I love Betty Cayouette's novels and so excited to see her follow up to Just One Shot (which had the two for one of an awesome European vacation and a romantic comedy which had a really thoughtful and sensitive portrayal of the impact of sexual assault.)

This one really missed the mark with me, and it was really down to the main male character. I loved the setting that Cayouette chose (two best friends who started their own podcast together, frankly discussing sex and relationships) and I do love how she embeds feminist themes in her work - this book talks a lot about equal pay and conditions that women face in the workplace (yes, in the context of a podcast about sex), and I thought it was seamlessly woven in.

But I struggled with how self-centred I found Finn. Early in the book, we found that the two have fallen out due to some choices Finn made in regards to their relationship that made Maeve feel like his second choice. And through the book, he continues to make decisions that prioritise himself and just feel very self-centred. At one point, when he tells Maeve's sisters why he cares about her, it just doesn't come across as if he is willing to make any compromises or to push himself to grow in the relationship.

I liked Maeve, our main female character, a lot, and really appreciated how she wanted to use her fame to promote mental health and accessing therapy. I enjoyed that she thought of a sex podcast in the context of ensuring that people feel their healthiest and happiest - although I think she is totally wrong about penis microphones! Cayouette is an amazing author, and I'll be so excited to see whatever she writes next. This one isn't for me, but I'll be very excited to see her next book.

First thank you to st martins press and NetGalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis: Maeve and her college friend Finn host a successful podcast about how to find the one. It goes viral and they are sent to new heights while trying to figure out their relationship. There are many missteps along the way

What I liked: I liked that there was great talk about misogyny and equal pay in the book. There was a lot of talk about therapy and knowing your worth and standing up for yourself in it which are great stories. However the two main characters were not appealing to me. Finn was very selfish and immature. He would do stupid things and act like I don’t get it. Maeve is treated as the expert since she is a therapist but although she talks a great game she really never followed it. She also never really thinks about her actions and how that impacted everything. I really don’t think they should be together.

Meave and Finn met in college and have been friends since, but when they both ended up moving to NYC and starting a podcast together they became closer than ever. It has not been over 2 years since they started the podcast went viral, and now they have achieved a deal with a platform to distribute their podcast that is taking them to the next level. Only Meave currently can't stand to even be in the same room as Finn without being on the verge of losing herself. Finn is determined to get back to where they were and get Maeve to forgive him.

Honestly this is the second book I have read by this author and honestly she hit it out of the park again. I could not put this down. I was obsessed with the story and the characters from page 1. They had fantastic banter, the characters felt very real and relatable, their chemistry was *chefs kiss* and the over all themes really packed a punch. This felt like lll my favourite things put together in a book and done well.

The fact that I had to wait until 50% of immaturity between 2 adults to find out why Mauve is mad at Finn? It’s diabolical, and then to continue to read more and more immaturity took me over the edge. This book is for someone but not me. You are telling me that a man is literally groveling and telling you he loves you and you still don’t believe him?? Mauve is a smart woman but she lacked so much when it comes to Finn…. As for Finn? He’s a punk lol…. I was over it….

Tell Me How You Really Feel was a sweet second chance romance of two people who almost never got their relationship off the ground.

While this story was riddled with miscommunication and hurt feelings, Maeve and Finn were able to resolve their issues to get their happy ending.

I felt that there were some storylines that went unresolved or were added in for extra drama that we didn't necessarily need. Why was the villainous podcast never addressed? I kept waiting for them to me refer back to this and then we just didn't.

I loved the mental health representation and felt like it was handled very well. I love friends to lovers and the friendship between Maeve and Finn was really beautiful. I almost wish they would've been friends for longer because their bond was fun to read about.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really fun read. I liked the dual perspective and two period approach to the story of this podcaster duo and their journey ! It was also really refreshing to have a book be so good about all manner of sex and mental health issues, not to mention the gender pay gap.

I really enjoyed the author’s style and writing, the characters came to life before me as I read. It was a real treat to read!

I loved both Finn and Maeve, I was just rooting for them all the way through. The podcast element was exciting and overall it was a great read with fantastic chemistry.

