I enjoyed the storyline & the characters. Liked the will they-won't they element with some humorous moments but also was gripped by the heartbreaking moments

The idea of this book was amazing, but the plot was just not it. There was too much description on everyday moments (for me anyway). I think this would have been much better suited as a novella rather than a story. The actual writing of this book was good, no complaints from me there!

I just found this lacking a bit.

I received this novel as an ARC via NetGally. For more book reviews, go to my bookstagram at @blondesbooknook

Fling by Joseph Murray offers a contemporary exploration of marital challenges, infidelity, and the complexities of modern relationships. The novel centres on Tara and Colin, a couple whose once-passionate marriage has dwindled over six years, exacerbated by the emotional toll of unsuccessful IVF treatments. In a moment of vulnerability, both partners independently turn to "Fling," a controversial dating app designed for married individuals seeking discreet affairs. Unbeknownst to each other, they each find a 100% match on the app, setting the stage for a series of ironic and introspective events.
Murray's narrative delves into the emotional landscapes of both Tara and Colin, presenting their perspectives with empathy and authenticity. The portrayal of their struggles with intimacy, communication, and personal fulfillment resonates with the realities many couples face. The inclusion of modern technology as a catalyst for the plot adds a relevant twist, reflecting contemporary relationship dynamics.

I really enjoyed this book. The struggles the couple were going through were so real and heartfelt but the way the author wrote them was perfect. It was well balanced with humour to keep it on the lighter side. Definitely recommend. The audiobook narrator was a pleasure to listen to aswell it was really well done.

I feel this book was more enjoyable to me at the time I read it than it would've been at another time. It was just what I needed - fluffy, light, amusing, and cliche.

The premise of the book was very cliche, not something different or original to 1000's of other romcom's that have been published. But hey, don't we all love an enemies to lovers sometimes? I know I do.

This was an ok book, but very predictable . It was very funny at times and well written.

If you want a quick read, nothing too heavy then I would recommend this for your summer holiday.

I couldn’t believe that someone hadn’t written this book already, it’s such a brilliant idea! Making a special connection on a dating website….only to find your match is sitting right beside you! Spicy usernames, clandestine chats and that deep-rooted feeling of needing to be seen, heard and understood make this unputdownable:

Tara and Colin have been married for years - but in the throes of IVF they have lost each other. When a new dating app comes on the scene can this be a way for them to both get out of their marriage?

This book was really good. I enjoyed the plot / I thought it captured really well what it’s like to be in a long term relationship/marriage and how sometimes it can get a bit stale. I really enjoyed the dual narrative as I got a good perspective of the two characters and how they both felt about it. I enjoyed the dating app especially from Tara’s perspective and what it’s like to online date. I found myself thinking that I was lucky to have not been through this. Even though the ending was a tad predicable it was definitely the outcome that I wanted. This was my first book by this author but I’d like to read more.

I didn’t love this, mainly because it felt like a long form storytelling of the pop song ‘escape’ and with that, far too predictable, it was just missing some pina coladas.

The premise of the book intrigued me but I felt that the book was that. The plot felt very cliched and the miscommunication annoyed me a lot.

Enjoyed this one.

A good romantic comedy with a good hint of will they won't they which is a must for all rom coms. If you're a fan you'll like this one.

This was a nice book, it was cute, it was easy and kind of a bit meh. Could easily take it or leave it, not entirely sure romance i my thing anymore as it didn't feel like it had enough grit.

Did leave me questioning things and think about life in a different manner. I did finish it as I kinda enjoyed it, probably wouldn't recommend though

I really enjoyed 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.

Tara and Colin, the protagonists of our story, are an odd couple by most standards. Tara fell head over heels in love with Colin at first sight, while Colin? He fell for Tara at first fight. Fast forward six years into their marriage, and the sparks have fizzled out, replaced by a haunting sense of emptiness. It's a situation that many couples can relate to, where the routine and the mundane have overtaken the passion that once ignited their love.

But, as the saying goes, sometimes, the answer is right in front of you, and that's precisely what happens when Tara and Colin discover the controversial new dating app called Fling. Their journey with this app, a device that offers the promise of finding your 100% match, is both heartfelt and hysterical. J.F. Murray weaves a tale that reminds us that sometimes, what we're searching for might be closer than we think.

*Fling* is a novel that encompasses the full spectrum of emotions. It's a rollercoaster of laughter, love, and the undeniable quirkiness of human relationships. The characters are relatable and endearing, and their struggles mirror the real-life challenges that many couples face. The wit and humor in the book are balanced perfectly with moments of vulnerability and tenderness.

One of the striking aspects of *Fling* is its clever examination of the communication breakdown in relationships. The author delves deep into the intricacies of how miscommunication and misperception can damage a once-thriving partnership.

In conclusion, J.F. Murray's *Fling* is an enchanting and uproarious journey through the labyrinth of modern relationships. With a perfect mix of humor, emotion, and insight, it's a heartwarming reminder that the love you seek might be closer than you think. Murray has indeed crafted a tale that is bound to resonate with anyone who has ever been in love, or, as the case may be, in a fling.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and of course the author for gifting me this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Quick, easy read, and was what you would expect from a laugh out loud rom-com with extra cheese. Although some people might not appreciate that the book contains cheating, I felt the characters developed well and the story explained the reasons behind why they acted the way they did. The story is based off a lot of realism as well as it is not uncommon to be in a long term relationship and for it to get a bit stale after 6 years, and explains, to be frank, exactly what can happen when you lose the spark and there is not enough effort that is made, and what I liked about this book is that rather than just a blame game after the cheating both sides held themselves accountable for the actions and the reasons that led up to that point and they were able to find a way to move past it.

Overall was very enjoyable and I was able to read it in one sitting :)

In a sentence this book could be described as a rom-com fueled by miscommunication with a healthy dose of irony & fate.

At the core of this book are 2 characters in their late thirties whose desire for one another had diminished with the stress of life & that leads to the desire to re-ignite that spark by showing the importance of yourself & self-acceptance & self-love.

I enjoyed the introduction of the app & how humour added another dimension to the book.

Sadly I couldn't fully find myself connecting with the narrative style or characters themselves.... I felt that at times more depth was needed to make me fully root for the characters.

Having said that, I think that this was a satisfying rom-com & it gives you everything you'd typically want in a rom-com.

Overall I rated this one ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

This is such an interesting, unique plotline that I was pulled into instantly. I loved the multiple POVs and the way they connected seamlessly.. This is just perfect with a little bit of everything. I love the way romance is mixed in with a dash of humour. I got lost in this book and it was the pure escapism I needed. I can not wait to read more by this author.

Love it from start to finish. Had me literally laughing hysterically in parts. THANKYOU for giving me the chance to read in advance

This one was funny. Quite a clever plotline with a bit of a how on earth will they resolve this one. Kept me entertained.

When their marriage hits a bit of a rough patch, Tara and Colin each seek comfort in a new dating app for married people to try and make themselves feel a bit more valued and loved. As they individually start to gain a connection with a stranger on the internet, their marriage seems in more and more trouble as they start to have feelings for their respective partners.
Oh my god this book was too cute! I loved it, it was warm and funny and I felt like I was wrapped up within it. 5 stars!