Cover Story is a masterclass in the kind of storytelling that makes Mhairi McFarlane special -- she's done it again! It's sweet and romantic, with the right amount of angst, an interesting plot external to the relationship, and laugh out loud witty banter. The main characters Bel and Connor are (mostly) likeable and clever, and felt like real people. The side characters were also well-developed and served the plot. McFarlane does really well at avoiding cliches and predictability, even when the book deals in some classic romance tropes.

COVER STORY is an absolute delight to read fill with the author's classic wit and grounded, real characters. I loved the premise of two colleagues -who couldn't rub each other the wrong way anymore even if they tried - finding themselves being in a fake relationship while going undercover. And then a fun take on the one bed trope - like I said, an absolute delight! How long can they keep their cover for? How long until their dislike for one another turns to fondness? Then how long until they will actually admit these feelings they are in denial of?

I loved both Bel and Connor's personalities and their dynamic together. They are both incredibly sweet human beings and even their insecurities are somehow sweet! Fun banter, wholesome love.... what more could one ask for?!?

Many thanks to Avon Harper and Voyager and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

I had such a fun time with this. Mhairi McFarlane never disappoints. Bel and Connor were so cute, I loved their dynamic! I’m really glad that Alan was just a regular annoying coworker that’s only a bit inappropriate and not a total creep, as three very creepy men in one romance would have been too much for me.

This is truly Mhairi in top form. This was a delightful story, on top of delightful characters, a delightful fake-dating set up, delightful chemistry, etc etc.
What she does especially well is dialogue. The banter is TOP NOTCH. It’s so natural while being absolutely hilarious. I laughed out loud multiple times and was grinning for most of the book.
Admittedly I know nothing about the ethics of journalism, so can’t say everything that happens is above board, but I can say it was absolutely entertaining as hell to read.
There’s also just this through line of hope and heart throughout it that mixed in with the humor and the romance made this absolutely amazing.
If you haven’t read Mhairi before, this is a great place to start. And then clear your schedule because you’ll immediately want to read everything she’s written.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.