4/5 ⭐️ 3/5 ⭐️

I went into this book blind and I loved it! I haven’t read a book that describes the accuracy and struggles of mental health like this one.

Jude is a doctor working overseas in a lot of war torn areas and is back home to celebrate his childhood friends wedding. He is struggling tremendously with PTSD and anxiety. The way the author depicts this part of his life was really well written.

Indira is a psychologist that has some childhood trauma that she’s working through. Her and Jude have been childhood enemies for a long time. The banter and tension was perfect in this book. I really enjoyed their story and seeing the enemies to lovers transition ☺️

ARC REVIEW
The Plus One by Mazey Eddings

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A beautiful romcom that tackles some serious topics.

❤️ Indira had always hated her brother’s best friend Jude. But when he comes back from war torn areas as an outreach doctor, she might be exactly what he needs.

This was a good, quick read. Here’s what I liked:

❤️ Fake dating and “it’s always been you” tropes. Both are done really well here. Indira and Jude obviously work as a couple but it takes the fake dating to get them to realize it. Little stories they tell about the past shows how much they were really in love all along.

❤️ Indira. I adored her. She is fun and feisty. The chemistry she has with Jude and their bickering moments were my favorite.

❤️ The serious tone. Check TW. this book deals with PTSD and mental health wellness. But it does so really well. Both characters have major things in their lives that they have to work through. This is a big pro therapy book.

All in all, I loved the characters and the storyline. This is a must read for romcom lovers.

Spice level: 🔥🔥🔥

Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC book in exchange for an honest review.

Release: 4/4

This book was a solid 4/5 stars!!! I really enjoyed the first book of the series, however the second book I did not like at all so honestly I wasn’t going into this book with high hopes, but thankfully, the book was great, definitely better than the second!!! I loved the dynamic between the FMC and MMC and how their friendship and then relationship began from her trying to help him with his mental issues, I think that part of their relationship adding a whole new depth to the story. I don’t have any critiques for the book, it was a solid Adult romance that could honestly pass as YA romance- nonetheless I recommend this book for people who are looking for an enemies to lovers, fake dating, or brothers best- friend trope than is light hearted but also has great depth to it!

6/10

I don’t want to like Mazey Eddings books. They are rom coms but without the standard storyline that defines a great rom com. You know exactly what’s going to happen within the first 10 pages. No surprises. The writing, IMHO, is ok. It doesn’t read like the way people would actually talk. And it goes in for a bit longer than I’d like the books too.

But she sure has a way of building likeable characters.

All her books also deal with mental health issues. Which is good, but oftentimes gets in the way of the actual story.

This book is the third in the series - each book is about one of four friends and their journeys of love.

This book follows Indira, who apparently is super sexy, and pretty funny, and can’t keep a healthy relationship. When she goes back to her brothers house she sees his best friend Jude. Jude is experiencing PTSD. Jude and Indira claim they don’t like each other but they clearly do. Yadda yadda yadda, they hook up and fall madly in love.

I don’t consider this a spoiler because, again, you’ll figure it all out in 10 pages.

The big challenge I have with this book is the pedantic banter about illness that seems to go nowhere. That said, just when you think you’ve had enough, along comes a graphic sex scene which is part of Mazey’s core style. The scenes are both sexy and cringeworthy. I’m not a big fan of the terminology Mazey uses.

Anyway, Mazey, I believe is an acquired taste. I would imagine she has a huge loyal following - probably primarily women.

As for me, the jury is out whether or not two of her books is enough for me.

#netgalley #plusone

I’ve either loved or really disliked Mazey Eddings’ books in the past, but after the love Lizzie’s story, I was so ready to dive into this book. It was both a friends and enemies to lovers (just read it to understand). We had forced proximity, one tent (not bed), and lots of banter. All in all, very promising. Eddings didn’t disappoint in most ways. I laughed a lot and almost immediately was rooting for Jude and Indira.

Eddings tackled a difficult topic—mental health—by going straight for PTSD. While I think it ended well, for the longest time Jude was attempting to fix his trauma by focusing on his new relationship with Indira. The crazy thing was, despite knowing how much he’s been through and working professionally as a psychiatrist, Indira lets him! I love that she made him feel safe, but on the flip side, it seemed like he used her as a crutch. The few times she checks in on his mental health, he redirects her back to their relationship (usually sex) and she once again lets him. A large part of their relationship just felt too unhealthy.

Indira claimed that she didn’t want him to view her as his psychiatrist, but she tries to do that at times. I’m fact, she spends more time trying to have him unpack his trauma with her, over talking to a real therapist. The first time she really pushes it, is literally at the last second. Seven weeks off could’ve been spent in therapy, but she waits until he has seven days left.

I don’t know if this should dissuade you from reading it, and in the end I think his mental health is addressed in a healthy way. However, just be aware it takes awhile to get there.

4.5 stars rounded down!

Don't let the cute covers in this series fool you.. these are some of the most heartfelt, real, emotional and funny contemporary romances I've read in a long time. This book hit me in the same spot that Abby Jimenez's books do - the perfect blend of toe-curling romantic comedy and characters who REAL people can relate to.

The depiction of mental health in all of these books is outstanding, that alone should be enough to make anyone pick up this book. Both Jude and Indira were such fantastic characters, but not without their own faults which made me love them even more. Both carried different pain from their past that deeply affected their present and future selves, but the way both reacted to and gave the other the support needed was beautifully done. I was glad to be on this journey with both Jude and Indira, as well as the characters from the previous books. Mazey, you've made a forever fan out of me, I look forward to reading more from you in the future!!

Not to mention.. this book was SPICY.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's, and Mazey Eddings for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

3.5 stars for me

Tropes: Enemies to lovers, fake dating

Jude and Dira are childhood enemies. Jude is the best friend of Dira's brothers. Now in present time they are both staying at her brother's house leading up to his wedding. Dira and Jude are both going through a tough time and are surprised to find comfort in one another.

My favorite thing about this book was how it touched on mental health and how great of a job it did portraying the struggles each character was facing.

Personally, I felt that the romance between the two happened really fast considering how much they supposedly disliked each other. I also am one to prefer a slow burn romance, so maybe it's just my personal preference getting in the way.

Overall, I liked this book and would definitely read more by this author! Thanks for the ARC Netgalley!

In “The Plus One” by Mazey Eddings we meet Indira – right from the start it seems like she has everything going for her. But one early trip back to her apartment and everything changes. Just when she thought her life could not get any worse, when she goes to find solace at her brothers and his fiancés house, she finds Jude, her brother’s best friend who is in town for his wedding. But who was also her arch nemesis growing up. As they navigate all the pre-wedding events together Indira starts to think maybe it was a mistake to try to have him run over by car when he stole her bicycle all those years ago.

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley, and this is my honest review.

I expected a light, fluffy rom-com when I began this ARC, but boy was I wrong. This was a deep, intensely descriptive narrative of living with PTSD and anxiety. I feel like the book began with Indira as the primary protagonist and ends with Jude. There are some spicy scenes. I got a little bogged down toward the end and almost put it away. Like, that it might have ended better if it happened sooner? That may make no sense.

Thank you NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I am a huge fan of Mazey’s work. I find them relatable and wholesome. However, I did find “The Plus One” a little bit slow and linear. I believe the high expectations got the best of me this time. Still, I am super grateful for getting the chance to read this beforehand!

I'd like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for approving me for an ARC of The Plus One. I was drawn in by the title and the cover. I am very excited to see if the content of the book is just as interesting.

For those that have read my reviews, here are my thoughts during the read. For those that are new to reading my reviews, I like to type out my thoughts while reading and give an overall review at the end. Feel free to skip to the bottom for my overall thoughts on The Plus One by Mazey Eddings.

First thoughts: I LOVE that there is a page just for content warnings. I honestly think all books should have this if there is triggering content within.

I don't know if I'll be able to look at peanut butter the same way 😂

"It's not what it looks like"?????? Is he for real?!?? I was cheated on in the past, but thankfully I never had to witness it.

Eee! It's my favorite type of book! Written with multiple perspectives!! I love seeing things from multiple characters POVs!!

Is GHCO like Doctors Without Boarders?

Why is Indira lying for that POS cheating d-wad? It doesn't matter if he's Jeremy's family.

Prediction: the reason Jude ends up liking Indira is because the psychiatrist part of her gets him to talk through his PTSD.

I can relate to Indira and feeling like I'm not good enough for people. It's a very heartbreaking feeling.

It's funny they talk about Grey's Anatomy, I just finished binge watching it to get prepared for the new season.

The way Jude describes Indira and her ability to read people probably helps her to be an amazing psychiatrist.

I also relate to Jude coming from a home with financial instability, and wanting to not be a burden to your family because of financial needs. I grew up thinking about ways to save money and not keep a ton of debt.

I'm dying of his reaction to walking in on her in the bathroom 😂😂

I don't understand why Jude doesn't think his best friend would notice he's acting different. Best friends notice things even when you try to hide it.

I kind of understand what Indira is talking about, feeling abandoned when someone leaves. Even if they aren't leaving you per say, but moving on and growing up. It's a difficult feeling.

I don't have experience with PTSD but it seems like very intense anxiety caused by certain triggers.. and I have anxiety, so I couldn't imagine having something worse than that being amplified.

The amount of trust he must have in Indira to open up to her. I know he feels shame after telling her, but it was a big step to share with her all he's been through.

I can relate to Indira trying to park 😂😂 parallel parking is the devil's creation

Chris saying Indira got into a relationship fast not only is annoying because he literally got into a relationship while IN a relationship, but also, Indira and Jude have known each other forever, it wouldn't be that weird if it truly happened.

Jude standing up to Chris 😍😍

OMG! That kiss!!!

Tears, I'm in literal tears reading Indira talk about how she felt like if she were better or enough her dad would have stayed. I felt the EXACT same way when my dad left. And I looked for attention from guys because I wanted to feel like I was enough for someone.

"Was being roasted her love language?" 😂😂

My heart is so sad because they both have developed feelings for the other yet don't know about the others feelings because they're both too stupid to admit that they have said feelings!

Jude not having a comeback and saying "expect a witty comeback text in 7-10 business days" is like me with comebacks. My brain takes WAY to long to produce one.

The dreaded farting noise the couch makes to ruin good old-fashioned sexual tension 🤣😂

Mmk. It just got real juicy...

Hahahahaha!!! Indira freaking out and blurting out that Jeremey walked in on them naked 😂😂 perfect 😂😂

Collins reaction, "don't hurt each other" instead of being mad was so sweet. And him saying "you're my 2 favorite people" and Jeremy's reaction to that, haha!

His birthday gift to her was so adorable 😍

I love that he kept so many little notes from her from when they were teenagers.

😂🥰 His mom betting his dad they would get together 15 years ago! "Don you owe me ten dollars"

Jude is breaking my heart pulling away from Indira like that. Could she possibly go with him? Be his support through it all? Work virtually?

She told him she loves him 🥰🥰🥰

I love cuddling my husband with skin-to-skin contact, like Jude says, it makey me feel calm and safe.

I love the similes and metaphors she used to describe wanting to be there for him even if he isn't prepared for her to be there fully.

My heart breaks for Collin, expecting his dad to be different this time because it's his wedding.

I'm so happy that Indira called their dad. Someone needed to tell that jerk off.

Jude has Indira when he gets home, just having that could help him keep some of the overwhelming sadness at bay.

I've noticed Mazey uses the term "decadent/decadence" quite a bit.. aren't there other terms she could use??

I'm so glad that Jude is getting help!

I hate how difficult it is to describe to someone who doesn't have a mental illness how you're mental illness works and why it is real. People just think you're making it up because they can't see it.

I love that they started a nonprofit together.

Ahh! They're engaged!!



**Going into this book I didn't realize it was the third in a series. With that being said, I am in desperate need of reading the first two.

This book was so good, the relatability to both Jude and Indira on various levels. The emotional ride it took me on was incredible. Again, I'm excited to go back and read the first 2 books, and look forward to what I'm hoping is a 4th book!

To say I am a HUGE Mazey Eddings Fan is an understatement! I fell in love with her writing after Brush with love (plus being a dentist myself I was hooked!), then came lizzie - who won my heart being a firecracker....so needless to say when I received this arc I screamed with delight! (and lets be real - I will read any and all books Mazey writes from here on out).

With that said - I am so very grateful to have read this book and hear Indira and Jude's story. Its lovely, painful, raw, steamy and truly hits on the tough discussion of mental and physical health, but in a way that truly gets you to pay attention! I think over the three books Mazey has truly grown as a writer too - only now hoping Thu gets a book too because I don't want this series to end!

Please look at the Trigger warners and enjoy this book as much as I did!!!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this digital arc

Thanks to St. Martin's Griffin for the free book.
This is my favorite book in this friendship series. I fell hard and fast for Indira and Jude and their fake dating. Like her other books, Eddings doesn't shy away from having characters that are neurodiverent and that have to learn to be okay with not being okay. I absolutely love these parts of her books, which will keep me always coming back. I also adore her characters. This book is serious, but these characters have so much fun together. I enjoyed the sibling dynamics between Indira and Collin, the friendship between the women/couples, and the parent/adult child relationship exploration. Also, the balance of the amount of chapters in Indira and Jude's POV worked well for me. It was a great balance to give a well-rounded story. If you like your romance with lots of honesty and vulnerability, I highly recommend checking out all three books in this series.
This is door wide open romance. And she does list the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book, which is so appreciated.

I love that each book gets a little spicier and spicier. Each book has been absolutely amazing, but it’s easy to say this one is my favorite so far. Even the cover is perfect!

I love that it’s emotional and not just a smutty romance. Indira and Jude forever!!

I enjoyed the previous books in this series and The Plus One is no exception! Sometimes romance books can be a bit far fetched but Mazey's characters seem more real to me. I love her approach to difficult topics. I'll be reading more from this author!

I received an advanced review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Mazey Eddings continues her series, this time with a childhood friends romance between Indira and Jude.
She is Jude's best friend's sister and was a thorn in their side growing up. But it's been a few years since Indira and Jude have spent time together. He has been working as a surgeon overseas in war-torn settings and she has been working as a counselor. They reconnect when he returns home for her brother Collin's wedding. They both find themselves crashing at Collin's house for the weeks leading up to the wedding, Jude because he is on a break from working overseas and Indira because she broke up with her boyfriend Chris after discovering him in a sticky situation with another woman.

These two are childhood frenemies, full of witty banter, teasing and general sarcastic comments but underneath it all, there seems to be a real spark. However, Jude is reeling from the trauma of what he's seen over the last three years and Indira is still trying to move on from the childhood hurts of her dad walking out on their family. These two might just have the opportunity to be vulnerable enough with each other to create a life together. In the meantime, they're testing the waters with some steamy, off the charts romance.

Mazey Eddings brings her usual vulnerable characters and real life situations to the romance genre where people aren't just falling in love with someone else, but also growing into how they're wired and who they are.

Childhood enemies to adult lovers? Yes please! Indira is a thoughtful child psychiatrist who can’t help caring about everyone. Her brother Collin is getting married and guess who is back in town - none other than his childhood best friend, Jude. Jude is an emergency medicine doctor who travels the world and treats patients in need. He is trying really hard to be there for his friend but is secretly suffering from severe PTSD from his humanitarian efforts.

Collin and Jude were inseparable as kids and Indira always tried to tag along (as little sisters often do) but was often the third wheel. And so most of Jude and Indira’s childhood interactions were spent bickering. Now fast forward to present day, and the two of them are thrown together in the wedding festivities. Add in a sprinkle of fake dating and you get a lovely and very real story.

By profession and nature, Indira can sense that Jude needs her help and she won’t stop until he takes it. And Jude may have thought that he disliked his best friend’s sister but realizes that he was wrong all along. Together, they surprise everyone and also themselves!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for my honest review.

The Plus One was a very good romance story. Better than many contemporary romances I have read lately and for the most part I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am not a big fan of falling for the little sister of the best friend trope especially when she has come directly out of a long-term relationship involving cheating, but the rest of the story was well put together and I got past it. I also got past literally pages and pages of erotica to stay focused on the story.

Our hero, Dr Jude Bailey, returns from working for a global health organization a traumatized and nearly broken man from experiences he can't fully process. He returns home on a break for his best friend's wedding with no idea what will happen after that. At the same time, Indira Papadakis ends up staying with her brother because she's left her cheating boyfriend. There is history between Jude and Indira going back a lifetime and not always good, but in their current situations they find unexpected support in each other. Working through their issues against the backdrop of an over the top wedding set a very good stage for the vulnerability Jude had to accept as part of facing his demons. Indira has issues too involving abandonment stemming from her father leaving the family to fend alone and then, of course, the cheating boyfriend.

Two imperfect characters trying to piece themselves back together and find love with each other was a nice change. The theme that was we all deserve love and acceptance and even forgiveness for our failings is a nice one. I did feel the ending of the story with what seemed like several epilogues dragged on and on, but apparently this book is part of a series.

Thank you Mazy Eddings and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I do recommend it to anyone looking for a different kind of romance story.

The third book in the trilogy may just be the best! I loved seeing the whole friend group back together from A Brush with Love and Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake.

I enjoyed getting to know Indira and Jude’s relationship while also noting their separate mental health journeys. The writing showing Jude’s PTSD struggles was visceral.

This book had all the tropes: Brother’s best friend, childhood frenemies/enemies to lovers, and fake dating. Their banter at the beginning had me LOLing. Also love that the doctors could enjoy Grey’s Anatomy for the emotional storylines and not fixate on any minor medical inaccuracies. 😂

Super cute book all around with excellent character development of the MCs and supporting cast. 10/10 👍

The Plus One by Mazey Eddings
What a wonderful , unique, realistic story! From the plot, to the very realistic and flawed characters, to the real world problems, … it was all so good. Extremely well written and I highly recommend.
Many thanks to Mazey Eddings, NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and St. Martin’s Griffin for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.