Well, Actually is a hilarious take on the black cat protagonist and the golden retriever love interest, as evidenced by the book's cover art. The story feels very Gen Z with the hot dog spin on Chicken Shop Date, men with podcasts, and evil corporate overlords, all while brimming with heart. Reading a f-ck boy redemption arc was not something I would've predicted, but Mazey Eddings handles the emotional growth and depth of the characters flawlessly. She also created a leading lady who gets to regularly deliver scathing take downs of a man from her past that will fill any woman with envy. Five stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. I have loved all of Mazey Eddings' books, and this one was enjoyable with the same wit and snappy dialogue but also some reflection on deeper issues. I enjoyed the podcast element as well as the second chance romance.

Ahhh! This might be one of my favorite romances of the year so far. The tension was so well-written and chapter 14 holy cow! That was one of the best written scenes that I think I have ever read. Absolutely loved this story so much and will be recommending it to everyone.

Well, Actually is for everyone who’s obsessed with Chicken Shop Date awkward charm and can’t resist a good slice of TikTok drama. Grumpy/sunshine dynamic? Check. Second-chance romance with tension you can cut with a knife? Yep. Snappy banter that had me laughing out loud more than once? Absolutely. I devoured this one and wanted more. Witty, sharp, and full of heart—this book gets it.

Thank you for the ARC!

Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC! I definitely think I would have preferred this in audio format simply because it would have set the main character and narrater’s tone better! For example, I read some of Eva’s lines towards Rylie as overly rude, but maybe that was my interpretation and the intonation of a narrater’s voice may have shifted my opinion. I love a second chance romance and I think this book did that very well! (And I love it even more when he falls first!) I think one of the standout aspects of this book is the pace, I never found myself getting bored or wanting to pick up another book. It is important to note that there is some wonderful representation for LGBTQIA+ characters and themes, how the MCs dealt with trauma, and a narrative lens that is pro-therapy. Overall a fun, cute, romance book — but also something a little bit more. If you like banter and second chance romance, give this one a go! You might just have the best time.

This book was everything you needed for a great summer beach read- sweet romance, a MMC who fell long ago and never got over her, a second chance romance with a fun twist, and TOP TIER humor. I laughed more during this book than I've laughed reading a book in the last year. It's serious at parts it need to be and both characters work through their trauma. Make sure you get this book for your August beach vacations when it comes out 8.5.25.

Hot take: Being a cynical single female in the real world, completely acceptable. Being a cynical female FMC, people can't relate or she's bitchy.
I liked this book for the sharp, witty writing. I like when an author takes a main character that doesn't have the universal traits that we typically relate to as loveable and shows growth. I love to see characters work through their issues! My only hitch, I would have loved to see Eva, who is perceived at a strong and intelligent woman handle the toxic work environment/situation better though. It felt like she was fumbling through that whole situation. Overall, I thought it was fun and funny and enjoyed another book from this author.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing this advance reader's copy for an honest review.

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

This was disappointing. I love Mazey Eddings, but this was not an enjoyable read for me. I didn't really like any of the characters, but the real cardinal sin of this book was not making any of the character particularly interesting. I was pretty bored the entire time, and found it pretty difficult to find the motivation to finish reading - not usually a problem I have with most romance books I read. 2/5.

As a side note - I would immediately cut all contact with any man who insisted on calling me "kitten."

ugh I'm sorry but this was not for me... There are so many really good and cleaver bits of writing but the good writing can’t make up for shitty characters. I found Eva impossible to understand or sympathize with. Riley's only character trait was "obsessed with her" except he was so flawed in all the flashbacks that it felt SO wild that he turned into this lovesick fool. This book tries to tackle so many different issues that they all start to feel like the author was trying to get Bingo on a card of trending topics.

I know I'm not going to like a book when I feel like I have to force myself to keep going, and even worse, when I start writing my thoughts down as I'm still reading. So, here are all the thoughts I wrote in order in my notes app while reading:

- You know that meme that’s like hey there fellow youths? That’s what this felt like but it was like a hey they’re fellow gen z-ers.
- This is my second book this year that’s based off of a real celebrity and I gotta say, it’s not for me. It’s feels so weird and cringey to me…
- Her friend Aida sucks?
- This is basically just a story about 2 people working through their problems. It’s getting boring and repetitive. The structure is clear, but it feels like we just keep watching Eva make the same poor choices over and over, we need some sort of growth. (its legit not until like 60% of the book that any growth happens.. too long!!)
- I get that Eva is supposed to be a black cat hard shelled girl but actually she's just coming off mean and kinda cruel.
- What is his name?? Riley and Cooper seem completely interchangeable I actually don’t know which is his first or last name anymore.
- Kitten is a dumb nickname. And so is baby girl.
- She decides to play “fuck around and find out” with her career and yet is SO shocked when she finds out she’s fucked around too much. Like her company is TERRIBLE but also she just like, didn't do her job?
- Maybe I’m just too old for this book? Anyone over the age of 25 you’re out.
- Why does she keep wanting to work for a company that is so terrible it’s almost satirical??
- Okay so then this turned into the plot of "She Said"

What. A. Book. If you look in the dictionary for the definition of “Grumpy x Sunshine,” you’ll find Eva Kitt and Rylie Cooper. The chemistry between these two could open a whole new wing at MIT.

Between the wittiest and quickest banter I’ve read are important topics like sexism in the media and internalized homophobia. The underlying theme of grief rep was interwoven so delicately into the story but still powerful. In the spirit of our MC’s journey of vulnerability, I was not expecting to sob over his backstory (on varying fronts) or her lackluster familial support, but damn these two brought out the water works. Prepare accordingly.

And I love this for a second chance romance!! Reading how both characters put in the work felt raw and tangible. The therapy rep was exceptional too.

And we need more women like Eva in romance books- she is the quintessential Black Cat!! Honestly I loved how outspoken she was. Especially after understanding why she was so guarded. With the way the world is right now, it felt refreshing to see a woman address blatant sexism in the workplace, and we love a supportive man behind her!!

RYLIE IS SO BABYGIRL!! Amidst all the tragic backstory, we now have this down bad green flag mmc and we have no choice but to stan. Let’s be honest- I was a goner from slutty little glasses.

Overall: 4.75 ⭐️’s
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5

All the forehead smooches for SMP, Mazey & NetGalley for this arc for my honest review!💋🫶🏻✨

Thanks to NetGalley for my gifted copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I’m sorry to say it but I dnf’d if at 45%. I gave it genuine effort but I just could not get through it. Eva was not a woman I could champion and Cooper fell flat. I could not feel their chemistry either. Not the vibes I wanted and so I decided to quit.

This was so bad. Our FMC was so rude and unlikable, and I understand that was part of the shtick but it was such a turn off from reading. And the whole plot focuses around a late 20s woman who is still pissy about a frat guy ghosting her in college (so like 7 years ago! Before their brains are fully formed) after a handful of dates. Really pathetic and not intriguing. On top of that all there were just cringy references and humor that just killed any chance of me liking this read.

Eva, the narrator and main character, is a twenty-something content creator who dreams of becoming a "real journalist." Yet, when the opportunity arises, she takes a week off to cozy up with her new boyfriend, dodging work calls and emails until her boss finally snaps. Her lack of professionalism is frustrating, but it sets the stage for a plot that’s undeniably intriguing.
The story revolves around two college exes reconnecting years later. He’s a successful podcaster (because, honestly, who isn’t these days?), and she’s the scorned ex with a snarky internet show of her own. Their backstories are compelling, and I found myself rooting for Eva and Rylie to make it work, despite their flaws.
Eva’s takedown of his "how to be a great guy" persona is both satisfying and entertaining, sparking an internet sensation. However, the characters’ psychological depth leaves much to be desired. It’s hard to reconcile their underdeveloped personalities with their seemingly thriving careers. That said, the book delivers plenty of steamy scenes, which some readers will undoubtedly enjoy.
While the concept is fun and the story has its moments, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t the target audience. Still, it’s not a bad read—just one that didn’t fully resonate with me.

I am obsessed! I cannot wait to grab a physical copy when this book comes out in August.

The witty banter and the spice? 🧑‍🍳 💋 👌🏼

This is such a good second chance rom com with such a beautiful balance of flavors!!! From the spice and banter to the sarcasm and self destruction. Eva and Rylie are one of my favorite couples and I don’t even like second chance tropes!!

While it was a rom com it still managed to touch on real life topics that need to be discussed: homophobia, coming out, bisexuality, misogynistic workplace environments, therapy, and mental health to name just a few 🫢

A great book in the enemies-to-lovers style. The female main character unexpectedly runs into her ex-boyfriend from college—the one who left her with nothing but terrible memories. But he does everything he can to convince her that the awful guy he used to be is long gone.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. There’s plenty of witty banter and sarcastic comebacks, which made it fun to watch the main characters’ relationship evolve. At the same time, the story also touches on serious topics like bullying and psychological trauma.

This felt like two great books combined into one. The first half of the book is a laugh-out-loud story about two people reconnecting and dating in a very public way. This book has fake dating in a fun new way because everyone knows it is fake, and it is being very publically shared. So, this part of the book was a five-star for me! The problem for me comes in when the romance becomes real. I had a hard time really routing for the characters and did not feel attached to their relationship. In addition, the author shifts this book into a message about privacy and what is entertaining. While this message is needed, the fact the whole plot started because the email posts a vent online while drinking might really make it hard to get behind that theme.

I liked this. The social media aspect was not my taste but I did think the premise was unique. Although I’m finding out it was based on chicken shop date?? But either way Eva, the FMC, set up interesting chain of events after drunk posting a video about her college ex, Rylie. Eva is mean, especially to Rylie, and I’m not mad at her for that but it’s so disappointing that when she needs her tough exterior or a backbone with her employers, it’s no where to be found.

From a plot stand point her job situation did not make sense. The story is that she can’t quit and has to do this date thing cause she needs the money (which is most people’s story, very relatable) but also decides after 3 of the 6 dates she agreed to, to just abandon her responsibilities. She was a hot mess and I understand that was purposeful but instead of making her relatable, it made her annoying.

Rylie was perfect in a way that made it very obvious he was written by a woman. My biggest gripe with him was the spelling of his name. All that to say I did enjoy their story especially the therapy scene, always nice to see healthy communication. Even better is that they keep on that trend and avoid a third act break up, Eve is literally trying to misunderstand Rylie but he, being the perfect man that he is, corrects her. BAM, miscommunication avoided and I appreciated it.

Thanks to NetGalley and st.martin’s press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you like the chicken shop date girl and want her to actually find love, this is for you. Sweet fluffy rom com. Quick read.

Giving this three stars only because I’ve loved Mazey’s three adult novels, but this one missed the tenderness of the others by a LONG SHOT. The character development suffered by making this one so much about the spice, which made me cringe so bad my teeth hurt. Eva calling Rylie “baby girl” isn’t as cute and quirky as she wants it to be. Also, why did the third act conflict happen literally at 93%???? This is obviously supposed to be Chicken Shop Date: Book Edition, but the whole point of Chicken Shop Date is that Amelia is blunt because she's awkward, not because she's antagonistic. Eva wasn't someone I wanted to root for, and the tiktokification of Riley (he has a jean comforter??? what???) just made me roll my eyes. I DNF-ed this initially and reluctantly went back to finish it. The couples therapy session was great, and it really showed me the Mazey Eddings I've come to love. I'll still read her next one, but I was very unimpressed with this one.

3.5/5

me and eva have the same inner monologue and i don't appreciate it...

any time an author releases a book with a main female character that is bitchy, tough around the edges, and just wants soft love, i have to pick it up. its out of my control and i blame winter from reckless. i was very excited to start this because the premise seemed super fun and i loveeeee a second chance romance. sadly many parts of the story just did not connect for me, i still think its a good read but i wasn't as obsessed as i thought i would be...

my issues with the story don't lie in the characters. eva is my baby, being in her head at times made me sob because i just get what she's thinking. i honestly wish we got more of her family issues because the dynamics were so interesting to me. rylie was okay too, i definitely didn't love him as much but hearing his story about grief and healing was beautiful. i also wish we saw more of that. the romance was very blah and i think thats where the disconnect was. maybe it was the grating nicknames that pulled me away from these two but whatever it was kinda ruined the relationship for me. i feel like there should have been more tension or more rediscovering going on. they haven't spoken in six years but the act like this happened a month ago.

the ending being about eva's job was done well i just couldn't find it in me to care. had this solely been a story about eva taking down the bitchass company i would have cheered. the romance bits just threw me a bit. the representation in this story is done very well and i really appreciate how this story isn't exactly like all the other romances out right now. the dialogue was strange at times but mazey eddings writes some spectacular inner thoughts!!

*thank you netgalley + st. martins for the arc*