REVIEW: Fling by Joseph Murray

Joseph Murray's Fling is a lighthearted romp offering a unique take on modern dating. Its premise is a dating app designed specifically for married couples seeking a discreet affair, promising a titillating and thought-provoking read.

While the plot may sometimes feel a bit predictable, Murray's witty dialogue and well-developed characters keep the story engaging. Tara and Colin, the main protagonists, are relatable, and their journey is both humorous and heartwarming. The author does an excellent job of exploring the complexities of their relationship and the challenges they face as they navigate the unconventional path of a "fling."

Overall, Fling is an entertaining read that offers a refreshing take on the romantic comedy genre. While it may not be groundbreaking, it's a solid choice for those seeking a lighthearted escape.

Thank you, Netgalley and Union Square & Co., for the free advanced copy for my honest review!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.
Great premise but not my cup of tea.

Delicious, brilliant, and refreshing, even wildly grotesque in some scenes! Joseph Murray intentionally wallows in the absurdities of everyday marital life to root the whispers of his hungry heart in the stench of the sarcastic statements he quotes. The Fling is a comedy tailored to the contemporary imagination - romantic, uplifting, funny, touching, and instructive at the same time. Marked by the rich perversity of human fate, it turns out to be a story that is both suggestive and radiant, soothing and extremely comfortable.

Absolutely captivating! This book exceeded all my expectations. The characters were vivid and the writing was simply exquisite. A must-read for anyone looking for an unforgettable literary experience. Five stars without a doubt!

I’m not sure how I feel about this one still. I liked it while I was reading it but I found it very forgettable. I did really like the characters and the story line.

Good book that kept my interest for most of the book. There were a few slow parts the slowed the pace of the story down a lot for me.

I JUST LOVE LOVE AND ROMANCES AND THEY JUST MAKE ME SO SO SO HAPPY THANK YOU SO MUCH TO NETGALLEY FOR THE ADVANCED READER COPY VERY COOL!

This was a slightly cheesy but not too cheesy rom com - but it also dealt with some issues that are current - like IVF - but it did so sensibly and with poise. Colin and Tara were relatable.

What an adorable read. I love how Murray was able to give us a sweet read without making it feel overly done or forced. I will say it requires a bit of suspended disbelief but if you can do that, it is a good time.

The idea of this book was really off putting to me because I don't condone cheating in books or real life. But, this book had me hooked from the first chapter. It was funny, sweet, smart, and sexy. I loved the mina characters and the story was so entertaining to read.

I recently had the pleasure of delving into this book, and I am beyond impressed with the mesmerizing world that the author has crafted. From start to finish, the intricate plot weaves a tapestry of suspense, emotion, and unexpected twists that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

One of the standout features of this book is undoubtedly its characters. Each one is meticulously developed, breathing life into the narrative with their unique personalities, motivations, and flaws. The protagonists are not just names on paper; they are relatable, complex individuals with whom readers can form a genuine connection. The antagonist, too, is not a mere foil but a multi-dimensional force that adds depth to the story. The author's ability to create such well-rounded characters is a testament to their storytelling prowess.

The plot unfolds seamlessly, drawing the reader into a richly layered narrative that expertly balances tension, drama, and moments of poignant reflection. The pacing is impeccable, maintaining a perfect rhythm that keeps the reader engaged without sacrificing the depth of the story. The author skillfully navigates through various plot arcs, interweaving them with finesse to create a cohesive and satisfying whole.

What sets this book apart is its ability to tackle profound themes while maintaining an accessible and engaging narrative. The book seamlessly combines suspense and emotional depth, making it a truly immersive experience. The author's prose is both elegant and evocative, painting vivid imagery that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned.

As I reached the conclusion, I found myself yearning for more from this talented author. Their ability to craft a gripping plot and bring characters to life is truly commendable. I eagerly anticipate future works and would wholeheartedly recommend this book to any reader who appreciates a masterfully told tale. If you're searching for a book that seamlessly blends captivating characters with a compelling plot, this is a shining example. I can't wait to explore more literary worlds crafted by this exceptional storyteller.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

I really enjoyed Fling it's like a modern day You've Got Mail, I devoured this book reading it in just two days.
After three failed IVF attempts Tara decides she can't go through it all again but her husband Colin is desperate to become a dad and wants them to do another round.
The toll of the IVF and failing to conceive has put major strain on their marriage and they are drifting further and further apart.
They both decide to download this new dating app aimed at married people who want to have an affair with no strings attached called Fling after hearing all about it on the radio.
Tara decides to download it for research purposes as she wants to pitch for the marketing account for the app. Colin is egged on by his boss to download it.
When they both sign up they get a 100% match with someone - but should they pursue it?
There's some really hilarious moments throughout the book.
Emily and Rory are both hilarious supporting characters. But I really felt for both Tara and Colin - marriage isn't always sunshine and joy it can be tough but communicating with each other is the most important thing.
This is a very entertaining read with some tender moments too.
The marriage counselling session was like a tennis match back and forth!

What happens when you're married to the love of your life, but after three unsuccessful rounds of IVF, sex is a chore and existence is spiraling into a depression? If you said, take a vacation, start couples therapy, or adopt, you'd be incorrect: download the new dating app that makes it easy for marrieds to discreetly cheat, and find a better match.
I put down at 21% skimmed through the rest. I did not find a dude writing middle-aged women particularly believable, and predicted the outcome of the story just from the description on NetGalley. I am certain the story, characters, setting and plot will find appeal, it did not do it for me.

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, I found the concept very fresh, fun and easy to read.

The little Irish tidbits and expressions were hilarious to read as well, especially the bits and pieces from Tara & her mom’s conversations, I could pretty much hear their accent through reading the words.

The suburban/city life mix was also a good setting as it gave the story more nuance.
It’s hard to talk about the concept without spoiling the book so all I’ll say is I really liked the twist & it felt like we the readers were in on a secret no one knew about.
I give it one star less because it got a little repetitive with the text conversations and the late night style conversations and Tara’s sometimes annoying personality quirks. But all in all I enjoyed the book and would recommend to friends looking to laugh and not be a Mary themselves ;)

Note: thanks NetGalley & publishers for the ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

I find myself having a difficult time rating this book because while I did mostly enjoy the story, I personally can’t quite reconcile a 4 star review on a book based on a cheating app. But I did kinda like it & read the whole thing in a day! See my conundrum? lol


While it is true that cheating TECHNICALLY does not take place in the book, the implication is there, the motive of these characters is not entirely pure, there is emotional infidelity & the definition & lines of right & wrong get blurred.


I think this book is meant to be disrupting. It does feel morally ambiguous, esp when you see exactly what Tara & Colin are dealing with. It does have a happily ever after & you do root for the 2 main characters in different ways, but I would not really say this is a romance. Even still now I’m unsure of exactly how I feel about Fling & can’t quite nail down what it is- which I guess is a good thing bc I am still thinking about it!


The one thing I definitely did not like at all was the caps lock yelling. I felt like the person who did the most caps lock yelling was Tara. To me, it sent the message that she was the only one being portrayed as lashing out/having outbursts. Maybe I am assigning meaning where there is none, but with feminism having a large role in the book, it felt a little counterproductive to have the female character screaming often.


Emily & Rory, the side characters were great for comic relief & they broke up a lot of the negative emotions that were going on. Tara & Colin were fairly likable characters within their marriage but they were definitely a bit more interesting as people outside of their marriage. I can see how being on the app was cathartic to them & appreciate that it inspired a bit of a metamorphosis to reclaim who they used to be. The book starts out with a very deep subject so I felt like my heart was open more towards their story & bad feelings from the beginning. The writing was really great & I found myself tearing up a few times at what the characters were experiencing. However, once the app was introduced, I was still into the book but started to get a lil skeeved out. I understand without the app there would be no book. There are always two sides to a story & it takes two to tango- so it worked here watching it unfold from both sides & kept me interested.


Overall, yes this is a book I might recommend to certain ppl- but with a warning bc it does deal with heavy topics (marriage in crisis, IVF, infertility, adultery) pushes the limits & makes you question consequences. Perhaps to enjoy this book you have to remember this story is built on the premise of arranging an illicit affair, lies & miscommunication. The whole plot is about the intention of cheating & maybe it’s “too real” for some who have been betrayed in the past, but still can be a fun read with a satisfying ending if you look at it as just a work of fiction.


Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a good book with different situations! A behind the scenes of what life might be like going through some of the challenges some couples go through. It had a happy ending though, which is what we all hope for.

The two of them are ridiculous but I kind of love them. They both kept getting mad at the other person for things that they were doing themselves. I thought that it was pretty funny but this book is definitely for very specific people. The ending was cute and I want an epilogue.

I received an arc through netgalley.

The question is would you? If you could cheat anonymously via an app would you??
I had to read this book based on the synopsis. It was funny, endearing, maddening, and then romantic.
Colin and Tara just gave up on each other. I thought they both needed their heads smacked together.
Rory and Emily were funny side characters who added comic relief.
There was one thing Colin did toward the end that was very sweet.
I knew how the ending would be but the predictability was comfortable.

I did not finish this one, it was not for me, I couldn't relate to the characters, and just did not care for the story.