My first Mazey Eddings, but I’m definitely hooked and going to read more!

I loved the feminist tone throughout the entire book! I loved Eva’s snarky inner thoughts and outer comments, especially when there was so much misogyny and bias in the world around the characters. When I fell in love with Eva:

“I would never willingly listen to a man speak in my spare time, but that’s just me.”

Fuck me, madame!!

Eva was a BOSS BABE who knew she was in a world and career that valued her less because she was a woman (hell, she was in a family who valued her less because she was the average middle child amongst her high-achiever siblings), and she still stuck her middle finger up and kept going. I absolutely loved her grit and her willingness to be a boss babe without being a total jerk of a person. Her sarcasm and her reasons for building her metaphorical wall made sense and I could totally relate to her. However, it was amazing to see Riley tear it down brick by brick. I related to her so much, wearing this tough veneer because she had conditioned herself to in order to make it through life without crumbling. But like she came to realize, she shouldn’t have to always be tough and someone should like her even when her mask was off.

I loved the fantastic LGBTQIA+ rep! There were so many characters who we got to know authentically who happened to be trans, bisexual, pansexual, etc, and I loved seeing all this rep. I loved how Eva was pansexual and definitely spoke about her experiences of not feeling like she fit in because she wasn’t “outwardly and actively queer enough to claim a spot in the community”. I loved how Riley had had to go through a journey to become ok with his being bi. His internalized biphobia was an important thing to shine light on, especially in today’s world, and we definitely don’t see this enough. I loved that as he found himself, he definitely became someone that not only Eva could love, but someone I fell for too 😊

Speaking of which, Riley was the quintessential book boyfriend!! He was so proud and supportive of Eva, he was willing to try to fix his past mistakes, he stood up for her countless times, HE LOVED HER SARCASM AND SHARP EDGES, and yet he was the dominant alpha in the bedroom I purr for 😉

I absolutely loved their back and forth. Their chemistry was sizzling and extra fantastic because she had such a bite and he was willing to let her bite him as long as he got to chase her. It was chefs freaking kiss!!!

I also loved their spicy times!! The f*cking was delicious, and the love making was amazing. I especially loved that because Eva was on an SSRI, it was especially hard for her to reach completion. But Riley in typical book boyfriend perfection, took that as a challenge instead of a letdown and did everything he needed to get her there…multiple times!! I especially loved this spicy part:

“I will fuck you any way you want. Any speed, any position. I will go down on you all fucking night if that’s what it takes to make you come, and I will do it with a goddamn smile on my face the entire time. Do you understand me?”


He made her use her words and "use" him countless times and the more it happened the hotter it got!! He was a mess for her and her for him, and it was perfection!

Thank you to NetGalley, SMP, and Mazey Eddings for the opportunity to read this book. The opinions above are honest and my own.

4.25 stars!

Eva and Rylie dated in college and she fell hard for him. But things didn’t work out - he actually ghosted her. Fast forward several years and Eva is the host of Sausage Talk and Rylie is a Podcaster who talks about deconstruction toxic masculinity. Still not over what happened, Eva makes one drunken social media post calling out Rylie for the past, which leads to the two of them working together.

While I enjoyed the story, there were times that Eva was just so mean to Rylie. And I totally get it, she was hurt and held that close to her heart but it was still tough to read at times. But you know he was down bad for her since he took it like it was his job. he just understood her.

Read this if you like:
🌭 Grumpy x Sunshine
🌭 Second Chance Romance
🌭 Open Door Romance

Literally everything about this book was perfection to me!! Definitely my new favorite by Mazey Eddings, although I've loved everything she's published and will likely continue that trend going forward!

Every time Evie said "Oh buddy, big feelings!" an angel got its wings. That's all! Infinity stars!

Mazey can do no wrong with her writing - and Well, Actually is just the latest example of that.

I adored this book - especially due to the audiobook narrator’s performance and due to relating to Eva, especially as the story progressed. I adored how Eva and Riley come together as a couple - and there were so many moments between them that had me kicking and screaming. (And one where I gagged - looking at you, skim milk!)

This book goes beyond your average second chance, enemies to lovers romance, and really explodes what it means to forgive, to learn, and to grow as a person and as a couple. I found it so refreshing to read with characters where they’re in therapy, they’re unpacking their trauma, and they’re trying very hard to correct patterns in their own past. I think this a great novel to have out in the world as an example of what healthy relationships look like - not just as couples, but the relationship with yourself.

Also…her spicy scenes? 10/10

Overall I adored this book, the characters, the plot, and at the end I wanted an immediate sequel or 100 more chapters because I didn’t want to let them go. I can’t wait to get my hands on her next novel - I’m already so eager for it.

This was such a fun book!

I loved Eva and Riley's past connection and how that played a role in their future. I loved their progression, and the banter was SO GOOD.

Eva would call herself bitchy, but I’d call her inspirational: I appreciate how real and raw she was.

I also loved how completely obsessed Riley was, and even though we don’t get his POV, we are never left wondering how he feels.

I loved the creativity of her show, “Sausage Talk,” a perfect mash-up of “Chicken Shop Date” and “Hot Ones.”

This was a great book, and I had a great time.

I ended up DNFing this one. I think it was a cause of wrong timing because I can see how other will love this one. Unfortunately, it wasn’t for me

Wow. My first mazey book but not for lack of trying. And what a banger to start out with.

Eva is all sharp edges and soft heart and internalized anxiety and self doubt. Having NEVER felt safe enough to be herself, I say myself in her. She knows/believes, the full extent of herself, is too much for others, so she makes herself small and waits for the other shoe to drop and people to leave. But Rylie is a clinger. In the best way. Someone who will dig through the walls with a plastic spoon just to let her know she is WORTH EVERY BLOODH FINGER AND SETBACK AND TRY. Like I'm a simp for this dude. A total softie. AFTER WORKING ON HIMSELF. Like what. This book is so healthy.

I will protect Eva at all costs. I loved it so much. I am honored I got to read it early.

I like to take notes when reading because I have the brain of a goldfish and tend to forget pretty quickly. But for Well, Actually I only wrote one word: HOT. Clearly this is what my mind wanted me to focus on and not anything at all about the content or storyline. So at least you know part of what you’ll get from this!

If you’ve read Mazey Eddings before, she is in prime form with this one. Fans of earlier books will love the little cameos of past characters. The premise is this: Eva is best known for interviewing B-list celebrities while consuming hotdogs for her show Sausage Talk. While doomscrolling, she comments on a video posted by Rylie, an ex from college, roasting him for his treatment of women then vs his perceived role now. When Eva finds herself having to interview Rylie on her show, he suggests he makes it up to her through six dates. Eddings unravels Eva and Rylie one date at a time, from their awkward I’m-going-to-dazzle-you-with-everything first date to a surprisingly tender couples therapy date.

This book is very self-aware of the audience it’s presenting to—social media blows up in more than one way for Rylie and Eva from photos to video to their live tapings. Which might make you as a reader consider your own role in the media consumption wheel. Eva is prickly which can be her biggest asset or worst trait when it comes to how she responds to others and it takes a patient and confident hand in Rylie to peel back her layers. And obviously as I mentioned, the sex is hot. At times it felt like the dialogue was sometimes a little too on the nose with the “good girls”, but ai honestly think these two would climb each other like a tree (and they do). If you enjoy your romance infused with a little frustrated angst and a tad bit of melodrama (Eva’s bosses are a trip) that pays off in the end, this is sure to be a strong choice.

I received an e-ARC from St. Martin’s Press. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5️⃣
Steam: 🪭🪭🪭

I absolutely loved this book!! Well, Actually had me laughing from the very first page and kept me engaged all the way until the end.

The characters are complex, funny, astounding and brave, and I had a fun time reading about Eva and Rylie. This slow burn, second chance had my heart eager to see them together again while also feeling every bit of Eva's grievances toward Rylie.

Together, with their friends and found family, they brought my heart so much joy at the possibility of what could happen when we take the opportunity to go after what we really want even if it scares us and even if it could fail. It's a book about love and second chances, but it's also a story about friendship and dating in your late twenties and the not so glamorous journey of finding your dream job.

I loved the realness at every turn of this book, and the laughter I found along the way. I had a blast reading Well, Actually, and I hope you do too!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio, St. Martins Press, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

If you know anything about me, you that I absolutely adore Mazey. I have been feral for this since it was announced and I can’t get over how glad I am I got an early copy. I was able to listen to the audio and read the ebook at the same time. This was HILARIOUS. Eva does things that, honestly, I’d probably do. I adore her so much. Riley is so sassy and funny, but so sweet and kind. Their dynamic and banter is everything!

I try not to pick favorites, but I think this just might be my favorite Mazey book. I love the Amelia/Andrew & chicken shop date vibes, but the fact that it’s completely its own. Sausage talk is perfection. I loved reading this so much. I don’t want it to end.

The narrator was fantastic. Production was great, although at times it felt like certain parts of the audio repeated. But it didn’t affect my experience at all. The narration kept my attention and felt great.

There is nothing that could pry my love for this book, and Riley and Eva’s relationship, out of my cold dead hands. Get this book. You won’t regret it!

PS: that cameo!!!!

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the ARC! If you’re just as obsessed with Amelia Dimoldenberg’s Chicken Shop Date as I am, this is the book for you—especially the episode with Andrew Garfield. I’m fully convinced the author was inspired by them both, and nobody can tell me otherwise. All in all, I was so excited to get my hands on this book, and it did not disappoint. Second-chance romance has slowly become one of my favorite tropes, and this is honestly one of my new favorites!

t’s been awhile since we’ve read a Mazey Eddings book and we were quickly reminded why her books are so fun!

We love that the story all started with Eva’s drunken post calling out her ex college boyfriend Rylie’s toxic behaviour. The fact that he was open to make up for it in present day shows that he’s changed (even if Eva doesn’t believe it). They’re both internet famous and their rekindled romance/woo-ing becomes celebrity gossip news and was fun to follow.

When the FMC works on a talk show that sounds like Chicken Shop Date, you know she’s going to be witty and snarky. Eva was so much more than what you saw and we loved her emotional depth. Rylie was patient and kind and balanced Eva out. We loved their banter and chemistry together which led to some excellent spice.

Overall a super fun read!

Read if you like:
▪️Second Chance
▪️He falls first
▪️Black cat x Golden Retriever
▪️Banter & Spice!

A second chance, black cat/golden retriever romance that puts Eva and Rylie is the public spotlight as he tries to make up for breaking her heart in college. She is a talk show host and he has a large social media presence and they have agreed to go on several dates so Rylie can show her that he has changed. Initially, Eva is unconvinced that Rylie has changed but soon she realizes that the hurt he caused in the past is nothing compared to what he can offer her in the future.

Eva and Rylie will be living RENT FREE in my head for the foreseeable future.

If you are intrigued by the concept of #sluttlylittleglasses, this is in fact a must read. If you enjoy a food + interview show (such as Hot Ones), this is also a must read for you too. If Buzzfeed was an integral part of your formative years, also a must read for you.

Mazey Eddings does a fantastic job of writing two characters who readers will FEEL DEEPLY for. While reading, you want the best for both of them! Even though it is *technically* an enemies to lovers (only one is on board with enemies) it has all the heart of good friends.

Throughout the book, there is so much vulnerability. Mazey does a fantastic job of discussing mental health, sexuality, and workplace toxicity without it feeling preachy. These are all natural elements of the book and both of these characters are perfectly flawed and human. Eva and Rylie are characters you WANT to read.

Highly highly recommend this book, especially if you’re a romance lover.

I liked this! It’s definitely one of the funnier books I’ve read lately, The banter between Eva and Rylie was hilarious and had me laughing out loud. They were both clever and biting, each character giving as good as they could take it. Rylie’s barbs were more of the flirty variety and I loved him for it. He was the epitome of a golden retriever and relentless too. Despite Eva’s many attempts to push him away, he didn’t give up. And as he should because he did do her wrong in the past.

Not only is Eva conflicted about the resurgence of her feelings for Rylie, she’s stuck in a job that doesn’t highlight her talents and relies on her maintaining her sardonic facade. Yes, that’s part of her personality, but it’s also a defense mechanism. She’s both hard and soft and Rylie gives her a chance to let her guard down, unveiling a side to him that she rarely shows. And I loved seeing Eva stand up to her smarmy bosses.

Eva could be hard to take as she was pretty harsh to Rylie at times, but I could so relate to her college-aged self. Longing for someone to choose her and feeling less than when they didn’t. I appreciated that they were able to go to therapy together, air everything out and process through some trauma they both had.

The things that didn’t work for me were that it felt a little too silly and saccharine at times. I also was not a fan of the nickname Kitten and how quickly Rylie jumped back into using it. Oh and Eva saying Rylie f#%*+$& Cooper far too often.

If you like quirky, fun reads with LGBTQIA+ and grief representation, check this out!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

1. I love a hotdog
2. The premise of this book is sooooo cute!

I’ve never read better banter between two main characters in my life. They had me laughing so hard throughout this book. While I loved laughing - there were also so many moments of vulnerability! I love how Mazey Eddings dove into difficult topics head on. While I was emotional at points, the book still gave a light feel which I enjoyed! Rylie was one of the sweetest men and you could tell he definitely grew since their “situationship” in college! Eva can spar with the best of them but Rylie ate it up with a spoon!! Rylie and Eva were such a great pair!!

Eva Kitt expected to be a serious journalist, instead she is hosting an interview show called Sausage Talk. She spends her days interviewing B and C list celebrities. One evening after a few too many drinks Eva decides to call out her ex college best friend/situationship and the post goes viral. Rylie Cooper has become a beloved social media presence in the years since they knew each other. Rylie jumps at the chance to appear on an episode of Sausage Talk but only if he is allowed to take her on dates to see where things went wrong and how he has changed in the years they have been apart.

Mazey Eddings is an auto buy author for me and this book is another perfect example of why. I had such a great time with it. It hit all of my emotions. I loved the cheeky wink to Chicken Shop Date with Eva's Sausage Talk show. I can see Eva being a little tough for some people but I absolutely loved her. Rylie was just a dream character. Together they are an incredible duo. They have sizzling chemistry and a lovely ability to break down the well constructed walls they have each built. There are some serious topics discussed in the book. They are handled with so much compassion. Both characters are queer which I absolutely love. I have already pre-ordered the audiobook and can't wait to do a reread soon! Mazey, I will follow you anywhere and can't wait to see what comes next!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was such a good time! It has a feisty black cat FMC & a golden retriever MMC who is down pretty bad for her from the start. The banter! Oh the banter is so good. I listened the the audiobook, & I was cackling constantly. Ariela Crow does a perfect male voice, and she made Rylie’s voice the exact perfect pairing to his slutty little glasses and swoony comments. He calls her Kitten (Eva Kit), and I wanted to hate it so bad but it just sounded so good on audio that I couldn’t. I hope the swoon translates to print also, because you need it in your life. Trust.

I didn’t take many notes when reading, because I was having so much fun, but here are the main things to expect:
•enemies to lovers
•second chance
•black cat x golden retriever
•he falls first
•boy obsessed
•banter

Eva Kitt didn't survive journalism school, traditional media's demise, and a bunch of insufferable tech bros, just to end up eating hot dogs with washed up celebs and reality stars on camera. But here she is, host of a sort of viral media show called Sausage Talk. She's sharp, sarcastic, and determined to claw her way towards something bigger. Then "he" shows up. Rylie Cooper is Eva's ex and the guy who ghosted her so hard he was practically in the witness protection program. Rylie has reinvented himself as a self-proclaimed feminist podcaster. His show unpacks toxic masculinity for his adoring fans who love a man who "just gets it". Except Eva knows the real Rylie and when she goes viral by calling out his hypocrisy, it starts an internet storm that threatens both of their careers. In a desperate bid to control the damage, Rylie proposes a deal. They'll go on six staged dates to show the world he's not a villain, and Eva will get a feature on his platform in return. In public, it's all content. But privately it's unresolved tension, complicated history, and off the charts chemistry. As the lines blur between the performance and suppressed feelings, Eva and Rylie aren't quite sure just what story they're trying to sell...

Every now and then I'm in the mood for a rom-com and Well, Actually was just what I didn't know I needed! With witty banter, authentic emotional stakes, and messy characters totally worth rooting for, Well, Actually was a blast! Eva is prickly, sarcastic, and ambitious. I love when the female main character doesn't soften to make herself more palatable. Riley surprised me. At first I wasn't sure about the ghosting and red flag energy but Eddings gave him space to grow. The romance? Electric. An enemies to lovers trope with a perfect emotional balance. And yes there is steam. High quality, dialogue driven tension that delivers! If you are into second chance romances with bite, banter, and a female main character that isn't here to be polite, Well, Actually should definitely be on your TBR!

Thank you to NetGalley, Mazey Eddings, and St Martins Press for this ARC! Publication date is August 5th 2025.

ARC Review: Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In my opinion, Mazey Eddings can literally do no wrong. She had never failed to make me laugh out loud, cry actual tears and make me swoon over her characters - all of which I did with Well, Actually. I mean this book is SO FUNNY! I had the most enjoyable time reading it, despite the aforementioned tears. Something about Eddings’ writing just gets me in my feels every time.
Definitely one of my favorite reads of the year so far. The characters are witty and nuanced, Rylie Cooper is a top tier MMC (🥵), the spice is 10/10 and Eva Kitt is who I aspire to be when I grow up.