wrenches regretsRating: 3.75 stars
Buy Links: 
 Amazon | All Romance
Length: Novella


The show Garage Wars made Reggie famous and has given his garage and employees plenty of business, but when he’s given an ultimatum—become the next bachelor on a dating show or consider himself in breach of contract—Reggie is beyond angry. And it doesn’t help that the network sent the one producer Reggie is attracted to.

Wes doesn’t look forward to proposing the network’s plan to Reggie and even more, he hates the reason for it. But he’s the low man in the producer pool and doesn’t really have a choice. And worst of all, Reggie is the only reason Wes even watches the show. Not only is he gorgeous, but he has a fire that Wes wants to be close to. Best to drink away the doubts, confusion, and frustration.

When Reggie runs into a very drunk Wes at a bar and offers him a ride to his hotel, the last thing he expects is to be hit on, but he refuses to take advantage of a drunk man, especially when he’s pretty sure Wes is a straight drunk man. But all bets are off then next day when both men, now sober, discover their mutual attraction and are finally able to act on it.

Reggie isn’t the easiest garage owner to work with. He refuses to bow down to the bigwigs, which is probably why they’re trying to force him out. But Reggie has a few tricks up his sleeve, and with Wes by his side, he’s ready to throw his chips on the table.

Wrenches, Regrets, and Reality Checks by L.A. Witt is part of Amber Allure’s Garage Monkeys Inc. collection, which also includes Marie Sexton’s Normal Enough—reviewed here by Jay.

I’ve got a shocker here for you: I love L.A. Witt. Yes, I know you’re all stunned. Her books are all so very amazing. I’ve yet to read one I didn’t like. And there’s a variety of subjects she excels at, as well as a large range of feels and emotions. I’ve been known to call her a queen of angst, because she can tear my heart out and make me love it. But she can also write sweet. And, ladies and gentlemen, this story is so sweet and super sexy.

One of the things I love the most about it is also one of the reasons I didn’t give it a higher rating. This story did not end with a happily ever after. And honestly, it was perfectly matched as the timing didn’t allow for love, but it certainly allowed for lust. So yes, I love that it’s not an insta-love kind of story. But on the flip side, I wanted so much for this story to be longer, to actually see Wes and Reggie fall in love. I wanted them to fight for the love that is so clearly laid out for them. Yep, I love this beginning of the relationship, but I wanted more.

I also liked the storyline here. This author took what was given to her by the publisher (I’m assuming) and made it her own, gave these characters life as well as a pretty funny conflict/resolution. She created a story within a story—the story of Reggie and Wes within the story of Garage Wars. It was such joy to read, so easy and lighthearted. I truly enjoyed if from start to finish.

Now, all that being said, the ending is fairly predictable, at least to me, which is why I rated it as I did. But all in all, it was a very enjoyable story with great characters and a sweet happy for now ending. If you need a lighthearted, nice read or have a thing for blue collar workers and their geeky counterparts, I definitely recommend you read Wrenches, Regrets, and Reality Checks by L.A. Witt.

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