An utterly absorbing modern fairytale :) Love, skullduggery (in a sinister stalking way), sensation and navigating exes is a cocktail that makes for a thoroughly enjoyable read. Loved the characters (except the obvious ones) who weaved the various threads to make this great read.

Thank you Netgalley

I always enjoy Mhairi’s books so I was excited to read this one. I felt like the main characters didn’t have as much depth and fun as her previous ones. However, I found the storyline of Bel’s investigation for the newspaper really interesting.

Bel is an investigative journalist in the tiny Manchester office of a national paper. She just works with her ambitious colleague, Aaron and now a new intern, Connor. At first, it is clear Bel and Connor are not going to get along but when he bumps into her when she is in the middle of an undercover operation, she improvises and pretends he is her boyfriend. And the action begins.

I do enjoy the fake dating troupe in a rom com and it was done so well in this one. There was mystery and suspense, as the two try to uncover the story, all while fake dating and trying their hardest to get along for the work. Yes, in part I did expect the ending in this one but it did not make it any less enjoyable. This author's writing is always fabulous and I adored the sprinkling of humour throughout. Another one I recommend.

I have read and enjoyed a number of McFarlane’s other novels but for some reason this one just didn’t land for me.

You’re following Bel and Connor as they’re thrown together on an under cover investigation after taking an instant dislike to each other on sight. The usual enemies to lovers story unfolds but it felt quite rushed to get to that point in the last 50 pages.

There were some good moments, a great female friendship but the rest felt a little flat and some of the POVs were repeats or just a little unrealistic.

If you’re a fan of McFarlane then I’d say give it a go and I will definitely give the next one a read but this just wasn’t for me.

Oh this was magnificent! Stayed up far too late reading the last few chapters and now I can go to sleep with a big grin on my face.

I have loved all of Mhairi's previous books and this is no exception... probably her best yet.

I loved the characters of Bel and Connor. This is an extremely swoonworthy book with lots of ups and downs and a very satisfying ending - although, of course, I already need more!

Thank you for a most entertaining read, so funny and insightful, as always.

Roll on the film version!

I could not put this book down!

Cover Story is anchored by two main characters that are their own worst critics. Both Bel and Connor have backstories that are compelling. As a reader, I was rooting for both of them to overcome the obstacles in their lives and to allow themselves to give themselves grace during trying times.

Held down by the weight of expectations he places on himself, Connor is struggling to come to terms with the life he wants to have (smaller budget but less stress) versus a life he thinks he should have (big money and high stress). Changing life events are also causing a significant amount of distress on Connor, and Mhairi McFarlane accurately and authentically writes about the uncomfortable feelings these cause.

Like Connor, Bel has a ghost in her past that needs to be put to bed. A mask of bravado hides a lack of self-confidence and the belief that her past actions warrant the current situation she is in. Feeling trapped in a prison of her own making, it is Connor who lets Bel know that the way she is being treated by Anthony and her ex-boyfriend is a reflection of their character and emotional state and she is not to blame.

The cover story that Connor and Bel are working on is cleverly plotted. It weaves the personal and professional and allows for a slow burn romance. My absolute favourite part of the book is the moment that Bel looks into Connor’s eyes expecting judgement and sees none. The way in which they come together is magical!

Cover Story covers heavy topics, like depression and stalking, through a very compassionate lens. Healthy coping strategies, such as counseling, are used by Bel and Connor; I think that this was a refreshing way for characters to manage their emotions rather than masking the pain with vices. Overall, I really liked the character arcs and found them believable and engaging.

I think this book is a must read for those who love a slow burn romance and a well paced plot!

Sometimes I can't be bothered with 30 something romances but McFarlane always hits the spot and this is compulsive. The characters have some backbone and it's funny, teasing and delightful.

Really enjoyed this story and how it played out. It was well written and one I didn't want to put down!

This was genuinely such a refreshing and cute read!

This is my first Mhairi McFarlane book and after hearing a lot about her, this book didn’t disappoint. It’s the perfect mix of humor, heart, and just the right amount of angst. I had such a great time reading this.

It’s sweet, romantic, and kept me hooked with an engaging plot beyond just the romance. Bel and Connor felt like real people (even when I wanted to shake them!), and the side characters were just as well-developed. Tha author has a way of making classic romance tropes feel fresh, with plenty of witty banter and unexpected moments. Overall, this was such a fun, feel-good contemporary read - exactly what I was in the mood for!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have read every book by Mhairi and have loved them all. I didn't love this one. Don't get me wrong, it's good, but there's something missing. It fell a bit flat for me in parts. It takes a while to get going. I was bored by the investigation, baffled by some of the dialogue, and wondering why this woman was so popular with the men. Connor was lovely, but I felt some of his responses weren't typical for a bloke. I think the 'they hate each other, but in truth love each other" formula just didn't work in this story for some reason. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another great book from Mhairi McFarlane. Cover Story is so well written and doesn't take the obvious love story/Prince Charming will save her approach. A really fantastic read - 5 stars. I would recommend.

Let's start with the main character - Bell was absolutely brilliantly drawn and from the very beginning I kept everything crossed for her and I so wanted that everything will work out for her. The author portrayed her, and actually all of the characters, really well, in such an authentic way, they felt authentic and genuine. All kind of relationships between the characters are really well explored, it simply feels honest, not forced, making them all so very believable. The banter between them is entertaining, sharp and sophisticated.

What I really liked in this book that, underneath all this laugh and humour, there are really heavy issues being touched upon. They are serious, but the author approaches them in a sensitive way, with the right distance.

The real strength of the book is that is down - to - earth and you can easily put yourself in the characters shoes. I couldn't immediately get into the story and needed a few chapters to feel warm, but then it went smoothly and I enjoyed every single chapter.

