I go back and forth with Tessa Bailey's books - some I really love, and others I have a hard time finishing. This was in the middle, I enjoyed some of it, not all of it, and it didn't hold my attention a lot of the time. I wanted more of everything else than just the relationship and romance in the book.

Tessa Bailey brings her signature steam and emotional intensity to The Au Pair Affair, a sizzling romance that explores forbidden attraction and the power of connection. With complex characters, heartfelt moments, and Bailey’s trademark wit, this novel is as engrossing as it is irresistibly romantic.

The Au Pair Affair is the latest addition to Tessa Bailey’s sports romance series, and it doesn’t disappoint. I was first introduced to the main characters, Burgess and Tallulah, in Fangirl Down, and their story has been well worth the wait.

One of the things I love about Bailey’s interconnected romances is how she brings back characters from previous books. In this case, Josephine and Wells, from Fangirl Down, play a significant role in The Au Pair Affair, particularly with their wedding being a key plot point. It’s rare to get a glimpse of what happens after the "happily ever after," and I really enjoyed continuing their story and seeing how they support their friends through their evolving relationships.

Tallulah and Burgess share a complex relationship dynamic. Initially, I was a little wary because there’s a clear power imbalance—Tallulah works for Burgess, and she’s significantly younger than him. However, I appreciated how Burgess respects her and is willing to learn from her. His willingness to listen to Tallulah’s advice, especially when it comes to interacting with his daughter, shows that he values her input, and it ultimately improves their relationship. While the power dynamic still made me uneasy at times, their mutual care for each other was evident and helped offset any discomfort.

What I particularly enjoyed was the way this book explores the healing process in a romance. Both Tallulah and Burgess are dealing with their own trauma. Tallulah is recovering from a terrifying kidnapping experience, while Burgess is facing the physical toll of aging and a back injury that threatens his hockey career. Though their struggles are vastly different, they find solace in each other, helping one another grow and heal in meaningful ways.

As a former Boston resident, I appreciated the setting. The book captures the city’s essence, even if it’s more background than a central character in the story. I had to smile when I saw the Boston hockey team called the "Bearcats" instead of the Bruins—definitely a fun touch! That said, I would have loved to see more of the city itself come to life in the narrative.

This book is definitely one of the steamiest romances I’ve ever read. Tessa Bailey has a knack for writing R-rated love stories, but The Au Pair Affair turns the heat up even higher. If you're reading this in public, be warned—it’s definitely not one for the faint of heart, especially if you find yourself near prying eyes or curious children!

Overall, The Au Pair Affair is a captivating, steamy, and emotional ride. Bailey fans will love the chemistry between Burgess and Tallulah, and the way their individual healing journeys unfold makes this a standout romance in the series

A captivating and sizzling romance. The book is a sports rom-com that tells the story of the intricate relationship between Burgess and Tallulah. There is palpable tension and heartwarming moments throughout the story. And then there is Burgess’s introverted tween daughter Lissa, who wants her parents to reunite. What does Burgess want? Tallulah?
Many thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Tessa Bailey’s The Au Pair Affair is a steamy, heartwarming romance that deftly combines sizzling chemistry with genuine emotional depth. Known for her ability to craft compelling characters and engaging plots, Bailey delivers another captivating story that’s impossible to put down.

The novel centers on a charming single parent and the ambitious, no-nonsense au pair who steps into their lives. From the moment they meet, the sparks are undeniable, and Bailey’s talent for writing electric, tension-filled interactions is on full display. The dialogue is sharp and flirtatious, and the banter adds a delightful layer of fun to the romance.

Burgess, a single dad and hockey player, needs someone to help watch his daughter so he hires Tallulah to be his live-in nanny. Tallulah also offers to help Burgess get back into the dating scene, but in the process, they find they can’t deny the intense chemistry between them.
I am here for Tessa Bailey’s sports romance era. The chemistry and banter in this book was off the charts. I loved Burgess and Tallulah together and how he helped her heal from her past trauma in relationships. Burgess just had my heart with how he fell first, how he took his daughter’s feelings into consideration, and how fiercely he wanted to protect the people he loved. I am already ready for book 3 in the series.
Thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.

I really tried to get into this one but I don’t think this one is for me. The writing just did not pull me in and the attraction felt a bit forced.

Loved the daughter and FMC connection though!

Tessa's books are just so much fun! I needed this book this year. It was an entertaining story and very cozy at the same time.

Loved this book! It was a super cute romcom. At first the characters were hard to relate to, but then as it got going you fell in love with them.

This was so good, I loved the communication between the two main characters. I couldn't put this book down and just love anything by Tessa Bailey. Can't wait for the rest of the series!

second in a series, very steamy, loved the characters, but was a little thrown by the pretty intense trauma that Bailey put in the female lead's back story and then sort of diminished it throughout. I liked the characters from the other books showing up

I LOVE all of Tessas book and this was no exception. I knew when I was reading the first in the series and they introduced Talluluh that this story was going to be good and it was! thank you for me copy in exchange for a fair review.

Adored Burgess and Tallulah together!! The way he was just so understanding and patient with her as she dealt with her own trauma and fears. Tallulah also brought out the best in Burgess by making him more open to communicating, giving advice, and just being more social. I also loved how he didn't pressure Tallulah to change in anyway possible and was making sure he was being reasonable enough. Also the spice?? Tessa Bailey never misses and especially not with such a handsome mean daddy like Burgess as a mmc! I'm very much looking forward to Chloe and Sig's story!

Tallulah is a young college student who is broke and looking for a job. She never imagined that she would be working for hockey superstar Burgess. She moves in and helps take care of his daughter. There is a deep chemistry and heat between them, but Tallulah tries as hard as she can to keep it professional and not cross that line until she cannot hold back anymore.

Thank you Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC.

I GOBBLED THIS UP! TESSA BAILEY I LOVE YOU! This has me giggling and kicking my feet. I love the MMC so much.

Tessa Bailey is more miss than hit for me, and this was no different. I just didn't enjoy it very much, the writing felt tedious, and I didn't connect with the characters at all.

i dnf’d this at around 30%. The dialogue just seemed cringey to me and the story wasn’t working to me. I was not feeling invested at all.

The Au Pair Affair was the first book I've read by Tessa Bailey, but it won't be the last! As a hockey lover and a nanny myself, I was excited to read this story of Talulah, a student turned nanny and Burgess a grumpy, single dad, hockey star. There was romance, heartbreak and a whole lot of fun.

Tessa Bailey is quickly becoming one of my favorites, this one was so fun! Steamy for sure, but I loved the characters! I loved watching the big hockey player fall hard. I loved watching his relationship with his daughter grow. I loved the side characters. Can't wait to dive into the next one!

I loved this. It was super cute and such a fun read. It held my attention and I adored the banter and wittiness.