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jules32reads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
loveambreen's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 rated up because I'm a sucker for fake dating.
This book isn't perfect but I will never not be a sucker for fake dating tbh. I loved Jamie and while I get why it wasn't a dual pov, I wish it had been because I wanted more of him.
That said, the end was rushed and the breakup was clearly just there because the author thought they had to have a "black moment" rather than because it made sense. The author was also clearly a white woman writing a Black lead.
But it was still a cute, fun book that I would definitely recommend.
Also, this was VERY CLEARLY a white woman wanting diversity points for writing a Black lead.
This book isn't perfect but I will never not be a sucker for fake dating tbh. I loved Jamie and while I get why it wasn't a dual pov, I wish it had been because I wanted more of him.
That said, the end was rushed and the breakup was clearly just there because the author thought they had to have a "black moment" rather than because it made sense. The author was also clearly a white woman writing a Black lead.
But it was still a cute, fun book that I would definitely recommend.
Also, this was VERY CLEARLY a white woman wanting diversity points for writing a Black lead.
calliekay's review against another edition
5.0
This is my third McFarlane book, and I won't ever stop. I've described her writing as a rom com with depth in the past, and I really enjoy how her storylines have some meaningful concepts mixed into it. It brings a realistic approach to romance, and that regardless of hardship, and the fact the life will always be hard, some times those things bring you people and love as well.
I'm excited to continue reading McFarlane, and will suggest her highly to all my romance loving friends.
I'm excited to continue reading McFarlane, and will suggest her highly to all my romance loving friends.
becksbooks's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
badmeister's review against another edition
1.0
Yeah no, boring. The FMC was so annoying and clearly the author is white so write a woman of color like that
And the tension, the chemistry... where?
Almost DNF'd it but I tried really hard to finish it.
And the tension, the chemistry... where?
Almost DNF'd it but I tried really hard to finish it.
sunny_r's review against another edition
4.0
4.3- Too cute! I was about to give this book 5 stars, but the end let me down quite a bit.
I found myself thinking throughout this book that it was just so so smart. The writing was clever, the characters were brilliant (or should I say the female characters specifically? So flawed and realistic, yet absolutely lovable and stellar). Great book
I found myself thinking throughout this book that it was just so so smart. The writing was clever, the characters were brilliant (or should I say the female characters specifically? So flawed and realistic, yet absolutely lovable and stellar). Great book
cobaltbookshelf's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
I have mixed feelings about this one. It was definitely an enjoyable read, but not at all what I was expecting. It was fun and the characters were interesting, but the romance was not at all what I had hoped.
Laurie felt like a very realistic character. The author did a good job of making her voice unique, yet believable.
Her and Jamie have great connection, but pacing was little all over the place especially with ending, ending was very rushed!
Fun book though, I recommend it!
**
I have mixed feelings about this one. It was definitely an enjoyable read, but not at all what I was expecting. It was fun and the characters were interesting, but the romance was not at all what I had hoped.
Laurie felt like a very realistic character. The author did a good job of making her voice unique, yet believable.
Her and Jamie have great connection, but pacing was little all over the place especially with ending, ending was very rushed!
Fun book though, I recommend it!
**
ang_127's review against another edition
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
jess_justmaybeperfect's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is a closed door, contemporary, single POV, with a 3rd act break up, a combo I’ve never given 5 stars too. I’m frankly blown away by how much I loved it. Set in Manchester, England, it’s the story of Laurie and Jamie who make a fake dating agreement to piss her ex off and help him get a promotion. Slowly they become great friends and start to fall in love. This book has 1 Very Bad Dad™️, many other very good parents, heartbreak, mistakes, lies and truths, best friends, frightening and tragic memories, devoted caretaking, house plants, cats, AND ITS SO SWEET AND ROMANTIC, GAH!!
Content Warnings
Minor: Pregnancy, Cancer, Child death, Sexual assault, Child abuse, Infidelity, and Pedophilia
hsumanityreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book! Is! So! Good!
Okay we have a long-term relationship that ends, a playboy who needs a fake girlfriend, and a workplace romance with some coworkers out to get them. It’s brilliant 🤩
With Mhairi’s books we really get into relationships of all sorts- familial, friendships, AND romantic relationships. We get their history, their issues, their going to bat for each other, and their hurting each other. The romance is almost secondary to the woman’s story, her resilience and her choosing herself. It’s just so deep and fulfilling to read.
Okay we have a long-term relationship that ends, a playboy who needs a fake girlfriend, and a workplace romance with some coworkers out to get them. It’s brilliant 🤩
With Mhairi’s books we really get into relationships of all sorts- familial, friendships, AND romantic relationships. We get their history, their issues, their going to bat for each other, and their hurting each other. The romance is almost secondary to the woman’s story, her resilience and her choosing herself. It’s just so deep and fulfilling to read.