Hopeless Romantics: A Novel

One decade, four friends—and infinite missed chances at love… A heartfelt, tender, and gorgeously written romance from international bestseller Mhairi McFarlane.

When Tess and her best friend Carys get the Caledonian Sleeper train to a friend’s wedding in Scotland, over a bottle of warm champagne and four plastic glasses they hit it off with confident alpha Spencer, and Ryan, his funny, wry sidekick.

Tess and Ryan unlock a shared wavelength, shared sense of humor and shared worldview that carries them into a weekend with a shocking twist, meaning that everyone and everything is changed forever.

They fall in a kind of insta-love–this isn’t their moment. It can’t be.

And yet every time, over the decade that follows, that their paths cross again, the stars never quite align. From big birthdays to more weddings, life’s significant events entwine their lives. But will that moment for Tess and Ryan ever arrive?

Funny, poignant, and romantic, this is a love story of friendship, missed chances, and soulmates.

Tropes

• Right person, wrong time

• Multiple Timelines

• Second Chance

• Slow Burn

• Friends to Lovers

“Bridget Jones, you’ve got some competition.” - Marie Claire

“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, bestselling author of The Hating Game

"McFarlane is one of my all-time favorite writers now." - Emily Henry

“In her latest marvelously entertaining romance, McFarlane (Between Us, 2023) makes effective use of a workplace enemies-to-lovers situation between her relatably messy protagonists to create plenty of snarky banter and simmering sexual chemistry. McFarlane adds real-world details and depth to all this rom-com wonderfulness with her thoughtful exploration of darker life issues, such as predatory politicians, stalking exes, and depression.” - Booklist on COVER STORY

“Scottish rom-com savant Mhairi McFarlane writes funny, sprightly love stories that land punchlines as adeptly as they explore more emotional, serious issues. Her latest follows two journalists who get off on the wrong foot, but soon find themselves faking a relationship to land a huge story.”  - BookPage on COVER STORY