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San Diego Social Scene #5

The Heiress and the Mechanic

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Tattoos, muscles, and a beard? Oh my.

Ben McCallister wasn’t like any man attorney Harper Finch had ever dated. For one, his hands were rough and calloused from working all day at his mechanic shops; two, his muscled arms, back, and chest were covered in tattoos; and three, he rode a Harley. The men Harper dated were the ones her daddy would approve of: white-collar, with hands as soft as hers, and the most ink any of them had ever had was a fraternity seal that stayed hidden under short sleeves.
But there was something about this bearded man… how gentle and caring he was with her—outside the bedroom, that is. But his manners in the bedroom? Let’s just say he didn’t have any—which suited Harper just fine.
He was a dream come true. If only she were allowed to dream anymore… But her family and her secret made that impossible. She’d have to settle for a fun summer fling.
She should have known Ben McCallister would never ‘settle’ for anything less than all of her—forever.

**Note -- this steamy standalone has no cheating, no cliffhanger, and of course, an HEA! It's the 5th book in the San Diego Social Scene series on Kindle.

362 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 17, 2019

416 people are currently reading
318 people want to read

About the author

Tess Summers

42 books664 followers
USA Today and Amazon best-selling author, Tess Summers is a former business woman and teacher who always loved writing but never seemed to have time to sit down and write a short story, let alone a novel. Now battling MS, her life changed dramatically, and she has finally slowed down enough to start writing all the stories she'd been wanting to tell, including the fun and sexy ones! Married over twenty-five years with three grown children, Tess is a former dog foster mom who ended up failing and adopting them instead. She and her husband (and their six dogs) split their time between the desert of Arizona and the lakes of Michigan, so she's always in a climate that's not too hot and not too cold, but just right!

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5 stars
297 (58%)
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133 (26%)
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59 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
May 11, 2022
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/11/2022)! 🎁
Profile Image for Kristina .
1,052 reviews939 followers
May 12, 2022
Instalove story between a business owner and a lawyer. The title of mechanic and heiress is misleading in that they are both well to do professional people and there is no large gap in their backgrounds that makes them an opposites attract.
For once this author had a confident heroine who wasn’t abusing herself in her inner monologues. The hero was an all around nice guy as well, making this story very sweet. No conflict between the characters, or miscommunication which this author seems to love, so it was refreshing in that way.
I could have done without him calling her ‘slut’ during sexy times, because that’s just not my thing. Domination is fine but humiliation just isn’t fun for me.
The handling of the heroine’s illness was quite well done and believable, I know this hits close to home for the author and she wrote about from an educated and hopeful way. I’d love for her to do this with her other stories and I usually find her research and realism extremely lacking. In this book it was on pointe, so now that I know she can do it, I will be more critical when it doesn’t happen 😈.
The situation with her ex husband seemed to be building into a confrontation, but it never happened for the reader and we never got closure on that. Why did the author lead us on, telling us the ex wanted her back and then never go anywhere with it? That was left hanging for us, even though the conflict with her father is resolved.
Other than that the story was kind of bland, more like a novella, and the extra pages were filled with an over abundance of sex scenes. I like a steamy book, but this started to feel like copy and paste as they were very repetitive. Overall this one is a quick, safe read.
Profile Image for Paulette.
737 reviews20 followers
June 22, 2019
I’m going to start this review off with a big, I really enjoyed this book! It was completely different from what I thought it was going to be. Totally taken in by this story. This is my first book by this author and I will not hesitate to say it will not be my last book by her.
Talk about going in a different direction, WOW! The author hurled curveballs I wasn’t expecting. It actually hit home to me in a particular way ( not in my own personal life but within my family). I don’t want to spoil anything for you because I don’t think it’s fair to the author. So read the blurb, and then read the book. It’s so worth the invested time.

Don’t worry about heat, there’s plenty. You’ll need your air conditioner on. There’s also love, tenderness, understanding, and some very intense moments. For some it’s a know when you know. I like to think that still does exist. For others it can be proceed with caution, which keeps this story very real.

