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You Won't Forget Me: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 9 Jun 26Cubby Clark’s life is falling apart. All she wants is to make music, but on the brink of hitting it big, Cubby’s on-again-off-again boyfriend and lead of her band, Connor, abandons the group. What’s worse, he rockets to overnight, solo stardom with a hit single about how bad she is in bed. With a fractured band, a publicly adored toxic ex, and a horrible case of writers block, her only comforts are her best friends and fellow bandmates, Darcy and Harry.
But, when an inadvertently romantic picture of Cubby and Harry goes viral the same night Cubby and Darcy hook-up (something that obviously means nothing for these two totally heterosexual gal pals), Cubby and her band find themselves redirecting the spotlight as tabloids eat up the rumored love triangle between Cubby, Harry, and Connor.
Thrust by their label into a whirlwind tour, Cubby wants nothing more than to turn to Darcy for support. But ever since the passionate hook-up they never talk about, there’s nothing but tension and distance between the usually inseparable pair. Under the pressure of newfound notoriety, an extremely dirty tour bus, and long buried feelings, Cubby and Darcy have a single summer to unravel the truth of what they mean to one another, or face losing the other forever.
But, when an inadvertently romantic picture of Cubby and Harry goes viral the same night Cubby and Darcy hook-up (something that obviously means nothing for these two totally heterosexual gal pals), Cubby and her band find themselves redirecting the spotlight as tabloids eat up the rumored love triangle between Cubby, Harry, and Connor.
Thrust by their label into a whirlwind tour, Cubby wants nothing more than to turn to Darcy for support. But ever since the passionate hook-up they never talk about, there’s nothing but tension and distance between the usually inseparable pair. Under the pressure of newfound notoriety, an extremely dirty tour bus, and long buried feelings, Cubby and Darcy have a single summer to unravel the truth of what they mean to one another, or face losing the other forever.
336 pages, Paperback
Expected publication June 9, 2026
49 people are currently reading
11731 people want to read
About the author
Mazey Eddings
10 books2,813 followersMazey Eddings is a bestselling author, dentist, and (most importantly) stage mom to her cats, Yaya and Zadie. She can most often be found reading romance novels under her weighted blanket and asking her husband to bring her snacks. She's made it her personal mission in life to destigmatize mental health issues and write love stories for every brain. With roots in Ohio and Philadelphia, she now calls North Carolina home.
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October 6, 2025
a banger, but what else would we expect from Miss Mazey
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.25 / 5 Stars
This is the second book I’ve read by Mazey Eddings and I really enjoyed it! It centers on Cubby, a 23 year old musician whose ex just abandoned their group. Even worse, his first single is about how horrible their relationship was (as if he wasn’t the one who made it toxic). Luckily, she has her best friends Darcy and Harry to lean on. Within all of the chaos, Darcy and Cubby hook-up which is not confusing at all (it is) and they definitely do not pretend it didn’t happen the morning after (they do pretend). But pretending doesn’t mean the feelings just go away, which would be a lot already except that fans think Cubby and Harry are the ones who are dating. Trying to capitalize on the media attention, the band goes on a tour filled with fake dating between Cubby and Harry and so much angst and who knows what with Darcy and Cubby all while being scrutinized online. It’s a story about art, identity, and who we are in relationships.
You will probably like this book if you like:
🎸 Sapphic romance about bandmantes
🎸 Best friends to lovers
🎸 Queer awakening
🎸 Fake dating with the wrong person
🎸 Oops, there’s only one bed
🎸 Mental health rep (depression)
🎸 Discussion of society’s and media’s unfair treatment of women
I think Mazey Eddings is an exceptionally skilled writer. She is able to strike the perfect balance between humor (the book is really funny) and deep emotions. I highlighted so much of the book because she has this ability to perfectly sum up a situation or feeling with words that you wouldn’t have thought of but that are a perfect description. For example, in an attempt to feel like she has some control over all of the hate she is receiving online, Cubby gets addicted to checking her social media apps and Mazey says this: “The notifications have a barbed lasso around my brain, my neurons shriveling up like dehydrated fruit, howling in desperation for another dopamine hit.” The imagery of the barbed lasso is just so perfect and unexpected and interesting.
Because of her skills, I think Mazey does an amazing job of tackling complex themes and feelings in a way that doesn’t feel overwritten. Cubby is a complicated character – she has been made to feel like she is unloveable from her relationship with her ex, she is receiving so much hate online, she is not sure how to navigate her relationship with Harry and Darcy, she is filled with rage at the injustice of how her ex is being treated versus how she is being treated – she has a lot going on and yet all of her feelings and motivations make perfect sense. If there are miscommunications, they are totally justified. If she feels sad, mad, depressed, confused, happy, it is all perfectly crafted. I felt everything that she felt, related to her a lot, and was rooting for her the whole time.
I also love that the theme of how society, specifically how media, treats men (specifically heterosexual, cis, white men) differently from women and queer folks continued from Mazey’s previous book, “Well, Actually.” There is an exploration of that and how social media can impact mental health without feeling preachy and I liked how much anger Cubby felt about the situation (love to see female rage in a book).
Even though the plot synopsis feels like there will be a ton of things going on (the road trip, the fake dating, the love triangle, rock stars!), this book leans more on the side of talking, thinking, processing as opposed to action. It felt like folks moving to a new location, talking (or not talking) about their feelings, Cubby processing or internalizing it, and then moving to the next location. Sometimes that meant that the pacing just felt a little slow and while I usually prefer a little more external conflict, I was okay with most of the conflict being Cubby’s internal conflict because of the quality of the writing.
Overall, I am so excited for this to come out in June and in the meantime, I think I need to read more of Mazey’s back catalogue!
I highly recommend checking out Kelsey’s review (we buddy read together) because she has some really valid critiques!
Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing this eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: June 9, 2026
_____________
Pre-Read Thoughts: Loved Mazey Eddings last book! Excited to buddy read this one with the incomparable Kelsey ❤️
This is the second book I’ve read by Mazey Eddings and I really enjoyed it! It centers on Cubby, a 23 year old musician whose ex just abandoned their group. Even worse, his first single is about how horrible their relationship was (as if he wasn’t the one who made it toxic). Luckily, she has her best friends Darcy and Harry to lean on. Within all of the chaos, Darcy and Cubby hook-up which is not confusing at all (it is) and they definitely do not pretend it didn’t happen the morning after (they do pretend). But pretending doesn’t mean the feelings just go away, which would be a lot already except that fans think Cubby and Harry are the ones who are dating. Trying to capitalize on the media attention, the band goes on a tour filled with fake dating between Cubby and Harry and so much angst and who knows what with Darcy and Cubby all while being scrutinized online. It’s a story about art, identity, and who we are in relationships.
You will probably like this book if you like:
🎸 Sapphic romance about bandmantes
🎸 Best friends to lovers
🎸 Queer awakening
🎸 Fake dating with the wrong person
🎸 Oops, there’s only one bed
🎸 Mental health rep (depression)
🎸 Discussion of society’s and media’s unfair treatment of women
I think Mazey Eddings is an exceptionally skilled writer. She is able to strike the perfect balance between humor (the book is really funny) and deep emotions. I highlighted so much of the book because she has this ability to perfectly sum up a situation or feeling with words that you wouldn’t have thought of but that are a perfect description. For example, in an attempt to feel like she has some control over all of the hate she is receiving online, Cubby gets addicted to checking her social media apps and Mazey says this: “The notifications have a barbed lasso around my brain, my neurons shriveling up like dehydrated fruit, howling in desperation for another dopamine hit.” The imagery of the barbed lasso is just so perfect and unexpected and interesting.
Because of her skills, I think Mazey does an amazing job of tackling complex themes and feelings in a way that doesn’t feel overwritten. Cubby is a complicated character – she has been made to feel like she is unloveable from her relationship with her ex, she is receiving so much hate online, she is not sure how to navigate her relationship with Harry and Darcy, she is filled with rage at the injustice of how her ex is being treated versus how she is being treated – she has a lot going on and yet all of her feelings and motivations make perfect sense. If there are miscommunications, they are totally justified. If she feels sad, mad, depressed, confused, happy, it is all perfectly crafted. I felt everything that she felt, related to her a lot, and was rooting for her the whole time.
I also love that the theme of how society, specifically how media, treats men (specifically heterosexual, cis, white men) differently from women and queer folks continued from Mazey’s previous book, “Well, Actually.” There is an exploration of that and how social media can impact mental health without feeling preachy and I liked how much anger Cubby felt about the situation (love to see female rage in a book).
Even though the plot synopsis feels like there will be a ton of things going on (the road trip, the fake dating, the love triangle, rock stars!), this book leans more on the side of talking, thinking, processing as opposed to action. It felt like folks moving to a new location, talking (or not talking) about their feelings, Cubby processing or internalizing it, and then moving to the next location. Sometimes that meant that the pacing just felt a little slow and while I usually prefer a little more external conflict, I was okay with most of the conflict being Cubby’s internal conflict because of the quality of the writing.
