This book was amazing. It made feel seen and validated. The anxiety issues are so realistic and relatable. The struggles faced, the MC internal thoughts of not being good enough, etc. So perfect. I'm recommending it to everyone who will listen.

What I enjoyed: Harper's anxiety and work/life ethic shown on page is well done. I am always going to be on board with a story showcasing the hero, Dan, with an immediate and loyal fascination for the heroine. The hot-and-cold hero is rather overdone, after all. Harper and Dan's relationship arc is pretty great too.
What I didn't care for: The constant innuendo and blatant eye waggle sex talk. Maybe it's my age? Maybe it's the female narrator that really made them stick out like a sore thumb? I had no qualms with Dan's POV and narration, so I'm apt to believe that's the issue for me. Which is really saying something, since I consistently liken my humor to that of a twelve year old boy. It appeared to be excessive though, particularly in the first half of the novel. It mostly came about through interactions with Harper's friends.
The male POV, performed by Vikas Adam, was well done. I'd easily pick up another book he is involved in. I've listened to Emily Lawrence before and don't recall any negative feelings for her in the past.
I will definitely give Mazey another try. The last half-ish redeemed the story. I think her next book sounds appealing and I typically am a fan of this publisher's romances.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the arc and MacMillan Audio for the alc. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Thank you Netgalley. I enjoyed this romance book. I love the setting of a dental school, it's a setting I've never read in before now. The audiobook had two narrators and it helped with the storytelling. I love the way the book portrayed consent. It felt so natural and it made their union earned and not rushed. The portrayal of Dan and Harper's friends was great too as it made the challenges the character went through more realistic.

Things I didn't like:
It was hard to suspend belief when it came to Dan's storyline. I understand his strained relationship with his father but to quit his thriving job to go to dental school so that he could save the family business doesn't make sense. That would mean that his mother would have to juggle the business for another 4 years without his help. How is this helping her? Idk I just couldn't get my mind around his logic for going back to dental school to save his family's business which is already suffering after the death of his father. Like huh?.


Outside of that, it was a pretty good experience.

This book was SO CUTE but man does it take you on a roller coaster filled with emotions. The problems they faced and how well that was written. Like I felt personally attacked the way Harper was because I could see some of myself in her and it was freaking toxic. But Dan and Harper have my heart they were perfect, and harper’s best friends with the way they supported her and stuck with her, those are true best friends. Only reason why I picked this up was because.l work at a dental office but I’m so glad I did! Thank you NetGalley for sharing this audiobook with me in exchange for an honest review 🥰

A Brush with Love is a MUST READ! This is a dual-POV romance with so much more added in- dental school, anxiety and mental health, love, family obligations, friendship, and more.

Harper is almost finished with dental school when she meets Dan and her world turns upside down. Being around Dan helps her relax and not be as structured with life and dental school, which is something Harper has struggled with because of her anxiety. I also loved that Harper is Jewish and we get a bit of Judaism talk in the beginning of the book! The slow burn between Harper and Dan builds nicely and I found myself eager to see how this would all play out.

Harper's friends were also a highlight for me in this book. They challenged and pushed Harper even when Harper fought back. They were all able to speak their minds and hearts with one another and still be loving friends the next day- true friendship.

I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narrators. They were easy to listen to and helped the story flow.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy.

I went into this expecting a 100% light-hearted rom-com and while this story disguised itself as just that, at times, it was so much more. Familial expectations, loss, tragedy, mental health, panic + anxiety, post-traumatic issues ... these were all topics woven among a sweet story line.

In summary: the storyline was fun and different. The conflict was emotional. The friendships were relatable. The steamy scenes were VERY steamy.

I loved this book! Definitely recommend to fans of rom-coms who also appreciate deeper emotional and educational elements.

I enjoyed this one!

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my advanced listeners copy of A Brush with Love!

What I Loved-

* The Audio- A Brush with Love is narrated by Emily Lawrence & Vikas Adam. I love when books with multiple POV's have more than one voice actor narrating. They both were phenomenal.

*The Writing- This book was such an easy listen. I was able to multitask and listen and thoroughly enjoy this audio with no problems what so ever.

*The Romance- A Brush with Love is the first romance I have ever read that involves love interests in the dental field. I really enjoyed Dan and Harper's love story and found it to be unique.

Why This Wasn't a Five Star Read-

*Harper- I appreciated the anxiety rep in this book and I am in no way trying to be insensitive to those who struggle with it in any capacity. There were times that I was just so frustrated with how much the anxiety controlled her life. Yikes. That sounds bad. I feel like a horrible person. I think I'll go die now.

Overall- Fantastic Debut. I can't wait to read more of Mazey Edding's books.

This was a great debut novel and Mazey Eddings is clearly a gifted writer. I loved the wonderful mental health rep and colorful cast of characters. The dental school setting was very unique and the dental related puns were hilarious. I enjoyed many aspects of the book, but I wasn't a huge fan of the repeated hot and cold behavior from Harper for the majority of the book. I love cinnamon roll heroes, but Dan was so soft, patient, and forgiving that he started to come across as a doormat. I appreciated that they both took time and made personal changes after the final conflict, but I still wanted more groveling from Harper. The epilogue left me with a big smile on my face though and I loved the message of being loved just as you are.

I both listened to and read this one, and I wonder if I would have enjoyed it more had I not listened to a majority of it. Emily Lawrence gave a really wonderful performance, but unfortunately Vikas Adam was a big miss for me. His female voices were unnaturally high pitched and grating. It was especially awkward during the more steamy moments. His narration was so jarring that it took me out of the story almost every time and I found myself wanting to read Dan's POV chapters instead. His performance as Dan was fine, but I would not recommend reading this via audio.

Audiobook Review
Overall 3 stars
Performance 2.5 stars
Story 3.5 stars

CW: anxiety, panic attacks, sexism, grief, death of parent (past)

*I voluntarily listened and read an advance review copy of this book*

When aspiring oral surgeon, Harper, falls down the stairs and accidentally destroys Dan’s project, her life is thrown into the chaos that comes with falling in love.

This has the fun of a RomCom and is still able to dive into serious topics, like anxiety, the loss of a parent and the pressure to follow a path that’s not meant for you. Dan and Harper were both so interesting as characters on their own, dealing with their own inner struggles. Bringing them together brought a lot of chemistry, while also serving as a catalyst for a breakdown.

I thought the portrayal of a panic attack and the unparalleled feeling of that burning anxiety was really well done. No panic attack looks the same, but I saw so much of myself in those moments - the loss of control, the fuzzy thoughts, and the urge to get out because the walls are caving in and you can’t breathe. I really appreciate the notion that “the monster” was taking over, and the separation of self from mental illness.

I also think this does a great job of showing that you can’t help someone who isn’t ready to get help. Romantic relationships do not cure mental illness. But being there for someone and letting them know help is available and effective is also important.

I’m also glad there isn’t much set in dental procedures - I have so much anxiety surrounding the dentist, so finding myself enjoying this book so much was a pleasant surprise! I look forward to seeing what Mazey will come up with for her next book!

I thought the narrators were fantastically suited for the characters, and were read with so much heart and conviction. I’ll definitely be looking for their other work as well!

I received an early copy of this audiobook from Netgalley and Macmillan Audio. All opinions are my own!

Where do I start with how much I love this book?? How about the anxiety rep, the Jewish rep, the way the MCs were both adorable idiots?? This book was not just a fun, light read, it was something that gave a deeper meaning to life and love through this very cute story.

As someone who has suffered from panic disorder (while trying to get into the medical field as well), I felt so seen by this book. Harper was like a mirror image of me, and I adored every part of her story. The way that she grows and learns about herself and her life was so special to me, and I can't begin to truly put it into words.

The relationship between Harper and Dan was also so refreshing to watch develop. The way that they complemented each other and were genuinely just the best of friends was something that was so enjoyable to see. Despite their "love at first sight" they genuinely got to know each other and fall in friendship while falling in love.

If you enjoy romcoms, definitely check this book out! You will absolutely not want to miss it!

Wow! This was amazing and I loved every minute of it! From Dan and Harper’s meet cute, I was hooked. Their chemistry was undeniable. The narrators were perfect!

I loved all the elements of dentistry/dental school. That’s not something I’ve ever seen before in romance. I appreciates the anxiety rep and really wanted to hug Harper. Dan was swoon worthy. I loved how he supported Harper and tried to be just his friend. I love when an author can have me laughing out loud and then wanting to hug the main character. It was hard to see Harper really struggle with her anxiety. I also really enjoyed how they took space and both worked on themselves. I’m so glad I have this preordered and can’t wait to read all of Mazey Eddings’ upcoming releases!

I will update with the link when I share to my bookstagram account.

I don't usually read romance, but this book looked really sweet (no pun intended) and I wasn't wrong on the first impression it gave me. This is exactly everything I could have wanted picking up a romance book—two great MCs, scenes that make you want to melt into a puddle, memorable side characters, a plot outside of the main romance, etc. Harper and Dan colliding together in the background of the stressful world of dental school and the realistic, empathetic portrayal of Harper's anxiety disorder...it was just more than I could have asked for as someone who struggles with anxiety.
Their relationship starts off fast in an insta-love sort of way, but the author is so ridiculously good at writing how connected Harper and Dan are that the rest of the book is just a really great ride wrestling with their dynamic. I love that both of them had issues and lives outside of their relationship, AND that being with their partner didn't automatically "fix" their problems. I can't convey how lovely it is to read a book that tackles mental illness, healthy relationships, and parental bonds with such nuance. Needless to say this was great! I'm not sure if all romance novels involve this much of a sexual charge to them, and as someone on the ace-spectrum it isn't exactly my cup of tea, but it is handled very well and leads to some really great moments. Would love to read the next book in this series for sure.

