This was so so soooo close to a 5-star book for me. It was funny, endearing, and the characters were likable. It was messy and real and enjoyable!

Things I liked:
🎙️The second-chance was done well
🎙️How b!tchy and petty the FMC was
🎙️How sweet the MMC was. A non-toxic king
🎙️It was funny! I found myself giggling a couple of times
🎙️I liked the modern setup. Like the role of podcasts, social media (AKA Tiktok), etc.
🎙️The pacing was nice
🎙️ The narrators

Things that took it down:
🎙️The way she put down pop culture journalists, saying she wanted to write something that "mattered"... did we need to put down a valid career to say you wanted to switch?
🎙️Her getting a literary agent at the end, like ughhhh not everyone is a writer!
🎙️The denouement felt rushed
🎙️ I thought there was more spice than I needed

Overall, I recommend the audiobook for a quick, modern rom-com!

Well, Actually is a second chance, enemies-to-lovers romance that has heavy Chicken Shop Date vibes. Eva banters with B -level celebrities while eating hot dogs for video content. She doesn't love the job, but it seems like a path for her to get to more "serious" journalism. Her college ex, Rylie, also makes popular videos and Eva drunkenly makes a TikTok response to one of Rylie's videos that sets them down a path of going on dates for content.

The book has an interesting premise and enjoyable banter, but a couple things really frustrated me. First, Rylie's whole schtick is that he calls out other men for their toxic masculinity - which great, love it! - but there are also times where he essentially tells Eva what she wants when she's saying the opposite. Second, the stakes of their relationship and work didn't always make sense to me.

Although not my favorite Mazey Eddings' book, I liked Eva a lot, even when I wanted to grab her by the shoulders and shake some sense into her.

This book pulled me in with the snark and sarcasm, my love language. But it evolved into so much more and discusses honest, raw, emotions. I can not explain enough how eloquently these topics are discussed. I encourage everyone to read this book, just for a glimpse into different people's perspectives and how trauma can impact their life moving forward.
This book also sheds light on the LGBTQIA community and just the tip of the iceberg in what people can experience when struggling with their gender identity and love life.
So if your love language is sarcasm, or mac n cheese like Eva, I suggest you give it a go!

Listened via NetGalley

i really tried to like this book more. enemies to lovers but with a whole lot of messed up between. the way eva was constantly a downer was a big part of it. i feel like it tried to hard with current references and put in so many toxic/traumatic situations. i dnf after the first time they slept together because it all felt so awkward. the nicknamaes were awful. the narrator was good, but the eva consistent drama was hard to get past.

thank you #netgalley and #macmillanaudio for the alc.

The banter between the two main characters, Cooper & Eva, was good - for the most part.
I had a hard time connecting with the FMC, in fact, I found the character to be a bit mean.
I do like a good enemies to lovers romance, but I really struggled with this one.
Plot is structured well and the pace is right.
Characters were developed.
SOOOOOO much pop culture.
Workplace drama.
I think it was that I couldn't connect with the book.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for a review!

*Update 7/31/2025: I recently received an ARC of the audio book and still stand by the above review!*

Well Actually by Mazey Eddings
ARC from macmillian audio
Release date: Aug 5th 2025
-Omg this book had me cackling and intrigued, I love the plot of this book I would totally listen/ watch the debrief episodes
-Riley sounds so fine, him having a podcast deconstructing toxic masculinity is sooo 2025 so many men has podcasts nowadays , I love him trying to change tho we love growth
-Eva is a badass and hilarious i love her I feel like we’d be besties
-the tension and banter is so cute and funny i LOVE THEM together
-the first date is giving chicken shop date with Amelia i’m GIDDY and blushing
-the siri typo text killing me lollll
-his past 🥺😭
-the reason behind her fear of heights
-the spice Ouff 😩 I want to be man handled by Riley 🤪
-this book was so funny and adorable Mazet did again with this one 🥰
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2.5 stars)

Well, Actually had a fun concept and I really enjoyed the first half—it was quirky, clever, and felt like it was building toward something great. But by the second half, I found myself just wanting it to be over. I’m not sure I was the right audience for this one. As an elder millennial, a lot of the tone and humor felt very Gen Z-coded. Eva constantly calling Riley “baby girl” left me confused (and mildly annoyed), and I just couldn’t get behind a love interest who drives a PT Cruiser and sleeps under a denim comforter. It all just felt a bit too odd and performative for my taste.

That said, I can see how this book might resonate more with younger listeners who vibe with the online-forward, irony-laced style. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me.

It took me a while to like Rylie, and I’m still not sure that I like Eva.

There were a lot of pop culture references that were not necessarily framed as such, but I still caught and felt weird about. A big part of Eva’s personality is saying off-putting things and they could all be directly pulled from the TikTok series of a man (Kyle Prue, I believe) telling women things to say to men to make them mad. Eva also internally refers to her bag as being "ludicrously capacious”, which is technically legal, but I didn’t like it. I understand this is a contemporary book and there will be contemporary aspects, but I do feel that this book may have overdone it, just not in a super obvious way. Additionally, the phrase “my teeth ache” is way overused in this book. Maybe this is something I have not personally experienced, but who has achy teeth?

Overall, this book was fine and definitely was not my least favorite of Mazey’s. I enjoyed the cameos from Lizzy and Harper; it was nice to see they are still thriving.

The narrator bothered me at times. Overall, she did ok, but I would maybe not seek out additional books narrated by her.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Mazey Eddings delivers a thoughtful, engaging romance in Well, Actually that balances humor, vulnerability, and social commentary in a way that feels both intentional and deeply human. I appreciated how the story centers a protagonist living with chronic illness—not as a footnote or subplot, but as an intrinsic part of her character and experience. That representation alone sets this book apart.

Eddings’ voice is snappy and smart, with witty dialogue and a strong narrative voice that immediately pulled me in. The romance itself is well-paced and emotionally resonant, avoiding cliché while still delivering the kind of tension and payoff romance readers crave.

That said, there were a few pacing issues in the middle where the momentum lagged slightly, and some side characters could have used a bit more development. But overall, these didn’t detract significantly from my enjoyment.

Well, Actually is perfect for readers looking for a rom-com that doesn’t play it safe—one that’s unafraid to dig into topics like ableism, identity, and the emotional labor of being chronically misunderstood. I’ll definitely be recommending this one to romance readers who want something with more emotional heft.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a such a fun quick read. The narrator did a great job ! The banter between these two characters had me laughing out loud and kicking my feet. I think it is a great read or listen for the summer time.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

I liked this one!! I thought the story was really cute, especially with how everything ended up and the ways that the MMC communicated during the third act conflict! I didn't fully vibe with the characters but I found them really well characterized. The spicy scenes were definitely not for me, but I appreciated that at least one of them had parts that played into character and relationship development. And the narrator was good, but I don't think I'd strongly recommend the audio over the physical!

Loved. This. Book.
It started out funny and snarky, which I devoured. The characters were so well developed and deep that as their trauma unfolded you felt every emotion. The sad of this stories is how realistic this all feels in our world.

Eva Kitt, I want to be your friend! Every part of her character made me fall in love with her. And Rylie Cooper…swoon! Such a caring heart.

Author Mazey Eddings did a wonderful job with this story. Spicy and romantic. Funny and heartfelt. My first read by her but I will be back for more.

Narrator Ariela Crow…Beautiful work! She captured a slew of characters perfectly. I loved her voice for Rylie and she depicted Eva effortlessly.

Ms. Eddings! I think you have just unlocked a new book boyfriend for me. Okay, so this books is a twist on Chicken Shop Date except with hotdogs instead of chicken, and B-list celebrity interviews without the idea that this is a date, it's just an interview. The book cover is giving Amelia and Andrew Garfield vibes though and I am still holding out hope for those two lovebirds.

Back to the book. I loved this book. This was my second book by this author and I think it's a hit and even better than Lizzie Blake. I said what I said, these are just my opinions. The spice, was spicing. The banter was witty and just perfect. The fake dating scenario for the views and for the sake of their jobs was fun, but the best part of the whole novel was Rylie Freaking Cooper. While Eva is a witch's black cat (and rightfully so), Rylie is a golden retriever. He is not mean, or disrespectful towards Eva. He has his own podcast about deconstructing toxic masculinity and teaching men how to be good partners. HE GOES TO THERAPY WILLINGLY!!!!! This man is obviously a work of fiction because men like this do not exist in real life. They just don't.

Yes, he was a bit of a jerk to Eva when they met in college but he was also in his twenties, in college, dealing with a whole lot of personal baggage. Did he have to bring Eva into the mess that was his life at the time? No. But would our protagonist be any better off never having met him? Also no.

I think Rylie and Eva complimented each other really well even though Eva was still reeling from the way things ended between them in the past. Rylie more than makes up for his behavior but also softens Eva's sharp and cold defensive demeanor. And I am so happy with the way the conflict resolution came about between the characters. It was a mature, clear communication and realistic ending without a third-act breakup. I loved it.

Just finished the *Well, Actually* audiobook (thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio) and I’ve got thoughts!

Overall, I’m giving this one **3/5 stars**. The narrator was super engaging—she really brought the story to life and made it easy to stay hooked! Loved the variety of queer representation, because even though a male/female relationship might LOOK straight, bi/pan people are important figures in the queer community and as a bi person, that representation is super important to me.

I *loved* Eva at first—she’s smart, quirky, and funny—but I kept wishing she’d stand up for herself more. Like girl, you deserve better!! Meanwhile, Rylie totally surprised me. He had some real growth and depth, and I ended up rooting for him way more than I expected.

It’s a cute read with some great moments, but I was left wanting a little more *oomph* from the FMC. Still, if you’re in the mood for something light and heartfelt with a solid emotional arc, it’s worth a listen/read.

I really enjoyed this! While it didn’t strike me as anything super special, I did have a very good time and enjoyed the plot and characters. I also enjoyed the modern-ness of the story; sometimes a story like this that are social media/internet forward can come off buzz-wordy and cheesy but this didn’t.

The biggest pro was the audio itself though - Ariela Crowe nailed it!

Thank you to NetGalley, Mazey Eddings, and the Macmillan Audio for the ARC of Well, Actually in exchange for an honest review!

Okay, let’s start with what worked—because quite a bit did. There’s a Rory Gilmore reference- you know the Christiane Amanpour one within the first chapter and I said ohhh she’s speaking my language. The book goes there on the toxicity of corporations calling themselves “family” (burn it all down), and there’s a fantastic exploration of how we shrink or dilute ourselves to be digestible in relationships—especially in our 20s. That one hit.

Also?? Glasses being called the sluttiest thing a man can wear??? Literally my personal gospel so I felt seen.

There’s solid LGBTQIA+ rep, a second-chance romance (aka my one true weakness), and a podcast-together setup that delivers what I crave most: intellectual foreplay disguised as banter. Seriously, if you liked First Time Caller or Truly Madly Deeply, this is in your lane.

The audiobook narrator deserves their flowers, too—especially the way she handles those low, whispery, male-voice-as-intimacy moments. You know the ones. It gave.

So why only 3 stars? Here's the thing: I enjoyed it, but something didn’t fully click for me. My rating reflects my personal experience, not necessarily the book’s objective quality. Some minor things that pulled me out:

Aida (the bestie) lowkey sucked. Not sure what was supportive or bestie about her, tbh.
The story’s momentum seemed to peak around the 65% mark, and then the pacing wobbled. I felt a bit adrift in the back third.
I found out after finishing that this was loosely inspired by Amelia & Andrew (Chicken Shop Date). Glad I didn’t know beforehand because I think that might’ve colored my expectations—weirdly not a fan-fic-to-romance girlie, no shade.
The smut scenes... oof. I don’t know how to describe the level of secondhand embarrassment except to say I was speed-adjusting the audiobook like that would somehow help me not hear it. It wasn’t for me, and I say that with all the love in the world.
And the nickname “kitten”?? Unsubscribe. Absolutely not. I’ve recovered, but barely.
All that said, I would still recommend this to readers who enjoy podcast-centric romance, second chances, spicy banter, and social commentary with heart. I can totally see it being someone else’s five-star fave—it just didn’t land quite there for me.

When Eva’s drunken rant about her ex goes viral, she’s forced into six fake dates with said ex—Rylie, a golden-retriever podcast host and the anti-toxic masculinity icon we all need. What follows, you ask? Banter so sharp it draws blood, a black cat x golden retriever dynamic that redefines the trope, and A+ commentary on media, misogyny, and the messy angst of your twenties. Think You Deserve Each Other, but set in NYC with hot dogs and couples therapy.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Rating: 4.5 stars—only docking for the cartoon villain vibes of the antagonists.

Format: Excellent on audio, but you’ll want the hard copy to highlight every savage one-liner.

Bottom line: Your new favorite rom-com and the next Mean Girls bible. Well, Actually drops August 5—thank you Macmillan Audio and St. Martin’s Griffin for the ARC and ALC!

This was a very heart warming and sweet read. I love the representation and that it doesn’t feel like an afterthought. The story was engaging and the banter was top tier. 4 stars!

Thank you NetGalley and McMillan audio for the opportunity to listen to this ARC.

This book had a lot going on. There were times when I laughed out loud and times when I was waiting for the book to be over. This was the first story I’ve read/ listened to by this author. I rate it mid ways because there were some really cool spots.

Snarky, self-deprecating black cat girl 🤝 golden retriever boy in kind of a second chance romance, reunited to fake date and work on a podcast together. Friends, this is like literally all of my favorite tropes rolled into one and I ate it all up! Another fun romance by Mazey Eddings (and if you haven't read Lizzie Blake's Best Mistake I definitely recommend it!) and if you HAVE read it, you may see some familiar faces! This one is out 8/5! Thank you @netgalley and @macmillan.audio !