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.

I'm counting this book as read but I didn't finish it. With about 70 pages left, I just couldn't anymore with the turn this ridiculous book took. Really I should have stopped reading very early when I was having a hard time following what any of the characters were ever talking about. The characters are THE WORST and the romance ( the second one) came from nowhere.

I really love Mhairi's writing and her ability to make me adore her main characters instantly. This one follows Roisin (pronounced Rosheen for us Americans 😂) and the fallout of what happens when her screenwriting partner launches a new series that airs her secrets for the world to see. Full of friendship, emotion, and humor, I really liked it a lot!

*This one is VERY British so the f-words are sprinkled in liberally and some of the references go right over my head but I still love the story!
*Mentions of cheating, abortion previous to the story

I am a big fan of Mhairi McFarlane so I was delighted to get her latest as an Advanced Review Copy from #NetGalley. Like her other books this one has lots of clever dialogue, a fun cast of friends, and a love story in the mix. There is a reference to Friends in the book but to me it's a bit as though the Empire Record cast grows up (and lives in the Greater Manchester Area).

TW for gaslighting which rolls into psychopathy, on ALL sorts of levels.

I think I’ve come to the end of reading McFarlane’s novels.
This is the third book in a row where at the halfway point--although with “Just Last Night” it was all of a quarter in--I just had to jump ahead to see what the pay-off was, even if it ruined some big reveals.

Opening the book with Roisin’s high school class of little s%!&s didn’t make for an amusing set-up. Detailed observations are still on-point, but it became difficult for me to recall any humor while I learned (and then promptly forgot) the detailed backgrounds of Roisin’s college friends at a weekend get-together. The reason was that Joe’s boorish behavior--amplifying Roisin’s existing ambivalence about their relationship--overshadowed it all. The set up of characters surrounding our protagonists wasn’t paying off like it used to--and unfortunately, where “Just Last Night” was too heavy, and the set-up too long in “Mad About You,” this book was the worst of both worlds. If the “old friend” turned up a little bit sooner, rather than at the 50% mark, it would still only make Joe’s existence in Roisin’s life barely tolerable. As sweet and funny and meaningful and impactful as Roisin’s scenes with the old friend are, Joe’s snideness, jabs, and subtle gaslighting (as it appears to others, but not to Roisin) created anxiety in me, not joy at the thought of his comeuppance. Besides, from what I’ve seen, psychopaths rarely experience a true comeuppance; it’s only whether their victims manage to escape.

Also, any intimacy between the main protagonists we’re rooting for is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-the (literally) one-sentence moment. McFarlane has pulled EVEN FURTHER back from “If I Never Met You.” Nothing had to be graphic; heck, “Don’t You Forget About Me” doesn’t really bring the main couple TOGETHER together till the last 5% of the book, and my fondness for the book has only grown over time. Just a little more sweetness might’ve helped erase the sour taste in my mouth from such a truly horrible antagonist.

This is not romance in a simple romcommy way - is there literary romance or is it all contemporary then?
This book has plenty of well fleshed out fully formed characters that come with baggage, agendas and a fragile heart, it has beautiful descriptions of friendship and family relationships as well as expectations and how they influence who we become.
Roisin and Joe have been together for over a decade, and as a couple they are at the center of their longstanding group of friends. One getaway weekend the friends gather to celebrate a couple of recent events, birthdays, engagements and Joe's new TV series he's been writing. But watching the first episode with this added audience, Roisin realizes that the show has secrets written that she has only trusted Joe... they were supposed to stay "Between Us". This leads Roisin to see her boyfriend with new eyes...
Rosin becomes a detective: what has been true and what has been false in their shared narrative? Has he been gaslighting her ? Is more of his tv script plucked from real life?
Things are getting revealed to the Roisin and the reader at the same rate - is Joe orchestrating or are the accusations unsubstantiated? Roisin is a pleasantly intelligent and strong-willed but also regular high school teacher main character. She is no fool but she thought she knew whom she shared her life and apartment with !
There's also interesting to look at friendships and group dynamics when a beloved couple splits up.
If you are friends with both of a couple and you know a friend is doing something questionable behind their partner's back, do you have to tell their partner?
Of course there is also romance and I was rooting for the starring couple but it wasn't the point at least not the only one!

This is a romance that I was really looking forward to loving as a romantic comedy and ended up liking as a family drama instead. It's a slow burn that felt very slow in the beginning and I didn't feel a huge connection to the characters at first. They eventually grew on me and the story had an interesting depth to it that isn't always present in romcoms. The ending was satisfying and included a HEA and that's a conclusion that always makes me smile. Give it a try, it may be the perfect dramance (new trope?) for you.

I really ended up enjoying this book. It was definitely not a romance, as I had believed it would be, but it was super well written and fairly gripping all the way through. There might have been a little exposition that could have been cut, but for the most part, the book was immersive and flew by. It was pretty interesting reading though waiting to find out the entire truth about Joe and it was very satisfying how that turned out. I liked the main character and her eventual love interest and although I would have loved just a bit more of them spending time together after her breakup before they were in love, considering the circumstances, it didn’t feel far fetched at all. If someone’s looking for a fun, light romance, this is definitely not going to be what they’re wanting, but this is definitely worth a read, which is no surprise considering the author’s previous books. I definitely look forward to reading more from her in the future
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyage for providing me access to this eARC for my honest opinion!

They say life imitates art, but what about when art imitates life? Mhairi McFarlane’s Between Us explores what happens when one’s deepest secrets and personal relationship are used as storylines for a hit television show.

Secondary teacher, Rosin, has spent the last decade of her life supporting her fiancé, Joe, as he worked to break into television. With a hit show under his belt and another one currently in production, the two find their relationship on the rocks. They have been more like roommates than partners. However, things start to really unravel on a weekend getaway.

Along with their closest friends, Rosin and Joe host a viewing party for the premiere of, Hunter. Rosin is caught completely off guard at the viewing. She is convinced the very flawed and reprehensible main character, Jasper, is Joe’s alter ego. Desperate to prove she is not crazy, Rosin does a little hunting herself. Will she discover Joe is living a secret life, or will her worries be unwarranted?

This was my introduction to Mhairi McFarlane’s writing, and I am a fan. This book isn’t afraid to redefine what a romance is. It is raw and gritty, but also hopeful.

I love how McFarlane wrote Rosin. She was a strong main character, not just for a female. Watching her evolution over the course of the story was nothing short of inspirational. She turned what could have been her undoing into motivation. As a result, she was a better person, friend, and partner for it.

About half way through the book I knew I needed to read more from McFarlane, so I purchased three more of her books. I can’t wait to read If I Never Met You, Just Last Night, and Mad About You. If they are half as good as Between Us, I will be a satisfied customer.

Special thanks to Netgalley, Mhairi McFarlane, and Avon Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest feedback.