If anyone asks me for a book recommendation, my first question is ‘Have you read all of Mhairi McFarlane’s books?’ She is definitely my ‘go to’ author, and I’ve loved every book she’s ever written – so requesting an ARC of her new book is a given – and here’s the blurb:

“Ever wondered if one choice, one weekend and one person can change everything?
Writer Tess has always been accused of being overly romantic by her best friend Carys.
And when they meet cheerful stranger Spencer and his more reserved wingman Ryan on the sleeper train to a wedding, Carys is all-in with the shared champagne while Tess holds back. Yet there’s a jolt of attraction between her and Ryan that Tess can’t ignore – a sense of recognition that feels real.
As the weekend unfolds, with a twist that nobody saw coming, she asks herself – how do you know when it’s your life-changing moment?”

Having been forced into a reading slump by my previous book, I was delighted to be back in familiar territory of an incredibly well written, clever, insightful, funny book – and devoured ‘Hopeless Romantics’ in just over 24 hours!

I have to say I was a little nervous before I started reading – having at the end of 2025 read and enjoyed a book by Lindsey Kelk (IRL friend of Mhairi I believe?) set on a sleeper train to the Highlands, and I was concerned it could feel too similar – but I need not have worried, the sleeper train experience was completely different (and I still don’t ever want to experience it myself!)

You kind of know that something good is going to happen to Tess professionally from the start of the book – but then it loops back 10 years to Tess and Carys heading off to a Uni friend’s wedding in Scotland and meeting Spencer and Ryan on the train. I really liked all of the characters in different ways – and how the relationships developed over the decade of the book was brilliant.

And who doesn’t love a Deacon Blue reference early doors (weirdly, I’d also referenced Deacon Blue in an Instagram post the night before reading this – as I was sat in Crete sipping down raki, and suggested I might read some Maynard Keynes later #niche)

Whilst it is not straightforward (when is life?!) you know the twists and turns of the storyline are going to be worth it in the end. I’d read reviews saying readers had laughed and cried loads – so I have to say I was nervous of more trauma – but I definitely erred more on the side of laughing. I’m not sure sex on a sleeper train could be anything other than amusing?!

I don’t want to give too much away – but it’s another sure fire hit for Mhairi McFarlane.

A huge thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for my ARC. It’s not out until February 2027, but I would suggest pre ordering it now – so future you has a nice Valentine’s surprise!