Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers Harper Collins for my eArc of this book!
Written by Mhairi McFarlane
I was drawn to this book as it is set in Manchester, which has a special place in my heart and I was not disappointed by the mentions of locations (Rudy’s Pizza, yes please! When all this is over if you are ever in Manchester you NEED to have a Rudys!) or the story!
The book follows Laurie whos partner Dan, suddenly and unexpectedly ends their relationship of 18 years and moves out. Having never been concerned by his lack of commitment to marriage or such before Laurie now blames herself for wanting children. However she soon realises that that isn’t the case.
After a traumatic couple of hours stuck in a lift with office womaniser Jamie Carter, Laurie and him decide to team up in order to get back at Dan but also potentially help Jamie on his way to promotion, by pretending to be in a relationship.
As is expected in this kind of story line the lines begin to blur between what is real and what is purely for show in the ‘relationship’.
Aside from the main story I loved some of the side characters who were well thought out and I feel a lot of women could relate to in 2020. The men who feel you owe them something because they stood up for you, the women who feel like they are living a fake due to getting their nails and tan done each week, etc. I also feel that Laurie and Dans relationship and consequent break up came across as genuine and, again relatable as marriage becomes less common and fears of your other half just leaving can be real.
I would really recommend this book to anyone who loves contemporary fiction or ‘chick lit’ but wants a novel look at this! It is also the perfect easy read for this current situation.
Stay safe and happy reading!
Highland Book Fairy 