I was so excited when the cover and synopsis for this book was revealed! It seemed loosely (very loosely) inspired by one of my favorite web series, Chicken Shop Date, but with a hot dog-shaped twist.

I think overall I'd give this a 3.75/5. Well, Actually had the characteristic Mazey Eddings dialogue: fun, flirty and effervescent. There were multiple times I was giggling along with the characters' banter. The book solidly falls under the "black cat heroine/golden retriever hero" trope, which admittedly is not one of my favorite tropes. I struggled a bit with the characters -- Rylie was very Justin Baldoni-coded and I wished Eva had a bit more character growth. I don't know that she changed at all throughout the book (which, to be fair, took place over like two weeks lol) but it was frustrating how often she reverted to self sabotaging. I also wish more of the plot focused on the podcast recaps, it feels like we abandoned the central story a bit quickly. All that is to say, it was a fun, quick read and i'd recommend it to anyone looking for something lusty and charming!

Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest feedback!

I always love a book that deals with mental health and touches on how someone’s coping mechanisms can go from healthy to unhealthy and then back again. I also will always be a sucker for healing arcs and I love that even though originally there is heart break, which in turn creates some very strong walls around the heart….eventually those walls come down for the right reasons and for the right person!

I always love a book that deals with mental health and touches on how someone’s coping mechanisms can go from healthy to unhealthy and then back again. I also will always be a sucker for healing arcs and I love that even though originally there is heart break, which in turn creates some very strong walls around the heart….eventually those walls come down for the right reasons and for the right person!

I have complex feelings about this book. On the one hand Mazey does a great job addressing mental health struggles and healthy (and unhealthy) ways to cope with those struggles. She wrote about characters who are complex and multi- faceted and she places a clear emphasis on her characters sexual orientation making a point to have a heavy representation of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The FMC and MMC both went through rough family circumstances before they met each other that led to an unhealthy relationship with unhealthy expectations of one another and I guess most of us have those stories or ex’s and wouldn’t hate a chance to go through therapy together and to have such healing conversations. I think the healing together aspect was well done and the reminder that when someone lashes out they are typically going through something awful themselves that has nothing to do with us, and yet they can still be held accountable for hurting those around them.
I was pretty off- put with the use of so much cussing and the fact that Eva’s character is so degrading, even when she’s “teasing”. I get that her character has been through so much at the hands of her family of origin and that is rough and truly clouds one’s worldview and future relationships and her career as a journalist is greatly marred by being surrounded by profit clowns and degrading men, I get that. I just think it was such a common thread throughout the entire book of how miserable and snarky she is and it just wasn’t my cup of tea.

I LOVED this book! I laughed so much. I LAUGHED SO MUCH! (Yes, I know I said it twice, and that is still not enough to encompass how much this book made me laugh.) There was rarely a page I passed that I did not highlight something off of. This book was a solid 4.8/5. Why the teensiest of deductions? I’ll get into that in a bit. But for rating purposes, I had zero problem rounding up to 5 stars.

I need to share my Mazey Eddings reading backstory: Prior to this book, I had only read one Mazey Eddings book: The Plus One. It was a library book checkout originally. I have no idea how it ended up on my TBR. And here is the weird thing: I don’t remember loving that book. Months later, I saw the ebook went on sale for $1.99. I revisited my rating and saw that I rated it 3.5 stars, so I bought it. I’m a WEIRDO who likes every ebook I own, if it’s been read, to have highlights of my favorite parts for whenever I want to go back and revisit the story. So I reread The Plus One. And yall….I DO NOT know what I had accidentally sniffed the first time I read it because I had NO IDEA WHY I rated it anything less than 5 stars. Mazey Eddings can WRITE. Mazey Eddings can craft a story full of comedy, love, and mix in realistic human complications that make the story bloom right in front of you. Mazey Eddings is HILARIOUS. Mazey Eddings is so emotionally intelligent that you find yourself healing a little bit with the characters. I do not know why I keep referring to Mazey Eddings by her first and last name.

But I need to glow about this book. Eva is a complex bisexual character whose alienated upbringing left her feeling unworthy and alone. Her first real human connection as a college student ends in heartbreak when she’s ghosted, which hardens her against future relationships. This leads to her snarky, pessimistic, and generally unhappy outlook on life. Despite her tough exterior, she desperately tries to shape herself into what she believes others want, hoping to keep them from abandoning her like everyone else has. Like Riley Cooper did. Flash forward 6 years, and Riley Cooper is a very popular social media influencer who is so in touch with his feelings and feminism that he regularly espouses the ways that people can be better and the ways that people should not settle. There’s one problem with that: Riley Cooper did not embody nearly anything of what he preaches when Eva knew him in college. In fact, Riley Cooper was the full embodiment of what he warns his listeners not to settle for. Eva, also a social media influencer, but on a much smaller scale (think ala Amelia Dimondenberg on Chicken Shop Date - the entertainment interviewer who had a very viral connecton with Andrew Garflied), snaps and stitches a video calling Riley out for his previous toxic behavior and heavily infers that his sexual prowess is much to be desired (“three pump chump” LOLOLOL). While unintentional, Eva goes viral, and Riley sees an opportunity to not only reenter her life by going onto her show. Much to Eva’s disdain, her bosses see this as a great opportunity to further their platform and bully her into acquiesing. While live, Riley publicly proposes she permit him six dates to convince her he is not still the man who hurt her.

Yall - this story is full of so much comedy, so much love, so many sweet moments, SO MUCH SPICE (the spice was spicing), and so much growth. Eva’s story was so sad for me. If readers do not take the time to connect with Eva when she recounts her childhood, it will be easy to get agitated with her as she refuses to relent on her vendetta against Riley. I understood why she was so difficult. If the reader pays attention to the ways she was disregarded and ignored as a CHILD, and also when she recalls the way she connected with Riley Cooper in college - a connection that served as her only real human connection up to that point - only for Riley to purposefully remove himself from her life with zero explanation after she shared one of the most vulnerable moments that most of us can share with another person, it will be very easy to forgive her when she holds on to her refusal to trust Riley with a death grip. It is going to be easy to dislike Eva and to get frustrated with her when she keeps immaturely responding to situations where she senses herself softening to Riley. But as you read this book, REALLY digest the details she initially shares about her childhood. Imagine being raised like that, and then imagine the elation of having finally found someone who makes you believe that you are worthy, you could be wanted, and what that would do to you if they made you feel tricked and peaced themselves right out of your life with zero explanation. Recalling that made it very easy to forgive Eva when she continued to be difficult at a point in the book where it feels like Riley has proven he is dedicated to making up for the horrible way he treated her in college. Now onto Riley….RILEY. *insert heart eyes right here*

Riley does not seem to have a mean bone in his body. Information is revealed that divulges why Riley treated Eva the way he did - it doesn’t excuse his behavior but it shows how psychologically damaged he was at the time. Riley in present day is ETERNALLY patient with Eva, and it made me adore him. He gives nowhere near as much as he takes when it comes to Eva’s snark, but he gives even more to her in all the ways that matter, and Eva cannot help but to fall in love with him. I was really impressed with how long she held out because I would have been won over by the end of that first interview. And their banter! The way I ADORE these two fake people! Riley is described as having dark, wavy hair, with gray eyes, a dimple, and an impressive penis. I mean…. Ha, and he’s kind, hilarious, and eternally patient with a person who truly needs it.

I am very excited for this book to go on sale so I can get it downloaded into my library and put up on my bookshelf. I do not buy the physical copies and ebooks for many authors, but this book has secured Mazey Eddings as one of those authors for me.

Thank you so much to Mazey Eddings for sharing that this book was available to read on Netgalley in her newsletter and to Netgalley and to St. Martin’s Press for permitting access to this AMAZING book!

I MEAN. Anyone can write a story. Not anyone can use words as deliberately as Mazey Eddings does while weaving in anxiousness, anger, humor, psychological complications, friendship, and in its most beautiful way, love.

Mazey Eddings nails the Chicken Shop Date energy with Well, Actually, creating a romance that’s sharp, awkwardly charming, and completely addictive. The protagonist’s quick wit and relatable struggles feel like sitting down with your hilarious, self-deprecating bestie over a plate of fries while she unpacks her messy but oh-so-lovable life.

