Mhairi McFarlane has once again proven why she’s considered the Queen of Romcom with her eleventh novel, Cover Story. This delightfully complex romance weaves together workplace tension, investigative journalism, and sizzling chemistry in a way that feels both fresh and satisfyingly familiar. Having sold over 2 million copies across her previous works, McFarlane demonstrates her mastery of the genre while tackling more serious themes than her earlier novels like You Had Me at Hello and If I Never Met You.
The story follows Bel Macauley, an award-winning podcaster turned Investigations Editor at a Manchester newspaper office, who finds herself locked in professional combat with Connor Adams, a thirty-something intern transitioning from finance to journalism. Their initial antagonism crackles with authentic workplace tension—Bel’s patronizing attitude clashing spectacularly with Connor’s defensive hostility. McFarlane captures the particular awkwardness of small office dynamics with razor-sharp precision, making every uncomfortable interaction feel painfully real.
A Plot That Balances Romance with Real Stakes
What elevates Cover Story by Mhairi McFarlane beyond typical romantic comedy territory is its grounding in serious investigative journalism. When Bel stumbles upon evidence of Mayor Glenn Bailey’s predatory behavior toward young women, the stakes become genuinely high. The mayor’s abuse of power, complete with blackmail through non-consensual photographs, provides a sobering backdrop that never feels exploitative or diminishes the romance’s impact.
The undercover element that forces Bel and Connor to pose as a couple emerges organically from the plot rather than feeling contrived. Their fake relationship begins when Connor accidentally walks into Bel’s surveillance operation, requiring quick thinking that leads to months of maintaining their cover. McFarlane handles this premise with remarkable skill, avoiding the pitfalls that often plague fake-dating scenarios by grounding every development in character motivation and genuine consequence.
The investigation itself unfolds with impressive authenticity. McFarlane clearly researched the mechanics of undercover journalism, from the ethical considerations her characters debate to the practical challenges of gathering evidence. The Ring doorbell footage subplot and the complexities of protecting sources while pursuing justice add layers of realism that strengthen rather than overwhelm the romantic elements.
Character Development That Transcends Romance Tropes
Bel Macauley: A Heroine with Depth and Flaws
Bel emerges as one of McFarlane’s most complex protagonists. Her professional competence masks deep personal insecurities stemming from past bullying and a disastrous affair with her married boss, Anthony. The Anthony subplot provides crucial context for Bel’s defensive mechanisms without excusing her sometimes abrasive behavior. McFarlane wisely avoids making Bel entirely sympathetic—she can be patronizing, impulsive, and occasionally self-righteous. These flaws make her growth throughout the novel feel earned rather than inevitable.
The author’s handling of Bel’s trauma regarding Anthony is particularly nuanced. Rather than using past hurt as a simple explanation for current behavior, McFarlane shows how Bel’s experience with manipulation and harassment affects her ability to trust her own judgment about Connor’s intentions. The scene where Connor helps her confront Anthony feels like genuine empowerment rather than rescue fantasy.
Connor Adams: More Than Just a Pretty Face
Connor could have easily fallen into the “beautiful but boring” trap that plagues many romance heroes, but McFarlane gives him genuine depth and agency. His transition from finance to journalism stems from witnessing a colleague’s suicide, providing serious motivation for his career change that resonates throughout the novel. His initial defensiveness toward Bel makes perfect sense given his internship status and her dismissive attitude.
The revelation of Connor’s depression and medication adds another layer of authenticity to his character. McFarlane handles mental health with sensitivity, neither romanticizing Connor’s struggles nor making them define him entirely. His relationship with his brother Shaun provides additional character development that feels natural rather than expository.
Supporting Characters That Shine
The ensemble cast elevates the entire narrative. Aaron Parry, their colleague, serves as more than comic relief—his working-class perspective and territorial behavior toward Bel add workplace tension that feels genuine. The scenes between the three colleagues capture the particular dynamics of small office politics with uncomfortable accuracy.
Shilpa, Bel’s best friend, provides the kind of supportive friendship that many romance novels claim but few actually deliver. Her own subplot involving divorce and moving on parallels Bel’s journey without feeling forced. The contrast between healthy friendship (Bel and Shilpa) and toxic manipulation (Bel and Anthony) is particularly well-drawn.
Even minor characters like Ian, the whistleblower, and Erin, the mayor’s victim, feel fully realized rather than merely functional. McFarlane gives each person distinct motivations and voices, creating a world that extends believably beyond the central romance.
Writing Style: Sharp Wit Meets Emotional Truth
McFarlane’s prose sparkles with wit while never sacrificing emotional authenticity. Her dialogue crackles with the kind of rapid-fire banter that makes readers root for characters to get together while simultaneously understanding why they drive each other crazy. The author has a particular gift for capturing the rhythms of British speech without relying on excessive slang or stereotypes.
The pacing deserves special praise. At over 400 pages, Cover Story by Mhairi McFarlane never feels bloated. McFarlane skillfully balances multiple plotlines—the investigation, the romance, Bel’s past trauma, Connor’s career transition—without losing narrative focus. The tension builds organically, with each revelation feeling both surprising and inevitable.
The author’s background in journalism shows in the authentic details about newspaper work, from office dynamics to the ethics of undercover reporting. These elements never overwhelm the romance but add credibility that strengthens reader investment in the stakes.
Strengths That Set This Apart
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its refusal to simplify complex issues. The investigation into Mayor Bailey doesn’t wrap up neatly with his arrest and conviction. Instead, McFarlane shows the messy reality of how powerful men often escape full consequences while their victims find empowerment in speaking truth. This realistic approach extends to the romance, which doesn’t solve all of the characters’ personal issues but provides a foundation for growth.
The chemistry between Bel and Connor develops with remarkable authenticity. Their initial antagonism stems from genuine personality clashes rather than manufactured conflict. When attraction begins to develop, it feels like a natural evolution rather than a switch being flipped. The fake relationship trope works because both characters bring specific vulnerabilities and strengths to their performance.
McFarlane also deserves credit for addressing contemporary issues without becoming preachy. The #MeToo elements feel organic to the story rather than inserted for relevance. The class consciousness between Connor’s background and Bel’s privilege adds another layer of complexity without overwhelming the central narrative.
Minor Criticisms Worth Noting
While Cover Story by Mhairi McFarlane succeeds on most levels, it’s not without minor flaws. The resolution of Bel’s stalking situation with Anthony, while emotionally satisfying, resolves perhaps too neatly given the complexity established earlier. Some readers might find the investigative elements occasionally overwhelming the romantic development, though this reviewer found the balance generally successful.
The novel’s length, while generally well-paced, includes some sections that could have been tightened without losing impact. Certain supporting character storylines, while interesting, don’t always feel essential to the central narrative.
The Verdict: A Standout Romance with Substance
Cover Story represents Mhairi McFarlane at her finest, combining the wit and emotional intelligence that made her previous novels like Don’t You Forget About Me and Between Us so beloved while tackling more serious themes with skill and sensitivity. This isn’t just enemies-to-lovers romance—it’s a thoughtful exploration of power, trauma, professional ethics, and personal growth wrapped in genuinely entertaining package.
For readers familiar with McFarlane’s work, this novel will feel like a natural evolution of her style. Newcomers will find an accessible entry point into contemporary romance that doesn’t insult their intelligence. The book succeeds both as a satisfying love story and as a commentary on workplace abuse of power, proving that romance can tackle serious subjects without losing its essential optimism.
- Perfect for fans of: The Hating Game, Beach Read, and You Had Me at Hello
