Imagine being a grown-up, running your own business, and still being treated like the kid sibling who never quite grew up. That’s Georgie Castle’s reality at the start of Fix Her Up, and it’s the frustration that fuels the entire story. Before we even get to fake dating, baseball players, or steamy banter, this is a book about a woman determined to be taken seriously—and the unexpected ways she goes about proving it.

Georgie is quirky, ambitious, and yes, a professional clown. Her job makes her an easy target for jokes, but it also highlights her creativity and determination to carve out her own path. Enter Travis Ford: ex–pro baseball star, notorious playboy, and the guy Georgie has secretly pined for since forever. Now disgraced after an injury cut short his career, Travis is back in town with a bruised ego. When circumstances push Georgie and Travis into a fake-dating arrangement, sparks ignite—and suddenly Georgie’s “baby sister” label is the last thing on anyone’s mind.

What sets this romance apart is the mix of vulnerability and fun. Georgie isn’t just out to land the guy; she’s fighting to be recognized as capable and grown-up by her family and community. Travis, for his part, is struggling with identity after losing the career that defined him. Watching them both stumble, clash, and eventually find common ground gives the book an emotional backbone that balances the heat.

And make no mistake—this book is hot. Bailey leans hard into chemistry and sexual tension, and while some of Travis’s dirty talk veers into eye-roll territory (I laughed out loud once or twice, not always for the right reasons), the passion between him and Georgie is undeniable. If high steam levels are your thing, you won’t be disappointed.

The supporting threads are a mixed bag. Georgie’s family dynamics and her business ambitions add texture, but they sometimes take a back seat to the romance. I also wish the clowning element had been explored beyond the surface—it’s such a unique career choice that it deserved more integration into her character arc.

Still, I can’t deny how enjoyable this book was. Bailey writes with energy, humor, and just enough heart to keep the story from tipping into pure fluff. Even when the dialogue made me cringe, I was invested in Georgie’s journey and rooting for her to claim both love and respect on her own terms.

Overall, Fix Her Up earns four stars from me: bold, steamy, and a little chaotic, but ultimately charming. It’s not flawless, but it delivers exactly what a rom-com should—laughter, heat, and a heroine who proves she’s more than everyone assumed.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this book! This was my first Tessa Bailey book and I liked it other than the ending! I will say this was far more spicier than I thought - the cover totally says Rom Com! She is the first person who I have not cringed at her spicy scenes. I really enjoyed the storyline because it was something that could really happen in real life. The characters seemed very relatable so it was easy to understand them. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars only because I couldn't stand the ending! I'm sorry but it was the only part of the story that was not realistic. I feel like she thought she needed this big ending/shocking moment but toning it down a little would have been so much better! Oh - and I could not stand how much he said "Babygirl"!! There are SO many other nicknames that they could have used but nope! Babygirl was the ONLY one!! It got so annoying!!

i don't think tessa bailey is a romance author for me. i keep trying her books, but i feel like the romance is never quite as developed as i want it to be emotionally.

This was probably my least favorite of Tessa Bailey's books. I liked the main character and her story, but not for a romance book. Yes, the brother's-best-friend trope is a popular one, but it doesn't quite sit right when the FMC is seen as childish. Plus, the MMC is just downright mean to her most of the time, even when he starts to fall for her. This was a tough one for me to get through and I lost interest several times, especially with the whiplash of them showing affection for each other, then being mean to each other, then giving each other heated looks. It was a bit much at times. I'm a Tessa Bailey fan, but this one just wasn't a hit for me...

This book makes me want to read anything that Tessa Bailey writes! I wasn't expecting it to be as steamy as it was, but I enjoyed it and couldn't put it down. Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!

I love romantic comedies, and Fix Her Up has just that and more.

Georgette’s life has not been easy and we’re about to find out how complicated it is.

It’s a great storyline.and quite enjoyable. Hope to read more by this author.

I just finished writing a review for a differen't romance where I said "hello to smart girl romance" and this came knocking and said "just kidding".

I really liked this! First book I've read by this author and I'm looking forward to more. There were some unrealistic and expected parts of the story, but overall I liked both characters and think Baily did a great job creating a fun, interesting town full of characters to read about.

Georgie wants to be taken seriously by her family as an independent business owner. Travis is an early retired MLB player who needs a wholesome image in order to start a new career. Can these childhood friends help each other, without actually falling for one another? This is a romantic comedy that will have you both laughing and swooning.

Not bad just not my thing i think! interested in what the author has to come!! The idea of the story is so interesting but something did click with me. Next Tessa Bailey book is going to be read by me for sure.

Very sweet, low stakes book that I enjoyed reading. Will definitely read more to come. Found the characters to be likable and enjoyed their journeys.

This book was so cute and steamy! It take place in my small hometown, which added another dimension for me, and I loved it!

DNF
I tried to read this, but it did not hold my attention. I just don't think I'm in the right place for it right now, and I've heard mixed things about it. I ended up DNFing it, but do hope to one day finish it.

I love the romance trope of falling for your brother's best friend and felt this was extremely well done. The sex scenes had the perfect amount of steaminess and made it difficult to put down the book. Absolutely loved Bailey's writing throughout and look forward to the next book in the series. I will definitely be recommending this to my romance lovers.

This romance has a very cinematic feel and is the perfect start to this series. I found it funny, sexy, and charming and it very much interested me in reading the rest of the books in the series.

I have been wanting to read this book for a while. As far as romantic comedies go, this is typical with a heavy dose of explicit hotness. To be honest, the characters where well developed and relatable, but the sex scenes felt over the top. This may be my personal taste, but this book would be have the length if there was less description of “events” between the two main characters, Georgie and Travis. There are more stories to come in this series which I plan to try, but I must keep in mind, the intensity maybe the author’s intention.

Thank you Netgalley for this advance read.

I was in the mood for a fun, light romance when I picked up Fix Her Up. I really, really hated the male lead and found the romance between the two main leads to be lackluster.

A little more spicy than I'm comfortable recommending to my readers, but I really enjoyed it and would definitely read more of her books.

Great book. Liked the writing and the story line. I would definitely recommend to others and would read more from Thai author

It starts off slow and kind of dense, but once the action begins, it's hard to resist the story as it drives forward. It reads as a true epic, one that makes you feel the world really has been reshaped as you read it. Would recommend.