Tools of Engagement – Published 2020
“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 notperfect? 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, but 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.” – Goodreads
THOUGHTS
This is the third book in the Hot and Hammered series, and I think it’s my favorite one. The first was very steamy, but Georgie was an actual real life clown, and I just couldn’t move past that. The second was focused on Rosie and her desire to save her marriage. This one is about Bethany, Georgie’s older sister, and Wes, the younger cowboy who’s new in town (and has temporary custody of his niece). Both Wes and Bethany are sassy, strong willed and enjoyable.
Of course this one also has the steam factor that the first two had, but it didn’t seem as jarring as the first book, which really caught me off guard.
I will say I feel the men in these books tend to be a little caveman-esque, but overall they’re funny, steamy, and addicting!
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