The Final Nail in the Hot and Hammered Series

Tools of Engagement by Tessa Baily is the final book in the Hot and Hammered series. It still continues down the path of home renovations but this time focuses on the final Castle family member's life drama. This final book shows us just how one uncle trying to raise his sister's daughter alone can grab hold of your heart at the wrong time.

Everything in Bethany Castle's world is organized, planned and styled to perfection. That is why the homes she designs for her family's real estate business are the most sought-after 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. But 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 a new show, 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 and banter as they remodel the ugliest house on the block. 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.

Wes was a character that I did not prefer in the second book of the series, but this book has definitely changed my mind about him. I always love reading about single men trying to navigate the world of raising a sassy elementary-level girl. Bethany also not knowing how to deal with children also elevated the comedy of the situation

Like I have said in the other reviews of the first two books of the series, if you like a cute romance and house flipping like HGTV, this series is absolutely perfect for you. Hot and Hammered is a series unlike any other thanks to Tessa Bailey. I feel that if houses are not quite your thing, you should still check out any other book that she has made because they are all fantastic!

Stars: 3/5

Spice: 4/5

When Happily Ever After Needs a Renovation

Love Her or Lose Her is the second book in Tessa Bailey’s Hot and Hammered series and while it didn’t completely match the magic of the first book for me, it still delivered an engaging story. I genuinely enjoyed reading it, even if I didn’t connect with the characters quite as deeply. Rosie and Dominic’s personalities were a bit harder to love, but they’re flawed in a very raw and human way, which sometimes made it difficult to support them, but also made their journey feel more real.

The story follows Rosie and Dominic Vega, a seemingly perfect couple who’ve lost their spark over the years. Once high school sweethearts, best friends and completely obsessed with each other, they’ve now fallen into a routine that feels more like strangers sharing a space than partners in love. Dominic, a former soldier, has retreated emotionally, giving Rosie little more than grunts and blank stares, even though he’s still a loyal husband and a reliable provider. But Rosie wants more. More passion, more communication, more connection and she’s finally ready to stop settling.

Encouraged by her fiercely supportive group of girlfriends, Rosie makes two big decisions: she’s going to chase her lifelong dream of opening a restaurant and she’s going to fight for her marriage, starting with marriage boot camp. And not just any marriage boot camp, this one’s led by a laid-back, eccentric therapist who’s all about feelings, incense and emotional vulnerability. But just when it seems like everything is finally falling into place, Rosie uncovers a secret Dominic’s been keeping.

Overall, Love Her or Lose Her is a heartfelt second-chance romance that explores what happens after the honeymoon phase ends. While I personally didn’t adore the characters as much as in the first book, I appreciated their growth and the emotional weight of their story. I enjoyed how Tessa Bailey wrote a story based on real-life problems that aren't typically read about or talked about overall. Rosie and Dom’s journey isn’t perfect, but it’s honest, messy and ultimately hopeful.

Stars: 3/5

Spice: 4/5

A Must-Read for HGTV Lovers and Romance Fans

The first time I read Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey, I knew it was a book I’d come back to. And now, after a re-read, I can confirm that it’s just as fun, steamy, and satisfying the second time around. I only read this book which is the first in the series and have decided that I wanted to reread this book and finish up the series. I first read this book in October of 2023, and my opinions have not changed. If you love home renovations, HGTV marathons, and swoon-worthy romance, Fix Her Up is a book you need on your shelf.

Georgette Castle grew up in a family of home renovation pros, but instead of following in their footsteps, she pursued a career as a children’s party planner. With this, her family and much of the town see her as the “kid sister” rather than a serious businesswoman. Tired of being overlooked, Georgie embarks on a personal makeover, complete with a business revamp, a wardrobe overhaul, and a bold new approach to dating.

Enter Travis Ford, former baseball star and her older brother’s best friend. After an injury ends his career, Travis finds himself stuck in a town that only sees him as a washed-up athlete. When Georgie proposes a fake relationship to help them both shift public perception, her as a grown woman and him as a reliable professional, he agrees. But as their pretend romance heats up, real feelings start to blur the lines between fantasy and reality.

The first time I read it, I loved the slow burn and chemistry between Georgie and Travis. On the re-read, I caught even more of their small, heartfelt moments that make their romance so fun to read. While the story isn’t centered around home renovation, the setting and family business give it that cozy, small-town, fixer-upper feel. If you love watching house flips and interior makeovers, this book has that same satisfying charm.

Overall, Tessa Bailey is a romance author I would recommend to any reader, whether you've read romance before or if you are just dipping your toe into the genre. Her books are all super fun to read aren't too long and don't drag out either. You definitely will fall in love with at least one of her characters and find a resemblance within yourself.

Stars: 4

Spice: 4

Love on the Line: A Review of Hook, Line, and Sinker

Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey is a sweet conclusion to the Bellinger Sisters series. While it may not have quite lived up to It Happened One Summer, this sequel is still a heartwarming romance filled with growth and humor.

This book follows Hannah Bellinger, the younger and more understated of the two sisters. Unlike her sister, Piper, who thrives in the spotlight, Hannah has always seen herself as the supporting character in other people’s stories. Working as a music production assistant, she returns to the charming fishing town of Westport for a film project, determined to prove herself in her industry. With no place to stay, she ends up crashing at the home of her close friend, Fox Thornton.

Fox is Westport’s resident ladies’ man, though he puts on a carefree facade. Fox struggles with insecurities and believes he’s only worth a good time. However, what Hannah doesn’t realize is that Fox has secretly harbored feelings for her all along. Unlike his usual flings, his connection with Hannah feels different and he’s terrified of ruining what they have and disappointing someone who deserves better. As they spend more time together, their friendship begins to blur into something more, forcing Fox to confront his fears of unworthiness and Hannah to recognize that she doesn’t have to settle for a background role in her own life.

Though it may not have had the same spark as the first book, Hook, Line, and Sinker is still an enjoyable, easy read for romance lovers. The town of Westport continues to be a charming town for love stories. If you enjoy contemporary romance with lovable characters and a touch of small-town magic, the entire Bellinger Sisters series is definitely worth the read!

Stars: 3

Spice: 2