Golden retriever x black cat
Second chance
Bisexuality
Humorous
Spicy

Narrated by - Ariela Crow

Super fun read. I enjoyed laughing along this storyline.

Eva is feeling unhappy and stuck in her career and life. She lives in a tiny NYC apartment, she’s feeling left behind by her friends as they are moving in to better things.
She gets drunk one night and finds her ex boyfriends social media. He broke her heart back in college. When she leaves a post on his social and it goes viral Riley her ex proposes a deal. 6 dates to make it up to her and redeem his social standing.

Fun and captivating story.

I enjoyed the storyline a lot but kept getting super frustrated with the FMC- which I’m sure that was planned but sheesh I wanted to shake her at times! lol I enjoyed the author’s writing style and development of characters. Overall it was a good read and I would read more from her in the future.

2.5 (very generously) rounded up.

This was one of my most anticipated reads of this year and it just didn't do it for me.

When I started reading it, I was feeling like it may be put up on my shelf next to First Time Caller by B.K. Borison, it had a similar vibe and similar banter and sass. As we got to the trauma of it all, I was reminded of Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone, another one of my 5 star reads this year, with its heaviness and emotional-depth.

In the end, what I got was the immature, petulant, self-degrading to the point of exhaustion love child of those two books. Eva was an exhausting main character.

Thanks Netgalley and Macmillan audio for the alc (ily).

Thank you so much to Macmillan Audio for the alc. All opinions are my own.

Well, Actually puts ex situationship Eva and Riley together after Eva goes on a drunken rant online. They have to make content now to continue to get more traffic to Eva’s employer. Meanwhile Riley wants a do over on the whole relationship, and Eva is just an angry cat.

I really struggled with this book. Some parts I loved loved, some parts completely disgusted me. We learned about Riley’s past and how he’s trying to better himself. Meanwhile Eva also had difficult times in her life, but she’s turned bitter and antagonistic instead.

The narrator was amazing. Her male voices were just chef’s kiss 🥵

What a pleasant surprise! Mazey Eddings is so witty and really knows how to write some zingers because some of her lines left me in absolute shambles with my jaw on the floor. I'm an absolute sucker for second chance romance and black cat FMC + golden retriever MMC dynamics so this was right up my alley. Eva and Rylie are not perfect individuals, however, and the way their relationship rocks back and forth while they try to repair what's broken may not be for everyone.

As much as I enjoy a messy relationship, if you don't get on with Eva, I can totally see how it'll be difficult to get past some of her more volatile reactions. The thing is, she's self-aware and self-conscious about her actions. It comes from a place of hurt and her own trauma, and I would've loved to see Eva really grapple with those things in a way that didn't overly rely on validation from a romantic partner.

That being said, I truly adored their chemistry and the way they play off of each other. I also appreciated the representation found in all corners of Eddings' books. From the main couple to their friend groups, it's obvious that she put a lot of care into weaving them into the story with intent and care.

Every single thing about this audio was perfect. I love Ariel’s Crow!!! Her voice was perfect! I am in awe of this book and getting to LISTEN to it was absolutely amazing!!

I loved every single thing about this book. This was so soft and sweet and SASSY and so sarcastic and so much fun! Honestly this was the perfect right person wrong time second chance of my DREAMS! And listen Rylie Cooper, almost word for word, says “stop being mean to me! I’m gonna fall in love with you!!” And that is all you need to know!

The story as a whole was perfect. The concept was fun and so awkwardly perfect - what Mazey is perfect at writing!! I loved all of the secondary characters, seeing that both Eva and Rylie found their families was so sweet. There was so much queer rep and queer joy written into this book, it was SO beautiful. The highlights on the toxic work environment, both Eva and Rylie’s past trauma and how they carried that with them and dealt with it was all written so well and with so much care and weaved through the story in such a good way.

Thank you so much to Macmillan Auido for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you so much Macmillan audio and SMP for the arc of this book. This was a true gift and I'm so grateful to have been able to read it.

I don't even know where to begin to describe my love for this book. I related to Eva so unbelievably hard and I was enamored by her from the very beginning. Black cat girlies rise! then I was completely blown away by the humor from Riley's character and the mystery behind their past relationship from their college days. Eddings handled every single obstacle in their lives with so much tender hearted care and poise. There are so many scenes that will forever live rent free in my head. The therapy scene for me just tops all else because it was so raw and so heartbreaking and I always appreciate the rawness of a therapy scene. Plus the green flags coming from Riley's character over and over and over again to rectify what he messed up on years ago and the way he continues to try to make it up to Eva just killed me. Their connection was undeniable and beautiful. I loved the dynamic of the roasting/bullying (out of love) just because that is a dynamic that I do in my own relationship. I also felt undeniably victimized by Eva's inner monologue just because it paralleled so closely to my own and it genuinely hurt. But in the best way.

