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Včerejší noci
Eve už roky tajně miluje Eda, jednoho ze svých nejlepších přátel. Zní to sice jako scénář hloupého romantického filmu, ale je to pravda.
I když je Ed zadaný, ona věří, že jsou si souzeni a mají být spolu. Tedy – věřila. Pak jedna jediná událost otřese přes noc celou partou jejich přátel a odhalí pečlivě střežená tajemství, která je ukazují v úplně novém světle.
A Eve neví, komu věřit.
I když je Ed zadaný, ona věří, že jsou si souzeni a mají být spolu. Tedy – věřila. Pak jedna jediná událost otřese přes noc celou partou jejich přátel a odhalí pečlivě střežená tajemství, která je ukazují v úplně novém světle.
A Eve neví, komu věřit.
376 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2021
3871 people are currently reading
132269 people want to read
About the author
Mhairi McFarlane
37 books11.1k 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 8,294 reviews
February 5, 2021
I wish I'd written this, but then again, I don't think I could stand to give up the chance to read it, having no idea what was going to happen. Be warned, if you're a sensitive sap like me, this might be a gutwrenching read for you, but it's also SO worth it. I absolutely adored this. Mhairi McFarlane's voice is like no one else's.
June 3, 2024
You’re not ready to hear me (not stop) talk(ing) about this book.
March 10, 2023
WHAT A GREAT READ - I WAS IMPRESSED!
. . . . . .
Mhairi McFarlane has always made me laugh till my ribs ached. She's given us enchanting heroines who take no verbal prisoners and who bravely pick themselves up off the floor after life (and occasionally a straying lover) have metaphorically tossed them there. McFarlane's magic with words has enchanted me and often left me "stood there, slack-jawed," as she herself might have said once or twice.
But I don't think I have ever been reduced to tears by any of her previous novels - and I have read every one of them! Every expression of loss and bereavement in Just Last Night came across as painfully authentic. I was moved time and again by each new experience without Susie that would send daggers of grief through Eve's heart. But when some of Susie's darkest secrets are revealed, Eve's rage knows no bounds. "Emotional roller coaster" is too mild a description for what Eve goes through: Eve is now angry AND grieving the loss of her best friend.
Eve did us proud in that scene where she finally has her say about whether the remaining members of their gang could ever survive and move on now that the "truth" was out. (Oh, and that "Friends with drawbacks" line was priceless!) And don't get me started on all those verbal gems McFarlane used to describe Eve's epiphany: "Ed didn't choose this moment, he's using this moment."
Finlay's backstory, when we finally got to hear it, jolted me like a bolt of electricity. He was the voice of reason that no one would listen to. Evie was not afraid to cross swords with him, but even she had to admit: "I have amateur hour tangoed with an absolute ballroom professional here. His analysis is a series of controlled explosions."
I really enjoyed this emotionally engrossing story. In previous novels, McFarlane's heroines never seemed to want to venture further than their specific corners of the world. Big points to Eve for wanting to broaden her horizons - no spoilers here! You should definitely read this book for yourself and see if the gang somehow survived and managed to win at the game of life (and that darned pub quiz!)
Ending on a high note: the very last chapter reminded me of the final scene in Steven Soderbergh's Sex, Lies and Videotape... very fitting!
I highly, highly, highly recommend this very wonderful novel, by one of my favourite authors. Well done!
N.B. Just picked up a Kindle ebook copy for $3.99! Not sure if this is a sale, but I scooped it up. (Posted July 15/2021)
Eve in her younger days:
. . . . . . . . . . .
That dress she wore to dinner with Finlay: PERFECT!
. . . . .
AUDIOBOOK - P.S. I read the e-book edition back in mid-May but I started missing the wonderful characters so much that I ordered the audiobook from my local library. Really excellent narration by Maya Saroya. (I must confess that I replayed some sections of the cd's twice! Just so awwwwworthy!)
I really enjoy McFarlane's wit, intelligence and wry sense of humour. Hopefully I can find a few more of McFarlane's audiobooks. So entertaining while you slog away at work! I highly recommend this audiobook: very well done!)
. . . . . .
Mhairi McFarlane has always made me laugh till my ribs ached. She's given us enchanting heroines who take no verbal prisoners and who bravely pick themselves up off the floor after life (and occasionally a straying lover) have metaphorically tossed them there. McFarlane's magic with words has enchanted me and often left me "stood there, slack-jawed," as she herself might have said once or twice.
But I don't think I have ever been reduced to tears by any of her previous novels - and I have read every one of them! Every expression of loss and bereavement in Just Last Night came across as painfully authentic. I was moved time and again by each new experience without Susie that would send daggers of grief through Eve's heart. But when some of Susie's darkest secrets are revealed, Eve's rage knows no bounds. "Emotional roller coaster" is too mild a description for what Eve goes through: Eve is now angry AND grieving the loss of her best friend.
Eve did us proud in that scene where she finally has her say about whether the remaining members of their gang could ever survive and move on now that the "truth" was out. (Oh, and that "Friends with drawbacks" line was priceless!) And don't get me started on all those verbal gems McFarlane used to describe Eve's epiphany: "Ed didn't choose this moment, he's using this moment."
Finlay's backstory, when we finally got to hear it, jolted me like a bolt of electricity. He was the voice of reason that no one would listen to. Evie was not afraid to cross swords with him, but even she had to admit: "I have amateur hour tangoed with an absolute ballroom professional here. His analysis is a series of controlled explosions."
I really enjoyed this emotionally engrossing story. In previous novels, McFarlane's heroines never seemed to want to venture further than their specific corners of the world. Big points to Eve for wanting to broaden her horizons - no spoilers here! You should definitely read this book for yourself and see if the gang somehow survived and managed to win at the game of life (and that darned pub quiz!)
Ending on a high note: the very last chapter reminded me of the final scene in Steven Soderbergh's Sex, Lies and Videotape... very fitting!
I highly, highly, highly recommend this very wonderful novel, by one of my favourite authors. Well done!
N.B. Just picked up a Kindle ebook copy for $3.99! Not sure if this is a sale, but I scooped it up. (Posted July 15/2021)
Eve in her younger days:
. . . . . . . . . . .
That dress she wore to dinner with Finlay: PERFECT!
. . . . .
AUDIOBOOK - P.S. I read the e-book edition back in mid-May but I started missing the wonderful characters so much that I ordered the audiobook from my local library. Really excellent narration by Maya Saroya. (I must confess that I replayed some sections of the cd's twice! Just so awwwwworthy!)
I really enjoy McFarlane's wit, intelligence and wry sense of humour. Hopefully I can find a few more of McFarlane's audiobooks. So entertaining while you slog away at work! I highly recommend this audiobook: very well done!)
March 18, 2021
Beware when you start reading Mhairi McFarlane's latest novel, you are going to have a hard task putting it down until it is finished. You can't have a much better recommendation than this in a story of navigating friendships, loss, grief, secrets, abuse, and personal relationships. Quirky 34 year old goth, Eve Harris's best friend since primary school has been the unstoppable, sardonic and witty Susie, their circle expanding at sixth form with the addition of the organised and supportive Ed Cooper, and the gay, irreverent clown, taboo breaking Justin. The group could not have been closer in the years since then, coming together for their weekly pub quiz evenings at The Gladstone on Thursdays, never winning but that has never been the purpose of their evenings together.
This time has been a bittersweet experience for Eve, she has been in love with Ed throughout the years whilst he has been with his girlfriend, Hester, for all that time, a Hester that has never been liked by any of them. After a painful and despairing night in which Ed and Hester get engaged, a devastating tragedy has Eve breaking apart, laid low with an unbearable grief that she cannot see beyond, how can she possibly begin to reconstruct her life? In a box of journals and letters Eve comes to acquire, she inadvertently finds herself reading a letter and learns a secret that rocks the world as she knows it. She may not yet be aware, but this secret is to open the path to come to terms with her grief, understand her flawed friends and herself better, see perhaps that Susie's perspectives and thoughts might not always have been accurate, and ultimately welcome the entry of someone in her life she has not seen for some time, resulting in a surprising change in her perception of who she is and shift the entire direction of her life.
