This was a cute book. Part of reading it was my bad, as I didn't know it was book 2 in a series. I feel like I need to go back and re-read that one.

I didn't realize that this was a continuation from a previous book, but now that I know, I understand why the beginning was all in from the start.

I actually kinda liked that about it, although since I didn't have prior knowledge of the friend group, some of those bits were hard to decifer. Also Mhairi's writing style is very jokey and make fun, which I appreciate, but it was a little hard to get into it from the start. Usually I really enjoy that kind of writing because my brain hasn't met a side tangent it doesn't like, but like I said, was a little jarring to just jump into.

I did enjoy that these characters had what most likely resembles relationship drama, I mean however close one can get when one is a very popular actor, but the jealousy feelings felt that of something one would typically feel in a relationship where things are a bit uneven in the way that Edie felt.

It had addictive parts when we were trying to sleuth out the leaker, and just how sharp witted they were with each other.

All in all, a good read.

Thank you to Avon Books and Netgalley for an e-copy.

Mhairi McFarlane does it again. She has written another book that feels so real.

I read "Who's That Girl" for the first time right before I started this book. I discovered Mhairi McFarlane and hadn't gotten to that book yet. So with the 2nd one coming out, it was the perfect time. And I'm glad I did read them back to back! I needed more Elliot and Edie immediately. (Note: you really should read the 1st book before reading this, I personally do not consider this a standalone).

You Belong With Me picks up right where Who's That Girl ends. Elliot and Edie decide to give their relationship a true shot. To summarize a quote The Notebook: "it's not going to be easy, it's going to be really hard. But I want you, forever".

This book takes us on that journey. And wow what a journey it is. McFarlane has opened my eyes to many things. Like....don't believe any celebrity gossip you read online unless it's coming directly from the celebrity. It's most likely 1000% a lie, and if it is coming from them...it may not be the full truth. Celebrities deserve privacy. Elliot and Edie went through a lot together in a short amount of time, simply because the media posted lies about them constantly. It seemed exhausting. But their relationship was truly a testament that love can get you through a lot. Challenges can stretch and grow relationships and if you allow it to, it can make the relationship stronger.

Elliot is the fully package of a book Boyfriend. The gestures he makes to be what Edie needs each and every time are so swoony.
"You do belong here, Edie, because you belong with me. And I belong with you." SWOON.

There is so much character growth in Who's The Girl and that continues in this book. We see Edie embracing her life and the "ah ha" moments from book 1.

I don't want to spoil the book, so I'm going to end by saying that this book pulls at your heartstrings and feels so genuine. Another job well done, Mhairi McFarlane.

"That's when home is another person. Wherever you are, you're home to me."

Thank you Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me with a copy of this book.

I wasn’t one of those WHO’S THAT GIRL? fans who were disappointed, confused, or upset by the ending. I felt–and continue to feel–like I understand Edie so well that I would’ve acted in precisely the same way. But when YOU BELONG WITH ME, the surprise sequel, was announced, every nerve on my body perked up with anticipation. It took me on a rollercoaster of emotions, but YOU BELONG WITH ME is a worthwhile and satisfying continuation of Edie and Elliot’s relationship.

Edie and Elliot have decided to give their relationship a go. This is already hard enough because Elliot is in New York filming a hot new TV series with a magnetic co-star, while Edie’s life in Nottingham is flourishing with the arrival of a surprisingly charming new coworker. But they also have to grapple with events from their past and personal lives being blasted all over global gossip pages. With both external and internal voices telling them that they won’t work out, that this is just a temporary relationship before they move on to partners better suited for their different lifestyles, what will become of our favorite MMcF couple?

I have a massive emotional book hangover after this. For anyone who’s ever wished to read more about their favorite couple after the HEA, YOU BELONG WITH ME is SO good. I already knew that Elliot had great Boyfriend potential after Who’s That Girl?, but he exceeds expectations here. Whether he’s nearby or an ocean away, he always does all he can to support Edie, validating her concerns and so on. Indeed, the onus is often on Edie to convince herself and show Elliot that she is as committed to them as he is… something she struggles with for the whole book.

Call me a sucker for reacting this way, but for the last 100 pages or so my heart was in my throat, my hand was in front of my gaping-open mouth, and I was trying to hurtle through the pages before my heart shut down out of anxiety for these two. It’s so satisfying to watch the unfolding of a relationship and be like, Yep, these two are it, this is exactly how my favorite couple would deal with XYZ. 10/10 no notes for the emotional rollercoaster these two took me on.

Lest I get my reviewer cred revoked, I will acknowledge that some of the subplots felt too easily resolved too early on, and that I didn’t really like the Declan storyline. All in all, though, this is the dream sequel I never knew I needed. If you adored Who’s That Girl? as much as I did, if you’re as big a MMcF fan as I am, then reading YOU BELONG WITH ME is a no-brainer. Thank you, MMcF. This will be a treasured story I shall read again and again.

Based on my thoughts, I didn’t enjoy the writing style of this book which is disappointing because I enjoy Mhairi McFarlane books. I was excited to have a squeal however that excitement is probably the only reason I was able to complete the book.

Note I will continue to read McFarlane books, this one just didn’t hit.

You belong with me is a book that perfectly combines romance with emotional and comic overtones at the same time. The love between Elliot and Edie held me captive from the first pages of the book.

In addition to the rest of the secondary characters that provided the story with the necessary dynamics to make it an endearing book. I want more stories with this trope between an actor and an ordinary person. I loved it from beginning to end.

Edie Thompson has sealed the deal with famous actor Elliott Owen. What comes next? Poor communication.

First off, I didn’t realize this was a sequel. It would really help if you read the first book. Overall, this book is just a series of misunderstandings between ED and Elliot. There wasn’t much romance, happiness, or anything of like. I was kind of disappointed.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an advance copy of this book.

The blurb got me SO interested but the opening was just hard for me to get into. Once I did, I did find the sweetness of the romance but I wish I connected with it all more.

Let me start by saying that I'm normally a HUGE fan of Mhairi McFarlane. Unfortunately, this one just missed the mark for me. I had trouble connecting with both Edie and Elliot and didn't feel the spark that makes me want to read THIS romance (as opposed to the thousands of others out there). Don't get me wrong, it's a cute read. But the spark in both the story and the characters was just missing for me.

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

While "You Belong With Me" by Mhairi McFarlane isn’t my usual type of book, I can appreciate its charm. The story follows the journey of a woman navigating the complexities of love and friendship as she grapples with feelings for her best friend, who seems oblivious to her affection. McFarlane's witty writing and relatable characters bring humor and heart to the narrative. It’s a delightful exploration of unrequited love and self-discovery, but ultimately, it’s just not my cup of tea.

Mhairi McFarlane’s You Belong with Me is a witty, heartwarming, and sometimes bittersweet exploration of love, fame, and the trials that come with being thrust into the limelight. It centers on Edie Thompson, an ordinary woman who finds herself in an extraordinary relationship with Elliot Owen, a Hollywood A-lister who is as charming as he is elusive. While the premise might sound like a fairytale come true, McFarlane quickly reveals that life with a celebrity is far more complicated than Edie ever anticipated.

The novel opens with Edie in a whirlwind romance with Elliot, who, despite his star power and global adoration, chooses her—someone completely unprepared for the media circus that follows their relationship. The book effectively taps into the wish-fulfillment fantasy of dating a celebrity, only to pull back the curtain on the very real challenges that come with it. McFarlane cleverly balances the lightheartedness of the premise with deeper emotional beats, making it more than just a celebrity romance.

The chemistry between Edie and Elliot is undeniable, and McFarlane’s talent for writing snappy dialogue and creating relatable characters shines through. Edie is endearing, grounded, and full of self-deprecating humor, making her an easy character to root for. Her navigation of Elliot’s glitzy world is both amusing and stressful, as she finds herself trying to fit into a life that’s full of red-carpet events, paparazzi, and the constant scrutiny of the press.

However, McFarlane doesn’t just focus on the romance; she also delves into Edie’s internal journey of self-worth and trust. The novel examines the toll that fame takes on her personal identity, as well as the growing mistrust that creeps into her relationship with Elliot. With every magazine headline, leaked rumor, and prying journalist, Edie begins to wonder if she can truly trust those around her—or even Elliot himself. The tension between love and the need for self-preservation is a key theme that McFarlane expertly weaves into the story, giving it emotional depth and authenticity.

As much as You Belong with Me is a romance, it’s also a commentary on the darker sides of celebrity culture. McFarlane explores the invasion of privacy, the pressure to maintain a perfect image, and the toxic ways in which tabloids and gossip can unravel even the strongest of relationships. The ocean between Edie and Elliot, both literally and metaphorically, grows wider as they face these challenges. While Elliot’s glamorous life in Hollywood seems to pull him in one direction, Edie’s more grounded existence in the UK tugs her in another. The added pressure of gorgeous co-stars and Elliot’s jet-setting lifestyle heightens Edie’s insecurities and amplifies the distance between them.

McFarlane also skillfully includes a subplot about Edie’s past, which resurfaces as she becomes more famous. Old wounds are reopened as people from her previous life begin to meddle, fueled by jealousy and the desire to take advantage of her newfound fame. This adds an extra layer of conflict, as Edie is forced to confront not just the pressures of her current situation, but the unresolved issues of her past.

The novel keeps readers guessing whether Edie and Elliot’s love story will be a modern-day fairytale or a cautionary tale about getting too close to the sun. McFarlane’s ability to inject humor into these tense moments keeps the tone light, even as the stakes grow higher. The emotional ups and downs are beautifully balanced, making the reader feel the highs of love and the lows of doubt right alongside Edie.

Final Thoughts:
You Belong with Me is a captivating, smartly written romance that tackles the complexities of dating someone in the spotlight. Mhairi McFarlane offers more than just a Cinderella-style romance—she dives into the difficulties of maintaining trust, individuality, and love in a relationship where the world is constantly watching. With relatable characters, sharp humor, and a storyline that feels both modern and emotionally rich, this novel will appeal to fans of contemporary romance who want a mix of charm, drama, and deeper emotional reflection. Whether Edie and Elliot’s relationship can withstand the pressures of fame keeps the reader invested until the very last page.

Edie and Elliot get a HEA! McFarlane’s witty writing and distinctive voice are what make this book so good. I thought the plot was a little weak and I actually found myself rooting (just slightly!) for the newly introduced quasi love interest. He was such a great side character! But I was so happy that the author makes the readers sweat a bit before giving us the reunion we want.

Declan better get himself a whole book. You can’t just introduce a fabulous character like that and then give us only a glimpse.

McFarlane’s books are always a delight. She is an auto-read author for sure and I will always look forward to her next book.

Edie and Elliot's story is charmingly continued in Mhairi McFarlane's most recent book, which follows their brief romance as Edie gets used to life with a Hollywood star. The challenges of celebrity and media scrutiny in a relationship are explored in this book full of poignant moments and clever dialogue. Even though there are funny and emotionally impactful moments in the story, some readers might find the conflicts in the story repetitive and the overall plot less essential—especially considering how long it has been since the last book. However, McFarlane fans will enjoy the well-known characters and the happy ending to their romance.

Total blast! Edie and Elliot’s romance is full of laughs, drama, and heartwarming moments. McFarlane’s witty writing makes their journey from rekindling an old flame to navigating the chaos of fame super engaging. The characters are relatable and their chemistry is off the charts. If you love a rom-com with a bit of depth and a lot of fun, this book is a must-read!

As an avid fan of Mhairi McFarlane, I've always found her books to be nothing short of treasures. Each one has a special place on my shelf, and in my heart. Yet, with a heavy heart, I confess that her latest offering fell short of the mark for me. Despite my eagerness to dive into its pages, the story failed to captivate me as her previous works have. It pains me to say, but perhaps this narrative didn't necessitate a continuation. In my view, the characters' journey could have gracefully ended without this addition.

I really enjoyed this book which was my first Mhairi McFarlane read! I know I will enjoy the book even more when I read the first one (I wasn't able to finish the first book in time before I needed to review this one, so I went in blind but am excited to re-read it with new eyes). The details of the characters and the emotions were palpable and made a very vivid imagine throughout. Solid book, I'll probably bump it to 4 stars after I re-read!

Mhairi Mcfarlane can do no wrongs! I enjoyed Who’s That Girl and I enjoyed this sequel too. I also like this realistic perspective on how dating a celebrity as a normie could really suck sometimes. Very much a what happens after the happily ever after and how the leads have to keep choosing each other.

There gender swapped Notting Hill-esque British romcom had way too much drama going on for my tastes. I've never been a huge fan of this author and this sequel (that can be read as a standalone), opposites attract movie star romance just felt way too over the top and didn't have the emotional depth I look for in a good romance. Edie had to constantly figure out how to fit in as the girlfriend of a famous actor and negotiate rumors, lies, misunderstandings and the media constantly harassing her. Not a big fan of the narrator either. Definitely skipable in my opinion. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

did not like the first book of this series when I tried to read it
not a fan of this author's writing style

Mhairi McFarlane’s latest novel offers a charming continuation of Edie and Elliot’s story, following their whirlwind romance as Edie adjusts to life with a Hollywood star. With witty dialogue and heartfelt moments, the book explores the challenges of fame and media scrutiny in a relationship. While the narrative delivers engaging, emotionally resonant moments and humor, some readers may find the story's conflicts repetitive and the overall plot less essential, especially given the long gap since the previous book. Nonetheless, fans of McFarlane will appreciate the familiar characters and the satisfying conclusion to their romance.