“Don’t You Forget About Me is one of those books I couldn’t put down. Crackling with energy and wit, I lost count of how many times I laughed out loud. Mhairi McFarlane’s voice is as clear as a bell—she makes you laugh, but she also makes you feel. I adore her!” — Sally Thorne
Internationally bestselling author Mhairi McFarlane delivers a funny, romantic, heartfelt novel perfect for fans of … romantic, heartfelt novel perfect for fans of Josie Silver or Sally Thorne, and anyone who loves Bridget Jones or Fleabag!
You always remember your first love… don’t you?
If there’s anything worse than being fired from the worst restaurant in town, it’s coming home early to find your boyfriend in bed with someone else. Reeling from the humiliation of a double dumping in one day, Georgina takes the next job that comes her way—bartender in a newly opened pub. There’s only one problem: it’s run by the guy she fell in love with years ago. And—make that two problems—he doesn’t remember her. At all. But she has fabulous friends and her signature hot pink fur coat… what more could a girl really need?
Lucas McCarthy has not only grown into a broodingly handsome man, but he’s also turned into an actual grown-up, with a thriving business and a dog along the way. Crossing paths with him again throws Georgina’s rocky present into sharp relief—and brings a secret from her past bubbling to the surface. Only she knows what happened twelve years ago, and why she’s allowed the memories to chase her ever since. But maybe it’s not too late for the truth… or a second chance with the one that got away?
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This novel is a lot different than what I expected. I agree with other reviewers that this isn’t your traditional romance novel; rather, I think it’d be better labeled as women’s fiction. That being said, there are some wonderful romantic elements to the narrative that will leave those who love a good slow burn second-chance romance all aswoon. But it’s not a light book. Sure, there are light moments, some of which include ice cream on interesting body parts, but there are more moody moments. I rated it as high as I did because I think it explores some really important issues about consent, peer pressure, and gender politics. And I liked the fact that it wasn’t a saccharine and superficial story.
I feel like if you go in expecting a lighthearted rom com (or even a more traditional romance), you’re going to be disappointed. But if you’re craving a compelling female-driven story with some important social commentary and some interesting twists and turns, this just might be the book for you.
I really enjoyed this book! It wasn’t all googly-eyed fluff. There was a story with real meat in there, and I am here for it.
This is the first book I have read by Mhairi McFarlane. I feel that some of the humor may have been lost on me due to the fact that I did not get some of the references (I’ve never been to England, unfortunately). That said, in no way did that diminish the enjoyment I got from reading this book.
Loved this funny second chance romance!
I’ve loved every book by this author. I felt this one was a bit slower to get going but it made up for it by the end. Who couldn’t adore Georgina and Lucas? The tales from teenage years were so heartfelt, they must surely have been lived for real. One small gripe. I really wish the book description didn’t call it things like “hilarious” and “funniest romcom.” It was amusing, as ever. But it’s more than slapstick laugh-a-minute trivia. Can’t wait for the next one.
I adored this book! From its beautifully flawed characters dealing with past hurts and present struggles, to its wonderful second-chance romance, it ticked every one of my boxes. I love the heroine Georgina, a woman who is “taking the long way around.” She is completely relatable and I had so much fun rooting for her. I devoured this book in one weekend, and it gave me such enjoyment. A great read.
A romcom that goes a little deeper.
This was a really good book. Witty and funny. Great references to cultural news and entertainment. And a romance you’re just waiting to happen!
It was a slow burn, but Georgina and Lucas needed that in the end. She needed to accept herself and what she’s been through. And Lucus needed answers and to accept his part in her past. They both needed the time to heal. So as much as I wanted the romance to happen sooner, certain things needed to happen first. And I didn’t feel like it dragged. It was still an engaging story.
Georgina’s friends were also a hoot! Always there and supportive. I feel they all need their own books to find their happily ever afters!
*I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for a review. All thoughts are my own.*
Honestly, I was hooked from the start as we tagged along with Esme through shades of the past, only to land in a present that was nothing short of newsworthy…only in the worst ways possible (think AWFUL job ended on their terms PLUS a scuzbag boyfriend caught in the act…eww). Let’s face it, she’s had a time of it, and while she openly accepts the blame big girl style for her part in things, the majority truly was anything but her fault…not that her FAMILY could have recognized that fact…gheesh! My heart ached for her with the lack of support she received for practically anything, but swelled in delight as she tackled life one crazy obstacle at a time in her own way, with her own fashion sense, and with heart. It was a terrible blow when the beau from yesteryear didn’t seem to acknowledge their past in any way (WTH?!), when the more recent former beau wouldn’t TAKE A HINT (and a hike), and life seemed intent on giving her more lemons than anyone would wish to make lemonade with, but SHE NEVER GAVE UP…which made her revelations during the Share Your Shame contest THAT much more freeing.
So, if you’re looking for the possibility of a romance, a female lead with more strength than she knows, a male lead that doesn’t know the power he truly holds, and a whole lot of ups, downs, and in-betweens with shock, humor, heart, and a hug worthy pupper…this one is TOTALLY for you!
**ARC received for review; opinions are my own
Totally hilarious and wincingly real.
An effortlessly brilliant read – will have you laughing when you shouldn’t and sobbing when you least expect it.
I loved this: an original, genuinely funny, genuinely moving, modern love story.
Oh, if they could turn back time!
What a great story! Witty, charming and moving, with some fantastic secondary characters like Georgina’s constantly carping housemate Karen (Jammy the pet tortoise better,hide while he can!). Heroine Georgina has job and man problems and her family could be ALOT more supportive of her life choices. But what an adventure, complete with a totally inappropriate Thor look-a-like stripper and a philandering ex boyfriend who haunts Georgina’s place of business and becomes her worst nightmare. Her confusing connection with her handsome employer at the pub is a bit mysterious and complex. The climax and closing are brilliant!
This book was a joy to read. The author found just the right mix of action and internal dialogue. Yes, there are LOL moments, but the emotional content is what held me. I so recommend this book and will definitely be looking for more works by the author.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
I am a sucker for second chance romances and when I read the blurb for Don’t You Forget About Me I was hooked. Sadly, the playful cover and heavy on the romance blurb was a bit misleading. The book would probably be more accurately categorized as women’s fiction (even though I’m not a fan of that term).
The writing was wonderful and witty, but I don’t consider this book a light and fluffy romcom. I had trouble understanding all the british-isms and I also struggled with the flow and length of the book. Some very serious topics were discussed in the story, but often times the point was lost in all the extra details and descriptions. I think if I had gone in knowing that Don’t You Forget About Me was going to be more of a journey of self discovery, healing, forgiveness, and self love, I would have enjoyed the book more. There is romance in the book, but it really didn’t come into the story until after the halfway point/closer to the end. I really would have loved more scenes building the connection between Georgina and Lucas in the past as well as the present. The flashbacks were so sweet between them. What saved the book for me were the final chapters. I got teary eyed when hidden truths were revealed and the ending left me with the hopeful and happy feeling I had been searching for the entire book. Overall, this was a good read, but those looking for a lighter romcom should look elsewhere.
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
3.5 Stars
Don’t You Forget About Me took me for a ride.
It started so great, McFarlane has great wit and that kept me rapt for the first 20% of the book.
But as I approached the belly of the story I had a horrible time staying connected. Let me say, I went into this with ‘romance’ in mind. It’s tagged as romance above all else on Goodreads shelves, after all. However, that would not be my first descriptor. It’s Chick-Lit, it’s Women’s Fiction, Romance it is not. Does it have a romantic theme? Yes, but it’s not the meat of the story. In fact, by half way through, Georgina and the love interest (Lucas) have really only interacted about three very short times. Could you jam an entire romance in to half a book…well, yeah sure though I don’t know how stellar an idea that would be. That was my thought at the half way mark.
The truth is, you don’t get a full romance in the second half of the book. You get more of the same chick-lit until you hit the 80% spot. I struggled to get there. Again, I think had I gone into it with different expectations, this may not have been the case.
I am glad I pushed through. Because what went from fun, silly and charming to a bit slow and boring then turned into something profound and emotional.
When Georgina and Lucas get to their history I was enthralled. By the events, by the emotions, by the guilt and the wonder of how you puzzle it all together for the future. George’s thought process while recounting her memories of their past were exactly what I think so many women in that place would be. And Lucas’ thoughts should be what you’d hope every man’s would be. McFarlane did an amazing job of putting these thoughts and feelings on the page.
Don’t You Forget About Me is more chicklit than romance in my opinion. Georgian is seriously unlucky and down at an age when she should be building her life up. Some things do start to turn her way and maybe begin turning her luck around. I like the characterization of Georgian as a person with some growing up to do, even though she’s in that thirtyish should already be grown place in her life. It’s taken her longer than average to figure out her life, but she is making progress toward positive change. I wasn’t interested in the romance aspect of the story. I found her individual story more compelling because so many of us have made bad decisions and ended up nowhere. Georgian is proof that no-one is hopeless, but you have to do the work. She’s an inspiring character with charm and wit. I enjoyed this story and hope others will as well. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book so much!
It was a new and fresh feeling for me as I needed to read something else from my usual books.
The writing was great and without wanting, I didn’t even realise that I was almost done reading after a few hours and I was feeling sad because I just didn’t want to finish it, especially after 80% in.
It really was an unputabale down book with a love story that will keep you guessing till the end what will happen and how everything will wrap up.
I’ll definitely read more books by the author.
Love everything Mhairi does – fab writer.