It can be tricky to find an original romance these days, but you can rely on Mhairi McFarlane to add something new and interesting to the conversation.
I always appreciate that there are layers to Mhairi's stories. These aren't just surface level romance or women's fiction. Heavier subject matter and topics are tackled and done so in way that keeps you engaged, while the romance is simmering away in the background.
I loved the combination of more traditional romance tropes (fake dating, enemies to lovers and forced proximity) with the investigation into and takedown of the slimy mayor. There's also the issue of Bel's stalker and Connor's struggle with depression, which again, were handled well.
Towards the end I was literally kicking my feet and the chemistry between them was just so good.
And Shilpa was one of the best best friends I've read in a while. I was a little bit obsessed with her.
I really did adore this book and sped through it in two evenings. All I can say is, Mhairi McFarlane has done it again.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was excited to read Cover Story – Mhairi McFarlane is one of my favourite authors – and this novel did not disappoint. In fact it is now one of my absolute favourites of hers. Combining the enemies-to-lovers and the fake dating trope (both executed perfectly), I was hooked immediately and raced to read more at every possible opportunity. Who could not adore Bel, the larger-than-life heroine with her big heart, strong sense of justice and indomitable spirit? And who could not fall a little in love with Connor as he has Bel’s back every second, despite the bickering and miscommunications? An absolute masterclass in romance, I could not have loved it more. Romcom perfection!

mhairi mcfairlane’s so back and cover story’s the proof!
she absolutely has done it again but i’m not surprised if i have to speak truly!

last year i read my first book written by mhairi mcfairlane and i ended up looking up for more to read and so i ended up reading a lot of her books because they were so addicting and so raw that i could mostly relate to the characters in her books and even when i couldn’t i was completely immersed in the story that i could feel the characters feelings… so while reading this u wouldn’t be surprised to find me here… and luckily i had the big opportunity to read cover story and what a lovely slow burn romcom we had here with a workplace setting with bel and connor and guess what? these two think that they hate each other but with time they will understand by getting to know each other that’s not true… especially during certain moments of tension ikyk 😁 plus with the help of the fake dating trope everything will be easier as we always know right?

as always when you read a book written by mcfairlane u should already know that’s not simply a book but there are a lot of different aspects and mostly of the times very serious topic included and in this story we have some such as: stalking, depression,gaslighting and suicide mention! so u should be aware and the way all the different themes are combined all together’s so amazing and unique as always!

the characters are so realistic and relatable that they can feel easily as real people because u can read laugh with them,understand their mistakes,issues… and in the end you’re simply captured in their life like you always been there and this a feeling that few authors can make you experience!

and so what are you expecting now? go and put this one on your tbr and if u haven’t read a book written by her well this is your sign to start ;)

a lot of thanks to netgalley and harpercollins uk , harperfiction for sending me the e-arc of this amazing book in exchange for my honest opinion!!

Wow this book had me in stitches! I loved all of the characters and finished it in one day which is always a good sign. A solid 4.5 star for me.

I found this book addictive. I liked Connor and Belle and their office tension as they come together to expose the mayor. The depression was handled well and I loved the setting of Manchester. The best book I have read this year! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book.

I've always loved Mhairi's books and she's a go to author for me.
This is definitely your standard rom/com girl meets boy fiction. Bel works as a reporter and when Connor, the drop dead gorgeous intern walks through the door, they immediately hate each other. A bit bizarre, seeing as they don't know each other at all.
Bel is working under cover and Connor gets tangled up in the deception. I especially enjoyed this part of the book. It was very well written and keep me turning the pages. This pushes them closer together but they still don't like each other. Or do they?
There are other aspects to the story with Bel and Connor's exs and a particularly horrible ex colleague of Bels. All giving the story plenty of interest. I'm giving it 4 and a half stars as i really did enjoy it but it just lacked originality. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.

Mhairi McFarlane has done it again !!! I enjoy a good romance read but find it hard to find original plots within the genre - safe to say this isn’t a plot I’ve read before. I really enjoyed the development of the main characters both individually and together. I also liked how the miscommunication trope wasn’t overdone - it was perfect for the story! This book had really great story about how journalism can be important (and not all journalists are bad people) with a lovely love story intertwined. I would definitely recommend this book!

Bel McCauley works in the Manchester office of a national newspaper and has an award winning podcast. She works with ambitious Aaron Parry and they have a good, jokey, working relationship. Their latest intern up from London, is 30 something Connor and their start is not exactly warm and fuzzy. He thinks she has a patronising attitude and she thinks his reactions are definitely in the hostile range and he comes across as superior. She seethes, he’s cool. Then Bel is offered a BIG topical story which she starts to investigate. It becomes quite cloak and dagger with Connor finding himself dragged into it. In order to get her story, it’s necessary for the pair to act as a couple. Can they pull it off ……. and what if?????

