i really wanted to like this more than i did, but unfortunately something for me fell flat. i really enjoy the authors work, so this is definitely a me thing of just not feeling the book.

thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC!

Such a sweet storyy about losing and finding love while losing and finding yourself. A little bit of a puzzle wrapped in a charming story about a circle of friends who might be drifting apart - and knitting back together.

This book is as much lit fiction as is it romance. Roisin and Joe have been a couple for 10 years, and have settled into a degree of comfort. When they spend the weekend with a group of friends, two of whom are newly engaged, Roisin starts to question if her relationship is what she thought it was. From the beginning, this book went in a very different direction than I was expecting, and every time I thought I knew what this was going to be, it would change. In that way, it is a little like The No Show. Definitely recommend, but don’t go in expecting a traditional romance.

Beautiful, moving, swoony, BETWEEN US is my favorite McFarlane novel yet! I was gripped from page 1 and it didn't let me go. Thank you to Netgalley for am arc of my now favorite book of the year.

I’ve read several of Mhairi McFarlane’s books so when I saw this one I jumped on it. I’m sad to say I just didn’t love it like some of her others.

Without giving too much away here’s what I liked about Roisin and Joe’s story:
~ she trusted her instinct
~ she finally saw Joe’s true colors
~ she followed her heart
~ the ending! 💕

What I didn’t love:
~ I felt like the story dragged a bit
~ I had to look up some of the British slang but got the gist of it
~ the romance part didn’t happen until the end


Overall I still love Mhairi and will always read anything she writes. I didn’t connect with these characters as much but I think it’s mostly because I just didn’t like Joe. If you’re a Mhairi fan, don’t skip this one, just know it’s sort of different.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!

Actual Rating: 2.5 stars
This book was interesting, to say the least. After reading the description, I figured that the plot would have started with a bang but actually it took a solid 30% to actually get to the main plot. That first 30% was build up to the plot, which is necessary but this time it was a bit much.
Once the plot picked up, I didn't really find it that interesting. The book didn't pull me in like most others would, which really disappointed me.
While I was reading, I did really enjoy reading the banter between the friend group. I really enjoyed reading about the friendships and what they meant to each character, but the rest of the book fell flat for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for an eARC of this book.

Between Us got off to a very slow start for me. I was about 25% into the book still wondering where the story wanted to go. The MFC Roisin is a teacher and ten years into a relationship with her partner Joe. He has recently come into success with his career as television writer and creating his own shows. Raisin seems unhappy and feels uncomfortable with this therefore the long-winded chapters of discussions with her mates on a weekend getaway.

I won't say much to avoid any spoilers but as the story unfolds it becomes more interesting. The writing is good and the pace moves along, but Roisin never gets out of her own head regarding Joe and their relationship, things in her past and where all of this is going for her future. I had really had it with her about 3/4 of the way through the book. I will say here that I wonder how far she would go and when she would stop before she had satisfied herself that she was right. I categorized it an obsession because had she been a real person and not confined to the pages of a book her thoughts would have roiled in her brain 24/7. This type of women's fiction might appeal to some, but is not my cup of tea.

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

There is a quote in this novel that perfectly describes the story for me - "It was slow, but fast at the end."

The first half of the book describes the main character, Roisin, her long-term boyfriend Joe, and their core group of friends from days gone by on a celebratory weekend getaway, which is setting up the rest of the book, which takes place in present day and goes by much quicker (in my opinion).

I had trouble connecting with Roison at times, but overall Mhairi does a fantastic job of planting the seed of interest and I kept wanting to come back and see how things were going to end for her and the other characters. The author does a wonderful job of detailing the ups and downs of friendships and relationships in adulthood. There is also a fair amount of family trauma, cheating, gaslighting, and manipulative tactics in this book - but the way the characters handle these is very realistic which I greatly appreciate.

The romance in this book is somewhat sparse, but not absent completely. The main theme is more emotionally charged and dramatic, thus I would recommend this to anyone looking for something to read in the Contemporary Fiction genre, not necessarily Romance or Chick-Lit.

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have got to say Mhairi does not disappoint. I truly love how Mhairi books are focused on growth and knowing to love oneself above all while going through life altering situations. This book makes you feel all sorts of emotions from anger to sadness to happiness as you read Roisin going through them. I cannot stress how this story made me feel. Roisin and Joe were built on a lie that was discovered 10 years too late, but that didn’t stop Roisin from learning what mattered along the way and that was friendship, truths, and real love.

A new Mhairi McFarlane's novel is always a highlight of any reading year. The theme of gaslighting is central to this story, as it features a highly likeable heroine in Roisin, a competent secondary ed English teacher with devoted friends but a mercurial boyfriend. From the first pages, it's not clear how long Roisin will tolerate Joe in her life, despite their decade together, since their relationship has been on a steady downward trajectory for quite a while. From Roisin's perspective, Joe's loss of interest in her coincides with his rapid rise to fame and success as a TV screenwriter. She's not comfortable with his enamored feelings about celebrity, having no interest in the status or even potential wealth it will bring to them as a couple. She quite admirably enjoys her quiet life with books, teaching, and good friends. A weekend get-together in the first chapters with their four best friends, however, puts them all in one closed environment where tensions build and secrets are exposed.

