This was a fun rom-com with light suspense!
Penny’s visit to an estate sale completely upends her life. Her path crosses with Tony and a dead body and the hijinks ensue. There’s chemistry, action and a satisfying conclusion. Fans of the Finlay Donovan or Stephanie Plum will enjoy this one.

I honestly didn’t know what to expect with this book because it doesn’t fit in any genre. Being a mix between suspense, action and romantic comedy, that was unlike anything I’ve read before.
And I had such a fun time!! It’s fast-paced so I devoured it in two days and found myself wanting to go back to the story when I wasn’t reading it.

I really liked the writing, it was comedic and very swoon-worthy when it came to the romance. Great banter too!

While that book isn’t life changing (and maybe not always believable), it’s a perfect fit for people who like to read a variety of genres (like myself). People more into thrillers or romance specifically might think it’s too light on one or the other, but it’s really a perfect mix if you like that!

Wish the romance was more of a slow burn but I loved all the action. Definitely felt like reading a book version of the movie Knight and Day.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review

Pub date: 3/25

I appreciated the story’s refreshing genre-bending, but I was hoping for more excitement. The plot was predictable, with few surprises, and the romance lacked tension.

Would I recommend?... Maybe, if you're willing to suspend your disbelief to enjoy the quick, easy read.

Read if you like:
- The Fall Guy (2024)
- action romcoms
- forced proximity
- 'on the run' road trips
- insta-attraction

The premise of this intrigued me and it ended up being a fun read. I like the writing which pulled me into the story straight away. Our lead character Penny was likeable and had a nice energy with our mysterious leading man Anthony. Throw in the dead body, meddling sister, a missing socialite and an unintentional fake dating scenario and you get a pretty action packed, fast moving read with really good of romantic tension. The ending felt a little rushed and required a suspension of belief but overall an enjoyable story worth a read. 3.5 ⭐️

The premise of this book is entirely implausible, but that did not stop me from having the best time reading it. Holly James has given us a hybrid romantic suspense novel that is completely entertaining from the first page to the last.

Take an overworked, career focused, nerdy professor and match her with an enigmatic, mysterious, insanely attractive “fixer”. Throw in a dead body in a closet, the missing wife of a gazillionaire, and a mistaken identity and you have the recipe for a fast paced, hilarious, mad cap adventure.

Much of the fun of THE BIG FIX is discovering what insanely improbable twist is waiting at the turn of a page. I thoroughly enjoyed both the suspense and romance aspects of this book. It was an ideal escape and the perfect book to pick up after some heavier stories. It is packed with fun from cover to cover.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the advance copy in exchange for my unbiased review.

A solid relationship should always begin with getting the skeletons out of the closet as soon as possible.
Penny, a professor vying for tenure, is dragged to a dead neighbour's estate sale by her sister only to share a not so meet cute with the neighbour's infuriatingly attractive and even more infuriatingly dismissive nephew that is only worsened by a homicide investigation. After sensational journalism erroneously identifies her as the nephews girlfriend she finds her career is not the only thing on the line.
With equal parts romance and action, Holly James crafts a story whose characters are fully formed and their actions while sometimes frustrating are always understandable.
5 stars, going on the keeper shelf.

THE BIG FIX by Holly James is a bit of a chimera, like 51% romance, 49% thriller.

The plot: Penny's sister Libby drags her to the estate sale next door with the not-so-subtle plan of introducing her to Anthony, the nephew of Libby's recently deceased neighbor. Sparks fly between Penny and Anthony...and then a dead body flops out of the closet.

Turns out he's a fixer, and now Penny is involved in his last job, which went awry. There's kidnapping, shootings, stabbing, bearings, PA picked fleeing...and yet the tone is still lighter than a pure thriller, as the romantic sparks turn into a flame.

I liked it, once I got into it (it's been hard for me to into anything lately!). It's a great option for people who like thrillers or mysteries, or wants a Romance where more stuff happens.
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#NetGalley #ARCreview #TheBigFix

I was very into Holly James entertaining, fast paced book- it's probably technically romantic suspense, but it's definitely not as heavy as some books in the genre can be (though there's some definite weight in the story as well). Penny is a smart character and is far more level-headed and resourceful than I think I personally would be in the situations she continues to find herself in throughout the story as things get weirder and more dangerous (and that's saying something when the book starts with her nephew finding a body in a closet at an estate sale!).

First lesson of the book: Never ever fight someone over a pair of candlesticks at an estate sale haha!
This book was fun, quirky and very entertaining. I have loved and read all of Holly James’ books, and The Big Fix is another great read.
The plot: Penny Collins thought the biggest challenge of her summer would be securing tenure—until a body tumbles out of a closet at an estate sale at her sister’s neighbor’s house! Now, she’s on the run with Anthony, the neighbor with the dead body in the closet. Cue the fun banter, madness, and danger…. And a lovely, cute romance.
I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a fun suspenseful, romance.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for providing an Advanced Reading Copy for my honest review.

Romantic but suspenseful with a nice dose of humor and just overall real-life emotions and mishaps - I thought this book hit all the right marks. Opening scene was not what I expected- Penny (a professor) reluctantly joins her sister and neice/nephew to check out an estate sale... sparks briefly fly with the good-looking (but dark/mysterious!) man who owns the house, but then ::shock:: a dead body is discovered. From there, it is one thing after another and Penny finds herself intricately part of Anthony's (dark/mysterious man) past and current dilemma. Funny and fast paced, this book is one that you will not be able to put down!

The Big Fix by Holly James
Release date: 03/25/25
3 stars ⭐️
Thank you, Netgalley and Kensington Books, for the free eARC. I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a romantic thriller that I suggest going into blind!
I was absolutely loving the first half of the book. It was super exciting, and a lot was happening. I liked the romantic tension between the two MCs. The second half wasn't my favorite. It was a lot less exciting, and it felt a bit messy. Like the author didn't exactly know how to end it. Overall, it's worth reading, and I hope that James will write another romantic thriller in the future. I think we need more of those!

“That’s what Uncle Lou did. He made bad stuff go away for people.”

The Big Fix by Holly James is her new genre-leaping romantic suspense novel that all begins with a little misunderstanding over candlesticks! Who knew that a basic item at an estate sale could lead to kidnapping, running from the “real” bad guys, hideouts and rendezvous spots!

Penny needs to make tenure by the end of summer and wants a relaxing weekend with her sister and her niece and nephew. Anthony is in town from NY to lay his uncle to rest – who was a “fixer.” When during an estate sale, a dead body falls out of a closet – one false witness statement will lead Anthony and Penny on an adrenaline packed rollercoaster – hopefully ending in the ultimate “fix!”

I absolutely love James – and this book was very different (in my opinion) from Nothing but the Truth (4.3 stars), Name Your Price (4.5 stars), and The Deja Glitch (4.5 stars). I liked this novel for sure, it was not what I was expecting based on her prior work (ok fine, authors are allowed to switch it up and semi-change genres!). This was a mystery, rom-com, fun banter, “what’s-going-to-happen-next,” a tad-over-the-top, contemporary suspense!

I enjoyed Penny being a professor and puzzle-loving problem solver as the leading lady, and Anthony had a lot of positives going for him. I can say, I recently stayed at The Venetian, and I wish there was “free booze,” but sadly, unless you are in a high roller room – there is not!

While I wish there was a little bit more steam and maybe a little more plausibility that Penny would be that upset about being mistaken as Anthony’s girlfriend in the beginning – turning her into the nosey neighbor, I will read anything that James writes – her creative books perfectly blend all of the right elements making all of her novels entertaining and worth the read!

3.8 stars rounded up!

Thank you to NetGalley for this plot-driven romantic ARC! All opinions are my own.

“Gotta love life’s curveballs.”

4.5 stars

Part romance, part screwball action, this book surprised me in the best way! I've never really read anything like it -- I want more NOW.

As with everything Holly James does, this book is incredible. You're immediately pulled in and invested in Penny and Anthony's story. They're lovely characters that go against genre stereotypes. Penny is equal parts damsel in distress and intelligent, brave woman. Anthony is capable (oh boy is he!) while also a bit shy with a big heart.

The action elements perfectly straddle the line between serious and over-the-top screwy. The tone balances the romance and action beautifully. It feels cinematic and I want to see it made into a movie. It reminds me a bit of Ashton Kutcher's movie <i>Killers</i>. My only complaint is that I wanted Penny to use her tech skills to help. Yes, she's invaluable in other ways but I thought it would be a nice, full circle moment.

Go read this! It's so fun and unique.

<i>Many thanks to NetGalley, Kensington, and the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.</i>

Penny is a tech professor who is working towards tenure when she accompanies her sister to an estate sale at their neighbor's house. During the sale, Penny's nephew stumbles upon a dead body. As if that isn't dramatic enough, Penny finds herself on the run with the house's new owner, Anthony, a handsome fixer who just inherited the house. And his latest fix has gone dangerously awry. I couldn't help but binge this funny, action-packed mystery/romantic suspense!

The premise drew me in, but the compelling characters, wit, and fast-paced shenanigans kept me hooked. This was my first time reading this author, and I appreciated her writing style and sense of humor. Penny is a feisty, intelligent, and hilarious FMC who often surprises herself with her abilities, such as fending off bad guys in unexpected situations.

The chemistry between Penny and Anthony is immediate and continues to sizzle as they find themselves in close quarters. The witty banter and funny scenes blend delightfully with the suspense as the two navigate their growing feelings for each other while solving a mystery and running for their lives. The story also features great side characters, who add to the lighthearted and quirky atmosphere. I especially liked the other female characters.
Filled with twists, turns, and a few wild wardrobe choices, this is fast-paced, fun, and funny! I really enjoyed it!

Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the gifted ARC!

We love a flirty and protective MMC. It was a slow burn with adventure and a tiny bit of suspense. The stakes were high and the romance was unavoidable.

A fun read if you're looking for a Hallmark Mystery Channel Movie in Book Format.
The story is straight forward
The characters 2 dimensional and "Mary Sue"s but the story is a fun and light,not looking for in depth

As a fun Spring read or beach read this Summer I would say you can do a lot worse

The Big Fix by Holly James is an adrenaline-fueled mix of romance, murder mystery, and action, perfect for fans of murder podcasts, high-stakes chases, and Netflix-worthy twists.
Sisters Penny and Libby couldn’t be more different—Penny is a no-nonsense computer science professor, while Libby is a stay at home mom who is all about matchmaking Penny. When Libby drags Penny to an estate sale, she meets Anthony, a handsome, mysterious man dressed in all black. But things take a deadly turn when a closet door swings open to reveal a dead body.
Suddenly, Penny and Anthony find themselves caught in a whirlwind of secrets, missing persons, dangerous chases, and hidden identities. As they work together to unravel the mystery, the sparks fly—both in danger and romance.

💥 What I loved:
🔎 Fast-paced action and mystery—kept me on my toes!
💖 The sister dynamic—Libby and Penny’s bond added heart to the story.
🔥 If you love crime podcasts, this will be right up your alley!

A fun, action-packed mystery with a side of slow-burn romance. If you love forced proximity, solving a murder, and action-movie vibes, give this one a shot!

📖 Recommended for fans of:
🔍 Murder Mystery Meets Romance
🎬 Fast-Paced, Cinematic Thrills
👩‍❤️‍👨 A Dash of Slow-Burn Chemistry

Holly James writes the best novels. This mystery, romance, thriller action packed novel is the best yet. A page turner, and a super fun read. Smart dialog, crazy, but not too over the top situations and a nice romance. Thank you NetGalley for providing the ARC.

The Big Fix is a page-turning, closed door, action-adventure delight! When Penny’s nephew accidentally opens the wrong closet at an estate sale nothing is quite the same. Including meeting the secretive and sexy Anthony, a “fixer” who has plenty of his own problems to fix. Together they unravel where the body came from and other mysteries. Only one bed fans will love when they go out on the run and wouldn’t you know it the motels are booming with business forcing them together. An easy read I finished in the same afternoon. Highly recommend for folks fans of The Fall Guy