First, I would like to thank the NetGalley and the publisher for this eArc. This book fell short for me. I didn't feel a connection with any of the characters and it all seemed to progress too fast. The scenes jumped from one right to the next with not a lot of connection. A fine book but nothing special.

Unfortunately, I don't have much to say about what I enjoyed while reading this book. I just did not feel connected to any of the characters and I feel like the storyline fell in a little flat for me.

ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 rounded up, this was a super fun and fast read that said a lot of things that hit a little close to home and maybe i’m a fixer upper girlie too, i’ll start my business and see where it goes 🙏🙏

i really have no complaints though, it was a great book and i would totally read a sequel and anything else this woman writes. the friendships and character development worked so well with the more relaxed and fun writing style that i’ve come to really enjoy. it also did a great job balancing a lighthearted writing style with a fun story and complexity for the characters so it’s not shallow and only focuses on a “perfect” romance, but also not trying too hard to make the characters damaged as i feel like a lot of romance does. i think i’m becoming a romance girlie but oh well it’s very fun and i really enjoyed this. i usually despise miscommunication tropes but this was a lot more subtle and i respect that it wasn’t a glamorized homewrecker tale and didn’t play too heavy into the miscommunication and all from their past

I find that this novel with either be a hit or miss with most readers. For me, it was a bit on the miss side for a few reasons. I found that the first half of the novel, while intending to set up the conflict of the book, was quite slow and a large part didn’t seem to actually play a role in the second half of the book. In addition, I just wasn’t a believer in the love story - and that could definitely be a me problem. The story is well written, just not necessarily my speed and that’s ok!! 3 stars from
me!!

I received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 



Aly is a people pleaser rand always fixing everyone else’s problems, including all her past boyfriends. So when her friends notice they could turn this into business by helping women fix up the parts of their relationships they’re not fond of, she was all in. With one minor catch, one of her clients is hiring Aly to fix her childhood best friend, Dylan. The same Dylan who broke her heart all those years ago. And who she already finds 100% perfect.

This was a very sweet and fun read! I’m a sucker for a friends to lovers with a few bumps along the way trope and this book did that perfectly! 

The banter between characters was perfect. I found myself laughing at every joke and cheering for Aly to finally stop putting everyone ahead of herself. I loved how realistic the character development was, nothing really felt forced. I really felt a connection to Aly, I loved her so much, YOU GO GIRL!

*3.5 stars*

Aly is everyone’s go to to fix all of their problems, whether it be work or relationship related, and never says no. Eventually with the help of her friends she realizes they can put her power to good use and help women fix their men. She ends up getting an offer from and influencer to help “fix up” her boyfriend to get him to follow his (her) dreams and get him to propose. What Aly doesn’t know is that the influencers boyfriend is her ex beat friend who she was in love with from 15 years ago.

This book was a fun and easy read! The plot was unique and something I’ve never read before in a romance book, but I enjoyed it.

At first I was a little weary of Aly and was constantly wanting her to stick up for herself and put herself first. Through out the book you slowly see her grow into a person who knows her worth and knows she should put herself first. It was so nice to see her work through her problems and come out as a better woman.

However I wish we could’ve gotten more scenes between Aly and Dylan throughout the book instead of just towards the middle and end of the book. Because of this their relationship felt under developed and I feel we could’ve gone back in time to learn more about them as a couple and see more of them interacting in the present. I also wanted a bit more romance between them through out the book just to add some flair to it.

All in all, I enjoyed this read and thought this was a great debut for Lauren Forsythe.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam, G.P Putnam’s Sons, and Lauren Forsythe for sending me this arc and allowing me to review it!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

The Fixer Upper

Lauren Forsythe

Publication: August 2, 2022

One of my favorite tropes is best friends secretly in love...when it is done right. And the book The Fixer Upper did everything right! I absolutely was delighted reading this book, but the romance was not even the full focus (though I was rooting for the couple.) Aly is a “fixer” of others and helping them find their potential. The irony is she feels stuck and has yet to reach her own potential in life—in essence, she needs her own fixing. There was so much I loved about this book. There is the sweet rom/com aspect but there are also some deeper issues with loss of a parent and a dysfunctional relationship with parents. I cheered for the friendships and romance and booed at the “villains” (Nikki, Aly’s dad, toxic boss/coworkers…) While some of the storyline was farfetched and maybe predictable who cares…it made me feel all the feels!

Tell me five good things and something real…swoon!

5 Stars

Add this binge-worthy read to your summer reading list!

Aly fixes everything in life. From never saying no at work, while watching the men take all the credit, to taking on “project” relationships over the years and watching her exes turn into the people she knew they could be - only now with someone else.

She and her friends decide to take on “Fixer Uppers” as a side hustle where women can bring their partners that need a little nudge in the right direction. When a social media influencer, and kitty litter empire heiress, reaches out with a monetary offer Aly just can’t refuse, she’s shocked to learn this project involves a lost love from her past who, in her opinion, doesn’t need any fixing.