Overall, I am so excited for this to come out in June and in the meantime, I think I need to read more of Mazey’s back catalogue!
I highly recommend checking out Kelsey’s review (we buddy read together) because she has some really valid critiques!
Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing this eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: June 9, 2026
_____________
Pre-Read Thoughts: Loved Mazey Eddings last book! Excited to buddy read this one with the incomparable Kelsey ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
▹TL;DR Review: Mazey’s writing style left me giggling and contemplative, but the pacing and focus left me frustrated.
▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★ out of 5
▹Format: 📱 eReader
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy of this book and exchange for my honest review.
BLESS LINA, YALL. This is what I love about buddy reads with Lina. She allows us to celebrate our differences of opinion and as a safe space to discuss frustrations. Full transparency, Lina liked this book more than I did and has some very thoughtful points that hit home for her. I highly recommend you check out her review as well.
─────────────────────────
○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○
– About: After Connor—Cubby’s ex bandmate and ex boyfriend—steals one of her songs, Cubby and her band need her rally together for an upcoming US tour amidst a media frenzy that makes Cubby look like a backstabbing hussy. The good news for Cubby is that her childhood best friend Darcy is by her side. The not so good news is that new feelings form and add complication to what is arguably a very difficult time for Cubby.
– FMC: Cubby. A 23-year-old band leader, musician, lyricist who recently had a bad public breakup with ex-band mate Connor. Self-aware and articulate, but a bit lost.
– FMC 2: Darcy. A 23-year-old musician who was kicked out of her family for pursuing music. A bit closed off, but also a fun time.
– Location: All over (Iceland, the UK and the US)
– POV: Single first-person (Cubby)
– Spice: 2 open-door explicit spicy scenes
– Tropes: musicians, friends to lovers, queer awakening, healing after public breakup (there is also fake dating in this, but it is not between the main character and the other love interest)
– Triggers: cheating ex (mentioned, off-page), media frenzy around female celebs in romantic relationships, depression, social media addiction
– Representation: LGBTQ+ main characters and minor characters, women in music, mental health rep
─────────────────────────
↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:00 ──ㅇ────── 4:12
Now Playing: Man from the Magazine by HAIM
─────────────────────────
★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★
➼ Books where the main protagonist is in their head a lot vs. an emphasis on external communication
➼ Deep characters at a turning point in their lives that are thoughtfully written, much like the style of Cara Bastone
─────────────────────────
⍟»This or That«⍟
Character Driven——✧—————————Plot Driven
Insta Love/Lust————————✧———Slow Burn
Sweet——————✧—————Spicy
Light/Fluffy——————✧————Heavy/Emotional
─────────────────────────
🎯 My Thoughts:
“What rhymes with meaningless?“
“Penis puss”
😂
While I can appreciate both the story and the quality of the writing, this was ultimately a three-star read for me. Mazey’s prose is lovely and so funny—she reminds me in some ways of Cara Bastone—and her characters are written with real depth and care.
I ended up loving Cubby, but I felt more conflicted about Darcy. She isn’t unlikable, but she felt largely silent for the first 70% of the book, and her eventual shift—while understandable—felt underdeveloped. My biggest issue overall was pacing and focus. I adored the prologue and opening chapters, but the middle (roughly 15–65%) struggled to hold my attention. Much of the first half centers on Cubby’s relationships with Connor and Harry. I appreciated the commentary on the impossible standards placed on female celebrities, especially musicians, but this emphasis often made the Darcy/Cubby relationship feel secondary.
One of my favorite scenes was Darcy and Cubby discussing Cubby’s addiction to validation through social media and how that impacted Darcy’s hesitation—that moment felt honest and beautifully done. However, I was disappointed that a deeply explored mental health thread ultimately felt too closely tied to the romantic arc.
All said and done, this was a beautiful read that fans of Mazey’s will enjoy.
Bonus: Fans of her books Tilly in Technicolor and Well, Actually will love the little Easter eggs.
———-
Another buddy read with my best pal Lina.
▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★ out of 5
▹Format: 📱 eReader
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy of this book and exchange for my honest review.
BLESS LINA, YALL. This is what I love about buddy reads with Lina. She allows us to celebrate our differences of opinion and as a safe space to discuss frustrations. Full transparency, Lina liked this book more than I did and has some very thoughtful points that hit home for her. I highly recommend you check out her review as well.
─────────────────────────
○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○
– About: After Connor—Cubby’s ex bandmate and ex boyfriend—steals one of her songs, Cubby and her band need her rally together for an upcoming US tour amidst a media frenzy that makes Cubby look like a backstabbing hussy. The good news for Cubby is that her childhood best friend Darcy is by her side. The not so good news is that new feelings form and add complication to what is arguably a very difficult time for Cubby.
– FMC: Cubby. A 23-year-old band leader, musician, lyricist who recently had a bad public breakup with ex-band mate Connor. Self-aware and articulate, but a bit lost.
– FMC 2: Darcy. A 23-year-old musician who was kicked out of her family for pursuing music. A bit closed off, but also a fun time.
– Location: All over (Iceland, the UK and the US)
– POV: Single first-person (Cubby)
– Spice: 2 open-door explicit spicy scenes
– Tropes: musicians, friends to lovers, queer awakening, healing after public breakup (there is also fake dating in this, but it is not between the main character and the other love interest)
– Triggers: cheating ex (mentioned, off-page), media frenzy around female celebs in romantic relationships, depression, social media addiction
– Representation: LGBTQ+ main characters and minor characters, women in music, mental health rep
─────────────────────────
↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:00 ──ㅇ────── 4:12
Now Playing: Man from the Magazine by HAIM
╰┈➤ ❝Man from the magazine, what did you say? Do you make the same faces in bed? Hey, man, what kind of question is that? What did you really want me to say back?❞
─────────────────────────
★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★
➼ Books where the main protagonist is in their head a lot vs. an emphasis on external communication
➼ Deep characters at a turning point in their lives that are thoughtfully written, much like the style of Cara Bastone
─────────────────────────
⍟»This or That«⍟
Character Driven——✧—————————Plot Driven
Insta Love/Lust————————✧———Slow Burn
Sweet——————✧—————Spicy
Light/Fluffy——————✧————Heavy/Emotional
─────────────────────────
🎯 My Thoughts:
“What rhymes with meaningless?“
“Penis puss”
😂
While I can appreciate both the story and the quality of the writing, this was ultimately a three-star read for me. Mazey’s prose is lovely and so funny—she reminds me in some ways of Cara Bastone—and her characters are written with real depth and care.
I ended up loving Cubby, but I felt more conflicted about Darcy. She isn’t unlikable, but she felt largely silent for the first 70% of the book, and her eventual shift—while understandable—felt underdeveloped. My biggest issue overall was pacing and focus. I adored the prologue and opening chapters, but the middle (roughly 15–65%) struggled to hold my attention. Much of the first half centers on Cubby’s relationships with Connor and Harry. I appreciated the commentary on the impossible standards placed on female celebrities, especially musicians, but this emphasis often made the Darcy/Cubby relationship feel secondary.
One of my favorite scenes was Darcy and Cubby discussing Cubby’s addiction to validation through social media and how that impacted Darcy’s hesitation—that moment felt honest and beautifully done. However, I was disappointed that a deeply explored mental health thread ultimately felt too closely tied to the romantic arc.
All said and done, this was a beautiful read that fans of Mazey’s will enjoy.
Bonus: Fans of her books Tilly in Technicolor and Well, Actually will love the little Easter eggs.
———-
Another buddy read with my best pal Lina.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⋆˙✮ 3.5
So, I’ll start by saying that the most unrealistic thing in this book is the fact that Cubby had a waffle immediately after getting her wisdom teeth out. 😹
Jokes aside, I’m super on the fence about whether to round up or down. The truth is, I liked this book. The cover is absolutely gorgeous, and I liked the premise, the characters, and the writing. But somehow, the execution didn’t completely land for me. Eddings does a good job tackling themes like sexuality, mental health, toxic relationships, the impacts of social media, and parasocial relationships (in a way); however, a lot of that focus, combined with the pacing of the book, took away from what was supposed to be a romance novel. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the concept of Cubby and Darcy together, but I felt there was far more focus on the band’s issues and Cubby’s relationship with Harry than on the intended couple. I just wish we got more moments between the two girls as they discovered what they meant to each other because their relationship was essentially nonexistent for the first 70% of the book, and then suddenly we were getting love confessions.
That being said, I really liked the characters independently from the plot. Some of them were annoying at times or just straight-up unlikable, but that’s the whole point. These characters are in their early twenties and shot to fame overnight— they’re nowhere near having their shit together, and it’s unrealistic to expect them to. Which brings me to my next point: Cubby 𝘪𝘴 the victim. I felt like I was getting gaslit right alongside her because she could not catch a break, and everyone made it seem like she was crazy for feeling some type of way about the events in her life. At one point, I found myself questioning why she was even friends with these people— especially after that third-act conflict. Cubby’s better than me because I would not have forgiven them that easily. Friendships can be messy though, and you can tell that the band really does care about each other in their own way.
