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Review: Normal Enough (Wrench Wars #2) by Marie Sexton

What is “normal”?

When Brandon Kenner shows up at Kasey Ralston’s garage with a 1970 Chevelle SS 454, Kasey is smitten by both the man and his car. But Kasey is hiding an embarrassing secret: his love for old muscles goes beyond what most would consider normal. His unusual fetish has kept Kasey isolated—estranged from his family and even distant from his coworkers.

But when Brandon figures out the hot mechanic’s secret, he’s not repulsed. In fact, he finds Kasey intriguing, and he’s determined to have him for himself.

Everything about Brandon revs Kasey’s engine, and he’s more than willing to get down and dirty with the charming man. What worries Kasey is what will happen after. Is there any chance of a future for them? In the past, expecting anything long-term has only led to heartbreak. But Kasey can’t help hoping that, despite Kasey’s fetish, Brandon will be the exception.


First Edition published by Amber Quill Press, 2013.
Second Edition published by Amber Allure, 2014.


“So in other words, I may be a freak, but you like it?”

“Let’s just say, I think you’re abnormal in the best possible way.”


There is little to no connection with the first book in the series. It’s not only that the author is a different one but that there is just a mention or two of the Wrench Wars TV program. That’s all about it. So if you expect the characters from the previous story to appear, you’ll be disappointed.

Once you come to terms with that, there is no reason not to enjoy this story. It’s entertaining, there are lots of hot scenes considering the few pages, and the MCs are endearing enough. I admit I thought this book would be a forgettable story, but then there was this little fact that made it stand out from the rest: certain muscle cars turn Kasey on. And Brandon has a “fetish of fetishes”.

I think that’s the strong asset of this book. Characters that are in close of the limits of the “normal” range who find in each other the acceptance they fear they can’t find anywhere else, at least in Kasey’s case. Brandon is more confident in what he wants and, unabashedly, he seeks it.

Not very extreme at all. There is no “car sexualization” but it was odd enough to awake and maintain my curiosity for the short while the novel lasted.

Maybe sometimes it’s forced. When Brandon numbers all the boyfriends he has had in his life (he’s not that old, and apparently, he has a busy job and lots of money, but he certainly found the time to meet interesting people out there), each one of them with a certain fetish, I had to suspend disbelief.

Also, I didn’t welcome the prospect of imagining Brandon getting tired of Kasey after a short while, which is the same thing that comes up to Kasey’s mind at this stage of their relationship. Then of course comes the resolution of things and Brandon soothing Kasey’s fears. I wasn’t convinced enough of his explanation and assurance that he plans to be with Kasey for a very long time. The reason is that the book is very short for that and the author didn’t manage to give a deep feeling to the situation, so I couldn’t feel this statement to be really true, or truly real. It needed more time in the oven to make this a properly cooked meal.

The family issue was a little lost on me. It was well done but I don’t exactly know what purpose it serves for the main story. It felt like a parallel storyline rather than a complement of the romantic one.

What I really loved here: the sex scene via Skype in the car. And the full-contact sex scene in the car (a different one).

The story finishes at 84%.


A copy was provided in exchange for an honest opinion.

Find out more on Goodreads & Dreamspinner Press.

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