Tools of Engagement: A Novel

· Hot and Hammered Book 3 · HarperCollins
4.5
42 reviews
Ebook
368
Pages
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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

4.5
42 reviews
Marybeth Casale
September 22, 2020
4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this book! It's a really cute story that is equal parts sweet, steamy and fun. On the surface Bethany and Wes don't seem like they could possibly fit, but like I said, that is just surface. Truth is, despite his alpha sort of cocky demeanor, Wes has the biggest heart and is just the sweetest man. He is 7 years younger than Bethany, and she seems to be the one having a problem with that, so she just can't understand why he would be interested in her and doesn't really believe he is. She is a 30 year old woman who comes off as having everything together, but underneath she is slowly unraveling. Wes usually doesn't stick to one place for long but is there to take care of his niece Laura who is in kindergarten. Bethany is branching off on her own no longer satisfied with working with her brother on house flips. Once she and Wes start working together everything else just falls into place (sometimes literally). Well, that may be making it sound easy, when it was anything but. I love their journey to a very satisfying HEA. This story is a great addition to this series.
1 person found this review helpful
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Sheena Martinez
September 24, 2020
Surprisingly I liked this a lot better than "Fix Her Up" despite its rave reviews. In my opinion, Bethany and Wes had so much better chemistry and the sexual tension, woo-wee! Our cowboy wasn't afraid to shoot his shot and it was refreshing to see a male lead pursuing the heroine for once. He was the perfect book boyfriend with his patience and sweet encouragements he gave Bethany during her struggle with her insecurities. I really liked seeing them together despite how fast their relationship moved later on in the novel and the appearances of the previous characters that were featured in past installments. Am I the only one who wants to read how Stephen and Kristen's stable but unstable relationship started? They're a riot! Nevertheless, this is a great addition to the "Hot & Hammered" series.
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2kasmom
September 22, 2020
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.
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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.

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