Blog Tour Review: The Fix Up by Kendall Ryan

The Fix Up is a cute story, but the blurb is a little misleading. I went into this book expecting a friends –to-lovers story, but that would be stretching things here. Before circumstances forced them together, Sterling and Camryn were acquaintances who had an unexplored/unacknowledged attraction to each other.

I liked both Sterling and Camryn, they were unique characters with great personalities that made spending time with them fun. The growing friendship and attraction were fun to explore, but I did struggle with several parts of the plot. There were times when Sterling and Camryn’s actions didn’t really make sense to me and definitely times when some of the secondary characters didn’t make sense.

I also struggled a little bit with the general set up of the story and why would they continue down “Path A” when their attraction to each other made that path difficult. I debated how to rate this book and the higher rating finally won due to the fact that I just genuinely liked Sterling and Camryn and found myself rooting for them to both get the happy ending they deserved.

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I twist the doorknob, and finding it unlocked, let myself inside.

Sterling’s place is compact, but modern and classy. It suits him. After a quick glance around the living space, I spot him on the balcony outside, just beyond the glass doors at the far end of the living room. He’s facing away from me, his hands gripping the railing, his head bowed.

My smile from moments ago is gone. Seeing him like this—looking distraught—brings the reality of our situation crashing back.

Sterling suddenly turns and we lock eyes. A thousand emotions are revealed in his eyes, but mostly there’s anger. There’s also a sadness in his gaze that I’ve never seen. It’s haunting.

I swallow a lump in my throat, wondering what’s going on.

“Sterling?” I ask, slowly approaching the balcony.

It’s beautiful—plush pillows and twinkling lights, and a chilled bottle of white wine all nestled together in a romantic picnic for two.

He lets out a heavy sigh and runs one hand through his hair.

“This is beautiful,” I say since he hasn’t spoken, hasn’t even moved from the spot where he’s rooted, and his stony silence is killing me. “Are you okay?”

“Just fine,” he says curtly, his gaze looking past me.

He doesn’t seem fine. He seems off. Why go through all the effort if he’s just going to act sullen and withdrawn?

And what could have possibly changed in the twenty-four hours since we last spoke on the phone? He seemed so excited—like he hadn’t a care in the world. Now it seems he doesn’t want me here.

“If this is a bad time, if tonight doesn’t work . . .” I trail off, my voice suddenly shaky.

“The meal’s already prepared.” He brushes past me, headed toward the kitchen.

Unsure what to do, I follow behind him.

He’s acting like an asshole, and I suddenly feel so stupid for getting all done up tonight. I’m not going to stand around and embarrass myself by begging for his attention.

“You know what? Never mind. This was a bad idea, anyway. I’ll see myself out.” I turn and head for the front door, anger and rejection dueling inside me.

It takes all of three seconds before Sterling’s long strides catch him up to me by the door. His grip around my wrist stops me. “Wait.”

I turn and face him. I’m halfway between wanting to flee and staying to hear his explanation.

He releases a heavy exhale. “I received a phone call just before you arrived.”

With him so near, the combination of his clean soap and his spicy cologne intoxicates me. Memories of our intimate dinner rush back. But apparently tonight is not meant to be a repeat. Waiting to see what he’ll say next, I inhale and hold my breath.

When he doesn’t continue, I ask, “Is everything okay?”

A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 1.5 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. She’s a traditionally published author with Simon & Schuster and Harper Collins UK, as well as an independently published author. Since she first began self-publishing in 2012, she’s appeared at #1 on Barnes & Noble and iBooks charts around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.

Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras

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