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High Maintenance
Lexy’s apartment is a dump, but she refuses to move in with her controlling fiancé. Instead, she takes matters into her own hands, getting down and dirty to fix things. Then Tate, the super’s sexy son, shows up. Lexy and Tate spar over the latest maintenance issues, generating more heat than the record-breaking temperatures that have invaded their city. As her attraction to Tate grows, Lexy becomes more resistant to her fiancé’s demands, putting a wrench in her relationship and her impending marriage.
BONUS: Get a sneak peek of the new dark romance, Compulsive.
BONUS: Get a sneak peek of the new dark romance, Compulsive.
87 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2015
12 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Lia Fairchild
29 books791 followersLia Fairchild writes romance and women's fiction. Fans of her books praise her endearing, real characters who come to life in stories that will touch your heart.
Fairchild is addicted to the warmth of Southern California and holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and a multiple-subject teaching credential. She is a wife and mother of two children.
Amazon amazon.com/author/liafairchild
Look for updates on her and her books at http://www.liafairchild.com or follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/liafairchild/ or Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lia.fairchild...
Books by Lia Fairchild
Building Bridges (Bridges Brothers Book1)
Broken Bridges (Bridges Brothers Book2)
Compulsive
Liar
Circle in the Sand
In Search of Lucy
Emma vs. the Tech Guy
Vigil-Annie
High Maintenance
Home for Christmas
Special Delivery
Fairchild is addicted to the warmth of Southern California and holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and a multiple-subject teaching credential. She is a wife and mother of two children.
Amazon amazon.com/author/liafairchild
Look for updates on her and her books at http://www.liafairchild.com or follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/liafairchild/ or Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lia.fairchild...
Books by Lia Fairchild
Building Bridges (Bridges Brothers Book1)
Broken Bridges (Bridges Brothers Book2)
Compulsive
Liar
Circle in the Sand
In Search of Lucy
Emma vs. the Tech Guy
Vigil-Annie
High Maintenance
Home for Christmas
Special Delivery
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 22, 2023
Wow, for such a short novella this was jam packed with storyline! And Tate 🔥😍🥵 Tate could have my babies. Lol I loved how it played out and how the ending wrapped up nicely for both of the MCs. Such a great read with a good bit of spice!
May 26, 2016
Judging a Book by it's Cover:
Two very toned bodies wearing white bottoms and no more. Synopsis is okay, unsure about the whole entertaining more than flirtation while having a fiance' thing though...
Looking Deeper:
Third-person narrative.
Lexy assumed the lease on an older model apartment after her dad passed away and wanted to finish the lease out, against her older and wealthier fiance's wishes. He's controlling and manipulative. Their relationship was tumultuous. Her apartment was falling apart around her but she was determined to fix it and keep it livable. The maintenance man of the building was ailing, he called in his son to help, but it was pretty apparent that he did not know a thing about handywork. Lexy and Tate's attraction was instant, but she felt guilty over random stray thoughts about Tate, so she never acted on them, she was - afterall - engaged. To be Married! Well, as in any good story, crap hit the fan and she needed to step back, assess the situation with a clear head, and re-evaluate her feelings, desires, wants and needs.
A cute, fun, SHORT story with a strong, sassy lead female and a mouth-watering, sexy male. A smattering of secondary characters helped to fill in any tiny gaps that there may have been, further supporting the plot. The dialogue and interaction was very good. Ms. Fairchild managed to write a complete story in such a compact page count, very well done. The plot felt full and flowed very well. There were plenty of conflicts along the way and a surprise culprit. Predictability was low. The conclusion was solid enough with a fast-forward epilogue and implied HEA. Not sure what happened to Cupcake though. Sexual activity had not gone into explicit detail, but neither was it completely behind closed doors. Overall, it was a light enough story to read over lunch, on a road trip, or at the beach.
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Rating: [PG-13+] ~ Score: 4.1 ~ Stars: 4
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Two very toned bodies wearing white bottoms and no more. Synopsis is okay, unsure about the whole entertaining more than flirtation while having a fiance' thing though...
Looking Deeper:
Third-person narrative.
