Well, Actually features social media fame, forced proximity, and second-chance romance. The FMC is emotionally distant, often immature, and deflects with snarky humor, making meaningful conversations difficult. She resents the forced proximity despite causing it and struggles with accountability. Her repeated insistence that their past relationship was a mistake feels overdone, and while she acknowledges her immaturity, she doesn’t work to change it. Mental health is only discussed during sex, and it takes 70% of the book for her to admit her feelings.

Meanwhile, the MMC shows more self-awareness and growth, navigating grief and sexual identity while making genuine efforts to connect—even attending therapy, only for the FMC to dismiss it as “fake.”

Despite solid writing and engagement, the characters and humor didn’t resonate with me. Fans of black cat/golden retriever dynamics and second-chance romance might enjoy it, as well as those interested in discussions of queer identities, grief, mental health, and toxic workplaces.

Also, there are similarities to Chicken Shop Date with Amelia and Andrew Garfield.

I have mixed feelings on this title; it was very middle of the road. There really wasn't anything bad about the book, but it also wasn't revelatory either. I do really love Mazey Eddings' writing style, I find that she is super endearing to her readers. I absolutely loved her "A Brush With Love" series so I'm not sure if I'm underwhelmed where this was a stand-alone? Also, cute tie-in having Lizzie join the hot dog show!!

I'll always read the next book by Eddings, but this one was a very firm "meh". Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC!

Okay, it’s cute. I liked it. Eva is bitchy. She’s not nice. She’s not easy. She hates what she does because she wants to be a journalist, not interviewing people just as desperate as she is. Rylie is sweet. So sickly sweet

Well, Actually was a cute Rom-Com. It took me a little while to get into it, but once I did it was a fast read. The characters were likable. It was a good, modern twist on the enemies to lovers trope.

I know a 3 star rating is a good, solid rating, however, I’ve given the previous 5 books by this author 5 stars. So this is my first book by my favorite author that I haven’t given 5 stars. Absolutely devastating to me.

But this books was good, it just didn’t have the emotional punch or same humor imo that the authors previous books had.

This was an enjoyable read with a lot of heart. I would say it was mid-to-high tier for me. There was a lot of yearning and a sweetie-pie of a male love interest. A little too much spice for me, but it was at least built up in a way that made sense as opposed to just throwing it in to check a box.

Overall, well done!

3.5/5.00, rounded up.

✨thank you netgalley for this arc✨

3.5 ⭐️

this is basically chicken shop date x call her daddy x amelia dimz x andrew garfield

and i was sooooo here for it. i also love female rage and a plain ol’ mean FMC so this was so much fun for me

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings!

This was my first Mazey Eddings book, and I can confidently say I’m obsessed! Her writing style was fun, engaging, and kept me hooked from start to finish. Every character, both main and side, felt well-developed and incredibly likable.

I don’t think I’ve ever read a main character quite like Eva, but I absolutely adored her. While she might come across as a little sharp, I never found her mean. She’s one of the most self-aware, funny, and sarcastic protagonists I’ve encountered, and I loved seeing her growth throughout the book. Beneath her tough exterior, she was so soft, and watching others misinterpret her while knowing her true heart made her journey even more rewarding.

And then there’s Rylie Cooper what an absolute sweetheart. That man was baby girl. Every interaction with him had me grinning, and I couldn’t stop laughing at so many of his moments. Beyond his humor, though, his emotional growth was beautifully done. I especially appreciated how the book tackled his past experiences with loss and internalized biphobia. The way he acknowledged his past mistakes without excusing them, and the effort he put into becoming better, was handled so well.

While this book had plenty of laugh out loud moments, it also explored important topics with depth and care. I loved how it balanced humor with heartfelt, meaningful themes.

Overall, Well, Actually was an incredible read, and I highly, highly recommend!

if you’re looking for a charming & laugh out loud romance, Mazey Eddings always delivers. This might be the funniest book I’ve ever read, from simple quips in banter to comically placed items, this book absolutely killed me.

If you’re a fan of Chicken Shop Date, the cover draws you in so quickly. The female main character, Eva, hosts an interview style talk show, but unlike Chicken Shop, they eat hotdogs (which are superior). Eva and the male main character, Rylie, film on this show and I loved the banter within this part!! It truly lives up to the hopes I had from the cover alone. Also, in addition to the meet-cute on the show, we also dig into Eva and Rylie’s history many years ago.. pulling you in even further.

However, ultimately I thought that Eva’s job would be more significant in the story. This was true for the first half, but not the second. Honestly, I wanted more from this plot line, because I thought it was super fun. By the end I was disappointed in it.

Even though this is a hetero-facing romance novel, it’s so important to point out that Eva is pansexual and Rylie is bisexual. Both of these facts are essential to each of their characters, and I loved the representation throughout the story. Especially because we learn so much about Rylie & his struggle with his sexuality in the past, this felt so real to me and I’m so glad it was a part of this story.

The spice level in this book is pretty moderate. The build up to it is so well done, and if you’re looking for spice fueled by yearning this is a good book for you.

Thanks so much to the publisher for giving me an advanced copy via NetGalley! I am very appreciative to get to read this story early,

Overall, I rate this a 4/5. It’s a solid romance with so much charm and wit.

Seriously best book I’ve read in a long time. I was laughing out loud constantly. The heart break, self love, second chances and humor were just perfect!

Mazey is an Auto buy for me so when I got this ARC I was so excited!
Banter is my favorite in romance books and this books goes above and beyond. I loved it. I also love a man who is down bad!

Thank you, SMP Romance, for the early copy of "Well, Actually."

Hot diggity dog, Mazey Eddings has done it again!

