Tessa Bailey has quickly become an auto-buy for me as I wade my way through her backlist. I adored Georgie's story in Fix Her Up and was so thrilled to have a chance to read the newest addition to the Hot and Bothered series! Tools of Engagement gripped me right away. I am a sucker for enemies-to-lovers paired with forced-proximity. Adding in an age-gap, older heroine for good measure, and I'm absolutely pushing my TBR to the side to get my paws on the book. Those tropish delights delivered with Bailey's humor and heart had me reading late into the night and closing the book with a happy, if wistful, sigh. I didn't want to let Wes and Bethany go to be honest.

Wes was absolutely the sweetest uncle and beyond that, has his own issues from languishing in the foster care system as a child. His absolutely charming personality had just a hint of vulnerability that absolutely hooked me, and I don't normally find myself falling for fictional (or real) cowboys. Bethany's obsessive tendencies and severe anxiety under the perfectly cultivated mask of perfection made her an authentic, relatable character for me. Bailey's descriptions of her anxiety in particular felt uncomfortably familiar. Both were lovable on their own and a pleasure to cheer for. Of course, the insane chemistry between the two doesn't hurt.

I'm talking fire-alarm hot tension that had me blushing. The back-and-forth nips and jabs are a fascinating form of foreplay for Wes and Bethany. I do think Wes could use a bit of sprucing up with his dirty talk but it was easy to forgive given the chemistry between them. 

I do think the pacing could have slowed a bit to allow a bit more time during the flip. I would have loved to see more of Bethany getting her hands dirty rather than just references to it after the fact. I am happy to report that Kristin, Bethany's sister-in-law, is just as unhinged as ever. I am always torn between amusement and horror when she pulls nonsense on Stephen.

My highlight for this book has to be the "Just Us" club. The idea of a club with little to no drama, (Kristin's self-created nonsense doesn't count) creating a community of supportive women. A place for dreams to be willed into existence and they each lend what expertise they can hits me right in the feels. I absolutely love the concept!

Overall, Tools of Engagement was a wonderful, light-hearted read with some scorching chemistry. While I wish we had a bit more of the "house flip" construction included for Bethany's growth, I was absolutely engaged and invested in Wes and Bethany's happiness. If you are looking for an exceptional balance between humor, and angsty emotion then I highly recommend this contemporary romance.

CW: Bethany's anxiety could be triggering for some, so please read with care. 

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

As far as contemporary romance goes, I liked this story just fine. I especially liked Tessa Bailey's discussion on perfectionism and the toll it can take on the body, and I also liked that the heroine was older than the hero/love interest. Those aspects allowed for a fresh take on the genre, and I appreciated that. I would read more by the author.

I fell in love with Georgie and Travis, then I fell harder for Rosie and Dominic, but Bethany and Wes stole my heart and knocked me on my butt. I am not sure I have ever related to a heroine as much as I relate to Bethany. Especially during this time of life (i.e. COVID-19, Social Media etc.), when we are trying to do it all and keep it all together and see social media perfection all over the place. It was incredibly real to read about a character who looks like she has it all together but is overthinking everything on the inside.

Wes is all action and bravado he turns into confidence. His dedication and determination to support and take care of the people in his life is so admirable. He really sees Bethany in a way no one has before and my heart just about burst in two reading their story. They have a fiery chemistry and witty banter but also a softness and a sweetness between them that I couldn't get enough of.

Tessa Bailey is one of my favorite authors and this book only reinforces that fact!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily give my honest review.

I really enjoyed this conclusion to the series! It's a lot less angsty than either of the previous two books, and I did feel that Wes was much more of a cinnamon roll of a hero. I enjoyed that. I also enjoyed the way he supported Bethany without minimizing her feelings. Sweet, hot, and full of heart.

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read early!
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That said, I was SO EXCITED to read Wes and Bethany's story! I loved this series so much and as amazing as the first 2 were, I think Tessa save the best for last!
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Wes and Bethany broke my heart over and over and their happily ever after moment was heartwarming!
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Funny, sweet and scorching hot, Tools of Engagement was almost impossible to put down! You do not want to miss this book, or this series!

My favorite romance of the three Hot & Hammered books! Just as steamy as any other Bailey book, but the relationship between Bethany and Wes really did me in. As a (working on becoming) former perfectionist, I feel so seen and love the path Bethany sledgehammered for herself. Kristen’s hilarious side plot was a delight.

“Expecting perfect can only lead to disappointment. Besides, it’s the flaws that give a person character. That’s where the beauty hides.”

Tools of Engagement by Tessa Bailey is the third and final (I think) in the Hot & Hammered series and I think she saved the best for last. This book is all about Bethany and Wes.

Bethany has always had it all together. She is a hostess to her friends and family, house stager for her families business and a great friend. But what everyone don’t know is that she is a closet worrier and over thinker. She has always put up a front and had everyone fooled ... until Wes.

Wes was yanked from his carefree, partying lifestyle in Texas to live in Port Jefferson to care for his niece. It was always supposed to be a pit stop, temporary, while he helped his sister out. He never expected to find roots or his home there ... until Bethany.

“You don’t have to change everything about yourself. Sometimes you just have to add a little honesty and it makes the difference.”

I really liked this book, it is by far my favorite of the series. More than the witty banter or drama, I really liked Bethany. I think everyone has been her at some point, I know I have. Especially now when we are constantly inundated with others highlight reels, there is always comparison and thinking it is never enough. She felt authentic, and her inner monologue could have been anyone.

Tools of Engagement did not lack in banter between Wes and Bethany. Then throw in some family drama, flipping a house, a reality TV show competition and a five year old ... what could possibly go wrong. But don’t let all that fool you, in true Tessa Bailey fashion, there was still lots of steam. Tools of Engagement is out 9/22!

Thank you Netgalley and Avon for this eARC to read and provide an honest review.

When Bethany decides to go rogue and head a house flip by herself (instead of the usual staging that she does), she gets roped into working with Wes—the in-town-for-now cowboy who is watching over his niece and who has incessantly been hitting on and annoying Bethany since the day they met. Apart from the pressures of a successful flip, Wes is not one to stick around, and Bethany is the over analytical ruminator. With all this forced proximity, hate, and sexual tension, how will these two fair?

In the first third of the book, it was all about the banter. I wasn’t a fan of the “baby” and “darlin’” pet names though, especially since this was an age-gap romance—our heroine was 30, our hero 23. I was skeptical with the connection (as we know, the maturity level of the male species at this age is questionable), but the chemistry screamed off the pages. The story, the characters all grew on me by the halfway point that I was so invested, and wanted to see how their relationship was going to blossom. The premise was solid. My heart swelled for Wes, having been a foster child and assuming temporary guardianship of his half-sister’s daughter. What a stud muffin. And if you’re familiar with Tessa Bailey, then you know to expect a load of steam.

Rivals to lovers is my favorite trope so I was very excited to dive into this one! It took me a few chapters to get in to the story but I really liked it once I did. This is the third book in a connected series, so we don't get to see the main characters meet since they already knew each other from previous story - I think that missing element makes the beginning slow.

Wes and Bethany have great banter and all their insult hurling made me smile. However, I did feel Bethany's growth was a bit too forced, as I didn't truly feel the emotional connection between them.

Overall, it was a fun and easy read that dishes out what you'd want from a rom-com so I'd recommend!

I've been waiting for this book since Bethany first met Wes, and I was absolutely not disappointed. The humor and emotion I would expect having read the first two books in the series was here as well as character growth for both Bethany and We as they learn to deal with their issues -as individuals and as a couple. I also very much appreciated that the character who could have very well become a fairly one-sided "bad' character did not follow stereotypical patterns for this type of character. I recommend for fans of the series, fans of Penny Reid, Laura Florand, Kristen Callihan, Christina Lauren and Helena Hunting.

Tools of Engagement By: Tessa Bailey

Rating - 3.5 / 5 Stars

Publication Date - 9/22/2020

** Thank you to Netgalley, HarperCollins, and of course, Tessa Bailey, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was for the most part, pretty awesome! I have been a huge fan of this series so to finally get Bethany and Wes’s story was great!

Bethany as a perfectionist is a great person to hear the inner monologue of. I loved seeing her evolve and still keep her quirky self. Her connection with her family is truly great. Wes, on the other hand, is a nomad of sorts. He moves with the flow and goes wherever he is supposed to go. This is how he ends up in Port Jefferson, NY - to take over as guardian for his niece, Laura.

I absolutely LOVED Wes and Laura’s connection and it was truly beautiful to see it evolve and how it changes Wes. I did expect to find a bit more conflict when Becky came back to town, but was happy to find that to be a nice conclusion as well.

Now, Bethany and Wes have a beautiful relationship. I did find it slightly frustrating to see their relationship did not truly begin until the last third of the book. I also found myself calling out realism since they were only together for 2 weeks before Wes proposed - Totally ok, each relationship has its own timeline and that is fine, but it was speedy, especially when it includes a 23-year-old. While I am not a huge fan of the younger man, older woman troupe - I did really enjoy this relationship.

My one major con of this story revolves around the reality tv show. First, as an avid watcher of HGTV - ha ha ha - these house flips are not possibly done in 2 or 3 weeks. But the entire reality show concept could have been removed from the story and it would still be great. The rivalry between Bethany and Stephan held enough weight to carry its own. I found that when the show was introduced, it was a kind of whaaaa? If that makes sense. It did not need to be included.

I also want to give a shout out to Ollie and Carl - I really wished we saw more of these two. I would have loved to see Wes have a convo with them about his relationship with Bethany - I think they would have given some great advice and funny commentary.

I have always been a fan of Tessa’s writing, so this book was a no brainer in my TBR pile. It did not disappoint! Great Job, Tessa!

Actual rating: 4.5 stars

I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I haven’t read the previous 2 books in the series, but based on the Goodreads reviews it’s safe to say people had very mixed opinions. But I should’ve known better. Tessa Bailey is an author I really want to read more of. I have half a dozen of her books on my Want-To-Read list because she writes stories with tropes I’m really interested in.

I’m not one for the older woman / younger man trope, and in fact I had no idea this story included this trope, but it really worked for me. Probably because Wes was very dominant with Bethany and didn’t act young or irresponsible at all. The sexy scenes were great, the enemies-to-lovers aspect was great, and Wes’s chase was great!

This was an entertaining, well-written book. Bethany's life is about organization and perfection, except in her dating life. She's ready to take on more challenge in her career, and tells her brother, who runs the company, that she wants to flip a house on her own. Wes, one of the crew members, is willing to help her with the flip. Things get complicated because sparks fly between them, on and off the work site. The book was fun, romantic and fast-paced. I enjoyed this book and will look for more books by this author.

What can I say about this book? It’s glorious. I am not always into cowboys these days but Cowboy Wes relentlessly coming for the (supposed but not really at all) Ice Queen Bethany? This more than worked for me. I looooved these two together.

While this book is extremely hot, as all Tess Bailey books are, these characters are also uniquely wounded and working through their own insecurities and struggles. Both of them, for different reasons, are looking for a place to stay, to belong, and to be safe and honest. And they find that in each other. For me, this is why I read romance. I love feeling feelings. I’m a big ol’ feelings addict. Feelings, feelings, feelings. Wes and Bethany gave me big feelings.

Also (I guess it’s because I’m getting “older”?) but I’m really into the older woman with the younger man…thing at the moment. Of course, any age-gap romance cannot work with any icky power differential. No go. But that’s no issue here. And, personally, I prefer a non-HUGE gap in my age-gap reads, but that’s strictly a me thing, obviously. Wes and Bethany are seven years apart, if you’re curious.

So yeah. Hot. Funny. Emotional. Loved this book.

Thank you Avon and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tools of Engagement, the third book in Tessa Bailey’s Hot & Hammered series, is a witty and sweet rom-com. It begins as Bethany decides to venture out on her own house- flipping endeavor instead of staging for her family’s business. Wes, in a great Renee Zellweger moment (I love this reference in the book!), joins Bethany. When her story and the family drama catch a producer’s ear, Bethany finds herself in a reality tv competition against her brother.

I enjoyed Bethany and Wes’s love story. Their teasing and flirting were a great build-up to a sexy romance. Between their witty, teasing banter and their strong connection, the chemistry was palpable. I like that, as they each deal with personal issues, they are a great support to each other.

Stepping out on her own forces Bethany to face her fears. She is a perfectionist who stresses about what others think of her. She never likes to be anything less than exceptional, and it is shown in her work and her appearance. But Bethany deals with insecurity, anxiety, and fear of rejection. Can she succeed on her own? What will people think of her if she fails? Bethany spends a lot of her time keeping up appearances, and Wes is one of the few who see through her facade.

Wes deals with his own issues like taking responsibility for his young niece after his sister takes a “break” from parenting. A young, single man in a new town, Wes must juggle the challenges of caring for a five-year-old while working for Bethany. He is an honorable, if cocky, man with a wicked sense of humor.

Tools of Engagement is a fun and sexy romantic comedy with great characters and an interesting story. Though it’s the third book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. Thanks so much to Netgalley and Avon for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.

Such a fun book! The banter between Wes and Bethany was top notch. Love the sassiness of Bethany even though she is very insecure. The way Wes helps Bethany with her insecurity was very clever and not clinical. Wes and his new role as uncle, this was majorly endearing. The Just Us League was another clever addition to the book. I have not read the first two but I will be picking them up based on this one. Great read to boost your mood and to show that even though you have insecurities you can make it through. Oh and I need to add...STEAMY!

Thank you Avon Books for the Advanced Reader Copy of Tools of Engagement! Wes and Bethany's story was nothing short of amazing! True Tessa Bailey fashion, I could not put this one down!

I liked the story and thought Bailey did a good job developing the back stories of both main characters' insecurities - her sex scenes are always a bit much for me, though.

I think this is my fav of the series. I really loved the dynamic between Bethany and Wes. Their mutual barbs were spot on and always held a jovial and lighthearted tone. There were plenty of laugh out loud and tender moments too. I thought the reality show was a bit lame at first but I'll give it a pass as it helped to flush out Bethany's character development even if it was only in a minor way. As always the heat level was top notch, something I've grown to appreciate with Tessa's novels. I'd recommend this.

It's no secret I'm a big Tessa fan and I was so looking forward to this book. It had the typical heat that you expect from one of her books and I really feel like this was a great end to this series. I really enjoyed watching Bethany grow and find herself. She opened herself to her flaws, as terrifying as that was for her. I liked Wes also, he matured really quick due to having to raise his niece. I did adore Laura, I thought she was adorable. Overall, I enjoyed the book but I felt at times it moved too quickly. I would very much recommend the series to a friend!