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

This is a kick your feet squealing kind of book! I found it very Amelia Dimoldenberg and Andrew Garfield coded after their viral Chicken Shop Date. Eva (FMC) is a bit meaner than Amelia and Rylie (MMC) is a bit more genuine than Andrew. It's as if Chicken Shop Date was produced by Buzzfeed for C-list celebrities. Point is, we get a lot of tension with a lot of payoff, and I was hooked from the start!

What I love about this book is that we get to see the characters really break down their walls and address some big feelings. We come to understand how their original situationship was complex and why it made such a lasting impact on them both, which I really appreciated. We especially see the messy growth that Eva does throughout the book which was tender, raw, and oh so relatable.

There is quick banter throughout that fuels the slow burn in this book. When the spice gets going though, it's well worth the wait! Rylie loves eating pussy, and we love to see it, lol. I also really appreciated that this book is queer in a really delightful way with a whole slew of queer secondary characters to make you feel embedded in community. MILD SPOILER: (it's also bi x pan which I loved!) END OF SPOILER.

I devoured this book and adored the dynamic between Eva and Rylie. I especially related to Eva's sense of feeling lost and disappointed in her life as she hadn't landed where her younger self had hoped. Rylie's support was a healing balm in the ways that he believed in her, which was lovely to read.

If you're a vibes/seasonal reader like me, this book takes place during the Fall in NYC. There isn't too many mentions of the season or the city itself, but in case you're looking for something to fit that atmosphere, here ya go. I think this book would suit anyone who needs their faith restored in men, honestly. If you've been through a slew of Brad's and Chad's, pick up this book for a refreshing Rylie who has grown from his douchebag ways. If you're someone who uses humoured bullying as a coping mechanism because you're scared that if people see the real you, they will run- read this book! If you're chronically online, this book may also speak to you. In all, I really recommend this book because it's fun, sharp, spicy, and has a lot of heart.

LOVEEEEEE. This book was fantastic. I was worried that I wouldn't vibe with it once I knew the basis, but I was totally wrong. Our main character is trying to figure out what she wants to do in life while balancing her career aspirations with personal fulfillment. The romance unfolds organically, filled with sharp dialogue, tender moments, and a refreshing take on love in the digital age. Eddings crafts characters that feel authentic—flawed, charming, and undeniably human. Beyond the romance, the book delves into themes of self-worth, imposter syndrome, and societal expectations, making it more than just a love story. Eddings' prose is engaging, infused with humor and emotional depth, ensuring readers stay hooked from start to finish.

Fans of contemporary romance will appreciate Well, Actually for its smart, heartfelt storytelling and empowering message. If you enjoy witty banter, slow-burn romance, and characters who feel like real people, this book is a must-read.

Loved this! I thought their banter was adorable. I really liked Rylie and how he supported Eva.

Obviously William and Landry were the villains, and gosh did they suck. It was so sad that Landry would backstab Eva like that, gross. I hated how Landry kept manipulating her with the potential job promotion.

A few things that I wish were different: I would have loved to see a few chapters in Rylies POV. I also wish that Eva had more character development prior to Rylie coming back into her life, she deserves to grow. I would have loved to learn more about if/how Ray’s career took off after the charity event!

4⭐️

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

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

This was an absolute joy to read. I have enjoyed Mazey Rddings books and this was no exception. The characters were lovable and their story was great.

This was just chicken shop date if Amelia from chicken shop date was horribly unlikable and her show sucked.

I liked Rylie and thought he was a cool guy. Having a whirlwind couple of weeks with a guy from a college class then getting completely ghosted but still having to sit next to him in class once a week is unfortunately a cannon event. Great that this fictional version turned out to actually be a nice guy, he just so deeply hated himself in college.

Anyway, Eva was horrible. I get the black cat/ice queen trope - but Eva wasn’t those things, she was just mean. She was so mean to Rylie about something that happened SIX YEARS AGO? IN COLLEGE??? Girl give it a break. That’s something you go “oh yeah I remember him, he sucked, he made my life suck for a few months” about to your friends. If you’re still hanging on to THIS much hatred about it????? Get a life.

Also if she’s this snarky hardass powerful woman, why tf she roll over and take so much shit at work. She hated her job - okay girl you say you’re this journalist with so much drive… you live in gd New York City go find a different job. She absolutely crumbled and couldn’t form a sentence in front of her bosses (not very girlboss of her) AND she let her BEST FRIEND talk shit to her far too much at work.

Anyway, Rylie you deserve better. I’m so glad you figured out everything with yourself, but you deserve better than her.

