Hopeless Romantics

by Mhairi McFarlane

One decade, four friends—and infinite missed chances at love… A heartfelt, tender, and gorgeously written romance from international bestseller Mhairi McFarlane.

When Tess and her best friend Carys get the Caledonian Sleeper train to a friend’s wedding in Scotland, over a bottle of warm champagne and four plastic glasses they hit it off with confident alpha Spencer, and Ryan, his funny, wry sidekick.

Tess and Ryan unlock a shared wavelength, shared sense of humor and shared worldview that carries them into a weekend with a shocking twist, meaning that everyone and everything is changed forever.

They fall in a kind of insta-love–this isn’t their moment. It can’t be.

And yet every time, over the decade that follows, that their paths cross again, the stars never quite align. From big birthdays to more weddings, life’s significant events entwine their lives. But will that moment for Tess and Ryan ever arrive?

Funny, poignant, and romantic, this is a love story of friendship, missed chances, and soulmates.



Tropes

• Right person, wrong time

• Multiple Timelines

• Second Chance

• Slow Burn

• Friends to Lovers

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Adult Fiction, Chick Lit, Fiction, Second Chance

Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 16, 2027

About the author

Mhairi 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.

Reviews

[ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love LOVE! i love second chance romances! i love mutual pining and down bad main characters!

this was more than i could have ever hoped for - i am writing this review at 2am, knowing full well i need to be up for work in under 5 hours time. AND I DO NOT CARE.

this is quite possibly my favourite book of the year so far, and i don’t say that lightly. if you love epic love stories with mutual pining spanning DECADES, you need to pick this up. this was hilarious, heartwarming, somewhat existential, and had some of the most engaging writing i have ever come across (i found myself in awe of this author’s wit and intelligence many times throughout this book). i am now quickly running to my bookshelves to pick up as many mhairi mcfarlane books as humanly possible. i don’t think i can accurately put into words how much i loved these characters and how much this story is going to stick with me.

if you couldn’t already tell, i HIGHLY recommend this book, and i beg you all to read it as soon as it’s available.

[lauren]

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ — preread:

i've never read anything by Mhairi before, but haley pham has raved about her so i decided to request this book🤭 so happy to have been accepted!! i have high hopes for this one since it sounds right up my alley <3



thank you netgalley & avon and harper voyager for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

Release date: February 16, 2027

[S {Semi-Hiatus}]

*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review!*

Got approved of a book again by one of my favourite authors!!!!!!
*KICKS FEET IN THE AIR*

[zil · Rating 4 out of 5]

mhari mcfarlane's back my friends and yes, i enjoyed hopeless romantic 😁while it definitely has the charm, humor, and banter of a rom-com, it's also a thoughtful story about growing up, chasing career ambitions, and figuring out what you really want from life.

one of my fav parts was the opening section set in scotland. the scottish setting added so much atmosphere and warmth to the story, and it was the perfect backdrop for tess and spencer's first meeting. it made the beginning feel especially memorable and helped set up the emotional journey that followed. i found myself wishing there were even more scenes set there.

the banter between the characters was fantastic, and i loved seeing tess and spencer drift in and out of each other's lives over the years. watching them grow from their twenties into their forties made them feel real and relatable. the miscommunication trope did frustrate me at times, especially when it felt like they were getting in their own way, but i was still completely invested in their story and rooting for them to get together.

i also appreciated that the book wasn't solely focused on romance. tess's career journey and self-discovery were just as compelling, and spencer's backstory added emotional depth to his character. by the end, i was fully emotionally invested in both of them.

funny, heartfelt, and beautifully written, hopeless romantic is a lovely blend of romance and personal growth! 💗

a lot of thanks to harpercollinsuk - harperfiction and netgalley for sending me the earc of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!

[Sasha K · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher & most of all Mhairi for this ARC!!!***

I wanted this ARC more than I’ve ever hoped for one and it paid off a million times over. Mhairi is my favorite author and this book might be her best yet. Every word is a treat - the relationships and details and feelings are top shelf. I can’t wait to get my hard copy and read it annually. Best book of 2026 so far and I am thrilled for everyone else to experience it in 2027. Tess & Ryan 4eva xoxo

[Candy I · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her best book yet. The granddaughter of Persuasion by Jane Austen, they share so much DNA. A lovely romantic meditation on taking chances, fate, regret, longing, and the very human tragedy of getting in your own way. Mhairi's prose is unmatched in its line for line wit, banter and pathos. I both cried and laughed out loud multiple times, highlighted so many profound bangers. I really appreciate Mhairi's interest in scale - this feels 'bigger' than most of her backlist, more epic. I also think she has a way of incorporating jaw dropping gossipy storylines that make the book as gripping as a thriller. I truly couldn't put it down. I loved it. Tess and Ryan 4ever ❤️❤️

[Gianna Guido · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the early copy of this book.

Mhairi McFarlane, what did you put in this book? I just could not put it down! From the beginning, I was captivated by the story and the characters. It went through so many different timelines and by the end it was a full, complete devastating and hopelessly romantic love story.

The writing was beautiful, the characters were amazing and the story was so so good.

This will be one I’ll keep thinking about because it really does make you reflect on the choices you make and the consequences that they could lead to. I loved this book and want to go back to page one and read it all over again. Can’t wait to buy it when it comes out!

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it and I didn’t want it to end. I couldn’t put it down and also didn’t want it to be over. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

[madisyn morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ EEEEEEEEK IM SO GIDDY!!!! Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy!!

It’s been a while since I’ve read such a good, realistic romance book! As someone who resonates with both Tess and Ryan, this book was such a *needed* reminder to take chances on the things that might scare you the most because you want them the most! I was rooting SO hard for the two of them to find their way to each other, and I just love the feeling this book gave me. This is a story full of love and courage, but also regret and heartbreak & how sometimes the two can go hand in hand. It put a lot of things in perspective about how we can all do more of the things we want to do rather than the things that are expected of us, and these things could end up leading to some of our very best moments and memories. If we wait for the things we want to happen TO us, we will miss out on so much.

Tess and Ryan are two incredibly realistic characters! This is something I really gravitate towards with my romances (as I’ve become rather selective). They’re flawed, like us all, but they’re able to recognize when they’ve made a mistake and really try their best to fix it. This book wasn’t completely full of happy, loving moments but that is what made it so real to me. Life isn’t always perfect, but that doesn’t mean it cannot be good! I also adore our cast of side characters. Spencer and Carys were perfection, and they were such a good representation of healthy friendships. I love how in depth we got to see these platonic relationships, and I loved even more how much they were valued in Tess and Ryan's life. I even love Lachy's presence in the story, too. His storyline was such and interesting side plot, and getting to read about him was so entertaining.

This is such a perfect book for lovers of messy, complicated characters. It’s such a good blend of romance and a bit of literary fiction that I think sooo many people could enjoy this! It kept me hooked and desperately flipping the pages for more. It is funny, witty, and simply amazing while also being painfully real. Pick this up when it releases!!!!

[Annie M.]

I am once again victim to British propaganda. Mhairi McFarlane I want to be your friend!!!

That is to say, Hopeless Romantics is a sparkling gem on an already shiny crown. This is a more fabulous version of Love, Rosie (remember that movie??) plus some Before Sunrise and Fantastic Mr. Ripley tossed in.

A lesser author could’ve bungled certain plot points, but luckily we’re in expert hands. My only critique is I wish we had more airtime with the main couple. Also, I obviously want a TV show. I have demands, you see.

Thanks Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Kate · Rating 2.5 out of 5]

I love the right person, wrong time trope but this book just felt like a mess to me. I think McFarlane is a clever and funny writer, her dialogue is snappy, but occasionally the plotting gets away from her and this book is not an exception.

It's very, very frustrating to read about two people being intentionally dense for approximately 300 pages. I know there's something to be said about being too afraid to take a risk but this really felt far-fetched. Especially after they spent the better part of 10 years not even interacting. I ended up more invested in Tess's career than her love life.

This was a miss for me, but I definitely think that this book is for someone who has a bit more patience.

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hopeless Romantics is a beautiful, uplifting love story which has a key message at its heart around taking chances for the life that you want, rather than waiting for life to happen.

It had everything that I adore about her writing—sharp, witty, emotionally intelligent, with characters that feel incredibly real and genuine.

The story details Tess and Ryan who meet on a sleeper train on a journey up to Scotland, with their respective best friends Carys and Spencer. Over the course of the weekend connections are formed, secrets revealed and life changing events take place.

We meet Tess when her confidence is at rock bottom thanks to an incredibly toxic boyfriend and a lacklustre job with the boss from hell. However, throughout the course of the book, she goes on a journey of self-discovery, rebuilding her life and achieving her dreams.

As ever, the supporting characters are also fabulous, with the importance of friendship highlighted throughout.

McFarlane has a gift for exploring relationships, self-discovery, and the messy complexities of life with warmth, wit, and honesty. I always find her writing so engaging, and this was no exception, finishing within in a day.

The dialogue is as clever as ever, especially the conversations - full of wit and humour, however never feeling forced and every character feels fully developed.

I also loved all of the references, plenty of Pride and Prejudice allusions, which perfectly ties into the story, particularly with Ryan’s friendship with Spencer. There were also a few Dirty Dancing, Grease and Labyrinth references which I loved too.

If you’re looking for a romance with depth, humour, and plenty of heart, this is an absolute must-read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins and Mhairi Mcfarlane for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Rebecca Kakanskas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book so much! This is exactly what I EAT UP in a romance book - the will they, won’t they story spanning over a longer time period, watching two people weave in and out of each others lives and hope and pray they get it together in the end! This was my first book by this author but it certainly won’t be the last!

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the earc of this one!

[Jessica - How Jessica Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The banter in this is so sharp, and the yearning is incredibly well done.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am consistently challenged by Mhairi McFarlane to confront the tropes I tend to steer away from and experience them with new perspective. While Hopeless Romantics definitely drew my eyes with its title, I was admittedly not as eager to embark on a decade-long will-they-won't-they, especially since the concept necessitates missed opportunities and miscommunication. In the end though, it's a Mhairi McFarlane book, so there was never a doubt that I'd pick it up.

As always, McFarlane exceeds in building fully fleshed characters and grounding their decision-making. The pangs of the "won't they"s are softened by the logic of the characters' situations, which in turn build to a higher high for the potential of the "will they"s. Tess and Ryan gravitate toward the "hopeless" part of the titular phrase more often than not, weighed down by their realities. In the end though, the fact remains that these two people are still romantics, despite it all - and that in itself requires the courage to hope.

Did the details of their first weekend creep a little too far towards instalove at times? Admittedly, yes. But I won't lie - I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing the moments in which Ryan's gaze snapped to Tess', seeing the dominoes fall slowly, inevitably, hopelessly.

My thanks to NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Caty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this ARC from NetGalley and Avon Harper Voyager in exchange for an honest review.

This was actually so cute. I will say, the fact that the entire conflict is a miscommunication trope really grinds my gears. It is my biggest pet peeve when the characters in a book cannot just have a simple conversation. It would make more sense if they were teenagers, but the fact that the conversation isn’t had until they’re nearly 40? Insanity.

Overall, super cute and enjoyable. I loved the characters, especially Carys and I loved the setting. I would have liked more time with the hands on of Tess developing her show, and maybe a longer time showing Tess after the events of the big confession. One chapter seemed painfully lacking when I had waited so long for the payoff.

[Chimandbooks · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for this free ARC.

I don’t know how Mhairi McFarlane does it, but I always love how she immerses me in the world of characters. This was my 6th book by her, and it didn’t disappoint.
I will say that I got spoilt with other reviews that it was going to be a second-chance romance, and I really didn’t like that because that’s one of my least favourite tropes. However, I don’t know how she did it, but I enjoyed it, and I found it very funny.

It usually takes me a bit of time to get into the writing, especially because I have to be checking the meaning of words and references, but I spent a shorter time with this one. I’m going to talk about what I liked and my issues in years and the timeline of the book.

I think 2016 was my favourite because it introduced me to 4 characters. Tess, as the protagonist, was very relatable to me; she held back and was basically an overthinker. Carys was the outgoing best friend that said whatever was on her mind and basically did what she wanted. Spencer to me gave a carefree type of guy that was actually a front, but he was also someone that was outgoing and charming. Ryan (Seth), as Tess would say, was incisive and straightforward and had a bit of a pessimistic attitude but was also funny. I really liked the dynamic and enjoyed their relationship with one another. As time went on in the book, Spencer and Carys became my favourite characters.

The Lachlan storyline was actually so crazy, and I just as shocked as them because everything Aubrey talked about sounded crazy. I was less shocked because Ryan had already mentioned his suspicions about everything. I just love how Tess decided to take charge of her life because of the near-death experience (putting things in perspective and realising you haven’t lived your life). I hated that train interaction because, from Tess's POV that I was following, I got angry at Ryan.

2019: the 3-year jump was actually frustrating because I was dreading the second-chance romance that was supposed to start unfolding, and I wasn’t looking forward to it. Especially because I knew it was a lack of communication and misunderstanding. I also found it funny (but also made sense) that Tess would write about that life-changing moment in Scotland. Honestly, the writing was really carrying because I found myself laughing at things that were happening because the characters were funny.

2020: when Tess found out that Ryan had gotten married to Gaby, it actually took me some seconds to realise that she was the same person that he was hugging at the train station years back. It was just me wondering when we were going to get the reunion because it has been 4 years?! 💀

2024/2025: This is another part that really pulled me in. I was really pissed at Tess during the New Year’s Eve party because she could have listened to that voice note. Why were they talking in circles instead of communicating straight? I understand that both were trying to save face to appear unaffected, but god, it was frustrating. This is one of the major reasons I can’t get behind second chances; they never communicate well, and it just feels like they should move on at this point. I was honestly questioning how affected they both were about those 2 days, but I felt how impactful it was too.
I was so happy that Spencer and Carys reunited and actually communicated. Another reviewer mentioned that they would have preferred a book about them. I actually agree. They were really interesting characters, and I just loved how it all worked out in the end. Their second-chance romance felt better because it was not from miscommunication but actually because both of them had grown as people.
This still didn’t convince me that the main characters should have 100% been together, but I love how the author does it. Tess finally being brave and remembering what Claire said was so good. I especially loved Spencer’s and Cary's input and shock at finding out that they had a thing since Scotland, the best part about the whole confession. Instead of thinking that this is not good and how I hate this type of romance, I found myself actually laughing and happy that they were finally admitting their feelings because the execution of everything was good.

Overall, I do think after they got together, their communication was better, and I liked how that last chapter showed that. You can see that they want to protect the relationship after all they’ve been through, so they are laying out their fears and feelings. This made it feel different from other second chance romance I’ve read. The main thing is that the story and characters carried the book, not so much the main romance, and that is why I rated it this high.

[Caroline Bertaud · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ten years after discovering Mhairi McFarlane, I can confirm that I remain exactly as hopelessly romantic about her books as I was in 2016.

And once again, she delivered exactly what I came for: characters who feel like actual people, spit-your-drink-out humor, romance that manages to be both swoony and painfully believable, and that particular Mhairi McFarlane ability to make me laugh out loud one minute and unexpectedly emotional the next.

Speaking of 2016: I absolutely adored that part of this book. The four of them meeting, the chemistry between them, the friendships taking shape, the flirting, the possibilities… I was invested. There was something so wonderfully fresh and full of promise about those chapters that I could have happily spent the entire book there. Give me four people at the beginning of a decade of complicated lives, before they know what’s coming, and I’m sold. McFarlane has such a talent for writing friendships that feel messy and affectionate and utterly lived-in, rather than simply existing to provide the heroine with someone to gossip with.

And Ryan. That man… I loved that, in McFarlane fashion, the hero isn’t simply a walking collection of romantic clichés. He’s funny, awkward, complicated and occasionally infuriating, and the chemistry between him and Tess is exactly the kind that makes you want to fall in love with them.

So why only four stars?

Because, as much as I loved the book, I am allergic to the “if only these people had communicated properly, they could have saved themselves approximately ten years of misery” trope. At some point, I stop feeling deliciously frustrated and start wanting to confiscate everyone’s phones and put them in a room together until they TALK. Especially after one of the best first kisses I’ve read. I mean, he does say, “Whether to admit the extent of my feelings and risk finding out they’re not reciprocated, and then I will want to die and things are going to be weird between us for the rest of this trip. Or carry on trying to drop clues and risk you not realizing. Tess, I’m going for option one.” I get people’s insecurities, but those are the words of a man who communicates, dammit!

It didn’t ruin the story for me, but it did make some of the later angst feel a little manufactured, especially when the characters are otherwise so perceptive and emotionally intelligent.

Still, this is Mhairi McFarlane, so even when I’m rolling my eyes at the characters, I’m completely invested in them. Ten years, and she still has me. Four stars, because even lifelong fangirls are allowed to have standards. ❤️

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Collins Publishers, and Mhairi McFarlane for this ARC!

[SunnyMe · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorites from Mhairi Mcfarlane!! There’s a certain method to all of her stories: they start out overwhelming and kind of all over the place, but if you stick it out, you’re in for one of the most feel-good stories you’ll ever read.

This is a story about Tess and Ryan that will be reminiscent to fans of When Harry Met Sally (one of my all time favs). The two meet on a train to a wedding they’re both attending with their best friends. The chaos that ensues on that trip was peak comedy! While all the side characters are interesting in their own right, Tess and Ryan are so lovable. The chemistry is there. The banter is there. But unfortunately, there’s also some miscommunication (the dreaded trope😞). But don’t count it out just yet, because in this story, it works!! The universe is determined to see these two characters connect again and again. We see independent character growth, friendships bloom (loved both sidekicks to these two characters!), and eventually conversations are had.

The miscommunication trope (that I truly despise) works here because they’re not just conversations that are not had because “oops forgot to mention this one thing.” The miscommunication is brought on through each character’s vulnerability and need for self-preservation. I know how that sounds because even in that case, the trope irks me, but trust me in this story it just makes you want to see Tess and Ryan grow and find each other again. Their insecurities are actually quite relatable that they get a pass on the miscommunication.

Mhairi McFarlane is so incredibly good at giving you fully fleshed out characters with nuances. The story address much more than the romance. You see Tess struggle with her career and really find herself while establishing her own principles. Ryan is such a caretaker throughout the story that you yearn for him to do something for himself for once (like Tess 👀).

