4.5 stars
I have read all of this author’s books, and I was thrilled to see a new spin-off series about the Legacy Mechanics. This book can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend getting to know all of Willow Dixon’s amazing characters as so many of them are connected.
In this book, we meet Jesse (Quinn’s brother) and Sebastian. Jesse has given up his job as an escort and is working as a mechanic. Sebastian is back in town after retiring from touring with his band. Their story is billed as enemies-to-lovers, though I wouldn’t say they are true enemies. There is mutual dislike and annoyance, but the back and forth bickering reminds me more of two kids on the playground than harsh rivals. That said, the bicker/banter is top notch. I loved the fiery back and forth between the two. Both have their reasons for being grumps, and they definitely know how to provoke each other. They do so for about 85% of the book, with soft glimpses interspersed. But underneath all the feistiness is a definite fire. What starts as hate s*x morphs into something real for both of them. Their chemistry is amazing, and Dixon proves once more than she not only knows how to write some stellar characters with real depth, but she can slay a steamy scene.
I did expect to see a bit more about Jesse’s previous job, as it was discussed some in his brother’s book. I also expected there to be more transition between the “I hate you” and the “I love you.” It felt a little rushed after having them poking at each other for so much of the book. That said, the flow and turn around didn’t feel unnatural.
Dixon always creates great characters, and I’m a huge fan of the world-building. I love when an author creates a space where all the characters weave and interconnect. I can’t wait to read more about the rest of the mechanics.
Jesse
After years of working my butt off, I’m finally living the life I always wanted. I have a job I love, friends who’ve become family, and I’m enjoying the freedom of being single.
Then Sebastian, my childhood rival, moves back to town and my perfect life is thrown into chaos. We’ve always hated each other, but now there’s something else between us. Something wild and primal, something that wants to make Sebastian submit as much as it wants to claim him.
Hooking up with the guy I hate is probably the stupidest thing I’ve done, and that’s saying a lot. But it’s hard to remember why it’s a bad idea when he’s the only person who’s ever made me lose control, and the only man I can’t stay away from.
Sebastian
Retiring from the music industry at twenty-five wasn’t in my long-term plans. Neither was moving home after being away for seven years. But here I am with a serious case of burnout and no idea what I want to do with the rest of my life.
I hoped that moving back would give me a chance to shed my public persona and just be Sebastian again, but that doesn’t seem to be happening any time soon.
The only thing in my life that makes sense is my old rivalry with Jesse, the guy I’ve hated since we were eight. Arguing with him is as exhilarating as it is familiar, and no one is more surprised than me when a fight leads to our first kiss, then more.
Jesse may be the most annoying person I’ve ever known, but the tension between us is too strong to ignore. I hate that I want him but love that he can’t stay away from me either.
Jesse and Sebastian’s book is an enemies-to-lovers romance featuring a mechanic with a secret, and a retired musician looking for his place in the world. You can expect hurt/comfort, forced proximity, ‘there’s only one bed’, found family, lots of heat, tons of dirty talk, primal play, hate s*x, and fighting as these two childhood rivals figure out that sometimes what you need has been in front of you all along. It is the first book in the exciting new Legacy Mechanics series but can be read as a standalone.
