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The Fix Up
Not yet published
Expected 26 Feb 26Poppy Hart is one viral project away from hitting a million followers when she inherits a crumbling Mid Century Modern house in the Hollywood Hills—every DIYer’s dream. Even better, her eccentric Aunt Opal pulls strings to land her a full-production renovation show. The downside? The contractor is none other than Decker “Drill ’Em Hard” Jamison, former NHL legend, current shirtless menace, and the man Poppy once shared the most catastrophic blind date in the history of blind dates with. Walking away isn’t an option—not when this show could change her life and Opal is the only person who’s never abandoned her.
Decker isn’t exactly thrilled either. After a career-ending injury and one very unfortunate neon-orange-thong scandal, he needs a PR miracle, not six weeks trapped with a judgmental, freckled DIY princess who thinks a good time is alphabetizing paint samples. Still, the contract is signed, the cameras are rolling, and neither of them knows the the “renovation show” is actually Opal’s secret matchmaking experiment, and Poppy and Decker are her final, most chaotic test subjects. Soon they’re drowning in viewer-dictated challenges, mysterious house mishaps, and a rescue dog with better instincts than either of them—while the sparks they swore they’d never feel again start burning dangerously close.
But when the truth about the show explodes—on camera—trust fractures, loyalties snap, and Poppy is left wondering why being abandoned by Decker hurts worse than anything before. The only way to fix what’s broken is for both of them to take the biggest risk of telling the truth, choosing each other, and betting that sometimes the real love experiment isn’t filmed for television—it's the one that changes your life for good.
Decker isn’t exactly thrilled either. After a career-ending injury and one very unfortunate neon-orange-thong scandal, he needs a PR miracle, not six weeks trapped with a judgmental, freckled DIY princess who thinks a good time is alphabetizing paint samples. Still, the contract is signed, the cameras are rolling, and neither of them knows the the “renovation show” is actually Opal’s secret matchmaking experiment, and Poppy and Decker are her final, most chaotic test subjects. Soon they’re drowning in viewer-dictated challenges, mysterious house mishaps, and a rescue dog with better instincts than either of them—while the sparks they swore they’d never feel again start burning dangerously close.
But when the truth about the show explodes—on camera—trust fractures, loyalties snap, and Poppy is left wondering why being abandoned by Decker hurts worse than anything before. The only way to fix what’s broken is for both of them to take the biggest risk of telling the truth, choosing each other, and betting that sometimes the real love experiment isn’t filmed for television—it's the one that changes your life for good.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 26, 2026
224 people want to read
About the author
Marina Adair
40 books1,958 followersMarina Adair is a New York Times author whose fun, flirty contemporary romances have sold over a million copies. She has hit #1 overall in Amazon Kindle Paid and her St. Helena Vineyard series was optioned and made into the original Hallmark Channel Vineyard movies: Autumn in the Vineyard, Summer in the Vineyard, and Valentines in the Vineyard. Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. She holds a MFA from San Jose University and currently lives in Northern California with her husband, daughter, and two neurotic cats. Please visit her online at MarinaAdair.com and sign up for her newsletter at www.MarinaAdair.com/newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Review of advance copy
Marina Adair’s new book, The Fix Up, channels HGTV flair, mixing home renovation with secret matchmaking and has you flying through the pages to see how the story plays out!
Poppy Hart is a young carpentry star who posts videos of her flipping houses on her YouTube channel. She wants to grow her following but for the right reasons: she wants to keep the integrity of the home while adding modern touches to an old fashioned structure. One day, her Aunt Opal, a celebrity matchmaker from Hollywood, decides she wants to renovate and sell her historic LA home and she wants Poppy to be in charge but with the caveat that they shoot a TV show while doing it. Poppy is sad to say goodbye to her childhood home but is excited to put her personal touches on a meaningful build and add some subscribers to her channel along the way. In comes Decker, retired NHL Goalie turned carpenter, who is going through some bad press and in a move to repair his reputation, takes the offer to be on the show. Poppy and Decker had actually been on a blind date prior to the show that did not end well so it was safe to say that Poppy was not thrilled to see him again but vows to remain professional. Decker takes every opportunity to flirt with her but as the weeks go by, he has no luck getting her to open up. After some mishaps around the set, a couple heart-to-hearts and advice from Decker’s wise 18 year old nephew, things between them start to change. Poppy finally sees that Decker is a good man, not the asshole playboy that the media has made him out to be and Decker learns why Poppy is so quick to throw up her walls. As they become closer and moments between them become more heated, they start to think about life beyond the show while also wondering why the cameras are paying closer attention to their personal conversations than the renovations. With a dramatic ending, Poppy and Decker have to decide to fight for love or list it.
This story has a great development. There is a winsome meet cute to start the story that leads to some lively banter when the characters meet again. The FMC is feisty and clearly protecting her heart so you have to respect her tenacity. The MMC is coquettish and can lure any woman to bed but somehow has no idea how to actually talk to a woman so it is a great combo. There is also an adorable dog, Taters, who is arguably the best character! If you want a book that has a sweet progression from dislike to like to love with some mischief, forced proximity and power tools along the way, you’ll definitely like this one! Check it out later this month!
Poppy Hart is a young carpentry star who posts videos of her flipping houses on her YouTube channel. She wants to grow her following but for the right reasons: she wants to keep the integrity of the home while adding modern touches to an old fashioned structure. One day, her Aunt Opal, a celebrity matchmaker from Hollywood, decides she wants to renovate and sell her historic LA home and she wants Poppy to be in charge but with the caveat that they shoot a TV show while doing it. Poppy is sad to say goodbye to her childhood home but is excited to put her personal touches on a meaningful build and add some subscribers to her channel along the way. In comes Decker, retired NHL Goalie turned carpenter, who is going through some bad press and in a move to repair his reputation, takes the offer to be on the show. Poppy and Decker had actually been on a blind date prior to the show that did not end well so it was safe to say that Poppy was not thrilled to see him again but vows to remain professional. Decker takes every opportunity to flirt with her but as the weeks go by, he has no luck getting her to open up. After some mishaps around the set, a couple heart-to-hearts and advice from Decker’s wise 18 year old nephew, things between them start to change. Poppy finally sees that Decker is a good man, not the asshole playboy that the media has made him out to be and Decker learns why Poppy is so quick to throw up her walls. As they become closer and moments between them become more heated, they start to think about life beyond the show while also wondering why the cameras are paying closer attention to their personal conversations than the renovations. With a dramatic ending, Poppy and Decker have to decide to fight for love or list it.
This story has a great development. There is a winsome meet cute to start the story that leads to some lively banter when the characters meet again. The FMC is feisty and clearly protecting her heart so you have to respect her tenacity. The MMC is coquettish and can lure any woman to bed but somehow has no idea how to actually talk to a woman so it is a great combo. There is also an adorable dog, Taters, who is arguably the best character! If you want a book that has a sweet progression from dislike to like to love with some mischief, forced proximity and power tools along the way, you’ll definitely like this one! Check it out later this month!
Review of advance copy
💜 Blurb -
Poppy Hart is one viral project away from hitting a million followers when she inherits a crumbling Mid Century Modern house in the Hollywood Hills—every DIYer’s dream. Even better, her eccentric Aunt Opal pulls strings to land her a full-production renovation show. The downside? The contractor is none other than Decker “Drill ’Em Hard” Jamison, former NHL legend, current shirtless menace, and the man Poppy once shared the most catastrophic blind date in the history of blind dates with. Walking away isn’t an option—not when this show could change her life and Opal is the only person who’s never abandoned her.
Decker isn’t exactly thrilled either. After a career-ending injury and one very unfortunate neon-orange-thong scandal, he needs a PR miracle, not six weeks trapped with a judgmental, freckled DIY princess who thinks a good time is alphabetizing paint samples. Still, the contract is signed, the cameras are rolling, and neither of them knows the the “renovation show” is actually Opal’s secret matchmaking experiment, and Poppy and Decker are her final, most chaotic test subjects. Soon they’re drowning in viewer-dictated challenges, mysterious house mishaps, and a rescue dog with better instincts than either of them—while the sparks they swore they’d never feel again start burning dangerously close.
But when the truth about the show explodes—on camera—trust fractures, loyalties snap, and Poppy is left wondering why being abandoned by Decker hurts worse than anything before. The only way to fix what’s broken is for both of them to take the biggest risk of telling the truth, choosing each other, and betting that sometimes the real love experiment isn’t filmed for television—it's the one that changes your life for good.
🩷 Review -
I really enjoyed this romance novel. It was such a cute and easy to follow read. I loved the story, which I found easy to follow and there was a great cast of characters and the pacing was just right. Plus I loved the place settings in the story. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Hambright PR and the author Marina Adair for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Poppy Hart is one viral project away from hitting a million followers when she inherits a crumbling Mid Century Modern house in the Hollywood Hills—every DIYer’s dream. Even better, her eccentric Aunt Opal pulls strings to land her a full-production renovation show. The downside? The contractor is none other than Decker “Drill ’Em Hard” Jamison, former NHL legend, current shirtless menace, and the man Poppy once shared the most catastrophic blind date in the history of blind dates with. Walking away isn’t an option—not when this show could change her life and Opal is the only person who’s never abandoned her.
Decker isn’t exactly thrilled either. After a career-ending injury and one very unfortunate neon-orange-thong scandal, he needs a PR miracle, not six weeks trapped with a judgmental, freckled DIY princess who thinks a good time is alphabetizing paint samples. Still, the contract is signed, the cameras are rolling, and neither of them knows the the “renovation show” is actually Opal’s secret matchmaking experiment, and Poppy and Decker are her final, most chaotic test subjects. Soon they’re drowning in viewer-dictated challenges, mysterious house mishaps, and a rescue dog with better instincts than either of them—while the sparks they swore they’d never feel again start burning dangerously close.
But when the truth about the show explodes—on camera—trust fractures, loyalties snap, and Poppy is left wondering why being abandoned by Decker hurts worse than anything before. The only way to fix what’s broken is for both of them to take the biggest risk of telling the truth, choosing each other, and betting that sometimes the real love experiment isn’t filmed for television—it's the one that changes your life for good.
🩷 Review -
I really enjoyed this romance novel. It was such a cute and easy to follow read. I loved the story, which I found easy to follow and there was a great cast of characters and the pacing was just right. Plus I loved the place settings in the story. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Hambright PR and the author Marina Adair for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️.5
The Fix Up
@Marina Adair
QOTD: do you enjoy reality tv?
I do love watching house flips with my daughter.
I loved the Reality TV/ house Reno element in this book. There was a bit I didn’t see coming.
Poppy- House Reno’s on Youtube. Trauma history.
Decker- ex ice hockey played turned builder/construction. Has a PR problem.
Taters- therapy dog 🐾 he was always there to support Decker when his anxiety was crippling.
MH- Anxiety rep- this was done so well and loved how the FMC help support during a panic attack.
Loved all the board meetings- IYKYK
The brutal honestly was incredible. A lot of time you think but don’t say it but this was refreshing.
Nicknames-
Popsicle
Angel
Thor
Words that linger:
🛠️ “You don’t date. You don’t lie. And you’d rather spend the night playing with your toolbox.” “Better than spending it with a tool,”
🛠️ “And I look like I just participated in a wet T-shirt contest.” “Angel, you look like you won.”
🛠️ “Do you ever stop?” He leaned in and whispered, “Not until you beg me to.”
🛠️ “I’ve got layers, Angel. Maybe someday you’ll be curious enough to peel them back.”
🛠️ “I love your body. I love that you’re real and that you feel all woman beneath my hands. In fact, I can’t stop thinking about your curves. They drive me to insanity.”
🛠️ “You didn’t need to win me over. You just needed to be yourself.”
Tropes:
🏒 Former NHL star
😡 Hate to Love
🔗 Forced Proximity
🛏 One Bed
🤳🏻 Social Media
📺 Reality TV Show
#HPRTheFixUp #MarinaAdair #HambrightPR #RomComReads #SportsRomance
🌶️.5
The Fix Up
@Marina Adair
QOTD: do you enjoy reality tv?
I do love watching house flips with my daughter.
I loved the Reality TV/ house Reno element in this book. There was a bit I didn’t see coming.
Poppy- House Reno’s on Youtube. Trauma history.
Decker- ex ice hockey played turned builder/construction. Has a PR problem.
Taters- therapy dog 🐾 he was always there to support Decker when his anxiety was crippling.
MH- Anxiety rep- this was done so well and loved how the FMC help support during a panic attack.
Loved all the board meetings- IYKYK
The brutal honestly was incredible. A lot of time you think but don’t say it but this was refreshing.
Nicknames-
Popsicle
Angel
Thor
Words that linger:
🛠️ “You don’t date. You don’t lie. And you’d rather spend the night playing with your toolbox.” “Better than spending it with a tool,”
🛠️ “And I look like I just participated in a wet T-shirt contest.” “Angel, you look like you won.”