So if you have read this author before and enjoyed her books you will continue to do so with this book. If you haven’t read one before I suggest that you do!
Profile Image for RLoves2Read.
515 reviews13 followers
June 21, 2019
Another awesome book from Tess Summers! I have loved this series from the beginning. Harper and Ben's story is so great. Harper's illness and how Ben handled it was such a heart felt storyline.
Profile Image for Angie Ryan.
192 reviews7 followers
May 12, 2022
This book meant a lot to me personally as the main female character has MS and struggles with that information. She is afraid of how the diagnosis will affect her job as a junior partner at a law firm, how her family will react, how she can control the symptoms on a daily basis, and how her new boyfriend will react. She has kept this secret for several years and is constantly worried that things will change. I also have this disease and although the character is doing much better than I ever have, I understand her worries entirely and have been in her position. Although I didn't have a hot partner to go through it with me, I could relate. This author did a great job of researching this disease and making it very understandable for those who may not be familiar with it.
Profile Image for Angie Barnes.
1,500 reviews10 followers
July 7, 2019
Tess Summers has written a sotry about a couple who have intense feelings for each other. Harper and Ben met at the engagement party for one of Ben's friends.They started to see one another and their feelings for one another were off the chart. Harper was keeping a secret about herself that only a few people knew and she wanted to tell Ben but did'nt want to watch him walk away from her.
Ben was a Mechanic and he wanted a peice of property that was empty but was told by the attorney handling it that it was not for sale ( Harper is the attorney). Ben did not know that Harper is the attorney that he spoke too about this. As Harper and Ben spend more time together she falls more for him and he falls more for her. Harpers faather is not happy that she is with a mechanic and has Ben's shop's shut down. Harper goes after her father over this and tells him he had better fix it or he is going to be in trouble.
Can Harper let go of the feeling she has for Ben is just a fling or will they last.
Will Ben convince Harper that he is going to be be for the long haul and not leave and that they are meant to be together.
The answers to these questions are in the book and to find out what happens you will just need to read it. I could not put it down once started.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Caroline Doig.
5,457 reviews49 followers
July 11, 2019
This is my 1st read and review for this author and I must say that I loved it and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of her stories. Ben and Harper meet at an engagement party it’s Insta attraction between these two, Ben is a mechanic with big muscles tattoos and a beard he’s not Harper’s usual kind of man she would only bring men home that daddy would approve of and he definitely doesn’t approve of Ben but she can’t help being drawn to him. Harper is a Heiress who is also an attorney as Ben and Harper get closer and closer together Harper’s father interferes but Harper won’t stand for it so she goes and confronts him. I loved this story it’s a fantastic read and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
Profile Image for Joyce.
1,076 reviews47 followers
June 19, 2019
The swooniest!
This is Tess Summer’s best book yet! Sexy and smart, I couldn’t put it down!
For Ben and Harper, it’s love at first sight, they never look back, and I love that! I love the way they approach their relationship maturely, taking such great care of each other. It’s so refreshing to read about an established successful couple strengthening each other, no miscommunications or pouting. Yes, there is conflict, but it’s handled beautifully and with sensitivity. I can’t fail to mention this is one steaming hot read, also! If you haven’t read Tess Summers yet, this is the place to start!
Profile Image for M Hurford .
1,245 reviews9 followers
June 23, 2019
An Engaging Love Story.
Author Tess Summers wrote a wonderful story of an attorney, heiress Harper and the mechanic, owner, Ben who lived in San Diego. This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.
Ben and Harper have such sizzling chemistry. From the first night they met and on they have lots of sex and I mean lots and lots and lots ......and lots of sex. So we know they have compatible libidos. Harper also has a debilitating disease that was handled correctly but it shows that money is needed.
Definitely recommending this book for your reading enjoyment and pleasure. Peace.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
72 reviews
June 24, 2019
I've read a few book from this author and she has written another brilliant book. This story is about Harper (scout) and Ben they hit it off from the start and have great chemistry. Ben wants to buy some land to build his third motor mechanic shop but keeps getting refused, he doesn't realise that Harper is the granddaughter of the seller and the attorney. Harper has a condition that she tries to keep secret ad it can cause her problems in work and life but Ben finds out and still excepted her. They have a few rough rides on the way but it's all good in the end. This was a very enjoyable read and look forward for the next book. I voluntarily read and reviewed a advanced copy arc.
1,749 reviews9 followers
July 4, 2019
Decent story

This was a decent story, although the title is slightly misleading --she's from a wealthy family, but is an independent career woman, not a socialite; he's not just a mechanic but owns two speciality car repair shops. Although the characters timeline moves fast, for the reader it's a little slow because every sex scene and interaction plays out in detail. I found the sex repetitious; certain phrases were repeated too many times. This book is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone. Overall decent read.
Profile Image for Mary.
1,844 reviews16 followers
July 5, 2019
Wow! If you love an adventure through the lives of an “opposites attract” couple, you have got to read this book. What starts out as an unremarkable meeting at a party turns into the love of a lifetime but it is the road they travel to get there is full of ups and downs, twists and turns that at times will make you dizzy. Oh boy are Harper and Ben the perfect couple but gather a strength and courage to push through any and all circumstances together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
7,813 reviews65 followers
July 8, 2019
This was a fun book to read. The characters are well developed and engaging and have plenty of chemistry. The storyline kept me entertained.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nate.
24.1k reviews19 followers
July 23, 2019
Loved Harper & Ben's story. Good characters. Fun, sexy read. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a copy of the book via booksprout.
2,142 reviews7 followers
August 5, 2024
Ben McAllister is trying to buy real estate for his third mechanic shop. However, Mark DeFresne’s attorney who happens to be his granddaughter has advised him not to sell to anyone right now. Ben has decided to go around the attorney and sets up a personal meeting with Mr. DeFresne.

Ben pulls up to the local country club on his Harley. At the same time, a beautiful woman steps out of a classic turquoise ‘59 Corvette. Ben tells the woman that she needs the carburetor adjusted. Ben is there for an engagement party for his buddy Sloane and his fiancé. He is happy for the couple. His former roommate, Luke, has married Cassie, so Ben bought Luke’s house. His girlfriend at the time, Margo, wanted to immediately move in with him and start a family. He wants a family eventually, but Margo kept pushing and wouldn’t take no for an answer, so they broke up. That was four months ago.

Harper Finch is the woman with the Corvette. She is a junior partner at Travis Sterling’s law firm and friends with his wife Ava. She and Ben talk and there is definitely chemistry. Harper is hiding a major secret so doesn’t want more than a summer fling.

I felt so bad for this couple with everything they ended up facing.
Profile Image for Claudia, Cmarie927.
2,065 reviews41 followers
March 21, 2023
A great read!

This is my first read from this author, and I fell in love with her writing style after the first few pages.

It is impossible to share how much I adore Ben and Harper. While this couple seems opposite, the chemistry between them is tangible and jumps off the pages. While things progress quickly, it was exactly what I wanted for them.

Ben is a fantastic book boyfriend, and soo good for her. This is steamy, entertaining, and hard to put down. Harper has a lot going on, and while I wish she'd been able to accept Ben's feelings sooner... (IYKYK) I loved how this storyline resolved.

This was an interesting, creative and emotional read that I recommend reading. As I read this book out of order (and I don't usually like doing that), I feel it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. I will certainly be going back to the beginning of this series and catching up, now that I am invested in these characters. I absolutely recommend this author.
Profile Image for Trish.
1,074 reviews5 followers
September 3, 2025
Fantastic!

It had everything. Great storyline. Really interesting characters. They clicked as soon as he admired her classic car. She likewise made the appropriate remarks of admiration for his, the one he left at home. The instant draw between them was so well written and I loved how quickly he knew , she was the one. I loved his friends, the SWAT Sergeant, and his family. Then she finds out that they had fostered her puppy, Honey before she adopted her. Come on! They had so many great things together. Ben was a big, fierce bear of a man, and his protective and nurturing side comes into play later in this book. I loved their story, and highly recommend it. 5 stars isn't enough! Trish. A


1,781 reviews24 followers
October 26, 2021
I just finished listening to an audio version of this book given to me by the author in the hopes I'd like it and leave a review. It is amazing and this is my voluntary review.
I found this book to be so sexy and romantic! Ben and Harper meet at an engagement party. And the sparks fly! Ben is just the perfect boyfriend. Their story only has a little bit of angst. Mostly it is just very romantic. That might be because of the two narrators. They did such a stellar job of bringing out all the emotion. Even their opposite sex voices were done well!
I really recommend this book and the audio version. 5 stars plus for both! Well done.
Profile Image for Petra.
1,496 reviews
November 2, 2021
The Heiress and the Mechanic is book #5 in the San Diego Social Scene series.
From the moment they meet it’s obvious Harper and Ben are a perfect match. They have great chemistry. But Harper has a secret and is afraid of Ben’s reaction. When Ben finds out, his reaction is the opposite of what she expected.
I loved, loved this story! Tess Summers has the ability of writing her male main characters in such a way that they’re tough, badass men but are so sweet for their women.

“And life was fucking awesome.” 🥰🥰

This review is based on the audiobook. Narrators Anastasia Watley and J.F. Harding really brought the story to life.
Profile Image for booksy.tx.ana.
777 reviews8 followers
December 2, 2025
The lawyer and the shop owner.
This feels a bit more fitting for who they were. Otherwise, the romance was good. There were some moments of tenderness and understanding. They have a very quick, steamy start to their relationship. I liked the moments of them together(non-spice). Ben was super tender-hearted and Harper really needed someone like him to truly see her. They worked well together. It made sense.

The steamy scenes were too often for my liking. They were extremely frequent. It took a little bit away from their connection to me.

Come read with me @booksy.tx.ana
Profile Image for Mimirureviewbooks.
2,208 reviews
May 13, 2022
The Heiress and the Mechanic is book 5 in the San Diego Social Scene series written by the talented author Tess Summers. Holy smokes this series just gets better with each book. This is Ben "Benji" McCallister and Harper 'Baby girl' Finch love at first sight romance story. It is a steamy standalone with no cheating, no cliffhanger and of course a charming HEA!!Sorry no give away you'll have to check out this book for yourself, it is a MUST READ!!
18 reviews
May 19, 2022
Wasn’t too sure what to expect from this book but how surprised I was. This is the first book of this series I have read I have another on my kindle waiting. A series and author I think I could get into. Harpers ( scout) illness was very sensitively written how she wouldn’t let it change anything for her. Loved Ben (Benxi)for all his gentleness towards her & just goes to show that first impressions can be so wrong. Abit of editing got missed but overall a good book with great storyline.
57 reviews
May 19, 2022
Loved it!

Loved every BIT of this story. Made me have all the feels - confused the neck out of my fur babies. "Why is mommy laughing? Wait, no, now she's growling . . . Oh no, there are tears on her face and her nose is running. I wish she'd make up her mind!!"

Fortunately, they didn't appear to notice a response to the more spicy materiél.😉

Try it, you'll like it, too!

Father Amelia
Profile Image for Pebbles Lacasse.
Author 37 books746 followers
April 2, 2024
I love a powerful woman

It’s true! I love powerful women in demanding jobs who fall for men below their station. Her secret could have him running. That’s the last thing she wants. Ben—the bad boy grease monkey—has never wanted to settle down… until her. He knows she’s holding back. Jealousy spills secrets!

This book was really good. I love the banter between the two main characters.
81 reviews
April 4, 2020
Instant

A worthy read with it's rather instant knowledge of them being the one for each other. Ben was a rather good looking, tattooed,Harley Davidson riding grease monkey who Harper instantly felt safe n loved with. They both rocked each other's worlds n being apart only brought them closer together n nothing could get in their way of being together forever
30 reviews
May 23, 2020
Instant connection

Ben and Harper had an instant connection. They both felt it and everyone saw it. She was a badass lawyer and he was a kick ass mechanic. They had a whirlwind relationship with a HEA. This is the latest book in the series. Make sure you read all the others.
Tess Summers is an amazing author!
287 reviews
February 2, 2022
The Brides and the Mechanic: San Diego Social Scene Book 5

I so enjoy your work. The story flow the emotional flows through out. And the best part not steamy sex. Friends and family, elation and disappointments, love and sex and the wonderful feelings this all brings out in me, the reader. Ppl I
Thank you for doing what you are doing, sharing your talent.
1,557 reviews4 followers
June 25, 2024
That was fast

When u know u know and it goes fast. Oh I liked pops! He was great. I also liked that the mechanic was a stand up guy unlike the guy her father wanted. Her ex didn't support her in anything and yet her father thought he knew better. Was glad her mother was on her daughters side.
247 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2025
Yikes, A debilitating disease...

You can't let a disease dictate your life. Everyone should be loved and so should you. A career that you can build a life on, a man to love, protect and honor you; nothing better in this world. Grab that gold ring and hold on tight!! Don't let anyone stop you from being happy!
Profile Image for Kathy T.
326 reviews
January 25, 2021
Loved Ben

What a guy! So sweet, kind, gentle, compassionate, hard worker, and sensitive. Wow, sounds like a dog.
Book was ok, nothing real exciting, they fell in love and that was it. A little issue with her dad, but HEA almost from beginning of story. Worth the read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews

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