Mad About You by Mhairi McFarlane

There was a lot of lingo that this American brain did not understand. Like what is “a most fragrant goat prize?” Is it a goat’s poop? 🐐But that doesn’t really make sense in the context..and I had to Google Tony Blair (former prime minister of the United Kingdom.) Most of the time the context worked it out. Other times it was jarring because it occurred every other paragraph, almost like they were speaking in another language. 🤣 I don’t think this was the book’s problem, I think it was a me problem but it was a problem nonetheless. It feels a little embarrassing to admit, like I’m uncultured or something but it is what it is. 🤷‍♀️

However, none of that mattered in the end because this book is phenomenal. From what I hear, Mhairi McFarlane’s books are never purely about romance and this book is no exception. But oh my goodness if I didn’t just go and fall in love with Cal.

“Harriet Hatley is the most in-demand wedding photographer in town, but she doesn’t believe in romance, loathes the idea of marriage... Which is why, when her long-time partner proposes, she panics. Suddenly Harriet is single… and living down the hall from her ex. She needs a new apartment, like, yesterday. Enter Cal Clarke, a hopeless romantic who just experienced his own wedding-related disaster. Harriet and Cal are like chalk and cheese, but as they go from strangers to roommates to friends, it becomes clear they’re both running from something.”

Harriet appears as an emotional distance woman, whose corner consists of her two friends, Roxy and Lorna. She doesn’t have a lot in this world but she is kind hearted and unapologetically herself. I found her relatable and loved the growth of her character throughout the book.

Content Warning: Explicit language, closed door romance, gaslighting, verbal/mental/emotional abuse.

I really liked the plot of the story, I thought it was funny and unique. It was a bit slow for me, and I just didn’t feel like chemistry between the main characters.

Readers will fall in love with Harriet Hatley as she develops the courage to step away from relationships that are not serving her despite the trauma in her past. Watching Harriet come into her own, build her confidence, and find ally's along with way is heartwarming, encouraging, and empowering.

I had a hard time with this book. I found it very triggering and not light or a traditional romance novel at all. When I was reading, the story seemed primarily negative, and with very limited upswing or high points.

4.25/5 Stars

First and foremost, thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC. I was so excited to read this one!

This isn’t what I would consider a typical romance, but more so focuses on Harriet moving forward from her past and different experiences she’s gone through. Her character development/growth & healing was beautiful written.

With that said, there is still romance & I loved Harriet and Cal! The relationship they have is much deeper than I was expecting & it was a very pleasant surprise. The end was so lovely too so definitely stick it out all the way through!

I would recommend this book if you’re looking for a romance with a bit more depth. It really was written so beautifully!

TW: emotionally abusive ex’s/gaslighting

This was good. Solid 3 stars. I wish there was more romance in this romance, but it was more about a woman finding herself after a few bad relationships.

TW: this book talks about gaslighting, narcissistic/emotionally abusive ex’s First and foremost , thank you NetGalley and the publishers of this book for the advanced copy!
Harriet is a wedding photographer recently split from her now ex who doesn’t believe in marriage; Cal is running from his own wedding disaster and is a hopeless romantic .These two meet when she answers an ad he placed they twist: she was his wedding photographer to the wedding that never happened. Now living together, Harriet’s past is coming back up and now her new friendship with Cal might get rocky . Will their new friendship and clear attraction defy all odds and drama, or will
It end up In disaster.

So this book really had underlying themes of Romance between Harriet and Cal. It mainly focused on Harriet working through some past traumas and coming to terms with herself. I loved how that she got support from a previous ex of Scott (her abuser ) and then eventually received more support . This book really showed true colors of an abuser and the lengths they will go to remain their power can control. It also showed women empowerment and also survivors sticking together . It showed that each survivor had to come to terms with what happened to them and also understand they aren’t alone .

Cal was absolutely wonderful to Harriet and believing her instantly after her ex tried to make her the abuser. Their relationship was not the main focus and although I would of loved more , it would of taken away form Harriet’s journey to self love and acceptance and healing. Cal really helped Harriet by providing her what she needed and he was also working through his own stuff .This is my second book by this author. She truly writes strong female characters that go through the ringer and come out stronger 5 stars for me. #bookreview #bookblog #romance #womenempowerment #bookstagram

thank you netgalley and the publisher for giving me this arc in exchange for an honest review!
3.5/5. i was expecting a fun romcom book, but this book focuses more on heavy topics with romance as the subplot. that’s not to say i didn’t like it, but because of that it wasn’t what i was expecting. i will admit there was more people in this book that i didn’t like than a normal book. ESPECIALLY SCOTT. that man made my blood boil and my eye twitch. there were some points in the book where i was not super engaged with the story. but, all in all this is a really good story about how domestic abuse can affect the victim.

Mhairi writes "romance" but, there is always so much more to her books than just the cliche romance novels. The relationship between Harriett and Cal is do deep and intricate as they wok through figuring out how to move forward from the past, heal and grow. The synopsis really isn't an accurate description of what you are getting into when you open this book. It has more depth and a heavy feeling to it than the synopsis leads on. However, this was a really bold take on some heavy topics and it was done with class, respect and of course some playful romance sprinkled in there.

I thought Mad About You was absolutely adorable! Harriet is a great, quirky woman who is admirably working through some things in order to become a better version of herself. She breaks up with her boyfriend and moves in with a stranger, Calvin, who has had trouble with love and is skittish around women. I love how their friendship develops, despite all the roadblocks. I also really loved the karaoke scene and the ending. Sweet love story for sure!
Thanks to the publisher, I received a complimentary copy of the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I am probably one of the biggest super-fans of Mhairi, so when this book was announced I pounced and tore through it! I didn’t think it could surpass my feelings about her previous work and for the majority of the book, it didn’t. UNTIL, the very end! While McFarlane books don’t usually involve a ton of overt romance, this book is probably the least romance centered and focuses mainly on our main character Harriet and her personal growth after the fallout of a slight scandal. While I was reading I kept wanting more, from certain characters and storylines. But in the end, I was left sobbing at the beautiful story that had been told!

Big thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

This book wasn’t as lovely dovey as i thought it would be . I still enjoyed it but I wish it was more cute and happy for it to be a romance book . I still really liked the characters. And overall I enjoyed it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

“Courage calls to courage everywhere.”
"Good women are not a rewards system for silly men."

As always with Mhairi McFarlane, I really enjoyed the characters, their relationships, and the top-tier banter across the groups. I love MM’s talent of writing great romance stories that are supported not only by the romance plot, but also by incredible character development journeys.

This is a story about true love, not only romantically, but also true love within friendships. Lorna and Harriet showed us a realistic view of friendship between grown adults: not much time for bullshit, all the time for honest friendship and support that goes both ways.

Harriet has to dig deep to figure out how to stop running from her past, and instead confront it head-on in order to move forward and live the life she deserves. Cal has recently gone through a difficult time as well, but is a steadfast friend to H in that he knows exactly who he is and where he stands in life. This lends a hand to H’s turmoil throughout the book - I liked how C was there as a support system to her rather than throwing in an inappropriately timed fling between the two of them. I do really wish we got a little more on-page development of their relationship, but I'm glad we got a well-rounded view of Harriet's personal growth that took up most of the book.

"Fucking hell. When you're done with Scott, can you publicly destroy my reputation too?"

I LOVED Lorna! She was so funny and provided some of my favorite one-liners throughout the book. She was a phenomenal friend and stood by Harriet through everything because she knew who H was in her heart, even when H lost sight of it herself and when the world was screaming at her all the lies about her character. THAT is true friendship.

"You could certainly make a miniskirt from the amount of fabric of my dislike."

I can’t wait for Mad About You to hit shelves in August, I know this will be a novel as beloved as MM’s other works!

Thank you NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! ✨

he brief on this book is pretty misleading. Mcfarlane herself says this is a book about female friendships getting you through, and I think that is more apt. There is a lot of relationship work done throughout the book, but most of it is not between our two leads. I was fully engrossed in the story, loved the characters, believed everyone’s motivation, didn’t want to put it down. It isn’t my favorite Mcfarlane book, but that’s okay. Her books are delightful and so worth the time.