I’ve read all of Mhairi McFarlane’s books and I am one of her biggest cheerleaders. I was so excited to read Cover Story and it certainly didn’t disappoint, in fact I stayed up until 2.30am to finish it.

It was nt your usual enemy to lovers story at all. Great to see the relationship between Bel and Connor develop over the pages. I laughed out loud and of course I cried, especially almost at the end- no spoilers.

Wipe out your calendar, cosy up and enjoy this amazing story.

I’ve loved Mhairi McFarlane since “Don’t you forget about me” and she delivers yet another sharp, funny, and thrilling rom-com 💙 Cover Story is a workplace romance full of miscommunication & high stakes.

Bel is a journalist, Connor the new intern, their first meeting: total disaster. Then they’re forced to work together (and fake a relationship for a story) sparks fly in all the best (and most awkward) ways. 💥📝

Their back and forth is fun, all the ways they interpret each other made me actually chuckle. All while exploring deeper themes: mental health, the courage to start over, abuse, the consequence of bad choices.. it definitely left me thinking long after I read the last page.

Also, Connor? Chefs kiss. Have nothing to point against him. Should be protected at all costs.

Finally: just enough slow-burn romance to keep anyone hooked 💕

I’ve read all of Mhairi McFarlane’s books and am usually her biggest cheerleader, but sadly this wasn’t my favourite.

It took a while for me to get into the story, but I did enjoy it when it got going. However as much as I enjoyed the relationship between Connor and Bel, the actual romance did feel a bit like it came out of nowhere.

An enjoyable, easy read, but sadly not as brilliant as I hoped it would be.

✨4 stars✨

This was the first book that I have read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

First of all, the characters all felt incredibly authentic and I loved the banter between all of the characters but especially Bel and Connor. The romance between these two characters developed at a pace that felt natural along with the fake dating aspect made for an enjoyable read!

Secondly, I loved the setting of this book. All the mentions of places in the book added to the authenticity especially as I have been to or have been near to the places mentioned. A lot of the books I read are by authors from North America so it made a refreshing change to read a book set somewhere other than North America or London! Also the British humour was amazing and the overall writing was engaging throughout!

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and will be on the lookout for this author’s other books.

I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

3⭐️

A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

This wasn’t my favourite unfortunately. I loved Last Night so when I got the arc for Cover Story I was absolutely ecstatic. This book was very different to Last Night, much more light hearted. My favourite thing of Last Night was how brilliant the writing and quotes were and in Cover Story I felt it wasn’t on par. There were some nice quotes but not nearly as many so the writing didn’t have much of an impact on me.

I really liked the start of this book but it just fell off a bit for me unfortunately. It was an interesting premise but I kind of stopped being invested in what was going on. The characters were fine but not the most memorable. It wrapped up well in the end. I’ll still continue reading other Mhairi books but this one just wasn’t my fave!

Endlich wieder ein neuer Roman von meiner Lieblingautorin Mhairi McFarlane. Und dann darf ich ihn Netgalley sei Dank auch noch vor der Veröffentlichung im Gegenzug zu einer ehrlichen Meinung lesen.

Bel arbeitet als Journalistin in Manchester und sie und ihr Kollege bekommen alle paar Monate einen neuen Praktikanten ins Büro. Der neue Praktikant Connor ist jedoch anders als die anderen, er ist in Bels Alter und wirkt auf den ersten Blick nicht besonders sympathisch auf Bel. Auch Bel macht keinen besonders positiven Eindruck auf Connor. Doch dann rennt er zufällig mitten in ihre neuesten Undercover-Ermittlungen und plötzlich müssen die beiden so tun als wären sie ein Paar. Kann das gutgehen?

Eine Enemies-to-Lovers und zugleich Fake-Dating-Story in einem. Man könnte meinen, damit würde sich die Autorin vielleicht übernehmen, aber nicht McFarlane, die gekonnt wie immer miteinander beides verbindet.

Wie immer bei McFarlanes Geschichten brauchte ich einige Kapitel, um mich einzufinden. Besonders schwierig fand ich es dieses Mal, Zugang zu den Personen zu finden. Aber wie immer hat es irgendwann Klick gemacht und die Geschichte ließ mich nicht mehr aus ihrem Bann.

Vielen Themen werden hier wieder behandelt, die ich jetzt um Spoiler zu vermeiden hier nicht aufzählen möchte, doch anstatt es mir zu viel wurde, fand ich jedes einzele Thema für total spannend.

Insgesamt betrachtet ist "Cover Story" nicht unbedingt mein neuestes Lieblingsbuch der Autorin, dennoch habe ich es sehr genossen, endlich wieder ein neues Buch von ihr zu lesen.

Ein kleiner Nachtrag zur Sprache: ich habe bisher alle Bücher von Mhairi McFarlane gelesen, einige im Original, die meisten auf Deutsch (davon viele als Hörbuch) und eins sogar als dänische Übersetzung. Dieses Mal hat das englische Original meine Sprachkenntnisse tatsächlich sehr gefordert, um nicht zu sagen: überfordert. Ich würde jedem Nichtenglischmuttersprachler daher empfehlen auf die Übersetzung zu warten, damit er/ sie das Lesen noch besser genießen kann.

I love everything Mhairi McFarlane writes, she’s consistently writing exactly what I need. I loved both Bel and Connor, but I’m definitely a little bit in love with Connor.

Mhairi Macfarlane has quickly become one of my auto-read authors so I was thrilled to be approved and advance copy of her latest offering. Cover Story did not disappoint, with Macfarlane' trademark loveable characters and intriguing plot. This story had the added interest of being set in my hometown, Manchester which the author depicts so well.