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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
Ok well this was the most disappointing series. I’ve liked her other books so far, and Wes was definitely the best MMC of this series but the whole book was sort of meh.
Also she messed up timelines and ages from the previous book which just felt like lazy editing to me. BUT this is a fluff romance so we’re not expecting fine literature here. It hit what it needed to hit, just not in a way where I’d be interested in reading it again for my romance fix.
Also she messed up timelines and ages from the previous book which just felt like lazy editing to me. BUT this is a fluff romance so we’re not expecting fine literature here. It hit what it needed to hit, just not in a way where I’d be interested in reading it again for my romance fix.
“Expecting perfect can only lead to disappointment. Besides, it’s the flaws that give a person character. That’s where the beauty hides.”
This was my first Tessa Bailey book, and it definitely won't be the last! I really loved the characterizations of the three MCs in this book—Bethany was very realistic and relatable, Wes was sweet and sensitive, and Laura was so adorable and wise in that little-kid way. The romance was a bit fast-paced, but there was a lot of great build-up and tension in the beginning, and it all paid off nicely. The house-flipping TV show aspect of the book felt a little extraneous, although it did ultimately help to raise the stakes and round out the story. Overall, this was quite enjoyable! :)
- Grumpy meets sunshine but reversed
- Age gap (older woman, younger man)
- Enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Workplace romance
SPOILERS
Bethany Castle lives her life like a Pinterest board come to life. Everything in its place, no hair out of line, lipstick on point, and don’t even try to suggest she doesn’t have control of every situation she’s in. Except she doesn’t. Not really. Underneath all that perfection is a woman so tightly wound with self doubt and fear of failure that she’s basically waiting to explode. And that’s exactly where Wes Daniels finds her.
Wes is a young, cocky Texas transplant who should be annoying. He’s got swagger. He knows he’s hot. He doesn’t hide it. But from the jump, there’s something else there. He’s a man raising his five year old niece, Laura, with more tenderness and patience than most adult men have in their entire emotional range. The cowboy thing is surface. What you really get with Wes is deep loyalty and emotional steadiness exactly what Bethany needs but doesn’t think she deserves.
The setup is fast. Bethany wants to flip a house herself instead of just designing it. Her brother laughs in her face. Wes tells her he believes in her. That one moment flips the entire dynamic. Bethany’s not used to people backing her without conditions. Wes signs up to help her, knowing full well she might unravel midway through. He’s not scared. He’s amused and intrigued.
And then there’s Laura, the niece, the glue. This kid is not a prop. She’s written like a real child clever, shy, open hearted. The way she bonds with Bethany is slow and earned. It softens Bethany’s edges and gives Wes another reason to fall harder. The three of them feel like a unit way before anyone says it out loud. And when Bethany finally realizes how good that feels? That she could have a home that isn’t spotless but is safe? That’s when the story hits hardest.
The house flipping reality show angle is chaotic but fun. It adds pressure without taking away from the real emotional story. Bethany is constantly battling the need to prove herself not just to her brother or the audience, but to herself. The message is clear being strong doesn’t mean never asking for help. It doesn’t mean pretending you don’t want love or softness.
Wes sees right through her. From the beginning, he knows she’s not as cold as she pretends. But he doesn’t push. He shows up, over and over, even when she freaks out. Even when she lashes out. And the moment where he finally loses it and tells her he loves her and can’t keep pretending he doesn’t? Absolutely earned. Not too early, not too late. Just raw, honest, and delivered in typical Tessa Bailey heatwave style.
Speaking of heat the spicy scenes are full throttle. Nothing vague or fade to black. Wes talks during sex in a way that somehow feels hot and not cringe. Bethany melts for him, and watching her drop her control in the bedroom is part of her full-circle growth. She learns how to receive love, how to let go, how to be seen and still be enough.
The ending doesn’t throw any unnecessary drama at the reader. Bethany gets the renovation win, but more importantly, she finds her own definition of success. Wes and Laura become part of that, not the prize she earns but the family she chooses
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Literally not believable in anyway but tried to make it realistic. I’m on team caseworker, that kid should not be living with her caregivers girlfriend of 2 days
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes