Book Review: Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings**
As a self-proclaimed TikTok addict with an attention span that rivals that of a goldfish, I often find myself immersing in the works of a select few YouTube creators. WizardLiz for those late-night reality checks, Emma Chamberlain because her videos are an absolute delight, and Amelia Dimoldenberg—well, that one’s just a given thanks to "Chicken Shop Date." So, when I stumbled upon Well, Actually, I had an undeniable pull; it felt like a quirky blend of that beloved show—but instead of serving up chicken, we’re dishing out hot dogs! And while the guests might not match up to Amelia’s star-studded line-up, the clever banter and engaging concept certainly kept me entertained.
The story revolves around Eva, our charmingly icy protagonist and host of the hot dog show. Her complex character arc kicks off when she spots her college ex, Cooper, spouting toxic masculinity on social media—a stark contrast to the guy she once dated. When she drunkenly conjures up a viral stitch dismantling his past behavior, her producers jump on the attention, inviting him onto her show. Thus begins a spiral of sharp repartee and unresolved tension.
Eva isn’t your typical lovable heroine; she’s rude and often abrasive. Yet, herein lies the magic—I found myself mirroring her struggles. It’s both sad and relieving to resonate with someone so real, especially when I saw Cooper loving her fiercely. The layers of her character, built up through the heartbreak of her past, made me root for her even more. After all, who doesn’t wish for someone to love them like Cooper adored Eva?
Let’s talk about Cooper for a moment—this man is everything! With his pink-tinted ears and adorably ‘slutty’ glasses, he’s the perfect mix of charm and vulnerability. He was patient, acknowledging past mistakes and navigating Eva’s tough exterior with grace. My heart swelled as he exudes a kind of devotion that made the reading experience deeply enriching. Plus, who can’t love a down bad man with a healthy sense of humor?
The emotional heft of the story truly surprised me. There’s a moment where they read hate comments about their relationship, and while many remarks aimed at Cooper were comical, the harsh criticisms hurled at Eva struck a painful chord. It’s a sobering reminder of how women are often unfairly judged, a reality that left me in tears. Eddings shines in addressing these layers of societal expectations through humor and vulnerability, which makes the narrative compelling.
And let’s not overlook the delightful cameos from characters like Lizzie and Harper from Eddings’ previous works! It felt like running into old friends at a party, which only added to the charm of the experience.
In a nutshell, Well, Actually is a delightful romantic comedy laced with poignant moments that resonate deeply with anyone who has ever felt misunderstood or judged. Whether you’re a fan of witty repartees, a lover of flawed yet lovable characters, or someone simply searching for a tale of redemption, this book is a gem waiting to be discovered.
So to my fellow readers searching for a book that’s as insightful as it is entertaining—grab your copy of Well, Actually. I promise you’ll not only enjoy the ride but likely shed a few tears along the way. Happy reading!