Fixed Up Ever After

New Beginnings #2

by Anastasia Dean

Love was never part of the deal.

When Lola Roberts unknowingly shows up to her sister’s engagement party—the groom being Lola’s ex-boyfriend—there’s really only one thing to throw herself a pity party with an online, no-strings-attached hookup. Javi is the perfect distraction from her messed-up love life, and since their deal is one and done, she has nothing to lose.

Neither one expected to see each other again.

Working hard to get his independent business off the ground, Javi accepts a contracting job for a bookstore remodel—and Lola’s the new owner. Though their professional relationship might risk getting awkward, Javi can’t turn down the money the job provides. Nor can he refuse Lola’s request to be her fake date for her sister’s upcoming wedding and help her navigate all the family drama.

But there’s nothing fake about the undeniable desire propelling them together. The question is, are they ready for their hearts to undergo reconstruction?

Genres: Romance, Fake Dating, Plus Size, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 21, 2023

About the author

Anastasia Dean is a pen name for Tati B. Alvarez. She lives in Austin, Texas, where she spends most days lost in her own head, creating stories. When she is not writing, you can find her vacationing at Disney World.

Reviews

[Fedythereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so so much to the author for sharing an ARC of this book with me!!!!

“Do you always get what you want, preciosa?”

“On your knees, Lola. Hands on the headboard.”

“When it comes to you, Lola, I have a feeling nothing is easy.”

“I just don’t like that someone makes you feel inferior about one of the most beautiful parts of you.”

If someone were to ask me to use even just one adjective to describe this book, I would never be able to choose. There is not one word that can alone express the amount of joy, love, pain, frustration, hotness and sweetness I felt reading this book!!! I remember when I finished reading OAOTF, I thought “this author is a genius, i am in love with Maverick and Ofelia’s story” but then I read this one and … WOW !!! Listen I will never say that Lola and Javi took their predecessors’ places but they definitely managed to crave themselves a big (very big) place in my heart for themselves.
Especially considering the tropes you can find in this book: one night stand, forced priximity, fake dating, single dad and even one bed!!!!!
I won’t begin to cover how sweet Camilia was and how much I loved that little girl. What I will be talking about are Lola and Javi.
Lola was amazing. When I think of a woman, plus size, half Mexican, a Latina, who’s trying to deal with the prejudices and cruel comment coming directly from her mother and sister about her body, her health and her life choices. She is such a resilient character. Everything she has been through has marked undoubtedly marked her in a way that’s hard to deal. But when she meets her friends and Javi’s family, she finally has proof that family can be something different, something better, something worth sticking around. Plus she is working on herself and building up her own bookstore so … she is a queen in my opinion !!!!
And Javi … well … that man says “preciosa” like he is talking about a cake and I would gladly hear that title directed to me !!!! Javi is the perfect man. He can be a bit possessive but he is respectful first and foremost. Somehow he always gives Lola exactly what she needs at the right moment she needs it most. He is a wonderful father for his little girl, despite constantly feeling guilty of letting her down !!! And he has a way with words that it is insane !!!! The way he looks after Lola and his daughter is wonderful and I couldn’t help but fall for him.
Overall I think I may or may not have developed a passion for the books from this series and I am and will always be grateful for the chance to read even only one of them !!!!

“Careful preciosa, wouldn’t want you to ruin that beautiful dress.”

“Dolores, I’m a gentleman. I would never do something as heinous as look at your deliciously exposed thigh. What kind of man do you think I am?”

“She deserved the best and if her family couldn’t see that, Javi would make sure he showed them.”

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and Javi and Lola’s relationship! It was great to see some representation as both a Latina and a curvy girl 🫶🏼

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Kristal Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. This romance included not only a plus size female character but also a single dad male character. I found the characters cute and relatable as they had to tackle everyday issues regarding family, money, and acceptance. If you like fake dating and single daddy vibes you’ll definitely love this one!

[Reader of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one. I adore a good contemporary romance book that doesn’t shy away from serious subject matter. The author not only did this, but also also managed to maintain a healthy dose of humor.

MMC
I loved Javi - who doesn’t love a blue collar man with a filthy mouth who is also good with his hands… 😉. OH AND HE IS AN AMAZING FATHER AND FAMILY MAN?!?! 🥵

FMC
Lola was perfection. As a half Hispanic woman myself, I loved being able to see some of my own experiences in a character. The plus sizes rep was handled really beautifully as well. Lola is beautiful, intelligent, FASHIONABLE, witty, and knows her self worth.

FUEA was spicy and heart warming all at the same time- Definitely give this a read!!!

[Chiara | wordsbychiara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spice rating: 3/5 peppers

FIXED UP EVER AFTER delivered on my expectations! Javi was every bit as wonderful as I hoped he'd be, but the greatest surprise for me was Lola. She was a truly exceptional, empowering protagonist and we need more plus size goddesses like her in our contemporary books! If you're looking for a quick rom-com that has a hot one-night stand, forced proximity, the sexiest single daddy, a sprinkle of fake dating and a dash of spice to make it all better, look no further. I loved this book!

[Hope Eden · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
3🌶️
First off I’m so thankful I was able to get an ARC of this book.

Secondly…OH MY FUCKING WORD WAS THIS GOOD!!!

I was so excited to read Javi’s story because I loved him from book one. A one night stand that turns into fake dating! Yes! Please!

I was squealing, giggling and kicking my feet at the beginning of this book I was so invested in the story line and wanted to see we’re things go with Javi and Lola.

Now I can’t stand Lola’s family. I grew up with a larger mum and I can’t stand when family members or people in general make comments about her weight so I knew I’d be sensitive to this.
However I absolutely loved how Javi stood up for her. With only knowing her for a few days he did what most man are afraid of. Confronting people and sharing their true opinion. The way he was there for Lola and made sure she knew she was beautiful and didn’t need to change a thing I loved to see. I love Javi as a man and I also love him as a father. He is the most kind and caring man ever.

Now Lola! maldita chica eres picante!
Absolutely loved her! She’s so career driven and even though she’s come from a privileged family she doesn’t take anything for granted and wants to show her worth in her work. I also loved how at the beginning she was kind of shy and didn’t see her self worth but at the end she found a whole new confidence about her self. Like 👏she 👏should👏!

Overall I loved this book and I’m so excited to read Marisol’a story!

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I tell you that I couldn’t wait to read Javi’s story, I mean, All I kept thinking was Javi and all the possibilities of what his story will be.. and O M G !!!!!!

I was not ready for it, and we got Mavick and Ofi too… and can we talk about Lola and her BFFS!!!?!?!?!? There’s nothing that I love more than Found Family 😭🫀

This novel was packed with so many emotional topics like how complex the relationship between mothers and daughters can be when carrying generational trauma..

This story was how Lola, after a life of put downs, emotional and verbal abuse was able to stick for herself and fight for what she deserved! Because honey! She deserves the world!

Lola and Javi’s love story had me swooning and giggling like a high-school girlie, This novel has every single ingredient I LOVE in a story

Single dad ✅
Plus size MC ✅
Mental Health ✅
Family drama ✅
One bed ✅
Found family ✅

Ugh! I’m still not over this series and I cannot wait to read Marisol’s story ♥️

[Lyndi (mibookobsession) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When curvy Latina Lola Roberts finally achieved her dream of owning a bookshop, she never expected the contractor her friend recommended to be her one night hookup from six months ago. She really didn't expect that friend to suggest Javi as her plus one to her sister's wedding... for a price. But even a paid date is better than nothing when her sister is marrying Lola's ex. It doesn't take long to develop feelings for Javi, but a lifetime of insecurities keep her from believing in a happily ever after.
This is a cute fake dating, close proximity romance with a fun wedding destination and plenty of family drama. Javi is so protective of her even against her family and I loved that for her. I love that in the end she decided to take a stand and protect herself against the people that should love her unconditionally.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by the author and not my last. This was so good. I loved the relationship between Javi and Lola. The book made me cry and laugh. I recommend this book.

I received the ARC from the author in exchange for a fair review.

[Brittany Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was our local book club pick for June and I loved it! Loved seeing the representation of different things you dont see in main characters often. Javi and Lola are adorable together and I really connected with Lola's family issues and her personality. Def recommend!

[✩₊*Shelby ⋆ ☾⋆ LiteraryFaery ⁺₊✧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

FULL RTC!!!!

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Javi is perfection and Lola is a badass. Two phenomenal characters, one fantastic book!! Highly recommend this series!!!

Also. FAKE DATING. One of my favorite tropes!

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fixed Up Ever After is the second book in the A New Beginnings Romance Novel series by Anastasia Dean but it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. It is a contemporary romance featuring a plus sized, Latina FMC. The author incorporates several tropes including fake dating, forced proximity, and single dad.

Dolores (Lola) Roberts has a dysfunctional family. Her mother, Luciana, persistently belittles her with snide comments about her appearance and life choices. Her sister, Marisol, sides with their mother while their father, Travis, seems to look the other way. Lola is a 24-year old, plus size half-Mexican woman who loves herself exactly as she is but still carries the baggage from growing up with a mother who has always been consumed with appearances.

Lola's family gets her to attend her sister Marisol's engagement party under the premise of it being a simple family gathering. What makes it worse is that Marisol is engaged to Lola's ex, Archie. She puts on her best face but at a certain point has had enough and needs to just escape. She decides the best way to get out of her head is to get into her body. She uses an app and arranges a one-night encounter with Javi.

Javier (Javi) Mendez is a single dad to a beautiful 6-year old girl, Camilia. He lost the love of his life, and has immersed himself in work, family, and his priority - caring for his precious daughter. Javi hasn't engaged in physical couplings in some time and when he sees Lola, he is more than happy to worship her.

"If she wanted to honor him by suffocating him between her thighs, or working him past his breaking point, then Javi would say he'd experienced a life well lived. He couldn't envision a better way to go that with this goddess sitting on his face."

After a very enjoyable night, the two go their separate ways expecting to never see each other again. Surprise.... they do.

Lola purchases a dilapidated bookstore called Phoenix Books where she worked for years when she was younger. She loved it and she loves books. She has a vision of what she wants it to look like and is in need of a contractor who can realize her vision, quickly. Her best friend Monique (Mona), and her wife Mattea, have a bakery. They've used the services of a contractor and suggest him to work on the bookstore. Turns out that this contractor is none other than Javi and his contracting services aren't the only thing Lola will be using.

This was such a fun story. It was nice to have a curvy FMC (although from this reader's perspective a size 18 is not really plus sized) who is comfortable in her own skin, and who makes no excuses for who she is or what she loves. Her confidence was relatable in that in one moment she was standing tall, proud of who she is, while at the next she was experiencing anxiety related to plane travel and seat accommodation. Those who do not exist in larger bodies have no concept of this. I loved when she said, "...if my body insults you, maybe you should work on fixing your own biases when it comes to plus-sized individuals." I often wish I had the courage to say that to someone's face when they make a face, or mutter something under their breath. She is beautiful, smart, sassy, funny, and more.

I also loved Javi, a strong man who is very good with his hands, appreciates a good woman with curves, and loves his family wholeheartedly. Where can I find a Javi of my own? He seems to be the perfect balance of possessive and respectful. He knows the value of touch, and being held, while also understands that sometimes words aren't needed.

I'm sad that I finished the book as I really enjoyed their chemistry, and the extended family. I definitely need to pick up a copy of On And Off The Field (book #1 in the series), which is Javi's sister Ofelia's story. And it sounds like another book is planned for Marisol.

I definitely recommend this one. If you have any suggestions for me for other books featuring plus-sized FMC, please send them my way!

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to begin by thanking the author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review of the book.

My actual rating is closer to about a 4.5

One of my absolute favorite parts of the book revolved discussions of self-image, healing, mental health, family trauma and individual growth. Yes this is a steamy romance book that is good for the heart, but I feel like the real takeaways come from the aforementioned.

The FMC Lola comes from a wealthy family and appears to have everything from the outside perspective, but she has lived a life of suppression, judgement, and mistreatment from her family. Lola was such a relatable and inspiring character. Not only is she a bookworm but she goes on a journey of healing and becomes determined to end these toxic cycles that sometimes consume our lives. Lola admits to being a chronic people pleaser and I felt that in my soul, so it's nice to see her try to deviate from that tendency. Due to the absence of a good relationship with her biological family, Lola found comfort with her friend Mona and her wife Mattea. Their friendship was so cute. Yes to female friendships and solidarity. Moreover, I adored how the story goes into depth about the work that she had to do to be comfortable in her beautiful body. Lola is a baddie full of creativity and so much love. I adored everything about her and how real her character was.

Javi was a literal sweetheart. He is a single dad dedicated to giving his literal girl the world and for a while that was enough until he met Lola. Javi's journey was very much centered around the guilt of attempting to find a partner while still being a great father. He may not have much financially but he does his very dang best to make sure that his little girl was never lacking in love. From the minute that Javi met Lola he was nothing but a gentleman who wanted every bit of her that he could get. Throughout the book, he proved himself to be an amazing son, brother, father, and ultimately partner. He never does anything half-assed and we support our Latino King.

