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

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.