Mhairi McFarlane was already one of my favorite authors. Mad About You did not change that in any way. This novel showcases her usual excellent writing, featuring wit and humor, great character development and wonderful, supportive friends. Emotional abuse in romantic relationships is the theme. This dark topic is handled incredibly well. The story is can’t-put-it-down engaging and suspenseful while a new relationship is slow burning throughout. I can’t recommend Mad About You or Mhairi McFarlane highly enough!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of Mad About You by Mhairi McFarlane all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing an ARC to review.

International bestseller Mhairi McFarlane delivers a sharp, emotional new novel about a woman who calls off her engagement to "the perfect man" and moves in with a charming stranger who makes her question everything about her life, her past, and the secrets she's kept for far too long...

First off, I want to commend the author for writing a book that gives me a character that delves into the issues of her past relationships before jumping into a new relationship that magically "fixes" things. Often in contemporary romance novels, we see a person finding " the one," and everything else magically falls into place to make them a better person. Instead, we see Harriet go through deep soul searching and emotional pain til she is ready to take the next step with Cal. It is refreshing and appreciated to read something different. For that reason, I would almost put this more in the Women's Literature category that happens to have some romantic elements present. I give this book a 4/5

4.5 Stars
This is the first book I’ve ever read by Mhairi McFarlane, and I was a huge fan of her style and characterization. “Mad About You” follows Harriet who is trying to get her life back on track after a failed proposal and breakup. I did go into this thinking it would be more of a romance book, but it leans more towards women’s fiction. There is still romance sprinkled throughout, but the main storyline is about Harriet finding herself and taking back her power. My only complaint would be that the beginning was kind of slow, but it picked up about 20% of the way through and I enjoyed the pace throughout the rest of the book. I thought all of the characters in this book were very well-developed. Harriet is interesting and witty. I enjoyed all of the banter she had with her friends and main love interest Cal. Even all of the secondary characters were very fleshed out and had their own personalities and characteristics outside of just being friends with the main character. I absolutely loved Harriet’s main love interest Cal Clarke. He was so funny and charming throughout the book and became a great friend to Harriet when she needed someone the most. Cal showed that you can’t judge a book solely by its cover. I loved the subtle transition of the characters from strangers to friends to lovers. It was slow moving but fit in well with the path the story took Harriet on. Ultimately, this book does a great job of exploring finding yourself in your thirties, recovering from toxic relationships, and really knowing your worth and what you deserve!

I've never felt so duped by a book title and cover. Still, 'Mad About You' is fine, the plot and themes are thoughtfully done with only a few awkward exceptions (e.g. Kristina). I really wish the main character was more developed—Harriet's lack of personality made the book hard to get through, and her arc's wrap-up is so rushed that the epilogue felt out of place.

Oh I super enjoy this! The writing was just gorgeous and funny and I LOVED the slow burn romance. It had everything I was looking for: romance, heart, and swoon!

Overall it is well written but I was torn about the story. It was a great story but not the fuzzy warm romcom I was expecting. This is definitely a book that makes you think and feel especially if you've never been in this type of relationship.

Mhairi McFarlane is in danger of being put on a pedestal in my life. I think she can do no wrong. Once again she is giving us a hilarious romance with a nuanced and insightful take on a serious topic. This time it's emotional and psychological abuse by a narcissist. Her witty banter between friends will leave you cackling. But you also might cry. By the end you'll certainly be cheering for these characters you've fallen in love with.

I absolutely loved this!

Harriet is my kind of book heroine, she’s real, she’s been through shit and of course it’s affected her. I loved her character’s growth throughout the progression of this novel.

I’ve picked up a couple of Mhairi McFairlane’s books previously but life… and as a result, well, this was my first actually-read book of hers (I’m going to be changing that very very very soon).

Laugh out loud funny, set right next to some blisteringly painful memories of my own Scott, this was such a fantastic story, I can’t recommend it enough.

I absolutely loved this book!! I couldn’t put it down and stayed up way too late to finish it. Brilliantly built characters backstory!

But… I loved Cal from the beginning. He was lovely hero and I truly wished to read Harriet and his slow burn romance during those whirlwind, intense incidents Harriet has to deal with but their love story seemed like an insta love : a quick hookup that seemed mandatory.

Well, I still enjoyed this book! Ms. McFarlane’s smart descriptions to make us see through the characters’ soul and her method to write true heartbreaking angsty stories made me love this book

Content warning: Mad About You deals with emotionally abusive relationships, it is a main theme of the book. In the end, the characters heal, triumph, and are free. But if this is a difficult topic for you, skip this book and take care of yourself.

Harriet is our heroine. We start the book with Jon and his horrible family. A surprise proposal in front of the whole family, even though Harriet has always told Jon she never wants to get married. Harriet ends the relationship and we're off!

Jon shows his true, horrible colors. Harriet moves out. Things get uncomfortable with her new landlord Cal, things get comfortable, Harriet falls in love.

In the middle we meet Scott, who is an emotional abuser. Harriet decides to stand up for a fellow woman and writes Scott's fiance a letter explaining Harriet's toxic relationship with him. Scott then goes on a campaign to discredit and abuse Harriet. He posts on social media that he was abused by Harriet. Terrible things happen, trolls appear, Harriet almost loses her business.

In the middle of all this turmoil, Harriet finds out who her true friends are. She meets another ex-girlfriend of Scott's who had the same experience. And Scott's fiance sees the light. The ending of the book is spectacular, and I won't give it away. Just know that Scott is unmasked!

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Mhairi McFarlane's latest rom-com has the romance part dialed down considerably to a minor part, instead this about 35 year old wedding photographer, Harriet Hatley, having to face a series of challenges about her past which includes a traumatic and toxic relationship that she managed to escape, but which she has buried, never talking about it and never addressing the issues that arose. The consequences of this have her mishandling her relationship with the wealthy Jonathan 'Jon' Barraclough, who wears his heart on his sleeve, in love with her and demonstrating it by showering her with expensive gifts and trips abroad. In the present, Harriet finds herself in a socially awkward scenario at the celebrations of his parents 40th wedding anniversary, when out of the blue Jon proposes marriage in front of his entire family. The trouble is Harriet had made it clear marriage was not for her, to allow him to save face in public, she accepts, only to break their engagement immediately after.

I have an issue with books with heavy subject matter being marketed as romance. I would not classify this book as a romance, and although this is the first book I have read by Mhairi McFarlane, I am glad I did my research beforehand and learned that while there IS romance in McFarlane's books, they are not exactly romances, or at least, they are not romantic comedies. This book is an opposites attract story between Harriet and Cal, though. The focus is on the secrets that Harriet and Cal are keeping and when those secrets come to light, who can we turn to? This book is emotional and I want to specifically mention a TW for abuse and abusive relationships. This book is difficult to read at times, but McFarlane keeps you captivated with wit, humor, and most of all, hope. I love a good character-driven journey and I think because I knew coming into Mad About You that it would not really be a romantic comedy but deal with something much heavier, I enjoyed this book a lot. I adore Harriet and it was wonderful seeing her come into her own strength. Definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a deeper read, but I would not venture into it with expectations of a feel good/light romance. Thank you so much to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I've only read one Mhairi McFarlane book before this, and it was one of my favorites, so i went in with high expectations. And they were met!
It's a wonderful story about growing as a person and overcoming the difficulties you've faced in the past. It had funny moments, mostly added by side characters, but it had some dark subject matter that was handled really well. My only complaint (though it's not really a complaint) is that it is being billed as a romance, when, although there are romantic aspects to it), you would feel better going into it knowing the romance is secondary to the pot mostly. And make sure TW are known!

Review posted via. Goodreads.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4696418015
Harriet is a wedding photographer. When she suddenly finds herself single she decides she needs to move. Like yesterday. So she quickly finds herself, roommates, with Cal. The two couldn't be any more different but somehow they work together. Both Harriet and Cal hiding big secrets. Then Harriet's secret comes to light and everything is turned upside down. Cal is soon the only rock for Harriet as she has to face her past.

I really enjoyed this book! Cal and Harriet are opposites. but you know what they say, opposites attract! I found myself wishing for more when the book ended. I would recommend this book to friends and family.

This book was amazing! I enjoyed every single chapter, and it kept me hooked the entire time, which I loved!

good writing for sure — super witty — but ultimately not for me. i agree with other reviewers; the usual “romance” of a romance novel definitely takes the backseat to a more central, emotional thread in this story, which isn’t what i personally prefer. that being said … i got riled up all the same! the abuse storyline really got me.

and ok i’ve gotta admit …
“YOU DON’T HAVE A PLACE IN MY HEART. YOU HAVE IT.”
… is a damn good line.

#netgalley

I freaking loved Just Last Night. And when I seen another Mhairi novel, I jumped to request it.

Oh my gosh, I had such a beautiful time reading Mad About You, that I needed more Mhairi.

This is a beautifully written and enchanting read. I couldn’t put this down and I had the best time reading Harriet and Cal's story.
This is the perfect read to escape into and really hit the spot for me.
Beautiful storytelling and character development.
Tons of emotions along with the lovely humor to boot.
This author really writes some phenomenal stories.
McFarlane writes a light, bright, breezy and fun rom-com. With compelling characters and amazing writing. This is my favorite from her so far.

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Avon,
Thank You for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
I will post my review to my platforms, blog, B&N and Waterstone closer to pub date.

This book really surprised me. I was drawn in by the premise but absolutely hooked by the writing and the story. This book is not a romcom, although it seems to be advertised as such. It is an incredible examination of what it’s like to escape an abusive relationship, and the ramifications the relationship has on any following romances. It is empowering. It is emotional, and raw. Harriet’s experiences no doubt mirror so many other women’s. There were parts that were difficult to read because of how true they rang. I think this story is an important one. I think it will give a lot of women and men who have gone through what Harriet has hope. Hope that they will get through it, and break the cycle too.

MAD ABOUT YOU, the latest novel from Mhairi McFarlane, is a real treat.

As a big fan of McFarlane’s other novels- particularly her recent release JUST LAST NIGHT- I eagerly anticipated this new novel and was not disappointed. MAD ABOUT YOU follows Harriet and her friends, new and old, through all kinds of adventures. I thoroughly enjoyed Harriet’s story, and particularly loved the way McFarlane navigated tricky topics like emotional abuse. MAD ABOUT YOU is a tale of friendship, recovery, love, loss, and starting over. I laughed and cried and will likely read it again!

Thank you to NetGalley for the lovely ARC which I received in exchange for my honest review.