Grease Monkey

by Evie Del Rey

Itzel Trejo Castillo has always had other people in charge of her a powerful father, people pretending to care but really just pushing their own wishes, and a man who thought controlling her was the same as loving her. When she can no longer avoid being pushed to marry her father’s business partner, Itzel finally does something for herself—she leaves. Her plan to get away quickly turns into an unexpected stop in a small, out-of-the-way town, where her car breaks down near an auto shop run by Joshua Bradley, a quiet mechanic who believes in doing things the right way or not at all.

While waiting for her car to be fixed, Itzel finds a place where being honest is more important than looking good. Josh helps her without wanting anything back, keeps her safe without trying to control her, and gives her space without judging her. As real and emotional storms come and go, their connection grows in quiet moments, honest talks, and slowly learning to trust again. Josh sees the fear Itzel tries to hide, and when the man she ran from finds her, the fight is violent and changes everything. Itzel finally what she left behind was not love, but danger.

Once the truth comes out and the danger is over, Itzel faces her hardest not whether to leave, but whether to stay because she wants to. This is not a story about being saved, but about taking back control—realizing that feeling safe and wanting someone can go together, and that real love never asks you to stop being yourself. Years later, Itzel lives a life she chose, built on patience, respect, and a partner who stands by her rather than trying to own her.

This story explores the difference between control and care, fear and choice, and the quiet but powerful act of staying because you want to, not because you have to.
Perfect for readers who

• emotional slow-burn romance

• strong heroines reclaiming their lives

• protective, gentle heroes

• hurt/comfort and healing love stories

• small-town found family vibes

• “who did this to you?” energy

• love after trauma

• quiet, intimate, character-driven romance



Content This story includes references to domestic abuse (emotional, psychological, and coercive control), stalking and harassment, threats involving power, reputation, and immigration status, physical violence and injury, attempted kidnapping, and non-consensual image sharing (referenced, not graphic). It also contains off-page discussion of grooming and abuse of minors.

93 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 8, 2026

Reviews

[Jessica Jesinghaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful novella about taking back freedom

Grease Monkey is the kind of romance that sneaks up on you. From reading its description, I thought I knew what to expect... and I did, to an extent. What surprised me and caught me off guard was Itzel's quiet grace, even while running scared, and Josh's steady patience. Even when he finds himself falling for the girl he knows not to encroach, that she needs the time and the space to feel safe & seen before she could even consider risking her heart.

I really felt for Itzel. While her past is, in large part, a mystery we still know enough to infer a lot about her trauma. It's a master stroke by the author, giving readers the ability to take Itzel at face value or, as I did, to read more deeply into her history. There was a line she says, about midway through the story, that shined a light on her experience which I think many women can relate to: “You learn early that rules are just the part before they decide they deserve more.” Men have never treated her with any sort of respect, taking what they want and leaving her to deal with the aftermath.

Josh isn't one if those men. He's patient, forthright, and (despite his sometimes gruff words) a true gentleman. There are hints at his past, but we really don't get into it, and in a novella this short it's unsurprising. I can't pretend that I didn't want to know more, but in the end I know enough.

If you're looking for a short, single-sitting read that throws a few low-blows (in Itzel's past) before delivering on a promise of safety, freedom, and love built on trust... this one will hit the spot!

[Sheila Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story from start to finish. Itzel, trying to rid herself of a terrible situation. And Josh, the loner who could see something in her that he couldn’t say no to. Like having her stay at his home because her vehicle broke down. Or giving her his bed when a terrible storm made the power go off. There were little things between these two that made it a special novella. Itzel teaching Josh Spanish was so cute. Josh teaching her about tools. Each time, they were falling for each other. A really perfect story about being allowed to choose your own way. Loved this book so much.

[Lonnie Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fabulous Little Story of Conflict and Trust

As a very amateur grease monkey, the details, sounds and smells of this tale are easily identified and real to me. I like these characters and very much enjoyed sharing their story.

The mechanics of the writing is precise and refreshing. The timbre of the sentences is non-patterned and enjoyable with unexpected turnarounds. Specifically the book never loses its character as conversation carries initially from conflict, outlining the more direct and boring truth or point of the exchanges.

I recommend Grease Monkey wholeheartedly.

[Anusha Hansaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short and beautiful read - the one that leaves you with happy tears. It is that kind of love story that makes you crave one. A recommended read for sure.

[Chandra Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grease Monkey by Evie Del Rey is a quiet, powerful romance about choosing yourself—and finding love that never asks you to shrink.

Itzel Trejo Castillo has spent her entire life being managed, molded, and controlled. By her powerful father. By people who claimed to care while making decisions for her. By a man who mistook ownership for love. When she’s finally pushed toward a marriage that feels like another prison, Itzel does the bravest thing she’s ever done: she runs.

Her escape lands her in a forgotten little town with a broken-down car and no plan beyond “keep going.” That’s where she meets Joshua Bradley—a soft-spoken, steady mechanic who fixes cars the way he lives his life: carefully, honestly, and without shortcuts. Josh doesn’t push. He doesn’t pry. He doesn’t demand anything from her. He simply helps, listens, and gives her space to breathe—something Itzel hasn’t had in a very long time.

What unfolds between them is a beautifully slow-burn connection built on trust, not control. Quiet conversations. Shared silences. Small, meaningful acts of kindness. Josh sees the fear Itzel hides beneath her composure, and instead of trying to “save” her, he stands beside her. When the man she fled finally tracks her down, the story takes a darker, more intense turn—forcing Itzel to confront a truth she’s been avoiding: what she left behind was never love. It was danger.

And that realization changes everything.

Grease Monkey isn’t about a woman being rescued—it’s about a woman reclaiming her agency. It’s about learning that safety and desire can coexist, that love doesn’t mean surrendering yourself, and that choosing to stay is far more powerful than being forced to remain.

Years later, Itzel’s life is proof of that choice—built on patience, mutual respect, and a partner who stands with her rather than over her.

Tender, emotional, and deeply grounding, Grease Monkey is perfect for readers who crave healing romances with protective-but-gentle heroes, strong heroines finding their voice, and small-town found family vibes. If you love stories where love feels earned, safe, and real, this one will stay with you long after the final page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anita Dow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short but compelling story is told in alternating chapters by the two protagonists, and I was immediately drawn in from the opening paragraph. Itzel is a young woman torn between family duty and expectations, and an arranged marriage to someone she is clearly wary of. We don't know much detail at first but her fear and desperation at the looming marriage are conveyed by accomplished writing. Itzel escapes her parental home by car with no real plan, but when her vehicle breaks down she is forced to seek help at an out of the way auto repair garage. Josh is the owner/mechanic there, and I instantly warmed to his strong, calm persona. Itzel is wary, prickly, and understandably so, as she has only ever experienced controlling men. Over the few days of being marooned at Josh's place while he fixes her car, Itzel reveals a little about why she ran away, but it's conveyed mostly by what is left unsaid. We don't learn much about Josh but his quiet, gentlemanly presence makes him an appealing character, which comes through even more strongly in the final chapters.

The writing flows smoothly and the author is particularly accomplished at creating a visual setting, with atmosphere and tension running through every chapter, despite minimal action scenes. The slow-bum attraction between Itzel and Josh is very well-crafted and kept me turning the pages. The climax of the story came quite unexpectedly, with action and a little violence, and demonstrated the author's writing ability. Throughout the book I had no feeling of the ending being a foregone conclusion, which meant the Epilogue felt particularly satisfying. I found the final pages tenderly written, and they brought a tear to my eye. Grease Monkey is a well-written and thought-provoking love story, sure to be appreciated if you enjoy clean romance with likeable, strong characters and a thoughtful plot.

[S.D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story opens from 25-year-old Itzel’s point of view. She’s fleeing her overbearing father and his plans for her to marry his 40-year-old business partner. With no real plans but escape, she takes off and feels free for the first time in her life until she breaks down in the middle of nowhere. Luckily there’s an auto-repair shop in walking distance. It’s run by Joshua, a young man with integrity, living a quiet solitude life. It’s a small shop and the repairs will take at least a couple of days, and he offers her a place to stay. Itzel assumes he’s like the other men in her life but with no other choice, she accepts the offer and dubs him “Grease Monkey.” From this point on the story pops back and forth between these two characters’ points of view, following the classic romantic trope of assumptions, attraction, trust, distrust and more.

On the plus side, this Novela is a quick easy read with a clean writing style.

What didn’t work for me: 1: The implied and stated issues seemed to contradict each other by her actions and reactions at the romantic climax. 2: We don’t see the same growth or change from Joshua’s point-of view. 3: The wrap up at the end went on longer than necessary. 4: Many of the “references to domestic abuse (emotional, psychological, and coercive control), stalking and harassment [Author description]” didn’t add to the storyline. If important, including these scenes rather than just implying them would have been powerful. Plus, it would prepare the reader for a “slow burn” steamy scene.

For these reasons I’d rate this book as 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.

[Book Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grease Monkey is a quick but at times gritty romance with smooth, error‑free prose and a lot of promise.

Itzel, the heroine, arrives on the page already furious, suspicious, and difficult to warm to. Her resentment toward her controlling family is understandable, yet the book gives us little else to balance her hostility. She’s wealthy, sheltered, and perpetually on edge, and the narrative rarely lets her be anything more than prickly.

Her late‑night run‑in with Josh, the mechanic who rescues her after a blown tire, sets up a classic opposites‑attract setup. But their first meeting feels exaggerated: she’s dismissive and rude, while he’s calm, patient, and almost saintlike. When she ends up staying in his small home while waiting for parts, Josh continues to offer kindness without hesitation, even as she remains abrasive. The imbalance is so stark that it becomes genuinely hard to understand why Josh falls for her at all.

The alternating POV chapters shed some light on Itzel’s fear and confusion, but Josh’s inner life stays thin. He’s presented as endlessly good, yet we never learn what shaped him. Their romance develops quickly, but without enough grounding to make the connection believable.

The plot’s biggest stumble comes near the end, when a supposedly dangerous villain appears, threatens havoc, and then simply disappears from the story. For a book that builds so much tension around this figure, the lack of resolution is a major flaw.

The intimate scene is well executed, but the novel overall feels more like an outline of a possible romance than a fully realized one.

[Select Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Itzel Trejo Castillo is being pressured to marry her father’s business partner, Julio Santos Velasquez, who, like her father and many other people in her life, are control freaks. Pushed to her limits, she decides to leave home.

Her getaway is temporarily thwarted when her car breaks down in a small town. There, a mechanic, named Josh Bradley, displays both a perfectionist attitude toward fixing cars and an entirely different way of interacting with women who are tired of being handled by men.

Julio tracks Itzel down, but Josh defends her. When the violence runs its course and the dust finally settles, Itzel has important decisions to make.

Evie Del Rey’s “Grease Monkey” is not a new story. Its storyline is a common one.

However, Del Rey’s spin on “the runaway woman being rescued by the smalltown mechanic” yarn is particularly well done. The writing, which mixes English and Spanish, is clear and concise, and the plot and subplots are effective variations on a respected literary theme.

The book is easy to read, with Spanish names and sentences italicized and translated. The editing is tight, as is the formatting which, other than exaggerated indentations, is solid.

“Grease Monkey” is interesting, engaging, and unlike too many similar novels that live in the black and white, painted with wide strokes in a soothing shade of gray. It is a quick read that tells its story with an economy of bilingual expression.

[Clay Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I recognize I'm not the target audience for this book, and that my above-average curmudgeonliness isn't going to reflect the experience of the average reader who chooses it. Nonetheless, it's mine. Here we go.

The good:
It's sweet and a quick, easy read. I found the plot arc fine overall. Clean and reasonably well edited.

The rest:
The characters were fantasy projections with no depth, growth, or internal conflict. Both protagonists were perfect and blameless at every moment while the villain was entirely a villain with no depth or redeeming features.

The purple prose attempted to make 80 pages of two people staring at each other in a kitchen into something epic, but the author lacked the syntactic variety to pull it off, so we just get the same obvious constructions over and over again. If very little else happened, "something broke open inside me" half a dozen times.

The full-page of trigger warnings made me expect an exciting story, full of darkness and intrigue, but there was nothing in it that would be objectionable to a particularly worldly 10-year-old—except maybe an entirely conventional sex scene that almost felt like an exciting climax after what was otherwise a long lesson in what metal sounds like when it cools.

Judging from the other, fairly positive reviews here, I might be missing something; a general sense for the romantic, for one. Nonetheless, it wasn't for me.

[Ann Smythe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sensitively told story begins with Itzel impulsively driving away from her controlling family and a looming arranged marriage. After breaking down in the middle of nowhere, she has little choice but to seek help from Josh, who runs a nearby auto repair shop. While she waits for her car to be fixed, Josh — whom she rudely refers to as a “grease monkey” — remains patient and generous, allowing her to stay in his home despite her prickly behaviour.
Told from both Itzel’s and Josh’s points of view, the author skilfully creates a dusty, atmospheric small-town setting. What begins as tension between the two protagonists gradually develops into a deeper understanding of each other. We learn about Itzel’s troubled past and why she is wary of men, while steady, hardworking Josh’s small, understated world gives her the space to be herself. Josh has a slightly lesser role in this tale, which to me is justified, because he already knows who he is — a calm, quietly confident man. Ultimately, it is with his support that Itzel realises she can choose how she lives her life and with whom. I really enjoyed this novella. It is well-written and conveys a clear message that love can overcome seemingly insurmountable circumstances.

[James Azinheira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grease Monkey by Evie Del Rey is a compelling romance about a woman fleeing an oppressive, controlled life to escape a forced and abusive marriage. In her flight, she meets a man who lacks the material privilege she comes from but is considerate and guided by strong ethics. Their differences initially cause friction, yet his calm, unforced demeanor allows her to slowly open up.
The book is well written and was on track to earn five stars from me until it reached the romantic turning point. At that moment, instead of fully immersing the reader in the emotional climax, the narration shifts into summary exposition. Key interactions are told rather than shown, creating distance at a point where intimacy and immediacy matter most. It felt as though the reader was shut out just as the story should have been drawing us closer. There is also some repetition toward the end, particularly around reinforcing his respect for her choices, which slows the wrap-up.
Still, this remains an enjoyable and emotional romance that could have reached its full potential with a more immersive climax.

[Rajesh Minocha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grease Monkey tells a love story that unfolds gradually, showing that real love is built on mutual respect. Itzel leaves a difficult situation and finds freedom at Josh’s auto shop, where he is steady and practical. Their bond grows through quiet moments, small acts of kindness, and the trust they build together. Josh stands out as a different kind of romantic hero because he never tries to control others.

Itzel has a fight with her fiancé, who comes searching for her. That part of the story was so engrossing that it was very difficult to put the book down, and I was eager to know what was coming next.

This story offers a powerful emotional journey, showing characters who choose safety as they regain their confidence and decide to stay for their own reasons. The couple’s relationship is built on real love that stays steady over time.

[Megan The Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started Grease Monkey thinking it would be a quick, gritty read, but it ended up having a much bigger impact on me. Even though it’s short, the story feels full of meaning as it follows Itzel, her quiet pain, and a kind of love that doesn’t fix everything but still matters. Seeing Itzel fall for Joshua was moving, especially as she learns that her body belongs to her, that not all men take it, and that it’s okay to trust. Some parts were tough to read, but that just showed the story was doing something right.

This story was powerful, raw, and more tender than I expected. This has been an instant favorite.

I got a free copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts.

[Lee Tomassini- Author · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very quick read. I read it in about two hours. It's a short story of love and overcoming fear and danger. Itzel is running from a dangerous man she's being forced to marry and runs into car trouble. The quiet, brooding mechanic gives her the space to feel safe. He protects her and gives her a choice she's never been able to make before. Stay or go?

It would've been nice to get to know more about Itzel and her situation in order to be more invested with her story. There was a lot of detail given about the relationship and it did pull you in and make you want things to work for Itzel and her Grease Monkey. Does it? Read it to find out!

[Gwendoline Vale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grease Monkey is a gentle, grounding romance that values calm over chaos. I loved how the story lets trust grow slowly, through everyday moments rather than big declarations. Josh’s quiet steadiness and Itzel’s journey toward choosing herself felt natural and deeply satisfying.

This is a story about finding safety, not being saved, and that makes the romance feel real. Soft, heartfelt, and quietly reassuring, a lovely read that stays with you.

[Kelly Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Grease Monkey” by Evie Del Rey, is a contemporary, suspenseful romance. Itzel is on the run from the marriage her wealthy father is pressuring her to accept; he wants her to marry his business partner, a man 15 years older than her. When her car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, she walks to the nearest repair shop and meets Josh. Initially, she is hostile to him, but soon finds out, she must depend on his generosity or sleep outside in her car. This is a quick, well-paced novella!

[Irina Wysocki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. Very feel good.

Itself started of kind of rubbing me the wrong way, but after a bit, I understood her. She's really been thru it and needs time to warm up.

Josh is great. Very relatable. It is so good to see a patient, strong man. He gives Itzel the space she needs which gives her the OK to open up to him.

Need a good afternoon romance? Check this one out!

[Ryan Osbourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top 3 >2h reads!

This was amazing and a amazing story. Really relatable and real. I like how it was structured to be read so easily. Started reading at Toronto Union Station and finished right as I arrived at Berry south go [bus]. Would recommend!