I really enjoyed this book. It kept me engaged and it only took a few days to read. I think this is going to be a good book club option for several clubs. I plan recommending to my book friends and I look forward to reading more by this author.

Just when I didn't think I'd read an opposites attract romance right after my last read, here comes one right on my lap! To be fair, it's my own fault, but the books couldn't be more different!

This sapphic romance about a female mechanic and the daughter of a Korean Hollywood actress. Their meet cute is to die for, perfect way to drop in a new town! Have your car get towed!

I typically like small town romances but I'll be honest and admit I dont always seek them out. So it limits how many sapphic romances with it I read, which I need to change after reading this!

Their banter was so cute! Where I gotta break down my car in GA to find a lil hottie to hook up with(lol jk)? I think since I'm not familiar with the author, I went in with expectations you might give someone new to you, but this author really has something going. It makes me want to read the first book in this series.

This book was cute. I always enjoy a good sapphic romance. Much like 7-10 Split I wasn’t always convinced there was chemistry between the two characters but overall the story was cool.

I was so excited to read about Vini falling in love. I’ve loved her character since meeting her in The 7-10 Split. And this romance did not disappoint. I found the banter between Vini and Jessica perfect and these two had me cracking up. The chemistry between these two in the bedroom was fire. And I liked the way the story wrapped up in the end.

Overall, I enjoyed being in the progressive small town of Peach Blossom for another book and I’m stoked to read Dani’s book. It makes me so happy to see these sisters fall in love and have their happily ever afters.

I love Vini so much. Like, so much. She is such a wonderful character!! I also like her family, even the ones that frustrated me!! Jessica....felt a little bland at first. It felt like there was so much missing from her, but eventually we learn more. Overall this was fabulous (and spicy)!!

This was so much fun! Be warned: there is a lot of steam (like 4/5 probably). Steamy sapphic romcom with lovable characters. I highly recommend Karmen Lee's work!

First of all, I think the cover on this one is so cute! I love that one of the main character's is a mechanic. Overall, there are some super fun things about this book. It is a cute sapphic romance set in a small town with lots of quirky characters. For me, I felt like we didn't get to know the 2 main characters quite enough for my liking. The focus was definitely much more on the spice, which is less my thing. That said, it was well written and cute! I just wanted a little bit more character/world-building.

Thanks to NetGalley, Karmen Lee, and Harlequin for the chance to read and review. My opinions are my own.

I loved the relationship between the two main characters, it was a wholesome sapphic romance! It was really interesting to follow a main character who works as a mechanic. I quite enjoyed this aspect. The overall storyline fell a bit flat though.

I really enjoyed that there was diverse representation in this book, it’s frustrating that so many sapphic romance novels are just two white women when the queer community is so diverse! The story was fun and I enjoyed the author’s writing style!

Received an ARC from Netgalley for review purposes.

I absolutely love that one of the love interests is a tradeswoman. 😍 That’s one of the main reasons I requested this book (in addition to the gorgeous cover) and I would definitely love to see more of that in the Sapphic romance.

I also think that the spicy scenes are really well written and if that’s what you’re looking for, you will enjoy this book.

That being said, my main issue with the FWB-to-lovers trope, is that I often feel like there isn’t much depth to the relationship outside of the physical attraction and it doesn’t really keep me invested in the idea of the love interests ending up together.

This was unfortunately the case here, in my opinion. It reminds me quite a bit of Ashley Herring Blake books which are not my cup of tea but if you like them, you will love this one!

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.