I had a hard time getting through this one. I found both characters immature, and their inability to get it together and be effing adults for their effing jobs pissed me the eff off by the end. I literally skimmed the last... quarter simply because I stopped caring.

Thanks, NG!

The concept of having to do a sex/relationship podcast with your ex-best friend who you can’t stand to be in the room sounds like a nightmare.

I did appreciate the dual timeline. There are flashbacks that built a great foundation needed to understand the friendship between Maeve and Finn.
The downside of this book was the miscommunication. The irony is that they have a podcast together and she’s a therapist.

Cayouette also includes themes of anxiety, gender/pay gap, and dealing with the complexities of a friendship that is possibly a bubbling relationship while being business partners all rolled into one.

Overall, this book was generally okay and a quick read.

Thank You to NetGalley, Betty Cayouette, and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this book! I liked the podcast host setting and was glad to see the back and forth between the past and current time. The FMC had relatable insecurities. The MMC was annoyingly oblivious, but it worked in this story.

3 stars ⭐️

I thought that this book had a light and quick read. I didn't enjoy the dual timeline or the miscommunication trope.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC audiobook.

This was a fun read. If you enjoy podcasters, workplace romance, a little bit of enemy/friends to lovers, I think you would enjoy this one. It was a really quick read. Not a lot of side characters to dive into, its really focuses on our two main leads. A little bit steamy, dual POV, and some great banter!

Tell Me How You Really Feel follows the slow-burn, tension-filled romance between two very different characters. While I loved the premise, the miscommunication trope (my least favorite) was in full force, and honestly, I found myself thinking I wouldn’t even be mad if they didn’t end up together. I really enjoyed the author’s last book, so I was excited to dive into this one, but I think it could’ve been shorter. The miscommunication was stretched to its limits. That said, her writing is still fantastic, and I’m definitely looking forward to her next book!

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

I liked the premise of this story but I had a hard time connecting with the characters. I'm sorry to say that I lost interest about 1/3 of the way through.

Thank you, NetGalley and St Martin's Publishing for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4,25/5

HONESTLY!!! I was really worried that I wasn't going to like this book as much as I did.

Following a new contract with Streamify, Meave and Finn's podcast TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL, sky rockets in popularity even more than it already has. Meave worries about wanting the show to feel as authentic as it always has while competeing against the most popular "bro" podcast that as also joined the company. If that wasn't enough, she is trying to work through the tension, anger and love that she feels towards her cast mate. Can these two make it back to how they were, or will the continue to skirt around their feelings?

I love a book that is told in a now and then format. I love seeing how friends become lovers to strangers and back to lovers. A full circle moment is always so so satisfying to me. Comparing just how CLOSE these two were before their blow up makes the after math hurt even more. Finn and Meave also come from such different backgrounds, especially with Meave's crippling anxiety, it makes sense how certain events can change her view now only on the world, but Finn himself. As someone who deals with anxiety so similarly to Meave, this was almost a hard read. Because I wanted to shake her and tell her just to MOVE on as if I don't do the same exact thing that she does.

As a reader, sometimes when I read a book that comes off a little TOO contemporary, it takes me out of the reading experience. IE use of modern day slang, trends and even the mention of apps (idk why mentioning TikTok in a book makes me feel weird, but it does). BUT! Betty Cayouette does a phenomenal job doing at not making social media feel too cringy. I loved the female empowerment that this book is about. There is such important conversations about the Pink Tax and glass ceilings and the constant struggle that women have to be ON while guys can simply say or do what they want while being praised for doing bare basics.


This book was such a good read and I really encourage everyone to pick it up!!


Thank you so much to Netgalley, Betty Cayouette and St. Martin's Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Just like a good podcast, “Tell Me How You Really Feel” will entertain and inform you. I was totally pulled into Maeve and Finn’s friendship and their will they/won’t they romance. Maeve and Finn were best friends in college, and while trying to find their path they start a relationship & sex podcast about navigating the dating world and finding the one. There were moments in this book while they were recording their podcast that it actually felt like I was listening to a real podcast and I loved that! It was great to see their journey with anxiety, navigating careers, and choosing each other.

For those who love:
🎙️Relationship Podcasts
🎙️LA
🎙️Celebrity adjacent
🎙️Second-Chance Romance
🎙️Forced Proximity
🎙️Anxiety Rep
🎙️The Met Gala
🎙️Dual Timeline

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I really enjoyed this book!

I don’t disagree with a lot of the other reviews that it leans heavily on miscommunication, but I didn’t find it as annoying as I usually would - I thought it was pretty well done. It took me awhile to understand what the main conflict was (by design), but then once I did, I really got where all of the characters were coming from. A big theme in this book is imposter syndrome, but it’s also balanced with gender equality and the pay gap and how it all needs to be addressed.

I thought the concept and plot of this book was unique, and not something I’ve really seen before.

For anyone who loves a celeb romance, definitely pick this up!

Loved it! The characters felt so authentic and real. Betty is a fantastic author and I’m loving all she writes.

Tell Me How You Really Feel follows podcasters Maeve and Finn as they get a life-changing signing deal for their relationship podcast—if only things hadn’t changed right before, but Finn is determined to win her back, even though Maeve is determined to stop Finn from making her fall all over again. This story puts you right in the midst of their fight, where Finn has broken Maeve’s heart and they’re about to sign this deal. I loved the podcast setting, and I loved this friends to lovers with flashbacks into what they had before. I do think a lot of time is spent on Finn trying to get her back and then there’s a third act breakup that I found frustrating, even though the subject of their fight I think is an important one (no spoilers, I promise), but it just felt like we didn’t get enough time of Maeve and Finn just being happy and together. I really enjoyed their chemistry, I’d listen to this podcast in a a heartbeat! There was just a lot of side plot lines and intrusive thoughts getting in the way that the romance got a little bogged down. I did like this book though, there was great representation of anxiety, and it explored a lot of serious topics, like mental health and gender / pay equality, and finding your worth. I liked the writing style, I just wanted more time with a Maeve and Finn that found what they wanted.

Book Review: Tell Me How You Feel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Betty Cayouette @bettysbooklist
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin @stmartinspress
Thank you @netgalley for my ARC

Tell Me How You Really Feel is an engaging, layered romance that explores love, fame, and ambition through the lens of a hit podcast. Maeve and Finn, best friends turned co-hosts, have built a viral empire discussing sex and relationships, but their success is threatened by unresolved tensions from their past. When they land a career-defining deal, they must navigate their growing celebrity while confronting their complicated relationship.

Told through a dual timeline and dual POV, the novel masterfully builds tension. The past timeline simmers with unspoken attraction, while the present brims with emotional turmoil. Finn’s perspective, particularly his views on fame and nepotism, adds depth, and Maeve’s struggle to carve out her own identity within their partnership is compelling. Some may find Maeve’s resistance to Finn frustrating, but her reaction to rejection feels real and relatable.

What sets this book apart is its nuanced portrayal of anxiety, career struggles, and the shifting dynamics between men and women in both personal and professional spheres. The discussions around relationships and sex feel refreshingly honest and tender. The side characters, especially Evangeline, add warmth and realism, reinforcing the story’s emotional depth.

While the slow burn is effective, the pacing feels slightly drawn out. The tension keeps the pages turning, but the desire for Maeve and Finn to reconcile sooner is undeniable. Still, their journey is well worth the wait.

A captivating, intelligent romance, Tell Me How You Really Feel is both entertaining and deeply relatable. Readers who enjoy slow-burn relationships, thoughtful character development, and sharp dialogue will find much to love. And honestly, I need this podcast to be real.

#TellMeHowYouReallyFeel #RomanceBooks #SlowBurnRomance #BookReview #ContemporaryRomance #PodcastLove #FriendsToLovers #RomanceReads #Bookstagram #FictionLover #MustRead #RelationshipDrama #RomanceReaders #LoveAndFame #BookRecommendation

Guys, can we PLEASE move on from the miscommunication trope? it is exhausting to constantly read in romance books. I feel like characters can't get ad at each other if they WON'T COMMUNICATE.

i didn't love the chars very much despite my hopes. the MMC is generally meh as is the FMC and i wasn't really rooting for them by the end, and the female empowerment and gender inequality storyline never quite landed? 3 stars. tysm for the arc.

3,5 stars rounded for rating purposes

I have a lot of thoughts about this one. I think overall the author had a really solid concept and idea, and even the actual writing was great. But the characters themselves were just so...awful??

The lead characters just endlessly miscommunicated with one another. Over and over again. Maeve is the epitome of intrusive thoughts winning and Finn is the stereotypical "how was I supposed to know" man. I truly didn't understand why either of them wanted to even be with one another. Their relationship with one another felt inconsistent and random at times regarding how well they could or could not communicate. They're just so deeply unlikable it's hard to truly enjoy the book overall. I honestly don't see myself ever rereading it.

Now, I'm sure you're probably wondering how I could give a 3.5 to a book I wouldn't read again - and honestly it's because I do think its well written despite my feelings on the characters. I also think the author did a great job describing mental illnesses in the deeper emotional scenes and other serious topics of a similar nature. The author really tries to destigmatize discussions surrounding therapy and mental health topics which is something that society needs more of.

I have read other books by the author and I will say I do not think this is her strongest work as a whole, but I do think if you like her other stuff its at least worth a try to see for yourself.

Tell Me How You Really Feel had a lot of things I love: ex-best friends with history, lingering tension, and a podcasting setting. Maeve and Finn used to be inseparable, co-hosting a hit relationship and sex advice podcast until things went sideways. Now they’re stuck working together again, and it is VERY awkward. The back and forth between past and present took a minute to get into, but it did help flesh out their history. It just felt like you were jumping around lot and the timelines were a bit unclear. Their dynamic is messy, frustrating at times, but also really believable.

The miscommunication dragged a little (just talk to each other!!), but I liked how the book tackled things like gender bias in media, the gender pay gap, family dynamics and anxiety and trauma. And when things finally start clicking between Maeve and Finn? Definitely satisfying and beautiful.

Thank you St. Martin's Press for the advanced review copy.

Listen, I love Betty Cayoutte. Her first book, her Booktok, everything has really worked for me. This title, however, was a sophomore slump for me. I will continue to support her writing and recommend you do as well but I had strong feelings when reading this book - and not the ones Betty likely wanted!

There is a heavy hand in this book to gender pay equality and how hard our FMC, Maeve, has had to work for something close to it. Unlike Finn, our MMC, who grew up the child of celebrity - one who also doubles down on gender pay equality. I’m a big fan of that theme. I truly felt Maeve’s struggle of never feeling enough, never feeling like she deserved success, like a constant case of imposter syndrome. In some ways, I was frustrated that this book has a romance sub-plot. Oh right, this is a romance…..

What truly frustrated me was that our MMC was an idiot. Miscommunication is a hard trope to nail and he did not excel at it. Even once he “won” our leading lady,,.,he somehow never looked at his contract to find out that he was paid significantly more than her. Even though pay equality was a frequent show topic on their podcast, Maeve talked about it with him and her fears constantly and his Mom was a staunch advocate of this his whole life. It is not believable in any way that Finn didn’t know the pay difference. There is no way he didn’t walk the walk when it mattered most. There is no way that Maeve, who went from a glass ceiling breaking all female photo shoot to finding out this information fell right back in with Finn because he built he a studio. He literally spent half a chapter whining about how he had apologized and was genuinely annoyed Maeve and others were still caring about this - even when his mother pointed out the privilege he had in being annoyed. There is no way everyone wins an Emmy or Oscar right before they get engaged.

This book would have been a raving, passionate five plus star….if when the pay difference was revealed, Maeve and Finn ended things for good and she found success and a man whose spotlight she didn’t have to “be ok” with being behind. The book broke reality circle as soon as Finn’s whining started,

(Actual: 2.75⭐, rounded up) Meh— despite finishing this one all the way through (which is a pretty big deal coming from me, aka both a mood reader and a frequenter DNF-er if something isn't for me), unfortunately this one missed the mark for me. I normally LOVE second-chance romance novels, but this one had me just..... UGH. Okay lol. I want to try my best in articulating this as best I can without sounding too whiny: The biggest "problem" I had was with our two MCs, Maeve and Finn, who somehow managed to both be equal parts extremely annoying and wildly hypocritical throughout the ENTIRE novel 🥴 I wanted to shake them so bad (particularly Maeve, omg)! And while it's certainly no secret that the "Miscommunication" trope is probably one of my (if not *the*) least favorite tropes ever, I can definitely still tolerate/"accept" it so long as it makes sense for the story.... and while I suppose it WAS obviously necessary here, it was also definitely used to its MAX possible limit imo. Like..... while I think I can understand in some sense what the author was trying to accomplish here, it all just felt like way too much jam-packed into this one story. Like— truly, the amount of miscommunication & presumptions/assumptions made by both Maeve and Finn in this book was WILD. They got back together.... but also broke up twice??!?! In the same [2nd] arc/act of the book?! I'm all for a good push-pull dynamic, but TMHYRF really took that and ran as farrrrr as it could with it, all while trying to preach on/discuss other complex topics such as female empowerment and gender equality, what it means to take accountability for ones' actions or words, examples of how to communicate "properly" (except, y'know, Maeve & Finn BARELY DO THE THING), etc.... it was, again, just overloaded to the point where I was frustrated and couldn't connect with or even care as much as I wanted to about these characters and their respective journeys. In the end, I DO still believe this book will find its proper audience that'll enjoy it.... I was just not one of them. I will still keep my eyes peeled for Cayouette's future works though (especially since I did like her debut novel, ONE LAST SHOT) and wish her the best!

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Tell me How You Really Feel was a romance book with compelling characters and a really interesting premise. I loved the podcast element of the book and navigating your own mental health. My favourite part was probably the flashbacks and I would have loved to have seen more of them! I did have trouble with the miscommunication aspect of the book since it is not one of my favourite tropes and it appeared at numerous points throughout the book. The book was definitely an enjoyable romance and the chemistry was really good, especially at the beginning.