um ...... so this was just a hot mess all around.

From copy editing to plot to characterization to .... everything.

I'll just exit stage left now.

ARC provided for review.

2016-blog-tour-read pr-hot-tree romance-mm ...more7 s Ery319 2

I picked this because it was on a GR "best of 2016" list for m/m romance, so therefore my expectations (and therefore my letdown and the resulting review) were inordinately high.

Spoilers, because I just can't discuss my displeasure without telling a fair bit of the first 40% of the story.


I was surprised to see a mm author I didn't recognize on the list (and took it with a small grain of salt knowing how said lists are sometimes manipulate), but with an utter lack of other stories I wanted to read and some small seed of hope that I would have found a new author in the genre, I one-clicked my way into ownership.

Started off fine, setting the stage for a closeted young man with a girlfriend meeting the new man of his dreams and all set to break out of his cage. A tripe I can certainly enjoy upon occasion. Unfortunately, it quickly veered into the annoying and unbelievable (okay, fine, one could argue lost stories in this genre are unbelievable, but I need one small grain of realism in contemporary romance.

Jason, the out and proud 27 (?) year old CEO of a bank meets Max, the closeted mechanic when he brings his newly purchAsed diamond in the rough for restoration. During one of thse meetings, he meets Max's girlfriend and proceeds to invite them onto his boat so he can creep on Max a little more ... I mean, pursue his closeted insta-lust target.

Anyhow, max can't get it up with his girlfriend, EVER, but she's totally cool with that and really doesn't question it (initially). Because, some times that just happens, right? Every time. With no medical reason or other justification. At least she doesn't pressure him.

Melanie tried to set Jason up with her gay BFF, who is perfectly sweet, but Jason just isn't interested. Because, despite having had his heart broken by a closet case with a beard in the past (and numerous asides about men that would do such a thing), he just can't HELP but want Max.

So they go on Jason's boy and of course Melanie pushed Max and Jason into dancing together just to show off her bf's talents (because, what girl doesn't press her boyfriend to dance with another man they've met ... Once), and the both of course lust after each other blah blah.

Things happen, and over dinner soon after Melanie out of the blue questions whether Jason really loves her. I mean, no big surprise to the reader, but first hint that she gets a lack of erections and interest in her life, marriage (after two years of dating, etc. MIGHT have some deeper meaning), and she breaks it off (okay, "takes a break").

She then, of course, runs STRAIGHT to Jason, apparently her new BFF, to cry on his shoulder and spill her heart out. Because they've met , twice by this point, right? I mean, there's a solid maybe 10 hours of knowing each other, but it's okay, because she invited Brad. And proceeds total her new bestie Jason (and Brad), "I don’t want him to just care about me. I want him to love me. To desire me"......"“Max and I are barely intimate.” Melanie blushed."

And that's a book drop for me. DNF AT 37%

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.Show full review5 s Love Africa Book Club449 25

With a cover that I just had to read this book and y'all know I love a great book cover. It's eye candy making me want to grab the book and devour the contents. And this was an enjoyable read.

Jason is out and proud. But he's alone in the world, having lost both his loving parents and also inheriting a business from an uncle. He had his hands full and didn't really have time for relationship especially since a previous one ended badly.

That's until he walks into Maxwell's auto repair shop and meeting Maxwell who is the epitome of everything he wants in a man physically. But the closer he gets to Max the more he realises that Max is in denial about his sexuality, and hides himself from the people who love him. Not to mention that Max has a long term girlfriend.

When Max meets Jason the attraction between them is obvious but everything else Max does, he tires to hide his feelings and carry on pretending to be someone else as he and Jason dance around each other. Bad news about family finally brings them together and also tears them apart.

This book revealed a character trait that I dis very much. Cowardice. It's one thing if a character is being bullied into a position where they can't stand up for themselves. But when an adult lets imagined fear rule them to a point where it is crippling, then I struggle to empathise.

I hated that Maxwell was such a coward about himself. I hated that he deceived Melanie and his father. There were moments when I wanted to smack him across the face, moments when I wanted to drag him by the hair and make him stand in front of everyone and tell them the truth. Because there just wasn't a plausible reason for his fear. None.

So yes, this book roused strong emotions in me and that's a good thing. Because I cared for the outcome of the situation and I wanted to see the characters get their happy ever after. This is an easy read. There are described love scenes but they are quite short and quite mild, so should appeal to a wide group of M/M readers.book-tour-review contemporary drama ...more3 s Lindsay DetwilerAuthor 29 books363

Filled with well-developed tension and sexual chemistry, Fix You isn't just a love story... it's a story about identity.

Max and Jason meet in Max's family mechanic shop when Jason is getting his car professionally detailed. Jason, a CEO at a bank who is comfortable with who he is, finds Max attractive. However, Max hasn't been able to admit who he is and what he really wants in life. As the two begin to explore each other and Max sets aside carefully constructed boundaries for himself, both men find out more about themselves. Will Jason be able to help Max be his true self, however?

The characters in this novella are really well-developed. I that both had their conflicts and troubles from the past. I also really d the blue-collar setting with Max. I thought the mechanic shop was a nice backdrop to the story line. Overall, the story was a balance between emotional and spicy. There was a lot of heat in the novella, which allowed the passion to really be felt by the reader.

I the overall message of this work that honesty in all walks of life is crucial to happiness--honesty with others, but also honesty with yourself. Gen Ryan did an amazing job at creating a realistic world, relationships, and characters with her noteworthy writing style. I look forward to reading more works by her.2 s xxoabbey437 11

- Review copy from Hot Tree Publishing.

3.5 Stars

Ok, so i read this one sitting and felt it had a real good start with meeting both characters, both so different but could feel the chemistry between them from the first meeting.

I did feel the friendship between Melanie and Jason kinda came outta no where, they only met really once or twice that we saw but then she rocks up to his house when she tells Max to go on a break? I would of prefered to maybe see some more interaction between them both to even see why and how they have established this friendship.

I am all for insta-love but we only ever saw Max and Jason have sex and hang out at home a few times before they are saying I love you... it felt too rushed, I think a few scenes of them going out somewhere outta town maybe to avoid running in to people would of made sense for Max then to be struggling when home and having to pretend.

Max's dad was abit hit and miss for me, aswell as Melanie.

Max's dad on the pretense, he seemed un approachable, I think maybe if he and Max had an actual heart to heart about stuff in the hospital, yeah Max comes out to him, but I think maybe a convo about how after his mum died he didn't feel he could talk to his dad would of been good for a more emotional kick to the readers.

Melanie was a conundrum, her boyfriend couldnt get it up for her, but she kept pressuring him, and then they got engaged , and then he said he was gay and she was oh well that makes sense but you strung me along... i don't know she just annoyed me i think.

I think it had the bones to be a good story, just needed to be fleshed out abit more.
2 s michelle Shelly1,678 12

Wonderful read. This is my first book by this author but it definitely won't be my last. The characters Max and James were great and their story was both sweet and emotional.
Max has been hiding who he really is his whole life. Hiding behind his girlfriend not wanting to admit that he is gay. Worried about what his father would think he gave up his happiness. That is until he meets Jason, at first touch he had feelings he hasn't ever had touching anyone.
When Jason drops his car off to get some work he is instantly attracted to the man who will be working on his car. Knowing that there is a connection he is disappointed to learn the hot mechanic has a girl friend.
Fix You is really a good book. I loved the story, characters and the writing was fantastic. 2 s ItaPixie1,120 126

This was a quick read but I felt every kind of emotions for these characters.
I would have loved a longer story so I could have read some more about Max and Jason's journey.

I've d Jason since the beginning, his exuberant personality and his honesty make him irresistible.
Max's indecisiveness and fears,on the other hand, make him a not so lovable character but he totally redeemed himself in the end.
I've really enjoyed the physical chemistry between the two of them.

Fix You was the first book written by Gen Ryan that I've read but it won't be the last.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author. 4-stars3 s Beverly Southern Babes Book Blog434 15

Well this is the first book I've read by this author. Jason and Maxwell' story was a good one.
Max knows who he is but he hiding behind his girlfriend. He's gay but doesn't want to share it with anyone. He's afraid of what everyone will think. Then Jason walks into his garage and everything he's had bottled up inside comes to the front of his mind. All the what ifs.

Jason is gay and he's not hiding it. He doesn't shout it out off roof tops either. The first time he sees Max he wants him. Jason also sees the confusion, the hurt, the guilt that lays in Max's eyes. That doesn't stop Jason. He wants to help Max be who he wants to be.

Some hearts get broken, but when your heart wants something it takes it.

This was a short read for me. I wish it was a bit longer, and maybe a little more detailed. Still it was a great story.

Jason- I was far from damaged. I was just a man in love with another man, and looking for his forever.1 Lisa2,076 13

This was an interesting read about being true to yourself and accepting who you are. Maxwell has always struggled with who he is - he is attracted to men but won't pursue this part of him for fear of disappointing others. Instead he pursues a cover relationship with Melanie. When Jason brings in his car for him to restore, his commitment to his fixed path is severely challenged as Jason sparks something in him.

Jason is confident, open and out: the complete opposite to Maxwell. Is Jason enough for Maxwell to finally accept who he is and pursue his own happiness?

I d the fact that Jason was incredibly patient with Maxwell and supported to reach his own decisions and make his own choices. Maxwell's uncertainties, fears and confusion came through strongly as he struggles to accept himself. Whilst this felt too short for the emotions it was trying to convey, it was beautifully written.

***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***1 MJ's Book Blog and Reviews2,689 55

Review by: Jennifer
(3.5 stars)

Maxwell Craver is just going through the motions... of being straight, he has a girlfriend; they go out, been together for 2 years.... she just doesn't realize... he is gay, and he isn't forth coming with the info.

Jason Lewis happens to need a mechanic, and upon walking into the shop and seeing Max, Jason knows there is something more to Max than he is letting on.

This wasn't a bad story, it just needed more meat to it... very good plot line... trying to be straight for the family, and not owning up to the fact that you are in love with someone from the same sex... and willing to sacrifice your happiness for the happiness of your loved ones. But there could have been more to it... more to the sexy times... just plain more. I give this 3.5 stars. 1 United Indie Book Blog4,463 82

This was a short story about one man knowing who he is while the other one is still struggling to find himself. The sparks flew when they first met but their were issues that stopped them. Max is so consumed with making his dad happy that he puts his own happiness locked up. Jason is bringing it back. Max has a lot of work thru and has a lot of supportive people around him. It sucked that he strung a girl out for 2 years but she moved on. Jason and Max have serious chemistry and bring a level of comfort for both of them. They are the cutest couple! I do wish there was more Max and Jason but I enjoyed what I read.
This is incredible story about being honest with yourself and your family about what you want. About coming clean, opening your heart and finding your true love.


REVIEW BY AMY1 Amy Crull2,117 29

This was a short story about one man knowing who he is while the other one is still struggling to find himself. The sparks flew when they first met but their were issues that stopped them. Max is so consumed with making his dad happy that he puts his own happiness locked up. Jason is bringing it back. Max has a lot of work thru and has a lot of supportive people around him. It sucked that he strung a girl out for 2 years but she moved on. Jason and Max have serious chemistry and bring a level of comfort for both of them. They are the cutest couple! I do wish there was more Max and Jason but I enjoyed what I read.
This is incredible story about being honest with yourself and your family about what you want. About coming clean, opening your heart and finding your true love.1 Katie Townsend1,229 18

5 stars deserved

I love maxwell and Jason I fell so in love with they stole my heart.

This book was the mix of fun, heartwarming ,laughter but also had a lot of heartbreaking moments

Maxwell and Jason was so intense it brought tears to my eyes.

Thank you gen Ryan for Sharing this beautiful story with us1 Megan LoweAuthor 17 books135

OMG! Fix You tears at the heartstrings. Max and Jason have a complicated relationship and it's heart wrenching. Fix You is brilliantly written and grabs you from the start. You're right there with the couple as they go through everything, and boy is it a ride!1 Kelly50 1 follower

This was my first read by Gen Ryan. I instantly d the characters and their sweet but emotional journey together. It was a very quick easy read and I read it in one setting. This was my first time to read a M/M romance but I really d it and will venture out to others.2016-read1 Pianisuparse2,265 45

4 'This was really easy to read. d the characters and the story. Jason and Max were hot as hell, just the mess that it took for them to finally get their HEA was annoying at times. 3.5 plus and extra half star for the hot as fuck cover' stars. Coco.V50k 23 Want to read


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