🛠️ “Do you ever stop?” He leaned in and whispered, “Not until you beg me to.”
🛠️ “I’ve got layers, Angel. Maybe someday you’ll be curious enough to peel them back.”
🛠️ “I love your body. I love that you’re real and that you feel all woman beneath my hands. In fact, I can’t stop thinking about your curves. They drive me to insanity.”
🛠️ “You didn’t need to win me over. You just needed to be yourself.”
Tropes:
🏒 Former NHL star
😡 Hate to Love
🔗 Forced Proximity
🛏 One Bed
🤳🏻 Social Media
📺 Reality TV Show
#HPRTheFixUp #MarinaAdair #HambrightPR #RomComReads #SportsRomance
Review of advance copy received from Author
The double meaning in this title was amazing!
Jamieson Decker needs focus and to rehab his image after a long-lost sex tape makes an appearance and it's hurting his brother's business. Enter Poppy and her aunt's matchmaking under the guise of seeing if they have chemistry to work together. Poppy's aunt is selling her house and it needs to be flipped back to it's mid-century modern charm and the show that's funding the project has Decker in as her co-start. But not everything is what it seems and what seems to be a show about fixing up the house is a lot more. Add in family drama and secrets on top of the secret of what the show is, and both Poppy and Decker feel betrayed.
Poppy and Decker get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.
These two were so cute together! And the slow burn to get them together! I hate that they both came in with so many trust issues but it seemed like Decker was willing to look past his even if he was closed off. I do wonder if Poppy was willing to give her father a second chance after their heart-to-heart at the end of the book as it seemed like he regretted what he did too. I would have loved to have seen more of what projects these two worked on together in the two year jump but also understand this was the story of them getting together and not their life.
I received an advance review copy from Hambright PR, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Jamieson Decker needs focus and to rehab his image after a long-lost sex tape makes an appearance and it's hurting his brother's business. Enter Poppy and her aunt's matchmaking under the guise of seeing if they have chemistry to work together. Poppy's aunt is selling her house and it needs to be flipped back to it's mid-century modern charm and the show that's funding the project has Decker in as her co-start. But not everything is what it seems and what seems to be a show about fixing up the house is a lot more. Add in family drama and secrets on top of the secret of what the show is, and both Poppy and Decker feel betrayed.
Poppy and Decker get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.
These two were so cute together! And the slow burn to get them together! I hate that they both came in with so many trust issues but it seemed like Decker was willing to look past his even if he was closed off. I do wonder if Poppy was willing to give her father a second chance after their heart-to-heart at the end of the book as it seemed like he regretted what he did too. I would have loved to have seen more of what projects these two worked on together in the two year jump but also understand this was the story of them getting together and not their life.
I received an advance review copy from Hambright PR, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A former NHL player who turned a constructor and a Youtube-famous house-flipper have to work together on the renovation of a famous mid-century house in L.A. all while being filmed for a tv-show. They are not allowed to leave the set and thus have to live with each other 24/7 while being filmed for most of that time. Poppy and Decker had instant attraction even before filming the show but both have baggage from the past and are not really looking for a relationship - least of all in front of tv cameras. But life (and Poppy's aunt) have other plans...
This was a very entertaining book. I liked both main characters from the start even though Decker seemed a bit arrogant at first. I didn't care too much for most of the supporting characters (except for Miles) since they all seem to deceive their family members/friend/client without a guilty conscience. Thus being said I really didn't like how Brian didn't seem to face any consequences for his behaviour towards his brother. I did like how the romance between Poppy and Decker developed and how they both had to deal with hurts from the past but I felt that especially Poppy did change her mind a lot and I could not always relate to her way of thinking. Apart from that I enjoyed reading the book and finished it in one day.
I received an ARC via Hambright PR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a very entertaining book. I liked both main characters from the start even though Decker seemed a bit arrogant at first. I didn't care too much for most of the supporting characters (except for Miles) since they all seem to deceive their family members/friend/client without a guilty conscience. Thus being said I really didn't like how Brian didn't seem to face any consequences for his behaviour towards his brother. I did like how the romance between Poppy and Decker developed and how they both had to deal with hurts from the past but I felt that especially Poppy did change her mind a lot and I could not always relate to her way of thinking. Apart from that I enjoyed reading the book and finished it in one day.
