I was entertained by this book. It was a bit slow in the beginning but once it picked up I was invested. I loved the Anthony character.

The Big Fix by Holly James — ★ ★ ★ ★

Tropes 🌷
- mystery
- thriller
- action

“I’d always have a before and after Anthony Pierce. And under that sweeping midnight sky with endless possibility rippling around us, I knew I wanted to find out what came next.” Penny

When I first saw this book, I instantly fell in love with the cover. I mean, just look at it—the colors are gorgeous! and the blurb totally grabbed my attention. I’m so thankful I got approved for an e-ARC. 💖

The book has As Good As Dead and The Bodyguard vibes—a perfect mix of thriller, mystery and romance that took me on a wild ride. 🫶🏻

The story follows Penny, who’s staying at her sister’s house for the summer while finalizing her tenure as a computer science professor. She suddenly finds herself on the run with a guy she barely knows, dodging bullets, scaling walls, and even accidentally stabbing henchmen. It all starts because her sister tried to set her up with Anthony, the neighbor, who’s organizing an estate sale for his late uncle.

Things take a crazy turn when a body falls out of a closet during the sale—and it’s not Anthony’s uncle, but someone oddly familiar to Penny. She just can’t quite place where she’s seen him before. This was definitely not how Penny imagined her summer going!

The book had me on the edge of my seat, heart racing with all the action and twists. I couldn’t put it down and ended up reading it in one sitting.

And I absolutely loved the tension between Penny and Anthony—it had me giggling and swooning! If you’re into murder mysteries with a dash of romance, you’ve got to check this one out when it comes out on March 25, 2025. 💖✨

Thank you so much NetGalley and Kensington Books for the e-ARC! and congratulations Holly James for this amazing book! 🫶🏻

This is a fun, romantic suspense book! With outrageous moments (helloooooo dead body falling out of a closet!) and scenes filled with danger (but also swoon?), this book is a fun ride!

I did think it was a bit slow in parts, particularly when Anthony was talking about his uncle or explaining the story of his friend, I did enjoy the overall story.

I thought Penny was a great character. I loved that even though she had no idea what was going on, she never truly felt like a damsel. Her relationship with her sister Libby was also great!

Read if you like:
-suspense & mystery with a side of romance
-a damsel who doesn’t feel like a damsel
-hilarious sibling banter
-closed door but still swoony

This book was a ton of fun! Poor Penny just wants to make tenure when she gets onto a mega billionaire’s bad side… by association! It all starts with an estate sale, a body tumbling out of a closet opened by her mischievous nephew and Anthony, a man who is hiding something and dare I say, someone, aside from said dead body.

Once I started, I couldn’t stop! The pages flew by, the story is action packed with witty one liners and characters to easily root for (and against!). Highly recommend if you’re looking for an adventurous read that will keep you laughing and guessing into the wee hours of the night.

Romantic/Adventure or Suspenseful romance! There are many action adventure movies with a romantic undertone, but not a lot of books. The Big Fix is reminiscent of movies like The Lost City or Indiana Jones-- a "regular person" due to "chemistry reasons" finds herself in the middle of a crazy spy/fixer/crime novel. This book is great fun, I enjoyed the adventures of Penny and Anthony, as well as their banter.

Penny is a computer science professor on the tenure track, and while visiting her sister she goes to an estate sale of her sister's neighbor. Only to find his nephew wholly uninterested in the whole affair. The whole room notices a spark between Penny and Anthony, everyone except the two of them. When they find a dead body, the adventure begins. Portia is the wife of a tech billionaire, and she has gone missing. It turns out the dead body is her bodyguard. But where is Portia and how does she relate to Anthony? Before she knows it, Penny is in a different world. Anthony is intimately involved in Portia's disappearance, but is he one of the good guys?

She is a fish out of water, but there is a lot of humor when she tries to get her bearings. It is always fun, in a romantic book, when the reader is aware that the main characters are falling for each other before they do. It helps that this is NOT multiple POV, it is all Penny's perspective, so we find out who Anthony really is at the same time Penny does. This had great dialogue and great pacing. I am a fan of Holly James/Holly Michelle's other works, and I am happy to say I really enjoy this cross genre story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Press for the ARC. Book to be published March 25,2025.

loved this mystery of finding a dead body while walking through an estate sale. loved the romance between tony and Penny. Loved that they were helping each other out and trying to figure who really did murder . Loved her sister ,

this was a great book! it really was a movie-ish book where it felt like it was playing out like a movie in my head. I liked the romance aspect and the sillyness that came along with the mystery and the action that this book had

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

When bookish Penny Collins reluctantly lets her sister drag her to an estate sale at a neighbor’s house, she’s hoping for a little diversion rummaging through dusty antiques. Instead, she ends up in a public squabble over candlesticks with the deceased owner’s nephew, Anthony right before a dead body tumbles out of a closet! Good book! This book was a bit different from the normal thrillers I read! It definitely had some dark humor! It also had suspense, intriguing, murder, mystery, and a few crazy twists and turns! The story was interesting! I definitely recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for this advance readers copy in exchange for my honest feedback. First of all I love love this cover!!!! It’s a twist turning book so buckle up and take some anti-nausea this one will take you for a ride. It’s giving Stephanie Plum meets Finlay Donavan. Add this to your TBR!!!

This was my third book by this author. I really enjoy her stories and this one was right up my alley since I enjoy the trope of two characters on the run from someone and forced to work together.

While I enjoyed the story, I never really felt the connection or chemistry between the two leads. Apparently their chemistry led everyone around them to assume that they were boyfriend and girlfriend, but that chemistry wasn’t there for me. I would never have mistaken them as a couple based on those interactions.

I did enjoy seeing the story unwind and the pieces come together and I did like both of the characters. I just wish they had had more chemistry. I was also expecting the story to be more humorous than it was. Still this was a fun, quick read.

I’d recommend this one for those looking for genre bending escapism ‎ It surprised me how much I enjoyed this. It wouldn't surprise me if it did become a movie one of these days.

The Big Fix by Holly James is the perfect mix of mystery, action, twists, and swoon-worthy romance. Penny Collins, a total bookish queen, just wanted to vibe at an estate sale with her sister, but instead, she ends up caught in a crazy murder mystery with Anthony, a super hot fixer (who’s got major Ryan Gosling energy). The banter between these two? Iconic. Penny’s awkwardness + Anthony’s smoothness = absolute chemistry. Plus, it’s a super quick read that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, funny, and totally romantic escape, this one’s for you!

- forced proximity
- one bed
- closed door romance
- banter

4.25 🌟

This book starts with a body falling out of a closet... what is there not to love?!

I know I've said it before but I've fallen in love with cozy mysteries and this book was the perfect blend of suspense and humor. I flew through this book and it was the perfect break to some of the heavier books. If you like Blonde Identity, you'll love this book!

Thanks, Netgalley for the ARC of this book!

2.5

I enjoyed this and it was a lovely quick read but the romance was probably the least compelling part for me (Though, Penny and Anthony were cute!)

Considered giving an extra star for Libby bc she was one of my favorite side characters I’ve read in a while but took away a star instead for the resolution of the conflict bc it was a bit clunky and awkward. I also don’t always love a closed door romance so that might be part of why this didn’t hit as much


thank you so much to netgalley & kensington publishing for this arc to review!

3.75-4 ⭐️

Was a nice quick easy read, the pacing was pretty good
Penny was kinda annoying a lot of the time 🙈
Could’ve been maybe a bit longer of a time frame on the ‘being on the run’ just maybe make things more realistic and give some depth.

It was a good book overall and like yeah kinda seen the plot twists coming but it was still a good read. Was super excited to read this and requested the ARC ages ago but I’m still pretty happy I got this ARC


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

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Big Fix straddles genres between Romance and Suspense, leaning slightly more towards Suspense.