The romance was incredibly sweet. These two met for a single hookup and then months later ended up entangled in each other's lives. That night was so memorable to both of them, so when they see each other again, the sparks continue to be set off. Javi especially was such a good communicator. He never beat around the bush and made sure to express how beautiful he thought Lola was. Their moments were so adorable, but soooooo spicy as well. Javi is a gentleman with a MOUTH on him. He would pick up and throw Lola around like a latino version of a greek god. I had to fan myself a couple of times. I also loved how unapologetic Lola was about receiving pleasure and Javi made sure to deliver. Good for you sis. These two had such a healthy dynamic and were so fun to read about.

As a side note, I always love seeing Spanish in my books along with latino culture in my books, As a Latina myself, I will always advocate for and uplift books written by people from my community.

I highly recommend this to people looking for a sweet, spicy story of learning to set boundaries, healing, and finding love as well as building family.

[Lanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I have mixed emotions about this book. There were so many things I loved and so many I did not.

The Good
The diversity and representation were refreshing. Some authors shy away from the difficult topic of whitewashing. But there were strong characters who were unapologetically Latina which was great.

Anxiety and familial relationships are complicated. Actually addressing mental health issues and the impact they have on people who suffer from a screwed up family dynamic was a heavy topic. And it was real.

Javi was a perfect book boyfriend. Supportive and honest to a fault.
Relationships were not fixed immediately but required work. Something that is true to life.

The Bad
The diversity was refreshing but the whitewashing was never truly addressed. Other than saying that her mother and sister straightened their hair they never got beyond a throw away comment. Did she speak Spanish? Did she not have contact with her culture at all? We know she had a privileged upbringing but that exclude her heritage as well? Why was this never addressed with her father? How did he feel about his family basically white passing?

Lola clearly has a lot on her plate and is suffering. She starts out strong and funny and confident and then something shifts. All of a sudden her character becomes completely unlikeable. She’s mean, rude and dismissive of everyone for a large chunk of the book. Her inner dialogue says she’s never stood up for herself like that every time she stands up for herself, but then she turns around and just lets people walk all over her a minute later. She goes from justified in her frustration to playing the victim real quick. Even at the end of the book she gets angry with Javi and says she needs space. Then he gives it to her and she’s mad. That drove me crazy.

Javi was too perfect. So perfect that it made him lack any kind of real depth. The most thought out sentences we get from him are when he’s having sex with her. The rest of the time I felt like his emotions and words were oversimplified. It was like a kid saying “I like Lola. She is pretty. I have to work a lot. I don’t make a lot of money. My daughter is nice.” Side note it also gave me the ick that he referred to his daughter and Lola by the same pet name when they were intimate.

Overall it wasn’t bad. It was an interesting story that touched on heavy topics. Some parts felt very true to life and others like the ending felt rushed. The resolution of the family issues came quickly at the end and revelation that Marisol only got married because her mother wanted her to felt both convenient and absurd. I didn’t love it but I definitely didn’t hate it. And to be honest Javi did sound incredibly hot so there was that.

[Deanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’mi thoroughly enjoyed this story!! It was emotional and vulnerable and plenty spicy too!

The story focuses story focuses on Javier, Ofelia’s brother from On and Off the Field, and his fake dating, one-night-stand-turned-more relationship with Lola.

Being a mood reader is difficult at times because I knew I would enjoy this book but my brain just didn’t want to read anything but paranormal. I finished my last series though, ignored my mood, dove into this book that I’d been putting off and IM SO GLAD I DID. I finished it in just a few hours and I was so mad that my body betrayed me by needing to sleep in between those hours because the story was so good 😂😂

Lola is an amazing dichotomy of being supremely confident and also completely awkward and unsure of herself and it’s highly refreshing. She may technically be rich and beautiful but she’s not perfect and I found that wonderful to read about. Daddy Javi made my heart squee. He was both dominant and also incredibly tender with his daughter and family and with Lola. I screamed whenever he came out to champion Lola. He never let her or her family get away with demeaning her and constantly lifted Lola up. It was beautiful to see. This quote in particular, from Javi to Lola, stood out to me.

“Right. Sorry. I just don’t like that someone makes you feel inferior about one of the most beautiful parts of you.”

Throughout the entire story there were some truly beautiful quotes but this one about grief was my favourite. Grief is such a hard thing to summarise but this said it well.

”Grief was a weird thing. One moment a person could be totally fine, living their normal life, then the next moment the weight of the world could fall upon their shoulders and nothing was good or right.”

