Not my favorite book in the world, but it was fine! The plot was interesting, but there was a lot going on. The chemistry was good, but I don't know if I'd return to it again and again.

I'm still trying to process this. I wanted to enjoy it, I just had a hard time getting into it and maybe I'll reread it to get a definite opinion, but right now I think was just meh.

Thank you to NetGallery and Avon Voyager (the publishers) for allowing me the privilege of reading this book!

I so badly want to give this a 5 ⭐️ but it’s sitting at a 4.5 ⭐️

I will start off with saying truly loved this book, but there are some points in it that I don’t exactly love, hence 4.5⭐️s. Partly think some of this is because this kept me highly entertained and I did find myself laughing over Mhairi’s writing. Considering I’ve never read one of her books, I now need to read more; thank you. I really absolutely loved the slow burn of Bel and Connor, agh, this is absolutely what I needed when I say I love a good slow burn yearning. My only complaint with their relationship would be that I wanted more of them by the end </3 but this was overall very good. Like I felt myself needing to read this to see them to get together. My points of reason that knocked half a point count as spoilers and those will be put at the end of the review. I did love Bel and Connor’s relationship but the plot could have had some more work to it. As in the process of them working together on this case was good for showing this connection, but for the actual plot of the details for their cover story left me needing a bit more. As in plot development and such.

——————————SPOILERS AHEAD——————————

So for the portion on spoilers, Bel’s ex stalking, was a bit clean for me. I understood why Anthony would have counteracted Bel if she had made a statement, as in that was believable, but I wanted to see him get his ass handed to him. Which Connor kinda did but it wasn’t satisfying; if he ended up losing his job and wife and getting arrested that’d be wonderful. Another qualm I have is the fact that Bel cheated on Tim. That really took away from the story for me, I don’t like cheating in books from a main character, and though she hadn’t cheated on Connor, it just felt icky. Considering Jen was also cheating on Connor, I don’t see how he’d just be okay dating Bel who also cheated, like to me that does seem unrealistic. Then lastly, Connor claiming to be suicidal over Maurice and then he never says anything about that or the fact that he is on medication for depression to Bel, granted it’d be a heavy conversation but for me that would have really added to their connection. Amber also being super angry at Bel and Connor when they all seemed close didn’t feel in character of her, I wish we could have seen her come back around to becoming friends with Bel instead of Bella. That would’ve been lovely. Anyways that sums it up pretty good I think.

Thank you NetGallery and the Publishers for the opportunity to read this!

I've been a fan of Mhairi's writing for a while now. Her books always have great banter and heat. This one was a cute little read. Her usual humor definitely comes through. I enjoyed the mystery aspect but it was really lacking in the romance aspect of the plot.

Bel and Connor were perfection! I love how they had to learn so much to make it work. There were so many cute moments plus the banter! This book reminds me why I live this author! It was sweet and thoughtful plus romantically whitty!

This book had an interesting plot, but the execution was lacking a little. I felt that there were too many side plots, and some things were left by the wayside. I also wish that the timing of the book was a little faster. I liked it but didn't love it.

I've loved everything Mhairi McFarlane's written so I was excited to access to Cover Story!

Bel, an investigative journalist and podcaster, works in the Manchester office of London based publication with Aaron. While they're the only full timers in the office there is a revolving door of interns, the latest being Connor, an ex-finance bro from London who's looking to reconnect with his passions. For Bel and Conner, it's dislike at first sight and it would have likely stayed that way if Conner hadn't stumbled into Bel's latest investigation. In order to get to the truth the pair has to fake date (love it) and find themselves engaging in a series of shenanigans that leads to chaos and a better understanding of what makes the other tick.

In addition to the romance, which is slow burn at it's best, the plot has a depth that I wasn't expecting. As a warning, there is a stalkerish ex and a male authority figure abusing his power in relation to younger women.

I really enjoyed this book. Bel was a joy to read and the undercover investigation was so interesting. It had me both nervous and excited to see what would happen. It also had one of my favorite slow burn romances. Conner was so protective and sweet. Watching thier relationship unfold had me happy sighing more than once. I'm not usually a miscommunications person, but this one was done so well. It really showed how snap judgements based on your experiences can go horribly wrong—whether the person is actually good or bad. I didn't want this book to end.

Anything by Mhairi McFarlane is an automatic read for me, and I’m please to say cover story did not disappoint. It’s so well written with great pacing and even better character development. I enjoyed following Bel and Connor navigate their relationship. There was depth to their characters and to their stories. You won’t be disappointed by this book!

Another great book from Mhairi McFarlane! The MCs are in their 30s, which I loved, and are tackling real world problems instead of some low stakes, unrealistic conflict. Mental illness was depicted with respect and wasn't made into just a plot point.

Bel was a relatable FMC, but I feel like we didn't actually get to see Connor's true personality until the end. I didn't love what went down with Amber because she was so sweet, but I also understand that she was supposed to be collateral damage due to the investigation; I was still hoping for a friendship HEA.