Penny Collins has worked hard, put in the time and effort for five years to make tenure as a Computer Sciences Professor. Now in the homestretch of reaching her goals, the last thing she needs this summer is a distraction. A distraction like finding a dead body in a closet while at an estate sale with her sister. Or a distraction like being mistaken for the girlfriend of suspect number one in the murder of said body by mysterious and dangerous people. Penny quickly finds herself on the run and searching for answers with reluctant ally, Anthony.

The plot is full of plenty of twists and turns that keep you guessing. But what was lacking for me was the chemistry between the main characters, Penny and Anthony. The basis of their relationship and attraction is rooted in bonding over a traumatic and dramatic situation. This was a short/quick read and I didn’t feel like there was enough time to truly build up the tension and connection between the two. Also, their banter was a little too quick and witty at times that didn’t feel natural.

I’ve enjoyed other books by this author, one of which I have a solid 5 stars to. I will continue to pick up her books, but don’t think this one was for me.

✰ 3.25 stars ✰

​“​Gotta love life's curveballs.​”


[image]

​Note to self: never argue with someone over a pair of candlesticks you never know what kind of wrong impression it might give someone.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Too bad computer science professor Dr. Penny Collins didn't get the memo, and I'm saying that loosely. 🙂‍↔️🙂‍↔️​ All she wanted was a nice relaxing summer with her older sister, Lydia and her family, a much-needed break ​to just make tenure, and avoid getting entangled in anything reckless. The last thing she needed in her life was a distraction or an interruption in her simple life​, let alone arguing at an estate sale with Lydia's recently deceased neighbor's nephew, financial consultant Anthony Pierce, over a pair of candlesticks! 😄​ For what was an innocuous argument sets off an interesting sequence of events, one in which Penny realizes that she may be wrapped up in something far more sinister than she realized.

​​​ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ It surprised me how much I enjoyed this. It wouldn't surprise me if it did become a movie one of these days. Maybe because it had so many of the ingredients of the laid back recipe that used to constitute for those Hollywood films back in the day. Y'know, those ones where the FMC finds herself in a complicated situation, unwittingly, of course, totally out of the realms of her depth, simply a wrong place, wrong time kind of thing with an MMC who is handsome, enigmatic, sexy as hell, but with the heart of a golden retriever.​ ☺️

Y'know, that kind of situation.​ 😌

“It's just a puzzle, Penny. And you're smart enough to solve anything.”

​ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I really got a hoot out of Penny's relationship with Lydia; very fun, very believable sisterly dynamic that had me chuckling a few times. And even though it might have seemed a bit ambitious of Penny to want to follow up what connection Anthony may have had with a mysterious kidnapping, simply because she felt beholden to the missing woman - having met her only once - I liked her as a protagonist. 👌🏻​ She was smart​ and kind, tenacious, committed to her job, resourceful, and a badass! Not ​that she believed that, obviously, but one where she could use her brains and logic to get her and Anthony out of tight situations. A natural solver of puzzles, she was curious to know how the two mysterious and suspicious events involving this ​big, sexy, reckless oaf​ were connected to her, as well.

​​ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ It's a fast-paced read, where every minute counts. But, what made it fun was watching the two of them together, with chemistry that was not exactly sparkling, but natural at ease with one another. It was both sexy and adorable how Penny was visibly annoyed with Anthony's evasive remarks, but was so very endeared by his enigmatic, but coy charms - helplessly attracted to him upon their first meeting. 🥺​ How he would blush at her flattery, the casual but earnest way in their friendly quips that bordered on casual flirting, how he found her exasperating yet fascinating, apologetic to a core for how guilty he felt about putting her life in danger... But, ​uff​, the gag removal scene was so deliciously intense! ​❤️‍🔥​ I can see why Penny was smitten with him.​ 🥰

“You seriously don't know I asked.” My voice came out low and breathy. Transfixed.

“Why I find you interesting?”

​​ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I mean, she tried! 😆​ Even when it infuriated her to no end that for one simple misassumptions that she was his supposed girlfriend, she found herself in The Big Fix that she really had no need to be a part of, she liked him. Anthony, well Tony to his friends was sweet and honest - well, in a way. I liked how he encouraged her to recognize her strong suites - of how much of a badass she was. Enigmatic, a man of mystery and secrets, there was a softness and kindness to him that proved to Penny that their attraction was not a matter of circumstances but of choice, of want. 'It was the end of a journey and the start of another.' And may have been only a few days of their chance meeting, but it made both of them embrace a part of themselves they didn't know they had.​ 💕

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Well, at least the spice was in a realistic sense - very PG and very chill, too​ - some wholesome but fiery kisses that definitely earned my approval. 🥹​ Much like the mystery and thrills, too, but the writing was so fluid and their dynamic so engaging, that I was not perturbed by it. Like I said - Hollywood vibes. There was no surprise to me, but it was fun to see the two of them work together; they were a good team. Penny was patient, but smart and seeing her step out of her comfort zone and be daring and bold definitely made Anthony's job a lot easier. So, as much as I sensed how things would go down, it was still fun to be along for the ride that felt a bit light in tone, but still enough to make the threat prevalent.​ 👍🏻

A bit predictable, sweet and simple, and like the author hoped that readers would have a great time reading it. And, it was a nice easy-breezy​ read before I left for work this morning today, so can't complain now, can I.​ 😎

*Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A fun and easy thriller/romcom. If you're looking for a light and entertaining read that will still hook you - this is it.

Synopsis
Professor Penny Collins expects a quiet estate sale—until a fight over candlesticks with Anthony, the late owner’s nephew (and who just happens to be gorgeous), ends in a body falling from a closet. Now mistaken for Anthony’s girlfriend and the key to a deadly secret, Penny’s summer takes a wild turn. Dodging bullets, scaling walls, and fending off henchmen, she must survive long enough to solve the puzzle or become another victim.

Thoughts
This was a fun and gripping thriller. More light and romcom lead than a heavy or mysterious thriller.

📖 I found the story predicatable but enjoyable all the same.
👥 I liked the characters. Penny holds her own for a professor, Anthony is your typical broody and yet soft hotty. And the side characters are multi-dimensional. I liked Gio and loved Penny's relationship with her sister.
💖 The romance was predictable but I loved it all the same
🌶 Closed door spice
⏰️ Some fast paced areas but predominantly steady paced. I saw some reviews of a slow beginning and whilst the action took a while to start I thought the beginning had good pacing - the mystery of the plot kicked in quickly.
💬 Believable dialogue and good banter

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

When the action starts in the first chapter, you know it’s going to be a good book and “The Big Fix” by Holly James did not disappoint!

💥 Forced Proximity
💥 ONE BED
💥 Banter and wit
💥 Action
💥 Suspense
💥 Found family
Penny’s sister Libby is meddling again.
Under the guise checking out the neighbor’s estate sale, Penny finds herself at the center of another matchmaking attempt instead of poolside like she wants to be. Libby has her eyes set on matching Penny up with Anthony, our MMC and the nephew of the deceased neighbor. Penny has nephew of her own that’s she is chasing around the estate sale and when he opens a door he shouldn’t Penny’s whole life is about to change.
💥 💥 💥 💥 💥 💥 💥 💥 💥 💥 💥 💥 💥
“The Big Fix” was a quick, action packed read with a delightful sprinkling of romance in there. Both of our MCs are enjoyable characters and I loved the banter and quick wit between them even under stressful situations. While there is less focus on the romance in this book (and the typical Holly James books) I feel like it works with this plot and storyline. If our MCs were having a full blown romance in the middle of all the action I think it would give more eye rolls and less believability to the story.
In the end “The Big Fix” is an entertaining book packed with mystery, action and a good deal of bad guys. What’s so fun is we get plenty of comedy and sprinkling of romance to balance it all out. This is a book I could definitely see getting turning into a movie!
Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the eARC! “The Big Fix” by Holly James is set to be released on March 25, 2025.

A cute rom-com mystery. The beginning seemed a bit sluggish like the author wasn't sure where she wanted to go with the story, but the storyline found its legs and picked up.