This was the most millennial book I’ve ever read. And I’m still not sure if that’s a compliment or not. As a zillennial, I exist with a foot in each generation, and the respective cultures. This allowed me to understand the references even if I didn’t find them funny… not the best outcome.

What I did like: I liked the discussions about second chances when the person truly has worked on themselves and changed. Rylie’s character development was earned and clearly thought out, which I appreciate. I also liked the side characters!

What I did not like: I did not like Rylie’s name. I know it’s a small thing, but characters constantly switched between his first and last name causing me to question if it was the same person. I also could not get over the overt connection to BuzzFeed. Again, I may not have been the direct audience this book was written for, but I still would have like more world building and less direct references to a real life organization under a different name.

Overall it was a just ok book that I would recommend to a chronically online millennial but probably no one else

Oh Mazey Eddings the woman that you are!! I read Late Bloomer last year and fell in love with Eddings writing. I could not contain my excitement when I got the arc for Well, Actually. The banter is so good between Eva and Riley is so good I found myself laughing out loud multiple times, but more than anything, what I love about this book the most is the tenderness. Eva and Riley’s feelings for each other are so soft, so kind, so understanding. Reading about two people being so open and vulnerable with each other is so comforting. And I relate to Eva so much, in many ways, but mostly I relate with her fears of being abandoned, forgotten, replaceable. And Riley, you sweet, patient, loving man. A man after my own heart. His love for Eva gives me so much hope. I’m so glad I got to read their story and I can’t wait to purchase the physical copy because are you kidding with that cover???? Thank you NetGalley for the arc!!

Sausage talk host Eva is feeling a bit unsatisfied with her life and career. She didn’t imagine at 27 she’d be living alone and interviewing b-list celebrities over lukewarm hot dogs. Things start to pick up after she blasts social media star Rylie Cooper for being a shitty lay among other grievances. What she doesn’t anticipate is that Rylie is actually thrilled to see her and wants a second chance. 6 dates to win her back all being recapped via podcast. But can Eva ever trust Rylie again after the way he treated her?

There are good books and then there are books so good you forget you’re reading. This book fell into the second category. I literally could not put it down. The writing was fun and captivating, the characters were flawed but lovable, and the romance was swoon inducing. I had a fantastic time reading this and I think anyone who enjoys steamy second chance romances will like this one!

Second Chance
Sassy FMC
Caught in the rain ☔️

Thanks St. Martin’s Griffin and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.75 this was amazing!

This will get a special page in my reading journal!
I enjoyed this so so much! The characters were amazing, their banter???? Shut up it was SO good! Their chemistry, their bickering, their banter also didn‘t stop once they got over their problems with each other which was absolutely perfect!
I laughed out loud so many times while reading which is saying a lot! Evas and Rileys story was the perfect mix between humor and seriousness and their love and adoration of each other!!!, i loved the topics the author discussed in this, the grief, how to handle toxicity at the work place, just communicating with each other about everything actually. I loved the characters and the side characters and their journeys!

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc and Mazey thank you for writing this!!! I can‘t wait to get my hands on a copy and reread this many times in the future

Well, this was a delight, actually!

The chicken shop date inspired rom-com I never knew I needed, this had top tier banter, and lovely characters. The pacing of the book was really well managed thanks to the backstory and the tension between Eva and Rylie.

A fun read and Mazey's best work to date, in my opinion.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

This was a fun read! I read this in one sitting because it definitely kept me wanting more.
I was giggling most of the book because of Eva she was witty and funny. She did get me angry a few times but she also was making her self angry and was aware of what she was doing so I gave her grace in knowing she can at least acknowledged when she was being dramatic! I would definitely recommend this book!

If you are obsessed with chicken shop date with Amelia and Andrew, this is for you!!

5/5 for the giggles and kicking my feet
3.75/5 overall story and characters

I absolutely devoured this in less than 24h. The banter!!! I was giggling and kicking my feet so much I woke up my boyfriend several times. The grumpy X sunshine trompe was top tier and I would define it as : baddie X golden retriever.

