I don’t read a lot of holiday romances, but you can bet I snapped this one up as soon as I could.

Tessa Bailey’s newest romance features the children of infamous band members and rock legends, who split long ago and are now enemies, Melody Gallard and Beat Dawkins. They’ve always known about each other, but only met in person once, briefly, as teens. But when an entertainment television company has an idea to boost ratings by getting the band back together, they are about to be thrown into reality TV superstardom.

This book had so many tropes- friends to lovers, instalove, and forced proximity. I kind of fell into it the moment I opened my Kindle. You just can’t help but fall in love with these MCs. They connect on a fundamental level during that first meeting as teens and then keep thinking of each other through the years, even though they never reconnect through phone or email. Yet, when Beat comes to Melody with the entertainment company’s idea for them to pressure their mothers into reuniting, they can’t help but be instantly drawn back to each other.

Their romance is a heartwarming, sweet melding of souls. The live stream of their quest garners them instant stardom and the audience can tell right away that there is something more there than just friendship. Insta-love isn’t usually my jam, but oh man did I enjoy it here. Beat is sweet and protective and always, always thinking of Melody’s feelings. Melody has a huge crush on Beat and is really only doing this whole thing because she knows he needs it for reasons and to become independent from her mother. Their dialogue is full of sparkling wit and snappy comebacks.

In true Tessa Bailey style, Beat has a sexual secret he’s afraid to share with Melody- something that he’s always kept to himself and never shared with a romantic partner. This “secret” brings the hotness to the sexytimes and does create a bit of drama between the couple. And yes, Beat has a dirty, dirty mouth in bed.

There is also a blackmail plot behind Beat’s decision to take part in the show. It drives all of his decisions and is the catalyst for the third act breakup. I did love the way the blackmailer received his comeuppance at the end, and how that scene ultimately brought this couple back together. Their HEA is super sweet and reminded me a bit of a Hallmark movie ending.

All in all, Wreck the Halls is a spicy holiday romance, full of delightful shenanigans, quirky characters, and sparkling banter. The premise is fun and the romance sigh-worthy. I enjoyed it immensely.

A holly jolly holiday romp between two long time acquaintances who want to get their parents' band back together.

Fun, uplifting and full of holiday based spirit!

Tessa is absolutely beautiful and charming. I could listen to her talk all day.
Now the book....I honestly have few words to describe it. It wasn't so much an "instagram-love" but a
"soulmate". The connection between Beat and Melody was pure magic. loved every minute.
Thank you @netgalley for the ebook. Thank you @thehauntedbookshopmobile for hosting the event!
Thank you @avonbooks for bringing Tessa to Mobile... we want her back ASAP! And @tessabaileyisanauthor ..thank you for a night I'll never forget and another wonderful book.

I’m a relative newbie when it comes to Tessa Bailey. This is the first book I’ve read by her that is new. I had previously only read her Line of Duty series and most of those are over 10 years old. I was curious if her writing style would still be similar and, being as she’s super popular right now and that’s not always a great thing for an author’s writing, I was wondering if her current work could live up to her hype. I’m happy to report that I adore this story.

Let me start with the dialogue. Melody and Beat have magnificent banter. Melody, in particular, is extremely witty and wry. I couldn’t get enough of her. Beat always “got” Melody and it was often as if they were sharing an inside joke when her dry humor would come out. The way these two clicked verbally really helped to build their chemistry from the start.

This is a fated mates story if I ever read one. Melody’s mom and Beat’s mom were a phenomenal rock duo that broke up while they were both pregnant. The moms haven’t talked since so these two only met one time in their childhood, as teenagers for a brief moment. Those 10 or so minutes were enough to make an impression on both and leave them wondering “What if?” for the last 14 years. When they meet again as adults it’s as though they’ve been friends forever. They just fit together so seamlessly although they are very different personalities. Part of it is knowing the other has the same shared experience of being the child of beloved rock icons, and part is chemistry.