I received an ARC via Hambright PR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Fix Up by Marina Adair
Chaotic rom com energy with power tools and unresolved tension 🔥🔨
A DIY influencer on the verge of going viral. A former NHL star with a PR problem. One crumbling Mid Century Modern house. One reality TV renovation show. And one absolutely disastrous blind date in their past.
Poppy and Decker are forced into six weeks of renovation chaos complete with cameras, one bed moments, viewer voted challenges, and an aunt running a secret matchmaking experiment. The banter is sharp, the tension is constant, and the chemistry is loud. I loved how modern this felt with social media pressure, public scrutiny, and two people who pretend they are fine while very clearly not being fine.
My favorite part was the messy honesty. When things blow up, they really blow up, and the emotional payoff felt earned.
Tropes you can expect:
🏒 Former NHL star
😡 Hate to love
🔗 Forced proximity
🛏 One bed
📺 Reality TV
🤳 Social media fame
Perfect for readers who love rom coms with chaos, banter, and a grumpy athlete who falls hard.
#HPRTheFixUp #MarinaAdair #HambrightPR #RomComReads #SportsRomance
Chaotic rom com energy with power tools and unresolved tension 🔥🔨
A DIY influencer on the verge of going viral. A former NHL star with a PR problem. One crumbling Mid Century Modern house. One reality TV renovation show. And one absolutely disastrous blind date in their past.
Poppy and Decker are forced into six weeks of renovation chaos complete with cameras, one bed moments, viewer voted challenges, and an aunt running a secret matchmaking experiment. The banter is sharp, the tension is constant, and the chemistry is loud. I loved how modern this felt with social media pressure, public scrutiny, and two people who pretend they are fine while very clearly not being fine.
My favorite part was the messy honesty. When things blow up, they really blow up, and the emotional payoff felt earned.
Tropes you can expect:
🏒 Former NHL star
😡 Hate to love
🔗 Forced proximity
🛏 One bed
📺 Reality TV
🤳 Social media fame
Perfect for readers who love rom coms with chaos, banter, and a grumpy athlete who falls hard.
#HPRTheFixUp #MarinaAdair #HambrightPR #RomComReads #SportsRomance
Review of advance copy
Poppy and Decker with a 'not so little' Tater Tot thrown in...
The cover was too cute to resist. The story inside delivered on the female bff vibes, the emotionally sensitive canine, the young but astutely wise nephew, Miles and the classically dressed matchmaking Aunt. And, that's just the secondary characters.
As for the main parties, Poppy and Decker, their story had setbacks. There were her distrust and abandonment issues stemming from her childhood. There were his feelings of inadequacy despite his notoriety in the NHL. The author did not minimize either of these characters' vulnerabilities. Instead, through the growth of their relationship, the reader sees how each character takes a hard look at themselves and their actions.
Naturally, a HEA is reached.
How they got to the point though made for a wonderful read.
Thank you Hambright P.R. for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
#HPRTheFixUp
#MarinaAdair
#HambrightPR
🏒 Former NHL star
😡 Hate to Love
🔗 Forced Proximity
🛏 One Bed
🤳🏻 Social Media
📺 Reality TV Show
The cover was too cute to resist. The story inside delivered on the female bff vibes, the emotionally sensitive canine, the young but astutely wise nephew, Miles and the classically dressed matchmaking Aunt. And, that's just the secondary characters.
As for the main parties, Poppy and Decker, their story had setbacks. There were her distrust and abandonment issues stemming from her childhood. There were his feelings of inadequacy despite his notoriety in the NHL. The author did not minimize either of these characters' vulnerabilities. Instead, through the growth of their relationship, the reader sees how each character takes a hard look at themselves and their actions.
Naturally, a HEA is reached.
How they got to the point though made for a wonderful read.
Thank you Hambright P.R. for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
#HPRTheFixUp
#MarinaAdair
#HambrightPR
🏒 Former NHL star
😡 Hate to Love
🔗 Forced Proximity
🛏 One Bed
🤳🏻 Social Media
📺 Reality TV Show
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This book was cute! This Rom Com made me feel warm and fuzzy. I fell so hard for Decker, who wouldn’t since he is a retired hockey star and a dog daddy?
Poppy Hart has not led an easy life, but she is on the cusp of making a name for herself with her DIY dream. She is about to hit her follower goal for her renovation show when her aunt Opal approaches her with an offer she cannot refuse. Except, there is one hurdle she is not sure she can work with, that is Decker “Drill ‘Em Hard” Jamison.