I took off a star because I absolutely loathe the 3rd act breakup being caused by miscommunication. I understand why it was done this way in the story, but it was also unnecessary when the MCs were finally being truthful with each other.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the free ARC.

Cover Story by Mhairi McFarlane is an upcoming romantic comedy set to be released on May 8, 2025. The novel follows Bel, a journalist who joins the Manchester office of a national newspaper after her award-winning podcast. She clashes with Connor, the new intern, but their dynamic takes an unexpected turn when they must pretend to be a couple to land a major story. As sparks fly and secrets unravel, the line between fake and real feelings begins to blur. This witty and heartfelt story combines workplace rivalries, fake dating, and investigative journalism, making it a delightful read for fans of enemies-to-lovers romances.

I am an absolute sucker for a love story, and this was swoon worthy! I was charmed from the first chapter and the sweet love story the two characters shared. Well done! Beautiful story.

I just finished a new book that was so much fun. Cover Story by Mhairi McFarlane comes out this fall. Don’t miss this one.

Another stunning book from the Queen of Romance, MMF! Fake dating, one bed, say less!!!

Bel (Isabel) is a journalist, it's just her and Aaron in their Manchester office, but they have interns every few months sent from the London office. Their newest, Connor, is an ex-finance bro from London and with the day Bel is having, doesn't give a good first impression. They seem to have mutual disdain for each other until Connor walks into her undercover story (literally).

The wit and banter here are UNMATCHED. This kept me up late reading, I LOLed at multiple points and cried.

It was just not my type of the story. It is absolutely hilarious and the characters have depth and are well written. But the romance didn’t spark joy and I couldn’t quite connect with the characters. Not my cup of tea but I’m pretty sure this story will find its audience.

This book is a kind of a romance story between two journalists. Bel just landed a job and started a podcast. She then noticed an intern named Connor. Connor is leaving his life behind to pursue his lifelong dream. Bel and Connor initially had a negative impression of each other. This book focuses on fake relationships, collaboration, and other things.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Harper Voyage for the earc!

Some of the lines in this book, just wow. They will stick with me for a long time (or they will sit in my notes app to surprise me later). The overall premise of this novel is just so interesting and different than anything I’ve read recently! An undercover journalist trying to make a big change, but with a fun play on fake dating? Sign me up! I adored Bel and Connor’s ability to read and bounce of each other. My only negative is that I wished the overall getting together wasn’t so… quick? Towards the end, I felt like we were speedrunning them getting together. The natural progression of them from colleagues to learning more about each other was baked in so well, that I feel like the romance could’ve been a bit smoother. Either way, I loved this book so much, and I’ll probably think about this book for the rest of the year.

I DNFed this book, BUT I still recommend it!

So I read to about 60-70% into this story and had two major conclusions. I despise third person POV, and I’m pretty sure this book was written for people who’s re much smarter and have better taste than I do.

The writing is beautiful, almost cinematic in a way. On top of that, the plot is interesting and you can’t help but root for the plucky leading lady even though she’s a teensy bit of a hot mess sometimes.

I will also ALWAYS be a stan of a mildly cold, standoffish man who ends up being exactly what she needs, even if the slow burn is PAINFUL. I think overall I will be giving this 4 stars despite my DNF, and I do think you should give it a go!

Thanks @netgalley @avonbooks @harpervoyagerus for the chance to read @mhairimcf latest masterpiece, Cover Story. It releases in the United States on October 7, 2025.

Mhairi McFarlane is my all-time favorite rom-com author. She has the best combination of witty British humor and gut-punching emotionality. Her latest is no exception. She manages to craft a truly excellent enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, toxic exes confection. I devoured it!

Investigative journalist Bel and Connor, her thirty-something intern at the Manchester branch of a newspaper, get off on the wrong foot on his first day. She’s aloof and he’s hostile. Not exactly a match made in heaven. But when Bel gets a career-making tip about a dirty politician, Connor unwittingly becomes her accomplice—and her fake boyfriend. If they can’t sell the lie, then they won’t be able to uncover the truth about the mayor. But the more time they spend together, the more the lines between real and fake feelings blur. Could what they feel be the real thing? Or will their deception cause everything to unravel?

Steam: 🔥
Tropes: fake dating, hate at first sight, journalists, only one bed x2, kiss to sell the fake relationship

This was fun. The banter between the mcs was great and the humor in this story was really good too. I didnt really feel a connection to any character. I liked the fake dating of it all and some of the things Connor said really warmed my heart, and I loved the way he was there for Bel but the ending was kinda rushed. Them being friends and suddenly telling each other their in love was so fast. I didnt really see or felt feelings developed between them.
Seeing all these shitty men get what they deserve was the perfect conclusion to every story and plot in this book!
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this arc.