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Edie Thompson #2
You Belong with Me
She found The One. But when everyone wants him, can she keep him?
When there’s a ring on her doorbell, there’s only one person Edie Thompson wants it to be. The person who’s still in her heart. The person who just might be The One.
She and Elliot Owen called it quits once before – but aren’t they too good together not to try? And here he is – offering her everything she dreamed of.
But dating Elliot, an actor, is anything but plain sailing. Being an ocean apart and followed by the press is one thing, but when Edie’s friends and Elliot’s family are drawn in, things get messy. Then her boss hires a friendly face in the form of Declan Dunne, who’s there for her when times are tough, and Edie starts to wonder … are she and Elliot a fairytale come true – or a cautionary fable about getting what you wish for?
'14/10 on the QWJ scale (queasy with jealousy scale)! I WISH I'd written it. I loved this book so much' MARIAN KEYES
'I am absolutely feral for Mhairi McFarlane. Smart, sensitive, extremely funny and always so, so spot on, she is easily one of the best writers working today' LINDSEY KELK
'McFarlane never misses' GILLIAN MCALLISTER, SCOTTISH DAILY MAIL
'Mhairi McFarlane is the absolute queen of romantic comedies that belie a darker core’ STYLIST
When there’s a ring on her doorbell, there’s only one person Edie Thompson wants it to be. The person who’s still in her heart. The person who just might be The One.
She and Elliot Owen called it quits once before – but aren’t they too good together not to try? And here he is – offering her everything she dreamed of.
But dating Elliot, an actor, is anything but plain sailing. Being an ocean apart and followed by the press is one thing, but when Edie’s friends and Elliot’s family are drawn in, things get messy. Then her boss hires a friendly face in the form of Declan Dunne, who’s there for her when times are tough, and Edie starts to wonder … are she and Elliot a fairytale come true – or a cautionary fable about getting what you wish for?
'14/10 on the QWJ scale (queasy with jealousy scale)! I WISH I'd written it. I loved this book so much' MARIAN KEYES
'I am absolutely feral for Mhairi McFarlane. Smart, sensitive, extremely funny and always so, so spot on, she is easily one of the best writers working today' LINDSEY KELK
'McFarlane never misses' GILLIAN MCALLISTER, SCOTTISH DAILY MAIL
'Mhairi McFarlane is the absolute queen of romantic comedies that belie a darker core’ STYLIST
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First published September 3, 2024
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About the author
Mhairi McFarlane
36 books11.2k followersMhairi was born in Scotland in 1976 and her unnecessarily confusing name is pronounced Vah-Ree.
After some efforts at journalism, she started writing novels. It’s Not Me, It’s You is her third book. She lives in Nottingham, with a man and a cat.
After some efforts at journalism, she started writing novels. It’s Not Me, It’s You is her third book. She lives in Nottingham, with a man and a cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,159 reviews
December 11, 2024
4.5 stars ⭐️
August 2, 2024
Mhairi McFarlane crafts a heartfelt, humorous, and engaging story in "You Belong with Me," exploring the complexities of a relationship between an ordinary woman and a famous actor. Edie Thompson, who previously found herself involved with Elliot Owen, the Hollywood heartthrob, faces the challenges of dating someone in the public eye. When Elliot unexpectedly shows up on her doorstep on Christmas Day, Edie is thrust into a whirlwind romance that is as enchanting as it is daunting.
Navigating the pressures of media scrutiny, long-distance woes, and family issues, Edie and Elliot's journey is filled with witty dialogue and realistic scenarios. The novel dives deep into their relationship dynamics, portraying the highs and lows with an authenticity that resonates. The supporting cast, including the growing bond between Fraz and Elliot, adds depth and warmth to the narrative.
First of all, "Who's That Girl" was an entertaining, easy-to-engage-with, gender-reversed version of "Notting Hill" that started off hilarious and fast-paced but lost momentum in the middle, ending with a heartbreaking conclusion that left readers screaming. The anticipation for this sequel has been high for nine years, and it feels like McFarlane is tying up unfinished business, providing closure to these beloved characters. However, the wait has been long, and some may wish it had come sooner.
The story beautifully balances humor and heartfelt moments, ensuring that readers are both entertained and emotionally invested. McFarlane doesn't shy away from tough conversations, making the characters' growth and evolution feel genuine. While the third act breakup is gut-wrenching, the resolution is satisfying and hopeful.
Overall, "You Belong with Me" is a delightful continuation of Edie and Elliot's story, blending romance and reality in a way that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Highly recommended for fans of McFarlane and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted, emotionally rich love story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me with a digital review copy of this highly anticipated sequel in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Navigating the pressures of media scrutiny, long-distance woes, and family issues, Edie and Elliot's journey is filled with witty dialogue and realistic scenarios. The novel dives deep into their relationship dynamics, portraying the highs and lows with an authenticity that resonates. The supporting cast, including the growing bond between Fraz and Elliot, adds depth and warmth to the narrative.
First of all, "Who's That Girl" was an entertaining, easy-to-engage-with, gender-reversed version of "Notting Hill" that started off hilarious and fast-paced but lost momentum in the middle, ending with a heartbreaking conclusion that left readers screaming. The anticipation for this sequel has been high for nine years, and it feels like McFarlane is tying up unfinished business, providing closure to these beloved characters. However, the wait has been long, and some may wish it had come sooner.
The story beautifully balances humor and heartfelt moments, ensuring that readers are both entertained and emotionally invested. McFarlane doesn't shy away from tough conversations, making the characters' growth and evolution feel genuine. While the third act breakup is gut-wrenching, the resolution is satisfying and hopeful.
Overall, "You Belong with Me" is a delightful continuation of Edie and Elliot's story, blending romance and reality in a way that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Highly recommended for fans of McFarlane and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted, emotionally rich love story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me with a digital review copy of this highly anticipated sequel in exchange for my honest thoughts.
medium blog
November 20, 2025
Galley provided by publisher
You Belong With Me was a book that, to put it bluntly, felt unnecessary. I know the ending of Who’s That Girl was somewhat of a cliffhanger, and sure, I did also want to see the reunion scene on the page, but. A whole book?
This is not to say I didn’t find the experience of reading this broadly enjoyable. I liked having Edie and Elliot back and I thought this was possibly Mhairi McFarlane’s funniest book yet. And I think if I read the two books back to back and treated it as one long book, it’s entirely likely I’d come to a different rating.
The thing is, it felt like there wasn’t enough unmanufactured conflict to make a whole 320 page book of Edie and Elliot round two feel anything more than a repetition of the greatest hits (their individual insecurities, some jealousy from both, the whole fame question) in a somewhat cyclical fashion. It felt especially manufactured when Edie first experiences the media twisting photos to suit a narrative, over which she has a valid reaction, sure, but one that felt very excessive (and also, completely against type, since she had, mere chapters before, talked about shutting down when it came to emotions and conflict). Honestly, towards the end, I was even thinking that maybe they should break up because they clearly weren’t working together.
What’s clear, though, is that Edie and Elliot had something that couples from McFarlane’s more recent books have sort of been missing. It was a strange juxtaposition: to love the characters and to want more of them, but to also not feel that any of it was necessary. So, while I did love reading about them again, I have to admit I came to the conclusion that this, really, is a book that should have been a novella.
You Belong With Me was a book that, to put it bluntly, felt unnecessary. I know the ending of Who’s That Girl was somewhat of a cliffhanger, and sure, I did also want to see the reunion scene on the page, but. A whole book?
This is not to say I didn’t find the experience of reading this broadly enjoyable. I liked having Edie and Elliot back and I thought this was possibly Mhairi McFarlane’s funniest book yet. And I think if I read the two books back to back and treated it as one long book, it’s entirely likely I’d come to a different rating.
The thing is, it felt like there wasn’t enough unmanufactured conflict to make a whole 320 page book of Edie and Elliot round two feel anything more than a repetition of the greatest hits (their individual insecurities, some jealousy from both, the whole fame question) in a somewhat cyclical fashion. It felt especially manufactured when Edie first experiences the media twisting photos to suit a narrative, over which she has a valid reaction, sure, but one that felt very excessive (and also, completely against type, since she had, mere chapters before, talked about shutting down when it came to emotions and conflict). Honestly, towards the end, I was even thinking that maybe they should break up because they clearly weren’t working together.
What’s clear, though, is that Edie and Elliot had something that couples from McFarlane’s more recent books have sort of been missing. It was a strange juxtaposition: to love the characters and to want more of them, but to also not feel that any of it was necessary. So, while I did love reading about them again, I have to admit I came to the conclusion that this, really, is a book that should have been a novella.
June 16, 2025
“I don’t think we were meant to be...”
Scintillating second chances romcom of intricacies arising in the event when a celebrity and a nonentity/ commoner fall in love and decide to have a conventional relationship in the limelight. Edie and Elliott carefully manage and steer their love away from speculation and strain surfacing due to envy, insecurity, distance and self distrust. At times laugh out loud, this keen and discerning story proved to be too close to reality and struck an almost perfect balance by exposing the characters’ frequent and prevalent regrets and vulnerabilities and the confidence with which they managed to overcome their fears and reticence and finally found their happily ever after. This was a sequel to Who’s that girl which was published almost a decade ago, but my friend recommended to read it as a standalone since much of the first book according to her is a repetition of emotions and an ambiguous cliffhanger that were for the most part efficiently handled in this book.
Scintillating second chances romcom of intricacies arising in the event when a celebrity and a nonentity/ commoner fall in love and decide to have a conventional relationship in the limelight. Edie and Elliott carefully manage and steer their love away from speculation and strain surfacing due to envy, insecurity, distance and self distrust. At times laugh out loud, this keen and discerning story proved to be too close to reality and struck an almost perfect balance by exposing the characters’ frequent and prevalent regrets and vulnerabilities and the confidence with which they managed to overcome their fears and reticence and finally found their happily ever after. This was a sequel to Who’s that girl which was published almost a decade ago, but my friend recommended to read it as a standalone since much of the first book according to her is a repetition of emotions and an ambiguous cliffhanger that were for the most part efficiently handled in this book.
September 28, 2024
When I finally (finally! almost a month after publication..) started this one, I was so thrilled. Because this opens in such a way that I was feeling the good vibes right away. And as I did not reread WHO'S THAT GIRL? before starting this, that says a lot about both how much I love the first book and how McFarlane was able to bring us right back into the thick of it.
And listen, a lot of this has that same kind of magic. But. But. I have two major nitpicks.
The first being that I felt Edie to be really inconsistent with how she dealt with her insecurities and jealousies after getting back together with Elliot. We barely had time to enjoy the good times before we found ourselves getting spun up in drama and conflict and, to be honest, some of it felt overblown.
I don't know if some of this rockiness was as a result of doing a sorta nostalgia tour of book one by going through similar motions, almost as a refresher for those who may have forgotten how the first book went, but instead it made this feel less like a sequel and more of a rehash, negating the need for extra content -- also, let it be noted, as excited as I was about a sequel, I was perfectly happy with the ending of the first -- because you'd think after big words, big promises, the second try and all, we'd be in a better place to not be in that same boat.
My second issue wasn't that I was mad about Edie's workplace drama still being a factor, because that to me makes total sense, but it's the villain's behaviour that just felt too same-y from the last few of the author's books. It is feeling like an addition to the tried and true McFarlane formula and while there is much to love from said formula, this element isn't one I want added to the roster No matter how relevant to today's social media culture, complete with he said she said uncertainties, the impact is somewhat lost when I know to expect it, and am bored by the expectation of it.
All that to say, though, even when these two characters seemed to be spinning their wheels, or accidentally (or on purpose) self-sabotaging themselves, I was still rooting for them. I still liked them. I just wish we had less external drama and more introspection because Edie did have some demons to work through and it felt like they only sorta had a brief cameo at the end for the lightbulb moment and then it was all done. And same with Elliot. He is confronted with some genuinely awful behaviour near the beginning of the book and the reality of that seems to be mostly forgotten for the remainder of the story.
Overall, my feelings about this book are complicated because while at the end of WHO'S THAT GIRL? I was totally convinced these two belonged together, there were times during this second-chance had me questioning that connection and chemistry and compatibility. Which I suppose is the point of this particular trope, and possibly why I generally dislike it. But. We did have a few good laughs. We had another really lovely friend-group. And I managed to avoid being a snotty mess in the reading of it; something I usually don't mind because I Like To Feel Things to Prove I'm Not Dead Inside, but in this case I was happy for the reprieve from emotional devastation.
I'm definitely not mad this exists. And maybe I'll feel better about it if I can ever find time to start from the beginning and read it as a whole. But for now.. I might pretend this sequel doesn't exist and treat book one as a standalone. We'll see.
** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
And listen, a lot of this has that same kind of magic. But. But. I have two major nitpicks.
The first being that I felt Edie to be really inconsistent with how she dealt with her insecurities and jealousies after getting back together with Elliot. We barely had time to enjoy the good times before we found ourselves getting spun up in drama and conflict and, to be honest, some of it felt overblown.
I don't know if some of this rockiness was as a result of doing a sorta nostalgia tour of book one by going through similar motions, almost as a refresher for those who may have forgotten how the first book went, but instead it made this feel less like a sequel and more of a rehash, negating the need for extra content -- also, let it be noted, as excited as I was about a sequel, I was perfectly happy with the ending of the first -- because you'd think after big words, big promises, the second try and all, we'd be in a better place to not be in that same boat.
My second issue wasn't that I was mad about Edie's workplace drama still being a factor, because that to me makes total sense, but it's the villain's behaviour that just felt too same-y from the last few of the author's books. It is feeling like an addition to the tried and true McFarlane formula and while there is much to love from said formula, this element isn't one I want added to the roster No matter how relevant to today's social media culture, complete with he said she said uncertainties, the impact is somewhat lost when I know to expect it, and am bored by the expectation of it.
All that to say, though, even when these two characters seemed to be spinning their wheels, or accidentally (or on purpose) self-sabotaging themselves, I was still rooting for them. I still liked them. I just wish we had less external drama and more introspection because Edie did have some demons to work through and it felt like they only sorta had a brief cameo at the end for the lightbulb moment and then it was all done. And same with Elliot. He is confronted with some genuinely awful behaviour near the beginning of the book and the reality of that seems to be mostly forgotten for the remainder of the story.
Overall, my feelings about this book are complicated because while at the end of WHO'S THAT GIRL? I was totally convinced these two belonged together, there were times during this second-chance had me questioning that connection and chemistry and compatibility. Which I suppose is the point of this particular trope, and possibly why I generally dislike it. But. We did have a few good laughs. We had another really lovely friend-group. And I managed to avoid being a snotty mess in the reading of it; something I usually don't mind because I Like To Feel Things to Prove I'm Not Dead Inside, but in this case I was happy for the reprieve from emotional devastation.
I'm definitely not mad this exists. And maybe I'll feel better about it if I can ever find time to start from the beginning and read it as a whole. But for now.. I might pretend this sequel doesn't exist and treat book one as a standalone. We'll see.
** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
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This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
May 21, 2025
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 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).
November 1, 2024
3.5 stars
Do you ever start a book and feel like you are in the middle of someone's story? That’s how I felt with You Belong with Me. It took me a minute to get into the story, and though I enjoyed it, I never truly connected with Edie and Elliot as a couple. Not my favorite Mhairi McFarlane, but still mostly enjoyable.