Decker is stuck in a hard spot when he must choose to either improve his image and benefit his family or do the selfish thing and walk away. When he finds out he will be working with Poppy, he decides to go all in.
Can I just say, Taters is the true star of this book for me? This dog stole my heart and ran away with it.
✨ What to Expect ✨
🏒 Former NHL Star
😡 Hate to Love
⛓️ Forced Proximity
🛏️ One Bed
🤳🏻 Social Media
📺 Reality TV Show
🦮 Dog Dad
👩🏻🦳 Meddling Family
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This book was cute! This Rom Com made me feel warm and fuzzy. I fell so hard for Decker, who wouldn’t since he is a retired hockey star and a dog daddy?
Poppy Hart has not led an easy life, but she is on the cusp of making a name for herself with her DIY dream. She is about to hit her follower goal for her renovation show when her aunt Opal approaches her with an offer she cannot refuse. Except, there is one hurdle she is not sure she can work with, that is Decker “Drill ‘Em Hard” Jamison.
Decker is stuck in a hard spot when he must choose to either improve his image and benefit his family or do the selfish thing and walk away. When he finds out he will be working with Poppy, he decides to go all in.
Can I just say, Taters is the true star of this book for me? This dog stole my heart and ran away with it.
✨ What to Expect ✨
🏒 Former NHL Star
😡 Hate to Love
⛓️ Forced Proximity
🛏️ One Bed
🤳🏻 Social Media
📺 Reality TV Show
🦮 Dog Dad
👩🏻🦳 Meddling Family
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
No cliffhanger
Standalone
Told from both POVs
Tropes:
Hate to Love
Forced Proximity
Reality TV Show
Summary:
Decker is a former NHL player in need of an image fix. Poppy is a YouTube renovation guru in need of saving her aunts home.
They are thrown together in what they think is a home renovation reality show but it’s really a romance reality show that her matchmaker aunt sets her up on.
Only neither of them know it and they both let their pasts get in the way of something truly amazing.
The question is can they take the leap and trust that the other person will be there to catch them or will they let past traumas keep them both from finding the love of their life?
My Thoughts:
At first it felt a bit slow to me but once it picked up I couldn’t put it down. This is the first book I have read by this author but it definitely won’t be the last. It had me laughing, holding my breath and even getting a little chocked up towards the end.
The Fix Up is definitely worth the read and the epilogue was hilarious.
#HPRTheFixUp
#MarinaAdair
#HambrightPR
Standalone
Told from both POVs
Tropes:
Hate to Love
Forced Proximity
Reality TV Show
Summary:
Decker is a former NHL player in need of an image fix. Poppy is a YouTube renovation guru in need of saving her aunts home.
They are thrown together in what they think is a home renovation reality show but it’s really a romance reality show that her matchmaker aunt sets her up on.
Only neither of them know it and they both let their pasts get in the way of something truly amazing.
The question is can they take the leap and trust that the other person will be there to catch them or will they let past traumas keep them both from finding the love of their life?
My Thoughts:
At first it felt a bit slow to me but once it picked up I couldn’t put it down. This is the first book I have read by this author but it definitely won’t be the last. It had me laughing, holding my breath and even getting a little chocked up towards the end.
The Fix Up is definitely worth the read and the epilogue was hilarious.
#HPRTheFixUp
#MarinaAdair
#HambrightPR
Review of advance copy
It took me a little bit to get into the story, but I enjoyed it! Decker & Poppy meet semi-accidentally, and they have a good banter going, until his past pops up, causing Poppy to feel like he lied to her (he didn't). When they meet again, the banter is still there, the attraction is still there, but there's also tension from that first interaction. It takes a little bit to ... break through that.
Overall, I love both Decker & Poppy. They both have family traumas & help each other heal - unexpectedly & sometimes accidentally! 😄
With Decker comes Taters, his adorable & amazing service dog & best friend. He may steal some scenes & I approve! I also appreciated the representation of Decker's needs & how Taters, Poppy, and Miles help. Miles (Decker's nephew), btw, also steals some scenes & was excellent!
As the renovation of the house progresses, so do the relationships within, and while I had some issues with the way certain things were handled, overall I adored the characters & plot, and enjoyed the journey!
😍😍😍
Overall, I love both Decker & Poppy. They both have family traumas & help each other heal - unexpectedly & sometimes accidentally! 😄
With Decker comes Taters, his adorable & amazing service dog & best friend. He may steal some scenes & I approve! I also appreciated the representation of Decker's needs & how Taters, Poppy, and Miles help. Miles (Decker's nephew), btw, also steals some scenes & was excellent!
As the renovation of the house progresses, so do the relationships within, and while I had some issues with the way certain things were handled, overall I adored the characters & plot, and enjoyed the journey!
😍😍😍
Review of advance copy
Reality TV Mixes Home Renovation, Matchmaking, Adorable Dog, Crazy Characters and Sparks!
This book was so much fun and had so much happening I couldn't put it down but it also has wonderful characters with depth, and relatable issues despite their "fame" so I was really cheering for their success on all fronts. The book was well written, kept me engaged throughout all of the twists and turns and although I did not love all of the background characters they were also well developed. Poppy and Decker both had understandable trust issues, but also despite their initial "meet non cute" had a definite connection and I enjoyed their banter and the way they supported each other with their "board meetings". Marina Adair has always been a favorite and this book did not disappoint - Enjoy!
I was sent an ARC from Hambright PR and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This book was so much fun and had so much happening I couldn't put it down but it also has wonderful characters with depth, and relatable issues despite their "fame" so I was really cheering for their success on all fronts. The book was well written, kept me engaged throughout all of the twists and turns and although I did not love all of the background characters they were also well developed. Poppy and Decker both had understandable trust issues, but also despite their initial "meet non cute" had a definite connection and I enjoyed their banter and the way they supported each other with their "board meetings". Marina Adair has always been a favorite and this book did not disappoint - Enjoy!
I was sent an ARC from Hambright PR and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
February 11, 2026
Chaotic rom-com energy, but make it power tools and unresolved tension 🔥🔨
A DIY influencer about to go viral. A former NHL star in desperate need of a PR reset. One crumbling mid-century modern house. One reality TV renovation show. And one very unfortunate blind date from the past.
Six weeks of forced proximity, one-bed moments, viewer-voted challenges, nonstop cameras—and an aunt running a low-key matchmaking scheme. The banter snaps, the tension hums, and the chemistry is impossible to ignore. I loved how modern this felt, with social media pressure, public scrutiny, and two people insisting they’re “fine” while clearly not being fine.
The messy honesty is what sealed it for me. When everything blows up, it really blows up—and the emotional payoff was so worth it.
Thank you for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
#HPRTheFixUp
#MarinaAdair
#HambrightPR
A DIY influencer about to go viral. A former NHL star in desperate need of a PR reset. One crumbling mid-century modern house. One reality TV renovation show. And one very unfortunate blind date from the past.
Six weeks of forced proximity, one-bed moments, viewer-voted challenges, nonstop cameras—and an aunt running a low-key matchmaking scheme. The banter snaps, the tension hums, and the chemistry is impossible to ignore. I loved how modern this felt, with social media pressure, public scrutiny, and two people insisting they’re “fine” while clearly not being fine.
The messy honesty is what sealed it for me. When everything blows up, it really blows up—and the emotional payoff was so worth it.
Thank you for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
#HPRTheFixUp
#MarinaAdair
#HambrightPR
Review of advance copy
Thank you @hambright_pr and @authormarinaadair allowing me to ACR read The FIx UP 🫶🏼
This was my first book from this author and it definitely wont’t be the last one, I enjoyed every second of it! The entertainment and character development was such a fun and cute read. Beautifully written, twist and turns had my mind going left to right ahaha. I personally loved Poppy from the beginning and for Decker he grew onto me after a while he seemed a little bit pretentious, although both characters had instant connections. Poppy’s aunt and Brian were my least favorite characters. I felt like Brian needed to take more accountability for his behavior I do wish he could have gotten a little more character development but that’s ok.
This was my first book from this author and it definitely wont’t be the last one, I enjoyed every second of it! The entertainment and character development was such a fun and cute read. Beautifully written, twist and turns had my mind going left to right ahaha. I personally loved Poppy from the beginning and for Decker he grew onto me after a while he seemed a little bit pretentious, although both characters had instant connections. Poppy’s aunt and Brian were my least favorite characters. I felt like Brian needed to take more accountability for his behavior I do wish he could have gotten a little more character development but that’s ok.
February 7, 2026
Hello, people!
Are you looking for an easy-to-read and enjoyable book? If so, then stop here.
The story follows the rom com genre and the protagonists are Poppy and Decker.
This is an enjoyable book, with plenty of humor, beautiful dialogues, likeable characters, with a dog named Taters, who we all wish we had and is quite intelligent.
The author's writing is warm, sweet, tender, romantic, emotional and intense.
So, if you are looking for an easy book to have a good time, then this is the ideal one!
Thank you very much to the author and Hambright PR for the eARC!
This is my honest review!
Are you looking for an easy-to-read and enjoyable book? If so, then stop here.
The story follows the rom com genre and the protagonists are Poppy and Decker.
This is an enjoyable book, with plenty of humor, beautiful dialogues, likeable characters, with a dog named Taters, who we all wish we had and is quite intelligent.
The author's writing is warm, sweet, tender, romantic, emotional and intense.
So, if you are looking for an easy book to have a good time, then this is the ideal one!
Thank you very much to the author and Hambright PR for the eARC!
This is my honest review!
Review of advance copy
A reality show in the Hollywood Hills with a celebrity with a run down reputation and a self made YouTuber renovation princess? Sing. Me. Up.
Because I love a renovation show (and the mention of Chip and Joanna was very niche) but there's something more the show, the crew and producers are keeping secrets..
It's funny, it's emotional and the side characters are chef kiss!
Miles was my favourite IYKYK...
Thanks for the opportunity to ARC read this
Because I love a renovation show (and the mention of Chip and Joanna was very niche) but there's something more the show, the crew and producers are keeping secrets..
It's funny, it's emotional and the side characters are chef kiss!
Miles was my favourite IYKYK...
Thanks for the opportunity to ARC read this
Review of advance copy received from Author
I devoured this one in less than a day and oh my goodness it was amazing. I loved Poppy and Decker SO much. The chemistry, the banter, the care and protectiveness they had for each other. The dog, Taters, was an added bonus! (Everyone loves dogs right?!)
Everything about this story was amazing. The side characters, Miles, Opal and Wasim were my favorite.. and I absolutely loved the Diary room chapters!!
Everything about this story was amazing. The side characters, Miles, Opal and Wasim were my favorite.. and I absolutely loved the Diary room chapters!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2026
I love a quick, little gift of love! Tie this one up with a bow. It was short and sweet. I love seeing the youngest character bring so much wisdom and see those two generations rubbing off on each other in the best way. Everyone has trauma. Everyone’s trauma is different, but humans need loyalty and support. Some humans need a little extra push from the people that know them best. This was the perfect arc for Valentine’s Day Week! Thank you so much for allowing me a part in it!
February 4, 2026
The Fix Up was such a cute, feel-good read!
Home renovation meets romance isn’t something I’ve read before, but I absolutely loved the fresh twist!!
The banter and flirting had me laughing and swooning! 💖
I also really appreciated the mental health representation and the exploration of healing and complicated family dynamics. Overall, a fun, swoony romance that was a joy to read. 💛📖
Home renovation meets romance isn’t something I’ve read before, but I absolutely loved the fresh twist!!
The banter and flirting had me laughing and swooning! 💖
I also really appreciated the mental health representation and the exploration of healing and complicated family dynamics. Overall, a fun, swoony romance that was a joy to read. 💛📖
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
4.5/5 stars
I would like to thank Hambright PR for this ARC!
This book was so cute! I love watching home renovations/reality tv so reading this book was so fun in my opinion. I’m going to have to snag a physical copy of this book for my shelf when it releases because I seriously loved this book so much! Highly recommend!
I would like to thank Hambright PR for this ARC!
This book was so cute! I love watching home renovations/reality tv so reading this book was so fun in my opinion. I’m going to have to snag a physical copy of this book for my shelf when it releases because I seriously loved this book so much! Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy
A pocket full of sunshine masquerading as a battle of wills. Decker and Poppy keep the laughs coming, the heart racing and the temptation on high alert. Humor and heart join forces with unforgettable results. From depth of emotion to the heat of attraction, The Fix-Up is a heartbreaker that dares to make it's own rules.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
We smash house flipping cutie with a famous hot athlete turned construction worker who needs an image redo after a sex tape leak. Together they will fix up a house near and dear to her and maybe by the end fall for her aunts love trap.
#hambrightPr
#hambrightPr
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