Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book for free in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.

This book was super adorable, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys romance books written by authors such as Abby Jimenez or Emily Henry. I thought this book was the perfect read, and a super fun romance with wonderful chemistry between the main characters. I think Mhairi McFarlane is one of the best romance authors of this generation, and I would read anything she wrote. This book gave me all the feels, and as a Swiftie, I enjoyed the references to Taylor Swift (such as the title)
I definitely recommend you pick up this book ASAP if you're looking for a swoon worthy romance!!

—


Many Thanks again to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.

********


If you are interested in seeing more of my reviews and other content feel free to connect with me here <3:

https://linktr.ee/bookreviewsbyjules (links to my Instagram, Goodreads, TikTok, Storygraph, My blog and Substack newsletter, etc)

If you are a publisher or author who has questions about my reviews (as well as questions about my stats, reach or engagement), please free to email me. I am also open to requests for book reviews from authors or publishers. Thank you again for taking time to read my review, and I hope you have a wonderful day!

I loved Who's That Girl, and it was such a pleasure to revisit Edie and Elliott in this sequel. As always with Mhairi's books, You Belong With Me was the perfect mix of romance, comedy and serious life issues. My only complaint was that we didn't get enough Declan!

1.5 ⭐️

°

I knew I should have just DNF this, but my guilt and conscience is so strong since I just DNFed a book.

Long story short, the novel is EMPTY AND EXCRUCIATINGLY PAINFUL TO READ.

The characters aren't likeable at all. I couldn't connect to them and the romance.

The concept is waste, and I feel like the author jusy wrote this for the sake of writing without passion because that's what I feel when reading this.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the e-arc opportunity.

You belong With Me is the second part to the love story first seen in Who’s That Girl. Eedie and Elliot had decided, well, Eedie had decided that it was all too much to be in a relationship with a famous actor. She couldn’t cope with all that it entailed for her, not being an anonymous person in the crowd, but to be sought out and talked about, judged even. So, when the doorbell rings on Christmas Day, she is not expecting her gorgeous, sexy, ex boyfriend!!
So, the next chapter. They decide that their love is too strong to give up on. So where does that leave them now….
As Eedie feels that she can’t compete or would even want to with all the beautiful women that Elliot previously dated, she finds that she is back on the journalist’s radar. Now she will be fair game! She has a new job with responsibilities and a new co worker. Meanwhile Elliott had a fantastic new venture which has elements within it that test their relationship. This tests them greatly. He also seems to have a mole within his friend group who is intent on spilling the beans on everything going on in his private life that he would rather he could keep to himself!
This story will make you feel a wealth of emotions and you will love it!!
Many thanks to HarperCollins for giving me the opportunity to read this arc copy via Netgalley. My opinion is my own.
#Netgalley, #Harpercollins, #MhairiMcf.

A new author for me, so hadn’t read the previous book! This was a well written, quirky book that definitely had its own style! I enjoyed the love story between the two characters and their interaction with family members and other people! A good old love story, with lots of humour!

I read "Who's That Girl" years ago and didn't really recall the story when I began to read this. I read this book through to the end, and I still didn't recall it. But then I started to reread the earlier book and some of it came back to me. I will likely carry on reading and my feelings on it will surely be influenced by the sequel and also by my previous memory of the story. Anyway, since I didn't really remember the earlier book, I read this more like a standalone. And it read just fine for me because there was just enough reference to earlier events to keep me moving along without being overly bogged down by it.

The sequel opens with Elliot surprising Edie on Christmas day, showing up at her family celebration. She is delighted to see him, despite the way she ended the relationship earlier. You could say both were walking on sunshine, so to speak, at being together again and they were all loved up before they knew it. But the facts still existed that dating a star is hard work in so many ways and Edie still wasn't sure she could cope with all the trappings of the connection with a star. Obviously, there are highs and lows in the story, including a potential other suitor in the mix for both of them. At the end, I was fairly satisfied with the outcomes even though it seemed headed into another direction. I should add there's the added bonus of a leak close to Elliot with quite personal information reaching the media that keeps everyone busy trying to pinpoint the perpetrator.

I liked this much like just about all the previous novels by McFarlane (admittedly I have missed one or two from the earlier ones). It is touching without being overly so and you feel invested in the characters, like them or not. Overall. I rate this book a solid four stars, quite good considering this is a sequel. Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for giving me an advanced reader copy. I have provided my review under no obligation.

Confession- I read Who's That Girl years ago and I don't remember that story. The only thing I remember is that I read it over a weekend and I couldn't put it down.

You Belong With Me revisits Edie and Elliot and their newly-reconciled relationship. Their relationship goes public and Edie goes through the trials and tribulations of dating a celebrity.

I loved how Edie and Elliot were so comfortable with each other. They were so cute together. I loved Edie's closeness to Elliot's family. I was slightly disappointed with Declan's storyline. I would have loved to have seen Declan paired up with Meg.

Towards the end, there was a lull in Edie and Elliot's relationship and this was quite infuriating until they both came to their senses.

It could have been shorter, but overall this was an enjoyable read.

You Belong With Me

I’m not a huge fan of the girl next door meets superstar trope - but I loved Who’s That Girl. I’m also not massively fond of sequels - but I loved this one.
Catching up with Edie & Elliot has been so lovely - and absolutely hilarious!! I love Mhairi’s writing and I needed a laugh out loud book so much.
Edie is navigating life with Elliot Owen…actor, sex god and boyfriend. She’s also trying to live a normal life as an ad exec in Nottingham. After a turbulent couple of years at work Edie finally feels like she is getting her life back on track…falling in love with someone famous wasn’t part of that plan.
Meeting Edie’s new colleague Declan is fun and offers more moments of hilarity…never had anything like that happen when I’ve made midnight crumpets.
Honestly, I just really loved this book. It made me laugh so much. 5 stars.

Having been a fan of Mhairi McFarlane’s books for a number of years, I was excited to discover her new book, You Belong With Me, was a follow-up to Who’s That Girl?. However, having read the latter some years ago and it not being fresh in my mind, it was good to discover that this new title stands alone – helpful for those who haven’t read its predecessor too.

It took me a little while to get into the swing of You Belong With Me, but about a quarter of the way in I was suddenly hooked and whizzed through the rest. One thing I love about Mhairi’s stories is that you think you know how they’re going to play out but she always manages to surprise you. Now, that might mean you get the ending you weren’t hoping for, but nonetheless it makes the books more interesting and involving that you might have expected them to be.

You Belong With Me is a warm hug of a book and very funny – and McFarlane’s ability to make you really feel you’re in the characters’ shoes only adds to the appeal!

First things first HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY MHAIRI, and thank you, Netgalley and Harper Collins, for this ARC.

Mhairi proves once again why she is one of my absolute favourite authors. She had me laughing, crying, and shouting at my Kindle.

The sequel picks up literally right where Who's That Girl left us and its fast-paced, wonderful storytelling throughout. We know the characters, so it's good to come back to them! I am trying to keep my thoughts coherent and spoiler free as I seriously adored this and want people to enjoy for themselves, but I have dropped a few spoiler billet points below.

Edie and Elliot have some obstacles to work through that any loved up couple may face as well as dealing with the outside scrutiny that Elliots' position brings. You root for them as a couple and as individuals, which is important. I won't say much more except please read this. I'm off to collect my physical copy for my shelf like a trophy book serial killer that I am.

SPOILERS

✨️ YAY for Fraser he gives us younger sibling energy we need
🎬 Like the intro of Declan...the whole intro *eyebrow wiggle*
✨️ Nick storyline still gets me in the feels
🎬 Siblings cohabiting heals the world
✨️ YAY Louie redemption (ish)
🎬 Lillian gives me hannah Waddingham vibes and I'm in love and scared

SO MUCH MORE I CAN'T ARTICULATE

#books #youbelongwithme #netgalley

This book is the second in the Who’s That Girl series, following Edie (a “normal” woman from Nottingham) and Elliot (an international celebrity).

This book follows on strongly from the first, continuing to follow the characters we came to know and love in book one. We continue to follow their careers, relationship and the lives of their friends and family, which I really enjoyed!

The plot, while continuing the themes of the first book, is much less eventful than book one and overall I would say is not as strong with not a huge amount actually happening.

Despite that, I fell in love with the characters in book one and I was so happy to be able to continue their stories! If you enjoyed the first book, I’d highly recommend this one!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!