Lexy assumed the lease on an older model apartment after her dad passed away and wanted to finish the lease out, against her older and wealthier fiance's wishes. He's controlling and manipulative. Their relationship was tumultuous. Her apartment was falling apart around her but she was determined to fix it and keep it livable. The maintenance man of the building was ailing, he called in his son to help, but it was pretty apparent that he did not know a thing about handywork. Lexy and Tate's attraction was instant, but she felt guilty over random stray thoughts about Tate, so she never acted on them, she was - afterall - engaged. To be Married! Well, as in any good story, crap hit the fan and she needed to step back, assess the situation with a clear head, and re-evaluate her feelings, desires, wants and needs.
A cute, fun, SHORT story with a strong, sassy lead female and a mouth-watering, sexy male. A smattering of secondary characters helped to fill in any tiny gaps that there may have been, further supporting the plot. The dialogue and interaction was very good. Ms. Fairchild managed to write a complete story in such a compact page count, very well done. The plot felt full and flowed very well. There were plenty of conflicts along the way and a surprise culprit. Predictability was low. The conclusion was solid enough with a fast-forward epilogue and implied HEA. Not sure what happened to Cupcake though. Sexual activity had not gone into explicit detail, but neither was it completely behind closed doors. Overall, it was a light enough story to read over lunch, on a road trip, or at the beach.
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Rating: [PG-13+] ~ Score: 4.1 ~ Stars: 4
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August 7, 2015
Lexy is a strong-willed, smart, independent, Latino woman who wishes to make her own way in the world. I enjoyed the sexual innuendos at the beginning and throughout the story. The characters are well developed and relatable. I enjoyed Lexy’s best friend, Mimi, and her quirky neighbor, Mrs. Granger. Lexy’s fiancé, Julian, is rich and arrogant, but tries to give Lexy the feeling that he allows her to make her own decisions while still manipulating behind the scenes.
Tate and Lexy’s banter is clever and engaging. While he tries to be respectful of the fact that Lexy is engaged, he sees Julian for the scoundrel he is, Tate is biding his time while becoming friends with Lexy. The twists in the story are well played and believable. I found this an intelligent, fun novella and suspect I will be picking more books from Lia Fairchild in the future.
FYI: Strong adult language. Sexual situations are not behind closed doors. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** August 1, 2015
Format/Typo Issues: I noticed no proofing or formatting errors to speak of.
Tate and Lexy’s banter is clever and engaging. While he tries to be respectful of the fact that Lexy is engaged, he sees Julian for the scoundrel he is, Tate is biding his time while becoming friends with Lexy. The twists in the story are well played and believable. I found this an intelligent, fun novella and suspect I will be picking more books from Lia Fairchild in the future.
FYI: Strong adult language. Sexual situations are not behind closed doors. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** August 1, 2015
Format/Typo Issues: I noticed no proofing or formatting errors to speak of.
May 29, 2015
Although only a novella, this story is well-developed and the characters are complex and relatable. I’m not a huge fan of contemporary romances, but this one entertained me for an afternoon and prompted me to give some other similar style books a fair go.
The main couple, Lexi and Tate, have great chemistry and I think their relationship develops at a realistic pace. While one or two scenes were predicable (Ie: the laundry room scene), they were still good fun and that’s the whole point, right?
The secondary characters were interesting too, and added more depth to the story. So overall, a great read, and I’ll definitely be reading more of Lia Fairchild’s romances this summer.
The main couple, Lexi and Tate, have great chemistry and I think their relationship develops at a realistic pace. While one or two scenes were predicable (Ie: the laundry room scene), they were still good fun and that’s the whole point, right?
The secondary characters were interesting too, and added more depth to the story. So overall, a great read, and I’ll definitely be reading more of Lia Fairchild’s romances this summer.
July 24, 2015
I love this!
It was a quick read that had all the essential elements to keep you interested.
Lexi has a very controlling fiance. Her apartment is slowly crumbling down, needing constant repairs spurring her fiance to repeatedly ask Lexi to move in. But Lexi is also very determined and independent. She will not allow Julian (her fiance) to control her.
Then Tate (the maintenance man's son) shows up to help out his dad and Lexi and Tate immediately hit it off.
Can Lexi resist the attraction to Tate? Can Lexi remain independent while engaged to Julian?
Go one click this now!
It was a quick read that had all the essential elements to keep you interested.
Lexi has a very controlling fiance. Her apartment is slowly crumbling down, needing constant repairs spurring her fiance to repeatedly ask Lexi to move in. But Lexi is also very determined and independent. She will not allow Julian (her fiance) to control her.
