Omg.. what can I say about this stinking wonderful, beautiful, lovely book!? I mean, I loved it. I loved it so much. It was a sassy barb followed by giggles the whole way through. It was raw, and felt so real and so heartfelt and heartbreaking all at once.

Okay okay. Gathering my thoughts. Eva. I loved her. I absolutely LOVED her. She could be so mean.. but the type of mean that had such soft edges and hope behind it. I’m just going to be honest here and say this is the type of protective backlash I think was meant to be felt by Nesta’s character that just didn’t land for me. But with Eva is 100% did. Her meanness was never over the line, it was obvious it was a protective layer she held close that would lash out when threatened. But every second, under it all, was such a longing to be accepted and loved and protected when no one had done those things for her before. Ugh. I adored her.

Cooper.. Rylie… Rylie Cooper. This is.. the simp we all needed. The recovered asshole ready to show his vulnerable side. I loved this MMC. He may be my favorite contemporary book boyfriend I’ve ever read. I’m obsessed with the way baby girl put in the work to win back the woman he lost all those years ago. Sigh.

The plot of this book was so good and so heartbreaking and I’m sorry this is true but I think so many women will relate to in some form or another. The spotlight shown on the total misalignment of the public reaction between men and women concerning different topics is SO relevant. I felt it played out so frustratingly well. I ached for Eva. The drama was so natural to this story, I just felt like it was beautifully done.

And yes yes yes. Slight spoiler, but no third act breakup!!!! Screams my happiness into the readerverse!!! The third act drama was so well done. Ugh. Chefs kiss. No notes. 10/10 would recommend.

Thank you so so much to Mazey Eddings and Netgalley for this ARC!! I feel like this will land as one of my favorite reads of the year!

Well, Actually was a comedic and emotionally driven ride! The characters in this book felt tangible, each carrying such strong emotions I was worried I wouldn’t be able to connect to any, so I was so delighted when I found myself deeply caring for everyone in this story. Was especially overjoyed for such poignant takes on sexuality and identity from different characters, I felt seen when I wasn’t even expecting to feel that way.

This was such an incredible read. A second chance romance done exactly right, and with so much humor and growth and care for these characters. From the very first page, you feel for Eva so deeply. You can see exactly why she puts on such a heavy set of armor just to face each day. Mazey manages to write a mean character who you have no choice but to love and feel for. Rylie was such an excellent match for Eva’s attitude and even when she pushed and pushed, he never gave up on trying to get through to her. He worked so hard to make sure she knew exactly how he felt, and worked so hard to be vulnerable with her. Eva and Rylie might be my new standard. This was such an incredible book.
I also want to note all of the representation for so many kinds of wonderful people, sexualites, and the care that went into writing these characters so well.


Thank you to Netgalley and St Martins press for the advance ebook!

Well, Actually
3.75 ⭐️

Got this one on @netgalley recently and I had to pick it up because it sounded so hilarious!

Eva drunkenly calls out her ex who ghosted her six years ago and is now a podcaster giving life advice. When her video goes viral, she and Rylie agree to host a show together to help both of their shows. Somehow he convinces her to give him a do-over and they’ll go on dates and she can rate them on his show.

I honestly didn’t like Eva at first, but after the two went to counseling and she had some pivotal moments where she showed character growth, it was much better. I genuinely laughed out loud at a few of the snarky lines too!

I'm a huge Mazey Eddings fan and I was really excited about this book when I heard about the tropes and the synopsis. A lot of it I really enjoyed! The dynamic between Rylie and Eva is just as fun as I was expecting, she is absolutely ruthless with him and he eats up every second of it. I found the online humor and references a little cringey at times, some of them are already dated to me and I honestly just don't love them in books anyway, so I struggled with that bit, but I also understand that this centers on the host of an internet show and a podcast host, so it makes sense to have some online references. Where I really disconnected (spoilers from here on) was the situation with Eva's job. Eva is not very trusting of others, it's a huge hurdle for her relationship with Riley and has come up in other relationships as well. It frustrated me on another level that she was then so trusting of her boss. She was being mistreated and taunted with offers of a promotion, and while she had no issue sticking up for herself in other positions, she let this job crush her. When she did finally stand up for herself, she made no mention of how she was being treated prior to her relationship with Riley, only how her job was impacting that relationship. I understand that a lot of Eva's confidence came from a "fake it til you make it" mentality and that she did actually struggle with confidence in some ways, but I just wanted the strong, take-no-shit woman that she was with Riley to also some out in other aspects of her life. That Eva wouldn't have tolerated a lot of the treatment she received.

I really enjoyed this funny romance—it gave off major *How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days* vibes. I could totally understand her anger and his reasons for hurting her, which made their relationship feel more authentic. That said, I think the FMC could still benefit from therapy. The MMC was super likable, and his "simp" moments were kind of endearing. The banter between them did get a bit repetitive at times, but the second half of the book definitely had more meaningful exchanges. Overall, it was a solid second chance and enemies-to-lovers story.

What a delight! I loved this one.

Riley Cooper!! What a dreamboat! I loved how Riley was all in for Eva. He worked for her love and trust, and literally did not stop until he got it (this is a romance...happily ever after is inevitable!) I really loved Eva's sharp wit and tenacity. She showed Riley a piece of her that her work environment didn't give her the opportunity to show.

Overall, an easy 5 star read. I will be checking out Mazey Eddings backlist ASAP!

First off the cover art for this is so perfect. I absolutely love this style. Second, this book was so fun. Exactly what I'm looking for in a romance: good banter, interesting characters, fun premise and a fairly quick read. Eva, while rough around the edges, it was nice seeing her character grow. Although Rylie steals the show for me because who doesn't like a supporting, adorable and emotionally available MMC. The flashbacks were some of my favorite parts of this story and really helped everything move along. It's just such a solid read. This is my first book I've read by Mazey Eddings and it will not be my last.

First and foremost I adore this author and her previous work. She has an excellent way of finding unique storyline that relate to the public and this generation. Overall, this book has complete promise of being good but I struggled with main characters. I wanted Eva to show more maturity in situations but she decided to run from most situations, even her friend who had messed up for a moment. It just felt had to commit to someone that wasn't committed to anyone else except for a guy that dipped on her 6 years ago. But I will read Mazey again because I think she is brilliant, I just struggled with these characters

This book had me laughing so hard I couldn't breathe. Eva is irreverent and tough and hilarious. Rylie is a little lover boy and the perfect steady balance to Eva. I loved that he could hold his own with Eva without ever wandering into mean territory. Even when he was frustrated he held space for Eva and all her prickly fears. Their chemistry was great, their fears and struggles believable, and the entirety of the story both humorous and inspiring.
Also this story revolves pretty heavily around social media and pop culture, which has a tendency to be presented in a cheesy and easily dated light. However I think Mazey did a good job of writing that element in a way that didn't feel cringey.

Mazey Eddings is quickly becoming one of my favorite romance writers. The banter between these two had me absolutely SAT.

Eva thought she was going to be a hard-hitting journalist covering events and topics she was passionate about. Instead, at 28 years old, she is the host of a mediocre show where she interviews and roasts second-tier celebrities over hot dogs. In fact --the most attention she's ever gotten is when she decides to roast her college fling, Rylie Cooper, on Instagram after one too many glasses of prosecco on a Friday night. Because Rylie is a successful podcaster trying to address issues of toxic masculinity, the post goes viral. Her job immediately sees the potential of a collaboration and, to her absolute horror, invites him on her show. The horrors persist when Rylie goes off script and asks her for a series of dates to prove that he has matured from the obnoxious 22-year-old frat boy he once was and is still interested in Eva.

