I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Well Actually, and it completely sucked me in from chapter one! I loved the FMC’s tough, sarcastic personality—I really connected with her. However, there were moments when I felt she could have been a little kinder to the MMC, especially after we learned why she developed that as a coping mechanism.

Both the FMC and MMC were really likable to me, though I can see how the FMC might not be for everyone. The MMC, on the other hand, was such a genuinely sweet character, and I loved the balance he brought to the dynamic.

Overall, this was an engaging and enjoyable read that kept me hooked!

Reviews are hard for me because I generally read for the vibes and have the hardest time remembering character names and actual plot details once I finish a book. So I figured I’d just start writing reviews based on what stood out to me and what I’d tell a friend who wanted to know about the book.

Vibes of Well, Actually
Banter!
Communication!
Verbal consent and praise!
Seriously hilarious moments!

Eva Kitt is snarky and bitchy and amazing. I didn’t think she was over the top and the more we found out about her asshole family and truly terrible past with Riley, the more I understood why she kept her guard up. It was beautiful to see her let that down with Riley.

Riley “Baby Girl” Cooper. That man sure did put his money where his mouth is (which was down under and it was so damn hot) 🥵 How was this man single?? Like holy shit. Golden retriever in gray sweatpants. Per👏🏼fect👏🏼ion

There’s a delicious cameo from one of Mazey’s other main characters and I couldn’t have loved it more. Thank you immensely to St. Martin’s Press and the author for allowing me to read this advanced copy of Well, Actually. @MazeyEddings @smpromance #WellActually #MazeyEddings #SMPRomance #StMartinsPress

I knew this was going to be good when the car ride to their first date literally had me laughing OUT LOUD. I absolutely loved the dynamic between Eva and Rylie and loved that even though she was "bitchy" the romance still managed to be real and soft. I also loved that even after they got together the dynamic didn't change, she was still "abrasive" and he and never wanted her to be anything other than herself. I loved how Eva grew throughout the book and how they worked to open up and communicate. I also loved the fact that there was no third act breakup, he stood by her and she let him. I also giggled every time she called him "baby girl". The only thing that could have made this book better would be if it was dual POV because I would pay money to read things from Rylie's perspective.

I am a huge Mazey Eddings fan, so I was extremely excited to get my hands on an ARC of this one!!! If you love "Amelia's Chicken Shop Date", you will love this!!!

Mazey has the undeniable talent of writing characters who are incredibly complex & layered, who carry so much depth, and who grow SO much throughout her books. Both Rylie & Eva are two wonderfully written characters.

Eva is not your typical female lead, but I loved her for it. While there were times she may have frustrated me, I also understood her so completely. She's guarded, feisty, & headstrong. But at the same time, she's caring, hilarious, and loving. We witness her healing & growing through so many things, and her character development is truly wonderful. I loved her!!!

Rylie is ???!!!! I don't have words!!! He is charismatic, intelligent, and inviting. His caring, attentive & kind personality was the perfect match for Eva. I loved getting to know more about him, learn his backstory, and get to understand him in the same way we do Eva. He is equally as hilarious & witty. His draws you in & holds you there the entire time!

Rylie & Eva's relationship is FILLED with chemistry, tension, old wounds, and growth. Their banter, the connection, and the undeniable love between these two is SO GOOD. I absolutely adored getting to see them work through their past, heal their hurts, and grow through them!!! Seeing them both find comfort, safety, and happiness with each other was so wonderful. Also the smut in this is DIVINE. I laughed, I blushed, I swooned, and I felt so much for & with these two.

It wouldn't be a Mazey Eddings book without lots of representation!!! The pansexual/bisexual representation, alongside shining a light on internalized biphobia, was absolutely wonderful. I love the way that it was incorporated into the story. As always, the representations in her books are always a highlight!!!!

I have yet to meet a book by Mazey Eddings that I don't thoroughly enjoy. Highly recommend!!!

I really enjoyed this until the last half of it, when the conflict and resolution felt rushed, especially since Eva’s “revenge” was what she had wanted all along. I wish we had seen more of what shaped Eva beyond just her internal thoughts. That being said, Eva and Riley were so much fun. The banter, the barbs, the chemistry, he was obsessed with her from the start, and she wasn’t exactly nice, but he loved her for it.

This book was such a fun read with its sharp banter, compelling characters and its social commentary on double standards for men and women. I really loved was the gender reversal with their personalities (I cannot read another sunshiney woman to a grumpy male character). I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down.

This was such a wonderful slow-burn romance. They have such a smoking chemistry, but Eva is determined not to reveal her vulnerability and hurt with Rylie. I love that Rylie is patient and really sees Eva. Eva is sarcastic and sharp and doesn't suffer fools. Living in a man's world (especially in her job) has made her hide her soft side underneath a carapace. Rylie has evolved and grown after forcing himself into hypermasculinity at university while struggling with his bisexuality. He's determined to change things for other men and Eva, still burned from their short, failed dalliance, is suspicious.

The only issues I had were at times the pace dragged a bit and I wish some of her workplace issues was dealt with a bit earlier. For someone who is sharp, I was surprised Eva couldn't see the machinations going on and I wish this was expounded a bit more.

Overall, a fun, sexy and swoony read. I think this is Mazy Edding's best book.

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

This is laugh out loud, tears in your eyes, hilarious in my opinion. I loved the banter between Eva and Cooper so much. Cooper is truly one of the best book boyfriends ever, I was BLUSHING so hard at everything he said. Mazey always does an incredible job at showing vulnerability in her characters, and I loved the therapy and self work Cooper did and encouraged Eva to explore as well.

Eva is so real in so many ways, I think her emotions throughout the story felt very relatable. All she really needs is some love and attention and sometimes someone really does have to spell it out for you how much they care for you to see it over your own self hatred. Shes constantly hiding behind humor and the impression of this strong woman, and I loved the message just because someone is outwardly tough, doesn’t make them less human.

Mazey Eddings is a true gem, she’s one of my favorite authors and this book really shows her personality I think.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the arc.

This book was promoted as a lighthearted fun read. I found it to be combative, rude, and too spicy. I didn’t love the premise of. Eva’s initial job, or how rude and demeaning she was…. I guess maybe this book was meant for a more 20 something audience, and it just did not hit home for me.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

In Mazey Eddings' romcom, we follow Eva, an internet personality who hosts an interview program for B-list celebrities in which she is rude to them over hotdogs. Honestly? Eva is so rude, and because of that she is SUCH a refreshing main character for a romance novel. Often, the FMC of romances can feel like a blank canvas for the reader to experience the male love interest, who is the only point of the story, but that was far from the case here. There are multiple times Eva sticks her foot in her mouth, reacts poorly, and overall doesn't come out looking like the greatest person ever. I understood why Eva reacted the way she did, and even though it was easy (as the reader) to form the perfect answer, when Eva gave her flawed perspective, it was so very human.

Rylie was a lovely male romantic lead, especially in a sea of romantasy shadow daddies who brood and smolder. Instead we have a dweeb with a novel crewneck collection who is featured because he fumbled big time at their first attempt of romance in college. A lot of times, banter can be written... not successfully, but these two were FUNNY. There were multiple times this book had me giggling, and their attraction to each other felt real and fully formed.

Thank youNetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review!

Cute & fun with great LGBTQI+ rep, and pro-therapy narrative, plus a side of trauma (just how I like it)!

Overall a well executed second-chance romance!

What’s to Love…
- black cat/golden retriever vibes
- second-chance romance
- Grade A banter and witty comebacks galore
- MCs that actually communicate!
- pansexual FMC bisexual MC and generally some great representation as well as conversations on the subject
- Laugh out loud funny
- no 3rd act breakup

What I didn’t love…
- I didn’t love Eva, but not for the same reasons as other reviewers, I am pro woman being mean to men. What I didn’t love is the lack of confidence and the overall “woe is me” internal thoughts that happened (esp in the first bit of the book). Honestly though, this was a minor issue.
- the major non romantic arc and resolution was just meh for me.
- This was REALLY good at times, and then other times I was pretty bored.

🌶️ - Ch 14, 15, 16 & 21

Now I would like to address the elephant in the room (aka the cover) - the FMC is wearing black wide leg trousers and a red linen shirt in the scene depicted on the cover and honestly I can’t enjoy the cover now that I know that. Also while I’m at it he’s supposed to be in a navy crewneck sweater. - and if this is supposed to be the dinner scene then why are they eating hot dogs and not pancakes?!

Thank you NetGalley and St Martins Press for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Well, Actually is a book about two Internet personalities Rylie and Eva. Rylie and Eva have a past, dated in college and ended with Rylie ghosting Eva. One night 6 years later after having some wine, Eva makes a video responding to Rylie who hosts a podcast about being a better partner and toxic masculinity. She admits that they slept together and basically that Rylie is a fraud. Her employer than arranges for Eva and Rylie to do an interview together which leads to them spending more time together.

This was my first Mazey Eddings book. I did enjoy aspects of this book, but overall it was an okay read. The banter between Rylie and Eva in their enemies to lovers/second chance situation was fun. Eva was a hard character to like. There were times she was very "woe is me" at times. I also felt like parts of her history that would help us understand her better were left out. I really enjoyed Rylie as a character and the changes he made after college to better himself.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Would recommend if you enjoy a younger adult romance with enemies to lovers.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

4.5 stars. This was such a fun read! I liked the premise of an enemies to lovers that was also second chance romance. Eva and Rylie have great chemistry and it was fun seeing them go from an awkward drunk call out to reluctantly agreeing to work together and their slow burn romance with Eva’s journey to personal growth. At times some of the foils to Eva seemed a little over the top but the fact that there was no third act breakup (my favorite!!) and great communication throughout with the couple more than made up for that. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins for the ARC.

loved this book so much! I really enjoyed the characters and their dynamic. Rylie is so sweet, and Eva is so bold, but together they balance each other out!. I really like the commentary on how women are percieved in media and how they have to navigate the workplace differently than men. I shed tears and laughed out loud.

4.75 on StoryGraph

I absolutely ate this book up!

A few months ago, I heard about this upcoming book that sounded really cute. I added it to my to be read list, and figured I would pick up a copy when it released.

Well, it was my lucky day and I was able to read this early, and I’ve got to say, I’m glad I pre-saved this book as it was worth the hype!

This book is hilarious, I laughed out loud a few times, cringed some other times, but at its heart, there is so much love here. Riley is going to steal so many hearts. He’s down so bad, it’s adorable.

Eva is a fascinating protagonist. We see everything from her point of view so we get to see her softer moments more clearly, but she clearly pushes people away and is sharp to everyone else. Telling the story from her point of view is such a smart choice but I’d love to see a chapter from Riley’s point of view to see how others see Eva!

The story itself was so cute as well, the disaster of a first date, the romance, and career conversations were navigated so well. I couldn’t put this book down.

If you’re a romcom fan, pick this one up!

Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings is a heartfelt and witty contemporary romance that expertly balances humor and depth. Here’s my personal take on the book: The story revolves around Mia, a sharp-witted and ambitious woman navigating the ups and downs of her career and personal life. Mia's journey to self-discovery is both relatable and inspiring, as she learns to embrace her true self while juggling the complexities of modern relationships and professional ambitions. Mazey Eddings's writing style is refreshingly engaging, with a perfect blend of humor and emotional resonance. The characters are well-crafted, with Mia standing out as a particularly compelling protagonist. Her vulnerabilities and strengths are portrayed with authenticity, making her a character readers can easily connect with.

The romance in the book is both charming and realistic. The chemistry between Mia and her love interest is palpable, and their interactions are filled with clever banter and genuine emotion. Their relationship evolves naturally, with moments of both joy and tension that keep the reader invested in their journey. One of the strengths of the book is its exploration of themes such as self-acceptance, mental health, and the importance of supportive friendships. These elements add depth to the narrative and make it more than just a typical romance. The supporting characters, including Mia's friends and family, are integral to the story and provide additional layers of humor and warmth.

So happy to read this while available on #netgalley for 72 hours. Funny, challenging, and steamy, this enemies to lovers had it all. Eddings is such a gifted writer, managing to weave deeper themes into the story that make it so satisfying. Highly recommend! Releases August 4th. Don't sleep on Mazey Eddings, y'all! She is one heck of a storyteller!

I struggle with my review of this book simply because I loved the first half or so but was not a fan of the second part/end.

To start I enjoyed Eva’s sass, her attitude, her sense of humor. I totally felt for her in her moment of weakness with the online video/rant. Rylie is a sweetheart, so assertive and kind but also frank and silly. I found them to be entertaining, cute, great compliments and positive for eachother.

While not every book needs a 3rd act break up (and honestly I don’t think with Eva & Rylie’s history a 3rd act breakup would have worked for them) if there is no 3rd act breakup, the alternate drama driving the latter part of the book needs to be substantial and engaging and carry the narrative. The storyline here did not do that for me. I found myself struggling to stay interested,

Overall, I liked the book and Eva & Rylie were fun characters to get to know. Was it my favorite Maxey Eddings book? No. Was it a cute read? Yep. Would I read another Mazey Eddings books? Yes.

This was such a funny romcom! I was cackling. Love when one of the main characters has a dry sense of humor.

Riley Cooper had my stomach hurting from laughing so hard. Eva is an FMC who is super relatable as she just wants to protect her heart. I really enjoyed how she evolved in this book.

What to expect…

Second chance
Right person/wrong time
Black cat/golden retriever

I want to thank St. Martins press & NetGalley for this ARC.
I’m a big fan of Mazey Eddings so I was very excited to ready this story as I had been hearing about it for a while. I loved the concept right away. I’m a big fan of the YouTube shows where an interviewer chats with celebrities over hot sauce or chicken so it was smart to take this new way of entertainment and turn it into a story. Now, I want to say as much as I enjoy Mazey’s writing I found myself struggling through this one. I tried to like Eva. And it has nothing to do with her stubbornness, or prickly nature. I’m all for a main lead to not be full of sunshine and rainbows and speaks her mind. I actually loved those characteristics in Eva. I feel like it just took me too long to understand her. I dislike how she used her insecurities to make others feel less than or feel bad about themselves. She needed therapy badly. Riley on the other hand was a great male lead (Mazey’s male leads are always really good btw to anyone who hasn’t read her other books).He was almost too patient and kind to Eva with the way she treated him even if he did feel bad for what had happened six years prior. The development of a relationship between them was well done and when Eva finally let down her walls it made for a better story. I did believe in the end they truly love each other which at the end of the day makes a good rom-com.
All in all a fun read!

I loved this book is was such a quick fun read there was so much banter and I enjoyed the second chance genre!!