Lola had a lot to grieve over but she really turned it around by the end of the book and I was so proud. My heart broke for what she went through and I can’t even begin to imagine it but with the support from Javi, Mona, Mattea, she eventually found her confidence and strength.

Overall this was a truly enjoyable book! It was a steamy, fun, mildly heartbreaking rollercoaster and I enjoyed every minute of reading it!

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars
3/5 spice

Loved the chemistry. Loved the HEA. Loved so much about this story. And also I kinda want to open a bookstore now, lol...

Tropes:
A one night stand turned more
Fake dating
Forced proximity
One Bed
Latinx rep
Mental health rep
Hurt/healing
Protective hero
Plus size heroine
Spanish endearments
He falls first
Dual POV

I honestly went into this book knowing I was going to like it because I liked Javi's character so much in the first book. You can read this as a standalone, but you'll get a glimpse of Javi's hardworking and protective personality in his sister's story. The way he cares about Lola even when they are strangers hooking up... he's just swoon worthy 😏

As for Lola, despite going through years of emotional abuse, she still manages to have a sunny personality and big heart. I did have a hard time accepting her miscommunication towards Javi, which is the only reason why this book isn't perfect in my eyes. I loved how she would thrive away from her family, and it hurt to see her be a shell of herself when she was forced to interact with them, but she really could have eased some of the angst and hurt by just talking to Javi. He was ready to listen and would've been her biggest supporter. Eventually, the communication did happen, and they both were able to embrace the feelings that were growing.

Since this is an open door romance, you get to see Javi bring out a bit of his dominant side. They were definitely not lacking in the sexual chemistry department. The spice was nice and wasn't overdone. You get just the right amount at the perfect timing.

Mental health plays a big part in this story, and I greatly appreciate the author's portrayal. Not all coping mechanisms are the same, and you'll never heal years of trauma with just one conversation.

Overall, this was a great story with good character development. If you love fake dating and a good protective hero, you'll love this book.

Thank you to the author for giving me an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.

Trigger/Content warnings:
Fat shaming, emotional abuse, panic attacks, death of a partner (past tense), survivors guilt, sexual content, explicit language

[Cuban Ana Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

🛠️ Single Dad
📚 Mexican MMC
🛠️ Plus-size FMC
📚 Latinx FMC
🛠️ Fake Dating
📚 Mental Health Rep
🛠️ Family Drama
📚 Protective Hero
🛠️ One Bed
📚 Found Family
🛠️ “Preciosa”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️

Triggers:
🚩Fat Shaming
🚩Emotional Abuse
🚩Panic Attacks
🚩Death of a Partner (not on screen)
🚩Whitewashing Heritage

I couldn’t read this book fast enough. I love being able to picture myself in a book, and this one checked my boxes. Latin FMC ✔️Plus-Size ✔️Mental Health Rep ✔️This is book two in the New Beginnings Series. I will definitely be going back to read Book 1, On and Off the Field.

Lola Roberts is our amazing FMC. She is a confident woman who has learned to love her body despite being the "black sheep" of her family. Her mother and her sister’s constant criticism about her looks, her weight, and her job hurts; which leads to intense panic attacks whenever she has to face them.

Javi Mendez is our MMC. He is pure honey! The man is amazing. He is a contractor who just decided to open up his own business. He’s a single dad to Camilia and everything he does is for that little girl. He loves hard and he loves his family. He worries that he may not be enough for Camilia and that she may be missing out on having a mom. But he is an amazing father.

These two came into each other's lives at the right moment. Not only did Lola need a contractor to remodel her bookstore but she also needed a date for her sister’s wedding, and Javi was the perfect date. Javi was protective of Lola and he made sure to put her first. When he stood up to the family!!! Hello Javi! While Javi's feelings became genuine, he hesitated to reveal them. Lola’s feelings were also real but, battling her own insecurities, struggled to believe his feelings were real and pushed him away. But he never truly left, he was in the background showing up for her (big time) from the sidelines.

I absolutely loved this book. Javi and Lola were amazing together. From the ONS to fake dating to everything in between. Their banter was witty and their chemistry was undeniable. Javi's devotion to Lola—and his daughter and sister—was especially heartwarming. The spice was intense, and every time he called her "Preciosa," it was pure perfection. I love it when the man worships the woman and he does just that.

I loved that this book addressed the topic of whitewashing one's culture. It was frustrating to see Lola's own Mexican mother criticize her for embracing her heritage. But I found everything the mother did frustrating. Overall, this was a fantastic read that made me laugh, cry, and get angry. I’m glad I got the opportunity to read this author and book. May you all find a Javi to worship you.

