Kind of a Dirty Talker

The McGuire Brothers #6

by Lili Valente

Return to Bad Dog with Wesley and Tessa's story—a steamy, laugh out loud road trip of epic proportions.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Spicy, Forced Proximity, Rom Com

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 26, 2024

About the author

Visit Lili at www.lilivalente.com

Author of over forty novels, USA Today Bestseller Lili Valente writes everything from steamy suspense to laugh-out-loud romantic comedies. She can't resist a story where love wins big. Because love should always win. She lives in Vermont with her two big-hearted boy children and a dog named Pippa Jane.

*Lili rarely visits this site as it is a site intended for readers, not authors. If you have questions, the best way to reach Lili is through her website contact form. Happy reading!

Reviews

[Hope · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tw - cheating
MMC Is a jerk who sleeps with FMC before breaking up with his gf, then goes back to the said gf because of a pregnancy scare. Cheating is a no no for me, didn't see a tw for it either.

[Rachel Nahabedian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it (rounded up)

Lili Valente is starting to give Pippa Grant some stiff competition when it comes to animal sidekicks. Grant may be the reigning queen right now, but Valente is quickly turning into a contender. Tessa has a pet ferret and it's the most adorable thing ever!

On to the 2-legged characters in the book. Tessa and Wesley. When they met, Wesley (Tessa's bff's brother) quite literally saves her from what could've been an unaliving situation. They had an instant connection and their one-night of heaven turned to hell very soon after. Tessa has hated Wesley since (kinda rightfully so) even though neither forgot about that night. Much, much later sh!t hits the fan and the truth about their one night and everything after comes to light and they find themselves in need of needing to get outta dodge quick and together to avoid the town psycho (and golly is she freaking psycho).

Once the dust is settled, the two find a rhythm and Tessa starts remembering why she felt so strongly for Wesley and between the treasure hunt, bats, stowaway clown children, and an epic road trip, they figure out what they want and how to hold on to it.

While this book is totally filled with romance, swoon, top-tier spice, quirky side-characters/family, and all the fun/shenanigans listed above, it's also really heart-felt. There's overcoming painful pasts and phobias. There's dealing with the repercussions of a terrible mistake and forcing themselves to be vulnerable.

This was a wild freaking ride and I was here for it all! If you needed another reason to pick this book up, Jason Clarke and Lili Valente freaking ᏦᎥᏝᏝᏋᎴ the narration! I mean, with a title like this and Jason Clarke narrating...you know it's going to be good!

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

While you can figure out some of this from the title, what you may not know is that we're back in Bad Dog, MN, with the McGuire clan. This one is quintessential Valente, with laugh-out-loud hilarity, charming four-legged characters, and outrageous shenanigans.

Tessa Martin has lousy luck when it comes to relationships. I could give you a list, but let’s just say she's so fed up with the opposite sex that she hasn’t dated in a year and a half. When she finds herself on the receiving end of the town's psycho chick, she and her best friend’s brother, Wesley McGuire set off on and road trip in a camper van to let things die down.

There’s a lot I haven’t said, and I’ll address that spoiler at the end. I really loved this story, even though the premise set me on edge (see spoiler). Wesley is a sweetheart with a dirty mouth, and Tessa is the perfect heroine. She’s strong and independent with some bruises, dents, and vulnerability. I loved every minute of this wild, madcap adventure that included bats, hidden treasure, charming hideaways, and things that go bump in the night. Heartfelt, hot, and hilarious, this is one I wish I could read for the first time all over again.

Spoiler below.
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So, this premise of this one is Tessa and Wesley have a thing after he rescues her from a horrific hiking date in the woods. However, Wesley still has a girlfriend, although he was planning to break up with her the next day. So yes, there’s cheating, but things didn’t work out as Wesley planned or intended, and eighteen months passes before he and Tessa start a relationship.

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and adventure

I loved this best friend’s brother, age gap, forced proximity, second chance romance. It was such a good read that it was unputdownable. I fell directly into the story on page one and only looked up after the last word. It is a romance full of swoons, quirky characters, messy families, absurdity, drama, sweet moments, spice, painful pasts, love, crazy townspeople, phobias, and an epic road trip adventure. And while the book is snort worthy, it is also a deeply emotional book. I was feeling all the feels with this one - laughing, crying, swooning, cringing, teeth gritting, and cheering. Tessa is a chef and Wes is a lawyer. They both like hiking and Wes is the brother of Tessa’s best friend. They shared an unplanned steamy night in the woods after Wes rescued Tessa from a scary hiking date. Unfortunately, despite intending to do so, Wes failed to break up with his girlfriend before that night making Tessa an unwilling cheater. For the past 18 months Tessa has vowed off men and is embracing being forever single with her emotional support ferret. Wes still wants to fix it. When the unhinged sister of Wes’ ex comes after them, they decide hiding out together in a camper for a week or so is the safest plan. For the forced proximity combined with their overwhelming chemistry and attraction to restart the journey to their HEA, there will need to be baggage unpacking, truth telling, fear facing, forgiveness, and leaps of faith. Plus fedoras, which should always be mandatory adventure accessories. This heartwarming story was well written and included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline. I am in love with this series about the messy and wonderful McGuire family and the town of Bad Dog.

[Aneesah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into this book blind in a couple of ways. I love a dirty talking hero so I admit that the title had me immediately hitting "borrow" in Hoopla without having read the premise or even taking note of the fact that it was book 6 of a series in which I had not read books 1-5. I am not --as my friend Kimba would say-- a completionist so normally I don't have a problem with reading books in a series out of order. However, Lili Valente is a new to me author and I feel as though I may have enjoyed this book more if I had started the series from the beginning so that I could acclimate myself to her writing style, sense of humor, and overall pacing of prose.

The scene in chapter one where Tessa is on a second date with Carl the creep and things suddenly go south had me questioning "Hold up, is this a romance or a thriller???" Also I wasn't super excited about Wes' approach to hooking up with Tessa while still dating Darcie (yes, even if he did know that the relationship was over, he should have waited until he was officially broken up to pursue our FMC. That was bad on him.). I honestly wish she had unleashed her crazy twin on his ass to teach him a lesson about what happens to cheating cheaters who cheat!

Anyway, I'm not going to blame the author for the fact that I didn't LOVE this book, I probably should have started with the first McGuire brother so my bad. I can see myself giving her another try with a different series (in the proper order) before deciding to write her off completely (pun intended).

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, I loved this installment of the “McGuire Brothers” series. “Kind of a Dirty Talker” is a flirty, laugh out loud and fun best friend’s brother second chance road trip romance that was such a great story.

After an incident and a misunderstanding in the woods, Tessa is done with relationships and she’s especially done with Wes McGuire. Wes has regretted that time in the woods and has tried to make it right again with Tessa because he truly cares for her. And when his ex-girlfriend’s crazy sister comes after him, he and Tessa go on a road trip adventure to let things cool off. As they spend time together, the chemistry from the last time they were together is still there.

I loved Tessa and Wes right from the start and it only grew as I read their story. Tessa is so genuine and I was rooting for her to get her happy ever after. She’s had terrible luck in relationships and the hiccup with Wes was the cherry on top. Wes meant well and his intentions were good but he was a little early on the execution. But under is a good guy and I did like him too, especially with who he was with Tessa. They had great banter and Tessa stood her ground with him which was important. I loved their road trip shenanigans and I laughed out loud more than once. I love each crazy animal Lili introduces and Freya the Ferret was hilarious. Her personality and antics had me smiling. I loved the ending and can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[Favey_Listens · Rating 5 out of 5]

~*~ Audiobook Review ~*~ Wesley and Tessa have a very rocky start when he rescues her on the trail. No spoilers, but this rom-com combines some suspense, some enemies to lovers, some second chance lessons learned, and an adventure in life and forgiveness. Wesley is a great character who definitely makes a mistake, but he learns and is still a scrumptious book boyfriend! Tessa is the kind of strong female character I love to connect with as she finds her way in this complicated world. Together, they are just perfect and I love how they realize it and it all comes together...eventually. I really enjoyed all of the side characters and challenges along the way in true Lili Valente style. I just love the McGuire family, the people of Bad Dog, and the wonderful furry characters that join each story in the best possible ways.

Narration by Lili and Jason Clarke makes this even better with such wonderful humor, regret, and the best shenanigans that will take you on the full spectrum of emotions with the flawless precision we know and love from these wonderful performers. I giggled and swooned, cringed and held my breath, and truly just got lost in the story and experienced it in the very best ways with top-notch narrators.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, these McGuires! I swear, this family is like the gift that keeps on giving. Six books in, and Lili Valente continues to reel me in with every visit to Bad Dog, Minnesota. The title of this book may be Kind of a Dirty Talker, but thirty-three-year-old Wesley Preston McGuire is ABSOLUTELY a dirty talker. He may come off as Mr. Nice Guy, but he's got a kinky streak to him, and he's been paired rather perfectly with thirty-nine-year-old Tessa Marley Gray Martin. Yup, there's a wee bit of a reverse age gap and I was so loving it! Theirs was a second-chance romance of sorts, and let's just say that their first time together was...complicated, or at least it resulted in complications. I laughed my little black heart out, enjoyed the flirty banter, and lived for all that dirty talk (and all the dirtier bits in between). The McGuire clan made their presence felt, but it was Freya the ferret who stole the show. Kind of a Dirty Talker is kind of a five-starred read, and we're already promised a return to Bad Dog with Binx's book up next!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
This is the sixth book in the series. Bad Dog has some crazy things going on and this book is no different. I so love the sense of humor. I was laughing and chuckling through out the whole book. Now I'm on Tessa's side regarding her reaction with Wes because I would have felt them same way. For me it's a hard no for me because of what my dad did when I was younger. Though I will give Wes a little more leeway because the situation is different and everything went to hell after that night. Tessa sure deserves some good things going her way. I loved her ferret Freya. Freya is a sassy little thing and very protective of Tessa. The craziness Bad Dog causes Wes, Tessa, and Freya to head out to some adventures in a camper. The people they meet along the way make things even more interesting. Along the way Tessa and Wes may get the second chance at something special. This book is highly entertaining! I really can't for the next book in the series because I'm really excited for Binx's story

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wes and Tessa's story is a bit of a second chance romance with close proximity, on the run vibes.

I love how they have an instant connection when they first get together. I have to say, I totally get her hesitation to get together after their one night stand in the woods. Wes leaves out vital information and it makes sense why Tessa avoids him for awhile. But he definitely makes up for it! These two have so much in common and make each other feel safe enough to be who they truly are. I love how playful they are together!! And their steamy times? Incredibly hot. They don't really have a breakup but they do have a fight. They talk it through and I so appreciate the realness of it. I love how they talk and overcome the obstacles that stand in their way. Tessa is such a sweetheart and helps Wes let out his playful side. He's an alpha in the bedroom and makes her feel beautiful. They compliment one another perfectly!

ARC review.

[Tami Talbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest installment in Lili Valente’s Bad Dog series offers another delightful tale filled with vibrant characters. Tessa and Wes embark on a romance peppered with the unexpected presence of their ferret companion, Freya, and unplanned adventures. Their bond deepens rapidly, only to face challenges when hidden truths come to light, leaving Tessa questioning their connection and whether or not she can truly trust Wes.

Upon reuniting after an 18-month hiatus, the magnetic pull between them remains palpable. However, revelations from the past, particularly when exposed to the sister of Wes’ former partner, compel them to seek refuge away from Bad Dog to allow emotions to settle. Despite Tessa’s efforts to guard her heart, their time together only strengthens their bond.

Once again, Lili Valente treats us to a captivating romance brimming with unforgettable characters and uproarious furry companions that infuse her narratives with delightful charm.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wes's sister, Mel is best friends with Tessa. Tessa has had a crush on him for such a long time. But, Wes made it clear years ago, that he didn't think of Tessa in that sense. She was so hurt, at the time but when Wes comes to her rescue in later years, those feelings she had for him are still there.

Wes rescued Tessa from a situation that could've gone from bad to worse real quick. He may be a lawyer but he knows how to protect his family and friends. Tessa is his sister's best friend, so he, of course, was willing to do what needed to be done.

One hot night together in the woods, these two have some major chemistry going on. However, Wes didn't mention a few things about his life to Tessa and he's screwed that new relationship up forever....or has he?

I loved these two together! A great addition to The McGuire Brothers series!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wesley McGuire
Tessa Martin

Tessa is, Wesley’s sister, Melissa’s best friend and works with her at the catering company. Wesley is one of the many McGuire’s in Bad Dog and is a Lawyer. Wesley saves Tessa from a bad date and they end up having a hot night that Tessa is determined not to let happen again. Even if she doesn’t want to repeat the night Tessa can’t stop thinking about Wesley. Wesley can’t stop thinking about her either. Tessa accidentally causes trouble and she ends up on the run with Wesley in a camper van with her ferret Freya. I really liked Wesley and Tessa the adventure was fun. This is a very good, fast reading book. It can be read as a standalone or part of the series. I would definitely read more books by this author and this series.

[KS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another funny addition!

This was quirky fun! Wesley was definitely a dirty talker & adventurous in the boudoir or tent as the case may be. Tessa was just a ball of fun & Freya was the star!! I adored her feisty ferret self!!

So Wesley starts things off with Tessa by omitting a fairly big aspect of his life which results in the downfall of anything starting. Sigh!

Eighteen months later - a hilarious reason for a second chance begins. They start a road trip which results in facing fears, facing hard truths, & getting closer along with the precious Freya along for the ride & protection.

A fun addition to the McGuire clan saga. Highly entertaining even if I was mad at Wesley for how things started!!

I voluntarily requested & read an advance reader copy.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entire series in audio. Good author and narrator! I recently reviewed something with a comment that it would have been better with more attention to the animals. Well, this series delivers that, plus. It's full of offbeat pets, support animals, and crazy wildlife antics.

Bad Dog, the name of the small town, is a clue to the craziness that ensues. There are so many cousins and in-laws in this community that people say they can't date without knowing who someone is connected to.

A fun Rom Com series I found in Hoopla. I'll be looking for more by this author. Same review added to each book in the series.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of a Dirty Talker was so much fun and an absolute delight to read. Wes and Tessa have an instant connection, but circumstances keep them apart until they find themselves on a madcap adventure that brings all of their emotions to the surface.

Both Tessa and Wes are kindred souls and truly understand each other. They have so much in common, but lies and misunderstandings keep them apart. I was hooked from the first page of this hilarious romcom and I couldn’t put it down until I had reached the end of this wildly funny and steamy adventure.

[Payton Box · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so funny, I loved the shenanigans that kept me laughing but also the emotional scenes as Tessa and Wes figured out their feelings for each other, but also how their actions have hurt each other too.

There is so many little stories within this book between Freya and the camping/road trip that you’ll be hooked as you travel along with Tessa and Wes! These two have some good chemistry, and you’ll just want to keep reading to figure out how they work everything out, especially as more secrets pop out along the way!

[Lauren Lascola-Lesczynski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wesley & Tessa are hot an heavy until the morning after. Tessa has a string of bad luck and is not looking for anymore trouble. Wesley messed up with Tessa and can't stope thinking about her. These two have avoided each other for as long as they could. Tessa's big mouth get's them in a pickle and Wesley is trying to help fix it. They find themselves alone together...again. These two have BIG chemistry and I am here for it. I loved being back in Bad Dog with these amazing characters.
#emotionalsupportweasel

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

I loved this story of Tessa and Wesley! Another McGuire adventure, I love it! Tessa and Wesley had one hot night together, but Wesley was still with his girlfriend even though he wanted to end the relationship. Now almost two years later, they get another chance. I love these two together! I love this book and series! I highly recommend! This series is so fun!

[Corinne · Rating 3 out of 5]

These really keep getting weirder and weirder, yet I can’t stop reading them. My main issue with this book is an issue that I had with another book, not from this author, but I find it really hard to make a character redeemable when they allow for their love interest to Help them cheat on their significant other, without telling their love interest that they are otherwise with someone. And this isn’t a spoiler it’s part of the summary

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sixth book in the McGuire Brothers series is a fun rom-com that had me smiling all the way through! It’s a second chance, best friend’s brother romance that kept me entertained and engaged. Tessa and Wes connect instantly, but there are some snags along the way to their HEA. If you like rom-coms, you’ll enjoy this one.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

After so many Lili books, you would think I’d know what to expect, but I am caught off guard every time. There’s always something new and unexpected and hilarious. New ways to be delighted. This particular book had a much darker start than I was expecting based on the cartoony cover. But the story was still full of rom-com goodness.

[Callie Kakascik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book in the McGuire Brothers series, and this time it's Wesley and Tessa. Tessa is Melissa's BFF, and of course, Wes is Mel's brother.

This one starts with a bang, spice, then some drama, and they end up going on a road trip together, even though she is angry with him. It's his 2nd chance to win her.

No 3rd-act breakup, and it has decent spice.


4.00 stars

[Cheriwinkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook excellently narrated by Jason Clarke and Lili Valente. There is SO much going on in Wesley and Tessa’s story, it feels like you’re on a run-a-way train! Highly enjoyable! I am wondering why Ms. Valente refers to little girls as ‘buddy’ though. I’ve never heard that.

[Jamie Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

kind of a dirty talker by lili valente. this would be my favourite of the series. I love the angst and want between the MCS, and they also go on a treasure hunt, which was awesome. but i didn't know who i felt sorry for more because of the FMC's sister being a total psycho.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wesley and Tessa

Wesley gets off on the wrong foot with Tessa then gets a second chance to redeem himself during a camping trip. There are a lot of shenanigans during their treasure hunting adventures, but they get to know each other at a deeper level. A satisfying read.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 🔥

[Feija · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️ I really really liked this book!

[Tracy Kincaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

cute

I love the adventure these two, I mean three go on. So much fun. And what a creep the guy at the beginning turned out to be. Love this series.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

hilarious

Love this series. Tessa and Wes have fun adventures together. Absolutely love Freya the ferret. Such a great job on this book