This book unfortunately fell a bit flat for me this time around. The characters weren’t fully developed so I didn’t feel a connection to them, and we don’t really get growth from them. Their relationship was mostly based off sex and occasionally they would get food together, but I don’t see the makings of a real relationship. The main conflict seems a bit immature to me especially because they’re all well within their twenties and that’s something I’d expect for younger characters. I think this book is best for someone who wants a short sapphic story with more smut.

With diverse representation, this sapphic romance is such a heartwarming and spicy novel! Love love love!

The Relationship Mechanic, the second book in the Peach Blossom trilogy by Karmen Lee, is youngest sister Vini’s love story. We first met her in The 7-10 Split, but we get even more of the family dynamics here, with Ava’s overprotectiveness, Dani’s quiet support, and their dad’s unquestioning love. We also meet Vini’s employee, Aiden, who was a great character and I really loved how he supported Vini. We also get a lot more spice.

Jessica (Grace’s best friend who we also met in the previous book), has rolled into town—or rather, been towed into town by Vini—on a break from her life to let some drama die down. She isn’t the relationship type, but she and Vini find themselves drawn to each other and embark on a situationship that they keep to themselves. Their banter is great, and they definitely have a sizzling chemistry, but of course it’s hard to keep feelings from getting in the way.

I did find myself wanting a few more scenes of everyday interactions between Vini and Jessica so we could have seen how their relationship developed on a more personal and not just physical level, but it’s a fun, quick read and I’d definitely recommend it. I can’t wait for book 3 and Dani’s turn at love!

I received a free ARC from NetGalley, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.

The Relationship Mechanic by Karmen Lee is a refreshing, insightful guide to understanding and nurturing healthy relationships. With practical advice and relatable examples, Lee offers a thoughtful approach to communication, trust, and conflict resolution. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to strengthen their connections, whether romantic or platonic. A valuable resource for personal growth and relationship development.

thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange for a review! how could i not request a book with such a gorgeous cover THAT ALSO contributes to my goal of actually finishing series i have already started???

unfortunately i just never got attached to jessica :(( but i really loved vini which basically averaged out to me liking this about the same amount as the 7/10 split. these are cute and short reads though and they are helping increase the amount of black sapphic romances so i will continue to support and read :)

This was a big miss for me unfortunately. I have no issue with spice in a book, but that was all this book seemed to have. There was no personality developed for either of the main characters, and they instantly fell in lust so there was no build up of their chemistry. I got about 75% into the book hoping once we got past all the beginning scenes of them hooking up that there may be more content, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen so I'm going to stop here. I wish we got to see more development of Vini and Jessica's relationship outside of the bedroom because there was definitely potential in their characters!

If you're someone who wants a very spicy, light book then this might be for you more than it was for me!

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Romance for this eARC!

I have mixed feelings about this book, honestly. On one hand I enjoyed the characters, loved the setting, and loved the banter between Jessica and Vini. On the other hand, I felt like it's too much spice and not enough romance. Regardless, I did enjoy the way their very different personalities found a way to click into place and complement each other.

Their meet cute is absolutely adorable and their little classes as an excuse to see each other had me giggling like a love-struck teenager. I especially enjoyed Vini as a character, the balance of being soft yet not taking shit from others while being a woman in a male dominated field was a very nice touch.

I felt like the development of their romance could use more work, but the resolution was very wholesome and I was so glad Jessica got her head out of her ass and accepted love.

If you're looking for a sapphic romance with lots of spice but also genuinely fun characters, The Relationship Mechanic is your best bet. A sweet and spicy quick read to just sit back and enjoy.

This was really cute from the start, the main characters had nice chemistry and in general were lovable characters. The small town setting of Peach Blossom was really wholesome even with the amount of spice in this book.

Jessica arriving to town after a scandal where she was caught with not one but two of her mom’s co-workers she is made out to be someone she isn’t. Jessica had great character depth and I really appreciated how she worked through the baggage she had.

Vini being the mechanic that came to Jessica’s rescue when her car broke down. While Vini wasn’t known for casual hookups she finds herself drawn to Jessica; going into the benefits of their situationship knowing it was only a temporary thing… or is it?

Generous 3 Stars

I liked some things but overall this was underbaked , put it back in the oven and let it cook dammit!

I came across The Relationship Mechanic while scrolling through NetGalley and clicked on it because the cover is stunning and it was pitched as a book "sure to charm fans of Hannah Bonam-Young’s Next to You" (one of my all-time favourite books) so naturally, I had to request it. Unfortunately , I must report that charmed by this book , I was not .

The similarities lie in Vini (one of the main girls) , like Matt (The love interest and loml from Next to You, being a mechanic and owning a shop as well as the friends with benefits arrangement but that's where they end.It didn’t have nearly as much emotional depth as Next to You. The characters (particularly Jessica) were interesting, but Lee didn’t do much with them. I felt like I barely got to know them.

The external conflict was clear: Jessica is a wealthy, free-spirited woman who can’t be tied down, making her stay in Peach Blossom presumably temporary. However, there was no real internal conflict, no subplot tying in the small town in , or any significant individual journey for the characters.

Jessica and Vini's relationship was based on sexual attraction, which is fine, but Lee completely glossed over their emotional connection, instead choosing to mention it in passing when the characters recounted the passage of time. This felt like a major misstep why weren’t we present for those non-sexual scenes? That's the most crucial part -showing the shift from hooking up to something more, and getting the reader to root for the couple to become official.

The conflict was silly and had Lee explained Vini's relationship with her sister, it may have made a little more sense? but the resolution was full circle and cute ! I would be down to read the next book in the series.

If you're in the mood for a quick and easy , surface level spicy sapphic romance where the word "engorged" is a tad overused then look no further!

Thanks to Harlequin for ARC!

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me engaged and it only took a few days to read. I think this is going to be a good book club option for several clubs. I plan recommending to my book friends and I look forward to reading more by this author.

Just when I didn't think I'd read an opposites attract romance right after my last read, here comes one right on my lap! To be fair, it's my own fault, but the books couldn't be more different!

This sapphic romance about a female mechanic and the daughter of a Korean Hollywood actress. Their meet cute is to die for, perfect way to drop in a new town! Have your car get towed!

I typically like small town romances but I'll be honest and admit I dont always seek them out. So it limits how many sapphic romances with it I read, which I need to change after reading this!

Their banter was so cute! Where I gotta break down my car in GA to find a lil hottie to hook up with(lol jk)? I think since I'm not familiar with the author, I went in with expectations you might give someone new to you, but this author really has something going. It makes me want to read the first book in this series.

This book was cute. I always enjoy a good sapphic romance. Much like 7-10 Split I wasn’t always convinced there was chemistry between the two characters but overall the story was cool.

I was so excited to read about Vini falling in love. I’ve loved her character since meeting her in The 7-10 Split. And this romance did not disappoint. I found the banter between Vini and Jessica perfect and these two had me cracking up. The chemistry between these two in the bedroom was fire. And I liked the way the story wrapped up in the end.

Overall, I enjoyed being in the progressive small town of Peach Blossom for another book and I’m stoked to read Dani’s book. It makes me so happy to see these sisters fall in love and have their happily ever afters.

I love Vini so much. Like, so much. She is such a wonderful character!! I also like her family, even the ones that frustrated me!! Jessica....felt a little bland at first. It felt like there was so much missing from her, but eventually we learn more. Overall this was fabulous (and spicy)!!

This was so much fun! Be warned: there is a lot of steam (like 4/5 probably). Steamy sapphic romcom with lovable characters. I highly recommend Karmen Lee's work!

First of all, I think the cover on this one is so cute! I love that one of the main character's is a mechanic. Overall, there are some super fun things about this book. It is a cute sapphic romance set in a small town with lots of quirky characters. For me, I felt like we didn't get to know the 2 main characters quite enough for my liking. The focus was definitely much more on the spice, which is less my thing. That said, it was well written and cute! I just wanted a little bit more character/world-building.

Thanks to NetGalley, Karmen Lee, and Harlequin for the chance to read and review. My opinions are my own.

I loved the relationship between the two main characters, it was a wholesome sapphic romance! It was really interesting to follow a main character who works as a mechanic. I quite enjoyed this aspect. The overall storyline fell a bit flat though.

I really enjoyed that there was diverse representation in this book, it’s frustrating that so many sapphic romance novels are just two white women when the queer community is so diverse! The story was fun and I enjoyed the author’s writing style!

Received an ARC from Netgalley for review purposes.

I absolutely love that one of the love interests is a tradeswoman. 😍 That’s one of the main reasons I requested this book (in addition to the gorgeous cover) and I would definitely love to see more of that in the Sapphic romance.

I also think that the spicy scenes are really well written and if that’s what you’re looking for, you will enjoy this book.

That being said, my main issue with the FWB-to-lovers trope, is that I often feel like there isn’t much depth to the relationship outside of the physical attraction and it doesn’t really keep me invested in the idea of the love interests ending up together.

This was unfortunately the case here, in my opinion. It reminds me quite a bit of Ashley Herring Blake books which are not my cup of tea but if you like them, you will love this one!

Thank you, NetGalley, Afterglow Books by Harlequin, and Karmen Lee, for providing me with the arc The Relationship Mechanic. I will be giving an honest review in return.

Trigger Warnings: sex scenes
Representation: Black family, Black female main character, Biracial female main character, Sapphic romance between main characters, Sapphic romance between side characters.


Despite having unconventional careers and lifestyles, I admire how both main female characters are portrayed as strong and independent. Vini Williams is an African American mechanic in a small town in Georgia. She is one of two female mechanics in the area. Jessica Jae-un Miller is an Afro-Koren voice actor. Despite their different vocations and lifestyles, they somehow meet.
The two have a meet-cute. Vini comes to Jessica’s aid when her car breaks down on the side of the road. When the two meet, sparks fly even though the two are opposite.
Jessica’s forwardness and spontaneity differ from Vini’s more introverted ways. Even though she is part of a large family, Vini likes to spend time alone. She prefers fixing cars over talking to people. Which is why everyone was surprised when she helped Jessica. Jessica is sociable. Socializing and throwing parties are among Jessica’s favorite activities. The two are perfect together.

But their romance has to be a secret. Jessica’s past entanglements caused her to seek solace in Vini’s hometown. She is hiding out with her friend until her relationship drama dies down. In the meantime, she is enjoying every minute with Vini. Believe me, the two are into each other.

Vini and Jessica’s chemistry is seen in their flirtation banter. I love how, in part, they are flirting over breakfast. Their flirtation often leads them to numerous love scenes. Each one is well-written and sexy. Drama exists despite their chemistry. The drama does not take away from the plot but adds context to the characters’ behavior and past relationships. The book was delightful, and I love how the characters’ romance and behavior developed over time.