Tools of Engagement: A Novel

Tessa Bailey

Sep 2020 · Hot and Hammered Book 3 · Sold by HarperCollins

About this ebook

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of It Happened One Summer and Hook, Line, and Sinker brings the heat in this rom-com about two enemies who team up to flip a house because their chemistry will either 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 and reviews

Another extraordinary story by Tessa Bailey. Her stories are always so good. Never able to put them down. She gives readers exactly what they want and keeps them coming back for more. Tools of Engagement is a story like no other. Each book in the series is amazing but she saved the best for last. Bethany and Wes are perfect. Bethany on the outside seems perfect. Always put together but in reality just like everyone else. Not perfect. She tries to appear perfect so no one can see that she is indeed human. Wes doesn’t even know what it is to grow up in one home. He has been in numerous foster homes and has never felt part of a family. He is the only man who sees beneath Bethany’s layers. Yet he doesn’t judge her nor run. Rather he stays and helps her to accept that no one is perfect but she is the entire package if only she would let go and see the good she has to offer. Caring for his 5 year old niece gives Wes that feeling of family and what it is to be loved. Instead of looking to run back to where he came from he is ready to stay and set down roots. As long as Bethany and Laura are there to share it with him. There isn’t a story written by Tessa Bailey that I have not loved and Tools of Engagement is no different. A true 5 star read.

This is book #3 in the Hot & Hammered series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. For reader to enjoy and avoid spoilers, I would recommend reading the series in order. Bethany likes to have her life in order. She prides herself on the ability to be the best at what she does. Then the one man who can spin her whole life out of control is the one who volunteers to help her when it counts. Wes is glad to have a good job and be appreciated. He also has been trying to get Bethany to go out with him for so long. Now they must work together and dating and more is off the table. Better to help her get her business off the ground. This story was a slow burn. The attraction between the characters is obvious from the beginning. The book picks up pace, and so does the main characters. Then they are invited to do more and add humor, and well I cannot spoil it. ***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review by Netgalley and its publishers.

This book was utterly delightful. I adored both characters, their chemistry and the banter they shared. Bethany and Wes provide you with plenty of chuckles, swoons and heart melting moments as their story unfolds. The book is well written and flows beautifully. A clever and potent blend of emotions, charm, drama, sweetness, humor, heat and heart will quickly grab your attention and have you swept up into these characters, their lives and their blossoming romance. I have not had the pleasure of reading the previous books in the series and that is a downright shame that I am to rectify ASAP!! I will be honest and say that if you have not read the previous books you do feel a bit out of the loop but you also feel intrigued enough to want to go back and check them out. So, whether you decide to start at the beginning or just want to jump right in, I highly recommend this book. This is my objective, freely posted review.

About the author

#1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey can solve all problems except for her own, so she focuses those efforts on stubborn, fictional blue-collar men and loyal, lovable heroines. She lives on Long Island avoiding the sun and social interactions, then wonders why no one has called. Dubbed the “Michelangelo of dirty talk,” by Entertainment Weekly, Tessa writes with spice, spirit, swoon and a guaranteed happily ever after.