Always love reading a new author! This was my first into to Betty Cayoutte, and it was an enjoyable read.

What I liked:
• the anxiety representation- so thoughtfully written
• love the fantasy of being uber rich and famous and to be able to just do things like go to the Prada runway show
• great points brought up about the pay gap, female pleasure, money insecurity, and more. a very intelligent romcom.

What I didn’t like:
• I didn’t need the rivalry with the other podcast, but I understand the point of a Joe Rogan esque villain
• I wasn’t totally sold on Finn and Maeve’s romance - it was a really great friendship, but did I NEED them to end up together? Not really, especially given how poorly Maeve treats Finn for a good portion of the book
• I would’ve preferred a more realistic portrayal of Podcast Host fame. The idea that a two year old podcast would have THE highest paid hosts in all of podcast history, even if one of them is the son of Hollywood royalty? I don’t think so.

Overall, a nice read! The points I didn’t like did not hinder my enjoyment of the book, but would prevent me from rating above 3 stars

Thank you St. Martins Press, NetGalley and the author for an ARC.

I really wanted to love this novel because who doesn’t love a friend to lovers, and podcast romance?! However this was a DNF for me due to the complete toxicity of the main characters and their relationship. I get complex relationships and miscommunication however this one just didn’t click for me.

I found this story incredibly interesting! I thought the flashbacks were a good way of adding context to Maeve and Finn's relationship and how things have shifted. I liked where they were placed - it felt like there was a good amount of thought for how they were added into the book. While I have some mixed feelings about Finn (he gets called out once or twice, and I maybe wanted to smack him upside the head here and there), I thought the book made a good point about how those not in positions of power are not afforded the same benefits and luxuries as those who are born into that world. However, I also think Maeve (well, both of them) could have communicated a bit better (I still mostly blame Finn though, just to be clear).

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Griffin for the ARC!

TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL – Betty Cayouette
St. Martin’s Griffin
ISBN: 978-1250291127
May 6, 2025
Contemporary Romance

Los Angeles – Present Day

Podcasters Maeve and Finn have a history together, both romantically and as podcasters. Unfortunately, a painful breakup tore them apart, but a mega deal with a streaming company forced them to put the past behind them to work together. Or is the past really behind them? Will working together be painful or will they fall in love again? Can there ever be a happily ever after between them?

TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL is the name of Maeve’s and Finn’s popular podcast. This tale is told in flashbacks and the present day as they work and promote their show. The duo started working together while in college and they fell in love. Maeve comes from Pennsylvania and a middle-class family. Finn is the only child of a powerful Hollywood family who wishes that he would follow them into the film industry. Despite their differing backgrounds, Finn and Maeve are connected and can talk about just anything together. This led them to host a podcast, but it all ended after he had a fling with a female friend from his childhood. He thought he would give the new relationship a try after Maeve ended things, but he soon realized that he was chasing the wrong thing. He regrets hurting Maeve.

Maeve can’t quite forgive Finn for cheating on her in TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL. Despite it all, there are still feelings between them, though she tries to ignore him, and he tries to respect her wishes. But spending time together and chatting about dating and other things on their podcast rekindles those old feelings. If Maeve breaks her vow and forgives Finn, will he do something to break her heart…again? That is the dilemma she faces. Meanwhile, they are trying to beat a rah-rah obnoxious rival and become the number-one podcast in the country. Will they succeed?

TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL is told from both Maeve's and Finn’s points of view, plus flashes back to their early years together when they started out and first fell in love. Their relationship is raucous and emotional because deep down, they still care for each other. Will they succeed in becoming number one in the hearts of listeners and each other? Find out the answer by grabbing a copy of TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

This was a fun one. Maeve and Finn had a unique relationship running a sex and relationship advice podcast as friends. Growing their podcast from a small post college operation to a sensational list topping show. Things were going well, until, they weren’t. As they know, when you mix sex and relationships things can get a bit hazy. Struggling to even be in the same room, Maeve and Finn have to find their way back together in order to support their podcasts survival.

I enjoyed the flashbacks, and getting to know Maeve and Finn from the beginning. However, I was quite annoyed at the whole Finn dating other people thing. That just seemed like blind stupidity versus a misunderstanding. Sorry Finn, but I’d have a real hard time forgiving you.

Betty Cayouette’s Tell Me How You Really Feel is a masterfully crafted novel that grips the heart and mind from the first page to the last. With its dual timelines seamlessly woven together, the story unfolds through the voices of two compelling narrators, each bringing a unique perspective that enriches the emotional depth and complexity of the narrative.

The dual timelines are executed brilliantly, allowing readers to experience parallel journeys that are both distinct and intricately connected. The transitions between past and present are smooth, enhancing the story’s pacing and keeping the reader engaged throughout.

The two narrators are authentic and deeply relatable, their voices resonating with raw emotion and vulnerability. Their personal struggles, triumphs, and growth are portrayed with such sincerity that it’s impossible not to feel every heartache and joy alongside them.

Emotionally charged, the novel delves into themes of love, and self-discovery with profound sensitivity. Cayouette’s writing is evocative, painting vivid scenes and eliciting a spectrum of emotions that linger long after the final page.

Tell Me How You Really Feel is a poignant, beautifully written novel that showcases Betty Cayouette’s remarkable storytelling talent. It’s a must-read for anyone who appreciates emotionally rich narratives with complex characters and thoughtful exploration of time and memory.

This is a fresh, friends-to-lovers romance with brains, heart, and just the right amount of angst. Podcast co-hosts Maeve and Finn are wildly successful, newly rich, and utterly estranged thanks to a rift neither of them wants to talk about. The story flips between the podcast's early days and their present stalemate, offering a rich portrait of two people who once understood each other completely… until they didn’t.

Maeve, a therapist who gives sharp, compassionate advice to others, struggles to face her own role in the fracture with Finn. Finn, charismatic and privileged, can’t quite see past his own blind spot, but his longing to repair what they’ve lost is palpable and makes him an charming character, Their dynamic is equal parts frustrating and addictive, their missteps heartbreakingly real. Yes, the communication breakdown sometimes stretches credulity, but the emotional payoff is worth the ride.

Cayouette weaves in timely reflections on class, accountability, and the challenges of growing up in public. The result is a smart, engaging romance that feels as intimate as a late-night confessional and as cathartic as a good therapy session.

For fans of messy love, healing arcs, and second chance, this one will hit the spot. .

3.5 stars.

Tell Me How You Really Feel by Betty Cayouette is a friend to lovers romance.

Maeve and Finn are college friends who have a very successful podcast that has just made them tons of money. However, much to Finn's dismay, their relationship is currently quite rocky. Maeve is so hurt and angry that she can barely spend any time in his presence. But their podcast depends on them being together to make their podcast. Is there any way back to their previous friendship?

Maeve is a therapist whose podcasting idea with her best friend Finn is super popular. She is excellent at seeing problems and issuing advice for other people. But, when it comes to her own relationship with Finn, Maeve refuses to discuss a problem between them where she shares part of the blame. Can they set aside their differences for the sake of the future of their podcast?

Finn has many great qualities but he can be blind to the privilege he has due to his background and wealth. He and Maeve have been very close for a while but due to their inability to communicate, he is about to lose his friendship with her. While she contributed to their issues, Finn is also to blame for their current estrangement.

Tell Me How You Really Feel has a great premise and touches on topical social issues. Maive and Finn are well-developed characters but their lack of communication is a bit contrived. Flashbacks provide insight to their relationship before they sign their lucrative podcast deal. But it is still mystifying that two people who are so close could have so totally screwed up their relationship. But in the end, Betty Cayouette brings this romance to a satisfying conclusion.

This is a well written engaging quick read. Maeve and Finn met during their freshman year at Carnegie Mellon, but did not become close until they both moved to NYC after graduating. On a whim after they both had bad dates, they decide to start a podcast giving people advice. The story starts a couple of years later after they have gotten a big contract and goes back and forth between the present and the time before the contract. The jumps back and forth are handled well and do not distract from the story.

I picked this up as a read now on Netgalley and so glad I did because I really enjoyed it. Even though this was a fast read for me it does deal with some heavy topics. The story goes past and present between Finn (MMC) and Maeve (FMC). Maeve and Finn know each other from college and are on a podcast together it starts with them not talking but when it shows the past it leads up to the reason why. This was a really good book cant wait to read more by the author.

Probably more a 3.5

This is my first novel by Cayouette and, overall, I found it to be enjoyable, if a bit flawed. Tell Me How You Really Feel follows Maeve and Finn, two best friends and podcasters, as they hit the big time with a huge deal and a growing fandom. Their podcast is all about dating, relationships, and sex, and the two of them have excellent chemistry. However, the book begins with the pair split apart by something, which we learn about in flashbacks to the earlier stages of their friendship and podcast.

I do like the premise, a lot. While I've read excellent books about podcasters (Linda Holmes most recent, for instance), it is different enough to stand out. There's great mental health rep in the story, as well as a look at the real sexism in media.

But, friends-to-lovers is such a hard trope to get right, and Cayouette adds an extra layer of difficulty by really making it friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers. Phew, that's a lot just writing it out and it ends up being a lot in reading. There are so many plot threads happening, some of which are never picked up again, some of which conclude satisfactorily, and some of which conclude unsatisfactorily. Without sharing spoilers, it feels like the main tension/conflict is wrapped up without the kind of reckoning/groveling that's really necessary.

* Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review! *

Thanks so much to the publisher and author for the eARC, all opinions expressed are my own.

I have such mixed feelings about the book. I really enjoyed the writing style and I can see what the author was trying to do, bringing to light the disparity between men and women within the entertainment industry.

However, I could not root for the couple, they were toxic at best, immature and lacking communication (which didn’t make sense given the intense focus on therapy). Finn was extremely unlikeable, resorting to childlike behaviour when he doesn’t get to have his moment with Maeve and frankly, the grand gesture at the end shouldn’t have made up for what I would classify as an unforgivable mistake.

I really struggled with the romance with the book, and it’s such as shame, I really wanted to enjoy this!

ARC Review: In Betty Cayouette’s Tell Me How You Really Feel Maeve and Finn, former best friends/current co-hosts of a wildly successful relationship podcast they created together have to find a way to work together after a brief foray into a romantic relationship implodes just as they hit it big. Maeve can barely stand be in the same room as Finn while Finn wants to win Maeve back. The book tells the story of how the show got started while also showing Maeve and Finn as they navigate their newfound success while balancing old anxieties and insecurities, and determine what they really mean to one another.

Unfortunately, this one didn’t totally work for me. On the positive side—I enjoyed the concept of viral podcasters turned successful celebrities as the main characters and I really liked the focus on gender inequality and double standards that exist in virtually everything (pay, sex, relationships, the media, to name but a few). But at times I felt like the author was trying to do too many different things and wasn’t always successful. Further, this didn’t really work for me at all as a second chance romance. For one, I don’t think enough time passed between the initial rift between Maeve and Finn and when the book starts (it’s been a couple of months—it was almost like the book picked up after the third act break up of their romantic arc), but even more so, I am not sure Finn deserved a second chance (let alone a third when the book’s actual third act break up occurs). Second chance romances are tricky—for them to be successful, you have to believe that what kept the MCs apart was a point in time thing and/or an issue that has been resolved forevermore (right person/wrong time, the issues occurred when they were young, they’ve grown as people/learned how to communicate better, etc). And, without revealing spoilers here, Finn just came across as immature, insensitive, and fickle. Perhaps if we’d seen their relationship play out before the break up (rather than hearing about it at the outset and getting some glimpses in flashback chapters) I’d have been more sympathetic that he got scared and made a mistake (maybe—I am being generous) but as written I did not buy his rationale/apology or believe that he’d grown, which made Maeve come across as a bit of a doormat for taking him back.

Thanks to St Martins Press and Netgalley for the e-ARC; all thoughts and opinions are my own.