Then Tate (the maintenance man's son) shows up to help out his dad and Lexi and Tate immediately hit it off.
Can Lexi resist the attraction to Tate? Can Lexi remain independent while engaged to Julian?
Go one click this now!
June 2, 2015
A super fast, fun novella. Enjoyed it!
November 20, 2015
A fun quick read!
May 29, 2017
Super cute and fun, with a sweet HEA.
Fast easy read, too!
You'll def fall hard for Tate!
Fast easy read, too!
You'll def fall hard for Tate!
July 5, 2016
High Maintenance is an incredibly heartfelt and wonderfully hope filled journey of learning to not fear following your heart. This is one of the hardest things in life you will ever do. Saying it is easy, but actually following your heart while seeing everything solid and trusted fall away would cause most to abandon their new path for the more familiar one they left behind. Why risk the unknown when the known has everything you thought you ever wanted, but in truth it was just a bunch of compromising for the easiest and simplest things you could obtain. The real risk involves walking away from the easy and heading into the fog and darkness of the unknown. The return you will see is something that will far surpass and outweigh anything that you have ever seen or experienced in your life.
Lexy enjoys her life. While she has a few challenges and bumps along the way, she is generally happy. It’s only when something new comes into her life that she takes a step back and really sees what is right in front of her. She begins to see the small things she has been refusing to see, and she wonders why she has been settling for so long. Only when she takes her life into her own hands does she truly feel that she is finally living a life that makes her heart sing. Will vicious doubts that wiggle their way into her new life bring everything tumbling down, or will she finally realize that her life is finally on track and worth fighting for?
Tate is a breath of fresh air for Lexy. He challenges her but not in a condescending way. His smile brings light and happiness into her heart and puts a smile on her own face. He awakens a passion she never knew that lived dormant within her very soul. This is all new and fascinating and wondrous to her, and she will find herself struggling to keep him in her life no matter what others might think. I loved seeing how strong and courageous Lexy is. She is a true and genuine friend, a kind neighbor, and a beautiful daughter. Watching Lexy and Tate get to know each other was so incredibly amazing. They had such an extraordinary connection that only strengthened with the time they spent together and got to know each other. It truly touched my heart with a force that blew me away.
Lia Fairchild is a truly gifted and wonderfully remarkable author. She has touched me deeply and left a mark that will forever remain in my heart. This story will continue to live on and be cherished for a long time to come. If you are looking for a fresh new author that will challenge your mind while never failing to touch your heart, and you need to give Lia Fairchild a try. You will not be disappointed.
Lexy enjoys her life. While she has a few challenges and bumps along the way, she is generally happy. It’s only when something new comes into her life that she takes a step back and really sees what is right in front of her. She begins to see the small things she has been refusing to see, and she wonders why she has been settling for so long. Only when she takes her life into her own hands does she truly feel that she is finally living a life that makes her heart sing. Will vicious doubts that wiggle their way into her new life bring everything tumbling down, or will she finally realize that her life is finally on track and worth fighting for?
Tate is a breath of fresh air for Lexy. He challenges her but not in a condescending way. His smile brings light and happiness into her heart and puts a smile on her own face. He awakens a passion she never knew that lived dormant within her very soul. This is all new and fascinating and wondrous to her, and she will find herself struggling to keep him in her life no matter what others might think. I loved seeing how strong and courageous Lexy is. She is a true and genuine friend, a kind neighbor, and a beautiful daughter. Watching Lexy and Tate get to know each other was so incredibly amazing. They had such an extraordinary connection that only strengthened with the time they spent together and got to know each other. It truly touched my heart with a force that blew me away.
Lia Fairchild is a truly gifted and wonderfully remarkable author. She has touched me deeply and left a mark that will forever remain in my heart. This story will continue to live on and be cherished for a long time to come. If you are looking for a fresh new author that will challenge your mind while never failing to touch your heart, and you need to give Lia Fairchild a try. You will not be disappointed.
May 4, 2015
I received a copy of this from the author in exchange for a review...
This was my first read from Lia Fairchild and I was not disappointed. HIGH MAINTENANCE is a fast paced, short read novella, even though its a novella there is a lot packed into the story and plot. The characters in this book are very well written and the chemistry between Lexi and Tate is amazing and is felt off the pages as they get to know each other as friends, the problem with this chemistry is that Lexi is engaged to someone else.
In this book you will see a women fighting to get things repaired in her apartment, but when the super sends in his hot son Tate to do the work he cant things start to heat up. But what love story is complete without a little drama and in this story its in the form of Lexi's fiancé Julien (I don't like him from the get go he seems like a slimy worm) and what he does to try and make her move in with him, but what Julien does not count on is how independent Lexi is. I was so happy with the way this book ended and wish this book and Lexi's story would have continued for more.
Cannot wait for my next read by Lia Fairchild.
This was my first read from Lia Fairchild and I was not disappointed. HIGH MAINTENANCE is a fast paced, short read novella, even though its a novella there is a lot packed into the story and plot. The characters in this book are very well written and the chemistry between Lexi and Tate is amazing and is felt off the pages as they get to know each other as friends, the problem with this chemistry is that Lexi is engaged to someone else.
In this book you will see a women fighting to get things repaired in her apartment, but when the super sends in his hot son Tate to do the work he cant things start to heat up. But what love story is complete without a little drama and in this story its in the form of Lexi's fiancé Julien (I don't like him from the get go he seems like a slimy worm) and what he does to try and make her move in with him, but what Julien does not count on is how independent Lexi is. I was so happy with the way this book ended and wish this book and Lexi's story would have continued for more.
Cannot wait for my next read by Lia Fairchild.
March 15, 2016
High Maintenance is a charming, sexy, and humorous novella about a heroine struggling to retain her independence from an overbearing fiancé and keeping her strength to see her dreams through to fruition.
Lexy is a spunky & sassy gal that caused me to grin more than once reading about her “can-do” attitude even when it ended up going a bit sideways.
Julian is the fiancé with the pedigreed upbringing that can’t learn from bad experience that throwing around power and money won’t always get you the happy ending you want.
Tate was easy on the eyes, good-natured, and a perfect gentleman around Lexi as long as she was attached to her fiancé. Tate was everything that Lexy needed/wanted in her life to allow her to be woman she truly was.
This story has a HEA and leaves no cliffhanger.
Lexy is a spunky & sassy gal that caused me to grin more than once reading about her “can-do” attitude even when it ended up going a bit sideways.
Julian is the fiancé with the pedigreed upbringing that can’t learn from bad experience that throwing around power and money won’t always get you the happy ending you want.
Tate was easy on the eyes, good-natured, and a perfect gentleman around Lexi as long as she was attached to her fiancé. Tate was everything that Lexy needed/wanted in her life to allow her to be woman she truly was.
This story has a HEA and leaves no cliffhanger.
March 3, 2016
This isn’t a very long book, but it is so very well written, but enough character development that you really don’t think about it being shorter than some you might read. The author really has a way with innuendo. The first few pages of reading, I was thinking that I knew where the book was headed, but I kept reading and I am very pleased that I did.
Lexi and Tate were entertaining and you could feel the chemistry between the two. I could have easily settled into a much longer book with these two.
This is the first book that I have read from this author, but I don’t think it will be my last!
Lexi and Tate were entertaining and you could feel the chemistry between the two. I could have easily settled into a much longer book with these two.
This is the first book that I have read from this author, but I don’t think it will be my last!
May 13, 2015
I enjoyed this short, sexy read. Somehow, even in a novella like this, Lia Fairchild continues to instill depth and dimension to her characters, even the side characters.
Actually, this would be a great taste, if you've never tried this author. Though not all her books categorize as romance, there's a common thread in all her writing of realistic, well-developed characters and truly relatable conflict.
I loved Tate--just the right amount of alpha. And Lexy--just the right mix of vulnerability and stubborn independence. They made a really sexy duo with lots of sparks and the perfect HEA.
Actually, this would be a great taste, if you've never tried this author. Though not all her books categorize as romance, there's a common thread in all her writing of realistic, well-developed characters and truly relatable conflict.
I loved Tate--just the right amount of alpha. And Lexy--just the right mix of vulnerability and stubborn independence. They made a really sexy duo with lots of sparks and the perfect HEA.
March 10, 2016
Miss Fix it
Lexy is having all sorts of problems with her apartment. Everything is broken, breaking, or in need of repair. The super always seems to be busy or not interested in fixing it. One complaint too many has a knock at her door.
Engaged and supposed to be planning a wedding, Lexy is not prepared for her reaction to Tate. The super's son Tate is here to help fix Miss Fix it's problems.
