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Saved by the Ex-Military Mechanic: A Small Town, Curvy Girl, Instalove Romance
They say small towns have no secrets, but the intensity in my mechanic's eyes tells me he's keeping plenty.
I'm new to Cedar Falls and have nothing but a cryptic note from my late father about "unfinished business" in this tiny logging town. The last thing I need is car trouble, but that's exactly what I get—along with Riley Carter, an ex-military mechanic whose scars hint at deeper wounds he carries from his service.
Riley isn't exactly the welcoming committee type. His powerful shoulders tense whenever anyone gets too close, and he keeps the town at arm's length just as he tries to keep me at a distance.
As I discover our families share a complicated history stretching back to the town's founding, I can't help but wonder... Is my connection with this solitary man a coincidence, or is fate drawing us together?
Saved by the Ex-Military Mechanic is a short, sweet, and steamy small town instalove romance with a happy-ever-after. It can be read as a standalone or together with the rest of the books in the Curvy Wives of Cedar Falls series.
I'm new to Cedar Falls and have nothing but a cryptic note from my late father about "unfinished business" in this tiny logging town. The last thing I need is car trouble, but that's exactly what I get—along with Riley Carter, an ex-military mechanic whose scars hint at deeper wounds he carries from his service.
Riley isn't exactly the welcoming committee type. His powerful shoulders tense whenever anyone gets too close, and he keeps the town at arm's length just as he tries to keep me at a distance.
As I discover our families share a complicated history stretching back to the town's founding, I can't help but wonder... Is my connection with this solitary man a coincidence, or is fate drawing us together?
Saved by the Ex-Military Mechanic is a short, sweet, and steamy small town instalove romance with a happy-ever-after. It can be read as a standalone or together with the rest of the books in the Curvy Wives of Cedar Falls series.
- GenresMilitary Fiction
90 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2025
350 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 30, 2025
Finding other nourishment
Saved by the Ex-Military Mechanic is the first book in the Curvy Wives of Cedar Falls series. This story is a bit of a mystery wrapped around two people who are not sure about where they fit into the world. It all starts for Lucy Mitchell when her father dies and leaves her everything. This makes her sister turn against her and their mother become a bit more demanding. When Lucy found some of her father's journals there was a note about some unfinished business in Cedar Falls, where he was raised by left when he was eighteen. On a whim Lucy packs up her car and decides to move to Cedar Falls to see if she can find out more about her father and what he meant in his journal. Just as she is crossing the town line her car decides to have trouble and shudders to a stop. Lucy is able to locate the only mechanic in town, Carter's Auto Shop. Her call is answered by Riley Carter, the owner of the shop. Riley was born and raised in town but left as soon as he graduated high school, joining the military and serving for twelve years. He came back to town three years ago after his father had died and decided to stay, opening the shop. For Riley coming back has been painful at times because of family dynamics with his younger brother. But when he meets Lucy he starts to feel some things that he is not used to and not exactly sure what to do, but be neighborly that is. What happens between them is quick, engaging, passionate, and has a future neither expected.
Saved by the Ex-Military Mechanic is the first book in the Curvy Wives of Cedar Falls series. This story is a bit of a mystery wrapped around two people who are not sure about where they fit into the world. It all starts for Lucy Mitchell when her father dies and leaves her everything. This makes her sister turn against her and their mother become a bit more demanding. When Lucy found some of her father's journals there was a note about some unfinished business in Cedar Falls, where he was raised by left when he was eighteen. On a whim Lucy packs up her car and decides to move to Cedar Falls to see if she can find out more about her father and what he meant in his journal. Just as she is crossing the town line her car decides to have trouble and shudders to a stop. Lucy is able to locate the only mechanic in town, Carter's Auto Shop. Her call is answered by Riley Carter, the owner of the shop. Riley was born and raised in town but left as soon as he graduated high school, joining the military and serving for twelve years. He came back to town three years ago after his father had died and decided to stay, opening the shop. For Riley coming back has been painful at times because of family dynamics with his younger brother. But when he meets Lucy he starts to feel some things that he is not used to and not exactly sure what to do, but be neighborly that is. What happens between them is quick, engaging, passionate, and has a future neither expected.
June 28, 2025
Saved by the Ex-Military Mechanic is Book 1 of the new Curvy Wives of Cedar Falls series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, forced-proximity, opposites-attract, age-gap, grumpy-sunshine, curvy girl gets her mechanic small-town romance. Lucy is a sweet and curvy writer who has just moved to Cedar Falls after finding something in her late father’s journal. Riley is a hunky, grumpy, reclusive ex-military man turned mechanic. When Lucy's car breaks down at the town line, Riley comes to tow her vehicle. He finds himself drawn to her and the next day he ends up helping her move her stuff into her rental cabin. As they lose power during a storm, they find themselves talking and letting each other in. Both have family trauma. I loved this one. The chemistry was hot, and the ending was so happy. I loved that they were able to help heal each other. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
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.
January 16, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Instalove done right
This hit every note I want from a small-town instalove romance. Mysterious pasts, instant chemistry, and that something about you feels inevitable energy? Yes, please.
Riley Carter is the perfect gruff, closed-off ex-military mechanic—quiet, scarred, and clearly carrying more than just engine grease on his shoulders. The way his restraint slowly cracks the moment the heroine enters his orbit was chef’s kiss. Protective without being overbearing, intense without being cruel.
I also loved the layered mystery tied to the town itself. The shared family history gave the romance real weight and made the connection feel fated instead of rushed. Even though the love happens fast, it never felt shallow—more like two people recognizing home in each other.
Short, emotional, swoony, and satisfying. If you like broody men, small-town secrets, and instalove that actually works, this one’s an easy 5 stars.
This hit every note I want from a small-town instalove romance. Mysterious pasts, instant chemistry, and that something about you feels inevitable energy? Yes, please.
Riley Carter is the perfect gruff, closed-off ex-military mechanic—quiet, scarred, and clearly carrying more than just engine grease on his shoulders. The way his restraint slowly cracks the moment the heroine enters his orbit was chef’s kiss. Protective without being overbearing, intense without being cruel.
I also loved the layered mystery tied to the town itself. The shared family history gave the romance real weight and made the connection feel fated instead of rushed. Even though the love happens fast, it never felt shallow—more like two people recognizing home in each other.
Short, emotional, swoony, and satisfying. If you like broody men, small-town secrets, and instalove that actually works, this one’s an easy 5 stars.
June 19, 2025
OMG, this story had me in tears and broke my heart, but it did put it back together perfectly. Riley was the quintessential strong, silent type. He helped others from the shadows, never doing things for recognition or praise. Lucy was trying to find her own voice after her father passed. Being distant from her remaining family, she followed her father's roots. These two had great chemistry from the start, but both were reluctant to make any moves. I enjoyed the backstories we got on them both, and how their family histories intertwined. This story said a great deal about history, family, forgiveness and fresh starts. I'm looking forward to the rest of this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
June 19, 2025
All they needed was trust.
Loved this first book of a new series. Two broken people who meet. Riley a loaner and the hated part of the community he once was apart of, hated by his brother for leaving him in harms way. Lucy, fleeing with all her possessions from a mom who thrives on guilt and a golden sister who thought she had it all until the will was read. These two knew nothing of their heritage and each had an understanding of the other. Loved the characters and the slow burn until the chemistry was two much. All they needed was to trust each other. Loved the story and the end line was so poignant “I call it coming home” so much was said in that last sentence. Can’t wait for more.
Loved this first book of a new series. Two broken people who meet. Riley a loaner and the hated part of the community he once was apart of, hated by his brother for leaving him in harms way. Lucy, fleeing with all her possessions from a mom who thrives on guilt and a golden sister who thought she had it all until the will was read. These two knew nothing of their heritage and each had an understanding of the other. Loved the characters and the slow burn until the chemistry was two much. All they needed was to trust each other. Loved the story and the end line was so poignant “I call it coming home” so much was said in that last sentence. Can’t wait for more.
June 27, 2025
In love with insta-love
I would have given this short insta-love story 5 stars, but there are a couple of inconsistencies that interrupted the flow of the story. Those always catch my eye and then I have to go back and re-read. These are just minor; a bedroom that one night has a desk and chair and the next night has a bed, dresser, and chair and jeans that morph into sweats. Again, they don't impact the overall story, they just disrupt the flow. I will continue to read stories by this author.
I would have given this short insta-love story 5 stars, but there are a couple of inconsistencies that interrupted the flow of the story. Those always catch my eye and then I have to go back and re-read. These are just minor; a bedroom that one night has a desk and chair and the next night has a bed, dresser, and chair and jeans that morph into sweats. Again, they don't impact the overall story, they just disrupt the flow. I will continue to read stories by this author.
July 13, 2025
A real, Feel Good story!
Lucy didn't know how following her gut would completely change her life, but her car dying just outside Cedar Falls town limit, was a whole new beginning. Calling for a tow from the local mechanic shop, brought a big handsome guy into her world, and it got better each day after that. Perfect story for a reader who loves a good book with an interesting background story. Just a little bit of spice, without being too much, for those that don't want a lot. Trish. A
Lucy didn't know how following her gut would completely change her life, but her car dying just outside Cedar Falls town limit, was a whole new beginning. Calling for a tow from the local mechanic shop, brought a big handsome guy into her world, and it got better each day after that. Perfect story for a reader who loves a good book with an interesting background story. Just a little bit of spice, without being too much, for those that don't want a lot. Trish. A
December 10, 2025
A Book of Two Halves
For a short story was good and packed in a lot. On the down side it was like this book was written by two different people and they paid no attention to what the other had written!
For example, when she gets to her rental, we’re told it’s a two bedroomed property and the second bedroom is small and only has a desk and chair. Then, later when she invites Riley to stay, the bedroom suddenly has a bed, nightstand and dresser!!!!
Other little inconsistencies exist which makes you wonder if there were two editors too!!!! Lost some stars for that.
For a short story was good and packed in a lot. On the down side it was like this book was written by two different people and they paid no attention to what the other had written!
For example, when she gets to her rental, we’re told it’s a two bedroomed property and the second bedroom is small and only has a desk and chair. Then, later when she invites Riley to stay, the bedroom suddenly has a bed, nightstand and dresser!!!!
Other little inconsistencies exist which makes you wonder if there were two editors too!!!! Lost some stars for that.
June 15, 2025
Lucy’s car breaks down at the city limit and when she searches for a mechanic to help, Riley’s name is the one that pops up. Thankfully he answers the phone and is able to come pick her up. They are drawn to each other from the first meeting.
I love the quiet, broken hero that Riley is and that Lucy sees past that facade to who he really is and what he needs.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love the quiet, broken hero that Riley is and that Lucy sees past that facade to who he really is and what he needs.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2026
This is a quick instalove story about a grumpy distant mechanic and a writer both with tragic family pasts. That being said this book has depth and connection from both main characters and even though the small town aspect of Cedar Falls is mostly in the background you definitely feel it. This is the first in the series and I think the author will bring great characters and small town storylines together.
June 17, 2025
This is my first book by Zoey Rose, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Saved by the Ex-Military Mechanic is the first book in the Curvy Wives of Cedar Falls. It is a short novella featuring insta attraction, steamy moments with historical family history intertwined in the story. I didn’t feel there was much about curvy women. I am eager to continue with the rest of the series.
June 19, 2025
Lucy is going to Cedar Falls to find out what unfinished business her father had there. Her car breaks and Riley owns the garage. Turns out there's a connection there.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another good short story in the series from Zoey
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another good short story in the series from Zoey
June 29, 2025
An unexpected surprise
I was hoping for something short, sweet, and smutty but this was actually written quite well. It was short and entertaining but not nearly as spicy/smutty as I’d hoped for. Still, a good story and I’d be pleased to read something a bit longer by this author.
I was hoping for something short, sweet, and smutty but this was actually written quite well. It was short and entertaining but not nearly as spicy/smutty as I’d hoped for. Still, a good story and I’d be pleased to read something a bit longer by this author.
July 27, 2025
Curvy Wives of Cedar Falls book 1
Lucy Mitchell was moving to Cedar Falls because her Father left a message saying he had unfinished busuness here. Her car actually died at the Welcome sign. Ryley Carter owned the auto repair, and he was a loner and kind of Grumpy. And the Mitchells and Carters have been feuding for years, can Ryley and Lucy have a relationship?
Lucy Mitchell was moving to Cedar Falls because her Father left a message saying he had unfinished busuness here. Her car actually died at the Welcome sign. Ryley Carter owned the auto repair, and he was a loner and kind of Grumpy. And the Mitchells and Carters have been feuding for years, can Ryley and Lucy have a relationship?
November 18, 2025
Lucy and Riley
This is a short, very good, well written, Ex-Military romance. Lucy comes to Cedar Falls to complete a mission for her dad after his death. Her car breaks down at the town limit and Riley comes to her rescue with his wrecker. Read about the history of their families and how they overcome the feud.
This is a short, very good, well written, Ex-Military romance. Lucy comes to Cedar Falls to complete a mission for her dad after his death. Her car breaks down at the town limit and Riley comes to her rescue with his wrecker. Read about the history of their families and how they overcome the feud.
June 17, 2025
The author has given us a heartwarming story that pulls us into the lives of Lucy and Riley. The story keeps us turning the pages with connection, old family secrets, revelations and steam.
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.
June 18, 2025
You need to read this book immediately and I mean immediately. Riley and Lucy are great characters in this HEA romance book that gets your heart pumping fast like a cup of coffee. I was saying Hello just looking at the cover that makes me HOT all over.
June 19, 2025
Unexpected Connections
Her car breaks down and he comes to tow her. There’s a subtle attraction and the rest of the story is pure joy to read. The people and town are great and feel like friends you’re happy to see. The story is well crafted and very enjoyable.
Her car breaks down and he comes to tow her. There’s a subtle attraction and the rest of the story is pure joy to read. The people and town are great and feel like friends you’re happy to see. The story is well crafted and very enjoyable.
July 24, 2025
Cute quick read!
Cute and short. Great zero angst, very quick read! Not super memorable but great to get you out of a reading slump!
There is a trigger warning. Riley is ex-military and his PTSD is discussed. Lucy is great with him in that regards.
Cute and short. Great zero angst, very quick read! Not super memorable but great to get you out of a reading slump!
There is a trigger warning. Riley is ex-military and his PTSD is discussed. Lucy is great with him in that regards.
July 26, 2025
Great read
Great read. Would recommend this book to anyone who wants a good short story with a plot that keeps you involved through out the story. Author writes good stories enjoy her very much.
Great read. Would recommend this book to anyone who wants a good short story with a plot that keeps you involved through out the story. Author writes good stories enjoy her very much.
August 18, 2025
Nice Read
This was a nice read. Riley fell instantly for Lucy but he tried to hide it from her. A short, sweet and steamy read that got right to the point instead of dragging the story out.
This was a nice read. Riley fell instantly for Lucy but he tried to hide it from her. A short, sweet and steamy read that got right to the point instead of dragging the story out.
September 20, 2025
Enjoyable book
This book may be short, but it is very, very sweet. I loved the characters and the way they came together. This is my first book by Zoey Rose. I look forward to discovering more of her work!
This book may be short, but it is very, very sweet. I loved the characters and the way they came together. This is my first book by Zoey Rose. I look forward to discovering more of her work!
December 28, 2025
Short but good
A short story full of angst and heat. Breaking down on the way to finding out about Cedar Falls was not her idea of meeting the residents but meet him she did. The rest is history. I would have liked a longer story but it is what it is.
A short story full of angst and heat. Breaking down on the way to finding out about Cedar Falls was not her idea of meeting the residents but meet him she did. The rest is history. I would have liked a longer story but it is what it is.
June 19, 2025
Wow! I loved reading this story. Just loved all of it. It was entertaining and an amazing storyline. Loved it! 5☆
June 23, 2025
Great story
It's a wonderful story about how two lonely people come together and find the love of their life. The story has a great ending.
It's a wonderful story about how two lonely people come together and find the love of their life. The story has a great ending.
June 27, 2025
Loved it
They have a great love story. I was glad to see her help him get over the problems he and the way he helped her out. The way they made each whole.
They have a great love story. I was glad to see her help him get over the problems he and the way he helped her out. The way they made each whole.
July 4, 2025
Short and sweet & spicy.
July 27, 2025
Saved
Lucy and Riley's story about old family chefs and survivor s guilt hells bring future generations cull circle to find love and family and whole again
Lucy and Riley's story about old family chefs and survivor s guilt hells bring future generations cull circle to find love and family and whole again
August 16, 2025
sweet
Lucy is driving back to her dad’s hometown, which is small. She breaks down a mile from town. Calls Carter’s towing. Her comes Riley. The rest is history.
Lucy is driving back to her dad’s hometown, which is small. She breaks down a mile from town. Calls Carter’s towing. Her comes Riley. The rest is history.
November 22, 2025
Great book
Why amazon insist on 20 words for a review I'll never understand. Especially when I just want to say I enjoyed this book.
Why amazon insist on 20 words for a review I'll never understand. Especially when I just want to say I enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews