The Fix Up by Sharon M. Peterson

18th June 2025 Books

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AD | book tour – I’m a massive fan of Sharon M. Peterson as not only do I love the characters she creates, but her stories are always a great balance of romance and fun. So, when The Fix Up came up on tour, I couldn’t resist hopping on for a sneak peek. Here’s what I thought.

Table of Contents

THE BLURB

Ellie should probably have listened to the part where inheriting her house came with a hot, grumpy stranger and six months to figure it all out…

Ellie Sterns is a twenty-eight-year-old single mother who only ever seems to date seriously questionable men. But she’s just inherited both a home and thriving café, so life is looking up. The catch? Only half belongs to Ellie—the other half goes to the previous owner’s grandson. Gilbert Dalton may be absurdly handsome, but his frown never wavers and he has a chip on his shoulder the size of a small country.

Ellie would happily spend the rest of her life avoiding him, but to claim their inheritance, they must first live on the property together for six months. For Ellie, the house and the café are her future. For Gil, they’re part of a past he wants nothing to do with. She wants to stay, he is determined to sell. Will they be able to decide what comes next without going to war with Ellie’s whisk and Gil’s toolbelt for weapons?

But somewhere between the snarky notes they leave around the place, and discovering a heartbreaking secret about the house’s previous owner, Ellie and Gil might learn that frustration can turn into sizzling chemistry, and hate can turn into not-hate—and that’s basically only one step away from love…

WHAT I THOUGHT OF THE FIX UP

If you’re a fan of genuinely funny romantic comedies, The Fix-Up is a gem. Sharon M. Peterson delivers a delightful enemies-to-lovers story packed with charm, chaos, and chemistry.

The story follows Ellie Sterns, a 28-year-old single mum who inherits half a house and café—along with a grumpy, absurdly handsome co-inheritor, Gil Dalton. The catch? They have to live together for six months to claim their inheritance. What follows is a whirlwind of witty banter, emotional revelations, and a slow-burn romance that feels both hilarious and heartfelt.

As a fellow mama with ADHD, I found Ellie to be a relatable and refreshing protagonist. Her chaotic, impulsive, and messy nature resonated with me on a personal level. She’s not your typical FMC—she’s real, raw, and trying her best to juggle motherhood, ambition, and a heart that’s been bruised more than once. Watching her navigate this forced proximity situation with humor and vulnerability was nice to follow, even if she dip a little deep into the woe-is-me pot a little too frequently! The snarky notes between Ellie and Gil in particular were a lovely touch.

Overall this is a book where Ellie shined as the star, which – if I’m honest – did come at a cost of the MMC at times who felt like he was there as storyline prop on occasion rather fully developed characters in his own right. Do you know what though …. I really didn’t care. I was so invested in Ellie and her story, I didn’t care that Gil didn’t truly turn up on the scene until a little later despite a brilliant start.

The Fix-Up feels like a warm, chaotic hug. It’s a story about second chances, unexpected love, and finding your place—even if it’s a little messy along the way. A brilliant easy and enjoyable ready perfect for summer.