Many thanks to NetGalley and publisher Harper Collins UK for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
Published: 1 January 2020
If faking love is this easy... how do you know when it’s real?
When her partner of over a decade suddenly ends things, Laurie is left reeling - not only because they work at the same law firm and she has to see him every day. Her once perfect life is in shambles and the thought of dating again in the age of Tinder is nothing short of horrifying. When news of her ex’s pregnant girlfriend hits the office grapevine, taking the humiliation lying down is not an option. Then a chance encounter in a broken-down elevator with the office playboy opens up a new possibility.
Jamie Carter doesn’t believe in love, but he needs a respectable, steady girlfriend to impress their bosses. Laurie wants a hot new man to give the rumor mill something else to talk about. It’s the perfect proposition: a fauxmance played out on social media, with strategically staged photographs and a specific end date in mind. With the plan hatched, Laurie and Jamie begin to flaunt their new couple status, to the astonishment - and jealousy - of their friends and colleagues. But there’s a fine line between pretending to be in love and actually falling for your charming, handsome fake boyfriend...
The Review
I liked this a lot - mainly because of the author's astute and witty musings. Her style is quite dry, cynical but spot-on, for example "comedy is tragedy plus time." I particularly loved the first part of the book - the break-up of Laurie and her boyfriend of eighteen years - where mutual is defined as "one person has given up and the other person can't persuade them not to." Or "you're like the climber who can't carry their injured mate, so leaves them to die. Do what you need to do but don't pretend it's about anything other than your survival."
That's not to say the second part isn't great too where Laurie and colleague Jamie fake a relationship to get back at her ex and secure a promotion for him. On the surface they're an unlikely match but as their characters (and banter) develop so does their compatibility (and feelings). Predictable yes but utterly satisfying and enjoyable too especially as Jamie is one of those fictional beaus that you end falling for too. Why do real-life guys never life up to the fictional ones?
The only thing I disliked was that it was a real movie style romance, the kind where two people go from meeting to full-on life commitment seemingly within weeks. As such I think the characters should have heeded best friend Emily's advice and not rushed into the happy ever after ending - particularly as it really didn't fit with Jamie's character and would've been better suited to an epilogue.
And, speaking of Emily I liked that this was more than just a romance and also about friendship. Recalling the night she met both Dan, the ex, and Emily for the first time, Laurie says: "Emily? I've realised something....I did meet the love of my love that day. Only it wasn't Dan. You are the love of my life." There's also strong but subtle sub-messaging around equality and diversity, particularly in the workplace.
Predictable plot but the fabulous writing and characters make this a great read.
The author
Mhairi McFarlane's debut novel, the romantic comedy 'You Had Me At Hello', was an instant hit upon being published in December 2012. She's since written four others including this one.
Follow @MhairiMcF on Twitter or find out more at www.mhairimcfarlane.com
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