This is a 4.5 rounded up to five. I devoured this book. It follows a typical Mhairi McFarlane plot (no complaints here though) — FMC ends bad relationship, has a vibrant friends group, deals with heavy issues while still maintaining humor, FMC eventually enters a new relationship with a sweet, swoon-worthy MMC. I’d put this in my second level tier of the author’s books — Tier 1 Gushing Love (Just Last Night, Don’t You Forget About Me), Tier 2 Vastly Enjoyed (If I Never Met You, Between Us), Tier 3 Enjoyed (Mad About You, You Had Me at Hello). Being an uncorrected proof, there were some typos, but I was generally able to infer what was being said when it was a little muddled. Some of the humor is very British, but I don’t think it impacts my enjoyment, though I’m sure it enriches the story for Brits. As a main character, Roisin was awesome, and I’d totally want to be friends with her.

This was a quick read. There were some wrinkles I didn’t see coming. I just wanted to be friends with Rioson. I’d like to read more about these friends.

As a huge fan of the author I was really excited to read this her latest book and was delighted to find that it was, as per her usual, a brilliant book full of humor, real life experience and joy. So well written and full of humor, this book will have you hanging onto to your seat, waiting to see what will happen. Amid falling in and out of love and friendship, the characters become real and discover things about themselves and each other. Highly recommended for all those that love a romantic comedy and just a great read.

I loved the premise of this book. The author does a great job of developing characters, but the pacing was so slow for the first half of the book that I found myself continually putting it down to read something else. It got better towards the end, but I wish it had been spaced better.

This was so good. I could definitely see this made into a movie. One I would watch over and over! Roisin was such a great character that you forget she is made up. So good.
I just reviewed Between Us by Mhairi McFarlane. #BetweenUs #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

A quiet, aching character study in the evolution of friendships and the lengths we can go to either avoid or confront our own choices.

Roisin and her friends, including her boyfriend Joe, have seemingly perfect lives. Although all of them know at least one thing about the others that makes this very much not true if you dig a little deeper. At the forefront of a weekend away is Roisin's growing realization that she and Joe are likely over, that Joe has changed with his writing and TV fame. And when she watches his new show, she sees on-screen evidence that what she had thought were private moments and discussions just between them, the relationship frays even more. And in this dissolution of Roisin and Joe, we see Matt and Roisin's mother play roles that Roisin didn't even realize she needed to have in her life. There are secrets and lies and a fair amount of gaslighting flying around among the group. And things definitely get worse before they have a chance to get better.

I loved the delicate balance of friendships here, on all sides. How each pairing or grouping talked to one another, how they all knew different things, and how they all tried to be supportive in their own ways. This group could be any group of friends. And the lies they told themselves and each other were lies that many of us tell to hide the parts of us that we don't want anyone to ask questions about. A smile can hide a lot of pain.

What made this story was the fact that it didn't seem farfetched or fantastical, it felt as if it could happen - or was currently happening - anywhere in the world. This is what makes it both devastating and hopeful.

I always struggle a bit getting into a Mhairi McFarlane book, but I know I need to persevere, because the payoff is huge! I am always very invested in the character's story and what it took to get them to the "end". The same was true for Between Us. Roisin's backstory was very detailed, as we see a group of friends reunited after 10 years of friendship. As her long term relationship falls apart, she realizes that what she has been looking for has been in front of her all of this time. Absolutely loved it! Highly recommend.

I love mcfarlanes writing and this was no exception. I loved the banter and the relationship between the main characters.

Roisin and her boyfriend Joe are spending a weekend with their closest friends, The Brian Club. Joe’s writing career is taking off and they plan to watch the first episode of a new series he’s written on the last night of their stay. Roisin is already questioning their long-term relationship when she finds he’s written an extremely personal anecdote into the show.

I had a harder time than normal translating all the British slang and spent a lot of time looking up words. I was feeling lost for the first third of this book, then suddenly, I’m sucked in and loving it. Joe is the ultimate gaslighting jerk, and you really wonder what Roisin ever saw in him. The rest of The Brian Club was endearing. I loved watching Roisin put together all the clues of what Joe had been up to during their ten years together. Loved Matt and I wish he’d been a bigger part of the book. But the real focus of the book was Roisin having the courage to make the right choice and speak up for what she wanted. It's so nice to read a realistic female MC with spunk and brains. Another great book by Mhairi McFarlane!

Thank you to Shelf Awareness, NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager, Avon for this complimentary ARC. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Between Us, a novel by Mhairi McFarlane, available August 8, 2023!

Roisin Walters finds herself in a predicament. Her long-time boyfriend Joe has used private parts of her life, including her parents’ alternative lifestyle, in a very public way on his new television show. Faced with confronting him, she discovers there is much more underneath her suspicions and dwindling feelings for Joe. Roisin comes to terms with her troubled relationship with Joe and her family dynamics in this slow-burn, friends-to-lovers novel.

I loved The Brian Club – there is something about a found family that makes reading about their personalities riveting. McFarlane does a great job giving you just enough of the side characters to love scenes where they interact, but there is not too much to them. I knew from early on that something was brewing between the members of the group and it did take a long time to get there. I questioned every relationship between the group members and kept predicting what would eventually transpire. I was wrong a couple of times and had to keep reading!

I HATED Joe; he gaslighted Roisin so many times I lost count. I was screaming at the page, urging Roisin to discover this about him. It was no wonder, based on Roisin’s mother Lorraine’s dishonesty and manipulation, that Roisin was attracted to someone with similar tendencies.

This is the second book I’ve read by Mhairi McFarlane. Her books are well written, challenging (in a good way!) to read as someone who speaks American English (I looked up references so many times my Google is going to think I am moving to the UK), and a SLOW BURN.

I’m glad I knew what to expect because if you are looking for hot, spicy, pining-for-each-other scenes, imagine me as Obi Won telling you, “This is not the book you are looking for”. I would not call it a rom com either. The storytelling is compelling and keeps you drawn in, so it is well worth a read. Just be sure you know what to expect. This story teeters on the cusp of women’s fiction more than romance, although, there is a HEA (or a happy beginning!).

Be sure to read the trigger warnings for this book before diving in!

Thank you so much to Avon/Harper Voyager and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced (e-)reader copy and a chance to rate and review this book!

Mhairi McFarlane, the renowned international bestselling author, takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions in her latest novel, "Between Us." With her signature wit, clever storytelling, and relatable characters, McFarlane explores the aftermath of a relationship gone sour when personal confidences become the basis for a new television show.

One of the strengths of "Between Us" lies in McFarlane's ability to create well-rounded and authentic characters. Roisin is a relatable protagonist whose vulnerability and resilience make her journey captivating. Her friendships are richly depicted, and the dynamics within the group feel genuine and layered. Matt, the enigmatic playboy, surprises both Roisin and readers alike with his depth and complexity, adding an intriguing layer to the narrative.

McFarlane's writing style shines through, capturing the essence of human emotions with her sharp dialogue, humorous anecdotes, and heartfelt introspection. The story effortlessly blends humor and pathos, leaving readers emotionally invested in Roisin's journey. While the book explores themes of betrayal, self-discovery, and the power of friendship, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of personal boundaries and the consequences of exploiting intimate details for creative gain.

“You don’t love me anymore?”

“I don’t think I know you anymore, to love you”

SO GOOD. Mhairi McFarlane has snuck her way into my heart.

Roisin has felt “off” for a while. Her relationship, a ten year love with a man called Joe, has been stale for longer than she can recall. He’s a big tv writer now, and his time and affection for her has dwindled.

One weekend on a trip with their long-time friends, and the same weekend Joe’s new series premieres, everything goes sideways.
Joe’s new series is oddly familiar, as in she’s seen so many of these details before, and they’re QUITE personal. Is Joe airing their dirty laundry? His new character is awfully good at hiding a second life, is Joe? How well does she ACTUALLY know the man she’s supposed to marry?

Roisin decides to take things into her own hands while distancing herself from Joe. She goes back to her Mums to work and distract herself, and is assisted by the most unlikely of people. As the summer goes on, Roisin has to decide what’s real, what’s fake, and what’s most important to her. Before it’s too late.

Mhairi McFarlane writing style had me hooked SO quickly. I couldn’t wait to find out what came next. I was genuinely sad when it ended but she also ends it beautifully. I feel so grateful and blessed to have received a copy to read before the world. 10/10. Would definitely recommend.

Between Us by Mhairi McFarlane is another incredible romance by Mhairi.

This book was written so well. The writing in this book was beautiful.
I loved the characters and the storyline development of this book truly kept me turning the pages.
Written with perfect chemistry, so smart, very humorous, extremely entertaining and heartfelt you’ll pick this book up and not be able to put it down.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank You NetGalley and Avon for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

The premise of Between Us was enough for me to slam the want to read button. A woman’s life crumbling when she finds out her writer boyfriend used their relationship as material for his new tv show? Diabolical. Sign me up! Our book starts with Roisin (ro-SHEEN) feeling like she’s been in a relationship with a ghost for the last year and fully ready to dump her boyfriend Joe. After their planned weekend getaway with their friend group that is. Can’t upset the group dynamic with bad news and spoil the fun. Only as the weekend gets going, tensions between everyone are high and the group is a mess of emotions. Roisin’s hope of keeping the peace is put to the test when Joe’s new show premieres and she realizes he’s used her private secrets as material without so much as asking or warning her. The confrontation does not go well and sends her life into disarray. Now she can’t help but wonder what else from their life Joe wrote into his salacious tv drama. Roisin leans on her girlfriends as she tries to figure out how much of the last 10 years of her life has been a lie and finds unexpected relief from an old friend.

I had the hardest time getting into this book. In fact I set it aside and finished several other books over two weeks before trying again. I’m so glad I pushed through because like I said in my blurb I fell in love with this book slowly and then all at once! Once it got going I couldn’t put it down for a few reasons. First, I suspect this might be the closest I’ll get to a mystery/thriller romance book. I was on the edge watching Roisin sleuth out all the lies Joe had told and which bits of the show were actually based on their real life. Second, Roisin and Matt gave me major butterflies! Their friendship turned budding romance was so sweet.

I could have done without a quarter of the stuff in the first half of the book in favor of getting much more time with Matt. I enjoyed finding out all the ways Joe is an absolute wanker! Thankfully that gets a satisfying ending. I also appreciate that the characters didn’t do what I call emotional miscommunication edging. That annoying thing where characters only admit half themir feelings just so the author can have an excuse to keep them apart for a little while longer. IYKYK.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one and although it was my first by Mhairi McFarlane it won’t be my last. You’ll enjoy this book if you like your romance tinged with intrigue and revenge.

Lastly, I consider myself pretty well versed in Britishisms but this book was next level for me. I was searching Google so often to translate! 😂

#BetweenUs #NetGalley

Thanks to the publisher, Avon, and NetGalley for the eARC copy for review. Review to come.

I did enjoy a lot of the themes in this book. It went over themes like gaslighting, manipulation, dysfunctional relationships and emotionally family dynamics. It truly explored healing after a toxic relationship and self growth. There was only one issue for me and that was just how quickly the female mc moved on after ending her toxic relationship. It just wasn’t realistic.

I consider Mhairi McFarlane an undiscovered gem. I don't understand why she doesn't get as much buzz as Emily Henry, because she is amazing. In Between Us, McFarlane revisits a common theme of hers: working through the complex emotions that accompany ending a relationship and finding new love. The twist here is that the couple breaking up (Roisin and Joe) are part of a larger friend group and there is the added pressure of how the break-up will affect the dynamics of the friend group.
Roisin and Joe have been a couple since the origin of Brian Club (their friend group), 10 years earlier, but recently Roisin has begun feeling like something between them has changed. She is convinced she needs to end things with him after watching the first episode of screenwriter Joe's new crime drama. Not only does Joe depict private stories from Roisin's childhood in the show (without her prior knowledge or consent), but his main character is a cheater who is remarkably similar to Joe in a few too many ways.
Overall I enjoyed Between Us, although it was not one of my favorites by McFarlane. I felt that there was a lot going on, with all the characters, and some parts felt like they could have been shorter while others should have been fleshed out a bit more. Of course the writing was still stellar, and once I finished I was sorry it was over. I would definitely recommend Between Us, but if you are new to reading McFarlane, I would start with one of her other titles first (Who's that Girl, or Just Last Night) because while Between Us was good, it won't hook you like some of her others, and Mhairi should definitely be on everyone's list of "auto-buy" authors.

I am a self-professed Stan of Mhairi McFarlane's, so it is not particularly shocking when I say that I flew through this novel! At the start of this novel we are thrown into Joe and Roisin's tense relationship while on a friends weekend getaway to celebrate a whole host of things, including the season premiere of Joe's new show. The weekend just gets messier and messier as things unfold(and truths get told) and this is part of my love for this book! This has to be Mhairi's most dramatic(in terms of friendships) book. This book is not the most emotional of hers in my opinion, but the writing and the characters makes up for it. I do however wish that some things had gotten a little more page time(i.e the romance and family drama, hell even some of the side characters deserved more) but what I did get I ate up. And of course I will always complain that I need an actual epilogue(come on Mhairi!!). A solid 4 star read. Not my fave of hers, but I will definitely read it again!



Big thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read from one of my favorite authors before pub day!

This is an offbeat, heartfelt rom-com. McFarlane’s writing feels like it elevates the genre the same way that Emily Henry’s does. A great read!

Overall, I liked this story. The first half was painfully slow, and in full honesty, I felt I had to push myself through it. With that said, the second half of the story was phenomenal. I was rooting for Roisin from the start and was super satisfied with the ending! I was also shocked at how the relationships in the group worked out, but I supposed I should have seen it coming. I especially felt that the group dynamic worked really well and created a diverse and fun cast of characters. The one big gripe I had - and also why I felt the first half was off - was that there wasn't enough backstory/history about Joe and Roisin's relationship to pull me in to the story.

This book was my first of Mhairi’s, and I will definitely be reading more of her books. I love her writing style and how deep she dives into the characters of this book. Between Us takes a close look at complicated relationship dynamics, from familial relationships to romantic ones and friendship groups in between. There’s unrequited love, love triangles, and an inside investigation that runs along the airing of a tv show (about an investigator). I don’t know how to categorize this book, but it was enjoyable and kept me on the edge of my seat simply because even though some parts were clearly going to happen, the way they unraveled were interesting. Roisin’s discovery of Joe’s actual personality, while also rediscovering Matt, provides an interesting contradiction.

I will say that while I loved Roisin and Matt, I felt like we didn’t get nearly enough of their story. The story felt more like general fiction with a sprinkle of romance. I was confused when their relationship hadn’t really even started at about halfway in, while a lot of the focus was still put on Joe. It made me have to suspend my disbelief a bit with how fast the relationship came about, so I would’ve loved a deeper dive in that (and honestly, it was such good writing, I wouldn’t have complained with it being a little longer). That being said, the theme of it all happening slowly, but fast in the end did make sense with the storyline in the end.

I’m grateful I got to try one of Mhairi’s books with this arc, and I can’t wait to read more!