This is a true black cat/golden retriever duo but Eva quickly learns that not even her sharpest barbs can deter Rylie and he is genuinely interested in righting past wrongs and earning a second chance to be with her for real. Eva, the middle of six children in a blended family, has never felt true and unconditional acceptance and puts up walls at every turn. The push and pull between these two characters felt so genuine and was instantly addicting to read.

It was giving big Chicken Shop/Amelia Dimoldenberg/Andrew Garfield energy and I loved it.

Also the Lizzie + Rake mini-cameo made my entire month.

This was my first Mazey Eddings book, but it certainly will not be my last. I freaking loved everything about this. FAKE DATING is catnip for me, and the premise of this, with the large social media presence and a man trying to undo the years and years of toxic masculinity engrained in our society was *chef's kiss*. Not to mention being absolutely hilarious? Eva's sense of humor was perfection. I laughed my ass off, swooned, and was literally giggling and kicking my feet the entire time. HIGHLY recommend.

I loved the beginning of this!! I feel like Eva is meant to be a frustrating character but I just wanted to be her friend and help her heal 😂 I loved the banter between Eva and Rylie and them exploring their past and all da feelings ✨ It fell off for me once all the work stuff started getting so toxic. I feel like that’s not realistic that people would be like that but maybe it is?? Idk I just didn’t love the ending with the work stuff. I feel like the third act conflict could’ve been something different that I was more interested in? I haven’t read this author before and I am into exploring her backlist. Enjoyed the read overall!

I really liked this book! It was cute and so funny and also heartwarming. I have such a soft spot for characters who are outwardly a bitch but actually such a softie and the guy just loves their bitchiness. This was just so good! I also really loved the cameos from her other books!!

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings, and this was my first time reading her work. I walked into it expecting a run-of-the-mill romance book—which, in many ways, it was—but there were a few elements that made it feel fresh and engaging.

The story features the classic grumpy/sunshine trope, but with a twist: the FMC is the grump. I found myself absolutely infuriated with her at times, but honestly, that’s what made her such a compelling character. I don’t enjoy characters who are too likable because it often means there's little room for growth. In contrast, I was deeply invested in the FMC's journey as she navigated and conquered childhood trauma and attachment wounds. Watching her evolve was one of the highlights of the book for me.

Another standout was the diversity woven into the story. The range of sexualities represented felt authentic and refreshing. You don’t often come across bisexual male representation in romance novels, and I absolutely loved seeing that here. The MMC, with his golden retriever energy, isn’t typically my type, but I found his character endearing and well-developed.

What truly stole the show for me was the banter. The delicious wit sprinkled throughout the book made me think Mazey Eddings must be hilarious in real life. It added a vibrancy to the narrative that kept me turning pages. Sure, there were a few plot points that felt more like devices than organic developments, but honestly, what book doesn’t have a bit of that?

All in all, Well, Actually was a really enjoyable read. I'll definitely be recommending it to anyone in search of a smart, fresh romance with memorable characters and sharp, witty dialogue.

Listen, Mazey never disappoints.
She always hits. Every single book. And I don’t know how she has the time to write in between being a doctor but I am so blessed that she does.
Her books are always such a good time with such diverse interesting characters.
This is no different. Our main female character is rough around the edges with the Great Wall of china as her protector. She is so closed off with her emotions and feelings due to previous traumas that she deals with humour and sarcasm.
But then comes her reconnection with Riley -and boy does he push her buttons in more ways than one.
Who knew that couples counselling would be the way to get her to break down those walls…. And on a date at that.
I just have always loved that Mazey adds in some kind of queerness and well as neurodiverse characters in her novels.
Her books just appeal to everyone and I cannot congratulate her more than I do already- I’m her biggest fan- if she wrote it I’m going to read it.
And I cannot wait for everyone to get their hands on this in August!
Thank you netgalley for allowing me to read this in advanced in exchange for my honest opinion!

i had no business enjoying this so much!!!

chapter 16 read like a montage. truly never experienced a chapter in a romance novel like it.

grumpy x sunshine
he’s obsessed x she hates him
fake dating …. kind of?
no third act breakup !!

