In "Tools of Engagement," Bethany, a perfectionist trying to break free from her family business, ventures into house flipping with the help of Wes, a young cowboy new to town, who is caring for his niece. Their love-hate dynamic evolves into a passionate relationship as they navigate personal insecurities and family dynamics while competing in a reality show to transform a house. The story explores themes of self-discovery, growth, and finding stability and happiness in unexpected places, all wrapped in Tessa Bailey's signature banter and steamy romance.

Characters:

The characters are relatable and multifaceted, with Bethany portraying a perfectionist struggling with anxiety, while Wes represents a carefree yet responsible figure, enriching the story with diverse emotional elements.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and humorous, characterized by witty banter and emotionally resonant moments that tackle themes of anxiety and self-perception.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around a house flipping competition that showcases familial tensions and personal growth, particularly highlighting the journey of the main characters as they challenge each other's personalities and confront their insecurities.

Setting:

The setting is primarily in Port Jefferson, New York, revolving around real estate and home renovations, contributing to the competitive backdrop of a reality show.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast, covering a short time frame that influences character development and the unfolding romance, though some plot elements may feel rushed.

The streetlamp outside the house let in just enough light for him to make out the silhouette of his five-year-old niece sitting on the end of his bed, wearing his cowboy hat. If these freaky wake-up c...

Notes:

The book is part of the Hot & Hammered series by Tessa Bailey.

It features a romance between a perfectionist main character, Bethany, and a cowboy named Wes.

The plot revolves around Bethany wanting to prove herself by flipping a house while competing against her brother on a reality show called Flip Off.

Wes is a 23-year-old whose character is influenced by his upbringing in the foster care system and his role as a temporary guardian for his niece.

Bethany struggles with anxiety and uses a specific method to cope when feeling overwhelmed.

The relationship progresses quickly, taking place over just a few weeks.

The story balances humor, romance, and deeper themes of family and self-acceptance.

The book received mixed reviews regarding the fast pacing of the romance and character development, with some readers feeling like it should have been more fleshed out in earlier books.

Readers noted that while the book features a strong physical chemistry between characters, it also addresses issues like mental health and family dynamics.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include references to drug use, parental abandonment, past foster care experiences, anxiety, and panic attacks.

Has Romance?

The romance in Tools of Engagement is strongly present, with significant emphasis on the chemistry and emotional connection between the main characters.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

In Tessa Bailey's latest rom-com, two enemies team up to flip a house... and the sparks between them might burn the place down or ignite a passion that neither can ignore!

Hair, makeup, clothing, decor... everything in Bethany Castle's world is organized, planned, and styled to perfection. Which is why the homes she designs for her family's real estate business are the most coveted in town. The only thing not perfect? Her track record with men.

She's on a dating hiatus and after helping her friends achieve their dreams, Bethany finally has time to focus on her own: flip a house, from framework to furnishings, all by herself.

Except her older brother runs the company and refuses to take her seriously.

When a television producer gets wind of the Castle sibling rivalry, they're invited on Flip Off, a competition to see who can do the best renovation. Bethany wants bragging rights, but she needs a crew and the only member of her brother's construction team willing to jump ship is Wes Daniels, the new guy in town.

His Texas drawl and handsome face got under Bethany's skin on day one, and the last thing she needs is some cocky young cowboy in her way.

As the race to renovate heats up, Wes and Bethany are forced into close quarters, trading barbs and biting banter as they remodel the ugliest house on the block.

It's a labor of love, hate, and everything in between, and soon sparks are flying. But Bethany's perfectly structured life is one kiss away from going up in smoke and she knows falling for a guy like Wes would be a flipping disaster.

"Her voice feels as fresh and contemporary as a Netflix rom-com." -Entertainment Weekly

Ratings (22)

Incredible (5)
Loved It (6)
Liked It (7)
It Was OK (4)

Reader Stats (37):

Read It (25)
Want To Read (10)
Not Interested (2)

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Tools of Engagement?

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Tools of Engagement

Tessa Bailey

Book 3 in the series:Hot & Hammered