The Fix Up

by Marina Adair

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.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 26, 2026

About the author

Marina 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.

TikTok: Tiktok.com/@marinaadair

Instagram: instagram.com/authormarinaadair

Facebook: facebook.com/marinaadairaauthor

BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/marina-adair

Reviews

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: The Fix Up
Author: Marina Adair
Rating: 4.5/5 stars (Rounded up to 5 stars)

I think that everyone deserves to read a fun and feel-good romance once in a while - and that’s exactly what I thought The Fix Up was!
The story was full of both challenges and chaos! While reading it, I felt like I was binging a reality TV show with the funny and chaotic moments that ensued!

The Fix Up was a romantic comedy told in dual POV that followed main characters Poppy and Decker. Poppy is a DIYer who flips houses and ends up inheriting a mid-century modern house in Hollywood Hills that she is looking very forward to making more modern. Her Aunt Opal, from whom she inherits the house, even winds up setting her up with a full-production renovation show where she can showcase her work on the project. The only problem is that the contractor hired for the show is Decker Jamison. Decker is a former NHL legend who Poppy once had a terrible blind date with.
Poppy realizes that she has to follow through with this project, as the show could change her life for the better. Decker needs this PR miracle to work after a career-ending injury and a silly scandal that he was involved in.
The only catch? Poppy and Decker don’t know that the show is actually Opal’s way of trying to play matchmaker between the two of them.
Things are off to a better start than what could have been expected - until the truth of Opal’s project is revealed and feelings come to light.
Poppy and Decker both realize that the DIY and renovation of the house might not be the only project they’ve been tasked with working on.

Both Poppy and Decker were enjoyable characters, and I enjoyed reading about their relationship throughout the story and thought that it was well-developed over the course of the book. Although their feelings did develop quickly, I enjoyed reading about how it came to be. I thought that the banter between them was fun and fresh.
Poppy and Decker both have strong personalities, and why they are the way they are was explained well. Poppy has been hurt in the past and is sure to guard her heart. Decker doesn’t really know how to sustain a strong relationship with someone besides luring them in with his looks.
Both characters develop and grow throughout the story in more ways than one - both together and on their own, which made for a relationship that felt real.

And can we take a moment to talk about Tater?! Decker’s dog added such a sweet element to the story, and he was easily one of my favourite characters!

There are a few chapters that contain mild spice after the slow burn between Poppy and Decker. They fit the scenes well that they are in, though, and don’t take away from the story itself.

The Fix Up is available now, and I’d recommend it to those who would be looking for a light enemies to lovers read to add to their TBR!
Thank you to the author of The Fix Up, Marina Adair, for the chance to read an eARC of The Fix Up.

[Cassie Kamphuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Title: The Fix Up

Author: Marina Adair

Tropes: Second Chance-ish, Forced Proximity, Reality Show Romance, Opposites Attract, Public Redemption Arc

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️



🤩 The Vibe:

Chaotic, flirty, and binge-worthy with a surprisingly emotional center.

This is HGTV-meets-hockey-bad-boy with cameras rolling and sparks flying. Between the crumbling Hollywood Hills fixer-upper, the secret matchmaking twist, and the diary room confessionals (actual gold), this felt like watching a reality dating show unravel in the best way.



👩‍❤️‍👨 Main Characters:

Decker “Drill ’Em Hard” Jamison

Former NHL MVP goalie turned PR nightmare. Down bad for Poppy almost immediately. I loved his internal dialogue and watching him grow into someone more emotionally aware and intentional. Underneath the playboy image is a man who genuinely wants to show up better — even if I struggled at times with fully buying his financial hardship storyline.



Poppy Hart

DIY influencer on the verge of hitting one million followers. Creative, driven, and deeply protective of her heart. I loved her ambition and how much this opportunity meant to her — and the diary room moments gave us such fun insight into her personality and vulnerability.



💕 What I Loved:

• The renovation reality show concept

• The diary room confessionals (iconic)

• Aunt Opal masterminding chaos

• Decker being internally obsessed

• His emotional growth throughout the book

• Forced proximity with cameras rolling

• Strong character development

• The Hollywood Hills setting

• The rescue dog addition



The scenes were cinematic and engaging — it genuinely felt like streaming a rom-com in book form.