I took off a star because of two things: one was the title. Although I love it, I wouldn’t call either character a hopeless romantic. They are the most careful romantics I’ve ever read. Throughout the story, I kept thinking back to the title and wondering where it fit. The second thing that contributed to knocking off a star was the last little hurdle in the end. The characters have finally found each other. Conversations have cleared up any misunderstandings. Then BAM. Characters have self-doubts. It gave the feeling I get with third-act breakups (another loathsome trope 🤢). It didn’t last long, but throwing that in there at the very end felt so unnecessary, and I was a little annoyed.

But truly, what a wonderful story with such relatable characters! I enjoyed reading this so much! Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC!!

[MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hopeless Romantics by Mhairi McFarlane gave me anxiety, but, like, in a good way?

A few years ago I ready everything by Mhairi McFarlane that I could get my hands on. I love her writing and storytelling and characters. I was so excited to get this ARC because I haven't read anything by her in a while and wanted to remember why I love her books so much.

Hopeless Romantics follows Tess and Ryan over the course of 10 years, after they meet on a train (each with best friend in tow) on a weekend trip to Scotland.

The first half of the story is about this weekend trip - which was quite a trip. It was good groundwork for getting to know all the characters. They were put in situations that showed who they were at the time. Over the second half of the book you get to see how they grow up, the different decisions they make, and how this one weekend away help to change their way of thinking.

The story is in 3rd person, but follows Tess's perspective as she navigates her life. Meeting Ryan on that weekend trip made her think of things differently, why she has trouble forming long lasting romantic relationships, and set her on a course to be successful with her writing. We learn about Ryan's journey more toward the end as he reconnects with Tess, and learn that he, too, was changed by their weekend together. A lot of their interactions and journey are moved forward by their two best friends, Spencer and Carys, who were also on that trip and force our main characters into situations together. As side characters they also go on their own journey, which I loved. And, of course, their is Lachlan. The reason for the trip that changed them all.

I largely love this story. The writing was great. The end really pulled on my heartstrings. Ryan and Tess were so perfect for each other. My anxiety while reading was knowing that it spanned 10 years, and our main characters would not be together that whole time. I think my only criticism was the choice the author made as to why they didn't speak. I wouldn't really call it a miscommunication... it was more totally lack of any communication and both characters lack of self confidence. It truly was a situation where one text could've changed their lives.

Overall though, I really love the story and highly recommend it to anyone looking for something romantic with lots of pining and longing and character growth. It reminded me why I love Mhairi's writing so much!

4.75/5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this eARC!

[Obsidian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book via NetGalley. This did not impact my rating or review. 

I got nothing. The first part of this book when Tess and Ryan are in their 20s and meet with their messy/hilarious friends on their way to a wedding was great. And then there was a side story that never really gets resolved. But mostly this book is about how Tess and Ryan fell for each other and then over the course of 10 plus years kept meeting and things never worked out with regards to timing. And I think if the book had stuck to that, I would have loved it. But I am realizing that the book unfortunately just keeps the story on Tess mostly and we hear about her thoughts on Ryan or they email, etc. and there's nothing there. I wanted there to be. And then the ending was just so odd. We in essence get to what you is a HEA (Happily Ever After) but it has to be dragged out with more conversation and I was baffled that McFarlane did it since it just makes you go so should we be rooting for them or nah?

Hopeless Romantics follows Tess and her best friend Carys as they catch a train to a university friend's wedding in Scotland. They end up meeting the only two passengers on the train it seems, Spencer and Ryan. Spencer and Carys get on like a house on fire. But Tess feels resentful of the intrusion. And she's dealing with a fight with her long-term boyfriend Joel too. But despite all of that, Tess and Ryan start to like each other and Tess finds herself ready to move on with her life after a life changing incident. And from there, she's ready for the next thing, but finds out her being ready for Ryan doesn't mean the timing is going to work.  

Can I say this upfront? I wish the book had focused on Spencer and Carys since they were more exciting to me than Tess and Ryan. I kept wanting to know more about them both instead of the book info dumps we were getting here and there about them. Tess's life to me felt/read boring. We know she had relationships, but they all apparently are colorless when compared to her time with Ryan. And as I said above, I loved how the foursome met, got along, but I just didn't buy what came after really. It be different if they hadn't both moved on with others and with jobs, etc. And Tess's job as a writer and trying to write a screenplay about what happened in Scotland years earlier was boring. Reading about finding her truth would have met more if maybe there were any lasting lessons about it. I think McFarlane wrote this book one way, but in the end, did a forced HEA that didn't feel earned or real. 

[CrazyCatLadyReadsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tess is a writer… well, she wants to be anyway, and she is a complete hopeless romantic (same girl!) Her best friend Carys thinks maybe Tess is too romantic though?
Then they meet Spencer (happy-go-lucky) and his wingman Ryan (who is a bit quieter) whilst travelling on a sleeper train to a wedding. Carys joins in the fun with the champagne drinking, but Tess is a bit more reluctant. Tess can’t deny however, that there is definitely a spark of attraction between her and Ryan.
Is it true that one person, one weekend or just one choice can completely change your life?

