The Big Fix was a low-level thriller with a twist of humor at the expense of our female MC. Penny is a young university professor hoping to make tenure, and she falls into a messy situation during an estate sale. In reading the synopsis of this book, I had assumed that the adventure would begin immediately upon the shocking discovery during the estate sale. I was a little taken back that “action” would be a slow-burn before it eventually sizzled up. There were a few days of strange occurrences and awkward exchanges between her and him, which kind of fell a little flat for me. 

This story was entertaining, it just didn’t provide what I expected from a story of two people on the run. Perhaps I was expecting to be a little more like Jason Bourne? In this case, Anthony, our male MC is a little more average. It can be charming at times and fits into the fade-to-black romance storyline. Their chemistry is sweet and believable. Ultimately their survival is based on near-misses and overall luck rather than an action hero save-the-day story.

I’d recommend The Big Fix to friends who enjoy light-action with a dash of cozy love. It has the right amount of humor to balance the adventure and romance. Perfect for a weekend read cuddled on the couch.

(This review will go live at thelitbuzz.com on 03/25/25)

This was just so so for me. It felt like a first draft. The concept sounded fun, but the execution was not good. For one, I didn't really get why the MMC liked the FMC. She was kinda mean to him throughout the book. Maybe the author was trying for banter but it fell flat most of the time. The plot got more and more ridiculous as the book went on but also I predicted many of the turns it took. Pretty cliche book.

3.5 stars

I had fun with this murder mystery turned romance and found it to be a very entertaining read. Great tension and lots of swoons.

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Looking for a fun romantic mystery thriller? Try The Big Fix and see if this over the top dash through the genres will keep you entertained! Dr. Penny Collins was strong-armed into accompanying her match-making sister to an estate sale in the neighborhood. While there, Penny got into a public squabble with Anthony who was holding the sale and witnessed a body fall out of a closet. When Penny started snooping around, as a computer scientist, Penny hated to let lose ends hang about. But this time it lead to more adventure and a fun romance than she really wanted. And in the end she managed to save the day and get the guy! A nice, high adrenaline, improbable adventure to take one's mind off what ever ails a person!

Thanks Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the chance to read this title!

A really great adventure of a book. This quick, easy read will appeal to folks with low/no-steam tolerance looking for something more action-y than romantic. While not exactly a mystery, this story has great elements of whodunnit and will the bad guys get their comeuppance? Character development is sparse, but don't let that be a deterrent from this fast, fun read!

This book is a delightful concoction of mystery, humor, and unexpected romance, seamlessly blending elements of a cozy thriller with the chaos of a summer gone awry. With its quirky protagonist, clever plot twists, and a dash of high-stakes adventure. At the heart of the story is Penny Collins, a bookish computer sciences professor whose summer plans are unexpectedly derailed by a visit to an estate sale at her neighbor's house, thanks to her sister's insistence. What begins as a mundane excursion quickly escalates into a whirlwind of danger and absurdity when a squabble over candlesticks with Anthony, the deceased owner’s dashing nephew, leads to a dead body dramatically crashing into their midst. This sets the tone for the unpredictable ride ahead.
James does an excellent job of developing Penny’s character, making her relatable and endearing. As a woman who values intellectual pursuits over physical confrontations, readers will enjoy watching her evolve from an ordinary professor into a savvy heroine who can hold her own in a wild chase. Her partnership with Anthony, a fixer with a murky past, introduces a complementary dynamic that adds layers to both characters. While their chemistry sparks with banter and tension, the unfolding adventure forces them to rely on one another—and ultimately helps forge a deeper bond amid the chaos.
James showcases her adeptness at balancing humor with intensity. The absurdity of Penny’s situation—imagine a professor accidentally stabbing henchmen—alludes to the light-heartedness that permeates the narrative, allowing for moments of levity even in dire circumstances. This tinge of comedy, paired with sharp dialogue, lends a playful tone that distinguishes The Big Fix from more conventional thrillers.
In summary, The Big Fix is a captivating read that brings together elements of mystery, romance, and adventure in a cozy, humorous package. Holly James delivers an enjoyable escape filled with quirky characters and unexpected thrills that will resonate with anyone looking for a fun and fast-paced read. Whether you are in search of delightful character dynamics or a plot that keeps you guessing, this book is an ideal choice that proves sometimes the biggest adventures come from the most unexpected situations.

This is SUCH a fun ride of a book. It's exactly what I want to read: thriller + romance and tension all in one fast-paced adventure. There are a few books in this genre that lean more obviously toward romance (which is fine!), but I have increasingly found that what I want is adventure and thriller with the romance. The Big Fix is incredibly enjoyable from start to finish. Do yourself a favor and preorder it now so on publication day you get it as a lovely present to yourself.

A quietly charming romantic suspense tale, The Big Fix lacks a little in its character development but wins a lot of goodwill through its fun premise, enjoyable writing, and sweet if cliche romance. Like a modern take on Romancing the Stone (with a smidge of Crocodile Dundee II?), it is a perfect breezy read.

When Penny is unwittingly set up by her sister on one of her weekend visits with the new guy across the street who is having an estate sale (unbeknownst to him too), they all get more than they had bargained for. Anthony is not your average neighbour, clearly, he is involved with some dubious and dangerous dealings that need fixing, but is he one of the good guys? There are dead bodyguards in the closet, missing socialites, random vintage disguises, Vegas and for Penny, tenure to achieve.

This was exactly what I needed. A bit of drama, violence, romance and a reminder to not make assumptions or underestimate people.

A little dangerous, a little sexy, a lot of escapism. This was a fun story with steam and excitement. Would recommend.

Penny Collin’s just wants to make tenure. She has just three months to do this one thing. He’s sister Libby has a plan to fix her life. The plan involves the nephew of her newly departed neighbor Lou Griotti. Lou lived next door to Libby and an overzealous realtor sets up an open house that results in a dead body and Penny and Lou’s nephew on the run. Anthony is a fixer. A real job that requires a set of skills that will test the nerves and will of Penny. Unfortunately Penny and Anthony have an attraction that is undeniable, and here is where the fun begins. Anthony’s last job was to help a friend disappear. The friend is the wife of a tech billionaire and all is not as it appears on the surface. Portia Slate’s disappearance is of national importance, and her husband has his own reasons for “finding” his wife. Anthony is determined to help his childhood friend , and Connor Slate needs his wife to really disappear. Such a fun read.

The cover was screaming "READ ME" so I had to read it. And I loved it. MIxing many elements like romantic, suspense, surprises, action, fun... The Big Fix it's a light and thrilling read that has romance, but doesn't feel like just a romance novel. I love a good spy novel (or movie), and this one was amazing. I had so much fun reading it and I liked the characters, which it helped. It's my first Holly James novel, but won't be the last.

A fast-paced story about a fixer whose recent job has gone awry and a woman just trying to make tenure who's dragged along for the ride. I enjoyed Penny and Anthony's characters and the overall plot was interesting. However, I do think a lot of the dialogue was cringy. Also, humor was injected in places I think it could've gone without to make the situations feel more serious and the stakes higher. This was a fun read, I recommend it to anyone who loves a good suspense book with a dash of romance.

Adventure, steamy romance, and funny--perfect weekend read. Penny finds herself embroiled in a murder mystery gone wrong all because of the price of some candlesticks. Definately an opposites attract story. This is my first one by Holly James, but it won't be the last. Recommended!

5 stars for The Big Fix!

I was browsing NetGalley when I saw this cover and just loved it. Then I read the blurb and I was like HELL YEAH. My favorite book of the last year is The Blonde Identity, so this spy-adjacent novel was exactly what I had been craving.

The Big Fix is a good mix of outrageous, funny moments (example: a body falling out of a closet during an estate sale) and suspenseful, dangerous scenes (example: heroine and hero tied up in a basement together.) There is even an intimate moment WHILE they are tied up that had me blushing - not sure how the author managed it, but I was a FAN. After the first fifty pages (where things are slowly coming together, ratcheting up the suspense) things explode and I wasn't able to put it down from there once Penny is basically on the run.

Penny is a professor, and I loved that while yes, she is in distress and unfamiliar with the world of fixers and murder, she held her own. Her and Libby's relationship was well-written and realistic, and I missed Libby when Penny was forced to go on the run. Anthony was a hilarious combination of a practical, experienced fixer and stammering, blushing hero when it came to Penny and they just fit together so well. As a romance reader who loves a bit of spice, I was bummed this is closed-door but that is my only complaint.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing this book, with my honest review below.

The Big Fix was a great romantic - comedy - adventure book! I love stories that involve a heist or have elements that are similar, and while this is no heist story it does give the feeling of those storylines. Penny visits her sister Libby often, and this summer visit turns dark pretty quickly when Libby’s neighbor has passed away leading to an estate sale - with a dead body not for sale in the closet. Though Libby had set up Penny to meet her deceased neighbor’s nephew, Anthony, he becomes the prime suspect and Penny can’t help but investigate, despite the work she needs to do for her tenure. Things quickly spiral as local mysteries seem to all point back to Anthony as the culprit and within the first few chapters we see Penny abducted, Anthony open up a bit, and the mysteries play out for the two to solve.

Well written with enough action and emotion to balance out to a great story, pick this one up if you like to stay on your toes!

I am a huge fan of Holly James and I loved this book! It was a fast paced comedy and action packed rom-com with all the right moves! I highly recommend this read! 5 stars !

Wonderful. Captivating. Incredible. I loved this one even though it's different from James' other novels. Seriously such a great mix of thrill and romance. Definitely add it to your list!

Romantic, suspenseful, witty, and fun, THE BIG FIX has more twisty turns than a Roulette wheel. Highly recommended!