🩵 What Didn’t Work For Me:

• The financial struggle for Decker didn’t completely make sense to me. I mean he was an MVP NHL star with multiple Stanley Cup Wins….

• Sometimes he leaned into the playboy persona a little too easily



These kept it at four stars instead of five — but I still had a great time.



🤔 Final Thoughts:

The Fix Up is dramatic, fun, and full of romantic tension — but it also explores growth, reputation, and choosing to show up differently for someone you love.

While not everything fully clicked for me, the emotional payoff and character arcs made this a really enjoyable read.



If you love:

• Reality show romances

• Former athlete redemption arcs

• Forced proximity chaos

• Opposites attract energy



Add this to your TBR.

[Kha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ohhh, I can’t even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this book! This rom-com was such a fun, feel-good read. The story is about Poppy restoring her Aunt’s beautiful architectural home, which quickly turns into a renovation-slash-romantic-reality-show with Decker, a former hockey star.

The characters are so likeable, aaaand I absolutely loved Tater!! the sweetest dog, whose loyalty is hard to place… whether it still belongs to his owner, Decker, or has now shifted to Poppy.🐶 And the addition to the crew, his nephew - was one subtle game-changer. Also… those Diary Room bits?? Pure comedy… so glad they made it into the book!

Contemporary romance isn’t usually my go-to genre, but since it’s the month of love, I told myself a book or two couldn’t hurt…🤭 So I applied for this ARC and I’M SO GLAD I DID! This one has been a perfect, light-hearted break from some of the heavier romantasy stories I’ve been reading.

This was my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed her writing. It’s easy to follow, the dialogue is fun, and the pacing kept me hooked. I guess I’ll be reading more of her books like this. Overall, it was a delightful, feel-good read that left me smiling.

★★★★.5

[Julie Cabrera · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Fix Up" by Marina Adair had such a fun premise, HGTV meets reality dating show, and that alone hooked me.

The initial meet-up was pure gold. The fact that he didn’t tell her who he was and genuinely had no idea who she was? I was immediately invested. It set the tone perfectly and made everything that followed even more entertaining.

The behind-the-scenes reality show chaos mixed with them figuring out they were into one another, created some fun moments. The banter worked, the chemistry was there, and I adored the characters together.

I loved Poppy & how she was just fearlessly herself; a bold, confident, woman who excelled at a "male job." She was so easy to root for. I also liked Decker but wasn't in love with Decker. He had his sweet moments but I think his red flags just stuck for me.

What I didn’t really care for was the storyline involving his relationship with his brother. It just didn’t fully connect for me, and I found myself not very invested in that dynamic. Those scenes didn’t hold my attention the same way the romance and show drama did. That said, I adored his nephew, such an emotionally intelligent kid who gave his uncle some surprisingly thoughtful advice.

I also really enjoyed the storyline regarding her father. Seeing him re-enter her life in a devious way and then watching their attempt at building a real relationship by the end was satisfying, though I wish we got to see a bit more of the beginning to fully understand their history.

Overall, I continue to love Marina Adair and her writing. This book was cute and had a unique premise :)

[Michelle Patton · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

The Fix Up by Marina Adair is a dual-POV romantic comedy with just the right amount of spice. Poppy has spent her life bracing for people to leave—just like her father did. Decker, a former pro hockey player sidelined by injury, is determined to shed his playboy reputation and reinvent himself. When Poppy’s aunt convinces her to join a renovation reality show to restore the iconic Stark House, she agrees for the project—not for the drama. But the moment she sees who her cohost is, she knows her aunt’s matchmaking tendencies are very much at play.

I really enjoyed this one. The characters felt genuine, with believable backstories and strong emotional depth. The side characters added warmth and personality without overpowering the main romance. While the overall arc was somewhat predictable, it never veered into cliché or cringe. I especially loved that both Poppy and Decker owned their mistakes and showed real growth instead of staying stuck in their baggage.

[Crystal Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute and cozy read. I love a book that involves a meddling family member and one that has fantastic banter.

Poppy and Decker first meetup in a blind date he didn’t know he was on. Let’s just say, it didn’t end well. He is the reformed playboy and retired NHL player trying to mend his relationship with his family. Poppy does home renovations and when she learns her Aunt Opals house is up for sale she is hurt.