McFarlane does a fine job examining the phenomenon of gaslighting and narcissism, popular cultural topics today. I do also think though that these are pretty irredeemable traits for any person to embody, and so unlike other books by her, Joe is a fascinating, if rather one-dimensional character. That led me to question why Roisin, wonderful though she is in so many ways, can be so misled by what one friend calls a "mean boy." The question of Roisin's attraction to someone so selfish and heartless is certainly raised more than once, but I'm not sure this book has answers, and I think maybe it needed some. I think too it's fair to say that Joe's personality disorder is central in one way or another to the entire book, leaving scant oxygen for much else, including a new romantic relationship for Roisin.

McFarlane often de-centers the romance in favor of a heroine's development, but here, more than most of her books, the romance is slight. I still really like Him but it took a long time to locate him in this story. I found them together a little rushed for my liking too. And maybe because I am inclined not to want to give narcissists undue attention, I wanted the story to move away quickly; it doesn't.

I debated giving this book three rather than four stars, but I did absolutely enjoy reading it despite some misgivings. Some scenes really stayed with me days after reading it, including totally engaging scenes of Roisin handling disrespectful boys in her classroom. The friendships in this book are poignant and heartfelt. The true hero of the book is well worth the time waiting for him to take center stage. Ultimately, despite some criticisms, McFarlane remains one of my favorite romance authors.

Between Us focuses on Roisin’s tension with her boyfriend of almost 10 years, Joe, that’s exacerbated when he uses real life inspiration for a new tv show. His actions put their friend group at risk as Roisin tries to figure out what’s real and what’s fiction.

I’ve enjoyed other books by Mhairi McFarlane, so I was eagerly awaiting this one. Mhairi does a great job of writing heavier topics with some lighthearted and funny characters. I was worried in the beginning because Roisin was noticeably judgmental of the women in her life, but she showed growth as the story progressed and I think a lot of it stemmed from her own insecurities (not that it makes it right, it just made sense for the character). I would love to see more about Roisin’s female friends (Gina and Meredith) in a sequel. I do think the storylines featuring Dev and Anita lacked follow-through too, but I wasn’t as interested since they weren’t as close with Roisin and her journey.

I would’ve preferred less of Joe, although I can see some appreciating the realistic depiction of how complicated your thoughts can be in that type of relationship (as Roisin tried to figure out her feelings and what was real). I would’ve loved more of Matt, as he was really the shining spot for me. Overall though, I was enthralled by the last third of the story and definitely cried. Always have your tissues ready with a Mhairi McFarlane book, because she really depicts relationships and life events in an engrossing way that hits home.*

Rating: 4 stars
CW/TW: toxic relationship, gaslighting, infidelity, panic attacks
Spice: 0 to 🌶️ (some kissing)
Good for readers who: want a deeper romance or a mix of fiction, mystery, and romance
Romance tropes: friends to lovers, love triangle, slow burn, closed door romance

*Thanks to NetGalley & Avon & Harper Voyager for providing this ARC! All opinions are my own.

I tend to be a fan of Mhairi McFarlane's writing. Some people may not like her books since it’s not really romance that she writes. It’s more of a women's fiction genre than romance. If you keep that in mind while reading any of her books, then you are truly going to enjoy them.
Her newest release, Between Us, will bring the drama and the messy era in full force. It will keep you entertained from page one. Between Us centers around Roisin's changing life as she begins her new journey after ending her long-term relationship. It won’t be easy for Roisin to end their relationship since they both belong to the same friend group. However, things change when Roisin realizes how much she loves her relationship. She doesn’t feel appreciated or heard for a while, so it takes a toll on her. And I admire her for realizing how unhappy she is in her relationship and how much it will take to break it up.
While I admire her strengths in bettering herself, I also love her messiness when she starts unraveling her former ex's secrets. It's a bit messy to read, but it’s realistic to read as well. When you break off a long-term relationship, you start to realize how much you gave and never gained back. And you will also realize the few details you haven’t noticed, especially devastating secrets. It’s something Roisin will discover as she forms herself again. It's been a long time coming.
Whenever you pick up any of Mhairi McFarlane's books, you will realize that she writes women's fiction best. Keep that in mind, and you won’t be disappointed. It’s not a romance book; it’s more women's fiction.

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

This is the second book I’ve read by Mhairi McFarlane and I thought it was okay. For me, it was a very slow read until the last chapters. The characters were okay and what I thought was going to be primarily more romance driven turned a bit suspenseful toward the end. I did have to look up a few of the British slang words because I hadn't heard them before. Overall, I would say that it was just okay.