The Pros:
1) The romance. No further details as I think it’s a spoiler!
2) The friendships: both between Tess and Carys, and Spencer and Ryan are really sweet and fun. Friendship goals.
3) There are different timelines in the book.
4) I always love when there is a writer in a story
5) The ending

The Cons:
1) There are sadder parts and dark aspects
2) The miscommunication was a bit frustrating at times.

The Quotes:

1) Pepsi, the chocolate Ragdoll, had joined the family five years ago, amid voluble objection from their father. Since then, their dad had made it clear that Pepsi has become dearer to him than either of his children.

2) ‘...but I must advise you, as someone with decades on you, this is what behaving courageously is like. It doesn’t feel good while you are doing it. It feels good later. Cowardice feels easier at the time, and worse later.’

The Summary:
I love a story by Mhairi. She is so eloquent with her words and her writing is on another level. One of my favourite things about Hopeless Romantics is not only the romance (of course) but the friendships. Tess and Carys had such a lovely chemistry as BFFs, as did Spencer and Ryan. I liked how the story was told in different timelines/points of their lives. I was definitely shocked at one incident in the book, but it really shaped the narrative. One thing I did find a bit frustrating at times, was the miscommunication, but the ending was great and I loved seeing how everything wrapped up.

Summed up in a sentence?:
Friends Tess and Carys, Spencer and Ryan, meet on a train to a wedding

I rated the book 4 stars!

Please note as this is an advanced copy, changes before publication may occur.

A big thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Dieuwke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Harper Collins for the ARC - it did not bias my review

What a FAB read - why ever did I consider only 4 stars because it's romance? It's a Mhairi McFarlane and even on the scale of Mhairi McFarlane it ought to be a 5 star read.

So, why did I love it so much? I waited an entire day with this review to make sure I wouldn't be writing it based on vibes only, but VIBES definitely is one of the reasons this book gets all the stars.
Two friends, Carys and Tess, board a sleeper train from London to Inverness to attend the lavish old-money wedding of their friend "Lucky", whom they know from uni. Carys takes no hostages, and has all the looks, Tess is more introverted, but they share a sense of humour and are throughout the book, best friends.
I love that. Yay for female friendships that are never on the line.
They meet two guys also heading to said wedding.

I shan't be spoiling too much plot, as another reason I loved this book is the plot, which took turns and explored alleys I had NOT expected, interspersed with some seriously decent thoughts & observations, but after a near traffic accident which kills the upcoming driver, Tess breaks with her (horrible) boyfriend of four years, and quits her job, deciding to live.

The many references to Pride & Prejudice made me keep an eye open for similarities, which was fun, but if you've never heard of Jane Austen and/or have never read P&P this book is still absolutely readable.

Anyway, we follow Tess (and with that, Carys) in the ten years that follow - another kudos because they absolutely stay Tess and Carys, but grow from twenty-somethings to 38 year olds in completely plausible ways. (I really appreciated the fact that Covid-years were casually in the book, not sure if that says anything about me, or another thumbs up to the author - probably just the latter).
It's a proof of McFarlane's writing that her midtwenties- protagonists are as believable and relatable as her nearing-fourty protagonists. Also, I did not know I enjoyed reading about those years creeping towards 40 as much as I did.


(Gosh, if only I could spoil some of the "WTF?!?" plot twists)

Out February 2027

I received an Advance Reader Copy, my review is unprompted, honest, and mine.

[Aylin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mhairi McFarlane delivers once again a laugh-out loud funny and yet introspective novel, which is an absolute must read!

Tess and her best friend, Carys, travel north on a sleeper train, where they meet Spencer and the more reserved Ryan. What begins as a chance encounter soon leads to unexpected connections, but a life-changing event in Scotland forces them to confront their lives and futures in ways they never imagined.

One of the things I admire most about McFarlane is her ability to create characters who feel incredibly real. She isn't afraid to write flawed people, and I think that's exactly why they're so easy to connect with. Her characters make mistakes, second-guess themselves but they're also deeply introspective and inherently kind. They feel fully formed, dynamic, and genuinely human.

She also has a remarkable way of writing friendships. The friendship between Tess and Carys, and Ryan and Spencer, feels authentic, messy at times, but unwavering in all the ways that matter.

Tess, in particular, completely won me over. Her feelings of being stuck in life, unfulfilled in both her career and relationship, yet unable to make the changes she knows she needs, felt incredibly relatable. Watching her perspective shift after the life-changing event was both emotional and inspiring. It serves as a reminder that we never really know what life has in store, and that meaningful change only begins when we're willing to take the first step ourselves. At the same time, the story never suggests that deciding to change magically fixes everything. We can't outrun our insecurities or the parts of ourselves we'd rather avoid; eventually, we have to face them.

McFarlane’s wit is another reason I keep coming back to her books. One moment you'll be laughing out loud at a perfectly timed joke, and the next she'll hit you with a line so insightful that you have to pause and sit with it.
She truly is an exceptional writer and an all-time favorite.

Thank you to HarperFiction for providing me with an earc in exchange for an honest review.

Hopeless Romantics is out on February 11th 2027, which still is a while, but this way you have something incredible to look forward to!

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

While travelling to a friend's wedding, Tess meets Spencer, and there is an immediate spark. A life-changing event pushes Tess to make some life changes. We follow Tess over the years following trying to make her career dreams come true, while finding herself back in Spencer's orbit throughout the years.

The banter in this book is wonderful; I love all the characters and how they change over the years. You really see the change between them being in their 20s and through to their 40s. I loved the whole first section set in Scotland, setting up the "event" and the fallout of it. The secondary characters were fun too and obviously contrasted the main characters' love story, having their own second-chance romance. I think because we were in Tess' POV, her constant thinking the worst of people (especially Spencer) could get frustrating. The miscommunication is all over this; that may annoy some readers. I did get a little frustrated in moments (the New Year's Eve party especially!), but it's a trope in the genre. I get it!
Tess's journey is mostly around her career and figuring out what she wants from that perspective. I like that she becomes more self-aware to understand the compromises she is unwilling to make as she ages through the book.
The romance takes a back seat for chunks of the book, it becoming more about Tess' self-discovery. The part Spencer talked about seeing her life in "jump cuts" and it hurting him, Mhairi can hurt my heart so well!
Spencer being so passive in his love life and falling into relationships, I really found that interesting in the male lead. Having an abusive relationship, you can see the outcome of that in his behaviour in future relationships, including friendships. He's so thoughtful and considerate, where he may come off rude, but really he's protecting himself. I really felt the final chapter in my heart where he explained his anxiety around not feeling good enough.

This is a wonderfully written book; its romantic parts are lovely, and I was shipping the two main characters throughout! Get it together, both of you :)

[Shannon Hickey · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the Advanced Copy in exchange for an honest review!

This was my first Mhairi McFarlane novel, and I have to say I was impressed by how smart and clever her writing is! The dialogue is fast-paced and witty, with funny moments that had me laughing out loud. I could definitely feel the chemistry between the main characters, and I enjoyed their banter. The supporting cast was another highlight for me. Each character had their own quirks and personality, making them memorable and adding to the story. I also loved the opening scenes in Scotland. McFarlane did a great job of bringing the scenery to life, and immersing the reader into the novel.

Where the book started to lose me, unfortunately, was with the dreaded miscommunication trope. This is one of my least favorite romance schticks, and I found myself getting frustrated with how much of the conflict stemmed from the characters not talking to each other. For two people who otherwise seemed quite mature, their tendency to consistently jump to conclusions felt a bit immature and realistic. It unfortunately also affected the pacing, with the story dragging in the middle.

To be a slightly contradictory on the writing, while I genuinely appreciated how sharp and witty the dialogue was, there were moments when it almost felt "too clever". Some of the exchanges went completely over my head, and I occasionally found myself getting lost in the dialogue rather than enjoying it (though some of that might be because I am not Scottish and missed references) but it did take me out of the story at times.

Overall, I enjoyed this one and can certainly appreciate McFarlane’s witty dialogue, memorable characters, and genuinely funny moments. However, as much as I enjoyed the chemistry between the leads, I struggled to fully invest in their love story when so much of the conflict could have been resolved through a simple conversation? Combined with the uneven pacing, it ultimately kept me from finding it excel.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tess Crosby and her best friend Carys meet a pair of strangers, Spencer and Ryan, on a sleeper train ride from London to Inverness for a friend's wedding. They show up with a bottle of champagne, one boisterous the other thoughtful, and settle in for the ride. It turns out that they're attending the same wedding and toasts are exchanged to the serendipity. When they arrive in Scotland, they learn that the wedding has been called off, but the groom, Lachy, is still there and still ready to show his mates a good time, until the absolutely unexpected happens, and everyone starts thinking about their lives a little differently.

I never know where a book by Mhairi McFarlane is going, but I can always count on it to deliver keen insights into love, friendship, and human nature. In some ways, it's hard to write a review of a book by Mhairi, because the entire experience is about the journey of the story, and the way she chooses to tell it. Her pacing is different from most other authors I read, and I approach her books knowing to expect the end to feel very different from the beginning. I also always know to hang on to any questions until the end, because she'll always stick the landing.

When I think about the miscommunication trope, especially in a contemporary romance, I think about the frustrations of a couple avoiding communication even though they are together. In the case of Tess and Ryan, the miscommunication is because everything feels too new, too deep, too full of potential to ruin, and then suddenly time and space is between them. It isn't precisely forgivable, but it's messy and realistic. It's easy to see how the one-who-got-away gets away. The way Mhairi approaches her storytelling allows her to deeply analyze how miscommunication impacts a character, and in turn her relationships.

Thank you to Avon for an eARC. Hopeless Romantics is out 2/16/2027.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review the ARC of this book.

4.25 stars

This book. I don’t know where to start with my feelings about it. I hadn’t read any of Mhairi’s books before, though she had been on my “authors to look for” list. I was excited to get approved for this ARC!

First of all, this book is not a rom-com; I’m not sure which boom the other reviewers, who described it this way, actually read. This book is a drama, with a few funny/witty lines; it’s not even a dramedy. I am not a fan, to put it mildly, of the miscommunication trope in books, or in life. This story went beyond miscommunication. It was more lack of communication and I honestly did not have warm feelings for Tess because of it. Ryan shared in that. but since the book was more from her point of view, I’m going to lay the blame at her feet. I felt the middle was too long. Too many years passed in the middle with nothing of our main storyline/romance happening. Although I don’t love dual-POV romances, in this case, I would have liked glimpses of Ryan’s side. In the end, I was left with a knot in my stomach (I guess that’s good when an author makes you feel something) that honestly didn’t completely feel like it resolved. I feel unsettled, thus 4.25 stars and not 5.

I would, however, love to read a story/book about the whole
entire saga, from Spencer and/or Carys’ perspective… Or Lachlan’s!

Mhairi’s writing style, her phrasing, her word choices, all feel like they could be from an older/previous era. You have to slow down to get what some sentences are saying (more commas could help at times). I found myself re-reading sentences, paragraphs, even whole pages, as I felt like I was missing something or misunderstanding. It had a literary vibe to it. At first, I was entranced with this style, but to be honest, it got tedious by the last quarter of the book.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for this ARC in exchange for an honest and independent review.

Queen Mhairi delivers once again, this time with what may be one of her sweetest and most unabashedly romantic books yet.

I’m going to remain deliberately vague since Hopeless Romantics is still many months away from publication, but it has everything I come to Mhairi for: wit, emotional perceptiveness, complicated people making very human choices, and secondary characters who feel like they have entire lives beyond the page.

This was excruciatingly angsty in the best way, though it occasionally tested my patience. Still, I remained fully invested and desperate for everything to work out.

The Pride and Prejudice references were an absolute delight. As someone who already treats the 1995 miniseries as a regularly scheduled appointment, I did not need Mhairi giving me another excuse to rewatch it, but she has nevertheless succeeded.

This felt a little lighter on the deep exploration of the heroine’s upbringing or past that I often associate with Mhairi’s books. I would happily have spent even more time inside her head and learning about the experiences that shaped her beyond the central relationship, because that introspection is usually one of my favorite parts of Mhairi’s writing. Still, there was plenty of insight and growth here.

And my goodness, was it romantic. Warm, tender, and genuinely sweet, this felt like Mhairi leaning further toward capital-R Romance—and I was very happy to follow her there. There is one line in particular that may be among the loveliest and most romantic things she has ever written.

Not quite an all-time Mhairi favorite for me (Who's That Girl? will always be the greatest in my eyes), but still clever, heartfelt, thoroughly enjoyable, and incredibly easy to love.

[Jessica Bright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy!!

This book follows our main character, Tess, who goes on a train with her best friend, Carys, and they meet another pair of best friends, Spencer and Ryan. They discover that they're heading to the same wedding and we follow these four on their weekend where they form relationships and go through a tragic incident together. This book follows our main character over the course of a decade, with the first weekend taking up around half of the book. I didn't realize this would be the format and I think it only worked for me because I love McFarlane's writing and storytelling so much. I loved how the first weekend meeting took up around half of the book because that was my favorite section. I absolutely love McFarlane's writing and I love how her books are focused on friendships as equally as the romance. In terms of the conflict, I was happy when the first timeline ended because I was thinking how there wouldn't be the miscommunication trope. I appreciated how Spencer made sure to clarify who this girl was so that Tess knew it wasn't Ryan's ex. However, the fact that it continued to be a miscommunication between Ryan and Tess over the years wasn't my favorite. At the same time, I did appreciate the conversation of "I was expecting you to reach out" and "If you wanted to, you would've reached out" because that is real. So even though it can be annoying, I do think it's relatable argument. I think Just Last Night is my favorite by her, then Hopeless Romantics, and then Cover Story. This one reminded me a bit of Into The Blue but I enjoyed this one better because I became invested in all of the characters. I will still pick up every book she writes. 4 stars!