I had a lot of thoughts about this book and none of them are great - I think it was underplotted, the mental health and abortion representation were frustrating to me, and I didn't feel any connection between the characters besides the obvious one. Mazey Eddings seems like she's not the author for me, and I'm releasing her!

I absolutely devoured this story! I have never read anything written in the perspective of both characters the way this story carried their stories along, but I loved it. I appreciated the deep dive into adult ADHD and saw myself in a lot of Lizzie’s reactions and really appreciated Rake’s responses to her. I hadn’t read the first one so I am immediately jumping into Harper’s story now. Beautifully done!

I'm gonna keep this short and sweet.

Mazey Eddings, I love you. You have brought me so much joy with this book. Enough that this old lady either wants to adopt you or be your BFF. It's your call. Seriously, I thought you couldn't best A Brush With Love, but I was so very wrong. I adore Lizzy and her beautiful brain, which served as a reminder for me that I need to love mine more. I identified with Lizzie so intensely that I highlighted pretty much the whole of chapter 25. I want to thank you for putting a spotlight on adult ADHD, the obstacles it creates, and the unique joys it can bring.

Lizzie Blake is a bundle of radiant energy, and this accidental pregnancy romance will give you ALL the feels. And Rake? Ummm...can we please invent a machine that can bring book boyfriends to life? Because I need this lovely man, with his sweetness and his walled-up heart. I'm sure my husband won't mind. 😂 And if that's not enough to convince you to read this book, I should tell you that there are also NSFW baked goods. Samples of which I think should come bundled with the book, but that's just me.

This book is for anyone who has been made to feel imperfect and unloved because of the way their brain works. Neurodiversity is a blessing and you are perfect just as you are. As the author says in her acknowledgements, “Every brain is beautiful, and they all deserve love exactly as they are.”

Thank you to NetGalley and to St. Martin's Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a. Delightful surprise!

I 100% requested this book for the cute rom-com cover quality that it had, without really knowing what the story was about. I didn’t even know that it is the 2nd in a series, but was happy to know it could be read as a standalone.

This book had it all. We had steamy lust, swoony romance, family discord, friend support, friend drama, some adult ADHD representation & even some very NSFW baked goods. Are you intrigued yet?!

Lizzie was a gem. She was a hot mess, at times I wanted to tough love her and at times I wanted to hug her. I adored her story, her highs and lows and overall totally loved this book!

Lizzie Blake is a mess. She allows her uncontrolled ADHD brain to run wild, resulting in constant lateness, lost jobs, and terrible relationships with her family, among other things. She uses sex as one of her outlets for her uncontrolled energies, and as a result, accidentally gets pregnant from a one night stand. Rake is the Australian hunk that gets caught up in it. But instead of being angry or waking his hands of the situation, he gives up his whole life on Australia to move to Philly and help raise the child together.

This is a sort-of-sequel to A Brush with Love, which was about Harper and Dan. Lizzie is one of Harper's 3 best friends in the original. (I expect Indira gets a love story next, since Thu already has a lovely boyfriend, though it's likely they'll break up at some point so they can get a second chance love story or something...) However, this is a great stand-alone, and you don't NEED to read the first to enjoy the second. ANYWAY.

I like Lizzie, and see some of my own behavior in her. I like Rake too. They're well written characters. I appreciate that the story comes from a modern stance, where the guy doesn't PUSH for marriage to "make everything all right" after the pregnancy happens, and the woman isn't falling all over herself to get him to commit either. I also appreciate the goofy pregnancy stories about the weird hormonal things that happen during pregnancy.

I wish the trope of "we're fighting because we're too scared to have a real conversation, but we really both want the same things" would stop being so popular. I'm tired of that one. But overall, the story was really good, and I enjoyed it. The ending was pretty well done, too, though the epilogue felt a little like it was rushing through things.

I'll be keeping an eye out for the future additions to the series.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley in return for sharing my thoughts on this book. Thanks to the author and publisher for this opportunity!

I think I somehow loved this one more than A Brush With Love!! I love how much the author changed and learned between books!

I laughed, I cried, I fanned myself and I loved it. It’s the perfect mix of spice and happy romance! I normally am not one for accidental pregnancy, but now I’m a believer! I also loved the ADHD rep!

