📚 The Makeup Girl by Eddy Twice
🎧 Format: Audiobook
🎙️ Narrated by: Daniel Rosenberg & Bonnie Walsh
📕 Genre: Contemporary Romance
📖 Read: November 2024
✨ Rating: ⭐️⭐️

‧₊˚✧ 𝑻𝑹𝑶𝑷𝑬𝑺 ✧˚₊‧
ꕥ Workplace Romance
ꕥ Grumpy/Sunshine
ꕥ Enemies to Lovers

This was just fine.

This book started off strong, but halfway through it just fell flat. While I enjoyed both Ethan and Ivy's characters, I felt no chemistry or connection with them. Everything just seemed surface-level. Ivy's backstory with Rob was almost tragic; however, it was barely discussed. I also found the timeline to be a bit disjointed. The chapters move from one thing to another with little to no follow up. Honestly, at times I felt so lost.

The audio was also just ok. Ivy's narrator was easy to listen to, however, it took me a while to get used to the male narrator.

I will say, I do appreciate that there was no third-act breakup, but unfortunately, I don't think I'm going to remember this book in a few days.

𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘴: 𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮.𝘤𝘰𝘮/𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘥.𝘢𝘯𝘥.𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨/

Thank you NetGalley, Victory Editing and Eddy Twice for giving me the opportunity to listen to this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This book is a mix of workplace romance, grumpy boss, and enemies-to-lovers tropes. It is slow moving, a little disjointed and lacked a good hook for me. I wanted to love it but it ended up just being okay. It is not bad just not memorable.

Probably more like 3.5-star star rating. The story was okay honestly nothing stood out to me besides the accent I love a good accent. Ivy lived with her ex-boyfriend up until he broke it off with her and left her with nothing. She had to get a Job to support herself that's where she starts as assistant at a makeup company and meets Ethan who is a total grump. He also is in a terrible relationship. Eventually they get drunk, and they do a one night stand that eventually leads to more

First thing’s first: thank you Netgalley for the ALC of this book!
The Makeup Girl by Eddy Twice was truly terrible. I’m sure there are people who will love this, but it SUPER wasn’t for me. Manic pixie dream girl type FMC who just doesn’t even GET makeup, ya know?! But somehow she’s also hired on at a makeup company despite being late for the interview and not interviewing well and then being late on her first day?? Okay…. Sure! Weird sudden horniness leads to weird and cringe instalove between her and her boss (she’s his assistant) after both of them get out of long term relationships and then he turns down a job offer so he can stay in town with her??? Idk man I realllllllly hated this book and while I don’t know for sure if Eddy Twice is a man, the sex scenes sure suggest he is. The ONLY good thing about this book is that it was short.
.5⭐️

We meet the love interests friends a few times and the ruin the whole already slightly annoying character. I can't get behind thinking anything nice about a guy who intentionally hangs out with people like that.

This book is a sweet, lighthearted rom-com that makes for an easy, feel-good read. I liked its pacing, which also allowed to reveal the characters’ misunderstandings and the small confusions that keep them from getting together right away.

However, while the setup is enjoyable (which is why I wanted to read it!), the book didn’t quite leave a strong impression on me. I thought the characters lack depth or I just didn't connect with them, and I struggled to feel truly invested in their journeys. I don't think the book is too memorable either. I don't think it was meant to be any of these things, so if you're looking for a light and fluffy book, this one is it!

Overall, it’s a fun, light read, but unfortunately not one that will stick with me for long.

this book, “the makeup girl” is a cute and lighthearted rom-com that hits al the right notes. the writer eddy twice has done a perfect job blending professional challenges with romantic sparks. the daul narration elevates the story, making it a delightful listening experience perfect for fans of comtemporary romance.

The story between Ivy and Ethan is refreshingly delightful, far from clichéd and predictable plots, which I absolutely loved.

I devoured the audiobook in one sitting and don’t regret a single moment of those five hours spent with these endearing characters.

That said, there were moments when I got a bit lost, but nothing that marred the overall experience. The only downside: the ending. The author chooses to leave us wanting more, which can be frustrating for readers seeking complete closure.