This author typically writes good mental-health-plus-smut rom-coms… and she definitely wrote one of my favorites ever. So did I jump at the chance to read this on NetGalley? Like, literally cast aside all other holds that have been streaming in from the library to read this first? Yes, yes I did.

The setup in one of those Gen-Z-in-NYC rom-com setups: Eva is the host of an online series where she interviews low-level celebrities while they eat hot dogs. The kind of hard-hitting journalism she went to school for. And one night she slams a dude (a host of a popular podcast whose theme seems to be ‘let’s stop being assholes, guys’) she dated a handful of times 6 years ago. It goes viral; he wants to prove he has changed.

Bonus: she’s sarcastic and emotionally detached. That’s My Type.

It was good. There wasn’t a tremendous amount of substance here, which isn’t like this author. But it’s still funny and smutty and fun… I’ll round up to a 4, but it’s definitely not one of my favorites. It reads like 20-something wish fulfillment. But I love the sarcastic/emotionally-detached angle, so there’s that.

The couple from Book 2 of the series I liked shows up and it’s cute. Then the couple from Book 1 shows up… and I spend the rest of the book anticipating the couple from Book 3 (aka my favorite ones) appearing. Spoiler alert: they don’t. Anyway, go read The Plus Ones instead.

I have some pretty mixed feelings about this book—literally, I just turned the last page five seconds ago, so I guess I’ll be processing everything as I write this review.

In the first half, I honestly wasn’t too impressed. My main thoughts? The FMC is straight-up rude, and the MMC is a pushover. She’s consistently sharp and unkind to those around her, while he just goes along with it, never pushing back—almost as if he enjoys being walked over, laughing it off every time. Add to that a constant stream of trendy buzzwords, and I found myself rolling my eyes more than once.

I also couldn’t shake the feeling that the book was trying a little too hard to be inclusive. While I absolutely appreciate LGBTQ+ representation, it felt like every character was included for the sake of it rather than being fully developed. Aside from the two leads, we never really got to know anyone in depth, which made the representation feel more surface-level than impactful.

That said, I did really appreciate how the FMC’s sexuality was handled. It wasn’t over-explained or dramatized—it was just a natural part of her, acknowledged without fanfare or angst. Her inner dialogue around it felt refreshingly healthy, and I loved that there was no tortured self-reflection—just a simple “this is me, this is my life.” That aspect, at least, was a breath of fresh air.

But then I hit 90%, and I almost DNF’d. The story took such a dark turn that it left me feeling sick. Certain characters became outright cruel in a way that felt extreme, and what frustrated me most was how the FMC—who had been so tough and outspoken throughout the book—completely crumbled under their attack. Watching her, after standing her ground for so long, suddenly let herself be humiliated and torn apart without fighting back felt deeply out of character. I understand that the MMC was supposed to be the catalyst for her regaining confidence, but the way it played out just didn’t sit right. It felt inconsistent with everything we’d seen of her up to that point.

So, yeah—definitely conflicted on this one.

This was one of my TOP anticipated 2025 reads and I was thrilled for the chance to read it early! This is a book for the chronically online, with funny, niche references (“Lea Michele can’t read,” anyone?) couched with moments of really poignant discussions of grief, mental health, identity, and worthiness.

Macey Eddings always writes relatable and real characters, and Well Actually is no exception! I particularly appreciated how Eva, who will undoubtedly be called “unlikeable,” is accurately portrayed as someone who is wounded and acts out to protect herself, and how steadfast Rylie is in his unwillingness to be pushed away.

This was a quick and fun read with a surprising amount of heart and many LOL moments. Add it to your list for 2025 cause this is gonna be big, I think!