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Big Bull Mechanics #1
Crankshaft
I don’t have time for a relationship, not even with the adorably dorky vet I can’t seem to stop bumping into… *sigh * pass the oil and lube
Between running a garage full of beefed up, gear head mechanics and bailing my idiot brother out of trouble every other week, the last thing I have time for is a relationship.
I’ve tried it too many times, and the ridiculous reasons I always find to end it have become a running joke around the garage. But I’ve learned my lesson. No. More. Boyfriends.
I don’t care how many times Porter falls asleep drunk in my bed or how cute he looks covered in oil smears while I teach him how to fix up the vintage car he has rusting away in his garage, I’m not going to fall for him.
Even if I did, what do a mechanic and a veterinarian have in common anyway?
It’s better if we’re only friends… friends who occasionally fiddle with each other’s crankshafts…
Between running a garage full of beefed up, gear head mechanics and bailing my idiot brother out of trouble every other week, the last thing I have time for is a relationship.
I’ve tried it too many times, and the ridiculous reasons I always find to end it have become a running joke around the garage. But I’ve learned my lesson. No. More. Boyfriends.
I don’t care how many times Porter falls asleep drunk in my bed or how cute he looks covered in oil smears while I teach him how to fix up the vintage car he has rusting away in his garage, I’m not going to fall for him.
Even if I did, what do a mechanic and a veterinarian have in common anyway?
It’s better if we’re only friends… friends who occasionally fiddle with each other’s crankshafts…
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2022
990 people are currently reading
2076 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Neuhold
100 books3,318 followersK.M.Neuhold has long since been a romance junkie. When she’s not writing she’s reading or spending time snuggling with her husky or her husband. She fell in love with M/M romance last year and hasn’t been able to turn back. There’s nothing she loves more than love in all its forms.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 633 reviews
June 17, 2022
~3.5~
Crankshaft is a steamy, low-angst read featuring:
- opposites attract
- plenty of steam
- a cute husky and a bunch of bunnies
- friendship
- two MCs who know how to communicate
- supportive community (I love how the guys banded together to raise money for Porter's veterinary practice)
- HEA
One issue was the overbearing secondary plotline about Steele's brother, Gates, having a medical condition and rooming with Tallahassee, Steele's best friend. They are the MCs of the next book, and as tends to be the author's MO, we were overwhelmed with details about their comings and goings.
IMO, everything after Gates leaves without saying a word to anyone belongs in book 2. I don't need to be fed multiple "trailers" plugging the next book in a series if the book I have in hand is good. Authors, please stop that.
Crankshaft is a steamy, low-angst read featuring:
- opposites attract
- plenty of steam
- a cute husky and a bunch of bunnies
- friendship
- two MCs who know how to communicate
- supportive community (I love how the guys banded together to raise money for Porter's veterinary practice)
- HEA
One issue was the overbearing secondary plotline about Steele's brother, Gates, having a medical condition and rooming with Tallahassee, Steele's best friend. They are the MCs of the next book, and as tends to be the author's MO, we were overwhelmed with details about their comings and goings.
IMO, everything after Gates leaves without saying a word to anyone belongs in book 2. I don't need to be fed multiple "trailers" plugging the next book in a series if the book I have in hand is good. Authors, please stop that.
July 25, 2022
A fresh and gorgeous start of a new series in the Four Bears Construction universe.
Steele is a grumpy overworked mechanic running his own business. He's not able to delegate, especially not in his private life where his brother is basically sucking him dry with his demands and all his dates turn out to have a little flaw that results in Steele rather breaking things off than working on a relationship together.
The same goes for veterinarian Porter. Fresh out of vet school, he bought a vet clinic in town and tries to run it successfully while working his ass off to keep his clients (and their pets) happy and the corporate competition at bay.
A chance meeting between both men leads to some hilarious (and even sex-less) one night stands that show both men that they're not alone in their daily struggles - and that falling asleep on a hook-up - before sex - can be endearing.
This is a very sexy and beautifully sweet romance in the same wonderful tone as the Four Bear Construction series, just with the focus on a bunch of mechanics and their love interests.
I totally LOVED this <3
5 stars and a favorite!
Steele is a grumpy overworked mechanic running his own business. He's not able to delegate, especially not in his private life where his brother is basically sucking him dry with his demands and all his dates turn out to have a little flaw that results in Steele rather breaking things off than working on a relationship together.
The same goes for veterinarian Porter. Fresh out of vet school, he bought a vet clinic in town and tries to run it successfully while working his ass off to keep his clients (and their pets) happy and the corporate competition at bay.
A chance meeting between both men leads to some hilarious (and even sex-less) one night stands that show both men that they're not alone in their daily struggles - and that falling asleep on a hook-up - before sex - can be endearing.
This is a very sexy and beautifully sweet romance in the same wonderful tone as the Four Bear Construction series, just with the focus on a bunch of mechanics and their love interests.
I totally LOVED this <3
5 stars and a favorite!
June 4, 2022
[4.25* but know that the couple alone gets 5* because i have no semblance of a work-life balance myself and want to believe in the lovely notion that there's someone out there willing to understand and support me through my neuroses like they do for each other 😭]
after the final Bears book turned out to be a major flop for me, i admittedly flipped to the first page of this one with cautious optimism. but as i read more and more about Steele and Porter, no one could've stopped the heart eyes i was sporting by the end.
perhaps owing to the main sources of conflict being external, i could see with abundant clarity just how good they are for each other. even though they're both struggling with running their respective businesses—Steele as the boss of the Big Bull Mechanics and Porter as the single vet at his practice—and don't know how it's possible to sustain a relationship while juggling their myriad of responsibilities, the way they wouldn't hesitate to lend an ear and become each other's haven of solace in times of stress was absolute couple goals 🥺 the beginning started off a little shaky, but their relationship quickly caught its footing, and the progression followed an organic trajectory that had the romantic within me singing a chirpy tune.
Steele's considerate yet possessive, but never overbearingly so, nature and Toppy (heh) Porter's bountiful tenderness and love for animals were such a delight to read!
the Mechanics crew feel markedly more mellow than the Bears so far, but just, if not more, endearing in their own right (the bunny event at the end 🥺🐇). loved seeing how both groups have taken Porter under their wing and came together to support him in his time of need 💖 while i'm still in the middle of playing "spot the future pairings," i'm rather intrigued to see how everyone else's HEAs come about.
my least favorite aspect of the story, which unfortunately does take up quite a bit of pagetime, was Steele's younger brother Gates. i'm not sold on his character and wonder how he's going to redeem himself in the near future because a 40-year-old man-child is not attractive in the slightest. even when the main reason behind his tomfoolery came to light, it was honestly hard to muster more than a smidgen of sympathy, so we'll see 🤷🏻♀️
most importantly though, what's up with all the adorable furry friends i keep encountering in books as of late??? the urge to be a dog mom simply cannot get any higher at this point, but i'm also too much of a clean freak to believe i can be at peace with a dog hopping on my bed even if i crave some doggy cuddles 😂🐕
after the final Bears book turned out to be a major flop for me, i admittedly flipped to the first page of this one with cautious optimism. but as i read more and more about Steele and Porter, no one could've stopped the heart eyes i was sporting by the end.
perhaps owing to the main sources of conflict being external, i could see with abundant clarity just how good they are for each other. even though they're both struggling with running their respective businesses—Steele as the boss of the Big Bull Mechanics and Porter as the single vet at his practice—and don't know how it's possible to sustain a relationship while juggling their myriad of responsibilities, the way they wouldn't hesitate to lend an ear and become each other's haven of solace in times of stress was absolute couple goals 🥺 the beginning started off a little shaky, but their relationship quickly caught its footing, and the progression followed an organic trajectory that had the romantic within me singing a chirpy tune.
Steele's considerate yet possessive, but never overbearingly so, nature and Toppy (heh) Porter's bountiful tenderness and love for animals were such a delight to read!
the Mechanics crew feel markedly more mellow than the Bears so far, but just, if not more, endearing in their own right (the bunny event at the end 🥺🐇). loved seeing how both groups have taken Porter under their wing and came together to support him in his time of need 💖 while i'm still in the middle of playing "spot the future pairings," i'm rather intrigued to see how everyone else's HEAs come about.
my least favorite aspect of the story, which unfortunately does take up quite a bit of pagetime, was Steele's younger brother Gates. i'm not sold on his character and wonder how he's going to redeem himself in the near future because a 40-year-old man-child is not attractive in the slightest. even when the main reason behind his tomfoolery came to light, it was honestly hard to muster more than a smidgen of sympathy, so we'll see 🤷🏻♀️
most importantly though, what's up with all the adorable furry friends i keep encountering in books as of late??? the urge to be a dog mom simply cannot get any higher at this point, but i'm also too much of a clean freak to believe i can be at peace with a dog hopping on my bed even if i crave some doggy cuddles 😂🐕
June 2, 2022
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.***
Crankshaft is the first entry in the new Bull Mechanics series. Crankshaft is a spinoff of Four Bears Construction and starts a new series filled with hilarious hijinks and other silly antics with a whole new group of guys.
Crankshaft features a sweet opposites attract and age/gap romance between Steele and Porter. Steele is the owner of Bull Mechanics, struggling with loneliness and he unexpectedly connects with the new young veterinarian, Porter.
Porter is passionate about his work with animals, which is a major draw for Steele because of his new husky puppy, who is too adorable to bear. Both realize that they cannot ignore their shared connection and they need to learn how to create a healthy work/life balance.
Overall Crankshaft is a great beginning for a new series that appears to be just as fun and exciting as promised. I love meeting all of the new characters and seeing some familiar faces pop up along the way. Cannot wait for the next one.
Crankshaft is the first entry in the new Bull Mechanics series. Crankshaft is a spinoff of Four Bears Construction and starts a new series filled with hilarious hijinks and other silly antics with a whole new group of guys.
Crankshaft features a sweet opposites attract and age/gap romance between Steele and Porter. Steele is the owner of Bull Mechanics, struggling with loneliness and he unexpectedly connects with the new young veterinarian, Porter.
Porter is passionate about his work with animals, which is a major draw for Steele because of his new husky puppy, who is too adorable to bear. Both realize that they cannot ignore their shared connection and they need to learn how to create a healthy work/life balance.
Overall Crankshaft is a great beginning for a new series that appears to be just as fun and exciting as promised. I love meeting all of the new characters and seeing some familiar faces pop up along the way. Cannot wait for the next one.
June 3, 2022
Loved this opener to the new Big Bull Mechanics series
KM has a real talent for mixing sweetness with rough, salt of the earth guys who work an honest day and like a little spice on the side.
Her Four Bears series, from which this is a spin-off, played the mix perfectly and it looks likely that we're going to get a similar vibe here.
I absolutely adored that it was the lovely vet Porter, who we've got to know through his failed dates with the construction guys, who gets the first happy ending with Steele, boss of the mechanics.
It's alternatively sweet as candyfloss and hot as a volcano as both men fall into love while thinking they're both too busy for a relationship.
There's all sorts going on in the background too and there's got to be a book coming for Steele's brother Gates with his best mate Tallahassee otherwise I'll be gutted!
KM has a real talent for mixing sweetness with rough, salt of the earth guys who work an honest day and like a little spice on the side.
Her Four Bears series, from which this is a spin-off, played the mix perfectly and it looks likely that we're going to get a similar vibe here.
I absolutely adored that it was the lovely vet Porter, who we've got to know through his failed dates with the construction guys, who gets the first happy ending with Steele, boss of the mechanics.
It's alternatively sweet as candyfloss and hot as a volcano as both men fall into love while thinking they're both too busy for a relationship.
There's all sorts going on in the background too and there's got to be a book coming for Steele's brother Gates with his best mate Tallahassee otherwise I'll be gutted!
November 4, 2023
Loved it! Can't wait for more in this series
June 6, 2022
This was ok, I liked it but didn't love it. The 2 MCs are Steele and Porter. They were nice together but the early relationship development was lacking to me. The reasons they don't start a relationship right away were paper thin and we don't really see them getting to know each other. They are hot for each other, no doubt, but beyond that and both being business owners there wasn't much. We see their busy lives but they remain separate from the relationship for too long. I wish we had seem them bonding over their busy life progressively but that didn't really happen. Once they start "dating" it was way better but then came my second problem. Too much time devoted to Gates and Tallahassee (not sure of the spelling) the couple from the next book. There was the mystery around Gates' behaviour, his child-like disposition and the barely concealed relationship with Tal (we don't know much about that but there is clearly something. The trope for book 2 will clearly be "brother's best friend" and we already know Steele is firmly against Gates (his brother) dating his friends (Tal is his best friend). All in all not a bad book but nothing special and WAY too much time dedicated to another couple. As has been the case in other books we don't know much about Porter's background. Does he have a family? He seems attached to where they are (not sure where that is) but why? It was also a bit too heavy on the sex at the cost of deep conversations between them. I will still continue with this series because I enjoyed the big group scenes with the Bulls and the Bears.
October 29, 2025
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
I’ve been reading a lot of dark romance lately, and I love that for me and my spooky season, but I could use a teeny tiny break and what better than a super fluffy sexy cuddly time to re-energize me.
What I loved the most was the bit of role reversal, the dorky vet being a total top and the big buff mechanic a bottom. It was unexpected and hot.
AND, of course, Denali the sweet husky. Cute puppies will always make a read ten times better.
Crankshaft is exactly what you expect — a low-angst slightly instalove romance. It’s cute, with lots of found family. All of this to say, it isn’t a particularly special read. It’s a perfect-for-now book, what I needed in this moment, but not one I’ll forever keep. Still, if you need turn off your brain and just enjoy some love, this is a good pick.
NSFW info (spoilers):
- Vers MCs (one switch scene)
- Sexting/phone sex
- Rimming
- Edging
- Docking
- Frotting
- Shower sex
- Office sex
“All right, first thing’s first, I want to check the crankshaft.”
“Pretty sure I already did that.”
I’ve been reading a lot of dark romance lately, and I love that for me and my spooky season, but I could use a teeny tiny break and what better than a super fluffy sexy cuddly time to re-energize me.
“I love taking a beast of a man like you and turning him into soft putty in my hands”
What I loved the most was the bit of role reversal, the dorky vet being a total top and the big buff mechanic a bottom. It was unexpected and hot.
AND, of course, Denali the sweet husky. Cute puppies will always make a read ten times better.
Is there anything in the entire universe sweeter than a big, buff dude who’s nice to animals?
Crankshaft is exactly what you expect — a low-angst slightly instalove romance. It’s cute, with lots of found family. All of this to say, it isn’t a particularly special read. It’s a perfect-for-now book, what I needed in this moment, but not one I’ll forever keep. Still, if you need turn off your brain and just enjoy some love, this is a good pick.
He’s already moved into my heart, and there’s no getting him out. I don’t even want to.
NSFW info (spoilers):
- Vers MCs (one switch scene)
- Sexting/phone sex
- Rimming
- Edging
- Docking
- Frotting
- Shower sex
- Office sex
June 11, 2022
PORTER: I can’t decide right now between the fantasy of watching your cock bounce while you ride me or taking that beast into my throat until I choke on your cum.
I didn't have high or even any subtle kind of expectations for this book. Hell I didn't even want to add this to my tbr, but I'm a part of km's readers group and when she sent out a teaser for this book, omg, two sentences and I was like: I NEED TO READ THIS.
And my curiosity and enjoyment is well and truly satisfied.
“I fucking love the way you smell.”
I rasp a laugh. “I probably smell like sweat, grease, and motor oil.”
“Mm-hmm,” he hums in agreement, dragging his tongue up the column of my throat. “So fucking sexy.”every breath of Porter’s that flutters over my skin feels like a desperate kiss.but everything with Steele feels exactly right. He’s my person, and when you find your person, you don’t let them pass you by just because things might be hectic.
I think Porter and Steele might be my favorite couple, given I haven't read a lot of KM, but they definetly top the short list and I might reread this again in the future.
“I never expected to find you at the hardest time in my life, but you’ve made all the struggle worth it. I love you more than anything.”
I was very dissapointed with a lot of km's recent releases this year so the fact that this is just the epitome of 🤌🏼🥵🥵🤌🏼🤌🏼🥵 nails the park. I think I read one (or maybe 8) too many angsty, thrilling, action packed and adventurous books that I felt how much my brain was utterly FRIED while reading this. Like, I swear I keep reaching a new ultimatum of far can I break my brain.
Anyways, can't wait for book 2! And the premise of that is 🤯😱😱
“You could steal all my pickles,” I blurt.
Initial reactions:
I.... love this so much 💕💕
June 4, 2023
This book has so much and yet so little. I'm always frustrated when the plot is so broad or introduces so many characters that the focus distracts from the actual couple. That's the situation here as well. Everything is super nice and interesting, but I just didn't feel like I had enough "alone time" with Porter and Steele. So, I'm a little grumpy with this book.
At the same time, this book is so close to reality, life with all its stupid truths.
Own your own business. It’ll be fun. I roll my eyes at my continued stupidity. 🥺 me too buddy, me too 🥺
Maybe that's my problem though, I didn't feel swept away enough.
Anyway, I like Porter and Steele. Together they are fantastic. They support each other, they are slowly growing together as a couple, and they are in perfect harmony in bed.
rolling up his sleeve and showing me his arm. My mouth goes dry as I take in his veiny, muscled forearm, thick with dark hair and covered with tattoos. Are forearms supposed to be that hot? Is there porn dedicated to this surprisingly erotic part of the body? 🤩🤩🤩
I surprise myself, a possessive growl wrenching from my throat as I fuck him harder, wanting to find a way to imprint myself inside him, claim him so no one else will ever touch him but me. 😳😳😳
At the same time, this book is so close to reality, life with all its stupid truths.
Own your own business. It’ll be fun. I roll my eyes at my continued stupidity. 🥺 me too buddy, me too 🥺
Maybe that's my problem though, I didn't feel swept away enough.
Anyway, I like Porter and Steele. Together they are fantastic. They support each other, they are slowly growing together as a couple, and they are in perfect harmony in bed.
rolling up his sleeve and showing me his arm. My mouth goes dry as I take in his veiny, muscled forearm, thick with dark hair and covered with tattoos. Are forearms supposed to be that hot? Is there porn dedicated to this surprisingly erotic part of the body? 🤩🤩🤩
I surprise myself, a possessive growl wrenching from my throat as I fuck him harder, wanting to find a way to imprint myself inside him, claim him so no one else will ever touch him but me. 😳😳😳
May 25, 2022
Cute, quick read, with virtually no angst. Good amount of steam and holy hell the dirty talk 🙌🏻. Porter is certainly one of those "lady in the streets, freak in the sheets types." The mouth on him! 🔥🔥 Steele wasn't complaining one bit. In fact it was actually cute when Steele would get all growly over Porter. A possessive Steele is a yummy Steele. I was so happy that Porter finally found himself his forever guy. Instead of a Bear, he needed a Bull! Can't wait for the rest of the Mechanics to find their HEA. Maybe one of them will end up with a certain new vet we meet in this one!
August 26, 2022
reread: 26/8/22
i loved this as much as the first time. i can’t wait for the second book!!
original review:
as far as i’m concerned my pickles are his pickles.
i loved it, but it’s not a surprise, i love whatever this author writes. (edit: lmao i literally jinxed myself but whatever)
it’s this kind of books that make me believe in love. i’m going to sleep with the biggest smile on my face tonight.
i loved this as much as the first time. i can’t wait for the second book!!
original review:
as far as i’m concerned my pickles are his pickles.
i loved it, but it’s not a surprise, i love whatever this author writes. (edit: lmao i literally jinxed myself but whatever)
it’s this kind of books that make me believe in love. i’m going to sleep with the biggest smile on my face tonight.
July 15, 2025
After loving the Four Bears Construction series, of course I was going to read this linked series. I wish I hadn't waited so long.
I forgot how much I enjoyed this author, stories and characters.
Perfect for a low angst, homourous, and sexy read.
Looking forward to reading the rest of this series and other linked series.
I forgot how much I enjoyed this author, stories and characters.
Perfect for a low angst, homourous, and sexy read.
Looking forward to reading the rest of this series and other linked series.
November 19, 2023
3 stars
I'm torn.
Steele and Porter made for a very sweet couple, but so little actually happens in this novel. The only action is really about the couple starring in the next book which had me rolling my eyes a bit. The other issue they face is the lack of time to spend together, which is partly resolved but it felt like such an anticlimax.
There are lots of side characters now in this extended universe. I've read one other book in it, so I recognised some names but mostly it just went over my head and I completely zoned out when it came to the barbecues/friend events. I'm sure lots of readers enjoy the cameos but personally I don't care about characters who are not the love interest unless they have relevance to the plot.
There were things to like: domestic moments, reversal of stereotypical sexual roles, a possessive vibe (sue me), very cute cosy kisses; but it just wasn't enough to keep me fully engaged.
As a side note, I am legitimately outraged that it's mentioned that Porter's vet clinic does cat declaws. It's not relevant to the plot and is tossed in so casually that it made me recoil. Declawing a cat is a positively inhumane procedure which should be outlawed (except in some limited medically-recommended cases, of course). I almost DNF-ed at that point, and honestly I probably should have.
I'm torn.
Steele and Porter made for a very sweet couple, but so little actually happens in this novel. The only action is really about the couple starring in the next book which had me rolling my eyes a bit. The other issue they face is the lack of time to spend together, which is partly resolved but it felt like such an anticlimax.
There are lots of side characters now in this extended universe. I've read one other book in it, so I recognised some names but mostly it just went over my head and I completely zoned out when it came to the barbecues/friend events. I'm sure lots of readers enjoy the cameos but personally I don't care about characters who are not the love interest unless they have relevance to the plot.
There were things to like: domestic moments, reversal of stereotypical sexual roles, a possessive vibe (sue me), very cute cosy kisses; but it just wasn't enough to keep me fully engaged.
As a side note, I am legitimately outraged that it's mentioned that Porter's vet clinic does cat declaws. It's not relevant to the plot and is tossed in so casually that it made me recoil. Declawing a cat is a positively inhumane procedure which should be outlawed (except in some limited medically-recommended cases, of course). I almost DNF-ed at that point, and honestly I probably should have.
August 30, 2022
Another hit for Neuhold. Have to admit though, I wasn't sure after the way the Four Bears series got worse for each book.
November 11, 2022
So sweet & wholesome . Glad to be back in this universe with my lovable beefcakes .
June 30, 2022
I really enjoyed this sweet and sexy story. I liked the heroes and enjoyed the story they had to tell. I'm anxious to read the next book in the series. Definitely a light and satisfying read for me.
June 13, 2022
Colour me surprised! I had no idea that The Four Bear Constructors series has a spin-off, until yesterday.
Crankshaft is the first book in the new Bull Mechanics series by K.M.Neuhold. It features Steele, the owner of Bull Mechanics and a veterinarian named Porter. It's a aga gap, opposite attracts romance. We had met both of the main characters in the Four Bear Constructors series, even if briefly. So it was great to follow them and witness them falling in love. In this book, we also get to see the guys from the original series. It literally made me giddy with excitement. I'm glad that the guys are doing great. Talking about this book in particular, it wasn't anything special. The same old shit. No drama and a lot of fun. And I actually liked it. I enjoyed the simplicity of the story. It was sexy and funny. Overall, I had a pleasant time reading this book. Would recommend.
I am dying to get my hands on the second book. I have a feeling I'll love that one.
Crankshaft is the first book in the new Bull Mechanics series by K.M.Neuhold. It features Steele, the owner of Bull Mechanics and a veterinarian named Porter. It's a aga gap, opposite attracts romance. We had met both of the main characters in the Four Bear Constructors series, even if briefly. So it was great to follow them and witness them falling in love. In this book, we also get to see the guys from the original series. It literally made me giddy with excitement. I'm glad that the guys are doing great. Talking about this book in particular, it wasn't anything special. The same old shit. No drama and a lot of fun. And I actually liked it. I enjoyed the simplicity of the story. It was sexy and funny. Overall, I had a pleasant time reading this book. Would recommend.
I am dying to get my hands on the second book. I have a feeling I'll love that one.
Read
June 6, 2022it was alright but it should say something that i was free the whole day yesterday and still couldn't complete it💀
September 21, 2022
I think I may have enjoyed this even more as an audiobook. Narrators Tim Paige and Liam DiCosimo are both new to me but they did such a great job of each character, and really the tone of the whole book. I love dual narration, and I hope to listen to more books by them.
My original review when I read it still stands, but if you like audiobooks you should absolutely give this one a go.
Original Review:
“As far as I’m concerned, my pickles are his pickles. Yes, in the dirty way too.”
Classic KM Neuhold! For those that have been mourning the loss of the Four Bears series, fear not, Big Bull Mechanics have strolled in to steal your hearts, make you hot and bothered, and give you a good laugh. And you still get to catch glimpses of your previous Bear crushes.
Enter Porter (our adorable and slightly nerdy-dirty talking Vet with a thing for a strong man who knows how to work with his hands) and Steele (the stoic owner of Big Bull Mechanics, whose heart is so big he barely has time to breathe, let alone date).
This two will make you swoon, giggle, and realize that life is always better with someone to share your life, worries, and laughs with. Though they worry they can’t give enough of themselves to the other, they eventually discover that giving yourself doesn’t mean having to drop everything else…it means you get to do it together.
“Uh, no, of course not”, I lie again, sternly reminding myself to protect these emotionally delicate mechanics from the harsh realities of nature’”
This is a wonderful angsty free, dirty talking, age gap, puppy owning tale to make you wish for your very own Big Bull.
4.5 drool-worthy stars
My original review when I read it still stands, but if you like audiobooks you should absolutely give this one a go.
Original Review:
“As far as I’m concerned, my pickles are his pickles. Yes, in the dirty way too.”
Classic KM Neuhold! For those that have been mourning the loss of the Four Bears series, fear not, Big Bull Mechanics have strolled in to steal your hearts, make you hot and bothered, and give you a good laugh. And you still get to catch glimpses of your previous Bear crushes.
Enter Porter (our adorable and slightly nerdy-dirty talking Vet with a thing for a strong man who knows how to work with his hands) and Steele (the stoic owner of Big Bull Mechanics, whose heart is so big he barely has time to breathe, let alone date).
This two will make you swoon, giggle, and realize that life is always better with someone to share your life, worries, and laughs with. Though they worry they can’t give enough of themselves to the other, they eventually discover that giving yourself doesn’t mean having to drop everything else…it means you get to do it together.
“Uh, no, of course not”, I lie again, sternly reminding myself to protect these emotionally delicate mechanics from the harsh realities of nature’”
This is a wonderful angsty free, dirty talking, age gap, puppy owning tale to make you wish for your very own Big Bull.
4.5 drool-worthy stars
July 21, 2022
3.5 ⭐️
This was not my usual trope read:
sweet, but not shy geeky veterinarian/grumpy, beast of a mechanic
Age gap (15 years)
Size difference
No angst
Humor
Actually interested in the side characters. Curious to see where their stories go - Shep, Auggie, and Tallahassee
mini review while on vacation
This was not my usual trope read:
sweet, but not shy geeky veterinarian/grumpy, beast of a mechanic
Age gap (15 years)
Size difference
No angst
Humor
Actually interested in the side characters. Curious to see where their stories go - Shep, Auggie, and Tallahassee
mini review while on vacation
September 18, 2025
Dulce, romántico, divertido
Poter está cansado, nunca pensó que tener su propia clínica veterinaria fuera tan difícil, no tiene tiempo para sus amigos ni para buscar una pareja. Sin embargo, el destino decidió otra cosa, y apareció en su chicas el hombre que podría ser su para siempre. Será capaz de aceptar esta relación? Será capaz de permitir abrirse de nuevo a la vida?
Este es uno de esos libros que son entretenidos de comienzo a fin. Un inicio de serie spinof con todos los personajes de la original, que te dan esa sensación de conocerlos a todos.
En cuanto a la trama, es muy sencilla, low-angs, dulce y divertida, con protagonistas igual de sencillos y divertidos, que te entretiene un rato.
En fin, es una serie que quiero continuar más adelante.
Poter está cansado, nunca pensó que tener su propia clínica veterinaria fuera tan difícil, no tiene tiempo para sus amigos ni para buscar una pareja. Sin embargo, el destino decidió otra cosa, y apareció en su chicas el hombre que podría ser su para siempre. Será capaz de aceptar esta relación? Será capaz de permitir abrirse de nuevo a la vida?
Este es uno de esos libros que son entretenidos de comienzo a fin. Un inicio de serie spinof con todos los personajes de la original, que te dan esa sensación de conocerlos a todos.
En cuanto a la trama, es muy sencilla, low-angs, dulce y divertida, con protagonistas igual de sencillos y divertidos, que te entretiene un rato.
En fin, es una serie que quiero continuar más adelante.
May 21, 2022
I could not have loved these two together more. They were just so perfect for one another. There were just as many laugh out loud moments as there were moments that made me sigh.
Porter is a new vet learning to juggle running a practice and all that goes with it. Steele is owner of Big Bull Mechanics and struggling to find some work/life balance. Neither of these men have time for a relationship. Until they decide to make time, that is. The chemistry between the two sizzles on the pages. Their feelings grow without them even realizing it and my smile just grew bigger and bigger the softer they got with one another.
We, of course, meet the rest of the gang and they are all so lovable. Well, Gates could use some work. The brotherhood that is between these men is real and genuine. It’s such a wonderful picture of platonic and non-toxic love between a group of men.
These “emotionally delicate mechanics” are definitely going to be top contenders for my favorite Neuhold character, I can just feel it.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Porter is a new vet learning to juggle running a practice and all that goes with it. Steele is owner of Big Bull Mechanics and struggling to find some work/life balance. Neither of these men have time for a relationship. Until they decide to make time, that is. The chemistry between the two sizzles on the pages. Their feelings grow without them even realizing it and my smile just grew bigger and bigger the softer they got with one another.
We, of course, meet the rest of the gang and they are all so lovable. Well, Gates could use some work. The brotherhood that is between these men is real and genuine. It’s such a wonderful picture of platonic and non-toxic love between a group of men.
These “emotionally delicate mechanics” are definitely going to be top contenders for my favorite Neuhold character, I can just feel it.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
August 25, 2022
3 “I’d let you steal my pickles” stars
This was cute… but maybe if I read her “Four Bears Construction” series I would have enjoyed it more…?
Overall cute but kinda forgettable… 😬
This was cute… but maybe if I read her “Four Bears Construction” series I would have enjoyed it more…?
Overall cute but kinda forgettable… 😬
June 4, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Crankshaft is the first book in K.M. Neuhold’s new Big Bull Mechanics series, which spins off from her popular Four Bears Construction series. We met Porter (and maybe Steele?) in Four Bears and there is crossover here among the side characters, as the mechanics and construction guys are friends and socialize a lot together. This book, and presumably the rest of the series, is very much in that same style of lots of humor and playfulness, a sweet and sexy connection among the main characters, and a nice found family vibe to the side characters. So if you liked the Bears books, I am sure you will enjoy this one too.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Crankshaft is the first book in K.M. Neuhold’s new Big Bull Mechanics series, which spins off from her popular Four Bears Construction series. We met Porter (and maybe Steele?) in Four Bears and there is crossover here among the side characters, as the mechanics and construction guys are friends and socialize a lot together. This book, and presumably the rest of the series, is very much in that same style of lots of humor and playfulness, a sweet and sexy connection among the main characters, and a nice found family vibe to the side characters. So if you liked the Bears books, I am sure you will enjoy this one too.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
Read
December 21, 2025Honestly, I only got to 38% on this one and it was okay but it was just a lot of hanky-panky inside their brains cause they weren’t even doing any of that in real time and and they had like a lot of opportunities to get it on, but something always came up. Oh also they were was always like I just can’t do it right now because I’m really busy but you’re dreaming about it so I don’t understand why you just can’t get it over with. It was just dragging on for too long and I was just getting tired of them dreaming about doing each other and the vet was complaining about how we wanted to do the other guy so much I was like yeah I’m good.
June 8, 2022
Porter finally found his man! I felt so bad for him every time he got set up with someone in the Four Bears Construction series just to find out their heart already belonged to someone else. He seemed so sweet and smart and his love of animals was endearing, but things never worked out for him. I'm glad he finally got his well earned and deserved HEA with Steele.
I liked that this was an age-gap romance, but that the gap was never acknowledged. So many authors tend to shove age differences down our throats or use them for drama, but the 15 year difference between Porter and Steele was a complete non-issue. They never even talked about it, which was really refreshing.
I also liked that there was no conflict as far as their feelings for each other went. They both owned businesses and had very little time to devote to finding love. It made them hesitant. But once they stopped fighting it and just went with the flow, everything fell into place fairly easily. There was no angst, lots of steam and a fun group of side characters who will surely get their own books in the future. I loved seeing all of the Bears and their significant others again. Good to know they all still act like overgrown children (in the best way possible, of course).
My only complaint was that a secondary plot line stole a lot of the limelight and distracted me from the central story several times. If it was meant to pique my interest in the next book, it definitely did that. Unfortunately I felt like it also infringed on Porter and Steele's story. Regardless, it was a fun and heartwarming book filled with puppies, bunnies and a foul-mouthed parrot. You can't go wrong with that level of cuteness. I guess I'll just have to pack my patience and wait to find out what's going on between Tallahassee and Gates.
I liked that this was an age-gap romance, but that the gap was never acknowledged. So many authors tend to shove age differences down our throats or use them for drama, but the 15 year difference between Porter and Steele was a complete non-issue. They never even talked about it, which was really refreshing.
I also liked that there was no conflict as far as their feelings for each other went. They both owned businesses and had very little time to devote to finding love. It made them hesitant. But once they stopped fighting it and just went with the flow, everything fell into place fairly easily. There was no angst, lots of steam and a fun group of side characters who will surely get their own books in the future. I loved seeing all of the Bears and their significant others again. Good to know they all still act like overgrown children (in the best way possible, of course).
My only complaint was that a secondary plot line stole a lot of the limelight and distracted me from the central story several times. If it was meant to pique my interest in the next book, it definitely did that. Unfortunately I felt like it also infringed on Porter and Steele's story. Regardless, it was a fun and heartwarming book filled with puppies, bunnies and a foul-mouthed parrot. You can't go wrong with that level of cuteness. I guess I'll just have to pack my patience and wait to find out what's going on between Tallahassee and Gates.
June 9, 2022
Wisconsin, a new spinoff series from the Four Bears Construction stories !
They meet at a bar, dance, flirt, kiss, and that is only the beginning, because what happens when Steele's dog finds bunnies?
We see reluctant Steele, (cover) rethinking his no-date outlook. He's owner of a Mechanic Shop, big, tall, burly bear with blue eyes,
and has a Husky, Denali.
Porter, is a stocky, nerdy looking guy with glasses,
and is struggling in his newly opened Veterinary business, and has low self esteem, figuring he's screwed up his chances with Steele.
But, no, they clicked, so the flirting takes over and their sexy times are hot and wild. They take turns topping, talk dirty and love to cuddle.
The mechanics at the shop are fun, Steele's brother is mysterious, plus Porter is lovely, but has a new set of friends to make his life full.
I liked the cute banter, the raucous friends, and our two men getting to know each other as they progress.
Our men find their HEA in a terrific epilogue.
ENJOY !
=====
They meet at a bar, dance, flirt, kiss, and that is only the beginning, because what happens when Steele's dog finds bunnies?
We see reluctant Steele, (cover) rethinking his no-date outlook. He's owner of a Mechanic Shop, big, tall, burly bear with blue eyes,
and has a Husky, Denali.
Porter, is a stocky, nerdy looking guy with glasses,
and is struggling in his newly opened Veterinary business, and has low self esteem, figuring he's screwed up his chances with Steele.
But, no, they clicked, so the flirting takes over and their sexy times are hot and wild. They take turns topping, talk dirty and love to cuddle.
The mechanics at the shop are fun, Steele's brother is mysterious, plus Porter is lovely, but has a new set of friends to make his life full.
I liked the cute banter, the raucous friends, and our two men getting to know each other as they progress.
Our men find their HEA in a terrific epilogue.
ENJOY !
=====
November 22, 2023
CRANKSHAFT was a lot of fun and included everything I love from a K.M. Neuhold romance -- lovable characters, low-angst relationships, lots of steam, and adorable animals. Steele and Porter were great together and I loved how they reminded each other to take a step back from work and responsibilities and not neglect themselves. They both think they're too busy for a relationship -- Steele with his mechanic shop and Porter with his new veterinarian clinic -- but once their paths start crossing, they can't stay away from each other. The chemistry was off the charts and Porter about killed me with his dirty talk. After reading this I'm really looking forward to the rest of the BIG BULL MECHANICS series!
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Favorite Quotes:
I can feel the curve of Porter’s smile against my lips as I lean over and kiss him. Every ounce of joy that’s radiating off him tastes sweet as hell. My heart pounds faster, longing and something I refuse to put a name to right now make me want to crawl over the counter and kiss him even harder.
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Connected Series:
1. Four Bears Construction
2. Big Bull Mechanics
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Favorite Quotes:
I can feel the curve of Porter’s smile against my lips as I lean over and kiss him. Every ounce of joy that’s radiating off him tastes sweet as hell. My heart pounds faster, longing and something I refuse to put a name to right now make me want to crawl over the counter and kiss him even harder.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Connected Series:
1. Four Bears Construction
2. Big Bull Mechanics
June 5, 2022
This was a sweet and fluffy Story and I really liked it.
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