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Girl #2.5

Renaissance Man

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The last place ex-Special forces soldier, Kyle Musgrave, expected to find himself was in a joust at a renaissance fair. There’s a prize for winning, however—her name is Cameron and she’s just as horrified by her medieval circumstances as Kyle. She needs his help badly to escape her would-be suitors. For Kyle, that means donning uncomfortable armor, galloping to victory on a stubborn steed and claiming a reward he never expected. If she’ll have him.

Audiobook

First published November 12, 2018

484 people are currently reading
3162 people want to read

About the author

Tessa Bailey

109 books67k followers
New York Times Bestselling author Tessa Bailey can solve all problems except for her own, so she focuses those efforts on stubborn, fictional blue collar men and loyal, lovable heroines. She lives on Long Island avoiding the sun and social interactions, then wonders why no one has called. Dubbed the “Michelangelo of dirty talk,” by Entertainment Weekly, Tessa writes with spice, spirit, swoon and a guaranteed happily ever after. Catch her on TikTok at @authortessabailey or check out tessabailey.com for a complete list of books.

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5 stars
899 (23%)
4 stars
1,220 (32%)
3 stars
1,202 (32%)
2 stars
343 (9%)
1 star
89 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 474 reviews
Profile Image for Aisling Zena.
634 reviews521 followers
February 23, 2019
4.25 stars

Just a quick note letting you know that Kyle is Jackson's friend from Runaway Girl. You don't need to read it to enjoy this one but if you read Runaway Girl and wondered about Kyle this lovely short story is his HEA.

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P.S. Supernatural really does have gifs for everything!
Profile Image for Carvanz.
2,379 reviews896 followers
February 9, 2019
This book came highly recommended to me by a trusted book friend so I didn’t hesitate to jump in as soon as I could. And I’m so glad I did.

This had so many things about it that I loved. First, there was the fact that this hero is chasing the heroine by entering a jousting contest in order to win a date with the heroine. There is also the scenes between events when it is evident that he is irresistibly drawn to her on every level. But the one thing that rang my heart’s bell was his “mine” attitude and his jealous/possessiveness that he doesn’t even attempt to hide. With a heroine who is a tiny bit of a nerd, has a wonderful sense of humor, and meets him in a most embarrassing way, I was completely sold.

Passing on this recommendation to everyone who likes anything listed above! ;-)

I listened to part of this on the Read Me Romance podcast and read parts of it, especially the epilogue, from a copy borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.

Dual POV
Safe
Triggers

Profile Image for Gi's Spot Reviews.
1,144 reviews1,367 followers
May 28, 2019
KYLEEEEE... OMFG... Mega swoon fest!


♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

I listened to the professionally narrated audiobook on the Read Me Romance Podcast for FREE!
Profile Image for Mindy Lou's Book Review.
3,001 reviews798 followers
February 3, 2019
Loved this! It was funny and the hero was swoon worthy! I listened to this on the Read Me Romance podcast but then borrowed the ebook to get the epilogue. Trust me, you gotta read the epilogue. It took the story up a notch.

Hero is instantly enthralled with heroine. He has to enter a Renaissance contest to get a date with her, which is hilarious. The more time he spends with her the more he falls hard. He’s protective and very possessive.

Heroine is very sweet. She seemed a bit nerdy and is a little unsure how she snagged such a hotly. The way he reassures her is pretty hot.

This is a very short read but filled to the brim with content. You won’t feel shortchanged reading it and it is worth the read.
Profile Image for Floripiquita.
1,475 reviews169 followers
May 3, 2020
3,5 Estrellas. ‪🔥‬😍‪🔥‬😍‪ Así he pasado la lectura de este libro, cortito, sexy y divertido. Tessa Bailey suele ser un acierto seguro y tener a un prota que es una especie de Obi Wan Kenobi construido como un armario y capaz de participar en una justa para llevarse a la chica, una fan de Star Wars muy ocurrente, mucho más.
Profile Image for Sarah.
3,358 reviews1,236 followers
February 2, 2019
2.5 stars (rounded up)

You can listen to this audiobook for free via the Read Me Romance Podcast or purchase the ebook from Amazon which I believe comes with an extended epilogue not available via the podcast.

When Cameron agreed to spend time at the renaissance fair to get to know her stepfather she didn't realise she was agreeing to be the prize offered up for the winner of the jousting contest. That wasn't what she had in mind at all but she can't figure out a way to back out without upsetting her mother. Kyle is dragged along to the fair by his friends and isn't at all sure why he agreed to be there but when he meets Cameron and realises she's in need of rescuing he finds himself signing up to take part in the jousting contest.

The first meeting between Cameron and Kyle was great, and the start of a quite sweet romance. It's obvious that they're both attracted to each other but with this being a novella everything happens in the course of an afternoon so we're not looking at the next great love story here but they made a cute couple and I was totally on board with that.

My main issue with this story was the whole jousting contest though. If I'm reading fantasy you can throw anything at me and if your world makes sense I'll happily go along with it but when I'm reading a contemporary romance it has to feel believable. Could I get on board with Cameron and Kyle's instant attraction? Yes, easily. It's not like they were spouting words of love straight after meeting, they were attracted to each other and agreed to go on a date, something people do all the time.

What I had and issue with was the fact that Kyle, who has never been to a renaissance fair before, walked in, signed up for a jousting contest and was just instantly allowed to take part. They didn't even ask if he'd ridden a horse before, let alone whether he had experience jousting (which he didn't!). Are you seriously telling me that anyone can walk into one of these fairs and they'll let you jump on one of their horses with a big pointy stick and tell you to get on with it? Have you any idea how dangerous jousting can be? A quick internet search will tell you about broken bones, punctured lungs, even death! Can you imagine the cost of the insurance for these events if they just let anyone walk in and take part completely untrained?

I know I'm making a big deal out of something that won't bother most people but I just hate it when a contemporary story doesn't feel realistic. If he'd been an amateur jouster who was already taking part in the contest before they met then I could have sat back and enjoyed the ride but that ruined the whole experience for me because I kept waiting for him to lose an eyeball to a wooden splinter! It just felt like sloppy writing in my opinion but your mileage may vary.
Profile Image for Vanessa Booked Up.
1,076 reviews479 followers
July 3, 2019
4 Saucy and Freaking Delicious Stars!

Omigod!!! God BLESS Tessa Bailey! I am on a mission to read this author's entire back list ASAP. This sexy little treat was the last story that takes place in the Runaway Girl world...excuse me while I go bawl my eyes out about that sad reality!!! It was Kyle's story, Jason's friend and fellow ex soldier.

It was short but I really don't care because it was still hot as all fuck! ;)

This author can do no wrong in my book. Looking forward to reading more of her steamy wonderful work VERY soon!!
Profile Image for Alba and Her Secrets..♥.
947 reviews1,157 followers
January 30, 2019
4.5 'Big, sexy fairy tale' Stars!

Gaaaaaaaah, I want more!! I adored to read how finally Kyle Musgrave (Jason's best friend, who we met in Runaway Girl) finds his soulmate. Yes, I waited for the eBook to release since I am not a massive fan of audiobooks but the waiting was OH SO WORTH IT! Yes, this is a short story, everything happens quick but it was so well written and developed. When it comes to writing a novella that has a little bit of everything, I just knew Tessa would not fail.

Kyle and Cameron together.. SPARKS! Lots of them! Instant connection, banter, sexy times and emotions, who is complaining here? Not me! Yes, of course, since you all know how much I love Tessa Bailey, I would have loooooved to read more about this adorable couple but what has been written I absolutely loved! This was a fantastic, fast read by one of my absolute favorite authors and if you want a quick fix of steamy romance, you should definitely check this one out. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Steph's Romance Book Talk.
2,864 reviews1,400 followers
November 16, 2018
WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE SOOOOO SHORT!!! I wanted more and more of Kyle and Cameron! Hot, sexy, and fun!! Another hit for the podcast of Read Me Romance!!

This specific video review will be included in the November 2018 wrap-up.

For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Profile Image for Melanie (mells_view).
1,929 reviews394 followers
January 30, 2019
Funny. Sweet. Steamy. Alpha male hotness.

Funny. Sweet. Steamy. Alpha male hotness. A quick novella spin-off from Bailey’s Girl series. We met Kyle in Runaway Girl, and got to fall for him jousting for Cameron in this quick story. If you’re looking for hot, quick, and fun you’ve found it!
Profile Image for Tracy  C.
541 reviews38 followers
March 25, 2019
Reread - The added epilogue made it even better!!
HOT HOT HOT!! Tessa Bailey is one of the best. Seriously. Get the Read Me Romance Podcast. It's awesome!!
Profile Image for *CJ*.
5,096 reviews623 followers
February 1, 2019
"Renaissance Man" is the story of Cameron and Kyle.

A chance meeting at a Renaissance fair..
A buttock spotting..
A joust for the milady's hand..
A prize to be win..
A quickie which turns into so much more..
Some smokin' hot lovemaking..
A sweet courtship..
A forever commitment..
Mild drama..
HEA.

Tessa never disappoints.

Safe
3.5/5
Profile Image for Misha.
304 reviews176 followers
June 4, 2022
TB and I must be wired similarly or something. Her brand of unhinged just works for me.

This was both sincere and hot. The hero had that cowboy vibe I die for. This is how you do a ridiculous novella correctly.
Profile Image for Whitney.
330 reviews130 followers
November 19, 2019


This was my first book by the lovely Tessa Bailey. I actually listened to it via the Read Me Romance Podcast. If you haven't started this podcast yet, I highly recommend it! Tessa, along with the duo author Alexa Riley, host it and they talk about everything romance and then play a chapter of a book per episode. It is a great way to get introduced to a new author. And it makes the commute to work or running an errand more enjoyable!

I really enjoyed the concept of this story. The protagonist, Cameron, agrees to become the prize of the jousting competition of her step-dad's renaissance fair. She and Kyle have a very cheeky encounter that leaves Kyle smitten. He decides to try to save Cameron from some odd medieval-lover when he realizes he really just wants her for himself. While Cameron is left wondering if being the prize is really such a bad thing when there is a man like Kyle fighting for her attention.

Overall this was a super cute fast audiobook that left me satisfied. Tessa also mentioned that Kyle is a character from one of her other books that I am dying to look into. I highly recommend this as well as the podcast!

4 Stars! This review was originally posted on Sincerely, Whitney
Profile Image for Serena Books.
1,982 reviews106 followers
April 11, 2020
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Tuve un flechazo con esta historia...




Renaissance Man de Tessa Bailey


Mí humilde opinión:

Kyle Musgrave es un ex fuerzas especiales. Cuando lo dieron de baja luego de los horrores de ser un prisionero de guerra, viajó sin echar raíces en ningún sitio.

Antes de mudarse de nuevo, su amigo lo lleva a una feria renacentista. Allí encuentra a una mujer colgando de una cerca y como todo caballero sureño la ayuda. Con mucho gusto pues está mostrando su mejor parte trasera colgada como está.

Cameron se dejó convencer por su madre y padrastro de participar en una justa como premio. El hombre que ganara obtendría una cita con ella.

Kyle es un sueño de hombre que la rescata cuando intenta escapar de la feria. No puede creer que él sea real, ella ha renunciado a todos los hombres pero este ex fuerzas especiales parece demasiado bueno para ser verdad.

Kyle termina participando en la justa y ganando la cita con Cameron.

La atracción entre ellos es instantánea.

Ahora deberán lidiar con los fuertes sentimientos porque se han encontrado el uno al otro y Kyle nunca la dejará marchar...



Este es un libro independiente de Tessa Bailey, leí uno antes que no me gustó nada. Así que dudé al leer este pero me decidí por lo de la justa. Crucé los dedos y para mí sorpresa ME ENCANTÓ!

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Si bien fue todo rápido el romance, a mí las historias de amor a primera vista me encantan siempre, claro dependiendo de la historia y los personajes.

Y simplemente adoré a Kyle! Desde que se mete en la justa por una cita con Cameron, luego vestido con el esmoquin y después rescatando a Cameron del edificio en llamas.

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Una pequeña historia de amor a primera vista con momentos dulces y sexys que te hará soltar unos Awww y ponerte un poco mucho las mejillas coloradas. 
Profile Image for Grecia Robles.
1,696 reviews466 followers
December 13, 2022
A pesar de ser una historia corta fue muy cute y tuvo un buen desarrollo.
Profile Image for Gio Listmaker .
286 reviews88 followers
April 17, 2020
If You Love Alexa Riley Or Kristen Ashley You Will Love This Book

Insta Love Is Not My Favorite

It Is Missing Tessa Bailey's Knack For Sexual Tension
Profile Image for Serial Romance Librarian.
1,187 reviews295 followers
October 3, 2020
I’m not a huge fan of insta love. Kyle has a tragic backstory of being a POW. Cameron’s character doesn’t have a lot of depth. The renaissance fair is a fun setting but the whole book is very unrealistic. Tessa Bailey’s books usually have more angst and sexual tension. This one didn’t do it for me but it was scorching HOT.

Profile Image for Jessica Frances.
Author 29 books404 followers
November 17, 2018
I listened to the on the Read Me Romance podcast. This was cute, fun, and sexy. I really love Tessa Bailey's books and need to bump her up my TBR list! This is free so definitely recommend you subscribing to their podcast and giving this one a listen!
Profile Image for Fanny.
2,395 reviews50 followers
November 12, 2021



Nunca una historia tan breve me habia dejado tan satisfecha, Renaissance Man no es solo una lectura divertida y directa, sino que ademas esta muy bien construida, no le falta ni un solo detalle.

El romance es precipitado, pero es que la pareja protagonista es tan linda, adorable y graciosa que no te importa lo mas minimo que todo suceda a toda marcha, es mas, me quede con ganas de saber mas de Kyle y Cameron.

En resumen, dentro de la tematica de novella es de lo mas memorable que recuerdo, tiene una buena base y los personajes son muy agradables, lo que hace que tomarles cariño sea facil. Ojala hubiese sido mas largo.

3.25 Estrellas!
Profile Image for Catheryn.
1,324 reviews27 followers
May 28, 2024
I thought this novella was so fun and sweet! I was pretty surprised that this was a Tessa Bailey book, because it didn't sound like her other books.

I loved the banter between the characters and laughed out loud so many times. Their relationship was so sweet. The spice was also really well done.

Overall, a fun and quick story.
Profile Image for Jane (It'sJaneLindsey).
447 reviews480 followers
Read
June 21, 2019
This was a very quick renaissance fair novella, and I enjoyed it! Not much time for any sort of development, but it’s a cute premise and quite steamy, and sometimes short and sweet is what you want.

Also, the couple from Runaway Girl makes a cameo in this!
Profile Image for Princess under cover.
617 reviews319 followers
October 22, 2019
Tessa Bailey is 2 for 2!

I really dig these short connective hot little numbers. Just enough story, just enough sex. And heroines I like, Heroes I love. The REAL kind of man. The kind you keep forever if ur lucky enuf to find one.

The premise was rather unique, which intrigued me enuf to try it. I liked Cameron and Kyle.
Profile Image for Kim.
2,443 reviews
November 17, 2018
Gahhhhhhhhh I loved it. The last line brought ALL THE SWOONS. Perfection.


😍😍😍😍😍😍😍


Have you subscribed to Read Me Romance yet? FREE audiobooks weekly! Plus, fun book chat with the creators!

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Profile Image for Amara.
2,388 reviews79 followers
October 11, 2020
Way better than I expected, especially considering that it takes place at a Renaissance Festival. Which I HATE. I live right near one, and it's HELL.

But this was so cute, and that male narrator is a STUD. Well, he sounds like one anyway.
Profile Image for em.
367 reviews732 followers
January 19, 2020
Bailey had me at ex-Special forces soldier.

How can this woman never fail to set my panties on fire is something that will always fascinate me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 474 reviews

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