There’s obviously not quite a formula to Mhairi McFarlane’s novels which I enjoy as you know what you’re going to get and there’s the anticipation of plenty of sparkling humour thrown into the bargain. The author is particularly good at portraying her characters in a very authentic way and all feel believable. I really like Bel as she’s a strong woman, she’s resourceful and smart. Connor definitely grows on me, I think it’s from the point where Maurice is mentioned (🥹- no spoiler here). I also really like Bel’s best friend Shilpa but feel the absolute polar opposite with ex colleague Anthony who makes my blood boil. There’s very good banter between Bel/Aaron, Connor and Bel and Bel and Shilpa with the result of plenty of smiles.

There’s a good slow build between Connor and Bel with plenty of tension between them, as well as misunderstandings and balls of confusion. It’s a good Mr Darcy/Elizabeth Bennett vibe and indeed Darcy is referenced!

Underneath the breezy repartee, as with most of the authors novels, there are serious issues, especially those which Bel is pursuing and this adds an extra dimension to the storytelling. There’s harassment and abuse of power amongst other things and how Bel goes about getting her story is admirable. There’s the added bonus of various sparks between Connor and Bel.

Overall, this has a bit of everything. There are serious stories which unfold well, a lot of humour and romance in a good Manchester setting.

Publishers in the UK on 8/5.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins/HarperFiction for the much appreciated early copy and return for an honest review.

If you’ve read any of Mhairi’s previous work and enjoyed it, I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy this one too. It has all of her trademark British snark and follows her usual formula or Girl meets Boy, Girl thinks Boy hates her (and vice versa) but after spending time with one another, Girl eventually realises that’s not the case! I feel like one of the side characters, Connor’s brother, summed it up perfectly when he said:

“I put it to you that the only thing you don’t like about her is that you don’t think she likes you.”

While it goes without saying that I enjoyed the romance, I also really liked the central plot, which has Bel investigating a “Me Too” type rumour surrounding the local Mayor.

I liked seeing Bella’s character develop as the book progressed because I have to admit that, at the beginning especially, I did find her annoying at times. She put a lot of blame on Connor for his perceived slights and negative attitude, when she was unwelcoming from the start and quick to pass judgment, while in a workplace dynamic where she was the more senior of the two. That being said, it’s also part of the charm of Mhairi’s books, she makes her character feel like real people, flaws and all. Overall, I had a great time binging this book and would definitely recommend.

Tropes:
- Workplace romance
- Enemies to lovers vibes
- Fake dating
- Slow burn

Bel, a former indie podcaster, and Connor, a thirty-something intern, are forced to work together at a Manchester newspaper—even though they can’t stand each other. But when Bel’s undercover investigation requires them to fake a relationship, things get very interesting. Cue the tension, the banter, and all the delicious enemies-to-lovers moments!

Mhairi has absolutely smashed it again! This was another total winner for me. The book tackles some really heavy topics—suicide, depression, stalking—but it never loses sight of the main story. And the dynamic between Bel and Connor? Perfection. Their chemistry crackles the whole way through while they’re trying to gather evidence to help a young girl.

There were so many standout moments I adored—Connor staying the night , those final undercover scenes, and that last chapter. Plus, the supporting characters like Shilpa and Adam were brilliant, and even Shaun had his moment!

I loved it so much I’m actually devastated it’s over.

Thank you Mhairi McFarlane

Thank you to NetGalley for the download.

I absolutely loved this book! While it took me a couple of chapters to get into the story and figure out who the characters were, I’m so glad I stuck with it because I was soon completely hooked.

This novel perfectly balances romance and comedy, making it a fun and heartwarming read. But what really stood out for me was the gripping investigation storyline, which added an extra layer of intrigue and kept me turning the pages. The mix of humour, romance, and mystery made for a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging read.

Overall, this is a fantastic book that offers the perfect blend of laughter, love, and suspense. Highly recommended!

Mhairi McFarlane’s writing is sooo good! Although this was a predictable story with a predictable ending. Boy and girl meet and take an instant dislike to one another and then circumstances throw them together where they really get to know one another and predictably fall in love. Bel is a news reporter in Manchester when Connor starts working for the same paper as an intern. Connor from London. has recently given up his job in the city earning big money but was beginning to feel the pressure and decides he would like to be a reporter. He is in the process of breaking up with his long term girlfriend who has apparently been unfaithful. Bel has also recently been in a long term relationship but she was unfaithful to him with a married man who is now stalking her. Connor ends up getting involved in a case that Bel is working on incognito and ends up being a huge support to her in this investigation. The story is full of twists and turns but also a lot of humour. Mhairi’s writing is punchy and really draws the reader in. I loved this book and feel it is one of her better novels. Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me an ARC of this book.

This was my first read by Mhairi Mcfarlane and I really enjoyed.

I was expecting a romantic read but this book was so much more than that which I loved.

The characters were well written and Bel was a great character, there was plenty of humour but also a serious side.

A great read and I will definitely be reading the authors previous books.

Thanks to Netgalley, Mhairi Mcfarlane and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

So much fun! Cover Story is a wonderful enemies-to-lovers romance about investigative journalism, holding abusive men in power accountable, and overcoming first impressions.

The novel is told from two POVs: Bel and Connor. Bel is a capable, respected journalist reeling after a bad break-up and troubling encounters with a stalker. Connor is an ex-finance bro attempting to start a new career in journalism, running away from mental health difficulties in London and an absolutely awful (if I do say so myself) long-term girlfriend. Bel happens upon an intriguing lead for a story about the exploits of a smarmy, manipulative mayor who preys on young girls. She and Connor go undercover to unveil proof, determined to expose him. Of course, they end up fake dating despite their mutual dislike for one another.

With such a promising plot and McFarlane's wonderful writing, what could go wrong? (Nothing, that's the true answer here.) Cover Story is funny, clever, and, most importantly, deals with important and relevant social issues. I appreciated that the romance didn't overshadow the important passages about mental health, women's safety, and the necessity of justice. Yet, at the same time, the novel is still sincerely thrilling and lively, not depressing.

Moreover, Bel and Connor are such likeable, well-rounded characters. They’re hardworking, have an excellent sense of humour, witty rapport, and a comical ability to misunderstand each other. The other side characters such as Shilpa and Ian are similarly delightful. Also, as a side note, I really enjoyed the Manchester setting. I lived there during lockdown (long story) so it was refreshing to read a novel based in this Northern city instead of London for once.

In conclusion, Cover Story is a must-read. McFarlane's suspenseful, funny, and romantic adventure kept me turning pages, eager to know what happens. This is my first foray into McFarlane's work, and I'm excited to read more from her... I see why she is so beloved.

*Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC*

I have a deep admiration for Mhairi's books. I found myself unable to put this book down, completely engrossed in the of Connor and Bel. I appreciated the witty exchanges and the tension building between them. It was a true slow burn, and I was thoroughly engaged throughout. I was rooting for them every step of way. Additionally, I loved the story set in Manchester, my hometown.
Overall, it was an absolutely wonderful read.

My thanks to Mhairi, her publishing team and Netgalley for the chance to read this ARC.

I’ve loved every book I read by Mhairi McFarlane, and I’m so happy to say this is no exception.
The romcom trope is well done and subtle. I found the characters likeable and relatable.
I also appreciated that Mhairi tackled an important societal issue in this book.

Thank you to the publisher who provided me with an e-copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Journalist, Bel is on to the biggest story of her career,. By accident ,she has to allow the new ,unapproachable, aloof, intern, Connor to act as her boyfriend. Mhairi Mcfarlane, queen of the romcoms, does it again. Hard to put down, enthralling reading.

I read the synopsis for Mhairi's new book a while ago, but when I got approved, I didn't remind myself of it and went in blind.

Let me start by saying Mhairi is one of my favourite authors, but for the sake of an honest review, I always try to put that to the back of my mind for favourite authors so that I remain unbiased. But there's really no need in this case because each book seems to always become a new favourite, and Cover Story is no exception.

What always really immerses me into these stories is how truly real they feel. The antagonists are not cartoon villains, but genuine people that you would meet in real life, who are complex and use every advantage they have to manipulate and box someone into a corner. Similarly, the protagonist characters themselves always feel so relatable but are still flawed, and it is easy to see how they could find themselves in certain situations and while I may not have been in an exact situation, I can still understand and emphasise. Mhairi's books have a way of making me want to punch the air when tides turn🤭

The story does have romance but that always feels more of an added bonus to the main plot, if this makes sense. The chemistry in this book is so subtle and continues to build without the characters themselves even noticing. Bel and Connor give me modern vibes of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy - they keep piling on the assumptions of each other and continuously are in a state of denial that the reader can plainly see through😂

A few added bonus parts that I loved (without spoilers):

- The Facetime call with Shilpa!
- The mentions of Maurice🥹
- the warmth and wit that Mhairi always manages to inject into her characters.

Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction and the author for the review copy, provided in exchange for an honest opinion.

Amazing just loved this.. so much going on live work and uncertainty at scale! Adored the tensions and risks taken and not taken by the characters. Thanks again 😍

Ugh I just adore Mhiari McFarlane’s writing so much 🥹

I couldn’t put this book down. I was just completely invested in Connor and Bel. I looooved the banter between them & the tension. It’s a proper slow burn & I was here for it 😍 I was rooting for them the whole way through.

Also loved that it’s set in Manchester because I am a true manc 🫶🏼

Just an absolutely wonderful read.