Poppy and Decker are recruited to be in a reality live in home renovation show in Opals house. These two bicker and have excellent banter. But Decker has a softer side and I loved seeing it. Poppy is used to people disappointing her and Decker is used to people using him. But as time goes, they start to connect and sparks start to fly.

[Angela Gillam · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC

I liked the premise of this book — a fake dating show mixed with an HGTV-style home renovation .

The relationship itself felt really underdeveloped. Everything moved so fast that I never fully believed in their connection. One minute they’re strangers, and the next they’re suddenly in love. I wanted more in-between moments where you can connect to the characters and their relationship building.

Overall: fun idea, quick read, but I wanted more relationship development to really sell the love story.

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok. Definitely love some other books by this author better.

[Katie Gaudet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won’t lie, the cover pulled me into this one! Poppy and Decker are the leads of a home Reno show (or is it) where the DIY YouTuber and the former NHL legend are tackling Poppy’s childhood home where she lived with her aunt. I struggled to relate with Poppy at first but she grew on me, I had a soft spot for Decker the whole time. 😅 I always enjoy forced proximity and Taters was the star of the show for me. 😍

3.75 ⭐️

[Aubrie Church · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗲: Reality TV Show • 3rd person POV

“𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗸𝗶𝗱, 𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗻. 𝗜 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀. 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲”

The Fix Up follows Poppy Hart, a chaotic-but-loveable DIY influencer desperate to prove she can finally build something permanent in her life, and Decker Jamison, a former NHL star with a notorious playboy reputation. After their most catastrophic blind date ever, they hope to never see each other again, but life throws them straight onto the same renovation reality show.

Forced to work (and live) together while cameras roll, sparks fly, tempers flare, and the tension becomes impossible to ignore.

💭 𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
It had been a long time since I read a romance written in 3rd person POV, but surprisingly it made the story feel even more intimate. Instead of creating distance, it actually allowed me to understand both Poppy and Decker on a deeper level. Especially their insecurities and the reasons they kept pushing each other away.

I absolutely flew through this book. The pacing was addictive, and I kept telling myself “just one more chapter” until suddenly I was at the end. From their disastrous first meeting, the chemistry was already there, but what I loved most was how it slowly evolved from sharp banter and tension into something soft and safe.

Their emotional growth is truly the heart of this story. Both of them carry abandonment wounds and trust issues, and watching them learn to communicate instead of run felt incredibly satisfying. The romance didn’t just happen, it was built, piece by piece, which made every vulnerable moment land even harder.

The reality show setting added so much chaotic fun without ever overshadowing the emotional depth. It kept the story entertaining and dynamic while still giving space for the heavier moments to breathe.

And without going into specific details, the confession scene where Opal finally reveals what the show was really about and Decker’s reaction to it, completely broke me. The vulnerability, the hurt, the way everything unravelled on camera… I was in absolute tears by the end. It was one of those moments where you can physically feel your heart drop while reading.

💌 A huge thank you to 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗶𝗿 for reaching out to me and giving me the chance to read and review your book!

📅 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘪𝘹 𝘜𝘱 by Marina Adair releases on 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟲𝘁𝗵!

📚 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Former NHL Star • Hate to Love • Forced Proximity • One Bed • Social Media • Reality TV Show

[TinyVenusAfterDark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love, Renovations, and Second Chances
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Heat Level: 🔥🔥
Tear Drops: 💧
📚EBOOK📚

I received this ARC close to the publishing date (February 26th), and it took me a little longer to finish than I expected—not because the story wasn’t good, but simply because life got busy. Huge thanks to the author and Hambright PR for the opportunity to read and review this one.

This was my first book by Marina Adair, and it definitely won’t be my last. I’m a sucker for reality shows, so the premise of a renovation show mixed with romance immediately caught my attention. It felt refreshing compared to a lot of contemporary romances I read lately. The story follows Poppy, a DIY influencer who is task to renovate a crumbling Mid-Century Modern house in the Hollywood Hills, and Decker, a former NHL star whose career ended after an injury and a rather infamous scandal. The catch? They once had the most catastrophic blind date ever… and now they’re forced to work together on a renovation show that might change both their lives.

