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.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I read this series out of order, starting with The Relationship Mechanic and I was curious if not having read the first book would be an issue but I didn’t think it caused much of a problem.

That being said, I did have a hard time at moments keeping track of the character and understanding the connections and relationships between them.

The story moved quickly- with lots of spice! And while the story was fast moving, it also felt a bit disjointed, especially the families involvement in their relationship. I found myself having a pause many times to try and understand why their potential relationship would wreak havoc on Vinni’s family.

The spice and chemistry was off the charts and I generally enjoyed their relationship. I’m excited to back read and look forward to what is to come!

This one didn't grab me as much as I hoped it would, partially because the writing and characterization is a bit underdeveloped. I don't think this is entirely a bad thing— this is a romance that focuses a lot on the romance as a plot. It's the kind of thing I pick up to relax, to curl up with a book and get swept up in the idea of love. It's really cute and engaging, with a good level of sapphic spice. So even though it's not my favorite, I think I'd pick up another from this author. And it's fun to read sapphic popcorn reads. Every time there's a new one I get filled with unimaginable joy.

A love story that feels like fresh fruit on a summer day. Like a Hallmark movie— but better!

I had to DNF this book. I can see the appeal for lots of people, and if you enjoy short books with instalust, you’ll probably have a great time. I personally think this book is just a bit too allo for me, and that’s fine.

I will say, I don’t love seeing comments made about not being into specific genetalia as a way to say you’re not attracted to a character of a specific gender. I’ve been in lesbian communities half my life. I’ve heard it said, and I’ve said it myself unfortunately, but it’s an outdated look at gender and it’s transphobic and I was surprised to read it in a book being published in 2024. A simple “you’re not really my type!” would have sufficed.

I haven’t read the first book in the Peach Blossom books, and I think I’ll leave that as is. Ultimately, I think these books were written for a target audience that doesn’t include me.

I absolutely adored this book. I loved being able to read a story where the main characters were POC and to imagine the different dynamics at play from other WLW novels. The author really brings the heat with the private encounters (and there are plenty of them to enjoy). The angst is pretty low in this novel compared to other similar stories, which I enjoyed. The character development is very good and I enjoyed seeing someone that was still fairly young being shown as a responsible adult and shop owner. For me, there was a lot to enjoy. It was a nice quick read without a lot of extra baggage in the story, making it one I could savor. I highly recommend this story.

I'm not sure how I feel about this one. Unlike the previous title in the series, the main characters meet during the event of the book and it feels rushed but at the same time it's acknowledged by the book. I often complain that characters fall way to fast for each other without even knowing each other and it's something this book is quite aware of (and i appreciate that). The characters want to get to know each other beyond the sex. and they don't go "you're the love of my life" when they've known each other for a few weeks. at the same time when this book ended it could have been just the first act of a romance. in the end they don't fully get to know each other on page we just know it's in the future. so it felt unresolved in a way?

while i like the acquaintance with benefits dynamics the family pushback aspect annoyed me quite a bit? (not my favorite sister see you next book, can't wait), i understood wanting it to be the conflict of this story but the way it was brought at times felt forced.

lastly, it's the second karmen lee book I've read with handwaved bioessentialism and transmisogny (the usual dicks=not women etc) and she's far from the only sapphic authors doing it and i know it's not her intention but it does sour my mood when i read this

*The Relationship Mechanic* by Karmen Lee is the second installment in her Peach Blossom series, continuing the author’s exploration of love, community, and personal growth in the quaint Southern town. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, readers who have followed Lee’s work will appreciate the deeper connections to the town and its residents that carry over from the first book.

Karmen Lee has a talent for creating a warm and inviting world that feels familiar yet fresh with each story, and this second entry further establishes Peach Blossom as a central element in her series. The return to this setting adds a layer of continuity for readers, giving them the chance to see more of the town’s charm and the people who inhabit it. With *The Relationship Mechanic*, Lee builds on the foundation of her first book while introducing new characters and conflicts that stand on their own, making it a strong and enjoyable addition to the series.

I didn’t know what to expect when deciding to read this book, but it definitely wasn’t absolute perfection like this! Oh, my god. I’m obsessed. I need more. Immediately. Jessica and Vini were explosive together!

If readers enjoy Instalust with a side of commitment-phobic "I'm just here for a good time, not a long time" characters, this might be a book for you. While instalust to relationships is not my favorite trope, I'm sure that this book will find it's audience amongst those that love a good light-hearted 'heartbreaker' that meets that their match.

I would read Karmen Lee’s grocery list if I could. I loved the 7-10 Split, and this was just another hit for me— in fact, I loved it more. The perfect blend of spice & sweetness. I’m not a third act breakup hater, but the one in this just didn’t quiiiite work for me, but it’s still an incredibly enjoyable and entertaining read. Can’t wait to see what this author does next.

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

Instant chemistry, a situationship that inevitably involves feelings, and queer characters? Yes, please.

I was excited to read an advanced copy of "The Relationship Mechanic" after having read and enjoyed book #1 in the Peach Blossom Series, "The 7-10 Split". For those who read "The 7-10 Split", this story focuses on Ava's younger sister Vini, and Grace's best friend Jessica. Jessica's time in Peach Blossom is short, so while intentions are defined up front, of course there are complications in the form of feelings between her and Vini. I thought the pacing was reasonable, the spice level was through the roof, and the character & relationship development made sense. I am definitely recommending this to others, and plan to buy the book when it comes out next year.

If you’re looking for a fast, light sapphic romance with plenty of steamy scenes and some cute moments, this is a great pick!

This is the story of Jessica, whose car breaks down outside of a small town, where she meets Vini, one of the local mechanics. They end up starting a relationship in secret because Jessica has a “reputation" and well...things entail!

This is actually the sequel to The 7-10 Split, but I didn’t realize that going in. Luckily, you don’t really need to have read the first book to enjoy this one! I noticed some growth in the writing, which is always nice to see in a series. The book is a super quick read, pretty spicy, and overall a lot of fun.

That said, the plot was pretty simple. Most of the story revolves around Jessica and Vini not really talking about their relationship, which was a little frustrating at times. It wasn’t a huge conflict, and I had a good time, but I feel like the relationship ccould have been explored further to avoid miscommunication and to feel more chemistry.

But honestly, even with those small issues, I really enjoyed reading this and it was a nice end-of-summer book.

Imgur link goes to instagram graphic scheduled for January 21st
Blog post goes live January 21st
Amazon review pending release
Will be featured in upcoming Wrapup

**TL;DR**: Very cute, and an improvement on the first book for sure!
**Source**: Netgalley, many thanks to the publisher!

**Plot**: Jessica breaks down outside Peach Blossom and ends up at Vini’s shop. She’s visiting friends in town and the two strike up a relationship.
**Characters**: My biggest gripe with this is with the characters
**Setting**: Peach Blossom sounds lovely in what we get but unfortunately that’s not a ton
**Romance**: The chemistry wasn’t there for me but the spicy scenes were hella spicy

**Thoughts**:

The Relationship Mechanic is the story of Vini and Jessica. Jessica’s rental breaks down outside of town and she meets Vini, one of the town mechanics when she comes for a tow. The two are also linked in that Jessica is in town visiting Vini’s sister’s girlfriend. They strike up a relationship, in secret as Jessica has a reputation, and the story unfolds.

This is the sequel to the 7-10 split and you can definitely tell some growth in the writing. I enjoyed the first portion of this greatly, my only big complaints being the characters especially in the later half. Ava, our character from book one, acts absolutely over the top and causes a third act breakup. Jessica has a ‘reputation’ as her mother is somewhat famous. This whole situation felt… very underexplained. Honestly I actually kept forgetting why people ‘didn’t like’ Jessica. Eventually the two get back together - of course - but it felt a bit contrived.

I can see definite improvement from Karmen Lee and so far I’ve enjoyed the Peach Blossom books. They’re quick, very spicy and fun reads and if you’re looking for some sapphic romances in a small town these are a great pick!

Overall: 4.25/5
Spice level: 3.5/5
Tropes: fling to forever, small town

This was such a cute and sexy sapphic story from Lee! I really loved the chemistry between Jessica and Vini, and their meetcute was extremely unique!

The pacing was good and both characters had decent character development. There was also good character development among Vini and her family once they got past their drama.

I can't wait to see what's next from the author!

Vini is a small town mechanic, who gets called put to help Jessica with a break down.

Jessica is laying low on a small town, and was NOT expecting to meet the hot mechanic. But despite how attracted to her she is, she's not sure it's a good idea....

This is set in the same town as her book 'The Seven Twenty Split' but works as a stand alone.

I'm guessing because it's a Harlequin romance, but it feels a bit rushed, both in how aggressively Jessica chases Vini and how fast they sleep together.

It also feels like it could use more of a plot. There's not much there other than the romance and a third act breakup triggered by one of the side characters being a asshole.

Gosh! This was so damn cute and also a little sexy... much sexier than the 7-10 split. I really loved the way in which these two became their all for each other, with a little drama dashed in between

A fun, sexy roll in the hay. This book is all about Vini and Jessica's chance encounter in the small town of Peach Blossom where their instant attraction combined with Jessica's short vacation in town leads to secretly exploring their red-hot situationship.

Lesbian love | hot & heavy | Black main characters | contemporary romance | small town mechanic x jet setting actress | flirty

Alright let me just start off with saying that this book was HOT. Like, had me blushing and kicking me feet, HOT!

However... I feel like Vini and Jessica did not have believable/organic on-page chemistry. The spice was INTENSE but I didn't feel the connection between them. I also think Karmen Lee did whole lot of telling and hardly any showing during this story. I wanted more descriptions, more dialogue, more... everything.

It was a good read. Spectacular? No. But it was definitely enjoyable.

Thank you to Harlequin Romance for the eARC!

Jessica Jae-un Miller feels like a celebrity arriving in the small town of Peach Blossom, Georgia. From the first minute, she can't get over how adorable everything is, from shutters on windows to the mechanic who rescues her from the side of the highway. She's hot off the press from a scandal in Korea and battling with accepting the role of villain or selfish Hollywood Starlet's daughter, to the compassionate and casual hook-up girl she aspires to be. Jessica is always clear with expectations and I loved the way she approaches everything from flirting to mentally working through her baggage.

The adorable mechanic mentioned above is Lavenia “Vini” Williams, the baby sister of the Williams clan and notoriously quiet preferring cars over people any day. Vini surprises herself by being open to a casual arrangement with Jesisca but also acknowledges it's tough in a small town to not have a feast-or-famine mentality! The chemistry and connection feel off the chart and it's not long before Vini realizes maybe she can't do casual as well as she suspected .....

This spicy sapphic novel spares no expense at the depths of pleasure and emotional growth! It's hard to show up for yourself, and when you're used to leaving finding someone that makes you re-question your life can be earth-shattering. As a reader, you'll get plenty of verse wlw spice - something I especially loved as both women were equal in the bedroom - hungry and satisfying the other without necessarily relinquishing control! I didn't realize this #2 in a series and can confidently say you can read it as a stand-alone - but I will be going back to find book #1 and hope its the story of Ava & Grace !