4.1 stars

I am a huge fan of this author and this entire series (even though I just went back to look at my previous reviews and they aren't here anymore and show that I haven't even read the books even though I have and own them in paperback but that is a moot point that I will investigate later). The first book was an almost 4.5 stars and the second was 5 stars because Dominic and Rosie were EVERYTHING, but this one didn't have that same oomph that I look for when I read this author. Don't get me wrong, it still has that Tessa Bailey flair that she does so well. Yet, I was wanting something more.

I am not sure where the disconnect for me was considering that Wes was swoon-worthy. His actions in all aspects of his life and how he conducted himself made me want a clone of him for myself. If I had to guess, it was Bethany. There was a little too much of myself in her and maybe that is why I felt discombobulated. It hit too close to home and made me have to look at myself. Yet, even by saying that, it is a testament to this author that she can write a character that feels that authentic. Even saying that I had this disconnect with them as a couple (likely, again because I see so much of Bethany in myself and the likelihood of me getting someone like Wes is slim to none in this lifetime) I still rooted for them. There was just the right amount of poignant moments, levity, steamy times, and the notion of love coming true.

Even though this isn't my favorite from this author I would still recommend it to every that is a fan and even those that are not. There is something special about her hence why she is a splurge whenever I go into a physical bookstore.

I honestly can't love this series any more than I already do. Tessa Bailey has such a knack for steamy but heartfelt stories and Tools of Engagement is no different!

I enjoyed this latest addition to the Hot and Hammered series. This was probably my favorite one so far. While the sex scenes were steamy, the rest of the book was sweet. The relationship between Wes and his niece was adorable and Bethany's anxiety was relatable. I look forward to reading more from Bailey and this series.

I loved the first two books in this series. I knew that this couple was coming for a while now and I WAS READY FOR IT. I love the hate you, f&%k you, love you troupe. Sign me up. I also really enjoyed how Bailey dealt with issues such as anxiety and substance abuse in this novel. She was able to accomplish this while still being super sexy and playful. I 100% think you could read this as a stand alone. But I have been told I am waaaaaay too lenient in this regard. I was given an advanced reader's copy via NetGalley and HarperCollins, thank you to them. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was an entertaining enemies to lovers read! The banter between Wes and Bethany was on point. Their interactions constantly made me laugh and they had the best chemistry. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this romance unfold.

I could easily relate to Bethany and her need to always presenting herself as being put together even when she wasn’t. Unlike Bethany’s closest family and friends, Wes could see the insecurities that lurked under her projected confidence. He would find ways to encourage her and help her believe in her abilities to try something new that she wasn’t comfortable with especially if it meant riling her up. Wes was such a lovable character particularly due to his relationship with his niece. I recommend this to rom-com fans. It was a great read!

I’ve read all of the Fix Her Up books and this was by far my favorite! I was anxiously awaiting Bethany and Wes’ story and it didn’t disappoint! As a perfectionist myself, Bethany was so relatable and a breath of fresh air. Loved it!

The third book in the Fix Her Up series features perfectionist Bethany Castle and newcomer Wes. We were introduced to the two back in book one, and I’ve been waiting for this book since then. It was clear then that the tension between the two would lead to an enemies to lovers situation. I didn’t expect for Wes and Bethany to have the character depth that was revealed in Tools of Engagement. Watching the two work and grow together was fun and made for the best story of the series.

Bethany wants to strike out on her own and flip a house start to finish, but she's more nervous than anyone else knows. Wes has been attracted to Bethany since he first saw her, but she doesn't seem to think he's worth her time and he's just trying to stay afloat taking care of his 5-year-old niece. When Wes decides to team up with Bethany for the flip, will they be able to work together?

This was my favorite book in this series. Yes, it was steamy, but it also talked about anxiety and insecurities. I really connected with Bethany's character and her perfectionist anxieties, and I enjoyed watching Wes's character develop into someone hear-warming and mature.

Bethany Castle gets a new lease on love.

Tools of Engagement by Tessa Bailey follows Bethany Castle, who wants move away from her staging role in her family's real estate business by flipping her own house. However, Bethany's brother has little faith in Bethany's construction ability. When a reality television show gets wind of their argument, the two participate in a house flipping competition. Unfortunately for Bethany, there's only one person on her side: Wes Daniels, an annoying (but cute) member of her brother's crew.

I didn't know much of what to expect when I read Tools of Engagement. I know Tessa Bailey is a popular romance author, but I hadn't read any of her books previously. Although I wasn't completely sold on all aspects of this book, there were some elements that I really enjoyed.

One of my favorite parts of this book was the main character, Bethany. In many other similar books, Bethany would play the villain as she is pretty and put together all the time. However, I appreciated that Tessa Bailey put her in the focus of this story because readers can see her character more in depth. Bethany struggles with anxiety and the need to be perfect, no matter what. Throughout the novel, Bethany grows significantly by showing more confidence in herself and expressing how she feels to her family and friends who put high expectations on her. I think many readers will relate to Bethany and appreciate her character growth throughout the plot in the book.

As for Bethany's love interest, Wes, I have mixed feelings. For me, there were aspects about his character that I liked and other that I did not like. Let's start with what I enjoyed. One of the conflicts in the relationship between Bethany and Wes is the age difference between the two characters (Bethany is 7 years older than Wes who is 23). I appreciate that this book featured a couple with an appropriate age difference as this isn't typically shown in books. I also appreciated reading about his relationship with his niece, who he takes care of so her mom can get the helps she needs. I thought their relationship was cute and the level of the responsibility that Wes took in this book did make him see more mature.

At the same time, there were some aspects of his character that I just didn't prefer. Wes can be very possessive with Bethany regarding other males that literally never have even met her. For example, Wes goes to find a crew to work on Bethany's home remodel. He refuses to get any young men on the crew because he doesn't want them to flirt with Bethany and instead opts for much older men who struggle to work longer hours on the job site. This isn't appropriate behavior, whether he is in a relationship with Bethany or not (which he wasn't when this part of the story occurred). All I know is if I was a 30-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man was acting that way towards me, it wouldn't be attractive. Also, if I heard about his cowboy hat or read about him calling Bethany "darlin'" one more time, I wouldn't be able to take it.

As for the construction aspect of the plot, it isn't too heavily involved in that area. While we have some of the demo and see some of the ending, this aspect of the story was slightly disappointing. Yes, this is a romance, so I did expect that to occupy most of the space, so on that front, it was successful. At the same time, a big chunk of the story is Bethany being more independent, specifically through flipping her own house, so I wish I could have seen a little more of that. I think the most unsatisfying part of this whole novel for me was the ending of the competition because it was very rushed and executed in an unsatisfying way, which is all I can really say without giving any major spoilers.

Also, as a disclaimer this is the third book in the companion series. I haven't read the first two books in this series, although I'm familiar with their storylines. That being said, not reading the first two books didn't really hinder my reading experience. I thought the Just Us League, which was probably formed in an earlier book, as well as the background of the family business were described enough that I didn't feel like I was missing anything from the story.

Overall, Tools of Engagement is a fun romance that was a quick and easy to read. I recommend this book to fans of this companion series as well as any one who enjoys an "enemies" to lover romance. I give this book 3.5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was sent to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book made me feel seen. Tools of Engagement is a great ending to the Hot and Hammered trilogy. Wes is 23 and unattached until he finds himself in Port Jefferson, NY taking care of his niece full-time. There he meets Bethany who does everything she can to make everything appear perfect no matter how she's feeling inside...something I relate to all too much. The two meet in the second book of this series and sparks fly instantly as messy and wild Wes clashes with perfectionist Bethany with some of the funniest dialogue. It only builds in this book. They end up working together on a project that brings them working together in close quarters and the result is spectacular.

This book is everything I have come to love from Tessa Bailey. It's funny, sweet and hot all in one. I love all the characters and the backdrop of a house flip is just fun. I really enjoyed Tools of Engagement and could definitely see it as a re-read for me in the future. I would give this 4 1/2 stars rounded up to 5.

As someone who is mildly addicted to HGTV home renovation shows, this book was so much fun! It was a cute, quick read with characters that were interesting and relatable. I liked the age difference since it is not something that I have seen often. I found myself flying through this book and putting down the others I am currently reading. I was intrigued most by the portions of the book with Wes’s niece, Laura and by the parts working in the house. I do think that Bethany was a little repetitively in a few places, but overall it didn’t really bother me much. All in all, this is a fun distraction and I had a great time with it.

If you liked Tessa Bailey's other books set in Port Jefferson, you'll probably like this one as well. If you haven't read the other books, I wouldn't start here, while not a series per se, there is a lot about the world of Port Jeff that comes out in other books and makes this book make more sense. It was an easy and light read but I did find myself more excited for the brief scenes where Travis and Georgie from Fix Her Up, showed up, as I continued to care more about them than the main couple in this book. The reality show concept didn't seem important to the plot at all and I would have loved to see that explored more, as it was it was almost an after thought and it could have been left out, in my opinion. Overall, it was a fine end to the Port Jefferson books but not my favorite of the bunch.

Tessa has written another great book in this series. Its probably my favorite one. It was so freaking cute and funny. Even though it is the third book in this series, you do not need to read the previous ones to enjoy this book. I cannot wait till Tessa's next book.

Thank you Netgalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I LOVED THIS BOOOOOK. Really though, it was my favorite in the series. Bethany and Wes take the cake in every single way. Bethany always has such a cool and polished exterior in the previous books but in this one we find out that that isn't the case. She's got her own share of insecurities that make her more human and relatable. Wes....WES!!!! His relationship with his niece makes me want to sob my eyes out and the way him and Bethany go at it (arguing wise lollll) while still making sure to always have her back is just....too good.

Their "hate"-t0-love thing they've got going on obviously leads to some steamy encounters which should not be missed. I loved it. I loved it all.

This is my first Tessa Bailey book, and it won’t be my last! I didn’t realize when I requested this one that it was part of a series. While the first two couples in the series are in this book, you don’t need to know anything about them to enjoy this one. (And there are some hints dropped at what happened in the first two books to pick right up and feel like you know the whole story.)

I read another book recently, The Honey Don’t List, that had a home improvement couple in it. This one is nothing like that book, it is a lot better. I really felt like Bethany and Wes were relatable characters. Bethany was constantly self doubting herself, and wore a mask around people, letting them think she was always carefree and perfect. Inside she was an anxiety ridden mess. Who doesn’t feel the pressure to be perfect???? And Wes comes with his own problems too. Plus, there is the age difference between the two. Not to mention the little girl, Laura, was too cute. There were several times I LOL’d reading this book.

Bottom Line: I just really love an enemy to lovers book, and this delivers. So cute. Read it. You don’t even have had to read the first two books first, I didn’t.

**I received a copy of Tools of Engagement from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**

I was sorry to see this be the last book of this series but I was even happier that Bethany got her HEA. Despite having many insecurities within herself as well as a lack of confidence Bethany and Wes made for one hot couple. The pair started out as enemies but over time, feelings evolved as Wes faces the challenges of becoming a guardian to his niece when having a childhood past being raised in foster care. The chemistry between the pair was off the charts and I enjoyed watching both characters grow and evolve as they both worked through their feelings and issues. I also enjoyed the return of the characters from the previous books in this series. I could not get enough of this book just like this series and I would recommend it to others.

I'm a big Tessa Bailey fan and I've liked the entire Hot & Hammered series, so I'm happy to report that Tools of Engagement was no different. Though, if I'm being honest, I wanted a bit more from the story.

Tessa Bailey writes sexy, fun contemporary romance, and I enjoyed the banter-y dynamic between Wes and Bethany. I like an opposites attract romance, and you throw in an age gap and I'm pretty much sold. I thought the relationship was a bit too "tease-y" for a bit too long, but I liked how it evolved over time.

The plotline with Wes's sister was a bit muddled, but I liked how he had to take responsibility for a child and the emotion that brought to the story. I wish we saw more of Wes's southern side as I kept forgetting that he wasn't from the North East constantly. I few y'alls would have been nice. I also related to Bethany's insecurities and the desire to be perfect all the time, though they got to be a bit much for me, as a reader. Also, something about the ending felt off to me.

Hot sex, as usual for Tessa Bailey, especially if you like alpha-types, and an engaging plotline, but not my favorite book in the series.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

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I have read and loved this entire series! Tessa Bailey's books are all fun, sexy, and easy to read. Great for when you want an enjoyable book that does not require deep thought, just enjoyment.

This was a fabulous read. It has so many of the tropes I love, age gap with an older woman, single dad, enemies to lovers, it has great banter and it's funny and full of heart. Bethany was so relatable in her insecurities and need to appear to have everything completely together. This was a great rounding out of an adorable rom com series!!!!

Confession: I not only Love Tessa Bailey but I also love books (or movies) where the Little Miss Perfect is forced to get dirty! (And, oh does she!)

Everyone thinks it's oh so funny to throw around that their OCD this or that but you don't actually see the not so funny part of the anxiety of things not being a certain way. And while I think Bethany was NOT a case for an OCD diagnosis she definitely had a serious case of anxiety associated with image. She HAD to be perfect. She struggles every day with how she appeared, how she interacted with everyone, how she ate, everything...But, (and this I love) in an effort to be true to her Just Us League ladies and sort of forced by external forces to start work on her sister's fiances childhood home (see Fix Her Up), she is put in a position where she has to make her stand against her brother's domineering he-man build, you-woman design ways. Oh, I am such a sucker for personal growth, a bit self-enforced or not.

Wes, the new guy in town, is a man of many trades- including bull-riding. He has blown into town to take care of his niece while his sister is out of town. Wes and Bethany get along at first meet like 2 alley cats after the same meal. Then add in a Jerry Maguire movie reference, an HGTV-ish spinoff home reno showdown type show, plus uber smexy/smarmy host, and DIY shenanigans and you have yourself a Hot & Hammered good time. (Eh? See what I did there?)

While I enjoyed the plethora of troupes rolled out (older woman/younger man, single parent, Mrs. PerfectMcPerfectson getting messy, and the underdog against the "man") I still felt like there was a bit of the usual TB chemistry was missing. Not a lot, but still it's like your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant made by your favorite chef but the sous chef was subbing in or something. Still good but a little off? Maybe it was a deeper relationship connection? I don't know. The steam was still at wonderful TB levels of steamy. The famous dirty talk was maybe a little toned down but that's ok. Not every H/h can have the same or else it gets too rote and expected.

I am not sure that this is the final installment of the Hot & Hammered series, but I hope it's not. I could use some more, a cousin. IDK, just, more, please!

*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*