What do you think?
Rate this book
Fixer Upper #2
Hot Rod Hookups
What happens in the backseat, stays in the backseat.
Shawn Cobb assumed adulthood would be easy: work hard, play hard, find a nice Christian girl and settle down. How tough could it be? Even his little sister can do it.
But now his job is at standstill, his crush has a girlfriend, and he's stuck fixing up a broken-down 1954 Chevy Bel Air with his grandpa. That is, until a buxom bartender needs his help with a sticky situation.
Jess White is a mechanic by day, bartender by night– with a sexy athlete boyfriend to boot. And things are starting to get serious: so serious, that her boyfriend wants her to give up her day job.
But when her career change gets her kicked out of her house and one of her regulars needs her expertise to get his vintage hot rod road-ready, she questions why she ever hung up the wrench in the first place. After all, Shawn doesn’t seem to mind when she gets a little dirty…
Can the two of them get away with mixing work and pleasure? Or is this whole affair about to backfire?
Hot Rod Hookups is a contemporary romance with themes of small town life, coming of age, and finding purpose. It is the stand-alone sequel to Betting on the House, Fixer Upper Romance Book 1.
Shawn Cobb assumed adulthood would be easy: work hard, play hard, find a nice Christian girl and settle down. How tough could it be? Even his little sister can do it.
But now his job is at standstill, his crush has a girlfriend, and he's stuck fixing up a broken-down 1954 Chevy Bel Air with his grandpa. That is, until a buxom bartender needs his help with a sticky situation.
Jess White is a mechanic by day, bartender by night– with a sexy athlete boyfriend to boot. And things are starting to get serious: so serious, that her boyfriend wants her to give up her day job.
But when her career change gets her kicked out of her house and one of her regulars needs her expertise to get his vintage hot rod road-ready, she questions why she ever hung up the wrench in the first place. After all, Shawn doesn’t seem to mind when she gets a little dirty…
Can the two of them get away with mixing work and pleasure? Or is this whole affair about to backfire?
Hot Rod Hookups is a contemporary romance with themes of small town life, coming of age, and finding purpose. It is the stand-alone sequel to Betting on the House, Fixer Upper Romance Book 1.
298 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2022
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Did Not Finish
November 29, 2023DNF at 20%. The author very sweetly gave me an audiobook copy cause she saw I love virgin heroes and this book has one.
However, I hate reading romances where my main characters are in romantic relationships that are not with the future partner. Especially when they are noticing the future partner and thinking how attractive they are. It just feels like the future relationship is doomed to fail because the main character doesn't know how to commit.
In this case, our heroine is having good sex with her boyfriend. And she feels like she's in love with the guy and thinking about their future. He's a bit controlling and doesn't like her to work at her father's garage. He's also rich and she's not.
The hero is in love with his best friend who recently started dating a woman.
We get to see the main characters flirt and feel attracted to each other.
It doesn't feel like a romance I prefer to read.
However, I hate reading romances where my main characters are in romantic relationships that are not with the future partner. Especially when they are noticing the future partner and thinking how attractive they are. It just feels like the future relationship is doomed to fail because the main character doesn't know how to commit.
In this case, our heroine is having good sex with her boyfriend. And she feels like she's in love with the guy and thinking about their future. He's a bit controlling and doesn't like her to work at her father's garage. He's also rich and she's not.
The hero is in love with his best friend who recently started dating a woman.
We get to see the main characters flirt and feel attracted to each other.
It doesn't feel like a romance I prefer to read.
May 26, 2022
The concept of this story is good. The characters are fun, entertaining and the unlikely love story is intriguing.
Shawn is down in the dump because nothing seems to be going right for him. His love life is non exist and his job is at a dead end. Still he remains cheerful and help others whenever he can. Jesse is a bartender, car mechanic. She enjoys both these jobs until a possessive boyfriend puts ideas in her head. She is too good to work with greasy old men! Shawn is attracted to her and her physique makes it hard for him to ignore the attraction. She works part time in her father's garage and is good at it, but her no good boyfriend suggests that she quits. It's not a job for the ladies. She falls out with her father and moves in with a newcomer in town. She is paired with Shawn for the decorating of her room and he can't keep his eyes off her. During that time their friendship becomes more. Slowly but surely they fall for each other, but his family background prevents him from taking it further. Will he resolve all his problems and have the life that he deserves?
Grandad is quite the character and one can't help but love him. Melanie discusses the most unusual subject with her bother Shawn which on its own is funnily embarrassing. Shawn is enlightened in his love life and Jess is only too happy to help. It's a good storyline which brings the HEA that they both want.
I received an eARC from BookSirens and the views expressed are my personal opinion.
Shawn is down in the dump because nothing seems to be going right for him. His love life is non exist and his job is at a dead end. Still he remains cheerful and help others whenever he can. Jesse is a bartender, car mechanic. She enjoys both these jobs until a possessive boyfriend puts ideas in her head. She is too good to work with greasy old men! Shawn is attracted to her and her physique makes it hard for him to ignore the attraction. She works part time in her father's garage and is good at it, but her no good boyfriend suggests that she quits. It's not a job for the ladies. She falls out with her father and moves in with a newcomer in town. She is paired with Shawn for the decorating of her room and he can't keep his eyes off her. During that time their friendship becomes more. Slowly but surely they fall for each other, but his family background prevents him from taking it further. Will he resolve all his problems and have the life that he deserves?
Grandad is quite the character and one can't help but love him. Melanie discusses the most unusual subject with her bother Shawn which on its own is funnily embarrassing. Shawn is enlightened in his love life and Jess is only too happy to help. It's a good storyline which brings the HEA that they both want.
I received an eARC from BookSirens and the views expressed are my personal opinion.
May 20, 2022
This was a good read. It was fun and lighthearted. It is a great standalone although I wish I knew more about Bonnie and Natalie. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
June 30, 2022
3.75/5
This book was fun and entertaining. Grandad made for a funny character who was being cared for by Shawn. Jess works in her fathers shop and is at home with the car garage.
Jess: a strong girl who shows independence. She works as a bartender and in a mechanic shop.
my only minor annoyance with Jess was how she wanted to listen and do what her boyfriend said. Even though it may not be what was best for her.
Shawn: I loved Shawn. A handyman that can kind of do it all. He seemed sweet and caring, a healthy mix of clueless in as well. It was incredibly amusing to see how Shawn explained sexual situations to his clueless sister.
“Look, you eat bananas, right?” Shawn asked.
Jess’s jaw dropped. He was not.”
*I received an advanced reader copy in return for an honest review*
This book was fun and entertaining. Grandad made for a funny character who was being cared for by Shawn. Jess works in her fathers shop and is at home with the car garage.
Jess: a strong girl who shows independence. She works as a bartender and in a mechanic shop.
my only minor annoyance with Jess was how she wanted to listen and do what her boyfriend said. Even though it may not be what was best for her.
Shawn: I loved Shawn. A handyman that can kind of do it all. He seemed sweet and caring, a healthy mix of clueless in as well. It was incredibly amusing to see how Shawn explained sexual situations to his clueless sister.
“Look, you eat bananas, right?” Shawn asked.
Jess’s jaw dropped. He was not.”
*I received an advanced reader copy in return for an honest review*
April 18, 2023
I received an ARC of this book.
My start review is really a 3.5. I almost gave up right from the start because the first few pages didn't grab me and I was afraid one of the main characters (Shawn) was going to be portrayed as an uneducated and almost slow. Thankfully his interactions quickly changed and he was represented as an honest and good worker who loves his family and friends. I am glad that I continued to read this book past my original thoughts because it was a fun rom-com with a friends to lovers trope.
My start review is really a 3.5. I almost gave up right from the start because the first few pages didn't grab me and I was afraid one of the main characters (Shawn) was going to be portrayed as an uneducated and almost slow. Thankfully his interactions quickly changed and he was represented as an honest and good worker who loves his family and friends. I am glad that I continued to read this book past my original thoughts because it was a fun rom-com with a friends to lovers trope.
June 4, 2023
I loved this book! It’s definitely my favorite out of the whole series so far! I have always held a special place in my heart for Shawn and this book did not disappoint!
May 23, 2022
I loved this! The chemistry that was built up was amazing and felt natural. The characters seemed realistic and well fleshed out. The plot was simple but it flowed really well and kept my interest. I think most of the beauty of this book is in its simplicity.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 15, 2023
I received a free copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. It was a cute story that I truly enjoyed reading! I will definitely have to keep an eye out for Cassandra’s Medcalfs other books. Thank you very much for such a fun read!