This is such a heartwarming story! And definitely going to be talk of the town with it comes out!

4.5 🌟

A two night stand turns into something more.

I enjoyed this book. It made me laugh out loud so many times thanks to FMC Lizzie Blake. I fell in love with her right away. Her inappropriateness and being prone to making mistakes made me love her even more. I just wanted to give her a big hug and tell her how wonderful she is. Lizzie Blake is one of the best characters I have read in a long time. She felt so real and leaped off the pages.

Rake, the sexy Australian, a gentleman full of charm and carrying emotional baggage that prevents him from admitting his feelings and being vulnerable. His care for Lizzie is beautiful.

Lizzie and Rake meet at a bar, share two sexy nights that lead to an unexpected pregnancy and a messy love story. Each of them is flawed and broken helping the other slowly put the pieces back together. I couldn’t help rooting for them! Rake’s parents were adorable and so was Lizzie’s best friends and Bernadette.

You should definitely read this. So far I have loved both of Mazey Eddings book and will definitely be reading the next one!

Thanks to Mazey Eddings, St. Martins Press/ St. Martins Griffin for the ARC

While I wouldn't have picked this one up based on the trope, with A BRUSH WITH LOVE Mazey made me a forever fan & I HAD to read her sophomore title. Thanks to Kaye Publicity I received a physical copy to read and review, and I am hosting the title for @loveARCtually and cannot WAIT to chat with Mazey for our discussion because I think I loved this book even MORE than the first.

From the instant chemistry that was realistic and fun, Rake proved to be the best kind of book boyfriend to swoon after I fell for this meet-cute in the worst kind of way. The dual POV gives us the perfect amount of emotion behind this secret pregnancy romantic comedy that starts as a one-night stand between two people not wanting to get serious and ends with a steamy, dreamy unexpected romance that will leave you wanting more.

I LOVE when an author can introduce a character in the first book and make us see them in a unique way when we get their individual story -- with Lizzie, it was everything I expected and more! Lizzie's ADHD representation was so enjoyable to read, I loved how we truly felt for her and how much it made me want to root her on throughout the book. I laughed, I nearly cried and it overall just left me feeling HAPPY, I need ya'll to pick this one up. I dare you not to fall for Lizzie + Rake, their friends, their struggles, and especially their growth as a couple.

Eddings writes in a way that brings you right into the story, full of details that leave me wanting to re-read certain phrases, while simultaneously rushing on to see where she takes the story. Rake's love for Lizzie and how she makes him see the world and her, their banter, and just how full of LIFE her characters are make reading books like this an absolute joy and I can't wait to read more of what she writes in the future.

Wow, I loved this book! Mazey Eddings has officially become an auto-read author for me. Her ability to create lovable characters with swoony monologues, dramatic grand gestures, and an emphasis on mental health is uncanny. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!

Lizzie Blake intends just a single one night stand with Rake. Neither of them wants an emotional attachment or relationship, and the timing is perfect since he is only on a short work trip from Australia. But right from the beginning, they clearly have a deeper connection.

I loved Lizzie. She has ADHD, and it is explained so beautifully. And Rake's appreciation for her brain adds such depth to the story. There's a lot of chemistry and steam throughout the book.

I also really enjoyed the funny jokes and nods to loving romance novels, especially historical bodice rippers. This is a fun rom-com with lots of amusing moments. Many are based on a second-hand embarrassment for Lizzie. But they are done in a lovely way that doesn't feel shameful or demeaning.

I enjoyed the great short chapters, and the alternating perspectives throughout. But the novel felt like it ended too quickly. I was so surprised when it was over, and I found myself at the epilogue. I would have liked to see a few more issues resolved or at least further explored.

Thank you to SMP Romance and NetGalley for the advanced copy. These opinions are my own.

If I'm being honest, I almost didn't finish this book. I went into it expecting a fun adult romance, and was a bit surprised when Lizzie got pregnant. Looking back, I probably shouldn't have been so surprised, because the title pretty much tells you what's going to happen. But I'm not a big fan of the pregnancy trope, and I almost put the book down right then and there. I'm happy I continued reading, though.

Lizzie Blake's Best Mistake was a delight. Lizzie herself is feisty, confident, and proud of her sex life, which was nice to read about. And I loved Rake - their romantic banter with each other was so much fun. The moment Lizzie realizes that she's pregnant was written well, but after that, their relationship moves a little fast. This book has a bit of insta love and I wasn't mad about it. There was good and realistic dialogue, Rake's nickname for Lizzie is so cute, and I loved how well they worked with each other. Lizzie teaches Rake to let loose a little, and Rake loves Lizzie unconditionally for who she is. They had a good dynamic. From what I can tell, the ADHD rep in this book was also well done, and it plays a large role in the story and Lizzie's life. I'm also forever a fan of reading about familial relationships, so I liked the subplot of Lizzie and her brother trying to become closer.

I will say that the story is a bit unbelievable at first. (view spoiler) It moved a bit fast, but that might just be me not being able to imagine myself in that situation and falling in love that quickly. But it worked for the story, and I still really enjoyed reading about them trying to work together. They're a good couple, and this was a fun read. I'm excited to check out the author's other works!

I was provided with a copy of this book by NetGalley and the publisher. This review represents my honest opinion.

I'm a sucker for love at first sight. And even though Lizzie and Rake wouldn't admit it, I think that's exactly what we get from <i>Lizzie Blake's Best Mistake</i> and I'm here for it.

Lizzie Blake has always been told she's "too much" - by her family, employers, and at low points even by her closest friends who don't understand some of the decisions (or "mistakes") she makes. In Rake Thompson, she finds a partner who's in awe of her thought processes and whose tidiness and organizational sense compliments her creativity and energy. She also finds a co-parent for the baby they suddenly find themselves having after a fated two-night stand.

The sexual tension between these two characters is so well written. They have to navigate their attraction and romantic feelings for each other (which they're trying not to acknowledge), as well as their new lives as soon-to-be co-parents. It's complicated and sexy in the most delicious way!

Love the neurodivergent representation, the radiant lead characters, and the world Mazey Eddings has created with this one. I have to go back and read A Brush With Love now!

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

Well this one was a pleasant surprise! This book starts off super steamy and I didn't have high expectations on content based on that. However, the book has a lot of depth, from character back stories, an adult coping with ADHD and the affect it has on her life, and the two MCs healing from past (and present) trauma through their relationship with one another.
This book was eye opening to me as I was unfamiliar with the struggles and adult may face when living with ADHD. It was a fun, flirty, fabulous romance!

This book was so adorable!! I was laughing and giggles when reading this book, the characters were so easy to fall for, both being so caring & tender with one another. I personally felt the book was a cute, easy read that every romcom reader would enjoy!

Lizzie Blake a colourful red head with so much to offer to those around her. She struggles with ADHD & RSD which makes it hard for people to understand her tendencies. Having being disregarded for her struggles by her family she grown to not feeling accepted, I just wanted to hug her! Having Rake’s help she learned to appreciate her mind. Lizzie doesn’t date having one-night stands yet with Rake she goes back for seconds (me too girly) leading to her best mistake! The strength she had to tell her mother what she did👏🏼

Rake the man is Australian yes of course she was going home with him lol. He was so caring and understanding of Lizzie, he allowed her to be herself unapologetically. When he finds out about the pregnancy he was just as scared but ready to step up and help lizzie with everything. I appreciate his character. Rake’s world before Lizzie was dull he hadn’t realised how numb he was from his past until Lizzie began to brighten up his world. Also calling her Birdy and then finding out what it meant to him 😭

“Because I love you. Because life was a shadow before, but you’re the sun.” 🥹💕

I enjoyed this book very much, having read a Brush with love I was happy to get Harper & Dan in here as well as the others being so supportive of the pair (after the dinner lol). Mazey you did a great job with Lizzie’s struggles just as you did with Harper’s thank you. Can’t wait for people to read this book!
4.5/★

This book was hilariously cute! I loved Rake and Lizzie and each of their own sorry of overcoming their pasts. I wish we had gotten to know Rake more as a character, it was definitely mostly focused on Lizzie. I loved Lizzie and how she became confident in herself, owning her ADHD instead of apologizing for it. Overall a good read!

Thanks Netgalley for the free ARC!

Lizzie and Rake made my heart swell. I’ve never sought out a surprise pregnancy trope but this one worked and it was so lovely to see. The ADHD rep had me trying to force my non reader husband into picking this one up. If you loved Mazey’s debut, you’ll get some nice little peeks into Harper & Dan, but even if you didn’t, the friend group will feel like your own. Hands down though, my favorite character was our spiritual lesbian baker, Bernadette, who believes in Lizzie and honestly just gave us all a little hope that failure doesn’t define us. Please get this one asap.

Have you ever picked up a book with a sweet illustrated cover and expected a sweet, heartfelt romance but instead opened the pages to one of the filthiest books you’ve ever read? Yeah, that’s this book. (And It Happened One Summer…)

Seriously. This book has a lot more steam than I generally care for in books. The first 20 percent of the book was almost no plot and only steam.

And for a book that I *almost* DNF because of the amount of steam, I’m glad I hung on. Because the sweet story came. This book reached inside and grabbed a hold of my heart and it won’t ever let go.

Lizzie comes across as a mess. But in reality, she lives with adult ADHD which adds to her impulsivity. When she has a two-night-stand with the Australian stranger, Rake, and ends up pregnant, Rake transfers his job so he can be there for her and the baby. What can go wrong?!

One thing Mazey Eddings does fantastically is highlight different mental disabilities. I learned so much and appreciated the ADHD representation. Seriously, it’s like a lightbulb went off inside of me, and this book touched my soul. And of course there’s Rake, who is an Australian steam…no, dream..boat.

If you’re a fan of smut and the accidental pregnancy trope, or heartwarming books that highlight misunderstood adults then pick this one up.

I thought this was really cute and fun! I haven’t read the book that precedes this, but I think series that follow this mold are so cool. I loved Lizzie and the erotic pastries. I loved Rake and his love for Lizzie. I appreciated the layers to this story and both of their backgrounds. This was funny and well written. I do think that there was some pacing issues and I question someone leaving Australia for Philadelphia… But I’m willing to suspend my disbelief for a cute story. Overall really loved this.

I was first introduced to Lizzie Blake in A Brush with Love and now she gets her own story. Lizzie is scattered, disorganized, too loving, with too big of a personality and she is a delight. Eddings does an amazing job showing a person with ADHD. Lizzie understands her neurology but she can’t control it. She knows it costs her jobs and relationships and gave her an amazingly sad family life. She meets Rake at a bar. He is Australian, only in town for a fews on business and can’t believe his good fortune in meeting Lizzie. Even though they are responsible this is a accidental pregnancy story. Rake wants to be a partner in everything upends his life transferring and getting a place they can live together (forced proximity).

The story is told from alternating POVs but it isn’t equal. With Lizzie you get her inner thoughts, energy, emotions, and lusts. Rake's POV is more how he sees Lizzie and isn’t bothered by her antics and what others see at shortfalls. He is bewitched by her verve for life. He is a super supportive and may be one of the sweetest heroes I’ve read. I was happy to see Lizzie’s friend group Indira, Thu and Harper (& Dan). They are less a part of the story than in Brush. I like that the author didn’t force a happy ending between Lizzie and her parents but did give family connection with her brother. Lizzie’s strength in finally standing up to her mother is one of the book’s highlights.

One thing that has come up as a negative in the reviews is Rake’s back story. I’m choosing to acknowledge that I do have an issue with an abortion being part of vilifying his ex. Rake doesn’t need any back reason to want to be a part of his future child’s life. The point is Rake wasn’t connected to his girlfriend. It is sufficient that although compatible they weren’t in love or that she cheated. The author makes it clear the main characters are pro choice. But particularly in this year the few lines about an abortion feels particularly yucky and stigmatizing. I like the book too much to mark down for this but others including my daughter have.

I absolutely recommend this is for people who enjoy a unconventional heroine who isn’t easy to love and understand at first. This is funny, steamy, educational and moving. I can’t wait to read what Edding’s writes for her next book. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A quirky, quaint story of discovering self worth, love and family all at once. Sometimes fate just has a hand in what happens in your life and Lizzie and Rake are no different than everyone else. Mazey is a fantastic writer.