Member Reviews
'The Plus One' by Mazey Eddings is a sweet romance. It does touch on mental health and handles it well. Overall very heartwarming and enjoyable.
This book was an enjoyable and well-written read that held my attention from start to finish. The author’s writing style is engaging, making it easy to connect with the story. The pacing felt just right, and the attention to detail added richness to the overall experience. I appreciated how seamlessly everything came together, showcasing the author’s skill and creativity.
The themes and tone of the book were handled with care, creating a memorable reading experience. It’s clear a lot of thought went into crafting this work, and it shows in the quality of the writing. Overall, this is a book I would recommend to readers looking for something thoughtful and well-executed. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this title—I’m looking forward to seeing more from this talented author in the future!
Childhood enemies Indira and Jude agree to be each other’s fake wedding dates to survive a week of awkward encounters and family drama. But as their forced proximity turns fake affection into something real, both must confront their pasts—and their feelings—for a chance at love. A witty and heartfelt romantic comedy.
This was so cute! Felts like an early 2000s rom commy book - I also got Taylor Swift vibes from this book? Like Folklore would be the perfect soundtrack to listen too if this was ever made into a movie. Definitely recommend if you need an easy palate cleanser book.
A fun and enjoyable romantic comedy with great writing, endearing characters and a satisfying plot! I really enjoy books that can provide heartfelt emotion while also providing an engaging romantic comedy and this book did both. I would definitely recommend to others!
DNFed - I chose to DNF this book in the past. I am typing as a review so it doesn't harm my %. I haven't chose to pick the title back up.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read! Mostly, I enjoyed how the characters experiences challenged my own views and perspectives. I was able to reflect on my current assumptions of how different things work. Particularly, I liked how the two characters came together and respected each other and were supportive of their goals. It was a really nice read and thank you for the opportunity to review this early!
The Plus One by Mazey Eddings was an okay read for me. But I did not like the main characters as much as I wanted to, which kept me from enjoying it.
The Plus One was an enjoyable fake dating romance that is a third in a series. You don't need to have read the other two in order to enjoy this one, but it's nice to get updates on the couples from the prior books. There are some heavier mental health conditions experienced by our MCs, but I thought it was handled really well and appreciated the representation.
I think fake dating just isn’t my favorite. I felt like I cringe way too much to enjoy that trope. I listened to the audiobook version as well and liked the audiobook better.
Sadly I'm going to DNF this one out of the series. I loved the first two books so much and have loved other books from this author. I just can't get myself past 90 pages with how heavy the MMC's struggle with PTSD and anxiety. It's a bit triggering to me and I just can't continue for my own mental health. I may come back to it in a few years but we will see.
I don’t know why I waited this long to read this book because I very much enjoyed this book.
It was cute and funny and emotional.
I do recommend.
I wasnt a fan, the execution may fall short for what I felt I was promised going in. While the story tries to mix romance and humor, it occasionally feels predictable and over the top. The character development lacks depth.
Mazey Eddings has done it again with The Plus One, crafting a contemporary romance that is both heartwarming and deeply emotional. This book is nothing short of special—imagine if the essence of Taylor Swift’s FOLKLORE were transformed into a novel. It’s a smart, romantic whirlwind that blends humor, drama, and heartfelt emotion in the best way possible.
The story follows Dr. Indira Papadakis and Dr. Jude Bailey, two characters who start off as childhood nemeses but agree to fake date for Indira’s brother’s wedding. Indira, a psychiatrist, sees the toll that years of working as an emergency surgeon in humanitarian crises have taken on Jude, who struggles with untreated PTSD. As they navigate their pretend relationship, they both embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery.
What makes this book truly stand out is its profound message: that we’re allowed to be broken, and we’re allowed to be repaired. Love doesn’t magically fix everything, but it gives us the courage to heal. Watching Indira and Jude learn to love and be loved in the way they deserve was a beautiful experience, one that had me tearing up more than once.
The Plus One is more than just a rom-com with a cute cover—it packs an emotional punch that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. I’m both amazed by the beauty of this story and in denial that the series has come to an end. This book will forever be one of my favorites, and I’m grateful that Mazey Eddings has shared these wonderful stories about perfectly imperfect people. Five stars, without a doubt.
Thank you for the ARC! I absolutely love all the tropes that are presented throughout the book. I'm glad this book was able to be read as a standalone although it is part of a series. I cannot wait to dive into the other books in this series. I also loved how they touched on different mental health matters. Very well done, great length too!
I read this as a standalone book. I did not know this was a part of a series.
It was a sweet read and an enjoyable rom com. It was endearing and allowed for both characters to develop along the way. I appreciated the frenemies to lovers and forced proximity tropes and the addition of anxiety/mental health representation.
I liked the chapter titles layout and thought it was unique. I have never read a book that as a countdown.
I recommend reading this book and I will be looking to read the others in the series.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for the honest review.
Mazey Eddings' The Plus One offers an engaging and thoughtful exploration of personal growth and romantic development. The story centers on Indira Papadakis, a psychiatrist, who retreats to her brother's home in Philadelphia after discovering her boyfriend’s infidelity. Expecting just a temporary refuge, Indira is instead met with Jude, her brother’s best friend and her long-time rival. Jude, a doctor recently returned from high-stress humanitarian missions, is grappling with his own unresolved trauma.
As Indira and Jude navigate the pre-wedding chaos, they decide to pretend to be a couple to ease the pressures of the upcoming festivities. This arrangement unexpectedly ignites a genuine connection as they confront their emotional barriers and begin to heal. Eddings deftly balances romance and realism, crafting a story where the characters’ emotional and psychological journeys are as compelling as their burgeoning relationship.
The novel shines in its authentic portrayal of mental health challenges and the transformative power of supportive relationships. Eddings' detailed and empathetic depiction of Indira and Jude’s struggles adds depth to their characters, making their eventual bond feel both earned and heartfelt. While the focus on mental wellness can sometimes veer into a therapeutic tone, it ultimately enriches the narrative, providing a nuanced look at healing and connection.
The Plus One is a warm and insightful read, highlighting the potential for love and growth through genuine companionship.
The Plus One by Mazey Eddings is a delightful read for fans of lighthearted, emotional, and romantic stories, particularly those who enjoy fake dating tropes, enemies-to-lovers relationships, and explorations of PTSD, making it a perfect fit for readers who crave a heartwarming and uplifting romance.
I’m glad I was told before going into this one that it wasn’t light and fluffy. I honestly felt like these topics were handled with care.
With that being said, I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this one then. But what I can say is I laughed, and I felt a lot for these characters. I loved the therapy aspects and making therapy more normal.
I think this was such a great end to the series and I’m glad I read them in order. Definitely read the trigger warnings for all of the books before starting.
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for a copy. All opinions are my own.
Who doesn't love a good ol' fake dating with a childhood connection? It brings so many heartfelt and hidden emotions to the plot. I have loved all of the other books in this series. Mazey Eddings is an amazing author whom manages to capture such raw feelings and add a healthy dose of laughter into every aspect. Nothing felt cliché or overdone, it was all refreshing and familiar!