McFarlane is shaping into a writer of great emotional depth, sparkling humour and wit, and with the capacity to create and develop charismatic characters that feel so authentically real and who have issues that will resonate with almost all of us, having either experienced them personally or become acquainted with them through family and close friends. This is a beautifully written and enchanting read, it's not often I say this, but I liked almost every character with one of the exceptions being Susie's dementia suffering father after what is revealed near the end of the book. This is the perfect escapist read for our times, although I should warn that you might need tissues, there could well be tears. Highly recommended. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
This time has been a bittersweet experience for Eve, she has been in love with Ed throughout the years whilst he has been with his girlfriend, Hester, for all that time, a Hester that has never been liked by any of them. After a painful and despairing night in which Ed and Hester get engaged, a devastating tragedy has Eve breaking apart, laid low with an unbearable grief that she cannot see beyond, how can she possibly begin to reconstruct her life? In a box of journals and letters Eve comes to acquire, she inadvertently finds herself reading a letter and learns a secret that rocks the world as she knows it. She may not yet be aware, but this secret is to open the path to come to terms with her grief, understand her flawed friends and herself better, see perhaps that Susie's perspectives and thoughts might not always have been accurate, and ultimately welcome the entry of someone in her life she has not seen for some time, resulting in a surprising change in her perception of who she is and shift the entire direction of her life.
McFarlane is shaping into a writer of great emotional depth, sparkling humour and wit, and with the capacity to create and develop charismatic characters that feel so authentically real and who have issues that will resonate with almost all of us, having either experienced them personally or become acquainted with them through family and close friends. This is a beautifully written and enchanting read, it's not often I say this, but I liked almost every character with one of the exceptions being Susie's dementia suffering father after what is revealed near the end of the book. This is the perfect escapist read for our times, although I should warn that you might need tissues, there could well be tears. Highly recommended. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
September 30, 2021
after the hiccup with my first MM book and learning to go into her novels not expecting romance, this was a completely different experience, and one for the better.
again, the cover and tagline are misleading. they scream second chance romance, but this is not that. this is about how a tragic accident shakes the foundation of a strong friend group, not only because of the loss, but because of a secret it unearths. its about grief, people showing their true colours, acceptance and forgiveness, and finding the strength to move on. life is very much the focus of this story, not romance.
filled with british humour, a mini-road trip, and some heavy/deep topics of real life, this is story that covers a full range of emotions. still wish the romance was explored more, but for a chick-lit/womens fiction novel, its right on the mark.
↠ 3.5 stars
again, the cover and tagline are misleading. they scream second chance romance, but this is not that. this is about how a tragic accident shakes the foundation of a strong friend group, not only because of the loss, but because of a secret it unearths. its about grief, people showing their true colours, acceptance and forgiveness, and finding the strength to move on. life is very much the focus of this story, not romance.
filled with british humour, a mini-road trip, and some heavy/deep topics of real life, this is story that covers a full range of emotions. still wish the romance was explored more, but for a chick-lit/womens fiction novel, its right on the mark.
↠ 3.5 stars
October 1, 2022
Lol I thought this was something completely different I WAS KRISSED SO HARD.
My book says:
"Two best friends. One missed chance. One night that changes everything"
So I obviously thought "Omg friends to lovers with maybe an unrequited crush but now we find out both love each other"
Jokes on you because that it not what happened.
I was on page 60 when I started crying.
Then I felt betrayed.
Then I hated every character.
Then I realized that this is women's fiction.
Then I was even more confused on what was happening.
Then the book was over.
My book says:
"Two best friends. One missed chance. One night that changes everything"
So I obviously thought "Omg friends to lovers with maybe an unrequited crush but now we find out both love each other"
Jokes on you because that it not what happened.
I was on page 60 when I started crying.
Then I felt betrayed.
Then I hated every character.
Then I realized that this is women's fiction.
Then I was even more confused on what was happening.
Then the book was over.
June 15, 2021
Perfect balance of humor and depth with very authentic writing!
I absolutely LOVED this book! It's like McFarlane was born to write this, she did such an outstanding job.
The characters were so relatable.
The plot was interesting and the romance was sweet and natural, with no 'STEAMY' included (or needed) to make it engaging 💛
I absolutely LOVED this book! It's like McFarlane was born to write this, she did such an outstanding job.
The characters were so relatable.
The plot was interesting and the romance was sweet and natural, with no 'STEAMY' included (or needed) to make it engaging 💛
July 13, 2024
So many lines in this book felt like she either spent hours meticulously editing them to perfection or she was just born with a brain that can craft something like this because????
I felt this book in my SOUL. When y’all see me talking about this for the rest of my days…ALLOW ME THAT RIGHT! So beautifully done and now I need to go read the rest of her books.
FIVE STARS ACROSS THE BOARDDDD
I felt this book in my SOUL. When y’all see me talking about this for the rest of my days…ALLOW ME THAT RIGHT! So beautifully done and now I need to go read the rest of her books.
FIVE STARS ACROSS THE BOARDDDD
May 29, 2021
A heart-breaking, and yet uplifting tale of friendship, love, forgiveness and loss
Eve Harris and her three best mates Susie, Justin and Ed have known each other since they were young, and are really close. Except Eve is secretly in love with Ed, who is engaged to someone else.. Eve isn't the only one keeping secrets though, and then one night, their lives are drastically changed forever.
I loved this buddy read, all of us were really engaged and invested in Eve's story, which was an addictive page turner! However, we were woefully underprepared for the heart-break and devastation! We often stayed up too late reading, messaging each other in real time, constantly bouncing ideas, thoughts and feelings off one and other 💛💙
This was my third book by Mhairi McFarlane, so I thought I was ready for an emotional but fun rom-com, but I wasn't prepared to cry so much, feel such despair, anger and grief! Last Night was significantly darker and grittier than her last book (If I Never Met You). It was at times painfully hard to read, and was also more about friendships, rather than a steamy rom-com.
Nevertheless, there was some great British banter, a good ol' pub quiz, a jaunt to Edinburgh, some cute animals, and flawed, real characters, some of whom I loved, and some not so much... The book was full of messy families, friendships and secrets. It was a bit of a surreal experience actually, because this was set in Nottingham, West Bridgford to be exact, and I lived there for 4 years when I was a student! I remember some of the landmarks mentioned, such as the Trent Bridge cricket ground, so that brought back some nostalgia.
The writing was engrossing, with some great moments of humour, and I adored getting to know Eve and her friends.
Eve, I adored! It felt like she was directly telling me her story down the pub, or over a cuppa. She was such a loyal friend, so trusting and funny, and yet her life felt like it was a bit on hold, despite what she tried to tell herself. Eve was trapped in her cycle of unrequited love, and it made me think, if 'the event' hadn't happened, would she still be stuck doing that? Probably, and sadly yes! However, the event did happen, and Eve changed, she went on a journey of self discovery, showing such rawness and vulnerability. Her character growth was huge, as she began to recognise her naivety, her reluctance to move on from the past and her blindness to certain things. Ah I just loved her and wanted to reach into the pages to give her a hug!
The other girls felt that Eve forgave too easily, and part of me agrees, but part of me liked it? These friendships were very old, and the characters felt like real people, who made and owned real mistakes. Sometimes they all behaved appallingly, but they all had real issues and they hurt each other and themselves, which I thought felt very true to real life. None of the friendships turned out to be perfect, each had their problems, but they were still strong and lasting. I guess by the end, because Eve was to forgiving, accepting and generous, then I found myself feeling forgiving too.
Despite us thinking this was a romance, there was fairly little romance. There was some in the second half of the book, but I wanted a bit more of it! I felt like we had only just begun to see a glimpse of the romantic potential, and then the book wrapped up! Besides that though, this book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions, and I'm still not over it..
So would I recommend this? Absolutely! But don't come looking for a happy rom-com, and definitely bring some tissues! 🤗🤗🤗🤗
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buddy read with Aoife, Kim, Jess and other Fran 💃
Eve Harris and her three best mates Susie, Justin and Ed have known each other since they were young, and are really close. Except Eve is secretly in love with Ed, who is engaged to someone else.. Eve isn't the only one keeping secrets though, and then one night, their lives are drastically changed forever.
I loved this buddy read, all of us were really engaged and invested in Eve's story, which was an addictive page turner! However, we were woefully underprepared for the heart-break and devastation! We often stayed up too late reading, messaging each other in real time, constantly bouncing ideas, thoughts and feelings off one and other 💛💙
This was my third book by Mhairi McFarlane, so I thought I was ready for an emotional but fun rom-com, but I wasn't prepared to cry so much, feel such despair, anger and grief! Last Night was significantly darker and grittier than her last book (If I Never Met You). It was at times painfully hard to read, and was also more about friendships, rather than a steamy rom-com.
Nevertheless, there was some great British banter, a good ol' pub quiz, a jaunt to Edinburgh, some cute animals, and flawed, real characters, some of whom I loved, and some not so much... The book was full of messy families, friendships and secrets. It was a bit of a surreal experience actually, because this was set in Nottingham, West Bridgford to be exact, and I lived there for 4 years when I was a student! I remember some of the landmarks mentioned, such as the Trent Bridge cricket ground, so that brought back some nostalgia.
The writing was engrossing, with some great moments of humour, and I adored getting to know Eve and her friends.
