A review by documentno_is
You Belong with Me by Mhairi McFarlane

emotional funny sad tense medium-paced

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

2.75

Alright, I think this is my least favorite Mhairi McFarlane book. She's still a great author so the book is... alright. Plot wise it was a mess, way too much exposition on the front end that felt like an arduous slog and then the pace picked up appropriately in the middle just for a confusing conclusion. If you're not one for continuous misunderstanding/miscommunication I wouldn't bother picking this one up its the central conflict- even so far as introducing a second love interest just to completely drop him when he was no longer needed?

It was bad enough I almost found myself rooting for him over the male lead and its quite difficult to cut through my introduced first bias. It's bad when my favorite parts of the novel where just the protagonist and the second male lead having normal office conversations. 

Still throughout all this McFarlane's wit and humor still shines through. The whole thing felt like a fan-inspired sequel cash grab and maybe a story that didn't need to be told.