Book Review: Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings – A Sharp, Modern Second-Chance Romance

Well, Actually follows Eva Kitt, a hot dog interview host whose viral call-out of her ex leads to a series of staged redemption dates that just might rekindle something real.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the ARC of this audiobook. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Summary:

Eva Kitt never imagined her journalism dreams would lead to hosting Sausage Talk, a quirky show interviewing B-list celebs over hot dogs. But when her on-air rant about her college ex, now-famous influencer Rylie Cooper, goes viral, she’s suddenly back in the spotlight. Rylie, who’s built his brand on combating toxic masculinity, proposes a public redemption arc: a series of dates with Eva, followed by honest debriefs on his channel to prove he’s changed. Eva reluctantly agrees—not to help him, but to boost her own career and expose him further. Yet as their staged outings turn unexpectedly genuine, Eva begins to question whether the man who once hurt her could now be the one to heal her.

My Thoughts:

As a longtime fan of Mazey Eddings, I didn’t hesitate to pick up Well, Actually—and overall, I’m glad I did. The story centres on Eva Kitt, a sarcastic, no-nonsense host of Sausage Talk, a quirky show where she interviews B-list celebrities over hot dogs. Things take an unexpected turn when a viral call-out of her ex, Rylie Cooper—now a social media darling known for preaching emotional intelligence to men—lands her in the spotlight.

Forced into a live interview with Rylie, Eva reluctantly agrees to his proposal: a series of “redemption dates” he’ll broadcast to show how much he’s changed. She’s determined to use the situation to boost her career and expose him as the same old guy underneath. But, as their staged romance unfolds, sparks start to fly, and Eva begins to question if the man who once broke her heart could actually be the one to mend it.

This second-chance romance hooked me with its snappy banter and emotional depth—especially Rylie’s vulnerable backstory, which added a surprising layer to his character. That said, the book is definitely steamier than Eddings’ previous work, and I found myself skipping over some of the more explicit scenes in the latter half, missing the sweeter tone I’ve come to appreciate in her earlier novels.

The Narration:

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Ariela Crow, and I have to say, her performance truly brought the characters to life. She struck a great balance between Eva’s biting wit and vulnerability, delivering her sharp one-liners with just the right amount of sass while also capturing the deeper, more emotional moments with care. Her portrayal of Rylie was equally impressive—his charm and warmth came through clearly, making it easy to understand how Eva could start to fall for him again. Crow gave each character a distinct voice and energy, which made the listening experience dynamic and immersive.

Final Thoughts:

Well, Actually is a fun, thoughtful read with heart, humour, and just the right amount of chaos—and if you enjoy second-chance stories with a modern twist, it’s definitely worth checking out. The audiobook is an excellent option, and I’d highly recommend it.

Other Books I’ve Reviewed Written By Mazey Eddings:

Beyond the Spectrum – Unraveling the Magic of ‘Tilly in Technicolor’ by Mazey Eddings: A Book Review

The Plus One by Mazey Eddings: Book Review

Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake by Mazey Eddings: Book Review

A Brush With Love by Mazey Eddings