But what this book lacks in romance really makes up for it with humor, chaotic energy, and characters who feel real and flawed. If you like self-discovery, angst, and celebrity/band tropes, this is the book for you!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.
So, I’ll start by saying that the most unrealistic thing in this book is the fact that Cubby had a waffle immediately after getting her wisdom teeth out. 😹
Jokes aside, I’m super on the fence about whether to round up or down. The truth is, I liked this book. The cover is absolutely gorgeous, and I liked the premise, the characters, and the writing. But somehow, the execution didn’t completely land for me. Eddings does a good job tackling themes like sexuality, mental health, toxic relationships, the impacts of social media, and parasocial relationships (in a way); however, a lot of that focus, combined with the pacing of the book, took away from what was supposed to be a romance novel. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the concept of Cubby and Darcy together, but I felt there was far more focus on the band’s issues and Cubby’s relationship with Harry than on the intended couple. I just wish we got more moments between the two girls as they discovered what they meant to each other because their relationship was essentially nonexistent for the first 70% of the book, and then suddenly we were getting love confessions.
That being said, I really liked the characters independently from the plot. Some of them were annoying at times or just straight-up unlikable, but that’s the whole point. These characters are in their early twenties and shot to fame overnight— they’re nowhere near having their shit together, and it’s unrealistic to expect them to. Which brings me to my next point: Cubby 𝘪𝘴 the victim. I felt like I was getting gaslit right alongside her because she could not catch a break, and everyone made it seem like she was crazy for feeling some type of way about the events in her life. At one point, I found myself questioning why she was even friends with these people— especially after that third-act conflict. Cubby’s better than me because I would not have forgiven them that easily. Friendships can be messy though, and you can tell that the band really does care about each other in their own way.
But what this book lacks in romance really makes up for it with humor, chaotic energy, and characters who feel real and flawed. If you like self-discovery, angst, and celebrity/band tropes, this is the book for you!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.
December 7, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"I would erase every song in the world if it meant bringing you back to me."
"I know her lips better than my own, their every smile, every frown. I know the corner she bites when she's upset and the spot in the center when she's holding back a laugh. I know how she purses them when she's frustrated and how they get cracked in the winter."
"She's my muse and my torment and my best friend and the love of my life."
This book was a masterpice and I'm literally lost for words. Finished it in about 3-4 hours and than I spend most of that day staring at a wall and thinking about Cubby and Darcy and Harry and Kale and Skull. I love all of them sooo much, but I adore Cubby and Darcy. The friends to lovers romance was fucking incredible and I'm a person who hates this trope with all my heart... but Cubby and Darcy, their friendship, their soft moments and everything in their relationship was just perfection. I didn't think I would love a rock band romance but I definitely did.
The book touches on some thought topics like depression and grief and alcoholism and I loved how Mazey Eddings wrote about these.
What seemed like it was missing for me personally was how small the book was. I mean, it's 350 pages, but I would have definitely read another 150-200. I wanted more of Cubby and Darcy together in the end, I wanted to see Darcy confronting her family and I wanted more with the band.
I really really hope Mazey will write more about these characters, because I'm definitely not ready to leave them behind.
"I would erase every song in the world if it meant bringing you back to me."
"I know her lips better than my own, their every smile, every frown. I know the corner she bites when she's upset and the spot in the center when she's holding back a laugh. I know how she purses them when she's frustrated and how they get cracked in the winter."
"She's my muse and my torment and my best friend and the love of my life."
This book was a masterpice and I'm literally lost for words. Finished it in about 3-4 hours and than I spend most of that day staring at a wall and thinking about Cubby and Darcy and Harry and Kale and Skull. I love all of them sooo much, but I adore Cubby and Darcy. The friends to lovers romance was fucking incredible and I'm a person who hates this trope with all my heart... but Cubby and Darcy, their friendship, their soft moments and everything in their relationship was just perfection. I didn't think I would love a rock band romance but I definitely did.
The book touches on some thought topics like depression and grief and alcoholism and I loved how Mazey Eddings wrote about these.
What seemed like it was missing for me personally was how small the book was. I mean, it's 350 pages, but I would have definitely read another 150-200. I wanted more of Cubby and Darcy together in the end, I wanted to see Darcy confronting her family and I wanted more with the band.
I really really hope Mazey will write more about these characters, because I'm definitely not ready to leave them behind.
December 9, 2025
i love them with everything in me (pls give me a book on harry squared!!!!!!)
December 9, 2025
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
As I get older, I find it harder to relate to characters in their early 20s, so when I began the novel and saw that the MCS would be in their early 20s (around 23) I was apprehensive that I would be able to relate and not have the thought of them being immature. In this instance, it’s honestly the members of Cubby’s band that piss me off. They are labeling her as dramatic for having valid feelings about being called a slut and a whore for literally existing. It infuriated me to see ALL of them dismiss her feelings. Even Darcy does, which also brings me to the fact of them hooking up. If my best friend said they barely remembered the night before( doesn’t matter that she’s lying) I would be freaking out.. because if you can’t remember, then that’s a consent issue. But Darcy doesn’t seem bothered at all.
With that being said, the writing is amazing and I didn’t expect anything else from the author. I was able to read it quickly because it flowed so well. Mazey is amazing at writing and keeping the reader engaged.
Thank god for Oliver, Cubby’s twin brother for being the voice of reason and seeing how. much all the sexist hate she is getting is affecting her. Once again, her bandmates piss me off by their lack of empathy.
The characters are definitely flawed. I felt myself screaming at Cubby for some of the choices she made. But I do feel like that is a testament to the writing. Is angst my preference? Not really, but I don’t think the story could’ve worked without it.
I loved the representation of autism and Cubby having two moms. I don’t think I’ve ever read a novel where one of the MCs had two same sex parents.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I still think Cubby deserved better in terms of friends and bandmates. like I said earlier, I read this pretty fast and I attribute that to how well the author writes.
As I get older, I find it harder to relate to characters in their early 20s, so when I began the novel and saw that the MCS would be in their early 20s (around 23) I was apprehensive that I would be able to relate and not have the thought of them being immature. In this instance, it’s honestly the members of Cubby’s band that piss me off. They are labeling her as dramatic for having valid feelings about being called a slut and a whore for literally existing. It infuriated me to see ALL of them dismiss her feelings. Even Darcy does, which also brings me to the fact of them hooking up. If my best friend said they barely remembered the night before( doesn’t matter that she’s lying) I would be freaking out.. because if you can’t remember, then that’s a consent issue. But Darcy doesn’t seem bothered at all.
With that being said, the writing is amazing and I didn’t expect anything else from the author. I was able to read it quickly because it flowed so well. Mazey is amazing at writing and keeping the reader engaged.
Thank god for Oliver, Cubby’s twin brother for being the voice of reason and seeing how. much all the sexist hate she is getting is affecting her. Once again, her bandmates piss me off by their lack of empathy.
The characters are definitely flawed. I felt myself screaming at Cubby for some of the choices she made. But I do feel like that is a testament to the writing. Is angst my preference? Not really, but I don’t think the story could’ve worked without it.
I loved the representation of autism and Cubby having two moms. I don’t think I’ve ever read a novel where one of the MCs had two same sex parents.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I still think Cubby deserved better in terms of friends and bandmates. like I said earlier, I read this pretty fast and I attribute that to how well the author writes.
January 11, 2026
2,5 ⭐️😖
First, the cover is absolutely beautiful. As for the book, I loved the connection between all the band members. It really felt like a family where people fight but mostly help each others out. Darcy was my favorite. I wish we had her POV too, just to see her train of thoughts on a few situations. Overall, I would have love the book to focus a little more on the romance, even with such important topics as depression, toxic relationships and social media impact on people. I wanted to like this book so much and I tried really hard but it just didn’t click for me for most of it.
First, the cover is absolutely beautiful. As for the book, I loved the connection between all the band members. It really felt like a family where people fight but mostly help each others out. Darcy was my favorite. I wish we had her POV too, just to see her train of thoughts on a few situations. Overall, I would have love the book to focus a little more on the romance, even with such important topics as depression, toxic relationships and social media impact on people. I wanted to like this book so much and I tried really hard but it just didn’t click for me for most of it.
December 9, 2025
A rock-n-roll romance with a lot of ambition and a lot of heart. Cubby is the leader of a band in Iceland, they are about the make it big when their lead guitarist and her recent ex goes out on his own, steals her lyrics, and hits it big with a song about her. She is understandably furious at him. Thank God she has her best friend Darcy, the bassist, and her other friends in the band. Soon a post by Harry, Connor's best friend, suggests that she and Harry are an item. So they, naturally, start fake dating, the Trope of 2026.