[Karen Desira · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review!

Fixed Up Ever After is the second book in the New Beginnings Romance series, but can be read as a standalone. While I have not yet read the first book (but I will!), I suggest starting with Ofelia and Maverick's story first, then delve straight into this one.

Now onto the second book in the series, let's start with that cover! Curvy FMCs have become more popular in modern contemporary romance books, but they are still scarcely represented, whether on the front cover or in teasers. It is refreshing to see a cover that accurately represents the characters as described in the story.

Onto the story...Meet Lola, the fierce and independent FMC, whose relationship with her family has been far from easy. After a rather difficult family event, she impulsively decides to engage in a one-night stand with a man she matched with on a dating app. Enter Javi, the lucky guy, who immediately feels a connection with Lola, but knows that their encounter is a one time thing, and they will most likely never see each other again.

Fast forward to several months later, Lola seizes an opportunity to become her own boss by buying a bookshop. The store requires renovation, and coincidentally, Javi is looking to start his own construction business. Meanwhile, Lola is faced with another family event she dreads attending alone, and ends up asking Javi to be her fake date for a week. To her surprise, he eagerly accepts, seeing this as a chance to spend more time with her. The fine line between real and fake gradually starts to blur, thrusting them into a whirlwind of emotions as they navigate through their newfound feelings.

This book is full of self-discovery, witty banter, and unexpected connections. It is beautifully written and well paced, and will definitely keep you enthralled until the very last page.

[Aamira · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Lola Roberts needs a fake date to her sister and ex-boyfriend’s wedding she makes a proposition to Javi, the contractor working on the renovation of her new bookshop. Everything is meant to be for show, but when real feelings emerge, can a relationship that was built on a lie last?

I didn’t like this one as much as the third one. It felt like their relationship moved super fast. I would have loved to see more getting to know each other dates and scheming leading up to the wedding week. Their connection, while full of chemistry, felt superficial.

Javi was a caring man, whose priority is his daughter’s happiness. It was lovely to see their relationship as well as the relationship he shared with his family. It created a nice contrast to Lola’s relationship with hers and gave her a view as to what a supportive family really looks like. I found Javi to be quite likable and a good fit for Lola. I loved the way he championed her and stood up for her to her family.

Lola was a bit tricky for me. She started off so strong and then her character arc took an uncharacteristic turn for me. I liked the way she stood up for heralded and her playfulness with Javi, but I found it odd that she would avoid having a conversation with him when the conflict arose. Especially, since he had been so supportive and the exact opposite of her ex-boyfriend. I felt that actions were louder than words, and he consistently showed her how much she meant to him. The third act break up just didn’t quite fit and felt contrived to meet a formula. I also found her to be unfair with Javi by taking out her angst towards her family and ex on him.

Aside from that, it’s a quick read. Be aware that there’s a lot of fat phobia present in the novel, which is difficult to swallow at times.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amanda Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I want to thank Anastasia Dean for allowing me to be an ARC reader for Fixed Up Ever After.

I don’t even know where to start with this book, it was amazing from the very first page to the very last. I can’t describe this book in one word because it’s so hard to choose. I felt so much joy, love, pain, frustration, sadness, hotness and sweetness while reading the book.

If you love a HEA romance with multiple tropes that include one night stand, fake dating, single dad, plus size FMC, he falls first, spicy, menthol health rep, and one bed, then this book is for you! It has them all.

Let's talk about Lola and Javi, they are perfect for each other. Lola is a plus-sized woman who has dealt with stereotypes and cruel comments from her sister and mother all her life, but she has learned to love herself and embrace all her curves. She exudes confidence and doesn’t feel she needs to fall into the “typical” stereotype that if you are skinny you are healthy but if you are overweight you are unhealthy. She is a very resilient character. She knows her self-worth and she won’t let anyone diminish that, not even her mother.

Javi was the MMC and he was absolutely amazing. He was dealing with the loss of a loved one when Lola and him met. He is one of the sweetest, most attentive, caring, and protective MMC that I have read about. Not only is he an amazing friend and boyfriend but he is an amazing father to his beautiful daughter, Camilia as well. He uses Precoisa to describe Lola and calls her that constantly. He wants Lola to know how beautiful and amazing she is.

I loved the banter, humor, passion and tension between Javi and Lola.