Do you ever start a book and feel like you are in the middle of someone's story? That’s how I felt with You Belong with Me. It took me a minute to get into the story, and though I enjoyed it, I never truly connected with Edie and Elliot as a couple. Not my favorite Mhairi McFarlane, but still mostly enjoyable.
Audio book source: Libby
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Olivia Vinall
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 9h 20m
September 7, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I want to preface this review by saying that I didn’t realise this was a sequel 🥴 I do have the first book on my TBR, so will probably come back to this review once I’ve read that to reevaluate.
Based off my thoughts & feelings while reading it, though - I simply didn’t enjoy the writing as much as I do with Macfarlane’s other works. The emotional edge that is so prevalent in her books was lacking in this one, and as a result I didn’t care enough about Edie & Elliot’s relationship to be fully engaged in the story.
Mhairi McFarlane is one of my favourite authors, and I will never stop reading her books, but this one did miss the mark for me.
I want to preface this review by saying that I didn’t realise this was a sequel 🥴 I do have the first book on my TBR, so will probably come back to this review once I’ve read that to reevaluate.
Based off my thoughts & feelings while reading it, though - I simply didn’t enjoy the writing as much as I do with Macfarlane’s other works. The emotional edge that is so prevalent in her books was lacking in this one, and as a result I didn’t care enough about Edie & Elliot’s relationship to be fully engaged in the story.
Mhairi McFarlane is one of my favourite authors, and I will never stop reading her books, but this one did miss the mark for me.
April 29, 2024
Mhairi plays an absolute blinder with 'You Belong with Me', a worthy sequel to ‘Who’s That Girl?’, a book with an infuriating but genius ending. Finally, we get to witness what happens Edie opens the door on Christmas Day. 'You Belong with Me' has cemented my love of stories about the grit that comes after declarations are made, to me this is real romance.
This book is this is an incisive look at trying to make a new relationship work when lingering fears threaten to destablise a foundation you're trying to build together. Both Edie and Elliot share the trauma of losing their mums tragically at an early age. Mhairi McFarlane weaves her magic depicting two people in love but petrified of adding to their tally of 'unimaginable loss', a situation exacerbated by reality of a long distance relationship where one of them is a celebrity. Edie fears Elliot leaving her for a glamourous co-star in his new TV show, Your Table (Mhairi was clearly inspired by The Bear), while not realising he is just as vulnerable that she'd leave him because his celebrity causes her strife and that she, too, could leave him for a colleague.
All the fabulous side characters - Fraser, Richard, Hannah and Nick - that made the first book so special are also back.
With all the same wit, banter and charm, plus a whole lot of swoon (be still my heart when Elliot tells Edie that they belong to each other), this book left me with a five-day book hangover after devouring this book within a day.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for the ARC.
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First impression - 25 April 2025
Mhairi strikes again with the sequel to ‘Who’s That Girl?’. This is an incisive look at trying to make a new relationship work when disparities in income, celebrity and long distance are huge hurdles that caused Edie to end it in the first place. This book has a more in depth look at how Edie and Elliot’s own personal issues which can fester each others insecurities.
More thoughts to come.
This book is this is an incisive look at trying to make a new relationship work when lingering fears threaten to destablise a foundation you're trying to build together. Both Edie and Elliot share the trauma of losing their mums tragically at an early age. Mhairi McFarlane weaves her magic depicting two people in love but petrified of adding to their tally of 'unimaginable loss', a situation exacerbated by reality of a long distance relationship where one of them is a celebrity. Edie fears Elliot leaving her for a glamourous co-star in his new TV show, Your Table (Mhairi was clearly inspired by The Bear), while not realising he is just as vulnerable that she'd leave him because his celebrity causes her strife and that she, too, could leave him for a colleague.
All the fabulous side characters - Fraser, Richard, Hannah and Nick - that made the first book so special are also back.
With all the same wit, banter and charm, plus a whole lot of swoon (be still my heart when Elliot tells Edie that they belong to each other), this book left me with a five-day book hangover after devouring this book within a day.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for the ARC.
----
First impression - 25 April 2025
Mhairi strikes again with the sequel to ‘Who’s That Girl?’. This is an incisive look at trying to make a new relationship work when disparities in income, celebrity and long distance are huge hurdles that caused Edie to end it in the first place. This book has a more in depth look at how Edie and Elliot’s own personal issues which can fester each others insecurities.
More thoughts to come.
June 25, 2024
It turns out I owe Mhairi McFarlane a fiver.
When I first read 'Who's That Girl' I wrote in my review: 'Mhairi, sis, if I slide you a fiver will you write a bonus chapter? Come on, pls.' A bonus chapter was all I wanted, just something to wrap up that torturous cliffhanger, instead Mhairi McFarlane graced us with a 398-page sequel. Bless up, Mhairi, what a gift.
Who's That Girl is my second favourite Mhairi MacFarlane book, just slightly knocked off first place by Don't You Forget About Me. Despite that, if I could be back with any of her characters it would be Edith and Elliot, and what a fucking delight it was to be reunited with them and their story.
As expected, it has everything that makes a Mhairi MacFarlane classic, three-dimensional, sensational leads; humour; love of all forms; side characters with depth and crafted personalities; British culture, 'it's all the drama, Mick, I love it!'. What was slightly different this time was the stress; let me tell you, the stress this book put me through was unlike any other. I was at 96% with my heart in my arse hole, I tell you.
I won't go into the whole Mhairi MacFarlane is my favourite author spiel that I normally do, you can look back at any of my reviews of this author's work for that. But what I will say is this: thank you, Mhairi MacFarlane, for giving readers what they wanted and needed, ya a real one.
(This is a delayed review because I stress read to end my suffering, whereas my mate, Beth, takes the absolute piss and I didn't wanna spoil anything.)
Sithi xo
When I first read 'Who's That Girl' I wrote in my review: 'Mhairi, sis, if I slide you a fiver will you write a bonus chapter? Come on, pls.' A bonus chapter was all I wanted, just something to wrap up that torturous cliffhanger, instead Mhairi McFarlane graced us with a 398-page sequel. Bless up, Mhairi, what a gift.
Who's That Girl is my second favourite Mhairi MacFarlane book, just slightly knocked off first place by Don't You Forget About Me. Despite that, if I could be back with any of her characters it would be Edith and Elliot, and what a fucking delight it was to be reunited with them and their story.
As expected, it has everything that makes a Mhairi MacFarlane classic, three-dimensional, sensational leads; humour; love of all forms; side characters with depth and crafted personalities; British culture, 'it's all the drama, Mick, I love it!'. What was slightly different this time was the stress; let me tell you, the stress this book put me through was unlike any other. I was at 96% with my heart in my arse hole, I tell you.
I won't go into the whole Mhairi MacFarlane is my favourite author spiel that I normally do, you can look back at any of my reviews of this author's work for that. But what I will say is this: thank you, Mhairi MacFarlane, for giving readers what they wanted and needed, ya a real one.
(This is a delayed review because I stress read to end my suffering, whereas my mate, Beth, takes the absolute piss and I didn't wanna spoil anything.)
Sithi xo
August 28, 2024
Incoming gushing review...I think I might have been one of the few readers who thought that Who's That Girl? ended on a pitch perfect note and further writing wasn't needed, though once I began reading this latest book, I was so happy that McFarlane decided a sequel was in order. Of course Edie and Elliot belonged together at the end of their first book. They proved that from the start when Elliot, against his better judgment, decided to let an unknown ghostwriter into his rarefied celebrity world to write his autobiography. Edie was a mess in the first novel, and Elliot was drawn to her swirling contradictions of kindness, fragility, and insecurity. Elliot might have started off in Edie's mind as "Megabrat," but once she got to know him and realized how much they had in common, the veneers of wealth and status were set aside. The uncertainties that plagued them in the first book were not thoroughly examined, but their love was such a passionate one that romance readers like myself accepted their future together. Of course it's Elliot knocking at her door for her in the final pages, which is exactly where You Belong with Me picks up.
This book depicts the rocky courtship of two people madly in love juggling internal and external problems that threaten their future together. I found that the problems were realistic but also always resolvable as long as they continued talking through them. And they do always keep talking and working on their relationship and never take it for granted. There are so many wonderful conversations that illustrate the give and take two people together must make in a relationship, and McFarlane does a lovely job of allowing both Edie and Elliot the grace to respect themselves while also nurture each other. There is a beautiful scene late in the book when Edie describes to Elliot that he is her "home" and how important he was to her in a frightening moment in the story when her father was ill that made me tear up. I had a few moments when I wondered if money, status, jealousy, long distance were all just insurmountable problems for them, but the priority put on building a steady foundation in the euphoria of falling in love remains central. Not only did I feel convinced that the characters do belong together but that the romance is in the work required to sustain a life-long love.
I loved the entire cast of characters here that carry over from the first book, and a few new ones. I love that despite the extent of Elliot's burgeoning career as an actor on the verge of A-list stardom, Edie's career successes are given equal weight and attention. I love that Elliot has so much respect for Edie, my personal favorite heroine from McFarlane's many books. In recent years, her books have been a little less romance-centric and this one puts romance at the heart of everything that happens. I hope this trend continues. Highly, highly recommend!
This book depicts the rocky courtship of two people madly in love juggling internal and external problems that threaten their future together. I found that the problems were realistic but also always resolvable as long as they continued talking through them. And they do always keep talking and working on their relationship and never take it for granted. There are so many wonderful conversations that illustrate the give and take two people together must make in a relationship, and McFarlane does a lovely job of allowing both Edie and Elliot the grace to respect themselves while also nurture each other. There is a beautiful scene late in the book when Edie describes to Elliot that he is her "home" and how important he was to her in a frightening moment in the story when her father was ill that made me tear up. I had a few moments when I wondered if money, status, jealousy, long distance were all just insurmountable problems for them, but the priority put on building a steady foundation in the euphoria of falling in love remains central. Not only did I feel convinced that the characters do belong together but that the romance is in the work required to sustain a life-long love.
I loved the entire cast of characters here that carry over from the first book, and a few new ones. I love that despite the extent of Elliot's burgeoning career as an actor on the verge of A-list stardom, Edie's career successes are given equal weight and attention. I love that Elliot has so much respect for Edie, my personal favorite heroine from McFarlane's many books. In recent years, her books have been a little less romance-centric and this one puts romance at the heart of everything that happens. I hope this trend continues. Highly, highly recommend!
