Mazey Eddings is a genius. This is one of my favorite reads of 2025.

The characters are well developed. I never knew I needed the black cat energy in the FMC to compliment the golden retriever MMC so much in my life.

I really wanted to love this but there were just a few things that really got to me. Mainly, how to FMC reacted to a few things that seemed out of character and sometimes some of the use of internet culture came of as trying too hard.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review! A super cute and interesting concept! The entire book all I could imagine was Eve as Paige Desorbo like so sorry but you cannot convince that Eve isn’t just like Paige in the best way possible. I feel like there were times where the humor and commentary leaned on the side of cringeworthy with all of the millennial jokes and tik tok references, which just personally isn’t my style in a book (but if you love it then you do you!) and I felt like at times the book kind of dragged through some part. I thought that Eve and Rylie was super cute, however (in my opinion!!) I just sometimes felt like there wasn’t much chemistry between the two and felt a bit awkward. I feel like my favorite part of the book was the reverse grumpy sunshine.

I got this as an ARC from NetGally. The cover is what initially drew me in and I’m so glad it did. The book started out a little slow but then it grabbed me and had me hooked. I absolutely love the FMC Eva and her banter with the MMC. The over all story of this book really resonated with me.

I ended up really enjoying this book, which is what I expected. Early in the book, it must have been my mood, but I just wasn't sure it was going to work for me. But work for me, it certainly did!

I think this is even better than the author's previous book, I'm not sure if it was the setting, or where I was in my own world, but this one just hit me in all of the feels. Very enjoyable read.

If there is one thing Mazey Eddings knows how to write, it’s characters that are maybe a little hard to love and their partners who love them anyway. I loved reading this aspect of Eva and Rylie’s relationship, and the chicken-shop-date-inspired backdrop was a fun and unique touch. Just like her other books, Mazey maintains her commitment to diverse representation in a way that’s weaved into the story rather than feeling performative. I enjoyed this story a lot, giving it 4.5 stars, and I really look forward to seeing what comes next (especially if all the fun Easter eggs of past characters continue!).

I liked the premise of the book but there was way more that I didn’t care for. The banter between Eva and Rylie would’ve been great if Eva wasn’t such a jerk for a large majority of the book. I liked Rylie’s character development and that he was always honest. Then it just became gratuitously spicy (think Tessa Bailey).

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

I loved all the details you put into this book. I was hooked from page 1. You made the characters come alive in a different way that most books lack. I can’t wait to read more books.

I really liked this book but the ending fell a bit flat for me. I really love Eva’s character and how relatable she is. I also really loved her relationship with Rylie and how they interact with each other. Their interactions were full of chemistry, charm, and humor.

I love this author's voice and absolutely adored the FMC, Eva. She felt overlooked as a child of a blended family and never feels quite good enough (relatable queen). Her job is going to remind you of a certain Chicken Shop Date host and she has the droll sense of humor to back it up, but her real ambition is to be a real journalist.

She goes viral after stitching a TikTok video posted by her ex Rylie (aka Rylie F*cking Cooper), who has an account dedicated to battling toxic masculinity, calling him out for his hypocrisy and lack of prowess in the sack. This is our romance hero you say? Oh you better believe it. While I won't spoil details, Rylie had a good reason (though not an excuse) to have ghosted Eva in the past and uses this opportunity to try to win her back.

They are *forced* to go on dates and re-cap them for their respective shows and Eva is pretty resistant at first, but quickly realizes Rylie is not the man she remembers. I really didn't think I was going to be able to forgive Riley for his behavior in the past, but as we learn about his backstory and see how he treats Eva in the present, and how he not only tolerates her brand of crazy but loves it most about her, it's basically impossible to resist him. See also: "It's a bit obscene and offensive for a man to be so caked up on a Sunday afternoon."

There are external factors driving the plot forward (read: nepo baby boss making Eva's life difficult), a great and diverse cast of friends, and the banter had me kicking my feet. If I was even a little bit creative, I would make an IG post with the quote "His face is open and inviting, eyes twinkling. What a sh*thead."

You know the moment in Nobody Wants This when Adam Brody reassures Kristen Bell that she's not too much for him? That's this book.

when eva kitt, the host of sausage talk - a show interviewing b-list celebrities while eating hot dogs - uploads a drunken video calling out her college ex, rylie cooper, her career changes overnight. forced to confront rylie on a live sausage talk episode, he offers eva a deal: let him take her on a series of dates to prove he's changed. but as time goes on, the line between what's content and what's real becomes blurred, and eva wonders if the boy who broke her heart might just be the man who heals it.

normally, I'm not one for second chance romances - you broke up for a reason, and usually, it was a good one. but this book had me hooked from the start with the witty banter, comedic setting, and the irresistible rylie cooper. this is the best I have ever read the black cat/golden retriever dynamic, and eva and rylie's cutting flirtations were funny and entertaining. the social media aspect provided a fresh twist to societal pressures. I liked the development of the characters and their relationship with social media - and recognizing that it's okay (and healthy!) to take a step back when needed.

though I did find eva somewhat immature, particularly at the beginning, I appreciated her character development throughout the story. though she still uses sarcasm and biting wit as a defense mechanism, she learns to be emotionally vulnerable with the people she trusts. rylie, on the other hand, is the strong, steady, swoon-worthy character who learns to own up to his mistakes and provide a logical perspective to eva's high emotions.

though there were diverse characters, they came across token and stereotypical - diversity just to say that there is diversity, instead of feeling like real and genuine characters. diverse characters should be unique and have fully fleshed out stories, instead of being thrown in to check off a box.

the pacing was inconsistent - at times, it felt rushed and details glossed over, but then other scenes seemed too drawn-out.

overall, this was a fun, clever, romantic comedy full of heart and banter. perfect for fans of classic rom-coms like thirteen going on thirty and my big fat greek wedding, and anyone who feels like they're never good enough.

AH I have nothing but great things to say about this book! I've been back on the romance train and I loved this one so much - Eva's character was fun and relatable, and her chemistry with Riley was fantastic! Witty banter, just the right amount of spice - I flew through this one! While a quick, enjoyable read, I was surprised how well it touched on some deeper themes and ideas in modern society related to relationships, feminism, and social media.

The only reason I'm rating this a 4/5 was because the ending just kind of...happened? I was hoping for more of a buildup or plot turn, and this one just kind of - ended. I did enjoy how things ended up for Eva, but it felt too simple...I know that sounds horrible for me to say, but the rest of the story was developed and paced so well that it kind of felt rushed and fell short. Despite that, I really enjoyed this as one of my first 2025 reads and look forward to more from Edding. Thank you so much for the ARC!

I'm going to echo a lot of the previous reviews as I believe we're more or less on the same page. Eddings nailed the "black cat/golden retriever" dynamic between Eva and Rylie. Eva's sharp wit and Rylie's eager-to-please attitude create an electric chemistry, filled with snarky banter and heartfelt moments. The social media twist adds a fresh spin to the second-chance romance, though some parts felt a bit drawn out. Still, the charm and humor kept me hooked.

Overall, it's a fun and surprisingly introspective read, with great character development and real emotional depth. I’d rate it 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4 for its cleverness and heart.

The second-chance romance is well-handled, with Eva and Rylie’s past making sense rather than relying on an unrealistic breakup reason. The communication between them was refreshing, with no misunderstandings—just honest conversations about their feelings. Eva, especially, is a complex and relatable character. Her tough exterior is a defense mechanism, and her growth throughout the story was compelling.

The social media aspect wasn’t my favorite, but it didn’t dominate the story. Eva’s frustrating work situation made sense, as she was stuck due to financial struggles and the job being close to her dream. While I wanted her to leave sooner, I understood why she stayed.

In the end, this book is perfect for fans of rom-coms with a dash of reality and emotional depth.

This is closer to 3.75 stars for me ! I liked it and read it pretty fast. Requested the arc for this one because I was intrigued by the Chicken Shop Date vibes, and I loved that aspect of the story I thought it was fun.

I actually really liked Eva, but I will say girl knows how to hold a grudge (rightfully so, in some ways). A lot of reviews have said she was mean, but I disagree. Cooper I loved, he was perfect, if even at times he was a bit over the top…helicopter tour for the first date is a lot imo but I get it’s part of the lore.
I will say the social media storyline was a little much for me. AND one more thing that bugged me, she kept switching between calling/referring to him as Cooper or Rylie.

