I enjoyed this for the most part. Tessa Bailey likes big overprotective he-men, and that definitely tracks here (we also have an age gap in this nanny-boss sitch.) This he-man works to change and be sensitive to everyone's needs so I am choosing to forgive things like spitting on the ladyparts to claim ownership of same, but it was a little unsettling. I may also be forgiving that because apart from the spitting/ownership declaration thing (which happens TWICE) the sex in this book is smoking. I liked the FMC Tallulah quite a bit, she was smart and interesting and protected her agency in the face of the hot caveman's desire to wrap her in cotton. I detested the secondary character, Chloe, who is clearly going to be the lead in the next book so that was a bummer. Look, Tessa Bailey is never going to win writing awards, and I have read some awful books from her, but when she gets it right the books are hot and swoony and fun and diverting, and that is often good enough for me.

The Au Pair Affair blends some of my favorite tropes; hockey, a single dad, and a charming nanny! Hockey player Burgess is in desperate need of help, and Tallulah is just the right person for the job. Her bright, sunshiny presence is exactly what both he and his daughter need… even if it throws him off balance. I absolutely loved this second book in Big Shots—a fun, lighthearted read that’s impossible to resist!

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.