I cannot believe this was the first Tessa Bailey story I have read. Oh my goodness, what an incredible author she is! Why did I wait so long to read one of her books? <Mentally slaps myself> The AuPair Affair was a funny and emotional slow-burn story about a divorced, single hockey player and the nerdy, younger marine biology grad student he hires as the au pair for his tween daughter Lissa.

Burgess was a gruff, self-identified boring man who never stepped out of his comfort zone. He thrived on routine and didn't deviate from it. When he struggled to connect with his daughter, he hired Tallulah as his au pair. Tallulah was a broke grad school student who was scarred from past trauma. Because of this, she always kept her walls up around people, especially men. Tallulah wanted to get back to living life and Burgess decided to help her check things off of her bucket list. Burgess helped restore Tallulah's confidence and strength and, in return, she gave him his life back because he wasn't truly living before her. The chemistry and heat between Burgess and Tallulah was scorching hot. These two fit together perfectly and as their relationship grew, I found myself falling in love right along with them. Their relationship wasn't easy and it wasn't smooth sailing by a long shot. But eventually, they found their happily ever after and I adored every second of it.

Tessa Bailey's storytelling can only be described as masterful. I connected with her style of writing immediately and found myself turning the pages rapidly to see what would come next for these two amazing characters. I loved everything about this book and need to go and read her other stories. But one thing is for sure....I cannot wait for Sig and Chloe's story! That will be one for the ages! 5 stars

I love a man who is so down bad for the heroine! This book had me kicking my feet and giggling the whole time. I’m so sad to have to wait for another Tessa release but so glad I got to read this one early!

Tessa Bailey does not dawdle in this story. I appreciate how quickly she dives into the main characters; their strengths and flaws. I love the time spent on the insecurities of the man in this story and how he overcomes them. Even flawed, the female protagonist is strong and independent. You watch her grow. This was truly a delicious love story with some wonderfully deep pros on self trust and self worth.

I thought this book was so good...even better than fangirl which I also enjoyed. The characters were well developed and I loved the chemistry between them. I've already told a bunch of friends to read it as soon as it comes out!

Thanks to Netgalley and Avon for this ARC... Here is my honest Review


Tallulah is a 26 year old fresh off an internship in the Antarctic studying Penguins. Burgess is a very successful 37 year old hockey player, single dad and recent divorcee. When Burgess (Wells' Best friend) hears that Tallulah (Josie's best friend) needs a place to stay while she finishes her masters in Boston, he offers her not only a place to live but also a Job being his teen daughter Lissa's Au Pair.

The proximity quickly shows them that the chemistry they feel is more than just superficial. But with that comes great challenges such as Tallulah's past, Burgess' insecurity with his aging career and Lissa's desire for her parents to reconcile.

This is now my favorite Tessa Bailey book. I love that she is entering into her Sports romance era. Book one was great but I like Au Pair Affair even more. The spice on this book was out of this world. But the best part of this spice is that it was 90% anticipation, tension and desire. The actual "act" didn't happen until further into the book but the buildup was so good. I love how possessive and grumpy Burgess was. This might not be everyone's cup of tea but it sure was mine. He loved to protect her and make sure she was safe from the beginning. But he also lets her grow.

There is a third act break up and what I appreciated here is that it was not fixed overnight. There is a growth and changes that need to occur on both sides in order for their relationship to work out and I'm glad it takes time.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and anticipate her next "Big Shots" book to be as great!

Good Reads review posted 5/19/2024
Instagram Review post to be posted closer to pub date

"Forever is composed of nows"

When I tell you that I couldn't grab my laptop fast enough to write this review, it is not an exaggeration. The Au Pair Affair instantly grabbed my attention with its' three main characters. Not only did Tallulah and Burgess heat up the pages immediately, but Lissa stole my heart. Obviously by the title a child would be important to the book but I adored how much Bailey made her an integral part of the story and the main characters' relationship. Age gap, single dad, grumpy sunshine and sports are all some of my favorite tropes but when you throw them all together with a witty, fast paced story with fun side characters...well I am HOOKED!

Burgess the older, single dad to a teen girl and "scary" hockey player was enamored with Tallulah from the moment they met. Tallulah was a young, beautiful, world traveling marine biologist who seemed to not only get along with Burgess' daughter, but she understood her in a way he only dreamed of. Tallulah was guarded though and he didn't now why. The attraction was mutual and instant, but she didn't know if she would feel comfortable and safe in his home. She had been hurt. Badly. They needed her though and she couldn't say no.

I loved seeing not only the relationship between Tallulah and Lissa grow, but Tallulah's realization that she had no need to feel threatened by Burgess. She trusted him, he became her safe place.

"But I want you to unlock it for me, Tallulah. Open it and let me in."

Burgess' patience was infinite with her. He wouldn't scare her. He wouldn't push her. He wanted her to come to him, be all in before he went there. It didn't take her long thank goodness because the heat between these two was going to burn Boston down if the sparks kept flying with no outlet of the energy. The fact that they make each other better people enforces for me that the age difference between them means nothing. He wants to be a better dad, a better person, and she wants to be stronger and braver. They help each other achieve those goals. Their love is so pure that he is even willing to let her go if it ensures her happiness.

"You can stop panicking now, Tallulah. I'm setting you free." GAH! The heartbreak of that sentence.

Bailey keeps The Au Pair Affair fun and witty with plenty of banter and one liners to make the reader giggle, while also addressing some sobering topics and feelings. You WILL feel while reading this book and isn't that the best way to feel like part of the story?

5 Gigantic stars for The Au Pair Affair. Put it at the top of your Summer TBR!

Positively ecstatic to have had the chance to read and review this captivating story! Thank you Netgalley! I was hooked on Tallulah and Burgess as soon as I saw their off the charts chemistry in Fangirl Down. The Au Pair Affair did not disappoint! The character development for both was so well written and I found myself cheering them on and being encouraged by how they overcame obstacles. Tessa Bailey has a special talent for making you feel one with the characters she writes about and it’s so easy to immerse yourself in the story. She truly delivered a spicy, encouraging and uplifting romance with a bit of hockey on the side! Her ability to create characters you can relate to and bring them to life is unparalleled and refreshing.

Tessa Bailey has been pretty hit or miss for me over the years, and I thought this one was just ok – which was disappointing because I live and die by the grumpy single dad trope.
This one started strong and had all the bones to be great – good character-building, an excellent setting, and banter.
But I didn’t feel the emotional connection between Burgess and Tallulah, just the physical one. And the plot just took a long time to unfold – making the third-act conflict feel rushed. And it’s frustrating because I loved both of these characters at the start of this book; I just didn’t really feel connected to them as a couple.
I did love the first book in this series, and I’m excited to read the next.
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC.

Spice- 3.5 chili peppers

He falls 1st, hockey romance, grumpy x sunshine, opposites attract, single dad, age gap

Tessa Bailey never disappoints. I knew I was going to love these two characters from when they were introduced in Fangirl Down (book 1). Burgess (MMC) a 37 single dad, hockey player was looking for a nanny for his 12 year old daughter. Tallulah (MFM) a 26 undergrad marine biologist student was looking for a job and a place to live while she finished her masters.

The sexual tension, between Burgess and Tallulah was "Chef's Kiss" Some of the best I have read. This book had my heart string all tied up tight. I felt the love and dedication of both of them. Even the 3rd act break up didn't upset me like it usually does.

I also laughed so hard reading this book. Tessa Bailey is one of the best when it comes to a great Romcom.

I can't wait for Sig and Chloe story!


Favorite Quotes...

"Apparently flip-flopping between Greek mythology and Christianity was the final proof that she'd been overwhelmed by the sight of him."