I LOVE Mhairi's books, so I was ecstatic to be approved for an ARC of this one. I however did not know that it was a sequel, although it can definitely be read as a standalone as it gives context to the situation during the book. I did read Who's That Girl prior to this and fell in love with the characters and storyline, although I was unsure where it was going to go in You Belong With Me, as I thought it was rounded off quite nicely. Mhairi however managed to take the story even further while keeping it interesting, funny and of course romantic. I. enjoyed finding out how the story progressed for Elliot & Edie and the wild ride along the way, filled with humour as always.

Book Review: You Belong with Me by Mhairi McFarlane

You Belong with Me by Mhairi McFarlane is the sequel to Who's That Girl?, but you don't need to read the first book to enjoy this one. The story picks up with Edie and Elliot trying to rekindle their relationship. Edie gets a promotion and works with her new colleague, Declan, who quickly becomes a significant part of her life.
The book explores the complexities of long-distance relationships, jealousy, and honesty. Edie and Elliot's journey is filled with ups and downs, including misunderstandings and emotional challenges. The character development is fantastic, with relatable and well-rounded personalities.
While I enjoyed the twists and emotional depth, the ending felt a bit off. However, McFarlane's writing kept me hooked from start to finish.
It's a captivating read with great dialogue and intriguing plot twists, perfect for a summer read Overall, a delightful and engaging book!

Very grateful to the publisher for my copy, opinions are my own

I loved Who’s That Girl? so I was looking forward to this one and it lived up to expectations. Mhairi McFarlane tells the story of how Edie and Elliot cope with the challenges of fame and a long distance relationship in her usual witty style. The supporting cast of characters are well drawn and the plot is believable which all makes for an entertaining read. Highly recommended.

Note that you could read this as a standalone novel but you’ll get more out of it if you read Who’s That Girl first.

I’ve been a fan of Mhairi for a long time so to be able to have read the ARC of this book is truly a dream come true!

When I started it it did take me a second to realise that this is actually a sequel, and as it’s been a while since I read the first book, it did mean it took me a little bit longer to figure out the characters again.

I really liked following Edie and Elliot’s story with both of them working on their individual issues and seeing how it impacts them as they figure out their relationship. I do think they both grow as the story progresses and I liked that they did communicate, even if their insecurities still fid get in their way.

I loved the side characters too, especially Fraser who now has a soft spot in my heart.

Overall enjoyed this book and look forward to more Mhairi books!!

You may have read Who's That Girl? and fallen in love with Edie and Elliot and, like me, were beyond excited when you heard there was going to be a sequel. But then again, you may not have read that one. Either way, it doesn't matter: this book is a cracker.

Elliot is a famous actor, Edie is a "normal" girl from Nottingham. They fell in love, they weathered some storms, and then: the fairytale ending. But what happens after the ending? Can it really all be smooth sailing when you're dating a globally famous man? When you're barely ever seeing each other, but you ARE seeing a wonderfully supportive work colleague each day at the office? When your swoon-worthy gorgeous guy is filming heavy sex scenes with an equally gorgeous, even more famous other woman?

I adored this book. Elliot has absolutely cemented his place as my favourite book boyfriend EVER, while Edie remains as snappily hilarious and uniquely human as ever. I laughed so much, through the whole thing, and cried buckets. The ending smacked me right in the chest. Honestly couldn't stop re-living the entire book for days on end afterwards. Mhairi writes such real and electric relationships as it is, but this one is truly, truly special.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this book.

It was very well written, The characters I felt were relatable and were a joy to get to know.

There are some parts in the story that were serious, but the majority of it was fun to read.

I highly recommend this book.

This is the sequel to "Who's That Girl?" which I haven't read but I don't think it needs to be read before reading this story, as it covers the basic ins and outs of what happened in the first book. In the first book, Edie gets herself into some trouble and is then given a job ghost writing the autobiography of up and coming British actor, Elliot Owen. They go from enemies to lovers but then break up when Edie gets scared that it could never work between them due to his public status and the distance between them.

This book picks up where the last one leaves off with Elliot turning up at Edie's door on Christmas Day, asking for another chance to make their relationship work because he thinks what they had is worth it. Edie agrees, but Elliot can only stay a couple of days before he has to go back to New York to start working on a new TV series, while Edie has just been given a promotion to run the new Nottingham branch of Ad Hoc where she'll be overseeing a team of one - Declan.

Edie and Declan immediately hit it off and despite everything he's heard about her from her colleagues, he prefers to judge people for themselves. But on his first day he's knocked off his bike on his way to work and ends up with a concussion so spends the night at Edie's house where her sister, Meg, finds him naked in their kitchen in the middle of the night. Though Edie fails to mention any of this to Elliot so when he finds out, it does not go down well.

Elliot can see that Declan is falling in love with Edie and tells her this, which she shrugs off but promises to tell Elliot if Declan declares his feelings for her. Which, of course, he does and Edie fails to tell Elliot about it until he brings it up right before his brothers wedding. When she admits it, he gets upset and decides that the relationship isn't working anymore with him in New York and her in Nottingham and as devastating as it maybe, it would probably be better for them both if they ended things now.

Initially, I thought this book was going to be about Edie and Elliot navigating their new relationship and while there may be some rocky moment, I didn't really expect there to be so much jealousy and deceit between the two. Well, it was mainly Edie who was jealous and deceitful really, Elliot was always open about his feelings and at one point even flew back to Nottingham to spend 2hrs with her after a tabloid story is blown out of proportion. I liked Declan and I really hoped that he wasn't about to become the third wheel in their relationship and that he would just remain a great friend to Edie, but maybe falling for her sister Meg. But no, he had to be in love with Edie as well and that just felt wrong.

Thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins UK for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Mhairi McFarlane has done it again! I simply could not put this book down………at the expense of housework, eating, drinking, exercising………actually no, I did go on the exercise bike because I could read while exercising!!

This is a follow up book to ‘Who’s that Girl’ which came out way back in 2015/16. A fact I was unaware of when I started reading the book, but the characters Edie and Elliott, she a ghost writer and he a lower A list actor seemed familiar to me, however, Mhairi McFarlane writes such great characters that you often feel you know them. When I got to the end…….in about two days, I looked up the previous book which apparently according to Goodreads, I’ve read………..I’ve promptly bought it because I don’t remember reading it and I’m thrilled I get another book from this author straight away.

There is something extremely special about the way Mhairi writes, her ability to draw you into the characters, her ability to make you laugh, cry (oh yes I blubbed) and sometimes cringe for the antics described………Declan!! . Her leading lady and leading man are just adorable and I, for one, fell totally. In love with Elliott almost straight away. Edie, is such a normal, yet extraordinary girl, she screws up, she’s not ‘out there’ leading the pack, there’s no description of how she looks, that’s not what’s important about her. She’s smart, has ‘sharp as a tack’ wit and enormous psychological insight into herself and her relationship. She’s kind and thoughtful and I would love to be her! The other characters are well rounded too, Elliott’s brother Fraser and his girlfriend Molly, Declan, Edie’s new workmate in her new office………having been ostracised from her previous office and even her boss is a great character. You feel as if you know them all.

I’m not going to précis the story, you can get that from better writers than me, suffice to say I devoured this book and can’t help feeling there’s still another storyline for Edie and Elliott…………please Mhairi McFarlane!!!! I’d give ten stars if I could!

My thanks, as always go to the author, the publishers and Netgalley - I feel so privileged to be afforded an advance e.copy of this book.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC of this book. I very much appreciate the opportunity to read this ahead of its release on 20th June.

This book is a sequel to Mhairi’s book Who’s That Girl which was published in 2016. I read that book then too, and with hindsight would have been good to reread before this one because it took me a while to remember what had happened in this one! It very much picks up where the first book leaves off, to the exact scene.

This book is about Edie (a Nottingham based Ad Copywriter) and Elliot (a New York based movie star) and everything that would be entailed with having a relationship with someone who’s life is very different to yours. Elliot is staring in the next big thing with a supermodel-esque costar who the media are fixating on. This causes a lot of tension between Edie and Elliot as they try to establish what their relationship means.

In true Mhairi style, this book was so very well written. It was hilarious and it was relatable. Not relatable in that we’re not in relationships with movie stars, but relatable in how you deal with those emotions which are rife at the start of a relationship when you’re not quite sure how the other one feels and you’re not quite sure how you’re supposed to be feeling.

It’s strange to say but it doesn’t feel like a lot actually happens in the book, but yet they go on a journey! Declan’s character is great, as is Frasers. Right up until the end I wasn’t quite sure how this was going to go, which I also really liked. It’s not just the warm and fuzzies in this, there’s a genuine undertone of how environment and situation can play such a huge part in a relationship.

I really enjoyed this and I definitely recommend it