This was just ok for me. I don't usually mind both insta-love or unexpected pregnancy but this just didn't do it for me. Maybe it was the across the country distance or the "of course I'll pack up and move in together right away" that didn't sit right with me, I just can't place my finger on it. I do really like Mazey's writing style and one liners. Looking forward to reading another from her.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin for allowing me an audiobook arc in exchange for an honest review.

Lizzie Blake knows she makes mistakes, and a lot of them. Her family and even her friends are often baffled by her impulsiveness and her uncontrolled ADHD. A one night (or rather two night) stand with a handsome Australian stranger (Rake), who is intown on business, leads to an unexpected pregnancy and the two must figure out how to raise a child together.

I had mixed feelings about this book. I love the ADHD and neurodiversity representation. I can relate to some characteristics of ADHD, but it was helpful to experience the character living that way every day, in a world that doesn't support it, and I can't imagine how hard it must be. I felt the worry and anxiety along with Lizzie whenever she made "mistakes" and I really felt for her. I also appreciated Lizzie's relationship to her family and the character development she went through. There was a very satisfying moment of her setting boundaries with a problematic family member that hit very close to home.

On the other hand I found myself doubting the realisticness of the two main character's decisions and it really pulled me out of the story. It was a bit to over the top. Also, so much of the first half of the book was dedicated to detailing out how every moment of Lizzie's life tied back to her neurodiversity, that I didn't feel like I knew the character at all, besides her diagnosis. I almost abandoned the book midway when I realized I didn't care about the characters. This improved in the later half of the book as more of the back stories emerged and I got to know more about Lizzie than her diagnosis and I was genuinely rooting for them by the end.

I did not realize this book was part of a series when I started it. Mostly I don't think it matters too much that I didn't read the first one, but I definitely feel like I missed out on some relationship building between Lizzie and her friends. I wish the author had explored these relationships more in this book. My only real exposure to her friends wasn't a great one and doesn't leave me interested in reading their stories.

I listened to the audiobook and found the narrators to be excellent! My biggest pet peeve is when narrators over exaggerate the opposite sex's high/low pitch, but that was not an issue here with either narrator. I did think it was odd that Rake wasn't voiced by an Australian. It felt weird that Rake's speaking voice had an Australian accent while his thoughts were voiced with an American accent. But Will Peters did a great job anyway and I got over it quickly.

Overall I was entertained and don't regret the time spent, but I don't think this will be one I reread.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for sharing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book! I listened to the audiobook and the narrators were perfect! I loved the dynamic between Lizzie and Rake. Rake is such an amazing guy. Although his back story helped with his decision, I loved that he was all in and did everything he could to be there for Lizzie. The partnership between the two of them is what makes them amazing together. Lizzie also has her own story and difficulties she has to go through but she is so strong and amazing.

I highly recommend this book! Just make sure to check the TW.

Short Review: Gah. My heart.

"Every brain is beautiful, and they all deserve love exactly as they are."

Long Review: I loved Lizzie's character so much. I saw so much of my daughter in her. This book is such a wonderful bright spot in destigmatizing neurodiversity and mental health. It will warm your heart and make your heart hurt at the same time. Understanding, commitment, and love are huge themes in this book. Oh and pastries...you will be hungry.

My only criticism is that Rake seemed too good to be true. I am so happy Lizzie found him. I can see myself reading this one again and again.

I'm a sucker for a baking theme so I was super excited to read Lizzie Blake's Best Mistake. I was not disappointed because Lizzie's culinary creations were one of my favorite parts of the story.

This book is perfect if you're in the mood for a light romcom with a pinch of spice. I love how Rake supports Lizzie and works to understand what she needs from him. The emotional growth of both main characters left me feeling warm and fuzzy.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook!

Lizzie Blake has ADHD and struggles with executive function, impulsiveness, and basically every other challenge that ADHD imposes. Her impulsiveness leads her to meeting Rake, a charming Australian, and having a one-night stand, which then becomes a two-night stand. A series of mistakes, fueled by Lizzie's ADHD, bond the two of them together. There's only one rule: keep it platonic. Can Lizzie and Rake embrace the changes in their life without falling in love?

Can you fall in love with two book characters? Because that is how I feel about Lizzie and Rake. As a woman diagnosed with ADHD only last year, I truly connected with Lizzie's feelings and struggles. This book made me feel seen in ways I didn't even realize I need.

Mazey Eddings did a wonderful job at showcasing issues that ADHD-ers work to overcome daily, without being condescending. Her characters were nicely-developed, endearing, and believable.

I listened to this as an audiobook and really enjoyed the narrators.

I truly cannot come up with anything I did not enjoy about this book.

