***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
In this funny and sharp romantic comedy, a woman with a knack for turning her boyfriends’ lives around starts a professional service to help wrangle men, only to be unexpectedly matched with an old flame.
Ever since she can remember, Aly has been fixing everything around her: her parents’ marriage, her colleagues’ work problems, and her friends’ love lives are just a few examples. After a chance meeting with an ex who has gone from living in his parents’ basement to being a married project manager in three years, she realizes she’s been fixing her boyfriends, too....
So, Aly decides to put her talents to good use and, alongside two work friends, sets up the Fixer Upper, an exclusive, underground service for women who are tired of unpaid emotional labor. Using little tricks and tips, Aly and her friends get the men to do the work themselves—to get out of the job they hate, sign up for that growth seminar, do more parenting. Before long, a high-profile Instagram star hires them to fix up her app developer boyfriend. There’s just one catch—he’s also Aly’s childhood best friend and first love. As Aly tackles her biggest “fixer upper” yet, she’ll have to come to terms with their complicated history and figure out how much to change someone she’d always thought was perfect as he is....
The Fixer Upper by Lauren Forsythe is not a book about fixing homes (as I thought when I received this book) but about fixing people. And fixing people is much more fun than fixing homes.
Aly is a fixer. For her whole life, she’s been fixing people. Her parent’s marriage, her friends, her neighbors, and her co-workers. She knows what people need and she has a way that makes them see what they need. But, the only person Aly can’t fix, is herself.
There is a love triangle, I thought the author handled it well, but it may put some readers off and I can understand that. Also, the whole fixing people is basically manipulating people and although it’s done with humor, and good intentions and the characters learn a lesson from it, it still may put some readers off. I just decided I would go with it and I enjoyed the banter, the friendships, and the romance.
I enjoyed this book very much and it moved quickly. I enjoyed the humor in the book and I liked most of the characters. I liked Aly’s toughness and her ability to make quick decisions. Although the romance was more of a side plot than the main theme of the book, I did enjoy the romance, once it got going. I really liked her relationships with her friends, they totally understand each other and support each other. I liked their unconditional love for each other, and how when one would make a mistake, they were able to forgive each other.
I recommend The Fixer Upper to anyone who enjoys women’s fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Lauren Forsythe
By day, Lauren Forsythe is a content marketing manager, finding ways to get writing into people’s eagerly waiting eye-holes, and by night…well it’s the same thing, but with more wine. Lauren writes books about strong women, men with pretty eyelashes and friends that save your life.
When she’s not writing, you can find her blogging about relationships, ranting about the patriarchy and ending her boxing workouts with a celebratory mini-roll or three. She firmly believes you can find confidence in the perfect bold lipstick and that all her problems would be solved if every dress had pockets.
Lauren lives in Hertfordshire with her husband, her newborn son and a rescue cat that gets more pampered by the day.
The title also led me to think that this book is about fixing homes! Fixing homes is fun, but “fixing” boyfriends is definitely a more interesting story. Great review! I haven’t read a good women’s fiction book in a while so I think I’ll try this one.
At first glance, I too, thought this book was about fixing homes haha. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed this book. I love that there’s also a touch of humor. Great review Wendy!
I thought houses too, from the title. But people can be interesting too, manipulation though depending on the kind she resorts to might or mightn’t work for me. Sounds an interesting read all the same.
Fixer–I thought first of houses too (been there, done that, no fun!). Then my mind went to Mexico where to navigate certain negotiations, you really need someone to pave the way, especially when it regards importing cars from the U.S. or obtaining citizenship or permanent residency. I wouldn’t have put it in the people realm. It sounds like a fun book although I don’t like the idea of manipulating other people. I guess it goes on more often than we would think. Good review, Wendy!
I don’t mind love triangles or manipulation, especially if they are done in a fun way, and this book does sound fun with just the right amount of poignancy. Excellent review!
I don’t like love triangles per se but if it’s handled well by the author I don’t think I would mind. And sounds like she did a good job. Also sounds like a really great story!
Verushka
This sounds fun and I love that she’s started an underground, exclusive service for women and their boyfriends! I agree with Stephanie — a love triangle done right is worth a read. Lovely review — and thanks for an intro to a new author and cute read!
I don’t like love triangle but I liked the concept and topic of this so I can overlook that love triangle part. Excellent review, Wendy!
This is definitely an intriguing premise, Wendy. I agree with your comments about the cover. Nice review.
The title also led me to think that this book is about fixing homes! Fixing homes is fun, but “fixing” boyfriends is definitely a more interesting story. Great review! I haven’t read a good women’s fiction book in a while so I think I’ll try this one.
It sounds interesting. I am not sure about love triangles because I always feel sorry for the characters!
Have a great weekend!
Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog
Thank you, Emily. This one seems to work out for everyone in the end. But, yes, it’s a tricky situation.
At first glance, I too, thought this book was about fixing homes haha. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed this book. I love that there’s also a touch of humor. Great review Wendy!
Thank you! Fixing homes much be on all of our minds!
I thought houses too, from the title. But people can be interesting too, manipulation though depending on the kind she resorts to might or mightn’t work for me. Sounds an interesting read all the same.
The manipulation is done in a well-intentioned way, and the characters learn a lesson as well. Thank you, Mallika!
Sounds interesting and fun, not sure about the love triangle but if its dealt with in a good way it would be ok, great review 😊
Thank you, Jenny! It’s done well IMO.
Fixer–I thought first of houses too (been there, done that, no fun!). Then my mind went to Mexico where to navigate certain negotiations, you really need someone to pave the way, especially when it regards importing cars from the U.S. or obtaining citizenship or permanent residency. I wouldn’t have put it in the people realm. It sounds like a fun book although I don’t like the idea of manipulating other people. I guess it goes on more often than we would think. Good review, Wendy!
Thank you, Linda. Yes, manipulating people isn’t a great idea, but the character do learn a lesson from it.
This looks like a lot of fun. I like the US cover better.
Thank you, Bonnie! I agree, the US cover is nicer.
I prefer the US cover. Sounds like a fun read.
The US cover is prettier and more eye catching.
I’m torn on the covers. I think I’d be more likely to pick up the US cover.
I agree, the US cover is much more eye catching.
This does sound kind of funny, though love triangles are not my favorite things.
I don’t love them, but when done well, I can handle them.
Excellent review, Wendy!
Thank you, Cindy
Wonderful review Wendy.📚💜
Thank you, Susan.
The synopsis for the book has me intrigued ! I don’t mind a well-executed love triangle . Great review Wendy!
Thank you, Jodie. It sure wasn’t as bad as some I’ve read.
I don’t mind love triangles or manipulation, especially if they are done in a fun way, and this book does sound fun with just the right amount of poignancy. Excellent review!
It is done well, and I like that although the characters are not perfect, especially in the beginning, they learn something.
I don’t like love triangles per se but if it’s handled well by the author I don’t think I would mind. And sounds like she did a good job. Also sounds like a really great story!
This sounds fun and I love that she’s started an underground, exclusive service for women and their boyfriends! I agree with Stephanie — a love triangle done right is worth a read. Lovely review — and thanks for an intro to a new author and cute read!
I think so too. I have read some amazing books with a love triangle in them. But, they don’t always work.
I know how you feel, Stephanie. In this case I thought it was handled well, but yes, in many cases, it can be a mess.