Title: Mad About You
Author: Mhairi McFarlane
Publisher: HarperCollins UK
Synopsis:
Harriet Hatley is the most in-demand wedding photographer in town, but she doesn’t believe in romance, loathes the idea of marriage, and thinks chocolate fountains are an abomination. Which is why, when her long-time partner proposes, she panics. Suddenly Harriet is single… and living down the hall from her ex. She needs a new apartment, like, yesterday.
Enter Cal Clarke, a hopeless romantic who just experienced his own wedding-related disaster. Harriet and Cal are like chalk and cheese, but as they go from strangers to roommates to friends, it becomes clear they’re both running from something. When Harriet’s most heavily guarded secret comes to light, her world implodes. And Cal, with his witty humor and gentle advice, is a surprising source of calm at the center of the storm.
With her career, friendships, and reputation on the line, Harriet must finally face her past in order to take control of her future. Because if she’s willing to stop playing it safe and risk everything to share her truth, real love and happiness may be waiting on the other side…
My review:
Another winning read from the brilliant Mhairi McFarlane. I don’t read a lot of romance novels as I find they’re often too predictable and just a bit cheesy, but I know that Mhairi’s novels often strike just the right note, and Mad About You is another success!
The protagonist of this story, 30-something-year-old photographer Harriet, is likeable and feels like a well-rounded character. We follow her as she breaks up with fiancé John and moves in with Cal, her newly single landlord. They don’t exactly hit it off to start with but Harriet’s feelings soon start to shift…
Obviously, there’s plenty about this book that is predictable. You know some of what will happen from early on, but this book doesn’t just put Harriet and Cal’s feelings for each other at its centre. Instead, we see Harriet have to face elements from her past and people in it who have not treated her – and others – well. The romance for Harriet is almost on the side and I liked this. The journey Harriet and some of the other characters go on is humorous and fun and I really enjoyed Harriet’s relationships with her girl mates too. There are plenty of moments that are lucky coincidences but it’s all written well. If you fancy a contemporary romance read but don’t want something too ridiculous or overly sweet, this is one for you!
My rating: 4/5
Many thanks to the publisher, HarperCollins UK, for providing a copy of this book on which I chose to write an honest review.
Mad About You is out in the UK on 14 April 2022.