4.5/5 ☆

I've read only one other novel by Mhairi McFarlane, but I sense a theme: interesting plot lines packed with emotion, probably trauma, and a side of romance. This was exactly that.

Harriet is super interesting character. I for one enjoyed reading about her growth throughout the book and admire her strength for what she did. She felt like a very real and tangible person - she's not perfect and has had to dealt with a lot of obstacles in her life. The connections she formed with her new friends gave me such joy and I was rooting throughout the book for her relationship with Cal. Sort of felt like I was grasping for straws in terms of their relationship since its very "slow-burn" and gradual. They were more friends throughout this book than lovers so keep that in mind! If you're looking for a primarily romance based book, this is not it.

This book deals with grief, toxic/abusive relationships, gaslighting, new beginnings, friendship. McFarlane's writing is very captivating and smart - the plot is never lack-luster. There are so many great witty moments and the times when we do get to see Cal & Harriet interact, its very sweet. You want them together and you want to witness more of these moments of them.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC I really enjoyed this.

I enjoyed the opening scene and the breakup wasn't bad. However, the writing didn't hold my attention after that. DNF.


*******************I received an ARC for NetGalley for my honest opinion.**********************

I really enjoyed this book so much! We will be carrying this at the store and hand-selling it! Can't wait to tell customers all about it!

Thank you Mhairi McFarlane and Avon and Harper Voyager for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. And let me tell you, I'm about to be very honest.

Maybe it is my fault that I have never read a Mhairi McFarlane novel until now. I could have expected her depth and emotional plotlines as the front in center over the romance itself. So, let's get things clear. This is not a romance novel. It's a women's fiction novel with a romance at the very, very, very end.

I did in fact enjoy the emotional depth at times, but it felt as though McFarlane was putting too much on herself. Two tragic love stories with toxic and manipulative men, plus losing parents at a young age. That's a lot of trauma to unpack. I am not saying that this does not happen in real life. One of my best friends in high school lost her mother at a young age and went through some terrible relationships.

I would encourage publishing and advertising to make sure that this is not advertised as a happy-go-lucky romantic comedy. This is women's fiction. The whole description of the novel makes it feel like it's just a happy-go-lucky romance, which is not true at all. Yes, it has a happy ending, but 75% of the novel is emotional struggle and dealing with trauma. I'm not saying that there shouldn't be books like this, but I was NOT expecting this. Please do not assume that everyone has read one of her novels and knows what to expect. I did not see any type of trigger warning. There needs to be trigger warnings.

The beginning was very slow, and there were parts with some of the side characters that just kind of got all mushed together. At one point we were angry with Jon, the next Scott, and so forth. Life isn't easy, but this book was incredibly depressing and put me into a slump. The worst part? Is the ending. She did not want to get married!?!?!?!? At the very beginning?!?!? She was extremely against getting married at all.

I'm sorry, I know many love her novels, and I value that. I also value that many will love and cherish this book as they might relate to this story. But with given no trigger warnings, this fell very flat. I almost felt catfished. Don't label a book a romance if it doesn't get romantic until the very, very, very end. Even the romance itself fell flat.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC for an exchange for an honest review.

So so good! I recommend it.

I initially expected this to have more of a love story component than it actually did. This story told of friendship, family, and bad relationships. There was a live story, yes, but it was a VERY small part of the story, I honestly don’t even think it was needed. I enjoyed the girl power and camaraderie featured in this book, and that Harriet finally got vindication. Harriet, Nina, Marianne and Lorna are absolute ROCKSTARS and their moment in the sun was magic! Some of the side characters were a bit loopy and not entirely necessary to the main story. HOWEVER, I’m not entirely sure what the main story is supposed to be. I will say, I did love Cal, but I didn’t appreciate the ending-Harriet was very clear on her desire to not get married yet she winds up married anyway? It kind of negates the whole feminism/girl power themes of before.

I was given an ARC of this book by NetGalley and HarperCollins. All opinions are my own.