplant to a girl name Flora. As she begin to adjust, she was curious of who donate it to her. Soo she founds out , Flora’a sister got attached to her to know what really happen to flora?


✨overall, it’s a good read about 70% of the book. The first few chapters were draggy and not as much connected to the end.


✨ Thankyou @harpercollinsuk for an arc copy of this book for a honest review.




🫶🏼shaye.reads

Mhairi McFarlane is always excellent and continues to be with this book, even though it breaks from the rom com usual format. Really loved it! I was worried about the Declan character but she threaded the needle brilliantly. Love that she is leaning into characters here.

I really love this author, she writes such good character and this book was no different. I loved watching the main characters grow into their relationship, getting over struggles they faced together. The side characters were also all great and it was a really witty and heartfelt book

You Belong With Me was the sequel I never knew I needed!
I loved ‘Who’s That Girl’ and was pretty satisfied with the ending too, but when I read Mhairi was writing a second book I was so excited and this didn’t disappoint. It was great watching Edie and Elliot navigate their relationship in this Notting Hill inspired story and in true McFarlane style it was funny but heartfelt, a really great ending to their love story!

The only book by Mhairi I nearly did not finish. I really struggled with You Belong with Me. Now, I probably should have read the previous book on the series so maybe it's on me that I didn't enjoy it as much as I should have. I just found Edie and Elliot infuriating and couldn't warm to them at all. There are some humorous bits throughout the book, but that's more down to Mhairi's good writing than the plot. It saddens me to leave a negative review but this particular book just didn't work for me.

Unlike a lot of readers, I was fortunate enough to have only read 'Who's that girl' a few months ago so was pleased not to have to wait too long for the sequel, especially after the ending of the first book. I love Edie as a character and find her so likeable and relatable. The other characters in the book are also well fleshed out and easy to imagine. While I was pleased to rejoin Edie and Elliot and catch up with the next part of their relationship, there didn't feel like there was enough of a plot to justify this sequel, I really wanted more though I'll admit I'm not quite sure what that would look lie. The book started off promising. but this gradually tailed off and the end felt a little too rushed for my liking. Nonetheless, this was a easy, enjoyable read and I certainly wouldn't said no to a third book in the series - perhaps where the couple tackle marriage woes and parenting alongside Elliot's fame/jet set lifestyle?

Enjoyable read but I spent large periods of the book feeling I was missing something. I then realised the characters had featured in another book I hadn’t read. Can be read as standalone but reading the first one is probably advisable. That aside it’s an engaging read. I found I couldn’t put it down. I wanted to know what happened at the end! It’s quite deep at times with a lot around deconstructing relationships and (over?) analysing but captivating, romantic and heartwarming.

Thank you Netgalley

A romcom with its heart in place. The book which is a sequel is all heart and wit. I loved the characters and premise of Notting Hill but in today's context. It's a serious page turner recommended for all the romcom lovers.

Thank you HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.

I hadn't realised this was a sequel before i started reading, and I could probably have benefitted from reading the first instalment (I am likely to go back and read the first book retrospecively).

It follows the relationship between Edie and Elliot as they try to make their relationship work - with her 'normal' life in Nottingham and his as an A lister movie star.

There was a lot of insecurity and misunderstandings which i found hard at times (frustrating) but kind of conveyed the realities of such a fairy tale match.

There was also Mhairi McFarlane's trademark wit and sarcasm, sometimes the way she writes makes me laugh out loud.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.