This is very much an enemies-to-lovers / he-falls-first kind of story with a nice slow burn. The romance builds gradually, and while there are a few chapters with mild spice, they fit naturally into the story and never overshadow the emotional development between Poppy and Decker.

What I appreciated the most was the emotional depth of the characters. Both of them carry abandonment wounds and trust issues from their pasts, and those fears shape how they approach relationships. Watching them slowly learn to communicate instead of running away felt realistic and satisfying. Their relationship doesn’t magically fix itself overnight—it grows as they do.

The supporting cast added a lot of charm too. I especially loved the nephew’s little bits of input throughout the story—it was honestly adorable and brought some lightness to the heavier emotional moments.

Overall, Poppy and Decker felt genuine, their backstories were believable, and the emotional growth really became the heart of the book. And honestly, a matchmaking aunt secretly turning a renovation show into a love experiment? That was such a fun twist.

One quote that really stuck with me:

“You can only lead a horse to water, you can’t make him think. And right now, my uncle isn’t thinking straight.”

If you enjoy reality-show settings, slow-burn romance, enemies-to-lovers tension, and emotionally driven character growth, this one is definitely worth checking out.

[Urvashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

I absolutely loved this book. It was such a cute and easy read. Their banter was fun and their chemistry hot. Decker and Poppy both have trust issues, and I enjoyed watching them ease their concerns and support each other. Miles was a wonderful supporting character, very mature for his age. And Taters deserves a special shootout.

[Tracey Mele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author, and I genuinely had so much fun with it. The writing is easy to follow, the dialogue is snappy, and the pacing kept me flying through the pages. I will absolutely be picking up more of her books.

The Fix Up delivers full HGTV flair, blending home renovation chaos with secret matchmaking, forced proximity, and nonstop challenges. It honestly reads like a binge-watch season of your favorite romcom show. Hilarious, chaotic, and ridiculously charming.

The characters are incredibly likable, the banter lands perfectly, and the romance builds in the most satisfying way. I loved how the relationship develops between two people who think they know each other, only to realize they are completely wrong. The chemistry simmers, the tension stays tight, and when the emotional fallout hits, it actually carries real weight.

The anxiety representation was especially well done. Watching the FMC support the MMC through a panic attack was handled with care and authenticity, and it added so much heart to the story. Mental health rep like this always earns extra points from me.

And can we talk about Tater? The sweetest dog ever. As a Great Dane owner, I would have happily taken even more chaos from him, but honestly more banter is never a bad thing either. The board meetings were a highlight. If you know, you know.

The slow-burn spice stays on the lower side, but it is done really well, with moments that fit the tone of the story perfectly.

Overall, this was a delightful, feel-good romcom that left me smiling. It is funny, heartfelt, and packed with chaotic energy, power tools, and unresolved tension.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chaotic rom-com energy with heart, humor, and HGTV vibes.

💝 Thank you to Hambright PR and Marina Adair for the ARC!

[Rachel Nahabedian · Rating 4 out of 5]

ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ʟᴏᴠᴇᴅ ɪᴛ

🧰Playboy x Girl Next Door
🧰Enemies to Lovers
🧰One Bed
🧰 Sex Video Scandal
🧰 Midsize Heroine
🧰 Dual POV
🧰 Slow Burn
🧰 Found Family
🧰Panic Attack Rep
🧰Great Dane (who thinks he's a cat)
🧰That Meet Cute!

When a DIY influencer and a notorious ex–hockey star are forced to renovate a Hollywood mansion together, they don’t realize the show is actually a secret matchmaking experiment—turning six weeks of power tools, on-camera disasters, and off-camera chemistry into the biggest gamble their bruised hearts have ever taken.

I loved this book so much.

On the surface, it sounds like pure fluff. I mean, a reality show about renovating an old house featuring an ex-NHL star who’s finally joined the family contracting business and a beloved YouTube home restoration darling. Neither of them know that they may or may not be part of an undercover dating show with a twist. It sounds delightful...and it absolutely is.

But it’s also so much more.

Beneath the charming premise, the story dives into grief, loss, family obligation, self-worth, chasing dreams, the need to be chosen (and loved), found family, anxiety about always doing the “right” thing, embracing change, and emotional maturity.

Poppy and Decker’s journey (alongside a cast of colorful side characters) was such a joy to experience. The angst hit, the romance delivered, and the hilarious “diary room” moments had me smiling nonstop. There were even a few scenes that left me with a lump in my throat. Watching them grow individually and learn how to truly show up for each other was incredibly satisfying.

And that epilogue? I was absolutely snickering.

Thank you, @hambright_pr and @authormarinaadair for the ARC.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5/5
I received an ARC for my honest opinion.

The Fix Up was such a heartfelt, emotionally satisfying read. Marina Adair delivers a romance that feels warm, genuine, and full of depth.

What I loved most about this story was how character-driven it is. The emotional arcs feel authentic, and the growth unfolds naturally rather than being rushed. Both main characters are carrying their own baggage, and watching them slowly learn to trust, heal, and open their hearts made the romance feel earned. Their chemistry builds steadily, layered with tension, vulnerability, and those quiet moments that make contemporary romance so powerful.

The secondary characters bring humor and heart without overshadowing the main couple, and they make the world feel lived-in and real. I liked that we had melding relatives and others out there that knew what the real storyline was about the TV show but kept everything else from them. I have to say that for this being a reality show setting, I didn’t think I would like it as much as I do. I love that you get all the chaos, but you will still find emotional moments throughout it as well.

The pacing flowed beautifully. It balances emotional depth with lighter moments, creating a story that feels both tender and hopeful. By the time I reached the final chapters, I felt fully satisfied and not quite ready to say goodbye.

Overall, The Fix Up is emotional, romantic, and deeply comforting. It’s a story about rebuilding, taking chances, and choosing love even when it feels risky. An easy five-star read for me.

I would like to thank Hambright for the opportunity to review this book.

[Alana Bittersweet Chapters Aus · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️.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

[riding_the_pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a unique mesh of reality dating show chaos and home renovation TV drama. I absolutely devoured it! What started as a fun, flirty premise turned into so much more than I expected. Beneath the adorable cover and playful setup was a story layered with depth, vulnerability, and serious character growth.

The banter between Decker and Poppy? Sharp, electric, and utterly hilarious. Their relationship started off rocky (to say the least), but watching those walls slowly come down was everything. What began as tension and stubbornness became something tender and deeply connected. Both Poppy and Decker learned to trust, open up, and let themselves be seen. I really appreciated Adair’s approach to the history of each character. It made it so easy to connect with them.

And the reality show element? Pure entertainment. The dating drama mixed with renovation mishaps kept the pace fast and addictive. There truly wasn’t a single dull moment in this book. And who could forget Taters?! He truly stole the spotlight as an eccentric, fun loving Great Dane. He completely owned my heart.

But this wasn’t just a fluffy rom-com. Woven into the humor and chemistry were themes of grief, healing, growth, and meaningful mental health representation. It balanced light and heavy in a way that felt real and grounded.
If you’re looking for a romance that’s both fun and emotionally satisfying, this one is absolutely worth the read.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decker is a former NHL player who is currently trying to patch his relationship with his brother by helping run the family construction company when a scandal surfaces. At chance at working on a Hollywood renovation show could be just the thing he needs to get things back on track for himself and his company.

Poppy is a DIY and Fixer Upper. She has a small show and following on YouTube and is close to hitting a million followers. Her aunt Opal, a famous Hollywood matchmaker comes to her with a renovation show proposal, fix up her historical home so it can be sold. While Poppy always dreamed of living there, she knows she could never afford it. Opal is the only person who never left her so she of course agrees.

Not knowing that her blind date disaster was about to come back into her life in the form of Decker working as her co-host on the show. What could possibly go wrong? It soon becomes clear that this isn’t really a Reno show, to the audience. They’re really being set up by her matchmaking aunt. Will they realize the Sparta between them?

This was such a fun, book with witty banter and laugh out loud moments. Poppy is so guarded and uptight when we first meet her but she slowly starts to let herself go as she gets to genuinely get to know Decker, not the celebrity, playboy but the real man, and it’s beautiful to watch. I love that there is anxiety rep and an amazing service dog that helps him out when he starts having the attacks.

I rated this one 4/5.

[Ulli Zaiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[TheBookishK9RN · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fix Up is hilarious, chaotic, and ridiculously charming — the kind of romcom that feels like a full binge-watch season.
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Marina Adair absolutely nailed the vibe here: messy chemistry, sharp banter, and a setup so fun you can practically hear the camera crew sprinting to keep up.

Poppy Hart is ambitious in a way that feels relatable, not annoying — she’s trying to build something for herself, and the emotional layer with Aunt Opal adds real heart under all the comedy. She’s not just chasing followers. She’s chasing stability, validation, and a future she can actually trust.

And Decker “Drill ’Em Hard” Jamison is exactly the kind of disaster MMC I love: famous, stubborn, embarrassed by his own past, and way too used to being judged. He’s a mess… but he’s also trying. And that makes him impossible not to root for.

The best part is how the romance builds through forced proximity, constant challenges, and that very specific tension of two people who already think they know each other — and are completely wrong. The humor lands, the chemistry stays hot, and when the emotional fallout hits, it hits hard enough to give the story real weight.

Also: the rescue dog deserves its own spinoff.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love a good fixer-upper romance with sizzling chemistry, heart, and just the right amount of emotional renovation, The Fix Up delivers from the very first bar meet-cute.

From the moment Poppy and Decker lock eyes across that bar, you just know you’re in for something special. Poppy is all ambition and grit—determined to build her dream and prove she can handle everything on her own. She’s fiercely independent, driven, and refuses to let anyone see the cracks beneath her polished exterior… even though part of her secretly longs for someone to take care of her for once. Watching her juggle strength and vulnerability made her impossible not to root for.

And then there’s Decker. Swoony, steady, and completely gone for Poppy from the start. Beneath the hockey star reputation and messy past decisions is a man desperate to show the world—and Poppy—that he’s more than headlines and highlight reels. His need to protect, support, and uplift her without dimming her shine? Absolutely everything. He doesn’t just fall—he dives.

Together, they’re flirty, electric, and surprisingly tender. The banter sparkles, the tension simmers, and the emotional payoff feels earned. This is the kind of romance that makes you want to knock down a few walls yourself just to see what you can rebuild.

[Smutty Professor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was so cute! There's a DIY influencer trying to level up her career and a retired hockey player who really needs some positive press, fixing up a gorgeous but falling-apart Mid Century Modern house together. The reality show cameras, forced proximity, and people pulling strings behind the scenes makes it so much fun!

Poppy and Decker start off with energy that they both despise one another, but you can tell from the jump that there’s something there. The banter is really good, the tension is obvious, and being stuck together 24/7 definitely doesn’t help their attraction. I loved watching them slowly realize they had each other wrong. They’re both carrying stuff from their past like her abandonment and trust issues or his ego and identity wrapped up in his past. The reality show makes everything more fun. There’s always a camera around, so even the emotional moments feel heightened. And when things go sideways, it's all caught on camera. Also, Tater the dog deserves his own novella. That’s all I’m saying.

It’s cute, easy to read, and just gives solid rom-com comfort vibes. It's definitely the kind of book you pick up for something light and can finish in a day. Think about adding this to your TBR if you enjoy watching HGTV!

[Imperfect.reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marina Adair is a new author to me. I thought this was a charming and cozy read. There is nothing better than a meddling family member to help you get out of your own way. I thought the story was cute and flowed effortlessly. I normally don’t like reality tv vibes but this one hit differently. This was an overall cute rom-com that I would recommend to anyone looking for fun banter, relatable characters.
Poppy and Decker have an unconventional meet cute at a bar where Decker had no idea, they were actually on a blind date. Poppy’s first impression of Decker isn’t great its actually pretty bad. Afterwards they are both recruited to do a live on camera renovation show of Poppy’s aunt Opal’s home. They need to work together for summer in front of the cameras and get along. They are subject to all that comes with modern day reality show scrutiny and being in the public eye. All while pretending the behind the scenes they are both are just fine. As time progress they start to see they both aren’t what they originally thought of each other.
If you love
🧰Playboy x Girl next door
🧰Enemies to lovers
🧰One bed
🧰 Sex video scandal
🧰 midsize heroine
🧰 Dual POV
🧰 Slow Burn
🧰 Found Family
🧰And there’s a dog!

