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Suits and Spark Plugs
Liv Phelps is on a mission. Get a degree, stay independent, save her family, and start a new life far from the small town where she was raised. Love is nowhere on that list. However, the universe has a different idea of what Liv needs, and when dashing Blaine Harris enters the diner where she's working, she decides to give him a chance. Blaine is worlds away from anyone she's ever known, and introduces her to things she's long dreamed about. But when he pushes her to get her beat-down car seen by the local mechanic, a wrench is thrown into the works. Connor Hunt, resident of her same small town, has been at the very top of Liv's 'do not disturb' list ever since she had a front row seat to watching him create his terrible reputation. A magician with cars, he can't stand to see a machine suffer. He comes up with a plan to fix Liv's car in spite of her inability to pay. Although hesitant, a deal is struck. Liv never could have imagined how one simple 'yes' would throw her life into the type of tailspin that she'd always planned to avoid.
280 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2020
340 people are currently reading
665 people want to read
About the author
Aspen Hadley
19 books260 followersAspen Hadley loves nothing more than a great story. She has devoted herself to story-telling for the majority of her life, writing her first novel at her kitchen table in the 8th grade. Aspen writes what she wants to read: clean, sassy, romantic comedy novels that give you a break from real life and leave you feeling happy.
Outside of writing, Aspen's number one hobby is reading. Number two is sneaking chocolate into and out of her private stash without being caught. Other favorite things include: playing the piano, listening to classic rock, telling jokes around the dinner table, eating ice cream, traveling, a good case of the giggles, and riding on ATVs over the trails around her home in Utah.
Aspen shares her life with a patient husband, 4 hilarious children, and 1 grumpy dog in a quiet suburb next to her beloved mountains.
Given the choice she would road trip her life away, singing along to the radio and sleeping in every morning.
You can also find her on Facebook at facebook.com/aspenthewriter and Instagram @aspenhadley_author.
Outside of writing, Aspen's number one hobby is reading. Number two is sneaking chocolate into and out of her private stash without being caught. Other favorite things include: playing the piano, listening to classic rock, telling jokes around the dinner table, eating ice cream, traveling, a good case of the giggles, and riding on ATVs over the trails around her home in Utah.
Aspen shares her life with a patient husband, 4 hilarious children, and 1 grumpy dog in a quiet suburb next to her beloved mountains.
Given the choice she would road trip her life away, singing along to the radio and sleeping in every morning.
You can also find her on Facebook at facebook.com/aspenthewriter and Instagram @aspenhadley_author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
May 22, 2025
This was my first read by Aspen Hadley and it won't be my last. This book had all the feels, great humor, and kept me up late reading. A must read!
January 7, 2021
“Please, fairy godmother, I don’t want much. Just a man who’ll agree with all my decisions, think I’m charming, never talk to me in the mornings, and feed me chocolate cake every day.”
Don’t we all, Liv. Don’t we all. 😂😁
I laughed and cried and thoroughly enjoyed Suits and Spark Plugs! Although there were times I wanted to smack Liv, too. 😂 She lets her stubbornness and need for independence get in her own way sometimes. I loved her, Kelly’s and Connor’s sassy and snarky dialogue, and every time I read a book that takes place in a small town, I get the itch to move to one. I’m sure I won’t, (I like all my stores too much) but the itch is always there!
Don’t we all, Liv. Don’t we all. 😂😁
I laughed and cried and thoroughly enjoyed Suits and Spark Plugs! Although there were times I wanted to smack Liv, too. 😂 She lets her stubbornness and need for independence get in her own way sometimes. I loved her, Kelly’s and Connor’s sassy and snarky dialogue, and every time I read a book that takes place in a small town, I get the itch to move to one. I’m sure I won’t, (I like all my stores too much) but the itch is always there!
December 1, 2020
Don’t you just love this cover! I think they did a great job with it. But the thing that really shines is the story inside. I loved it! Aspen Hadley knows how to write a fun book.
