A really enjoyable book which I will certainly recommend to others.
Thanks for the opportunity to read & review it.

I want to preface this by saying I absolutely love Mhairi McFarlane, and that every other book of hers I have rated 5 stars, including Who’s That Girl? which is the prequel to this book. I loved Edie and Elliot and when I got to the ending of Who’s That Girl? I definitely needed more and to find out who was knocking at Edie’s door…was it Elliot and would they get the happy ever after? This book answers all those questions, it picks straight back up from where we left off.

Part of me wishes I had reread Who’s That Girl? before jumping into this one because whilst I remembered the storyline, there were lots of little details that I didn’t remember, and with them being referred to in this book, I felt a little bit lost at times. It took me a while to remember who all of the supporting characters were, as they didn’t really get reintroduced.

This book is all about Elliot and Edie trying to make their relationship work, with Elliot being the famous actor that he is and Edie being the normal office worker that she is. For me, and I hate to say this, I just didn’t feel like what happened in this book was worth a whole book being written?? I think it could have worked well as a novella? But I found it a real slog and I was so cross with myself for feeling that way because I love Mhairi McFarlane!

I just didn’t find that it gripped me at all. Mhairi McFarlane usually has a really emotional edge to her writing and I felt that was missing. It all felt a little bit superficial, and the fact that Edie and Elliot were still arguing over their respective lifestyles at 90% really made me question whether I even wanted them to stay together! I was just a little bit disappointed - nothing really happened bar a few back and forth arguments, and I just am not sure whether this book was really needed 🥴

If ever there was a book ripe for a sequel, it was this one's predecessor (Who's That Girl?). The main characters, Edie and Elliot, were left on the cusp of a possible happy-ever-after, and this follow-up explores the workings of their new relationship which from the outset is subject to more challenges than most. They want it to work, they know they're right for each other - but can they survive the outside forces of drastically different lives, press intrusion, and their own deep-seated insecurities? If they think about the potential pitfalls enough, do they somehow become reality?

The story picks up immediately after the last one left off, and it's genuinely like heading straight back into a conversation with old friends. The characters and their dialogue are so believably written, and the chemistry between Elliot and Edie sparkles throughout, despite the complications they face. There are a few snort-giggle moments, based around the friendship group, but the relationship itself is by turns swoony, tense, witty and heart-wrenching and builds to a truly nail-biting denouement. The author deals with a lot of issues sensitively and realistically, and also manages to follow through a couple of plot lines from the previous book in a very satisfying fashion, pulling everything together in a way that feels like a proper send-off for these characters.

Genuinely one of my favourite authors. Her books are so relatable and funny. What I like the most is that, throughout this book, I understood and could feel the thoughts and feelings being expressed. I laughed a lot! Without wanting to give anything away, the ending was just right, and Edie and Elliot are a perfect match. Highly recommended

So, I did my homework and reread “Who’s that girl?” in preparation for this book (as this is a sequel that picks up exactly where the previous book left off). I think I was probably in the minority of people who absolutely loved the ambiguous ending of the first book. It left me cautiously optimistic, admiring the narratively bold choice. But for all of you who didn’t like it, there is no need to wonder anymore as to who was at the door, because of course it’s Elliot, begging Eddie to give it another go.

In true Mhairi McFarlane fashion, this book is so much more than a romance (even though it is the most romantic of all her books) as it thoroughly examines a relationship with someone famous and the ins and outs of trying to navigate the invasive press. Reading the two books back to back, you can really see how Mhairi progressed as a writer: the flow of the sequel is a lot better, the dialogue is more lived in, and the humor is much more abundant. Elliot is proper swoon-worthy this time around (not to say that he wasn’t the first time, but compared to other MM’s male leads, he was at the bottom of my list). Not this time though, as he’s racing across the globe convincing Eddie they belong together. Ultimately, this is an amazing feel-good read that not only lives up to the previous book but delivers so much more.

4.5 ⭐️
Many thanks to NetGalleyUK and the publishers for this ARC.

Edie Thompson receives a visitor on Christmas Day and there is only one person she wants it to be. She broke up with Elliot Owen before but he remains in her heart and now, he is offering her everything she dreamed of - ready to make sacrifices for their relationship. But dating him isn't easy, given he is an actor and the attention that comes with it. And there are complications, with other people in the picture and jealousies present.

There was so much to unwrap in this one, with both of the main characters having shared trauma of losing their mums at an early age and their history. It was vulnerable and heartfelt and so hopeful. Another fabulous novel by the author.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for this gifted review copy.

Upon reading this I quickly discovered it was a sequel and what's more I had the first in thr duology on my kindle unread! I quickly rectified this and I'm so glad I did.
This book revisits characters from the first book and explores the complex relationship between civilian Edie and hot shot movie star Elliot.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this advance copy.

4,5*

As I huge Mhairi McFarlane fan, I was super excited to read this book. I only recently read Who's that girl, so the characters were still very familiar for me. I loved being back in Edie and Elliot's world.

I love Mhairi's books for their twist and turns and excellent character development, and You Belong With Me was nothing different from that. I just kept cheering for Elliot and Edie to find their way in their relationship. And at times screaming at them to communicatie better ;)

I definitely raced through this book and really enjoyed it. The side characters are also so loveable and funny.

Thanks to HarpersCollings UK and NetGalley for the ebook.

Follow on from ‘Who’s that girl’ - although you don’t desperately need to read the first book to enjoy it, the story does start right at the cliffhanger of the first book.

Perfect for those who enjoy:
- Laugh out loud rom coms
- Witty and entertaining fiction
- Loveable characters
- All encompassing fiction

With thanks to Harper Collins UK and Netgalley for an ARC copy in return for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it is humorous, entertaining and provided a good story. I had not read the book that precedes this but I was not at a disadvantage as McFarlane does a great job of explaining the past events. The characters in this book are likeable and relatable and I enjoyed getting to know them. There are serious moments in this book but for the most part it was entertaining and funny.
This is an uplifting read that will leave a smile on your face.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for an advance copy.

Mhairi McFarlane creates perfect romances. Nobody comes close to writing intelligent, witty, quick-fire dialogue like her. I loved it.

"You Belong with Me" picks up where "Who's That Girl?" left off, resolving the gripping cliffhanger from the previous book. As Edie navigates the aftermath of her Christmas Day encounter, the story delves into the complexities of nurturing a new relationship amid lingering doubts and insecurities. Offering keen insights into the challenges of trust-building and fear-conquering, the novel paints a realistic picture of romance.

With its blend of wit, humour, and heartfelt moments, it seamlessly reintroduces beloved characters while introducing engaging new ones.

Mhairi McFarlane's expert storytelling shines in this sequel, making it a must-read for both fans of the original and newcomers.

However, it's recommended to read "Who's That Girl?" beforehand for a fuller understanding of the storyline and to avoid any potential confusion.

This is set straight after the ending of the first book, and with that we get dumped into a story missing direction. It feels devoid of a plot, the only story line feeling like the micromanaging of Edie and Elliot's relationship, which greatly stunts the book. There was little passion or chemistry, and for the most part, Edie and Elliot annoyed me with their tiptoeing around each other. Edie herself in this is too perfect for me--a Mary Sue, almost. She gives nothing to the plot, nothing to the relationship, and so nothing to connect with. She's always the victim, even when she doesn't deserve to be.

BUT, it's Mhairi McFarlane, and if she's good at anything, she's a delight to read. It might feel like some side parts feel plonked in just for the sake of it, but she ends up arriving with Edie finally having a self-realisation. "I was scared of trying," "But not any more." If only Edie didn't take the whole plot to figure it out.

You Belong with Me, sequel to Who’s That Girl?, opens up exactly where book one finishes. With actor Elliot Owens standing at Edie Thompson’s door on Christmas Day. After working together on Owen’s autobiography, a whirlwind romance ensued, ending for practical reasons. But love conquers all right? So will Edie and Elliot’s transatlantic relationship survive, especially with the added stresses of being in the public eye?

I’ve never been a massive fan of sequels to romance books and this one highlights why. Book one always have an element of ‘will they, won’t they?’, where you are rooting for them to get together. But when that happens, book two is all about testing this relationship, there’s always something that threatens to topple it.

There was a lot going on in this. Both find the long distance tough and are jealous of other romantic prospects: Edie fears Elliot’s costar is getting close, Elliot thinks Edie’s new colleague is falling for her. It felt like most their time was spent arguing, I just didn’t seeing the romantic aspects.

Book one was released in 2015 and supposed to be set around then. But there are SO many references to things after that: Instagram stories (was introduced Aug 2016), Snow on the Beach by Taylor Swift (2022), Deuxmoi, Bridgerton, Bennifer reuniting and Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy. I’m hoping these will be edited before the final edition as it’s just so sloppy. I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending either.

I enjoyed the storyline of stories being leaked to the press. And loved the friendship dynamics. Mhairi always aces these things and her humour was on point as usual.

Overall not for me but others seem to enjoy it. Be sure to read book one first though!

when who's that girl came out in 2015, there was a lot of chatter about the ending and for good reason. although the ending isn't exactly ambiguous, it left open arguably the defining aspect of what makes a romance a romance, a happy ever after (or a happy for now). if you haven't read the first book yet, you should definitely read that one first. i don't necessarily think a sequel needed, but it was just good to spend time with edie and elliot again even though their happy ever after was dragged out to past 90% in.

one thing though, the deuxmoi mention in 2015? that caught me off guard.

In this sequel to Who’s That Girl, the story picks back up right where it left off years ago. With Edie and Elliot giving their relationship another chance, they must try and navigate their very different lives together.

I really liked it, it was a fun read. Edie and Elliot work so well together as a couple, their chemistry was palpable. I really liked the exploration of their new relationship, especially in the light of the added difficulties that came with him being an actor and them having to spend a lot of time apart.
Mhairi McFarlane is just an excellent storyteller and her characters are always well-developed and fleshed out, main characters as well as side characters, which I find to be rather rare. They just feel real to me, which always makes it an immersive experience.

I did struggle a bit with it being a sequel to a book that came out years ago, though. I read the first book when it came out (before I even had this account) and I didn’t remember that much of it. And that wasn’t ideal (for me), I sometimes felt like I was missing some backstory and I think it kept me from really understanding everything that was going on. So personally, I would recommend reading Who’s That Girl before starting this one.

Apart from that, it was a great read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

I was so excited to be given this as an ARC, so thank you so much to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity.
I've read all of Mhairi's books and loved them all. You belong to me did not disappoint either. I have to admit I couldn't remember Who's that girl, where we first meet Edie but it soon came flooding back once I got into the book. To be honest you could probably read it as a stand alone but it definitely helps to read Who's that girl first.
I loved the characters, they are so well written and I found I could visualise them I'm my head. The story centres around an ordinary girl dating a famous actor and the trials and pitfalls of negotiating that, along with dragging up her past. Will it work out for them?? I was sad to finish this book and would love a next installment. 🙏

I was really excited to read this sequel and really enjoyed it. I found the start a little slow (which wasn't helped by the formatting issues on the kindle download - they were really distracting) but by the time I hit the 40/50% mark, I was hooked.

Fun, romantic and entirely predictable but not in a bad way.

I am incredibly excited to read this sequel and, having read the first chapter, think it’s going to be a new favourite. However the formatting of this book on my kindle made it really difficult to read with the title, book name and string of code appearing every other page and interrupting the flow of the story. Not at all the author’s fault, but I am so looking forward to devouring it I want to do it justice and it was very distracting! I will be buying this the second it comes out so that I can enjoy it properly, but will have to leave it unread for now! Thank you so much

I was thrilled to hear a follow up to Who's That Girl was being released by Mhari McFarlane; the chance to revisit old characters and their tangled lives as well as another book set in Nottingham by an author that's always guaranteed to make me laugh was irresistible.
I enjoyed every page and the expected tension & chemistry from the first book continued with even more of a look at what pitfalls fame can bring.
Clever, funny & feelgood this is a great book