This book was not at all what I thought it would be and that’s on me. I had expected something more lighthearted with more of a romcom feel and I was met with something far more serious and emotional.

While this one was a miss for me, it was well written and I did very much enjoy the author’s storytelling. I would love to read more from them.

Thank you so much to Avon and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Between Us by Mhairi McFarlane is an interesting take on a romantic novel. The premise of this book really sounded promising. However, I found the characters hard to like and the story hard to read overall. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

I am a huge Mhairi McFarlane fan, so I was not surprised that she delivered another excellent romance and that I devoured this book. The writing was so beautiful and engaging and really elevates the entire romance genre. Despite this not being my absolute favorite book of hers, it was still a solid 4-star review and a book I will recommend (and already have). Heartfelt, offbeat, full of chemistry and humor --- this book is well worth your time.

I am grateful to the publishers and Netgalley for my advance review copy. All opinions are my own.

DNF at 42%

Thank you Avon and NetGalley for the eARC of Between Us. All opinions in this review are my own.

I have mixed feelings about this book but eventually I had to DNF it. I like the friend group dynamics and found myself laughing out loud quite a few times at their antics. However, the pacing was too slow for me. It took over 100 pages to get to the event described in the synopsis. I also really didn't like Joe and have no interest in reading about Roison trying to fix her relationship with him.

I have heard great things about this author so maybe I will try again with another book!

I was really interested in the story of Between Us when reading the description - I thought it was such an interesting idea to figure out someone's true identity by using their writing as a tool. I almost wish more of Joes personality or indiscretions were identified from the show plotline but I could see where the author would want to show you how your imagination can run wild. I really thought it was an interesting way that Roisin figured it out in the end and how it all came together. I wasn't super in love with the third act breakup but I could see the point of showing the differences between Matt and Joe and their indiscretions.

I loved this story! I never expected to be rooting for a break up so hard, but there i was, turning pages as quickly as I could because Roisin deserved more! Having that part of her story play out on the pages made me much more sympathetic to the usual lack of communication road block that came later in the story.

Thank you, Netgalley, the author, and Avon and Harper Voyager for the gifted e-book! ❤️ #gifted. My review is comprised of my honest thoughts.

Read this book if you like: Healing and growth, TV shows

This book kept my attention, for the most part. I liked the concept. I wish there was more romance. It's heavily focuses on her healing after a relationship. I liked it.

Between Us

I absolutely ADORE Mhairi McFarlane and this book is no exception! She writes such beautiful stories - characters with quick wit who feel real with their struggles and issues. Love that feels tender and soft yet fierce and passionate. Her way with words sweeps me up into the story and comforts me through the whole book.

In Between Us, we follow Roisin as she goes through a series of unfortunate events that begin with her long term boyfriend, Joe, sharing private details from her past in a hit television show we writes. As she begins to see their relationship differently with this new insight into Joe, she questions the path she is on and who she wants with her. With the support of an incredible friend group that has somewhat imploded, Roisin uncovers how she wants to see herself, how she wants to be loved and who she wants with her in life.

I won’t say much more because I think it’s worth it to uncover the intricacies of this one as the story forms. I highly recommend!

Well keep this just between us, but Mhairi is quite possibly might be a new favorite author of mine! I thought her writing style was brilliant, I laughed out loud and smiled so much at the end of the chapters. I rooted for Roison and Joe and could have easily had even more of their relationship!

I have mixed feelings regarding this novel, which is why it took me so long to write the review. I didn't hate it, but I also didn't love it - I'm still trying to figure out how much I liked it to be honest, but I think it lands in the 3-3,5 star area for me. A bit better than average, but still not really good - for my taste that is

Mhairi McFarlane consistently gives romance novels that also tackle a pretty heavy hitting topic(s). In this novel she takes a look at dysfunctional family dynamics, toxic and manipulative relationships, and gaslighting. So if that could be triggering for you as a reader you may want to skip this, and also this author just may not be for you.

In Between us we start out with Rosie & Joe, who have been together for years. Rosie supported them until Joe had success with his screenplays, the dynamic has shifted a bit. Rosie, Joe, and their friend's are at an estate to celebrate a birthday, engagement, and watch the pilot of Joe's new show. Things are going as per usual until Rosie is watching the show and realizes secrets she told him have ended up in the episode and character's seem to mimic the two of them and their friends - and the leading man is a serial cheater and manipulator. This sends her spiraling.

Has the man she's been living with for years been this character the whole time and gaslighting her, or is it just fiction?

In addition to this romantic plot between Rosie and Joe, we do get an additional one between two characters - don't want to say who as not to spoil, but I wish it had moved a bit faster. In general I wish there was less of Rosie/Joe in this and we saw more of the other romance, even though I do love some good drama! Overall it just felt like something was missing from this, I wish I could put my finger on it, but alas... That is what brought it down the most for me.

In general McFarlane has been a bit hit or miss for me. I LOVED the first one I read, and after that it was a bit of up and down. After 5 novels I may need to evaluate if I love her writing, or just loved that one book. I'll have to see if the next novel has a plot I am drawn to or not to decide if I continue with her books, but I know I will continue checking!

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for the advance ready copy in exchange for an honest review.

there was love, drama and character development. I didn’t love this as much as some of her other books, but it was still a heartwarming read!

I really enjoyed Between Us by Mhairi McFarlane - my first time reading a book by this author, but won’t be the last! The main character, Roisin, is skillfully and sympathetically portrayed. Their friend group feels real, and Roisin’s evolution throughout the book is compelling. Thank you to Avon & Harper Voyager for the advance copy.

This is a great author so brought us another great read. It was an interesting take on a second chance romance. I enjoyed the book and the themes threaded into this interesting novel.

This was my first Mhairi McFarlane and book and I throughly enjoyed it. It was better than expected and the style of writing really helped me get into the storyline.

I'm a big fan of the witty, emotional writing style of Mhairi McFarlane. So, I really enjoyed the banter in "Between Us", a novel that navigates the complexities of relationships and ultimate consequences of sharing one's life with the wrong person. With its engaging plot and well-developed characters, this novel is a delightful and captivating read for anyone who appreciates a smart and heartfelt story. Also, loving the Taylor Swift references.

Sincere thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager, as well as NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this novel. Check it out! It is worth picking up and taking home for the weekend! #NetGalley #Edelweiss

This is more of a women's fiction book instead of a romance and that's ok. The book features gaslighting by a significant other, a bit of mystery, and a second chance with the right guy. Overall a good read.

Heard great things about this author so I was very disappointed. It took me a long time to finish this book. It was so slow and the pacing was not for me. I found myself irritated with the characters often.

I really liked this book, it was different than anything else I've read which was a breath of fresh air. I will be recommending this to my friends, and auto buy this author!

I didn't love this one, but I also didn't hate it. It was kind of blah. But it was a quick read, and I do want to read other books that the author has written.