This is THE romcom I needed to cure my soul and wash aways all my sins (not all but most, let’s be realist). The fact we got no third act breakup?? I could kiss the ground this author walks on. I crave more romcom like these and in my wildest fantasies I wish this could become one of these two things : 1) canon for Amelia and Andrew, 2) a movie.

Also, I absolutely adored that the author says in the beginning : this is a fluff romance nothing more. Talk about assuming what your book really is! Like hell yes, we fell into some clichés and into unrealistic territory but who cares? The goal was to write a feel good romcom and the author excelled brillantly.

Sidenote : The author is a dentist?! Well, this book was such a good side quest. Hope she does more!

*Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for an eARC of this book in exchange of my honest review*

I really loved this book.


Eva's prickly exterior masks an extremely tender underbelly full of self doubt.

Rylie's wholesome enthusiasm for life seems trite until the earnest backstory provides a compelling explanation.

The conceit is silly, but that's the point. At times the conflict seems so glaringly obvious, but the fact that Eva doesn't see it coming seems to be in line with her backstory.

I loved the dynamic between Eva and Rylie, and the evolution of their relationship.

This book was super adorable and an enjoyable read. It reminds exactly of Amelia Dimoldenberg's Chicken Shop Date (if you know, you know) which I LOVED and was so interesting to read. I was drawn in almost immediately especially because of the premise and fell in love with the two main characters, Eva and Rylie.

Eva is headstrong, stubborn and driven -- such a strong female lead. She'll be relatable to so many readers because of how much she craves but also fears love. This girl has some serious abandonment issues. Rylie on the other hand is so adorable and devoted and surprisingly hilarious... with a hidden dominant side to him that I won't go into any more detail about.
I thought the flashbacks were arguably some of the more interesting parts of the book, and there were points where I found myself losing a bit of interest due to slow pacing or too much stubbornness on Eva's part. I loved all of the inclusivity and representation. At times it got overboard or cliche (like the throuple? Really?) But those smaller things aside, Rylie's journey to coming to terms with his bisexuality was so raw and impactful.

I think the way this book handles sexuality and identity is for the most part very fluid and natural, especially with both the main characters being bi. And the romance is so heartwarming. Overall I was very pleased with this book and definitely have to check out Macey Eddings' other work!

Thanks so much to St. Martin's and NetGalley for this ARC! 📚

This book feels very of the moment, with its premise being a mashup of elements from recent media hits: the dry, deadpan host of Chicken Shop Date, the sex-positive podcast energy of Nobody Wants This, and the online reaction culture of TikTok.

I was intrigued by this concept (and the cute cover) but, unfortunately, not sold by its delivery. This story is a pastiche of these popular romcom media and trending moments that doesn't quite capture the magic of these inspirations nor offer a particularly novel take on these themes and tropes.

The main characters were pretty archetypal and the side characters were largely forgettable and sparse in appearances. The antagonists were, in my opinion, predictable and a bit cartoonish in their villainy. The writing was fine and the plot was predictable, though this was not off-putting; it made for a quick read. It tried to tackle some serious topics (which I won’t describe to keep this review spoiler-free), though the inclusion of these themes juxtaposes the breezy, flirty energy of the read.

Its protagonist neatly falls into the current archetype of the typical late-twenty-something woman living in New York. You know, the woman who’s using sardonic and cutting quips to hide her inner hurt. The woman who thinks she’s different from everyone else, despite having very relatable problems and experiences. The woman who is feisty and defensive, protective of herself yet lacking some self awareness. Yet, she’s also doesn’t take responsibility for her problems and is quick to blame others. The woman who strives to be a girlboss at work (and even has one as a mentor), yet often runs away from her problems—until, of course, her love interest prompts her to develop and face her fears head-on.

Eva checks all the boxes of this type of character. She’s pretty standard, though she did, thankfully, have some moments of self-awareness, which kept her from being an entirely unlikable and one-note take on this archetype.

The love interest (Rylie) was a more interesting read. He is your standard guy who, despite the protagonist’s repeated rejections, is completely down bad for her from the start. He’s a golden retriever, thoughtful and devoted to the main character, and ready to give her the world. For all this, he did have some depth with references to his backstory which was appreciated. He was the more forward-thinking half of the duo, responsible for “solutions” to their problems that kept the plot moving. He could match the protagonist’s sarcastic, flirty banter on-screen/on-air and off. And he strove to have good, open communication with our protagonist within the first half of the book—a commendable effort in a genre that so often relies on miscommunication and poor communication for the third-act conflict.

I think this book would appeal to readers looking for a fun and breezy fast-paced afternoon read that strives to capture the spirit of Nobody Wants This and Chicken Shop Date.

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was cute! The FMC was a bit too spicy for me at times. However, there was good banter and a fun plot!

Second chance romance is not usually my favorite, but this was excellent. As the FMC, Eva is quite honestly a little mean - but I found it refreshing and relatable. I adored her snark and humor, especially in contrast to MMC Rylie…who is just the ultimate simp.

The Chicken Shop Date vibes were immaculate, and the banter was just top-notch. Rylie’s slutty little glasses…the jomforter…so many times I was kicking my feet and cackling.

But Mazey Eddings also has a wonderful talent for incorporating heavy topics like dealing with grief, toxic workplaces, etc. into an otherwise fun, light story. There was also great mental health and queer rep.

(For fans of her prior work, there is also a delightful Lizzie Blake cameo!)

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

And the book is honestly as ridiculous as it sounds, but it works. Eve is a social media maker, doing some random deless. Celebrity type interview show with lukewarm hot dogs in the basement of some building. And yes, it's ridiculous as it sounds right. And she is 28 living in New York City. Wondering if her life is going anywhere i'm drunken event. She lets her true feelings out about a former. Love affair from 6 years ago. But the guy just happens to be a super popular podcaster-- what just happens to tell men, in his podcasts, how to be good? How to be they're for there significant others. How to be respectful? She disagrees.It's his latest video and lets it all out---. she wakes up with almost a million views, and her boss has an idea to capitalize on this new found, fame Riley and her are going to date, and they're going to review their dates and she's going to tell him and what he did wrong. The overall story and premise I did enjoy, but I felt like the main character eve was too hung up on the past and very meme. And I understand when it comes to women, there's a difference between strong and mean, and I felt like she was mean, and I know that wasn't the intent, but it's how I felt that she came across-- the reports are greatly enjoyed. The ending is very good, but I did not find some of the parts of the book relatable. Or believable, it was an okay book kind of like a filler book if I have nothing else to read

*** it is spicy

Thank you, net galley, for this arc.In exchange for an honest review

Mazey Eddings writes with such a unique voice and sense of humor in Well, Actually. This story feels like a time capsule depiction of 2024 internet trends, especially with Eva's social media show where she interviews/flirts with celebrities over a fast food meal. When she uses the show to call out her ex, she is cornered into a new series with said ex on his own social media platform where he tries to prove to her that he has changed (and of course their old feelings for each other surface and they begin to revisit their past connection).

While this premise was charming, the execution came off as trying too hard to land with the current trends on social media. I fear the concept won't age well, but it'll definitely have its moment for those that love Chicken Shop Date and the many pop culture iconic moments that have come from it.

5 stars. This book was outstanding. And like Lizzie Blake, Eva is a character that will absolutely stick with me. She was perfect in every irreverent way. I felt a lot like Riley while reading. About Eva: absolutely smitten and left breathless with the effort of trying to keep up with her. She was so funny and real. And Riley, was a pining fool that I couldn’t get enough of! Everything about this was a good time and I can’t wait to buy a copy to have as a trophy for my collection. A thousand percent would recommend.

I really love Mazey's books. I enjoy how they feature people whose minds work in all kinds of different ways. She has such charactery characters. I greatly enjoyed the fmc in Well, Actually. She was a tough, strong, edgy kind of woman. As a woman who is a leader and also someone with a strong personality, I really appreciated a representation of this kind of woman in a romance novel. Especially alongside a mmc who absolutely loves her strength. I appreciated the representation of misogyny as well, and the slow application of pressure that shows how workplaces can turn toxic by slowly turning up the heat. This book made me laugh and stay up way too late at night reading. Both a fun read and some interesting thoughts. My only negatives (and these are tiny) would be there was a bit of a disconnect for me between fmc in college vs now, it wasn't quite clear to me how she got from being the one person to the other. Also, the mmc was almost too sweet and lovely, but he was a very enjoyable book boyfriend.

I'm a big Mazey Eddings fan and I feel like her Brush with Love series is very underrated, so I was excited to read this arc. Eva took a little while to grow on me, but she did in the end. I did really love Rylie though, how could you not? I thought their story was sweet and passionate. I loved how Eva was able to be vulnerable with him and really let him in even though you could FEEL how hard that was for her. As with all Eddings books there was some great representation depicted. I look forward to more of her books. She is up there with the best Romance authors out there right now.

“Every part of me is yours if you want it.”

full of big feelings, self-acceptance, healing, and forgiveness, WELL, ACTUALLY is a heavy and hopeful journey with late-twenty-somethings as they navigate the future while righting some past wrongs.

Eva Kitt and Riley Cooper’s college situationship ended on a very low note six years ago, and while Riley now tries to expose and correct toxic masculinity one podcast episode at a time, Eva knows just how toxic his brand of masculinity really is — or was. this is why she drunkenly stitches one of his videos and calls him out, instantly going viral. the traction leads to her media company inviting him on her pop culture dating show (think Chicken Shop Date but with hotdogs). the encounter quickly turns into an agreed upon set of dates where Riley intends to change Eva’s perception of him. while she assumes this is all to help heal his brand, Riley is all-in on the girl that got away. will it be possible to overcome the pain that still lingers, or will they get through their contractual obligations and wipe their hands clean of each other once and for all?

Mazey does an incredible job (as always) handling important topics with care. she creates a safe space for mental health discussions and sexual identity conversations while weaving in moments of levity and humor. her writing is like a hug from a loved one! I also enjoyed the character cameos from her A Brush With Love series!

one thing I so desperately wanted was a second point of view. I adore Eva and loved being in her head; I equally love Riley and would have thoroughly enjoyed having access to his brain!
—

this and that:
♡ black cat x golden retriever
♡ boozy brunch
♡ cameos from other Mazey characters
♡ disastrous dates
♡ flashbacks
♡ he’s obsessed x she hates him
♡ he likes her mean
♡ mental health care
♡ nyc living
♡ open door spice
♡ opposites attract
♡ podcaster x journalist
♡ second chance
♡ single pov
♡ storm cloud x sunshine
♡ therapy
♡ queer rep

triggers:
☞ anxiety attacks
☞ death of a loved one
☞ homophobic behaviors x rhetoric
☞ grief
☞ loneliness x abandonment issues
☞ workplace abuse x bullying x harassment

I really enjoyed this book, even though I'm typically not a fan of second-chance romances. But trust me, this guy deserved the shot he got. The heroine is a sassy journalist who finds a video of her college ex discussing red flags in men. Naturally, she’s quick to respond. They enter a dating situation where the MMC has to prove he’s changed. The chemistry between them is off the charts, and the way they navigate their relationship is refreshing—fun, playful, and healthy!

What I liked the most was the therapy session, it's a description of a healthy relationship, and besides, fmc needed this session to understand the depth of what went wrong in college.

The tropes:

• black cat vs golden retriever
• banter
• she fell first but he falls harder
• second chance (2 month fling in college)
• no third act break up
• grief/ abandonment
• good spice

Simply put, I am obsessed. I read this book in less than 24 hours and immediately wanted to pick it up to read it again. Riley and Eva were just ultimate goals. I loved them as a couple and I loved their growth in the story. This had so many great moments about grief and not feeling worthy as well as hilarious banter.