When I was given the opportunity to interview Tessa Bailey for Wreck the Halls, I couldn’t reply fast enough. I love love love Tessa’s books and I was excited to get my greedy eyeballs on this new story. (Spoiler alert: it’s a new favorite of mine.)
Before we get to Tessa’s answers, let’s check out the book.
Title: Wreck the Halls
Author: Tessa Bailey
Pages: 368
Pub Date: October 3, 2023
Publisher: Avon
Find it: HC | Bookshop | GoodreadsSynopsis: 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.
Sounds good, right?
1. Please give the elevator pitch for Wreck the Halls.
Our two main characters, Beat and Melody, grew up as the children of rock stars. Their mothers were the most successful band of the nineties. Thirty years later, Beat and Melody been tasked with reuniting the band on Christmas Eve, but they spend a lot of time falling in love while bringing together the two stubborn women for one last concert.
2. Which came first: the characters or the plot?
The characters usually come first for me, but this time it was the plot. I liked the idea of these two young people growing up in the limelight and how it would affect them, how they would look out for each other because no one else understands what it’s like to grow up with celebrity parents and the scrutiny it brings from tabloids. I also just loved the humorous possibilities that would arise from trying to reunite two very different personalities and the setbacks and hijinks that would ensue.
3. Why do you love Melody and Beat and why should readers root for them?
It will be impossible not to root for Beat and Melody because they are so EARNEST. They’re lost for each other. They’ve both been missing something their whole lives, a confidante, someone to be completely honest with, and they find that in one another.
4. Were there any weird things you googled while drafting?
Edging. I did a lot of research on edging. The rules of bocce. And Courtney Love songs.
5. Without spoilers, which scene was your favorite to write?
The snowball fight in Prospect Park.
Speed {ish} round:
1. What was your last five star read?
The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren
2. What are your favorite and least favorite tropes?
Favorite: Enemies to lovers. Least favorite: Secret Baby/Second Chance.
3.What is your favorite snack?
Peanut butter smeared on a banana.
4. Have you watched anything amazing?
The Bear is the best show I’ve seen in ages.
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New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey aspires to three things. Writing hot and unforgettable, character-driven romance, being a good mother and eventually sneaking onto the judging panel on a reality show baking competition. She lives on Long Island, New York with her husband and daughter, writing all day and rewarding herself with a cheese plate and Netflix binges in the evening. If you want sexy, heartfelt, humorous romance with a guaranteed happy ending, you’ve come to the right place.
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Huge thanks to Avon Books for the opportunity and to Tessa for taking the time. Wreck the Halls is out today and buy links are above.
Have you read Tessa’s books? Which is your favorite?
I tried one book by this author and had trouble getting into it. To be fair though, I didn’t give it my full attention, only reading it in between review books now and again. I really want to give her books another try and this one sounds like a blast!
I know her books can be hit or miss for a lot of people, but she’s always worked for me! I hope you love her words if you give them another try. Thanks for always reading and commenting!