I thought this was really cute and fun! I haven’t read the book that precedes this, but I think series that follow this mold are so cool. I loved Lizzie and the erotic pastries. I loved Rake and his love for Lizzie. I appreciated the layers to this story and both of their backgrounds. This was funny and well written. I do think that there was some pacing issues and I question someone leaving Australia for Philadelphia… But I’m willing to suspend my disbelief for a cute story. Overall really loved this.

I was first introduced to Lizzie Blake in A Brush with Love and now she gets her own story. Lizzie is scattered, disorganized, too loving, with too big of a personality and she is a delight. Eddings does an amazing job showing a person with ADHD. Lizzie understands her neurology but she can’t control it. She knows it costs her jobs and relationships and gave her an amazingly sad family life. She meets Rake at a bar. He is Australian, only in town for a fews on business and can’t believe his good fortune in meeting Lizzie. Even though they are responsible this is a accidental pregnancy story. Rake wants to be a partner in everything upends his life transferring and getting a place they can live together (forced proximity).

The story is told from alternating POVs but it isn’t equal. With Lizzie you get her inner thoughts, energy, emotions, and lusts. Rake's POV is more how he sees Lizzie and isn’t bothered by her antics and what others see at shortfalls. He is bewitched by her verve for life. He is a super supportive and may be one of the sweetest heroes I’ve read. I was happy to see Lizzie’s friend group Indira, Thu and Harper (& Dan). They are less a part of the story than in Brush. I like that the author didn’t force a happy ending between Lizzie and her parents but did give family connection with her brother. Lizzie’s strength in finally standing up to her mother is one of the book’s highlights.

One thing that has come up as a negative in the reviews is Rake’s back story. I’m choosing to acknowledge that I do have an issue with an abortion being part of vilifying his ex. Rake doesn’t need any back reason to want to be a part of his future child’s life. The point is Rake wasn’t connected to his girlfriend. It is sufficient that although compatible they weren’t in love or that she cheated. The author makes it clear the main characters are pro choice. But particularly in this year the few lines about an abortion feels particularly yucky and stigmatizing. I like the book too much to mark down for this but others including my daughter have.

I absolutely recommend this is for people who enjoy a unconventional heroine who isn’t easy to love and understand at first. This is funny, steamy, educational and moving. I can’t wait to read what Edding’s writes for her next book. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A quirky, quaint story of discovering self worth, love and family all at once. Sometimes fate just has a hand in what happens in your life and Lizzie and Rake are no different than everyone else. Mazey is a fantastic writer.

Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake is a quirky, chaotic, and joyful story. Lizzie is a creative baker who struggles to manage how ADHD impacts her life. While she is routinely labeled as “lazy,” Lizzie simply has a difficult time taking her meds and staying on time. When Lizzie meets a sexy Australian named Rake, they have a fantastic time together. Two weeks later, Lizzie takes a pregnancy test after intense nausea. Lizzie must choose how she wants to proceed and try to track down Rake. Can someone who’s always been told she can’t do anything right handle this latest twist?

I really enjoyed Mazey Eddings’ writing, she has a very funny and vivid way of setting the scenes. However, I learned that the “accidental pregnancy” trope is not really one I enjoy. This would have stressed me out so much in real life, that I struggled to relax. I did try to stay open to it though and I think Mazey definitely pulled it off. I loved the ADHD rep and how Lizzie deals with toxic family members who do not understand or accept neurodivergence. Lizzie is filled with sunshine and I loved seeing her grow in confidence and agency. I also appreciated all the little nods to romance authors throughout the books!

Thank you to Mazey Eddings, St. Martin’s Griffin, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Looking for a cute book with a lovable heroine, an Aussie bf, witty banter, inappropriate baked goods, and a touch of conflict? Look no further than Mazey Eddings second novel.

I have to say, while I FAR preferred this one to A Brush with Love, there were still some things I couldn’t get past. This novel once again is leaning hard into the instalove/instalust, and while I didn’t mind it as much this time around, it‘s just not my favorite. But the real kicker for me was the accidental pregnancy trope. I fully recognize both of my major issues here are based on personal preference, which is why I don’t want to discourage you from picking this one up!

I really enjoyed the author’s writing style, and the banter between the two main characters was unmatched. There were several different points of conflict- Rake and his job, Lizzie and her family, Rake and Lizzie dealing with the unexpected news they are going to be parents- and I enjoyed how we got to see each of those things play out. While it’s obviously a romance novel, those bits of conflict gave the novel more depth and provided more substance for the reader to lean into. Another aspect of Mazey Eddings’ novels I love is how she represents her neurodiverse characters- Lizzie has ADHD, and where this is considered a burden in her relationship with her family, Rake fully accepts her for everything she is. The internal struggles she faces add a layer of complexity to the story you don’t often find in romance novels. Despite my issues with some of the plot points, I still think this one is worth a read!

4.5
Thank you to SMP romance and Netgalley for sending me an e-ARC of this book to read and review! This book was a whole mood and a half. I absolutely adored Lizzie and Rake as main characters and I loved watching their story grow. I'm not usually the biggest fan of surprise pregnancy, but I thought this was done so well. I also thought Lizzie's ADHD rep was so important and I really liked knowing those details about her character. Rake was such a good guy and I really fell for him while reading this book. This was spicy and fun, but also so meaningful in understanding your self worth. I loved all the baking and the friendships highlighted. I was genuinely laughing out loud and I'm so excited to read more of Mazey's books. This was an absolute delight and I loved it.

You guys - this book is a treat! I don’t want to say it was all happy and rainbows because there are serious tones to it, but I haven’t laughed so hard reading a book in such a long time. Lizzie Black is truly the best, and I want nothing but good things for her. I learned so much about what’s its like to have adult ADHD, and how it can impact one’s life. The thing that was so great about Lizzie is that she is this beautiful, complex being and not only do you get to see how those around her respond to her, but you learn and hear so much about how responds to life.

This book is pretty steamy at first, in fact I was worried that it wouldn’t have much of a storyline, but then the steam toned down a bit and we were given such a great story. I won’t post any spoilers, but chapter 39 was my favorite part of the book and I can only hope that this book will be picked up for a movie so I can see two actors playout that beautiful scene.

It’s been awhile since I’ve read a book I’ve been this engaged with (finished it about 24 hours) and I feel revitalized and excited to read more.

Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake comes out on 9/6 and thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for a copy of this e-arc. I loved it.

Lizzie Blake's Best Mistake is about a whirlwind insta-love romance between Lizzie and Rake that at times felt unrealistic but had a lot of heart and humor, making it an easy read. It was hard to understand why Rake would uproot his entire life in Australia for Lizzie after she gets accidentally pregnant after their two-night stand. However, Lizzie is written so vibrantly and with such care, that it is hard not to root for her and them as a couple. I was expecting more closure from the storyline with her parents and that felt like a sad way to end things. I was also surprised how little her pregnancy/how she felt was actually discussed throughout the book. However, it was definitely a cute book and I can see why it's been getting a lot of attention online. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.

Mazey Eddings sophomore novel, Lizzie Blake's Best Mistake, is a super fun rom-com that's equal parts hilarious and emotional. It follows Lizzie and Rake as they navigate life after a one night stand turned into an accidental pregnancy. Lizzie, having ADHD, has always been told she's lazy, messy and out of control when in reality, her brain is wired differently. Being an SLP who teaches executive functioning strategies daily, I wanted to give Lizzie the biggest hug and support her as she navigates her work and personal lives. I think Eddings did a great job describing Lizzie's struggles and allowing the reader to understand what events from Lizzie's past led her to meeting Rake in the present, and seeing that journey made the story that much richer. In turn, I loved seeing how much Rake understood Lizzie and supported her. I will say that because of the instant attraction the story starts off with a bang (literally) and is a lot steamier than expected. Despite this, Lizzie and Rake's relationship did not feel rushed or forced and I promise, you will be routing for them!

I listened to the majority of the book and the narrators were great! I loved hearing Rake's Australian accent and Lizzie's messy but hilarious inner monologues.

Read if you like:
-Neurodiverse characters
-Australian hero
-Forced proximity
-Open door romance
-Emphasis on found family
-A supportive circle of friends

Thank you MacmillanAudio and SMP Romance for the ARC and ALC!

First of all, she's a slump breaker! You will NOT be able to put this book down!

Second of all, it's just absolutely perfect and you are going to love this book so much you will not believe your eyes or ears! You will re-think everything you ever thought about your favorite and least favorite romance tropes and you will come to the darkside! (Accidental pregnancy is such a fun and loveable trope!!!!)

Our heroine, Lizzie, has ADHD and this representation felt really authentic and beautifully described. Lizzie is chaotic, and whether or not ADHD plays a role in that doesn't make it less loveable and wonderful. The things that woman blurts out. . .she's my hero! Her character growth in this novel gives me goosebumps. I love her. The man she meets, Rake, and accidentally makes her baby daddy is the romance novel hero of my dreams. He is a bit of a neat freak in a deliciously starchy way and the way he cares for Lizzie is beautiful. His growth arc is more subtle, but the way he changes through this book, too, is so well done.

This book is steamy! The tension between the main characters is so delicious. Their opposites attract dynamic and banter was fantastic.

Also, when contemporary romance writers reference and *know their stuff* when it comes to historical romance, it just automatically improves EVERYTHING. And the historical romance banter around Rake's name was one of the many little tidbits that made this book feel like it was written exclusively for me!

I really cannot recommend this book enough. This is a new all-time favorite romance novel for me. I will happily re-read and listen to the audiobook too!

I loved A Brush With Love by Mazey Eddings and am so excited that I was able to read this ARC. I really enjoyed Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake! I had a hard time with it at first because insta love/lust is not always my thing but after that, I couldn’t put this down. The mental health and ADHD rep was perfect and the characters were so lovable. I just wanted to give both Rake (that name wasssss a choice) and Lizzie a huge hug. The way Rake stepped up and wanted to take responsibility and be there for Lizzie made me 🥰🥰. He is the perfect book boyfriend. He loved Lizzie for exactly who she was and always wanted the best for her. I loved how unapologetically herself Lizzie was. She deserves all good things and I love how supportive her friends are of her. The epilogue was SO SO cute. I could read another book just with Lizzie & Rake.

Read if you enjoy:
-surprise pregnancy
-friends to lovers
-one bed
-forced proximity
-dual pov
-mental health rep

Thank you NetGalley and St Martins Griffin for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I really enjoy this authors’s writing style but this book just wasn’t for me. I really don’t like the pregnancy trope but I definitely still love to give books a chance even with the trope because I’m always open to having my mind changed. I just couldn’t get over the trope in this one.

I’m not the target audience for this book. I enjoyed it enough to finish, but I couldn’t get into the story really which makes me sad because look how dang cute that cover is. I would love to read other works by this author though because the writing style was so great!

I really enjoy this authors’s writing style but this book just wasn’t for me. I really don’t like the pregnancy trope but I definitely still love to give books a chance even with the trope because I’m always open to having my mind changed. I just couldn’t get over the trope in this one.

I’m not the target audience for this book. I enjoyed it enough to finish, but I couldn’t get into the story really which makes me sad because look how dang cute that cover is. I would love to read other works by this author though because the writing style was so great!

This was such a fun and quirky meet cute, accidental pregnancy, semi-grumpy/sunshine read that was full of hilariously outrageous quips, lovable characters, and an ending we can root for in this beloved trope.

Lizzie Blake is a mess. An adorably smart mouthed, fiery red headed, speaks her mind at all times mess. When her one night stand with Rake turns into two, then turns into more than she bargained for, what she's faced with is an unexpected pregnancy and a new future she never could have imagined.

This book touches on mental health issues with Lizzie's ADHD, giving you a good look into what someone with this disorder feels and lives through on a daily basis. I loved how Rake never seemed to judge her, and was so perfect at calming and redirecting Lizzie from total meltdowns. I also love that she was able to talk out her fears and issues with Rake eventually, helping him to understand her little bit better. While she definitely seemed a little over the top to me, I was able to appreciate her feelings and fears, and enjoyed their grown throughout the book.

4/5 stars - Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the digital ARC for my review.

I received an ARC of this novel from St. Martin’s Press via Netgalley in exchange for my review. A Brush With Love by Mazey Eddings was one of my favorite books this year so I was so happy to get an advanced copy of Lizzy Blake’s Best Mistake. I don’t know if it is the fact that I’m a teacher with an affinity for the students that are “too much” like Lizzie but Mazey Eddings just writes the best characters that you can’t help but cheer for and love. Lizzie Blake is no exception. She has ADHD and has a self-imposed rule about no relationships-just one night stands because it will just work better that way. Lizzie breaks her own rule when she meets Rake from Australia. They have a two-night stand which results in a baby. The story continues from there with how Lizzie and Rake choose to navigate the path ahead. I love how Mazey Eddings shares stories about neurodiverse characters who deserve to have their love stories told. Loved this story!

Thank you to #NetGalley, Mazey Eddings, and the publisher of this book for the eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Lizzie Blake has made many many mistakes. You name it, she has done it! After getting fired from yet another job she breaks her rule and has relations with a man two times!
Rake has given up on relationships and feeling after being hurt more than once. He's decided he'll have relations for two nights only, then it's back to Australia. After the two nights though, Lizzie finds out she is pregnant. Rake does not want to leave his future child and do what ever it takes to help his future child. Will Rake be able to be his emotional state aside to be apart of his child's life?
I love getting the occasional romance approval! I thought this was a cute read and would make a great beach read. I will recommend this book to others!

4 SUNNY STARS☀️

To say i loved this isn’t enough🥹

Lizzie Blake has had a day, she just lost her job at a bakery and her hook up date stood her up. Until she finds a hot, sweet Australian who’s more than willing to replace her ghosty date. And then she breaks her only rule for dating: never have more than a one-night stand. So yeah, she’s had a day(and night). But it’s not over yet.
She gets pregnant.

Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake is a funny, cute and emotional read. It was so fun and adorable to see the dynamics between Rake and Lizzie as they navigate pregnancy and getting to know each other, since they are essentially strangers, especially because Lizzie is such a bubbly and active person while Rake is more laid back and quiet. And also, Lizzie’s ADHD rep was really amazing and I think a lot of people are going to love it. It was beautiful to see the ins and outs of Lizzie’s life and how ADHD has impacted her life!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-ARC!

I'm quickly learning that Mazey Eddings books are ones to watch. She writes complex characters and (mostly) believable plots.

Lizzie Blake is a lot. From the outside, it seems like her life is in technicolor, but she's struggling with ADHD and rejection-sensitive dysphoria. She's coping as best as she can after a childhood of hurts. When I first began the book, it took me a bit to see her struggles and self-depreciation for what they were (and not see Lizzie as just some wild sex crazed character), but once I got there, it was hard not to love her, especially as someone with a partner who has ADHD. It was also nice to read about someone as supportive and non-judgmental as Rake. I'm over hyper-masculine dudes in 2022.

I definitely recommend this one and look forward to what Mazey Eddings puts out next!

This book is phenomenal.
Lizzie has ADHD and is the most fun character. I wanted to be best friend's with her. Her wild antics and happy baking jobs amused me to no end. I laughed and cried and cheered and laughed some more!!!
I haven’t related to a MC in so long! Lizzie and her ADHD reminded me of all the times growing up I was told I was too loud, talkative, wild, etc. People often did not know how to deal with me. Lizzie’s struggle for validation had me in my feels. Every action was met with familiarity (to a degree).
This book easily slid into the top five of the year! Looking forward to any book Mazey Eddings brings into the world.

Reasons to read: Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake by Mazey Eddings
-ADHD representation
-Best friends that are beyond supportive
-Forced proximity
-A pregnancy trope (not for me, but some people love ‘em)
I was beyond excited to see that Eddings had written another book. If you haven’t read A Brush with Love you are missing out! This story follows a character from that book but is a total stand alone! A great fun read with strong representation throughout.