Book Review: The Relationship Mechanic by Karmen Lee

by Ashe T. Anthony

A Black Sapphic Romantic Comedy

The Relationship Mechanic is the second book in the Peach Blossom Series. The first book, 7 – 10 Split, was released a year ago, and The Secret Crush Book Club is the third book and will be released in August 2025. Her stories take place in small towns. Both have been added to my TBR list.

I’ve read Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date by Ashley Herring and loved the book. It ranked in my top five grand gestures. Iris was endearing. It featured a fake dating trope and a big gesture. The big gesture was thoughtful, endearing, and heartfelt. It was considerate of what we’d learned about Stevie and Iris. I am familiar with Hannah Bonam-Young's work. I loved Out on a Limb and don't doubt her ability to craft a good love story.

Quick Overview of Characters

• Story takes place in Peach Blossom, a small southern town in Georgia.

  
  

• Jessica Miller and Vini Williams are the love interests.

  
  

• Jessica’s best friend, Grace, is dating Vini’s sister Ava.

  
  

• Vini is the youngest of three and has a second sister, Dani.

  
  

• Vini owns an auto shop that was passed down from her father. She has lost her mother (off page).
  

• Jessica is a voice actress.

The book follows Jessica Miller (27) and Vini Williams (23). Jessica is visiting Peach Blossom because she was caught in a sex scandal, and she wants to disappear for a little while. Jessica’s rental car breaks down on the highway, and the Sheriff calls Vini to help.

They hit it off almost right away. Because Jessica’s best friend is dating Vini’s sister, they decided to keep their relationship a secret. Ava is especially disapproving of Jessica because she knows the details of Jessica’s scandal, and she doesn’t want her baby sister to get hurt. Once their situationship comes to light, they are forced to face their limitations and intentions head-on.

Family Dynamic

During the novel, Vini’s family is on display. The matriarch has passed. Vini lives with her father and two sisters. They are tight-knit, and everyone is in Vini’s business. This isn't a family they can keep secrets from. Jessica’s family may not be physically close, but they are very loving and supportive, offering her good advice.

Open door sex scenes EVERYWHERE!

Jessica and Vini had good chemistry, and the sex was scorching hot. Lee did a fantastic job of giving us realistic spice between the two characters. Both Vini and Jessica avoided their true feelings and struggled to admit them to themselves. I would've liked more inner dialogue about their increasing emotions. I wanted to fall in love, too.

Let's discuss tropes

I love third-act breakups because they allow the characters to address their feelings and hangups. This story was no different. This breakup was done well. It was focused more on fear than on a simple misunderstanding. They both had past relationship issues that they needed to come to terms with. I was drawn in emotionally during this time because the parents were lovely and gave advice that helped push Jessica and Vini’s relationship forward.

• Overbearing family – 5/5 A loving family that means well and understands when they overstep is a plus for me.

  
  

• 3rd act break up – 5/5 I’m a sucker for a 3rd act break up and a loving family.
  

• Secret relationship – 3/5 Although this relationship was secret, it was more like an open secret. Getting caught was kind of anti-climactic. I don’t believe the stakes were high enough.

  
  

• Casual sex to serious emotions – 4/5 The sex was hot, realistic, and plentiful. The emotions missed the mark. But the passion was done so well, I hardly missed it.

  
  

• Big gesture  - 2/5 I understand where Lee was going with this, but it wasn’t for me.

Overall, I rate this book an 8/10. It was good, made me feel good. The Relationship Mechanic had the perfect amount of spice. The emotional connection between Vini and Jessica could’ve used more work. The plot was solid and realistic. The story flowed naturally.

I plan to read the first in the series, 7-10 Split, which follows Ava’s story with Grace. And the third book, The Secret Crush Book Club, comes out in August of 2025.

More reviews coming soon!