I absolutely loved this story! Not only was it hilarious it had a lot of heart! Eva has a tough outer shell which rightfully so and read about Rylie helping her come out of her shell and be seen and loved made my heart so happy and the audio production of this book was excellent!

If chicken shop date was a romcom. Definitely not my favorite read. A lot of details feels very unnecessary, and it made it so I wasn’t eager to continue reading.

This is a story of redemption, second chances, and finding the person who sees who you really are. Eddings does a beautiful job of creating space for those who often don’t see themselves reflected in books to not only see representation but for it to be positive, kind, and celebratory. Eva and Rylie’s banter is so on point, a mix of witty and sarcastic that is hilarious and rings true.

Eva is a journalist stuck doing c-list celebrity interviews over hot dogs. Rylie is a social media darling, focused on ending toxic masculinity. They have history. And one night, a drunk Eva decides to bring that history into the present and onto social media. What follows is incredible chemistry and fantastic banter.

This book is an absolute delight! It's a fantastic grumpy x sunshine romance that delivers a lot of feel good personal growth for both characters. I really enjoyed the way the plot unfolds, particularly the dynamic between the protagonists. Eva is an aspiring journalist who hosts a YouTube show where she interviews celebrities over hot dog lunches (very Chicken Shop Date). She dreams of a promotion out of the literal basement up to the 'more reputable floors' of her office. Rylie runs his own podcast and YouTube channel as a reformed jerk, now promoting healthy masculinity. The two went on a handful of dates in college and, when Eva's social media rant about Rylie's former behavior goes viral, agree to go on a handful more as adults to prove that men can change. Throughout the relationship, Eva realizes that she already possessed all the skills she needed for a successful career, finds her true potential unlocked with the supportive push from Rylie and their circle of friends.

The story also features a great villain: a classic workplace bully, perfectly updated for a modern YouTube and podcast setting. This fresh premise keeps the conflict engaging and relevant. Small spoiler - literally nothing I've read this year is more frustrating than the 'read mean comments about yourself' scene

While the overall experience was very fun, there were a couple of minor points that stood out. I wished there had been more outward support from Eva's friends, and I had a slight reservation about Rylie's name (as a millennial and Buffy lover I much prefer the Riley spelling). However, these small details don't detract from what is otherwise a very enjoyable and charming read. This is a story that proves the best help often comes from those who believe in you most.

Okay Ms. Mazey, immediately on my auto read list! The humor, the spice, the relatable way you made characters. I am on board. This book had me laughing, tearing up, and looking at my husband in a certain way. 5 stars girlfriend.

Rating: 4.5/5

Thank you Mazey Eddings and St. Martin's Press for an ARC of this book via NetGalley!

Eva was *not* the perfect woman. She had a less than picturesque past, and she did *not* rise above it all and if you deserve it, she was not afraid to give you a piece of her mind. And you know what? All of that made Eva feel so *real.* Bc she never set out to be mean for the sake of being mean, even if it seemed that way. It was always a response to the hurts she experienced over the course of her life and was a mechanism to protect herself from further wounds. And this book was very much Eva's journey in releasing that pain to reclaim herself and her dreams. And damn, *it was a ride.* It wasn't pretty, there was more heartache to be had, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Bc in the end, she did the damn thing!!!

I loved the foil Rylie was to Eva. In a lot of ways, the hurts these two experienced could have brought them to comparable places in their lives, and yet, what we saw of Rylie was almost a what-could-have-been for Eva. If only things worked out differently for her. But they didn't and that's just how things shake out sometimes. Circumstances will push some to heal faster and keep others down longer. And for the latter, they just need extra help and that was who Rylie was for Eva. And I loved the relationship between them bc it was wrought with tension--heartbreaking, fiery and everything in between--YET it hung on, barely by a thread sometimes, but it hung on. And again, I just loved how messy it all was bc healing is never clean. And ultimately, their relationship endured and THAT was the point. Life will throw a lot of shit at us. Some of us will make it out sooner than others and we can help the others who take a little longer. No journey is more or less valid bc at the end of the day, we'll all find our way there.

CN: open-door romance, internalized biphobia, workplace abuse, toxic masculinity, internalized misogyny, grief after loss of a loved one

Arc read no spoilers-

Definitely a unique story plug that I enjoyed, because what do you mean she gets to eat hot dogs and talk to d list celebrities! 🤣 like sign me up! I honestly think the best part of this story was Rylie! He knew when to call her out, when to hug her, when to argue.

Also, im really upset with how the museum date ended, and if you’re curious what I mean, you can grab the book on 8/5!

4.25 stars

Mazey Eddings does it again! Well, Actually is packed with her signature wit, sparkling banter, and emotional depth that sneaks up on you in the best way. I absolutely adored the dynamic between Eva and Riley—give me a man who’s down bad for his girl any day. Their chemistry felt natural and fun, and I found myself smiling more than once at their back-and-forth.

What surprised me most was how emotionally layered the story became. It tackled some heavier themes with care and authenticity, and I appreciated how Eva grew stronger in her voice and agency. I do wish we had seen more of her standing up to her family directly, and I found myself wanting just a little more from some of the side characters—either fleshed out further or more present on the page.

I also really appreciated the thoughtful LGBTQIA+ representation throughout the book. It felt organic and affirming, and it was refreshing to see queer characters simply existing and being loved in community.

As a longtime Mazey Eddings fan, I loved the cameos from past characters—it was such a treat. I do wish we had gotten a few Riley POV chapters to round things out, but overall I’m really happy with this read. Funny, heartwarming, and full of charm.

Thank you, NetGalley, Mazey Eddings, and St. Martin's Press for this ARC! Available everywhere August 5 2025

I just finished reading an advanced reader’s copy of "Well, Actually" by Mazey Eddings, and wow - my inner child, college self, and every version of me in between feels a little more seen, soothed, and sparkly. I’m giving this one a solid three stars for its heartfelt themes, entertaining premise, and the kind of character work that leaves you wanting to hug someone (maybe even yourself).

At its core, "Well, Actually" is a modern rom-com with serious emotional depth. Through the story of Eva and Rylie (former college flames thrown back into each other’s orbit via the unholy union of TikTok virality and PR chaos), we get a front-row seat to all the messy, hilarious, painful, and redemptive moments that come with personal growth and second chances.

Mazey Eddings weaves in big themes with sincerity and intention: redemption, feminism, mental health, neurodivergence, and the blurry line between internet image and IRL identity. She also knows her romance tropes and uses them playfully: think enemies to lovers, fake dating, forced proximity, and a very fun twist on the grumpy/sunshine dynamic.

Let’s talk strengths.
✨ I adored the queer representation in this book—not only present, but meaningful, touching on identity and mental health in ways that felt relevant and real.
✨ The banter? Sharp, snappy, and genuinely funny—I actually laughed out loud in the first 10%. Social media shenanigans, cringe moments, and viral mishaps were used perfectly to drive the plot forward.
✨ Eva’s friend group was everything. Loyal, fierce, and intuitive—they knew her better than she knew herself at times, and their scenes added so much warmth and balance.
✨ And can we talk about that one “date” that turned out to be a therapy session? A creative choice that worked brilliantly. Watching Eva feel heard - really heard - for what may have been the first time in her life, was one of the most cathartic and moving moments of the book.
✨ There were so many quote-worthy lines that I had to pause and post them on Goodreads during my check-ins—always a good sign!

Here are my two favorite ones:

"Hot Girl isn't a look or a style, it's a commitment to doing whatever makes you feel unstoppable in the face of life's fuckery. And I'll be damned if I am anything but my hottest possible self on today of all days."

“I can understand feeling like that. It isn’t easy to learn about someone else’s pain, then have to explain your own. It can feel like the trauma Olympics and everyone loses. But life doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and neither do our actions, even if they result from our personal experiences…It doesn’t make you a bad person to admit that you were hurt by the actions of someone also hurting.”

Now for the critique—shared with kindness, because feedback can be love too.
😬 While I rooted for Eva the whole time and deeply empathized with her backstory, I struggled with how harsh and emotionally closed-off she came across during the first half. I understood why she built those walls, but they were high, and stayed that way for a long time.
📚 Some of the themes and emotional beats felt overextended, making the pacing a bit sluggish. I honestly think this story could have been 100–150 pages shorter without losing impact. A novella spinoff might’ve been a great place for some of the slower subplots.
🫤 And while Rylie opened up about his grief (which added powerful context to his character), I wish Eva had shared more of her own trauma with him on-page. That moment of mutual vulnerability felt missing - especially since we got so much insight into her inner world. A deeper emotional exchange between them would’ve made their growth as a couple even more satisfying.

If stories about messy healing, emotional complexity, and viral TikToks turning your life upside down are your vibe, I definitely recommend checking this out when it drops on August 5, 2025!

Big thanks to Mazey Eddings and NetGalley for the chance to read this in advance.

And that, my friends, is today’s tea on “Well, Actually” ☕️

THIS BOOK IS SO CUTE!!!

Overall, I devoured this book in two sittings and had a lovely time with it. I love Mazey Eddings' writing and her dialogue is so natural.

We have one bitey FMC who is desperate to impress at work. We have one golden retriever MMC who is desperate to right his past wrongs. And one messy relationship cast intentionally into the public eye.

Set against a backdrop mirroring the chicken shop date, I love getting to see the journey Eva and Rylie go on as they navigate their messy history and begin to truly understand each other. There are some definite moments of rough communication, but the ways these characters make up is incredible. And because their respective jobs are the reason they end up reconnecting, I love the focus on each of their careers and how it impacts the budding relationship.

The one element that wasn't my favorite was Eva's (occasionally) exhausting self-sabotage and constantly cynical view of Rylie. It seemed like she just kept going over the same reasons for her vendetta against him - and for her age and work responsibilities, it really shocked me how little she ever wanted to grow and move past things. However, once she finally started softening, I loved the way she slowly opened herself to more of life. And the depth behind all of their emotions was well done as well.

ALSO I have to say it, but I think Eva is a terrible friend and she never gets much better. Eva and Rylie straight up ditch their best friends at the VERY important, career-defining charity event just so they can get it on in the hotel room - as if they hadn't been hooking up daily for the past few weeks anyway? Anyway, if I was Lilith or Ray, I'd be very hurt and abandoned in that moment.

Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin and Mazey Eddings for the advance access to this title. My review is completely voluntary, completely my own, and always completely honest.

This was such a fun and quick read. The story is just under 400 pages but has so much to unpack. I thought it was going to be a cute and flirty kind of book but there is so much more depth to each of them. Grieving is done differently for everyone and for every situation. You just never know what is going on in someone’s life.
Eva has been holding resentment to a bad college ex for 6 years until she comes across his video online. In a drunken daze she decides to call him out and gains so much publicity for it. Her boss thinks it would be great for them to air it out one date and episode at a time.
So much quick and witty banter with lots of spice. Some things had me giggling out loud.
Topics of grief and LGBTQ acceptance.

This book is the definition of a “laugh out loud” romcom. I was literally cackling. The humor bordered on absurdity at times, but I absolutely ate every second of it up.

Mazey perfectly combines comedy with emotion. I loved how this book had me laughing one moment, and then feeling super emotional the next.

I loved the contrast between Rylie and Eva. Their personalities were so different, and it worked so perfectly. There was so much tension, you could cut it with a knife. I could feel their attraction to one another through the page. AND they could give a master class in banter!!

I will note that this book had a lot of pop culture references. As someone who is chronically online, it really worked for me. However it may not be for everyone or strand up to the test of time. But for me??? It was perfect and just what I needed.

This was such a fun romcom. Mazey never fails to deliver a hilarious storyline filled with equally heartfelt moments. I could not put this book down.

5 Stars I truly believe, with my whole heart, that Mazey Eddings can do no wrong when it comes to writing romance. Well, Actually is everything I wanted it to be!

I cannot get over how perfect Eva and Rylie were. Her fierce attitude and unapologetic spirit were the perfect black-cat complement to Rylie’s golden retriever, down so bad for this woman he’d crawl over broken glass for her persona. And Rylie’s slutty little tortoiseshell glasses? Perfection. The plot was so fun and the perfect balance between emotionally charged moments that made me tear up and lighthearted banter.

Thank you Mazey Eddings and SMPG for the ARC!

Mazey Eddings does it again! Oh my goodness, I loved this book. Eva was an absolute MENACE to society (especially to Rylie) and I loved every single snarky quip that she uttered. I wish I was half as clever as she was. I also really loved how eventually she let herself be vulnerable and soft instead of having to be tough all the time. And RYLIE. Oh, that man. I love a guy who recognizes how awful he was in the past and works to better himself. Their chemistry was off the charts and when they finally get together, WOW. I loved how down bad Rylie was. Also, I really liked the look at toxic workplaces, especially in media. This book was just such a fun time and I cannot wait for her next one!
CW: bullying, biphobia, death

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for the advanced digital reader’s copy!

Ok, I love a black cat/golden retriever romance and this completely delivered on that. Eva is a snarky, prickly mess, and Rylie is sunshiny, upbeat angel. Their banter and chemistry was great, I enjoyed how this also had second chance elements.

Did I picture Amelia from Chicken Shop Date and Andrew Garfield the whole time? Absolutely.

I didn’t love the plot line with the evil execs, that felt a little contrived to me - but the rest I really enjoyed. I definitely recommend this one for people who enjoy steamy, bantery, grumpy/sunshine romances!

Okay, this was SUCH a cute book with such great representation! I love the spin on Chicken Shop date for Sausage Talk! As an Amelia stan, this was such a good spin off. These characters were so well developed!

Thank you NetGalley and St Martins Press for the e-ARC. This was my first time reading Mazey Eddings and I will definitely read more in the future! It was so fun, witty, and had great banter. It truly reminded me of that Chicken shop date show on YouTube since the FMC and MMC both had their own shows and ended up using fake dating scheme for slightly different reasons ! Eva to promote her career and bring down Rylies good names, and Rylie to win her back after losing his chance 6 years before, A great second chance romance with good character growth for both the MC’s and a well rounded story. An easy, quick read, with some spice! Really enjoyed this one!

4/5 stars

I’ve had Mazey Eddings on my TBR for a while and didn’t realize how much I was missing out until now! Well, Actually was a great book with a fun, fresh premise that I couldn’t put down. I legitimately laughed out loud multiple times while reading. The back and forth between Eva and Rylie was a 10/10. So hilarious and feisty! They had chemistry in spades with the perfect amount of spice. I loved their love! I also valued the LGBTQ+ representation weaved throughout the story. There was a lot of nuance in Rylie’s journey with grief and his own sexuality that was really moving. I enjoyed seeing how he evolved from college to present day.

Eva was awesome too, but I was frequently frustrated that she could never see that for herself. I kept begging her to stand up for herself at work, which she didn’t end up doing until the very end of the book (although side note—I was very satisfied with how everything played out when she did finally step into her own power).

Well, Actually is a must-read! Please excuse me while I now go devour everything Mazey Eddings has ever written.

Biggest thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with the eGalley of this book in exchange for an honest review! ❤️

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish! The witty banter between Eva and Rylie is truly unmatched, and the emotional depth of their relationship is beautiful. Eva is the perfect example of a black cat FMC, with a lot of harbored resentment and emotions making her the funniest character that you can't help but to relate to. Rylie is a cinnamon roll MMC, that had me swooning and giggling from the beginning. These characters are so well developed, the growth that can be seen from beginning of the book and also from the first time the met in college was powerful. I enjoyed every second of this book, I wish that the story of Eva and Rylie could go on forever!

this was cute! i love a messy second chance romance and the banter between eva and rylie was fun to read. eva is hard headed and stubborn, rylie is a golden retriever trying to redeem himself, and their back and forth kept things interesting. the premise is whatever but it worked well enough. not a favorite but still enjoyable if you’re in the mood for something light, cute and flirty. 3 stars from me!