Along with witty banter and a quick-paced storyline that keeps these two on their toes, there is a lot of soul-searching. For Melody and Beat as well as their moms. While Beat always snaps into protector mode when it comes to his loved ones, Melody has always attempted to remain invisible. The problem is, Beat doesn’t know when to ask for help when he is the one who needs protecting, and Melody is so good at her invisibility trick that she forgets to speak up for herself when needed.

I’m not a huge reality show fan so I was a bit hesitant when starting this book. I’ve read enough smarmy producer stories and it’s not a favorite of mine. I was delighted to find this story had such loveable side characters who truly cared about Melody and Beat. Those peripheral characters helped infuse heart and humor into the story when needed. I’m officially hopping on the Tessa Bailey fan train.

Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
POV: Dual

Wreck the Halls is a unique kind of romance book, and while it is relatively light on the Christmas part, it is definitely not missing that special holiday magic!

I loved how Beat and Melody were soul mates from the moment they met each other as teenagers, and how as adults they picked up right where they left off. Beat is one of the sweetest heroes of Tessa’s that I’ve ever read, and Melody is a perfect match for him who really comes into her own in this book.

With the Christmas in New York setting and the drama around Beat and Melody with the reality show they agree to be on while trying to reunite their retired rock star moms, this book is even more fun than I imagined, but what kept me reading was the undeniable chemistry between these two amazing characters!

This book had a really cute premise. The children of two previous performers from a musical group that broke up are pulled together in the hope of getting their mothers to reunite for a concert. The entire project is to be streamed online. But the outcome isn't likely since their mothers seem to have no love lost for one another. They also appear to be total opposites who can no longer relate to each other. Yet, Beat and Melody take on the challenge and give it their best shot. Along the way, they discover a great deal about themselves as well.

I've read a great deal by Tessa Bailey and always enjoy her books. Of course, I enjoyed this one as well but it also felt a little special. I just really liked Melody and Beat's characters a great deal and loved their blossoming relationship. it's a real feel good book. That said, there are some topics that are challenging - - Melody and Beat both have baggage from their childhood. But overall, this story kept me smiling. A lovely holiday read for sure.

Thank you to NetGalley fro this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

Instalovers, this one's for you! The instalove is STRONG with this one, with our couple falling from the moment they lock eyes with each other. They briefly (very briefly) met when they were teenagers, and their mutual crushes reignite as soon as they reconnect as adults. It's a light and fluffy rom com for the most part, with a hearty dose of the spice Bailey is known for. I wish it had felt more like a holiday romance - other than being set at Christmastime, it really didn't give off those vibes. I also wish the relationship had developed slower, so that the pacing didn't feel so slow one minute and rushed the next. And I wasn't completely sold on the hero's preferences in bed, though it's an interesting concept. So it wasn't an overly successful read for me, but there's definitely an audience for this sweet and spicy romance.

The story follows Beat and Melody, two people whose mothers had a falling out years ago. They had one encounter when they were teenagers, and it left a lasting impression on them both. So when they're paired up for a reality show, it takes no time at all for that ember of connection to spark up again. As they grow closer during filming, it's difficult to remember the reasons why giving into their mutual attraction is a terrible idea. But Beat is harboring a few secrets that threaten to derail their budding relationship before it even gets started, and that means there's sure to be trouble ahead.

Bailey is notoriously an inconsistent writer, and that holds true for this as well. Some of her books are easy 5-star reads for me and others are obvious misses. This sits somewhere between the two. I liked the cute Christmassy vibes, even though I don't actually consider this to be a holiday romance. It felt sort of like Hallmark after dark though, and that was pretty fun. I also enjoyed the fact that both characters were so likable, and the mutual crushes were a win in certain ways. I almost wish these two hadn't met before though, and instead had bonded once they met. That would've lessened the instalove vibes and the messiness of their history, in addition to smoothing out the transition from strangers to lovers. It made sense to me why they bonded so quickly, it just felt like too much. So I never connected to them as a couple. I also understood the reasoning behind Beat's bedroom preferences, and I think I would've been more accepting of them if they'd met for the first time as adults. I can't really go into that without spoiling things, but that'll make sense if you read it, lol. In the end, I didn't emotionally connect to the story at all, and that made it incredibly easy for me to put down. I can't rate this one any higher, but that's just me.