Eve, I adored! It felt like she was directly telling me her story down the pub, or over a cuppa. She was such a loyal friend, so trusting and funny, and yet her life felt like it was a bit on hold, despite what she tried to tell herself. Eve was trapped in her cycle of unrequited love, and it made me think, if 'the event' hadn't happened, would she still be stuck doing that? Probably, and sadly yes! However, the event did happen, and Eve changed, she went on a journey of self discovery, showing such rawness and vulnerability. Her character growth was huge, as she began to recognise her naivety, her reluctance to move on from the past and her blindness to certain things. Ah I just loved her and wanted to reach into the pages to give her a hug!
The other girls felt that Eve forgave too easily, and part of me agrees, but part of me liked it? These friendships were very old, and the characters felt like real people, who made and owned real mistakes. Sometimes they all behaved appallingly, but they all had real issues and they hurt each other and themselves, which I thought felt very true to real life. None of the friendships turned out to be perfect, each had their problems, but they were still strong and lasting. I guess by the end, because Eve was to forgiving, accepting and generous, then I found myself feeling forgiving too.
Despite us thinking this was a romance, there was fairly little romance. There was some in the second half of the book, but I wanted a bit more of it! I felt like we had only just begun to see a glimpse of the romantic potential, and then the book wrapped up! Besides that though, this book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions, and I'm still not over it..
So would I recommend this? Absolutely! But don't come looking for a happy rom-com, and definitely bring some tissues! 🤗🤗🤗🤗
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buddy read with Aoife, Kim, Jess and other Fran 💃
January 27, 2021
Eve Harris, aging Goth (well, she’s 34) has been in love with Ed Cooper for sixteen years but he’s with Hester who no one in their tight knit group especially likes. Her life is stalled from job to love until one night when their lives are shattered.
As a writer Mhairi McFarlane had me at hello but for me this is her best book yet. Although this book deals extremely well with difficult events being somewhat darker in tone than her other novels, her lively, engaging writing style and humour are never far below the surface. I love the way it’s written with witty Eve talking to the reader which makes you feel her emotional turmoil more deeply. All the characters are well developed but I particularly like Eve as she very individual, clever, funny, you just know she’d be great company at the pub, she’s loyal and kind. The friendship of Susie, Eve, Ed and Justin is something to envy. Their dialogue is smart, laugh out loud, sardonic and ironic with some sadness at times. There are several jaw droppers as Eve goes on an emotional journey of self discovery taking the reader through a range of emotions. I really like the 180 we do on Susie's brother Finlay who is nothing like you imagine as he reveals his secrets and we come understand family rifts. There’s a lovely feline character going by the grand name of Roger Piecrust Harris and a chihuahua/Yorkie cross called Leonard! I greatly enjoy the ‘Trip’ to Nottingham and the suburb I was born in near the famous cricket ground and the journey to Edinburgh with Fin and Eve is probably the closest I’ll get to ‘Auld Reekie’ this year so big thanks for that!! I really like the pop culture and film references which keep appearing throughout and add a fun element to the storytelling.
Overall, I love this book. It transports you, takes you away from the now (massive thank you) and gives you some thoughtful but fun hours in lovely company.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Harper Collins, Harper Fiction for the much appreciated arc for an honest review.
As a writer Mhairi McFarlane had me at hello but for me this is her best book yet. Although this book deals extremely well with difficult events being somewhat darker in tone than her other novels, her lively, engaging writing style and humour are never far below the surface. I love the way it’s written with witty Eve talking to the reader which makes you feel her emotional turmoil more deeply. All the characters are well developed but I particularly like Eve as she very individual, clever, funny, you just know she’d be great company at the pub, she’s loyal and kind. The friendship of Susie, Eve, Ed and Justin is something to envy. Their dialogue is smart, laugh out loud, sardonic and ironic with some sadness at times. There are several jaw droppers as Eve goes on an emotional journey of self discovery taking the reader through a range of emotions. I really like the 180 we do on Susie's brother Finlay who is nothing like you imagine as he reveals his secrets and we come understand family rifts. There’s a lovely feline character going by the grand name of Roger Piecrust Harris and a chihuahua/Yorkie cross called Leonard! I greatly enjoy the ‘Trip’ to Nottingham and the suburb I was born in near the famous cricket ground and the journey to Edinburgh with Fin and Eve is probably the closest I’ll get to ‘Auld Reekie’ this year so big thanks for that!! I really like the pop culture and film references which keep appearing throughout and add a fun element to the storytelling.
Overall, I love this book. It transports you, takes you away from the now (massive thank you) and gives you some thoughtful but fun hours in lovely company.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Harper Collins, Harper Fiction for the much appreciated arc for an honest review.
May 6, 2021
This was an odd reading experience for me, tbh. I was really excited to pick this up because I really enjoyed the last Mhairi McFarlane book I read, but unfortunately I didn't enjoy this one quite as much. I went into this one wanting a romance, but it ended up being more of a story about grief and loss (which is fine!!! but it just wasn't what I wanted out of this) and it didn't really work for me the way that I was hoping it would. While this wasn't necessarily for me, if you enjoy a harder-hitting plot alongside your romance, you will probably really enjoy this one and I recommend checking it out!
CW: death of a loved one, dementia, cheating
CW: death of a loved one, dementia, cheating
July 23, 2025
your girl has been feeling slumpy (for reading and writing reviews) so hopefully this br with dawn for our mhairi mcfarlane-athon will get me out!!
May 3, 2021
I'll just pick this up to kill an hour or two before dinner', she thought. 'That's all. Just dip my toe in and then read the rest later or tomorrow.. '
.. fast forward to four hours later when I have not even moved from the couch. I swear. No pee breaks, no food, nada. I love that feeling. Also I should've known better because not only is it me but it's also a McFarlane book.
Is my face covered in tears? Yes. Was this exactly what I (even limited #NoBlurber that I am) thought it would be? Nope. Did I love it anyway? Obviously.
This feels like the most McFarlane book to McFarlane since I read DON'T YOU FORGET ABOUT ME in 2019. I've experimented with some of the author's backlist, read her most recent release, and now this one. But this is the closest I've got to that all-consuming feeling I first had a few years ago upon discovering this author. If you've read her before, you know exactly what I mean.
I'm honestly without any kind of words. I'm just feelings. I laughed, I cried, I did both some more, and mostly I just marveled at how good she is at creating complicated messes that don't feel like someone who is contriving to write about complicated messes. It feels like eavesdropping on real lives, people you sort've know, and are therefore invested in. No perfect specimens, no uncomplicated situations. Just real.
I still have a few McFarlane's to dip into but in looking back through my memories of what I have read I think where I waffle is sometimes I'm just not into the romance element. I'm here for the wit, the biting truthbombs, and the friendships, but sometimes I'm not sold on the romance. I do still think DON'T YOU FORGET ABOUT ME tops the chart, even in that respect, but this was the closest I've had since. And just, overall, I loved every single thing about it, too.
If you've yet to try this author you absolutely must.
Full review to come.
** 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.
.. fast forward to four hours later when I have not even moved from the couch. I swear. No pee breaks, no food, nada. I love that feeling. Also I should've known better because not only is it me but it's also a McFarlane book.
Is my face covered in tears? Yes. Was this exactly what I (even limited #NoBlurber that I am) thought it would be? Nope. Did I love it anyway? Obviously.
This feels like the most McFarlane book to McFarlane since I read DON'T YOU FORGET ABOUT ME in 2019. I've experimented with some of the author's backlist, read her most recent release, and now this one. But this is the closest I've got to that all-consuming feeling I first had a few years ago upon discovering this author. If you've read her before, you know exactly what I mean.
I'm honestly without any kind of words. I'm just feelings. I laughed, I cried, I did both some more, and mostly I just marveled at how good she is at creating complicated messes that don't feel like someone who is contriving to write about complicated messes. It feels like eavesdropping on real lives, people you sort've know, and are therefore invested in. No perfect specimens, no uncomplicated situations. Just real.
I still have a few McFarlane's to dip into but in looking back through my memories of what I have read I think where I waffle is sometimes I'm just not into the romance element. I'm here for the wit, the biting truthbombs, and the friendships, but sometimes I'm not sold on the romance. I do still think DON'T YOU FORGET ABOUT ME tops the chart, even in that respect, but this was the closest I've had since. And just, overall, I loved every single thing about it, too.
If you've yet to try this author you absolutely must.
Full review to come.
** 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.
July 23, 2025
★彡 4 stars 彡★
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈ The Mhairi-McFarlane-Magic(for the sake of alliteration) is at work again and lord knows how much I wanna roll over my floor AND sing kumbaya AND adopt a cat just to name him M&M (•̀ᴗ•́ )و
Me being a loon aside, Just Last Night is the kind of book that you’re bound to have the easiest time reading. It’s slow and soothing, but moves you along the way like you’re floating through it. It’s witty and intellectual in prose but so darn consumable that it should be lowkey illegal. It’s simple in trope-work but delivers you all the sharp twists and turns you want to keep going.
All of that said, I consumed this book and buddy-reading with darling Ashley only made this slump-breaker of a movement more epic ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ
𑁍ࠬܓ ᏖᏒᎧᎮᏋᏕ ᏗᏖ ᏇᎧᏒᏦ 𓇢𓆸
𖧧 Goth X Gatsby
𖧧 Best Friend’s Brother
𖧧 Found Family & Friendship
𖧧 Grief Over Losing A Loved One
𖧧 Parental Abuse
𖡼.𖤣𖥧 ᎷᎩ ᏖᏂᎧᏬᎶᏂᏖᏕ 𖡼.𖤣𖥧
: ̗̀➛ 🅣🅗🅔 🅢🅣🅞🅡🅨 & 🅣🅗🅔 🅕🅔🅔🅛🅢: A tightly-knit friend-group, the kind that has been going strong for years is what we’re introduced to. Eve, Susie, Justin and Ed think they know the other like the back of their hands, so a series of events tests them in appropriate measures. Enter bottled up feelings, not-so-unrequited love and secret betrayals into the show!and don’t forget the classic backstage romance with the mystery boi ~
If I’m going to be honest, I had many gripes with how some things were handled and if it weren’t for that this story could’ve easily scored a 4.5 rating. This includes devili-fying Hester, Ed’s girlfriend. While yes, I do see the logic of our FMC having a big crush on Ed and Ed’s girlfriend in question being a jerk of a lady by default on top? I do think the way it was handled was the tiniest bit unfair to Hesterand that Ed didn’t suffer enough but I’ll get on to it!.
Now that I’ve toed the nasty bit away, let me just say: was this book laced with drugs of some kind? I might be the tiniest bit high, still. The plot was so neatly woven that it was one big thing after another and I was left reeling and shocked every five seconds. The drama had me on the edge of my seat, throughout ×͜×
: ̗̀➛ 🅔🅥🅔🅛🅨🅝 🅗🅐🅡🅡🅘🅢: Someone get this Goth queen a crown because since when do authors strike the perfect balance between steely and soft? Evelyn was full of character, her monologues always full of life and her as a protagonist really helped the story’s case. She never let anyone step on her and just get away with it (Enter that dude Zack with the eww manbun, Ed AND Fin). Especially, how she called Ed out on his manipulative behaviour.
Like, this used to be a girl, smitten. But this was also a girl who stood her ground. She didn’t go easy on him, and she took her sweet time avenging herself and there is NOTHING more satisfying to me than than a girl speaking out her rights and highlighting his wrongs.
: ̗̀➛ 🅕🅘🅝🅛🅐🅨 🅗🅐🅡🅣: Eve’s best friend Susie is rumoured to have a wanker of a brother. In the sense that: He’s cold and heartless and eats babies for breakfast. He’s all sharp angles and deadly glares… he’s THE unapproachable Finlay Hart *accent for the T in Hart*… from the moment he was introduced in the flashback segment of them as kiddy-kids I was dead-gone on himeww, I sound like a pedo ᐠ( ᐛ )ᐟ. Something about his meanness paired with rolled up sleeves and vintage watches really worked for me, what can I say?
THE CHEEKBONES THE CHEEKBONES THE CHEEKBONES OH LORD
Now, a fair warning to those who are about to go into this book expecting tons of romance: DON’T. Romance is probably the subtlest side plot in both of these Mhairi McFarlane books that I’ve tried. Her formula is lots of women’s fiction wrapped in a single pretty bow of healthy romance. It’s going to be small but substantial, and so much more worth appreciating (ᴗ_ ᴗ。)
Did I mention his cheekbones?! (≖⩊≖)
: ̗̀➛ 🅔🅓 🅦🅗🅐🅣🅔🅥🅔🅡-🅣🅗🅔-🅗🅔🅒🅚-🅗🅘🅢-🅛🅐🅢🅣-🅝🅐🅜🅔-🅘🅢: Get this boy jailed. Executed. Disemboweled? ◝(ᵔᗜᵔ)◜
: ̗̀➛ 🅗🅤🅜🅞🅡: This book is easily the funniest shit I’ve ever read in my entire life. Yes, I’m up for hyperboles cuz it’s that hilarious. It’s not funny in the forced way fiction these days is- but so packed in laugh-out-loud moments in that organic way we all love. A weak point for the book because I was accused of having a seizure one too many times (˵ ¬ᴗ¬˵)
»»——★ fιnαℓ тнσυgнтѕ ★——««
➳ I’ll remember you, and I’ll write sonnets about you for you broke my monstrous slump ♡
｡･ﾟ♡ﾟ･｡｡･ﾟ♡ﾟ･｡
“This is how it feels in the split second you suddenly become aware that you’re falling in love with someone. The click of a jigsaw’s last piece, the rainfall of coins in a jackpot slot machine, the right song striking up and your being swept away by its opening bars. That conviction of making complete sense of the universe, in one moment. Of course. You’re where I should be. You’re here.”
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈ The Mhairi-McFarlane-Magic
All of that said, I consumed this book and buddy-reading with darling Ashley only made this slump-breaker of a movement more epic ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ
𑁍ࠬܓ ᏖᏒᎧᎮᏋᏕ ᏗᏖ ᏇᎧᏒᏦ 𓇢𓆸
𖧧 Goth X Gatsby
𖧧 Best Friend’s Brother
𖧧 Found Family & Friendship
𖧧 Grief Over Losing A Loved One
𖧧 Parental Abuse
𖡼.𖤣𖥧 ᎷᎩ ᏖᏂᎧᏬᎶᏂᏖᏕ 𖡼.𖤣𖥧
: ̗̀➛ 🅣🅗🅔 🅢🅣🅞🅡🅨 & 🅣🅗🅔 🅕🅔🅔🅛🅢: A tightly-knit friend-group, the kind that has been going strong for years is what we’re introduced to. Eve, Susie, Justin and Ed think they know the other like the back of their hands, so a series of events tests them in appropriate measures. Enter bottled up feelings, not-so-unrequited love and secret betrayals into the show!
If I’m going to be honest, I had many gripes with how some things were handled and if it weren’t for that this story could’ve easily scored a 4.5 rating. This includes devili-fying Hester, Ed’s girlfriend. While yes, I do see the logic of our FMC having a big crush on Ed and Ed’s girlfriend in question being a jerk of a lady by default on top? I do think the way it was handled was the tiniest bit unfair to Hester
Now that I’ve toed the nasty bit away, let me just say: was this book laced with drugs of some kind? I might be the tiniest bit high, still. The plot was so neatly woven that it was one big thing after another and I was left reeling and shocked every five seconds. The drama had me on the edge of my seat, throughout ×͜×
: ̗̀➛ 🅔🅥🅔🅛🅨🅝 🅗🅐🅡🅡🅘🅢: Someone get this Goth queen a crown because since when do authors strike the perfect balance between steely and soft? Evelyn was full of character, her monologues always full of life and her as a protagonist really helped the story’s case. She never let anyone step on her and just get away with it (Enter that dude Zack with the eww manbun, Ed AND Fin). Especially, how she called Ed out on his manipulative behaviour.
“I’m sure you can see why I think I’m worth more than someone who spent sixteen years making up his mind about whether I was worth the hassle.”
Like, this used to be a girl, smitten. But this was also a girl who stood her ground. She didn’t go easy on him, and she took her sweet time avenging herself and there is NOTHING more satisfying to me than than a girl speaking out her rights and highlighting his wrongs.
: ̗̀➛ 🅕🅘🅝🅛🅐🅨 🅗🅐🅡🅣: Eve’s best friend Susie is rumoured to have a wanker of a brother. In the sense that: He’s cold and heartless and eats babies for breakfast. He’s all sharp angles and deadly glares… he’s THE unapproachable Finlay Hart *accent for the T in Hart*… from the moment he was introduced in the flashback segment of them as kiddy-kids I was dead-gone on him
Now, a fair warning to those who are about to go into this book expecting tons of romance: DON’T. Romance is probably the subtlest side plot in both of these Mhairi McFarlane books that I’ve tried. Her formula is lots of women’s fiction wrapped in a single pretty bow of healthy romance. It’s going to be small but substantial, and so much more worth appreciating (ᴗ_ ᴗ。)
: ̗̀➛ 🅔🅓 🅦🅗🅐🅣🅔🅥🅔🅡-🅣🅗🅔-🅗🅔🅒🅚-🅗🅘🅢-🅛🅐🅢🅣-🅝🅐🅜🅔-🅘🅢: Get this boy jailed. Executed. Disemboweled? ◝(ᵔᗜᵔ)◜
: ̗̀➛ 🅗🅤🅜🅞🅡: This book is easily the funniest shit I’ve ever read in my entire life. Yes, I’m up for hyperboles cuz it’s that hilarious. It’s not funny in the forced way fiction these days is- but so packed in laugh-out-loud moments in that organic way we all love. A weak point for the book because I was accused of having a seizure one too many times (˵ ¬ᴗ¬˵)
»»——★ fιnαℓ тнσυgнтѕ ★——««
➳ I’ll remember you, and I’ll write sonnets about you for you broke my monstrous slump ♡
｡･ﾟ♡ﾟ･｡｡･ﾟ♡ﾟ･｡
June 18, 2021
So this may not have been the Rom-com I thought it was but that is more than okay because I thought this was spectacular!
Four best friends (Eve, Susie, Ed, & Justin) that have shared a bond for many years have their lives implode when one of them is accidentally killed. I was moved to tears on many occasions while reading this but there were light moments and humor to alleviate the sadness. I grew to love these characters, flaws and all. Eve is a friend that everyone should have in their life. I adored her so much and was rooting for her to find happiness through her grief. There is a romance to be had here even though it doesn't take place until the last half of the book and I was all for it. I turned the final page with glistening eyes and a smile on my face. What more could I ask for? 4 stars!
Four best friends (Eve, Susie, Ed, & Justin) that have shared a bond for many years have their lives implode when one of them is accidentally killed. I was moved to tears on many occasions while reading this but there were light moments and humor to alleviate the sadness. I grew to love these characters, flaws and all. Eve is a friend that everyone should have in their life. I adored her so much and was rooting for her to find happiness through her grief. There is a romance to be had here even though it doesn't take place until the last half of the book and I was all for it. I turned the final page with glistening eyes and a smile on my face. What more could I ask for? 4 stars!
March 27, 2025
Buddy read with justine ⊹ ࣪ ˖
I have never had a book make me physically put it down just to sit there and think before. On top of that, it got my book buddy and I deep in conversation about it. The writing was so beautiful. I was highlighting like a madwoman—literally ran my highlighter dry 😭 The friendship aspect really made us reflect on our own past and present, and this entire read scratched an itch I didn’t even know I had.
Mhairi McFarlane just gets it, the emotions, the humor, the gut punches, and I loved every second of it
I have never had a book make me physically put it down just to sit there and think before. On top of that, it got my book buddy and I deep in conversation about it. The writing was so beautiful. I was highlighting like a madwoman—literally ran my highlighter dry 😭 The friendship aspect really made us reflect on our own past and present, and this entire read scratched an itch I didn’t even know I had.
Mhairi McFarlane just gets it, the emotions, the humor, the gut punches, and I loved every second of it
April 10, 2023
I was absolutely overjoyed when I realized there would be a new book by one of my favorite rom-com writers. With good reason; This book was amazing, with lively characters, funny dialogues, beautiful language and a wonderful story. The sadness of it all, was cushioned by the warmth and love from empathic people.
June 15, 2021
3 stars
When I saw reviews for this book I kept seeing things like 'enemies to lovers' and 'super emotional' and as someone who loves books with all the feels and the enemies to lovers, troupe I thought YES. This is the book for me. Honestly, I was so hyped up for this romance only to find out that it wasn't much of a romance at all. It was so late into the story and the first half (or more) was only about grief and secrets. It wasn't a bad book and maybe if I would have known it was more womens fiction and not been expecting a romance I would have enjoyed it more. I did like the hero and heroine and some of the side characters as well. I enjoy Mhairi McFarlene's writing and the second half of the book was much stronger than the first for me, but this just wasn't what I was looking for.
When I saw reviews for this book I kept seeing things like 'enemies to lovers' and 'super emotional' and as someone who loves books with all the feels and the enemies to lovers, troupe I thought YES. This is the book for me. Honestly, I was so hyped up for this romance only to find out that it wasn't much of a romance at all. It was so late into the story and the first half (or more) was only about grief and secrets. It wasn't a bad book and maybe if I would have known it was more womens fiction and not been expecting a romance I would have enjoyed it more. I did like the hero and heroine and some of the side characters as well. I enjoy Mhairi McFarlene's writing and the second half of the book was much stronger than the first for me, but this just wasn't what I was looking for.
Audio book source: Libby (library borrow)
Story Rating: 3 stars
Narrator: Maya Saroya
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Womens fiction
Length: 10h 46m
September 6, 2021
I went in expecting it to be a romcom but it was not so. It was about friendship, and getting to know people and realizing that sometimes they are not as you thought them to be. No character was memorable for me and found it hard to connect with any of them. They were just so selfish.
It was not for me.
It was not for me.
April 9, 2021
So I actually won this in a GoodReads giveaway. I know, right!!! She's a favorite author anyway, so I was thrilled when this showed up in time to be my birthday read, so I spent pretty much the entire day I took off work reading it and was engaged the entire time. Happy Birthday to me, indeed.
This is very much chick-lit and I was afraid for much of it that the romance would be disappointing; if it showed up at all because at about two-thirds I still had no indication if/who could plausibly play a romantic role with Eve (without being bitterly disappointing). And since it's a tight single-PoV that mattered.
And I worried about the heavy hand of grief that dominates the story, as well. We know from the blurb as well as a short After section that starts the book that perfectly illustrates Eve's devastation. So that hangs over the first third of the story as we jump back to Before and see their tight-knit friend group in their strength and glory. Eve is extremely tightly tied to all three of her best friends, so knowing it would end in tragedy could easily have overpowered the story. Further, this is exactly the kind of thing I have little tolerance for. And I mean both the deep grief and the foreshadowing casting a pall over the story.
Only McFarlane handles it so deftly that I was completely engrossed the entire way. I loved getting to know the friends. I loved the hints that Eve was a bit too naïve in her acceptance of at least some of them. And I loved that there were problematic aspects of almost all those relationship dynamics but without weakening the reality or strength of them. This is so powerfully done that McFarlane earns all her kudos, I think.
And I don't want to give anything away, and spoiler-tagging wouldn't really be adequate (it'd be either too much or too little). So I think I'll stop there more-or-less. I'll say that I was perfectly satisfied with the resolution of this story on all levels. Eve's personal growth is outstanding, but so is the growth in her friends. The romantic fall-out was everything it needed to be. In short, it came together strongly in every way I was aware of. So yeah, all the stars.
A note about Chaste: I was so caught up in the story that I can't remember if there was an actual steamy scene. I don't think there was. There's a non-sexual nearly-nude scene (the him, not the her) and an almost-sex-scene that gets aborted for reasons. So I think it was probably chaste?
This is very much chick-lit and I was afraid for much of it that the romance would be disappointing; if it showed up at all because at about two-thirds I still had no indication if/who could plausibly play a romantic role with Eve (without being bitterly disappointing). And since it's a tight single-PoV that mattered.
And I worried about the heavy hand of grief that dominates the story, as well. We know from the blurb as well as a short After section that starts the book that perfectly illustrates Eve's devastation. So that hangs over the first third of the story as we jump back to Before and see their tight-knit friend group in their strength and glory. Eve is extremely tightly tied to all three of her best friends, so knowing it would end in tragedy could easily have overpowered the story. Further, this is exactly the kind of thing I have little tolerance for. And I mean both the deep grief and the foreshadowing casting a pall over the story.
Only McFarlane handles it so deftly that I was completely engrossed the entire way. I loved getting to know the friends. I loved the hints that Eve was a bit too naïve in her acceptance of at least some of them. And I loved that there were problematic aspects of almost all those relationship dynamics but without weakening the reality or strength of them. This is so powerfully done that McFarlane earns all her kudos, I think.
And I don't want to give anything away, and spoiler-tagging wouldn't really be adequate (it'd be either too much or too little). So I think I'll stop there more-or-less. I'll say that I was perfectly satisfied with the resolution of this story on all levels. Eve's personal growth is outstanding, but so is the growth in her friends. The romantic fall-out was everything it needed to be. In short, it came together strongly in every way I was aware of. So yeah, all the stars.
A note about Chaste: I was so caught up in the story that I can't remember if there was an actual steamy scene. I don't think there was. There's a non-sexual nearly-nude scene (the him, not the her) and an almost-sex-scene that gets aborted for reasons. So I think it was probably chaste?
May 27, 2021
I was not emotionally prepared for this book..the 🖤 is still active and no tears were shed, but I think it hit a little too close to home in places and I was perhaps in shutdown/self-preservation mode when others might tear up 🙈
Absolutely addictive BR experience with the glorious GR gal pals - I am so glad we decided to give this a whirl even if we did not quite know what we were getting ourselves into 😣
So addictive that every thought went into our Group chat & not a single update made it to GR...I think I was too 😱 - I do not know when that last happened to me!
