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First Impressions #1
The Fix Up
Uncovering this sexy geek's charm is easy. Keeping her hands off of him is impossible.
While he may look like the love child of a movie starlet and an NFL linebacker, Ben Langley has the people skills of a half-drowned porcupine. Why socialize when there are chemistry labs and bad sci-fi flicks? If he has any hope of taking the helm as CEO of the family business, Ben needs an image makeover. Pronto.
Enter Holly Colvin, owner of First Impressions public relations and branding firm, and the woman who just saved Ben from the clutches of an over-attentive sales clerk. Holly's rebranded hundreds of companies in her career, but she's never rebranded a person. The guy clearly needs help, though, and she's just the woman for the job.
With the clock ticking for them both, Holly and Ben face off over wardrobe malfunctions and business jargon that sounds a lot sexier than it should. But can Holly make Ben into the man he thinks he should be without losing the man she's starting to love?
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2015
292 people are currently reading
1811 people want to read
About the author
Tawna Fenske
74 books1,609 followersWhen Tawna Fenske finished her English lit degree at 22, she celebrated by filling a giant trash bag full of romance novels and dragging it everywhere until she’d read them all. Now she’s a RITA Award finalist, USA Today bestselling author who writes humorous fiction, risqué romance, and heartwarming love stories with a quirky twist. Publishers Weekly has praised Tawna’s offbeat romances with multiple starred reviews and noted, “There’s something wonderfully relaxing about being immersed in a story filled with over-the-top characters in undeniably relatable situations. Heartache and humor go hand in hand.”
Tawna lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband, step-kids, and a menagerie of ill-behaved pets. She loves hiking, snowshoeing, standup paddleboarding, and inventing excuses to sip wine on her back porch. She can peel a banana with her toes and loses an average of twenty pairs of eyeglasses per year. To find out more about Tawna and her books, visit www.tawnafenske.com.
Tawna lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband, step-kids, and a menagerie of ill-behaved pets. She loves hiking, snowshoeing, standup paddleboarding, and inventing excuses to sip wine on her back porch. She can peel a banana with her toes and loses an average of twenty pairs of eyeglasses per year. To find out more about Tawna and her books, visit www.tawnafenske.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 302 reviews
December 12, 2015
3 - "It is what it is." Stars.
The Queen of pithy innuendo strikes again, unfortunately when you are battered around the eye-balls with it in pretty much every paragraph of the book it tends to lose it's overall charm somewhat. It also takes away the scope of getting much of an emotional connection between a couple, when all they are doing is 'one-upping' each other in said 'innuendo' stakes. I got they were horny for each other, I think there may have been mention of one or the other of them falling for the other, actual connection or feelings... I got none, until the very end of the book.
"In case you failed to notice, I'm not a people person."
Thing is I like Tawna Fenske's writing, it's light and refreshing, but the more innuendo she seems to pile on with each new book takes away from there being any actual real depth to the story-line or the characters. In fact if you took out all the innuendo in The Fix Up and just left Ben and Holly having a normal conversation I fear there would be very little book left too read.
It's good to be a geek.
I would just like a little more depth to the story and the characters. Ben's geekiness was more of an afterthought, and Holly's financial issues with her ex didn't really come into play to make them that relevant. I liked the last 15% of the book, mainly because the aforementioned innuendo overload was toned down to a bearable level.
Entertaining enough, but it doesn't hit the heights, or achieve the perfect balance between funny and emotional that the early books of the authors Front and Center series did.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
The Queen of pithy innuendo strikes again, unfortunately when you are battered around the eye-balls with it in pretty much every paragraph of the book it tends to lose it's overall charm somewhat. It also takes away the scope of getting much of an emotional connection between a couple, when all they are doing is 'one-upping' each other in said 'innuendo' stakes. I got they were horny for each other, I think there may have been mention of one or the other of them falling for the other, actual connection or feelings... I got none, until the very end of the book.
"In case you failed to notice, I'm not a people person."
Thing is I like Tawna Fenske's writing, it's light and refreshing, but the more innuendo she seems to pile on with each new book takes away from there being any actual real depth to the story-line or the characters. In fact if you took out all the innuendo in The Fix Up and just left Ben and Holly having a normal conversation I fear there would be very little book left too read.
It's good to be a geek.
I would just like a little more depth to the story and the characters. Ben's geekiness was more of an afterthought, and Holly's financial issues with her ex didn't really come into play to make them that relevant. I liked the last 15% of the book, mainly because the aforementioned innuendo overload was toned down to a bearable level.
Entertaining enough, but it doesn't hit the heights, or achieve the perfect balance between funny and emotional that the early books of the authors Front and Center series did.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
December 14, 2015
ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.
A fun, sassy, smart romance story that will have readers smitten for a sexy geek hero!!! Tawna Fenske whips up a delightful read as she charms her readers with a sexy hero who is book smart but lacks the social skills to charm others. So when Ben Langley hires Holly Colvin to help him become a people person, he didn't expect that he will end up fixing his love life as well as hers.
The Fix Up was a quick charming read that had two smart characters who had amazing chemistry with one another. Both Ben and Holly were the perfect couple who complimented one another. Ben, is an upcoming CEO of Langley Enterprise and needs Holly to make him a people person. Although her first step was to give him a makeover, Holly soon finds herself smitten with the sexy geek who had a body that she couldn't help but fantasize about. She was hired to fix Ben's social image but will she be finding herself fixing up both their hearts?
I adore this light romantic read. It is definitely your feel good kind of read. The characters were fresh, smart and cute. I loved the sexual and playful connection between Holly and Ben. This book left an important message that true love doesn't make ultimatums. Love is about acceptance and being there for one another. And Ms. Fenske clearly demonstrated that with this story. So if you are looking for a fun, sexy, and charming romance then I would recommend The Fix Up.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Tawna Fenske
A fun, sassy, smart romance story that will have readers smitten for a sexy geek hero!!! Tawna Fenske whips up a delightful read as she charms her readers with a sexy hero who is book smart but lacks the social skills to charm others. So when Ben Langley hires Holly Colvin to help him become a people person, he didn't expect that he will end up fixing his love life as well as hers.
The Fix Up was a quick charming read that had two smart characters who had amazing chemistry with one another. Both Ben and Holly were the perfect couple who complimented one another. Ben, is an upcoming CEO of Langley Enterprise and needs Holly to make him a people person. Although her first step was to give him a makeover, Holly soon finds herself smitten with the sexy geek who had a body that she couldn't help but fantasize about. She was hired to fix Ben's social image but will she be finding herself fixing up both their hearts?
I adore this light romantic read. It is definitely your feel good kind of read. The characters were fresh, smart and cute. I loved the sexual and playful connection between Holly and Ben. This book left an important message that true love doesn't make ultimatums. Love is about acceptance and being there for one another. And Ms. Fenske clearly demonstrated that with this story. So if you are looking for a fun, sexy, and charming romance then I would recommend The Fix Up.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Tawna Fenske
December 11, 2015
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The Fix Up a light, sexy read with two characters that have off-the-charts chemistry together and complement each other.
Ben Langley has just been given the helm of his family's company. Ben's problem... he'd much rather be working in the chemistry lab then dealing with people. He can't even fully recognize when a sales clerk is hitting on him (hardcore) over some furniture pieces. But he is rescued by a beautiful woman who pretends to be his wife. She even has the (fake) diamond to prove it. And when she slips him her business card, Ben believes that she can help transform him into the CEO that his father wants him to be.
Holly Colvin is used to helping businesses rebrand, but a person: never. But she can see that Ben needs her help in the people department. She needs to teach him about having confidence and being more "alpha" in the boardroom. As Ben gains more confidence in his new CEO position, Holly feels that he is losing what makes him, him.
Holly has been burned once by a man completely focused on his own career at the expense of her own. Will she be able to move past her insecurities or will she let Ben go??
Rating: 4 out of 5
**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
http://alysenovak.blogspot.com
The Fix Up a light, sexy read with two characters that have off-the-charts chemistry together and complement each other.
Ben Langley has just been given the helm of his family's company. Ben's problem... he'd much rather be working in the chemistry lab then dealing with people. He can't even fully recognize when a sales clerk is hitting on him (hardcore) over some furniture pieces. But he is rescued by a beautiful woman who pretends to be his wife. She even has the (fake) diamond to prove it. And when she slips him her business card, Ben believes that she can help transform him into the CEO that his father wants him to be.
Holly Colvin is used to helping businesses rebrand, but a person: never. But she can see that Ben needs her help in the people department. She needs to teach him about having confidence and being more "alpha" in the boardroom. As Ben gains more confidence in his new CEO position, Holly feels that he is losing what makes him, him.
Holly has been burned once by a man completely focused on his own career at the expense of her own. Will she be able to move past her insecurities or will she let Ben go??
Rating: 4 out of 5
**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
December 29, 2015
Arc received in exchange for an honest review.
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More reviews and book talk at :
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December 12, 2015
Being partial to a geek, The Fix Up sounded right up my alley. And on the whole Ben and Holly were both lovely characters, and their romance was sweet and sexy, but I have to be honest and say that Ben's geekiness and awkwardness and the crux of the storyline were overshadowed by a serious overdose of innuendo.
"Are your assets expanding, or are you just happy to see me?"
I like innuendo, but when overdone it becomes forced and unfunny and this is what happened here; there's nothing particularly amusing or dirty in a guy offering to defrag your hard-drive. And whilst Tawna Fenske is an author who in the past has had me crying with laughter at the dry humour and banter between her couples, this raised a wry smile or two.
"Is this what they mean by market penetration."
What I will say though is that she is excellent at making her couples equals. Yes, Ben had his inner alpha, but his consideration towards Holly was lovely to see and it didn't diminish her strength of character in any way. Had the innuendo been more subtle and greater attention paid to his awkwardness then this would be getting a higher rating from me. The foundations were perfectly laid, it just seemed to be forgotten along the way.
Copy received courtesy of Entangled Publishing for an honest and unbiased opinion.
"Are your assets expanding, or are you just happy to see me?"
I like innuendo, but when overdone it becomes forced and unfunny and this is what happened here; there's nothing particularly amusing or dirty in a guy offering to defrag your hard-drive. And whilst Tawna Fenske is an author who in the past has had me crying with laughter at the dry humour and banter between her couples, this raised a wry smile or two.
"Is this what they mean by market penetration."
What I will say though is that she is excellent at making her couples equals. Yes, Ben had his inner alpha, but his consideration towards Holly was lovely to see and it didn't diminish her strength of character in any way. Had the innuendo been more subtle and greater attention paid to his awkwardness then this would be getting a higher rating from me. The foundations were perfectly laid, it just seemed to be forgotten along the way.
Copy received courtesy of Entangled Publishing for an honest and unbiased opinion.
January 6, 2016
3 "makeover the guy" stars.
Ben Langley is brilliant. Brilliant brain. Brilliant body. Brilliant knowledge of bad sci-fi films and fauna or flora varieties. However, he has the "charm of a porcupine with the flu" and in order to become the CEO of his father's company he needs to learn to "‘mingle, schmooze, hobnob, and chinwag." And he needs to learn it fast.
Enter Holly Colvin. Public Relations and Branding expert who needs to score one big client to save her business. But as the two work to make Ben a better man, she realises she might not like the change after all and likes Ben just the way he is...
I love a Pygmalion twist. Especially when the makeover involves they guy finding his inner cool so this caught my attention straight away.
This was a sweet comedy that has some funny moments (and some that have been done a hundred times before) and some great messages about the different priorities a woman is entitled to have. But I thought that the characters needed a little more rounding out because they seemed very clichéd. And despite their ages and their professional success, they sounded like College kids a lot of the time.
There's also a small element of insta-love (or insta-lust) that happens all on the first day and I would have liked a little more resistence or at least more time for real affection to take root. Sexual inuendo paraded around trying to disguise itself as witty banter on almost ever page and it got old pretty fast. I would have liked to see an emotional connection of some sort between the two main characters, but this was only hinted at towards the end of the book.
A great idea from an author I'd like to see more from, but ultimately no real magic here.
Ben Langley is brilliant. Brilliant brain. Brilliant body. Brilliant knowledge of bad sci-fi films and fauna or flora varieties. However, he has the "charm of a porcupine with the flu" and in order to become the CEO of his father's company he needs to learn to "‘mingle, schmooze, hobnob, and chinwag." And he needs to learn it fast.
Enter Holly Colvin. Public Relations and Branding expert who needs to score one big client to save her business. But as the two work to make Ben a better man, she realises she might not like the change after all and likes Ben just the way he is...
I love a Pygmalion twist. Especially when the makeover involves they guy finding his inner cool so this caught my attention straight away.
This was a sweet comedy that has some funny moments (and some that have been done a hundred times before) and some great messages about the different priorities a woman is entitled to have. But I thought that the characters needed a little more rounding out because they seemed very clichéd. And despite their ages and their professional success, they sounded like College kids a lot of the time.
There's also a small element of insta-love (or insta-lust) that happens all on the first day and I would have liked a little more resistence or at least more time for real affection to take root. Sexual inuendo paraded around trying to disguise itself as witty banter on almost ever page and it got old pretty fast. I would have liked to see an emotional connection of some sort between the two main characters, but this was only hinted at towards the end of the book.
A great idea from an author I'd like to see more from, but ultimately no real magic here.
December 8, 2015
Oh, Ben! Nerdy, dirty Ben. I have to say, this one surprised me a little. I was intrigued and amused and, yes, even turned on by this socially awkward CEO. I do love me a good geek story.
Ben Langley is much more comfortable dealing with scientific equations and formulas than he is with people. But that's not going to help him in his new role as CEO of the family business.
A chance meeting—and much-needed rescue—with PR specialist, Holly Colvin might be just the thing he needs to turn himself from geek to chic. And just what she needs to help her business.
If only they can keep their hands off each other—and stop Ben from becoming the one person he doesn't want to be...his father.
The Fix Up is completely charming, and chock full of hilarious, business-related banter. I think I laughed and smiled through the majority of this book because it was just a damn good time.
Ben, in particular, was a winning character. His awkwardness was adorable, and was well balanced by his emerging alpha tendencies. And whoa, when he and Holly succumbed to their mutual, electric chemistry, it was smoking hot.
I do wish I'd been able to better connect with Holly as a character—oftentimes I found myself frustrated with her reasoning for not getting too involved with Ben—but I can't deny that their meet-cute was sweetly perfect, and their non-date was completely endearing.
I'll definitely be back for more of this new series from Tawna Fenske, a new-to-me author. Is it too much to hope for more geek love? ~ Beth, 4 stars
~~~
Ben Langley is hot as Hell but he has no idea. He's spent more time passionately engaged with science than with actual other human beings. He's socially awkward—which is maybe not such a bad thing for an engineer. However, he's now expected to take over as the CEO of his family business, and as the new face of the company, social skills just became incredibly important.
When down-on-her-luck PR & Branding specialist Holly Colvin rescues Ben from a potentially awkward situation, the two discover that the meeting may be divine providence. They both have something to offer the other—Holly needs money to save her business and Ben needs to basically re-brand himself into a charismatic CEO—and so they enter a business agreement. Let's just say that business has never been sexier...
Okay so, first thing first: I love nerds!
Give a nerd a punny, quirky, fun sense of humor and I'm done. It's over. Ben wins. He wins all the things. My heart. My panties. All my feels. They now belong to Ben. He's adorable and sexy and maybe not quite as awkward as he should be in order to sell the storyline, but completely charming and swoony in a wholly geeky way.
Holly has a hard time resisting him (understandably) even though she knows she should. She’s walking a fine line between following her heart and making responsible business decisions—and Ben doesn’t make it easy on her. Watching Ben woo Holly is a thing of beauty (and so many swoons)! I really liked Holly—she was fun and feisty and kind of adorable in her own nerdy way.
This really was a cute, quirky, funny, super sweet story. I love this particular brand of humor, and the unexpectedly sweet way that Ben wooed Holly just completely won me over. Low on angst and high on giggles and heart happiness, I completely enjoyed it and definitely look forward to more! ~ Shelly, 4 stars
Ben Langley is much more comfortable dealing with scientific equations and formulas than he is with people. But that's not going to help him in his new role as CEO of the family business.
