I went into Wreck the Halls with high hopes, especially with its promising premise of holiday cheer and rock 'n' roll family drama, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite hit the right notes for me. While Tessa Bailey is a talented writer with a gift for crafting steamy romances, this one felt more like a recycled playlist of clichés than a fresh holiday hit.

The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Melody and Beat had potential, but it leaned too heavily on predictable tropes without bringing anything new to the table. The characters didn’t feel fully fleshed out, and their banter, which I usually enjoy in Bailey’s work, often came across as forced rather than fun. The pacing also dragged, making it hard to stay invested in their romance or the subplot involving their mothers’ estranged rock star pasts.

I will say the holiday atmosphere was festive, and Bailey’s knack for setting a scene still shines through. Fans of light holiday reads who don’t mind a heavy dose of the familiar might still find something to enjoy here. But for me, Wreck the Halls lacked the spark and originality I’ve come to expect from Tessa Bailey’s books. If you're a devoted fan, it might be worth a read—but otherwise, there are better holiday romances out there to cozy up with this season.

"Wreck the Halls" by Tessa Bailey is a festive romance that brings holiday cheer and a touch of spice. The story follows the lives of two characters who find themselves entangled in a holiday romance filled with humor, misunderstandings, and steamy moments.

The book has its strengths, particularly in Bailey's ability to create chemistry between the characters. The banter is witty, and the romantic tension is palpable, making for some enjoyable reading moments. The holiday setting adds a cozy, festive atmosphere that is perfect for the season.

However, the story does have its drawbacks. The plot can feel a bit predictable at times, and some of the conflicts between the characters seem forced or resolved too quickly. Additionally, while the characters are charming, they can also come across as somewhat clichéd, lacking the depth that would make them truly memorable.

Overall, "Wreck the Halls" is a fun, light-hearted read that is perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. It's not without its flaws, but if you're looking for a festive romance to enjoy by the fire, this book might just do the trick.

I definitely feel like this is a book that you need to have lower expectations to really enjoy it. To me Tessa's books are usually a hit or miss and I was really nervous with this book because I saw more negative reviews for it. So going into the book I thought I wouldn't really love it. Going in with lower expectations really helped me with this book. There are plenty of cheesy and cringe worthy moments. If I go in and really think through this book I would rate it lower, but more surface level rating it is a 3.5 star.

I think there are so many funny moments in this book and I loved how Beat and Melody (Hate their names) instantly had this connection. I think without it this book would not have worked. The story was really cute and I loved that Beat and Melody were connected without ever really spending anytime together just based off of their parents. I loved how protective Beat was and how he thought of Melody first. Is this my favorite Tessa couple? NO! Not even close. There was plenty of things wrong with the book and the couple, but overall its a spicy, funny, cheesy Christmas romcom.

I love books by Tessa Bailey, and her witty banter and heartwarming characters make this a fun and engaging read. The chemistry between Melody and Beat is undeniable, and their slow-burn romance is both sweet and sexy. The author's ability to blend humor, drama, and heartfelt moments creates a truly enjoyable reading experience.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.

The offspring of former rock stars pair up to try to talk their mothers into getting past their fallout and reuniting the band in this seasonal rock & roll romance. Melody and Beat met as teens, when he accidentally put her in a compromising position that lead to a lot of fallout for her. Frankly, she likes her quiet bookish life and would prefer NOT to see him again, or get involved in this project, but the financial compensation if they are successful might be worth it. Next thing you know, they’re being followed around by a film crew 24/7 to document their mission: impossible; deadline: Christmas Eve.

This is a funny, bubble-gum pop story with a strong dash of Tess Bailey spiceness, which is to say, expect lots of chatter in the bedroom. I connected more strongly with these characters than some of her more recent reads. A smattering of depth is added through Beat’s backstory (poor lonely rich boy) and Melody (overshadowed by her mother and her career).

If you love musical stories with the added complications of media, try The Breakup Tour by Emily Wibberley and Austin-Seigemond-Broka, which is a thinly-veiled homage to Taylor Swift and imagines her in a relationship with her pianist, the one that got away; Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto, in which the conductor plays up the romance between his first-chair cellist and antagonist violinist for publicity and sponsors, or Kiss the Girl by Zoraida Cordova, about a glam rock girl band sensation that drops in as just another musician for an up and coming act.

I received a free reader’s advance review copy of #WreckTheHalls via #NetGalley.

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)

#books #bookishlife #booklover #readingisfun #iowabookstagrammers #iowabookstagram #netgalley #avonbooks #ltbreaderteam #wreckthehalls #tessabailey

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 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!