A Tessa Bailey series!!

Okay, fellow bookworms, I absolutely have to gush about Tessa Bailey’s Broke & Beautiful series! When I first picked up 'Chase Me,' I honestly wasn't sure what to expect, but I was immediately hooked. This series, which includes 'Chase Me,' 'Need Me,' and 'Make Me,' truly showcases Bailey's talent for crafting steamy, heartfelt romances with characters you can’t help but root for. Let's start with 'Chase Me,' my personal favorite and a solid 5-star read for me. This book introduces us to Roxy Cumberland, our determined 'poor girl,' and the undeniably alluring Louis McNally II, the 'rich boy.' Their dynamic is pure gold, and the 'he falls first' trope is executed flawlessly. Roxy, with her dreams amidst the bustling streets of New York (as hinted by those vivid city collages!), brings a vibrant energy, while Louis, likely from a powerful background given the legal office imagery and his quote 'INNOCENT UNTIL I PROVE YOU GUILTY,' is all intensity and hidden vulnerability. The push and pull between them, his protective nature emerging despite their different worlds, made my heart absolutely ache in the best way. It’s a perfect example of how love can bridge any gap, no matter how wide. Next up is 'Need Me,' a captivating 'professor x student' forbidden romance. We meet Honey Perrikow, who seems to have a spirited, down-to-earth vibe, perhaps from Kentucky as suggested by the 'Welcome to Kentucky' sign, now navigating the academic halls of Columbia University. Her story with Ben Dawson, the professor (whose intellectual side is beautifully represented by library scenes and a Charles Dickens quote from the OCR!), is filled with delicious tension. The forbidden aspect adds so much spice and angst, making every stolen glance and secret encounter feel incredibly charged. I loved how Bailey developed their connection, making their bond feel genuine despite the challenging circumstances. Finally, 'Make Me' brings us Abby Sullivan and Russell Hart in a fantastic 'friends to lovers' story with a 'dominating MMC.' Abby, who might be involved in the fast-paced world of finance or business given the 'WALL ST' signage, and Russell, a man of grit and hard work, possibly in construction (those hard hats and machinery from the OCR are a dead giveaway!), have such a rich history. The transition from platonic friendship to passionate romance is handled so skillfully. Russell's dominant streak adds an exciting edge, but it's always tempered with deep affection and respect for Abby. Their journey is a testament to how the best relationships often grow from the deepest friendships, evolving into something even more profound and exciting. What I particularly appreciate about this series is how each book, while featuring new characters, often has delightful cameos or mentions of previous protagonists, making the world feel connected and alive. Tessa Bailey truly excels at creating relatable heroines and alpha heroes who are still incredibly empathetic. Her writing is always engaging, witty, and perfectly balances humor with heart-stopping romance. If you’re looking for a series that delivers on tropes like rich boy/poor girl, forbidden love, and friends-to-lovers with plenty of heat and genuine emotion, you absolutely must dive into the Broke & Beautiful series. You won't regret it!