If only she could keep him away from her thoughts...
Lexy is having all sorts of problems with her apartment. Everything is broken, breaking, or in need of repair. The super always seems to be busy or not interested in fixing it. One complaint too many has a knock at her door.
Engaged and supposed to be planning a wedding, Lexy is not prepared for her reaction to Tate. The super's son Tate is here to help fix Miss Fix it's problems.
If only she could keep him away from her thoughts...
March 15, 2016
High Maintenance was a quick read that I enjoyed. Being a novella, the story progressed quickly. I liked Lexi and Tate and found them both to be relatable characters. Tate really paid attention to Lexi and knew what she was really about right away, compared to her sleazy fiancée who doesn’t really care about Lexi’s hopes and dreams. This novella was good fun and I liked the supporting characters as well, especially Mimi and Mrs. Granger.
May 3, 2015
There were several underlying funny parts that made me laugh. This is a wonderful novella filled with plenty to keep the reader hooked. Love, a but of mystery, a few funny jokes and some steamy scenes.I look forward to reading more from this author. I totally enjoyed it. I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 4, 2015
This was my very first time reading a Lia Fairchild book and I must say I really enjoyed it. I loved the premise of the book and I absolutely loved Tate! I highly recommend this book if you are in the mood for a quick, light and happy, feel good book! I am excited to try other books by author Lia Fairchild ☺
September 8, 2015
Like all of Fairchild's books, the characters are a hit in this book--the good guys and the bad guys, and for a novella, everyone in between. The banter is fun, the problems are real, and the twist is a surprise even though I've come to expect it from this author. It's short and interesting and will make you want to read her other books, which I recommend as well.
May 3, 2015
I received this novella in exchange for a honest review. I enjoyed this story very much. I loved the main characters, the humor, and the story line. This is the 1st book I've read by this author and I will definitely read more of her books . You won't be disappointed.
November 10, 2015
This was a cute, lighthearted read, this is the perfect book after reading a few dark reads lately. Lexi is strong willed & fun. Tate was super cool & lovable. If you need something easy, fun & light then totally pick this up & read it now!!!
March 27, 2016
Cute, fun, short read! just what I needed! lighthearted and totally worth it. I love how he calls her Kitten and how she named the kitten Cupcake. The name they decided on in the end was perfect for their shop!
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May 17, 2015Enjoyable
Fast paced novella filled with a hot man who claims his woman and shows her how a realm treats a woman.
Fast paced novella filled with a hot man who claims his woman and shows her how a realm treats a woman.
March 2, 2016
Lexy is a strong independent woman and doesn't need a man to make her dreams come true. Tate is just what she needs in life.
March 9, 2016
This is a novella but it has a well-developed plot. I enjoyed Tate and Lexy's interactions. The story is humorous and there is great banter between the characters. Overall it was a great, fun read.
July 30, 2022
amazing
And yet another amazing book from Lia. I just can’t stop reading once I pick up her books. On to another book of hers which I’m sure will be just as wonderful as the rest.
And yet another amazing book from Lia. I just can’t stop reading once I pick up her books. On to another book of hers which I’m sure will be just as wonderful as the rest.
February 7, 2025
super cute quick read
More plot than spice, perfect little story to cleanse my palette between bigger reads. Solid character and plot development even tho it’s less than 100 pages. Loved it so much!
More plot than spice, perfect little story to cleanse my palette between bigger reads. Solid character and plot development even tho it’s less than 100 pages. Loved it so much!
March 19, 2017
Cute story!
This was a cute, short story about Lexy and Tate and how their relationship grew. Lexy is a strong character who's dealt with a lot in her past and present.
This was a cute, short story about Lexy and Tate and how their relationship grew. Lexy is a strong character who's dealt with a lot in her past and present.
June 7, 2018
Cute story. Well written novella with just the right amount of details. You get the full story in short without feeling like something's missing
March 12, 2021
A super cute, quick read that still managed to build believable tension and character development! The banter was superb, the spice was excellent, and the writing style was fantastic!
March 14, 2016
This is a quick read of a girl who just can't find it in her to move in with her fiance. She is a modern day Miss fix it, when things start going wrong with her apartment and the building she lives in. One day the maintenance man's son steps in to help out and let the fireworks begin. But what to do about her fiance? Lines are crossed, things happen that can never be forgiven. READ this book to find out!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews