Book Review: Unfixable by Tessa Bailey

Title: Unfixable
Author: Tessa Bailey
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Sensuality Rating: Sensual
Source: personal shelf
Published: April 14, 2014 by Entangled Embrace

He’s the last thing she wants...but the only thing she needs.

Willa Peet isn’t interested in love. She’s been there, done that, and has the shattered heart to prove it. Ready to shake the breakup, she heads to Dublin, Ireland. But there’s a problem. A dark-haired, blue-eyed problem with a bad attitude that rivals her own. And he’s not doling out friendly Irish welcomes.

Shane Claymore just wants to race. The death of his father forced him off the Formula One circuit, but he’s only staying in Dublin long enough to sell the Claymore Inn and get things in order for his mother and younger sister. He never expected the sarcastic American girl staying at the inn to make him question everything.

But even as Willa and Shane’s fiery natures draw them together, their pasts threaten to rip them apart. Can Shane give up racing to be with the woman he loves, or will Willa’s quest to resurrect the tough-talking, no-shit-taking girl she used to be destroy any hope of a future together?

Reviewed By: Laura

Why I Read This Book: Little know fact to many of my online friends, but I am a daydreamer. After studying abroad for a semester in college, and travelling extensively because it was so easy to do, I will often dream of running away to Scotland, Ireland, or France. So naturally, a romance book about reluctant lovers set in Ireland was certainly worth a shot.

Another reason to be intrigued by the description was that Shane was a Formula One racer. That is not an ordinary “job” in a romance novel and he’s certainly not a billionaire playboy. He’s got real problems and too much responsibility. Willa seems to be running from something, but ends up running to someone.

What I Liked: I loved the setting. Beautiful Ireland set in a local inn/pub run by a family. That is a real thing that still happens! The history behind the inn/pub and the buyout being offered are a real threat to traditional ways and I enjoyed watching everyone’s opinions collide regarding how things should proceed.

The way Willa and Shane argue/bicker is quite entertaining. The tension and need are palpable while remaining just out of reach. As they continue to collide with one another, the growing attraction was well written and enjoyable to watch. I even liked the interactions with Shane’s younger sister. She got up to quite a bit of mischief trying to enjoy her teenage bravery and still push Willa and Shane together.

What I Didn’t Like: There wasn’t enough canoodling! Seriously, while I do enjoy the build-up to an explosive sexual collision, this book utterly failed to really give the reader the satisfaction they deserve. There’s a lot of hit and run styling to their encounters that after a while you begin to wonder how they’re even really attracted to one another.

I’m also a bit torn about the ending. While I agree with part of the decision made, the other major decision just felt like one person won out and the other got them as a consolation prize. Although I will say that I enjoyed the afterword/epilogue scene. Quite cute.

Overall Impression: Unfixable was a fun read for the setting and characters, but not satisfying if you’re looking for more sensual action. While it could use a bit more romance, the banter and chemistry are spot on. A solid recommendation for something light.

Laura’s Rating:

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