I absolutely loved this book. I think Indira and Jude's story was my favorite of the three women. I loved Indira's relationship with her brother. I thought this book was so full of healing and love. The mental health rep was so incredibly important. The anxiety discussions and learning how to open up and be vulnerable were really meaningful. I also loved the enemies to lovers and brother's best friend tropes. Mazey writes romance so so well and I always find myself rooting for her characters immediately. This one pulled me in immediately and I couldn't put it down. I also loved that there was no third act break-up, but rather a lot of open and honest communication and conversations. The spice was fun and Indira and Jude just work so well together. Thank you to SMP Romance and Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC of this book to read and review.

I really enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. This was the first book I have read by this author. I will be looking for more by this author. I would definitely recommend this book!

The Plus One is Mazey Eddings’ newest stand-alone romantic comedy. It is a sequel to A Brush with Love and Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake. It contains the enemies-to-lovers and fake-dating tropes.

Dr. Indira Papadakis, a child psychiatrist, walks in on her live-in boyfriend, Chris, having sex with another woman. The lovers are covered in peanut butter on her newly purchased sofa. Since her neither of her best friends, Lizzie and Harper, have a spare bedroom, she goes to her older brother, Collin’s, house to stay.
Collin’s childhood best friend, Dr. Jude Bailey, is a trauma surgeon who has been working overseas for a humanitarian agency for the past three years to pay for his student loans. Jude has PTSD and is staying in Collin’s second guest bedroom while he tries to cope. He and Indira have never gotten along so he is unhappy that she’s staying there too. He certainly doesn’t want her trying to counsel him.

With the wedding five weeks away, there’s a lot of ridiculous hoopla that is stressing Jude out. Indira keeps seeing Chris and his new girlfriend, so she and Jude strike a bargain to be each other’s fake dates to this wedding from hell.

I had a difficult time reading The Plus One due to the F-bombs that appeared in almost every paragraph. Additionally, this story had a heavy dose of mental illness that a reader doesn’t expect in a romantic comedy. Fans of Mazey Eddings’ other books may love this story, but I didn’t, and don’t recommend it.

I received an advance review copy (ARC) from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Plus One is a contemporary rom com featuring the childhood enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and fake dating tropes. The Plus One is ideally suited for fans of books like The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun, Mr. Wrong Number by Lynn Painter, Count Your Lucky Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur, The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon, Set On You by Amy Lea, Paris Daillencourt is About to Crumble by Alexis Hall, The Co-op by Tarah Dewitt, and/ or The Singles Table by Sara Desai.

First off, I enjoyed the cute childhood memories and connections that Eddings interwove into Jude and Indira’s love story. I also loved Jude and Indira’s funny and witty banter! I appreciated that, even though there were a fair number of events leading up to the wedding, the novel wasn’t overly focused on the wedding; due to the cover art and title, I thought that most of the novel would be set at the wedding. Without spoiling anything, I would have to say that my favourite part of the book was Jude and Indira’s Hallowe’en shenanigans! Lastly, I appreciated that Jude and Indira didn’t experience the stereotypical third act break-up.

Although all the therapy sessions and talk of mental health in The Plus One was refreshing and relevant, at times, I found it to be a bit much and some readers may find these scenes to be triggering or challenging to read. I was disappointed that the main characters from A Brush with Love and Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake didn’t appear very much in The Plus One. Lastly, even though it was necessary to the story, I didn’t really like all the contract negotiations or legalities (related to Jude’s humanitarian work) that were included at the end of the novel.

Overall, I was a bit disappointed as I didn’t enjoy The Plus One as much as I did the first two books in the series. But, if you like fake dating, forced proximity, and enemies to lovers, you should definitely check out The Plus One!

Thank you to Saint Martins Griffin publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this in exchange for my honest opinion.

I will say the book started off with a bang right away, and I was immediately drawn in.

We slowly learn the back story of Indira a child psychologist, and Jude a surgeon working oversees in war torn areas, as they both move in (temporarily) with Indira’s brother Collin. Although they were childhood enemies, the close proximity they’re now thrown into throws them for a loop. They’re also being forced to attend numerous pre wedding events for her brothers wedding. It’s not long into those events there Jude and Indira strike up a deal to “fake date” to make the events go a little smoother for them. The rest of the story is spent watching them try to make this relationship work, and it gives you all the feels.

I will say the humor and spice in this book were amazing. The material surrounding Jude and his profession was a little heavy for me personally. (The author does supply a trigger warning in the beginning of the book). I appreciated the small moments of humor put in the story to make things a little

Indira and Jude practically grow up together. Collin, Indira’s brother, is Jude’s best friend and always over. They live to fight with each other. After a few years apart they find themselves both staying with Collin.
•fake dating
•ptsd
•enemies to lovers
•therapy
I read a brush with love and then read this one. Can be read as a stand alone, Cute read!

Read if you like:
🧠 Mental Health Rep
🤺 Enemies to Lovers
🧍Brother’s Best Friend
🌶️ Spice
6️⃣9️⃣

Mazey has done it again! I was so excited for this one but also so sad it was the last of the series as I grew to love this friend group!

I loved that this book brought Harper and Lizzie in and kept the gang together.

I really enjoyed the spice in this book and one thing I can’t stop thinking about is that dang 69 scene 🥵

The mental health rep in this one was phenomenal and so well done! I truly couldn’t have asked for a better finale for this series and can’t wait for whatever Mazey writes next!

Thank you to St Martin’s Griffin for my ARC of this one in exchange for my honest review!

thank you netgalley and st. martin’s press for the arc!

i loved this book! 🫶🏼 mazey eddings was able to convey ptsd and childhood trauma so well and at the same time she delivered a sweet romcom. i love indira and jude’s banter and how they slowly opened up with each other. for some reason it’s hard to find a couple that are mature enough to tell how they feel with each other rather than walking away and start unnecessary drama. im glad to report that the plus one isn’t one of those 🥰 if you like fake dating, brother’s best friend, forced proximity, then this is for you.

Loved the mental health rep in this one, and how emotionally well-adjusted these characters were. Everything about this book felt very grounded and believable. Really enjoyed, and highly recommend.

Once again Mazey Eddings has completely exceeded my expectations. Indira and Jude’s relationship is so special, and the playful banter keeps us throughout the entire story. Throughout this entire series, I’ve been so impressed by the mental health representation and the therapy session is this book were spot on.

Jude’s battle with PTSD is treated with respect, and an emphasis is put on the fact that their relationship cannot heal him. However, it can be a source of happiness for him as he struggles.

Jude and Indira as childhood enemies to lovers is just too good. The scenes were they reminisce on childhood felt truly nostalgic and like you knew them.

Mazey Eddings has quickly become an all time favorite romance author. Imperfect lovers who are perfect for each other is truly the dream. Mazey please keep writing mental health representation, no one is doing it like you.

Thank you to Netgalley, St Martins Press, and Mazey Eddings for early access. All thoughts are my own.

3.5 this was probably my least favorite of the series and that’s saying something because Lizzie Blake’s entire plot line was unexpected pregnancy which I hate. What I did like: the open discussions of mental health and going into therapy. This was a huge plot point and I loved it so much. I also really like indira but I felt nothing about Jude. I didn’t like the fake dating trope in this book and fake dating is my favorite romance trope ever. It just felt like it didn’t fit there were already so many other tropes going on we didn’t need this. I also didn’t like how fast they said I love you like it was suuuuuuper fast. Overall I liked it but I didn’t love it like I loved the first one.

Loved this one! This book follows Indira and her brother's best friend, Jude as they reconnect at her brother Collin's wedding. After growing up together as childhood enemies, a series of events leads them to team up together. I loved seeing how their relationship played out. I also appreciated Eddings' approach to covering mental health and how thoughtfully it was done!

Even though this is the third book in the series, I read this as a standalone. I enjoyed this one so I will definitely check out the rest of the series!!

Thanks to St. Martin's, NetGalley, and Mazey Eddings for this ARC!

Sexy, cute, and fun! New author for me and was happily surprised with how much I liked this genre! Would recommend!

**Review**

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Jude is Indira’s older brother’s best friend and they absolutely despise each other. They have been at each other since they were kids and now Indira’s brother Collin is getting married and after a disastrous breakup, she is suddenly spending a lot of time with Jude. You know what they say; there’s a thin line between love and hate.

This was a classic brother’s best friend/enemies to lovers/fake dating story and I really enjoyed it. Mazey Eddings does a good job if writing stories with realistic plot lines and elements to them.

The tension between Indira and Jude was delicious and I couldn’t wait for the moment they gave in to their feelings. I loved how powerful it was for both of them when they did and how much Indira grounded Jude and made him feel safe after his experiences overseas in emergency medicine.

This story dealt with the topic of mental I’ll was and PTSD very well. It showed how tough it can be and how often times, the person suffering blames themselves.

A wonderfully written story.

The Plus One comes out on April 4, 2023.

💐Fake Dating
💐Brother’s Best Friend
💐Grumpy/Sunshine
💐Frenemies to Lovers
💐Forced Proximity
💐Mental Health

I absolutely devoured this book! I fell in love with Indira and Jude and their story. It is funny, sweet, heartbreaking and an emotional roller coaster. I felt an instant connection with Indira and her relationship with her father. Been there, done that…100% don’t recommend! Even with everything she is going through she was there for Jude and the trauma he was going through. Jude completely broke my heart. I cried so much reading what he had been through! And yet, he was still such a sweetheart with Indira. The connect between these two was something that I love reading. They always knew when the other wasn’t okay and was there for them. And the chemistry…holy hotness! The sparks were flying from the beginning and I wasn’t expecting that mouth on Jude! Pure fire! Overall, I loved this book and can’t recommend it enough! From Jude and Indira, seeing our favorite characters from previous books in the series, and the relationships with their families…it is pure perfection!

I also listened to this book on audio and let’s just say Imani Jade Powers as Indira and Joe Arden as Jude was perfect! They brought out emotions in me that I don’t think would have come out if I hadn’t been listening as well.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
The Plus One is my favorite of Mazey Eddings’ books thus far. She’s always been great at crafting romantic comedies that make me laugh, but also hit me hard in their discussion of real-world issues, and this book is the prime example of that.
I love that both leads are works-in-progress throughout the book, and their HEA accommodates that without a “quick fix.” Indira has a troubled relationship with her absent father, who prioritizes his new wife over his kids, and Indira has tried to compensate for that ever since, which has impacted her success in love, including a relationship that falls apart in spectacular fashion at the beginning of the book. I loved seeing her unpack her issues throughout the book, and come to finally confront her father, letting go of that baggage and allowing herself to heal on her own terms, with the support of those who do love her. I also found it particularly interesting that she herself was a psychiatrist, quashing the stereotype I’ve often seen of those in psychotherapy/psychiatry being somewhat difficult or reluctant recipients of therapy, with her seeing a therapist on-page.
And then there’s Jude. He’s been through a lot, being stuck in a medical scholarship employment program, and finding himself emotionally scarred by the losses he’s experienced and blaming himself for them. It’s a beautiful exploration of PTSD, especially in relation to surgery and medicine. And while Indira is going on her own journey of healing and growth, I love the way she supports Jude, refusing to allow him to continue in his self-destructive cycle, and motivating him to seek help. The disclaimer that she “doesn’t want to fix him” was a beautiful moment for me, along with her other self-assuring words of support, succeeded by his statement that while he’s not fully cured, he’s working toward healing.
This is such a beautiful book, transitioning seamlessly from childhood frenemies-to-loves banter to a deeply emotional journey between two broken people. If you’re looking for a contemporary romance that’s equal parts humorous and heartfelt, I recommend checking this out!

Mazey Eddings is one of my favorite romance authors for a reason. The perfect romances are a blend of moving love stories and compelling human stories, and Mazey Eddings manages to capture both in every book she writes. This story struck me as different from the previous two in this series of interconnected standalones—both in its tone and its pace. Indira and Jude's story is very character-focused. Most of the story takes place in the same setting and, instead of focusing on situations the characters find themselves in, focuses on the problems the characters are already experiencing at the beginning of the story.

Much of Indira and Jude's romance is them growing as individuals, together. They learn to lean on each other while working through breakups, trauma, PTSD, and depression. There are plenty of moments where I audibly giggled, but there were more moments that focused on healing and grief. The characters felt authentic and, while not perfect people, felt perfect for each other.

Definitely recommend <3

This was one of my most highly anticipated reads this year. I was surprised by how emotionally heavy this read was. After reading Mazey’s authors note, it clicked pieces together but I would not consider this to be the light hearted romances we’ve seen previously. It deals with the heavy burden of PTSD and anxiety, mental health and healing. Still love Mazey’s writing and looking forward to more books by her.

In The Plus One, Indira, our lovable and quirky Psychiatrist, decides to go stay with her brother and his fiancé for a while after her life goes up in flames. She wasn’t planning on becoming roommates with her childhood enemy, Jude, though. Jude is on leave from his role as an emergency surgeon overseas, where he has taken on an extensive amount of trauma. Indira and Jude decide to team up as each other’s plus one for the wedding festivities so they don’t have to deal with their own personal issues. The forced proximity, emotional connection, and physical attraction make it really hard for them to keep things platonic 👀

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Jude’s PTSD struggles were so well-written. As a therapist, I sometimes get annoyed when mental health concerns are tied into a story so casually but as a reader, I felt like I was experiencing everything along with Jude🤍 Him and Indira learning how to be vulnerable with one another and lean on each other as they start healing on their own was just a really beautiful story to read.

This is the third book in the A Brush With Love series but it can be read without reading the previous two first!

Read if you like:
▫️Childhood enemies to lovers
▫️Best friend’s brother
▫️Fake dating
▫️Tons of fun banter
▫️Only one bed (tent

Thank you to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a candid review!

I had to sit for a while and think through my feelings on this book. Overall, I liked it. But it's not for everyone and not exactly what I expected. Giving this 3.5 rounded up to 4.

Here Are The Things I Liked:
✨Indira and Jude. I personally found them both likable and Indira made me laugh quite a bit.
✨The banter was fantastic, I just wish it lasted longer.
✨The spice! 🥵🥵🥵
✨The tropes!! Brother's best friend, grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers, known each other since childhood, and a drop of fake dating.
✨The focus on mental health struggles, PTSD, trauma, and the difficult, complex journey of healing. I highlighted so many moments and I was truly invested in their growth, both as individuals and as a couple.
✨Mazey's writing is beautiful and I am definitely going to read the first 2 books in this series!

Here Are Things I Didn't Like As Much:
✨I LOVE fake dating. It's one of my favorite tropes. But it felt unnecessary in the story and very short-lived.
✨Indira and Jude weren't really enemies? Nothing major happened in their relationship. They just thought the other was annoying as children?
✨They fell in love TOO quickly. I wanted more banter, more tension, more slow-burn. Once they got together the romance was overwhelming imo.
✨I loved the first half, but then found 60-85%ish to be a bit slow and I wasn't as eager to pick it up. I did enjoy the ending though.

This was a really beautiful, sweet, inspiring book. It made me want to reach out to my loved ones and go to therapy. 😂 I think it's important to know that this isn't a typical rom-com. It focuses heavily on serious topics with romance threaded throughout. I won't recommend this to everyone, but for those I do recommend it to I know they will love it.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the eARC for an honest review!