⭐Book Review⭐

Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher @smartinspress for the #AdvanceReviewCopy

Book Summary:
Lizzy Blake's most desired thing is to be accepted and loved, but living with ADHD has made it difficult to be in long-term romantic relationships. After being stood up, and a chance encounter with a hot Australian guy she meets on the same night, she ends up... pregnant!

Can Lizzy and Rake co-parent without the hot, steamy roll in the sack they had when they met? Isn't that a loaded question!

I really liked this one. It's a fun, easy, and super steamy read that had me rooting for the couple from the beginning. I liked Lizzy and all her quirks. ADHD is well represented and provides insight into what it's like living with it for those unfamiliar with the diagnosis. Rake is the perfect guy all around, sometimes a little too perfect even. But his little misshap at the end helped to 'round him out'.

There are a lot of detailed sexual scenes, so if reading about that makes you uncomfortable, stay clear, otherwise, enjoy!

Although funny at times, the story isn't convincing. We're told the characters are falling in love, but it's difficult to see why as their relationship doesn't really progress beyond a mutual understanding and physical chemistry. By the end, I didn't really care whether they worked out or not.

How could you not enjoy this book? It's spicy, extremely heartfelt. and has some wonderful ADHD representation. I know the accidental pregnancy trope can be tricky to get people to get into, but it's so much more than a plot device, and it's done very well, and handled in a realistic, yet new and refreshing way. This is my first Mazey Eddings experience, but it definitely won't be my last!

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Lizzie is a baker that comes off a little "frazzled" to most people. Since she has a hard time connecting with people, especially men, she doesn't normally have serious relationships. One night stands is the name of the game for her.

When she meets Rake at the bar after her online date turns out to be... less than satisfactory, she goes back to the hotel with him. She has to go back the next day after their romp in the sheets to get her key ring. This leads to a few more fun times and then Rake is one a plane back to Australia. Then EVERYTHING changes.

I was hesitant about this story due to one of the tropes that it has-accidental pregnancy- but I really enjoyed it. I loved how Lizzie and her ADHD is represented and her neurodivergent ways. Her inner thoughts were relatable and entertaining. Both main characters growth is well written in the book and their relationship is sweet.

Rake sounds like the most caring man and I really love the way that he dotes over Lizzie and cares for her. The side plot about the bakery making erotic goods make me laugh. I would really like to read more books by this author.

I loved the exploration of Lizzie’s condition and how it impacted so many facets of her life. It truly gave me pause to reflect. Rakes willingness to listen and learn was refreshing.

I will start by saying I enjoyed this. This is a story that helps bring awareness to ADHD. It shows now having ADHD can affect all kinds of relationships. We follow Lizzie who struggles with ADHD. She feels things very intense and due to that has an unplanned pregnancy. This is a forced proximity romance. Lizzie learns to begin putting herself first foremost. All in all this is a great book to add to your collection and to read.

Thank you Netgalley and St Martin’s Griffin for the eARC for my honest review.

This book was cute, it was light and fun. I think Mazey did a good job depicting ADHD, and how parents have certain expectations of their children. There wasn’t a super deep plot point and most of it was just a feel good book, but in a rom-com isn’t that what you’re looking for? I giggled a lot through this book, and while I typically don’t love the unplanned pregnancy trope this was cute and I loved that Lizzie was a strong independent woman and didn’t let anyone stand in her way.

First off, I want to thank Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, as always.

There aren't many times when I'll forgo giving a book a star rating, but since my unfortunate dislike of this book is entirely my own fault, this is one of those times.

I'll often request books without fully reading the synopsis (or without reading it at all), just because something else drew me in enough, such as prior experience with the author's work, a gorgeous cover, or hype from my friends. This was one of those cases, where I'd just adored A Brush with Love so much, and was so excited that this book was focused on an MC with ADHD, that I didn't even need to read the synopsis to know I was sold on it.

I really should have read that synopsis.

There aren't many tropes that will entirely put me off a book, but the pregnancy trope, especially within a romance like this, is one of them. It's just not a trope or plot point I'm ever really interested in reading in my romance books, and sometimes I even hate those sudden baby epilogues that round off stories sometimes. It's just not something I like, especially right now in this current political climate, where I'm extra sensitive to it. My dislike for this trope obviously translated into dislike for certain aspects of this book which I can't really judge fairly. Did I find this aspect cringy because I just don't care for this trope, or is it actually cringy? Is this thing unrealistic in these stories, or is it just extra unrealistic here? All in all, this had led to my blank rating, because it just isn't fair of me to rate this book low when it's on me for reading a book with something I'm wholeheartedly uninterested in reading. (I am still very sad that the ADHD rep book coincided with the pregnancy book, though, and that's fair for me to still feel!)

What did really work for me was the ADHD rep, personally. There's a lot of focus on it, and how it affects Lizzie in all aspects of her life. The book really takes the time to explore how it affects her in her relationships, family life, career, and perception of herself, but does so in a positive light while still showing the reality of living with ADHD. It's neither overly pessimistic or romanticized, and we see Lizzie both flourish and suffer because of her brain. It also goes specifically into detail about how it's shaped Lizzie, and doesn't just paint her as hyperactive and distracted, but discusses specifics that can come with ADHD, like rejection sensitive dysphoria. It's honestly just really good rep, and I was expecting that, because Mazey's other book did a fantastic job with anxiety, especially in an academic setting.

I did still really love the writing and characters here though, which shows to me that I do still really enjoy Mazey Eddings as an author, and has me excited about the next book she'll write (though I will be reading that synopsis first!)

I would probably give this one 3.5 stars, but I'm rounding it up to 4 for Goodreads because I'm feeling generous and this was really cute.

Once again, I really loved the way that Mazey Eddings portrays neurodivergence in her books as I think she takes a lot of care with her characters. I was really interested in how Lizzie's ADHD was written, especially as someone who does not have ADHD, but has people very close to her who do. Obviously this isn't going to be an exact replica of everyone's experience, but it did help me understand better how someone with ADHD might process certain experiences.

I loved that there was an opposites attract element to Lizzie and Rake's romance, and I loved how fiercely Rake always defended Lizzie. However, my main sticking point was that I don't really understand why they completely threw out the idea of being romantically involved when they found out Lizzie was pregnant. There is definitely middle ground between getting married and being completely platonic, and I didn't really understand why they felt like they couldn't explore that until like 75% of the way through the book. I also feel like the same thing happened as in the first book where the wrap up was too quick! I wanted pining, but then I wanted the cutesy relationship while Lizzie was still pregnant! Not just an epilogue after the baby was born!

Anyway, I still found this book really endearing and I will definitely pick up Mazey Eddings's future books, especially within this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with this ARC!

I thoroughly enjoyed this unique story that raises awareness of ADHD and its affects on relationships and mindset. Lizzie is a delightfully big-hearted heroine but is struggling with her ADHD and her self perception. She feels things intensely, says whatever comes time mind, and his mastered hookups. After a hook up results in an unplanned pregnancy, Lizzie and Rake decide to move in together but keep it platonic, While this is a forced proximity romance is is also a story about Lizzie learning to put herself first. As Lizzie and Rakes relationship deepens, so does Lizzie’s personal growth.

Thank you Netgalley and St Martin’s Griffin for the arc.

A huge thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC!

*Note: this is an HONEST SPOILER FREE REVIEW*

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“Life was a shadow before, but you’re the sun. And I want the world to know that I’m an absolute fool for you and nothing makes me happier.”

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As many of you may know, I absolutely loved "A Brush With Love". Dental Dan is top tier boyfriend material–the president of the simp club, if you will. Now, enter Rake Thompson, now known as the VIP of the simp club. And, I don’t know what type of magician you are, Mazey, but your writing is like crack–everyone should indulge in it (i’m not encouraging drug usage though…don’t do drugs, kids :D)

If you love relatable characters, neurodevelopmental disorder (ADD/ADHD) + mental illness rep, and they were roommates, one night stand to something more, the one pregnancy trope that brings them together, great humor, and much more, this one’s for you.

It’s very rare that I find characters who I can relate to on such a level. I felt this odd sense of safety while reading about Lizzie’s story and character. She’s fun and bubbly, but also so much more and (unfortunately) misjudged. I loved watching her grow as she found her passions and the people who understood and cared about her the most. Mazey wrote her to be more than just her ADD/ADHD, which I greatly appreciate and applaud her for. There is a much needed presence of positive representation in the media.

Now let’s talk about Rake. Actually, let me first laugh with you, Mazey. I know you named him Rake because of your period drama/historical romance obsession and I love you for that. Luckily, his name didn’t reflect his character. I enjoyed his character dynamic and how well he fit with Lizzie's chaos.

Lastly, I enjoyed the relationship between Lizzie and Rake, but I have to admit that, at times, it felt inorganic. Most of their relationship was lustful; they were strangers who picked each other up at a bar, so naturally it makes sense. But, even with their growth something felt slightly forced. I can't quite put a finger on it, but they still made me smile.

With that being said, I can’t talk about much more without spilling the beans, but I definitely encourage everyone to give this book a try when it’s released. I hope all of you find something encouraging from this story.

An absolute delight. I was instantly hooked from the start and I could not put this book down. Lizzie is a multi-dimensional, well written protagonist that you can’t help but want the best for. And Rake is an incredible and supportive love interest that had me a tad jealous.

My favorite aspect of this book is definitely the way that Lizzie’s ADHD was presented. Her struggles felt real and things such as rejection sensitive dysphoria were explained in such a way that I know I will be referencing this book when trying to explain what I’m experiencing or feeling.

Also I wanted to say that the dedication of the book made me tear up.

Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fabulous book! The characters, the description of an ADHD brain...I really thought they we such a great aspect of the book. The story was great, but the character development was wonderful. Great book!

Loved every aspect of this book. The character development of Lizzie and portrayal of Adhd is a female was so well thought out and spot on. It amazed me how quickly and easily I fell in love with Rake and Lizzie and rooted for them throughout the entire book! I Lizzie Blake's Best Mistake ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and would definitely recommend!

Oh, how I love Mazey Eddings! She is Queen of Quiet. You're not going to find super high external stakes in her books, just memorable and loveable characters doing their best, working on themselves, and supporting each other in order to have strong, healthy HEAs. I'm married to someone with ADHD, and it was great seeing it represented this way. I saw myself in both Rake and Indira and how they support Lizzie and love her yet aren't perfect themselves and occasionally lash out at her or say the wrong thing. I also really liked how things wound up with Lizzie's family; I think it's important to show that reconciliation/forgiveness isn't always the path to happily ever after. This was also so very steamy and Mazey does steam so so well. Overall, another wonderful read from Mazey Eddings and I can't wait to read even more from her.

A lusty and compassionate follow up to A Brush With Love, Eddings’ sophomore release centers big-hearted baker Lizzy, who adores her friends, shamelessly loves sex, and laughs with her whole heart, but struggles with her ADHD and the messaging she’s received all her life (most notably from her family) about how her “mess” is something to change, not something to love. Enter a hot Aussie who falls head-over-heels in love with everything about her during their one-night/two-night stand, uprooting his life to move into a studio apartment with her in the US where they’ll raise the baby they’re now expecting together. The only problem? They decide to “keep things platonic” while battling intense lust for each other. While much of the novel centers around their (often failed) attempts to stay hands off, my favourite parts of the book were once again the parts that had nothing to do with the romance, but instead involved Lizzie’s conversations with her friends, family, and new boss about how she sees herself and how hard it can be to change that without sufficient support, such that when she finds that support, she truly shines. I love books that allow characters to need to each other—not just in romantic pairings but also through friendships and family relationships—not because the characters can’t make it on their own, but because whatever “making it” means for them, it’s far less of a battle when they have care, respect, and a true sense of value from the people they love. This book fully delivers on that front, and readers who enjoyed Eddings’ debut will likely devour this one with equal fervour. And equal joy.

I have never highlighted so much in a book before chapter six nor have I pre-ordered an AudioBook before finishing an ARC but I did at 11% in with this book. I am an adult woman with ADHD (who was diagnosed in adulthood) and I feel SEEN. I’ve only read two other books with an adult woman with ADHD (Fresh By Margot Wood and The Bookish Life of Nina Hill By Abbi Waxman; both great) and the representation is so, so, SO important to me. I just kept going, “Yep, yep, OH MY GOSH YES THAT!” Lizzie made me feel completely validated and represented, accurately and completely. It’s so easy to tell that a woman with ADHD wrote this book, she knows it intimately. This is the first fictional book I’ve seen explain rejection sensitive dysphoria and it was so well done.

Is this book over the top, indulgent and a bit unrealistic? Yes, but it is SO MUCH FUN.

After a one night stand, Lizzie ends up pregnant with the child of a hot Australian man named Rake and despite being half a world a way he immediately dives in to be partners in the pregnancy and the child’s life, requesting the transfer at his job to the US division and moving in with Lizzie as platonic partners.

Lizzie and Rake’s relationship grows with some hilarious ups and downs but there is also a significant plot line dealing with toxic family, rejection sensitive dysphoria and choosing to put yourself first and it is a really great thing to see in fiction.

I also really enjoyed seeing Rake accept Lizzie for who she is. Listen to her, apologize to her when needed and tell her that he loves her brain. These are things my partner has done or said to me and I feel they’re truly important, but especially for neurodivergent individuals like myself.

I am SO happy this book exists. The amount of text highlighted by the time I finished this ARC is overwhelming in the best way possible. I can’t wait to re-read in the form of the audio book I pre-ordered when this comes out.

Five glowing, shimmering stars!

⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to St. Martin’s press and NetGalley for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It's hard to focus when the world seems to be unraveling and unspooling all around you. It's hard to focus on mundane things like punctuality when the world is full of bright, beautiful, sparkly things of wonder.

Lizzie is tired of trying to fit into a box everyone else seems happy to make their home. She flourishes when she can let her creativity loose on her own terms, when she feels the most inspired. The only time she feels like things aren't spiraling beyond her grasp, when the world makes sense and grounds her, is when she is wrapped up in another person.

Rake is not looking for a fling. And he certainly isn't looking for a relationship. But something about Lizzie reaches behind the wall he's built around himself. She's addictive and irresistible and he can't help succumbing to her charm. They share a magical night and go back to their lives - his in Australia and hers in Philadelphia. But they can't stop thinking about each other.

Kismet steps in and they are once again in each other's orbit.

This forced proximity, only one shower, lovers to friends to lovers, second chance, one-night stand turning into forever romance had be grinning like a Cheshire cat. I absolutely adored the relationship dynamic between Rake and Lizzie, the poignant depictions of grief and the POV of what the world looks like to those of us who have ADHD.

Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Much to my surprise, I enjoyed this book! Long story short, I read this author's previous novel A BRUSH WITH LOVE and enjoyed that one, so I requested this one without hesitation. What I didn't realize is that this book has the unexpected pregnancy trope, which is a trope I strongly prefer not to read. But I had already received the eARC and started it, so I continued reading, and I ended up actually enjoying the story! I guess it goes to show that any trope can be enjoyable if it's written in a way that works for the reader.

The two main characters were fleshed out and interesting to read about. Their dialogue was engaging, and the pacing of the story was solid. One aspect of the book that I adored was how the author included a cameo of her other characters from A BRUSH WITH LOVE, since this book is set in the same universe. To clarify, LIZZIE BLAKE'S BEST MISTAKE is a standalone novel, but it centers another character from the main friend group in A BRUSH WITH LOVE. I didn't know that the author would do this, but it turns out that her next novel will focus on ANOTHER character from the main friend group in A BRUSH WITH LOVE. In my opinion, this means that it would be more enjoyable for readers to read Mazey Eddings' books in order of publication, just to understand the fun cameos in each story. Another aspect of this book that I thought was done well involved the toxic familial relationship between Lizzie and her parents (particularly her mother). I thought that their relationship was depicted in a realistic way and felt that Lizzie's decision at the end (regarding her relationship with her parents) was important for readers to see.

All in all, despite disliking the main trope in this book, I'm glad I read this and look forward to continue reading this author's future works!

Okay, so what I read of this book I absolutely loved! Mazey Eddings is such a great writer and her stories are so engaging. With that said, I did not finish the book. I only made it a few chapters in. Now, I should have read the blurb about the books, but I loved A Brush with Love, that I just put Mazey Eddings on my insta-read list. If I did read the blurb, I would have know that a major plot point is an unexpected pregnancy between the two love interests. Pregnancy is a trigger for me, so once that happened, I stopped reading. For people that are not triggered by that topic, I would definitely recommend this book. I love the main character Lizzie and her depiction of adult adhd.