In her sophomore novel, “Tell Me How You Really Feel,” Betty Cayouette delivers a refreshingly authentic romance that balances heartwarming moments with sharp commentary on gender inequality in the entertainment industry. Following her debut “One Last Shot,” Cayouette proves she’s no one-hit wonder with this engaging story about two podcasters navigating fame, love, and personal growth.
This contemporary romance stands out for its exploration of complex themes like imposter syndrome, anxiety, and the challenges women face in male-dominated industries, all while maintaining the warmth and chemistry readers expect from the genre. Cayouette’s narrative voice is witty and conversational, making the 400+ pages fly by like an addictive podcast episode you can’t stop listening to.
Plot and Premise: More Than Just Another Romance
At its core, “Tell Me How You Really Feel” follows Maeve and Finn, co-hosts of a wildly successful sex and relationships podcast by the same name. When we meet them, they’ve just landed a life-changing $60 million exclusive deal with Streamify, but they can barely be in the same room together.
The narrative alternates between the present day, where they’re trying to maintain their professional relationship despite personal heartbreak, and flashbacks to their college friendship that evolved into a working partnership and eventually something more. This structure works brilliantly, allowing readers to piece together what went wrong while watching them navigate their complicated present.
What elevates the story is how Cayouette weaves in timely issues:
- The gender pay gap in entertainment
- Mental health challenges and anxiety
- The power dynamics between nepo babies and self-made professionals
- The toxic side of internet fame and podcast culture
These elements transform what could have been a straightforward second-chance romance into a nuanced exploration of modern relationships and career ambitions.
Character Development: Relatable, Flawed, and Authentic
Maeve emerges as the true heart of the novel. A licensed therapist from a working-class background, she’s built a successful podcast empire while battling anxiety and imposter syndrome. Her struggles with feeling “not enough” compared to her accomplished sisters and later to Finn’s privilege are painfully relatable. Watching her grow from someone who downplays her achievements to a woman who advocates for herself is immensely satisfying.
Finn initially comes across as the privileged nepo baby who doesn’t appreciate his advantages, but Cayouette skillfully reveals the layers beneath his carefree facade:
- His childhood trauma from paparazzi harassment
- His fear of following his acting passion
- His genuine belief in Maeve’s talents
- His blindness to his own privilege
While his character growth isn’t as dramatic as Maeve’s, his journey toward recognizing his unconscious biases feels authentic rather than performative.
The supporting cast—from Maeve’s fiercely protective sisters to Finn’s famous parents—adds depth to the story. Particularly well-drawn is Evangeline, Finn’s actress mother, who serves as a mentor figure while highlighting the generational struggles women in entertainment have faced.
Writing Style: Conversational Yet Insightful
Cayouette’s writing strikes a perfect balance between light-hearted banter and thoughtful introspection. The dialogue feels natural and often sparkles with humor, particularly during the podcast recording scenes. The author excels at creating intimate moments that reveal character, like when Finn recalls secretly transferring dorms in college just to be near Maeve.
The novel’s pacing is one of its strengths—flashbacks are integrated seamlessly, and the alternating perspectives between Maeve and Finn keep the narrative fresh. Cayouette doesn’t rush the reconciliation, allowing both characters time to grow individually before they can truly work as a team.
Romance and Chemistry: Earned and Electric
The romantic tension between Maeve and Finn is palpable from the first chapter, but what makes their connection compelling is how deeply rooted it is in friendship and mutual respect. Their professional chemistry translates beautifully to personal intimacy, making their eventual reconciliation feel earned rather than inevitable.
Cayouette doesn’t shy away from conflict, allowing her characters to have messy, emotional confrontations that feel true to life. The novel argues convincingly that real love isn’t about grand gestures but about seeing each other clearly and supporting each other’s dreams, even when that means stepping back.
Some standout romantic elements include:
- Their shared love of diners and strange food combinations
- The way they complete each other’s sentences during podcast recordings
- The studio Finn builds for Maeve based on her dream specifications
- Their ability to be vulnerable with each other in ways they can’t with anyone else
Social Commentary: Sharp Without Being Preachy
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its unflinching look at gender inequality in entertainment. When a New York Times exposé reveals that Finn earns nearly double Maeve’s salary despite her being the driving creative force behind their podcast, Cayouette doesn’t offer easy solutions. Instead, she explores how even well-intentioned men can perpetuate systemic problems through ignorance and complacency.
The portrayal of mental health, particularly Maeve’s anxiety, is handled with sensitivity and nuance. Cayouette shows both the debilitating effects of panic attacks and the strategies for managing anxiety without defining Maeve by her condition.
Areas for Improvement
Despite its many strengths, “Tell Me How You Really Feel” isn’t without flaws:
- Pacing issues in the middle section: The Met Gala and Milan Fashion Week sequences, while entertaining, feel somewhat drawn out compared to the emotional intensity of the later chapters.
- Convenient resolution to career obstacles: Maeve’s partnership with Evangeline comes together a bit too neatly, resolving her career frustrations in a way that feels slightly contrived.
- Underdeveloped antagonist: Paul Myers, the misogynistic rival podcaster, is more caricature than character, especially after the revelation that his on-air persona is just an act.
- Limited social diversity: While the novel excels at examining gender issues, it misses opportunities to address intersectionality in meaningful ways.
Final Verdict: A Thoughtful Romance for the Modern Age
“Tell Me How You Really Feel” is a good read for its compelling characters, timely themes, and emotionally satisfying arc. It’s a romance that acknowledges the complexities of modern relationships without losing sight of what makes the genre joyful—the belief that love can help us become our best selves.
The novel will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Workplace romances with depth
- Stories featuring mental health representation
- Second-chance romance with genuine growth
- Commentary on media and entertainment industries
Fans of Emily Henry’s thoughtful contemporary romances, Christina Lauren’s workplace dynamics, or Alisha Rai’s examination of modern dating will find much to love in Cayouette’s sophomore effort.
Who Should Read This Book?
Tell Me How You Really Feel is perfect for:
- Podcast enthusiasts who enjoy behind-the-scenes industry insights
- Readers looking for romance that acknowledges real-world career challenges
- Anyone who has struggled with imposter syndrome or anxiety
- Fans of slow-burn reconciliations where both parties need to grow
“Tell Me How You Really Feel” demonstrates that Cayouette is a rising voice in contemporary romance, crafting stories that entertain while asking meaningful questions about relationships, careers, and self-worth. It’s a promising follow-up to “One Last Shot” that suggests this author has much more to say—and readers will be eager to listen.
Like the podcast at the center of this story, the novel offers both spice and substance, delivering a thoroughly modern romance that reflects the challenges and opportunities of building both a career and a relationship in today’s complex world. Cayouette has clearly found her voice, and it’s one worth tuning into.