Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings!

This was my first Mazey Eddings book, and I can confidently say I’m obsessed! Her writing style was fun, engaging, and kept me hooked from start to finish. Every character, both main and side, felt well-developed and incredibly likable.

I don’t think I’ve ever read a main character quite like Eva, but I absolutely adored her. While she might come across as a little sharp, I never found her mean. She’s one of the most self-aware, funny, and sarcastic protagonists I’ve encountered, and I loved seeing her growth throughout the book. Beneath her tough exterior, she was so soft, and watching others misinterpret her while knowing her true heart made her journey even more rewarding.

And then there’s Rylie Cooper what an absolute sweetheart. That man was baby girl. Every interaction with him had me grinning, and I couldn’t stop laughing at so many of his moments. Beyond his humor, though, his emotional growth was beautifully done. I especially appreciated how the book tackled his past experiences with loss and internalized biphobia. The way he acknowledged his past mistakes without excusing them, and the effort he put into becoming better, was handled so well.

While this book had plenty of laugh out loud moments, it also explored important topics with depth and care. I loved how it balanced humor with heartfelt, meaningful themes.

Overall, Well, Actually was an incredible read, and I highly, highly recommend!

if you’re looking for a charming & laugh out loud romance, Mazey Eddings always delivers. This might be the funniest book I’ve ever read, from simple quips in banter to comically placed items, this book absolutely killed me.

If you’re a fan of Chicken Shop Date, the cover draws you in so quickly. The female main character, Eva, hosts an interview style talk show, but unlike Chicken Shop, they eat hotdogs (which are superior). Eva and the male main character, Rylie, film on this show and I loved the banter within this part!! It truly lives up to the hopes I had from the cover alone. Also, in addition to the meet-cute on the show, we also dig into Eva and Rylie’s history many years ago.. pulling you in even further.

However, ultimately I thought that Eva’s job would be more significant in the story. This was true for the first half, but not the second. Honestly, I wanted more from this plot line, because I thought it was super fun. By the end I was disappointed in it.

Even though this is a hetero-facing romance novel, it’s so important to point out that Eva is pansexual and Rylie is bisexual. Both of these facts are essential to each of their characters, and I loved the representation throughout the story. Especially because we learn so much about Rylie & his struggle with his sexuality in the past, this felt so real to me and I’m so glad it was a part of this story.

The spice level in this book is pretty moderate. The build up to it is so well done, and if you’re looking for spice fueled by yearning this is a good book for you.

Thanks so much to the publisher for giving me an advanced copy via NetGalley! I am very appreciative to get to read this story early,

Overall, I rate this a 4/5. It’s a solid romance with so much charm and wit.

Seriously best book I’ve read in a long time. I was laughing out loud constantly. The heart break, self love, second chances and humor were just perfect!

Mazey is an Auto buy for me so when I got this ARC I was so excited!
Banter is my favorite in romance books and this books goes above and beyond. I loved it. I also love a man who is down bad!

Thank you, SMP Romance, for the early copy of "Well, Actually."

Hot diggity dog, Mazey Eddings has done it again!

This is officially my new favorite from one of my auto-buy authors. Eva and Rylie are the ultimate black cat x golden retriever couple. From Eva’s emasculating nicknames to Rylie’s goofy sweaters, this bisexual duo is bound to have everyone falling head over heels. Heads up: this romance is a slow burn, but once it heats up, it stays sizzling!

At first, Eva’s work struggles felt stressful, but then I realized: that’s the whole point! Her challenges in climbing the career ladder are painfully relatable and so realistic that I could feel my heart racing. Readers will no doubt despise her higher-ups, which just proves how well Eddings writes her antagonists. And while the workplace drama keeps the tension high, the romance never takes a backseat, as both storylines shine equally throughout.

If you love second chances, out-of-the-box dates, and watching every episode of Chicken Shop Date, then "Well, Actually" is, well, actually for you! You’ll want to ketchup to this one when it hits shelves in August. (Sorry, I had to fit in one more.)

Well Actually by Mazey Eddings is absolute fun! if you're a fan of chicken shop date videos but what if they fell in love? Oh you will eat this up!
This book was so swoony and chemistry filled. I loved the dynamic between Eva and Cooper. talk about a grumpy sunshine but she's the angry girl and he just words of affirmations her into a swoony romantic relationship. It's such a unique and fresh take in the romance genre that I loved reading something new. Cooper is the greenest flag and I need more men like him! This was refreshing, witty, steamy and so good! I devoured this book in a sitting and will have readers swooning and twirling their hair. Must read for the summer!

I don’t know who is more *obsessed* with Eva, me or Rylie. Eva is the arguments you think about after the fact in the shower—except she says them in the moment, without hesitation. Essentially, she is my inner monologue that I desperately wish I could become reality. She is brutal and withholds nothing and Rylie just sits there like a lovelorn fool and it’s perfect.

Once I started reading I did not put it down, except when my kindle fell on my face. Mazey Eddings is a new to me author and I will be reading everything I can from her.

This second chance romance that read like an enemies to lovers, and takes its time to rebuild the connection. Our FMC is clever and snarky, but this black cat has a back story that explains her motivations without wallowing. Our MMC is a kind of cringey on [TikTok] but the good kind of corny in practice.

Set aside your August 4, 2025. You will want the day to immerse yourself in Well, Actually. I was lucky enough to receive an advance reading copy from the publisher and NetGalley.

There was just such a disconnect in the storyline where it hit hard in the beginning like a bolt of lightning with a fun premise but then it slows to therapy. Next we are hot and bothered with spice followed by a lesson on the business world.

There were thought provoking quotes that hit hard on how we put out our defenses. Along with conversations on topics of bisexuality and pansexuality.

Thank you NetGalley and St.Martin’s Press for sending this book (eARK) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

This was an entertaining second-chance romance. I loved the premise of this book but there were some things that I didn't enjoy as much.
The MMC, Rylie, was fine. He recognizes his wrongs in the past and thanks to many years of therapy, he worked through his problems and became a better person. He holds himself accountable, which is great. He did feel a little boring at times though.
Eva, the FMC, doesn't. She's unfortunately always being rude to everyone and sometimes for no reason, just because. I understand that that's her defense mechanism/trauma response, but I don't think that gives anyone the right to treat others badly. She'd do it purely out of spite sometimes and rarely apologized for it. I wish we had gotten some character growth from her, like her finally deciding to work through her issues/traumas by getting some much needed therapy (let's be honest, we all need it). Or how she spends the entire book mentioning how her dream is to work as a journalist that gets to talk about more serious issues and yet at the end, when Rylie asks her what her future plans are, she says "Idk"...GIRL WHAT?!
I did love their banter though, it was really good!
Eva's work environment was extremely toxic, I did feel really bad for her. No one should ever had to put up with sh*t like that. Hope William and his mom are having an awful day, always. They deserve it.

Overall, I had a fun time reading this. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me an arc!

I have the feeling that was somehow inspired by Chicken Shop Date?
Anyway, the idea is really good, because I love that show, and I think that after the Andrew Garfield episode, it gained attention, however the book itself didn't quite hit the mark for me. I felt that the author tried to make the FMC sassy like Amelia, but in the end it just became too mean.
In general i had hope but I got dissapointed.
Thanks to the publisher for the advanced copy

Let’s talk about the real star here: the absolutely gut-wrenching, rip-your-heart-out representation of what it’s like to be a neurodivergent woman who appears cool, logical, and emotionally detached when in reality, you’re feeling everything so intensely it’s like drowning in an ocean no one else can see. The way Eddings captures that experience? Devastating. Brilliant. Seen. If you’ve ever had your feelings dismissed just because they don’t show up in a socially acceptable way, prepare to cry (and highlight half the book).

And of course, the romance? It’s chef’s kiss. Our heroine? Brilliant, bold, and not afraid to correct your grammar mid-flirt. Our hero? Soft, sweater-wearing, and so head-over-heels that he might trip over his own encyclopedic knowledge of niche trivia. Their chemistry? Off-the-charts banter with just enough tension to make your heart do that embarrassing fluttery thing.

If you love snark, smarts, and a romance that feels like an inside joke you desperately want to be part of Well, Actually might just be your next five-star read.

Wow. Where do I even begin?

I couldn’t put this book down. It fundamentally changed my brain chemistry and I fear I will never be the same. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and I was invested from beginning to end.

Eva is such a relatable character and her storyline and character development felt so real and raw. I empathized with her every step of the way and I was so thrilled that she got her happy ending, both personally and professionally.

Rylie is everything. I’m actually struggling to find the words to explain how much I love this man. He’s just perfection.

While I don’t typically enjoy the second chance trope, I loved this one. The grumpy x sunshine vibes were also exceptional.

Overall, I am obsessed. I will be purchasing a physical copy on release and re-reading it again and again for years to come.

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

I really enjoyed this book. The banter was top tier, i was laughing out loud multiple times. The characters had great chemistry, real life connection, worked through their tricky history, and were able to come together at the end.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!! I laughed out loud, I cried, I swooned. Perfection. Beneath the humor and the spice is a gorgeous story of making amends, navigating grief, and being vulnerable. Riley and Eva are my new favorite power couple.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Well, Actually


Another entertaining read by Mazey Eddings! I have read almost all her books to date (just need to read late bloomer) she’s an automatic read for me.

I love the banter between her characters
Eva and Cooper are just added to the list with their back and forth.

I also loved seeing a familiar little red head and her hunky Australian 👀👀

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, who provided this ARC

4.5 stars

I would say the vibes are Chicken Shop Date with Andrew Garfield and How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days. And I fucking loved it.

I leave you with multiple quotes from Rylie Cooper being a simp to convince you to read this book.

“Well,” he said, eyes still stuck on mine. “I think you’re pretty close to perfect.”

“I will fuck you any way you want. Any speed, any position. I will go down on you all fucking night if that’s what it takes to make you come, and I will do it with a goddamn smile on my face the entire time. Do you understand me?”

“Because now I’m so deep in this I would crawl through hell on my hands and knees over a bed of broken glass before I let you go again.”

“I’ve lost my goddamn mind over you, Eva, and I’ll repeat it over and over again until you are able to trust it.”

“I want you contrarian and difficult and keeping me on my toes. I want your sour moods just as much as I want your sunny ones. I’m not asking you to change. You can call me any name you want, as long as I can call you mine.”

“If at the end of my life someone asked me what I’d do with one more hour, one more minute, I would fight with you. Argue with you. Kiss you and hug you and hold you. Anything for one more second with you.”

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

Rylie Cooper is the blueprint! I was pleasantly surprised by this grumpy-sunshine romance. I loved the banter and that there was no miscommunication trope. My only complaint—not a fan of the FMC’s pet name. But regardless, I recommend!

I requested this ARC as I’m slowly starting to like the second chance romance trope. I think it’s because I’m viewing them in a healthier light - it’s the aspect of hope and change. While I went into this story hopeful, I left deeply disappointed.

I’ll first to Eva and be blunt, I did not like her nor could I stand her. I think there was such a missed opportunity to develop her character. We’re introduced to Eva who feels neglected by her family - completely understandable - and that’s affected her future relationships. I had thought she had gone to therapy but I think I completely misread that. Being triggered by things is due to what’s happened in the past. In this situation, her triggers involved being ignored/ghosted and ultimately what spurs her to create that video response to Rylie's video. I would’ve loved to have seen an epilogue of her going to therapy to work our her trauma around neglect. It's great she's found a caring partner, but you still need to work on yourself.

Instead, we had her personality trait being that of a b***h. I understand that but when she is mean for no reason at all other than to be spiteful…it’s not attractive nor is it something I want to read. This is part of the reason why I couldn’t fully empathize with her. Yes, I get the family trauma but that is no excuse to be horrible to other people. I simply couldn't see myself wanting to be her friend. I want to talk about her job. I wish she had her applying for jobs or something and not being mistreated in a job that clearly was not helping her achieve her career goals. Again, the desperate need for therapy - being in a victim mindset at work but then a persecutor with others... (see Karpman Drama Triangle).

On the writing - I don’t know if it’s because I’m reading an ARC or the author’s writing style but I hated the lack of punctuation around the text messages. Italicize them or something! More to say about the writing - too long of a story, sex scenes not adding to the plot, a rushed ending - and I will leave it at that. With the setting, people were right to say that “Sausage Talks” was a copy of “Chicken Shop Date” but with hotdogs instead.

Overall, I was disappointed by this read. We’re given a trigger warning of internalized misogyny but I don’t think that is accurate. I believe Eva was very self deprecating and had a lot of trauma from her family… and that doesn’t have to do with internalized misogyny. It’s more about the fact that she’s never had anyone care for her in the long run and she thinks it’s because of her. Yes, no one should ever be made to feel that way…but she absolutely should’ve gone to therapy!

I’ve been looking for a great romcom book and have finally found it! I love the wittiness, the angst and the chemistry between the two main characters. I laughed a lot throughout this book. Can’t recommend it enough!