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Fixer-Upper
Ex-business owner and soon to be ex-husband Jake has had some rotten luck of late. His world is tumbling down around him, but it’s time to dust himself off and move on. Buying and fixing up the most dilapidated home he can find might be just the thing to get him back on track.
But Jake gets more than he bargained for when he meets former lawyer turned landscaper Dakota. Dakota is smart and ridiculously sexy—and Jake doesn’t have a clue how to act around him. After several gardening mishaps, Jake is sure Dakota thinks he’s completely inept.
Turns out Dakota is thinking something else entirely. And as Dakota gives Jake advice, an ear to listen, and helps him work through his issues, Jake realizes flowers aren’t the only thing blooming between them.
But Jake gets more than he bargained for when he meets former lawyer turned landscaper Dakota. Dakota is smart and ridiculously sexy—and Jake doesn’t have a clue how to act around him. After several gardening mishaps, Jake is sure Dakota thinks he’s completely inept.
Turns out Dakota is thinking something else entirely. And as Dakota gives Jake advice, an ear to listen, and helps him work through his issues, Jake realizes flowers aren’t the only thing blooming between them.
68 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2016
11 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Meg Harding
40 books113 followersMeg Harding is a graduate student, currently studying MA Publishing in the UK. She plans to continue on to become an editor, all while continuing to write. When she isn't writing she enjoys the theatre, concerts, and lazing about in front of the TV.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
January 9, 2016
4.5 stars rounded up because of slow burn ROMANCE!
From the blurb we find out that Jake has fallen on hard times. He was a business owner with his husband but when their marriage imploded, so did the business. Jake decides to make a clean break and sell his ex his share of the business and completely start over. Part of his plan to start over is to move to the suburbs and fix up a dilapidated house. His problem with that is that he has no experience in any of the tasks it takes to re-build a house. He needs carpenters, construction workers, painters, bricklayers and landscapers. Since Jake seems to be most comfortable "doing" instead of "watching," he tries to get in on the rebuilding action by asking all the teams if he can help.
Everyone, with the exception of the landscapers, gives him the side-eye and asks him to stay out of their way. Landscapers Jasper and Dakota take pity on him and allow him some menial tasks to keep him busy.
Dakota is a highly educated former lawyer who needed to get out of the corporate rat-race and work with his hands. He started a landscaping business with his step brother and lives on a hobby farm and has never been happier.
As the weeks go by and clumsy Jake finely starts to get the hang of turning his yard into a beautiful showplace, it becomes very apparent to those around them that Jake and Dakota and both dancing around their attraction to each other.
Here is how they figure it out:
How fucking cute is that?
The men begin dating, which is actually more like Dakota "courting" Jake. He was romantic and thoughtful and you could tell just how much he enjoyed having Jake around. (The story is told in first person, Jake.)
For someone who prefers to skip reading high school/teen romances (my daughter is 17 and has many gay friends and thinking about them in romantic situations is WAY out of my comfort zone) this book was especially refreshing because of the slow burn and sweet courting of men in their 30's.
But I'll tell you, the end results of these two getting to know each other before falling into bed was a HUGE payoff of wicked hot sex and a glorious HEA.
Short and sweet with highly likable characters makes this one a win for me.
Recommended!
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
From the blurb we find out that Jake has fallen on hard times. He was a business owner with his husband but when their marriage imploded, so did the business. Jake decides to make a clean break and sell his ex his share of the business and completely start over. Part of his plan to start over is to move to the suburbs and fix up a dilapidated house. His problem with that is that he has no experience in any of the tasks it takes to re-build a house. He needs carpenters, construction workers, painters, bricklayers and landscapers. Since Jake seems to be most comfortable "doing" instead of "watching," he tries to get in on the rebuilding action by asking all the teams if he can help.
Everyone, with the exception of the landscapers, gives him the side-eye and asks him to stay out of their way. Landscapers Jasper and Dakota take pity on him and allow him some menial tasks to keep him busy.
Dakota is a highly educated former lawyer who needed to get out of the corporate rat-race and work with his hands. He started a landscaping business with his step brother and lives on a hobby farm and has never been happier.
As the weeks go by and clumsy Jake finely starts to get the hang of turning his yard into a beautiful showplace, it becomes very apparent to those around them that Jake and Dakota and both dancing around their attraction to each other.
Here is how they figure it out:
It was awkward. Jake felt so awkward. His right leg began to bounce. His hand shook as it hovered over his phone. He hadn’t felt this awkward around Dakota since the beginning, and even then he’d had the work to distract him.
After an eternity of awkward silence, Dakota heaved a heavy sigh and set his drink down with a not so light thud.
He turned in the booth to face Jake, draping one arm along the back and propping one ankle on his knee. “Do you like me?”
How fucking cute is that?
The men begin dating, which is actually more like Dakota "courting" Jake. He was romantic and thoughtful and you could tell just how much he enjoyed having Jake around. (The story is told in first person, Jake.)
For someone who prefers to skip reading high school/teen romances (my daughter is 17 and has many gay friends and thinking about them in romantic situations is WAY out of my comfort zone) this book was especially refreshing because of the slow burn and sweet courting of men in their 30's.
But I'll tell you, the end results of these two getting to know each other before falling into bed was a HUGE payoff of wicked hot sex and a glorious HEA.
Short and sweet with highly likable characters makes this one a win for me.
Recommended!
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
January 1, 2016
The story opens with Jake purchasing a hideous house that looks like it is seconds from collapse. Then, we follow Jake as he meets the crew that is going to repair the house and even immersed himself in helping Dakota, the landscaper, with his soon-to-be backyard and front-yard, because Jake is determined to “pour everything he has into making this house a home”. As the story goes along, we found out the reason why, that Jake had been coming out of a messy divorce with his partner of 15-years … and this was his way to get back to the saddle again.
My, how this novella brought a HUGE smile to my face!! From the moment that Dakota let Jake help him with the garden to all of the MISHAPS that happened afterwards (really, those were FUNNY and CHARMING), I was hooked. This is a slow-burn romance, because Jake and Dakota took their time before finally acknowledging their attraction. Jake just got out from a 15-year-old relationship so he was pretty rusty in starting a new one. Plus, he thought it was just a one-sided crush. Dakota was willing to let Jake make the first move, because he didn’t want to rush Jake into a new relationship.
Seriously, Jake and Dakota are so adorable! *hugs them both* It was SO refreshing to read a story about men in their 30’s who don’t immediately jump into a romp in sheets… Jake and Dakota actually went on DATES, which included the zoo, as well as dinner and a movie. I was rooting for them so bad, and even if the ending didn’t feel like a complete 100% HEA (I’d like to think of it as a very happy and hopeful beginning), I’m still pretty satisfied.
This is definitely my favorite of Meg Harding's books so far…
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
My, how this novella brought a HUGE smile to my face!! From the moment that Dakota let Jake help him with the garden to all of the MISHAPS that happened afterwards (really, those were FUNNY and CHARMING), I was hooked. This is a slow-burn romance, because Jake and Dakota took their time before finally acknowledging their attraction. Jake just got out from a 15-year-old relationship so he was pretty rusty in starting a new one. Plus, he thought it was just a one-sided crush. Dakota was willing to let Jake make the first move, because he didn’t want to rush Jake into a new relationship.
Seriously, Jake and Dakota are so adorable! *hugs them both* It was SO refreshing to read a story about men in their 30’s who don’t immediately jump into a romp in sheets… Jake and Dakota actually went on DATES, which included the zoo, as well as dinner and a movie. I was rooting for them so bad, and even if the ending didn’t feel like a complete 100% HEA (I’d like to think of it as a very happy and hopeful beginning), I’m still pretty satisfied.
This is definitely my favorite of Meg Harding's books so far…
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
July 25, 2021
Meh. This was a sweet story about Jake, who buys a wreck of a house and fixes it up. Dakota is the landscaper, and over the course of the book their relationship develops, slowly ..... very slowly, as in they finally kiss about 75% of the way through the book. Didn't rock my world, but a nice story.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
December 7, 2017
Meg Harding knows how to make a girl happy.
Dakota and Jake are definitely perfect for each other. Kick out the asshole ex to the gator, and I'm a happy girl.
I'm very satisfied with the story. This is my second book of this author, I think I know the pattern already. Even I'm a HEA junkies, I'm good with a happy ending and a happy feeling after my reading.
Did I mentioned I'm happy? :)
Sigh. Read this.
I recommended for a comfort , light , feel good reading for everyone.
Dakota and Jake are definitely perfect for each other. Kick out the asshole ex to the gator, and I'm a happy girl.
I'm very satisfied with the story. This is my second book of this author, I think I know the pattern already. Even I'm a HEA junkies, I'm good with a happy ending and a happy feeling after my reading.
Did I mentioned I'm happy? :)
Sigh. Read this.
I recommended for a comfort , light , feel good reading for everyone.
January 16, 2016
2.5 stars
*Some may find this review spoilerish*
Sorry to say this just didn't work for me. Nothing happened the first half of the book except buying a house and house repairs. It was like reading an episode of Fixer Upper on HGTV. And some of it didn't ring true.
Then after a couple of dates they sleep together (the best sex of their lives), then there's a time jump to the last chapter....that was more like an epilogue. Suddenly the house is done, the MCs are playing host to all their friends, there's a puppy and everyone lives happily ever after. Talk about whiplash.
This should have been a shorter....or longer. It was too long for me not to have been more vested in the MCs and their story. Perhaps if it had been shorter my expectations would have been less. If it were longer and I got to know the MCs just a bit more maybe I would have liked it more. I dunno. *shrugs*
Also, WHO IN THE HELL ARE THE GUYS ON THE COVER? Does the guy with long hair (that's supposed to be black & silky) look like he can pick up the other guy and carry him around without any effort? Why put people on the cover when they look NOTHING like the characters described in the book?! I realize the author may not have much control over this and if that's the case she should tell the publisher their cover design sucks hard.
*Some may find this review spoilerish*
Sorry to say this just didn't work for me. Nothing happened the first half of the book except buying a house and house repairs. It was like reading an episode of Fixer Upper on HGTV. And some of it didn't ring true.
Then after a couple of dates they sleep together (the best sex of their lives), then there's a time jump to the last chapter....that was more like an epilogue. Suddenly the house is done, the MCs are playing host to all their friends, there's a puppy and everyone lives happily ever after. Talk about whiplash.
This should have been a shorter....or longer. It was too long for me not to have been more vested in the MCs and their story. Perhaps if it had been shorter my expectations would have been less. If it were longer and I got to know the MCs just a bit more maybe I would have liked it more. I dunno. *shrugs*
Also, WHO IN THE HELL ARE THE GUYS ON THE COVER? Does the guy with long hair (that's supposed to be black & silky) look like he can pick up the other guy and carry him around without any effort? Why put people on the cover when they look NOTHING like the characters described in the book?! I realize the author may not have much control over this and if that's the case she should tell the publisher their cover design sucks hard.
April 10, 2020
This slow-burn story never fizzled or caught fire for me.
One of those "in the middle" books.
Nothing I can truly grip about but nothing I can rave about either.
It might have been helpful if it was longer...but then again, maybe not?
I enjoy Harding's writing but I am glad I caught this during a promo giveaway.
*3 just-enough stars*
One of those "in the middle" books.
Nothing I can truly grip about but nothing I can rave about either.
It might have been helpful if it was longer...but then again, maybe not?
I enjoy Harding's writing but I am glad I caught this during a promo giveaway.
*3 just-enough stars*
January 20, 2016
**3.5 stars** Cute story, very lighthearted. A perfect little read between other more angsty books. Not a huge fan of the cover. That is *not* how I pictured Dakota, who is supposed to have long, silky black hair.
January 8, 2016
This is a quick sweet read with just enough chemistry and UST to keep things interesting. Great for a pick me up.
December 7, 2019
"Much like his life at the moment, this house was a wreck. Absolutely trashed and in need of fixing up…. He was going to pour everything he had into making this house a home and maybe, just maybe, at the end of it all he’d feel a little less beaten down."
In a strange and unfathomable way, I understood exactly what Jake was talking about, and it cinched my decision that reading 'Fixer-Upper' today, of all days, was the perfect choice. I empathized with Jake's need to be useful, to be doing something, to take something broken, fix it, and be able to step back and say "I did this." Of course, the fact that Jake had seriously hot and hunky Dakota working with him didn't hurt.
Poor Dakota. He had no idea when he and Jasper took this landscaping job that they'd be stuck with the homeowner every day helping them. The help is nice, although it's obvious Jake has no clue what he's doing, and Dakota ends up bearing a few bruises to prove that. Truly, some of the scenes were laugh out loud funny. What Dakota can't figure out is why this guy wants to help them, when he's paying them to do the work.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
In a strange and unfathomable way, I understood exactly what Jake was talking about, and it cinched my decision that reading 'Fixer-Upper' today, of all days, was the perfect choice. I empathized with Jake's need to be useful, to be doing something, to take something broken, fix it, and be able to step back and say "I did this." Of course, the fact that Jake had seriously hot and hunky Dakota working with him didn't hurt.
Poor Dakota. He had no idea when he and Jasper took this landscaping job that they'd be stuck with the homeowner every day helping them. The help is nice, although it's obvious Jake has no clue what he's doing, and Dakota ends up bearing a few bruises to prove that. Truly, some of the scenes were laugh out loud funny. What Dakota can't figure out is why this guy wants to help them, when he's paying them to do the work.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
January 25, 2016
3.5 stars
It was a nice, short read. Slow-burning with the obviously mandatory love scene near the ending and a final chapter that was more like an epilogue.
Not sure how long this will stay with me.
It was a nice, short read. Slow-burning with the obviously mandatory love scene near the ending and a final chapter that was more like an epilogue.
Not sure how long this will stay with me.
January 6, 2016
Cute story, perfect light read for in between.
October 19, 2018
Questa storia si è rivelata una lettura davvero carina: si lascia leggere in un paio d’ore e mi ha regalato dei bei sorrisi e qualche piccola risata.
Jake ha bisogno di una ristrutturazione generale: sia della vecchia catapecchia, che ha acquistato con l’intento di andare a viverci, sia della propria vita, perché è reduce da un disastroso divorzio e al momento senza un lavoro.
Impegnarsi attivamente nei lavori di rifacimento dentro e fuori l’abitazione – malgrado le occhiate perplesse degli addetti ai lavori – potrebbe essere l’incentivo giusto per rimettersi in pista. Ma lavorare con l’attraente architetto paesaggista Dakota è complicato e Jake dà il via a una serie di guai e incidenti imbarazzanti, più o meno seri, che lo rendono ridicolo, mentre l’altro cerca di salvarlo da se stesso.
Jake ti conquista col suo carattere, ma ho amato soprattutto il personaggio di Dakota, la sua pazienza, la gentilezza, le premure silenziose e l’animo buono. Accanto ai protagonisti, ci sono dei buoni amici pronti ad aiutarli e a sostenerli.
La storia è leggera e divertente, dolce a suo modo e adatta a chi cerca una coccola senza complicazioni, perché la spruzzata di serietà non rovina il buonumore.
La trama ha un buon ritmo e la resa italiana è piacevole; anche se sono sfuggite alcune imprecisioni all’editing, la lettura non ne risente e scorre via senza problemi.
Se cercate una storia breve, ma molto carina, ve la consiglio sicuramente.
Jake ha bisogno di una ristrutturazione generale: sia della vecchia catapecchia, che ha acquistato con l’intento di andare a viverci, sia della propria vita, perché è reduce da un disastroso divorzio e al momento senza un lavoro.
Impegnarsi attivamente nei lavori di rifacimento dentro e fuori l’abitazione – malgrado le occhiate perplesse degli addetti ai lavori – potrebbe essere l’incentivo giusto per rimettersi in pista. Ma lavorare con l’attraente architetto paesaggista Dakota è complicato e Jake dà il via a una serie di guai e incidenti imbarazzanti, più o meno seri, che lo rendono ridicolo, mentre l’altro cerca di salvarlo da se stesso.
Jake ti conquista col suo carattere, ma ho amato soprattutto il personaggio di Dakota, la sua pazienza, la gentilezza, le premure silenziose e l’animo buono. Accanto ai protagonisti, ci sono dei buoni amici pronti ad aiutarli e a sostenerli.
La storia è leggera e divertente, dolce a suo modo e adatta a chi cerca una coccola senza complicazioni, perché la spruzzata di serietà non rovina il buonumore.
La trama ha un buon ritmo e la resa italiana è piacevole; anche se sono sfuggite alcune imprecisioni all’editing, la lettura non ne risente e scorre via senza problemi.
Se cercate una storia breve, ma molto carina, ve la consiglio sicuramente.
January 15, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
So, you ever read a story and you just get the happy feels in your heart? Yeah, that was Fixer-Upper for me. It was adorable, sweet, clever, and just a really lovely little story. I was sucked in and absorbed, and just really enjoyed the whole story.
Jake is just so freaking adorable. He’s been battered around, but he’s picking himself up again. I loved his determination and his grit. I loved how sweet he was. I love how he got a little clumsy and accident prone around Dakota. I love how he showed his strength when faced with his ex. I just really adored the hell out of him and would have loved to stay with him longer.
Dakota is fantastic too. I felt like I didn’t get to know him quite as well as Jake, as this story is told solely through Jake’s third person POV, but having him colored by Jake’s perspective actually worked really well. We got to know him over time, just like Jake did, and I think it added a little something to the story. He’s got a great heart, and has no trouble going after what he wants. I thought he was the perfect counterpoint to Jake, and together they work really well.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
So, you ever read a story and you just get the happy feels in your heart? Yeah, that was Fixer-Upper for me. It was adorable, sweet, clever, and just a really lovely little story. I was sucked in and absorbed, and just really enjoyed the whole story.
Jake is just so freaking adorable. He’s been battered around, but he’s picking himself up again. I loved his determination and his grit. I loved how sweet he was. I love how he got a little clumsy and accident prone around Dakota. I love how he showed his strength when faced with his ex. I just really adored the hell out of him and would have loved to stay with him longer.
Dakota is fantastic too. I felt like I didn’t get to know him quite as well as Jake, as this story is told solely through Jake’s third person POV, but having him colored by Jake’s perspective actually worked really well. We got to know him over time, just like Jake did, and I think it added a little something to the story. He’s got a great heart, and has no trouble going after what he wants. I thought he was the perfect counterpoint to Jake, and together they work really well.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
August 13, 2016
It is no secret that I adore Meg Harding's books. She has a specific writing style that I love, but I think that some will find annoying.
Her MCs are usually quirky and oblivious and I love that.
In this one Jake has bought a 'house' after his long-time partner was unfaithful and left him for the 'other guy'. Jake is not quite well, but feels that this project will be a good way to start over.
He hires a construction company and a landscaping company to help him (and hopes he can be a big part of the process!)
Dakota works at the landscaping company and is an adept, sexy young man! Jake REALLY wants to be a part of the house-rejuvenation-project, but is either clumsy or unlucky which makes him believe that Dakota sees him as a catastrophe. Thus hilarity and romance commence.
This book could have been WAY longer, and it was too bad that it wasn't! I would have loved to see Jake really stand up to his ex-partner and I would have loved to have a full-length novel of Jake's clumsy-ness and Dakota's laidback-ness!
Her MCs are usually quirky and oblivious and I love that.
In this one Jake has bought a 'house' after his long-time partner was unfaithful and left him for the 'other guy'. Jake is not quite well, but feels that this project will be a good way to start over.
He hires a construction company and a landscaping company to help him (and hopes he can be a big part of the process!)
Dakota works at the landscaping company and is an adept, sexy young man! Jake REALLY wants to be a part of the house-rejuvenation-project, but is either clumsy or unlucky which makes him believe that Dakota sees him as a catastrophe. Thus hilarity and romance commence.
This book could have been WAY longer, and it was too bad that it wasn't! I would have loved to see Jake really stand up to his ex-partner and I would have loved to have a full-length novel of Jake's clumsy-ness and Dakota's laidback-ness!
January 4, 2016
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for a fair an honest review.
Flowers and love bloom in this lovely short story about a man looking to fix his life after a disastrous break-up, while also trying to fix the run-down house he's just purchased.
This novella has a lot of things that I really enjoyed. Jake is endearing and genuine, letting his instincts guide him through a post-divorce crash. I really love his character, especially how earnest he is to prove himself. And his crush on Dakota was so sweet!
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for a fair an honest review.
Flowers and love bloom in this lovely short story about a man looking to fix his life after a disastrous break-up, while also trying to fix the run-down house he's just purchased.
This novella has a lot of things that I really enjoyed. Jake is endearing and genuine, letting his instincts guide him through a post-divorce crash. I really love his character, especially how earnest he is to prove himself. And his crush on Dakota was so sweet!
January 12, 2016
That was maybe to short but still to beautiful romance. Author "Meg Harding" done really great work with it.
I also wouldn't mind at all or let me say I would love to read more about Jake & Dakota.
Its was just beautiful.
I also wouldn't mind at all or let me say I would love to read more about Jake & Dakota.
Its was just beautiful.
January 13, 2016
cute story and an enjoyable way to pass a few hours
3.5 Stars
3.5 Stars
January 8, 2016
I just wish the ex got a bad case of STD of something. Cute little story about rebound romance?
August 13, 2020
Peperine eccomi a voi con una nuova lettura. Il libro che andiamo ad esaminare oggi si intitola “Fixer Upper” di Meg Harding edito dalla Triskell. La storia ci parla di Jake un ragazzo appena uscito da un brutto divorzio, un’anima segnata per questo motivo e quindi alla deriva. Deve ricominciare tutto da capo e inizia acquistando una casa fatiscente e in rovina, in cui lui vede del potenziale. In questo gesto ho colto una metafora della sua vita: Jake si sente a pezzi e in caduta libera verso il fondo, ma cerca comunque un appiglio a cui aggrapparsi per risalire. La ristrutturazione di quella casa è solo il riflesso di sé stesso, la volontà di risorgere dalle sue ceneri.
Ed è proprio grazie all’acquisto di questo rudere che conosce Dakota, un architetto paesaggista. Jake è stanco dell’apatia in cui è caduto e vuole aiutare l’architetto per tenersi impegnato. Dakota è un ragazzo con dei capelli che scendono fino alle spalle, gentile e attento, e il nostro protagonista ne rimane subito affascinato.
All’apparenza sono molto diversi, ma poi approfondendo la conoscenza, Jake scopre che Dakota è un avvocato che ha abbandonato la professione per mancanza di stimoli e creatività, sensazioni che ritrova invece in quel tipo di attività.
Il loro approccio non è dei migliori perché il nostro protagonista è molto maldestro e gliene combina di ogni, causandogli addirittura lividi, contusioni ed ematomi, ma più accadono questi episodi, più Dakota lo tiene vicino a sé.
Devo dire che questa è una storia molto dolce e delicata, lontana anni luce dai libri che ho letto ultimamente e l’ho apprezzata proprio per questa originalità di interazione tra i protagonisti. La trama evolve lentamente, Jake e Dakota si studiano e quando finalmente escono insieme, non si strappano i vestiti di dosso al primo appuntamento, aspettano di passare del tempo insieme e di piacersi in maniera totalitaria.
“L’uomo lo afferrò per il davanti della camicia e lo attirò a sé, piegò la testa e gli sfiorò le labbra con le sue. Lentamente prese a baciarlo più a fondo, facendo guizzare la lingua contro i suoi incisivi. Per qualche strano motivo, la cosa fece ridere Jake. Dakota tentò di tirarsi indietro, ma lui gli affondò la mano nella camicia e lo trattenne. “No,” disse, “mi piace.” Ed era vero.”
La trama è narrata in terza persona e, anche se non è il modo che prediligo in assoluto, mi ha fatto comunque entrare in sintonia con entrambi i protagonisti, che sono caratterizzati molto bene: Jake, con le insicurezze di una persona profondamente ferita e Dakota che lo sprona a ritrovare la sua strada.
C’è una sola scena hot in tutta la trama, e anche questa è descritta in maniera riguardosa e leggera.
La penna della scrittrice è fluida e scorre senza intoppi di sorta, forse anche troppo, nel senso che ho trovato alcune lacune nel momento in cui tratta la problematica del divorzio, soprattutto la spartizione dell’azienda che Jake aveva con il marito e che l’autrice lascia in sospeso, senza approfondirne la conclusione.
Comunque, tirando le somme, è un libro che si fa leggere bene, io personalmente ci ho messo poco più di un giorno e nei ritagli di tempo. Non ha drammi o antagonisti nascosti, è solo la storia pura e semplice di due persone che si trovano, si piacciono e si amano liberamente.
Ed è proprio grazie all’acquisto di questo rudere che conosce Dakota, un architetto paesaggista. Jake è stanco dell’apatia in cui è caduto e vuole aiutare l’architetto per tenersi impegnato. Dakota è un ragazzo con dei capelli che scendono fino alle spalle, gentile e attento, e il nostro protagonista ne rimane subito affascinato.
All’apparenza sono molto diversi, ma poi approfondendo la conoscenza, Jake scopre che Dakota è un avvocato che ha abbandonato la professione per mancanza di stimoli e creatività, sensazioni che ritrova invece in quel tipo di attività.
Il loro approccio non è dei migliori perché il nostro protagonista è molto maldestro e gliene combina di ogni, causandogli addirittura lividi, contusioni ed ematomi, ma più accadono questi episodi, più Dakota lo tiene vicino a sé.
Devo dire che questa è una storia molto dolce e delicata, lontana anni luce dai libri che ho letto ultimamente e l’ho apprezzata proprio per questa originalità di interazione tra i protagonisti. La trama evolve lentamente, Jake e Dakota si studiano e quando finalmente escono insieme, non si strappano i vestiti di dosso al primo appuntamento, aspettano di passare del tempo insieme e di piacersi in maniera totalitaria.
“L’uomo lo afferrò per il davanti della camicia e lo attirò a sé, piegò la testa e gli sfiorò le labbra con le sue. Lentamente prese a baciarlo più a fondo, facendo guizzare la lingua contro i suoi incisivi. Per qualche strano motivo, la cosa fece ridere Jake. Dakota tentò di tirarsi indietro, ma lui gli affondò la mano nella camicia e lo trattenne. “No,” disse, “mi piace.” Ed era vero.”
La trama è narrata in terza persona e, anche se non è il modo che prediligo in assoluto, mi ha fatto comunque entrare in sintonia con entrambi i protagonisti, che sono caratterizzati molto bene: Jake, con le insicurezze di una persona profondamente ferita e Dakota che lo sprona a ritrovare la sua strada.
C’è una sola scena hot in tutta la trama, e anche questa è descritta in maniera riguardosa e leggera.
La penna della scrittrice è fluida e scorre senza intoppi di sorta, forse anche troppo, nel senso che ho trovato alcune lacune nel momento in cui tratta la problematica del divorzio, soprattutto la spartizione dell’azienda che Jake aveva con il marito e che l’autrice lascia in sospeso, senza approfondirne la conclusione.
Comunque, tirando le somme, è un libro che si fa leggere bene, io personalmente ci ho messo poco più di un giorno e nei ritagli di tempo. Non ha drammi o antagonisti nascosti, è solo la storia pura e semplice di due persone che si trovano, si piacciono e si amano liberamente.
November 10, 2018
Recensione a cura di Cleo per Feel the Book
L’inizio di questa storia lascia un po’ perplessi: per quale motivo Jake dovrebbe acquistare una casa che cade a pezzi, trovandola perfetta per iniziare la sua nuova vita? Poi lentamente, mentre l’edificio viene ricostruito, comprendiamo che l’uomo ha bisogno di vedere ogni cosa che torna a posto, perché spera che nel medesimo tempo anche la sua esistenza trovi un nuovo ordine, una struttura che la definisca ancora una volta. Tradito dal marito e socio in affari, anche Jake sta cadendo a pezzi.
La parte divertente inizia quando si tratta di sistemare il giardino della casa e Jake, incapace di restare con le mani in mano, chiede alla coppia di architetti paesaggisti di potersi rendere utile. Il fascino di uno dei due mette in crisi Jake, che sembra incapace di restare verticale in sua presenza: ogni volta che Dakota è nei paraggi, lui combina qualche disastro, che di solito coinvolte anche l’altro uomo. Un susseguirsi di incidenti esilaranti, che segnano la crescita dell’attrazione di Jake per Dakota.
Il libro è breve, eppure riesce a narrare in modo perfetto il processo di ricostruzione che coinvolge la vita di Jake, che va di pari passo con quello del giardino e della casa: una volta pronti, anche lui sarà in grado di lasciarsi alle spalle le sofferenze del passato e ricominciare.
Il sorriso di Dakota davanti alla goffaggine di Jake fa amare da subito il personaggio, un uomo solido che ha preso in mano la propria esistenza da tempo e si dedica a ciò che ama, progettando giardini. La sua sicurezza fa da contrappunto allo smarrimento che caratterizza inizialmente Jake e la sua dolcezza lo travolge quando l’uomo trova finalmente il coraggio di aprirsi con lui.
Per quanto alla fine forse si avverta il desiderio di qualche pagina in più, perché non ci si vuole staccare da questa coppia di protagonisti, “Fixer-Upper” è una lettura piacevole e divertente che non vi deluderà.
Editing della recensione a cura di Lilith per Feel the Book
L’inizio di questa storia lascia un po’ perplessi: per quale motivo Jake dovrebbe acquistare una casa che cade a pezzi, trovandola perfetta per iniziare la sua nuova vita? Poi lentamente, mentre l’edificio viene ricostruito, comprendiamo che l’uomo ha bisogno di vedere ogni cosa che torna a posto, perché spera che nel medesimo tempo anche la sua esistenza trovi un nuovo ordine, una struttura che la definisca ancora una volta. Tradito dal marito e socio in affari, anche Jake sta cadendo a pezzi.
La parte divertente inizia quando si tratta di sistemare il giardino della casa e Jake, incapace di restare con le mani in mano, chiede alla coppia di architetti paesaggisti di potersi rendere utile. Il fascino di uno dei due mette in crisi Jake, che sembra incapace di restare verticale in sua presenza: ogni volta che Dakota è nei paraggi, lui combina qualche disastro, che di solito coinvolte anche l’altro uomo. Un susseguirsi di incidenti esilaranti, che segnano la crescita dell’attrazione di Jake per Dakota.
Il libro è breve, eppure riesce a narrare in modo perfetto il processo di ricostruzione che coinvolge la vita di Jake, che va di pari passo con quello del giardino e della casa: una volta pronti, anche lui sarà in grado di lasciarsi alle spalle le sofferenze del passato e ricominciare.
Il sorriso di Dakota davanti alla goffaggine di Jake fa amare da subito il personaggio, un uomo solido che ha preso in mano la propria esistenza da tempo e si dedica a ciò che ama, progettando giardini. La sua sicurezza fa da contrappunto allo smarrimento che caratterizza inizialmente Jake e la sua dolcezza lo travolge quando l’uomo trova finalmente il coraggio di aprirsi con lui.
Per quanto alla fine forse si avverta il desiderio di qualche pagina in più, perché non ci si vuole staccare da questa coppia di protagonisti, “Fixer-Upper” è una lettura piacevole e divertente che non vi deluderà.
Editing della recensione a cura di Lilith per Feel the Book
September 28, 2018
Frizzante e scombinato
Dopo aver perso marito e socio in un colpo solo, Jake decide di dare una svolta alla sua vita comprando una casa scalcinata ma dalla struttura solida. Durante la ristrutturazione incontra molti operai e Dakota, uno dei due architetti paesaggisti, attira il suo interesse.
Jake convince Dakota a farlo partecipare attivamente all’allestimento del giardino e ne succedono di tutti colori, tra piante, pietre, piccoli e non proprio piccoli incidenti.
Mi sono divertita leggendo l’inizio e buona parte del libro, con Jake e Dakota che interagiscono e collaborano nella creazione del giardino. Quando le cose fra i due cambiano, mi è sembrato che la fine si avvicinasse troppo in fretta, anche se ho apprezzato molto la storia.
Ideale per chi cerca una storia non troppo lunga, frizzante e con tante situazioni bizzarre.
Dopo aver perso marito e socio in un colpo solo, Jake decide di dare una svolta alla sua vita comprando una casa scalcinata ma dalla struttura solida. Durante la ristrutturazione incontra molti operai e Dakota, uno dei due architetti paesaggisti, attira il suo interesse.
Jake convince Dakota a farlo partecipare attivamente all’allestimento del giardino e ne succedono di tutti colori, tra piante, pietre, piccoli e non proprio piccoli incidenti.
Mi sono divertita leggendo l’inizio e buona parte del libro, con Jake e Dakota che interagiscono e collaborano nella creazione del giardino. Quando le cose fra i due cambiano, mi è sembrato che la fine si avvicinasse troppo in fretta, anche se ho apprezzato molto la storia.
Ideale per chi cerca una storia non troppo lunga, frizzante e con tante situazioni bizzarre.
March 29, 2018
A sweet slow-burn story. I wish we knew more about Dakota and also Jake's finances (I always want to know exactly how people have their money), and, being a confirmed city girl surrounded by wealthy suburbs, I get a little anxious reading about the type of house and landscaping described. Just like when every movie/sitcom taking place in southern California has its protagonists living in a three-story house with manicured lawn. But, I liked the characters and the pacing of this story and I enjoy her writing, so a sweet read despite my quibbles about money.
February 18, 2021
Bellissimo libro, di una dolcezza infinita.
Jake ha appena divorziato e ha preso la sua ditta e la sfortuna lo perseguita. Per ricominciare da capo, compra una casa fatiscente e in rovina.
Per ristrutturarla assume delle ditte specializzate e incontra Dakota un sexy architetto paesaggista.
Dopo svariati incidenti tra i due sboccia un sentimento.
Consigliato ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Jake ha appena divorziato e ha preso la sua ditta e la sfortuna lo perseguita. Per ricominciare da capo, compra una casa fatiscente e in rovina.
Per ristrutturarla assume delle ditte specializzate e incontra Dakota un sexy architetto paesaggista.
Dopo svariati incidenti tra i due sboccia un sentimento.
Consigliato ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
December 25, 2017
Hey do you know what I love? thirty-five year olds who are healing from a bad breakup especially as they crush on anti-social yet very nice long-haired landscapers. What do you mean this is very specific to Fixer-Upper? Anyway, this book was so cute and short and made me happy.
August 9, 2017
Honestly, this book should be a TV series because it was that funny. I would watch it for sure.
October 19, 2020
Mi sembrava di assistere a un episodio di gemelli in affari o altri programmi sulle ristrutturazioni! Troppi incidenti e poco altro.
October 27, 2020
Carino.
June 14, 2021
3,5 stars. Nice, low angst, kind of slow burn read.
August 7, 2022
Voto: 3.5
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