I thoroughly enjoyed this unique story that raises awareness of ADHD and its affects on relationships and mindset. Lizzie is a delightfully big-hearted heroine but is struggling with her ADHD and her self perception. She feels things intensely, says whatever comes time mind, and his mastered hookups. After a hook up results in an unplanned pregnancy, Lizzie and Rake decide to move in together but keep it platonic, While this is a forced proximity romance is is also a story about Lizzie learning to put herself first. As Lizzie and Rakes relationship deepens, so does Lizzie’s personal growth.

Thank you Netgalley and St Martin’s Griffin for the arc.

A huge thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC!

*Note: this is an HONEST SPOILER FREE REVIEW*

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“Life was a shadow before, but you’re the sun. And I want the world to know that I’m an absolute fool for you and nothing makes me happier.”

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As many of you may know, I absolutely loved "A Brush With Love". Dental Dan is top tier boyfriend material–the president of the simp club, if you will. Now, enter Rake Thompson, now known as the VIP of the simp club. And, I don’t know what type of magician you are, Mazey, but your writing is like crack–everyone should indulge in it (i’m not encouraging drug usage though…don’t do drugs, kids :D)

If you love relatable characters, neurodevelopmental disorder (ADD/ADHD) + mental illness rep, and they were roommates, one night stand to something more, the one pregnancy trope that brings them together, great humor, and much more, this one’s for you.

It’s very rare that I find characters who I can relate to on such a level. I felt this odd sense of safety while reading about Lizzie’s story and character. She’s fun and bubbly, but also so much more and (unfortunately) misjudged. I loved watching her grow as she found her passions and the people who understood and cared about her the most. Mazey wrote her to be more than just her ADD/ADHD, which I greatly appreciate and applaud her for. There is a much needed presence of positive representation in the media.

Now let’s talk about Rake. Actually, let me first laugh with you, Mazey. I know you named him Rake because of your period drama/historical romance obsession and I love you for that. Luckily, his name didn’t reflect his character. I enjoyed his character dynamic and how well he fit with Lizzie's chaos.

Lastly, I enjoyed the relationship between Lizzie and Rake, but I have to admit that, at times, it felt inorganic. Most of their relationship was lustful; they were strangers who picked each other up at a bar, so naturally it makes sense. But, even with their growth something felt slightly forced. I can't quite put a finger on it, but they still made me smile.

With that being said, I can’t talk about much more without spilling the beans, but I definitely encourage everyone to give this book a try when it’s released. I hope all of you find something encouraging from this story.

An absolute delight. I was instantly hooked from the start and I could not put this book down. Lizzie is a multi-dimensional, well written protagonist that you can’t help but want the best for. And Rake is an incredible and supportive love interest that had me a tad jealous.

My favorite aspect of this book is definitely the way that Lizzie’s ADHD was presented. Her struggles felt real and things such as rejection sensitive dysphoria were explained in such a way that I know I will be referencing this book when trying to explain what I’m experiencing or feeling.

Also I wanted to say that the dedication of the book made me tear up.

Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fabulous book! The characters, the description of an ADHD brain...I really thought they we such a great aspect of the book. The story was great, but the character development was wonderful. Great book!

Loved every aspect of this book. The character development of Lizzie and portrayal of Adhd is a female was so well thought out and spot on. It amazed me how quickly and easily I fell in love with Rake and Lizzie and rooted for them throughout the entire book! I Lizzie Blake's Best Mistake ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and would definitely recommend!

Oh, how I love Mazey Eddings! She is Queen of Quiet. You're not going to find super high external stakes in her books, just memorable and loveable characters doing their best, working on themselves, and supporting each other in order to have strong, healthy HEAs. I'm married to someone with ADHD, and it was great seeing it represented this way. I saw myself in both Rake and Indira and how they support Lizzie and love her yet aren't perfect themselves and occasionally lash out at her or say the wrong thing. I also really liked how things wound up with Lizzie's family; I think it's important to show that reconciliation/forgiveness isn't always the path to happily ever after. This was also so very steamy and Mazey does steam so so well. Overall, another wonderful read from Mazey Eddings and I can't wait to read even more from her.