PLZ DO NOT let the cutesy cover or blurb fool you - this book hit way harder than any of us anticipated when we decided on a last minute whim to pick it up. This is not a straight up romance & challenges the "nice guy" stereotype highlighting questionable behaviour which can be overlooked and I was here for the dressing down this character got when called on their BS. I had never read a book by Mhairi McFarlane before but am deffo curious to check out some of her back-catalogue now that I have an inkling for the kind of stories she tells & the characters she creates. Hopefully I'll be better prepared after this one 🤗
There were entertaining humorous moments + exchanges between the friends & I was 100% here for mid-thirties MCs finding one another 🥰
However I was utterly blindsided by the loss hinted at in the prologue and many of the friendship revelations kept me off-kilter for much of the read which made for somewhat sadder times as I am usually all in for the side characters. Thankfully some pulled through for Eve by the end but I am not sure I would be as forgiving of others!
The ending wrapped up a little too quickly + neatly for me & I would have liked to learn more about the love interest...we barely scratch the surface with him yet he brought so much to the table that I felt could have been way more explored. What made him fall for her? 🤷♀️
Despite not being remotely near the steamy romcom read I thought I was picking up I am very glad to have shared the reading experience with such wonderful friends as we metaphorically held each other's hands, mused and theorised trying to suss where this was going, who we could trust/believe and generally wth we had picked up 😅
3.5-4* read as eventho it blindsided me the writing was solid & ya can't beat British bants between buds. Not the books fault we didn't quite know what we were getting in to & the feelz it would trigger
******** "Pre-review" ********
Impromptu Goodreads Gal Pals group read - Take 4...maybe not planning ahead will be our magic sauce 🤗
Kimster, Fran, Jess & Franlopedia - I am excite and have no idea what this is about other than yay alternate timelines storytelling 🙃
PS - no idea why I thought there would alternating timelines 🤦♀️
Absolutely addictive BR experience with the glorious GR gal pals - I am so glad we decided to give this a whirl even if we did not quite know what we were getting ourselves into 😣
So addictive that every thought went into our Group chat & not a single update made it to GR...I think I was too 😱 - I do not know when that last happened to me!
PLZ DO NOT let the cutesy cover or blurb fool you - this book hit way harder than any of us anticipated when we decided on a last minute whim to pick it up. This is not a straight up romance & challenges the "nice guy" stereotype highlighting questionable behaviour which can be overlooked and I was here for the dressing down this character got when called on their BS. I had never read a book by Mhairi McFarlane before but am deffo curious to check out some of her back-catalogue now that I have an inkling for the kind of stories she tells & the characters she creates. Hopefully I'll be better prepared after this one 🤗
There were entertaining humorous moments + exchanges between the friends & I was 100% here for mid-thirties MCs finding one another 🥰
However I was utterly blindsided by the loss hinted at in the prologue and many of the friendship revelations kept me off-kilter for much of the read which made for somewhat sadder times as I am usually all in for the side characters. Thankfully some pulled through for Eve by the end but I am not sure I would be as forgiving of others!
The ending wrapped up a little too quickly + neatly for me & I would have liked to learn more about the love interest...we barely scratch the surface with him yet he brought so much to the table that I felt could have been way more explored. What made him fall for her? 🤷♀️
Despite not being remotely near the steamy romcom read I thought I was picking up I am very glad to have shared the reading experience with such wonderful friends as we metaphorically held each other's hands, mused and theorised trying to suss where this was going, who we could trust/believe and generally wth we had picked up 😅
3.5-4* read as eventho it blindsided me the writing was solid & ya can't beat British bants between buds. Not the books fault we didn't quite know what we were getting in to & the feelz it would trigger
******** "Pre-review" ********
Impromptu Goodreads Gal Pals group read - Take 4...maybe not planning ahead will be our magic sauce 🤗
Kimster, Fran, Jess & Franlopedia - I am excite and have no idea what this is about other than yay alternate timelines storytelling 🙃
PS - no idea why I thought there would alternating timelines 🤦♀️
March 21, 2021
The worst thing about this book is that it took me only three hours to read it. After waiting over a year to get my paws on a new Mhairi McFarlane treasure, you would think I would try to make this one last—savoring it, stretching it out over a few days, at the very least—knowing full well that I wouldn't be getting another one for at least another year. But nope. I'm just not wired that way. And trust me, you won't be able to put Just Last Night down either. This is Mhairi at her very best.
A quick aside: Do not read the Publishers Weekly review of this book (the one on the B&N website) unless you want to be semi-spoiled. Not only does it reveal who exactly is killed—something that is left intentionally vague in the official synopsis and isn't revealed until the ~20% mark—but it also makes it fairly obvious to anyone with half a brain what the "life-changing" secret is that Eve (the MC) learns upon said friend's death (which, again, the reader doesn't discover for him/herself until halfway through the book). I was actually so sure that a major review—let alone one advertised on a bookseller's website—wouldn't be so free with the spoilers that I had half-convinced myself that it was intentional misdirection on their part to throw the reader off the scent. As it turns out, that was not the case; they were just careless.
A quick aside: Do not read the Publishers Weekly review of this book (the one on the B&N website) unless you want to be semi-spoiled. Not only does it reveal who exactly is killed—something that is left intentionally vague in the official synopsis and isn't revealed until the ~20% mark—but it also makes it fairly obvious to anyone with half a brain what the "life-changing" secret is that Eve (the MC) learns upon said friend's death (which, again, the reader doesn't discover for him/herself until halfway through the book). I was actually so sure that a major review—let alone one advertised on a bookseller's website—wouldn't be so free with the spoilers that I had half-convinced myself that it was intentional misdirection on their part to throw the reader off the scent. As it turns out, that was not the case; they were just careless.
February 9, 2023
You know what’s better than picking up a romance book in February? Picking up a book you think is going to be a romance book that ends up being sooooooo much more. I’ve enjoyed Mhari McFarlane enough that as soon as I see one of her titles I automatically want it. No blurb reading necessary whatsoever. At the start, things seemed like they were going to go in one direction . . .
My Best Friend’s Wedding might’ve been a funny film but relieving its plot doesn’t feel funny in the slightest.
But I’m so happy to report this was not your typical tired trope.
Since I went into this one blind, I’m going to keep this real short and sweet and not spoil things for any of the rest of you (especially as I’ve just read the actual book blurb and the storyline isn’t spelled out there either). If you enjoy stories about friend groups, simply know that Eve, Justin, Susie and Ed are probably people you would like to hang out with in real life – be aware that the romance is simply a blip on the radar – have a hankie ready if you are not a robot and can have actual human feelings – and also be prepared to chuckle a time or two . . .
“Was it me, or was there some hateration and holleration in this dancery?”
I’m dubbing this genre the romdramedy and I absolutely adore it. Every Star.
My Best Friend’s Wedding might’ve been a funny film but relieving its plot doesn’t feel funny in the slightest.
But I’m so happy to report this was not your typical tired trope.
Since I went into this one blind, I’m going to keep this real short and sweet and not spoil things for any of the rest of you (especially as I’ve just read the actual book blurb and the storyline isn’t spelled out there either). If you enjoy stories about friend groups, simply know that Eve, Justin, Susie and Ed are probably people you would like to hang out with in real life – be aware that the romance is simply a blip on the radar – have a hankie ready if you are not a robot and can have actual human feelings – and also be prepared to chuckle a time or two . . .
“Was it me, or was there some hateration and holleration in this dancery?”
I’m dubbing this genre the romdramedy and I absolutely adore it. Every Star.
June 1, 2022
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This is the fifth novel that I have read by Mhairi McFarlane and it is her best one yet. I said this in my review for her previous novel, If I Never Met You, but McFarlane is always improving as a writer. While Last Night presents readers with her trademark blend of humor of realism, the tone of the narrative sets it apart from the author's previous novels. Rather than focusing on a character coming to terms with a breakup—as with It’s Not Me, It’s You, Don't You Forget About Me, and If I Never Met You—Last Night centers around grief. The beginning of the novel informs us that our narrator and protagonist have lost someone close to her but we do not who or how until further down the storyline which looks back to the time before this loss. Eve, Justin, Susie, and Ed have been best friends since they were in school and are now navigating their thirties together, still as closer as ever. Eve's feelings towards Ed however may be more than friendly which is not easy given that he has a girlfriend. After 'that night', this group of friends is no longer the same, and Eve discovers that perhaps they did not know each other, as well as they'd thought.