Ahhhhh, I absolutely loved this book! There is not one thing I can say that I did not like about this book. On a personal note, there were difficult parts to read, mostly because they were so honest. I really appreciated that Lizzie, being neurodiverse is so in control of her sexuality. Most neurodiverse characters are made to be innocent or inexperience and it gets old. I just loved how different these characters were and how they worked it. The issues they had as initial co-parents, were real and honest. I feel like I might be rambling, but I just loved it so much that I wanted to write down all of my feelings.

The narration was excellent and I truly felt the colorful of Lizzie's world.

**Warning, cake sales may go up after reading this book.

First of all, I take full responsibility for the fact that I didn't fully read the synopsis before requesting this book. That is 100% my bad. I, therefore, didn't know it used the accidental pregnancy trope that I really dislike. With that being said I still might've requested it because of all the early reviews I was seeing that rated this book so highly. I had numerous problems with this book other than the trope I already knew I wasn't a fan of. The characters- specifically the main character were very one dimensional and frustratingly immature. I appreciated the ADHD representation and cannot personally speak to its accuracy but in some ways I felt that Lizzie's character was treated as little more than her ADHD. And that she was horny, like all the time. The connection between Lizzie and the love interest was almost nonexistent. They meet and immediately sleep together and basically fall in love. It was wholly unrealistic. Dealing with such serious situations and issues you would've thought there would be a lot of character development however that wasn't the case. The characters were childish, making outlandish accusations and conclusions from page one till the end of the book. Unfortunately even the side characters were lack luster. I understand that this is a companion novel but Lizzie's friends were reduced to about one characteristic each. And they also were introduced as her best friends in the world yet completely didn't understand her and treated her poorly. The writing itself was trying way too hard to be funny and not take itself too seriously to keep the tone light. Which is understandable for Lizzie's character but made the tone of the book insensitive and majorly cringey. My last note will be of the audiobook since that is the form of ARC I received. I found it kind of strange that the narrator of Rake's perspective used an American accent in his narration when the character is supposed to be Australian. And the Australian accent was only used in Rake's dialogue. This made the Aussie slang in his internal monologue sound off when in an American accent. Sadly, this book was a huge let down considering I honestly thought I was going to love it.

First of all, another not work appropriate book!! From the very first chapter, this one is steamy! It started as funny but became a tearjerker at about 70% of the book. This is the fastest I’ve finished an audiobook. That Australian accent is hawt and both the main characters are funny. I find myself smiling secretly in my office while listening to this, I just hope my office mates didn’t think I was crazy for smiling on my own whole day yesterday 🤣🤣🤣

I listened to this audiobook, and I can not tell you how much I loved it!! I kinda went into blind and im glad I did, Lizzie is a hot mess just doing her best. Expect her best never feels good enough for anyone around her, no matter how hard she tries she’s always late for work, her apartment much like her mind is always a mess and for her whole life she’s Always been a bit much for her parents especially her mother. One night out drinking she meets a Aussie who is in town for work and they have a one night stand and for once it feels different for both of them like they feel right for once in each other company completely like their self. Rake is very reserved he was hurt In his past and sense he lives a very closed life but Lizzie makes him think he could let her in. But he is going back to Australia and she doesn’t do relationships so they part ways. Intill a few weeks later, when lizzie gets the surprise of her life. She’s pregnant and rake instantly comes to America and tells her he wants to be a part of this no matter what. As the book goes on we see that Lizzie has been struggling with ADHD her whole life, and instead of feeling like something wrong with her rake makes her feel like she’s where she belongs. Rake was so sweet, I loved him so much! This book had much laughing so much! And such great characters development I related to Lizzie with adhd so much!!! And there was Julia Quinn and Lisa keplays reference that made my heart so happy! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook for review! Out in September!

What to say about this book ❤️ First of all a big thank you to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for the opportunity to listen to this wonderful book. Mazey Eddings created a wonderful, heartfelt novel. Living with ADHD poses many challenges for this lovely and vibrant character. The author does an amazing job of helping the reader get a glimpse of how difficult it can be for a person to express themselves in a world where there is often much judgement and preconceived notions of how a person should act. This book made me laugh, feel warm fuzzies and consider my own biases and expectations of others. I would definitely recommend this book. And as a lover of #audiobooks it has two very engaging narrators to take you along for the ride.
#audiobookstagram #bookstagram #mazeyeddings #lizzieblakesbestmistake

This. Book. Was. EVERYTHING.

I mean it. I'll admit that I was reluctant to even request an ARC when I saw that the story was focused around the accidental pregnancy trope, because in my experience those books overly romanticize the pregnancy aspect and do very little to explore the difficulties that come from being single, pregnant, and not very financially stable. I really enjoyed Mazey Eddings' first book, though, so I trusted her to do it right.

(Spoiler alert: she did. She did it VERY right.)

What I thought was going to be a book about an accidentally pregnancy was, in actuality, a deeply relatable story about a woman learning to love and embrace herself, when all she's ever been told is that her ADHD makes her lazy, irresponsible, and unworthy of praise.

I was diagnosed with ADHD shortly after my eleventh birthday, and I spent much of my teenage years wondering how it was possible considering how much of a perfectionist I was. Sure, I struggled to keep my room clean because the thought of tackling even the tiniest pile drove my brain into overdrive. And yes, I always did my work at the last minute, was considered overly chatty by my peers and authority figures, and struggled to put my detailed plans into action. And of COURSE, there were times were I made promises that I forgot to keep, which made some people consider me flaky. But those were all just personality flaws—things that I'd be able to overpower if I just tried a little harder and cared a little more, right? ....Right?

I see myself in Lizzie, and there were more than a few times that I struggled to keep the tears out of my eyes from how painfully relatable it was.

As a romance, it was just as good. Rake was the man of every girl with ADHD's dreams. He accepted her, never questioned her long and winding tangents, and saw her for the vibrant soul she was, even when other people were telling him how messy she was. I'm going to have to buy a physical copy just to highlight the scenes where he talked about how she lit up the world.

Overall impression: I would give it 10 stars, but because I can't, I give it 5.

Lizzie has never felt the need to have a man in her life for more than a night, Rake has sworn off women, relationships, and feelings. Will a two night stand change them forever? Lizzie goes back to her normal life in Philadelphia and Rake is headed home to Australia. When Lizzie tells Rake that their two night stand created a baby he jumps on a plane to be the best platonic co-parent he can be.

Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake is a fun surprise pregnancy, forced proximity rom com with a touch of spice. I adore Lizzie and her way of living her life to the fullest and the way Rake supports and understands her because of her differences and the way she approaches life. I love the way Mazey Eddings depicts Lizzie’s ADHD as being one special piece about her amazing self.

Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake addresses surprise pregnancy, ADHD, and references abortion.

Lizzie and Rake made me laugh and cry- sometimes both at the same time! Highly recommend!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

Release Date: Sept 6, 2022

I read the ebook version of Lizzie Blake's Best Mistake, and I really enjoyed experiencing this story again in audiobook form! The narrators did a great job conveying the story and their tones matched what I thought they would sound like. I only wished that Rake's Australian accent continued during the other dialogue and not only when his character spoke.

I usually don't read stories with the accidental pregnancy trope, but I wanted to give the trope another chance, and this didn't disappoint. Lizzie's pregnancy is a majority of the book, but the slow build romance between her and Rake was the highlight for me. We also get a glimpse update into Harper and Dan's relationship and their supportive friend group. Although it seemed random for Rake to uproot his life to be there for Lizzie, his motivations are revealed later in the story as he allows himself to be more emotionally vulnerable. Lizzie is a relatable character, and her strained relationship with her parents is very realistic and heartbreaking. Rake is the perfect partner and defender and always lets Lizzie know that she is loved and valued. I loved them together!

I recommend this for anyone looking for a steamy romance that includes ADHD rep and centers emotional growth, trust, and care.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for a copy of the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The pregnancy trope is probably one of my least favorite in a romance book. But since I loved A Brush with Love so much I knew I had to take a chance on Lizzie Blake's Best Mistake by Mazey Eddings. I trusted the author to go about this trope in a way that did not make me cringe and want to throw my book/phone across the room. I am so glad that I gave this one a shot because it was the cutest book!

Publication Date: September 6, 2022

Loved the characters of Lizzie and Rake

Loved seeing Hannah and Dan pop up

Main character had ADHD and I liked that way this was handled throughout the book

This book definitely made me smile and laugh

Lizzie Blake's Best Mistake was exactly what I needed!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillian Audio for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin / Macmillan Audio for early access to the audiobook of Lizzie Blake's Best Mistake by Mazey Eddings in exchange for an honest review.

MAJOR CW: unexpected pregnancy trope, medical content, vomiting, sexual abuse, sexual assault, emotional abuse, body shaming, fatphobia, disordered eating, see full list on StoryGraph.

In this second installment in the Brush with Love series, we follow Lizzie Blake, the lovable, eccentric one in the friend group. Lizzie has built her life as a baker despite all the odds. She has struggled with severe adult ADHD, and has never truly been supported by her family. She is the black sheep. Naturally, she seeks out sex as a means to connect to people, which makes total sense within her context. When she bumps into a sexy Australian named Rake (yes, Rake) at the bar and has her traditional one-night-stand, she gets more than she bargained for. When she finds out she is pregnant, Lizzie and Rake agree to move in together and co-parent. While awaiting the arrival of their baby, Lizzie confronts her relationship with her family of origin, her internalized shame about her ADHD, and her past sexual experiences. And Rake loves her all the same. Surrounded by a lovable cast of characters, Lizzie Blake's life is blooming into beauty and purpose.

Ugh. I absolutely HATE the unexpected pregnancy trope. An unexpected pregnancy is not romantic. It's a living nightmare. Why anyone would choose to make it the center of a romance, I will never understand. This was a total let down after the perfection that was A Brush With Love. Even more disappointing is that Lizzie is my favorite character of this friend group (not just because I share her name), and I wanted so much better for her love story. Nevertheless, this was cute, and I loved the exploration of dismantling long-held family rules. Lizzie's redemption of her relationship with her brother was hopeful and wonderful. Also loved the depiction of an adult woman struggling with ADHD. Commonly, women are not diagnosed with ADHD until their 20s because it primarily presents as inattentive type and is less likely to be flagged as problematic by teachers as hyperactive type. Though Lizzie's experience of being diagnosed with hyperactive type at a young age is not as common, it was still important to see representation of what ADHD can look like in older women. I LOVE ALL THESE CHARACTERS!!!! Rake is such a stand up guy and I love his unending support of Lizzie. Gosh I just wished their whole relationship hadn't centered around a pregnancy.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I really enjoyed the setting of the story in Philadelphia. It was fun to read a story with easily recognizable locations that I’ve visited before. I also really appreciated the ADHD representation in the story. This heroine is neurodivergent and still figuring out where the best place for her to work is. The hero is passing through town on a business trip when the two unexpectedly meet while out one night.

I really enjoyed the development of these two characters as the story progressed. I did find the characters difficult to relate to in the beginning of the story. The instalust storyline doesn’t appeal to me much as a reader, so I felt like this was a slow beginning. I wanted back story and context for why these characters were the way that they are. That development does come along later in the book and is handled really well. I just wish it came a bit sooner.

The chemistry between these two characters was evident very early on. It took these two a while to figure things out and handle a lot of twists and turns along the way, but I was pleased with the happily ever after the two of them found together by the conclusion of the story. The audiobook narrators did a great job with both the American and Australian accents. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this story. All thoughts are my own.

Content: multiple open door scenes, ableist language (from toxic family members, clearly frowned upon by MCs) and unplanned pregnancy

3.5 out of 5 stars

Lizzie Blake's Best Mistake was a truly wonderful book to listen to. The fact that Lizzie struggles with ADHD makes her a character I can identify with and see parts of myself in her. This is the first book I have read that has really taken on a character with ADHD and things they live with everyday. The book was quick witted and spicy which is one of my favorite combinations. The spice stars early in this book but don't worry the story builds wonderfully too.

Lizzie intended to have a wonderful one-night-stand with the very charming Australian hunk Rake. Their one-night-stand turned into a two-night-stand and an amazing time exploring Philly. Rake flew home and Lizzie went about her life until she realized she was pregnant.

The book includes family drama, best friends, cooking and even an underground erotic bakery.

This was so funny, so cute and so heartbreaking. I loved how raw Lizzie’s story is and how the author really brings to light awareness to a commonly misunderstood health issue. Rake’s patience and open mind when it came to Lizzie and her quirks was such a nice gesture that shows how important compassion truly is. One of the best parts of this??? Why the body pastries of course!!

This was my first Mazey Edding’s book and it was a charming listen. Main character Lizzie Blake is a lovable, accident prone, hot mess, who breaks her single-night-only rule when she meets Australian hottie Rake and has a two-night stand. Rake—that’s his name, not just a Bridgerton-esque descriptor—has given up on relationships and intimacy, but heavenly chaotic Lizzie quickly changes his perspective. Lizzie winds up accidentally pregnant, and the pair find their footing, deciding to embark on parenting together.

I’m not a huge fan of the accidental pregnancy trope and went in blind, but Eddings handled the reasoning in a believable way. Blake is an extremely relatable character, made even more so by her uncontrolled ADHD. Rake’s support and full acceptance of Lizzie was heart-warming. The bond between the couple was really strong and the elements of family were really well-written.
One teeny-tiny call-out about the audio itself—both narrators were great, but the female had a lilt at the end of dialogue tags and in the middle of clauses that reminded me of someone reading a grocery list that doesn’t end. It definitely improved by the second half but was quite distracting.
If you’re looking for a funny, heartfelt book to listen to, Lizzie is your girl.