[Page Escapes by J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marina Adair delivers a warm, feel-good romance with just the right amount of chaos, charm, and canine interference.

The Fix Up thrives on opposites-attract energy. He’s steady, practical, and used to fixing everything with tools and patience. She’s sharp, independent, and not entirely convinced she needs fixing at all. Watching their worlds collide is half the fun — the other half is the banter, which sparkles without ever feeling forced.

Adair’s prose is breezy and inviting, the kind that makes you sink comfortably into the story. The pacing allows the relationship to unfold naturally rather than rushing emotional beats. There’s humor layered into the dialogue, but also vulnerability tucked into quieter moments.

The setting adds texture — small-town warmth, community meddling, and a backdrop that feels lived-in rather than decorative. And the Great Dane? Practically steals scenes with chaotic charm.

What stands out most is the emotional grounding. Beneath the playful exchanges and romantic tension, this is a story about learning to trust again — not just someone else, but yourself.

Final Thoughts:
A cozy, chemistry-filled romance that balances humor with heart. Comfort read energy, but with emotional depth.

[Stephs.bookshelf09 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun story on a reality TV remodel show. I will be honest I got some like jersey shore vibes from it- not the drama and crazies but the diary interviews, and the crazy antics going on. It was fun as the reader to feel like you were just in the dark as the stars for what was going on, all to make that reality tv magic so magical!

Jamison Decker is an ex NFL star who now co owns with his brother their family construction/contractor business. They work hard and trying to do their dad proud of taking over the business. Jamison though is starting to feel the pressures of finding his way and knowing his path, when some very unfortunate circumstances threaten to destroy all his family has built upon. So if co starting in a reality tv show is how he is going to save his family legacy you bet right he is going to do it.

Poppy is spunky, fire passion for her historical restoration projects and has emotional baggage for days. She doesn’t let others in easily and is pretty freaking grumpy with Jamison…. Who we kidding it’s really just him she is grumpy for 🤣🤣

These twos antics and push and had me snickering and throughly enjoying myself. You won’t be able to help but fall for even the side chat of this story.

This is a 3rd person POV story telling.

[Laura Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fix Up by Marina Adair is a fun story of a couple who has to work together to flip a gorgeous mansion all while baring everything to the cameras of a reality show. The kicker is that Poppy's Aunt Opal owns the mansion and she is on the reno team. She doesn't really want to fix it up to sell it, but she can't afford to buy it herself.

Along comes Decker, an ex-hockey goalie turned contractor. Decker has lots of stuff to work out with his family, so he is hoping that this reno will help him show his family that he is not just the money in this operation.

Decker and Poppy met a few weeks before the show, set up on a blind date by Poppy's professional matchmaker aunt and Decker's brother. The date didn't go well, and when they find they have to work together for the show, the sparks really start to fly. Poppy has to work on her insecurity and Decker thinks he needs this gig to save his family's construction company. What they don't know is that the whole show is a set up to make them fall in love...and it happens. But reality can be cruel, and things have to be worked through before they realize they have found their soul mates.

Marina Adair does a great job with The Fix Up! I loved the characters and the banter. Put this one on your TBR for sure!

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Luv2TrvlLuvBks · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Jenn Ann H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fix Up is such a fun feel-good read giving classic rom-com vibes that I absolutely flew through. The mix of reality home renovation and secret matchmaking brings a full cast of likeable characters and keeps you wanting to read more.

Poppy Hart is a young carpenter who is looking to grow her channel. When her aunt hands her a dream makeover, Poppy has big ideas about this meaningful build. Decker, retired hockey player turned carpenter, is experiencing some bad press and needs a win. While these two aren’t thrilled to be working together at first, the longer the build goes on, the closer these two get. I enjoyed watching the progression from dislike to love and learning more about these characters. There were some mishaps on site that added to the humor of the story and the most adorable dog, Taters, really turned up the cute factor.

This book gave me all the feel-good vibes with hints of nostalgia to all the weekends I spent watching home renos with my mom. I enjoyed the pacing of the read and highly recommend checking this one out. Thank you to Hambright PR for the opportunity to read this ARC! All opinions are my own.