This book definitely reads like a PG movie with enough friendships, toxic workplace environment, and “behind the scenes” of influencers to connect and entertain!

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for an Advanced Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Fast-paced and breezy. Not a lot of depth here, but a good romantic story if you need something that will carry you along like a raft floating in a pool. The characters were a bit younger than in the books I’ve read recently, which definitely had me thinking about how similar many things are even when the seasons and trappings of our lives are very different.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book.

What a fun, quick read. The story is fast-paced which makes for a fun story. Romance and comedy always go well together. Aly felt real and relatable which always makes the story better. I enjoy books a lot when I relate to the characters, which doesn't always happen. But this funny, light-hearted book was just what I needed after some heavier emotional books. If you're looking for something funny and fast-paced, check this out, I think you'll like it!

Aly has huge problems and while on the outside everything seems great, inside she is a mess. For others, she is a supportive friend and a fabulous soul. For herself, her esteem is in shreds.

The premise of the story is awesome. I think the author really hits the nail on the head with the deeper meaning here. I believe most people try to be supportive of others. Lifting up friends. Helping when and where possible. But for ourselves, we can be the worst possible friend and person.

The Fixer Upper offers us an internal view of what we should be accepting in life. A tight circle of friends/family who helps us see who we really are. A supportive team that has our back when we make tough decisions and cheer us on when we have finally had enough. And a partner who accepts you for who you are already are and where you are headed.

This book is humorous with some great characters. Ones you will love and others you love to hate. There will be times you will question the choices but hang in there. It’s better from the other side!

When it comes to Aly and her past boyfriend, I loved who they were together and their history. I just wish we could get more of them together. He is awesome!

A fun yet deep and insightful book that leaves you thinking about your life.

The perfect Rom-Com book! The characters are so relatable and they make you fall in love with them instantly. Love the main characters history and how Lauren slowly reveals bits and pieces of how they lost touch. I couldn’t wait to keep reading to find out what happened next! This book was everything I want in a romantic comedy! Aly’s friends are hilarious and the romance that evolves between Aly and Dylan is irresistible! Could not love this book more! Thanks NetGalley for giving me the chance to read an ARC!!

Such a quick, fun little book! I loved the dynamic friendship between Tola, Aly, and Eric, and found myself cheering for Aly's personal growth throughout.

The Fixer Upper by Lauren Forsythe is a new and fun take on the second chance trope. It’s a good mix of humor and serious dialogue. There’s a lot of great banter between the characters. I also enjoyed the relationships between Aly with her friends and family throughout the book and not just the love interest Dylan. Overall a quirky, fun, easy to read rom com.

Unfortunately, this was not the right fit for me, although I liked the premise and I wanted to like the books. Could not get engaged with the characters. I'm sure other readers will enjoy it, it just wasn't right for me.

I really liked this authors style of writing! It was a romance, but it didn't just focus on the romantic gestures. I will say this was a slow start for me. But it definitely made up for it by the end, I couldn't put it down! I was obviously rooting for Aly and Dylan from the first time they brought Dylan in the picture, or should I say back in the picture. ;)
I loved how it wasn't cheesy like some rom-coms can be and I liked how they made it a point to love yourself, not just your significant other. I will definitely be on the look out for future books by Lauren! This book is out 8/2/2022!

Than you NetGalley for this arc ! I loved the main character. This book was fun and relatable, cute fun rom com that I recommend everyone to read !

This was such a cute fun read! I can’t wait to tell all my family and friends to read it! I’m so glad I got chosen to read it

Over all a sweet, quick read with extra points for British accents!

Overall this was a 3.5 star read for me

Aly is a Fixer. Boyfriends, friends, family, coworkers. She puts her all in to helping those around her with great success even if it means sacrificing her own wants or happiness. When Ally’s friends realize that she has “fixed” all of her ex boyfriend’s to no longer be man children but successful adults they decide they can make a business out of helping other woman fix up their boyfriends.

When I started this book I liked Aly then towards the middle, not so much. I didn’t like how she and her friends manipulated the fixes. Then it all came full circle and Aly redeemed herself (phew)! I enjoyed seeing Aly grow and recognize that she deserved to be happy too and didn’t always need to be a people pleaser. Aly’s character showed great development throughout the story and the other characters rounded out the storyline to make it an enjoyable read. This was a sweet British romcom with a HEA.

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Aly is a problem solver. Whether it’s an issue at work or a relationship to be fixed, she always knows what to do. Her colleagues and friends soon discover her ability to revitalize troublesome men and put her to work. Soon Aly finds herself taking on a high profile client who needs her help getting her boyfriend to propose. The reluctant boyfriend turns out to be someone from her past.

The Fixer Upper is an interesting take on the second chance trope. It’s just the right mix of humor and serious dialogue. There’s a lot of great banter especially between Aly and her colleagues. There was focus on different types of relationships not just romantic - friendships, familial. I do wish that there had been more background on Aly and Dylan’s past. There was also a lot going on with Aly’s mother that I think needed to be further developed.