Mhairi McFarlane is a Scottish author who writes romantic comedy books. Her books have been translated into 16 languages so far.

Biography

Mhairi McFarlane was born in 1976 in Falkirk. She attended school in Nottingham and studied English Language & Literature at Manchester University. She worked as a journalist in Nottingham before becoming a novelist.

During her time as a journalist, she worked mainly for the Nottingham Post and also wrote articles for The Guardian's TV and radio blog.

She left her job at the Nottingham Post in 2007 and received her first book deal in 2011.

She has published eleven novels, all with HarperCollins.

She was part of the Writers' room for Series 5 of Slow Horses.

She lives in Sherwood, Nottingham.

Reception

Mhairi McFarlane's debut novel, You Had Me At Hello, became the best-selling ebook for HarperCollins at that time. Lisa Jewell said, "The funniest and most romantic book I've read since One Day." Marian Keyes said, "Very witty and funny. It made me admire the story." Minnie Driver said, "I enjoyed this book. It made me laugh and reminded me that anything is possible in love and in life." You Had Me At Hello also won the "Best Contemporary Romantic Fiction 2013" award from the Romantic Novelist Association.

For Here's Looking At You, The Sun said, "An excellent and exciting read." The Irish Times said, "Mhairi McFarlane's characters are full of humor and understanding." Jane Fallon said, "The writing is lively, funny, and the story keeps readers interested."

For It's Not Me, It's You, Heat said, "Witty, sharp, and funny. This is modern and honest romantic fiction at its best." OK! said, "McFarlane created a powerful story about a woman learning about herself. It is full of clever humor." The Sunday Mirror said, "A fun and humorous romantic story. It is smart and funny."

For Who's That Girl, John Niven said, "Her best work yet. Mhairi is changing romantic comedies for the modern age." Jenny Colgan said, "Very funny and realistic."

For Don't You Forget About Me, Marian Keyes said, "I loved it! It is funny and warm. It is a great read." Jenny Colgan said, "Funny, warm, and uplifting." Giovanna Fletcher said, "Beautiful, funny, and touching." Katie Fforde said, "Funny and heartfelt, with humor and wisdom. I loved it." The Sunday Mirror said, "Smart, bold, and funny—this romantic comedy is enjoyable." The Daily Mail said, "Hilarious, clever, and beautifully written."

For If I Never Met You, Marian Keyes said, "Beautiful and touching—I loved it." The Sun said, "Very smart, very funny, and very relatable." Lucy Diamond said, "A funny, smart, and romantic story about pretending and making things real. I loved every page." Woman & Home said, "Mhairi uses her talent to create a story that is emotional, witty, and smart."

For Last Night, Beth O'Leary said, "A beautifully romantic story, as well as a story about friendship, grief, and loss. I never wanted it to end." Marian Keyes said, "Excellent in showing relationships, friendships, and emotions. I loved this book." Woman said, "An emotional story about characters that take readers to unexpected places. McFarlane has done it again." The Sunday Express said, "Mhairi McFarlane's romantic comedy is smart and has real emotional depth, moving from humor to serious topics."

For Mad About You, Jenny Colgan said, "Beautiful, funny, and uplifting." Marian Keyes said, "I love Mhairi. I read this with joy and admiration." Katie Fforde said, "Funny, meaningful, and full of understanding. It is a success." Holly Bourne said, "Mhairi writes perfect romantic comedies, and Mad About You is no exception."

Between Us was listed as one of the best books of 2023 by the Sunday Times. Marian Keyes said, "I love her books and this is her best yet." Jojo Moyes said, "It has everything you want from a romantic comedy and is clever with real, relatable characters. She keeps improving." Emily Henry said, "She is incredibly talented. This is my recommendation to you." Louise O'Neill said, "I love Mhairi McFarlane’s books, and this one is clever and engaging." Lindsey Kelk said, "No one writes like Mhairi, and she gets better with every book. Between Us is perfect."

For You Belong With Me, Marian Keyes said, "I wish I had written this book. I loved it."

Other praise for McFarlane and her books includes: "I am very excited about Mhairi McFarlane. She is smart, sensitive, very funny, and always accurate. She is one of the best writers today" (Lindsey Kelk); "Mhairi McFarlane is known for writing romantic comedies that also explore deeper themes" (Stylist); "The perfect mix of romantic comedy and drama" (Grazia).