"Pinstripes looked like he was choking on a human arm."

"Forever is composed of nows."

Thank you Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager and Tessa Bailey for providing an eARC

Tessa Bailey has been pretty hit or miss for me (mostly miss lol) but I still wanted to try this anyway because I'm a sucker for single dad + nanny trope!!

I can't even lie, and might be so petty, but Burgess is such an ugly name that I couldn't even find the MMC attractive and that took me out of the story 😂

But also for me, I didn't find their relationship really believable especially given Tallulah's history with men, the nanny plot was a bit meh.

I didn’t know how bad I needed a Tessa Bailey hockey romance until Burgess grunted his way onto my Kindle.

Absolute perfection. I had the time of my life reading a giant hockey player go down so hard and be down so bad for his au pair.

Tallulah is a master’s student new to Boston and thanks to her best friend found a solution to her housing problem by way of air pair to Burgess the broody hockey defenseman known as Sir Savage. Burgess was taken with her when they met in Fangirl Down and he’s been trying to rein it in ever since.

When she makes it to Boston, he has the biggest fight off his life trying to remain cool and keep his distance. When she needs him to be her fake boyfriend for a few minutes to get a guy off her back, that resolve snaps and it’s over for him.

Tessa will never not excel at the man down bad trope. He was fighting for his life of her existing and being so wonderful and I eat it up every single time.

The teaser for the next book has me on the FLOOR. This series is my favorite from Tessa because it’s everything we love from her with plots that continue to deliver a great time.

this is my new favorite Tessa Bailey book | 3.5 ⭐️

Tallulah is a master’s student who accepts an au pair position with insanely hot hockey superstar and single dad Burgess Abraham. do you see where this is going? of course you do and it’s FANTASTIC

i am weak for hockey romances unfortunately so it was no surprise to me how much i enjoyed this. the shit Burgess said had my mouth dropping open more than once. I was mildly sweating. I love this man.

only real qualm was the whole possessive/protective/jealous thing got real old real fast when it was popping up every few pages. it was overly done to the point where it was just trying too hard to be alpha male and was more annoying than anything. also I did feel like Tallulah got over the whole situation a little quickly given her past trauma but!!! to each their own

this was a very fun read that had me wishing I lived in boston and was a master's student of marine biology starting a job as an au pair but it's totally fine that i'm not i'm okay. I cannot WAIT for sig and chloe's book next also

"That was life, wasn’t it? Making connections, bonding with people and places, then moving forward without them. Missing them. Carrying those influence around, sort of like layers of clothing." this quote punched me straight in the gut when I read it

tropes
🍊 hockey romance
🍊 forced proximity
🍊 single dad x nanny
🍊 he falls first
🍊 age gap
🍊 grumpy x sunshine

thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me this ARC!

This book continues to prove my theory that you can either do smut well or a plot, but never both. I am not quite sure why that is when both started quite strong. The character development or Burgess and Tallulah is very good in the first half of the book. I would have liked for a little bit more apprehension from both as to whether or not they would get together, but that’s just me. I like how Tallulah is introduced into this plot and just kind of slips into everyone’s daily life. The smut is quite good. Better than expected. Where I get lost is the conflict, which does not actually come to fruition until 89% into the book. It feels rushed, like the characters should not come back from it, and yet it is wrapped up quickly. Why not move it earlier in the book and then actually have time to flush out a resolution. Kind of a disappointing end.

I did read this book in a single day, which always feels good.

This is my third book that I’ve read by Tessa Bailey and I am absolutely in love with her writing style. Whenever I read her books it makes me feel as though I’m actually living the life of the FMC.
This was such a fun and exhilarating sports romantic comedy. The chemistry between Tallulah and Burgess was off the charts and was so fun to read about. I can’t wait to see what else will com of the Big Shots Series:)

Sports Romance - Hockey
Age gap (11 years)
Dad/Au Pair
Forced Proximity
Setting: Boston

Mean Daddy aka Burgess fell instantly for Tallulah when he met her in Book 1. She’s back from Antarctica, and steps right into his life and connecting with his 12 year old daughter, Lissa, while also studying for her masters degree.

Tallulah has a traumatic backstory that was hard to read through, and Burgess shows up for her and supports her through her character growth, but I found him too overbearing and possessive. They seemed to happen quickly while the story progress was slow. I didn’t feel their connection always, it was a bit 2D for me.

I normally love everything Tessa publishes, but I didn’t love their story. I wanted to love it; Book 1 in this series, Fan Girl Down, was so good. We love a possessive MMC, but Burgess didn’t do it for me. I loved getting to see Wells and Josephine from Book 1 (and they take us to Costa Rica for their wedding!), and the set up of Sig and Chloe for Book 3… I am here for Taboo Tessa!!!

Tallulah quotes Dickens with “Forever is composed of nows.” This quote is weaved in through the story. But I am really looking forward to Book 3: Sig and Chloe!

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book! 😍

Tallulah is a funny, smart, beautiful woman who is a marine biologist. She has moved to Boston to advance her degree and agreed to be the au pair to the daughter of a sexy hockey player.
Burgess is struggling with being a dad to a tween and worries about how long his body can keep up with the pace of professional hockey.

Firstly, I loved Lissa. She wants her dad's approval so much, but he can't seem to figure out how to communicate or help her the way she needs. From mean girls at school to music your parents hate, she was great. Next, Tallulah really stood up and faced her fears. She found a way to trust and have adventures and move on from past trauma. Burgess trying to braid Lissa's hair was a highlight for me. You could feel the frustration. I really appreciated that Burgess wanted a real relationship and to fix any perceived power dynamic.

Overall, I will absolutely recommend this book.

This was SO cute and spicy!!!

I loved the first book of Tessa Bailey’s new series, Fangirl Down, and was excited to read this one.

I liked both of the main characters and enjoyed the cameos from the characters in Fangirl Down. Overall, this was a classic Tessa Bailey book with spice and heart.

I will definitely be recommending this and am looking forward to the next book in the Big Shots series!

I really enjoyed Tallulah and Burgess’ story. They have chemistry from the very beginning. Tallulah is dealing with her past while Burgess is ready to make her his future. I love the relationship Tallulah has with Burgess’ daughter. She has a positive effect on both of them.

The banter in this story is very entertaining. I also enjoyed the character growth we see in Burgess throughout the book and in Tallulah in the final chapters. There are so many great characters and relationships between them. I can’t wait to read more of this series. Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a sports romance about a professional hockey player who falls for his daughter's live-in nanny. I like spicy romance novels, but I felt that this one elevated the physical attraction to the detriment of cultivating an emotional connection between the characters. Tallulah's traumatic backstory felt more like a plot-point than an emotional healing journey, and I didn't care for the message that the best way to get over fear is to find a possessive, overprotective man to watch your back while you jump of cliffs and skinny-dip. Has nobody heard of therapy? This story was a miss for me, but I'll still be buying it for my library's collection of course because Tessa Bailey's fans will love it.

This was a cute hockey, age gap, he fell first romance.

The story centers around Tallulah. A 25 year old grad student who becomes an au pair for the 37 year old bad ass Boston Bearcats hockey player,Burgess Abraham also known as Sir savage.

Tallulah is trying to overcome some past trauma and feel more confident, especially when it comes to men

Burgess is aging out of hockey and is struggling to come to terms with life and what comes next

The Au pair affair was a cute romcom with some emotional depth. The connection between Tallulah and burgess was intoxicating. There’s just something hyptonic about experiencing love almost like it’s the first time. And sir savage definitely lives up to his name.

Burgess is HOT. “Mean Daddy” if you will

I give this book 3 stars because I found some of the conversations and one liners to be just a touch cringy. But overall it was a cute and funny read.