This is officially my new favorite from one of my auto-buy authors. Eva and Rylie are the ultimate black cat x golden retriever couple. From Eva’s emasculating nicknames to Rylie’s goofy sweaters, this bisexual duo is bound to have everyone falling head over heels. Heads up: this romance is a slow burn, but once it heats up, it stays sizzling!

At first, Eva’s work struggles felt stressful, but then I realized: that’s the whole point! Her challenges in climbing the career ladder are painfully relatable and so realistic that I could feel my heart racing. Readers will no doubt despise her higher-ups, which just proves how well Eddings writes her antagonists. And while the workplace drama keeps the tension high, the romance never takes a backseat, as both storylines shine equally throughout.

If you love second chances, out-of-the-box dates, and watching every episode of Chicken Shop Date, then "Well, Actually" is, well, actually for you! You’ll want to ketchup to this one when it hits shelves in August. (Sorry, I had to fit in one more.)

Well Actually by Mazey Eddings is absolute fun! if you're a fan of chicken shop date videos but what if they fell in love? Oh you will eat this up!
This book was so swoony and chemistry filled. I loved the dynamic between Eva and Cooper. talk about a grumpy sunshine but she's the angry girl and he just words of affirmations her into a swoony romantic relationship. It's such a unique and fresh take in the romance genre that I loved reading something new. Cooper is the greenest flag and I need more men like him! This was refreshing, witty, steamy and so good! I devoured this book in a sitting and will have readers swooning and twirling their hair. Must read for the summer!

I don’t know who is more *obsessed* with Eva, me or Rylie. Eva is the arguments you think about after the fact in the shower—except she says them in the moment, without hesitation. Essentially, she is my inner monologue that I desperately wish I could become reality. She is brutal and withholds nothing and Rylie just sits there like a lovelorn fool and it’s perfect.

Once I started reading I did not put it down, except when my kindle fell on my face. Mazey Eddings is a new to me author and I will be reading everything I can from her.

This second chance romance that read like an enemies to lovers, and takes its time to rebuild the connection. Our FMC is clever and snarky, but this black cat has a back story that explains her motivations without wallowing. Our MMC is a kind of cringey on [TikTok] but the good kind of corny in practice.

Set aside your August 4, 2025. You will want the day to immerse yourself in Well, Actually. I was lucky enough to receive an advance reading copy from the publisher and NetGalley.

There was just such a disconnect in the storyline where it hit hard in the beginning like a bolt of lightning with a fun premise but then it slows to therapy. Next we are hot and bothered with spice followed by a lesson on the business world.

There were thought provoking quotes that hit hard on how we put out our defenses. Along with conversations on topics of bisexuality and pansexuality.

Thank you NetGalley and St.Martin’s Press for sending this book (eARK) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

This was an entertaining second-chance romance. I loved the premise of this book but there were some things that I didn't enjoy as much.
The MMC, Rylie, was fine. He recognizes his wrongs in the past and thanks to many years of therapy, he worked through his problems and became a better person. He holds himself accountable, which is great. He did feel a little boring at times though.
Eva, the FMC, doesn't. She's unfortunately always being rude to everyone and sometimes for no reason, just because. I understand that that's her defense mechanism/trauma response, but I don't think that gives anyone the right to treat others badly. She'd do it purely out of spite sometimes and rarely apologized for it. I wish we had gotten some character growth from her, like her finally deciding to work through her issues/traumas by getting some much needed therapy (let's be honest, we all need it). Or how she spends the entire book mentioning how her dream is to work as a journalist that gets to talk about more serious issues and yet at the end, when Rylie asks her what her future plans are, she says "Idk"...GIRL WHAT?!
I did love their banter though, it was really good!
Eva's work environment was extremely toxic, I did feel really bad for her. No one should ever had to put up with sh*t like that. Hope William and his mom are having an awful day, always. They deserve it.

Overall, I had a fun time reading this. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me an arc!

I have the feeling that was somehow inspired by Chicken Shop Date?
Anyway, the idea is really good, because I love that show, and I think that after the Andrew Garfield episode, it gained attention, however the book itself didn't quite hit the mark for me. I felt that the author tried to make the FMC sassy like Amelia, but in the end it just became too mean.
In general i had hope but I got dissapointed.
Thanks to the publisher for the advanced copy

Let’s talk about the real star here: the absolutely gut-wrenching, rip-your-heart-out representation of what it’s like to be a neurodivergent woman who appears cool, logical, and emotionally detached when in reality, you’re feeling everything so intensely it’s like drowning in an ocean no one else can see. The way Eddings captures that experience? Devastating. Brilliant. Seen. If you’ve ever had your feelings dismissed just because they don’t show up in a socially acceptable way, prepare to cry (and highlight half the book).

And of course, the romance? It’s chef’s kiss. Our heroine? Brilliant, bold, and not afraid to correct your grammar mid-flirt. Our hero? Soft, sweater-wearing, and so head-over-heels that he might trip over his own encyclopedic knowledge of niche trivia. Their chemistry? Off-the-charts banter with just enough tension to make your heart do that embarrassing fluttery thing.

If you love snark, smarts, and a romance that feels like an inside joke you desperately want to be part of Well, Actually might just be your next five-star read.

Wow. Where do I even begin?

I couldn’t put this book down. It fundamentally changed my brain chemistry and I fear I will never be the same. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and I was invested from beginning to end.

Eva is such a relatable character and her storyline and character development felt so real and raw. I empathized with her every step of the way and I was so thrilled that she got her happy ending, both personally and professionally.

Rylie is everything. I’m actually struggling to find the words to explain how much I love this man. He’s just perfection.

While I don’t typically enjoy the second chance trope, I loved this one. The grumpy x sunshine vibes were also exceptional.

Overall, I am obsessed. I will be purchasing a physical copy on release and re-reading it again and again for years to come.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!