3.5 stars. Eva Kitt's career is not where she expected as she hosts an interview talk show over hot dogs. But after a drunken video calling out her ex goes viral, Rylie asks for a chance to prove her wrong over a series of dates.

I enjoyed this one though I'm not typically a big second chance romance fan. I enjoyed the banter and tension between Eva and Rylie as he tries to show how he's matured since college. Eva was a little too grumpy/mean at times, but I appreciated her finally bringing her walls down to let Rylie in.

It was an entertaining story, though not super memorable. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary copy.

“I want you contrarian and difficult and keeping me on my toes. I want your sour moods just as much as I want your sunny ones. I’m not asking you to change. You can call me any name you want, as long as I can call you mine.”

Well, Actually follows Eva Kitt, star of Sausage Talk, while she eats hot dogs with B-to D-list celebrities for her beloved social media series; viewers love her sarcastic quips and deadpan delivery.

After a night of too much wine and doom- scrolling, she calls out her social media famous college ex, known for his popular podcast dismantling the patriarchy and teaching men to be good partners, for taking all her firsts and ghosting her in college.

Now, she is being forced by her employer to interview Rylie Cooper… which turns into him taking her on six dates to show her he has changed.

My thoughts:

I really connect with Mazey’s writing voice; her stories are infused with tenderness and humor. I always finish her books feeling like I truly know the characters.

Rylie might be my favorite MMC Eddings has written; he is authentic and genuine. It isn’t often where I feel people can truly change, but Rylie’s ability to be accountable, call himself out and use therapy has made him swoonily emotional intelligent. By opening first, he sets an example for Eva to do the same and gives her a soft place to land when she does.

Miss Eva is beyond stubborn. At times she frustrated me with her refusal to see Rylie as anything else than a f-boy, but she is holding on to her heart as tightly as she can to protect herself from being hurt. I was glad that she ended up seeing a therapist because I think she needed it after her difficult childhood. Rylie pushes her to confront her feelings and doesn’t let her hide from him.

Read if you like:
🍗Amelia Dimoldenberg and Chicken Shop Date
✌️Second chance romances
🐈‍⬛Black cat X Golden Retriever
🏳️‍🌈Queer rep (both MCs)
🗣️Therapy positive
📚Cameos from previous characters
🧡Nicknames (Kitten, little demon 😈)
🎭 Workplace drama

Thank you to @youhadmeathea and SMP romance for an e-arc of this title; all thoughts are my own.

This is going in my romcom hall of fame!
A ‘chicken-shop date’ inspired romcom was exactly what the world needed after the Amelia Dimoldenberg x Andrew Garfield date took the internet by storm.
Eva’s wit is literally some of my favorite I’ve ever seen in a book character. The banter between her and Rylie is golden, and I absolutely consumed this one. It almost feels like it has the spirit of When Harry Met Sally. I think Eva has to be one of the most relatable women in romcom literature. The deep rooted fear of abandonment to humor as a defense mechanism pipeline is classic, and so well executed here. I was thoroughly frustrated with the cards she had been dealt, but I think the plot was driven by it so nicely.
Riley was so darn charming, that you almost forget he has a podcast. Though I think Eva’s treatment towards him in the beginning was entirely valid, at about the halfway point, we get some deep rooted history about Riley, and it shifts everything. I think that pivotal chapter was done so well, especially when broaching such a sensitive topic. The way he would react to Eva’s (valid trauma) responses, is the stuff of dreams (hello female gaze). We love a book boyfriend who listens and returns and kisses the ground his girlfriend walks on!
Hats off to Mazey for writing such witty, endearing, and well-rounded characters!
Special thank you to NetGalley and Mazey Eddings for the ARC read!
5 stars

This book was so unbearable I was actually relieved when it was all over. I had seen mixed reviews about this one, and I thought maybe I'd enjoy it despite the mixed opinions, but having read it myself, I just felt like there was so much negativity and it didn't even really feel like a love story, like I get the witty banter and whatnot, but this woman insulted Rylie the majority of the time and everything he did didn't even feel that amazing to be like OMG HE IS SO COOL, he just felt like a random dude.

My sincere thanks to St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings. I give my unbiased opinion of it in the following review.

This is a second chance romance between two social media type personalities. Eva has been stuck interviewing people while eating hotdogs, and Rylie has been doing very well with his podcast. When Eva drunkenly reacts to one of Rylie's episodes saying that he can't possibly be the same guy she briefly dated back in college and her comments go viral overnight, her boss decides that the two of them need to meet again face to face and do a series where Rylie tries to make it up to her over a series of dates. When old feelings get dredged up and things start getting real, we see them facing fears amid top notch banter, therapy, and the help of friends.

While this is not my favorite of Mazey Eddings books, I did enjoy some parts of it. I really liked how the two main characters went at each other verbally. Eva comes across as pretty mean, but I could kind of see where she was coming from. Rylie was very patient with her, and I liked how he wouldn't let her hide or back down when stuff hit the fan or she just got scared. That being said, I had a hard time getting to the end of this book. I didn't feel compelled to keep reading and set it aside often. The overall story just didn't grab me. Because I love some of Mazey's earlier books, I will still continue to check her new books out and will recommend this and her other books to individuals who I think would like them. I'm just a little sad that this one wasn't a hit for me.

Eva is the host of a hotdog eating talkshow while talking to B-list celebrities. One night while wine drunk, Eva was doom scrolling through social media when she sees a video of social media personality Rylie, who was Eva’s college ex. Eva decided to stitch a video exposing Rylie as the worst boyfriend ever.

After the video went viral, Eva was forced to interview Rylie on her talkshow, Sausage Talk. Rylie then forced her to go on dates with him to changed her mind.

This was so funny and their quips were so quick and clever.. there were moments I was laughing out loud for real. This was also romantic and I just enjoyed this so much! ❤️


Thank you Netgalley for this ARC 🫶🏻

I had such a great time reading this book! I loved the storyline and the banter was top notch! Eva balances her hot girl persona with her black cat energy in a way that makes her remain relatable. I loved how Eva and Rylie meshed and how they learned from their mistakes and complicated pasts to understand each other better.

I think the premise of the book was so much fun, it helped the story start off with a bang and helped keep the momentum going throughout. The Sausage Talk show was such a funny idea, reminiscent of a show I enjoy online, and the rant on social media that you wish you could get away with. I was laughing, cringing, and rooting for Eva and Rylie the whole time. I absolutely despised her bosses and the ending was sweet vindication.

This book left me so excited, it’s become one of my favorite reads this year!

Read if you enjoy:
🌭 second chance romance
🌭 black cat FMC
🌭 nerdy cute golden retriever MMC
🌭 he loves her cutting quips
🌭 bi & pan representation

I enjoyed my time with this story. As usual, Mazey can be depended on for great banter. The back and forth between the to MCs in the first half of the book was to die for and this author really knows how to make a reader feel the tension. The spice game in this one is no disappointment either, the chemistry between Eva and Rylie sizzles. However, Mazey doesn’t not just do funny and spivey, she also knows how to tug at those heartstrings. There are some rather heartfelt moments. Even though I found a therapy session as a date rather far fetched, a little out there, I definitely teared up then.
What bothered me about this book was Eva’s entire work situation. She’s supposed to be trying to climb the ranks to become a real journalist, but the higher ups have her engaging in rather demeaning roles. It was so hard be engaged during the “mean comments” sketch. This was supposed to be frustrating for the reader, but it was just too painful to me. The fact that Eva wanted to climb up the ladder in this company that was clearly never going to let her get ahead was hard to read about - even the comeuppance was not enough for me.
I do highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a funny second chance, enemies to lovers romance with lots of heart.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book. The opinions expressed are given freely and are honest and my own.

- i absolutely adored late bloomers, so i was very excited when this book was announced. i read mazey’s instagram post about her inspiration behind the story, and it made me even more excited. her writing is unlike any other lgbauthor i have read. i love the silly way she words some things like “a few slutty little curls tumble across his forehead.”
- love the lgbtq representation in this book
- i really loved both main characters and the tension between them. what can i say, i am a sucker for mean flirting
- some of the chapters are pretty long and can be hard to find a stopping point. personally, the end of a chapter or break in text usually makes me want to continue
- hate crime: using the pet name kitten…

This was a delightful second chance romance. When Eva's video trashing her long-ago date with Riley goes viral, they decide to capitalize on the attention by agreeing to six dates. Eva then gets to rehash what went wrong on Riley's podcast. The story is funny, witty, and had me laughing out loud. As with any good romance novel, there are deeper themes that help connect you to these messy and lovable characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was crushable, fun, sexy, and romantic. The banter between the two main characters was so fun and I definitely laughed out loud at some of the jokes between them.

I really enjoyed the bi and pan rep in this book.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves internet culture (the infamous chicken shop interview with Andrew Garfield is definitely inspo for this book) and who is in touch with pop culture and lexicon. Also to people who love spice (who doesn’t love a consent king!?)

I would not recommend this to someone who would be turned off not knowing the pop culture references or slang as it might not be as funny or enjoyable to them.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
This was my first Mazey Eddings read, and it started off strong. The main character, Eva, feels stuck in her current situation. In a job she doesn't love with toxic office culture, alone and insecure, riddled with anxiety. I appreciate the inclusion of the neurodivergent main character but she was almost insufferable at times and had limited growth throughout the story. I would have liked to see her work through some of her issues without needing a partner to be dependent on. The first half of the book had some great writing and jokes that had me laughing out loud but transitions felt disjointed at times and was hard to follow. I felt like the minor characters and their lgbtq+ attributes were a little superficial and only mentioned in passing without exploring their experience much. Riley's bisexuality was discussed briefly in their couples therapy session but never mentioned again and that felt strange. I loved having the representation but would have enjoyed a bit more depth. Eva works in a really toxic environment and reminded me of my own toxic work environment and how heavily my bully boss' actions weighed on me and how helpless I felt to do anything. It really is debilitating being harassed and not being able to speak out for fear of losing your livelihood. The author did a great job of portraying these feelings throughout the story. The ending drug out a bit but I enjoyed Eva finally gaining her confidence, with Riley's encouragement, and writing a killer piece that gets lots of attention.

I loved the back story and how these two progressed throughout the book. However, Eva was insufferable. I was definitely getting the ick from her and her lack of communication. Cooper was a breath of fresh air!

Well, Actually is a witty and smartly written romance that balances humor, heart, and sizzling chemistry. Mazey Eddings delivers a refreshingly modern love story as Eva and Rylie navigate their complicated past and unexpected feelings. The playful banter and clever setup keep readers hooked from start to finish. Fans of contemporary romance with sharp dialogue and emotional depth will love this one.

4.5 stars

This was a funny, quirky read.

Eva is tough with a soft center she protects from the rest of the world. She dreams of building a career in journalism, but stuck doing fluff pieces over lukewarm hotdogs. In a drunken rant, recorded and posted, she laments a series of bad dates and one night of sex with a now-popular relationship podcaster. The video goes viral and she finds herself in a whirlwind social media scandal and foced to face the man she has harbored ill feelings towards for the last 6 years.

Rylie was a bumbling frat boy all those years ago, but now runs a popular relationship podcast. He is swept up in Eva's whirlwind when her production company asks him to join her for a series. Working together, they rekindle the sparks they felt as they go on public dates for Eva's show. Though they are pretending for the public, Eva starts to wonder if the things she is feeling are real, or just for show.

I loved the enemies to lovers aspect. The sparks flew even though Eva was reluctant to let Rylie in. His attempts to set up dates proved hilarious in thier failures.

This was laugh out loud funny at times, and sweet and heartbreaking at others. Both characters go through some pretty big mental realizations as they work through their past and the present. The cast is quite diverse with a variety of rich back stories. This was my first book from this author, but she is definitely one I will pick up again.

Thank you to Netgalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Absolute 5 star read. The banter, the sexy, the chemistry was absolutely off the hook. Eva, never one to be vulnerable, has such an emotional payoff. Riley made me tear up and his good guyness flew off the page. The only thing I wish were different about this was that I would have taken another 100 pages with these characters.

✨ Book Review: Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was messy, emotional, hilarious, and sooooo real but in the dorkiest, best way possible. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if your toxic ex rebranded as a “good guy with a podcast”… this is it 👀.

Eva Kitt never expected her career to land her on Sausage Talk (yes, it’s as chaotic as it sounds) instead of chasing serious journalism dreams. But when her off-the-cuff viral rant calls out her ex, Rylie Cooper who is now a beloved internet sweetheart teaching men how to not be trash. (which is so ironic) her life gets flipped upside down. Cue a publicity stunt where Rylie offers to “make it up to her” through a series of dates for his channel. Eva agrees, but only to drag his name and boost her career. Too bad the sparks start flying again 😮‍💨. She's stronger than me because I wouldn't touch my exes with a ten foot pole.

This is black cat x golden retriever energy at its peak. Eva is sharp-tongued, cynical, and guarded to her core. She’s tough because she had to be, and watching her slowly let her walls down was beautiful and heartbreaking. Riley, on the other hand? Fully down bad, glasses-wearing green flag of a man who makes “patient and persistent” look like an Olympic sport. The way he adores her, owns his past, and shows up for her now? My knees gave out.

💕 Tropes That Delivered:
🌭 Enemies-to-lovers (with history)
🐈‍⬛ x 🐕 Black cat heroine x golden retriever hero
🎥 Social media & PR stunt dates
❤️ Second chance romance
🔥 He’s obsessed / she hates him (…at first)
🫠 Banter that burns
✨ Redemption arc that actually works
🔥 Spice Level: 3.5/5
Mazey Eddings writes spice that’s equal parts filthy and tender. Let’s just say Mr. Cooper may be a green flag, but he’s also got a dirty mouth and Eva absolutely makes him use it 😏. Open-door scenes, lots of praise, and enough tension that you’ll be giggling and blushing like a teenager.

🥹 Favorite Moments:
Eva stitching his video and obliterating him online (queen behavior 👑)
Their hate-flirting banter that turned into genuine vulnerability
Cooper blushing behind his glasses
The internet hate comments scene.. just raw, heartbreaking, and way too real for women online nowadays and i hate that. 💔
That “kitten” nickname… with as much as it was used, thought I’d hate it, but the meaning behind it got me. Although the amount of times he said it I was like "does he remember her name?" lol.

🎯 Final Thoughts:
Well, Actually is more than just a spicy rom-com. It’s about second chances, accountability, and letting yourself be loved when the world tells you you’re “too much.” Eva and Riley are messy and imperfect, but together, they’re exactly what the other needs. I laughed, I swooned, I got emotional, and now I’m ready to annotate the hell out of my physical copy I'm going to get.
Mazey Eddings really said, “Here’s some banter, some steam, some tears, and a man who will crawl through hell for you.” And honestly? I ate it up.


Emoji Vibes Time!!!
🌭🐈‍⬛🐕🔥💔🫶

Well, Actually is a brilliantly balanced mix of laughter and vulnerability, featuring fight-worthy characters, sizzling chemistry, and emotional payoff. It’s the kind of love story that makes you swoon, laugh, and feel seen all at once. Eva and Rylie’s messy, beautiful journey is one I’ll carry with me, and Mazey Eddings has officially earned herself an auto-buy spot on my shelf.

Mazey Eddings delivers another smart, swoony, and laugh-out-loud romance with Well, Actually. This book had me hooked from the very first page with its clever premise and sparkling banter.

Eva Kitt is such a relatable and layered heroine. She is caught between her stalled career and an unexpected viral moment that pushes her into the spotlight. I loved how her vulnerability and sharp wit made her feel so real. Rylie Cooper is charming, infuriating, and impossible not to root for. Their dynamic perfectly captures that delicious black cat and golden retriever energy the description promises.

The forced proximity of being thrown back together, combined with the public deal of going on dates, created some of the best tension and banter I have read in a while. Mazey’s voice is vibrant and fun, but she also does not shy away from digging into deeper themes such as toxic masculinity, internet culture, and self-growth.

My only small critique is that the pacing slowed a little in the middle, but the payoff more than made up for it. The romance felt heartfelt and satisfying, and by the end I was absolutely cheering for Eva and Rylie.

If you love messy, heartfelt, second chance romances with sharp humor and a whole lot of heart, Well, Actually needs to be on your TBR.

This was a fun enemies to lovers with a side of capitalism! I liked the backstory of the two main characters being forced to work together after a very painful ghosting, and the podcast was the perfect way to break up the dates and action. I really hated William and Landry (her bosses) and at some point they were too hateable in my opinion. The pacing of Eva trying to decide if she would give Cooper a chance was also a little off. It felt like there was constantly some new reason to push him away for the entire book. The growth in her character at the end was worth it, and the scenes showing chemistry between them also made up for this!

Thank you to St. Martin’s for an early copy!