Between Us is my first read by McFarlane and I desperately wanted to love it so much! I have heard nothing but positive things about this author. Unfortunately, it fell flat for me and I struggled to finish it. The pacing was extremely slow and I found the characters to be irritating. Honestly, it was the most boring book I have ever read. Sadly, I do not recommend this book. ⭐️⭐️

Last Night by Mhairi McFarlane - Publishers Weekly Just Last Night by Mhairi McFarlane - Publishers Weekly

I’m looking forward for her writing more books and making her readers root for the characters (even though some of them seem annoying at first) and make us feel things. When they arrive at the weekend away, I did start to wonder whether this would be the main focus of the story but I loved seeing Roisin (and Matt) return to where she had grown up while helping out in the pub and interacting with her mum. I have really enjoyed Mhairi McFarlane's books in the past, so was looking forward to another book by her. At least I easily got into the story, enjoying the friendship drama, self-growth, and second chances theme. Between Us introduces the reader to uber-cool protagonist Roisin, her partner Joe, and the rest of the self-proclaimed Brian Club (Meredith, Gina, Matt & Dev) who have been besties for the better part of a decade.Here's what made this story work ... Eve. I loved her. She kept just enough humor in her outlook on life as she faced hard realities that I was able to bear the sadness and hurt that peppers this story. She was just a genuinely good and optimistic person who chose to see the good in people for the most part. Her long-lasting unrequited (mostly) love for her friend Ed, and her heartbreak at his sudden engagement felt relatable. A book full of unrequited love would have been exhausting, but reading about Eve's journey of discovery as she realizes what has been going on all along in her relationship with Ed was fantastic. But I should be clear, if you are reading this story and hoping for some sort of epic romantic story, you might end up disappointed. There is a bit of romance here, and it is lovely. Really lovely. But I think this book is more about Eve's evolution as a character. This is her journey of discovery. Love is a great bonus at the end, but it isn't the point here. I wouldn't really call this a slow burn love story, but it definitely takes it's time coming around. And I'm okay with it.

Last Night by Mhairi McFarlane | Goodreads Last Night by Mhairi McFarlane | Goodreads

again, the cover and tagline are misleading. they scream second chance romance, but this is not that. this is about how a tragic accident shakes the foundation of a strong friend group, not only because of the loss, but because of a secret it unearths. its about grief, people showing their true colours, acceptance and forgiveness, and finding the strength to move on. life is very much the focus of this story, not romance. While I wished for more spicy romance parts, the author's brilliant mind charmed me enough to round up my rating from 3.5 stars to 4! I never dare to give any of her works less than 4 stars. And Matt, well it was lovely to just have my heart warmed any time that he was with Roisin, as you could tell that, despite how Joe was trying to depict him, he was genuinely a nice guy. Between Us highlights the ups and downs of friendships/relationships in your thirties, family trauma, and the difference between a gaslighter and "the one who has been there all along".

But, it's the phone call the next morning that tears's Eve's life apart, and the consequences of a tragic accident that force her to look at her feelings, and relationships in a whole new light.

Just Last Night – HarperCollins Just Last Night – HarperCollins

Brilliant on relationships, friendships and emotions… I loved, loved, loved this book’ MARIAN KEYES As per usual, her characters and stories are completely immersive and what you may typically think of women's fiction or romance, is always elevated by her in a masterful way.

Eve, Justin, Susie, and Ed have been friends since they were teenagers. Now in their thirties, the four are as close as ever, Thursday pub trivia night is sacred, and Eve is still secretly in love with Ed. Maybe she should have moved on by now, but she can’t stop thinking about what could have been. And she knows Ed still thinks about it, too.