I usually love Mazey Eddings novels. This one's just okay. Eva, our main character is a contrarian wench or a headstrong fruit loop. Whatever you want to call her, she's unlikeable and sucks the joy out of this romance. Yes, she has funny moments, but I never could understand why Cooper fell for her--six years ago or in the present.

Cooper--the author tells us (doesn't show us) how he's down bad for Eva, but we also learn that he was hung up on an ex. Ugh.

This book had a cute cover and a great narrator. It wasn't for me though. Here's hoping it's a one-off.

Chicken Shop date with hotdogs and second chance romance. Yes please.

Eva is the host of a YouTube like show that interviews celebrities while she causally roasts them and they both eat hotdogs. With some cringey unfortunately events leads to having her college hookup on the show to prove to her boss that she can play the game and hopefully can do the journalism she is interested in.

Banter was great. I love she’s kinda mean he’s a golden retriever obsessed with her kinda trope. It was a sweet romance with heart tugging topics that Eddings always handles with care.

Thanks to netgalley and Macmillan audio for an alc

This book had everything I’ve been wanting in a RomCom lately and more. To start, the banter was phenomenal! The tension between Riley and Eva was so intense and well done in this second chance romance. Well, Actually also had me laughing out loud, and I mean full cackling with some of the stupid banter and that first date (it’s too funny).

Now Riley Cooper, what a man he is. He is such a fantastic MMC. Not only was he patient and willing to learn from his mistakes, but truly understood the FMC on a deeply emotional level. I literally wanted to scream at how a third act breakup was nonexistent in this book because it is so rare to find books that don’t have it.

The external forces in this book made it a great story, and there were a lot of moments I think many will relate to. Especially when it comes to being taken advantage of by an employer.

Now for Eva, our very prickly FMC. I think having the book told entirely in her POV really helped to understand why she acts the way she does. I’m fully aware that a lot of people might have issues with her character because she may not be 100% likeable. There were times I was frustrated with her and wanted to shake her shoulders and to tell her to open her eyes, but I equally think she’s a very relatable character because of those moments. Sometimes people are guarded, with reason, and it takes a good minute to let those walls down.

I also want to note the representation in this book was fantastic. I want to point out that there was something I don’t think I’ve read but felt very realistic. The FMC in Well, Actually didn’t have sex until her 20’s and needed to learn how to communicate her wants and needs to the MMC (which lead to a very hot and spicy scene). It mentioned how she always felt like she need to please men, and how she put her own feelings aside for them. I think there’s a lot of people who can relate to this and seeing it in a book was very refreshing to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Aspiring journalist, Eva Kitt, is stuck hosting Sausage Talk - conversing with B-list celebs over hotdogs. After a drunken social media rant goes viral, Eva’s forced to face her ex Rylie Cooper to further her career.

This book was just fun! Second chances. Black cat vs golden retriever. All my favorite things in a romance.

Moody, abrasive, and a little unhinged - Eva still had me laughing throughout. I loved Rylie. He was so solid and steady. A calming wave to the constant storm of Eva’s emotions.

Really enjoyed this ALC - and loving my NetGalley experience so far! Looking forward to reading some more of Mazey Eddings’ books - I’m a sucker for reads where the other characters are featured in the authors others books

Mazey has done it again. Not only is this book hilarious, with the banter between the two characters, and especially Eva with her one-liners, but it so full of heart. Mazey always deals with mental health in such a way that gives the characters depth, but also shows how they are working on themselves to be the best versions of themselves. This book also had me blushing with the spicy scenes that also showcase the emotion between Eva and Rylie so well. Mazey wrote another book that will be one of my all-time favorites. I don’t want to spoil but I especially love how it wrapped up as well, felt very empowering. I seriously loved this one so so much! Thank you Mazey for this wonderful story with laughs, tears and so much heart. I especially loved the audio because I really felt all the emotion come through in the narration.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the advance listener copy of Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings. 

Eva currently hosts the show Sausage Talk which is not the journalism career she wanted. When Eva’s video calling out her college ex goes viral, suddenly the journalism career she’s hoped for may be within reach. The ex, Rylie, is an influencer focused around teaching people how to be good partners while deconstructing toxic masculinity. In response to Eva’s video, Rylie goes on Sausage Talk and asks Eva to take her on a few dates and an on-air debrief after. 

Wow, Ariela Crow does a simply incredible job narrating this story! Such a perfect selection to bring to life Eva. A key scene for Eva and Rylie in the third act was narrated exceptionally and is a scene/performance that will stick with me when I think about this book.

I love everything that Mazey Eddings writes!! I was so excited when I read the premise for Well, Actually and it was absolutely what I'd hoped for!! Eva and Rylie are so perfect together. The beginning of this book captured me immediately. After hearing about their college relationship from Eva’s perspective I was really interested in how the story and their relationship would progress. When those moments came, they were so well developed and written. I was absolutely obsessed with Eva and Rylie and I also liked how the book wrapped up. We also get to check in with LIZZIE!!!! That cameo was EVERYTHING! 

If you enjoy a second chance romance, I would definitely check out Well, Actually!

“Kitten” needs to be banned.

On another note, I’m just not vibing w/ our FMC right now. She’s just so… the world revolves around me. I get that she’s in media & needs constant attention = viewers, but it’s just a lot lol. Her lack of accountability is also not a vibe.

Although, I’ve seen some things about LGBTQIA+ romance in here— So I might pick this back up at a later time & just trudge through it lol.

I totally get the Chicken Shop Date reference though!!
The MCs are just not for me.
Ariela Crow still did an amazing job 🫶🏽

Update: Yeah, no ☠️ Trudging through this has me screaming. I’ll give it to Eve… She’s lowkey funny sometimes.

“ Every planet must be out of order w/ Neptune double penetrating Uranus” 🤣

This was just a whole lotta hurt people hurt people, but I’m glad she specifically got some therapy ‘cause she needed it fr. It all started over her feeling like she deserved a win, I get we all feel that way sometimes, but seriously— A drunk rant about a man from 6yrs ago is crazy. Esp since you’re the face of a media platform… And then doubling back ‘cause it blew up?

I mean, if you want realness. This gave very much that, social media influencers only take accountability when it blows up in their face. So I’ll give this read that, but Eve is just mean.
Esp since she was the one that essentially attacked his character!! Then she’s shocked that he’s changed and was actually going through his own sh*t 😐
Girl- Everyone didn’t leave you for adulthood. You just never let that hurt go…
She just drives me crazy lol.
*Like she didn’t want it to be such a big deal, but her job is trying to profit off of it yet she’s mad at Cooper getting sponsors & not being pained the way she wants him to be? GIRL 🌚

Copper is just weird too, mans it’s been 6yrs & he’s just in love w/ her again?
The chemistry isn’t there for me!! And him acting like being her first would’ve changed anything?
Mans howwww. I just don’t get them lol.
And the whole bi thing feels like it’s just a trope right now… 50% in, but I’m just spiraling fr lmfao.
Idk if I can do it chat.

holy shit!!! i have not had this much fun with a book in what feels like forever. everything about this book from start to finish was AHHHHHH levels of amazing, like that is the only appropriate reaction, just screeching into the abyss.

i have absolutely NO idea how mazey was able to accomplish making one of the silliest and funniest yet deep and heavy hitting book ive ever read.

i just KNOW im going to be fighting people left and right over eva, everyone always wants a REAL angry at the world black cat fmc until they actually get one!! i LOVED her from start to finish, i resonated with her in every way i possibly could have and it was really healing to watch her get her happy story shes always longed for but never thought she could have. eva’s growth through out this book was really beautiful to be able to watch 🥹

RILEY, god i dont even know where to begin. the literal perfect man if i have ever read one. i absolutely loved how much depth this man had and the way he held himself accountable for his past mistakes and just wanted to do whatever he could to right things between him and eva. i LOVEEEED how well he matched her energy in every way and he had me cackling left and right with his comebacks and little nicknames he would call her in fits of exasperation 😂. um also, the mouth on that man???? had me blushing 🤭🙂‍↕️😮‍💨

i really enjoyed how the two are opposites AND similar in every way possible. dont ask me how that makes sense - it just does, deal with it.

the narrator made this book SO fun, im actually really upset its over and im made at myself that i binged this in one go bc what the hell am i supposed to do now? move on? impossible 😭

i already know this will be a top 3 fav of this year and honestly its taking everything in me to not just restart it from the beginning and go again LMAO i loved it so much.

Eva, a "hot dog" podcaster (yes, you read that right), never expected to go viral when she dragged her college ex, Rylie Cooper, on social media. What she didn't realize at the time is that Cooper is a beloved influencer (with a large fan base) who devotes his life to deconstructing toxic masculinity. Eva is Cooper insists he take her on a series of dates to make up for his past behavior. Though she plans to make it as difficult as possible for him to be seen as the "good guy," he slowly wins her over, but can he win her heart?

✨second chance
✨black cat x golden retriever
✨bi & pan main characters
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️

"You're an enemy to the state."
"What state?"
"The state of my mental health."

This was so so fun! I enjoyed every single second, truly. The audiobook performance was phenomenal and kept me fully engaged the entire time. I LOVED RYLIE COOPER SO MUCH. This man was so down bad for Eva. Such fantastic "don't be mean to me I will fall in love with you" vibes, incredible banter, spice that will make you sweat, and such sweet moments. Eva was such a badass and the definition of a girl with a tough exterior, but soft inside. She provided such an interesting discussion about women in the public eye & how they are perceived vs. men. I loved the grief rep & the couples therapy scene is going to always hold a special place in my heart. I thoroughly and wholeheartedly recommend this book!

Thank you so much to MacMillan Audio, NetGalley, and Mazey Eddings for an ALC of this book!!! 🫶🏼

🎧 3.75 ★ – “Well, Actually” by Mazey Eddings
Big thanks to @Macmillan.Audio for the advanced copy!

⸻

📘 What it’s really about:

Eva Kitt hosts a quirky late-night pop‑culture show called “Sausage Talk,” where she awkwardly snacks on hot dogs while interviewing minor celebs. But when she impulsively calls out her college ex, Rylie Cooper—a social‑media figure known for deconstructing toxic masculinity—her viral takedown changes everything  .

Now the twist: she has to face him on a live episode. He challenges her to go on a series of dates—documented on his channel—to prove he’s grown. What starts as a PR stunt slowly turns into something real .

⸻

💥 What I loved:
• Obsessed with the banter. Eva’s sharp, trolly commentary vs. Rylie’s calm charm? Gold.
• Second‑chance with purpose. It’s enemies‑to‑lovers that actually delves into personal growth, mental health, biphobia, misogyny, grief, and learning emotional vulnerability .
• Eva is spicy. Her demeanor is protective armor—and I found it totally relatable. Rylie’s patience in breaking through it felt real and earned .
• Audio performance = ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. The narrator brought both sass and heart, making this feel like a full‑on cinematic rom‑com in my ears.

⸻

🤔 Why 3.75 stars?

This isn’t the hippest, most genre-bending rom‑com out there—it’s familiar territory. But sometimes familiar done well is exactly what hits the spot. The pacing lagged a bit for me, and some plot beats were predictable. Still, the emotional stakes, bold heroine, and smart dialogue kept me hooked.

⸻

Bottom line:
A warm, spicy, and thoughtful rom‑com that shines when its characters dare to get real. Great audio, heartfelt growth, and fun banter—your cozy enemies‑to‑lovers fix with depth.

4.5 stars! I really really loved this one! The FMC is basically if Bobbi Althoff was hosting Chicken Shop Date. Her personality can be pretty abrasive at times so she won't be appealing to everyone. I think second chance romance is slowly working it's way to being my favorite romance genre. It is just so so adorable when it's done well! The set up for this book is so fun, Eva sees a video of her college ex from 6 years ago giving dating tips and decides to make a video reply calling him out. It ends up going viral and he makes her an offer - let him take her on 6 dates to have a redo. I loved the journey their relationship went on how he never gave up on her even though she was constantly trying to push him away and close herself off.

**Review: *Well, Actually* by Mazey Eddings**
**Thanks to Harper Audio and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

What I liked most about *Well, Actually* was the emotional arc of redemption between the central couple. Their journey—from their university years, which ended in the male lead ghosting the heroine, to their eventual reconnection—felt heartfelt and realistic. I also appreciated how the heroine found her footing in journalism by the end; her professional growth was satisfying to witness. Mazey Eddings incorporated a queer element into the story in a way that felt natural and didn’t overshadow the central romance.

However, I struggled with the heroine’s personality—her abrasiveness often made her difficult to root for. The depiction of her bosses felt exaggerated and unpleasant, which added to the sense of frustration. Overall, there was a persistent feeling that the couple was always going to be fighting uphill battles, both personally and professionally, which made the romance feel a bit weighed down at times.

A fun enemies-to-lovers second chance romance. Eva is a journalist, her career isn't the hard hitting journalism she expected, but she eats hot dogs with B list celebrities and social media content creators. She sees an ex boyfriend, Rylie, on TikTok and she stitches him to expose him as ghosting her when they were in college. Never expecting anyone to see it- she has only 200 followers. Only discovering the next morning it has blown up. Rylie has her on his podcast and seems to enjoy the attention, even though it isn't great attention. He somehow convinces her to give him a second chance and go on a series of dates in order to redeem himself.

Eva and Rylie have incredible chemistry! Great banter and if you like enemies-to-lovers- this is not one to miss. For me, way too many spicy scenes, but this is a preference and not indicative of the material. I see a lot of reviews talking about how much they loved Rylie, for me, it took me awhile to warm up to him. 30% of the way in, I really disliked him. That says a lot about the enemies-to-lovers trope... we need that moment in which we see the "why" behind their behavior.

Recently we have more and more stories about bisexual people in a heteronormative relationship and this one was done very well and respectfully. There is some internalized biphobia but the characters are aware of it and learn and grown through their issues.

My first Mazey Eddings title and definitely not my last!

Audiobook- well acted, one female narrator who does a good male voice without sounding mocking. 5 star performance! Easy to follow on audio due to the great pacing.

Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the ALC. Book to be published 8/5/25.