Member Reviews
This was a really cute book. I loved the connection between the characters and the plot was a lot of fun. It’s definitely got the usual Tessa spice too! Thank you netgalley for my free review copy.
I’m a big fan of Tessa Bailey’s work, but Wreck the Halls just didn’t hit the same mark for me. While the book has her signature steamy chemistry and fun, holiday vibes, I found myself struggling to connect with the characters and the plot. The romance was definitely there, and it’s a quick read, I just didn’t feel the same spark that I’ve enjoyed in her other books. That said, if you're a fan of festive rom-coms and Bailey’s usual style, it is still be a fun, light read.
This was such a delight! I loved this story. It was the perfect antidote to the winter blues. Would love to see more Christmas books from Tessa!
Can never go wrong with Tessa Bailey! Loved this cute Christmas Romance! Definitely would recommend to my fellow romance lovers!
Thank you to @NetGalley and @avonbooks for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey is a delightful holiday romance that combines humor, heart, and a touch of rock ‘n’ roll. This novel follows Melody Gallard and Beat Dawkins, the children of two feuding rock stars, as they attempt to reunite their mothers’ band for a Christmas Eve performance.
What I Loved:
Character Chemistry: Melody and Beat have an undeniable chemistry that leaps off the page. Their interactions are filled with witty banter and genuine emotion, making their romance both fun and heartfelt.
Humor and Heart: Bailey’s signature humor shines through, providing plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. The story balances these lighthearted scenes with deeper emotional beats, creating a well-rounded narrative.
Unique Premise: The idea of reuniting a legendary rock band adds a fresh twist to the holiday romance genre. The backdrop of the music industry and the reality TV show element make for an engaging and entertaining read.
What Could Be Improved:
Pacing: At times, the plot can feel a bit rushed, especially towards the end. A more gradual build-up to the climax would have enhanced the overall impact of the story.
Believability: Some scenarios, particularly those involving the reality TV show, can stretch believability. While these moments add to the fun, they took me a bit out of the story.
Overall, Wreck the Halls is a charming and spirited holiday romance that will leave you smiling. Tessa Bailey delivers a story full of love, laughter, and rock ‘n’ roll magic, making it a perfect read for the festive season.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
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Tessa Bailey does it again with another cute holiday romcom. Our two main characters have famous parents and the only one who knows what each other has been through is them. Having spent their lives immensely separate a promise to bring their moms together brings them together too.
listen, i love Tessa Bailey with all my heart but this book wasn’t made for me. i had to DNF @ 35% ughhh it was boring.
and the main characters name were so… unserious. beat and melody? you kidding me??😭😭😭😭
i like the cover, though. it’s cute.
This book was a nice change from Tessa Bailey's usual writing. I liked the concept of the book and the story was active and flowed. Melody and Beat are fun characters, if a little unbelievable. I kinda wish it had more of a Christmasy feel, since the cover portrays it that way. But all in all, an enjoyable read.
Tessa Bailey’s holiday rom-com is a delightful blend of humor, romance, and a touch of rock and roll nostalgia. Melody and Beat's dynamic is captivating, with their contrasting personalities creating a fun tension throughout the story. The premise of reuniting their estranged mothers for a Christmas concert is both unique and engaging, offering plenty of laugh-out-loud moments amidst the chaos. However, at times, the plot felt a bit predictable, especially with the classic holiday rom-com tropes. Still, the chemistry between Melody and Beat is undeniable, making it a perfect, lighthearted read for the holiday season!
⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating
“Of all the privileges I never feel like I’ve earned, you’re going to be the ultimate one, aren’t you?”
As much as I enjoyed this one, it just wasn’t what I was looking for in a Christmas read! There wasn’t much of anything Christmassy about it besides the time frame it takes place in! I enjoyed the long lost friendship that came with Beat and Melody. The concept of the children of rockstars trying to bring their moms back together was sooo good! It was a very fun read!
I wanted to love Beat and Melody's story. Opposites attract, steamy, Christmasy. What's not to like? For me it felt rushed. I wanted more depth in the story and for the pasts of the characters to be more flushed out.
I love Tessa Bailey, and will continue to read her book, but this one was not meant for me.
"Wreck the Halls" by Tessa Bailey is a fun, festive read that combines holiday cheer with a bit of mystery. The story follows Melody and Declan, who are thrown together when a holiday decorating contest turns into a chaotic and suspenseful adventure. The chemistry between the characters is engaging, but the plot can feel a bit over-the-top at times, which may not appeal to everyone. The festive setting and quirky humor keep it entertaining, though it occasionally leans more on the predictable side.
If you're looking for a light, holiday-themed read with a touch of romance and a lot of holiday spirit, this book will do the trick. It's a great pick for when you're in the mood for something fun and easy, even if it doesn’t break new ground.
"Wreck the Halls" by Tessa Bailey is a heartwarming and enchanting Christmas romance that brings the festive spirit to life. The novel centers on Melody, a quirky and introverted rare book restoration expert, and Beat, a handsome and confident man accustomed to the spotlight. Both characters carry the weight of their pasts—Melody struggling with the shadow of her rockstar mother and Beat grappling with his privileged yet isolating upbringing. Their paths cross as they embark on a live-stream project called "Wreck the Halls," leading to unexpected emotional breakthroughs. Melody finds the confidence to step out of her comfort zone and embrace her true self, while Beat learns to open his heart and let others truly see him. With witty dialogue, genuine character development, and a touch of holiday magic, Bailey crafts a delightful story about finding love, healing, and self-acceptance. Perfect for readers seeking a feel-good holiday romance.
I loved the romance! they understood each and could be themselves together. The chemistry between them was amazing! I also loved the slow-burn and the sexual tension between the main characters. There were several scenes that made me blush and smile so much. The writing is beautiful and descriptive. I honestly felt like I was living in the world with the characters. I felt so many emotions while reading this book, I cried, I laughed and I smiled. This book will stay in my heart for a long time.
Tessa Bailey has been one of my absolute favorite authors for the past 4 years and will continue to be one of my favorite authors. If she writes it, I’m going to read it. She never fails to write the funniest books with so much heart and spice. She nails it every single time. I love her holiday books because they always nail the aesthetic and fun vibe of the season and mix it with her perfect romance recipe. Beat and Melody were so fun to read about and their story was so cute. I’ve never read a romance with this kind of plot line before and it was so much fun!
Another masterpiece by Tessa Bailey in the books and I can’t wait for future books by her because she is an all time favorite author.
*Thank you Netgalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a cute holiday romp! If Tessa Bailey writes it, I'm gonna read it. The themes of 90s rock and roll, reality tv, and a pseudo star crossed lovers were all super fun. It wasn't my favorite TB book, but I'd love to read another holiday book by her!
This one was just okay for me and I honestly had a very hard time finishing it. There was A LOT going on in this one, the live reality show, the kink thing, blackmail and even the crazy Santa’s. It all felt messy to me. It didn’t feel much like a love story either, but came off more like obsession and lust (especially on Beat’s part) and I was bored by the time it turned into anything more. I enjoyed the start, and then for then it slowly declined and got a bit boring.
The blackmail thing started strong then just disappeared until the very end. I lost interest in that fast. The Kink thing was a surprise and a little bit odd honestly. It became the main focus toward the end and was just like …unmm okay.
I usually love her books, but this one wasn’t my favorite Tessa Bailey book, but I do look forward to her next book since I do enjoy her writing. Thank you @netgalley for this #arc for my honest review.
I read this right after the holidays and it was the best time to do so because it wasn’t super focused on being Christmas time like I thought it was! Such a great read anytime of the year.
I devoured this book and I feel like it might have pulled me out of a slump. It was full of emotion, the characters were so easy to absolutely love, and I rooted for the two of them so hard!
The entire storyline was fantastic, I was never asking myself what was going on or where the story was going because it was written so well.
My first 5 star read of 2024!
Probably not her strongest books. I felt the storyline wasn't great and the two main characters were pushed together without a strong plot.
Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager, Tessa Bailey, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for my review.
I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into with this one, especially reading a Christmas book in the summer, but I’m always a sucker for a Tessa Bailey book. Melody and Beat were clearly meant to be together but their mother’s feud kept them apart for years and years. Until they are approached by a media company to film a live streamed reality tv show in order to get their mom’s band back together.
Beat and Melody had chemistry from the moment they met and it only grew and grew throughout the book. Though this book is exceptionally unrealistic, I loved every second of it. I’m usually not a huge Christmas book fan, but this book ended up being less about Christmas/winter/the holidays and more about the story at hand which I appreciated. Another TB book I love. Always always recommend!