Reviews with content warning for Death - Last Night

Mhairi McFarlanes romances are simply charming. I haven't read a book of hers yet that didn't have simply charming, loveable characters. Though, this is probably one of my least favorites of her, simply cause I think the chemistry and relationship between Evie and Finn is way underdeveloped. It's there, but by the end of the book it feels like it just started and I want more of that instead of more drama about Finn's father and Evie's past love. The heartbreak about losing a friend was amazingly written and my heart broke for all of them and it's the reason for 4 stars, even if the romance was underdeveloped and lacking for my taste.

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rd77's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

Wow. Just wow.

I was originally planning on giving this book ~4 stars, about halfway through reading it. I liked the writing a lot, but felt that the story was a bit darker and slower than what I had signed up for. There were a few twists that were exciting but beyond that, I was left wondering why this was recommended to me, knowing my usual genre. I was a bit slower getting through the first half, again not because of a lack of good writing or interesting plot, but just because it was heavier than I was used to. It was definitely important to set up the rest of the book, but again just a little different from what I was expecting (which is why I gave it 4.75 instead of 5 stars- I’m not sure how much I’d enjoy reading through the first half again and going through that pain, knowing how absolutely amazing the second half is) .

And then I started the second half, with the

trip to Edinburgh

and I just could NOT stop reading. I finished the second half of the book immediately, not stopping once. I was planning on going to sleep earlier, but just kept thinking “one more chapter, I HAVE to know what happens now.” The first half of the book left me wondering why it was a romance and the second half not only put those questions to rest in an instant but led to this book becoming one of my favorite realistic romances. The banter between

Finlay and Eve

was INCREDIBLE, and had me so excited for them.

The author did a tremendous job with character development.

You were already attached to Susie before she died because of the vivid writing that made you feel like you were sitting there in the pub on trivia night with the friend group. You started to get suspicious of Ed when you first learned about the “missing” letter and grew to dislike him as his little behaviors started revealing more about him. I loved how the author actually added in a mature, genuine apology on his part. You disliked Finlay, only to realize how much his behavior was a trauma response to protect himself.

. All in all, just some of the best, most vivid, realistic, and flawed characters that I have ever encountered.

10000% recommend this book, even if you are a fan of lighthearted books like me, it will be worth it!!! Such a beautiful and realistic story about life, death, friendships, love, parents, etc.

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