June 24, 2024
This is a hard review to write because I love all of Mhairi McFarlane's books. I thought this one was very well-written and captured the claustrophobia and chaos of dating a celebrity but there was no joy.
A lot of the book seems to be Edie and Elliott talking about their relationship, and for a lot of it .
There was very little of the sparky dialogue we usually find, and not enough room for either the excellent existing characters or the rare new character to flourish. I felt as if Fraser didn't really ring true with his character in the previous book.
Overall I think this is the one MM book I probably won't read several times over.
A lot of the book seems to be Edie and Elliott talking about their relationship, and for a lot of it .
There was very little of the sparky dialogue we usually find, and not enough room for either the excellent existing characters or the rare new character to flourish. I felt as if Fraser didn't really ring true with his character in the previous book.
Overall I think this is the one MM book I probably won't read several times over.
May 30, 2024
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.
It was written really well, the banter unmatched, the fights pure emotion. You definitely felt why it wasn’t working and why you wanted it to. And due to everything going on, I felt there wasn’t enough space for them to just be happy.
In hindsight I enjoyed it much more on completion, than while I was in the thick of it.
Thank you Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!
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.
It was written really well, the banter unmatched, the fights pure emotion. You definitely felt why it wasn’t working and why you wanted it to. And due to everything going on, I felt there wasn’t enough space for them to just be happy.
In hindsight I enjoyed it much more on completion, than while I was in the thick of it.
Thank you Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!
July 9, 2024
Gosh this was rubbish. What was the point of bringing a nice Irish man like Declan into the story, if you’re going to bin him off with not even a response from the lead?
They were dull and childish and when she got annoyed and jealous of the smallest things, it made me want to throw the book in the pool. These two people should not be together. Come on McFarlane, do better!
They were dull and childish and when she got annoyed and jealous of the smallest things, it made me want to throw the book in the pool. These two people should not be together. Come on McFarlane, do better!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2025
I’ve had an inkling before but I’m more convinced than ever that Mhairi McFarlane is the Jane Austen of whatever century we’re currently in. Her humor is unmatched. The feelings you will feel, all of them. I cannot express how much I adored this story. This book is a follow up to Who’s That Girl so I went back and reread that to get me into this one and read 2 books in 2 days. They’re unputtdownable. I feel like the little orphan Oliver. Please ma’am can I have some more? Never stop writing. Write more, all the time, let me read your grocery list. I’m obsessed.
September 18, 2024
I loved every moment of this! Edie is relatable with her anxieties and dooms day scenarios, but Elliott also jumped the situations a bit too. I felt like they fit one another like a glove. I want to add that I'm giving bonus points due to a quote from The Wire (badass show, sad it ended way back when, by the way) in this book. Also, Fraser may be a side character, but he is a WHOLE character, yall lol He made me laugh out loud so many times. I loved Edie's character development, and the ending was refreshing. Beautiful to watch her blossom throughout the story!
May 29, 2025
OH MY GOD I JUST REALIZED THAT THIS WAS A SEQUEL AND ONE THAT CANNOT BE READ OUT OF ORDER THAT IS MY BAD
But also… I did not like this book 😂
But also… I did not like this book 😂
September 2, 2024
It’s Christmas Day, and Edie has just had a knock at the door amidst a heart-wrenching breakup with superstar Elliot Owens. Picking up right where Who’s That Girl? left off, You Belong with Me tackles the struggles of dating a celebrity when you’re a “normal person” and the press simply can’t leave your relationship alone.
Admittedly, when I requested this book, I did not realize that it was a sequel. I am incapable of reading sequels as standalones, so I quickly read Who’s That Girl to prepare for this ARC (and I should add, I really enjoyed that one). While I definitely was unhappy with the cliffhanger that this book immediately picked up on, I don’t think this sequel really needed to happen? I was so content with Edie and Elliot in the last book, and it felt like they spent this entire book looking for reasons to breakup? They were constantly throwing cheap digs at one another, accused the other of being (or thinking of being) unfaithful, and had a massive fight seconds before the book ends with a big old HEA (seriously - the e-book was at 97% and things still felt nasty). Honestly, while the plot line with Edie’s coworker Declan felt massively unresolved, I was rooting for him more than either Edie or Elliot (and especially not their relationship) at the end.
In short, read Who’s That Girl and the first chapter of this one and you will be all set.
Many thanks to Mhairi McFarland, Avon and Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Admittedly, when I requested this book, I did not realize that it was a sequel. I am incapable of reading sequels as standalones, so I quickly read Who’s That Girl to prepare for this ARC (and I should add, I really enjoyed that one). While I definitely was unhappy with the cliffhanger that this book immediately picked up on, I don’t think this sequel really needed to happen? I was so content with Edie and Elliot in the last book, and it felt like they spent this entire book looking for reasons to breakup? They were constantly throwing cheap digs at one another, accused the other of being (or thinking of being) unfaithful, and had a massive fight seconds before the book ends with a big old HEA (seriously - the e-book was at 97% and things still felt nasty). Honestly, while the plot line with Edie’s coworker Declan felt massively unresolved, I was rooting for him more than either Edie or Elliot (and especially not their relationship) at the end.
In short, read Who’s That Girl and the first chapter of this one and you will be all set.
Many thanks to Mhairi McFarland, Avon and Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 20, 2025
It's a testament to how much I love Mhairi McFarlane's writing that I read the sequel and even bought it at its original brand new price since I couldn’t find any free e-book online. Good thing the timing coincided with my 13th month pay. It's not like me to hound bookstores for a second book. I can be patient enough to wait for secondhand books whenever that opportunity comes but after reading Who's That Girl, it was a necessity that I read the sequel pronto.
The plotline gives you a considerable view of what a relationship is like between a popular actor and a non-showbiz gal. Thank goodness, it wasn't a disappointment although at times Elliot and Edie's misunderstandings mostly due to overthinking can be quite annoying but I get it. Their insecurities and their past let them imagine worst-case scenarios. But it's also the reason the story is realistic. I usually like my rom-coms always having a happy ending but I like that Edie and Elliot worked their butts off to attain that ending and are committed to keep putting effort to keep each other. The only downside to reading this book is me singing Taylor Swift every time I’d pick the book up and see the title.
The plotline gives you a considerable view of what a relationship is like between a popular actor and a non-showbiz gal. Thank goodness, it wasn't a disappointment although at times Elliot and Edie's misunderstandings mostly due to overthinking can be quite annoying but I get it. Their insecurities and their past let them imagine worst-case scenarios. But it's also the reason the story is realistic. I usually like my rom-coms always having a happy ending but I like that Edie and Elliot worked their butts off to attain that ending and are committed to keep putting effort to keep each other. The only downside to reading this book is me singing Taylor Swift every time I’d pick the book up and see the title.
October 18, 2024
A lot of Mhairi McFarlane's fans have been waiting for this sequel to Who's That Girl? a long time. I don't think she'd planned a sequel when she released WTG in 2015, but a lot of readers reeeeally wanted one due to how it ended, ergo You Belong with Me.
I wasn't dissatisfied with the ending of the first, so perhaps that's why my bar was high for this one... if it was going to be revisited, I wanted it to really deliver. I enjoyed getting more of Edie and Elliot's story, and it's always a delight to read McFarlane's witticisms. But not much about this was unpredictable, and it fell a teensy bit too much to the unoriginal/tropey side for my liking. Having said that, this author could write a tale about her grocery list and the quality would still be above average. I highlighted some lines that stopped me cold due to their psychological insight, which I've come to expect from her. And yet... I did have a constant niggling feeling of wanting more. Something to surprise me, I think.
There was no chance of me not diving into this one after experiencing WTG, and I'm not sorry I did, even if I wish it had fully measured up to its predecessor.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC!
I wasn't dissatisfied with the ending of the first, so perhaps that's why my bar was high for this one... if it was going to be revisited, I wanted it to really deliver. I enjoyed getting more of Edie and Elliot's story, and it's always a delight to read McFarlane's witticisms. But not much about this was unpredictable, and it fell a teensy bit too much to the unoriginal/tropey side for my liking. Having said that, this author could write a tale about her grocery list and the quality would still be above average. I highlighted some lines that stopped me cold due to their psychological insight, which I've come to expect from her. And yet... I did have a constant niggling feeling of wanting more. Something to surprise me, I think.
There was no chance of me not diving into this one after experiencing WTG, and I'm not sorry I did, even if I wish it had fully measured up to its predecessor.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC!
July 10, 2024
Started boring, continued to be boring
November 18, 2025
You may have read Who's That Girl? and fallen in love with Edie and Elliot and, like me, were beyond excited when you heard there was going to be a sequel. But then again, you may not have read that one. Either way, it doesn't matter: this book is a cracker.
Elliot is a famous actor, Edie is a "normal" girl from Nottingham. They fell in love, they weathered some storms, and then: the fairytale ending. But what happens after the ending? Can it really all be smooth sailing when you're dating a globally famous man? When you're barely ever seeing each other, but you ARE seeing a wonderfully supportive work colleague each day at the office? When your swoon-worthy gorgeous guy is filming heavy sex scenes with an equally gorgeous, even more famous other woman?
I adored this book. Elliot has absolutely cemented his place as my favourite book boyfriend EVER, while Edie remains as snappily hilarious and uniquely human as ever. I laughed so much, through the whole thing, and cried buckets. The ending smacked me right in the chest. Honestly couldn't stop re-living the entire book for days on end afterwards. Mhairi writes such real and electric relationships as it is, but this one is truly, truly special.
Elliot is a famous actor, Edie is a "normal" girl from Nottingham. They fell in love, they weathered some storms, and then: the fairytale ending. But what happens after the ending? Can it really all be smooth sailing when you're dating a globally famous man? When you're barely ever seeing each other, but you ARE seeing a wonderfully supportive work colleague each day at the office? When your swoon-worthy gorgeous guy is filming heavy sex scenes with an equally gorgeous, even more famous other woman?
I adored this book. Elliot has absolutely cemented his place as my favourite book boyfriend EVER, while Edie remains as snappily hilarious and uniquely human as ever. I laughed so much, through the whole thing, and cried buckets. The ending smacked me right in the chest. Honestly couldn't stop re-living the entire book for days on end afterwards. Mhairi writes such real and electric relationships as it is, but this one is truly, truly special.
July 14, 2024
This book was a hot mess and so disappointing. I thought it was good and I kept waiting for the spark… and it never happened. I have really enjoyed this authors books in the past but this one is just unbelievable - and that’s from someone who doesn’t mind some unbelievable romance. I’d rather she just got with the Irish guy and forgot about this stupid actor and their petty fights
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2024
This book is a sequel to Who's That Girl?. This book begins with Edie opening the door on Christmas, continuing from the somewhat cliffhangerous ending to the last book. I was curious to know whether Elliot returned to her or not, so I was happy to read what happened after the first book ended.
Mhairi's storytelling abilities and writing style are so amazing, and this story was no exception. I really enjoyed all of the Taylor Swift allusions in this book—after all, the title is "You Belong With Me," so I guess I should have expected that.
I heartily suggest this book to everyone who like romance novels by authors such as Emily Henry; it was wonderfully charming. I would recommend to start with the first book Who’s That Girl? to not miss out on the story and characters.
Mhairi's storytelling abilities and writing style are so amazing, and this story was no exception. I really enjoyed all of the Taylor Swift allusions in this book—after all, the title is "You Belong With Me," so I guess I should have expected that.
I heartily suggest this book to everyone who like romance novels by authors such as Emily Henry; it was wonderfully charming. I would recommend to start with the first book Who’s That Girl? to not miss out on the story and characters.
January 13, 2025
300 pages d’un couple qui se fait harceler par des tabloïds et qui se chicane 🥲
September 23, 2024
This much anticipated sequel, which I had not realized was a sequel originally, continues exactly where Who’s That Girl? ends. We are treated to more of our favorite side characters as well as Edie’s continued pursuit of her career goals while balancing a very public relationship with a celebrity, but someone who feels very much her equal. This balance is what I loved most about their dynamic carrying from Who’s That Girl? straight through to this one.
I read this in part via audiobook and have to give a huge shoutout to the narrator, Olivia Vinall, who did a fantastic job of singlehandedly bringing a really unique cast of characters to life. While I did enjoy reading the physical book as well, the audio combined with the book in an immersive read, was my preferred combination.
Read if you like:
• sequels
• unforgettable characters
• heavier themes of grief and loss
• found family
Thank you Avon Books and Harper Audio for the gifted copies.
I read this in part via audiobook and have to give a huge shoutout to the narrator, Olivia Vinall, who did a fantastic job of singlehandedly bringing a really unique cast of characters to life. While I did enjoy reading the physical book as well, the audio combined with the book in an immersive read, was my preferred combination.
Read if you like:
• sequels
• unforgettable characters
• heavier themes of grief and loss
• found family
Thank you Avon Books and Harper Audio for the gifted copies.
October 3, 2024
Witty, sarcastic, hilarious, fun, romantic, pure joy.
January 24, 2025
This book is fine, 3.5/5; read it if you’d like. Now here is my rant:
This is probably the last McFarlane book I read for the simple reason that she makes me feel stupid. She peppers her stories with so many British-specific pop-culture references, that I need to have Google up as I’m reading. Why? It’s like for every joke she intends, my reaction is, “I don’t get it.” Does McFarlane not care that there might be some American blokes who want to read her books? Here is an example from Chapter 25:
“I feel like: the wedding will be in a year and two months is less of a thing you’d shout, before spraying Veuve Clicquot?”
I’m 100 percent sure that if Sophie Cousens or Sophie Kinsella were to write that sentence, they’d just use the word ‘Champaign’ rather than name dropping a brand of Champaign the I may or may not have heard of. McFarlane really likes to impress us with her vast knowledge of specific brands of food and drink. Again, my reaction is “I don’t get it.”
Concluding argument of my rant… At one point, McFarlane writes about luggage being lifted from the trunk of a car, and I was pissed she didn’t use the word, ‘boot,’ instead of trunk because I would have got that one!
This is probably the last McFarlane book I read for the simple reason that she makes me feel stupid. She peppers her stories with so many British-specific pop-culture references, that I need to have Google up as I’m reading. Why? It’s like for every joke she intends, my reaction is, “I don’t get it.” Does McFarlane not care that there might be some American blokes who want to read her books? Here is an example from Chapter 25:
“I feel like: the wedding will be in a year and two months is less of a thing you’d shout, before spraying Veuve Clicquot?”
I’m 100 percent sure that if Sophie Cousens or Sophie Kinsella were to write that sentence, they’d just use the word ‘Champaign’ rather than name dropping a brand of Champaign the I may or may not have heard of. McFarlane really likes to impress us with her vast knowledge of specific brands of food and drink. Again, my reaction is “I don’t get it.”
Concluding argument of my rant… At one point, McFarlane writes about luggage being lifted from the trunk of a car, and I was pissed she didn’t use the word, ‘boot,’ instead of trunk because I would have got that one!
July 21, 2024
the dialogue in this was so poor and so expositional that it was like the author has never heard actual people talk to each other before. shame as i usually like mcfarlane’s writing, don’t know WHAT was going on with this one.
Want to read
January 4, 2024I could cry i'm so excited
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