This is a bit of a twist on fake dating, because Cubby is in love with Darcy, not Harry. She has a twin brother, Oliver. Oliver and his girlfriend Tilly are my favorite part of this book, I only wish they were on page more often. Oliver is autistic and he and Cubby have two moms. Despite this, Cubby is still ingrained in heteronormativity and is confused by her sexuality. There is a dee sadness and depression to her, and Connor treated her as if she were hard to love. This is hardest and most awful thing to hear as someone with depression.
Stories about straight passing women dealing with wondering if they are queer are not for everyone. But that is this book, and while it is done very respectfully this is hard for some to read.
This one grew on me over time with some of the storylines and other storylines I felt were unnecessary. But I am glad to see that Mazey Eddings finally used her dentist skills for a storyline- no spoilers. Did you know Mazey Eddings is a dentist? #random
3.5/5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC. Book to be published June 9, 2026.
SMPEarlyReaders
This is a bit of a twist on fake dating, because Cubby is in love with Darcy, not Harry. She has a twin brother, Oliver. Oliver and his girlfriend Tilly are my favorite part of this book, I only wish they were on page more often. Oliver is autistic and he and Cubby have two moms. Despite this, Cubby is still ingrained in heteronormativity and is confused by her sexuality. There is a dee sadness and depression to her, and Connor treated her as if she were hard to love. This is hardest and most awful thing to hear as someone with depression.
Stories about straight passing women dealing with wondering if they are queer are not for everyone. But that is this book, and while it is done very respectfully this is hard for some to read.
This one grew on me over time with some of the storylines and other storylines I felt were unnecessary. But I am glad to see that Mazey Eddings finally used her dentist skills for a storyline- no spoilers. Did you know Mazey Eddings is a dentist? #random
3.5/5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC. Book to be published June 9, 2026.
SMPEarlyReaders
December 16, 2025
Oh my god I don’t even know where to start with this book. If you’re queer and have ever kissed one of your friends to “practice” this book is for you. If you’ve ever been scared to come out because of your parents this book is for you. If you ever thought of risking the friendship… READ THIS BOOK!
The book starts out with the main character, Cubby, and her best friend Darcy kissing so Cubby can practice for a date with her bandmate. The bandmate she later on ends up dating on and off for five years. Fast forward to after their breakup Conners musical career takes off leaving Cubby and the rest of the band behind to pick up the broken pieces. Stuck in a rut, overstimulated by the internet, and obviously frustrated at her exes slights towards her in his new single Cubby and the band end up writing a song and then going to a bar and celebrating. Cubby and Darcy get drunk and hook up. A magical moment they both feel so deep inside of them, that they proceed to never talk about again. While on tour. While Cubby is supposed to fake a romantic relationship with Harry their pianist who also happens to be her exes closest friend. Surprise surprise they run from their feelings and end up hurting each other.
Cubby love was such a trip in this book. She’s feisty, she’s outspoken, she’s fucking awesome. She’s also a really good representation of someone who’s depressed. Not only that but a lot of her depression revolves around social media. In an addictive relationship with instagram, news outlets, and Snapchat Cubby finds herself in a constant cycle checking to see what the next hateful person has to say about her and her screwed up love life. All the while she’s pining for Darcy and trying to come to terms with her sexuality. Unknowingly Darcy is doing the same thing. A pretty relatable thing for most people my age. I think most people are in a toxic relationship with social media, I deleted all of mine a few years back and only resurface every so often to let my friends back home know I’m still alive. It took Darcy throwing Cubby’s phone into the ocean for her to stop the compulsion.
It’s kind of funny reading a plot line that feels like it’s picked right from your own life. While I related to Darcy a lot due to her taste in books and adventurous spirit, Cubby was a constant reminder that I too have been in her shoes before. Nothing like a good romance that hits home. The only difference? They fell in love.
At the beginning I found myself feeling angry toward Darcy for constantly shoving Cubby off when she wanted to talk about what happened or her feelings. It can be challenging as someone who’s never had a queer experience to rationalize what’s going on in their head, especially when it’s your best friend nonetheless. This is true for both girls. However, towards the end of the book Darcy finally opens up about her fears because of the way she was raised. The full circle moment made me love her even more. Angsty twenty something year olds trying to process emotions is funny to read about when you experience it every day lol.
True to the amazing story line, Darcy comes out on social media as pan and declares her love for Cubby. It ends with a kiss in front of a crowd at a pride parade and then radio silence from the entire band on all platforms. When I tell you I could not stop crying, I mean I sobbed in bed for a while after I was done. This book really touched a place in my heart I haven’t revisited in a while. A younger version of me would have thrown this at a wall and screamed that it’s unfair that they got what I couldn’t have. A healed version of me cried over how beautiful love can be and the hope that has returned to my heart. This will be a book I come back to often keeping it tucked safely away in my heart.
I think Mazey Eddings did a wonderful job at touching on subjects like gay panic, depression, compulsion/obsession, and the process of creating music. I felt fully immersed the entire time I was reading this. Not wanting to put it down for even a second. The plot delivered nothing but laughs, tension, and longing. The characters were lovable and relatable. The banter was so good, even when the band was fighting. Everything about this was perfect for me! So grateful for the opportunity to have read it before it was released! Also this was my first NetGalley book eeeeek!!!!!
Fingers crossed we get Harry & Kale’s story next!!!!!!
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
The book starts out with the main character, Cubby, and her best friend Darcy kissing so Cubby can practice for a date with her bandmate. The bandmate she later on ends up dating on and off for five years. Fast forward to after their breakup Conners musical career takes off leaving Cubby and the rest of the band behind to pick up the broken pieces. Stuck in a rut, overstimulated by the internet, and obviously frustrated at her exes slights towards her in his new single Cubby and the band end up writing a song and then going to a bar and celebrating. Cubby and Darcy get drunk and hook up. A magical moment they both feel so deep inside of them, that they proceed to never talk about again. While on tour. While Cubby is supposed to fake a romantic relationship with Harry their pianist who also happens to be her exes closest friend. Surprise surprise they run from their feelings and end up hurting each other.
Cubby love was such a trip in this book. She’s feisty, she’s outspoken, she’s fucking awesome. She’s also a really good representation of someone who’s depressed. Not only that but a lot of her depression revolves around social media. In an addictive relationship with instagram, news outlets, and Snapchat Cubby finds herself in a constant cycle checking to see what the next hateful person has to say about her and her screwed up love life. All the while she’s pining for Darcy and trying to come to terms with her sexuality. Unknowingly Darcy is doing the same thing. A pretty relatable thing for most people my age. I think most people are in a toxic relationship with social media, I deleted all of mine a few years back and only resurface every so often to let my friends back home know I’m still alive. It took Darcy throwing Cubby’s phone into the ocean for her to stop the compulsion.
It’s kind of funny reading a plot line that feels like it’s picked right from your own life. While I related to Darcy a lot due to her taste in books and adventurous spirit, Cubby was a constant reminder that I too have been in her shoes before. Nothing like a good romance that hits home. The only difference? They fell in love.
At the beginning I found myself feeling angry toward Darcy for constantly shoving Cubby off when she wanted to talk about what happened or her feelings. It can be challenging as someone who’s never had a queer experience to rationalize what’s going on in their head, especially when it’s your best friend nonetheless. This is true for both girls. However, towards the end of the book Darcy finally opens up about her fears because of the way she was raised. The full circle moment made me love her even more. Angsty twenty something year olds trying to process emotions is funny to read about when you experience it every day lol.
True to the amazing story line, Darcy comes out on social media as pan and declares her love for Cubby. It ends with a kiss in front of a crowd at a pride parade and then radio silence from the entire band on all platforms. When I tell you I could not stop crying, I mean I sobbed in bed for a while after I was done. This book really touched a place in my heart I haven’t revisited in a while. A younger version of me would have thrown this at a wall and screamed that it’s unfair that they got what I couldn’t have. A healed version of me cried over how beautiful love can be and the hope that has returned to my heart. This will be a book I come back to often keeping it tucked safely away in my heart.
I think Mazey Eddings did a wonderful job at touching on subjects like gay panic, depression, compulsion/obsession, and the process of creating music. I felt fully immersed the entire time I was reading this. Not wanting to put it down for even a second. The plot delivered nothing but laughs, tension, and longing. The characters were lovable and relatable. The banter was so good, even when the band was fighting. Everything about this was perfect for me! So grateful for the opportunity to have read it before it was released! Also this was my first NetGalley book eeeeek!!!!!
Fingers crossed we get Harry & Kale’s story next!!!!!!
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2025
Thank you Thank you Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Mazey Eddings for sharing this ARC with me, in exchange for my honest review.
You Won't Forget Me, how do I love thee, let me count the ways. This book is a masterpiece, amazing friends-to-lovers and rock band Romance. Darcy and Cubby are a couple that I fell in love with. I just love everything about this book. Ms. Mazey touches on some tough topics like depression, grief and alcoholism. The world building is top notch.
