Cover Story

by Mhairi McFarlane

Bel’s joined the tiny Manchester office of a national paper from her indie podcast.

Thirty-something Connor is going to back to the start as the new intern.

The latest office news? They can’t stand each other.

So of course Bel bumps into Connor when she’s working undercover on the biggest scoop of her career. And of course she’s forced to improvise, pretending they’re a couple. A couple deeply in love.

Two rivals. One fake romance. The headline writes itself…

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Fake Dating

416 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 8, 2025

About the author

Mhairi was born in Scotland in 1976 and her unnecessarily confusing name is pronounced Vah-Ree.

After some efforts at journalism, she started writing novels. It’s Not Me, It’s You is her third book. She lives in Nottingham, with a man and a cat.

Reviews

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been a huge fan of Mhairi McFarlane for years, and once again, she delivers an absolute gem! She never disappoints—her writing is sharp, her characters are layered, and her stories always have that perfect blend of humor, heart, and authenticity.

This book had me hooked from the start! Bel and Connor’s dynamic is the kind of slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers perfection that feels so real and earned. Their initial animosity is palpable—Bel is sharp and driven, while Connor is lost and frustrated—but as they’re thrown together in a fake relationship for the sake of a huge undercover story, the sparks start flying in ways neither of them expects. I absolutely loved watching their relationship shift from reluctant allies to something deeper, more vulnerable, and ultimately, completely swoon-worthy.

McFarlane’s signature wit is on full display here. The banter? Absolutely top-tier. The humor? Laugh-out-loud funny. But beyond that, the book also explores deeper themes—burnout, self-doubt, ethics in journalism, and the struggle of starting over when life throws you off course. The dual POV adds so much depth, letting us see both Bel and Connor’s perspectives as they navigate their feelings and personal challenges. And let’s not forget the friendships! McFarlane always writes strong, supportive female friendships, and this book is no exception.

By the time I reached the final pages, I was completely invested in these characters, their struggles, and their triumphs. This book made me laugh, made me feel, and left me with that warm, satisfied glow that only the best romances do. If you love witty, heartfelt, slow-burn romance with depth, this is a must-read!

A huge thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon for sharing this remarkable romance’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

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[Antonella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dove into Cover Story with high expectations – after all, Mhairi McFarlane has never let me down – and once again, she’s delivered a romcom that’s smart, sharp, and surprisingly emotional.

This book is a delightful blend of fake dating hijinks and undercover journalism, with a side of slow-burn chemistry that made me grin like a fool. Bel is clever, flawed, and impossible not to root for, while Connor? Let’s just say the "intern" grew on me faster than a Twitter scandal.

Yes, it’s funny – McFarlane always nails the banter – but what surprised me was how much emotional weight this one carried. There’s a real story beneath the story here: about truth, power, betrayal, and how hard it is to trust someone when your job is to expose lies.

My only (very greedy) complaint? I would’ve loved a bit more of an epilogue. Just a peek into the “after.” But maybe that’s just the fangirl in me.

In short: if you love McFarlane’s signature wit mixed with just the right amount of angst and swoon, you’ll love Cover Story. And if you’ve never read her before – what are you waiting for?


*thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the copy of the book


🎶“you were good to me” – Jeremy Zucker & Chelsea Cutler
🎶“This Love (Taylor’s Version)” – Taylor Swift
🎶“Starry Eyed” – Ellie Goulding
🎶“Cruel” – St. Vincent
🎶“Every Single Night” – Fiona Apple

[Nina (ninjasbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It held my attention, but didn’t completely blow me away.

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I’ve read a lot of Mhairi McFarlane books and usually really enjoy her work; she has written some of my favourites. This one, however, felt different somehow compared to her other books, and it didn’t work for me.

The pacing was quite slow, especially in the beginning, and while I don’t mind that generally it was hard to get through here. This might have to do with the fact that there was so much going on in this book that it felt a bit overwhelming and messy to me, and also with the disappointing romance between Bel and Connor. While I did like them on their own, I didn’t really feel the spark between them. That made it difficult for me to root for them, so I just didn’t really care about them. And since I was mainly here for the romance, that's a problem.

Also I found it a bit weird and (very) unbelievable that everybody Bel encountered was just immediately smitten with her for some reason. Like she was an okay character, but in no way 'special' enough to elicit that kind of behaviour.

I’m a bit sad the romance didn’t work for me because I enjoyed the investigation storyline. That could have been so good with the fake dating..

I’ll definitely read her next book, but this one was a miss for me, unfortunately.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in exchange for an honest review.


___
🤩🤩

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bel McCauley works in the Manchester office of a national newspaper and has an award winning podcast. She works with ambitious Aaron Parry and they have a good, jokey, working relationship. Their latest intern up from London, is 30 something Connor and their start is not exactly warm and fuzzy. He thinks she has a patronising attitude and she thinks his reactions are definitely in the hostile range and he comes across as superior. She seethes, he’s cool. Then Bel is offered a BIG topical story which she starts to investigate. It becomes quite cloak and dagger with Connor finding himself dragged into it. In order to get her story, it’s necessary for the pair to act as a couple. Can they pull it off ……. and what if?????

There’s obviously not quite a formula to Mhairi McFarlane’s novels which I enjoy as you know what you’re going to get and there’s the anticipation of plenty of sparkling humour thrown into the bargain. The author is particularly good at portraying her characters in a very authentic way and all feel believable. I really like Bel as she’s a strong woman, she’s resourceful and smart. Connor definitely grows on me, I think it’s from the point where Maurice is mentioned (🥹- no spoiler here). I also really like Bel’s best friend Shilpa but feel the absolute polar opposite with ex colleague Anthony who makes my blood boil. There’s very good banter between Bel/Aaron, Connor and Bel and Bel and Shilpa with the result of plenty of smiles.

There’s a good slow build between Connor and Bel with plenty of tension between them, as well as misunderstandings and balls of confusion. It’s a good Mr Darcy/Elizabeth Bennett vibe and indeed Darcy is referenced!

Underneath the breezy repartee, as with most of the authors novels, there are serious issues, especially those which Bel is pursuing and this adds an extra dimension to the storytelling. There’s harassment and abuse of power amongst other things and how Bel goes about getting her story is admirable. There’s the added bonus of various sparks between Connor and Bel.

Overall, this has a bit of everything. There are serious stories which unfold well, a lot of humour and romance in a good Manchester setting.

Publishers in the UK on 8/5.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins/HarperFiction for the much appreciated early copy and return for an honest review.

[🌺 Hannah 🌺 (very busy) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Publishing, and author Mhairi McFarlane for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This story follows Bel, a journalist focused on investigative reporting, as she chases a major story that could be a make-or-break moment for both her and her intern, Connor. However, things take an unexpected turn, pulling them deeper into a complicated situation.

I really appreciated the book’s exploration of mental health, grief, and resilience, which added emotional depth to the story. (Trigger warnings: mentions of suicide, depression, stalking, and drinking.) The female empowerment throughout the book was also a strong highlight, and I loved the friendship between Bel and Shilpa. Connor was a fantastic MMC, and I really enjoyed his character development and storyline!

That said, this was a 3/5 star read for me. While I usually love the fake dating trope, it didn’t fully land in this story the way I had hoped. The beginning felt slow, and I found myself struggling with some of the dialogue and slang due to the setting. I also had mixed feelings about Bel as an FMC—her lack of honesty at times made it hard to fully connect with her, especially in certain interactions with other characters.

Despite these drawbacks, the book had some great moments of humor, emotion, and strong character relationships. If you enjoy character-driven stories with themes of self-growth and resilience, this could be a good pick for you!

[Sarah]

DNF @ 23% 💔

Going into this, I was so stoked. I’ve heard great things about Mhairi McFarlane’s books from booktuber Haley Pham, so when I found McFarlane’s newest novel on NetGalley, naturally I requested it and was over the moon when my request was accepted.

But, as I began reading, I found myself not understanding what I was reading. Now, this is probably an issue on my part (okay, it’s definitely my fault), but the writing and dialogue was hard for me to read. 🤷‍♀ Not only that, but it felt kinda slow. I was so disinterested in the characters and the plot, I just didn’t feel like finishing this because, to be honest, I just didn’t care. Perhaps in the future I’ll buy it and try finishing this, but for now, it’s going on my “it’s-not-you-it’s-me” shelf. 😭

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.

#CoverStory #NetGalley

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve only given one of Mhairi’s books less than 4 stars and that was a long long time ago. I’ve loved them all but the last 2 were 4 star reads for me and the one before that, although 5 stars, had some really uncomfortable unpleasant things happen to our heroine, and it was quite light in the romance department. This one is back to 5 stars, and I am so happy about that. Often a favorite author kind of plateaus for me for a while. Sometimes permanently or even starts spiraling downward. The books are still good, great even, but with reservations. Sometimes I can tell it is really through no fault of their own, but I just get too familiar and less enchanted with their ways.

MM’s stories, including this one, often rest on her often used foundation of a very competent, funny, charming girl in her workplace who runs into trouble. Family is usually a significant part of the story and she usually has one or more ride or die friends. Though humor is never more than a page or two away, serious issues are tackled, and things can get fraught.

This story was very layered with a lot going on in addition to a very satisfying romance. Our heroine, Bel, is an investigative journalist, and part of the story is her trying to take down a corrupt politician who also is a sexual predator. To do this, she has to go undercover and befriend a Paris Hilton type young socialite in order to get into her laptop. We meet lots of interesting well rounded people in this thread that surprise and entertain. There is mystery and a lot of suspense because there is a lot at stake. I was very invested in Bel’s hoped for takedown of this guy. And success was very much a long shot.

A new arrival to Bel’s two person office/outpost is Connor, a new intern who quit his previous career in finance to start over again as a journalist. His first impression of her is “Helena Bonham Carter via the police cell drunk tank.” Not surprisingly, they don’t get on. To Bel and her partner in crime, Aaron, Connor comes across as aloof, superior and disapproving, and they treat him accordingly. Connor and Bel’s romance is a slow long burn as they get to know each other and discover what’s behind the curtain. When Connor inadvertently walks in on Belle in the early days of her undercover work she is forced to not only take him into her confidence, but wrangle him into posing as her boyfriend.

And there’s more! Both Connor and Bel are both dealing with troublesome exes. Bel, with two, one being is a very scary psychopathic stalker. And let's not forget the family and friends!

Often when a book includes a few disparate plot lines, one or more become distractions. Often it is the romance part which gets sidelined. Not so in this one. Connor and Bel become involved key players in each other's work and personal dramas, which put the romance front and center. Their investigation, and their personal lives both provide suspense, excitement and Mhairi’s always reliable laugh out loud humor. Even minor characters, if not all multi-dimensional or complex, are at least entertaining and interesting. We even have some mystery of the “ Yikes! WTF is going on here?!!” variety and some pretty surprising twists.

At around the 70% mark, I was about to put the book down and go to bed, when things got even more interesting and the ante got upped. I couldn’t put it down, it didn’t let up, and I finished it that night. Although there is an almost inevitable misunderstanding that threatens to keep the two from their happy ending, it does not last long, and one risks all by some timely soul-baring which becomes mutual. It was very satisfying and refreshing. I didn’t want to say goodbye to Connor, Bel, and their lives.
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a heavy disappointment. I have re-read all McFarlane’s previous books at least once each, but I doubt I would ever return to this one. One golden rule I feel must apply to fake-dating scenarios is that you ONLY GET ONE POINT OF VIEW. Getting every scene from both Connor and Bel’s perspective, where they are both accepting the most conveniently anti-attraction reading of the other’s behaviour, is repetitive and dull.

Also, what newspaper IS this, that can afford full-time ‘satellite’ offices of tiny teams who don’t DO anything all day? Aside from undercover reporting on one massive story, Bel doesn’t do anything else. There’s also this weird note where her previous newspaper ‘allowed’ her to do a podcast ‘in her own time’ – like is there a scenario where they could conceivably have STOPPED her? All in all it reads like a setup from a different time, before the death of print media and the impending implosion of all journalism in the wake of AI.

Probably the biggest problem I have with the story is the positioning of Bel as a heroine. She actually is kind of the asshole other people try to paint her? She DID cheat on her long term boyfriend and then lie about it. She DID steal the iPad even after being expressly told this brought her investigation across the line of criminality. She DID treat Connor with disdain that she should have realised much earlier on was misdirected attraction. She DID make a hash of the undercover rumble. She’s just not very good at her job, despite everyone blowing smoke up her ass. I will agree with the exhausting CBT-talk in this book that she’s not a bad person, she’s done bad things, but it also felt like eating the cake you have when Tim and Anthony and everyone Bel encounters is in the wrong but she never is.

The worst thing of all, though, is the post-hoc analysis presented on everyone and every scenario not by the omniscient narrator but the fully psychologically-aware main characters. I wish writers understood that while people like this are great in real life, in fiction they’re INSUFFERABLY BORING.

‘Bel bit down the one syllable, hard consonants word she wanted to throw at him for this. He knew perfectly well– she’d told him the day the split occurred. But telling bare- faced untruths was one of Ant’s ‘exhaust your opponent’ tactics. Bel had learned that if someone is prepared to swear black is white, knowing you know they’re lying and not caring you both know this, you have nowhere to go.’

‘Sorry your mum didn’t pick you up from your crib enough, go get therapy. The way he got gratification from this harassment was so loathsome, Bel worried it bordered on psychopathy.’

This borders on fatuously dismissive. People contain multitudes; Ant would be way more compelling as a fictional device if he wasn’t boxed away into some deviant diagnosis-adjacent category.

[lauren ❀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was even better than i expected

[JayJay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh, again and again I put myself in this position! I'll envy everyone who gets to experience this book for the first time when it's published.

I wish I could quote some of the passages because there were so many brilliant ones. McFarlane's writing always gives me a literary boner (pardon my french!) and this book is no exception. The emotional intelligence is goosebump-inducing.

The plot focuses on the power of a public image, what happens when it's weaponized, and the difficulty in trying to keep those people accountable (read:men). It's a serious topic but it's approached with equal parts sensitivity and McFarlane's brilliant humour, and so the topic never feels heavy. In fact you're sort of tagging along with the MCs on their secret mission, going: WE RIDE AT DAWN!

Now the romance, as is usually the case with MM novels, simmers alongside the main story, but is still as impactful as if it were the sole focus of the book. It explores what happens when we lean too much on our own superficial assumptions of the other person.
There is no instant attraction as is often the case with enemies to lovers, where you have to squint to pretend it wasn't obvious they'd end up together. And don't get me wrong, I'm not carping at those books (in fact I devour them often!).

No, but what I'm saying is this is simply next level. These characters aren't afraid to dislike each other, or make the reader guessing till the very end. It's what every enemies to lovers want to be when they grow up. It's complicated, at times heartbreaking. I teared up at several points, I'll admit!

What I love about this author's writing is that the characters feel like real people. They make mistakes and are truly human, warts and all. Their issues aren't cutified (is that a word? idc) to make them more palatable.

It was, as always, a breath of fresh air! I warmly recommend this book to anyone who likes their rom-coms with a side of great story that makes you think.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

For most of the book, about 80 percent, the story focuses on two characters teaming up for a shared work-related goal. The plot steadily builds toward the resolution of this storyline, but when it finally arrives, it feels surprisingly anticlimactic. What follows in the final 20 percent feels like an entirely different book. The central work-related narrative is abruptly dropped, and the characters are suddenly portrayed as having romantic feelings for each other.

This shift felt forced and unearned. Up to that point, their relationship was rooted in friendship and professional teamwork, with little to no indication of romantic chemistry. The romance seemed inserted just to fulfill a trope rather than arise naturally from the story. Honestly, I would have rated the book higher if their relationship had remained platonic. The strength of their bond as colleagues and friends was compelling enough on its own.

[Aya ☕︎ · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @25%

I'm really sorry to say this, but I struggled to get into this book. I gave it a fair shot, but I found myself constantly distracted and unable to connect with the plot. It’s written in third-person with dual POV, so I just couldn’t follow the story. From what I could gather, there’s a serial predator or something, but the writing didn’t pull me in enough to fully understand or engage with it.

I tried using the read aloud option—but unfortunately, I had the same issue. The writing style just didn’t click with me.

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

This is my first Mhairi McFarlane book! Thank you Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the free eARC 💕

[Kayla_Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was my first time reading Mhairi McFarlane and it definitely won’t be my last. I loved reading Bel and Connor’s story. Connor was my favorite of the two. But watching them work together, going from enemies to allies to lovers gave me all the feels. It just the right amount of banter, chemistry, and emotional depth. I couldn’t put it down!

[Devon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mhairi McFarlane is a master of her craft, I am in awe of everything she writes.

The way I howled at 'fucking muggins here' (which I don't believe I've ever seen written in a book before), God, I fucking love Mhairi McFarlane.

P.S Mhairi, sis, if I slide you a tenner this time will you write a bonus chapter? Because I just need to see the next weekend. Yeah? Ok? Sound xo

[Jess✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my first ever book by Mhairi McFarlane that I got around to reading even though I already own Last Night, but I guess I need the time pressure of arcs to pick them up. I was so very excited but sadly so very disappointed. Strap in for a rant of some sorts.

🔆 Premise:
We follow Bel and Connor on a journalistic undercover fake dating mission regarding a high profile case of power abuse in exchange for sexual favours and blackmail.

🔆 Review:
This alone would be a promising storyline, with everything fake dating and the one bed trope in some scenes entails. So why did I feel nothing? How is that even possible?

a) The first 20-25% of the book mainly follows Bel getting the mission started, which is way too serious for a romcom. The case felt like a thriller, but was dealt like a cute side story that's fun to uncover and reveal. Like did we not learn irl over the past decades that powerful charismatic men in charge can do whatever they please and two nobodies uncovering his mistakes and felonies does not mean anything. Why deal with it like it's fun?

b) Connor starts off in a very weird and unhappy relationship that does not end until like 25% into the book as well. This all gives off such a weird vibe and makes everything odd and too fast moving.

c) Bel also has a "stalker ex-colleague turned wanna be boyfriend even though he is married and does not accept or even understand 1000 no's thrown into his face". How should this be a romcom? It is creepy, super serious - ONCE AGAIN.

d) There was no real banter, flirting, or tension. There wasn't any real yearning. And I mean, I am fine with a slow burn. But that is slow BURN. I did not even see or feel a spark.

e) Bel gets portrayed as this somewhat weak woman in her mid-thirties that needs help and saving. She cannot deal with her stalker Anthony without Connor, she does not speak up to her family about her ex and his lies (yes, ONCE again, a serious topic), she does not think things through on her undercover mission, she labels herself as undesirable, even though we get from Conner's POV that basically every man lusts after her,...

f) I got bored reading the same scenes from first Bel and then Connor's POV multiple times throughout the book and started skimming on basically rereading the same scene with one sentence difference on every page.

So I guess I did not feel nothing. I felt nothing regarding the romance, because where was it? Besides the few pages towards the end and like 5 sentences throughout the book?
I felt anger, disappointment, frustration, annoyance, rage, and then relief when I made it through.

This does not mean that I won't read the Mhairi McFarlane book that I already own, but this one was a total miss. Please do not romanticize stalking, power abuse, and me too cases. Just don't. And if you do talk about them, which is important, do not deal with them as if they managed to take them down with no skill and without fight. That's just not how the world works, sadly.

Special thank you to HarperCollins UK, Netgalley, and Mhairi McFarlane for the arc in exchange of an honest review!

[michelle (magical reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

read on my blog

rep: British Indian side character
cw: stalking, gaslighting, mentions of suicide, past suicide ideation, depression

**I received an ARC from the publisher through Netgalley. These are my honest opinions, and in no way was I compensated for this review.**

I’m always sat for a new Mhairi McFarlane book, and this one was no exception. Cover Story felt like returning to her earlier works in the best way – combining miscommunication with fake dating and an investigation.

Bel is a journalist, one of two in the Manchester office; her day is ruined with the arrival of the new intern, Connor. After a series of misunderstandings, he runs into her while she’s undercover for a story – and now she has no choice but to pull him into her cover story. As they fake a relationship and delve deeper into their investigation, both of them realize the other person is more than their first impression.

When I said this book felt like returning to Mhairi McFarlane’s earlier works, I’m specifically thinking of Here’s Looking at You (dual POV + constant misunderstandings) and It’s Not Me, It’s You (investigation + scheming). While I’ve enjoyed her more recent works (I reread If I Never Met You like three times a year), it felt refreshing to return to what she really does best – wit and characterizations.

Normally I don’t enjoy dual POV books, but it works when both characters actually have characterizations and plot lines. I liked following both Connor, who’s getting over a break-up brought on by him choosing to change careers, and Bel who’s on a big story while also avoiding a toxic ex. It was also interesting seeing the misunderstandings between the two of them from each other’s point-of-view. I also don’t think miscommunication as a trope works very well unless it reveals more about their characters, and you see how both Bel and Connor choose to believe what they want because of their different personalities.

The romance itself was so good; after they get over the misunderstandings and despite the fact that they’re both convinced they don’t like the other person, they have so much chemistry. The banter was signature Mhairi McFarlane as well. I couldn’t put this book down honestly!

Cover Story was an engrossing romance where you’ll love the characters and their interactions. I already can’t wait to reread it. If you’re a fan of this author, especially her earlier works, you’ll definitely enjoy Cover Story like I did!

original review:

oh mhairi you’ve done it again…this felt more reminiscent of her older books (read: pre-2019) that I really loved <3

[Chels ❀ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author, and I was excited to receive this ARC given that I’ve heard praise from friends about her previous books. Not to mention, the first line in the description for this book on Goodreads describes the author as “the Queen of Romcoms,” so I fully anticipated this book to have that feel. Sadly, it did not, and I think that’s one of my biggest issues—feeling as though this story is not accurately advertised. Because of this, my expectations going into reading did not match the reality of the story.

Cover Story attempts to tackle many things at once (a stalker ex, a cheating ex, a MC who cheated, a MC battling depression, a divorced friend, jilted exes, breaking a big news story about a shitty mayor by going undercover), and in doing so, made the story feel scattered. Also, in trying to develop and sort through so much, the romance gets placed on the back burner. It’s not even really addressed until the last 8% of the story and, even then, the conclusion left me unsatisfied. I especially loathe a miscommunication/misunderstanding trope. The romance ultimately felt like it got thrown in at the end after realizing it had been forgotten.

While I wholeheartedly enjoy, and often seek out, romantic stories that explore sensitive themes and shed light on tough topics, as this one does, that seemed to be the primary focus here. I did appreciate the way in which the topic at the forefront of the undercover investigation was addressed, the outcome of which was ultimately satisfying, but I got neither “rom” nor “com” vibes as a result.

There were parts of this story I enjoyed while others felt rushed and/or underdeveloped, and I think implying it is a “romcom” does it a disservice, especially since the central focus is not comedic in the slightest.

** Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. **

[abby :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

probably more like a 3.75 but we'll give in a four rn

after hearing endless amazing things about this authors writing, i requested this arc and see for myself if i would like her books. even though this rating is good, i'm so conflicted on my overall enjoyment of the book, plot, writing, everything in general. the writing itself is soooo british and i feel like this one was more so than her other novels. i say that with absolutely no knowledge on her other books so take it with a grain of salt.

bel is an investigative reporter and she gets a tip about a mayor (male) being gross (shocker). she then decimates his career and i love her for that. following her journey to get the story was really interesting and different from anything else i've ever read. the "romance" comes in when her colleague, a thirty-four year old intern named connor, catches her undercover and has to become her fake boyfriend. connor faced some mental health issues at his old job and decided to start over as a reporter, he's honestly a refreshingly normal male main character. he's not an over the top pretty boy who is always perfect and always charming, he's just connor.

the romance was so minuscule that i'm disappointed but i can see how thats just mcfalane's way of writing a love story. the undercover plot was interesting enough to follow but there was just so much going on. bel had two asshole ex men in her life, connor has a cheating girlfriend, plus the work stuff, its just a lot. the book also had a bit of a slow start and it took at least thirty percent to get attached to the story. i don't really know why i'm giving this four stars because i didn't love the writing but i don't hate the story. maybe i'll change this after i've sat on my thoughts for longer than five minutes but just know it was good, bad, strange, cute, and not at all what i was anticipating from this author.

*thank you netgalley and avon for the e-arc! *

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story 4.25 stars. Narration 4.5 stars
Here’s the thing about this authors books-they are considered contemporary romances, but they are always so much more. This is why she’s an automatic buy or borrow from the library for me. I’ve not read or listened to a book by her I didn’t end up loving. They all take place in England and in this case Manchester. She doesn’t shy away from bad situations or problems that show main characters flaws. The characters are so very real. This book was a whole journey. It starts out enemies to maybe lovers as a trope. Also, fake dating. It ends up in the middle of an almost, but not quite, suspense novel. This one takes slow burn to the next level actually, as well. You can’t go wrong with any of her books. If you are just wanting a sexy romp this isn’t it. It’s not a rom-com either. None of her books fit that description. But if you want good, well developed characters involved in a good well plotted book, try this author. If you read her already then you already know. And having said all that, this wasn’t even a favorite book by her for me. That doesn’t mean I didn’t love it. Just different degrees of book love I guess. Recommended.

[h o l l i s · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really thought this shake-up in plot would break the unexpected three star streak I've had with this author, bringing me back to the highs and lows (in a good way!) alongside an exciting and different vibe in dynamic between the love interests, but here we are. Not that three stars is bad. But it's just not what you want to end up with.

And while the dynamic between the love interests was good -- think less miscommunication and more constant, 4ever, misunderstandings mashed up with faking slash undercover work -- it was everything else around them, including the main plotline driving the need to be undercover that I just couldn't gel with. Mostly because it feels like, once again, we're existing in often-trod territory with previously-navigated themes.

So as fun as McFarlane's narrative voice always is, and as good as the aforementioned dynamic was, the rest was just either underwhelming or something to push through (though when it came to Anthony it was more like cringe through). Which are words I never thought I'd have to type in a review for this author.

This is an easy, absorbing read, which will come as no surprise to fans of this author, and I finished it in basically one sitting. I only wish my enjoyment aligned with the speed at which I read it. But, as I've said before and I'm saying again now, I doubt I'll hit a point where I stop reading this author's new releases. Or at least.. I hope I don't.

** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. **

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This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.

[Sylvie {Semi-Hiatus} · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review!*

In my eyes Mhairi McFarlane can do no wrong with her books.

What an honour it is to receive an early copy of one of my anticipated book by one of my favorite authors.

4.25 stars!

Mhairi McFarlane has been my favorite author for so long, and Cover Story just proves once again why I adore her work. Every single one of her books that I’ve read has been a perfect blend of sharp wit, heartfelt emotion, and characters who leap off the page and feel like people you could meet in real life. This story had me laughing at the clever banter one moment and feeling a tug in my chest the next. Mhairi has this incredible talent for weaving romance, humor, and emotional depth into something that feels both uplifting and profoundly real. By the end, I wasn’t just smiling — I was reminded all over again why she’s an auto-read author for me.

[Kalyani · Rating 3 out of 5]

the writing was fun but this had way more investigative journalism than romance alas

[starlitpages · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is the first book I've read by mhairi mcfarlane, and I really enjoyed it! connor and bel were amazing together, and I loved the whole concept of them being journalists and working together. I do wish we had gotten to see more of them in a relationship, though! I also really loved connor's sweet personality. I'm usually not the biggest fan of books written in third person, but I really didn't even notice it with this one!

[Obsidian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just at 3.5 star read, rounding it up to 4 stars for the rating. I don't really have to much to say except that if you were hoping for a romance with any type of sex scenes, not your book. I think that McFarlane did a slow burn with Bel and Connor, which I know some romance readers like, but then it just felt like we got zero pay-0ff in the end. And I have to say, I really need longer timelines in books if you have the leads fall in love in what feels like seconds.

"Cover Story" follows journalist Bel who is working at a Manchester office of a publisher after moving away from her ex and....other ex. Bel meets the new 30 plus year old intern, Connor, who she thinks takes an instant dislike of her. Bel is given a tip about the mayor being a serial sexual harasser and she does her level best to make friends with a woman she believes is giving the mayor a secret love nest. When the woman meets Bel and then Connor comes along and almost blows her cover, Bel lies they are dating, and from there on, Connor and Bel are forced to pretend to be dating to keep up the ruse as they keep investigating.

This really wasn't a "pure romance" since most of the book was about Bel's investigation into the mayor and dealing with her ex that was stalking her and other ex who is being a jerk. I just didn't think we got enough moments to just see Bel and Conner outside of the messiness of the A and B plots. Connor's issues with his current girlfriend and feeling at a loss of what he should be doing with his life felt a bit tacked on.

At times I kept thinking that the book felt a bit unfinished or was setting up for a sequel since there were some loose ends left open with regards to Bel's best friend and her ex-boyfriend.

[Ashley G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The burn was so slow. Like didnt get together until after the 90% mark.
Okay, I liked this. The vibes were quintessentially British which is always fun, but the part where it means they are too proper or polite, or scared to tell their true feelings or recognize their own feelings so late means that this was the slowest of burns.
Still, an enjoyable, easy listen. I like that they caught the bad guys, and didn't like that the fmc wasn't up front with her ex about things he asked her directly

[Lara Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so much fun, aggressively British, a bit wholesome, and had absolutely elite banter!

From the blurb I thought this sounded pretty generic but I was very pleasantly surprised as this was one of the best takes on contemporary ‘enemies’ to lovers! Normally it NEVER works because it feels so awkward, unrealistic and forced, but their romance arc from beginning to end had me hooked and believing in them! Mhairi McFarlane is yet to let me down!

[Nadieh · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 42%. I felt absolutely nothing while reading this. Couldn't stand the audiobook as well.

[Pip · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is exceptional !!! and Mhairi McFarlane is extremely f*cking funny

[Joana da Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Mhairi McFarlane, for another perfect read. Bel is 100% my girl, what a great protagonist.