Last Night captures in painful clarity Eve's grief and sorrow. Throughout the course of the novel, Eve is forced to confront how her life has irrevocably changed. Not only did she lose one of the people she loved most in the world but to discover that that person was hiding something big from you only complicates matters. I found Eve's narrative to be compellingly introspective, and McFarlane depicts her feelings and emotions with great empathy. I really appreciated that the story focused on forgiveness and on nuanced characters capable of change. The humor was a bit less PG than her previous novels and it honestly made the story and the characters all the authentic. The romance here takes the backseat to Eve's character growth, and in some ways, it made those more romantic scenes all the sweeter. Also, at last, this novel avoids the unnecessary 'miscommunication' that always seems to happen in this genre. Then, to be fair, unlike McFarlane other books, I would not call Last Night a romcom (even if it has both romance and comedy).
I loved the cultural references, even if many of those references were lost on me, and the story's strong sense of place. Also, I am a sucker for stories with road trips and this had one so...
I thought that this was a very moving and funny story that definitely resonated with me. I loved the themes the author explored in this story and I was sad to reach the last page. McFarlane has truly outdone herself.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the fifth novel that I have read by Mhairi McFarlane and it is her best one yet. I said this in my review for her previous novel, If I Never Met You, but McFarlane is always improving as a writer. While Last Night presents readers with her trademark blend of humor of realism, the tone of the narrative sets it apart from the author's previous novels. Rather than focusing on a character coming to terms with a breakup—as with It’s Not Me, It’s You, Don't You Forget About Me, and If I Never Met You—Last Night centers around grief. The beginning of the novel informs us that our narrator and protagonist have lost someone close to her but we do not who or how until further down the storyline which looks back to the time before this loss. Eve, Justin, Susie, and Ed have been best friends since they were in school and are now navigating their thirties together, still as closer as ever. Eve's feelings towards Ed however may be more than friendly which is not easy given that he has a girlfriend. After 'that night', this group of friends is no longer the same, and Eve discovers that perhaps they did not know each other, as well as they'd thought.
Last Night captures in painful clarity Eve's grief and sorrow. Throughout the course of the novel, Eve is forced to confront how her life has irrevocably changed. Not only did she lose one of the people she loved most in the world but to discover that that person was hiding something big from you only complicates matters. I found Eve's narrative to be compellingly introspective, and McFarlane depicts her feelings and emotions with great empathy. I really appreciated that the story focused on forgiveness and on nuanced characters capable of change. The humor was a bit less PG than her previous novels and it honestly made the story and the characters all the authentic. The romance here takes the backseat to Eve's character growth, and in some ways, it made those more romantic scenes all the sweeter. Also, at last, this novel avoids the unnecessary 'miscommunication' that always seems to happen in this genre. Then, to be fair, unlike McFarlane other books, I would not call Last Night a romcom (even if it has both romance and comedy).
I loved the cultural references, even if many of those references were lost on me, and the story's strong sense of place. Also, I am a sucker for stories with road trips and this had one so...
I thought that this was a very moving and funny story that definitely resonated with me. I loved the themes the author explored in this story and I was sad to reach the last page. McFarlane has truly outdone herself.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2021
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
Wow. Just wow. This was so good. Probably because it went in unexpected places. I thought I was getting set up for one romance, but another one swooped in and it felt right and I loved it. I also loved that the main character, Eve, realizes that she deserves and needs more out of her whole unrequited love thing. I thought that all of the characters in this one, Eve, Susie, Justin, Ed, and Fin, were very developed. I didn't want this one to end at all and re-read it twice already.
"Just Last Night" follows 30 something Eve and her three friends, Ed, Susie, and Justin, at their regular Thursday quiz night. Eve finds herself thinking of her ex, who has immigrated to America and is now married with a child. She starts to wonder again about her almost relationship with Ed and what could have been. When Ed's longtime girlfriend pops up and crashes their night, it sets in motion things that are going to change the group of four forever.
No spoilers here for readers, but have some tissues standing by people. I cried a bit. With the world the way it is and for some of us who lost people due to COVID or other things this past year, this book will slap you in the feels. It goes into a lot of things I think which will cause you to stop and think. McFarlane walks you through first love, unrequited love, death, loss of parents, and even new love.
Eve is a heroine that I found myself rooting for from beginning to end. "Just Last Night" not only shows you loss, but also secrets that are kept not only from Eve, but from other people as well. I liked the fact that you don't really know what's going on with other people, and how things revealed, even if long ago, can still burn.
Since this is told in the first person, via Eve, you do get to see her character developed, but you also get to see some changes to others like Ed and even Fin.
What a great book and it just has me wanting to re-read McFarlane's backlist again.
Wow. Just wow. This was so good. Probably because it went in unexpected places. I thought I was getting set up for one romance, but another one swooped in and it felt right and I loved it. I also loved that the main character, Eve, realizes that she deserves and needs more out of her whole unrequited love thing. I thought that all of the characters in this one, Eve, Susie, Justin, Ed, and Fin, were very developed. I didn't want this one to end at all and re-read it twice already.
"Just Last Night" follows 30 something Eve and her three friends, Ed, Susie, and Justin, at their regular Thursday quiz night. Eve finds herself thinking of her ex, who has immigrated to America and is now married with a child. She starts to wonder again about her almost relationship with Ed and what could have been. When Ed's longtime girlfriend pops up and crashes their night, it sets in motion things that are going to change the group of four forever.
No spoilers here for readers, but have some tissues standing by people. I cried a bit. With the world the way it is and for some of us who lost people due to COVID or other things this past year, this book will slap you in the feels. It goes into a lot of things I think which will cause you to stop and think. McFarlane walks you through first love, unrequited love, death, loss of parents, and even new love.
Eve is a heroine that I found myself rooting for from beginning to end. "Just Last Night" not only shows you loss, but also secrets that are kept not only from Eve, but from other people as well. I liked the fact that you don't really know what's going on with other people, and how things revealed, even if long ago, can still burn.
Since this is told in the first person, via Eve, you do get to see her character developed, but you also get to see some changes to others like Ed and even Fin.
What a great book and it just has me wanting to re-read McFarlane's backlist again.
April 26, 2025
Just Last Night
⤷ ⭑⭑⭑⭑.𝟳𝟱
── .✦ Eve cherishes her deep-rooted friendship with childhood friends Suzie, Ed, and Justin, so much that they eagerly anticipate their lively weekly pub nights filled with laughter and stories. When an unexpected tragedy strikes, it sends a shock through their close-knit group, forever changing the course of their lives and testing the strength of their bond in ways they never imagined.
what a solid reading experience with bb ashlyn ♡ but let's address the elephant in the room first.. we were fooled by the cover and tagline. we came in blind and expected a romantic comedy between 'the ones that got away' so what do you mean this was a story about grief and loss instead??
i couldn't help be in awe of how Mhairi McFarlane's lyrical writing. it drew me in so deeply that i found myself highlighting a sentence or two in every chapter—96 highlights in total. i was truly engrossed, struggling to put the book down even when i needed to (work).
our main character, Eve, is flawed and questionable at times, which makes her an unreliable narrator. however, i enjoyed following her journey as she navigates grief, longing, and sorrow after her other half leaves her world entirely.
seeing her friend group experience a dramatic shift as long-buried secrets resurface, casting shadows over their relationships. the heavy weight of unspoken truths and the unsettling feeling of unanswered questions lingers over her. Mhairi beautifully captured the problematic elements within relationship dynamics without diminishing the deep friendship they had itself.
not everyone maintains ties with old friendships. as emphasized in the group, long-standing friends may know a different version of you than the person you want to become. when you think about it, friendships are like anchors; you have to decide if they are weighing you down and whether you need to cut the rope or lift it to move on to the next destination. this serves as a powerful reminder that everything is temporary. despite the complexities we face, we have the ability to change our course and navigate the challenges ahead.
** some spoilers below **
there was a quote that caught my attention: “No one gets a reputation by accident.” this saying revolves around another character we meet in the story, Fin, a character whom everyone prejudiced. Susie hates her brother, which influences how we feel about him, but as the story progresses, we learn that there is more to him than meets the eye.
overall, Ashlyn and I had a great time picking up our first-ever Mhairi McFarlane book! i loved how similar our stances were with the book's overall flow and plot points. another thing was that the characters reminded us of the u.k. tv show, skins. we can't wait to read more of her work ♡
so if you are curious about her writing, this gem might be the one for you! now, let’s all be “iridescent beasts” x
✶⋆.˚
update: okay rounding off my rating to a 5 because ashlyn is right! the 4 on gr just doesn’t sit right for us 😋
pre-read : buddy reading with bestie ashlyn and we are so excited to start our first Mhairi McFarlane book 🌸
⤷ ⭑⭑⭑⭑.𝟳𝟱
❝ There’s something exceptional about friendships with friends you’ve known since you were young. They know all the versions of you. They know how you were built. They have a map for you. There’s a shorthand between you, and a love that is as strong as any blood tie. ❞ .☘︎ ݁˖
── .✦ Eve cherishes her deep-rooted friendship with childhood friends Suzie, Ed, and Justin, so much that they eagerly anticipate their lively weekly pub nights filled with laughter and stories. When an unexpected tragedy strikes, it sends a shock through their close-knit group, forever changing the course of their lives and testing the strength of their bond in ways they never imagined.
what a solid reading experience with bb ashlyn ♡ but let's address the elephant in the room first.. we were fooled by the cover and tagline. we came in blind and expected a romantic comedy between 'the ones that got away' so what do you mean this was a story about grief and loss instead??
❝ “This is what I never knew about loss – it’s also about what you gain. You carry a weight that you never had before. It’s never behind you. It’s alongside you ❞ .𖥔 ݁ ˖
i couldn't help be in awe of how Mhairi McFarlane's lyrical writing. it drew me in so deeply that i found myself highlighting a sentence or two in every chapter—96 highlights in total. i was truly engrossed, struggling to put the book down even when i needed to (work).
our main character, Eve, is flawed and questionable at times, which makes her an unreliable narrator. however, i enjoyed following her journey as she navigates grief, longing, and sorrow after her other half leaves her world entirely.
seeing her friend group experience a dramatic shift as long-buried secrets resurface, casting shadows over their relationships. the heavy weight of unspoken truths and the unsettling feeling of unanswered questions lingers over her. Mhairi beautifully captured the problematic elements within relationship dynamics without diminishing the deep friendship they had itself.
❝ I see now why those who lose loved ones young become risk-takers. They’re not reckless, they just see the stakes differently from the rest of us. More clearly. They don’t have the same blithe trust in tomorrow that we all do, they know it’s all up for grabs. Ignorance is bliss. ❞
not everyone maintains ties with old friendships. as emphasized in the group, long-standing friends may know a different version of you than the person you want to become. when you think about it, friendships are like anchors; you have to decide if they are weighing you down and whether you need to cut the rope or lift it to move on to the next destination. this serves as a powerful reminder that everything is temporary. despite the complexities we face, we have the ability to change our course and navigate the challenges ahead.
** some spoilers below **
❝ It’s strange: it’s as if the trip up north blew fresh air into my life, and I have heightened awareness of how stuffy its rooms are, now. Finlay Hart may have all kinds of faults, but failure to move forward isn’t one of them. ❞
there was a quote that caught my attention: “No one gets a reputation by accident.” this saying revolves around another character we meet in the story, Fin, a character whom everyone prejudiced. Susie hates her brother, which influences how we feel about him, but as the story progresses, we learn that there is more to him than meets the eye.
❝ Know when I knew that I loved you?” he says. “When I met you in the lobby to go to dinner. You were walking across the lobby, bandy-legged in those heels like a Gumby in Monty Python. It was like I could hear an orchestra, and all the stars came out. ❞ ♡
overall, Ashlyn and I had a great time picking up our first-ever Mhairi McFarlane book! i loved how similar our stances were with the book's overall flow and plot points. another thing was that the characters reminded us of the u.k. tv show, skins. we can't wait to read more of her work ♡
so if you are curious about her writing, this gem might be the one for you! now, let’s all be “iridescent beasts” x
❝ I stare at Finlay and he stares back. We’re both fixed on each other, and as seconds pass, I realize neither of us is trying to pretend it’s anything other than a heart-struck gaze of mutual longing. Everything about his face is so ridiculously, staggeringly lovely to me, in this moment, I’m unable to speak. Beauty isn’t an arrangement of features, even features as perfect as Finlay Hart’s, it’s a feeling. This is how it feels in the split second you suddenly become aware that you’re falling in love with someone. The click of a jigsaw’s last piece, the rainfall of coins in a jackpot slot machine, the right song striking up and your being swept away by its opening bars. That conviction of making complete sense of the universe, in one moment. Of course. You’re where I should be. You’re here. ❞
✶⋆.˚
update: okay rounding off my rating to a 5 because ashlyn is right! the 4 on gr just doesn’t sit right for us 😋
pre-read : buddy reading with bestie ashlyn and we are so excited to start our first Mhairi McFarlane book 🌸
July 8, 2021
This was QUITE depressing to read and it wasn’t what I was in the mood for. If you’ve read Mhairi McFarlane, Just Last Night is pretty different from her other rom-coms.
December 2, 2021
A cute book! Just Last Night follow Eve, a woman in her thirties, whose closest friends include her best friend Suzie, her longtime secret crush Ed, and the caring jokester in the group Justin. One night a tragic event occurs that forces Eve to confront difficult truths about her friend group. In the process, she learns more about the dynamic between her and Ed, as well as how she feels about what – and who – she wants in her life.
This book felt fluffy to me. I liked several things about it: Eve is a flawed yet honest and relatable protagonist, Mhairi McFarlane’s writing flows well and is easy to read, and Eve’s grows in meaningful ways through the duration of the novel. I think my three star rating may stem from a mismatch between my expectations and what I want in novels versus the genre of the book itself. I wanted more of an emphasis on Eve and Suzie’s relationship and Eve’s grieving process, whereas I felt the book focused a lot on the romances with the male characters. While this focus makes sense given that it looks like this book is categorized as a romance novel, I myself would have enjoyed more of an emphasis on Eve’s grief and her relationship with Suzie. This shift would have helped the book feel deeper to me, though I see why others appreciate it as is.
This book felt fluffy to me. I liked several things about it: Eve is a flawed yet honest and relatable protagonist, Mhairi McFarlane’s writing flows well and is easy to read, and Eve’s grows in meaningful ways through the duration of the novel. I think my three star rating may stem from a mismatch between my expectations and what I want in novels versus the genre of the book itself. I wanted more of an emphasis on Eve and Suzie’s relationship and Eve’s grieving process, whereas I felt the book focused a lot on the romances with the male characters. While this focus makes sense given that it looks like this book is categorized as a romance novel, I myself would have enjoyed more of an emphasis on Eve’s grief and her relationship with Suzie. This shift would have helped the book feel deeper to me, though I see why others appreciate it as is.
February 15, 2024
Mhairi McFarlane has a very specific style of writing:
--northern English setting
--heroine who undervalues herself
--hero who is seen as an 'arsehole' at the beginning
-- often the book begins with the end of a long relationship or emotional affair.
So you know what you're getting when you start one. But man this one is her best yet. She's perfected her style, and Eve's story is so wonderful.
I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just say it's Eve growing after a personal loss, and reconsidering truths she's believed for 16 years. And it's a lovely journey. Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy.
ETA: I wasn't going to count rereads in the same year for my totals this year, but I read it again on audio in May to make sure it truly deserved a spot on my best books of the year list (since I read it the first time on 1/8/21). And yes, yes it is that good. So I'm counting it again. :)
--northern English setting
--heroine who undervalues herself
--hero who is seen as an 'arsehole' at the beginning
-- often the book begins with the end of a long relationship or emotional affair.
So you know what you're getting when you start one. But man this one is her best yet. She's perfected her style, and Eve's story is so wonderful.
I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just say it's Eve growing after a personal loss, and reconsidering truths she's believed for 16 years. And it's a lovely journey. Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy.
ETA: I wasn't going to count rereads in the same year for my totals this year, but I read it again on audio in May to make sure it truly deserved a spot on my best books of the year list (since I read it the first time on 1/8/21). And yes, yes it is that good. So I'm counting it again. :)
December 30, 2020
I think this was the Mhairi McFarlanest of the Mhairi McFarlane books I’ve read. (Which is, coincidentally, all of them.) She has a specific writing style and a manner of unfolding the story - and that was in full effect here. And while I had a good idea of the major players and their roles nothing felt rote Bc McFarlane successfully tackles some big big issues in a beautiful way.
And because I just finished it I’m so tempted to say it’s the best of her books. (I should reread the others for an honest comparison - otherwise it’s the giddy buzz talking.) There were certainly aspects here where she outshone even herself. The beginning of this story was nearly flawless. It brought more emotion than I’d anticipated. It feels as if Ms McFarlane has honed herself to a shiny edge. And this story moves forward gracefully and easily - like a silvery little stream or river. Something natural and lovely.
I cannot recommend this author enough. I talked to another reader recently about how if you read any author enough you find something you can’t adore. But Mhairi and I? We’re not there yet.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to offer my unbiased opinion.
And because I just finished it I’m so tempted to say it’s the best of her books. (I should reread the others for an honest comparison - otherwise it’s the giddy buzz talking.) There were certainly aspects here where she outshone even herself. The beginning of this story was nearly flawless. It brought more emotion than I’d anticipated. It feels as if Ms McFarlane has honed herself to a shiny edge. And this story moves forward gracefully and easily - like a silvery little stream or river. Something natural and lovely.
I cannot recommend this author enough. I talked to another reader recently about how if you read any author enough you find something you can’t adore. But Mhairi and I? We’re not there yet.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to offer my unbiased opinion.
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