I wholeheartedly recommend that y'all get y'alls hands on this book, y'all won't regret it, trust me.
You Won't Forget Me, how do I love thee, let me count the ways. This book is a masterpiece, amazing friends-to-lovers and rock band Romance. Darcy and Cubby are a couple that I fell in love with. I just love everything about this book. Ms. Mazey touches on some tough topics like depression, grief and alcoholism. The world building is top notch.
I wholeheartedly recommend that y'all get y'alls hands on this book, y'all won't regret it, trust me.
December 5, 2025
This is an auto-read author for me. And so when her next was available from NetGalley, I snatched it up and started it immediately. Sadly, this book was not for me. The books in her first trilogy are among my favorites - great mental-health rom coms - but this was just too… immature.
Two lifelong friends in a band together grow into something more. While one of them has to fake-date another band member.
Oh good god, is there a lot about this band. Is that a thing now? Because I recently read STILL INTO YOU and there was also a lot about a band in that… is this some kind of fanfic thing I don’t understand?
Anyway. I felt nothing from these people. I don’t care to read articles about a fake band and songwriting sessions and lyrics. It felt extremely YA. And by Young Adult, I mean a 13-year-old girl who dreams of being 22, British, in a band, and in love with her best friend. The themes of discovering your sexuality and the toxicity of social media are probably great for that girl. It could very well be a 5-star read for that girl. But for me, it just read as too immature. Sorry.
Two lifelong friends in a band together grow into something more. While one of them has to fake-date another band member.
Oh good god, is there a lot about this band. Is that a thing now? Because I recently read STILL INTO YOU and there was also a lot about a band in that… is this some kind of fanfic thing I don’t understand?
Anyway. I felt nothing from these people. I don’t care to read articles about a fake band and songwriting sessions and lyrics. It felt extremely YA. And by Young Adult, I mean a 13-year-old girl who dreams of being 22, British, in a band, and in love with her best friend. The themes of discovering your sexuality and the toxicity of social media are probably great for that girl. It could very well be a 5-star read for that girl. But for me, it just read as too immature. Sorry.
Want to read
October 23, 2025cubby was the best in tilly in technicolour so i hope this is also great!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a Netgalley ARC of this title. My thoughts and feelings are my own.
Locations: Surrey, Iceland, and various places in the U.S. of A.
A woman named Cubby, a band, a bad break-up, a fake romance, and a real one refusing to get off the ground.
This book is for: People who want to read about a bickering band that really loves each other, with the exception of the member who broke the main character's heart and then slipped away like a thief in the night. The story deals with the effects of social media, celebrity gossip when you're the celebrity, and a mob mentality. Mental health struggles. Sapphic love stories, where one member is figuring out her identity and the other one knows being out comes with a price she's not necessarily willing to pay. People who want to read pretty good song lyrics, some of which feel like "Mac." Friends to lovers. Adorable friendships.
My Experience with the Book:
I find a lot of what I want to say approaches a spoilers, so I will try to keep it as vague as I can.
I enjoyed Cubby, including her name, and the Fleetwood Mac homage. The homage was in the dedication:
"To Stevie Nicks for singing 'Silver Springs (Live)' at Lindsey Buckingham like that in 1997. I'll never get over it and I hope he doesn't either."
and in the complicated romantic entanglements in the band -- Tea Time Tantrum -- although, some of that was manufactured.
I think I was hoping for/expecting more of the Stevie/Lindsey of it, that Silver Springs moment. Her Lindsey, Connor, beyond being a jerk was barely relevent. I believe the reason for that is made clear, a choice the author made to show Cubby's growth, but I wanted that moment, and the closest we got was a couple lines in the epilogue.
Before I get into the main romance of it all, hands down, the best secondary character was Skull, who is beyond stoic, and barely speaks. One day he announces his girlfriend -- who no one knew about because he's stoic and doesn't speak -- will be joining them on tour, on their cramped tour bus.
"My American girlfriend, Deja. She is a tiny woman, she will sleep in my bed," he says with finality, something in his sharp accent daring us to try and argue.
When asked where they met: "Internet."
I loved their meet-up!
(Note: This is how it appears in my early copy, and so you might see a different thing.)
It's going to seem like I'm giving away a lot for the next part, but this is just the set-up.
The main characters are Cubby, Darcy, and to some extent, Harry. Theve've known eachother since since childhood or teens. Once there was Connor, Cubby's first boyfriend. They grew up to form a band.
While Cubby and Connor were a couple, Darcy was Cubby's best friend. And one time they kissed. Connor at this time -- their teens -- was more worried about Harry.
Fast forward 5 years in the future. Connor slipped out for a solo career, his hit song about how Cubby is bad in bed. Yeah.
The band comes up with a fake dating plan involving Cubby and Harry, and Cubby and Darcy impulsively hook up, but you know it's been a long time coming. Darcy definitely does not want to discuss it.
Harry has feelings for Cubby.
They'e touring to capitalize on the gossip.
Got it?
Basically, the book ended up frustrating me from the portion I recapped until waaaaaay toward the end, and then again.
Cubby and Darcy are best friends, practically in each other's laps, until they hook up. The hooking up creates a distance because Cubby feels ashamed and unwanted and Darcy is struggling with what her parents will say.
But they literally never express or hint at this. Darcy sulks and acts jealous over the Harry stuff, but Cubby misses it's jealousy and wonders what's going on with Darcy. They never even brush up against what happened in conversation.
And so there is a lot of time when the love interests, who have natural chemistry and a history of love and friendship, abandon all of this, and we focus on Cubby and Harry.
Where is the romance? Where is the friendship? Where is any connversation or subtext about to become text?
By the time any of this happens, the book is winding down. Darcy also does a thing that if it appeared in an AITA post would result in her, especially if she were a man, being called a controlling red flag. I mean? She is doing whats she thinks is best for Cubby, but also taking Cubby's choices away from her.
Clearly, Darcy is struggling with her coming out journey, but we don't even acknowledge that until late in the game, and so the middle of the book feels like a lost opportunity for romance, and connection, and friendship. I barely made it out of my sulk before the end.
But it was a very nice and heart-warming ending. (Although, I felt there needed to be another beat in Darcy's acceptance journey.)
While the book wasn't everything I wanted it to be, I still enjoyed the sense of humor of it, and the banter. I am so thrilled that we have sapphic romances, including ones with this much chemistry and heart between the main characters. I know this book has an audience, and if you believe you're that audience, I recommend giving it a chance.
Say "hi" to Skull for me.
Locations: Surrey, Iceland, and various places in the U.S. of A.
A woman named Cubby, a band, a bad break-up, a fake romance, and a real one refusing to get off the ground.
This book is for: People who want to read about a bickering band that really loves each other, with the exception of the member who broke the main character's heart and then slipped away like a thief in the night. The story deals with the effects of social media, celebrity gossip when you're the celebrity, and a mob mentality. Mental health struggles. Sapphic love stories, where one member is figuring out her identity and the other one knows being out comes with a price she's not necessarily willing to pay. People who want to read pretty good song lyrics, some of which feel like "Mac." Friends to lovers. Adorable friendships.
My Experience with the Book:
I find a lot of what I want to say approaches a spoilers, so I will try to keep it as vague as I can.
I enjoyed Cubby, including her name, and the Fleetwood Mac homage. The homage was in the dedication:
"To Stevie Nicks for singing 'Silver Springs (Live)' at Lindsey Buckingham like that in 1997. I'll never get over it and I hope he doesn't either."
and in the complicated romantic entanglements in the band -- Tea Time Tantrum -- although, some of that was manufactured.
I think I was hoping for/expecting more of the Stevie/Lindsey of it, that Silver Springs moment. Her Lindsey, Connor, beyond being a jerk was barely relevent. I believe the reason for that is made clear, a choice the author made to show Cubby's growth, but I wanted that moment, and the closest we got was a couple lines in the epilogue.
Before I get into the main romance of it all, hands down, the best secondary character was Skull, who is beyond stoic, and barely speaks. One day he announces his girlfriend -- who no one knew about because he's stoic and doesn't speak -- will be joining them on tour, on their cramped tour bus.
"My American girlfriend, Deja. She is a tiny woman, she will sleep in my bed," he says with finality, something in his sharp accent daring us to try and argue.
When asked where they met: "Internet."
I loved their meet-up!
(Note: This is how it appears in my early copy, and so you might see a different thing.)
It's going to seem like I'm giving away a lot for the next part, but this is just the set-up.
The main characters are Cubby, Darcy, and to some extent, Harry. Theve've known eachother since since childhood or teens. Once there was Connor, Cubby's first boyfriend. They grew up to form a band.
While Cubby and Connor were a couple, Darcy was Cubby's best friend. And one time they kissed. Connor at this time -- their teens -- was more worried about Harry.
Fast forward 5 years in the future. Connor slipped out for a solo career, his hit song about how Cubby is bad in bed. Yeah.
The band comes up with a fake dating plan involving Cubby and Harry, and Cubby and Darcy impulsively hook up, but you know it's been a long time coming. Darcy definitely does not want to discuss it.
Harry has feelings for Cubby.
They'e touring to capitalize on the gossip.
Got it?
Basically, the book ended up frustrating me from the portion I recapped until waaaaaay toward the end, and then again.
Cubby and Darcy are best friends, practically in each other's laps, until they hook up. The hooking up creates a distance because Cubby feels ashamed and unwanted and Darcy is struggling with what her parents will say.
But they literally never express or hint at this. Darcy sulks and acts jealous over the Harry stuff, but Cubby misses it's jealousy and wonders what's going on with Darcy. They never even brush up against what happened in conversation.
And so there is a lot of time when the love interests, who have natural chemistry and a history of love and friendship, abandon all of this, and we focus on Cubby and Harry.
Where is the romance? Where is the friendship? Where is any connversation or subtext about to become text?
By the time any of this happens, the book is winding down. Darcy also does a thing that if it appeared in an AITA post would result in her, especially if she were a man, being called a controlling red flag. I mean? She is doing whats she thinks is best for Cubby, but also taking Cubby's choices away from her.
Clearly, Darcy is struggling with her coming out journey, but we don't even acknowledge that until late in the game, and so the middle of the book feels like a lost opportunity for romance, and connection, and friendship. I barely made it out of my sulk before the end.
But it was a very nice and heart-warming ending. (Although, I felt there needed to be another beat in Darcy's acceptance journey.)
While the book wasn't everything I wanted it to be, I still enjoyed the sense of humor of it, and the banter. I am so thrilled that we have sapphic romances, including ones with this much chemistry and heart between the main characters. I know this book has an audience, and if you believe you're that audience, I recommend giving it a chance.
Say "hi" to Skull for me.
December 8, 2025
There were so many things I loved about this book and a handful of things I didn’t love. But the one thing I really think this book does wrong is the title and the cover. The romance between Cubby and Darcy, in my opinion, took a backseat to the story with the band. Sure they’re intertwined, but this book really was about Cubby and her dynamic with the band members and fame and how she navigated that. I know for marketing ethics this imagery sells better, but isn’t what the entire book advises against? Authenticity and not pleasing your audience?
But please be rest assured, I really did love the book! I loved “Late Bloomer” so when I saw Eddings had a new sapphic book coming out and that it was available on NetGalley, I snatched it up and it certainly did not disappoint. I loved Cubby and Darcy’s dynamic and it was a lovely take on the best friends to lovers trope. I also really enjoyed all of the quirky characters and how morally gray everyone was. Cubby was a little insufferable and immature at times, but I think that really made her human. So I’m giving this a 4 stars, but really I would say it’s a 4.5!
Thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for the ARC!
But please be rest assured, I really did love the book! I loved “Late Bloomer” so when I saw Eddings had a new sapphic book coming out and that it was available on NetGalley, I snatched it up and it certainly did not disappoint. I loved Cubby and Darcy’s dynamic and it was a lovely take on the best friends to lovers trope. I also really enjoyed all of the quirky characters and how morally gray everyone was. Cubby was a little insufferable and immature at times, but I think that really made her human. So I’m giving this a 4 stars, but really I would say it’s a 4.5!
Thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for an advanced reading copy of this book!
I would like to think of this book as Daisy Jones and the Six but instead of Daisy and Billy, it's Daisy and Karen having the whirlwind affair.
First, my overall rating is going to be 4.5, 4 for GoodReads. I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this. Overall, it was a really exhilarating and moving story about love, acceptance, music and what it means to be an artist while trying to navigate the world around you.
I'll start off with what I didn't like, which are small, inconsequential things in the grand scheme of everything else within the story. First, the character of Connor. He was, to me, cartoonishly evil. It was easy to despise him because everything he did and his character traits all came down to screwing over Cubby and the band and having absolutely no remorse or redeeming qualities. It would have been okay if he was irredeemable, but maybe have more to him than just being the Big Bad Ex. I also didn't like Cubby's name. Very small and inconsequential like I said, but it would take me out of the story a little when someone was addressing her. The saving grace was Darcy calling her "Cubby love." It got to me and my little queer heart.
What I did like, and what is lasting with me as I type this, is Cubby's depression and how her compulsions manifest in her routine and often self-destructive nature. Her inability to stop checking social media and attempting to receive serotonin through what a plethora of strangers are saying about her felt like a near call-out. She moves through her newfound fame and celebrity by what the consensus is about her online, often at the detriment of her own mental health and well-being. The scene when Cubby calls her moms after a particularly nasty fight with the band really resonated with me. Cubby cries to her moms about what's been happening and how bad she's feeling, stating that she feels like she doesn't even have a reason to be sad or claim depression overall. It hit me right in the face because while my life overall is good, I still feel like Cubby, that I can't claim depression or have a reason to be sad. It was so impactful and relatable, and I need to know when and how Eddings got into my brain and pulled this out.
I found myself rooting for everyone in this story, sans Connor. I was sad when Cubby was sad, I felt the exhilaration when they would perform and like DJatS, I wanted so desperately to hear all these songs. I was angry and frustrated and felt scrappy when they would hit setbacks. They all felt real and palpable and eclectic. I want more. I want to live with these people and watch them succeed and fall in love and thrive. I am very grateful for the opportunity to read this and experience this world and feel seen. It's a rare and magical thing and I can't wait for the rest of the world to share in it once this is officially published.
I would like to think of this book as Daisy Jones and the Six but instead of Daisy and Billy, it's Daisy and Karen having the whirlwind affair.
First, my overall rating is going to be 4.5, 4 for GoodReads. I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this. Overall, it was a really exhilarating and moving story about love, acceptance, music and what it means to be an artist while trying to navigate the world around you.
I'll start off with what I didn't like, which are small, inconsequential things in the grand scheme of everything else within the story. First, the character of Connor. He was, to me, cartoonishly evil. It was easy to despise him because everything he did and his character traits all came down to screwing over Cubby and the band and having absolutely no remorse or redeeming qualities. It would have been okay if he was irredeemable, but maybe have more to him than just being the Big Bad Ex. I also didn't like Cubby's name. Very small and inconsequential like I said, but it would take me out of the story a little when someone was addressing her. The saving grace was Darcy calling her "Cubby love." It got to me and my little queer heart.
What I did like, and what is lasting with me as I type this, is Cubby's depression and how her compulsions manifest in her routine and often self-destructive nature. Her inability to stop checking social media and attempting to receive serotonin through what a plethora of strangers are saying about her felt like a near call-out. She moves through her newfound fame and celebrity by what the consensus is about her online, often at the detriment of her own mental health and well-being. The scene when Cubby calls her moms after a particularly nasty fight with the band really resonated with me. Cubby cries to her moms about what's been happening and how bad she's feeling, stating that she feels like she doesn't even have a reason to be sad or claim depression overall. It hit me right in the face because while my life overall is good, I still feel like Cubby, that I can't claim depression or have a reason to be sad. It was so impactful and relatable, and I need to know when and how Eddings got into my brain and pulled this out.
I found myself rooting for everyone in this story, sans Connor. I was sad when Cubby was sad, I felt the exhilaration when they would perform and like DJatS, I wanted so desperately to hear all these songs. I was angry and frustrated and felt scrappy when they would hit setbacks. They all felt real and palpable and eclectic. I want more. I want to live with these people and watch them succeed and fall in love and thrive. I am very grateful for the opportunity to read this and experience this world and feel seen. It's a rare and magical thing and I can't wait for the rest of the world to share in it once this is officially published.
February 6, 2026
In this mid-20s coming of age and coming out story of self discovery, you find themes of sexuality, friendship, social media, depression, anxiety, and hope.
🎸 For Fans of:
- emotional romance
- “sexual identity crisis”
- sapphic romance
- LGBTQIA+ romance
- band on tour
- messy love triangle
- social media addiction / anxiety
- depression rep
- in love with best friend
- fake dating someone else
- questioning sexuality
- character growth
- slow burn
- pansexuality rep
📖 Quickie Synopsis
Cubbie is publicly dumped by lead singer, Connor, who leaves the band to go solo. So the rest of the band goes on tour under a new name, but find themselves with Cubby needing to fake date bandmate, Harry, to stay relevant. But now Cubby is finally confronting her feelings for her other bandmate and long time best friend, Darcy.
✏️ Spoiler-Free ARC Review
Anyone who has ever struggled with depression will most definitely feel seen throughout this book. There’s a lot of anxiety in these pages too. The loss of control Cubby feels, felt very real and at times I had to pause and take a deep breathe.
Still, it’s this type of hurt and in love character that was so relatable even to me, a straight female. And longing is longing, no matter the gender.
I found the romances to be messy yet wonderfully intense and full of beautifully articulated feelings. The emotions are well done because they feel so deep and real that the reader is pulled along into each relationship, caring what happens next.
In this mid-20s coming of age and coming out story of self discovery, you find themes of sexuality, friendship, social media, depression, anxiety, and hope.
🖤 Thank you to author Mazey Eddings, St. Martin’s Griffin, and NetGalley for the advanced digital copy. As always, my reviews are honest, my own, and voluntary!
📚 Book: You Won’t Forget Me by Mazey Eddings
📅 Release Date: June 9, 2026
⭐ Rating: 4.25 out of 5
✅ I would recommend to anyone looking for an emotional romance
🎸 For Fans of:
- emotional romance
- “sexual identity crisis”
- sapphic romance
- LGBTQIA+ romance
- band on tour
- messy love triangle
- social media addiction / anxiety
- depression rep
- in love with best friend
- fake dating someone else
- questioning sexuality
- character growth
- slow burn
- pansexuality rep
📖 Quickie Synopsis
Cubbie is publicly dumped by lead singer, Connor, who leaves the band to go solo. So the rest of the band goes on tour under a new name, but find themselves with Cubby needing to fake date bandmate, Harry, to stay relevant. But now Cubby is finally confronting her feelings for her other bandmate and long time best friend, Darcy.
✏️ Spoiler-Free ARC Review
Anyone who has ever struggled with depression will most definitely feel seen throughout this book. There’s a lot of anxiety in these pages too. The loss of control Cubby feels, felt very real and at times I had to pause and take a deep breathe.
Still, it’s this type of hurt and in love character that was so relatable even to me, a straight female. And longing is longing, no matter the gender.
I found the romances to be messy yet wonderfully intense and full of beautifully articulated feelings. The emotions are well done because they feel so deep and real that the reader is pulled along into each relationship, caring what happens next.
In this mid-20s coming of age and coming out story of self discovery, you find themes of sexuality, friendship, social media, depression, anxiety, and hope.
🖤 Thank you to author Mazey Eddings, St. Martin’s Griffin, and NetGalley for the advanced digital copy. As always, my reviews are honest, my own, and voluntary!
📚 Book: You Won’t Forget Me by Mazey Eddings
📅 Release Date: June 9, 2026
⭐ Rating: 4.25 out of 5
✅ I would recommend to anyone looking for an emotional romance
Read
February 4, 2026“Life is nothing but confusion. Learning to embrace the joy in the awful mess of it all is what makes it worth living.”
Cubby Clark is at the precipice of mainstream success with the band she’s poured her heart and soul into for years. She’s also never been more unhappy in all her life.
Shoved into a fake relationship with one of her bandmates and sent on tour in a country far from home, Cubby faces the real time trauma of misguided public opinion while she simultaneously begins to understand that the person she may actually be in love with is her best friend…the girl that’s been by her side as long as she can remember, and the one that slips further away from her with each passing day.
On a course heading for destruction, Cubby must choose whether to face the things that scare her most or crash and burn, losing the things and people she loves most in the process.
—
this and that:
♡ autism rep
♡ bandmates x best friends
♡ fake dating
♡ friends to lovers
♡ lqbtq+
♡ music tour road trip
♡ only one bed
♡ open door spice
♡ revenge anthems
♡ sapphic love
♡ single pov
triggers:
☞ bigotry (discussed)
☞ burnout
☞ depression
☞ misogyny
☞ online bullying x trolling
notable quotes:
—
thank you to You Had Me at HEA (St. Martin’s Press) and NetGalley for the gifted review copy!
—
♡ find me on Instagram!
Cubby Clark is at the precipice of mainstream success with the band she’s poured her heart and soul into for years. She’s also never been more unhappy in all her life.
Shoved into a fake relationship with one of her bandmates and sent on tour in a country far from home, Cubby faces the real time trauma of misguided public opinion while she simultaneously begins to understand that the person she may actually be in love with is her best friend…the girl that’s been by her side as long as she can remember, and the one that slips further away from her with each passing day.
On a course heading for destruction, Cubby must choose whether to face the things that scare her most or crash and burn, losing the things and people she loves most in the process.
—
this and that:
♡ autism rep
♡ bandmates x best friends
♡ fake dating
♡ friends to lovers
♡ lqbtq+
♡ music tour road trip
♡ only one bed
♡ open door spice
♡ revenge anthems
♡ sapphic love
♡ single pov
triggers:
☞ bigotry (discussed)
☞ burnout
☞ depression
☞ misogyny
☞ online bullying x trolling
notable quotes:
—
thank you to You Had Me at HEA (St. Martin’s Press) and NetGalley for the gifted review copy!
—
♡ find me on Instagram!
January 3, 2026
2.5 Stars
The author note mentions this book being hard to write, had many iterations, and started as one thing and ended up being another and i see it. While I believe this book has good bones, the execution left me a bit wanting.
Cubby, our FMC, is going through it. Between her continuing and openly deteriorating mental health and her crumbling public image, I wish she had more support than she was given (the moments with her moms and brother shone but ended too quickly) especially from her band. Taking out the romantic aspects, I couldn’t care less about the band given how they treated Cubby. None of them resonated with me especially in how quick they were able to ignore Cubby’s obvious struggles - some of which they co-signed - and none of which are properly addressed/handled at all. The roadtrip/tour aspect would have been more fun had this band been more familial and light versus constantly at each other’s throats.
The romance itself? Miscommunication is mostly to blame here. Darcy is supposedly our love interest and while I can get behind their earnest love for each other as best friends and her upbringing informing her reluctance, the fact that it takes soooo long for admission of romantic love (literally 80% in!!) made it hard for me to buy into it. Especially when you have Harry waiting on the wings and Conner lurking around. For a sapphic romance, men were centered so much - i just can’t. If anything, I say Cubby should’ve cut and run and started over somewhere else away from all these folks with a good therapist on speed dial but I digress.
With a band and romance that was hard to get behind plus pacing that was a bit of a slog, I can appreciate what this book is trying to say and do and the ending (although so fast!) somewhat sticks the landing but it ultimately just didn’t hit all the right notes.
READ FOR
- Celebrity Romance
- Love Triangle
- Sapphic Romance
Thank you to the publisher for my gifted arc in exchange for my honest review.
The author note mentions this book being hard to write, had many iterations, and started as one thing and ended up being another and i see it. While I believe this book has good bones, the execution left me a bit wanting.
Cubby, our FMC, is going through it. Between her continuing and openly deteriorating mental health and her crumbling public image, I wish she had more support than she was given (the moments with her moms and brother shone but ended too quickly) especially from her band. Taking out the romantic aspects, I couldn’t care less about the band given how they treated Cubby. None of them resonated with me especially in how quick they were able to ignore Cubby’s obvious struggles - some of which they co-signed - and none of which are properly addressed/handled at all. The roadtrip/tour aspect would have been more fun had this band been more familial and light versus constantly at each other’s throats.
The romance itself? Miscommunication is mostly to blame here. Darcy is supposedly our love interest and while I can get behind their earnest love for each other as best friends and her upbringing informing her reluctance, the fact that it takes soooo long for admission of romantic love (literally 80% in!!) made it hard for me to buy into it. Especially when you have Harry waiting on the wings and Conner lurking around. For a sapphic romance, men were centered so much - i just can’t. If anything, I say Cubby should’ve cut and run and started over somewhere else away from all these folks with a good therapist on speed dial but I digress.
With a band and romance that was hard to get behind plus pacing that was a bit of a slog, I can appreciate what this book is trying to say and do and the ending (although so fast!) somewhat sticks the landing but it ultimately just didn’t hit all the right notes.
READ FOR
- Celebrity Romance
- Love Triangle
- Sapphic Romance
Thank you to the publisher for my gifted arc in exchange for my honest review.
January 29, 2026
4 ⭐️ thank you so much netgalley and Mazey Eddings for the e-arc!
Wow… just wow. I read Edding’s Late Bloomers during the summer last year and enjoyed it a lot, but I have to say that was quickly topped by the whirlwind friends to lovers in You Won’t Forget Me. Cubby and Darcy (yes, after Pride and Prejudice) grew up together, play in a band together and have shared a “platonic” kiss… once, one of which Cubby can’t forget. Cubby, who just got out of a toxic on-and-off again relationship with former bandmate Connor, who rose to success after writing a song dissing Cubby, has been suffering with her mental health, self image and the constant turmoil of hate she has been receiving online. Darcy was with her through it all.
The way their relationship builds, from small acts of affection to secret shared moments made me blush and feel emotional for these two girls, neither who have come to terms with their sexualities yet. This book, while a romance, also shows how important found family is, how important never losing your passion is and to never give up.
I wish this book was a bit longer, and I would have enjoyed to see more bits and pieces of Harry and Kale—as well as more description of Darcy, who can seem a bit mysterious through the first half of the book.
I absolutely adored this book and can’t wait to read Edding’s next! 🩷
Wow… just wow. I read Edding’s Late Bloomers during the summer last year and enjoyed it a lot, but I have to say that was quickly topped by the whirlwind friends to lovers in You Won’t Forget Me. Cubby and Darcy (yes, after Pride and Prejudice) grew up together, play in a band together and have shared a “platonic” kiss… once, one of which Cubby can’t forget. Cubby, who just got out of a toxic on-and-off again relationship with former bandmate Connor, who rose to success after writing a song dissing Cubby, has been suffering with her mental health, self image and the constant turmoil of hate she has been receiving online. Darcy was with her through it all.
The way their relationship builds, from small acts of affection to secret shared moments made me blush and feel emotional for these two girls, neither who have come to terms with their sexualities yet. This book, while a romance, also shows how important found family is, how important never losing your passion is and to never give up.
I wish this book was a bit longer, and I would have enjoyed to see more bits and pieces of Harry and Kale—as well as more description of Darcy, who can seem a bit mysterious through the first half of the book.
I absolutely adored this book and can’t wait to read Edding’s next! 🩷
December 5, 2025
Whew! The angst in this story. I just wanted to jump in the story and hold Cubby tight and just shower her with support and safety! Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for granting my request for an advance review copy for free, I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Getting to know Cubby was as wonderful as it was heartbreaking. I adored Daisy, most of the time, and understand and empathize with her motivations. She also deserves the world. Together, these two are a force. Unfortunately outside forces and internal conflict cause their lights and bond to dim.
Highly recommend. So many feels. Wonderful representation of mental health, depression, anxiety and identity just to name a few. Lots of lyrics and music and travel. Some of the accommodations are a hoot. Grab a stress ball and some tissues and snuggle up for Cubby and Daisy’s story!
Getting to know Cubby was as wonderful as it was heartbreaking. I adored Daisy, most of the time, and understand and empathize with her motivations. She also deserves the world. Together, these two are a force. Unfortunately outside forces and internal conflict cause their lights and bond to dim.
Highly recommend. So many feels. Wonderful representation of mental health, depression, anxiety and identity just to name a few. Lots of lyrics and music and travel. Some of the accommodations are a hoot. Grab a stress ball and some tissues and snuggle up for Cubby and Daisy’s story!
January 12, 2026
You Won’t Forget Me is an absolute ride. I will forever love Mazey Eddings’ ability to write books that are both fun and full of heart.
This story weaves in and out of an epic summer for the band Tea Time Tantrum. The members of the band are individually a lot of fun, but there are a lot of differing dynamics at play. I really liked how the author tackled social media, especially focusing on how it treats women. The contrast of how Cubby and Harry interact with social media is so important and helps reinforce why we need boundaries online.
Though each relationship in this book is messy, it all comes together in the end. If you’re looking for a trip across the northeastern US with a band of dysfunctional found family members, this one is sure to pull you in!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the ARC!
This story weaves in and out of an epic summer for the band Tea Time Tantrum. The members of the band are individually a lot of fun, but there are a lot of differing dynamics at play. I really liked how the author tackled social media, especially focusing on how it treats women. The contrast of how Cubby and Harry interact with social media is so important and helps reinforce why we need boundaries online.
Though each relationship in this book is messy, it all comes together in the end. If you’re looking for a trip across the northeastern US with a band of dysfunctional found family members, this one is sure to pull you in!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the ARC!
December 3, 2025
thank you netgalley and mazey eddings for the ARC !!
soooo i finished this in one sitting 🫣
cubby is very stubborn and outspoken and also a people pleaser who is pretty on par with her brain development as a 23 yr old lol
the messy band dynamics in tabloids were fun to read but had me on edge. would love to know what happened with the harry’s after the epilogue
connor reminded me of an ex i personally had in my early 20s and i wanted to punch him in the face tbh
some parts of the book felt a little disjointed and i wanted more of the gooey romance towards the end. i think i would likely classify this as a slow burn, grumpy x sunshine
the book does handle some topics like depression and compulsive behaviors as well as sexism and homophobia
soooo i finished this in one sitting 🫣
cubby is very stubborn and outspoken and also a people pleaser who is pretty on par with her brain development as a 23 yr old lol
the messy band dynamics in tabloids were fun to read but had me on edge. would love to know what happened with the harry’s after the epilogue
connor reminded me of an ex i personally had in my early 20s and i wanted to punch him in the face tbh
some parts of the book felt a little disjointed and i wanted more of the gooey romance towards the end. i think i would likely classify this as a slow burn, grumpy x sunshine
the book does handle some topics like depression and compulsive behaviors as well as sexism and homophobia
December 19, 2025
Another delightful and yet raw romance by Mazey Eddings. Lucky that I was able to read an advance copy from NetGalley. Cubby, Darcy, Harry, Kale and Skull go from a literal band of misfit characters to a true family and band. I also love the depth and challenges Mazey gives her characters in all of her books.
January 11, 2026
Read in roughly a day! Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s for the ARC.
I enjoyed this look into Cubby finding herself and how that panned out with her friendship/relationship with Darcy. It was also a very real take on internet culture and how it can affect a person’s mental health.
I enjoyed this look into Cubby finding herself and how that panned out with her friendship/relationship with Darcy. It was also a very real take on internet culture and how it can affect a person’s mental health.
December 5, 2025
Love love love. Give me 15 of them rn. This books comes out this june 9th 2026 so check it out!
dnf
December 13, 2025read 50% and just could not get into it. the characters are not interesting me
Want to read
December 24, 2025
*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review!*
Covers like these are my weakness.
Covers like these are my weakness.
January 4, 2026
review to come
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I picked up this ARC through NetGalley on a whim — friends have recommended Mazey Eddings before, cute cover, interesting synopsis — because I figured it would be a good time.
I did not expect to get completely sucked in & totally unable to focus on anything else all evening. Holy shit. I love Cubby as a narrator — her voice absolutely captures what it’s like to be 23 & figuring yourself out (messily) while pursuing your vocational passion (also messily) and dealing with your love life (even more messily). You feel everything so intensely, and you’re an adult but still very new at it, so you have all the responsibilities but none of the experience / judgment, and there’s so much pressure to get it all right and know what to do… yeah. Eddings absolutely nailed that feeling.
I also love that Cubby’s voice is so unflinching in her anger as a young woman dealing with the rampant misogyny of her industry as well as society at large. She’s so fucking pissed off, and I loved that at times her anger helped save her from her own depressive spiral. Yes, anger can be destructive and unhealthy, but sometimes anger is an important part of our survival instinct. Cubby struggles with depression, and the aftermath of an emotionally abusive boyfriend who reinforced all of her self-doubt (and taught her to hate herself / question her basic worth) — all of which is portrayed in a very realistic way — but I found it very relatable that despite the despair, she was still ANGRY. I loved that, in spite of everything, she knew that she deserved better and she was furious. And, on the other side of it, I also loved that the genuine love & friendship of her bandmates and her family helped ground her & helped her find a way through the entire mess.
I won’t repeat the book synopsis here — suffice to say, I think Eddings did a fantastic job delivering on the entire premise. I love that we got some of the fake dating trope and some love triangle business without ever approaching trite Which Boy Wins territory; I love that Cubby and Harry were able to navigate a (sometimes) romantically-tinged friendship with grace; I love, love, loooove the best friends to lovers journey for Cubby and Darcy.
On the whole, a very fun read with fantastic romance and fantastic friendships, which also handled sensitive topics with grace.
I did not expect to get completely sucked in & totally unable to focus on anything else all evening. Holy shit. I love Cubby as a narrator — her voice absolutely captures what it’s like to be 23 & figuring yourself out (messily) while pursuing your vocational passion (also messily) and dealing with your love life (even more messily). You feel everything so intensely, and you’re an adult but still very new at it, so you have all the responsibilities but none of the experience / judgment, and there’s so much pressure to get it all right and know what to do… yeah. Eddings absolutely nailed that feeling.
I also love that Cubby’s voice is so unflinching in her anger as a young woman dealing with the rampant misogyny of her industry as well as society at large. She’s so fucking pissed off, and I loved that at times her anger helped save her from her own depressive spiral. Yes, anger can be destructive and unhealthy, but sometimes anger is an important part of our survival instinct. Cubby struggles with depression, and the aftermath of an emotionally abusive boyfriend who reinforced all of her self-doubt (and taught her to hate herself / question her basic worth) — all of which is portrayed in a very realistic way — but I found it very relatable that despite the despair, she was still ANGRY. I loved that, in spite of everything, she knew that she deserved better and she was furious. And, on the other side of it, I also loved that the genuine love & friendship of her bandmates and her family helped ground her & helped her find a way through the entire mess.
I won’t repeat the book synopsis here — suffice to say, I think Eddings did a fantastic job delivering on the entire premise. I love that we got some of the fake dating trope and some love triangle business without ever approaching trite Which Boy Wins territory; I love that Cubby and Harry were able to navigate a (sometimes) romantically-tinged friendship with grace; I love, love, loooove the best friends to lovers journey for Cubby and Darcy.
On the whole, a very fun read with fantastic romance and fantastic friendships, which also handled sensitive topics with grace.
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