In Holly James’s latest novel, “The Big Fix,” readers are treated to an exhilarating blend of screwball romance and high-stakes suspense that defies genre expectations. When computer sciences professor Penny Collins reluctantly accompanies her sister to an estate sale, she expects nothing more than dusty antiques and wasted time. Instead, she finds herself inadvertently entangled in a dangerous conspiracy after arguing with the deceased owner’s nephew over candlesticks and witnessing a dead body tumble out of a closet. What follows is a wild cross-country adventure featuring mistaken identities, criminal fixers, tech billionaires, and an unexpected romance that blooms amidst chaos.
Plot and Pacing: A Rollercoaster That Never Lets Up
James crafts a narrative that hits the ground running and barely pauses for breath. The initial premise—a tenure-track professor mistaken for the girlfriend of a professional “fixer”—serves as the perfect launching pad for increasingly outlandish yet somehow believable scenarios. The story moves from suburban estate sale to high-speed chases, safe houses, and Las Vegas showdowns with remarkable fluidity.
What makes the plot work so well is how James layers revelations throughout:
- What initially appears to be a murder mystery evolves into a rescue mission
- The missing billionaire’s wife (Portia) turns out to be the childhood friend of Anthony, our male lead
- The “bad guys” constantly shift as motivations and alliances are revealed
While the pacing is generally strong, there are occasions where the transitions between serious danger and romantic development feel slightly jarring. Some readers might find themselves getting whiplash from scenes that leap from life-threatening situations to steamy attraction. However, this is a minor critique in an otherwise tightly plotted adventure.
Characters: Complex, Flawed, and Utterly Endearing
The heart of “The Big Fix” by Holly James lies in its richly developed characters, particularly our protagonist Penny Collins. As a tenure-track professor accustomed to structure and logic, Penny’s first-person narration provides the perfect lens through which to experience this increasingly chaotic situation.
Strengths of the characterization include:
- Penny’s transformation from cautious academic to someone willing to stab a kidnapper and hack into security systems
- Anthony’s complexity as a man torn between family loyalty, protecting his childhood friend, and his growing feelings for Penny
- The supporting cast, particularly Gio (the security expert with surprising emotional intelligence) and Libby (Penny’s meddling but loving sister)
James excels at showing how crisis reveals character. Penny discovers reserves of courage she never knew she possessed, while Anthony’s protective instincts reveal a depth of caring beneath his brooding exterior.
One minor weakness is in the development of Connor Slate as the villain. While effectively menacing, his character occasionally veers toward one-dimensional villainy, particularly in the final confrontation. His motivations beyond generic possessiveness and power could have been more nuanced.
Romance: A Slow Burn Amidst the Chaos
The romantic development between Penny and Anthony strikes an excellent balance between “thrown together by circumstances” and genuine compatibility. Their connection builds believably through shared danger, moments of vulnerability, and surprising discoveries about each other.
James avoids the trap of making their attraction purely physical (though there’s plenty of that). Instead, she shows:
- How Penny’s analytical mind complements Anthony’s street smarts
- The way they each challenge the other’s assumptions and comfort zones
- Moments of emotional intimacy that feel earned rather than contrived
The “mistaken for a couple” trope gets a fresh spin here, as the misunderstanding leads to genuine danger rather than merely comedic scenarios. When they finally give in to their attraction in a roadside motel, it feels like the natural culmination of their shared experiences rather than a forced plot point.
Writing Style: Smart, Snappy, and Self-Aware
Holly James writes with a voice that feels contemporary without trying too hard. Penny’s first-person narration is filled with wry observations, geeky references, and an endearing self-awareness about the absurdity of her situation. The dialogue crackles with tension and humor in equal measure.
Consider this exchange after Penny has stabbed a kidnapper and they’re burying a body in the desert:
“You know, the busted ribs are a sorry excuse for not helping,” Gio said from where he stood waist deep in the hole he’d been digging.
“Hey, I did my part transporting the body,” Anthony said. He leaned on the Camaro’s hood between the headlights with his arm slung over my shoulders.
This blend of dark humor and matter-of-fact handling of criminal activity gives the novel a distinctive tone that sets it apart from more conventional romantic suspense.
Themes: More Than Just a Thrill Ride
While “The Big Fix” certainly delivers as a romantic adventure, Holly James weaves in deeper themes that elevate the material:
- Power dynamics and leverage – The way relationships can be used against people
- Finding courage in unexpected places – Penny’s journey from rule-follower to someone willing to break laws for the right reasons
- The complexity of family loyalty – Both blood relationships and chosen family
- Reinvention and second chances – Particularly through Portia’s storyline
These themes add emotional weight to what might otherwise be just an entertaining caper.
Where The Big Fix Stumbles
Despite its considerable strengths, “The Big Fix” by Holly James has a few weaknesses worth noting:
- Suspension of disbelief is occasionally stretched thin, particularly regarding the ease with which characters escape detection or how quickly Penny adapts to criminal activities
- The resolution feels slightly rushed compared to the carefully constructed build-up
- Some side characters (particularly Detective Warner) occasionally serve more as plot devices than fully realized individuals
- The physics of certain action sequences sometimes prioritize excitement over plausibility
Comparison to Other Works
For readers familiar with Holly James’s previous novel, “Nothing But The Truth,” “The Big Fix” represents a significant departure in terms of genre while maintaining her strength in creating memorable female protagonists. Where her debut explored magical realism in a contemporary setting, this sophomore effort embraces action and suspense with equal confidence.
Fans of authors like Christina Lauren’s wilder adventures, Sally Thorne’s witty banter, or Talia Hibbert’s character depth combined with the suspense elements of Nalini Singh’s thrillers will find much to enjoy here.
Final Verdict: A Criminally Good Time
“The Big Fix” by Holly James delivers an irresistible combination of sharp wit, genuine heart, and breathless adventure. Holly James has crafted a story that manages to be both escapist fun and emotionally satisfying. The chemistry between Penny and Anthony sizzles, the plot twists keep coming, and the resolution feels earned despite a few convenient coincidences along the way.
What ultimately makes the novel work is how James balances seemingly contradictory elements:
- Academic intelligence with street smarts
- Life-threatening danger with budding romance
- Criminal activity with moral complexity
- Fish-out-of-water comedy with genuine character growth
While not without flaws, “The Big Fix” represents a promising direction for Holly James as she continues to explore different genres with her distinctive voice. Whether you’re coming for the romance, the suspense, or the witty banter, you’ll find yourself invested in Penny and Anthony’s journey from argumentative strangers to partners in both crime and love.
For readers seeking a summer read that delivers both thrills and emotional satisfaction, “The Big Fix” should be at the top of your TBR pile. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself eyeing estate sales with newfound suspicion.
Perfect for fans of: Christina Lauren’s wilder romances, Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series, and anyone who enjoys watching opposites attract while outrunning danger.