[Lindsey Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fixed up Ever After- Anastasia Dean

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

First I want to give a big thank you to @heyanastasiadean herself for the opportunity to be provided an ARC for this book! I am new to the author and this will definitely not be the last book I read by her. Believe me when I say that cover to cover, this book was AMAZING. Fixed up Ever After is the perfect blend of humor, spice, body image, family drama, and of course, love.

📘LOLA 📘

This FMC is a plus size, half Mexican goddess. She knows her self worth and how to get what she wants.

I don’t think that I have ever related to a character more than I do Lola, and that really drew me even closer to this story. She describes herself as the “black sheep of the family” and is constantly being given criticism on her body and choices in her life. Though these can be difficult issues to write about, they are very well portrayed throughout the plot.

🛠️JAVI🛠️

You guys. Every time this man called Lola preciosa.. I swear the room got ten degrees hotter. Javi is a blue-collar single father who is also coincidentally working on a business project for Lola when one thing leads to another.. Javi is given the opportunity to use his hands for more than his current construction project, if you know what I mean😏😏

The support system that Javi and his family provide each other throughout the book is absolutely heartwarming. They portray very well the way a family should be towards each other, and to see Lola, Javi and Camilia get their happily ever after was so rewarding.

If you haven’t purchased FUEA yet, I suggest you do! Such a great read☺️

[SassypantsReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Fixed Up Ever After. I like that the author dove into mental health (anxiety and childhood trauma) and had a plus-sized queen FMC. Lola was a great FMC. I hated so much how her family treated her, and I’m happy the book ended the way it did, even though everything wasn’t wrapped up neatly with a cute bow. That’s not real life, and I’m glad the author chose to show that not everything magically gets better. Javi was a perfect cinnamon roll. I love the side characters and I’m really looking forward to the next book.

The book definitely could’ve been tightened up a bit. There were sentences that didn’t make sense, the wrong name on one occasion, and wording that didn’t seem edited (“he had an inkling suspicion” - redundant wording). And this is a personal issue of mine, but I’m not into buzz words surrounding mental health (validation, allowing space, etc). As someone with a veritable alphabet soup of mental illnesses, I feel like those popular buzz words actually minimize mental health issues in a way. When I see MCs using those words, it’s almost like the author is trying too hard to make them a mental health ally, when they could just be supportive naturally.

I know Lola being whitewashed is a huge theme of the book, but I would like to assure the author that not all white people want that. It made me so sad that Lola seemed disconnected from her heritage. I honestly thought that would be given more play between Lola and Javi, since he was clearly more in touch with his culture.

I received an ARC of Fixed Up Ever After from BookSirens. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Linda Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Latin-flavored, humorous, angsty and steamy rom-com
Lola Roberts is coming home for a family party which she feels obligated to attend. Once she arrives however, she finds the party is actually an engagement party for her sister Marisol to Lola’s former boyfriend Archy! How embarrassing! While there, she is subjected to more ridicule from her mother and sister about her size and life choices. If this party is any indication, the wedding week will be unbearable. She needs a plus one. Enter Javi who she met the night of the engagement party when she needed to forget by having a one-night stand. Javi hadn’t done anything like this for a long time but he needed it. He was getting ready to make major life changes; Javi needs a stress release. Only thing is he did not expect Lola! When Lola needs a contractor and Javi walks in the door! Let the games begin…
This was a fun foray into a different world than the white bread world I am accustomed to. Javi is Mexican and Lola is half Mexican. Their lives could not be more different. Can they meet in the middle? This was a very enjoyable but at times overly sensitive rom-com. My opinion of Lola’s mother’s desire to feel accepted in her rich world comes down to the world of the upper-class itself, not blanket discrimination. I contend that there is less discrimination among middle-class than upper-class where acceptance is based on breaking through that stereotype. The upper-class will allow you in or they will not. Lola’s mother tried so hard.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through BookSirens.

[Dima · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book! I loved that the characters are diverse (i.e. not a white cast) and that the main female character is not a tiny woman next to a giant man. It made the characters feel like real human beings instead of just fictional creations.

I also loved seeing how patient Javi was with Lola while she worked through her insecurities. I found it very heartwarming how Lola treated Camilia and how she took on the role of her mother seamlessly. And even though we didn't spend much time at the bookstore, just the fact that there is one made the book 10x better!

I also loved seeing Lola take a stand to her mother. No one should be expected to stay in such an abusive relationship, and I love that she didn't back down even after she started mending things with her dad and Marisol.

However, I found Marisol's actions a bit perplexing. The fact that she went through with a whole wedding to a man she did not even like just because she felt it was expected of her was mind-blowing. And more so, the little effort it took for her to reconsider and divorce him was confusing. However, I'm happy for her that she realized her self-worth.

Overall, this was a fun romance, perfect for a summer read! I would definitely read more books from the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[ciin_leest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just say that I loved every second of this book and I can't wait to dive into more of this authors books. It was so well written and fun to read. Before I knew it I was halfway through the book and wanted to know how it would end. 

The characters were put together so nicely. I loved Lola and her sass. And I loved it that she is so confident with her own body, although her mother and sister giving her such a hard time. She owns her plus size body like a queen. And Javi, he is amazing. A hard working single dad trying to do everything for his daughter and giving her her best life possible. And the way he was around Lola was just fire. The chemistry they have together, you could feel it coming of the pages. 

The writingstyle of this author is very easy to read and before you know it the book is done. Loved the duo POV, getting into both their minds and the way it was written was just amazing. I think the author did an amazing job with giving the reader a really good feel of the emotions the characters went through. And the spice was just 🥵 

This book has it all if you are looking for a fun romantic read! Fake dating, one bed, single hot dad, and a strong plus size female lead. 

Thank you Flyingpigpr and Anastasia Dean for the ARC to read, I enjoyed every second of it! 

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lola's sister is marrying her ex. Let that sink in. Naturally, she turns to a dating app for a no-strings night of escape and that’s where she meets Javi, a single dad just looking for a break. The chemistry between them is immediate and intense.

Months later, Lola buys a bookstore that needs serious renovation, and surprise Javi turns out to be the contractor she hires. Their paths cross again, and the tension is still very much alive. When her best friend Monique suggests bringing Javi as her fake date to the wedding? Absolute perfection.

This book is such a love letter to Latine culture. The family dynamics are layered and real from the warmth and chaos to the deep-rooted expectations. I especially appreciated Javi’s sister choice to move back home so her children could grow up near family. That hit close to home.

Javi himself? The perfect balance of commanding and kind. He’s emotionally intelligent, steady, and deeply respectful. The airplane scene where he calms Lola’s anxiety mid-flight, was incredibly touching. Honestly, where do I find someone like him in the real world?

Now, about Lola. While I rooted for her for most of the book, she frustrated me toward the end. She let other people’s words (especially Archie’s) get in her head, and kept pushing Javi away. It made sense, she clearly had emotional work to do, but it was hard to watch at times. That said, her growth arc was solid. Seeing her finally stand up to her mom and begin healing felt earned. The moment at the bookstore opening, with her dad and sister showing up for her? Beautifully done.

Fixed Up Ever After is heartfelt, messy, romantic, and honest. It’s about second chances, not just in love, but in family, and with yourself. If you enjoy steamy slow burns with big heart and cultural grounding, this one’s for you.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally we get Javi's story and I couldn't be happier!
Thank you Anastasia for the opportunity to read an arc of this book. I truly enjoyed it.
When we first met Javi in On and Off the Field, I enjoyed his character. After learning he'd get his own book, I was super excited. And this book did not disappoint.
What happens when a one night stand ends up haunting your dreams...but you realized you'll never see that person again, but damn if only.
This book is what happens. Javi and Lola's story.
The spice hit quickly in this story and I can see why neither one could stop thinking about it.
Seriously though, Javi is just the kindest and thoughtful guy. From his date idea, to the end of this story....just so sweet.
Lola is also brave for standing her ground when it comes to her family. I know it's not easy when your own family puts you down, and her continuing to stand her own take a lot of courage sometimes. But also, we can only take so much.
Javi sees it and he does his best to help in any way he can.
I just enjoyed this story, the relationship build up, the bookstore, the family. Just super cute.
The ending was just the best cherry on top.
Loved loved loved !

[Anshul (stories.buddy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lola & Javi’s story is so relatable and feels real all the same. We spend so much time in our own heads that we can overthink an easy situation and make a mess out of it. The same happens with Lola after all she has gone through in her life since her childhood. It’s never easy to pinpoint every shortcoming about yourself from your family when it is not needed. Lola’s character progresses brilliantly and how she stood up for herself was fabulous.

Anastasia did Justice to Javi’s character and he got his happy ending. He is so understanding and lovable and has a daughter Camilia who is super adorable and so much more mature than her age. Javi knows how to make a girl feel special and I am glad Lola can see it and feel it and can overcome her insecurities to realize what’s in front of her. The writing brought life to these characters and made them as real as they could be.

It’s a beautiful Summer read to chill and relax.
It’s a 4.25⭐️ for me.