The reader gets to see this book through Liv’s eyes. She’s a 20 something going to college online in a super small town. She works at the local diner. I had to give a lot of credit to Liv. She’s doing her nursing program online to stay and help her mom and sister. Liv’s family is kind of messed up. And she feels like she’s needed where she is. Then there’s the nursing program. She’d far rather be doing her art. But she feels like she needs to be able to take care of herself. She’s quite a strong and independent young woman.
Blaine is the guy she’s dating in this book. But…he wasn’t my favorite. He didn’t really understand Liv. And he called her Olivia, something no one did. I think he would have driven me nuts. The one good thing about him was that he got Liv to have her car looked at before it killed her.
That’s where Conner comes in. Liv’s attitude about Conner was really judgmental, I liked that she wasn’t a perfect character. Because, let’s be honest, none of us are perfect. But Conner isn’t who she thinks he is. And that was a beautiful thing as they really got to know each other.
This is such a great book!
The reader gets to see this book through Liv’s eyes. She’s a 20 something going to college online in a super small town. She works at the local diner. I had to give a lot of credit to Liv. She’s doing her nursing program online to stay and help her mom and sister. Liv’s family is kind of messed up. And she feels like she’s needed where she is. Then there’s the nursing program. She’d far rather be doing her art. But she feels like she needs to be able to take care of herself. She’s quite a strong and independent young woman.
Blaine is the guy she’s dating in this book. But…he wasn’t my favorite. He didn’t really understand Liv. And he called her Olivia, something no one did. I think he would have driven me nuts. The one good thing about him was that he got Liv to have her car looked at before it killed her.
That’s where Conner comes in. Liv’s attitude about Conner was really judgmental, I liked that she wasn’t a perfect character. Because, let’s be honest, none of us are perfect. But Conner isn’t who she thinks he is. And that was a beautiful thing as they really got to know each other.
This is such a great book!
December 31, 2021
What a find!!
Wow! It’s been a while since I enjoyed a book so much and believe me, I read plenty. This was such a fun and realistic story. Conner is adorable and you can’t not love Liv. Her personality is amazing and there are quotes in this book I will treasure. Some made me full on laugh out loud. I think I really reasonated with Liv. She’s hilarious and struggles with speaking. Same here! Kelly is an amazing friend and I seriously couldn’t put this book down.
Wow! It’s been a while since I enjoyed a book so much and believe me, I read plenty. This was such a fun and realistic story. Conner is adorable and you can’t not love Liv. Her personality is amazing and there are quotes in this book I will treasure. Some made me full on laugh out loud. I think I really reasonated with Liv. She’s hilarious and struggles with speaking. Same here! Kelly is an amazing friend and I seriously couldn’t put this book down.
June 8, 2023
This was exhausting. If you like books where the MC spends the first half of the book dating a controlling loser and then spends the second half drowning in miscommunication with the real love interest, all while pursuing a career she doesn’t want and apologizing for things that she shouldn’t be, then WOW this is the book for you.
February 11, 2021
I really enjoyed this, although it was more chicklit than romance. The h was young and very strong, and she grew up during the story. Her family subplot was very good, too.
June 21, 2021
Connor and Liv were so perfect for each other 🥺. Couldn't get enough of them!
October 15, 2020
Aspen never fails to uplift and entertain! She has a gift for creating deeply flawed seemingly real characters in complicated relationships that somehow work out perfectly in the end. I’m not a crier but I’ve yet to finish her books without having shed a few tears along the way (mostly from laughing). More please! Team Connor all the way!!!
October 14, 2020
This is my first book by Aspen Hadley, but I'm hooked. This felt like everything I love about Hallmark movies, but with more depth and character growth.
Liv Phelps is a fiercely independent woman, working her way through school and juggling a chaotic home life with her mom and sister. Her new boyfriend, Blaine, is like a breath of fresh air. He is put together, rich, handsome, and very into making her life easier. When her beat up car needs repairs, she has to turn to the only mechanic in town. Enter Conner Hunt, town bad boy, car magician, and the person that Liv has tried to avoid since she was a teenager. He and Liv work out a system to help her pay off the repairs on her car, which leads to them crossing paths and spending more time together than Liv ever wanted.
I loved Liv as a main character. She was driven and snarky, two of my favorite character traits, but she was also flawed and closed off to pretty much everyone except her best friend. I was excited watching her find out what her happy ending would look like, because I wanted it all for her. I wanted her to get the guy, the good grades and the life outside of her small town.
And Conner. I just love him. He was also snarky and flawed, and much more than the bad boy that he had been labeled by the town. He definitely came with his own baggage, but in the end, I just loved him all that much more for it.
This book was a winner for me. It was a mug of hot chocolate full of marshmallows, warm and happy. I'm excited to read more of her books.
Liv Phelps is a fiercely independent woman, working her way through school and juggling a chaotic home life with her mom and sister. Her new boyfriend, Blaine, is like a breath of fresh air. He is put together, rich, handsome, and very into making her life easier. When her beat up car needs repairs, she has to turn to the only mechanic in town. Enter Conner Hunt, town bad boy, car magician, and the person that Liv has tried to avoid since she was a teenager. He and Liv work out a system to help her pay off the repairs on her car, which leads to them crossing paths and spending more time together than Liv ever wanted.
I loved Liv as a main character. She was driven and snarky, two of my favorite character traits, but she was also flawed and closed off to pretty much everyone except her best friend. I was excited watching her find out what her happy ending would look like, because I wanted it all for her. I wanted her to get the guy, the good grades and the life outside of her small town.
And Conner. I just love him. He was also snarky and flawed, and much more than the bad boy that he had been labeled by the town. He definitely came with his own baggage, but in the end, I just loved him all that much more for it.
This book was a winner for me. It was a mug of hot chocolate full of marshmallows, warm and happy. I'm excited to read more of her books.
December 23, 2020
How have I never read this author before today?!
Parents guide: CLEAN. kisses, no sex or fade to black or cover your reading eyes this is getting graphic. No swearing or drug/alcohol usage. Very low/no violence. Some dialogue/reflection on parental abandonment.
I absolutely loved this book. I will definitely be reading the 2 other books currently out by this author.
Liv is a character you can see her why's even if you don't agree with her always. She's a deeper and more lovable character than I first expected.
Conner and Blaine- thankfully no twilight love triangle here. Whew! I appreciated seeing the two love interests and Liv's point of view. ZERO cheating in relationships which I value.
Overall, loved the book. I will certainly re-read in the future.
Parents guide: CLEAN. kisses, no sex or fade to black or cover your reading eyes this is getting graphic. No swearing or drug/alcohol usage. Very low/no violence. Some dialogue/reflection on parental abandonment.
I absolutely loved this book. I will definitely be reading the 2 other books currently out by this author.
Liv is a character you can see her why's even if you don't agree with her always. She's a deeper and more lovable character than I first expected.
Conner and Blaine- thankfully no twilight love triangle here. Whew! I appreciated seeing the two love interests and Liv's point of view. ZERO cheating in relationships which I value.
Overall, loved the book. I will certainly re-read in the future.
November 19, 2020
This story had fantastic character development. Even with the book being in first person Liv wasn't the only character developed well. Through Liv's eyes we watch Connor, her mom, her friend and her sister all have moments of growth and introspection.
The author put a lot of emotion into her story. Though it was angsty at times, and I wasn't sure how I felt about some of the character's reactions, looking at the story as a whole it was completely applicable to both the story line and the character's history.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I would definitely read another.
The author put a lot of emotion into her story. Though it was angsty at times, and I wasn't sure how I felt about some of the character's reactions, looking at the story as a whole it was completely applicable to both the story line and the character's history.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I would definitely read another.
December 27, 2020
4.5 Stars I really enjoyed this cute and clean rom-com. The author did a great job with the characters and the back story for Liv. Sometimes I struggled with her independent stubbornness, but as the story progressed, I was able to understand where Liv was coming from due to her family circumstances and I loved the realness of it all. I also liked that Connor was so genuine in his feelings for Liv and the way they meshed.
The characters were great and the story entertaining. This is a clean contemporary romance with great humor throughout.
The characters were great and the story entertaining. This is a clean contemporary romance with great humor throughout.
June 15, 2021
One of my favorite reads so far this summer. This book has all the makings of an enjoyable goodread - funny, quirky characters that have great chemistry. Their bantering is off the charts hilarious at moments. The author has a knack for getting in her character’s heads and really writing to fit their personalities. Loved this clean read!!!
February 10, 2021
Hilarious! I couldn’t put it down!
I had so much fun reading this! I don’t know how many times I laughed out loud, but it was a lot. I adored these spunky, raw and fun characters. The world need more clean and funny books like this one!
I had so much fun reading this! I don’t know how many times I laughed out loud, but it was a lot. I adored these spunky, raw and fun characters. The world need more clean and funny books like this one!
November 13, 2020
A sweet, cute story with some fun banter. It ran longer than necessary and needs some editing and proofreading, but I adored the characters of Liv and Conner. ❤️
October 15, 2020
This is sure to be a Best of 2020 contender!
“The greatest science in the world; in heaven and on earth; is love.”
Wow, I loved this story - it was awesome! The dialogue is clever and snarky & frequently fun, and the story feels totally, immersively real.
Liv is struggling with an overly full plate, including significant family issues, while she's trying to get a nursing degree & make a better life for herself. She's attempting to respond to the emotional upheaval in her life with calm, scientific logic.
She's dating a guy who is everything ideal on paper - but she's not sure what she wants, or even what to expect, from the relationship, and she's holding back.
Connor represents everything Liv doesn't want in a guy. She thinks. Until her BFF makes friends with him, and Liv grudgingly begins to realize that he's not exactly who she thought he was. And that she misjudged him. And herself.
Two broken people trying to recover from their family traumas that have led them in opposite emotional directions. It doesn't seem like they should work as a couple, even to them, but they really, swoon-level do.
The very beginning, maybe the first 5% or so, felt a smidge slow as it set the groundwork, but once it took off, I couldn't put it down.
I loved how their conflicts are so relatable - one being similar to an almost breakup my husband and I had, which to this day, neither of us can remember what triggered it - though theirs include some serious humor that ours could have used more of, lol
And I loved the creative alternative swears - they would pop up unexpectedly & made me laugh.
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
“The greatest science in the world; in heaven and on earth; is love.”
Wow, I loved this story - it was awesome! The dialogue is clever and snarky & frequently fun, and the story feels totally, immersively real.
Liv is struggling with an overly full plate, including significant family issues, while she's trying to get a nursing degree & make a better life for herself. She's attempting to respond to the emotional upheaval in her life with calm, scientific logic.
She's dating a guy who is everything ideal on paper - but she's not sure what she wants, or even what to expect, from the relationship, and she's holding back.
Connor represents everything Liv doesn't want in a guy. She thinks. Until her BFF makes friends with him, and Liv grudgingly begins to realize that he's not exactly who she thought he was. And that she misjudged him. And herself.
Two broken people trying to recover from their family traumas that have led them in opposite emotional directions. It doesn't seem like they should work as a couple, even to them, but they really, swoon-level do.
The very beginning, maybe the first 5% or so, felt a smidge slow as it set the groundwork, but once it took off, I couldn't put it down.
I loved how their conflicts are so relatable - one being similar to an almost breakup my husband and I had, which to this day, neither of us can remember what triggered it - though theirs include some serious humor that ours could have used more of, lol
And I loved the creative alternative swears - they would pop up unexpectedly & made me laugh.
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
February 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
GENRE
-romcom
CONTENT
-🤬: none
-❤️: just kisses
-⚠️: family dysfunction in the present
This was my first book by Aspen Hadley! Since she's going to be at A Desert Book Affair later this month, I wanted to read something by her before the event. This was really cute! I listened to it and the narrator was not my favorite. I think I may have liked it even more if I had been reading it with my eyes.
Liv has goals-- finish school, be financially stable, be able to take care of herself. At the beginning of the story, she's dating Blaine, who seems great...except that he wants to mold Liv into someone who fits perfectly in his life. While she's with Blaine, she ends up connecting with Connor, the town bad boy that she's avoided for the past decade, simply because he's the mechanic and her car is in desperate need of help. As she forms a deal with Connor to pay for the repairs on her car, they spend more time together and become friends. Once Blaine is out of the picture, Connor and Liv get enough closer.
I loved the way that Connor showed how he had changed over the course of the last few years. His actions spoke so loudly. I loved how he wanted to be her partner, not the one in charge of "taking care of her". It was sweet. I'll be reading more by this author!
Favorite Quotes:
-Curls are nothing if not finicky.
-“Please, fairy godmother, I don’t want much. Just a man who’ll agree with all my decisions, think I’m charming, never talk to me in the mornings, and feed me chocolate cake every day.”
GENRE
-romcom
CONTENT
-🤬: none
-❤️: just kisses
-⚠️: family dysfunction in the present
This was my first book by Aspen Hadley! Since she's going to be at A Desert Book Affair later this month, I wanted to read something by her before the event. This was really cute! I listened to it and the narrator was not my favorite. I think I may have liked it even more if I had been reading it with my eyes.
Liv has goals-- finish school, be financially stable, be able to take care of herself. At the beginning of the story, she's dating Blaine, who seems great...except that he wants to mold Liv into someone who fits perfectly in his life. While she's with Blaine, she ends up connecting with Connor, the town bad boy that she's avoided for the past decade, simply because he's the mechanic and her car is in desperate need of help. As she forms a deal with Connor to pay for the repairs on her car, they spend more time together and become friends. Once Blaine is out of the picture, Connor and Liv get enough closer.
I loved the way that Connor showed how he had changed over the course of the last few years. His actions spoke so loudly. I loved how he wanted to be her partner, not the one in charge of "taking care of her". It was sweet. I'll be reading more by this author!
Favorite Quotes:
-Curls are nothing if not finicky.
-“Please, fairy godmother, I don’t want much. Just a man who’ll agree with all my decisions, think I’m charming, never talk to me in the mornings, and feed me chocolate cake every day.”
December 30, 2021
Although I’ve heard of Aspen Hadley and seen some of her books, Suits and Spark Plugs is the first one I’ve read. And it did not disappoint.
Liv is independent and determined but she also has strong opinions—ones based on the past and not the present—about the town mechanic. From the first time Connor walks on the page, readers can see the good guy he is (although he’s not without his own hurts and flaws).
This book leans toward chick lit with some new adult thrown in as Liv is finding her place or, more accurately, chasing her place. There is plenty of romance but Liv’s friendship with Kelly and family dynamics give the book more depth, and I enjoyed the sometimes witty and sometimes real (the truth hurts kind of real) conversations between Kelly, Liv, and Connor. I will be reading more from this author.
Liv is independent and determined but she also has strong opinions—ones based on the past and not the present—about the town mechanic. From the first time Connor walks on the page, readers can see the good guy he is (although he’s not without his own hurts and flaws).
This book leans toward chick lit with some new adult thrown in as Liv is finding her place or, more accurately, chasing her place. There is plenty of romance but Liv’s friendship with Kelly and family dynamics give the book more depth, and I enjoyed the sometimes witty and sometimes real (the truth hurts kind of real) conversations between Kelly, Liv, and Connor. I will be reading more from this author.
October 25, 2020
Aspen Hadley is an auto read/buy for me. I loved the humor and dry wit. Her characters were very relatable. I thought it was fabulous the h was curly haired & got the trials of having curls spot on,lol! The h had a full plate with some sad, hard situations & I thought it was well written. Also the way Aspen Hadley had the h navigate everything was well done. I feel like this was written to true life & I was able to emphatize. There were some hilarious moments. The best friend scenes & dialogoue were fabulous. Good strong multi dimensional characters, nuggets of wisdom, character growth, introspection, sweet moments with the h & H. The only terrible thing is I read it so fast & so soon after release that I may have to wait awhile for her next book. Sad girl hours, lol!
November 9, 2022
I so enjoyed that book! I actually laughed out loud several times! The dialogue was divine! The banter between her and her friend was so awesome! I loved that it flowed over to the leading man. Normally I don't like when the girl starts out dating a different guy but this was just so well done that I didn't mind, I wanted to understand what made this girl tick. That is rare for me. I will be reading more from the author for sure!
Clean with no religion and some sweet kisses. 16 and up
Clean with no religion and some sweet kisses. 16 and up
October 16, 2020
Loved it!
4.5 stars
This story was great and I really loved the characters! The banter between the best friends was hilarious, and the romance was swoony and sweet. I enjoyed the depth of the characters, and I really felt for them with all the stuff they went through. I highly recommend this book and I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author!
*I took off a half star for several misspelled words, but this did not lessen my enjoyment of the book.
4.5 stars
This story was great and I really loved the characters! The banter between the best friends was hilarious, and the romance was swoony and sweet. I enjoyed the depth of the characters, and I really felt for them with all the stuff they went through. I highly recommend this book and I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author!
*I took off a half star for several misspelled words, but this did not lessen my enjoyment of the book.
October 6, 2022
thoroughly enjoyable
I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this story. Olivia is so relatable, and her character arc is deeply satisfying, as is her romantic relationship journey. I appreciate that Ms. Hadley writes stories about realistic conflicts, not contrived, stupid conflict. And I love the witty banter!
I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this story. Olivia is so relatable, and her character arc is deeply satisfying, as is her romantic relationship journey. I appreciate that Ms. Hadley writes stories about realistic conflicts, not contrived, stupid conflict. And I love the witty banter!
February 15, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
So. Cute. 🥰
I fell in love with Aspen’s writing through her Thornbacks series, and this was every bit as delightful and witty!
I feared a love triangle, but my fears were abated. I laughed almost hysterically and my heart nearly broke for Liv. It’s sweet and sassy while also packing a huge punch in terms of depth!
So. Cute. 🥰
I fell in love with Aspen’s writing through her Thornbacks series, and this was every bit as delightful and witty!
I feared a love triangle, but my fears were abated. I laughed almost hysterically and my heart nearly broke for Liv. It’s sweet and sassy while also packing a huge punch in terms of depth!
October 17, 2020
Great, clean, laugh out loud romcom
Another great book by Aspen Hadley!
I loved Kelly and Olivia's friendship. I laughed out loud so many times! The sarcasm and the jokes are right up my alley. Old Reliable will be very relatable for many. I like how the characters are flawed (like real people) and they learn and grow through the story.
Another great book by Aspen Hadley!
I loved Kelly and Olivia's friendship. I laughed out loud so many times! The sarcasm and the jokes are right up my alley. Old Reliable will be very relatable for many. I like how the characters are flawed (like real people) and they learn and grow through the story.
December 6, 2020
2.5
I enjoyed Liv and Connor. I liked their banter. I didn’t enjoy Blaine and thought he was in the story far too long, the book was way too wordy, and frankly I just didn’t feel like the story flowed. I ended up skimming a lot.
I enjoyed Liv and Connor. I liked their banter. I didn’t enjoy Blaine and thought he was in the story far too long, the book was way too wordy, and frankly I just didn’t feel like the story flowed. I ended up skimming a lot.
October 14, 2020
This is one of my favorite books of the year! It was like I could actually FEEL what the characters were going through- the embarrassing moments, the great laughs, the heartbreaking twists and turns and the endearing love story. It was a joy to read!
October 26, 2020
A must read
I stumbled across this book and am in love. I lived Liv and Connor apart and loved them together. A cute book with many funny moments. Definitely worth a read!
I stumbled across this book and am in love. I lived Liv and Connor apart and loved them together. A cute book with many funny moments. Definitely worth a read!
July 27, 2021
Great characters and love the emotional progression.
October 24, 2020
Wow!
I've really enjoyed Aspen's other novels, but this one is even better! I absolutely adore Liv's independent, sassy personality and her relationships with Kelly and Sadie. I love a book that tugs at my emotions, and this one does it well! This book is full of delightful characters who grow and change and it is so incredibly satisfying, sweet, and heartwarming.
I've really enjoyed Aspen's other novels, but this one is even better! I absolutely adore Liv's independent, sassy personality and her relationships with Kelly and Sadie. I love a book that tugs at my emotions, and this one does it well! This book is full of delightful characters who grow and change and it is so incredibly satisfying, sweet, and heartwarming.
January 8, 2023
A cute fun romcom. I love Liv’s sass and independence. The playful banter and budding friendship first between her and Conner. It was cute and fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews