HarperCollins It’s Not Me, It’s You

OK...so this was slightly better than the first two books I read but it still follows similar tactics that frustrated me.Again, the length of the book was unreasonable for the story she was telling. We really don't need to know every single detail, really...honestly...we don't. I didn't like her friend, who one minute is telling her to go out there and get the guy, and the next minute is telling her, stay with your ex, what you know is better than what you don't know, you're 30 years old your eggs are drying up. I mean, give me a break. Please.There were just too many storylines that didn't make any sense. What the hell is going on with her shady, unethical boss? And WHY is she putting up with him? It was all just so silly and dramatic. Not to mention the journalist after her boss, Adam, and his hot and cold act with Delia, who is honest to God, so sweet, but also strong in her own way. I mean, the first few chapters after she finds out her long-term boyfriend/short-term fiance is cheating on her, I loved ...absolutely LOVED... the way she handled the whole thing. It all went downhill from there though. She became a completely different person when working for her new boss, allowing him to make inappropriate jokes, allowing him to walk all over her, being witness to countless immoral and unethical conversations and business transactions and even becoming an accomplice to all of it! She feigns innocence and ignorance, but come on...grow up.As usual, in true McFarlane style...she drags out the romance and the story until the very last few chapters of this ginormous book. The protagonists get just a few pages of love and romance before she wraps up the story. The rest of the book is literally a game of cat and mouse: "does she like me, no I hate him, what a snob, he's an arrogant fool, that shirt really brings out the color of his eyes...fighting and shouting scene, then...oh my God he loves me! Wait, I love him too! the end"So, this was definitely a star up from the other books, I especially appreciated that there were no "when they were in high school" backstories, but still a strike 3.You're out McFarlane.

'It's not me it's you' does everything it's meant to do and more - Mhairi McFarlane is a terrific author and for me this is her best book so far. Her characters are so well-rounded you want them to be your friends - even the more unlikable ones are believable and redeemable in at least some respects. The descriptions bring the story right off the page - McFarlane has a terrific way with words, and her writing is engaging, funny and palpably real. Unlike most romantic comedies, the situations in 'It's not me, it's you' feel genuinely real, messy and authentic, and the ending, while satisfying, resists the urge to tie everything up with a neat bow. I truly believed in all of these characters and cared what happened to them. This book manages to be both hilariously funny while never losing its heart - McFarlane never sacrifices character or story in pursuit of a gag (unlike so many authors), and for this I applaud her. I struggled to get anything done until the story was finished! Highly recommended.

So, here's the thing: Glorious is not a term I oft use when writing about what I've read. But Glorious is the perfect word for this book. Mhairi's writing is laugh out loud funny, but also sniff and hope no-one notices touching. Towards the end of the book my chest and throat were tight and I sat for several minutes with the last three pages in my hand, wishing I could make it go on longer. I love lots of books, but this one tips it for me. It's not just the great characters, or the wit or the storyline or the fact that I actually, properly swooned at one point... but for me, it's also the crafting of every word and sentence and paragraph. It reminds me that not only do I love books, but I love it when intelligent writing makes reading every single word a total joy. It's crafted. And that is as glorious as the story. Mhairi makes it seem effortless, and whether it is or it isn't for her - I have all of the admiration!

You Had Me At Hello is one of my favorite books ever so I'm always bound to pick up any new titles by this author sooner or (as in this case) later.I just love Mhairi's writing;- there are a lot of laugh out loud moments and she draws in things that she remembers from her childhood which in turn set me off on a path down memory lane!Sounds complicated but it works so well!I have to say that this latest book is not as good as her last two but then nothing in my opinion is going to be able to top YHMAH. It's still a good read and I would recommend. Best read without too many breaks so ideal beach reading I think.

This is one of the best reads if this year.I read it in 5 hours,I read extremely fast and that was trying to savour the 500 pages!!Delia Moss is an absolutely delightful character.With her retro style and bubbly personality her journey from heartbroken ex girlfriend to bubbly,confident Geordie about London is one you will thoroughly enjoy.Prepare for anger,laughter,tears and a brilliant read along with a standout cast of other characters.Emma,Ralph The Naan and the dreamy Adam and even the rat of an ex Paul.Well done Mhairi