DNF @ 42%

I've heard great things about this author's books and I will definitely give some of their other books a go, but this one was just not for me. I felt I couldn't connect with this characters and it just felt a little messy. I thought with it being set in the north, I might be able to associate with the characters a little but I felt they were quick surface level and we didn't get much from them.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was a brilliant book!
As soon as I saw it listed I was hoping I would be accepted! Thank you for the ARC copy of this I really appreciate it!

This was a good, lighthearted and easy read! Bel as the FMC was witty, strong and someone you’d want to be friends with! Connor sounded like a dream man - tall, dark, handsome with good morals! This book does highlight the importance of not judging someone before getting to know them, as everyone can be struggling with something. The characters were all really well written and I love how it changed between Bel’s POV and Connor’s! Another great book by Mhairi!

I ended up giving up on this book half way through.
I've enjoyed books by the author before but I just couldn't get invested here.
In one way it felt like a lot was happening but in a too much kind of way that it overlooked any relationship I was supposed to be wanting.

Full disclosure: I’ve been a fan of this author ever since You Had Me At Hello was published and once again she does not disappoint. Bel and Connor are thrown together first as colleagues in the Manchester outpost of a national newspaper, and then in a fake relationship when Bel’s undercover op takes an unexpected turn. The dual point of view is used to great effect to show how their actual relationship develops (especially when the same scene is shown from both sides so that we see their wildly different interpretations), and their progress from mutual disdain through reluctant alliance to genuine connection is filled with moments of humour, mild chaos, and proper emotional depth. There are some serious themes mixed in with the delivered-as-standard sharp banter and cultural references: mental health, harassment, and journalistic ethics all contribute to the multi-layered meaning of the book’s title, and the result is a truly satisfying read all round.

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?

This is such a gorgeous romance novel. Some classic tropes (positive), worked in such a seamless way to bring the story together. Sometimes I can find miscommunication narratives tiring but this felt fresh and realistic, very true to the characters and their life experiences. Will definitely keep an eye out for more of Mhairi McFarlane's work.

I loved this! It was so much more than just a romance—it had depth, mystery, and genuinely compelling characters. The FMC is an investigative journalist, and her current story involves digging into some shady dealings surrounding the mayor. On top of that, she’s dealing with a possible stalker situation, so there’s a constant sense of tension and intrigue. There’s a lot going on, but in the best way—it kept the story moving and kept me hooked the whole time.

And can we talk about the MMC? He was such a genuinely good guy, and honestly, I fell a little bit in love with him myself. His supportiveness, his quiet strength, and the way he interacts with the FMC—just chef’s kiss. Plus, I’m a total sucker for a fake dating trope, and this one was done so well. It felt believable, the chemistry was fantastic, and it added such a fun dynamic to the overall plot.

This book balanced light-hearted moments with real emotional depth, and I appreciated that it didn’t shy away from some heavier themes while still keeping that satisfying romantic arc. Mhairi McFarlane really knows how to write smart, layered characters that you root for, and I’ll definitely be checking out more of her books now.

Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC—what a treat this one was!

Thanks to HarperCollins and Netgalley for a review copy of this novel. McFarlane’s novels always possess a really clever wit that is laugh-out-loud funny that includes a shake of the head at how spot on it is. This novel has upped on the bar with such wonderfully clever descriptions, metaphors and banter that witty, witty, witty runs through the head. That’s not to say that the story isn’t good- it really is. Page turning with moments that are powerful and the head is nodding instead of shaking side to side. Important issues like sexual harassment in the workplace are seamlessly woven into the narrative not only front and centre but in the background too.

Bel is a journalist and renown podcaster who is now posted to the Manchester office as the investigative reporter. A big title for a poky office whose only other staff, Aaron is the crime reporter and an intern soon to join them. Instead of an intern like the privileged and useless young thing they previously had in the office Connor is older, past thirty and switching careers after years in finance in the city. He is aloof and seemingly posh and both Aaron and Bel take an instant dislike to him. When Bel is approached about a potential story involving a young woman who’d experienced sexual harassment with the mayor everyone in the city loves, Bel is determined that she would investigate this undercover, almost taking on a different persona, socialising with a posh young couple associated with the mayor. Connor stumbles upon Bel undercover and the error forces an impulsive explanation of a fake boyfriend that soon draws him into the investigation. What starts out to Bel as a burdensome liability the relationship and Connor soon emerge as a great asset as the two become increasingly enmeshed in the investigation and risks.

On the surface the novel has a few classic tropes but in McFarlane’s hands the novel is anything but cliché with the deft handling of the characters and dialogue and the smooth handling of the narrative and the issues with it. A great reminder of how sexual harassment exists and unfolds in the workplace deftly handled and also a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed it as I do all of McFarlane’s novels.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
4.25 Stars

This was my first Mhairi McFarlane, I definitely see what the hype is about. Her writing was beautiful and real and funny and there were so many quotes I have highlighted. I am from the UK so I understood the language used, so I didn’t have that barrier to overcome, which I am sure helped with my love of the writing, Mhairi never uses the sentences I would expect, in just the best way, every word is so intentional and it makes reading this book so engaging. The writing was funny and flowery in such a lovely way, I will be adding many more Mhairi McFarlane books to my tbr.

When I got into the story, the two main characters were so real, not perfect, but also so easy to root for, I loved how they started out on the wrong foot. I really enjoyed how the fmc held her own, while also having insecurities but was also so dedicated to her job, it was a real breath of fresh air, reading this unique story.

The story itself was so layered, I loved the character growth, how they helped each other through their struggles as they navigated their investigations for the paper. It was the perfect blend of slow-burn, enemies to lovers, close proximity and side plots that kept me reading wanting to find out what was going to happen next!

Thank you to HarperCollins Uk and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Over the moon to get my hands on a highly coveted ARC and delighted to say this is another SMASH. A journo podcast host ends up going undercover with the intern hot on the heels of a front page scandal. LOVED the note from the brother - sweet touch.

Absolutely brilliant! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy, I will definitely be recommending it.

I just loved this book! I loved the story of this book there was never a dull moment. It had such amazing characters as well.

I would highly recommend reading this book if you love an enemies to lovers book.

I would like to thank HarperCollins and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book early.

I always have fun with a Mhairi Mcfarlane novel, and this is no exception, but this one actually felt a lot more grown up. I think that's because we have multiple pov's in this book, between the FMC and the MMC. I honestly loved this addition (most of the time we only get single povs from the author.) Getting to see into Connor's head as well as Bel's made the characters feel much more real and down to earth, since you see them flaws and all.

I was glad the stalker plot line got wrapped up reasonably quickly, it didn't feel too bogged down in too many storylines. I actually enjoyed the mystery/investigative journalism aspect a lot. I will say I would have taken even more couple-y stuff whilst undercover, just for funsies. Without it this becomes incredibly slow burn, we're talking nothing really happening between them physically until the 80 percent mark.

Overall I think if you enjoy Mhairi's books, you'll love this one just as much. It's got all the trademark humour and the pining and I really think Connor is one of her best heroes.

Fun, fabulous frolic through Manchester. When Bel, an undercover journalist, is forced to work with Connor, the intern, on a massive story, she initially has huge reservations - but it's a brilliant fun backstory for this novel as the two have to muddle their way through their circumstances.

Absolutely brilliant!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

ARC review
Publication date: 8 May 25

This is my first book from this author and the description got me interested in the story.

Thank you HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for the advance reader copy via Netgalley.
Opinions from this review are completely my own.

Bel works in the Manchester office of a national newspaper with Aaron and they get along.
Connor is a new intern from London and he doesn't like Bel at the beginning.
After Bel starts investigating a big story, he gets involved in it and they have to pretend to be a couple.

Maybe I had other expectations from the book, as it is advertised as a rom-com, but it took me quite a long time to finish it.
I could not get into the story and pace was a bit slow.
The plot is pretty complex, but it got a bit overwhelming.
Bel and Connor's story is a slow burn and they do not seem to have much chemistry.
I liked that there is a dual POV and we learn more about Bel and Connor's past.
The second part was more engaging for me and I liked the investigation and fake dating part of the story.

Cover Story was my first book by Mhairi McFarlane, and I went into it with really high hopes. I’ve heard nothing but great things about her earlier books, and I was excited to finally see what all the fuss was about. Unfortunately... this one just didn’t do it for me.

To be honest, I wanted to DNF it more than once. The writing style just didn’t click for me—it’s a suuuper slow burn, and everything felt so serious. I think I was expecting something with a bit more humor, more banter, some sparks—anything to lighten the mood. But instead, it felt like I was constantly bracing for another heavy conversation.

And speaking of sparks... where were they?? Bel and Connor had zero chemistry in my opinion. I kept waiting for some fun interactions or at least a bit of tension, but nope. Nada. The dynamic felt flat, and I couldn’t really understand why I was supposed to root for them.

Also, I really struggled with Bel as a character. She just came across as cold and kind of mean? Especially toward Connor, who honestly seemed like a decent guy just trying to do his job. I get that characters are supposed to be flawed, but I found her hard to connect with, and it made the whole thing tough to get through.

It’s a shame because the premise actually had a lot of potential. I wanted to like it, but this one just wasn’t for me.

Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is a stone cold banger. Mhairi is at her absolute best with Cover Story. It's a swoon worthy enemies to lovers delicious read, with smart. funny moments that made me snort laugh. Its packed full of zingy, fresh writing from the best in the business.

Thank you so much for this review copy!

I have previously found McFarlane’s work a bit hit and miss - some of her books I’ve LOVED whereas others I’ve found a bit meh. Cover story, however, is firmly in the loved category!! I really enjoyed this book and devoured it quickly finding myself totally drawn into the story and plot.

I really enjoyed this new novel from Mhairi McFarlane. She’s not only provided a captivating narrative, she has tackled some serious issues and raising awareness for them.

McFarlane’s writing is aging like fine wine, each book is just getting better and better