Well, Actually is Mazey on the top of her game!
As someone that has read a Mazey Eddings book before, I wasn't sure what to expect coming into this one since her books in the past seemed to be more cute rom com, focusing on tropes and just generally a fun time. This book however really surprised me.
Eva's quick retorts and smart mouth was what really had me invested initially. Throw some childhood trauma and an ex situationship that is forced back into her life for the sake of the career she refuses to let slip out of her grasp and I am fully locked in.

Riley and Eva had a little bit of a rocky relationship in college, Eva, clinging to Riley as the only person to show her even a modicum of attention in years, and Riley just floating through life after the death of his sister, unknowingly breaks Eva's heart and now, years later are thrown together to conduct a series of interviews for her company's channel.

The banter was absolutely top notch. I absolutely loved Riley being a little quirky and different with his denim bedsheets. Respected the hell out of this man for forcing Eva to talk to him because lord knows this woman would have just walked if he hadn't away and been sad and lonely for the rest of her life.

Took away a star at the end because it felt like it dragged a little with the lack of conflict and them just being generally happy for the last 25%. I personally prefer a little bit more of a slow burn when they start hooking up at around 50% and make their relationship official at about 80%.

I really enjoyed this! I did feel like Eva was a bit much in the first few chapters complaining a little but too much. But overall it did have me giggling and I loved Rylie.

Mazey Eddings delivers a charming romance with Well, Actually, a story that follows Riley and Eva as they navigate love and the messy realities of modern relationships especially in the days of social media. Their banter is quick-witted, playful, and absolutely adorable, making their dynamic one of the novel’s biggest strengths. Whether they’re exchanging snarky remarks or sharing vulnerable moments, their connection feels authentic and deeply engaging.

However, as much as I enjoyed the characters and their interactions, there was something missing that I couldn't quite put my finger on. The book had all the right ingredients—compelling protagonists, emotional depth, and a solid romance—but it didn’t fully satisfy in the way I expected. Maybe it was pacing, maybe it was a missing emotional beat, but something kept it from being truly unforgettable.

Additionally, the ending felt a bit abrupt. A more fleshed-out conclusion would have given their journey the payoff it truly deserved.

That being said, Well, Actually is still an enjoyable read, especially for fans of banter-filled romances with lovable leads. While it may not have been perfect, Riley and Eva’s story had plenty of charm and heart, making it worth picking up.

2.5


Ya sabía que este libro lo amaría o lo odiaría. Esperé varias semanas para leerlo en el mejor ánimo posible y, bueno al final, no me gustó.

Eva tiene un programa en el que entrevista a personas medianamente famosas. Un día, se emborracha porque odia su trabajo; nunca imaginó terminar donde está. Al encontrarse con las redes sociales de Riley Cooper, su ex y ahora una figura muy popular dando consejos a los hombres sobre cómo tratar a las mujeres, explota y sube un video contando lo terrible que fue él como novio y cómo todo lo que predica no lo aplica en su vida. Su video genera un revuelo en redes, y Riley la contacta para demostrarle que ha cambiado. Para ello, le propone salir a seis citas, tras las cuales ambos grabarán un podcast compartiendo sus pensamientos.

~

La idea era buena, pero mi problema es que él la trató horrible en la universidad, y lo mínimo que esperaba era que Eva estuviera enojada, no que se excitara al minuto de volver a verlo ni que se volviera vulnerable cuando él aún no se había ganado nada. Quería que se resistiera, que lo hiciera trabajar por su perdón, que él realmente demostrara su arrepentimiento y su cambio. Pero no. Por momentos ella intentaba resistirse, pero no le duraba nada.

Entiendo las razones de su comportamiento, pero eso no excusa lo que le hizo. Por eso, me enojó aún más que, después de escuchar toda la historia, Eva terminara disculpándose… ¿por qué exactamente? Que él estuviera pasando por un mal momento en su vida no le daba derecho a tratarla como basura.




Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings is a delightful romance that had me grinning (and blushing) from beginning to end. The concept alone—Eva interviewing B-list celebrities while serving them hot dogs (think Chicken Shop Date)—had me intrigued from the start, and the execution was even better than expected. It’s such a fun, fresh idea that stands out in the romance genre, and the dynamic between Eva and Rylie was *chef's kiss.*

Eva, the lead, is tough on the outside (black cat energy). She's sarcastic, guarded, and quick with the comeback, which might rub some readers the wrong way, but I found her to be incredibly brave. She’s had her heart broken and built up walls to protect herself. I could totally understand her skepticism when Rylie, her ex, comes back into her life seemingly perfect. Her emotional journey is so satisfying to watch unfold, especially when you see her slowly opening up to someone who genuinely cares about her.

Now, Rylie... oh my goodness, SWOON, Rylie is sweet, patient, and honestly the kind of guy who makes you believe in romance. His unrelenting kindness, despite Eva's sometimes harsh behavior, makes him the perfect book boyfriend. The banter between him and Eva was off the charts hilarious, and their chemistry palpable. I couldn't help but giggle, kick my feet, and root for them every step of the way.

In short, this book is a balance of funny, heartwarming, and steamy, with characters who are impossible not to love. Mazey Eddings has truly raised the bar and I highly recommend Well, Actually.

I don't say this lightly, but I think this may be my favourite Mazey Eddings book yet. The banter, the humour, the emotional depth...chef's kiss!

Following this second-chance romance for Eva and Rylie was pure joy. Kicking feet and giggling along the way. I love how Mazey tackles mental health and life issues with so much sensitivity and in a relatable way.

I can't wait to listen to the audio of this. I'd also love to see it as a movie. Definitely a book I'll be recommending to my friends ever chance I get.

Thanks to St. Martin's Griffin and Netgalley for the advance copy.

Save your money, you don't need therapy you just need to read this book.


Thank you netgally for the ARC

This book was made for angry girls everywhere. I do not think I have highlighted so many passages in a romance book before. Our FMC is written flawlessly, and I know she will have haters, but I don't care; I love her. Our MMC, on the other hand, I know will be a fan favorite; He's wonderfully quirky, totally unique, and incredibly 3-dimensional.

I feel healed and warm inside. We angry girls deserve not to have to be tough all the time or strong enough. We deserve to cry and feel dramatic or silly. Our emotions matter. Thank you, Mazey, for reminding us.

Huge thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. I wasn't paid for this review, and I've already pre-ordered my own copy because I need this book on my shelf. Mazey Eddings, you clearly poured your heart into this, and it shows. This is a book that will resonate with so many people.

Well, Actually is a flirty and fun rom-com novel. It’s filled with hilarious banter and emotional connection. It’s charming and humorous, which kept me interested! It did, however, feel at times to kinda drag on. I feel it could easily be a couple chapters shorter (not that it’s a super long book, some stuff was just a little repetitive). But over all, I really enjoyed this book. It’s my first novel by Mazey Eddings, and I really enjoyed her writing! I rounded up to 4 starts for Goodreads!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the e-ARC of Well, Actually in exchange for my own honest thoughts!

If Amelia's Chicken Shop Dates and "How to End a Love Story" by Yulin Kuang had a baby (with some interference by "You, Again" by Kate Goldbeck) then you would get this little gem of a book!

The government cameras hidden in my apartment can attest that I was giggling my way through this book - kicking my feet every time Rylie spoke, and then humming and nodding my head with approval with my wine glass tipped in the air every time Eva started barking at him.

I can already tell Eva won't be everyone's cup of tea but she is MY tea EVA GET BEHIND ME! She is snarky, and kinda bitchy, but so freaking real. And Rylie got a love boner every time she bullied him so really everyone was having fun.

I want a physical copy of this book so bad, so hi publisher if you're seeing this hit a girl up i beg <3

Mazzey Eddings’ Well, Actually delivers a refreshingly raw and authentic look at two characters who are deeply flawed but incredibly real. Eva, the protagonist, initially comes off as tough, even mean-spirited, but as her layers peel back, it becomes clear that her tough exterior is simply a defense mechanism. She’s someone who has been burned by others and is just trying to protect herself from further heartbreak. Her mindset—that it's safer to be alone and miserable than to risk getting hurt—is one that many readers will find deeply relatable. It speaks to the fear of vulnerability and the pain of unmet needs, which Eddings skillfully portrays.

Rylie Cooper, on the other hand, is a breath of fresh air. Hot, funny, and emotionally in tune, he’s a bit of a contrast to Eva’s closed-off demeanor. What I really appreciated about Rylie is his growth and self-awareness. He doesn’t shy away from owning his past mistakes, and rather than making excuses or brushing things under the rug, he actively works to repair the damage he’s done. This character depth makes him incredibly likable, as it shows that he’s not just a charming love interest but someone who is willing to put in the effort to grow and improve.

The workplace environment in Well, Actually is another aspect that stands out. It’s toxic, draining, and full of challenges, but Eddings doesn’t sugarcoat it. The depiction of a bad work environment felt real and grounded, showing that this kind of situation is something many people endure in their day-to-day lives. It’s not just a backdrop for the romance but a crucial part of the characters' lives that adds to the complexity of their personal journeys.

Ultimately, Well, Actually is a story about vulnerability, personal growth, and the complexities of relationships. Eva and Rylie’s dynamic is both heartwarming and fraught with tension, making for an engaging and emotionally rich read. I found myself rooting for both of them, even when they were making mistakes or struggling to open up.

If you enjoy books that dive into emotional growth, relatable characters, and a slow-burn romance with depth, Well, Actually is definitely worth the read.

Mazey Eddings became one of my favorite authors with Late Bloomer last year. So when I saw that she was writing the ultimate Black Cat/Golden Retriever, mean girl, you're-so-mean-to-me-do-it-more romance, I knew this would be an instant hit for me. This book has the best banter I've ever read. It is a love letter to women that have felt on the outside and unloved their whole lives. It shows that men can be sensitive and funny and deeply feminist in a way that is not for any gain. I loved Eva and Rylie so much, both individually and as a couple. They are clever and bright and strong and proudly themselves. I loved that there was no third act breakup and that they instead worked through the problems in their relationship and lives together. I love a bi for pan romance so much - the romance genre needs more proud characters under the non-monosexual umbrella! This book is, in my opinion, perfect and one of my favorite things I've read all year!

“To fuck around is human, to find out is divine, so allow me to shed some light on the truth of who he is.”

This book did not disappoint in the least bit. It had witty banter, mental health representation and support of a partner who will, no matter what, be there for you.

We meet Eva Kitt in this book in a lull we’ll say in her career, doing a show where she talks to low level celebrities over hotdogs. After one night of drinking, and seeing her ex-situationship having a promising career as a podcaster, Eva decides to spill the beans on her and Rylie Coopers short lived dating by stitching her own video to his. And let’s just say, she did not see having to face Rylie again after 6 years.

Eva Kitt in this book is sarcastic and witty and just plain mean in all honestly. She’s also so refreshing as a character bc she struggles like the rest of us. Yes she’s still mad about what happened 6 years ago with Cooper but it’s much deeper than that. It’s the fact that no one has chosen her in her whole life. She is a woman in this day and age that is always supposed to be strong, not allowed to be gentle but she is human and craves it. She doesn’t want to be strong all the time, nor should she have to be. She should have a safe space to feel what she feels without feeling like no one will choose her in the end.

Rylie Cooper is the definition of someone who life happened to, sunk low and then figured out he needed to rise above it. Cooper is also the only person who finds Eva’s witty, sarcastic banter as foreplay. This man dives deep into his emotions and give Eva that lifeline she has always wanted and needed. Also, love that he unlocked her praise kink. This man thrives off of her bashing him, asking for more.

This book also explores sexuality and not being ashamed of who we’re attracted to. Of overcoming their past behavior and rising above the stigmatism that comes with being bi or pansexual.

I cried during this book bc Eva’s feelings hit so hard. Her describing her home life and even her first kiss and first sexual experience. Her loneliness was so tangible. I cried bc Cooper made up for it all. He held all the hurt in his hands and said, “let’s do this together.” Nothing is more powerful than someone choosing you day in and day out, even if you try to push them away, they say no and fight with you.

This was my first introduction to Mazey Eddings and boy did it not let me down! I loved this book!! What a perfect witty second chance romance this turned out to be! I loved Eva Kitt and felt myself quite literally smiling and giggling throughout reading this book. I could not put it down!! Definitely one that will be sitting on my 5 star Goodreads shelf for this year! I cant wait to go out and buy a physical copy of this when it's out.

Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings
4 stars

Tropes:
- forced proximity
- second chance romance
- rivals to lovers
- mean fmc x golden retriever mmc

My first Mazey book and wow this was adorable. I love a book with banter, and Mazey gave us a mean ass sarcastic fmc and the banter was GIVINGGGG. I mean, she dated this guy and had the worst virginity taken experience ever, only to find him 6 years later spewing about how to be an amazing partner. I would be pretty snippy too.

Especially when she calls him out one drunken night and then her boss makes her connect with him via podcast to bring in the views. She is straight up not excited about it, even if he does look cute in his slutty little glasses.

Mazey Eddings's second-chance romance is incisive, humorous, and heartwarming. Rylie Cooper, a well-known influencer, sees an opportunity to demonstrate his transformation through a string of high-profile dates after journalist Eva Kitt's viral tirade about her ex-boyfriend thrusts her into the public eye.
Their energetic banter, heart-stopping moments, and unexpected emotional depth result from their playful collision of charm and sarcasm. Though some parts drag, the chemistry and clever storytelling keep it engaging. A fun, flirty, and heartfelt rom-com perfect for fans of witty banter and redemption arcs. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was my first book from Maizey Eddings and it was a pleasant surprise. I really enjoyed this book. Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read this book early. The opinion in this review is my own.

Eva, who is a podcaster, was drunkenly doomscrolling and saw an old flame, Riley, who is a media star with his platform pointing out toxic masculinity. While under the influence, Eva calls out Riley and the post goes viral. Eva’s team sets up for Riley to be a guest on Eva’s podcast.

This was such a cute rom-com. The characters had so much depth and backstory, the banter was great, and there were many swoon-worthy moments. I really enjoyed how it got into their feelings instead of being superficial. It was almost a slow-burn, which is my favorite. The writing was well-done, and the pacing compelled me to keep reading. This was such a fun book and I highly recommend romance fans to check this book out.

This was enjoyable, but not my favorite. I didn’t really start to get into it until about halfway through. I wish that Rylie and Eva had dug into their feelings sooner, as that was one of my favorite parts. I get that for the plot they had to have their walls us and parts of their pasts needed to be revealed, but I would have liked it sooner. I think both of their processing and sharing of their trauma and hangups was done really well, and the emphasis on therapy was excellent. I thought the LGBTQ+ representation was done REALLY well and I loved all the side characters. I loved that there wasn’t really a third act breakup, and the resolution of the whole major conflict was fantastic. I’d love more of Rylie and Eva in their domesticity, but I loved how it ended.

Who hasn't drunkenly called out their ex once or twice?

This drunken call-out is the beginning of a fun, lighthearted, spicy read. The chemistry between Eva and Rylie is so electric and had me kicking my feet and laughing out loud. If you enjoy a good black cat/golden retriever, he-falls-first romance, this is for you. The premise for this book was so good - two podcasters with a history challenged to go on dates together.

Once this one got spicy, it stayed spicy. The one thing I didn't like is how the author called the MMC by his first name & last name, seemingly interchangeably, which got a bit confusing. The FMC's character development had me screaming "girl, go to therapy...again". Overall, I thought this was a fun read and might be one that I pick up to read again soon.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

One thing about me, I love a good call out of the bad behavior of men as much as I love the groveling it takes to get back in the good graces of their truly beloved. Well, Actually has both and more. And with the back and forth jabs and chemistry enough to power an entire city, it made for a good time and most importantly, a new favorite from Mazey Eddings.