Talullah accepts a live in nanny gig for hockey star Burgess and his tween daughter Lissa. Not only will it give her free lodging in notoriously expensive Boston, the child in question is nearly self sufficient, and the schedule will work around her degree coursework.

There’s two sided instant attraction, but they don’t immediately act on it.

It’s age gap-ish (age gap lite? 11 years isn’t huge, but it’s not nothing)
Plus there’s the whole ‘is it appropriate with the power imbalance?’

She’s struggling with some understandable safety concerns and reluctance to be live in help to a man she has barely met and has A Reputation on the ice
He is focusing on trying to do his best by his daughter while alleviating Tallulah’s concerns to risk her losing her help to take a shot he thinks will miss.

Even with the laundry list of reasons why they *shouldn’t* a late night rescue and an agreement to help him get back out there shifts things. Suddenly the lines they drew look like they’ll be demolished sooner rather than later

This one manages to feel like the MCs have UST even after it is very much not unresolved…is unresolved emotional tension a thing? Because maybe that’s it. Anyways, it’s glorious.
And these two have *mouths* on them too

The third act breakup was a one-two punch of pain, but the story resolves into such a wonderful ending it was worth it.

Also - Sid and Chloe. Definitely want to know more about *that* whole situation

I don’t know if there’s an official CW because I didn’t check, but heads up for stalking and kidnapping - NOT between the MCs, but it did happen to the FMC in the past

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the arc!


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I also reviewed this on goodreads, but for some reason the share button isn’t there and I can’t figure out how to grab the link to copy it below

I said it before and I’ll say it again TESSA BAILEY CAN DO NO WRONG! The banter! The spice! Everything was just so good! Already talking to anyone who will listen about this book!

The second book in Tessa Bailey's Big Shots series is a hockey romance that was so fun to read! I love sports romances and was so excited for this after being hinted at in Fangirl Down. Yes for all of the hockey and the great Tessa Bailey banter and steam.

Thanks to @avonbooks for my copy!

mehhhhh.... was this spicy? HELL YES. but was this for me? definitely not. I found The Au Pair Affair to be missing that Tessa Bailey charm... iykyk.

I loved everything about this book. The hulking hockey player and younger au pair were such a great pair. I really enjoyed this one!

I was hooked from page one of this amazing masterpiece. Tessa Bailey puts something in her books that makes me fly through them with ease, and this one was no exception. The characters were so deep and the relationship between everyone had me daydreaming.

I enjoyed "The Au Pair Affair" by Tessa Bailey far more than "Fangirl Down!"-- There I said it!

As a part of her new sports-themed series, Big Shots Book #2, "The Au Pair Affair" is stacked with your expected tropes: nanny x boss, grumpy x sunshine, age gap (11 yrs), and single dad. But the way each trope is handled is far from typical--there's more adult logic, acceptance, and focus on overall happiness rather than just 'letting things happen.' The MCs, Tallulah and Burgess are so different but also likable and relatable as an adult reader--something I didn't get from 'Fangirl Down.'

Speaking of the MCs, Tessa never fails on spice, and drama. Yes, there's a formulaic third-act-breakup, but it's one of the most logical ones I've read in a while, and the get-together isn't as instant as most books. It's worth wild for the HEA.

4.5/5 Stars. Thank you Netgalley for providing an eARC and Harper Collins / Avon for providing an early finished copy in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.

The Au Pair Affair was such a fun read and a strong follow up to Fangirl Down, which I absolutely loved! I had never read a novel where the characters had such a significant age gap, but it felt very realistic. Initially, both Tallulah and Burgess had reservations about the gap, but of course, in the end, their chemistry and connection won out. Although there were a few “daddy” jokes (which, the term usually makes me cringe), their dynamic was never weird. The pacing of the story made sense. These are two people who were clearly attracted to one another from the start. I won’t give anything away, but I definitely wouldn’t consider their romance to be a slow burn. What I liked the most about The Au Pair Affair was that their relationship arc was genuine. I didn’t feel like anything was forced for the sake of creating conflict. I’ll also note that the characters were reasonable. I feel like, in some novels, when conflict does arise, the characters go from 0 to 100 way too quick. We learn a lot about the characters’ backstories fairly early on (very well done, by the way), which inform their present day realities and how they respond to the situations they are presented with. Tessa Bailey definitely didn’t disappoint with this novel. It was sweet, sexy, and heartwarming. I love that there was a big family focus with this one too. I was kind of sad that I got through it so quick. There was also a clear set up for the next novel which I am very interested in reading!

I definitely recommend checking out The Au Pair Affair and Avon Books! Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy!

I was super excited to get an advanced copy of the second title in the "Big Shots" series after enjoying the first book, "Fangirl Down." This book definitely delivered on entertainment and added a refreshing twist to the series. While it kept me engaged for the most part, I found both the beginning and the ending somewhat slow. The final section set in Costa Rica, in particular, felt like a bit of a slog.

Despite my initial enthusiasm for Burgess and Tallulah's relationship, I wished for more development and depth to fully invest in their characters and relationship. Nevertheless, I'm glad I read "The Au Pair Affair" and remain interested in future titles from the series. Recommended reading for adults who love spicy romantic reads!

Thank you to NetGalley, Tessa Bailey, Avon, and Harper Voyager Publishing for an advanced eBook in exchange for my honest review.

Honestly, I just feel like I'm getting burnt out with hockey romances? While some of Tessa Bailey's earlier books really hooked me in and I enjoyed them, this one and the previous one in the series, "Fangirl Down," did not reel me in as much. I'm sorry about the fishing puns, but I'm sure you can guess which Tessa Bailey books I like from a few years back.

I didn't get as much of a vibe between the two main characters. It felt a little too "insta love" for me, which can work sometimes. It just didn't work for Burgess and Tallulah. Plus, it felt a little skeevy when it felt like Burgess loved Tallulah more than his own daughter. She felt like a background character, and also just a plot device to bring the two MC's together. Obviously, without the daughter there would be no book, but is it too much to have more of her?

There were moments I enjoyed, but others I skimmed. Overall, a three out of five.

Read the Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey if you are a fan of grumpy x sunshine, age gap, forced proximity, and sports romances. I found the characters to be likeable and a the book had a cute storyline. This is the second book in the Big Shots series. It could easily be read as a standalone however. I look forward to Sig and Chloe's story which comes out next!

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the advanced digital copy of the book for my honest opinion.

The Au Pair Affair, by Tessa Bailey, was an excellent addition to her Big Shots series. I read the first in the series, Fangirl Down, and gave it five enthusiastic thumbs up! (I still HiGHLY recommend that book.) The Au Pair Affair had a tough act to follow, but Tessa Bailey did an excellent job on this book as well. Tallulah is Josephine's best friend from the first in the series and Burgess is Will's best friend. That is how they meet. Burgess needs a nanny for his 12 year old daughter, Lissa. I thought this was going to be a book about a mom mostly abandoning her child and the dad needing to step up, thus the need for a nanny. I was actually pleasantly, surprised that that is not the case. Lissa's mom is not a bad mom, they just split custody and because Burgess plays hockey, he cannot be there all the time and needs someone to help out, thus the need for Tallulah. You do learn fairly early in the book that Tallulah had a horrific thing happen to her in the past that she is still recovering from. It was not a situation I've read about in a book before and it really added some depth to this book. I could understand why the trauma would still impact your life, even years later. I can highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the next book in the series.

I'm not a fan of a nanny romance but this one wasn't bad. I love Tessa's writing so I really enjoyed a new story from her but overall I think I'm gonna be staying away for more nanny romance books.

The second installment in the "Big Shot" series has truly cemented my love for hockey-themed romances! While I adored Will and Josephine’s love story in the first book, I must admit that Tallulah and Burgess’s romance has taken things to a whole new level.

This story is a delightful blend of forced proximity, age difference, and opposites attract themes. Tallulah, a quirky marine biologist with a rich Turkish and Native American heritage, is a free-spirited heroine whose past trauma has left her with a touch of insecurity. Her kindness and selflessness make her incredibly endearing, and her unique background perfectly complements her character's fluid nature and tendency to embrace change.

Burgess, on the other hand, is a gentleman with a soft heart but an occasionally volatile side on the ice. His profession as a hockey player, coupled with his need for an au pair to help care for his 12-year-old daughter Lissa, sets the stage for an intriguing dynamic. Despite his on-field aggressiveness, Burgess’s genuine affection for Tallulah becomes evident after their initial meeting, leading to a compelling romantic tension.

The narrative explores Burgess’s internal struggle with the ethics of pursuing a relationship with someone who works for him, and Tallulah’s decision to prioritize Lissa’s well-being adds depth to their evolving relationship. The book steers clear of typical love triangle tropes, focusing instead on the genuine emotional journey of the characters.

One of the highlights of this book is the satisfying and well-deserved groveling scenes. Unlike many romances where characters quickly move past major mistakes, this story gives readers the pleasure of seeing a heartfelt resolution and true character growth.

Overall, this sweet and high-chemistry sports romance is a standout read. With its engaging characters, emotional depth, and a plot that keeps you hooked, it's a must-read for fans of the genre. Highly recommended for a thoroughly enjoyable and heartfelt experience!

I love Tessa Bailey books and this one did not disappoint! I liked both Tallulah and Burke and when they were together the sparks flew! I did not like all of the miscommunication and lack of communication, even if it may be realistic I find it frustrating. Enjoyed seeing the characters from Fan Girl Down, they added to the story. This is a story of learning to trust, not only yourself but other people, and of letting people in to your life.

I can’t get past that age gap/nanny aspect of this book. I could do one but not both. I loved the first book in this series but this one was just not for me.

Tessa Bailey is a true gem in the genre. The Au Pair Affair has all of her trademark tropes and then some. I loved this book so much I have recommended it to several patrons and friends!

All the swoon and spice in THE AU PAIR AFFAIR. This book was just what I needed since I hadn’t read a rom-com in awhile. This was the hockey romance to beat all hockey romance’s! Brugess and Tallulah had the best banter. It wasn’t all butterflies as we have Burgess’s daughter wanting her parents to get back together but it made this story so much better because there were so many real emotions involved. This was such a great read! Perfect for all rom-com and contemporary fiction lovers!

I loved Burgess and Tallulah in Fangirl Down and Wells and Josephine are in this book as well. An event they host helps at the end of this book and is a fun reconciliation point.

But I have never met a person with either of those names. Have you?

Love a good height and size difference. This has an age gap but only ten years, it wasn't extreme. But it was a workplace romance but they had met before and had mutual friends.

Their attraction was immediate and before this position she had been hiding in Antarctica on a research trip from a traumatic event that blindsided her. So that may be a tw but he was helping her gain her confidence and help her remember she's strong and that a$$ha+ can't hurt her anymore.

He was a single dad obviously cause she was his hired au pair. But he has a 12 yo so that is way more complicated than a smaller child. Loved their interactions with her and how Tallulah helped him cause he felt like he was always on the outside to be part of his daughter's life. And he had a good co-parenting relationship with his ex as well.

Now I want to go to Costa Rica. Also is Chloe and Sig going to be a thing?

Another great Tessa read!! Full of humor, banter and steam. I enjoyed reading the characters growth throughout!