Review: Mad about You

Title: Mad about You

Author: Mhairi McFarlane

Publisher: 14th April 2022 by HarperCollins UK

Pages: 400 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: women’s fiction, contemporary, romance

My Rating: 3.5 cups

Synopsis:

Two reluctant housemates.

Two broken promises.

One crazy plan…

Harriet Hatley may be one of the most in-demand wedding photographers in Leeds, but she hates the idea of marriage.

Cal Clarke is used to the world falling in line with his plans – apart from his own love-life, which has gone hopelessly wrong.

When they become unlikely housemates, it’s clear they’re both running away from something bigger.

Can they take a crazy risk to face the past and change everything?

My Thoughts

This is a good book but this was not the book I thought I was going into. How does one rate and review that? A person’s thoughts regarding this book will undoubtedly centre around what you are looking for, but please note, this is not a romcom. Based on the cover and blurb that is what I thought I was getting. No, this book is much darker … good … but no light and fluffy escapism to be found here.

‘It was completely harrowing to choose to shatter another person like this. It wasn’t a choice, she told herself - except it was, because it was within her gift to not break up. She kept her weeping silent, bit it back, because it felt like giving him false hope that she was going to regret her decision - agreeing that it might be a mistake.’

There is much going on throughout the story - gaslighting, falsehoods, emotional abuse, toxic relationships, cheating and online trolling - yup! There is a lot going on as I stated. So not only was I surprised by what the cute cover failed to contain, I also came away somewhat drained rather than being uplifted by my usual light and fluffy chick lit. That being said, it is no reflection on the author or the tale, but just a warning to be sure about what you are venturing into. 

If I look at the topic under review, then the author has done a good job. The writing style, the messages conveyed and how it was all tied up with everything well handled with only perhaps the romance an unnecessary add on in my opinion. This is a book that would be recommended to those who appreciate a contemporary tale exploring the impact of toxic relationships. 

‘I’d started to think that life was mostly to be endured. I’d lost hope that I could ever sincerely feel certain ~feelings~ again.’

This was my very first Mhairi McFarlane and I can see she has a solid following of fans. Maybe this was the wrong book to start with? If you are in the mood for putting some serious domestic issues under the spotlight with a light dusting of female friendships and a topping of romance then I suggest you give this book a go. 

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.