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Fixing Series #3
Fixing Us
Gabriel Starr is the love of my life, even if he breaks my heart time and time again.
Like a fool, I keep going back, so I’ve made a promise to myself—one final night and then I’m done.
One night of passion.
No pressure. Most importantly, no future.
One month later, a positive pregnancy test tells me different.
Our only option is to raise this baby as friends, but how can we make it work when we can’t even keep our hands off each other?
We finally have the chance to be the family we never imagined we could be.
But first we need to focus on Fixing Us.
.
Like a fool, I keep going back, so I’ve made a promise to myself—one final night and then I’m done.
One night of passion.
No pressure. Most importantly, no future.
One month later, a positive pregnancy test tells me different.
Our only option is to raise this baby as friends, but how can we make it work when we can’t even keep our hands off each other?
We finally have the chance to be the family we never imagined we could be.
But first we need to focus on Fixing Us.
.
Unknown Binding
First published May 16, 2019
262 people are currently reading
412 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Elaine
8 books471 followersMiranda is a loving wife and barely surviving mother of three occasionally good kids. Her hobbies include lying to herself about the calories in donuts and banana pudding, as well as running out of excuses when procrastinating. She's been an avid reader since she was a young girl. Whether she's by the pool, curled up in bed, or hiding in the closet, as long as she has a book in her hands she’s happy.
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May 16, 2019
RATING 4.5 STARS
Fixing Us is the third book I have read by Miranda Elaine. I get more and more impressed with this author with every book. This can be read as a stand alone. The characters from the other two books do recur in this book but if you haven’t read them, it won’t take away from your enjoyment of this at all.
Leigh Ann Simms and Gabriel Starr were high school sweet hearts. They met in their junior year when Gabe came to school where Leigh attended and they have been attached at the hip since. The difference between them was that Leigh had a normal home with loving parents. She loved living in Red Oak and her dreams were to stay, marry Gabe and be a hair dresser. Gabe, on the other hand, had a past filled with foster homes and despair.
Leigh and Gabe are deeply in love. There is no question about that. But as graduation nears, Gabe knows that if he really loves Leigh, he has to let her go. She has so much promise in her future. He doesn’t feel worthy of her. He feels like he would drag her down into his own darkness and that eventually, she would regret her life with him. He is convinced that by being with her, he would hold her back. So, he lets her go.
Over the next twelve years, Leigh and Gabe have an on again, off again romance. They can’t seem to stay apart but can’t seem to stay together either. Leigh knows that if she doesn’t accept that Gabe will never be her future, she’ll never move on.
“He’s my own personal addiction, one I need help breaking away from.”
After a couple of failed attempts at trying to put herself out there, Leigh once again finds herself needing the comfort that only Gabe can offer her. Just one more time. Maybe she can finally get him out of her system after just one more time.
“I need to be a little bad tonight. Please, Gabe. Please be bad with me.”
Their night together leads to the one thing that Gabe never wanted, a child. He has worked so hard over the recent years to overcome his demons. But after his childhood, he is convinced that passing on his genes would be a mistake. When he finds out, though, that the woman he never stopped loving has his child growing inside of her, something happened. He started loving that child.
“I used to think Gabriel Starr would be the end of me, but now I know that falling for him is only my beginning.”
Gabe and Leigh find themselves in a very different sort of relationship. They agree to co-parent when the baby is born as friends. They spend time together in a way they never have before and finally really get to know each other as the adults they are now. The love they have always shared grows to something new and different. Only this new connection is still shaky and both are still so unsure of how to navigate.
I loved this. I loved watching Gabe and Leigh find a whole new love for each other. Yes, they never stopped loving each other. But they never really knew each other. Not the right way, anyway. Leigh lives next door to Temperance so I loved seeing them interact throughout the book. I never had a best friend like that so the two of them were so much fun to experience. I also loved seeing the man Gabe had become. He really had come so far. Does he stumble along the way? Of course, but don’t we all. Most of all, I loved the love that was between these two. Through all the years, through all the break ups, it never wavered.
I see on Miranda’s Goodreads page that her next book planned is Overdue! I can’t wait to see who this one will be about!
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...
Fixing Us is the third book I have read by Miranda Elaine. I get more and more impressed with this author with every book. This can be read as a stand alone. The characters from the other two books do recur in this book but if you haven’t read them, it won’t take away from your enjoyment of this at all.
Leigh Ann Simms and Gabriel Starr were high school sweet hearts. They met in their junior year when Gabe came to school where Leigh attended and they have been attached at the hip since. The difference between them was that Leigh had a normal home with loving parents. She loved living in Red Oak and her dreams were to stay, marry Gabe and be a hair dresser. Gabe, on the other hand, had a past filled with foster homes and despair.
Leigh and Gabe are deeply in love. There is no question about that. But as graduation nears, Gabe knows that if he really loves Leigh, he has to let her go. She has so much promise in her future. He doesn’t feel worthy of her. He feels like he would drag her down into his own darkness and that eventually, she would regret her life with him. He is convinced that by being with her, he would hold her back. So, he lets her go.
Over the next twelve years, Leigh and Gabe have an on again, off again romance. They can’t seem to stay apart but can’t seem to stay together either. Leigh knows that if she doesn’t accept that Gabe will never be her future, she’ll never move on.
“He’s my own personal addiction, one I need help breaking away from.”
After a couple of failed attempts at trying to put herself out there, Leigh once again finds herself needing the comfort that only Gabe can offer her. Just one more time. Maybe she can finally get him out of her system after just one more time.
“I need to be a little bad tonight. Please, Gabe. Please be bad with me.”
Their night together leads to the one thing that Gabe never wanted, a child. He has worked so hard over the recent years to overcome his demons. But after his childhood, he is convinced that passing on his genes would be a mistake. When he finds out, though, that the woman he never stopped loving has his child growing inside of her, something happened. He started loving that child.
“I used to think Gabriel Starr would be the end of me, but now I know that falling for him is only my beginning.”
Gabe and Leigh find themselves in a very different sort of relationship. They agree to co-parent when the baby is born as friends. They spend time together in a way they never have before and finally really get to know each other as the adults they are now. The love they have always shared grows to something new and different. Only this new connection is still shaky and both are still so unsure of how to navigate.
I loved this. I loved watching Gabe and Leigh find a whole new love for each other. Yes, they never stopped loving each other. But they never really knew each other. Not the right way, anyway. Leigh lives next door to Temperance so I loved seeing them interact throughout the book. I never had a best friend like that so the two of them were so much fun to experience. I also loved seeing the man Gabe had become. He really had come so far. Does he stumble along the way? Of course, but don’t we all. Most of all, I loved the love that was between these two. Through all the years, through all the break ups, it never wavered.
I see on Miranda’s Goodreads page that her next book planned is Overdue! I can’t wait to see who this one will be about!
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...
May 13, 2019
5 fantastic stars!
I love, love, love this book! Funny, heartbreaking, heartwarming and beautifully romantic it’s a gorgeous second-third-fourth-and more-chance romance between two people who love each other deeply but who just haven’t been able to make it work… until a surprise pregnancy changes everything.
Squee! I love a surprise baby book, and I absolutely adored how this story all played out. It’s messy yet functional, it’s funny and sweet, and it’s so beautifully romantic, and I was captivated from start to finish.
This is the third book in the Fixing series, but it can easily stand alone. The couples from the previous books appear in this book as friends of these characters, but you don’t need to have read their stories to become invested in this one. This is the story of Leigh (best friend of Temperance from Fixing Her, and who also featured in the second book, Fixing Him) and she is an absolute riot – wild and filterless, she is smart, funny and independent and she cares passionately for her friends and family.
Leigh and Gabe met in high school and fell into mad, wild, all-consuming love. She was the happy, carefree girl with the stable, loving family, dreams for the future and a plan to get there. Gabe was the boy from the group home with a terrible family life, no future plans and few prospects, and he knew that Leigh deserved better. On graduation, he broke both of their hearts when he let her go and encouraged her to chase her dreams without him, knowing that he would only hold her back.
Twelve years later and Leigh is running a successful hair salon, while Gabe runs the local tattoo shop. Their relationship over the years has been complex, falling back together, only to break up when they again come to the conclusion that their future goals don’t align. Leigh wants a family, children and security, Gabe doesn’t think he can provide her with that. Though they love each other fiercely, they just can’t get on the same page and though they’ve tried over and over again, they can’t make it work.
A failed blind date for Leigh leads to her turning to Gabe for comfort, and as always he is there for her. But even while they easily fall back into their familiar passion for each other, they agree that they can’t carry on like they have been and promise to make it their last night together.
Their plan for a clean break fails dismally when Leigh discovers that she is pregnant. Sensibly and functionally, she goes right to Gabe and puts it all out there for him, with her trademark honesty and forthrightness, which I love. And thankfully, Gabe recognises this as his wake up call as he is faced with having to make the decision of what he truly wants from life, while also recognising that it’s his chance to give Leigh, the love of his life, everything she has ever wanted.
I love this relationship! Though we haven’t witnessed everything that has gone on between them in the past, I was feeling their connection right from the very beginning. We get a few small glimpses, and the chemistry between them in the present is absolutely undeniable. It’s clear that they love each other, they have a fantastic dynamic, and the blend of banter, snark, flirting and complete honesty is fun and emotional. And I love the playfulness of their relationship as they bicker and argue, trying to be friends in their difficult situation.
But friendship soon gives way to so much more. They’ve never been able to resist each other, and that’s certainly true the more time they spend together. Things shift and chance in a natural and realistic way and I loved the swoon and the drama of them figuring things out.
The whole ‘I love you but I'm not good enough so I’ll walk away’ storyline is not a favourite of mine, and it can bring unnecessary angst and drama to a book, but this story is handled beautifully! Gabe’s feelings of worthlessness are absolutely heartbreaking, his situation is completely understandable, and his battle to work through it all and come to realise his worth is beautifully written. His feelings for Leigh are never in doubt, he loves her with everything that he has, and watching him find the strength to grab hold of that and move forward with her is so, so gorgeous.
And Leigh is wonderful as she balances the difficult position of supporting her man while not being a doormat. She is there for him, encouraging him every step of the way, but she also stands strong for her and her baby. She protects herself while putting her heart out there, and I just love her!
It’s a wonderful journey for these two as they find their way forward together. I laughed and swooned, and I honestly loved every moment of them together. Their teasing and banter is lots of fun, the heartfelt declarations had my heart pounding, and the sexy time is sizzling! Leigh and Gabe are two people who belong together, and I loved watching them figure that out and then work to make it happen.
The story ends in a great place, providing closure for not only Leigh and Gabe, but also some progression for the previous couples in the series – though, again, this can stand alone.
It’s sweet, fun and emotional, with characters that you cannot help but fall for, and I loved this book!
5 stars!
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I love, love, love this book! Funny, heartbreaking, heartwarming and beautifully romantic it’s a gorgeous second-third-fourth-and more-chance romance between two people who love each other deeply but who just haven’t been able to make it work… until a surprise pregnancy changes everything.
Squee! I love a surprise baby book, and I absolutely adored how this story all played out. It’s messy yet functional, it’s funny and sweet, and it’s so beautifully romantic, and I was captivated from start to finish.
This is the third book in the Fixing series, but it can easily stand alone. The couples from the previous books appear in this book as friends of these characters, but you don’t need to have read their stories to become invested in this one. This is the story of Leigh (best friend of Temperance from Fixing Her, and who also featured in the second book, Fixing Him) and she is an absolute riot – wild and filterless, she is smart, funny and independent and she cares passionately for her friends and family.
Leigh and Gabe met in high school and fell into mad, wild, all-consuming love. She was the happy, carefree girl with the stable, loving family, dreams for the future and a plan to get there. Gabe was the boy from the group home with a terrible family life, no future plans and few prospects, and he knew that Leigh deserved better. On graduation, he broke both of their hearts when he let her go and encouraged her to chase her dreams without him, knowing that he would only hold her back.
Twelve years later and Leigh is running a successful hair salon, while Gabe runs the local tattoo shop. Their relationship over the years has been complex, falling back together, only to break up when they again come to the conclusion that their future goals don’t align. Leigh wants a family, children and security, Gabe doesn’t think he can provide her with that. Though they love each other fiercely, they just can’t get on the same page and though they’ve tried over and over again, they can’t make it work.
A failed blind date for Leigh leads to her turning to Gabe for comfort, and as always he is there for her. But even while they easily fall back into their familiar passion for each other, they agree that they can’t carry on like they have been and promise to make it their last night together.
“Gabriel Starr, you are nothing but trouble for me.” She’s still tipsy, but her words are the truth. “Please let me move on. Fucking twelve years of us doing this to each other is enough, don’t you think?”
Their plan for a clean break fails dismally when Leigh discovers that she is pregnant. Sensibly and functionally, she goes right to Gabe and puts it all out there for him, with her trademark honesty and forthrightness, which I love. And thankfully, Gabe recognises this as his wake up call as he is faced with having to make the decision of what he truly wants from life, while also recognising that it’s his chance to give Leigh, the love of his life, everything she has ever wanted.
I was fooling myself if I thought I wasn’t going to try to work my way back into her heart and her life. She’s mine, and now all I need to do is prove I’m worthy enough of her trust again.
I love this relationship! Though we haven’t witnessed everything that has gone on between them in the past, I was feeling their connection right from the very beginning. We get a few small glimpses, and the chemistry between them in the present is absolutely undeniable. It’s clear that they love each other, they have a fantastic dynamic, and the blend of banter, snark, flirting and complete honesty is fun and emotional. And I love the playfulness of their relationship as they bicker and argue, trying to be friends in their difficult situation.
Even if you don’t want your ex-boyfriend back you still always want them to think of you as the sexy one who got away, not the girl nude and exposed with her legs in the air while a doctor probes her. Great, fucking great.
… I lie back and my head jerks to Gabe. “But you stay north of the equator.”
“Not a problem, Leigh.” He smiles at me. “But it ain’t nothing I haven’t seen before.”
“Well, it’s definitely something you’re never seeing again,” I snap back at him.
But friendship soon gives way to so much more. They’ve never been able to resist each other, and that’s certainly true the more time they spend together. Things shift and chance in a natural and realistic way and I loved the swoon and the drama of them figuring things out.
“We can do anything as long as we’re together.”
“It’s not that easy,” he says softly.
“It doesn’t have to be easy. We just have to want it bad enough.”
The whole ‘I love you but I'm not good enough so I’ll walk away’ storyline is not a favourite of mine, and it can bring unnecessary angst and drama to a book, but this story is handled beautifully! Gabe’s feelings of worthlessness are absolutely heartbreaking, his situation is completely understandable, and his battle to work through it all and come to realise his worth is beautifully written. His feelings for Leigh are never in doubt, he loves her with everything that he has, and watching him find the strength to grab hold of that and move forward with her is so, so gorgeous.
“I don’t deserve you or this life, angel. But I want to.”
And Leigh is wonderful as she balances the difficult position of supporting her man while not being a doormat. She is there for him, encouraging him every step of the way, but she also stands strong for her and her baby. She protects herself while putting her heart out there, and I just love her!
“I can do this on my own. Don’t show up at my door with a hero complex thinking I need saving. Don’t sacrifice what you want in the process. I don’t want you there unless you are one hundred percent sure that’s where you want to be. I’ll understand. Just don’t come in and out of mine and this child’s life, killing us both a little each time we watch you walk away.”
It’s a wonderful journey for these two as they find their way forward together. I laughed and swooned, and I honestly loved every moment of them together. Their teasing and banter is lots of fun, the heartfelt declarations had my heart pounding, and the sexy time is sizzling! Leigh and Gabe are two people who belong together, and I loved watching them figure that out and then work to make it happen.
“You are so incredible, Gabe. I hope you know that.”
“I must be if in any universe I deserved to have even a slice of your heart,” he says, his chin still atop my head.
“All of it,” I admit. “You possess all of it.”
The story ends in a great place, providing closure for not only Leigh and Gabe, but also some progression for the previous couples in the series – though, again, this can stand alone.
It’s sweet, fun and emotional, with characters that you cannot help but fall for, and I loved this book!
5 stars!
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2019
Leigh and Gabriel grew up in the same town and were high school sweethearts. They had plans to build a life together until everything came to a grounding halt on graduation day. Leigh and Gabriel have very different home lives and he has hidden a lot of it from her. Leigh has big dreams and Gabriel thinks that if she stays with him he will only hold her back from those.
Over the next twelve years Gabriel remains in his hometown, working as a tattoo artist and Leigh pursues her dream of owning her own beauty salon. Leigh and Gabriel cross paths often, mainly in a ‘friends with benefits’ capacity. Every time it happens, Leigh swears it will be the last time. She knows that Gabriel is not interested in settling down and having a family. If she is ever to marry and have children with someone, it won’t be Gabriel.
Gabriel has been in love with Leigh since they were young and he has never stopped loving her. No one else has ever caught is eye or heart. It’s Leigh or no one. Every so often she shows up at his door and he will take whatever he can from her, even if it’s in little snippets. He is her personal booty call and he doesn’t mind one bit.
When one of these nights turns into something completely unexpected - a positive pregnancy test - Gabriel is determined to step up to the plate and be there for Leigh. He still thinks he is not good enough for her and to be honest their child but being a father is going to be his number one priority from now on.
Leigh is seeing a completely different side to Gabe. One she always knew he had in him, if only he believed in himself more. It’s getting harder and harder to just remain friends when her pregnancy hormones kick. The fact that Gabe is going out of his way to make sure everything is ready for their baby’s arrival is not helping things either.
Maybe in the past twelve years they weren’t ready for any level of commitment but things seem to be evolving between them every day and if Gabriel is ready to open up he will be ready to have the life with Leigh that he truly deserves.
This was another great read from this author. I read this book on holiday in Niue, sitting on a deck overlooking the sea and coconut trees. A perfect holiday read.
Over the next twelve years Gabriel remains in his hometown, working as a tattoo artist and Leigh pursues her dream of owning her own beauty salon. Leigh and Gabriel cross paths often, mainly in a ‘friends with benefits’ capacity. Every time it happens, Leigh swears it will be the last time. She knows that Gabriel is not interested in settling down and having a family. If she is ever to marry and have children with someone, it won’t be Gabriel.
Gabriel has been in love with Leigh since they were young and he has never stopped loving her. No one else has ever caught is eye or heart. It’s Leigh or no one. Every so often she shows up at his door and he will take whatever he can from her, even if it’s in little snippets. He is her personal booty call and he doesn’t mind one bit.
When one of these nights turns into something completely unexpected - a positive pregnancy test - Gabriel is determined to step up to the plate and be there for Leigh. He still thinks he is not good enough for her and to be honest their child but being a father is going to be his number one priority from now on.
Leigh is seeing a completely different side to Gabe. One she always knew he had in him, if only he believed in himself more. It’s getting harder and harder to just remain friends when her pregnancy hormones kick. The fact that Gabe is going out of his way to make sure everything is ready for their baby’s arrival is not helping things either.
Maybe in the past twelve years they weren’t ready for any level of commitment but things seem to be evolving between them every day and if Gabriel is ready to open up he will be ready to have the life with Leigh that he truly deserves.
This was another great read from this author. I read this book on holiday in Niue, sitting on a deck overlooking the sea and coconut trees. A perfect holiday read.
Want to read
October 3, 2019On hold: thier 12 years of on and off relationship is so toxic and unhealthy. I can't relate or understand why would someone keep doing that to themselves- keep going back for 12 whole years to the person who you know would never give you the HEA you so desperately want from them.
I am not in the mood for this currently. Lately straight up contemporary romance has been to boring for me.
But I am relieved Gabe was never rude/mean to Leigh. I have read too many books where the H breaks up with h because he thinks she is too good for him so they break up with in a very harsh manner so h never comes back and hates them. He is sweet and kind to her until he pushes her away but even that is not done in a cruel way. He tells her he is doing it because he doesn't deserve her.
I am not in the mood for this currently. Lately straight up contemporary romance has been to boring for me.
But I am relieved Gabe was never rude/mean to Leigh. I have read too many books where the H breaks up with h because he thinks she is too good for him so they break up with in a very harsh manner so h never comes back and hates them. He is sweet and kind to her until he pushes her away but even that is not done in a cruel way. He tells her he is doing it because he doesn't deserve her.
August 4, 2019
4.5 Mean Bean
This story is told in a duel narrative, and is the third story in the Fixing series. It’s a stand-alone, but I think reading the first two stories only enhances what we learn from them in this book.
The prologue opened up with the back story of Gabriel Starr, of whom I was not crazy about starting back in the first book, “Fixing Her.” Most of us know the kind of guy that either has strung us along, or one of our friends or family. Not cool...not cool at all, right!? Well, Gabe had his reasons, and a healthy dose of self loathing, and doubt working against him. He felt he came from nothing and he’d end up as nothing. Leigh deserved way better but ’quitting her,’ would be harder than any kind of addiction could ever be.
This kind of story, and writing is where I like to see an author’s talent take bloom. If they can truly turn my feelings around for a once disliked character, it’s a sure fire way to gain, and keep my interest, and respect. Miranda Elaine, delivered in a big way in this book! My heart broke for Gabe, and all he endured at such an early age. He’d believed he wasn’t worthy of love, or having a good life. I loved how he called Leigh, “Angel,” because you could tell that’s what he thought she really was.
Leigh Ann Simms, was a bit of a hoot! I really liked her character from the very beginning, back in book one. She was a talented hair dresser, a loyal friend, and had always known Gabe, was her one true love no matter how hard she tried moving forward. I could feel the love between these two characters, and how they tried fighting it off. One of them feeling not worthy, the other thinking they didn’t want the same things. Been there done that myself, and even bought the t-shirt—I could totally relate! Man, I loved watching this all come together—this was sure one sweet second chance love story!
This story is told in a duel narrative, and is the third story in the Fixing series. It’s a stand-alone, but I think reading the first two stories only enhances what we learn from them in this book.
The prologue opened up with the back story of Gabriel Starr, of whom I was not crazy about starting back in the first book, “Fixing Her.” Most of us know the kind of guy that either has strung us along, or one of our friends or family. Not cool...not cool at all, right!? Well, Gabe had his reasons, and a healthy dose of self loathing, and doubt working against him. He felt he came from nothing and he’d end up as nothing. Leigh deserved way better but ’quitting her,’ would be harder than any kind of addiction could ever be.
This kind of story, and writing is where I like to see an author’s talent take bloom. If they can truly turn my feelings around for a once disliked character, it’s a sure fire way to gain, and keep my interest, and respect. Miranda Elaine, delivered in a big way in this book! My heart broke for Gabe, and all he endured at such an early age. He’d believed he wasn’t worthy of love, or having a good life. I loved how he called Leigh, “Angel,” because you could tell that’s what he thought she really was.
Leigh Ann Simms, was a bit of a hoot! I really liked her character from the very beginning, back in book one. She was a talented hair dresser, a loyal friend, and had always known Gabe, was her one true love no matter how hard she tried moving forward. I could feel the love between these two characters, and how they tried fighting it off. One of them feeling not worthy, the other thinking they didn’t want the same things. Been there done that myself, and even bought the t-shirt—I could totally relate! Man, I loved watching this all come together—this was sure one sweet second chance love story!
Read
May 22, 2019I don’t know what happened to my review. So I’m writing it again.
Anyway I went back to finish it but I mostly skimmed through.
Hero has been celibate for the 12 years of separation. Like I said on my review heroine went on dates.
I still won’t be rating since I mostly skimmed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dnfed at 15%
Won’t be rating.
I hate when a book starts with how hero doesn’t feel that he’s good enough for the heroine and breaks her heart because of it. I didn’t actually feel any chemistry between them. And throughout the 12 years of separation they become fuck buddies or friends with benefits or ONSs whatever you want to call it. Who knows if both have been celibate in between the time they haven’t been together. although I would believe it if the heroine has been celibate since she’s been pining over him all these years. Anyway hero is like “oh I’m so fucking in love with her but I can’t ruin her life, I don’t want to have a family, marry her and have kids with her because my parents genes are so strong.” And of course he becomes an alcoholic and he’s sober now. If that wasn’t enough the author goes and throws in a pregnancy knowing the hero doesn’t want any kids. Heroine wanted to moved on and actually goes on dates but none of them were good enough for her. But now she’s pregnant with hero’s baby and they haven’t even touched any of their problems. I guess the baby will fix all of their problems. If only were that simple.
Anyway I went back to finish it but I mostly skimmed through.
Hero has been celibate for the 12 years of separation. Like I said on my review heroine went on dates.
I still won’t be rating since I mostly skimmed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dnfed at 15%
Won’t be rating.
I hate when a book starts with how hero doesn’t feel that he’s good enough for the heroine and breaks her heart because of it. I didn’t actually feel any chemistry between them. And throughout the 12 years of separation they become fuck buddies or friends with benefits or ONSs whatever you want to call it. Who knows if both have been celibate in between the time they haven’t been together. although I would believe it if the heroine has been celibate since she’s been pining over him all these years. Anyway hero is like “oh I’m so fucking in love with her but I can’t ruin her life, I don’t want to have a family, marry her and have kids with her because my parents genes are so strong.” And of course he becomes an alcoholic and he’s sober now. If that wasn’t enough the author goes and throws in a pregnancy knowing the hero doesn’t want any kids. Heroine wanted to moved on and actually goes on dates but none of them were good enough for her. But now she’s pregnant with hero’s baby and they haven’t even touched any of their problems. I guess the baby will fix all of their problems. If only were that simple.
May 13, 2019
Fixing Us is the third book in a series of standalone novels by Miranda Elaine. Despite being a fairly new author, she is already making a name for herself. And I can honestly say that she killed it with this story! It is a bit of an emotional read, but one that is so wonderfully written. In the end, I was left with warm fuzzy feelings and a huge beaming smile.
Gabriel Starr didn't have an easy childhood due to having two very dysfunctional parents. This ultimately led to him being placed into the system where he was bounced around from home to home. Due to this upbringing, he never really learned what it was like to love or be loved. He is so lost and so broken, feeling like he will never be good enough for anyone. Because of this, he ends up pushing away his high school sweetheart, completely shattering her heart.
Over the course of twelve years, the two reconcile time and time again. Each time ending the same, with his demons getting the best of him. After so much heartache and pain, Leigh finally decides that enough is enough. One more night with him and then it's time to close this chapter in her life. At least that's the plan until life decides to throw out a curve ball, a positive pregnancy test.
After a long discussion and some time apart to think, the two of them reach an agreement. They have decided the best course of action is to co-parent their child as friends. If only it were that easy. With their past history and deep-seated feelings, it doesn't take long for their plan to unravel.
Overall, I found this to be a fantastic second chance romance that checked off all the marks for me. It is beautifully written with a well developed plot and wonderful characters. I absolutely loved it, and have no doubt that you will too! Well done Miranda Elaine! ♥
Gabriel Starr didn't have an easy childhood due to having two very dysfunctional parents. This ultimately led to him being placed into the system where he was bounced around from home to home. Due to this upbringing, he never really learned what it was like to love or be loved. He is so lost and so broken, feeling like he will never be good enough for anyone. Because of this, he ends up pushing away his high school sweetheart, completely shattering her heart.
Over the course of twelve years, the two reconcile time and time again. Each time ending the same, with his demons getting the best of him. After so much heartache and pain, Leigh finally decides that enough is enough. One more night with him and then it's time to close this chapter in her life. At least that's the plan until life decides to throw out a curve ball, a positive pregnancy test.
After a long discussion and some time apart to think, the two of them reach an agreement. They have decided the best course of action is to co-parent their child as friends. If only it were that easy. With their past history and deep-seated feelings, it doesn't take long for their plan to unravel.
Overall, I found this to be a fantastic second chance romance that checked off all the marks for me. It is beautifully written with a well developed plot and wonderful characters. I absolutely loved it, and have no doubt that you will too! Well done Miranda Elaine! ♥
May 5, 2019
Love this book. It's Miranda Elaine's best yet!
May 16, 2019
So let’s talk about how much I loved every incredible word of this book. From the very first word until the very last, I was swept up into the magic of this world, the dynamic pull of these characters, and the glorious feel of it all. I’m pretty sure I read most of this book with a smile on my face because that is how much I loved it, its characters, and everything I was getting with them on their fight to happily ever after.
Fixing Us by Miranda Elaine is one of my top reads of the year. This book was everything I needed it to be and more. It was funny as hell at times. It was sweet and sassy at others in a way that just made me so damn happy. It was so full of authentic feels and moments that touched my heart with these characters. It was real and enjoyable through every word, and in the end it was such a special story that I wholeheartedly connected to.
This book is all about second chances. Second chances in life. Second chances at love. Second chances with family and friends. And second chances at everything you’ve always wanted.
I LOVE me a good second chance romance. I am a personal believer in second chances, and it is my absolute favorite kind of story to read because there is something so special and so real about a second chance romance and story. There is just such a different dynamic in those kinds of story. The fight is stronger, the feels are deeper in a way because of the past history and what the characters have gone through, and the romance is on point because you know what these characters have been through to get and share those kinds of moments.
And when you couple that with the fact that Gabe and Leigh are faced with the many ups and downs that come with a surprise pregnancy in the middle of that second chance….well that was just the icing on top of the cupcake for this story! It was the best, and the dynamics that that added to everything I was LOVING about this book.
I absolutely loved every single second I got to spend with Gabe and Leigh as they had their second chance at it all. Their story wasn’t easy. It wasn’t all rainbows and unicorns. It was hard. It was messy and complicated and it had a lot of pieces to it with their shared journey, as well as their own individual struggles. They had to work at it with all that they had. They had to work through more complications than they thought possible. They had to wade their way through the murky and treacherous waters of the past, in order to find themselves in the clarity that their future could bring them.
And let me tell you, I basked in getting to see them through all of that. Every word of their second chance at it all solidified my love for those two even more, and showed me how worth it their love was. Every ounce of fight that both Gabe and Leigh had as they made their way through seared them to my heart in every way possible. It also had me rooting for them with all that I had that things would be okay and that they would find their way. I loved their characters fiercely.
I loved what they were fight for, I loved them, and I loved how I got to be there with them EVERY step of the way as they pushed and fought and worked to get to the places they did romantically, emotionally, and mentally. I was with them, in their arena, living and breathing their exceptional story. That is just part of what made this one of the best books I have read this year.
The level of connection to them, this story, and this world that Miranda Elaine created through her words was outstanding, and it is just part of what has made this entire series so amazing.
This series is one that I am so sad to leave because the feel of this world and how inviting it is has made reading these books one of the most incredible reading experiences of my life. I love this world. I love the supporting characters that make it the most special place to be. I love the connections and sense of family all of these characters have with one another. I love that Red Oak isn’t just another place in a book, it’s somewhere that is so real and somewhere so enjoyable to be. Getting to experience Gabe and Leigh’s story in this world was truly incredible, and it honestly just made me love everything I was reading more.
I think what I loved most about this book, and really this entire series, was that I could so truly connect into these characters’ stories and what they were going through, even though I had never actually experienced that myself. I could understand what it was like to feel like your life was stalling out. I could get what it meant to be recovering from the challenges that your life has brought. I understood the challenges in overcoming many different family dynamics and situations. I got what it was like to be so close to someone, so in love with them, and so pulled to them, while also feeling the weight and pressure of reality and life on your shoulders. I got what it was like to want it all, but to always feel like it was just out of reach or even to feel like it wasn’t something you should’ve been reaching for in the first place.
I got it all. I felt it all. I experienced it all.
And that is a true testament to what Miranda Elaine created in Fixing Us with Gabe and Leigh that I got and felt and understood it all with her characters. Her words were everything in this book. They brought her story and her characters to life in a way that was so consuming, so deeply real, and that truly gave me an outstanding level of understanding and connection with everything she was creating. I will never forget what it was like to experience this story with Leigh and Gabe. I read every bit of their story with a heart that felt so much for them and that loved them with all that I had...and it was truly fantastic to get that.
This book had it all. It had the laughs and the fire and the glorious sass of these characters that made is so fun, so full of laughs and memorable moments, and that made it so enjoyable to read. It had the romance and the feels that were so real, raw, and so consuming through every page. It had the embodiment of a second chance romance with the glorious level of fight these characters had and the unadulterated connection they shared. It had moments that made laugh, others that physically hurt my heart with their struggles, and others that made me soar with what they won and found along the way.
Suffice to say, Fixing Us was a book that delivered in every way.
It had the perfect amount of romance, friendship, and family. It was incredibly written and thoroughly enjoyable to experience from start to finish, and it was a book that I loved every single word of. This book was a story all about second chances. Second chances at life and love and family. It highlighted just how far you’re willing to go and how hard you’re willing to fight when love is on the table and at stake. It also highlighted the strength of these characters and the depth of their hearts with everything the shared.
When I finished this book I was sad to say goodbye, but I could not have asked for more with their story. Miranda Elaine exceptionally crafted Gabe and Leigh’s story into one I know I won’t soon forget! She made their connection, their love, and their fight for it all so incredibly special, and I truly feel lucky to have been given the chance to read it and experience it with them!
Miranda Elaine rocked it out of the park with Fixing Us.
Whether this is your first book by her or you’re a person who has come to love the world of Red Oak just as much as I have, you NEED this book in your life.
Trust me.
Gabe and Leigh will take ahold of you with all that they have and they will own your heart as you experience their second chance at it all. Their story isn’t always easy for the two of them, but it is beyond worth it and so are they. You will LOVE every second of being with them in the emotional trenches as they fight their way through it all, and in the end, you will be so damn glad you had the chance to see them attempt to fix each other and their relationship along the way.
Fixing Us by Miranda Elaine is one of my top reads of the year. This book was everything I needed it to be and more. It was funny as hell at times. It was sweet and sassy at others in a way that just made me so damn happy. It was so full of authentic feels and moments that touched my heart with these characters. It was real and enjoyable through every word, and in the end it was such a special story that I wholeheartedly connected to.
This book is all about second chances. Second chances in life. Second chances at love. Second chances with family and friends. And second chances at everything you’ve always wanted.
I LOVE me a good second chance romance. I am a personal believer in second chances, and it is my absolute favorite kind of story to read because there is something so special and so real about a second chance romance and story. There is just such a different dynamic in those kinds of story. The fight is stronger, the feels are deeper in a way because of the past history and what the characters have gone through, and the romance is on point because you know what these characters have been through to get and share those kinds of moments.
And when you couple that with the fact that Gabe and Leigh are faced with the many ups and downs that come with a surprise pregnancy in the middle of that second chance….well that was just the icing on top of the cupcake for this story! It was the best, and the dynamics that that added to everything I was LOVING about this book.
I absolutely loved every single second I got to spend with Gabe and Leigh as they had their second chance at it all. Their story wasn’t easy. It wasn’t all rainbows and unicorns. It was hard. It was messy and complicated and it had a lot of pieces to it with their shared journey, as well as their own individual struggles. They had to work at it with all that they had. They had to work through more complications than they thought possible. They had to wade their way through the murky and treacherous waters of the past, in order to find themselves in the clarity that their future could bring them.
And let me tell you, I basked in getting to see them through all of that. Every word of their second chance at it all solidified my love for those two even more, and showed me how worth it their love was. Every ounce of fight that both Gabe and Leigh had as they made their way through seared them to my heart in every way possible. It also had me rooting for them with all that I had that things would be okay and that they would find their way. I loved their characters fiercely.
I loved what they were fight for, I loved them, and I loved how I got to be there with them EVERY step of the way as they pushed and fought and worked to get to the places they did romantically, emotionally, and mentally. I was with them, in their arena, living and breathing their exceptional story. That is just part of what made this one of the best books I have read this year.
The level of connection to them, this story, and this world that Miranda Elaine created through her words was outstanding, and it is just part of what has made this entire series so amazing.
This series is one that I am so sad to leave because the feel of this world and how inviting it is has made reading these books one of the most incredible reading experiences of my life. I love this world. I love the supporting characters that make it the most special place to be. I love the connections and sense of family all of these characters have with one another. I love that Red Oak isn’t just another place in a book, it’s somewhere that is so real and somewhere so enjoyable to be. Getting to experience Gabe and Leigh’s story in this world was truly incredible, and it honestly just made me love everything I was reading more.
I think what I loved most about this book, and really this entire series, was that I could so truly connect into these characters’ stories and what they were going through, even though I had never actually experienced that myself. I could understand what it was like to feel like your life was stalling out. I could get what it meant to be recovering from the challenges that your life has brought. I understood the challenges in overcoming many different family dynamics and situations. I got what it was like to be so close to someone, so in love with them, and so pulled to them, while also feeling the weight and pressure of reality and life on your shoulders. I got what it was like to want it all, but to always feel like it was just out of reach or even to feel like it wasn’t something you should’ve been reaching for in the first place.
I got it all. I felt it all. I experienced it all.
And that is a true testament to what Miranda Elaine created in Fixing Us with Gabe and Leigh that I got and felt and understood it all with her characters. Her words were everything in this book. They brought her story and her characters to life in a way that was so consuming, so deeply real, and that truly gave me an outstanding level of understanding and connection with everything she was creating. I will never forget what it was like to experience this story with Leigh and Gabe. I read every bit of their story with a heart that felt so much for them and that loved them with all that I had...and it was truly fantastic to get that.
This book had it all. It had the laughs and the fire and the glorious sass of these characters that made is so fun, so full of laughs and memorable moments, and that made it so enjoyable to read. It had the romance and the feels that were so real, raw, and so consuming through every page. It had the embodiment of a second chance romance with the glorious level of fight these characters had and the unadulterated connection they shared. It had moments that made laugh, others that physically hurt my heart with their struggles, and others that made me soar with what they won and found along the way.
Suffice to say, Fixing Us was a book that delivered in every way.
It had the perfect amount of romance, friendship, and family. It was incredibly written and thoroughly enjoyable to experience from start to finish, and it was a book that I loved every single word of. This book was a story all about second chances. Second chances at life and love and family. It highlighted just how far you’re willing to go and how hard you’re willing to fight when love is on the table and at stake. It also highlighted the strength of these characters and the depth of their hearts with everything the shared.
When I finished this book I was sad to say goodbye, but I could not have asked for more with their story. Miranda Elaine exceptionally crafted Gabe and Leigh’s story into one I know I won’t soon forget! She made their connection, their love, and their fight for it all so incredibly special, and I truly feel lucky to have been given the chance to read it and experience it with them!
Miranda Elaine rocked it out of the park with Fixing Us.
Whether this is your first book by her or you’re a person who has come to love the world of Red Oak just as much as I have, you NEED this book in your life.
Trust me.
Gabe and Leigh will take ahold of you with all that they have and they will own your heart as you experience their second chance at it all. Their story isn’t always easy for the two of them, but it is beyond worth it and so are they. You will LOVE every second of being with them in the emotional trenches as they fight their way through it all, and in the end, you will be so damn glad you had the chance to see them attempt to fix each other and their relationship along the way.
May 6, 2019
Fixing Us was an emotional journey. I was wrecked in the very first chapter and I want to leave you with one word; prepare.
Yes, it ends with a HEA, because let's face it, unless you are reading a book that knowingly ends with a cliffhanger and then the next book better resolve itself. The reason we read romance books is to eventually get our happily ever afters. As readers, we get very upset, if we don't get that satisfied ending. So, that is not what I'm warning against. Fixing Us will wring you out over and over and then leave you emotionally wrecked for days kind of read (in a good way, but still). Prepare.
Gabriel Starr was put into the foster system at a very young age. With two very dysfunctional parents and then a foster system that shuffled him from home to home. He never learns how to love, how to be loved, or what love means. It isn't until he meets Leigh Ann Simms in high school that someone sees beyond the poor, lost boy that even he begins to allow himself to dream. But Gabe doesn't believe in himself enough to dream beyond the walls of high school so he walks away from the one person who was good in his life to allow Leigh to pursue her future, even if her future was to have him in it.
It would take over twelve years, a lot of heartache, and the reality that perhaps Gabe and Leigh should just be friends. They have a broken pattern of falling into where Leigh seeks Gabe out, he takes her back, but when she pushes him for more, he walks away. Reaching thirty and Leigh decides it time to finally move on from those shattered dreams. Time to move on from the heartache. Time to move on from the pattern she's established with the only man she's ever loved in her life. Can she do it? It's time to finally fix her heart.
How much can our heart handle?
What tests can the spirit endure?
Can you fix a relationship that's been fractured over and over?
Perhaps those answers need to come when you stop looking outward and finally fix what's inside.
Fixing Us is emotional and held so much more than I was expecting. As a hero, Gabe isn't just broken; he's been neglected, abused, unloved, the opposite of everything a child should receive and experience which scars him deeply. He doesn't feel worthy of Leigh's love, nor help and the reason is so profound it will break your heart. Gabe will tear through your emotional soul like tissue paper, so once again; prepare. (you will have a book hangover with this one)
Yes, it ends with a HEA, because let's face it, unless you are reading a book that knowingly ends with a cliffhanger and then the next book better resolve itself. The reason we read romance books is to eventually get our happily ever afters. As readers, we get very upset, if we don't get that satisfied ending. So, that is not what I'm warning against. Fixing Us will wring you out over and over and then leave you emotionally wrecked for days kind of read (in a good way, but still). Prepare.
Gabriel Starr was put into the foster system at a very young age. With two very dysfunctional parents and then a foster system that shuffled him from home to home. He never learns how to love, how to be loved, or what love means. It isn't until he meets Leigh Ann Simms in high school that someone sees beyond the poor, lost boy that even he begins to allow himself to dream. But Gabe doesn't believe in himself enough to dream beyond the walls of high school so he walks away from the one person who was good in his life to allow Leigh to pursue her future, even if her future was to have him in it.
It would take over twelve years, a lot of heartache, and the reality that perhaps Gabe and Leigh should just be friends. They have a broken pattern of falling into where Leigh seeks Gabe out, he takes her back, but when she pushes him for more, he walks away. Reaching thirty and Leigh decides it time to finally move on from those shattered dreams. Time to move on from the heartache. Time to move on from the pattern she's established with the only man she's ever loved in her life. Can she do it? It's time to finally fix her heart.
How much can our heart handle?
What tests can the spirit endure?
Can you fix a relationship that's been fractured over and over?
Perhaps those answers need to come when you stop looking outward and finally fix what's inside.
Fixing Us is emotional and held so much more than I was expecting. As a hero, Gabe isn't just broken; he's been neglected, abused, unloved, the opposite of everything a child should receive and experience which scars him deeply. He doesn't feel worthy of Leigh's love, nor help and the reason is so profound it will break your heart. Gabe will tear through your emotional soul like tissue paper, so once again; prepare. (you will have a book hangover with this one)
May 17, 2019
5 Stars!
Miranda Elaine is back with the third standalone in the brilliant Fixing series and y'all... Fixing Us just might be my favorite to date in this series! Leigh and Gabriel had me hooked from the very beginning and I didn't come up for air until long after the pages quit turning. This book was good.. really good, nearly perfect in every way.
One night was all it was supposed to be and simultaneously it's going to take one night to change... everything for Leigh and Gabriel.
Sexy. Sweet. Swoony. Two of my fave tropes in this book (just wait til you see!) along with a funny, emotional, complicated but oh so worth every little moment romance. Miranda totally blasted onto the scene just a few short months ago (I think?!) with Fixing Her but you'd never be able to tell. She's totally got it in all the best ways possible... creating beautiful characters, irresistible love stories, unforgettable moments, and addicting storylines that I just can't get enough of... and each new release continues to get better and better.
Unputdownable. Unstoppable. Undeniable. Unforgettable. She'll give you all the feels in this contemporary romance. This book and this series is a. must. read.
I highly recommend this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog
Miranda Elaine is back with the third standalone in the brilliant Fixing series and y'all... Fixing Us just might be my favorite to date in this series! Leigh and Gabriel had me hooked from the very beginning and I didn't come up for air until long after the pages quit turning. This book was good.. really good, nearly perfect in every way.
One night was all it was supposed to be and simultaneously it's going to take one night to change... everything for Leigh and Gabriel.
Sexy. Sweet. Swoony. Two of my fave tropes in this book (just wait til you see!) along with a funny, emotional, complicated but oh so worth every little moment romance. Miranda totally blasted onto the scene just a few short months ago (I think?!) with Fixing Her but you'd never be able to tell. She's totally got it in all the best ways possible... creating beautiful characters, irresistible love stories, unforgettable moments, and addicting storylines that I just can't get enough of... and each new release continues to get better and better.
Unputdownable. Unstoppable. Undeniable. Unforgettable. She'll give you all the feels in this contemporary romance. This book and this series is a. must. read.
I highly recommend this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog
May 16, 2019
Marie’s Review
Miranda Elaine has given us another delightful book with incredible characters and highly emotional story line. Gabe and Leigh are destined to be together, we know this from the start. As we learn their backstory and watch them come together it is a poignant story full of push and pulls, anger and happiness and some steamy heat. 4 Stars #2OCCMS
Jessica’s Review
I really liked the plot of this book. When it came to Gabe and Leigh, they have a past that hurt them both but they progress in a natural sense. They didn’t push it and I loved that they slowly worked things out. This was a pretty straight forward second chance romance and I was really glad to see them get a HEA.
I had issue I had was how repetitive it seemed at times. Like being told how much time has passed since something and then a few paragraphs later saying the same thing all over again but in different words. Or just the characters thinking the same thing over and over. I’m not say it made it a bad book, but it took me out of the moments. There are some other instances but I don’t want to dive into to all of them.
I also wish that Leigh had been more understanding towards Gabe. Yeah I totally understand with how things ended with them in the past, but sometimes her attitude towards him annoyed me.
Overall, it was a good book. It was pretty straight forward and if you love surprise babies then you will like this book. It was my first book by this author and I plan to go back and read the other books that the secondary characters star in. This book can be a standalone though. 3.5 stars #2OCCJD
Miranda Elaine has given us another delightful book with incredible characters and highly emotional story line. Gabe and Leigh are destined to be together, we know this from the start. As we learn their backstory and watch them come together it is a poignant story full of push and pulls, anger and happiness and some steamy heat. 4 Stars #2OCCMS
Jessica’s Review
I really liked the plot of this book. When it came to Gabe and Leigh, they have a past that hurt them both but they progress in a natural sense. They didn’t push it and I loved that they slowly worked things out. This was a pretty straight forward second chance romance and I was really glad to see them get a HEA.
I had issue I had was how repetitive it seemed at times. Like being told how much time has passed since something and then a few paragraphs later saying the same thing all over again but in different words. Or just the characters thinking the same thing over and over. I’m not say it made it a bad book, but it took me out of the moments. There are some other instances but I don’t want to dive into to all of them.
I also wish that Leigh had been more understanding towards Gabe. Yeah I totally understand with how things ended with them in the past, but sometimes her attitude towards him annoyed me.
Overall, it was a good book. It was pretty straight forward and if you love surprise babies then you will like this book. It was my first book by this author and I plan to go back and read the other books that the secondary characters star in. This book can be a standalone though. 3.5 stars #2OCCJD
May 16, 2019
5 SMOOCHES!
The third book in a series of standalones, Fixing Us by Miranda Elaine is a sexy, second-chance, surprise baby romance in this new author’s Fixing series. The whole series has been fantastic. Miranda has written stories full of heart, humor and simmering heat in this series, and she’s saved the best for last with this story.
I love second chance romances, and this was a fantastic one given Gabe and Leigh’s long-standing, on-again-off-again relationship. Miranda packed in all the feels here with a hero who had to overcome the demons of his childhood, and heroine who has had her heart broken by this man more than once. Their already complicated relationship becomes even more so when Leigh finds out she’s pregnant, but the way they came together in friendship, determined to do right by their child, had me rooting for them the whole time.
I’ve been waiting for this story since I met the heroine in the first book of the series. She’s feisty, sassy but with a sweet, vulnerable side, and exactly the kind of heroine I love. I loved everything about their story, and I devoured it experiencing all the emotion, all the laughs and all the love that this endearing couple shared. Miranda Elaine has captivated me with her engaging, sexy-sweet brand of writing, and I’m excited about what will come next from this author. Five smooches from me for Fixing Us by Miranda Elaine.
~Danielle Palumbo
The third book in a series of standalones, Fixing Us by Miranda Elaine is a sexy, second-chance, surprise baby romance in this new author’s Fixing series. The whole series has been fantastic. Miranda has written stories full of heart, humor and simmering heat in this series, and she’s saved the best for last with this story.
I love second chance romances, and this was a fantastic one given Gabe and Leigh’s long-standing, on-again-off-again relationship. Miranda packed in all the feels here with a hero who had to overcome the demons of his childhood, and heroine who has had her heart broken by this man more than once. Their already complicated relationship becomes even more so when Leigh finds out she’s pregnant, but the way they came together in friendship, determined to do right by their child, had me rooting for them the whole time.
I’ve been waiting for this story since I met the heroine in the first book of the series. She’s feisty, sassy but with a sweet, vulnerable side, and exactly the kind of heroine I love. I loved everything about their story, and I devoured it experiencing all the emotion, all the laughs and all the love that this endearing couple shared. Miranda Elaine has captivated me with her engaging, sexy-sweet brand of writing, and I’m excited about what will come next from this author. Five smooches from me for Fixing Us by Miranda Elaine.
~Danielle Palumbo
May 9, 2019
If you’ve read the first two books in this series, then you probably couldn’t wait to find out Leigh’s story...here’s your chance!
Gabriel and Leigh were high school sweethearts until he broke her heart on graduation day. They’re each other’s addiction, but any encounters end up with Gabe’s demons interfering causing more heartbreak for both of them. Gabe just doesn’t feel worthy of having love, family or a future with Leigh.
Leigh seems to find her way to his doorstep time and time again, but after a string of horrible dates, Leigh decides to knock on his door and swears it’s the very last time. However, when it results in a positive pregnancy test, they suddenly have to find a new normal. Friends seems like the best choice, but is it a realistic choice when there’s that much history and feelings involved?
A sweet second chance romance about two very likeable characters who deserve happiness.
Gabriel and Leigh were high school sweethearts until he broke her heart on graduation day. They’re each other’s addiction, but any encounters end up with Gabe’s demons interfering causing more heartbreak for both of them. Gabe just doesn’t feel worthy of having love, family or a future with Leigh.
Leigh seems to find her way to his doorstep time and time again, but after a string of horrible dates, Leigh decides to knock on his door and swears it’s the very last time. However, when it results in a positive pregnancy test, they suddenly have to find a new normal. Friends seems like the best choice, but is it a realistic choice when there’s that much history and feelings involved?
A sweet second chance romance about two very likeable characters who deserve happiness.
May 20, 2019
Fixing Us is a second-chance romance with an intriguing and unique twist in that the couple has had an on-and-off-again relationship since they broke up in high school. Gabriel and Leigh just can’t quit one another and often find themselves back in each other’s beds, but their last steamy tryst leaves them pregnant and forced to decide whether or not their relationship is fixable or if they are destined to just be just friends and co-parents. Gabriel has struggled for years to feel like he’s good enough for Leigh, and it’s an emotional journey as he faces his most deep-rooted fears and demons. Miranda Elaine handles his complex, real-world issues with sensitivity and grace, making this story deeply moving. You’ll love everything about Fixing Us – the relatable, endearing characters and their poignant, tender and steamy love story.
Recommendation appeared on Frolic on May 15, 2019.
ARC provided, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.
Recommendation appeared on Frolic on May 15, 2019.
ARC provided, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.
June 8, 2019
2.5*. Enjoyment level 2* because I got bored with the minutiae of their daily lives but objectively speaking, 3* as this was well executed. I had expected a doormat and a douche. Not so because while I still struggled to understand why a woman would put herself through over a decade of waiting and pining I was sympathetic to her, especially as over the years they'd hooked up several times. The H had issues of course but the romance of how they reconnect in all its mundane details was one I found I could buy into.
May 21, 2019
This was the third book in the Fixing Series. I couldn’t wait for Leigh’s story.
Leigh & Gabe were high school sweethearts.
Then Gabe went and broke her heart.
But it was for the best, right?
During the years after high school, they weren’t an item, yet they just couldn’t stay away from each other. Gabe is always running away, never giving himself a chance to love, or be loved. He doesn’t think he’s worthy.
To me, this story was about their growth, both in themselves and their relationship. Many happy, feel-good moments had me smiling, yet many parts left me frustrated. As much as I wanted and needed to, I didn’t feel a connection to Leigh & Gabe.
I wanted to love this, because Leigh.
She was awesome in the first book - loved her. But something was missing for me.
Even though I didn’t love this book, I’m positive it will be the perfect read for many others. Many parts I did enjoy.
**Milo was a great secondary character. I enjoyed the scenes he was in. Maybe he’ll get his own book? And I loved seeing Tempie and Elly again. This author always has great secondary characters. :)
Leigh & Gabe were high school sweethearts.
Then Gabe went and broke her heart.
But it was for the best, right?
During the years after high school, they weren’t an item, yet they just couldn’t stay away from each other. Gabe is always running away, never giving himself a chance to love, or be loved. He doesn’t think he’s worthy.
To me, this story was about their growth, both in themselves and their relationship. Many happy, feel-good moments had me smiling, yet many parts left me frustrated. As much as I wanted and needed to, I didn’t feel a connection to Leigh & Gabe.
I wanted to love this, because Leigh.
She was awesome in the first book - loved her. But something was missing for me.
Even though I didn’t love this book, I’m positive it will be the perfect read for many others. Many parts I did enjoy.
**Milo was a great secondary character. I enjoyed the scenes he was in. Maybe he’ll get his own book? And I loved seeing Tempie and Elly again. This author always has great secondary characters. :)
May 21, 2019
After reading Fixing Her and Fixing Him, I was a big fan of Leigh. She seemed like such a fun character and the books mentioning her complicated relationship with a guy definitely wanted me to see her have her own happily ever after! So I was very excited when I saw Fixing Us would have her as a main character.
Just like the first two books in this series, Fixing Us sucked me in from the beginning. I loved reading about Leigh being set up by her mother and the few dating adventures she had after signing up for a dating app. The author had me laughing out loud in no time. Add reading about the characters I came to love in the first two books, this story was off to an amazing start.
Leigh and Gabe have a history as high school sweethearts. They had made plans, but things didn't go like they thought they would. See, Gabe had a rough childhood and has a hard time seeing himself as worthy. This makes Gabe and Leigh want two different things in life. Both of them constantly find their way back to the other, but it just doesn't seem to stick.
What I loved about this book is that between the normal chapters, we get flashbacks to see certain events in their time together. This added so much extra emotion to the story for me. I cared for both Leigh and Gabe from the start, but this just made me want them to be together and be happy even more.
After a certain night neither of them were planning, Leigh ends up pregnant. Even though I kind of saw this one coming, I think it fit the story well. Gabe never saw himself with a family or expected he could be a good father. This ' accident' happening really made him think about things. Taking it slow and just getting to know each other as co-parents during the pregnancy was the deal they started out with.
I love how during Leigh's pregnancy they really start to get to know each other again. Because of a baby on the way Gabe learns to be more open with Leigh than he ever has been. During these moments, I just wanted to give Gabe a big hug! I loved how much he developed in this story and started seeing himself as worthy. He's so worthy and then some! Definitely book boyfriend material! The big question is though, does he stumble along the way and will it work itself out?
Fixing Us is another amazing installment in this series and the author gave me all the feels once again. The way she writes these stories just drags you in and doesn't let you go. If you're looking for an amazing romance, friendship, humor, steamy moments and just people loving each other, definitely pick up this book (the whole series really...).
Just like the first two books in this series, Fixing Us sucked me in from the beginning. I loved reading about Leigh being set up by her mother and the few dating adventures she had after signing up for a dating app. The author had me laughing out loud in no time. Add reading about the characters I came to love in the first two books, this story was off to an amazing start.
Leigh and Gabe have a history as high school sweethearts. They had made plans, but things didn't go like they thought they would. See, Gabe had a rough childhood and has a hard time seeing himself as worthy. This makes Gabe and Leigh want two different things in life. Both of them constantly find their way back to the other, but it just doesn't seem to stick.
What I loved about this book is that between the normal chapters, we get flashbacks to see certain events in their time together. This added so much extra emotion to the story for me. I cared for both Leigh and Gabe from the start, but this just made me want them to be together and be happy even more.
After a certain night neither of them were planning, Leigh ends up pregnant. Even though I kind of saw this one coming, I think it fit the story well. Gabe never saw himself with a family or expected he could be a good father. This ' accident' happening really made him think about things. Taking it slow and just getting to know each other as co-parents during the pregnancy was the deal they started out with.
I love how during Leigh's pregnancy they really start to get to know each other again. Because of a baby on the way Gabe learns to be more open with Leigh than he ever has been. During these moments, I just wanted to give Gabe a big hug! I loved how much he developed in this story and started seeing himself as worthy. He's so worthy and then some! Definitely book boyfriend material! The big question is though, does he stumble along the way and will it work itself out?
Fixing Us is another amazing installment in this series and the author gave me all the feels once again. The way she writes these stories just drags you in and doesn't let you go. If you're looking for an amazing romance, friendship, humor, steamy moments and just people loving each other, definitely pick up this book (the whole series really...).
May 15, 2019
***4 Stars***
After thoroughly enjoying Fixing Her & Fixing Him it was a no brainer that I’d be all about getting my hands on Fixing Us and finding out all about Leigh and the guy that would hold her heart, but the ride this one took me on was a rough one. Totally worth it in the end, no doubt about it, but lemme tell you, it took something out of me.
I really, really liked Leigh and Gabe. I did. Leigh is vivacious. Crazy, sassy, snarky and yet has a huge and golden heart. Gabe has a lot of demons riding him that he’s never really dealt with and it makes him doubt himself a lot, but beneath all that is a man with a huge heart and the capacity to be so much more than his past. But as much as I liked these two, and I really did, they drove me batshitcrazy as they bounced back and forth in their relationship. Now, we don’t get to see the mass majority of their crazy, but what we do get made me feel like I was the frog in Frogger and my controller (them) were just winging it. It was kind of exhausting. I will totally admit that they belonged together, the chemistry between them was undeniable, but their revolving door style had me growling a lot until “That” moment happened. Now, that moment had me growling too, but it was the catalyst that finally made them both pull their heads out of their butts and take the steps they both needed to get to their HEA, which after everything they put themselves and those around them through, was well deserved.
This was, overall a fun second x 100 chance romance that showed that sometimes what the heart wants, it gets, even when it takes the longest and most rocky road to get there. As for the issues this one brings up, I thought they were handled well for the most part, though there was one issue that happened kinda quick for me, but I’m not mad at it. I actually liked how the whole ‘Oops I’m pregnant’ thing was dealt with. And as for the supporting cast of characters, I loved catching up with Kade, Temperance, Sam and Montana and Ellie was awesome as always. And then there is Milo, I’m crossing my toes that he gets his own HEA because I’d love to get to know him a whole lot better!
~ Copy provided by Social Butterfly PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
After thoroughly enjoying Fixing Her & Fixing Him it was a no brainer that I’d be all about getting my hands on Fixing Us and finding out all about Leigh and the guy that would hold her heart, but the ride this one took me on was a rough one. Totally worth it in the end, no doubt about it, but lemme tell you, it took something out of me.
I really, really liked Leigh and Gabe. I did. Leigh is vivacious. Crazy, sassy, snarky and yet has a huge and golden heart. Gabe has a lot of demons riding him that he’s never really dealt with and it makes him doubt himself a lot, but beneath all that is a man with a huge heart and the capacity to be so much more than his past. But as much as I liked these two, and I really did, they drove me batshitcrazy as they bounced back and forth in their relationship. Now, we don’t get to see the mass majority of their crazy, but what we do get made me feel like I was the frog in Frogger and my controller (them) were just winging it. It was kind of exhausting. I will totally admit that they belonged together, the chemistry between them was undeniable, but their revolving door style had me growling a lot until “That” moment happened. Now, that moment had me growling too, but it was the catalyst that finally made them both pull their heads out of their butts and take the steps they both needed to get to their HEA, which after everything they put themselves and those around them through, was well deserved.
This was, overall a fun second x 100 chance romance that showed that sometimes what the heart wants, it gets, even when it takes the longest and most rocky road to get there. As for the issues this one brings up, I thought they were handled well for the most part, though there was one issue that happened kinda quick for me, but I’m not mad at it. I actually liked how the whole ‘Oops I’m pregnant’ thing was dealt with. And as for the supporting cast of characters, I loved catching up with Kade, Temperance, Sam and Montana and Ellie was awesome as always. And then there is Milo, I’m crossing my toes that he gets his own HEA because I’d love to get to know him a whole lot better!
~ Copy provided by Social Butterfly PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
May 16, 2019
“I hop on my bike and drive. I drive for hours, trying to wrap my brain around the fact that the only girl I have ever cared about is carrying my child and I have zero clue what to do with this information.”
Leigh Ann and Gabriel met in high school and became the perfect couple, against all expectations, for coming from such different worlds. Even young, they make plans for the future. These plans will start to shatter when a thud near the graduation hits the couple. And the young and passionate couple will separate, by Gabriel's decision, that does not want to spoil Leigh's future.
Time goes by, each one goes his own way, Gabriel owns his own tattoo studio, Leigh is a hairdresser. And the two are united by twelve years of endless casual encounters with each other, with short validity periods and a balance of broken hearts on both sides. The truth is they have always loved each other, but Gabriel has his own demons to deal with and so does not accept embarking on a relationship.
In a final farewell moment, as Leigh wants to get on with her life, passion takes over and a few months later, news that neither of the two expected comes to join or separate the two once and for all.
The book addresses such heavy topics as abandonment and alcoholism, but the writing is so subtle, that the themes blending the story, without delving into the drama, without being exaggerated, and contributing much to understand a little of the past of the characters.
Gabriel did not have an easy life and his struggle to continue on the right track was quite pleasurable to follow. His fears, doubts, and even need made him one of the most human characters I have ever come across. I felt his pain by making a mistake and giving up the progress made with so much effort.
Leigh is such a force. She has always loved this man, always hoped to have her happy ending, and even with adversities on her way she faces every obstacle to fight for her family.
Fixing Us is much more than a novel. It shows a real, human side, without flourishes of relationships, of life. It is pure and raw reality. And that's its biggest hit.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest Review *
https://avidezliteraria.wordpress.com/
Leigh Ann and Gabriel met in high school and became the perfect couple, against all expectations, for coming from such different worlds. Even young, they make plans for the future. These plans will start to shatter when a thud near the graduation hits the couple. And the young and passionate couple will separate, by Gabriel's decision, that does not want to spoil Leigh's future.
Time goes by, each one goes his own way, Gabriel owns his own tattoo studio, Leigh is a hairdresser. And the two are united by twelve years of endless casual encounters with each other, with short validity periods and a balance of broken hearts on both sides. The truth is they have always loved each other, but Gabriel has his own demons to deal with and so does not accept embarking on a relationship.
In a final farewell moment, as Leigh wants to get on with her life, passion takes over and a few months later, news that neither of the two expected comes to join or separate the two once and for all.
The book addresses such heavy topics as abandonment and alcoholism, but the writing is so subtle, that the themes blending the story, without delving into the drama, without being exaggerated, and contributing much to understand a little of the past of the characters.
Gabriel did not have an easy life and his struggle to continue on the right track was quite pleasurable to follow. His fears, doubts, and even need made him one of the most human characters I have ever come across. I felt his pain by making a mistake and giving up the progress made with so much effort.
Leigh is such a force. She has always loved this man, always hoped to have her happy ending, and even with adversities on her way she faces every obstacle to fight for her family.
Fixing Us is much more than a novel. It shows a real, human side, without flourishes of relationships, of life. It is pure and raw reality. And that's its biggest hit.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest Review *
https://avidezliteraria.wordpress.com/
May 5, 2019
Fixing us by Miranda Elaine is about high school sweethearts who always seem to find their way back to each other for it to always end in heartbreak. I struggled keeping interest in this book in the beginning and I’m glad I stuck with it. Gabe and Leigh have been in love with each other since high school. Gabe broke things off with Leigh after she graduated high school when he was told he wasn’t graduating. He felt he wasn’t good enough for her and decided to cut her lose so she could find a man who was worthy of her and could give her the life and family she wanted and deserved. Twelve years later Leigh lets herself have one last night of passion with Gabe before she finally moves on for good.
One month later and she gets a positive pregnancy test. That’s when things started to get good with the book, Gabe is faced with what he’s always wanted; Leigh and a family, but never thought he was good enough to have. They decide to be just friends and co-parent the baby together. It was amazing to watch this couple fall for each other again. They desperately tried to keep their relationship platonic but that's impossible when you are in love. I enjoyed this second chance romance that ended in a happily ever after.
One month later and she gets a positive pregnancy test. That’s when things started to get good with the book, Gabe is faced with what he’s always wanted; Leigh and a family, but never thought he was good enough to have. They decide to be just friends and co-parent the baby together. It was amazing to watch this couple fall for each other again. They desperately tried to keep their relationship platonic but that's impossible when you are in love. I enjoyed this second chance romance that ended in a happily ever after.
May 17, 2019
This was my first Miranda Elaine book and even though it is the 3rd in a series it can totally be read as a stand-alone. I never felt like I was missing anything but I will be reading Fixing Her and Fixing Him. Ms. Elaine takes you on a very emotional roller coaster with this story. Leigh and Gabriel's story really tugs at your heart. I am so glad I signed up to read this story and I discovered a 'new to me' author who has now become a 'one click author' for me. DEFINITELY a must read!!!
May 8, 2019
Another heartwarming story from Miranda Elaine! Although it took some time to get into the story, I stayed with it, and I did eventually fall in love with Leigh and Gabe. Their on again/off again relationship had its ups and downs, but it was clear that this couple was meant to be together. There was no denying the chemistry Gabe and Leigh shared, but they needed to decide if they were ready to make a real relationship work. I loved catching up with Temperance and Kade, and Montana and Sam, too. This was a great series that was also about friends that are more like family, because they would do anything for each other. I look forward to reading more from Miranda Elaine.
September 15, 2019
Gabriel yum!
This is a story of second chances and lovers to friends to lovers. So many stories wrapped up in one. I love this group of friends so much i am sad that this is the final story! At least for now...
This is a story of second chances and lovers to friends to lovers. So many stories wrapped up in one. I love this group of friends so much i am sad that this is the final story! At least for now...
May 16, 2019
Gabe has endured a painful childhood where he never felt like he was loved or belonged, and it has impacted every relationship he has had since then. He fell in love with his high school sweetheart Leigh however he believed she deserved better than him, so he devastated both of them when he ended their relationship. For the last 12 years they have shared an on again/off again relationship, but both have decided that it is time to leave it in the past.
Leigh came from a loving secure home and what she really wants is to be married to a man she loves and have the family she always dreamed of is the same thing for her children. She has realized that Gabe is unable to give that to her, so they decide to spend one last night together to say goodbye to all they have shared.
Their plan takes an abrupt U-turn when a pregnancy results from that night. Now they must decide if they will raise the baby as friends or if this will be their chance to both get what they have always wanted but where afraid to try for.
Sweet and sexy this story has all the feels plus humorous banter and hot chemistry. This is a story about two people who have always belonged together and all it took was a life changing event for them to realize it.
Leigh came from a loving secure home and what she really wants is to be married to a man she loves and have the family she always dreamed of is the same thing for her children. She has realized that Gabe is unable to give that to her, so they decide to spend one last night together to say goodbye to all they have shared.
Their plan takes an abrupt U-turn when a pregnancy results from that night. Now they must decide if they will raise the baby as friends or if this will be their chance to both get what they have always wanted but where afraid to try for.
Sweet and sexy this story has all the feels plus humorous banter and hot chemistry. This is a story about two people who have always belonged together and all it took was a life changing event for them to realize it.
May 17, 2019
Original review: A Novel Glimpse
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.
Fixing Us is the third book in the Fixing series by Miranda Elaine, but it’s the first book I have read by this author. What originally drew my attention and made me want to read Fixing Us was the blurb. I was very interested how things were going to work out for high school sweethearts turned exes turned hook ups to have a baby together and, of course, fall back in love. As you can tell by my 5 star rating, it worked out well for them and me.
Leigh Ann and Gabe were high school sweethearts until Gabe ruined their plans for a life together after graduation. Despite their breakup, Leigh Ann and Gabe have had a hard time staying away from each other — it’s a small town and all that. They have never been able to work out their differences, but that doesn’t stop them from hooking up when the need arises. That is what has finally got them into trouble 10+ years after high school. One night of passion has turned into an unplanned pregnancy. It’s life changing for both Leigh Ann and Gabe, but in different ways. Leigh Ann was ready to move on. Now she’s tied to Gabe for at least 18 years. Gabe never planned to have a family. Now he has to come to terms with the fact that he will. Leigh and Gabe have a lot to figure out in the 9 months before their baby is born.
I was fascinated by Leigh Ann and Gabe’s relationship. It had this air of sadness. It was easy to tell they both truly loved each other, but they had different ideas and plans for life. I felt bad that Gabe thought about himself the way he did, but I also applauded him for trying to do what he thought was right. I loved the moments where he learned and grew. Leigh Ann I just felt horrible for. That woman was trapped by her love for Gabe. I could empathize with her about trying to move on. Despite what he said or did at times, Gabe didn’t really allow for it. That didn’t mean that Leigh Ann didn’t have strength. She was an incredibly strong, smart woman. I was actually impressed by the way she handled everything — especially her unplanned pregnancy. Leigh Ann and Gabe were just in this weird, uncomfortable non-relationship that was complicated even more by the pregnancy. It all felt true to a real life relationship and situation. I loved how their relationship evolved and how everything worked out in the end.
I was super impressed with Fixing Us. This is Miranda Elaine’s third book, but her writing feels more seasoned than that. She made each of her characters shine with their distinctive voices. The story moved smoothly and kept me enthralled. The biggest compliment I can give this book is that it made me feel everything the characters were feeling. When a book can do that, I’m impressed. I will definitely be going back and reading the first two books in this series. I am excited to learn more about those characters.
If you’re interested in reading Fixing Us, it can be read as a standalone novel. Characters from the previous books show up, but I wasn’t confused by that. This book had a story of its own.
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.
Fixing Us is the third book in the Fixing series by Miranda Elaine, but it’s the first book I have read by this author. What originally drew my attention and made me want to read Fixing Us was the blurb. I was very interested how things were going to work out for high school sweethearts turned exes turned hook ups to have a baby together and, of course, fall back in love. As you can tell by my 5 star rating, it worked out well for them and me.
Leigh Ann and Gabe were high school sweethearts until Gabe ruined their plans for a life together after graduation. Despite their breakup, Leigh Ann and Gabe have had a hard time staying away from each other — it’s a small town and all that. They have never been able to work out their differences, but that doesn’t stop them from hooking up when the need arises. That is what has finally got them into trouble 10+ years after high school. One night of passion has turned into an unplanned pregnancy. It’s life changing for both Leigh Ann and Gabe, but in different ways. Leigh Ann was ready to move on. Now she’s tied to Gabe for at least 18 years. Gabe never planned to have a family. Now he has to come to terms with the fact that he will. Leigh and Gabe have a lot to figure out in the 9 months before their baby is born.
I was fascinated by Leigh Ann and Gabe’s relationship. It had this air of sadness. It was easy to tell they both truly loved each other, but they had different ideas and plans for life. I felt bad that Gabe thought about himself the way he did, but I also applauded him for trying to do what he thought was right. I loved the moments where he learned and grew. Leigh Ann I just felt horrible for. That woman was trapped by her love for Gabe. I could empathize with her about trying to move on. Despite what he said or did at times, Gabe didn’t really allow for it. That didn’t mean that Leigh Ann didn’t have strength. She was an incredibly strong, smart woman. I was actually impressed by the way she handled everything — especially her unplanned pregnancy. Leigh Ann and Gabe were just in this weird, uncomfortable non-relationship that was complicated even more by the pregnancy. It all felt true to a real life relationship and situation. I loved how their relationship evolved and how everything worked out in the end.
I was super impressed with Fixing Us. This is Miranda Elaine’s third book, but her writing feels more seasoned than that. She made each of her characters shine with their distinctive voices. The story moved smoothly and kept me enthralled. The biggest compliment I can give this book is that it made me feel everything the characters were feeling. When a book can do that, I’m impressed. I will definitely be going back and reading the first two books in this series. I am excited to learn more about those characters.
If you’re interested in reading Fixing Us, it can be read as a standalone novel. Characters from the previous books show up, but I wasn’t confused by that. This book had a story of its own.
May 21, 2019
I am still relatively new to Miranda Elaine’s work and I am loving the two books I have read in the Fixing Series. Fixing Us is a standalone, second chance/unexpected pregnancy romance that’s told in the present while also weaving the couple’s past into the story. This dual POV is set in a small town, where Gabe Starr owns a tattoo shop and Leigh Simms owns a hair salon. The town is quaint, the relationships that exist within the story (including those with the secondary characters) are longstanding, deep and hilarious! I wasn’t expected to laugh so hard in this one, but that was definitely a pleasant surprise. The story is character driven in many ways. Gabe and Leigh have spent years in an on again/off again relationship—sometimes it’s a night, sometimes its months—but neither are able to exist without the other. Unplanned pregnancy notwithstanding, the pair have been primarily off for years. However Leigh’s spunky and sassy personality is deeply loving as well, and she’s never agreed with his rationale for crushing the dream they shared the night of her high school graduation. Gabe has a troubled past, one rife with deadbeat parents and his sure he’s going to bring Leigh down. I struggled to get into the story initially and as is the case with most small-town romances, the pace on this one is a little slower. As I mentioned previously, I’ve read the previous title in the series, Fixing Him, and enjoyed it immensely so I refused to allow the slower pace and struggle I experienced initially to keep me from reading and I am glad I persisted because the overall story was fantastic. After a few chapters, I was sufficiently sucked in and I finished it in one night. It's an easy read, that’s beautifully written. I’ve discovered that I thoroughly enjoy Miranda’s writing and found Fixing Us to be a sweet, witty (to outright hilarious at moments) and sexy in spades romance that readers will love. A solid 4 star read for me!
Read and reviewed on behalf of:
Read and reviewed on behalf of:
May 15, 2019
Whenever I pick a book by Miranda Elaine, I know I am in for a fabulous treat of hundred percent swoon worthy, sweet and sexy romance. Fixing Us gave me the same feeling. The feel good factor of this story is sky high. And she balanced the sweetness with the right amount of heartbreak.
If second chance and starcrossed lovers are your trope, this is a must read story for you. Gabe and Leigh are highschool sweethearts. And now twelve years later they stand in weird situation. Gabe has been breaking Leigh's heart repeatedly over the years as he is scared to committ to her. And that is due to his traumatic sordid past. But none of them has moved on leaving their undeniable intense addictive bond behind. When Leigh decides to give up after one final meeting, something happens to destroy all her plans. Now they can either move forward and embrace the new life or break away from the love forever.
I love how the men in Miranda's story has layers of issues yet manage to be a good man in their core. Gabe is no exception. He could have turned a mess and a failure like his parents. But he has made something out of his trouble past. He loves Leigh so much that he doesn't hesitate to leave her. Leigh is a sassy, smart and strong woman with a beautiful accepting heart. Their chemistry gave me real goosebumps. I was so happy to revisit my other favorite people from other Fixing novels! Miranda Elaine nailed the warm fuzzy small town feels with great friends and support system.
Fixing Us is an emotional love story. The soft and heartwarming moments made me smile like crazy. The heartbreaking turns made me tear up. A great romance for any hardcore contemporary romance fan!
Received ARC for Honest Review
If second chance and starcrossed lovers are your trope, this is a must read story for you. Gabe and Leigh are highschool sweethearts. And now twelve years later they stand in weird situation. Gabe has been breaking Leigh's heart repeatedly over the years as he is scared to committ to her. And that is due to his traumatic sordid past. But none of them has moved on leaving their undeniable intense addictive bond behind. When Leigh decides to give up after one final meeting, something happens to destroy all her plans. Now they can either move forward and embrace the new life or break away from the love forever.
I love how the men in Miranda's story has layers of issues yet manage to be a good man in their core. Gabe is no exception. He could have turned a mess and a failure like his parents. But he has made something out of his trouble past. He loves Leigh so much that he doesn't hesitate to leave her. Leigh is a sassy, smart and strong woman with a beautiful accepting heart. Their chemistry gave me real goosebumps. I was so happy to revisit my other favorite people from other Fixing novels! Miranda Elaine nailed the warm fuzzy small town feels with great friends and support system.
Fixing Us is an emotional love story. The soft and heartwarming moments made me smile like crazy. The heartbreaking turns made me tear up. A great romance for any hardcore contemporary romance fan!
Received ARC for Honest Review
May 21, 2019
3.5 Angsty Emotional Stars
This is the third book in the series of standalones. Although the characters move along the series, you don't have to read them all to be able to understand. If you have read the first two you already love Leigh and can't wait for her story.
This is a true second change romance for this couple back from high school. However Gabe broke Leigh's heart on graduation day. Determined that he was not good enough for her and would never be able to escape his past and where he comes from. Over the years they have been drawn back to each other and each time the hurt that is left behind gets a little worse.
Leigh is living the life she dreamed of except the lover of her life by her side and a family. She is smart and sassy, running her own business and damn good at what she does. But with her besties finding happiness she is starting to think it is time to move on once and for all. When she is feeling down though she finds herself on the familiar path to the one person she has never been able to let go, no matter how hard it hurts her each time. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame.
Gabe didn't come from good stock, taken from his parents at the age of seven, floating through the system until he was old enough to be on his own. Sure he seems to have finally found his way thanks to a friend who saw more in him than he did. That doesn't mean that he is anywhere to the point of thinking that he could ever be enough for the one woman has always owned his heart. He keeps an eye on her from a distance and try's to stay away.
When one night leads to the possibility of so much more, will they be able to handle it. Will Gabe step up and be the man the Leigh always new he could be? Or will the stresses of the situation send him back to old ways? Is it possible after all this time that Gabe and Leigh can have their HEA?\
A good book with characters that will draw you into their story.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review.***
This is the third book in the series of standalones. Although the characters move along the series, you don't have to read them all to be able to understand. If you have read the first two you already love Leigh and can't wait for her story.
This is a true second change romance for this couple back from high school. However Gabe broke Leigh's heart on graduation day. Determined that he was not good enough for her and would never be able to escape his past and where he comes from. Over the years they have been drawn back to each other and each time the hurt that is left behind gets a little worse.
Leigh is living the life she dreamed of except the lover of her life by her side and a family. She is smart and sassy, running her own business and damn good at what she does. But with her besties finding happiness she is starting to think it is time to move on once and for all. When she is feeling down though she finds herself on the familiar path to the one person she has never been able to let go, no matter how hard it hurts her each time. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame.
Gabe didn't come from good stock, taken from his parents at the age of seven, floating through the system until he was old enough to be on his own. Sure he seems to have finally found his way thanks to a friend who saw more in him than he did. That doesn't mean that he is anywhere to the point of thinking that he could ever be enough for the one woman has always owned his heart. He keeps an eye on her from a distance and try's to stay away.
When one night leads to the possibility of so much more, will they be able to handle it. Will Gabe step up and be the man the Leigh always new he could be? Or will the stresses of the situation send him back to old ways? Is it possible after all this time that Gabe and Leigh can have their HEA?\
A good book with characters that will draw you into their story.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review.***
May 19, 2019
He's all she's ever wanted. She's everything he never thought he deserved.
Fixing Us is another wonderful story in Miranda Elaine's Fixing series of interconnected standalones. At last, we get Leigh's story, the perky hairdresser bestie of Temperence and Montana.
Leigh has always been in love with Gabriel, but his suitcases of baggage have prevented him from fully committing to her. Over the years, they'd break up and make up, with each split taking away a little more of Leigh's soul every time. But when they have one last sex session before she vows to say goodbye for good, the universe has other plans for them, because Leigh finds herself pregnant by her kinda ex who never wanted kids.
There's a nice flow to this story, and Leigh and Gabe really take the time to get to know who they are alone and together as people in their 30s, rather than the teenagers they were when they first got together. Poor Gabe has such tragedy in his childhood, but he's made himself a nbetter person despite his upbringing.... now it's just time to convine Leigh not to give up on them even though he'd broken her heart so many times before.
Gabe struggles with a lot in this story. It's not an eay fix for him to be the man she wants to, or can co-parent with. There's a lot of healing and growth that Gabe goes through in this story, and I really felt tht it made him a better man. And even when it broke her heart, Leigh was in his corner time and time again. The payoff was well worth the wait, as poor, broken Gabe got the family he always wanted and didn't think he deserved.
I reveived an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Fixing Us is another wonderful story in Miranda Elaine's Fixing series of interconnected standalones. At last, we get Leigh's story, the perky hairdresser bestie of Temperence and Montana.
Leigh has always been in love with Gabriel, but his suitcases of baggage have prevented him from fully committing to her. Over the years, they'd break up and make up, with each split taking away a little more of Leigh's soul every time. But when they have one last sex session before she vows to say goodbye for good, the universe has other plans for them, because Leigh finds herself pregnant by her kinda ex who never wanted kids.
There's a nice flow to this story, and Leigh and Gabe really take the time to get to know who they are alone and together as people in their 30s, rather than the teenagers they were when they first got together. Poor Gabe has such tragedy in his childhood, but he's made himself a nbetter person despite his upbringing.... now it's just time to convine Leigh not to give up on them even though he'd broken her heart so many times before.
Gabe struggles with a lot in this story. It's not an eay fix for him to be the man she wants to, or can co-parent with. There's a lot of healing and growth that Gabe goes through in this story, and I really felt tht it made him a better man. And even when it broke her heart, Leigh was in his corner time and time again. The payoff was well worth the wait, as poor, broken Gabe got the family he always wanted and didn't think he deserved.
I reveived an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
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