What a sweet romance!
No one can write steamy scenes and the utter desire a man has for a woman like Bailey.
Two rock star legends’ kids team up to ignite the impossible reunion but instead finally act on the spark that has been between them since they first met.
I thought the play on their names was catchy.
I loved that Beat was obsessed with Melany and that it played out live.
A sleazy rat gets his comeuppance but I wouldn’t have minded if that had involved something more forceful.
If your looking for holiday zing— the steamy scenes will melt the tinsel of your tree.

* I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this book. All thoughts are my own.

3.5 stars

It took me a little while to read this because for some reason I had it in my head that it was part of the Secretly Yours and Unfortunately Yours series so I read them first. Turns out it’s a standalone Christmas time book! I liked the story and the characters for the most part, but I found a lot of the dialogue to be too cringey for me. I think I may be moving away from Tessa Bailey books because I really only loved It Happened One Summer and the rest have been average.

Might recommend depending on what else my friends have read. But it’s not for everyone.

Wreck the Halls is a fun romance book, where the two main characters, Beat and Melody have to reunite their rock star mothers for a concert on Christmas. To do this the two main characters agree to do a reality show and twists and turns follow. The idea of the book was great and I loved Melody, and the interaction between the two mothers, Their story and interactions were a lot of fun to read. I did not connect with the Male main character Beat. He was so clingy and overprotective of Melody that it made me cringe at several points in the book.
Overall an OK book for me, certainly not the best of Tessa Bailey's books in my opinion.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy!

Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey is a quirky and delightful holiday romance about the two children of two former rock and roll stars, along with a rock star reunion, intrusive reality show and unorthodox sizzling tension as Melody and Beat comes together for a Christmas miracle. In all, with just the right amount of friendships, relationships, and reunions, this was a fun holiday rom-com with a lot of heart and turmoil mixed in that I highly recommend to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Wreck the Halls is the latest from Tessa Bailey. Beat and Melody work together to reunite their mothers' band. Oh and this is all being filmed live. Not only do these two have a tough task ahead of them, but they also try to fight their growing feelings for one another. There were many different twists and turns that not only dealt with their mothers but also each other. I was intrigued in how all of this would play out. Beat and Melody are put through the wringer, and it was compelling. There were some amusing scenes as well as tender and heart wrenching ones. Beat and Melody were nice together. Their banter and interactions were good. I also liked the time they spent with their mothers. It was interesting to see the dynamics there. I was curious with it all. Overall, a pleasant holiday read.

I think I’ll set this one down for now as I had a hard time with this book. The main characters names were a bit too cliche and the story had a bit too much Insta love. I still want to try more of her books but at the moment this one is a dnf

No I believe in soulmates and love at first sight? Jury's still out on that one. Does this book make me want to believe? Absolutely, yes. Melody and Beat are, for all intents and purposes, rock star royalty. They are totally nepo babies, but in the best, chaotic way possible. The children of the front women of Steel birds, think Fleetwood Mac mixed with Heart, Mel and Beat have grown up there whole lives being asked about something that has not existed since before they were born. They have spent their entire lives dodging questions and pretending for not just the public, but also themselves. In reality, the 2 have only met once before. So, why do they both feel like the other is a part of their live in a way they can't explain?

Tessa Bailey romances always make me a bit giddy and this was no exception. The main characters are that type of adorable that makes me want to become a fangirl (the irony is not lost on me after reading the book). I loved the entire universe of "Wreck the Halls" and would do a great many things to hear more of this story, including, but not limited to a certain producer and camera man.

While this wasn't my absolute fav Tessa Bailey book I did like that this story followed the two children of famous rockstars who break up because of a man. Tasked with reuniting the two former friends for a Christmas concert, Beat and Melody find themselves working together on a reality tv special as they track down their mothers and try to make a reunion happen. Spicy with Tessa's trademark humor and heat, this was not the usual holiday romance but I was here for it! Good on audio too. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you, Harper Collins and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Tessa Bailey could publish her grocery list and I would likely find something to gush about, but I had true hesitations before reading this one. I was worried it would be cheesy Christmas rom-com and I just was not in the mood. But to my delighted surprise, this book is just peak Tessa Bailey. It’s funny, exciting, Fleetwood Mac-type meets reality tv, bocce ball tournaments, random commune, with not a single moment of hallmark Christmas movie.

Chef’s kiss. If you *get* Tessa Bailey, this is your winter read!

This is not a sappy holiday romance…it’s better! I went into this book blind as a longtime Tessa Bailey fan and was really surprised! This holds its own even outside of the holiday season.
Beat Dawkins and Melody Gallard are the adult kids of a legendary rock duo, now estranged. Despite teenage crushes, they’ve grown up separately, living their own lives until approached by a producer with a deal hard to turn down. They team up for a live-streamed reality show as they work to get their moms to reunite for a Christmas Eve reunion concert. Not exactly an easy task when these rock and roll divas — one a philanthropist living in luxury and the other, a rough and tough *not* cult leader — haven’t spoken in three decades. Shenanigans, blackmail, feisty Santas and hot mics ensue…but will it all be enough to reunite the Steel Birds?
This was a fun read that can go at any time of the year, but has that added holiday bonus of ending on Christmas Eve.
Thank you to Avon Books and Harper Voyager for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. This is out now.

Tessa Bailey knocked this one out of the park. The premise is that a child 9f a famous and rich rock star is being blackmailed and in order to pay the blackmailer he agrees to a reality show. This is when is gets good. While Beat and Melody participate in the show, the unexpected happens over and over again. The HEA is adorable and the story from beginning to end is a joy to read.

A Holiday book about music royalty. Here are reasons to read the holiday contemporary book:

Rockstars children - The children of rockstars from the band Steel Birds meet for the first time when they are 16.

Estranged - the band broke up when the mothers were pregnant and now the families are estranged

Reality Show - The children, Melody and Beat, are tapped to tap a live reality show with one mission

Reunion concert - to reunite Steel Birds on Christmas Eve

This was my first Tessa Bailey book and honestly I was hooked on this one. There is a LOT of spice as the author does describe herself as writing R rated books. Also, while this book does take place in December, it isn’t totally a Christmas or Holiday book overtly. However, you really do start to root for Melody and Beat’s story, both with each other and as they relate to their mothers. Honestly, I would read more Tessa Bailey books for sure.

I am a huge @tessabailey fan and am excited to tell y'all about this one! It's a terrific holiday read, equal parts heartwarming and hot 🥵 5⭐️

✔️ Teaming Up
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Opposites

The premise sucked me in immediately! Beat and Melody are the kids of two rock stars who have been estranged since before they were born. They agree to try to get their moms to reunite for one big concert event, though it won't be easy. Dealing with attraction to each other isn't easy either!

I loved everything about this one. The plot worked well and felt very original; Beat and Melody were such fun characters. I loved how they understood each other from the start and had impacted each other's lives after a chance meeting when they were teens.

The chemistry between them was through the roof and, in classic Tessa fashion, the filthy mouth on Beat was chef's kiss! Just perfection.

And Melody - she was a delight too! I love a funny bookworm. The suprisingly filthy mouth made her aspirational - I kinda want to be her.

This is one of my most favorite Tessa reads, along with It Happened One Summer and Fix Her Up! Pick this one up - it's perfect for the holiday season, especially if you want a spicy one 😂.

Steam 🔥🔥🔥
Banter 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️
Swoon 💕💕💕💕💕