A lusty and compassionate follow up to A Brush With Love, Eddings’ sophomore release centers big-hearted baker Lizzy, who adores her friends, shamelessly loves sex, and laughs with her whole heart, but struggles with her ADHD and the messaging she’s received all her life (most notably from her family) about how her “mess” is something to change, not something to love. Enter a hot Aussie who falls head-over-heels in love with everything about her during their one-night/two-night stand, uprooting his life to move into a studio apartment with her in the US where they’ll raise the baby they’re now expecting together. The only problem? They decide to “keep things platonic” while battling intense lust for each other. While much of the novel centers around their (often failed) attempts to stay hands off, my favourite parts of the book were once again the parts that had nothing to do with the romance, but instead involved Lizzie’s conversations with her friends, family, and new boss about how she sees herself and how hard it can be to change that without sufficient support, such that when she finds that support, she truly shines. I love books that allow characters to need to each other—not just in romantic pairings but also through friendships and family relationships—not because the characters can’t make it on their own, but because whatever “making it” means for them, it’s far less of a battle when they have care, respect, and a true sense of value from the people they love. This book fully delivers on that front, and readers who enjoyed Eddings’ debut will likely devour this one with equal fervour. And equal joy.

I have never highlighted so much in a book before chapter six nor have I pre-ordered an AudioBook before finishing an ARC but I did at 11% in with this book. I am an adult woman with ADHD (who was diagnosed in adulthood) and I feel SEEN. I’ve only read two other books with an adult woman with ADHD (Fresh By Margot Wood and The Bookish Life of Nina Hill By Abbi Waxman; both great) and the representation is so, so, SO important to me. I just kept going, “Yep, yep, OH MY GOSH YES THAT!” Lizzie made me feel completely validated and represented, accurately and completely. It’s so easy to tell that a woman with ADHD wrote this book, she knows it intimately. This is the first fictional book I’ve seen explain rejection sensitive dysphoria and it was so well done.

Is this book over the top, indulgent and a bit unrealistic? Yes, but it is SO MUCH FUN.

After a one night stand, Lizzie ends up pregnant with the child of a hot Australian man named Rake and despite being half a world a way he immediately dives in to be partners in the pregnancy and the child’s life, requesting the transfer at his job to the US division and moving in with Lizzie as platonic partners.

Lizzie and Rake’s relationship grows with some hilarious ups and downs but there is also a significant plot line dealing with toxic family, rejection sensitive dysphoria and choosing to put yourself first and it is a really great thing to see in fiction.

I also really enjoyed seeing Rake accept Lizzie for who she is. Listen to her, apologize to her when needed and tell her that he loves her brain. These are things my partner has done or said to me and I feel they’re truly important, but especially for neurodivergent individuals like myself.

I am SO happy this book exists. The amount of text highlighted by the time I finished this ARC is overwhelming in the best way possible. I can’t wait to re-read in the form of the audio book I pre-ordered when this comes out.

Five glowing, shimmering stars!

⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to St. Martin’s press and NetGalley for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It's hard to focus when the world seems to be unraveling and unspooling all around you. It's hard to focus on mundane things like punctuality when the world is full of bright, beautiful, sparkly things of wonder.

Lizzie is tired of trying to fit into a box everyone else seems happy to make their home. She flourishes when she can let her creativity loose on her own terms, when she feels the most inspired. The only time she feels like things aren't spiraling beyond her grasp, when the world makes sense and grounds her, is when she is wrapped up in another person.

Rake is not looking for a fling. And he certainly isn't looking for a relationship. But something about Lizzie reaches behind the wall he's built around himself. She's addictive and irresistible and he can't help succumbing to her charm. They share a magical night and go back to their lives - his in Australia and hers in Philadelphia. But they can't stop thinking about each other.

Kismet steps in and they are once again in each other's orbit.

This forced proximity, only one shower, lovers to friends to lovers, second chance, one-night stand turning into forever romance had be grinning like a Cheshire cat. I absolutely adored the relationship dynamic between Rake and Lizzie, the poignant depictions of grief and the POV of what the world looks like to those of us who have ADHD.

Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Much to my surprise, I enjoyed this book! Long story short, I read this author's previous novel A BRUSH WITH LOVE and enjoyed that one, so I requested this one without hesitation. What I didn't realize is that this book has the unexpected pregnancy trope, which is a trope I strongly prefer not to read. But I had already received the eARC and started it, so I continued reading, and I ended up actually enjoying the story! I guess it goes to show that any trope can be enjoyable if it's written in a way that works for the reader.

The two main characters were fleshed out and interesting to read about. Their dialogue was engaging, and the pacing of the story was solid. One aspect of the book that I adored was how the author included a cameo of her other characters from A BRUSH WITH LOVE, since this book is set in the same universe. To clarify, LIZZIE BLAKE'S BEST MISTAKE is a standalone novel, but it centers another character from the main friend group in A BRUSH WITH LOVE. I didn't know that the author would do this, but it turns out that her next novel will focus on ANOTHER character from the main friend group in A BRUSH WITH LOVE. In my opinion, this means that it would be more enjoyable for readers to read Mazey Eddings' books in order of publication, just to understand the fun cameos in each story. Another aspect of this book that I thought was done well involved the toxic familial relationship between Lizzie and her parents (particularly her mother). I thought that their relationship was depicted in a realistic way and felt that Lizzie's decision at the end (regarding her relationship with her parents) was important for readers to see.

All in all, despite disliking the main trope in this book, I'm glad I read this and look forward to continue reading this author's future works!

Okay, so what I read of this book I absolutely loved! Mazey Eddings is such a great writer and her stories are so engaging. With that said, I did not finish the book. I only made it a few chapters in. Now, I should have read the blurb about the books, but I loved A Brush with Love, that I just put Mazey Eddings on my insta-read list. If I did read the blurb, I would have know that a major plot point is an unexpected pregnancy between the two love interests. Pregnancy is a trigger for me, so once that happened, I stopped reading. For people that are not triggered by that topic, I would definitely recommend this book. I love the main character Lizzie and her depiction of adult adhd.

At first glance, a heroine with ADHD who can’t keep a job and experiences an unintended pregnancy is not the ideal plot for a contemporary romance. However, in Mazey Edding’s talented hands, the reader is introduced to an unforgettable heroine, Lizzie Blake, and from the first few pages, we fall madly in love with her and are wholly on board for her happily ever after.

Edding’s does a remarkable job of presenting the genuine experience of a woman living with ADHD. As I read, I found myself reflecting on people in my own life who live with ADHD and putting their actions into a different context. As frustrating as Lizzie’s behaviors are to the people around her, they represent the genuine picture of what it is like to live with this condition. Lizzie is a true heroine, encountering obstacles and surviving them with determination, a gorgeous heart, and a talent for joy.

After a brief affair with Rake, Lizzie finds out that she’s pregnant. Having a baby is the impetus for her to better manage her ADHD. At the same time, Lizzie begins to let go of her difficult past and open her heart to the possibility of love when she and Rake move in together – platonically – to co-parent. There are plenty of heart wrenching declarations of love and support as well as some excellent spice, but what I loved most about this romance was the evolution of Lizzie Blake into a woman who allows herself to love and truly embrace the knowledge that she is worthy of love in return.

Those of you who’ve fallen in love with Edding’s skill at blending genuine romance, joyful sex and layered portrayals of characters with mental illness from her previous romance, A Brush With Love, will be thrilled to find her work has gotten better. Those of you picking up her work for the first time will be laughing and crying along with Lizzie, Rake, and the support team she builds along the way. My most anticipated read next year, I can’t wait for everyone else to enjoy!

I freaking loved this one. Maddy Eddings is a hero and genius for writing entertaining love stories about characters who are not neurotypical. Not only is this book funny and steamy, it also educates on adult ADHD and the struggles they face. Mazey Edding widened my acceptance spectrum all the while making me laugh.

Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!!
I do feel like it took a little too long to get to the point…I also didn’t fully feel Lizzie and Rake’s attraction to each other until the very end. His feelings about Lizzie I feel we’re more genuine throughout the book and then all of the sudden at the end, she’s in love with him with really no build up.
However, in the end I truly enjoyed the book and would definitely read more from the author!