March 11, 2023
Jess works as a mechanic for her dad during the day and a bartender at night. When Jess’ boyfriend Kyle, thinks she needs to stop spending time around greasy guys at the auto body shop, her dad kicks her out.
Shawn is a contractor out of work for the winter. He spends his time helping his crush fix up her newly inherited house and fixing up his vintage hot rod.
When Shawn and Jess end up spending time together painting her new bedroom and working on his old car, Jess realizes Kyle might be holding her back, and she just might be able to help Shawn with some “new experiences”
Hot Rod Hookups was a very cute. From a FMM who isn’t afraid to take charge and be a woman in a “male” profession, to an adorable MMC who is breaking away from purity culture and is ready for a girl friend.
I thought Jess and Shawn’s relationship felt really organic. While there wasn’t a LOT of spice, the spice that was there was really well written and helped move the story along.
I also loved that even though Jess was “curvy” that was never the main point of her personality. There was nothing about her feeling self conscious or trying to be body positive. She just was. She was big, beautiful and bold. Asked for what she wanted and didn’t accept less. I loved her.
This was the first book by Medcalf I’ve read, but now I definitely want to read more!
Shawn is a contractor out of work for the winter. He spends his time helping his crush fix up her newly inherited house and fixing up his vintage hot rod.
When Shawn and Jess end up spending time together painting her new bedroom and working on his old car, Jess realizes Kyle might be holding her back, and she just might be able to help Shawn with some “new experiences”
Hot Rod Hookups was a very cute. From a FMM who isn’t afraid to take charge and be a woman in a “male” profession, to an adorable MMC who is breaking away from purity culture and is ready for a girl friend.
I thought Jess and Shawn’s relationship felt really organic. While there wasn’t a LOT of spice, the spice that was there was really well written and helped move the story along.
I also loved that even though Jess was “curvy” that was never the main point of her personality. There was nothing about her feeling self conscious or trying to be body positive. She just was. She was big, beautiful and bold. Asked for what she wanted and didn’t accept less. I loved her.
This was the first book by Medcalf I’ve read, but now I definitely want to read more!
June 26, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review of my own will.
This was a solid three star read for me. I had a lot going on while reading it, but nevertheless it was really cute. I am
So hoping that this author continues to do a NaNoWriMo and writes more. I liked her style, the prose of the novel. The dialogue was fantastically written. Realistic.
Shawn and Jess were so cute. The fact that Jess was a plus sized heroine made this even better, and the best part was that it wasn’t something to be made fun it or a plot device. She just was bigger. Shawn liked her as her.
It was cute. I’m almost mad that I didn’t read the first book in this series, but it is completely readable on its own.
The only downside was the character of Kyle. He was just so awful, and frankly unenjoyable to read when he was on stage in this book.
I would recommend this to anyone who’s looking for a light fluffy romance with little to no angst or drama. We know what we’re getting with this one.
Check it out!
This was a solid three star read for me. I had a lot going on while reading it, but nevertheless it was really cute. I am
So hoping that this author continues to do a NaNoWriMo and writes more. I liked her style, the prose of the novel. The dialogue was fantastically written. Realistic.
Shawn and Jess were so cute. The fact that Jess was a plus sized heroine made this even better, and the best part was that it wasn’t something to be made fun it or a plot device. She just was bigger. Shawn liked her as her.
It was cute. I’m almost mad that I didn’t read the first book in this series, but it is completely readable on its own.
The only downside was the character of Kyle. He was just so awful, and frankly unenjoyable to read when he was on stage in this book.
I would recommend this to anyone who’s looking for a light fluffy romance with little to no angst or drama. We know what we’re getting with this one.
Check it out!
June 30, 2022
Thank you to Reedsy Discovery for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
One of my favorite things about reading a book is not knowing all the ways you, as the reader, might relate with the characters on the page. Not only did I relate to Jess having a father who runs his own business as a mechanic, but I also related to Shawn who grew up surrounded by religious based purity culture.
Hot Rod Hookups is book 2 in a series, which I didn’t realize until after I had started reading. Thankfully the characters and their relationship to one another was self explanatory, and I truly didn’t feel like I was diving in mid series. This novel is a contemporary romance that focuses on family bonds, small town vibes, manual labor, and learning to trust in your own strengths and capabilities.
I enjoyed that while our main characters were clearly end game, they seemingly had no idea. Jess starts off the novel with a college boyfriend, and Shawn is still pining over a main character from book 1 in the series. It’s up to happenstance that these two begin to hit it off, and the relationship develops as they morph steadily into their true selves.
Both Jess and Shawn struggle with the self confidence to fully explore who they are, and what goals they have for their futures. Each character has a very unique support system including family members, friends, and coworkers who push them to realize their full potential.
This romance sizzles on the page in a slow burn that finally ignites in a grand finale. Their eventual union is well worth the wait, and made even sweeter by watching them overcome their struggles in order to discover their true selves.
Trigger Warning: car accident fatality/death of a mom - there are scenes alluding to the accident and it is not in any way described in graphic detail
One of my favorite things about reading a book is not knowing all the ways you, as the reader, might relate with the characters on the page. Not only did I relate to Jess having a father who runs his own business as a mechanic, but I also related to Shawn who grew up surrounded by religious based purity culture.
Hot Rod Hookups is book 2 in a series, which I didn’t realize until after I had started reading. Thankfully the characters and their relationship to one another was self explanatory, and I truly didn’t feel like I was diving in mid series. This novel is a contemporary romance that focuses on family bonds, small town vibes, manual labor, and learning to trust in your own strengths and capabilities.
I enjoyed that while our main characters were clearly end game, they seemingly had no idea. Jess starts off the novel with a college boyfriend, and Shawn is still pining over a main character from book 1 in the series. It’s up to happenstance that these two begin to hit it off, and the relationship develops as they morph steadily into their true selves.
Both Jess and Shawn struggle with the self confidence to fully explore who they are, and what goals they have for their futures. Each character has a very unique support system including family members, friends, and coworkers who push them to realize their full potential.
This romance sizzles on the page in a slow burn that finally ignites in a grand finale. Their eventual union is well worth the wait, and made even sweeter by watching them overcome their struggles in order to discover their true selves.
Trigger Warning: car accident fatality/death of a mom - there are scenes alluding to the accident and it is not in any way described in graphic detail
October 27, 2023
Categorization:
Contemporary sweet (as in opposite to dark) MF romance. Single timeline. Dual POV. Third Person. Part of stand alone series.
Ratings
General: 3.75⭐
Spice: 1.75🌶️
(2 descriptive scenes, talk about s*x)
Tropes:
- Friends to lovers
- Slow-burn
- Virgin hero
- Curvy heroine
My thoughts:
- The plot is very simple, but I wouldn't call it boring. All the setup and the protagonist seem to be very real and believable. I would describe this book as fun, lighthearted and entertaining.
- No perfect bodies with perfect abs, asses, boobs etc, etc and I am all about it.
- I really like the relationship dynamic between Shawn and Jess and just how they progressed from just a bartender and a customer to friends and then to lovers.
- Jess is my kind of heroine who does what she loves not worrying if it might seem to be a man or a woman thing to go, even though there was a hiccup with that because of her douchebag ex.
- Shawn is a cinnamon-roll hardworking handyman and I love it.
Contemporary sweet (as in opposite to dark) MF romance. Single timeline. Dual POV. Third Person. Part of stand alone series.
Ratings
General: 3.75⭐
Spice: 1.75🌶️
(2 descriptive scenes, talk about s*x)
Tropes:
- Friends to lovers
- Slow-burn
- Virgin hero
- Curvy heroine
My thoughts:
- The plot is very simple, but I wouldn't call it boring. All the setup and the protagonist seem to be very real and believable. I would describe this book as fun, lighthearted and entertaining.
- No perfect bodies with perfect abs, asses, boobs etc, etc and I am all about it.
- I really like the relationship dynamic between Shawn and Jess and just how they progressed from just a bartender and a customer to friends and then to lovers.
- Jess is my kind of heroine who does what she loves not worrying if it might seem to be a man or a woman thing to go, even though there was a hiccup with that because of her douchebag ex.
- Shawn is a cinnamon-roll hardworking handyman and I love it.