A Brush With Love

I think this may be a first that I give this low a star rating.

I listened to the audio of this book on NetGalley. I was excited as I thought I’d seen good reviews on it from friends.

I think the narrators just made my experience of this book worse than had I read it myself but even so. This was an eye rolling experience.

I am not trying to be mean but I truly had a hard time with the over acting from the narrators as well as parts of the story line.

I did not love either of these characters and it was hard at times to continue to want to read.

Thank you to MacMillan Audio for the Audiobook review copy of A Brush With Love.

I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I was really looking forward to reading it, and I'd heard so much good buzz about it. I do think the premise and setting are cute and unique. I was very interested in the MCs being in dental school and navigating all of that. I also appreciate the representation in the book with anxiety and how that affects your personal relationships.

I did find the friend group to be immature for their ages. These characters are in their mid-20s but act like they're in undergrad or high school. Harper was a little too quirky girl and Dan seemed like a pushover with so many people in his life, and I found him a little too immediately possessive of Harper. I'm fine with insta-love as a trope, but I just didn't connect with this couple in the way that I wanted to.

The narration was pretty good until it got to Dan's narration with the girl voices. It was a little distracting during steamy scenes. I'm grateful for the opportunity to listen to this book. Thank you to the publisher.

DNF @ 20%

This was not for me. I found it boring and cheesy. I didn't love the narrators, especially the female voice. I think this book was trying to do a lot and include a lot of "current" ways of being, which is fine, but it came off as unnatural. As someone who has dealt with anxiety, I found this a bit triggering. I just didn't love the main characters, they were so into each other so quickly. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free preview in exchange for an honest review.

Harper is a hardworking, somewhat clumsy, dental student at the top of her class. When she accidentally breaks Dan, a first year dental student's mold she offer to help him fix it. Both are insanely attracted to each other, but are hesitant to react. They both cant lose focus in the vigorous dental program, but they also can't deny the chemistry between them. Can they have it all? Or will the pressure on their shoulders crush the relationship before it even beings?

This book was so freaking cute. As a woman with anxiety it was so nice to read a book with a character whose issues and thought processes match mine. I found myself saying am I Harper? I also loved the jewish representation and that it wasn't stereotypical JAPPY woman. This book had so much depth and dimension. Not only was there mental health talk, and religious talk, but there was also a strong undertaking of feminism and the pressure of living your family legacy. At the same time, it didnt feel like they too much. I loved that Dan wasn't this knight in shining armor or this "perfect" protagonist. They both had struggles and the story really explored them nicely.

The only one thing I can say that isn't positive is that, Dan came off as a little desperate at times. I feel like in real life men are not that determined especially when a woman shows she isn't interested (even in this case Harper was interested, just got in the way of herself). But maybe that just says more about the people I keep company with.

When I heard the trigger/content warning at the start I was a little apprehensive about going on with the book. 1. Because I was glad there was the content warning and 2. Because of the topics this book contained and I was worried it could be triggering to me. This book has me laughing out loud so many times. The conversations between Dan and Harper were funny but real at the same time. Harper suffer from anxiety and panic attack which she suffers several times throughout the book. Harper has always hid her anxiety from everyone but Dan has seen her during one of her panic attacks. As Dan and Harper lean more and more on each other, they start falling for each other. The story was super cute and funny!
I listened to the audiobook and the only downside was when the narrator who read for Dan would have to do the voice for Harper or her girl friends and I wasn’t a fan. It sounded like nails on a chalkboard.

This was an adorable debut. I thoroughly enjoyed it and the banter is great, with both characters' viewpoint. So many things to love about a romance with a woman in STEM.

I read this book last year and LOVED it, so I was happy to review the audiobook version. It was just as I remembered, and I really thought the narrations were great. Harper is a great representation for general anxiety disorder, and Dan was a really wonderful character.

Mazes Ending’s debut novel is a smashing hit! I really enjoyed this romantic comedy that centers around two dental students. Anti-social career driven Harper has a not-so-meet-cute with reluctant first year dental student Dan and sparks a romance for the ages. These two have sizzling chemistry and amazing banter that will have readers binging this book all night long. This book is definitely a romantic comedy- I laughed approximately two minutes into the audiobook (thanks NetGalley for the advanced audiobook) but it does cover some really heavy topics. Trigger warning for off the page death of parents, anxiety, and sexism. While ultimately Harper and Dan have a beautiful romance and relationship, there is a section of the book where Harper is truly struggling and in turn treats Dan very poorly which was very hard for me to read. I do appreciate how mature Dan is and his ability to set healthy boundaries in his relationships. Both Harper and Dan are dealing with a lot of baggage but the way that they work through it in this book is incredibly powerful and makes this book great in my opinion. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the amazing and hilarious side characters! I believe Ending’s next book is about Lizzie, one of the side characters from this book, and I honestly can’t wait to read her story! I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did! Perfect for fans of The Love Hypothesis