I was drawn by this cover and excited to dive in. In practice, though, I struggled with the writing style, as the story or chemistry felt forced and unrealistic. Despite a few attempts I did not finish the book. Thank you for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Lizzie is a true human. All of her qualities and all of her flaws are laid out for the world to see and she owns all of it. I absolutely adored the character development in this book. Between Lizzie and her Aussie "oopsie", I believed everything about their story and why they ended up perfect for each other. I found myself hating Lizzie's
parents too, just like I was supposed to. Such great characters!

The one down side to this book for me at least, I know it's a romance novel, but there was a lot of intercourse in this one. An insane amount. Lizzie has come to use it as a means of therapy, but wow. I found myself skipping full passages just to get to the end of each of the "events".

So this one is a solid 3 for me. Great for the characters and the story, but a little too much bedroom.

There was so much I liked about this one! Aside from Rake, with the Australian accent, I loved how he was so committed to Lizzie from the start. Friends or more, he was there for her and defended her throughout it all. I also love how Lizzie really didn’t care about what people thought of her. She lived her life for herself and that was something I loved.

When I got the notification from NetGalley that I was approved for Mazey Edding’s sophomoric romance Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake, I was all-caps-level THRILLED. Having *just* finally gotten over my deep love for Harper and Dan from A Brush With Love, LBBM was a book I was EAGER to get my lil romance loving mitts on. So to be approved was just a level of delight the pleasure centre of my brain was INTO.

As always a huge thank you to NetGalley for the ARC, thoughts below are my own. Enjoy.

Having met (and deeply identified with) the chaotic mess that is Lizzie Blake in ABWL, I was looking forward to finding out who would come along and love Lizzie the way she deserved. And my god, Rake was such a breath of fresh air. From the moment we meet him in that bar and the first utterance of Birdy, I was a full blown Rake-loving-fan-girl.

Lizzie experiences the world through her ADHD and Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, and my god there were moments reading this book that felt SO deeply (deeply) personal to me. Especially the RSD and how frequently Lizzie has been told that she’s “too much”, “too emotional”, too everything. These themes, and the genuine struggle of living life not neatly in a neurotypical box is going to resonate with a lot of readers.

I also saw SO much of my own relationship(s) show up on the pages of this fantastic heart squeezing romance. Lizzie and her brother (oof, been there), Lizzie and her Mom (also same) but most of all Lizzie and Rake. So much of my own marriage was being read back to me and y’all I was NOT ready. Too many feelings.

I think was really worked here was that Rake was written to be imperfect, but also as a mirror to Lizzie’s more outward mess, he has the inward mess. But what I LOVED, loved loved was how they made it work between the two of them. I loved how he supported her, how proud he was of her and how real he felt. He didn’t get it right. He didn’t have the perfect words. He was imperfect, but found a way to love her perfectly.

Look, on top of all of this DELICIOUSNESS Mazey writes love stories that feel like home to my heart. They are funny, moving, real, messy and above all things they are joy.

There are so many moments of joy found in the delightful prose, moving metaphors, the humour, and the ultimately triumph of standing in front of someone and saying: hey I am kind of a mess but I love you and I want to be loved by you. And really can we ask for ANYTHING else right now? Probably not.Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake is so many things, great being one of them. Grab a yourself a copy when this comes out September 6th 2022 wherever you get your books.

A sparkling follow-up to A Brush With Love, Lizzie Blake's Best Mistake is a delightful and addicting novel that ensnares the reader from the first chapter. Perhaps most powerful is way Mazey Edding's has written Lizzie's experience with ADHD, which was emotional and realistic without romanticizing the struggles that come with neurodiversity.

Lizzie Blake was alot to wrap my brain and heart around. She's a full force of color struggling with ADHD and anxiety/rejection sensitive dysphoria. She's also on a self destruction course as a result of years of hurt. When I first began the book, it took me a hot minute 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 I was sold.
This is my second ARC to read and review by Mazey Eddings and I love that she is tackling characters with mental health struggles. This is not a seriously plot driven book, but it is well worth a read. You're guaranteed to be shocked, laugh, smile, and feel a heart tug or two. There's also some definite steam 🔥 between Lizzie and Rake. I recommend this book for romcom readers, those who enjoy diverse characters, and anyone who likes happy endings. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review. I can't wait to meet Mazey's next main character in book three!