A chance meeting—and much-needed rescue—with PR specialist, Holly Colvin might be just the thing he needs to turn himself from geek to chic. And just what she needs to help her business.
If only they can keep their hands off each other—and stop Ben from becoming the one person he doesn't want to be...his father.
The Fix Up is completely charming, and chock full of hilarious, business-related banter. I think I laughed and smiled through the majority of this book because it was just a damn good time.
Ben, in particular, was a winning character. His awkwardness was adorable, and was well balanced by his emerging alpha tendencies. And whoa, when he and Holly succumbed to their mutual, electric chemistry, it was smoking hot.
I do wish I'd been able to better connect with Holly as a character—oftentimes I found myself frustrated with her reasoning for not getting too involved with Ben—but I can't deny that their meet-cute was sweetly perfect, and their non-date was completely endearing.
I'll definitely be back for more of this new series from Tawna Fenske, a new-to-me author. Is it too much to hope for more geek love? ~ Beth, 4 stars
~~~
Ben Langley is hot as Hell but he has no idea. He's spent more time passionately engaged with science than with actual other human beings. He's socially awkward—which is maybe not such a bad thing for an engineer. However, he's now expected to take over as the CEO of his family business, and as the new face of the company, social skills just became incredibly important.
When down-on-her-luck PR & Branding specialist Holly Colvin rescues Ben from a potentially awkward situation, the two discover that the meeting may be divine providence. They both have something to offer the other—Holly needs money to save her business and Ben needs to basically re-brand himself into a charismatic CEO—and so they enter a business agreement. Let's just say that business has never been sexier...
Okay so, first thing first: I love nerds!
Give a nerd a punny, quirky, fun sense of humor and I'm done. It's over. Ben wins. He wins all the things. My heart. My panties. All my feels. They now belong to Ben. He's adorable and sexy and maybe not quite as awkward as he should be in order to sell the storyline, but completely charming and swoony in a wholly geeky way.
Holly has a hard time resisting him (understandably) even though she knows she should. She’s walking a fine line between following her heart and making responsible business decisions—and Ben doesn’t make it easy on her. Watching Ben woo Holly is a thing of beauty (and so many swoons)! I really liked Holly—she was fun and feisty and kind of adorable in her own nerdy way.
This really was a cute, quirky, funny, super sweet story. I love this particular brand of humor, and the unexpectedly sweet way that Ben wooed Holly just completely won me over. Low on angst and high on giggles and heart happiness, I completely enjoyed it and definitely look forward to more! ~ Shelly, 4 stars
March 21, 2016
This was a cat-and-mouse-game between a hot geek and an emancipated businesswoman with a lot sexual innuendos and a little bit drama, which wasn't necessary if they would have been honest from the beginning about their life goals.
January 5, 2016
3-1/2 stars.
This review also appears on Pretty Sassy Cool.
The Fix Up is a fun, cute story--exactly what I needed, right when I needed it!
Chemistry Geek Ben Langley is taking over as CEO of the family business, but he seriously lacks people skills and has no idea what to do in such a public position. After a fun meeting with public relations ingenue Holly, Ben decides to hire her to help him become the guy he needs to project to the world. Because of her past, Holly isn't interested in exploring any kind of relationship, no matter how hot she finds Ben. How long will it take for them to give in to their off-the-charts chemistry?
Okay, let's start with my favorite part of this story: Ben. He was just adorable. I love geeky guys and Ben is the quintessential nerd. I loved him and his nerdy dirty talk. He is truly a shining star here, and I want more books focused on him. I liked Holly, too, though she was just okay to me.
So what didn't I like? Honestly, I'm not sure. I really liked this book, but after reading it, I didn't feel like I had to immediately text my friends and tell them to read it. I think the characters, especially Holly, lacked depth, and I wanted more--from them and from the story. Also, one of the cutest things about this story--all of the innuendo--is fun, but after awhile it got kind of old. Just do it already!
I haven't read anything by Tawna Fenske before (at least I don't think I have), and I really need to remedy that. After reading this, I definitely want to check out her other books.
This was a fast, fluffy read, pretty low on drama and basically zero angst. If you're looking for a funny, light-hearted read that will leave a smile on your face, look no further The Fix Up by Tawna Fenske.
This review also appears on Pretty Sassy Cool.
The Fix Up is a fun, cute story--exactly what I needed, right when I needed it!
Chemistry Geek Ben Langley is taking over as CEO of the family business, but he seriously lacks people skills and has no idea what to do in such a public position. After a fun meeting with public relations ingenue Holly, Ben decides to hire her to help him become the guy he needs to project to the world. Because of her past, Holly isn't interested in exploring any kind of relationship, no matter how hot she finds Ben. How long will it take for them to give in to their off-the-charts chemistry?
Okay, let's start with my favorite part of this story: Ben. He was just adorable. I love geeky guys and Ben is the quintessential nerd. I loved him and his nerdy dirty talk. He is truly a shining star here, and I want more books focused on him. I liked Holly, too, though she was just okay to me.
"You know..." she said softly. "This is actually even more impressive than your abs."
"What's that?"
"I've been here less than an hour and you've already got me braless and tangled up in your bedding while we hold hands."
Ben felt the blood drain from his brain and head south. He held tight to her hand. "Technically, you're the one who took your bra off."
"Even more impressive. You got me to do the hard work. Clearly the mark of a strategic-thinking, alpha male businessman."
"So what would a strategic-thinking, alpha male businessman do next to demonstrate his budding leadership skills?"
So what didn't I like? Honestly, I'm not sure. I really liked this book, but after reading it, I didn't feel like I had to immediately text my friends and tell them to read it. I think the characters, especially Holly, lacked depth, and I wanted more--from them and from the story. Also, one of the cutest things about this story--all of the innuendo--is fun, but after awhile it got kind of old. Just do it already!
I haven't read anything by Tawna Fenske before (at least I don't think I have), and I really need to remedy that. After reading this, I definitely want to check out her other books.
This was a fast, fluffy read, pretty low on drama and basically zero angst. If you're looking for a funny, light-hearted read that will leave a smile on your face, look no further The Fix Up by Tawna Fenske.
June 7, 2018
"The Fix Up", der erste Band der "First Impressions"-Dilogie, ist mir bereits vor dem Erscheinungstag positiv aufgefallen, sodass ich diesen schon sehr herbeigesehnt habe, um die Geschichte endlich lesen zu können. Hierbei habe ich mir eine prickelnde und unterhaltsame Liebesgeschichte erhofft und diese auch letztendlich bekommen.
Tawna Fenske besitzt hierbei einen sehr angenehmen und unterhaltsamen Schreibstil, der sich leicht und flüssig lesen lässt. Obwohl es hier einige durchaus prickelnde Momente gibt, bleibt aber auch der Humor nicht auf der Strecke, sodass hier eine tolle Mischung geschaffen wurde. Die Figuren sind liebevoll ausgearbeitet, man lernt sie ausreichend kennen und ich habe ihre Geschichte wahnsinnig gern verfolgt.
Erzählt wird dabei die Geschichte von Ben Langley, dem neuen CEO von Langley Enterprises und Holly Colvin, einer Expertin in Sachen PR. Ben wird optisch bislang eher als Nerd eingestuft, der zwar an sich ganz niedlich ist, allerdings optisch noch nicht in die Rolle eines CEOs hineingewachsen ist. Holly soll ihm dabei helfen, sich und sein Image zu verbessern, allerdings merkt sie schnell, dass sie ihn gar nicht verändern möchte, da Ben ihr genau so gefällt, wie er in Wirklichkeit ist...
Dabei kommt es zwischen ihnen immer wieder zu einigen witzigen, aber auch spritzigen Momenten, da beide Charaktere einfach wunderbar miteinander harmonieren, sympathissch sind und zusammen ein gutes Team ergeben. Die Geschichte ist zwar hier und da sehr vorhersehbar und besitzt auch so manches Klischee, allerdings hat mich dies nur sehr wenig gestört, da ich die Figuren und ihr Leben bereits schnell ins Herz schließen konnte.
Beim Cover bin ich dagegen ein wenig zwiegespalten, denn das Model, das Ben verkörpern soll, ist meiner Meinung nach schon fast zu perfekt. Hier wäre es schöner gewesen, wenn noch ein wenig die unbeholfene Art sichtbar gewesen wäre. Die Kurzbeschreibung hat mich dagegen direkt überzeugen können, sodass ich dem Buch sehr gerne eine Chance gegeben habe.
Kurz gesagt: "The Fix Up" ist insgesamt eine prickelnde, unterhaltsame und gut ausgearbeitete Liebesgeschichte, die mich voll und ganz überzeugen konnte. Ich freue mich bereits auf den zweiten Band "The Hang Up", welcher im September erscheinen wird.
Tawna Fenske besitzt hierbei einen sehr angenehmen und unterhaltsamen Schreibstil, der sich leicht und flüssig lesen lässt. Obwohl es hier einige durchaus prickelnde Momente gibt, bleibt aber auch der Humor nicht auf der Strecke, sodass hier eine tolle Mischung geschaffen wurde. Die Figuren sind liebevoll ausgearbeitet, man lernt sie ausreichend kennen und ich habe ihre Geschichte wahnsinnig gern verfolgt.
Erzählt wird dabei die Geschichte von Ben Langley, dem neuen CEO von Langley Enterprises und Holly Colvin, einer Expertin in Sachen PR. Ben wird optisch bislang eher als Nerd eingestuft, der zwar an sich ganz niedlich ist, allerdings optisch noch nicht in die Rolle eines CEOs hineingewachsen ist. Holly soll ihm dabei helfen, sich und sein Image zu verbessern, allerdings merkt sie schnell, dass sie ihn gar nicht verändern möchte, da Ben ihr genau so gefällt, wie er in Wirklichkeit ist...
Dabei kommt es zwischen ihnen immer wieder zu einigen witzigen, aber auch spritzigen Momenten, da beide Charaktere einfach wunderbar miteinander harmonieren, sympathissch sind und zusammen ein gutes Team ergeben. Die Geschichte ist zwar hier und da sehr vorhersehbar und besitzt auch so manches Klischee, allerdings hat mich dies nur sehr wenig gestört, da ich die Figuren und ihr Leben bereits schnell ins Herz schließen konnte.
Beim Cover bin ich dagegen ein wenig zwiegespalten, denn das Model, das Ben verkörpern soll, ist meiner Meinung nach schon fast zu perfekt. Hier wäre es schöner gewesen, wenn noch ein wenig die unbeholfene Art sichtbar gewesen wäre. Die Kurzbeschreibung hat mich dagegen direkt überzeugen können, sodass ich dem Buch sehr gerne eine Chance gegeben habe.
Kurz gesagt: "The Fix Up" ist insgesamt eine prickelnde, unterhaltsame und gut ausgearbeitete Liebesgeschichte, die mich voll und ganz überzeugen konnte. Ich freue mich bereits auf den zweiten Band "The Hang Up", welcher im September erscheinen wird.
December 14, 2015
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
I'll admit upfront that I love geeky heroes and Tawna Fenske delivered the best kind in The Fix Up. From the uproariously hilarious geeky but dirty sex talk, to the charming characters and finishing with some extremely sexy scenarios The Fix Up was all kinds of delicious fun.
Taking over at CEO of the family business Ben Langely knows he needs help putting forth the image expected of someone in his position, but despite Ben's outwardly movie-star good looks he is a sci-fi, technical talking geeky engineer. When Holly Colvin saves him from an over eager sales woman in a furniture store Ben is not only intrigued by her, he knows he wants to spend more time with her. Asking her to help him with his image is a bit out of the norm for her public relations and branding company but she needs the money so she accepts; she just never intended to cross the lines of personal and professional.
I enjoyed this couple so much especially since no matter how hard they tried they could not stop the sexual innuendos or keep their body parts to themselves. I liked that Holly was self sufficient and career driven and that Ben respected that about her and I liked that she appreciated all sides of Ben including his geeky side. While they might have crossed the professionalism line on more than one occasion it was obvious they both were feeling way more than either one wanted to admit. While I was a bit disappointed in the way Holly handled her fears, I had to give Ben a lot of credit for realizing he didn't need to change who he was to be CEO or to please his overbearing father.
Flirty, fun and so very sexy I thoroughly enjoyed Tawna Fenske's The Fix Up!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
I'll admit upfront that I love geeky heroes and Tawna Fenske delivered the best kind in The Fix Up. From the uproariously hilarious geeky but dirty sex talk, to the charming characters and finishing with some extremely sexy scenarios The Fix Up was all kinds of delicious fun.
Taking over at CEO of the family business Ben Langely knows he needs help putting forth the image expected of someone in his position, but despite Ben's outwardly movie-star good looks he is a sci-fi, technical talking geeky engineer. When Holly Colvin saves him from an over eager sales woman in a furniture store Ben is not only intrigued by her, he knows he wants to spend more time with her. Asking her to help him with his image is a bit out of the norm for her public relations and branding company but she needs the money so she accepts; she just never intended to cross the lines of personal and professional.
I enjoyed this couple so much especially since no matter how hard they tried they could not stop the sexual innuendos or keep their body parts to themselves. I liked that Holly was self sufficient and career driven and that Ben respected that about her and I liked that she appreciated all sides of Ben including his geeky side. While they might have crossed the professionalism line on more than one occasion it was obvious they both were feeling way more than either one wanted to admit. While I was a bit disappointed in the way Holly handled her fears, I had to give Ben a lot of credit for realizing he didn't need to change who he was to be CEO or to please his overbearing father.
Flirty, fun and so very sexy I thoroughly enjoyed Tawna Fenske's The Fix Up!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
December 12, 2015
4 stars
The Fix Up was such a fun and sexy read.
The storyline was sweet and entertaining, the characters were likable, lovable and made this a fun read.
Ben and Holly had me laughing, swooning and fanning myself with their hot & sexy makeouts.
Once again Tawna Fenske has given us a heartwarming romance that will leave you full of happy feels.
Thank you Entangled Lovestruck via NetGalley for the advance copy.
The Fix Up was such a fun and sexy read.
The storyline was sweet and entertaining, the characters were likable, lovable and made this a fun read.
Ben and Holly had me laughing, swooning and fanning myself with their hot & sexy makeouts.
Once again Tawna Fenske has given us a heartwarming romance that will leave you full of happy feels.
Thank you Entangled Lovestruck via NetGalley for the advance copy.
June 2, 2018
Ich habe das Buch komplett ohne Erwartungen begonnen und hätte nie gedacht, dass es mich so gut unterhalten wird.
Die ersten Begegnungen zwischen Ben und Holly waren schon der absolute Oberknaller und ich habe stellenweise fast auf dem Fußboden gelegen vor Lachen. Die Szenen waren einfach unglaublich witzig und hatten eine tolle Situationskomik.
Die beiden hatten eine großartige Chemie und ich mochte sie auch als Einzelcharaktere sehr gerne. Ben war definitiv mal nicht der typische CEO, sondern hatte wirklich eine sehr nerdige Art. Normalerweise bin ich da nicht so der Fan von, aber Ben war so knuffig, den habe ich sofort in mein Herz geschlossen. Holly war mit ihrer selbstbewussten und toughen Art ebenfalls sehr sympathisch.
Gut fand ich auch, dass sich das Ausmaß des Dramas in Grenzen hielt und nicht so extrem ausgeschlachtet wurde. Allerdings fand ich, dass sich die Liebesgeschichte ein wenig zu schnell entwickelt hat, da wären ein paar Seiten mehr vermutlich gut gewesen.
Ich mochte den Schreibstil und den Humor der Autorin sehr gerne und werde definitiv mehr von ihr lesen.
Die ersten Begegnungen zwischen Ben und Holly waren schon der absolute Oberknaller und ich habe stellenweise fast auf dem Fußboden gelegen vor Lachen. Die Szenen waren einfach unglaublich witzig und hatten eine tolle Situationskomik.
Die beiden hatten eine großartige Chemie und ich mochte sie auch als Einzelcharaktere sehr gerne. Ben war definitiv mal nicht der typische CEO, sondern hatte wirklich eine sehr nerdige Art. Normalerweise bin ich da nicht so der Fan von, aber Ben war so knuffig, den habe ich sofort in mein Herz geschlossen. Holly war mit ihrer selbstbewussten und toughen Art ebenfalls sehr sympathisch.
Gut fand ich auch, dass sich das Ausmaß des Dramas in Grenzen hielt und nicht so extrem ausgeschlachtet wurde. Allerdings fand ich, dass sich die Liebesgeschichte ein wenig zu schnell entwickelt hat, da wären ein paar Seiten mehr vermutlich gut gewesen.
Ich mochte den Schreibstil und den Humor der Autorin sehr gerne und werde definitiv mehr von ihr lesen.
January 25, 2016
3.5
Super cute!! All their interactions I had to contain my squeeing! Their slumber party especially.
I'm not a fan of insta-lust/love but it worked out here even if I was still not a fan of it.
Super cute!! All their interactions I had to contain my squeeing! Their slumber party especially.
I'm not a fan of insta-lust/love but it worked out here even if I was still not a fan of it.
February 4, 2022
Ich mag die Bücher von Tawna Fenske recht gerne, weil sie sexy und niedlich sind.
Sexy im Sinne von erotischen Szenen und niedlich sind die Charaktere, immer auf ihre ganz eigene Art und Weise.
Auch diese Geschichte ist relativ leichte Kost für Zwischendurch, ohne sonderlich viel Tiefgang.
Hier hätte ich mir etwas mehr vorgestellt... ein paar Seiten mehr, um den Charakteren etwas mehr Tiefe zu verleihen und die Geschichte selbst ausführlicher zu erzählen.
Dennoch schöne leichte Kost, die sich schnell weglesen und keine Langeweile aufkommen lässt.
Sexy im Sinne von erotischen Szenen und niedlich sind die Charaktere, immer auf ihre ganz eigene Art und Weise.
Auch diese Geschichte ist relativ leichte Kost für Zwischendurch, ohne sonderlich viel Tiefgang.
Hier hätte ich mir etwas mehr vorgestellt... ein paar Seiten mehr, um den Charakteren etwas mehr Tiefe zu verleihen und die Geschichte selbst ausführlicher zu erzählen.
Dennoch schöne leichte Kost, die sich schnell weglesen und keine Langeweile aufkommen lässt.
December 7, 2017
Cute, funny, a little sassy. Fairly predictable.
December 13, 2015
I have picked out The Fix-Up based on the cover and the book blurb. Tawna Fenske is a – for me – new author, so I was curious going in. This book certainly didn’t disappoint, for me it is an entertaining and sweet read, ideal for a Sunday afternoon.
Holly Colvin is the proud owner of her own business, First Impressions, that helps companies with their public relations and branding. She is very good at what she does and likes it, even though the hard work has caused her marriage to fail. After Holly’s now ex-husband turned out not to be supportive of her work, flat-out told her a woman needs other priorities in life, she doesn’t date very much. According to Holly most men share the believes of her ex, and since she’s capable of taking care of herself, why bother? When she meets Ben during a lunchbreak, Holly feels herself attracted to him, but immediately decides not to act.
Ben Langley has finished High school early, and started college at only sixteen. He has spent all of his time studying and learning, leaving no time to develop social skills with people his own age. Although Ben has grown is a very handsome man, he still is a true geek, with no people skills. This is a little bit of a problem, since he recently has taken over his father’s CEO role, leading the family business, Langley Enterprises. Up until this point, Ben has worked at the engineering side of the business, being the acting CEO is a whole new game for him. Growing up, Ben has witnessed the devastating effects his father’s long, odd working hours and cheating had on his mother. He promised himself never to become the man his father was, never to treat a woman like that. Meeting Holly awakens all sorts of unknown feelings in him.
Becoming a CEO isn’t something he has aspired, but Ben knows that with this role, the possibilities of expending the philanthropic arm of Langley Enterprises is within reach. Hiring Holly means they get to spend a lot of time together, something he absolutely doesn’t mind. Although Holly finds herself very attracted to Ben, she’s trying to keep things professional, since he hired her to rebrand himself into a believable CEO. Ben understands her reasoning, but he just can’t stay away from her. After the ending of her disastrous marriage, Holly has sworn off workaholics like her ex, but Ben is determined to change her mind.
The Fix-Up is a sweet and easy read, it’s written in a very pleasant writing style and there isn’t much angst or outrages twists and turns. The main characters, Ben and Holly, are very likeable, just as the supporting characters Miriam and Parker. Ben’s father – Lyle – is an old-fashioned, sexist business man who sees women just as arm candy. The advices he gives Ben in the women department are so horrible they become just laughable. I’m glad I personally don’t know men who share his way of thinking and his actions, it would infuriate me.
The Fix-Up is my very first read by Tawna Fenske, and I’ve enjoyed it. The epilogue hints at a second First Impressions book which I’ll certainly want to read, just as the other books already been written by this author.
I give this book 4 stars.
~~ The Fix-Up was provided in exchange for an honest review ~~
Check out my blog: www.mariekesbooks.com
“Her lips parted slightly, almost like she was braced for a kiss. Or was that his imagination? It seemed hot in here, and he was getting dizzy, and now all he could think about was claiming those perfect lips.”
Holly Colvin is the proud owner of her own business, First Impressions, that helps companies with their public relations and branding. She is very good at what she does and likes it, even though the hard work has caused her marriage to fail. After Holly’s now ex-husband turned out not to be supportive of her work, flat-out told her a woman needs other priorities in life, she doesn’t date very much. According to Holly most men share the believes of her ex, and since she’s capable of taking care of herself, why bother? When she meets Ben during a lunchbreak, Holly feels herself attracted to him, but immediately decides not to act.
“If those were the kinds of thoughts running through her head, there was no way in hell she should take any job that put her in close proximity with this man. She’d shared one moment with him at the furniture store. As cute as he was—as hot as that kiss had been—this was business. Her career. Her life.”
Ben Langley has finished High school early, and started college at only sixteen. He has spent all of his time studying and learning, leaving no time to develop social skills with people his own age. Although Ben has grown is a very handsome man, he still is a true geek, with no people skills. This is a little bit of a problem, since he recently has taken over his father’s CEO role, leading the family business, Langley Enterprises. Up until this point, Ben has worked at the engineering side of the business, being the acting CEO is a whole new game for him. Growing up, Ben has witnessed the devastating effects his father’s long, odd working hours and cheating had on his mother. He promised himself never to become the man his father was, never to treat a woman like that. Meeting Holly awakens all sorts of unknown feelings in him.
“I’m sure you’ll come up with something,” she murmured. Her mouth looked so soft, so inviting, and he could have sworn her lashes fluttered low the way they might if she were waiting for him to make a move. A big move. He knew what he needed to do. What he wanted to do. And with that, he bent and kissed her.”
Becoming a CEO isn’t something he has aspired, but Ben knows that with this role, the possibilities of expending the philanthropic arm of Langley Enterprises is within reach. Hiring Holly means they get to spend a lot of time together, something he absolutely doesn’t mind. Although Holly finds herself very attracted to Ben, she’s trying to keep things professional, since he hired her to rebrand himself into a believable CEO. Ben understands her reasoning, but he just can’t stay away from her. After the ending of her disastrous marriage, Holly has sworn off workaholics like her ex, but Ben is determined to change her mind.
The Fix-Up is a sweet and easy read, it’s written in a very pleasant writing style and there isn’t much angst or outrages twists and turns. The main characters, Ben and Holly, are very likeable, just as the supporting characters Miriam and Parker. Ben’s father – Lyle – is an old-fashioned, sexist business man who sees women just as arm candy. The advices he gives Ben in the women department are so horrible they become just laughable. I’m glad I personally don’t know men who share his way of thinking and his actions, it would infuriate me.
“Ben smiled back and squeezed her hand tighter. “Five, six, seven, eight—Holly, I think you’re really great.” He leaned forward and kissed her. “In fact, I think I kinda love you.” Her stomach rolled over like a giddy puppy, and Holly fought the urge to crawl into his lap. “That doesn’t rhyme,” she said, kissing him back. “But I love you, too.”
The Fix-Up is my very first read by Tawna Fenske, and I’ve enjoyed it. The epilogue hints at a second First Impressions book which I’ll certainly want to read, just as the other books already been written by this author.
I give this book 4 stars.
~~ The Fix-Up was provided in exchange for an honest review ~~
Check out my blog: www.mariekesbooks.com
April 13, 2017
2 ½ stars. The first third was great. The second half dragged. But it’s ok if you’re in the mood for contemporary romance.
I enjoyed how they met and started out. I did not like the reason for the separation. See Spoiler.
Ben is a smart geek who needs to learn people skills for his job. He hires Holly to help him. She owns a public relations firm.
I really enjoyed “Making Waves” by this author.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 191-212 pages. Swearing language: strong including religious swear words but not often used. Sexual language: moderate to strong. Number of sex scenes: about 4. Setting: current day probably U.S. Copyright: 2015. Genre: contemporary romance.
I enjoyed how they met and started out. I did not like the reason for the separation. See Spoiler.
Ben is a smart geek who needs to learn people skills for his job. He hires Holly to help him. She owns a public relations firm.
I really enjoyed “Making Waves” by this author.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 191-212 pages. Swearing language: strong including religious swear words but not often used. Sexual language: moderate to strong. Number of sex scenes: about 4. Setting: current day probably U.S. Copyright: 2015. Genre: contemporary romance.
February 18, 2016
✮✮✮✮ Belly Laughs ~ Lynsey
The Fix-Up is my first read by Tawna Fenske, I've read a few dark books lately and I was after a more light hearted read and when this dropped on my Kindle it sounded spot on.
It's not a long book, alternating focus between Ben and Holly (I keep wanting to add Little Kingdom - Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom is a UK kids programme for those that don't know).
Holly Colvin is a divorcee that runs a successful PR & Branding company. Her ex-husband blames her career for their break-up. you may expect her to be weak but she's not, she's fiery and funny but has put up walls that need knocking back down.
The male character Ben Langley is a highly intelligent incredibly attractive sci-fi geek (my ideal guy), that lacks social skills in the business world, he's the new CEO of the family business Langley Enterprises, but his dad (a slimy womanising shit) doesn't think he's strong enough to handle the position and wants him to man-up.
A chance encounter at a furniture store where Holly rescues Ben from Vampira the Sales Queen, brings them together, they are chalk and cheese but Ben needs to re-brand himself whilst Holly needs the money to save her business from her ex. It should be win win... But it's never that easy!
This was a funny, witty read, Tawna's word play had me laughing out loud, I love geeky tech speak, and watch things like The Big Bang Theory, The IT Crowd, Chuck, and words like market penetration and “There’s the time Ben tried to pick up a woman by offering to defrag her hard drive.” have me giggling like a 38 yr old kid.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Fix-Up and look forward to reading more Tawna Fenske in the future.
The Fix-Up is my first read by Tawna Fenske, I've read a few dark books lately and I was after a more light hearted read and when this dropped on my Kindle it sounded spot on.
It's not a long book, alternating focus between Ben and Holly (I keep wanting to add Little Kingdom - Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom is a UK kids programme for those that don't know).
Holly Colvin is a divorcee that runs a successful PR & Branding company. Her ex-husband blames her career for their break-up. you may expect her to be weak but she's not, she's fiery and funny but has put up walls that need knocking back down.
The male character Ben Langley is a highly intelligent incredibly attractive sci-fi geek (my ideal guy), that lacks social skills in the business world, he's the new CEO of the family business Langley Enterprises, but his dad (a slimy womanising shit) doesn't think he's strong enough to handle the position and wants him to man-up.
A chance encounter at a furniture store where Holly rescues Ben from Vampira the Sales Queen, brings them together, they are chalk and cheese but Ben needs to re-brand himself whilst Holly needs the money to save her business from her ex. It should be win win... But it's never that easy!
This was a funny, witty read, Tawna's word play had me laughing out loud, I love geeky tech speak, and watch things like The Big Bang Theory, The IT Crowd, Chuck, and words like market penetration and “There’s the time Ben tried to pick up a woman by offering to defrag her hard drive.” have me giggling like a 38 yr old kid.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Fix-Up and look forward to reading more Tawna Fenske in the future.
December 15, 2015
I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with this story as much as I have. The Fix Up is a sweet and sensual romantic comedy with lots of sexy times and sexual innuendos that had me blushing in parts. But that’s not what made me enjoy the book so much; it was the smart writing, the lovable characters and the original story line that captivated me from the beginning.
The Fix Up follows Ben, the adorable ‘geek’ , and Holly, the career driven owner of ‘First Impressions’, one of the top PR firms around. Their chance meeting turned into more when Ben decided that in order to become the best CEO he can be he needed to change his geeky image into one his father approved of. And here is where Holly and ‘First Impressions’ come in. Ben hires her to help him re-brand, to turn him into a guy women drool after and men envy. Through hard, ‘hands-on’ work, Holly manages to do just that, but in the process she also discovers how incredible Ben is. Behind his geeky exterior, there’s a wonderful man, who shows her what a relationship should be about – laugh till morning, watch movies and drink root beer floats in a ‘man made fort’, and most importantly accept her for who she is.
This isn’t the first book I’ve read by Tawna Fenske, but I can say I was impressed. Her writing is still great, smart and sassy, with great character and plot development. I enjoy reading her books because the characters feel ‘real’ – they’re one of us. Although Ben is a CEO, he’s not the ‘Christian Grey’ type – he’s weird, loves Star Wars, has a hard time choosing furniture for his house and office and isn’t a pro at dealing with women. Holly is an intelligent heroine, running her own company and not letting any man hold her down. She knows what she wants and goes for it, even if her personal life has to take a back seat in order for her to achieve her goals.
If you’re looking for a smart, fun and feel good type of read, than The Fix Up should be on your list. Original plot, a smart hero and a feisty heroine, what more could you ask for?!
4 ‘geek lover’ stars
***ARC received from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an HONEST review.
The Fix Up follows Ben, the adorable ‘geek’ , and Holly, the career driven owner of ‘First Impressions’, one of the top PR firms around. Their chance meeting turned into more when Ben decided that in order to become the best CEO he can be he needed to change his geeky image into one his father approved of. And here is where Holly and ‘First Impressions’ come in. Ben hires her to help him re-brand, to turn him into a guy women drool after and men envy. Through hard, ‘hands-on’ work, Holly manages to do just that, but in the process she also discovers how incredible Ben is. Behind his geeky exterior, there’s a wonderful man, who shows her what a relationship should be about – laugh till morning, watch movies and drink root beer floats in a ‘man made fort’, and most importantly accept her for who she is.
This isn’t the first book I’ve read by Tawna Fenske, but I can say I was impressed. Her writing is still great, smart and sassy, with great character and plot development. I enjoy reading her books because the characters feel ‘real’ – they’re one of us. Although Ben is a CEO, he’s not the ‘Christian Grey’ type – he’s weird, loves Star Wars, has a hard time choosing furniture for his house and office and isn’t a pro at dealing with women. Holly is an intelligent heroine, running her own company and not letting any man hold her down. She knows what she wants and goes for it, even if her personal life has to take a back seat in order for her to achieve her goals.
If you’re looking for a smart, fun and feel good type of read, than The Fix Up should be on your list. Original plot, a smart hero and a feisty heroine, what more could you ask for?!
4 ‘geek lover’ stars
***ARC received from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an HONEST review.
December 11, 2015
Do you know, these Lovestruck novels are delightful reads to escape into and this is another great one!
This time the story involves a handsome, well built but total geek, Ben Langley, who is taking over his family firm as CEO. He’s much happier revelling in his geekdom, creating, innovating and developing products for the company’s clients but now his father wants to hand over the reins to Ben. This is a big change for this scientific whizz who is relatively shy and uncomfortable in social situations. Even going to get furniture for his new office and apartment is difficult for him - till PR specialist, Holly Colvin, comes to rescue him from the predatory sales lady by pretending to be his wife! Holly is the co-owner of First Impressions, a public relations and branding firm and she spots his dilemma, slipping her business card into his back pocket. She recognises he needs help with so many aspects - from his clothing, demeanour and developing a presence, even though she’s already attracted to the man himself. He hires her to help him but he’s also attracted to her - can she help his business presence without getting involved personally? As sparks fly, they’re in for a volatile time!
The story is full of humour as the two business orientated strangers develop, giving in to temptation (but only at times) and endeavouring to overcome their fears and his manipulative father! If you’re looking for a character to have a negative attitude towards, watch out for Ben’s father, he’s the total antitheses of Ben! Ben and Holly are fantastic characters who are so easy to empathise with, the author has you rooting for them to achieve their HEA and it is particularly Ben’s development into his new role, with some help from Holly, whilst maintaining his own integrity that made this a brilliant story for me.
If you like your romance to have plenty of double entendres, funny dialogues, developing characters and, of course, a HEA look no further - this is a brilliantly crafted novel I have no hesitation in recommending to you!
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for this, an honest review.
This time the story involves a handsome, well built but total geek, Ben Langley, who is taking over his family firm as CEO. He’s much happier revelling in his geekdom, creating, innovating and developing products for the company’s clients but now his father wants to hand over the reins to Ben. This is a big change for this scientific whizz who is relatively shy and uncomfortable in social situations. Even going to get furniture for his new office and apartment is difficult for him - till PR specialist, Holly Colvin, comes to rescue him from the predatory sales lady by pretending to be his wife! Holly is the co-owner of First Impressions, a public relations and branding firm and she spots his dilemma, slipping her business card into his back pocket. She recognises he needs help with so many aspects - from his clothing, demeanour and developing a presence, even though she’s already attracted to the man himself. He hires her to help him but he’s also attracted to her - can she help his business presence without getting involved personally? As sparks fly, they’re in for a volatile time!
The story is full of humour as the two business orientated strangers develop, giving in to temptation (but only at times) and endeavouring to overcome their fears and his manipulative father! If you’re looking for a character to have a negative attitude towards, watch out for Ben’s father, he’s the total antitheses of Ben! Ben and Holly are fantastic characters who are so easy to empathise with, the author has you rooting for them to achieve their HEA and it is particularly Ben’s development into his new role, with some help from Holly, whilst maintaining his own integrity that made this a brilliant story for me.
If you like your romance to have plenty of double entendres, funny dialogues, developing characters and, of course, a HEA look no further - this is a brilliantly crafted novel I have no hesitation in recommending to you!
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for this, an honest review.
December 15, 2015
When you finish a book and your cheeks hurt from smiling so much, you know it was a good one.
This book was sweet, funny, awkward, sexy, frustrating, and so freaking hot all at once. I'm not even sure where to begin describing how much I liked it.
Scratch that, I'll start with Ben because I damn near almost finished because of him, if you catch my drift. I really can't get enough of these socially awkward, obliviously sexy, smart, successful, nerdy men in books nowadays. Especially when behind closed elevator & boardroom doors they lose all that awkwardness and become strong, take-charge sex gods. Ben is basically the best parts of every book boyfriend in one.
Holly is a breath of fresh-air because she's a strong female character who isn't steamrolled by her libido to the point of giving up everything she believes and wants in life. She isn't impervious to the obvious and forceful sexual chemistry between herself and Ben either.
I loved everything about this book. This is how dialogue should be written in a book. Strong, smart, funny AND believable. I want to hear characters talk the way I would talk to my friends but also to open my mind to a world that I don't know, in a way that makes me want to know it. The flow of the story was perfect. The speed of the story felt fast but nothing about the relationship between Ben and Holly felt rushed.
This is a book I'll come back to read time and time again. It's a feel-good book that could act as a great pick-me-up when I just need that perfectly sweet & sexy story to get me through.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
This book was sweet, funny, awkward, sexy, frustrating, and so freaking hot all at once. I'm not even sure where to begin describing how much I liked it.
Scratch that, I'll start with Ben because I damn near almost finished because of him, if you catch my drift. I really can't get enough of these socially awkward, obliviously sexy, smart, successful, nerdy men in books nowadays. Especially when behind closed elevator & boardroom doors they lose all that awkwardness and become strong, take-charge sex gods. Ben is basically the best parts of every book boyfriend in one.
Holly is a breath of fresh-air because she's a strong female character who isn't steamrolled by her libido to the point of giving up everything she believes and wants in life. She isn't impervious to the obvious and forceful sexual chemistry between herself and Ben either.
I loved everything about this book. This is how dialogue should be written in a book. Strong, smart, funny AND believable. I want to hear characters talk the way I would talk to my friends but also to open my mind to a world that I don't know, in a way that makes me want to know it. The flow of the story was perfect. The speed of the story felt fast but nothing about the relationship between Ben and Holly felt rushed.
This is a book I'll come back to read time and time again. It's a feel-good book that could act as a great pick-me-up when I just need that perfectly sweet & sexy story to get me through.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
November 26, 2015
Before I started this book I read the blurb over and over trying to decide if I wanted to read it or not but I am glad I did.
Ben is the new CEO of his family's company but he needs an image change from geek to alpha CEO. He happens to run into Holly while looking for furniture for his new penthouse and office. Holly doesn't want to take him on as a client but she needs the money to save her business.
I liked that Holly was independent and career driven. She knew what she wanted but wondered if she could have a successful business and be a girlfriend or wife. Her failed marriage has her confused until she gets to know Ben and actually loves every part of him from being the geek to hot alpha CEO.
The two characters has a great chemistry and funny playfulness that I really enjoyed but I have to say some of lines were so cheesy. I couldn't imagine anyone really saying them especially a nerdy CEO.
I liked the process that Ben went through to become the CEO his father expected him to be only to end up being the CEO he wanted to be.
This books contains some sexy scenes and a relationship on the rise. Was I happy with the ending? I would have to say somewhat. I liked how Holly realized Ben was the one for her but couldn't really get why she resisted him in the first place.
I suggest this book if you love powerful CEOs that have a nerdy side and a woman who is all about business.
December 14, 2015
Omg Tawna killed this book. She is the rom com queen. I laughed out loud through the whole book. And it was also oh so steamy. I mean sizzling hot.
Ben is just stepping into the role as CEO of his dads company. He is a geek through and through. He is a very hot and sexy geek though. He is out shopping for furniture one day and the saleswoman is mercilessly flirting with him. Ben is not a very assertive person so he tries to politely ignore her. Lucky for him Holly walks over and saves him. She pretends to be his wife to scare off the saleswoman. He then turns and kisses the hell out of her. She also slips him a card for her PR firm.
He decides to give her a call and see if she can help him turn into an assertive alpha male CEO badass. She turns him down originally because that's not her job description but she really needs the money. He offered her triple to say yes. After thinking it through and not being able to get her loan refinanced without her ex husbands name on it, she decides to take his offer.
She is not prepared for the fact that she is so sexually attracted to him. She tried to fight him off, but a girl can only take so much. The sexual tension between these two is off the charts. They get it in, but then Holly's insecurities about her ex husband start messing with her mind and she bolts.
Will that be the end of Ben and Holly? You need to read this book and see how it plays out. You won't be disappointed. I absolutely loved this book.
Ben is just stepping into the role as CEO of his dads company. He is a geek through and through. He is a very hot and sexy geek though. He is out shopping for furniture one day and the saleswoman is mercilessly flirting with him. Ben is not a very assertive person so he tries to politely ignore her. Lucky for him Holly walks over and saves him. She pretends to be his wife to scare off the saleswoman. He then turns and kisses the hell out of her. She also slips him a card for her PR firm.
He decides to give her a call and see if she can help him turn into an assertive alpha male CEO badass. She turns him down originally because that's not her job description but she really needs the money. He offered her triple to say yes. After thinking it through and not being able to get her loan refinanced without her ex husbands name on it, she decides to take his offer.
She is not prepared for the fact that she is so sexually attracted to him. She tried to fight him off, but a girl can only take so much. The sexual tension between these two is off the charts. They get it in, but then Holly's insecurities about her ex husband start messing with her mind and she bolts.
Will that be the end of Ben and Holly? You need to read this book and see how it plays out. You won't be disappointed. I absolutely loved this book.
January 29, 2017
The Fix Up is my first Tawna Fenske book and I gotta say... Where the hell have I been?! Tawna is hilarious!!!
I absolutely loved how the main characters met. We have all needed saving from someone we aren't interested in, and Holly was AWESOME! Quick thinking, funny, and unafraid, she helped Ben (while he sure as heck helped himself LOL).
Now, Holly had some trust issues. And they weren't something I had to deal with personally, so I thought I would have a hard time relating. Nope! Fenske brought her to life so well it was easy.
Ben is beyond perfect. I will never, NEVER look at brewing beer the same way... I won't even need to drink it to have hot, alcohol inspired sex! Ben is so smart, perfectly awkward and S-E-X-Y. His determination and desire well make him your next favorite BBF.
The story itself is witty, sexy, romantic, and fun to read; all the things I love about contemporary romance. The push and pull, the hilarious moments filled with sexual tension (zippers can be so tricky), and the honest, sweet development of Holly and Ben's relationship made me an absolute Tawna Fenske fan.
I was given an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved how the main characters met. We have all needed saving from someone we aren't interested in, and Holly was AWESOME! Quick thinking, funny, and unafraid, she helped Ben (while he sure as heck helped himself LOL).
Now, Holly had some trust issues. And they weren't something I had to deal with personally, so I thought I would have a hard time relating. Nope! Fenske brought her to life so well it was easy.
Ben is beyond perfect. I will never, NEVER look at brewing beer the same way... I won't even need to drink it to have hot, alcohol inspired sex! Ben is so smart, perfectly awkward and S-E-X-Y. His determination and desire well make him your next favorite BBF.
The story itself is witty, sexy, romantic, and fun to read; all the things I love about contemporary romance. The push and pull, the hilarious moments filled with sexual tension (zippers can be so tricky), and the honest, sweet development of Holly and Ben's relationship made me an absolute Tawna Fenske fan.
I was given an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2015
Ben is a geeky Engineer turned CEO of his family business. Ben runs into Holly one day and after she fakes a relationship with him to ward off a sales associate, Ben asks Holly to help him with his image. Holly is the owner of a PR and rebranding firm but she’s never rebranded a person before. Holly is desperate for some money and decides to help Ben because the dork really needs it badly. What Holly doesn’t expect is to find him completely and utterly attractive. Can this geeky nerd win over the heart of a smart sexy woman when he has no social skills?
"Look, I'm confident I have the brain to be a CEO,"
"I just lack the charisma."
The Fix Up was the first book I’ve read by Tawna Fenske. It was cute, witty and charming. Ben was totally geeky but also sexy in his own charming way. The innuendos Ben throws out had me laughing, he’s fun and honest which exactly what Holly needs in her life, if she can ever let him in. If you are looking for a quick light read, pick up The Fix Up and I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as I did. The Fix Up is a 4.5 geeky nerdy read and I'm sure you will enjoy the quirkiness of it.
"Look, I'm confident I have the brain to be a CEO,"
"I just lack the charisma."
The Fix Up was the first book I’ve read by Tawna Fenske. It was cute, witty and charming. Ben was totally geeky but also sexy in his own charming way. The innuendos Ben throws out had me laughing, he’s fun and honest which exactly what Holly needs in her life, if she can ever let him in. If you are looking for a quick light read, pick up The Fix Up and I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as I did. The Fix Up is a 4.5 geeky nerdy read and I'm sure you will enjoy the quirkiness of it.
February 13, 2017
3.5 stars!
The uber adorable cover is an excellent representation of just how much I enjoyed this book. I’ve always been a big fan of the makeover trope and when the person getting made over happens to be a charming bespectacled geek with a penchant for Star Wars and root beer floats; the happy feels could not be contained.
Tawna Fenske’s writing style was fun and refreshingly witty, with Ben and Holly’s laugh out loud hilarious banter being the main draw. There were even hints of emotional depth sprinkled in between all the hot kisses. Like how Ben’s makeover didn’t change who he was but instead, improved upon the already amazing person he had always been. Falling for Ben meanwhile opened up Holly’s closed off heart and got her to take risks she never thought she attempt to try again.
Was Holly and Ben's romance insta-lust/love in nature? Yes. But it still worked for me regardless. The end chapters were especially satisfying when it came to character and relationship progression, as well as being super cute.
I highly recommend this to anyone seeking a sexy read that is punctuated by lots of giggles and heartwarming moments. I’m super excited to read Miriam’s book next.
The uber adorable cover is an excellent representation of just how much I enjoyed this book. I’ve always been a big fan of the makeover trope and when the person getting made over happens to be a charming bespectacled geek with a penchant for Star Wars and root beer floats; the happy feels could not be contained.
Tawna Fenske’s writing style was fun and refreshingly witty, with Ben and Holly’s laugh out loud hilarious banter being the main draw. There were even hints of emotional depth sprinkled in between all the hot kisses. Like how Ben’s makeover didn’t change who he was but instead, improved upon the already amazing person he had always been. Falling for Ben meanwhile opened up Holly’s closed off heart and got her to take risks she never thought she attempt to try again.
Was Holly and Ben's romance insta-lust/love in nature? Yes. But it still worked for me regardless. The end chapters were especially satisfying when it came to character and relationship progression, as well as being super cute.
I highly recommend this to anyone seeking a sexy read that is punctuated by lots of giggles and heartwarming moments. I’m super excited to read Miriam’s book next.
January 16, 2017
I love me a nerdy hero and Ben is grand.
The cute meet in this book is silly as is the fast dropping of pants but it manages to be a charming sexy read with some added depths as well.
Ben is great. He wants to change his company for the better and is a genius. He knows he needs to smooth his image but likes who he is and isn't afraid to be who he is. Plus, he is sexually confidant but not it a jerk way.
The heroine clings a bit to self protection and rules she doesn't obey in the magic of romance novel lust fog but I like her anyway. The turn around that caused her divorce is a bit contrived however, the issues she has that makes her take on Ben as a client is a real one and makes for a good conflict.
What I really loved about this book (beside nerdy dirty talk, sex, and flirting) is how much Ben respects the heroine and the direct address of sexism in corporate culture.
As usual with Fenske (who I like a lot as a writer for all the little details in her characters) the ending comes too soon and we don't get enough time to enjoy the couple but it is a very good book
I was given this book for my honest review. So there you have it!
The cute meet in this book is silly as is the fast dropping of pants but it manages to be a charming sexy read with some added depths as well.
Ben is great. He wants to change his company for the better and is a genius. He knows he needs to smooth his image but likes who he is and isn't afraid to be who he is. Plus, he is sexually confidant but not it a jerk way.
The heroine clings a bit to self protection and rules she doesn't obey in the magic of romance novel lust fog but I like her anyway. The turn around that caused her divorce is a bit contrived however, the issues she has that makes her take on Ben as a client is a real one and makes for a good conflict.
What I really loved about this book (beside nerdy dirty talk, sex, and flirting) is how much Ben respects the heroine and the direct address of sexism in corporate culture.
As usual with Fenske (who I like a lot as a writer for all the little details in her characters) the ending comes too soon and we don't get enough time to enjoy the couple but it is a very good book
I was given this book for my honest review. So there you have it!
January 12, 2016
Just a sweet book along the way.
I love it when I read a book, and it never leaves my mind. Like it would always be there in the back of my mind. I love a book that wows me and leave an impression and leaves its mark.
You see, when I started The Fix Up I had high hopes for a funny and super sweet book. But still, that it would be a book to affect me.
Yes, it was fun and sweet. But I felt nothing. The characters didn't do it for me.
I feel disappointed.
Ben would have made a great book boyfriend, but I didn't get the time to even connect with him. The book didn't even develop that good.
And where did the love feelings suddenly came from? Ugh. I just can't!
And the this business or marketting terms or whatever, they didn't do it for me. I felt lost.
The cover gets a point though (Y)!
I love it when I read a book, and it never leaves my mind. Like it would always be there in the back of my mind. I love a book that wows me and leave an impression and leaves its mark.
You see, when I started The Fix Up I had high hopes for a funny and super sweet book. But still, that it would be a book to affect me.
Yes, it was fun and sweet. But I felt nothing. The characters didn't do it for me.
I feel disappointed.
Ben would have made a great book boyfriend, but I didn't get the time to even connect with him. The book didn't even develop that good.
And where did the love feelings suddenly came from? Ugh. I just can't!
And the this business or marketting terms or whatever, they didn't do it for me. I felt lost.
The cover gets a point though (Y)!
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