But overall, this was a super fun read, would recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!

LOVE! This was so cute and such a creative take on a second chance romance. I've been obsessed with chicken shop date and I was intrigued by the premise of the FMC's job being similar. I appreciated having a FMC with attitude and bite, but also digging into why she adapted that (cause that's how it works for women in male dominated fields). The MMC was adorable and I loved his dedication to communication and growth.

EVA IS THAT GIRL. Everyone is about to hate her with a passion but no no I LOVED IT! And the MMC? What a delight.

Oh this was delightful! My first Mazey Eddings book and it did not disappoint. Eva & Rylie are everything.

I connected so much to Eva and how she felt and reacted to certain situations. Closed off girlies who are afraid of rejection and use snarkiness to hide from their feelings rise! The Bolter coded girlies rise! She is the epitome of a black cat and I'm here for it. While at certain moments I wanted to smack her in the face, I understood exactly where she came from and why she reacted the way she did. I also love how unapologetically herself she is. How she never back down from what she wanted or who she is, while also growing. I just wish we got to see her be a tiny bit more vulnerable.

RYLIE!!!!!!! THE EPITOME OF BABY GIRLLLLLLL. He is so hot omg. I love how he never faltered, how he truly took everything Eva threw at him, how even when she doubted him, he stood tall and never wavered. That is my man! He saw her, accepted her, and never tried to change her. Plus the way he groveled? Elite. The mental health representation and how open Rylie was about going to therapy meant everything to me. We love a man who works on himself!

Great queer representation (Eva is pan & Rylie is bi), amazing banter, so much steam (on my knees for Rylie), elite humor, and surprisingly insightful and emotional moments. I enjoyed this so so much!!

While some parts of the story didn't fully click for me, I did thoroughly enjoyed this and will be recommending it. Thank you SMP for the ARC!!

PS - the toxic work environment part of the story is something I feel a lot of people will see themselves in.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC copy of Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings. First of all this going to be a bit long winded for my typical review but, I absolutely adore this book. It was funny, cute, and somehow also incredibly deep. I related to it more than I thought I would, and it was refreshing to see such an honest and accurate depiction of what it’s like to lose a sibling. Too often, people get uncomfortable and awkward when you mention losing a sibling, and I wish more people would react the way Eva did—by simply caring for you instead of pitying you.

I love that the characters’ quirkiness is highlighted and that it’s being normalized in life. Eva is a super sassy and feisty girl who hides behind sarcasm because of her hurt, and I can definitely relate to that. I just really wish younger me could have met a real-life Riley to help put all my pieces back together and not make me feel bad for being broken at certain points in my life.

I highly encourage everyone to read this book—it’s such a good read!

Grumpy x sunshine, second chance romance. From the get-go the FMC comes off as angry with a giant chip on her shoulder. It made it hard to read and to gel with a character that always reverts to baseline level of bitter.
The MMC makes up for it a bit with his plethora of green flags... he's supportive, emotionally aware and an overall Golden retriever. I like him (even if the author used his first and last name interchangeably throught the book). 🤦🏻‍♀️
Honestly, I was ready to DNF at about halfway but wanted to give the book an honest chance. Once their physical relationship started, the communication became better (she reverted less to the snappy/bitchy comebacks). Overall, I'd give the book 3*.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read and review an eARC of this book.

⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

🌭🎥🎙️❣️

Enemies to lovers, second chance romance, forced proximity, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine

📖: Eva Kitt, host of Sausage Talk, is set to interview her former college fling, Riley Cooper, leading to a tension-filled reunion on air.

💭: This gave Chicken Shop Date vibes with Amelia and Andrew Garfield—if they had history. Such a fun and fresh take on second-chance romance, tying in relevant and relatable aspects of pop culture.

It was an entertaining read, but Eva could be so guarded and mean at times—it got frustrating. Like, girl, the jokes are going too far! I get that being a bit of a b* was her whole personality, but damn 😭.

Meanwhile, Riley was the greenest green flag book boyfriend there ever was—he’s in therapy, an advocate for breaking down toxic masculinity, and just an all-around good guy using his platform for good. And yet, Eva treated him horribly 80% of the time... for WHAT reason?!!!!!!!