Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s for the ARC!

I was really intrigued by the setup of this book: two podcast hosts with their first big deal who are no longer able to work together because in the FMC’s (Maeve) view the MMC (Finn) ruined their friendship and budding relationship.

I really liked Maeve, especially that she was a businesswoman who knows her worth. But I didn’t feel chemistry between the two leads. There are some flashbacks throughout to explain how they became estranged but ultimately the big rift didn’t make a lot sense to me and it was hard to root for them to be together.

I enjoyed glimpses of the side characters but I wish the conversations were about more than Maeve and Finn’s rift.

Tell Me How You Really Feel feels fresh, rich in character and consequential. On the surface, Tell Me How You Really Feel is a friends to lovers and second chance romance, two of my favorite tropes. At its heart, however, it graciously explores topics like anxiety, trauma, sex, connection, parental expectations, familial duty and the gender pay imbalance in ways that don’t feel preachy or overshadowing of the romance, and yet still significant. Future Betty Cayouette offerings are definitely going directly to my TBR pile.

In short, Tell Me How You Really Feel is entertaining, steamy, and impactful, making it a very easy read to recommend.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Maeve and Finn have signed a mega deal with a streaming platform after creating a viral sex and relationships podcast. Except as they begin a new season, Maeve doesn't want to be near Finn after his choices left her feeling second best yet again. But, if she wants to make a solo show, she needs Finn, and he refuses to let her go. Will Maeve be able to open her heart again?

I was so engrossed from the first sentence that I had no idea it was nearly 2am when I finished! I liked how Cayouette made the angst subtle, instead focusing on Maeve and Finn's personal growth as they find their way back to each other. I adored how in tune they were with each other (oh my heart about the dorm!). I just wanted to lock them in the podcast studio to kiss and make up! There was also strong mental health representation (though I'm baffled why Maeve, who has anxiety disorder and is a clinical psychologist, didn't recognise a panic attack and insisted on blood tests).

Refreshingly, I liked that we learn early why Maeve is angry with Finn, instead of endless flashbacks waiting for the big secret (which was my complaint of 'One Last Shot' and a lot of other second chance romances). Instead, the flashbacks helped flesh out their growing relationship and how their issues fuelled their mistakes.

I love a second chance romance and once again Betty Cayouette delivers in spades with well-drawn characters with a sparkling chemistry. This gem of a book was so charming. Maeve and Finn felt so real, I nearly went to search for their podcast! I can't wait to read it again. And again. And again.

Thanks to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

From the blurb I thought this book was going to be a really engaging read, unfortunately, I really struggled with the writing style, plot points and several of the main characters. Had this not been an ARC I think I would have probably DNF'd this book.

I hope this story finds its intended audience, it just wasn't a fit for me.

Thank you Betty Cayouette, Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an ARC of this book.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!!

What a good book! I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I loved the main characters! They had great chemistry and worked so well together. I loved how the book just flowed. My first by this author but will not be my last!!!