This book thrives on its conversational tone and modern humor, while also delivering deeper moments about self-discovery, mental health, and the often complicated dynamics of relationships. The romance is as sweet as it is awkward (in the best way), with a connection that feels organic and full of sparks.

If you’re into clever banter, chaotic meet-cutes, and characters who feel real enough to walk off the page, Well, Actually is a rom-com you won’t want to miss. It’s the perfect blend of heart and hilarity—like your favorite low-key date night but with way more swoon.

Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This was such a sweet lovers story. Eva and Rylie are serious endgame goals. I enjoyed seeing what they each had to go through to eventually come together. I would definitely recommend it to everyone!

A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Publishing Group for a ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This second-chance romance features a slow burn and laugh-out-loud humor that kept me hooked. It’s a charming black cat/golden retriever pairing that fans of Chicken Shop Date will likely find endearing—it carries a similar witty and heartfelt vibe. The author handles themes of grief, rejection, and mental health with sensitivity, adding depth to the story. While I appreciated Eva’s reflections on her relationship with Riley, I wanted more exploration of her mistrust and family dynamics—the brief “roof incident” brought so much depth to her character that I wish there had been more. Despite that, the pacing was smooth, the romance was compelling, and I loved that there was no third-act breakup. A lovely, lighthearted read!

This book sounded so good!! Unfortunately due to the content warnings, I won’t be able to read this book. I really appreciate the author putting those warnings at the beginning of the book.

Thank you NetGalley, Mazey and St. Martin’s Press for the E-ARC!

Publication Date: August 5 2025

Finished this last night and I am literally obsessed!!! I believe that this is inspired by "Amelia's chicken shop date", maybe that interview with Andrew Garfield? Correct me if I am wrong but I am 98% sure it is!!!

Her whole life, Ava has been thinking that maybe she is to hard to love when in reality she just hasn't found the right person yet, until Copper comes back to her life (the one who broke her heart in the first place six years ago)

This book was so fricking funny! I kid you not, I was laughing my ass off. Eva is not your typical FMC, she is insufferable, talks back and has her guards UP and I know so many people are going to complain about her but you need to trust the process and wait for that character development and you'll see that she's just trying her best in a world that has done nothing but dissapoint her.

Talk about chemistry and GROVELING!!!! Cooper is equal parts adorable and slutty!!! My favorite kind of men 😫 the spice goes so hard in this book!!! Literally barking / salivating the entire whole time.

4 ⭐️
2.5 🌶️

This was soooo good. Oh my god, the TENSION! The ANGST! The BUILDUP! I had butterflies the entire time!!!! When ourFMC, Eva, drunkenly stitches a video going off on on her college ex and our MMC, Rylie, the response that comes from her video is explosive and somehow gets these two back together after not seeing each other for six years. Rylie wants a second chance at dating Eva and all I can say is wow, these two had some goooooood chemistry. And the steamy scenes, omg 🥵🥵🥵

This book also touched on a lot of deeper topics (mentioned in the beginning of the story) that I won’t give away too much off but I really thought Mazey did a great job dealing with these topics. Eva and Rylie really grew in this book, especially Eva.

Thanks NetGalley and SMP for an ARC! Def give this one a read!!!

YALL..... I have never felt so seen by a book in my entire life. I read the whole thing in one go and now I wish I could experience it all over again for the first time! I haven't read many books that do deadpan humor well and this book was like reading my internal monologue. Eva was so funny and Rylie had the perfect mix of sass and infatuation. I had to put the book down and stare off into space so I could fully appreciate and picture the glory that was that jomforter with beltloops!

Well, Actually was so refreshing in that it was still rooted in reality. When THAT happened with Landry and William, my initial reaction was that Aida was being a bad friend by not supporting Eva. I realized that I've gotten too used to the fairy tale world of rom coms where there are no real-life consequences and you can just quit your job in solidarity. I wish there was a scene where Eva told Rylie about her childhood and why she needs constant affirmations, but otherwise no notes.

BRB while I go read Mazey Eddings' entire catalog!

I was giggling and kicking my feet the whole way idk!!


I was initially worried I would feel the ick for Rylie but luckily that was NAUGHT the case! Eva was fun and I was rooting for her from the jump so it only made my heart happy to finish this book.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and St. Martin’s for the opportunity to review!

Well, Actually is a fun read with a clever premise and unique characters. Eva and Rylie’s banter had me cackling aloud on multiple occasions. This book has great representation on a variety of fronts, and the spice is spicy.

Eva is not a typical cute and charming female romance lead - she is aggressive and sharp and kind of mean, and I loved it. Hot girl energy! Meanwhile, also unlike many romance leads, Rylie has not a toxic alpha bone in his body. They make an excellent pair and compliment each other well.

I’d also deeply love to imagine that all of my and my friends’ questionable college hookups were now well-adjusted, kind, woke, gifted in the bedroom, etc. Maybe I’m too cynical, but I share Eva’s skepticism that such substantial change can happen in such a short time. Still, it would definitely be great if it could!

4.5/5

I really enjoyed the banter!! It was fun!!! They love each other like the two weirdos they are!!!!

I think the most enjoyable part is that even though Eva was really frustrating at times (ie, ya girl needs to appreciate herself), I really enjoyed how supportive her friends and Rylie were to her and each other. Whenever there was an opportunity to bring up an issue, they discussed it, typically in person. In this way it makes the plot a little frustrating -- it feels like Eva was working against herself for the majority of the storyline, despite the other folx in her orbit trying to help her in the ways that they can.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

2.5 stars

It was just a mid book. It had so much potential and I truly was so excited for it but the more i read the more disappointed I got. The MFC and MC would have some chemistry that would get me excited and hopefully, just to always end up flat.

Same with her friend and how everyone was treating her. I could go on and on but as I type, I noticed that I am just overdoing it. The truth is that, it was just flat.

This was great. Im sure many people will love reading this quirky love story.
The premise of the book I found really interesting because of how much it reminded of, Amelia and Andrew’s Chicken Shop Date of course. I love the concept of taking something familiar from pop culture, per say, and really exploring that and making it your own, which Mazey did!

I LOVED this book! Mazey writes characters that feel real, that deal with real problems that aren’t glossed over, but worked through. Eva hides behind her apathetic persona and after Rylie comes back into her life, she realizes she can be her self around him. Seeing the two of them work through their old relationship and watching it evolve into a loving and true relationship made me love the book that much more. For all the serious moments, there was the funny ones to balance it out. Rylie trying to impress Eva on the first date by accidentally hitting her in the throat with the cork was so funny. I appreciated the no third act breakup and instead Rylie sticking by Eva’s side and showing her that nothing was going to run him off and they were going to face it together.

I could go on forever about how much I love this book!

This was the most disappointing Mazey Eddings book I have read. It fell short of expectations for me. It did not resonate or sit well with me. I was not endeared to the main female character. I almost didn't finish it, but I did. And. It was fine. Not a book I'd recommend to my audience.

4.5/5

Intrigued by the premise: Eva and her show are reminiscent of Amelia and Chicken Shop Date. I loved Eva immediately and really related to her need to don the confident "Hot Girl" persona to hide her insecurities. Throughout the book, she undergoes great character growth and she becomes a true bad b*tch by the end of it. The best part of this book was her relationship with Rylie. They had a black cat/golden retriever energy ("Stop being so charming or I might fall in love with you" *gah*) and a second-chance romance. Rylie is the perfect book boyfriend - sure he's definitely made some huge mistakes in the past re: relationship with Eva, but we love a guy who can admit to his mistakes and move forward to right his wrongs and become a better person. He is also so supportive of Eva, especially as she navigates her terrible work environment, and doesn't try to change who she is - in fact, he loves her for who she is, including her biting sarcasm and black cat personality. Side note: He also has adorable sweaters with really cute sayings that I kind of want to buy. They have amazing chemistry and great banter together that really comes across even on their podcasts. I could not stop laughing at their first date, which was absolutely hilarious - everything that can go wrong goes wrong and it's so on par with their relationship. It was so fun to see them grow together despite their rocky start. And the best part is (that was a delightful surprise): no third act breakup :)

Favorite quote: "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." *SCREAMING*

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