I was absolutely sucked in to 'Between Us' and could barely put it down. This is the first book I have read by this author and I was delighted by her writing style and touch in dealing with real-life problems. I don't want to give away too many spoilers, but the villain in this book is really, really a great and twisted villain. Supposed villains are lovingly forgiven and lifted. I just completely enjoyed this book and highly recommend to all.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

This is the first book I've read by this author. The story appealed to me initially because it was labeled as a romance, but the romantic part of it didn't start until 3/4 of the way through, so I was disappointed in that aspect.

This is a friend group who all have their own problems and quirks and manage to keep wanting to be together even though some of them should bow out.

The main characters of Roisen and Joe are two people who should not be together. I could tell that from chapter one and it took until almost the end for her to realize it. Joe is simply awful. If I met this man in real life I'd probably slap his face.

Overall, the story was a bit unsatisfying, although well written, technically.
3.4 stars and thanks to Netgally for a sneak peek.

Roisin, she said to herself sternly. In the words of Lorraine, A grip should be fucking gotten.

Between Us is a Mhairi McFarlane novel about a long-term couple heading toward splitsville.

At this point I’ve read so many of this author’s books, I can’t remember the individual plot of each, but with love, her formula is often the following:

Longtime couple - break up + hot other man slut

Now, I’ve read nearly every novel she’s written (I think I’ve read them all but would be delighted to be wrong about that). I am not saying anything bad about this formula but this book most certainly follows the formula.

“MPs who ran the parliamentary session down with pointless, aimless debate were ‘filibustering’; online arguments which involved repeated requests for evidence, made with faux-sincerity and excessive civility, was an exhaustion tactic called ‘sealioning.’”

Roisin Walters is a teacher whose students delight in knowing her longtime boyfriend/partner is the writer/creator of a new show with a lot of sex. Roisin is not as fond of the show, not because she’s sick of the attention it gets her at school (though she is), but because it is clearly based on their friend group and her boyfriend’s character is repeatedly cheating on her character.

As in most of the other McFarlane books, the jerk boyfriend, Joe, is eventually found out to be not as he seemed. And the swoon-worthy male womanizer turns out to be much more nuanced than a hot, vapid pinup.

“Amelia simply stared at him, like he’d farted.”

My final no-context quote from the book is a small example of the humor in this novel. It’s happy and sad. There are a lot of laughs that cannot be explained to your significant other when you lol sitting on the couch winding down before bed.

If you like Mhairi’s other novels, you will like this one. However, it’s a bit messier than other novels. It’s more real, but there are some parts that make you cringe a bit. Nothing too bad. But it is slightly less comfortable than other books she’s written and I’ve checked out of the library several times a year and reread dozens of times by now.

I didn’t care for the authors style of writing and didn’t finish the book.thank you publisher and Netgalley

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC copy of Between Us. So I've read at least two other Mhairi MvFarlane books and I keep coming back to them. Each time I leave feeling conflicted but a better version of myself. Pros include: clean romance, deep relationships, great character builds, emotional heart string tugging, totally relatable, her ability to help me understand different perspectives Cons: the happy endings always feel a bit meh, I'm not sure I feel satisfied when I finish, and there is not enough happy to offset the emotional highs and loes I've been on. If those three read pretty similar it is because they are, but it feels very important. I like everything about her books, buy always need at least ten more epages of feel good content.

Roisin and Joe have been a couple for ten years. They reach a breaking point while spending a celebratory weekend with a mutual group of friends. Is Roisin overreacting to coincidental similarities in Joe's new tv drama or did Joe betray what she confided in him? Is Joe engaging in the same extracurricular activities as the main character in his show or is Roisin being paranoid? Roisin begins to recall past instances that mirror details in Joe's premiere episode. This is the beginning of Roisin questioning their relationship.
The idea of The Brian Club as a whole is cute. It's great if we can hang out with our core group of friends, especially for extended weekends under the same roof. Relaxing with friends is great. Making comments in fun at each other's expense is expected. Mean-spirited, bitter, or just plain rude comments are not helpful. The idea of one member having a crush on another member is a bit farfetched, but it made for a good plot device. This helped to make Matt seem awkward and unsympathetic. I was not sure how he would come into play as he decided to take a break from The Brian Club. I am still not sure how a romance grew out of the antics of these

This book was not a favorite of mine. I felt so conflicted reading this story. I wanted Roisin to just tell Joe to kick rocks and be done with him. She kept investigating to prove he was not worth her time. Perhaps that is the point. You have to do what works for you.

I was provided an e-arc by NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager in exchange for an unbiased review.

This will be a short and easy review because even though I wanted to DNF this book so badly due to me not connecting with the characters in general, this made me not want to like them as a group of friends like they weren't right at all. I was waiting for something interesting to happen throughout the book, it wasn't until I got to about 70-80% of the book that I started to get invested, the ending was cute, but the beginning to about halfway or so was not necessary, it was what I felt dragging the story on and on to get nowhere but the end of the book. This is just my opinion and my honest review when I received this ARC. I would suggest for anyone to read as these were my thoughts and I don't want anyone to feel discourage to read this. This is based off my preference on any books I read.