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It Only Takes One #7
One Mistake with the Mechanic
A hardworking mechanic she shot down before. A generous diner owner sure he was asking for the wrong reasons. Will the magic of Christmas—and a holiday blizzard—deliver a second chance at love?
Sloane
When the irresistible mechanic I’d lusted over for years actually asked me out, it was out of pity. I knew better than to believe he’d actually go for a curvy girl like me.
Ever since I turned him down, I’ve steered clear of the long, lean hottie. Which is hard when you both run small businesses in a town as teeny tiny as Ravish Ridge.
But it’s worked out okay. Until now.
When, thanks to a charitable project and a holiday blizzard, we’re snowed in together and he seems hell bent on discovering why I said no. Not that in a million years I can tell him the truth.
Trevor
All I want for Christmas is a chance to convince the woman who turned me down years ago to say yes. Or at least give me the real reason she said no.
And thanks to a merry miracle, my only wish comes true when a blizzard blows in just as the curvy diner owner I’ve never stopped pining for swings by my shop to check on the non-profit project we’re both helping with.
I’ve got one night to persuade this woman I’m the man for her, even though she’s still way out of my league.
One-click this steamy short read today to see if Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year… to reveal old mistakes and find true love.
Sloane
When the irresistible mechanic I’d lusted over for years actually asked me out, it was out of pity. I knew better than to believe he’d actually go for a curvy girl like me.
Ever since I turned him down, I’ve steered clear of the long, lean hottie. Which is hard when you both run small businesses in a town as teeny tiny as Ravish Ridge.
But it’s worked out okay. Until now.
When, thanks to a charitable project and a holiday blizzard, we’re snowed in together and he seems hell bent on discovering why I said no. Not that in a million years I can tell him the truth.
Trevor
All I want for Christmas is a chance to convince the woman who turned me down years ago to say yes. Or at least give me the real reason she said no.
And thanks to a merry miracle, my only wish comes true when a blizzard blows in just as the curvy diner owner I’ve never stopped pining for swings by my shop to check on the non-profit project we’re both helping with.
I’ve got one night to persuade this woman I’m the man for her, even though she’s still way out of my league.
One-click this steamy short read today to see if Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year… to reveal old mistakes and find true love.
70 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2023
25 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Brooks
43 books87 followersEllen Brooks pens sexy & satisfying stories. When she’s not dreaming up her next hero or plotting a happily ever after, you’ll find her absorbed in a novel, relaxing into śavāsana, or downing an iced coffee.
Visit ellenbrooks.info/extras to grab a free book today!
Visit ellenbrooks.info/extras to grab a free book today!
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 15, 2023
Diner owner Sloane (h) may be attracted to mechanic Trevor (H) but believing that there’s no way he could be attracted to a curvy girl, she’s iced him out for two years. Trevor is unsure why Sloane avoids him at all costs but is determined to get her to open up to him and when a winter snowstorm traps them together, it seems like his perfect chance to convince Sloane how much she means to him. Trevor is sexily sweet and supportive of Sloane and her confidence issues about her body shape. Sloane is so relatable with the way that self-image can impact clothing, confidence, and romantic choices. Sweet and spicy Christmastime romantic quickie with a curvy girl finding love with a man who sees only the woman he loves.
July 4, 2025
Wonderful!! This was a nice quick, short read. I really enjoyed this one.
