Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers Copy of The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey!

To be honest, this book just did NOT hook me. The age gap was too big for my liking, and I usually love Tessa Bailey but the vibe felt too dad-trying-to-fix-estranged-daughter.

This almost felt too cliche. I know that's what this genre is all about but I think it is what kept me from truly enjoying it.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy of this title.

Another hit from Tessa Bailey. Normally single parent isn’t my thing but since the child was a bit older, I enjoyed the bonding with the main character.

This isn’t my favorite book by Bailey but it was highly enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Au Pair Affair mixes some of my favorite tropes- hockey, nanny, single dad… Hockey player Burgess needs help and Tallulah is just the person for the job. Her sunshiny presence in both his and his daughters life is much needed, and a little confusing, I loved this second book in Big Shots, it was a fun, light read!

I loved this one! Hockey reads are my favorite, and this one was great. I really enjoyed the story. Definitely a spicy one! 🌶️⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tessa Bailey you magnificent woman, you've done it again. I didn't have any opinions or background on this book when I picked it up, but it's one I ended up giving my boyfriend for the romance vibes. It's got everything - swooniness, sexiness, and heart. A great book to get you out of a reading slump. Kidnapping subplot was kind of weird though.

The Au Pair Affair might be my favorite Tessa Bailey book yet! I've also become a new hockey romance fan; send them all my way. I am so happy to have found this subgenre. As usual, this novel has all the spice you would expect from Tessa Bailey, along with a sweet story to go with it. Sir Savage is my new book boyfriend. I love the witty banter and seeing Tallulah and Burgess be vulnerable with each other. The side characters, Lissa, Chloe, and Sig, brought some great moments as well.

When it comes to Tessa Bailey books, there is no such thing as a slow burn. I was fully prepared for the insta lust as it has always been the case. If anyone is surprised about that, her books are maybe not for you. Sorry. I ate up the tension between the two characters and the age gap romance is written so amazingly. Her books are laugh out loud funny without getting super deep- somehow always making it to a 3-5 star range for myself.

Overall really enjoyed it but there is something to be said about that third act breakup… I’m not anti 3rd act breakup but this one just hurt my feelings and I hate the ones where an MC hits below the belt (verbally) like I never feel like that’s something I can come back from 🫠

A heart warming and spicy love story. It has lots of spice but also a lot of sweetness. I really enjoyed their story. I have been waiting for it after reading the first book and it did not disappoint. There was some drama that could have just been resolved by communication. But other than that, it was a fun story!

Fans of Tessa Bailey will surely delight in this uproarious romantic comedy with a sensual edge. Burgess and Tallulah's love story will warm even the coldest of hearts.

3.5 rounded up

Love a good single dad and age gap story. There was a lot of gruff denial, and working through self discovery for both characters. I loved the side characters, the rookies really amused me. They remind me of the hockey rookies on a show I love, with a little more sense. This was a quick/fun read.

Tessa Bailey never fails to deliver! Her characters are always relatable and the spice is top notch!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for a honest review.

I loved this story! Tallulah is a grad student studying to be a marine biologist and when she meets Burgess "Sir Savage" he offers her a job as live-in nanny/au pair for his daughter. He is a professional hockey player and so needs the help. Lissa is an awkward tween who is struggling at school, maybe she is getting bullied and maybe she is trying to fit in, but Lissa gets it. The struggle is real for all of them. Lissa is convinced her parents are getting back together. Burgess is lusting after Tallulah. Tallulah is almost scared of her shadow but trying to find her way back to life and wants to go on adventures. Burgess gives her that and it brings them closer until they are crossing the lines and Lissa sees them together. That is all I'm telling you. So much more happens, of course, misunderstanding, and well read the book, you won't be disappointed.

I didn't love this one nearly as much as I loved the first book, and practically all of Tessa's books. There was something about the chemistry between the two that didn't play as genuine on paper for me, or maybe it was the solo dad aspect and his relationship with his daughter. Something didn't click for me the whole time reading it and I had a hard time rooting for the two, especially around the 75% part of the book - if you know you know.

Hi, my name is Dani & I am a SUCKER for @tessabaileyisanauthor sports romances

Thank you, @avonbooks @harpervoyagerus and @netgalley for the #gifted copy of this book. OUT NOW! [Pub Date: July 16, 2024]

I think I still need to take a moment to breathe after reading all the spicy moments in this one. The "we can't do this" vibes just make the romance way hotter. (and the age gap... Burgess is a daddy)

I adored this book. Burgesses protective nature toward Tallulah. The absolute characters on the hockey team. The family dynamic between the Lissa, Burgess, and Tallulah (sobs happy tears) OH, and did I mention the spice. [The skinny dipping scene...rent free...right in the noggin]

This is another absolute B A N G E R from Tessa, but I will say Wells will always have a special place in my heart.

If you need a good smutty hockey moment in your life, meet Burgess and Tallulah... you won't regret it.

🎧 This audiobook would have been WORLDS better if they did a dual narration where they got a deep voiced man to narrate, Burgess. Missed opportunity.

🏒 Nanny x Athlete
🏒 Workplace
🏒 Age Gap 🥵
🏒 Forbidden Love (kinda)
🏒 He Falls First
🏒 GHOST PEPPER SPICED
🏒 Dual POV

This one’s decent, but it didn’t completely grab me. The premise is interesting, and there are a few fun moments, but the pacing was a bit slow. The characters are relatable, though I felt like they could’ve had a bit more depth. It’s a light, easy read, but nothing that left a big impression. Perfect for when you want something casual and low-stakes, though.

The Au Pair Affair is a solid, middle-of-the-road read. Tessa Bailey’s signature steamy scenes and witty banter are present, but the story didn’t fully grab me. The characters are likable enough, but their connection felt a bit surface-level at times, and the plot was predictable. It’s a “take it or leave it” kind of book—enjoyable if you’re looking for something light and quick, but not a standout in the romance genre.

5 ✨

Tallulah and Burgess my heart belongs to you now. Gosh this might be my new favorite book of Tessa’s. I haven’t had this feeling since I read It Happened One Sommer back in the day and gosh The Au Pair Affair just made me feel all the same incredible things. In some ways Tallulah and Burgess reminded me of Piper and Brendan. Their personalities are different but the fearless love they shared reminded of each other.

Tessa was the first author that I had read anything third person narrative from and from someone who was very set on only reading first person narrative at first, I can say that third person is truly underrated. Tessa’s way with words makes you forget the narrative you’re reading because of how invested you get in these characters. This book was the whole package for me. A sexy mean hockey player/single dad who’s head over heels with his younger, sensitive and kindhearted au pair.

Tessa totally outdid herself with this book and I was literally sold after just one chapter. That’s how incredible it was!!! We got Sir Savage aka Mean Daddy who is the overprotective man of your dreams and Tallulah who’s working through some past trauma with men so when she meets Burgess, it’s the first time in a while she’s stepping out of her comfort zone and challenging herself. This book definitely has love at first sight and Tessa is just the queen of that trope. There’s also a lot of unexpected angst in this book that just makes you wonder where the book will go next. And for the first time in ages, I wasn’t too upset when the third act breakup came into play, because it was done perfectly in my book.

Definitely one of my top reads of 2024 and I can’t wait for Chloe and Sig’s story ASAP!!!! Also the mouth on Burgess???? Woahhhhhh one of my new favorite dirty talkers ever.

🏒 What to except:
— single dad/nanny (au pair)
— hockey romance
— age gap (26/37)
— love at first sight
— he falls first and harder
— grumpy vs. sunshine
— undeniably spice
— roommate/forced proximity
— third act breakup
— lots of delicious groveling