Review: Unfixable
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 14, 2014
Tessa Bailey made me enjoy a New Adult novel in first person and that is saying something. UNFIXABLE is a sequel of sorts to PROTECTING WHAT'S THEIRS which is a sequel of sorts to PROTECTING WHAT'S HIS; however, it can be read as a standalone novel. In it, Willa Peet--younger, potty-mouthed sister of Ginger Peet, the heroine in the aforementioned novels--has won a contest that has sent her on a trip abroad to Ireland with the chance to stay in a small, locally-owned inn and pub, all thanks to her picture-taking prowess.19-year-old Willa is also recovering from a breakup that has left her believing herself "unfixable," hence the novel title. In the airport, she's met by Shane Claymore, her ride and the "owner" of the Claymore Hotel. Like Willa, he's prickly and difficult. They spar from first meeting, but its just a way to handle their combustible sexual tension, which later manifests itself in frustration. Willa is of course weary about being attracted to someone when she's fresh out of an all-consuming relationship and like any good romance novel love interest, Shane isn't cantankerous because he's bad, it's because of some person or event in his life.The secondary characters--Ginger and Derek make an appearance--Shane's sister Faith and mother Kitty, are not plot devices, but add to the story, Willa's coming-of-age and the development of her relationship with Shane. They also add depth to Shane's character and make him even more well-rounded and human. This book was four stars for me for the two reasons mentioned at the beginning of this review: its New Adult and in the first person. Willa has a bit too much angst, which is realistic and believable, but is still annoying at times. Shane is also pretty perfect, which in itself isn't at all a bad thing, but it makes Willa's vacillation and actions a bit more eye-roll-y. As I've said in my other reviews of her novels, Tessa Bailey is an adept hand. Her writing flows and she has the ability to craft human and hilarious characters. It is ridiculous how well she can write a verbal sparing to leave the reader in stitches. She made a story--which others would turn into another romance-cliche fest--into a consuming and interesting read. I found myself shaking my head and cheering at the same time. It was a very enjoyable read.