“I’ll love you until my heart gives out. I’ll be your man for a thousand years. Longer if I’m allowed.”
If you love heartwarming romances, steamy chemistry and unforgettable characters, Tessa Bailey is an author you don’t want to miss. Renowned for her irresistible spicy romance novels, Bailey has hooked readers with her unique mix of humour, heat and emotional depth. Whether you’re a long-time fanatic or a newcomer to her books, you may be wondering which of Tessa Bailey’s novels is best to dive into next. From her popular Hot & Hammered series to standalone bestsellers like Window Shopping, Bailey has created a catalogue of unputdownable page-turners. Today at What We Reading, we’re rounding up the best Tessa Bailey books, showcasing a variety of romantic comedies, steamy love stories, and everything in between. So, if you’re looking for the perfect Tessa Bailey book to add to your reading list, you’re in the right place!
It Happened One Summer (Bellinger Sisters #1) (2021)
First up on our list of Tessa Bailey books is arguably her most famous novel to date, It Happened One Summer. This charming enemies-to-lovers tale follows Piper Bellinger, a glamorous socialite from LA who is sent to the small coastal town of Westport after her latest scandal. There, she’s forced to face her estranged stepfather’s rundown property and learn to live a more grounded life. Enter Brendan Taggart, a gruff, no-nonsense local fisherman who is known for his tough exterior and rough-around-the-edges demeanour.
Piper and Brendan could hardly be more different, and their first interactions are full of tension, banter and an undeniable chemistry. As Piper learns to embrace her new simpler existence, she begins to see Brendan in a new light, and he begins to soften his own stance toward her. What follows is a slow-burn romance full of sizzling chemistry, emotional vulnerability, and plenty of heart delivered by Tessa Bailey’s signature blend of humour, steam, and depth.
Check Out The Best Books Like It Happened One Summer
Fix Her Up (Hot & Hammered #1) (2019)
Fix Her Up is the first book in Tessa Bailey’s Hot & Hammered series and follows the story of Georgette ‘Georgie’ Castle, a quirky, fun-loving woman who works as a party planner. Despite her bubbly personality, Georgie is often overlooked due to her family’s successful reputation and the fact that she’s still living in the shadow of her childhood. To prove her independence, she decides to revamp her image and pursue her own dreams, including a romance with a man who’s the total opposite of the safe, predictable types she’s used to.
This is where Travis Ford, a former professional baseball player whose career was curtailed by injury, comes in. Now a gruff, brooding man with a bad reputation, he’s looking for a fresh start. When Georgie asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend in an effort to shake off her old image, sparks immediately fly. What begins as a fake relationship soon develops into something much deeper as Georgie and Travis find themselves falling for each other. With plenty of steam, humour and heart, Fix Her Up is the perfect Tessa Bailey rom-com to introduce her trademark style.
Check Out These Swoon-Worthy Small-Town Romance Books
My Killer Vacation (2022)
2022’s My Killer Vacation introduces readers to Taylor Powell, a schoolteacher who’s looking forward to a badly needed holiday. What she doesn’t expect is to stumble upon a crime scene whilst on her getaway at a secluded beach house. When she finds a dead body in her rental, her vacation turns into a chaotic and dangerous adventure.
Enter the hero, a tough and brooding bounty hunter called Miles Webster, who has been hired to find the killer. Despite their very different personalities – Taylor’s fun, extroverted demeanour contrasts wildly with Miles’ serious, no-nonsense attitude – sparks fly between them. As they join forces to solve the mystery, they’re forced to confront their growing attraction whilst unravelling the secrets behind the murder. One of the most unique Tessa Bailey books, My Killer Vacation is a fun, spicy mix of romance and thriller elements that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
Love Her Or Lose Her (Hot & Hammered #2) (2020)
The second book in the Hot & Hammered series, Love Her or Lose Her is an emotional second-chance romance that dives deep into the complexities of long-term relationships. The story follows Rosie and Dominic, a married couple who’ve grown apart through the years. While they still love each other, their relationship has become stagnant, and they’re stuck in a cycle of misunderstandings and miscommunication.
Frustrated with a lack of connection, Rosie opts to take matters into her own hands and suggests a break – either they work on their issues, or they risk losing one another for good. Dominic is initially taken aback by the ultimatum but is nevertheless determined to fight for their love. As they set out on a journey of rediscovery, they confront their insecurities, passions, and the vulnerabilities they’ve hidden from each other. Love Her or Lose Her confronts the struggle of keeping love alive in long-term relationships and features all of Tessa Bailey’s skills at capturing raw and real emotions.
Tools Of Engagement (Hot & Hammered #3) (2020)
Another Hot & Hammered entry, Tools of Engagement centres around Bethany Castle, a successful interior designer who’s ready to prove herself in the competitive world of home renovations. When she gets an opportunity to participate in a high-stakes home makeover competition, she’s determined to win, no matter the cost. The only issue? She’s up against Wes Daniels, a talented contractor with a reputation for being as stubborn as he is charming.
As Bethany and Wes clash over design choices and construction methods, sparks fly, and their playful banter soon blossoms into undeniable chemistry. With both of them vying for the same prize, the competition soon becomes more than just a rivalry – it turns into a chance for both of them to confront their pasts, insecurities and growing feelings for each other. With witty banter, sizzling chemistry and plenty of laughs, Tools of Engagement is another one of the best Tessa Bailey books for anyone looking for a tension-fuelled opposite-attract read.
Window Shopping (2021)
Window Shopping is a heartwarming and steamy holiday romance that’s perfect for cosying up during the festive season. The story follows Stella, a woman down on her luck, who’s trying to get back on her feet after a rough patch in life. One evening, she finds herself window shopping in a high-end department shop in New York City, admiring the luxurious displays and dreaming of better times.
But when she’s caught by the grumpy store manager, Aiden, instead of being reprimanded, a spark is ignited between them. Aiden, a stoic and introspective man, finds himself pulled in by Stella’s infectious personality and natural ability to make him laugh, even during the stressful holiday season. As the two spend more time together, their attraction grows, and what starts out as a chance encounter turns into something more. With Tessa Bailey’s renowned mix of heat and humour, Window Shopping is a sweet, steamy holiday romance that will leave you smiling long after the final page.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
