I read the prequel to this one a short time ago and I was so glad to see this story picked up EXACTLY where the other one left off. The tension in this one as the MCs worked through their relationships may have caused me an ulcer! The writing is just SO well done...the witty banter, amusing side characters, and unique plot kept me up all night reading.

I went into this book totally blind not realizing it was a sequel to the author’s previous one. That definitely shaped my experience, so fair warning up front!
There were things I really liked, and a few that didn’t quite land for me.

First off, McFarlane’s writing? Top notch. I love how her characters are never just surface-level. You always get more than fluff with her books, and this one was no different. Both Edie and Elliot are layered, flawed, and very human.

But oh my god, watching Edie make mistake after mistake gave me so much anxiety. I kept thinking, “This is going to blow up. This is not going to end well.” There were moments I genuinely wanted to grab her by the shoulders and yell, “JUST TELL HIM ALREADY!” So the writing was VERY effective.

That said, that same tension kind of got in the way of my overall enjoyment. I usually love a good angsty read, but this one didn’t quite hit the spot for me and I think it’s mostly because I hadn’t read the first book. I probably would’ve been invested more in the relationship dynamics if I’d had that backstory.

So here’s my advice: READ THE FIRST BOOK before diving into this one. I have a feeling it’ll make a big difference.

I read this book a while back but I remember the fun heartwarming characters and overall good storyline

One of the many risks in picking a book solely based on its cover is that you will end up with a sequel to a book you never read. My library didn't link to the other book and I didn't bother reading the description, so here we are.

I have now read my second Mhairi McFarlane book and I have to say that what I remember enjoying in her prose continues to be present here. I love that our FMC is in her late thirties and still figuring life out. And I absolutely did laugh out loud in many passages.

Whilst I still had a good time, I highly discourage anyone from reading this book without reading her previous work in this series/duology. Not only do we not get a 'meet-cute' but the couple in question is together throughout the book with the tension being achieved through normal pushes and pulls within a new relationship with a famous person (which I have no expertise on but I'll trust Mhairi).

I was a little disappointed to find out that this was revisiting the couple from the previous book, now with issues- not my favorite trope. Anything McFarlane writes is gold, however!

Love, love, love Mhairi McFarlane’s books. As usual, this is a heartwarming, funny, and affirming story that manages to steer clear of predictability. A feel-good novel.

After multiple attempts, I have decided to soft DNF this for the moment. I am unable to really get into the book and relate to the characters. I’m sorry!

No one weaves two people together quite like Mhairi and to write a sequel typically means to somewhat unweave them. And while she did a fabulous job, I really didn’t like to see my loved ones struggle this much.

Her books typically involve a break down of one relationship and then into another so this sequel felt a bit turbulent at times not knowing what the outcome would be.

Thank you NetGalley for this eARC!!!

I absolutely love second-chance romance, and this book is no exception. It’s the kind of story you can binge in one sitting without a second thought. Though I believe it’s the second installment in a series, I had no trouble following along without reading the first. This celebrity love story felt surprisingly authentic—the emotions, the complexities, and the romance were all so vivid and real. It’s a book that truly makes you feel everything!

I loved it!!

I decided to read the first one again before jumping into this one, and I bought a special copy of this one in England, so review to come.

WOW! I like this one sm, especially the way Mhairi writes her books is so gooood. A great balance of romance, humor, and heartfelt moments

One of my go to authors. I didn't realize it was the second in the series, but I didn't feel left out. McFarlane writes emotions really well and relationships.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

You Belong with Me by Mhairi McFarlane is a seemingly celebrity romance. This book features a couple that definitely shouldn't be together. Neither of them seemed happy, and they definitely would break up after the book ends.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Mhairi McFarlane's You Belong with Me is a delightful and heartwarming romance that expertly blends humor, vulnerability, and real emotional depth. In this charming tale, McFarlane weaves a story of friendship, love, and self-discovery that will resonate with readers long after they've turned the final page.

#YouBelongwithMe #NetGalley.

The novel centers on the complex relationships between its characters, as well as their journeys of personal growth, making it more than just a typical romance.

The story follows the protagonist, a woman who has spent years feeling stuck in her life, especially in terms of her love life. She finds herself re-evaluating her relationships, both romantic and platonic, when an unexpected event forces her to confront the reality of her life and the choices she's made. In true McFarlane fashion, the book is filled with witty dialogue, sharp humor, and moments of deep emotional introspection.

McFarlane's writing is full of charm, with a perfect balance of lightheartedness and serious themes. The characters are relatable, especially the protagonist, who is navigating a period of self-discovery. Her journey is both funny and poignant, and McFarlane’s ability to blend humor with more profound emotional moments makes the book feel genuine and heartfelt.

One of the strongest elements of You Belong with Me is the character development. As the protagonist learns more about herself, her relationships, and her desires, readers are treated to a story that feels both refreshing and real. The romance is sweet and slow-burn, and while there are moments of miscommunication and tension, the relationship feels natural and earned over time.

The themes of self-worth, personal growth, and the importance of being true to oneself are explored thoughtfully, making this not just a love story but also one of empowerment. It’s a book about finding your voice, taking risks, and learning to be honest with yourself and those you care about.

You Belong with Me is a delightful, funny, and touching read that offers both heart and humor in equal measure. McFarlane’s ability to create complex, likable characters and tackle serious themes while still delivering a feel-good romance makes this book a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction and romantic comedies. Whether you're looking for laughs, love, or a bit of both, this novel will surely leave you with a smile.

Mhairi McFarlane is my favorite writer of romance/women's fiction so just understand that I go into all of her books with that mindset. It's not that she can do no wrong in my eyes, it's just that she really hasn't yet. I loved this continuation of Edie and Elliot's story and I say that as someone who really does not like love stories with actors (or royalty, or billionaries, but I digress.) In spite of that, I loved it. It seems like it would be very tricky to pick up and mess with the ending of a previous (and well loved) book but because it is Mhairi McFarlane, I am glad she did instead of wishing she'd left it alone. Both Edie and Elliot get to grow as people in believable ways and their love story felt "real" despite the fact it;s a movie star romance. This is a very satisfying conclusion to their story!

This is the second book in the Edie Thompson celebrity romance series. I recommend reading book one first, however I think you would be fine reading this as a standalone if you wanted to. I enjoyed this, even though there were some similar issues carried over from the first book. The storyline took a different turn so it didn't feel like I was reading the same book. This was a fun read.

*Provided a DRC (digital review copy) from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.

Really liked this one. Mhairi Mcfarlane is always a good time. You Belong With Me is the second in a series, I didn’t know that going into it!

Thanks NetGalley for the arc.

* I want to start by thanking the author and publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. I liked it,

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers Copy of You Belong With Me by Mhairi McFarlane!