Cover art slays tho

ARC from NetGalley

I quite liked this book. I have a hard time with FMC sometimes being overboard in fighting feelings and attractions, especially when it unnecessarily draws out the plot. I only was put off a time or two in this read. I also liked the MMC knowing that a lot of it was her fighting her own thoughts or expectations, having hangups, etc. and being willing to ride it out while she figures it out. This book touched on valid concerns and topics which I appreciate it. It still had some minor editing errors but I certainly enjoyed this read.

I saw where they were going with this, but it fell so flat for me.

I was kinda dreading this from the beginning with the FMC and how she acted, just not good vibes all around.

The idea initially intrigued me, but it just wasn't well executed.

Well, Actually has everything - witty banter, great character development, softie MMC, ‘he falls first but she falls harder’ trope, and 🌶️🌶️🌶️

If you hate the pet name ‘kitten’ run away.

Thank you for the opportunity of an eARC and I am leaving this review willingly.

3.25⭐️
I have mix feelings about this books. On one hand I enjoyed the overall story and I am a sucker for second chance romances and the writing itself is very good- I mean that in the technical sense. The story flows and is fast paced where I’m sure dans will read it in one sitting.

That being said… I got pulled to this book to begin with for the queer representation and I loved how much there was throughout. However, I do feel like the author created the characters simply to have diversity for diversity sake without having and character development.

Also, the FMC? How awful of a person can she be? O get being snarky as your personality but she treats people awfully. It’s toxic and in some cases abusive.

The MMC? Boring. He has no substance and the amount of abuse that he takes is concerning in 2025 when it’s not called out. I’m fine with having problematic characters and situations but I prefer when the author is responsible and at least brings light to the fact that said behavior is not to be tolerated in reality.

I enjoy when books have a scant sprinkle of current events, pop culture etc.. but this is as if the cap on the jimmy container was loose and they dumped all over the ice cream..
Now everyone not from MA can go Google what a jimmy is the same way folks will have to Google many of these references which will be irrelevant in no time.

Overall, the concepts and story has such promise but the execution was way off base.


I am thankful to have gotten the eARV for free from St Martins Press through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

Well, actually.... just as I expected, this was a goddamn DELIGHT. It's everything a romcom should be, in my opinion! This really does have it all - such a good slow burn, wonderful characterization that extends past the romance, and banter that sizzles on the page. I was grinning at my phone like an idiot while reading too many times to count.

If you think based on the (completely adorable) cover that this is based on Chicken Shop Date, you're....kind of right? But it's so much more than that! Eva Kitt is the host of Sausage Talk, a talk show where she interviews D-list celebs while eating hot dogs, but what she really wants is to be taken seriously as a journalist; Rylie Cooper is a social media personality with a podcast on how subvert toxic masculinity. After Eva attracts viral attention when she posts a tipsy Tiktok about their college fling that ended poorly, Rylie and Eva are thrust back together on the set of Sausage Talk - much to Eva's undisguised chagrin.

Listen, I LOVE a female character who is unapologetic about the fact that she's mean, sarcastic, and abrasive (with a vulnerable, emotionally fraught heart that she lets few people see). And what I love maybe even more is a man who adores her, not in spite of that fact but because of it. Rylie and Eva are at each other's throats - literally and metaphorically - for the majority of this book and I ate it up. Combine that with a toxic workplace subplot and no third act breakup (!!!!) & you have my ideal romance novel come to life.

Honestly, I just had so much fun reading this to the point where I didn't want it to end. I'll be purchasing my own copy the moment it comes out & unabashedly singing its praises till then.
Final rating is a 4.5 that I'm rounding up to a 5.
Thank you to NetGalley & St Martin's Press for the ARC!

I am so sorry to say this just wasn't for me. I won't go on and on with reasons but i just couldnt get into it. The main characters really annoyed me especially Eva and how rude she is. I just couldn't get into it but I'm sure it's someone else's cup of tea.

"eva, my love. i've had six years to let you go and decide you're not worth it. give me six hundred more and it still wouldn't matter. I'm yours."

I am absolutely FLOORED by how beautiful this story is. eva & rylie are the epitome of right person, wrong time ... but I am extremely proud that they got it right. I have loved every second of this book and will shout from the rooftop when august 5, 2025 comes around and force all my loved ones to read this incredible love story!

thank you netgalley, mazey eddings, and st. martin's press for this absolute delight of a story.

Thank you to NetGalley, Mazey Eddings, and St. Martin’s press for the opportunity to read the eARC of this book!

Spoiler free review :)
This book is a modern day second-chance romance between journalist, Eva Kitt, who currently hosts a show called ‘Sausage Talk’ where she interviews a variety of celebrities, and influencer, Rylie Cooper who just so happens to be her ex from her college years. After one drunken social media rant goes viral, they find themselves in the spotlight revisiting their previous relationship and Rylie trying to right all of his wrongs with Eva who is NOT having it. If you love Chicken Shop Date, you will LOVE this book.

Firstly, the banter is TOP TIER, had me giggling relentlessly. I love the constant back and forth between these two and I honestly really resonate with Eva, the FMC…I love bullying my husband 🤣 You have to keep them humble ya know! The story was beautifully written, heartbreaking and honest and vulnerable, it brought me to tears a few times…sometimes from laughing and sometimes because I could feel the hurt pouring through this book, from both sides of the situation. Which brings me to Rylie Cooper…the man that you are 😮‍💨🥰 You’ll have to read this book when it comes out on August 5th, 2025 to find out why he is one of my favorite book boyfriends 🫶🏻
This is my first book from Mazey but I’m excited to delve into her others, and this one is definitely a MUST READ!

I really wanted to love this one. I just couldn't get into it and didn't find myself connecting with the characters. The FMC is supposed to be stubborn and bitchy but she mends so easily to the MMC, which just makes no sense. It wasn't the one for me.

I was initially lured to this because I love Chicken Shop Date and I could tell that this was definitely using this as inspiration. This book however was not for me and it was kind of a struggle for me to finish, often skipping ahead just to finish it.

The FMC is supposed to be strong and sassy but instead often came across and rude and kind of bratty to me. She often overreacted to situation and punched down on the MMC just because she.. liked him? The MMC also kind of took on a Mary Sue esque façade, often just kind of being a kind person, but not really anything deeper. I just didn't often believe their chemistry and once they were together, was expecting the FMC to have a sweeter side that never really developed.

My main issue with this book though was a I felt like the author wrote character just to check the diversity box, without really giving them personalities. Most of the characters were part if the LGBTQ+ community but often just acted like stereotypes of whatever orientation they identified with. It kind of felt shallow and like they were just thrown in. I can see how this book would be great for some people who would really see themselves identified! Sadly that just wasn't me!

Once again thank you Net Galley for this amazing ARC!

Oh my gosh. This book was everything and then some. I immediately knew from the first page that this would be a five star read. I was completely captivated. The main characters magnetic and electric energy towards each other was so mesmerizing to read. Their witty comebacks and banter was hilarious, cute, and sexy. What a perfect, cheesy romcom. And fuck Landry and William!!!!!!! I was so glad to read the ending of that!

Eddings is an instant buy for me, and this one might be my favorite yet. I loved the characters so much. And the banter! My gosh, top tier!

4.5 stars

I'm not the biggest second change trope fan, but this story just does it so well. It may have changed my feelings on second chance. The rest of the tropes? Grumpy/sunshine, Golden retriever mmc, enemies to lovers, all of that? Lovelovelove

I laughed at loud multiple times, especially towards the beginning (shower scene into first date car scene? I don't think I stopped laughing for 3 chapters).

I loved the character growth throughout the story, though the "villains" were a little one-dimensional. But the main characters and supporting cast redeemed the story. I also loved the teeny tiny update on one of her older characters. Glad to see the universe is still alive and well, maybe next book we'll get some more cameos. I'd love to see a side character or 3 get their chance at love.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in exchange for an honest review

I wanted to review this book because I really enjoyed Mazey Eddings’s Late Bloomers, and I think she did an equally amazing job with this one. Eddings has a beautiful way of incorporating mental health themes in a meaningful and uplifting light, which is one of the things I love about her.

I loved the story and the back-and-forth between the characters. While I did feel the main character was a bit much at times, I still found myself laughing out loud multiple times at the witty banter. And the heartfelt parts of the book really pulled on my nonexistent heart strings making even me teared up a little!

Jennifer Pierce did an incredible job with the cover art, as she always does. However, my biggest issue with the book — and something I really think should be addressed — is the formatting of the text messages. Around 18% into the book, the characters start texting, and it’s difficult to distinguish those messages from the regular narrative. Other books often format text conversations in a way that separates them more clearly, and that would have been really helpful here.

Aside from that, this book was witty, beautiful, funny, and an absolute delight to read. I flew through it much faster than I wanted to, and I already miss the characters. Bravo to Mazey Eddings for another fantastic book — I can’t wait to read her next one!