Despite this, I really enjoyed the main characters. They are well-developed, and their depth makes the story even more immersive. The theme of toxic relationships is addressed with relevance and sensitivity—an important topic that is often overlooked but affects many people.

The author’s writing style is pleasant and fluid, and the choice of narrators for the audiobook is perfect. Their voices match Ivy and Ethan’s personalities wonderfully, adding an extra dimension to the story.

Cute story. The pacing was interesting- the way they overlapped sometimes showed the miscommunication and confusions. The overall story was sweet and quirky, light but satisfying.

#arc
#netgalley
#themakeupgirl

Eddy Twice’s The Make-Up Girl is a refreshing, fast-paced read that offers a captivating blend of humor, self-discovery, and a behind-the-scenes look at the glamorous (and sometimes chaotic) beauty industry. It’s a sparkling debut that will leave you smiling and rooting for its quirky, relatable heroine. Thank you to NetGalley for the audio book for this novel.

Twice crafts an engaging, witty protagonist whose journey is full of ups and downs, from mishaps to celebrations. Ivy makes mistakes, learns from them, and always manages to get back up on her feet. After being dumped by her boyfriend that says she does not clean good enough to his standards. Well almost in the middle of the night her ex boyfriend comes back and takes literally everything but the bed. Ivy knows she has to get a job or she will be evicted. She manages to land a job at make up company as a grumpy man's assistant,

Eddy Twice has crafted a story that feels like a breath of fresh air—a must-read for anyone who loves a good laugh, a dash of romance, and a reminder that true you can overcome anything if you try.

A fun, sweet read. I enjoyed it. Really enjoyed the audio narration as well. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read this.

*The Makeup Girl* by Eddy Twice offers a familiar mix of workplace romance, grumpy boss, and enemies-to-lovers tropes, but the execution leaves much to be desired. Ivy, the protagonist, returns to the workforce after a painful breakup with her long-term boyfriend, while her boss is navigating his own tumultuous relationship. Their shared misery creates an inevitable attraction, but the story struggles with pacing and cohesion.

The narrative feels somewhat disjointed, jumping between the characters' personal struggles and their slow-burn romance without a clear focus. While the characters have potential, their development feels rushed, and the romance often reads as more of a rebound than a genuine connection, which can be a little hard to root for. The tension between Ivy and her boss is engaging, but the emotional weight of their individual baggage—particularly Ivy's rebound from her ex—makes it difficult to invest fully in their relationship.

Overall, *The Makeup Girl* offers some enjoyable moments for fans of the genre, but it’s a bit of a mixed bag. With some more careful editing and deeper character exploration, it could have been more impactful. A 3-star read, not bad but not exactly memorable either.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was not for me. The story itself is not bad, but the writing was very staccato and choppy. The narrators on the audio were not my favorite either. Overall, the story premise was good, but the writing was not for me.

"The Makeup Girl" by Eddy Twice offers a refreshing dive into the vibrant world of workplace rom-coms, with Ivy, a determined young woman ready to turn a new page in her career at a rising makeup company. All goes relatively smoothly until she encounters her brusque yet irresistibly attractive boss—a dynamic that propels the story into witty banter, romantic tension, and laugh-out-loud moments.

The audiobook's magic truly comes alive thanks to the stellar performances by narrators Daniel Rosenberg and Bonnie Walsh. Their engaging voices perfectly embody the distinct personalities of the main characters and capture the rollercoaster of emotions with authentic energy. Rosenberg's gruff tones enhance the boss’s grumpy persona, while Walsh’s lively narration brings Ivy’s character to life, especially during moments of humor, vulnerability, and romantic tension.

In conclusion, "The Makeup Girl" is a cute, lighthearted rom-com that hits all the right notes, blending professional challenges with romantic sparks. The dual narration elevates the story, making it a delightful listening experience perfect for fans of contemporary romance.

**ARC Review: *The Make Up Girl* by Eddy Twice**

*The Make Up Girl* by Eddy Twice is a delightful enemies-to-lovers romcom that mixes workplace tension, second chances, and the sweet chaos of starting over. Ivy’s fresh start at a makeup company after a painful breakup seems like the perfect opportunity to rebuild her life. However, her dreams of a drama-free work environment are shattered when she meets her grumpy, no-nonsense boss, Oliver. He’s determined to push every one of her buttons, turning her new job into a battlefield of sarcastic remarks and simmering tension.

Things take a steamy turn when Ivy, celebrating her newfound independence on a wild night out, unexpectedly runs into Oliver at a bar. One drink leads to another, and suddenly their heated arguments give way to something even hotter. But in the light of day, Ivy is left wondering: can she really mix business with pleasure, especially when her heart is still healing?

**What to Expect**:
- **Enemies to Lovers**: Ivy and Oliver's banter is razor-sharp, full of sizzling chemistry that keeps you rooting for them to finally admit their feelings.
- **Opposites Attract**: Ivy’s free-spirited nature clashes with Oliver’s stern, rule-abiding demeanor, leading to plenty of humorous and heartfelt moments as they navigate their growing attraction.
- **Second Chance at Love**: After a heartbreak, Ivy’s journey is one of rediscovery, courage, and figuring out if she’s ready to let someone new into her life.
- **Workplace Shenanigans**: From boardroom bickering to unexpected after-hours encounters, this story is packed with the kind of romantic tension that will keep you hooked.

With laugh-out-loud humor, heartfelt moments, and just the right amount of steam, *The Make Up Girl* delivers a charming story about risking your heart and finding love where you least expect it. Eddy Twice’s writing is fresh and engaging, making Ivy and Oliver’s journey from rivals to reluctant lovers a must-read for fans of sweet, spicy, and utterly satisfying romance.

**Rating**: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars)
**Verdict**: If you’re a fan of snarky banter, sizzling chemistry, and love stories that remind you it’s never too late for a second chance, *The Make Up Girl* will sweep you off your feet. Perfect for those who enjoy a mix of humor, heart, and a happily ever after that feels truly earned.

3 stars ✰

ivy holt sacrificed everything for her bf of 8 years, rob. where he went, she went with him. but she also relied on him. his friends were here friends, and since she didn’t have a job, she depended on him financially too. but one day he just gets up and walks out of the relationship, leaving ivy with NOTHING, breaking her heart in the process. so she has no choice but to start fresh. new job, new life, new friends. and she did it 🥹🥹 im so proud of her. she reminded me a lot of “i can do it with a broken heart” by taylor swift how she got her life together so quick even whilst experiencing heartache and betrayal. I really liked her.

at her new job, she meets ethan; her grumpy (but pretty) boss. he’s dealing with a toxic relationship, whilst ivy is still reeling from getting dumped. it’s safe to say they both have complications. but one night, when they run into each other at a bar, they get a little too drunk and have a one night stand 🤭🤭 and everything changes, obviously.

I listened to this on audio and it was so fun!! the male narrator was not my fav but I got used to it pretty quick. this was great for my morning walks, and when I was commuting to uni, it really lightened up my morning. listening to SPICE on audio is quite literally traumatising… so I skipped a little of those scenes bc it was too much, but other than that I had a fun time!!!

thank you netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for an honest review!!

This was a quick and easy listen. Workplace romance. Boss/employee. VERY LIGHT enemies to lovers. At points parts felt disjointed, I can’t tell if it’s the pacing in the audiobook or the writing. Certain parts felt rushed while other parts dragged on. Both of the exes in this book were brutal. Ivy was very likeable and I caught myself connecting to her.

I’d like to thank NetGalley, Eddy Twice and Audio ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ARC copy.

This was a quick listen at only about 5 hours. It’s your typical “mindless” and predictable (in a good way) romance where boy and girl come together in the end.

Thank you to netgalley for allowing me to review this book.

I found this book a quick, easy and spicy read. A perfect easy read in between heavier books.

Ivy does have a low self esteem for herself but without giving too much away her work role towards the end is great for her. I didn't like any of the male characters.

All in all a nice read and great to have a short book to get lost in.

Really cute short story. 3 1/2 stars. Was a great palette cleanser for me after reading a couple of more complex storyline books. I really liked Ivy but felt meh about Ethan. A lot of things seemed too convenient (like always being at the same restaurant/club/bar as the other main character or their exes) but overall I very much enjoyed the book.