June 10, 2022
This is the second book in the Fixer Upper Romance series by Cassandra Medcalf. This is the first book I have read by this author but definitely not the last. I enjoyed this book very much. I found this book funny, romantic, steamy, and loaded with strong female characters. None of these women needed men to "save" them, they could do that all on their own. It was refreshing to see the male lead character as the virgin and not the woman. I loved the slow build up from friends to lovers between Shawn and Jess. I felt that Shawn was a strong man who knew his own worth when he said he found it sexy that Jess worked on cars as a mechanic. It was great to see a woman working in a "man's" world doing a job that was/is mostly men's work. I found myself rooting for Jess to keep her job and continue to be happy with who she was.
I received this book as an Arc and am leaving a review voluntarily.
I received this book as an Arc and am leaving a review voluntarily.
February 24, 2023
Adorable fixer upper romance. My first read in this catagory and adored it.
I listened to the audiobook, and I'll be honest it was the author's voice that first drew my interest all together. Narration is absolutely Superb! Diction, inflection, raising and lowering the tones between scenes, characters, etc. Drew me in and helped keep me there just as much as the plot.
The authors words selection really helps to put you right there in the backseat of that 1954 Chevy Bel Air. I loved seeing the growth in the characters as the story built. I found there was a rational and reasonable buildup of relationships and suspense when necessary. I haven't given many book reviews so I'm afraid to spoil but highly recommend. If you like romance, if you like a good audiobook that really pulls you into that world, if you love a narrator who really knows how to serve the juicy stuff on the platter, this book WILL NOT disappoint!
I listened to the audiobook, and I'll be honest it was the author's voice that first drew my interest all together. Narration is absolutely Superb! Diction, inflection, raising and lowering the tones between scenes, characters, etc. Drew me in and helped keep me there just as much as the plot.
The authors words selection really helps to put you right there in the backseat of that 1954 Chevy Bel Air. I loved seeing the growth in the characters as the story built. I found there was a rational and reasonable buildup of relationships and suspense when necessary. I haven't given many book reviews so I'm afraid to spoil but highly recommend. If you like romance, if you like a good audiobook that really pulls you into that world, if you love a narrator who really knows how to serve the juicy stuff on the platter, this book WILL NOT disappoint!
May 1, 2023
Shawn stole my heart from the minute I met him in the first book of this series. He's loyal to a fault and will do anything for his friends. His strenght is also his flaw. He will put his own needs on the backburner to keep his friends and family happy.
This book starts with him kind of realizing his life could be better. He doesn't have a lot of work which causes him to stress about money and the woman he was interested in has found herself a sweetheart.
I liked how Shawn and Jess went from acquaintances to friends to lovers. It took some time which was good for me. I was afraid there was gonna be some cheating involved and I was happy that wasn't the case.
We also get a sweet grandparent and lovely grandson-grandfather story which I wouldn't have mind to read more about.
I thought I was gonna see Natalie and Bonnie more in this story but found out I didn't really miss them at all. Shawn's story was strong and interesting enough to keep me engaged.
This book starts with him kind of realizing his life could be better. He doesn't have a lot of work which causes him to stress about money and the woman he was interested in has found herself a sweetheart.
I liked how Shawn and Jess went from acquaintances to friends to lovers. It took some time which was good for me. I was afraid there was gonna be some cheating involved and I was happy that wasn't the case.
We also get a sweet grandparent and lovely grandson-grandfather story which I wouldn't have mind to read more about.
I thought I was gonna see Natalie and Bonnie more in this story but found out I didn't really miss them at all. Shawn's story was strong and interesting enough to keep me engaged.
August 17, 2022
This was a first time read for me by this author and I found it to be quite an entertaining read. It's a fun, unique, and quirky story that gave me some good laughs and left me with a smile on my face when I was done. Shawn's life doesn't seem to be going anywhere, neither in his personal nor professional. He's in a bit of a slump, but he still maintains a positive front. Jesse has two jobs and enjoys both and she also has a boyfriend. But then he starts putting ideas in her head and she starts doubting herself.
Shawn and Jesse start to spend more time together and there is no shortage of sparks between them. I enjoyed their interactions and thought both were well-developed and endearing characters.
This was a fun and lighthearted read and I am glad to have had the opportunity to read it.
I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Shawn and Jesse start to spend more time together and there is no shortage of sparks between them. I enjoyed their interactions and thought both were well-developed and endearing characters.
This was a fun and lighthearted read and I am glad to have had the opportunity to read it.
I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.
March 29, 2023
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Another good book by Cassandra Medcalf! Shawn is trying to fix a car as well as change his not-in-a-relationship status and get his fledgling contractor business off the ground and Jess (a bartender and mechanic), though she’s in a relationship with a real jerk, isn’t too sure about her relationship. Eventually Shawn asks Jess for help with his car. And the question becomes “will they or won’t they?”
I laughed at the sex talks that Shawn had with his sister, Melanie, who is newly engaged. I’m not sure who was more embarrassed but it was fun to read. I actually love all the characters in this book. When talking about the characters, I have to give Grandpa a mention- he’s wonderful and funny and is extremely charismatic.
All in all, in my opinion this series just keeps getting better and better! If you want all the feels, read this series to know who everyone is. You won’t be disappointed!
Another good book by Cassandra Medcalf! Shawn is trying to fix a car as well as change his not-in-a-relationship status and get his fledgling contractor business off the ground and Jess (a bartender and mechanic), though she’s in a relationship with a real jerk, isn’t too sure about her relationship. Eventually Shawn asks Jess for help with his car. And the question becomes “will they or won’t they?”
I laughed at the sex talks that Shawn had with his sister, Melanie, who is newly engaged. I’m not sure who was more embarrassed but it was fun to read. I actually love all the characters in this book. When talking about the characters, I have to give Grandpa a mention- he’s wonderful and funny and is extremely charismatic.
All in all, in my opinion this series just keeps getting better and better! If you want all the feels, read this series to know who everyone is. You won’t be disappointed!
June 1, 2022
This was such an endearing story about two people embracing what they love and finding a person to support them in that pursuit.
We have Jess who is amazing at cars and ready to take that next step and move out of her childhood home - Shawn who is naive when it comes to women but wants to explore, he is also stuck at home and ready to take the next step but with opening a construction company. They build on each other’s hopes and dreams instead of trying to put the other down - I do wish they were able to take the next step earlier in the book.
I know this book was not meant for spice but more character growth and they made it much sweeter at the end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We have Jess who is amazing at cars and ready to take that next step and move out of her childhood home - Shawn who is naive when it comes to women but wants to explore, he is also stuck at home and ready to take the next step but with opening a construction company. They build on each other’s hopes and dreams instead of trying to put the other down - I do wish they were able to take the next step earlier in the book.
I know this book was not meant for spice but more character growth and they made it much sweeter at the end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 19, 2024
I swear when I saw how many people said this book was so cute and romantic, I genuinely wondered if I had the wrong book. This book sucks!
Truly this book just proves Men are stupid and I don’t respect them. Every male character even the sympathetic ones just have a ton of weird expectations for the FMC, who despite being the “strong” girl never has anything to say about it? She’s just willing to sort of flop over and let the men in her life bully her and doesn’t actually come to that realization in the book. Except for her ex-boyfriend, who is just dealt with no real consequence to the narrative.
The couple doesn’t make sense together and is clearly the kind that gets divorced after like a year.
Truly this book just proves Men are stupid and I don’t respect them. Every male character even the sympathetic ones just have a ton of weird expectations for the FMC, who despite being the “strong” girl never has anything to say about it? She’s just willing to sort of flop over and let the men in her life bully her and doesn’t actually come to that realization in the book. Except for her ex-boyfriend, who is just dealt with no real consequence to the narrative.
The couple doesn’t make sense together and is clearly the kind that gets divorced after like a year.
June 14, 2022
A cute rom com romance that is sweet, with a little hear. Our main characters are Shawn and Jess. We meet these two at a bar on valentine's day where Jess is working and wishing to spend the holiday with her boyfriend and Shawn is there pinning away for what could have been with a friend he fancied who fell in love with someone else. A couple of typos, didn't like the idea of possible cheating and I felt it gave religion a bad rap. Other than that I loved Shawn's giving and caring nature. Jess is head strong, maybe a little spoiled but eager to learn and usual please those she cares about.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 2, 2022
Oh this one was delightfully awkward! Normally, I go for the dark romance novels, but every now and then I opt for something more sweet to lighten up my dark soul. This book perfectly fit the bill for that. It’s sweet, hilariously awkward, and puts a spin on a classic book trope! No, I won’t tell you which one that is, but you’ll like it if you’re anything like me. There is some spice although it is definitely a slow burn kind. The author is very knowledgeable about cars and it’s refreshing to read details as opposed to just saying “they worked on cars all day.” The overall message is something we can all apply to our lives. Be true to yourself. Enjoy a banana.
July 9, 2025
placeholder review:
Charming, rather wholesome for a book that does have 'steam'.
Appreciated body positivity. Missed a little bit of Shawn's geekiness from the first book. While I appreciate there wasn't direct shaming of someone who was a virgin, and I love seeing women confident in their bodies, I did feel like there was a little bit of judgement on celibacy. But as someone who understands the social pressures to be intimate in the traditional sense from a non-religious motivation I understand how complicated that is to navigate.
Charming, rather wholesome for a book that does have 'steam'.
Appreciated body positivity. Missed a little bit of Shawn's geekiness from the first book. While I appreciate there wasn't direct shaming of someone who was a virgin, and I love seeing women confident in their bodies, I did feel like there was a little bit of judgement on celibacy. But as someone who understands the social pressures to be intimate in the traditional sense from a non-religious motivation I understand how complicated that is to navigate.
June 15, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book. I did think it was a bit slow paced at the beginning, but eventually, it was really easy to read. I did enjoy the dual POV and the writing style as well. I loved both Shawn and Jess and their character development. There’s not many steamy/spicy scenes, but when there is THEY ARE GOOD!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 4, 2022
Loved it!! A sweet small town romance peppered with spice. Shaun is an adorable cinnamon roll love interest pining over his taken friend Natalie.
But the beautiful, curvy, hard working waitress & mechanic, Jess begins to spark Shaun’s interest. This friends to lovers story is the perfect summer read. Fun and sweet with a hint of tang.
The characters are very lovable and relatable. Will 💯 have to go back and read the first book in the series.
But the beautiful, curvy, hard working waitress & mechanic, Jess begins to spark Shaun’s interest. This friends to lovers story is the perfect summer read. Fun and sweet with a hint of tang.
The characters are very lovable and relatable. Will 💯 have to go back and read the first book in the series.
January 8, 2024
I felt like the story was meh! The back story of Shawn, it gave me the ick, his conversation with his sister also! It was really awkward, specifically when I realized he was a virgin due to religion. I avoid reading things that involves religion even though it’s a little content of that…If I would know that I wouldn't have read the book. I seriously didn't enjoy it even the sex part, it didn't feel realistic. I know it's fiction but overall didn't like the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2025
Teccccchnically, our leading lady meets her love interest while in a relationship, but it’s not like the soon-to-be-ex is anyone to write home about, so I really didn’t mind that plot point. The whole virginity thing honestly turned me off at first (I don’t read a TON of romance), but it was actually super cute and there was such depth with the examination of purity culture. Overall, cute. I’m enjoying this whole fixer upper series.
July 7, 2022
Whilst this book took me a while to get into, I’m happy that continued.
This small-town romance features mechanic/bartender Jess and contractor Shawn who have a cute romance.
I had a few issues with the storyline but overall enjoyed it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This small-town romance features mechanic/bartender Jess and contractor Shawn who have a cute romance.
I had a few issues with the storyline but overall enjoyed it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 15, 2023
What a fun story. You met Shawn in Betting on the house. He is still just as awkward as ever. He has know Jess for years going to the restaurant she works out. The become friends and Shawn realizes there is something there. Listening to them figure it all out was awesome. I loved it and it’s nice to have the nice guy get the girl.
October 20, 2024
cute story
Loved the realism and everyday issues and paint mishaps and an ever loving growing attraction between two people, one experienced and another new to it all, the camaraderie between her father’s mechanic shop and then her co-workers at a bar is all evident in the love and support they have for her.
Loved the realism and everyday issues and paint mishaps and an ever loving growing attraction between two people, one experienced and another new to it all, the camaraderie between her father’s mechanic shop and then her co-workers at a bar is all evident in the love and support they have for her.
June 12, 2025
After pining over Natalie long enough, Shawn gets his turn to be front and center. When he has trouble fixing the hot rod Natalie had given him in exchange for all his handyman skills fixing her house, Jess, the daughter of the local body shop owner, solved his problem. She also taught him a thing or two about the backseat! 😉
Cute story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews