Wreck The Halls

This was a cute second chance romance between two characters who had an instant connection as teens but went their separate ways until they meet up 14 years later. They have a plan to reunite their mothers who were part of a famous singing duo who ended their professional relationship and friendship after a BIG falling out decades before.  

This book had a cute premise and a festive cover, but it isn't my favourite Tessa Bailey book. In fact, I think it would have fared better as a novella. The story centres around Melody and Beat (not a fan of his name), but their low-key personalities were overshadowed by their famous mothers' awesome snark, sass and complicated emotional baggage. 

Spice: Fans of Bailey's signature spice may find things a little tamer - despite the inclusion of Beat's fetish (which felt a bit contrived and overplayed). 

Festive Feel: for a title and cover that give a holiday vibe, the festive feel stays in the background and only serves a very minor role

Romance: I'm not one to jump on the InstaLove bandwagon, but in this case, Bailey made it work. I loved seeing sweet teen crushes turn to something more.

Wreck The Halls was a story that kept me turning the pages, but despite not being quite as spicy or swoony as I had hoped, this was still an enjoyable (but not quite festive) read that Bailey fans will devour.

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Author: Tessa Bailey

Genre: Romance, Spicy

Type and Source: LP Trade Paperback from library

Publisher: Harper Large Print

First Published: October 3, 2023

Book Description from GoodReads: Melody Gallard may be the daughter of music royalty, but her world is far from glamorous. She spends her days restoring old books and avoiding the limelight (one awkward tabloid photo was enough, thanks). But when a producer offers her a lot of money to reunite her mother’s band on live tv, Mel begins to wonder if it’s time to rattle the cage, shake up her quiet life… and see  him  again. 

The only other person who could wrangle the rock and roll divas. Beat Dawkins, the lead singer’s son, is Melody’s opposite—the camera loves him, he could charm the pants off anyone, and his mom is not a potential cult leader. Still, they might have been best friends if not for the legendary feud that broke up the band. When they met as teenagers, Mel felt an instant spark, but it’s nothing compared to the wild, intense attraction that builds as they embark on a madcap mission to convince their mothers to perform one last show. 

While dealing with rock star shenanigans, a 24-hour film crew, brawling Santas, and mobs of adoring fans, Mel starts to step out of her comfort zone. With Beat by her side, cheering her on, she’s never felt so understood. But Christmas Eve is fast approaching, and a decades-old scandal is poised to wreck everything—the Steel Birds reunion, their relationships with their mothers, and their newfound love.