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It's a match – Ein Update für die Liebe
Das nächste Match ist näher, als du denkst – die Rom-Com des Jahres aus Irland
Tara und Colin sind füreinander bestimmt – das wussten sie von dem Moment an, als sie sich zum ersten Mal trafen. Aber nach einigen Jahren ist die Luft raus, und ihre Vorstellungen von einer gemeinsamen Zukunft driften ziemlich auseinander. Gerade ist eine neue App in aller Munde: Fling. Sie ermöglicht es unglücklich Verheirateten, diskret und ohne Verpflichtungen eine Affäre einzugehen. Erst zögern Tara und Colin, doch dann melden sie sich unabhängig voneinander heimlich bei der App an. Und schneller als gedacht beginnt eine Achterbahnfahrt der Gefühle …
Tara und Colin sind füreinander bestimmt – das wussten sie von dem Moment an, als sie sich zum ersten Mal trafen. Aber nach einigen Jahren ist die Luft raus, und ihre Vorstellungen von einer gemeinsamen Zukunft driften ziemlich auseinander. Gerade ist eine neue App in aller Munde: Fling. Sie ermöglicht es unglücklich Verheirateten, diskret und ohne Verpflichtungen eine Affäre einzugehen. Erst zögern Tara und Colin, doch dann melden sie sich unabhängig voneinander heimlich bei der App an. Und schneller als gedacht beginnt eine Achterbahnfahrt der Gefühle …
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2023
96 people are currently reading
2139 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 402 reviews
January 19, 2023
A thoroughly enjoyable read, I loved this and really thought it deals with the IVF issues a couple deals with and the pressures on their relationship well and with sensitivity. The characters were fantastic, well fleshed out flaws and all, they were so well written I could feel the love between them even though they were drifting apart. The dual POV is really nicely done and for a story about a couple struggling I thought it was nice to read both perspectives for once. Thoroughly enjoyed this and definitely recommended !
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy in return for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy in return for an honest opinion
February 15, 2023
I’d like to fling this book out the window, along with all my memories of reading it.
It seems I’m in the minority with disliking this book but oh my god it was just so cringey. The writing was so flat and even the side characters were so one-dimensional. Some things felt so unrealistic too, like an assistant going to a lingerie store with you? Also for a book trying to be all about feminism, a sleazy boss and the side characters falling in love with each other are all the clichés I’d like to see avoided. And that ENDING. Whyyyyy. It just smacked you out of nowhere.
I feel like this could have been written differently. The only thing I liked was it being based in Dublin.
It seems I’m in the minority with disliking this book but oh my god it was just so cringey. The writing was so flat and even the side characters were so one-dimensional. Some things felt so unrealistic too, like an assistant going to a lingerie store with you? Also for a book trying to be all about feminism, a sleazy boss and the side characters falling in love with each other are all the clichés I’d like to see avoided. And that ENDING. Whyyyyy. It just smacked you out of nowhere.
I feel like this could have been written differently. The only thing I liked was it being based in Dublin.
December 21, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely LOVED this book. I heard great things about Fling and it definetly lived up to the hype! It's exactly the kind of romance I love: Hilarious, sweet but not too cheesy. Even though there was an awful character named Mary (we're not all prudes!!!) this book was an instant five-star read for me. Highly recommend Fling for any Rom-Com fans, especially fans of Nora Ephron movies like You've Got Mail. Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely LOVED this book. I heard great things about Fling and it definetly lived up to the hype! It's exactly the kind of romance I love: Hilarious, sweet but not too cheesy. Even though there was an awful character named Mary (we're not all prudes!!!) this book was an instant five-star read for me. Highly recommend Fling for any Rom-Com fans, especially fans of Nora Ephron movies like You've Got Mail. Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 7, 2022
This is an incredible read. It is well written with a compelling story that gripped me and wouldn't let me go, I read this in one sitting, and well developed characters that I loved. I coudln't stop thinking about this book and I am still thinking about it, I loved Colin and Tara both seperately and together. It was heartfelt and funny in equal measure and I loved it,
November 11, 2022
This was god damn adorable. It was cute and endearing without being sickly sweet. Highly recommend this book for lovers of romance, comedy and how to get out of a rut!
December 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. After 3 failed IVF attempts, Tara decides she can't go through with it again. Her husband Colin wants to keep going. Their relationship starts to deteriorate. Then a new App appears and becomes a really big thing. It's called Fling and aims to match people who want an affair with no strings attached. For different reasons both Tara and Colin sign up and both get a 100% match. But should they pursue it? This story is really funny and poignant and I really loved the main characters. I recommend this as a great, entertaining read! Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.
November 23, 2022
I absolutely adored this book! It had me hooked from the first chapter. This book was well written and covered some sensitive subjects very well! The humour was brilliant and definitely lightened the storyline up and made me want to keep reading.
February 7, 2023
I loved everything about this book!
It’s adorable, touching, emotional and extremely well written. Joseph Murray is a very clever guy and an author that I’ll be watching out for in future. I can’t wait to read his next book already.
I loved the humour and it kept me wanting to go back to it. It screams to be made into a tv programme. A fab book and a true 5 star read.
It’s adorable, touching, emotional and extremely well written. Joseph Murray is a very clever guy and an author that I’ll be watching out for in future. I can’t wait to read his next book already.
I loved the humour and it kept me wanting to go back to it. It screams to be made into a tv programme. A fab book and a true 5 star read.
January 21, 2023
Fling is simply sublime. Truly funny, smart, sexy and sweet, I devoured this book in a day.
Colin and Tara have just learnt that their third round of IVF has failed. As far as Tara is concerned, this is destiny telling her she's not meant to be a mother, and she desperately wants to begin a new chapter.
But Colin can't accept that she is giving up, and it feels to him, that it's only Tara who matters in this decision.
The distance that's been growing between them becomes a gaping chasm and their constant insidious animosity leads them both to look elsewhere.
Enter a new app - Fling. For discreet affairs. No photos or real names.
Are Tara and Colin really prepared to throw eighteen years away for the promise of something new and exciting?
The pleasure of reading a book lies partly in connection, and here there is so much to relate to. The petty snipes Tara and Colin make are all too familiar. They're funny because they're true.
Emily and Rory, the supporting characters are also brilliantly witty and dry.
I'm not going to give away any more of the plot as it would spoil it for other readers, but safe to say, things get complicated!
Such a cozy, happy book which cracked me up and gave me all the feels.
Perfection..
Colin and Tara have just learnt that their third round of IVF has failed. As far as Tara is concerned, this is destiny telling her she's not meant to be a mother, and she desperately wants to begin a new chapter.
But Colin can't accept that she is giving up, and it feels to him, that it's only Tara who matters in this decision.
The distance that's been growing between them becomes a gaping chasm and their constant insidious animosity leads them both to look elsewhere.
Enter a new app - Fling. For discreet affairs. No photos or real names.
Are Tara and Colin really prepared to throw eighteen years away for the promise of something new and exciting?
The pleasure of reading a book lies partly in connection, and here there is so much to relate to. The petty snipes Tara and Colin make are all too familiar. They're funny because they're true.
Emily and Rory, the supporting characters are also brilliantly witty and dry.
I'm not going to give away any more of the plot as it would spoil it for other readers, but safe to say, things get complicated!
Such a cozy, happy book which cracked me up and gave me all the feels.
Perfection..
January 17, 2023
I really enjoyed Fling it’s like a modern day You’ve Got Mail, I devoured this book reading it in just two days.
After three failed IVF attempts Tara decides she can’t go through it all again but her husband Colin is desperate to become a dad and wants them to do another round.
The toll of the IVF and failing to conceive has put major strain on their marriage and they are drifting further and further apart.
They both decide to download this new dating app aimed at married people who want to have an affair with no strings attached called Fling after hearing all about it on the radio.
Tara decides to download it for research purposes as she wants to pitch for the marketing account for the app. Colin is egged on by his boss to download it.
When they both sign up they get a 100% match with someone – but should they pursue it?
There’s some really hilarious moments throughout the book.
Emily and Rory are both hilarious supporting characters. But I really felt for both Tara and Colin – marriage isn’t always sunshine and joy it can be tough but communicating with each other is the most important thing.
This is a very entertaining read with some tender moments too.
The marriage counselling session was like a tennis match back and forth!
Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review
After three failed IVF attempts Tara decides she can’t go through it all again but her husband Colin is desperate to become a dad and wants them to do another round.
The toll of the IVF and failing to conceive has put major strain on their marriage and they are drifting further and further apart.
They both decide to download this new dating app aimed at married people who want to have an affair with no strings attached called Fling after hearing all about it on the radio.
Tara decides to download it for research purposes as she wants to pitch for the marketing account for the app. Colin is egged on by his boss to download it.
When they both sign up they get a 100% match with someone – but should they pursue it?
There’s some really hilarious moments throughout the book.
Emily and Rory are both hilarious supporting characters. But I really felt for both Tara and Colin – marriage isn’t always sunshine and joy it can be tough but communicating with each other is the most important thing.
This is a very entertaining read with some tender moments too.
The marriage counselling session was like a tennis match back and forth!
Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review
December 30, 2022
It's the Piña Colada song, but worse.
January 22, 2023
i loved it idk what else to say, everyone read it when it releases thanks 🫶
January 20, 2023
Thank you #NetGalley for the #ARC of #Fling
The story starts with a third failed round of IVF. Their marriage is suffering as they struggle to decide what to do. As the story develops, they are fed up with their marriage and each other so they each decide to secretly try out Fling, a new app.
Fertility issues and the impact they have on couples is such an important topic which is why I was drawn to the book. Add in the idea of an app for infidelity and I thought it was intriguing. The execution of the story was not as well done as I would have liked. While the pair (unsurprisingly) have communication issues, the way that they argue and communicate is childish and there’s never really an attempt from either of them to understand each other.
They are evolving as people and their connection has changed but neither of them make an effort and then are frustrated with the other for not caring. Again, it’s childish and immature.
Overall, it’s not a book I would recommend.
The main character’s development is slow and at times, boring. Their characters don’t have a lot of depth to them - the most I took away was that she’s in marketing and he has a boring job and loves pub signs.
The most interesting dynamic was between Tara and Emily, her intern. Their banter was the most realistic.
Their therapy session was pedantic and strange.
Tara would know how to use technology - she’s 37, not 87.
She can’t text without x at the end of everything. Come on.
Their fights are over the top and never really saying much.
Her obsession with being a “good feminist” is obnoxious. It’s not nuanced at all and she’s out of touch completely.
The constant reference to synchronicity, fate, astrology, even tarot - it’s like the author googled trendy topics and threw it all in there.
And then there were the cringey lines. These two killed me. I actually laughed out loud.
“Her pitch was all about women unlocking their desires and reclaiming their vitality, so it was kind of on-brand that she wear a dress that radiated an erotic aura. Now more than ever she had to embrace the divine feminine.”
“She could feel his masculine energy approaching.”
Cringe.
The story starts with a third failed round of IVF. Their marriage is suffering as they struggle to decide what to do. As the story develops, they are fed up with their marriage and each other so they each decide to secretly try out Fling, a new app.
Fertility issues and the impact they have on couples is such an important topic which is why I was drawn to the book. Add in the idea of an app for infidelity and I thought it was intriguing. The execution of the story was not as well done as I would have liked. While the pair (unsurprisingly) have communication issues, the way that they argue and communicate is childish and there’s never really an attempt from either of them to understand each other.
They are evolving as people and their connection has changed but neither of them make an effort and then are frustrated with the other for not caring. Again, it’s childish and immature.
Overall, it’s not a book I would recommend.
The main character’s development is slow and at times, boring. Their characters don’t have a lot of depth to them - the most I took away was that she’s in marketing and he has a boring job and loves pub signs.
The most interesting dynamic was between Tara and Emily, her intern. Their banter was the most realistic.
Their therapy session was pedantic and strange.
Tara would know how to use technology - she’s 37, not 87.
She can’t text without x at the end of everything. Come on.
Their fights are over the top and never really saying much.
Her obsession with being a “good feminist” is obnoxious. It’s not nuanced at all and she’s out of touch completely.
The constant reference to synchronicity, fate, astrology, even tarot - it’s like the author googled trendy topics and threw it all in there.
And then there were the cringey lines. These two killed me. I actually laughed out loud.
“Her pitch was all about women unlocking their desires and reclaiming their vitality, so it was kind of on-brand that she wear a dress that radiated an erotic aura. Now more than ever she had to embrace the divine feminine.”
“She could feel his masculine energy approaching.”
Cringe.
January 9, 2023
This book will be released in February and is one I would definitely recommend for an easy read. I was a bit wary about picking this one up as I find I’ve got to be in the mood for this kind of genre but I did actually really enjoy it.
It has a very simplistic writing style with chapters that are the perfect length (for me) and it has a good level of humour and sentiment tied in. It is a bit cringey in places and I did find it fairly predictable as I do with many books of this genre but for a little romance book to curl up with on the weekend this is one I’d recommend.
Please look up trigger warnings in regards to IVF/infertility before reading.
It has a very simplistic writing style with chapters that are the perfect length (for me) and it has a good level of humour and sentiment tied in. It is a bit cringey in places and I did find it fairly predictable as I do with many books of this genre but for a little romance book to curl up with on the weekend this is one I’d recommend.
Please look up trigger warnings in regards to IVF/infertility before reading.
January 16, 2023
Hurrah for an infertility and IVF storyline, not mentioned enough in books. Got me straight in to the couple's thoughts and feelings. Intriguing concept of a dating app for married people and if those stats are true wowies. (Says the single carefree woman!)
I enjoyed the start of this, but felt it got a bit lost in the middle. The will they- wont theys just fell a bit flat. Plus ALL those messages. Great side characters and a couple of good moments.
I enjoyed the start of this, but felt it got a bit lost in the middle. The will they- wont theys just fell a bit flat. Plus ALL those messages. Great side characters and a couple of good moments.
January 10, 2023
I really enjoyed this book the author covered some sensitive subjects but i enjoyed the storyline and the characters. I loved reading and imagining the Irish accent. It's definitely a book for a book club plenty talking points
November 17, 2022
Feel good romance story that is getting a bit rough, so an affair is just the way to go….but for one reason and another it never happens. Funny in places and I could feel her anger at times. Like all good romances it’s a happy ending.
February 16, 2023
I really don’t like giving books 1 star reviews. I hate it. I don’t do it often, but I wouldn’t be being honest if I rated this any higher. I’m even putting my review up earlier than I normally would to justify the rating.
The premise of this was so intriguing. A couple going through a trying time in their marriage who both sign up to an app that’s for discreet cheating with other married people.
Now I knew when going into this we would be dealing with some grey morality as it’s about cheating, that I was prepared for. But, their relationship was so toxic - throughout the whole thing. This was not a romance novel. I assumed that they would start to see reparations in their marriage alongside the “secret relationship” but their relationship disintegrated and yet somehow by the end of this weren’t meant to be rooting for them to stay together.
Divorce was the sensible option for these characters. Neither one of them had any respect for each other. They were vicious, conniving and toxic towards each other throughout - it wasn’t some journey of personal growth. In fact, if they hadn’t have found out that the person they were cheating with was themselves, they wouldn’t have stayed together.
Characterisation - my biggest gripe was in how the female MC was written. I feel like the author had zero knowledge of women in their 30s. She was written like a 75 year old. It felt quite misogynistic. Also her experience with infertility was so trivialised and the way that was resolved made my blood boil. To be honest I don’t think the author had any place writing that.
The other characters felt like cartoons, the Gen Z assistant, The Man-Whore best friend (who obviously ended up together too 🙄) I felt myself eye rolling on multiple occasions at the stock phrases they would say.
The end! So this was going to be a two star but the ending was infuriating. There was no growth, there was no healing, there was no reason to believe why these two characters were meant to be together. And then it was revealed she was pregnant. The miraculous pregnancy coming to save their marriage. It was awful.
This should not have been marketed as a romance. Change the ending and you have an interesting literary fiction about the dissolution of a marriage - that could have worked.
I couldn’t give it anything other than 1 star.
The premise of this was so intriguing. A couple going through a trying time in their marriage who both sign up to an app that’s for discreet cheating with other married people.
Now I knew when going into this we would be dealing with some grey morality as it’s about cheating, that I was prepared for. But, their relationship was so toxic - throughout the whole thing. This was not a romance novel. I assumed that they would start to see reparations in their marriage alongside the “secret relationship” but their relationship disintegrated and yet somehow by the end of this weren’t meant to be rooting for them to stay together.
Divorce was the sensible option for these characters. Neither one of them had any respect for each other. They were vicious, conniving and toxic towards each other throughout - it wasn’t some journey of personal growth. In fact, if they hadn’t have found out that the person they were cheating with was themselves, they wouldn’t have stayed together.
Characterisation - my biggest gripe was in how the female MC was written. I feel like the author had zero knowledge of women in their 30s. She was written like a 75 year old. It felt quite misogynistic. Also her experience with infertility was so trivialised and the way that was resolved made my blood boil. To be honest I don’t think the author had any place writing that.
The other characters felt like cartoons, the Gen Z assistant, The Man-Whore best friend (who obviously ended up together too 🙄) I felt myself eye rolling on multiple occasions at the stock phrases they would say.
The end! So this was going to be a two star but the ending was infuriating. There was no growth, there was no healing, there was no reason to believe why these two characters were meant to be together. And then it was revealed she was pregnant. The miraculous pregnancy coming to save their marriage. It was awful.
This should not have been marketed as a romance. Change the ending and you have an interesting literary fiction about the dissolution of a marriage - that could have worked.
I couldn’t give it anything other than 1 star.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2023
how did anyone enjoy this? it was cringe, awkward and childish. the characters were childish. And not likeable at all. Neither of them could explain themselves and you’d think after 18 years of marriage they knew each other better, or could communicate at a level better and more efficient than that of two fourteen year olds in their first relationship, all misunderstandings and tears and shouting. Also…. it was to the hilt with emotional and physical abuse??????? WHAT. THE. FUCK.
November 16, 2023
How do I give a book 0 stars? These two need a divorce ASAP. Also, why do these characters in their mid to late 30s act like they’re in their 60s? And you know what else, I’m not sure this author has ever actually met a real human being. Because all the characters were like if an alien came to earth and then scrolled on tiktok for 24 hours and then tried to create 4 distinct personalities based on its findings
January 26, 2023
Where to begin... the book follows Tara and Colin, a couple in turmoil after 3 failed attempts at IVF. The premise of the book sounds great and that's about it. The characters fell flat, they felt very one dimensional and there was an overall lack of character development. It felt very stereotypical and read almost like a fanfic (sorry). It was cringey, cliched, and missed the mark. It felt like the author was scrolling on tumblr (!!!) to find catchy, silly, phrases to add in to try and sound funny or relatable and it just didn't work out. No one says "mercury in lucozade". Please. I am giving it two stars because I couldn't put it down, but more in the "I can't look away from a car crash as I drive by" way, not in a "I'm interested in continuing this journey" way.
January 17, 2023
DNF AT 25%
I just could not get the chemistry between the pair. The constant bickering made this supposed romance uncomfortable, and the astrological mentions were downright cringey.
I think this is one of those books that you can tell was written by a man.
I just could not get the chemistry between the pair. The constant bickering made this supposed romance uncomfortable, and the astrological mentions were downright cringey.
I think this is one of those books that you can tell was written by a man.
September 16, 2023
Loved this book! It was exactly what I expected and was craving. I wanted a cheesy, romantic, laugh out loud book which is exactly what this book was. Although it did touch on more sensitive topics. I felt that the characters were very well developed and loved seeing how their growth and the reasoning behind their actions. It was a very enjoyable read and had me hating ever time I had to put the book down and was constantly thinking about when I could pick it up next.
February 29, 2024
this was so good! i read it in one sitting.
the story was so interesting and the pace of it just kept me so intrigued. i loved knowing what the characters didn’t know, it really accentuated the story!
thank you to pan macmillan for the arc via netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
OUT NOW 💚
the story was so interesting and the pace of it just kept me so intrigued. i loved knowing what the characters didn’t know, it really accentuated the story!
thank you to pan macmillan for the arc via netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
OUT NOW 💚
February 12, 2023
All this did is prove what I already knew, that The Piña Colada Song is not romantic. Two people trying to cheat on each other does not make a good romance.
March 10, 2023
This is a debut book but you wouldn’t think this as it was amazing. I loved it. I went from loving to hating Tara and Collin and back to loving them. The quote almost taken from Casablanca made me smile and it made me definitely want to go to Ireland.
Tara’s sssisant Emily is so funny I loved her, and also loved Collins best friend Rory I’d love there to be a spin off about Emily as she was my favourite character.
Fling was so unique and I’ve never read anything before like it and can’t wait to see what Joseph writes next.
Thanks goes to the author for writing it and net galley and the publishers for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Tara’s sssisant Emily is so funny I loved her, and also loved Collins best friend Rory I’d love there to be a spin off about Emily as she was my favourite character.
Fling was so unique and I’ve never read anything before like it and can’t wait to see what Joseph writes next.
Thanks goes to the author for writing it and net galley and the publishers for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2023
Wyśmienita, błyskotliwa i orzeźwiająca, w niektórych scenach szalenie wręcz groteskowa! Joseph Murray intencjonalnie tarza się w absurdach małżeńskiej codzienności, aby w fetorze przytaczanych zgryźliwych wypowiedzi, zakorzenić podszepty złaknionego serca. Miłość od pierwszej zdrady to komedia spisana na miarę współczesnej wyobraźni – romantyczna, krzepiąca i zabawna, jednocześnie wzruszająca i pouczająca. Naznaczona soczyście przewrotnością ludzkiego losu, okazuje się historią nie tylko sugestywną i promienną, ale też kojącą i nadzwyczaj komfortową.
June 4, 2023
so bad, it made me nauseous
worst book of 2023 I have read
worst book of 2023 I have read
November 20, 2023
The Pina colada song in a book
.
.
It's fun to read ..
.
.
It's fun to read ..
February 14, 2023
4.75⭐️
I honestly was not expecting to like this book as the main trope is cheating which is something I don't enjoy reading about, but it was so cleverly done and I found myself constantly wanting to find out what was going to happen next.
Tara and Colin were such interesting characters and the ending could not have been better for them.
This book deals with issues that were written really well and actually made me cry at times which was something I was not expecting from this book.
As a whole I was pleasantly surprised by this book and loved reading it❤️
I honestly was not expecting to like this book as the main trope is cheating which is something I don't enjoy reading about, but it was so cleverly done and I found myself constantly wanting to find out what was going to happen next.
Tara and Colin were such interesting characters and the ending could not have been better for them.
This book deals with issues that were written really well and actually made me cry at times which was something I was not expecting from this book.
As a whole I was pleasantly surprised by this book and loved reading it❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 402 reviews