This was such a fun and cute read. I really enjoyed it and found it captivating and really enjoyed seeing how the characters of Alex and Callum developed. A fun light read

A great feel good novel. A perfect beach or an escape read. This book will leave you smiling.
Alex moves in with her best friend after finding the perfect flat, days after they move in, Callum and his best friend move in. Alex and Callum have a great friendship and as the reader you can see how their friendship will develop but you can't help but turn the pages and enjoy the development.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC of this book. All opinions in my review are my own.

I enjoyed the writing style of this book and found it to be a quick and fun read. That being said, it felt like the story was unfinished to me. You follow Alex and Callum as they forge a relationship from being flatmates. She's bold and chatty, he's quiet and to himself. They finally get together in the last 10 percent of the book but then nothing really happens after that. I felt like some more scenes of their relationship would have been nice. Thanks for the opportunity to review it!

I had a hard time getting into this book. The plot was not super engaging and (SMALL SPOILER) the San Francisco art school situation was rather predictable. I was hoping for a twist along the way, but didn't really find one. That said, Alex was an enjoyable main character. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Captivating from start to finish, this romance novel weaves a spellbinding tale of love and self-discovery. The characters are richly developed, and the author's vivid prose brings their emotions to life. A perfect blend of passion and heart, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a delightful escape into the world of love and romance

This was such a fun read! It was my first Phoebe MacLeod book, but it certainly won't be my last. I loved the characters. Alex and Callum both have growing and changing they need to do and it was rewarding to watch their growth throughout the story.

As usual, Phoebe MacLeod delivers a funny, heartwarming, and delightful rom com. I loved the characters and their chemistry is evident through her fantastic writing. This was such a cute and fun read and it’s obvious from the beginning what is going to happen but it doesn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own opinions.

A cute rom-com that focuses on friendship and different types of relationships, not just romance. I loved it, the characters are messy and complex as in real life.

The Fixer Upper by Phoebe Macleod is a charming romantic comedy that captivates readers with its blend of sweet romance and valuable life lessons. Set in a quaint English town, this stand-alone novel introduces us to Alexandra "Alex" Griffiths, a successful estate agent whose personal and professional life undergoes a transformative journey. The novel skilfully intertwines themes of self-discovery, the importance of seeing beyond first impressions, and the courage to step out of one's comfort zone.

At the heart of the story is Alex's evolution from a woman settled in the familiarity of her relationship with her artist boyfriend, Thomas, to someone who learns to stand up for herself and embrace new opportunities. Thomas's decision to pursue his artistic ambitions at the expense of their shared future forces Alex to reassess her priorities and opens her eyes to the possibilities that lie beyond the safe and comfortable.

Enter Callum, the unassuming, shy, and "nerdy" neighbour, whose quiet presence and growing friendship with Alex challenge her perceptions of what she truly desires in a partner. Their slow-burning romance, evolving from breakfast buddies to flatmates and ultimately lovers, is a testament to the book's underlying message: the best relationships are those that are built on mutual respect, understanding, and the ability to see the beauty in someone's genuine self.

Macleod's narrative is peppered with humour, from Alex's amusing encounters with her clients to the comedic misadventures in San Francisco, adding a delightful lightness to the story. Despite the inclusion of sexual references and mild profanity, the romance remains gentle, focusing more on the emotional connection between Alex and Callum than on physical intimacy.

The Fixer Upper is more than just a rom-com; it's a heartwarming exploration of growth, love, and the unexpected turns life can take. It's a reminder that sometimes, the person who needs fixing is ourselves, and the journey towards that realization can be both hilarious and profoundly touching. A must-read for fans of sweet, engaging romances with a dash of British humour.

Phoebe MacLeod’s books are filled with strong, yet misunderstood characters, awkward situations, and long-awaited happily-ever-afters.

At first, I thought the story was about an apartment or house that needed fixing up, but the further I read, the more I realized it was a metaphor for the characters. Alex and Callum are two individuals who find solace, friendship, and eventually love amid life’s ups and downs.

The story begins slowly without any captivating plot twists or suspense leaving room where emotions can be explored without the need for constant surprises. I like reading about the genuine connections formed between characters, but I felt the story lacked sufficient interaction between the FMC and MMC.

Overall, it is a sweet, unpretentious romance that focuses on friendship and the transformative nature of human connections.

Thank you to Ms. MacLeod for giving me the opportunity to read this review with no expectation of a positive review.

Alex has just moved into a flat with her best friend Emma when they meet their new neighbours, 2 guys, Mark and Callum, who have moved in across the hall. Emma immediately falls for Mark and while Alex is away in San Francisco breaking up with her long term boyfriend, Emma and Mark have decided to move in together.

Alex then asks Callum to move in with her. They cohabitate really well but then Alex realises that she has feelings for Callum that all comes to a head when one night they're listening to music together in the dark and they start cuddling before sharing a kiss. But as soon as the music ends, Callum jumps up and asks Alex to leave. Thankfully there is no real tiptoeing around the situation as Alex decides to confront it head on.

She demands Callum comes to the lounge to speak to her where she realises that his lack of self confidence and lack of experience with women, makes him think it was an in the moment thing and that she was way out of his league. Alex finally gets through to him that she really actually fancies him and they're together from that moment on.

I enjoyed the story but it felt like it took too long for Alex and Callum to get together, not long after it happens the book ends with an 18 months later epilogue. Thankfully there isn't too much story involving Emma and Mark because both of them seem like really awful people! Emma does not come across as a good friend to Alex at any point during the story. Alex and Callum were both great characters and I think Callum grew a lot throughout the story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advanced e-copy of The Fixer Upper by Phoebe MacLeod in exchange of an honest review.

"Fixer Upper" by Phoebe MacLeod is a delightful rom com that beautifully combines sweet romance with important life lessons. Through the journey of the main character, Alex, readers are reminded of the significance of not settling for a comfortable yet unfulfilling relationship. The book skillfully explores the theme of self-discovery and growth, encouraging readers to look beyond appearances and take risks in love. With relatable characters and an engaging storyline, "Fixer Upper" is a must-read for those seeking a charming and entertaining romance that leaves a lasting impression.

Absolutely fantastic book. I could not put the book down once I began reading it. I plan on recommending it to everyone who I think will enjoy it.

I love a @phoebemacleod21 book and this was no different as it was hilarious and heartwarming in equal measure. The characters are all so different and unique and they gel together really well to make a relatable story and great romance. I think the story is paced perfectly and I love the chemistry between Alex and Callum I really didn't want this lovely book and I eagerly awaiting another book by the author. #thefixerupper #phoebemacleod #NetGalley #Goodreads

I can't hear this title without the frozen song starting up in my head... that's where the commonalities start and end.

Best friends Alex and Emma move in together but before long their circumstances change dramatically, Alex's rat of a boyfriend travels to America to attend an artist retreat and Emma swoops in on new neighbour Mark and wastes no time.

Mark lives with introvert Callum who Alex strikes up an unlikely friendship over breakfast at the nearby cafe and complex crosswords.

A lovely, lighthearted and humorous read.

I enjoy Phoebe MacLeods writing however this book missed the mark for me. I felt like the love story was too slow to happen as the MFC is with her ex boyfriend until like 60% of the way in and therefore the ending felt really rushed. I am still trying to figure out why this is called the fixer upper as I would have assumed that meant she was fixing up a man like a makeover style book or a house. Also the side story with the p*rno couple was just odd and unnecessary in my view.

It was okay to read and did have cute parts but this book is not one I really would recommend.

This is a very light, fun read when you are looking for something that is easy and low drama to get you through the day. No grand passions, no dramatic, lightening bolt events that suddenly disrupt the lives of all around them in the most unlikely way. This is the kind of stuff that happens to lots of people around the world every day, which makes it much more believable.

Alex moves into a new flat with her best friend and expects life to be hunky dory but her best friend isn’t the ideal housemate she might have been hoping for, her boyfriend takes off to San Francisco on a whim and they have new neighbours, one of whom she keeps getting thrown together with, despite the fact he is the least sociable man on the face of the planet. You can see where this book might be headed, can’t you, but the enjoyment, as with all romances is watching the twists and turns unfold. Because you know what they say about the path of true love…

I thought this book was quirky and a little off the wall, which is what I really loved about it. It doesn’t really end up being what you might expect, despite the fact it is in a recognisable genre. Some of the characters are a little annoying (if I were Alex, this book would have turned into a murder story, rather than a love one, very early on!) but sometimes that serves a story. After all, not everyone is likeable in real life either!

All in all, I found this to be a fun, easy, undemanding read which kept me amused for the hours it took me to read it and pleasantly surprised me in a number of ways. If you think you’ve seen it all in the romance genre, you might want to pick this up and see if it surprises you, as it did me.

I really enjoyed this, it was nice and light and an uplifting read, after being ill it was just what I needed.
I think what I liked most about this was that the love interest was not the typical guy we usually read about in rom coms, I felt this fact made it much more relatable and heartwarming to me.
I could not warm to Emma the roommate tho! Was that just me? lol
This is the first book I’ve read by Phoebe and I’ll be looking out for more from her as I really thought this was a fun read.

This book was so cute! I wasn’t the biggest fan of Emma, Alex’s best friend and roommate, and in some of the scenes with her I found myself rolling my eyes. But as she isn’t the main character I was able to put her in the back of my mind.

This book was very predictable, from the rooming situation with Emma and Alex being hard, to what was going to happen with Thomas when he left, to Alex moving in and falling for Callum.

Advertisement

But as I have said many times, I love a good Hallmark movie, and that is exactly what this book felt like. I might have known what was going to happen, but that didn’t stop me form enjoying the book.

I read this book in basically one sitting, and really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the comedic relief throughout, and I also love how Alex is able to stick up for herself, not only to Thomas but also to her friend Emma.

I love the growth we see between Alex and Callum as a couple but also as individuals. I had a great time reading this book, and would definitely recommend it to people that like hallmark movies!

This delightful rom com is a sweet romance that also has a lesson about looking beneath the exterior to see the gleaming gem that is standing right in front of you. It is also about not just settling for safe and comfortable just because you have spent quite a lot of time in the same place. The main character, Alex, is a cute real estate agent who has been with her boyfriend for 3 years, but rather than get engaged and buying an affordable home together, he decides to head off to chase his artistic dreams and whims while expecting Alex to standby and wait for him to stop sowing his oats. In turn Alex learns to stand up for herself, expand herself professionally and personally and she starts to see what has been in front of her all along. The question becomes does she go for the known and comfortable or does she go for the quiet, nerdy, sexy guy who has been standing in front of her for quite some time! A fun and entertaining read that unwraps several red flags that women often overlook thinking that we can fix them and also when to not try to fix anything at all!