Thank you Tessa Bailey, Avon and Harper Voyager for this eARC!

To say I was excited to read Burgess and Tallulah's story after being introduced to them in Fangirl Down (Big Shots #1) is an understatement. This story was not only exciting and tension filled, but the love and compassion woven within the storyline brought it to a whole different level. Could not put this one down and am hoping for a third installment with Sig and Chloe's story!

I will start off by saying I am not a fan of nanny romances (or professor-student or employee-boss, for that matter) Something about the power imbalance makes me feel icky. So right off the bat, Burgess and Tallulah would need to be fantastic to win me over. The story was fun in places, but I felt like the pacing was a bit off. The third act breakup seemed abrupt and weird. The characters seemed uneven and Tallulah was so indecisive. At times, it seemed like everyone forgot that Burgess even had a child.
However, I am not reading a Tessa Bailey book for its tight plot and character development, I'm reading it for its dirty talk and spice. In those two areas, The Au Pair Affair shines. I was definitely entertained! I also enjoyed seeing the characters from Fangirl Down again.

2/5 ⭐️
Spiciness: 4/5

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon for the opportunity to review this ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

General tropes/themes:
- Age gap (11 year)
- Single Dad and the nanny/au pair
- Sports romance (hockey)
- FMC with history of trauma

I absolutely enjoyed the first book in this series, Fangirl Down, and was hoping for magic again in this book!

I liked elements of this book. I liked Lissa and Tallulah’s budding relationship. I like how Tallulah has depth with her prior experiences. Sig and Chloe are easily some of my favorite characters.

I think that my biggest criticism for this book is that it felt like too much was happening at each time. A lot of tropes were included, however it seemed to muddy the story rather than giving the intended depth. I struggled to see the chemistry at times between the main characters. I remember feeling this in book 1, where this entire introduction was forced and felt awkward. How does Wells even know this Boston Defenseman and where is the background for them? Also, the self proclaimed “Mean Daddy” goes from “she is too young” to “I want her to be my girlfriend” to “I will marry her” remarkably fast and it did not feel as fluid as I wanted. The conflict in the story also felt forced and unnatural for these characters. And some of the spicy scenes were… full of… interesting dialog? Some I could get behind but some I had to read a second time… like a double take, you know?

I was more caught up in Chloe and Sig’s sideline romance and wanted way more of that. Will be reading any book about them because I am so intrigued by their story. They better get a book.

Ultimately, I liked parts of this book, but there were things in this book that I just could not get into, which is a bummer because I love a hockey romance.

I recently saw an interview where Tessa Bailey bragged about being able to write a book in 2 months….that’s not a feat when the books aren’t good and this one was BAD.

I’ve read 3 of her books in my life. Secretly Yours, which I didn’t finish because it was so boring. My Killer Vacation, which I had to physically DRAG myself through while I gagged over her truly disgusting ways of describing genitals. And now this one, The Au Pair Affair, which I think might actually be the worst book I’ve ever read.

Let’s start at the beginning, shall we? If Burgess was a real life man, he would be a walking red flag. The man has not a single thought in his brain beyond how horny he is. That’s it! Tallulah told him her deepest darkest trauma and the next page was thinking about doing her again. I find it to be such a turnoff when the MMC sees the FMC for the first time and he’s thinking about having sex with her but in this case, it never stopped!

Tallulah on the other hand has the personality of a ketchup covered napkin. This girl is supposedly going to become a marine biologist and just got back from a tour in Antarctica and somehow she’s this boring?! How? These two shallow, paper thin characters made for thee most boring dialogue I’ve ever experienced in a book.

Beyond that, the writing was just so horrible. I’m not supposed to quote anything since it’s from an ARC but I have sooo many highlights on my Kindle from this book and they’re all passages that were laughable, hard to read, written wrong, or just gross. At the very, very least maybe invest in a better editor?

To summarize, Tessa needs to slow tf down and focus on quality over quantity and she has officially earned her spot on my never read again list. Congrats!

Ever since I ventured into book reviewing and blogging, one of my dreams was to be approved for an ARC by Tessa Bailey, an author whose narratives have captivated me time and again. It's a delight to say that this book, the second installment in the "Big Shots" series, not only met but surpassed my expectations.

Tessa Bailey invites us once again into her vibrant mind with a story that brims with chemistry and charm. The protagonist, Burgess, is the epitome of what one might wish for in a male main character in a sports romance—burly, a bit surly, and overwhelmingly magnetic. His connection with Tallulah, the bright and vivacious marine biologist and grad student turned au pair, is electric from the start. Despite their different life stages and the chaos of Burgess's single dad status, their romance evolves beautifully, marked by moments of intense emotional and physical connection that Tessa Bailey orchestrates flawlessly.

What truly stands out in "The Au Pair Affair" is how real the characters feel. Tallulah, with her spirited demeanor and complex backstory, brings a light into Burgess's structured life that he didn't know was missing. The dynamic within Burgess's family, especially with his daughter Lissa, adds layers to the story that enrich the romantic plot, making every interaction poignant and meaningful.

Bailey’s signature spice is there, of course, adding heat to Burgess and Tallulah's encounters, which are as heartfelt as they are steamy. The scenes are daringly explicit, yet tastefully executed, showcasing a range of emotions and dynamics from playful and teasing to intensely passionate. This isn't just romance; it's an exploration of desires, boundaries, and the intoxicating dance of give and take between two perfectly matched souls. Tallulah's boldness in embracing her desires and articulating them adds a layer of authenticity and empowerment to their romance, making their connection all the more compelling.

The narrative is perfectly paced, with conflicts that feel genuine and resolutions that satisfy the heart's craving for a happily ever after. In conclusion, "The Au Pair Affair" is a triumphant return to what Tessa Bailey does best—crafting stories of love, laughter, and the kind of romance that leaves a lasting impression. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-balanced sports rom-com that explores the depths of love and the complexities of human relationships. Burgess and Tallulah's story is a testament to the power of love's transformative ability, making it a deserving addition to any romance lover's collection. Five Burgess-sized stars!

My favorite books are the ones where I fall into the story and can’t put it down. The Au Pair Affair kept me up into the early morning hours and I didn’t even realize it! I loved the story of Tallulah and Burgess, but all the supporting characters made this so fun. I loved her friendship with Chloe and all the meddling from Sig, Wells and Josephine. Burgess is super protective, and Tallulah is trying to learn to trust and take chances. This is a great read, and one that I could easily see playing out in a movie. Tessa’s writing immerses you into the story.

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager, and Netgalley for this ARC.

I legitimately think Tessa Bailey is an amazing writer. But I really should listen to my instincts about what kinda trope I am in the mood for. I am not a big age gap fan, especially when there is a work relationship. And the nanny and the hockey player? Oof it just wasn’t my jam. I mean it was super steamy hot. And if those tropes had been my thing? I would have been in heaven. But unfortunately, I didn’t trust myself enough, to realize this wasn’t for me. (At least not today) Which for what it is worth is one of the themes in the book. The characters were so fun and had really heartfelt emotional journeys. So my recommendation is if you like these tropes, read this book. If nanny, age gap is not your thing, read another one of Tessa Bailey’s books.

Love Tessa Bailey, and this one did not disappoint! Burgess and Tallulah are hilarious and quippy, and Burgess' clear understanding of what she needs vs. his own needs is so refreshing. Makes me want to read the rest of the standalone series!

I really liked the chemistry between these two characters. I had a difficult time with the initial toxic masculinity that the mmc showcased when it came to his back and his overall health. I really prefer a mmc that takes care of himself so that he can then begin to take care of others. The banter was cute, but I wished it was more slow burn and pining versus the insta-lovey vibe we got. Overall, I still really liked it and will continue to read more from Tessa Bailey in the future.

Oh my god. Tessa. This whole universe of characters is quickly becoming my entire world.

TBH, I thought when I met Burgess and Tallulah in Wells and Josephine's book that W+J was going to be my favorite couple. I can firmly commit to all of them being my favorite, even with just *the hints* of what's to come in this universe for us!

OKAY. Thank you to AVON to the ARC of this beauty! I'll hoard her on my shelf until my dying breath, just like Burgess is going to love Tallulah. These are my honest thoughts! :)

Holy freaking Tessa Bailey. All is right in my world. I savored this book as much as I could, but I COULD BARELY PUT IT DOWN. These are main characters are so complementary to each other, and their chemistry just hums in their veins, bleeds into the words on the page, vibrates into the heart of the reader, and just freaking stays there. WOO-EEE, they were hot for each other and I am hot for them!

Burgess plays hockey. He's a defender. He's a... meanie? (I don't want to spoil Tallulah's nickname for him because it's amazing, but here's my clue lol). Off the ice, he's reserved and a little gruff and soft for his girl, Lissa (his daughter). But he doesn't really have anyone else.

Enter sunshine Tallulah, who has some trauma from her past that she's decided to stop running from, but she's taking baby steps and she's taking care of herself. Although she's agreed to be the au pair for Lissa, she's a lil nervous to be living with a big meanie hockey defensemen goliath who she doesn't know at all. But Burgess immediately goes into protector mode. She's the goalie of his life... protecting, defending, shielding, making confident. It's just... it's so lovely. There's an age gap; he's a veteran hockey player and captain, she's a graduate student. But they just bring out the best in each other and it's beautiful, and age only matters when Burgess feels like an old man :D

Many, many thoughts to share on the things I loved about this book:
- Respect. The two main characters respect each other. Burgess respects the person Tallulah wants to be again, and he is respectfully dirty in the best way towards respecting her, what could be, the space that their relationship exists, and his own boundaries. It's hot.
- Tallulah's ability to pull people into her orbit. Burgess. Lissa. Chloe. Her grad school friends. Random people she meets.
- HE FREAKING FALLS FIRST + IT'S AMAZING.
- Adventures. Tallulah sets off to have adventures, and Burgess goes along to see her shine in her bravery.
- FREAKING ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT. It's... hot? Can I keep saying it's hot?
- THE SWEATSHIRT SCENE(S)
- The immediate response to show up for the person you love
- The processing of emotions on both parts. I love this fictionalized version of what it's actually like to fall in love with someone (in some fun and obviously fictional situations). These two both have these emotional responses to each other. Some of them are toxic or come from a place of trauma. There's healing in processing those responses and reactions together. You don't fall in love and instantly become the BEST person for your partner. This demonstrates what it takes to learn your partner so that you can better support them in everything they want to achieve in their lives and those hardships that come with chasing your dreams.
- Burgess thinking Tallulah can't get any more beautiful EVERY TIME HE SEES HER. This is the kind of hero(ine) worship I'm here for!
- The Ever Inspired Tessa Bailey Spice™
- THE AQUARIUM DATE
- How emotionally in-tune these two are to each other, and how Tallulah's emotional intelligence wakes Burgess up from a deep slumber and makes him more emotionally available to everyone in his orbit

Five Burgess-sized stars for this book! Can't wait for this one to hit shelves in July and for you to fall in love with this story! :)

After a year spent studying in Antarctica, Talulah needs a job. So when she gets the opportunity to nanny for a friends friend, she doesn’t hesitate. What she doesn’t expect, though is to grow attracted to the hot hockey player living with her.
This might be the first time I’ve ever had a crush on both of the main characters in a book at the same time… like hello?? She’s obsessed with penguins and is absolutely stunning and he’s one of the smoothest smooth talkers I’ve ever read, kind of crazy honestly. The only reason I’m disappointed I have a ARC is because I have to wait even longer now for the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Publishing for an eARC of this book.

The Au Pair Affair follows the relationship between Tallulah, the au pair, and Burgess, a grumpy hockey player with a young daughter. Overall, I did not enjoy this book as much as previous Tessa Bailey books. I feel like the relationship development wasn't as well written and I was not a fan of Burgess's character. I usually like the protective MMC but not in this book.

The spice was still pretty good but the story was lacking for me. I'm still a fan of Tessa Bailey. Not every book can be a banger.

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Tessa Bailey does it again! I am LOVING her sports romance series,

This one gave me so many feelings, and I almost didn’t survive the third act breakup, but it ended up being a 4.5/5 star read for me. The single dad trope is one of my absolute favorites, and Burgess, the grumpy, hot hockey playing dad is the epitome of why I love it so much!! Then you add a smart, maternal nanny with deep trauma to work through? I ate this up.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

It was an honor to receive this arc! Tessa Bailey is a newer author to me and I enjoyed this from start to end! Single dad tropes get me every single time! Super spicy, he falls first, but there was a third act breakup that reduced the rating for me.

The tension in this Tessa Bailey book was some of her best to date. Who doesn't like a "he falls first and hard." But... these third act breakups always have me losing steam. I get it. We need a conflict and resolution but I don't particularly think I found this couple believable enough to warrant how much of the timeline was spent reconciling. Something about a Tessa Bailey book always always has me cringing BUT I keep coming back.... Does that say something about her writing? Maybe it says something about me lol another fun, quick read and definitely recommend! Fingers crossed for book three!

Thank you so much to Avon and NetGalley for the ARC!

Definitely lived up to Fangirl Down! Loved the tension between the characters, and phew is it 🌶️. Has the single dad/age gap (but not in a creepy way), with a little touch of dark past. Really enjoyed this book 😍

This book was very enjoyable to read. It had a high spice level that the author is known for and interesting characters. Some of it was a little unbelievable, but it’s fiction right? I would recommend the book for a fun, light, spicy read.

Posted on Goodreads:

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for this ARC- it was my second ARC ever and the first that I requested. I truly feel lucky that I enjoyed it as much as I did. Because here’s the thing- I started this book with a ton of skepticism. Like, how do you agree to let a stranger that you’ve known for a few minutes live with you AND take care of your kid? How clever of Tessa Bailey to acknowledge the absurdity of this situation in a believable way that also showcased how thoughtful and caring the male main character would be. Plus, people are always saying how much they hate instalove- but I found it to be quite believable in this book. And as per usual, Tessa Bailey writes some of the best sex scenes in the business. This book is officially one of my top five favorite romances I’ve ever read and makes me excited for Tessa’s next book.

Loved the first book of the series. The second one is such a feel good book. Burgess is so yummy! Love his gruff exterior but marshmallow interior.

Thank you to NetGalley, Tessa, and Avon for an ARC of this book. I was DYING to read it after Fangirl Down. You could just tell that Tallulah and Burgess' story was going to be steamy and epic. I'm a big ole sucker for a hockey romance and this definitely did not disappoint...and so many tropes wrapped up in one fun read! I think my only complaint is that I selfishly wished they spent more time being official bf/gf before the third act breakup.

But also can we talk about how much fun it would have been to go to the "research" hockey games with Tessa?