Tessa Bailey is the author I've read the most, full stop. Sixteen books and counting. Her rom-coms are funny, big-hearted, unafraid of big feelings, and very much open-door, which is exactly the lane I'm writing in (minus a door or two). If you're new to her, here's how her series break down, what each one is about, and where I'd jump in.
Big Shots (sports rom-coms)
- Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey
Wells is a pro golfer in a career slump whose only remaining fan is Josephine, who runs her family's pro shop. When he quits mid-tournament and then begs her to be his caddie, the comeback starts. Grumpy hero, sunshine heroine, forced proximity on the tour, and the book that made me keep going with the series.
- The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey
A hockey player and single dad hires a marine biology student as the live-in au pair for his daughter, and the whole house has feelings about it. Age gap, forced proximity, and a hero who is soft where it counts.
- Dream Girl Drama by Tessa BaileyLucy rated it 5 stars
A harpist and a hockey player, instant chemistry, and a complication that makes them off-limits to each other. Funny, emotional, and a five-star read for me. If you only read one Tessa Bailey, make it this one.
- Pitcher Perfect by Tessa BaileyLucy rated it 4 stars
A baseball romance rounding out the Big Shots crew. Fast-paced and fun, with the series' trademark banter.
Bellinger Sisters
- It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
Piper, a Los Angeles socialite, gets banished to a tiny Pacific Northwest fishing town after one viral stunt too many, where she runs headfirst into Brendan, the town's brooding sea captain. Grumpy meets sunshine, fish out of water, and the one everyone starts with, for good reason.
- Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey
Piper's sister Hannah and Fox, the flirty fisherman from book one, in a friends-to-lovers story about a man who's been typecast as the fun one and the woman who sees more. The quieter, more tender of the two.
A Vine Mess
Secretly Yours by Tessa BaileyHallie is a chaotic, big-hearted gardener in Napa; Julian is the buttoned-up professor next door. Secret love letters, opposites attract, and a grumpy hero who is entirely undone.
- Unfortunately Yours by Tessa Bailey
Natalie needs to marry to unlock her inheritance; August needs a business partner for his failing winery. A marriage of convenience with two people who genuinely can't stand each other, until they can.
Hot and Hammered
- Love Her or Lose Her by Tessa Bailey
Rosie and Dominic have been married for years and have quietly fallen apart. Marriage-in-trouble romance is rare in rom-coms, and this one is honest about the work of finding your way back. Book two of the series, and the one I've read.
Romancing the Clarksons
- Too Hot to Handle by Tessa Bailey
The Clarkson siblings hit the road on a cross-country trip after their mother's death, and Rita, the eldest, finds a bar owner in a tiny town who isn't done with her. Road trip, small town, and big emotions.
- Too Wild to Tame by Tessa Bailey
Aaron, the ambitious Clarkson brother, meets a senator's daughter who's the opposite of his plans. Opposites attract with a political edge.
Broke and Beautiful
- Chase Me by Tessa Bailey
A New York romance between a bartender and a runaway heiress. Quick, fun, and the start of a three-friends series.
- Need Me by Tessa Bailey
Honey, a Kentucky transplant, and her too-young-to-be-this-serious professor. The emotional one of the three.
- Make Me by Tessa Bailey
The wealthy, guarded friend of the group finally meets his match. Light and fast, a good series closer.
These are books I've actually read, with the star ratings from my own reading log. No sponsorships, no affiliate links, just my shelf. Ratings are on a five-star scale.
My pick for a first Tessa Bailey: It Happened One Summer if you want the classic, Dream Girl Drama if you want my favorite.
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