I love Mhairi Mcfarlane books and this was another great one. It moved a little slow at times but when Nate and Rosie’s story began, it picked up for me. Lots of toxic relationship drama and confronting family issues. Not my favorite of the authors novels, but a solid 4 stars.

Between Us by Mhairi McFarlane is book is about relationships and how they grow and change over the years. I enjoyed how the story unfolded and the growth of the main character Roisin. The very essence of a Mhairi McFarlane book is that as the characters begin to grow and understand who they are, they are reminded that there is no magical age at which someone has everything together. There is growth well into your 30s and beyond, and that the relationship between family and friends are what is most important.

A well written enjoyable romance with likeable characters - all around a win. McFarlane had me smiling and enjoying this read which was super easy to get through.

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books, and Mhairi McFarlane for providing me with an eARC this book. This is my honest review.
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I've been wanting to give Mhairi McFarlane's books a shot for a while now. I've heard great thing about her other work, so I thought Between Us would be the perfect opportunity to see for myself. Sadly this book just didn't pan out for me.
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I don't even know how many times I put this book down while reading it. Each time I went to DNF it, I convinced myself to keep reading in hopes that something would change. I think the issue for me was the pacing. I'm not opposed to a leisurely-paced book, but it felt like someone hit a slow-mo button for me. Upon its release, I tried switching to audiobook in hopes that ebooks and I just weren't agreeing at the time. After my fifth "let me rewind it because I may or may have not zoned out," I switched back to the ebook version and kept on trucking. I actually did find the characters compelling. But by the time things were set in motion and picking up speed, I think I had just checked out of this book mentally.
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I would like to give another Mhairi McFarlane book a shot in the future. Maybe I just wasn't in the headspace for this one in particular? I don't know. I know for certain it wasn't for me this time around, but maybe it'll be for you!
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Between Us is available for purchase in ebook, paperback, and audiobook format.

Roisin has been in a relationship with Joe for almost 10 years. Things have started to feel off-kilter recently as Joe is skyrocketing to fame as a screenwriter. When his latest project depicts private scenes from Roisin's life, she decides that she must finally end things. Doing so will break up their entire friend group and have huge repercussions.

I like Roisin's character a lot, but I hated Joe from the very beginning. It made it hard to root for her when she was trying to decide what to do next. I wish I had gotten to know the other characters more and their back stories. I really enjoyed Roisin's character arc though. This is a good, easy read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC of this book.

This perhaps may be a case of "its not you, its me", but before writing this review.I re-read the blurb again, and really looked at the cover and came to the conclusion "its kind of actually you."

My expectations were a messy, drama filled romcom, related to the film industry in some way and a fun friend group. What I got was a really terrible relationship with the FMC's current beau, a breakup that wasn't just a third act classic but almost the whole book, family drama that came and went and came briefly again at the end, and basically no romance.

At 53% of the book (according to my app) I came to the conclusion that, ah okay this book isn't general fiction but will actually be a romcom at some point, as I had spotted the new affection of the FMC. However a good chunk of the book felt so sad without any of the uplifting I'd usually expect with such a colorful cartoonish cover, cutesy title, and romcom style blurb. If this had been marketed differently I probably would had a different series of expectations.

I deeply sympathized with our poor FMC. The emotional pain and drama she went through is basically tragic. I am happy everything. came together at the end to give her a much brighter future, but it felt like hope came too late. The ending was cutesy and a very well crafted bow on top, but the bow is covering a very beat up box.

Someone give this FMC a long vacation and some time to be herself. Yikes @ the behavior of so many people around her.

I don't necessarily regret the time it took me to read this, however I do wish it was both more romance and more comedy as it is being marketed.

Thank you Avon, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Love this author but unfortunately didn’t love this book and have enjoyed her other books more. I guess the romance part of the plot felt a little unbelievable and I can’t go into specifics without spoiling it other than it felt rushed given what our MC went through. That aside, I still enjoyed reading it so a 3-star read and would recommend if the synopsis really speaks to you.

Mhairi McFarlane has quickly become an auto buy/read author for me! I really enjoyed Between Us - the premise was so different and interesting and makes me wonder if anything like that has happened in real life with screenwriters. I loved following along with Roisin's journey and how she navigated her relationship with Joe and the dynamics in her friendship group. I found this especially relatable as I've experienced changing dynamics within my own friend group that I made at work in my 20's. Now that we're in our late 20's/early 30's, everyone isn't as in sync with our lives as we were when we first met almost a decade ago, along with changing as individuals as we've gotten older. It's inevitable, and a normal part of relationships, but it was nice to see that reflected in the book, where Roisin second guessed if she actually really knew some of them, missing some of the old dynamics, and being grateful for how things have changed, recognizing that not every relationship will last and some will just be different than before.

Mhairi McFarlane can't write a bad book, and I'm excited to see more from her in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the e-ARC!

In the past year, the relationship between long-term partners, Roisin and Joe, has become colder and more distant as he immerses himself in his booming screenwriting career. With the first show in his second series about to air, they join their best friends of ten years for its airing as well as to celebrate a birthday and engagement. But the reunion is rocky with old hurts surfacing and animosities blooming. As the ensemble gathers to watch the show’s premiere, Roisin realizes that what she is seeing on the screen is not fiction with at least one scene something she shared with Joe in private, which makes her wonder: just what else might not be fiction? in Mhairi McFarlane’s Between Us.

I may never have supported the breakup of a book couple more than I actively rooted for the demise of Roisin and Joe’s relationship. Unfortunately the fact that the relationship dragged on as long as it did was one of the novel’s weaknesses. While I can understand that a ten-year relationship shouldn’t be tossed aside nonchalantly, I wondered why a character like Roisin, with her history with her parents and their swinger life-style that incorporated infidelity and distrust, would so easily trust Joe and that certain behaviors were never suspect. However, Roisin was searching so hard for relationships of all kinds that could be her own–just hers–, people she could count on, that she seemingly turned a blind-eye when actions didn’t jibe. That is, until the proverbial excrement hit the fan and she couldn’t any longer, which in itself drove me a little crazy as she did a complete about-face almost ruining the opportunity for something real from someone honest.

As for the dynamics of the group of friends, these are not like Peter’s Friends, as one character laughingly suggests. (Peter’s Friends is a brilliantly acted and witty movie about a group of friends who get together for a big announcement that none expect; highly recommended.) Considering McFarlane’s talents, I almost wish that she had given this group a stronger opportunity to shine, but none of the characters are really dynamic enough/charismatic enough or relatable enough, except for Roisin who is relatable.

While Between Us isn’t one of my favorite McFarlane’s, it still incorporates her trademark conversationally erudite and witty prose that make it well worth reading as well as completely engaging.

Many thanks to Avon and Netgalley for a copy.

📖: Between Us by: Mhairi McFarlane | 📅 Pub Day: OUT NOW!!!

I must admit, this book didn’t particularly draw me in at the first page like most books I end up reading do—and I did start and stop a few times reading this. I thought I would absolutely love this book from the cover (it’s absolutely cute af) and the premise WHICH WAS SO UP MY ALLEY! I’m not sure if it was the execution of the premise or a writing style that just didn’t mesh with me, but I think it would be a better fit for readers that like a slower paced, more mature, lit-fic feeling book.


I’ve sat on this review (for a few weeks) and thought about it a lot because I really wanted to have a rave review, but I had to acknowledge that some books just fall flat and every one isn’t meant for me! AND THAT IS OKAY!

3.0⭐️

Special thanks to @avonbooks and @netgalley for the opportunity to read this book prior to the publication date and review it.

I tried to get into this multiple times since being approved- and I could not. It was not my cup of tea. Not sure if it was the writing style and just the lack of connection I had with the characters but I couldn't make it past 35% no matter how much I tried and the attempts I made. I am sorry to say this was just not it for me.

4.5/5 rounding up. I was completely engrossed with this book and couldn’t put it down! “Between Us” reminded me a lot of McFarlane’s “Mad About You” crossed with “Happy Place” by Emily Henry.

Like “Mad About You,” a massive plot driver in this book was the FMC, Roisin, going through a drawn out breakup. This breakup is a massive did he/didn’t he surrounding Joe and his potential infidelity. It propels the story forward and neither the readers nor the FMC get answers/closure regarding this until ~70% into the book. I was coming up with theories left and right but I kept getting things wrong which had me on my toes. I also like the touch where Roisin is able to piece the truth together by trying to pull clues from the script Joe wrote for his TV show. …and he thought he was sly, RIP. I was so invested in this breakup and loved getting to watch the FMC go through her healing journey. If you read this, I think you’ll agree with me that Joe generally sucks.

I found “Between Us” similar to “Happy Place” because this book also centers around a dynamic friend group. There’s the couple with an upcoming wedding who plan an engagement trip where the story kicks off, Joe and Roisin are the “couple” of the friend group, and there’s a few others in the group who act as confidants for Roisin. The group dynamic isn’t a complete one to one with “Happy Place” as that story is more about one couple’s journey to reconnecting versus a journey to breaking up, but if you loved the portrayal of adult friendships in Henry’s book then you’ll enjoy that component in this one.

“Between Us” was a little light on the romance, with it not really coming into play until the last third of the book—but I really love the story we got. I wouldn’t really call this a light/fluffy/feel-good read, but it’s a really solid piece of contemporary chick-lit. There was drama, some mystery, piping hot tea, and a good chunk of character development. Overall, I would recommend giving this one a go, just reader be warned this book is a journey not a cutesy love story.

I wanted to start this review by thanking NetGalley for the opportunity to explore Mhairi McFarlanes writing for the first time.

What I liked: the overall message of the book, the real talk of lifelong friends and lovers over the age of 30, and the mother/daughter miscommunication. A fair amount of humor and the interactions between friends, with their own individual dynamics were all good. Her writing style is over all more mature and I don’t mind slow burns.

What I didn’t like: I do like my slow burns with a bit more heat to them, the pacing wasn’t great 22% of the book takes place in one weekend and the rest is sporadically through out the summer. Some of the slang went over my head, I just didn’t know it and had to look several things up given its setting, but that’s a me problem, not the author.

Overall I can certainly say I will be reading another McFarlane, and I liked the perspective. 3.5⭐️

This was my very first Mhairi McFarlane book and I wasn't sure what to expect - I knew that it was going to be a women's fiction, but I didn't expect a book with so much depth & emotion.

Roisin & Joe are with their friends on a weekend getaway to celebrate the release of Joe's new show. However, Roisin is shocked when the first episode includes some of her secrets that only Joe knows.

This book made me fall in love with Roisin and Matt (her friend turned lover) who was there for her to support her through the twists & turns as she made changes to her life & worked through the drama as her secrets continue to be shown in each episode of Joe's show.

Joe was an absolutely retched person and as the book went on, I hated him more and more. I absolutely love when a book makes me feel so many emotions for it's characters.

I will definitely read more of Mhairi's books because I love her writing style & depth.

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

My gourd, this one is so tough because it started so strong! I adore Mhairi McFarlane and her trademark humor and angst. True to form, McFarlane tackles complex subjects; toxic relationships (romantic and otherwise), gaslighting, complicated family dynamics, and the self-care and growth as our FMC is put through the ringer.

Roisin is straight up fun! She is funny, down to earth, and a loyal friend. McFarlane has done her dirty though and has her paired with *gag* Joe. To make up for it, Roisin is part of a robust friend group that has been through triumphs and heartbreaks. Unfortunately, even this mainstay in Roisin's life appears to be more weather-worn and brittle than she realized. I loved watching Roisin's journey through all the heartache in Between Us. At times, it was like watching a wreck (can't look away!) but the self care, love, and growth themes grew along with Roisin and I loved it!

That said, readers that struggle with their MCs being in a committed relationship with someone other than the intended love interest may have a tough time here. Readers won't see Roisin with her "second chance" relationship until the latter part of the book and even then it is overshadowed by her journey through toxic relationships.

Unfortunately, Between Us ended up middling for me. This read closer to women's fiction than contemporary romance for me and I was disappointed by the lack of real development in the final relationship. Overall, it was a solid women's fiction story but it didn't quite hit my mark for romance. Even with my complaints, Mhairi McFarlane remains an auto-buy author and I'm excited to see what she dreams up next.

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

This was a slow unraveling and a slow burn for 75% of the book, but if you’re a Mhairi fan, stick with it!

The first part of the book focuses a lot on Roisin and Joe’s relationship issues: gaslighting, dishonesty, and manipulation. This left little time for a real development of her new romantic relationship. It was a little too quick for all this falling in and out of love for me, but in the end, I enjoyed it

Thank you to the author, publisher and @NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This is the third book I've read by McFarlane, and I hate to say it, but it's definitely not my favorite. I had a hard time connecting with the story of caring for these characters. It felt rather slow, which made it hard for me to pick it up. I've really enjoyed the author's other books, but this one just didn't do it for me.

I always enjoy Mhairi McFarlane's books. One thing that I find rewarding about reading this author is that her books always feel different from the one before. I never feel as if I'm reading a cookie cutter story. They are all inventive and original.

Between Us delves into the struggling relationship of Roisin and her long time boyfriend, Joe. Their relationship has felt rocky for a while but Roisin hopes that things will improve once Joe's traveling wraps up. He's recently been "discovered" as a writer/screenwriter and has been traveling for his new television shows. But as time and events pass, it becomes more clear that perhaps Joe isn't who Roisin originally fell in love with any more. She just isn't sure.

This book is about finding yourself after being told for a long time that you and your opinions weren't valid. It deals with finding out that you deserve happiness and there are people out there who want to make you happy. It isn't about putting up with a narcissistic boyfriend who gaslights you for questioning him and never apologizes for doing wrong. This book is about growth and finding happiness. And in true Mhairi McFarlane fashion, this storyline is handled quite well and leaves the reader feeling upbeat and content.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

I’ve come to realize that Mhairi McFarlane isn’t really for me. I couldn’t get into this story for various reasons—I couldn’t keep track of characters and I didn’t feel invested. I probably won’t continue trying her books in the future.

Thank you @avonbooks for my #gifted copy! One of the great things about working in a bookstore is I can always find the physical book for my pictures 😂

This one felt more woman’s fiction than romance and I have quite a few complaints about that. I was not prepared for the first half for our main character to still be in a committed relationship and is with him for over 50% and then we don't get anything till 75% with the new love interest. I thought this was all handled well and there was no cheating or hints of it, I was just expecting something different from the story. Overall the story and writing was good I just was expecting something else than what I got.

If you have enjoyed the author’s other books than you should pick this one up.