Trevor and Sloane knew one another growing up they're both from Ravish Ridge. Two years ago Trevor asks Sloane to go out with him but she shot him down. Now Trevor and Sloane agree to be on the community to help support the local library. Trevor is helping restore the food truck that Sloane will be selling her baked goods and coffee out of and all profit will help the library. Trevor has been waiting for Sloane to come to the shop to check out the food truck. When Kate goes to pick up Sloane from her house to head to a Christmas Party she asks her best friends about the food truck. Sloane confesses she hasn't been to see what Trevor has done. When Trevor gets to the party he looks around for Sloane when he notices her talking to Savannah. Trevor slides up to them and Savannah includes him in on their conversation. Trevor makes sure Sloane knows that the food truck is finished and she should stop by. Sloane makes sure that Trevor knows she'll stop by next week. The following week Sloane heads out to stop by Trevor's garage, she closed up the diner early. When Sloane arrives no one is around, so she calls out and soon Trevor comes. Trevor asks Sloane what she's doing there, he tells her there's a storm coming. Sloane didn't realizes, and Trevor tells her that he sent all his workers home. Sloane tries to tell Trevor she'll head back home, but he tells her she won't make it. Trevor tells Sloane he takes his snowmobile. Trevor offers his cabin for Sloane to stay the night and wait out the storm with him. Sloane doesn't want to go home with Trevor but she has not other choice. After checking out the food truck and taking measurements Trevor takes Sloane to his home. When they arrive at Trevor's cabin, he offers some clothes for Sloane to change into but she refuses. Sloane offers to make them something to eat but Trevor tells her that he wants to take care of her. Trevor tells Sloane he wants her to change out of her wet clothes but when she starts to tell him no he tells her he has something that will fit her. Trevor starts to see the reason why Sloane turned him down two years ago. After Sloane changes, she tries to help Trevor but he tells her to pour herself a glass of wine. Trevor starts to talk to Sloane about when he asked her out but she starts to shut down, then she leaves when his pot boils over. Trevor finds Sloane in front of the fireplace, and brings her dinner. They sit and watch the fire as they eat. Sloane suggests they watch a movie so that Trevor isn't talking about her refusing his date. Trevor and Sloane have to sit on the couch and their leg touch, she pulls away and he apologizes. When Trevor reaches out to touch Sloane's arm and she doesn't pull away he thinks that progress. Trevor starts to slide his hands up and down Sloane's arm, then he tells her he wants to kiss her. When Sloane doesn't pull away Trevor kisses her, then he starts to pleasures her. Sloane pulls away from Trevor and tells him she can't do this. Trevor asks Sloane why she can't, and ask her if she doesn't find him attractive. When Sloane doesn't answer and makes up excuses Trevor tells her he loves her. Trevor tells her that he's loved her for two years, Sloane wants to know why he asked her out two years ago. Sloane doesn't think a guy like Trevor would be interested in her, but he tells her he'll convince her. Trevor kisses Sloane, and tells her he'll take it as a yes that she'll go out with him. A week later, Trevor and Sloane are at the introduction of the food truck and 5k race. Trevor makes sure to pull Sloane close to him when she is introduced to everyone. Trevor asks her if she's alright and Sloane tells him this is perfect. The community they both love coming together to help support a good cause, Trevor will be able to work with Sloane. Trevor finally uncovered the truth, and break down Sloane's defenses, until he convinces her how perfect they are. Five years later, Trevor and Sloane are married with a son. Trevor takes every opportunity he can to show Sloane how much loves her. Trevor can't believe how lucky he is to call Sloane his wife.
Trevor and Sloane knew one another growing up they're both from Ravish Ridge. Two years ago Trevor asks Sloane to go out with him but she shot him down. Now Trevor and Sloane agree to be on the community to help support the local library. Trevor is helping restore the food truck that Sloane will be selling her baked goods and coffee out of and all profit will help the library. Trevor has been waiting for Sloane to come to the shop to check out the food truck. When Kate goes to pick up Sloane from her house to head to a Christmas Party she asks her best friends about the food truck. Sloane confesses she hasn't been to see what Trevor has done. When Trevor gets to the party he looks around for Sloane when he notices her talking to Savannah. Trevor slides up to them and Savannah includes him in on their conversation. Trevor makes sure Sloane knows that the food truck is finished and she should stop by. Sloane makes sure that Trevor knows she'll stop by next week. The following week Sloane heads out to stop by Trevor's garage, she closed up the diner early. When Sloane arrives no one is around, so she calls out and soon Trevor comes. Trevor asks Sloane what she's doing there, he tells her there's a storm coming. Sloane didn't realizes, and Trevor tells her that he sent all his workers home. Sloane tries to tell Trevor she'll head back home, but he tells her she won't make it. Trevor tells Sloane he takes his snowmobile. Trevor offers his cabin for Sloane to stay the night and wait out the storm with him. Sloane doesn't want to go home with Trevor but she has not other choice. After checking out the food truck and taking measurements Trevor takes Sloane to his home. When they arrive at Trevor's cabin, he offers some clothes for Sloane to change into but she refuses. Sloane offers to make them something to eat but Trevor tells her that he wants to take care of her. Trevor tells Sloane he wants her to change out of her wet clothes but when she starts to tell him no he tells her he has something that will fit her. Trevor starts to see the reason why Sloane turned him down two years ago. After Sloane changes, she tries to help Trevor but he tells her to pour herself a glass of wine. Trevor starts to talk to Sloane about when he asked her out but she starts to shut down, then she leaves when his pot boils over. Trevor finds Sloane in front of the fireplace, and brings her dinner. They sit and watch the fire as they eat. Sloane suggests they watch a movie so that Trevor isn't talking about her refusing his date. Trevor and Sloane have to sit on the couch and their leg touch, she pulls away and he apologizes. When Trevor reaches out to touch Sloane's arm and she doesn't pull away he thinks that progress. Trevor starts to slide his hands up and down Sloane's arm, then he tells her he wants to kiss her. When Sloane doesn't pull away Trevor kisses her, then he starts to pleasures her. Sloane pulls away from Trevor and tells him she can't do this. Trevor asks Sloane why she can't, and ask her if she doesn't find him attractive. When Sloane doesn't answer and makes up excuses Trevor tells her he loves her. Trevor tells her that he's loved her for two years, Sloane wants to know why he asked her out two years ago. Sloane doesn't think a guy like Trevor would be interested in her, but he tells her he'll convince her. Trevor kisses Sloane, and tells her he'll take it as a yes that she'll go out with him. A week later, Trevor and Sloane are at the introduction of the food truck and 5k race. Trevor makes sure to pull Sloane close to him when she is introduced to everyone. Trevor asks her if she's alright and Sloane tells him this is perfect. The community they both love coming together to help support a good cause, Trevor will be able to work with Sloane. Trevor finally uncovered the truth, and break down Sloane's defenses, until he convinces her how perfect they are. Five years later, Trevor and Sloane are married with a son. Trevor takes every opportunity he can to show Sloane how much loves her. Trevor can't believe how lucky he is to call Sloane his wife.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2023
Fixing Mistakes . . .
It may finally be the right time to fix a mistake made years ago. When Trevor Pierce, a good-looking mechanic that diner owner Sloane Wainwright had admired, originally asked her out, Sloane made the immediate assumption that he wouldn’t want a curvy girl so it must be a pity date. (Isn’t it wonderful to be such a talented mind-reader who never has to ask questions and can just “assume” so accurately?) Not only did she refuse the date, but she then avoided him after that, as if he had done something terrible. And everyone, his workers and her friends, noticed how she avoided him, which had to be unnecessarily embarrassing for him when he truly did nothing at all wrong! (Please note that learning to communicate is a most necessary skill to keep any relationship on track and flourishing. Guessing is rarely accurate without a few real facts thrown in. And personal insecurities won’t ever be proven wrong by remaining silent.)
So now, years later, business owners Trevor and Sloane are working on a charitable project when a holiday blizzard snows them in. Fortunately, Trevor wants answers to why she would not date him back then. What had he done to earn that treatment? Will she tell him the truth? Will she try to cover up her “mistake”? Or will now be the time to learn how to communicate honestly so that both parties can keep the facts straight or explain the wrongheaded thoughts of the other? Is this enough to lead them to the HEA she walked away from back then? Can he convince her in one night that he is worth being given a chance?
It may finally be the right time to fix a mistake made years ago. When Trevor Pierce, a good-looking mechanic that diner owner Sloane Wainwright had admired, originally asked her out, Sloane made the immediate assumption that he wouldn’t want a curvy girl so it must be a pity date. (Isn’t it wonderful to be such a talented mind-reader who never has to ask questions and can just “assume” so accurately?) Not only did she refuse the date, but she then avoided him after that, as if he had done something terrible. And everyone, his workers and her friends, noticed how she avoided him, which had to be unnecessarily embarrassing for him when he truly did nothing at all wrong! (Please note that learning to communicate is a most necessary skill to keep any relationship on track and flourishing. Guessing is rarely accurate without a few real facts thrown in. And personal insecurities won’t ever be proven wrong by remaining silent.)
So now, years later, business owners Trevor and Sloane are working on a charitable project when a holiday blizzard snows them in. Fortunately, Trevor wants answers to why she would not date him back then. What had he done to earn that treatment? Will she tell him the truth? Will she try to cover up her “mistake”? Or will now be the time to learn how to communicate honestly so that both parties can keep the facts straight or explain the wrongheaded thoughts of the other? Is this enough to lead them to the HEA she walked away from back then? Can he convince her in one night that he is worth being given a chance?
December 12, 2023
One Mistake with the Mechanic is a short and spicy, Christmas themed, second-chance, curvy girl gets her hunk romance. Sloane is a shy and curvy diner owner low on self-esteem. Trevor is a hunky mechanic who has wanted her for years. He asked her out two years ago, and she turned him down, convinced it was a joke. When they have to work together on a charity event and end up snowed in at Trevor's cabin, he is determined to win her over or understand why she said no and avoids him when she seems interested. The chemistry was just ok for me. I loved how tender and reassuring Trevor was with Sloane. Her lack of self-confidence in her body broke my heart. But in the end, we get a happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 19, 2023
Not a fan on insecure FMC!
I understand we all have things we hate about our bodies, things we wish were different, praying to the weight Gods to let me loose just 10 more lbs! However I believe everyone is beautiful no matter your height, weight, hair or skin color! I also believe its hard to see yourself like others see you. We are our worst critics! Unfortunately the main FMC had insecurities about her weight throughout this short novella! The whole short read! Honestly I can't say much about the story bc all you could focus on was Her weight and lack of love for herself! Free read but do not recommend! I have enough insecurities of my own I overcome daily without reading about it start to finish!✌
I understand we all have things we hate about our bodies, things we wish were different, praying to the weight Gods to let me loose just 10 more lbs! However I believe everyone is beautiful no matter your height, weight, hair or skin color! I also believe its hard to see yourself like others see you. We are our worst critics! Unfortunately the main FMC had insecurities about her weight throughout this short novella! The whole short read! Honestly I can't say much about the story bc all you could focus on was Her weight and lack of love for herself! Free read but do not recommend! I have enough insecurities of my own I overcome daily without reading about it start to finish!✌
December 8, 2023
I loved One Mistake with the Mechanic: Curvy Christmas Series. Sloane is very self conscious. She knows Trevor would never want to really date her but he does, he loves her. Trevor doesn’t know why Sloane turned him down or why she avoids him but this Christmas he’s determined to find out why and a blizzard is the perfect distraction. This is a short and sweet story, and I loved the characters. Sloane just needs to see herself the way Trevor does and he’s determined to show her. I would definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 8, 2024
the best of the series by a mile
Maybe a 30 minute read at most, but the author manages to pack in enough backstory that you really get to understand the leading lady’s character and why she is the way she is.
It’s also also some thing that I think a lot of people can understand growing up, feeling uncomfortable with yourself and not having anybody reassure you along the way.
The author is right when she notes at the end that regardless of love and acceptance from others, the real work is putting it in on yourself.
Who doesn’t love romance with a little hard hitting truth .
Maybe a 30 minute read at most, but the author manages to pack in enough backstory that you really get to understand the leading lady’s character and why she is the way she is.
It’s also also some thing that I think a lot of people can understand growing up, feeling uncomfortable with yourself and not having anybody reassure you along the way.
The author is right when she notes at the end that regardless of love and acceptance from others, the real work is putting it in on yourself.
Who doesn’t love romance with a little hard hitting truth .
November 20, 2023
I love Sloane and Trevor’s story. Trevor asked Sloane to go out with him 2 years ago but she has avoided him like the plague. He doesn’t understand why until a snow storm traps them in his home. When he realizes Sloane has insecurities he’s there to prove to her she’s gorgeous and he can be her one. I really loved this story, Sloane and Trevor are great together. It’s well written, treats insecurities with empathy and has a bit of steam. Wonderful characters and a great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2023
This is a fun, entertaining, good read. Sloane and Trevor are intriguing, entertaining, fun, relatable characters. I enjoyed this story and the romance. Brooks packs a lot into the limited amount of pages in this novella, while not losing anything in the story. I enjoyed these characters and would love to have gotten more of them and their romance in a full-length story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 17, 2023
Sloane and Trevor's small town, Christmas romance pulled at my heartstrings. I felt for Sloane and the way she let her curvy girl image get between her and love. I loved how determined Trevor was to understand why she avoided him and how determined he was to win her love. One Mistake With the Mechanic is a sweet, short, romance with likable characters and a happily ever after. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
December 23, 2023
A good love story
Love holiday themed love stories. This one involves a major snowstorm, brrr. Trevor has loved Sloane for a long time but she avoids him as much as possible. It has to do with her curvy body and an old party they were at. Trevor sounds like a nice guy and Sloane is loved by the whole town. She's so introverted she doesn't see it. It's a really good book. Written by Cindy :)
Love holiday themed love stories. This one involves a major snowstorm, brrr. Trevor has loved Sloane for a long time but she avoids him as much as possible. It has to do with her curvy body and an old party they were at. Trevor sounds like a nice guy and Sloane is loved by the whole town. She's so introverted she doesn't see it. It's a really good book. Written by Cindy :)
December 12, 2023
Love a second chance holiday read where the main female gets the hunk of a guy. Sloane has been avoiding Trevor for a few years now because she thinks he asked her out on a pity date. The chemistry between the two is sizzling and when they are finally get together due to a snow storm their true feelings and the real reason she turned him down come out!
December 11, 2024
Short and sweet with an actual beginning, middle and end to the story.
This is the first story I’ve read with a curvy h that truly expresses the h’s internal self doubt about her body image and how it plays out in her relationship with others no matter how successful she is later in life.
The author had truly captured those feelings with her MFC.
This is the first story I’ve read with a curvy h that truly expresses the h’s internal self doubt about her body image and how it plays out in her relationship with others no matter how successful she is later in life.
The author had truly captured those feelings with her MFC.
December 3, 2023
I really enjoyed this story. I loved how the characters draw you in for a fun and entertaining ride. So good. You're going to love it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2023
I received this as an arc from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This was a cute forced proximity romance. It was a short story with a good pace. The storyline was simple and entertaining. Sloane and Trevor had good chemistry and I liked them together.
This was a cute forced proximity romance. It was a short story with a good pace. The storyline was simple and entertaining. Sloane and Trevor had good chemistry and I liked them together.
December 2, 2023
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I like how Trevor finally manages to break through Sloane's emotional barriers to convince her he loves her.
December 4, 2023
Trevor and Sloane have crushed on each other for years. Enjoyed how they figured it all out. Their HEA was sweet. Received an advance copy.
December 5, 2023
I loved the story. As a curvy girl myself I could really feel Sloane’s point of view. And Trevor’s patience, the man is a saint!
December 5, 2023
I enjoyed this story a lot but I think it would have been nice of we would have known why she acts the way she does. He was so patient and loving. This is a good book.
December 6, 2023
Cute fun and sweet.
Quick fun read. Trevor was a delight. Helped her overcome her body insecurities while showing her how much he loved her.
Quick fun read. Trevor was a delight. Helped her overcome her body insecurities while showing her how much he loved her.
December 9, 2023
Loved it
Growing up with the same mentally as Solane, I loved this book because it really did call out to me and related so much to her.
Growing up with the same mentally as Solane, I loved this book because it really did call out to me and related so much to her.
December 18, 2023
quick read
This was a good quick read for a holiday afternoon. Good characters and a nice storyline. It was an enjoyable read.
This was a good quick read for a holiday afternoon. Good characters and a nice storyline. It was an enjoyable read.
February 19, 2024
The author has given us a wonderful story that pulls us into the lives of Sloane and Trevor. The story keeps us turning the pages with unspoken desire, insecurities, determination and steam.
December 1, 2024
Hopeless Romantic 🥰
This series is so good. I’m sorry to have read the last book 📕 in this series. Everyone has been so good I find it hard to put them down.
This series is so good. I’m sorry to have read the last book 📕 in this series. Everyone has been so good I find it hard to put them down.
January 2, 2025
Cute story enjoying this whole series so far
August 2, 2025
Loved it.
January 16, 2024
Great second chance romance set during the holiday season. Sloane and Trevor made a wonderful pair. This book was entertaining and fast paced. Perfect for lazy afternoon spent indoor out of the cold. Great HEA.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews