Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Romance and Karmen Lee for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

There are a lot of great things about this book! I especially love Vini, who is a young Black tradeswoman running her own mechanic shop that's been in her family for generations. She is wise beyond her years and has really made a name for herself within the town as a dependable adult (we see this with her interactions with the Sheriff and Tony). I think because we know Vini as a badass woman who can take care of business, I got extra baffled at Ava's apprehensive reaction to Vini making her own romantic decisions. That said, I missed book one of this series (7-11 Split) which as Ava's story, so perhaps reading that first would offer some context which would explain Ava's choices. In all, Vini really made this book for me. She was sweet, strong, thoughtful, and eager. She trusted herself and displayed more emotional maturity than many of the other characters (save maybe Dani) despite her being only 22/23. I have some qualms with Jessica, the love interest. I can see where she was coming from a lot of the book, but I didn't gravitate towards her throughout the story. Of course, characters need to be flawed or else it's a pretty boring book, but I found Jessica to be a bit tiresome. That said, I think Vini and Jessica make sense together despite being from seemingly different worlds, and I was happy to read their story. I also loved reading about Jessica's experience being Black and Korean and growing up (partly) in Korea. I thought those moments of vulnerability really deepened Jessica's character.

I also appreciated how spicy this book was! There were multiple intimate scenes, which makes sense given Vini and Jessica's instant-lust, and I'm not mad at it! I do wish we got a bit more inventive with their intimacy as there are only so many times I can read about how they are so 'hungry' to 'eat' each other. There are a lot of other sex acts beyond oral that we sapphics partake in, and I would have loved some variety. But hey, it seems a bit off brand for me to be complaining about reading repetitive scenes of lesbians loving eating pussy, lol. I just think there was opportunity to explore other ways the characters could be intimate.

In all, read this book if you're into hot tradeswoman mechanics, lesbians from two different worlds, or if you also salivate when 'hungry'. If you're a mood / seasonal reader like me, this book takes place in Georgia during the Fall. There's a few mentions of the weather getting chillier as winter approaches, which offers some cozy vibes. Additionally, there's a significant plot point around Thanksgiving and Christmas is lightly mentioned near the end of the book, but I would definitely not call this a 'holiday romance' by any means.

This was a SPICY opposites attract, small Southern town Sapphic romance between Vini, a badass Black mechanic and Jessica, a biracial Black and Korean influencer who start a fling that turns into more after Jessica leaves town. Good on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Talia Hibbert or Synithia Williams. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

I was really interested in this book from reading the description, but I sadly couldn’t bring myself to finishing it.

It started off okay, but the more I went on, the more I kept running into pacing and character issues. I really wanted to explore the relationship, but there didn’t seem to be enough of a build to make it believable.

I may pick it back up later if I come across it again, but for now, it’s a no.

I was really looking forward to reading this book. The premise seemed so interesting to me but unfortunately it just fell flat for me. There were a lot of times in this book where instead of being a part of a scene and seeing things unfold, we were just given a short recap of what happened and it really took me out of the story and made me feel disconnected from the characters. I also felt like Vini and Jessica didn’t really have any chemistry and I struggled to imagine them actually building a life together. I did enjoy Vini’s character on her own and I liked the small pieces we got of her family dynamic and her daily life but I just wanted so much more. This book just felt very unbalanced to me and it could have had so much potential but didn’t dive deep enough into its characters, plot or even the setting.

Thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for the e-ARC.

THE RELATIONSHIP MECHANIC by Karmen Lee is a spicy sapphic rom-com and the second installment in Lee's Peach Blossom series. I absolutely loved the first one — I was so excited to read THE RELATIONSHIP MECHANIC and it did not disappoint. I cannot wait for the next book! Thanks to NetGalley and Afterglow Books for the advanced copy!

First of all this cover art is GORGEOUS and it sold the book to me at first glance. This was a quick read for me. I think there's something in Lee's writing style that doesn't click for me - it feels straightforward in a tell not show way that prevents me from really getting the emotional depth i love in a romance. Vini was a compelling character, but i found Jessica to be a little flat so it was hard to really understand or cheer on her arc. This one was much steamier than 7-10, since that one was more of a slow burn. I don't know that I'll continue the Peach Blossom series

This was my first Karmen Lee book and was very excited to read it. I loved the build up to Jessica & Vini's relationship but things then burned a little too slow for me. I loved their story and I may just need to read more of Lee's work (which I'm excited to do) but I know this wouldn't be my favorite of all her books.

I hope to see more of Vini and Jessica in the next book! Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley and Lee for this ARC!

I cannot believe just how much I loved Vini. I think I went into this being prepared for that same slow burn we got in book one and Lordy we took a hard left and got all the steam.

I related to Jessica a lot on the level of joy feeling worth love and trying to protect yourself from the hurt. It was frustrating to see her constantly protecting her heart but I got it. I loved how tight knit the family was and getting to see their relationships change.

I will say that while this is a series you could pick this up without reading book one, but it enhances the experience of book two if you have.

The Relationship Mechanic x @authorkarmenlee

This book was so cute 😭 I love a WLW romance… BAD. What happens when the travel girlie meets the small town girl? A real sweet, low-key romance. Not too much mess or foolishness. I cannot stand an immature third act break up so this was a great change of pace.

Unfortunately, DNF at 56%. I really don't like to DNF arcs, and I really liked the 7-10 split, but I struggled deeply with the lack of a plot in this book. There was also a lot more spice that had no real purpose beyond being spice. I know that works for a lot of people, but it doesn't for me, especially in this quantity. I really do like Lee's writing overall and was legitimately excited for this one but it's a miss for me. Hoping the third book will come through with plot like the first one did! Thank you so much for the arc.

Fantastic continuation of small town love in Peach Blossom. Karmen Lee's latest is an exquisitely written tale of saphhic love in the South. Thoroughly enjoyed!

Thank you to Harlequin - Romance | Afterglow Books by Harlequin and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.

This book was a fun, small-town romance!

Jessica and Vini meet when Jessica has car trouble, and Vini is the cute mechanic who saves the day. Vini is a successful and competent Black woman in a male-dominated profession which I loved reading about!

I also appreciated that the book featured a biracial love interest. Jessica is Black and Asian (Korean, specifically).

I thought the author did a great job of balancing their quick physical attraction with the gradual development of feelings.

The ending felt a bit rushed to me, especially considering that the 3rd act conflict seemed predictable. But regardless of that, the book was a good read, and I thought Jessica and Vini were a cute couple. Personally, I enjoyed this book more than the first one in the series.

ARC Book Review: The Relationship Mechanic by Karmen Lee
- Read this if you are listening to “Casual” Chappell Roan on repeat
- situationship to relationship
- open door spicy scenes
- best friend’s sister

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

i really loved Lee’s last book but sadly this one fell a bit short for me. the plot was not as engaging and felt one dimensional. it was a bit more spicy for my taste as well. i did think it was a cute story and liked some elements but it wasn’t the book for me. I will continue to read Lee’s books however since i love her writing.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin, and Afterglow Books for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

A cute and sexy small town romance continuing in the Peach Blossom series from Karmen Lee. I haven't read the first one yet, but I liked The Relationship Mechanic enough that I will continue in the series. I'm just going to start letting my car break down near a sapphic mechanic shop. Their strangers to friends with benefits was fun and sexy. I also liked that they had to reconsider what they actually wanted in their future.

The Relationship Mechanic by Karmen Lee is a delightful addition to the Afterglow Books series, following 7-10 Split. This small-town rom-com is packed with charm, sizzling chemistry, and laugh-out-loud moments that will have you rooting for Jessica and Vini from start to finish.

First, let’s talk about the cover—gorgeous! It’s absolutely stunning, with a vibrant, inviting design that perfectly captures the warmth and charm of the story. I couldn’t stop staring at it, and it’s definitely one of my new favorite covers.

Jessica Jae-un Miller is a city girl through and through, stuck in Peach Blossom, Georgia, after her car breaks down. Enter Lavenia “Vini” Williams, the local mechanic with a heart of gold and the ability to stir up all kinds of feelings. Their dynamic is the perfect mix of fiery banter and undeniable chemistry, both in and out of the bedroom. The flirtation and tension between them are fantastic—Lee’s humor shines in their witty exchanges, and their steamy moments are next-level hot!

One of the great things about Karmen Lee’s storytelling is the natural integration of diverse characters. Vini and Jessica’s relationship feels authentic and beautifully layered, exploring themes of self-awareness, vulnerability, and what it means to find home and love. The book’s use of “situationship” as a central plot conflict gave me pause and yet I found it refreshing—it’s a term rarely seen in romance novels, but it captures a very real and relatable dynamic. While the lack of communication between the characters can be frustrating at times, it’s also realistic, and I’m sure many readers will see themselves in their struggles.

The straightforward writing style might not be for everyone, but it works well here, keeping the story accessible and engaging. Lee excels at creating a cozy, small-town setting full of charm and personality, and the relationships—both romantic and familial—add depth and heart to the story.

If you’re looking for a fun, steamy romance with realistic conflict, relatable characters, and a dash of small-town magic, The Relationship Mechanic is a great pick. Vini and Jessica’s journey is sure to leave you smiling, and I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series! Plus, th

3.5 rounded up - and thank you to Afterglow and Netgalley for this arc!

Starting off - Vini, baby, come home the kids miss you.
That being said - this is such a cute romcom!! If you love cozy, opposites attract, small town romances with steam (bc these two entangled a LOT) you’ll love this! Very sweet read 🫶🏾

When Jessica's car break down right before she comes to stay in Peach Blossom and avoid scandle, she meets Vini, the local mechanic who is not only extremely capable but also attractive. With only 6 weeks to spend with each other it makes sense to keep things casual. But what happens when they start to develop actual feelings?

Jess and Vini have so much chemistry; they both really like the other one and indulge quite frequently. You start to feel dread as those short weeks gets closer and both struggle with what they want out of life and relationships. Jessica travels very frequently and never stays anywhere or with anyone for too long. Vini on the other hand runs her own buisness and despite wanting a relationship she compromises her wanting for having fun for once. Down to the ending I want never sure how or if they were gonna make this work, but along the way they had fun and so did I.

I haven't read the previous book in this series "7-10 split", and I don't feel like much of the reading experience was lost because of it. All the characters are well realized especially the sisters, they're all very different people. I do wonder if I had read it, I would have liked Ava, Vini's older sister, more. She's antagonistic throughout the whole book and I dreaded their interactions. But that is the purpose she serves in the narrative. Dani the middle sister is less present but bridges the gap between the other two and I am looking forward to her book.

This was a fairly cute friends with benefits to lovers sapphic romance. Jessica is headed to Peach Blossom to visit with a friend while she runs away from a scandal when she meets mini mechanic Vini. The attraction is almost instant a they enter a hot & steamy situationship that should only last while Jessica is in town. While I enjoyed the book I think it dragged on a bit too long. We were well aware of the friends with benefits portion of the relationship but I think the turn in the relationship came along too far into the book. I felt that Vini always wants more but I really didn't get the same from Jessica. Their sexual chemistry was very evident but I never got the same for a potential relationship, If you're looking for spice this is the book for you.

Thank You to Net Galley for the ARC

The Relationship Mechanic by Karmen Lee is about small town mechanic, Vini, and Jessica, a globe trotting voice actor. Jessica comes to Vini’s small town of Peach Blossom, GA to lay low at her best friend Grace’s house after some relationship drama with two of her mom’s co-stars. (Grace is from Lee’s earlier book The 7-10 Split)
Vini and Jessica meet and the attraction is instant, but with Jessica only passing through town and Vini firmly rooted they have to deal with growing feelings and limited time.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. The family dynamics for both Vini and Jessica were interesting and endearing.
The chemistry between Vini and Jessica sparked quick and honestly I wish there had been more focus on their non-physical chemistry. This book had a lot of spice between the main characters and it started feeling a bit redundant.
Overall, a good book is you enjoy spice and are looking for a cute romance.

Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin- Romance, and Karmen Lee for the ARC.

The cover is so pretty and I really wanted to like the book but I just didn't. I don't feel like it dove far enough into the characters motivations and it felt like Vini was a lot more developed than Jessica. They also didn't talk about anything until the end of the book, I think I just wanted more than the book was going to offer me.

I received an arc through netgalley.