3 stars. This was a pretty classic Tessa Bailey book. Lots of physical attraction, spice, humor. I appreciated the deeper aspects of these characters, like Tallulah's trauma and past. I also liked how Burgess handled it. The third act breakup was of course stupid, lets have adult conversation people! Overall a simple, easy read.

The Au Pair Affair is the follow up to Fangirl Down in the Big Shots series. Tessa Bailey never disappoints me. I love the sports romances she has been giving us and I am hoping it won't stop at two. If you aren't following her on Social Media you really should be. She is delightful!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. I'm looking forward to adding this one to my shelf.

The Au Pair Affair is a sexy fun read! Burgess is in need of a live in nanny for his tween daughter Lissa so he offers the job to Tallulah. As a broke college kid Tallulah decides to take the nanny job but she has some trust issues. She needs to figure out how to trust people again and Burgess needs to learn how to date so they work together. Eventually their feelings for each other start to change and things get complicated. I really enjoyed reading about Tallulah and Burgess friendship and how it grew. This story was sexy, funny and fun.

If you are a Tessa Bailey fan or read the first book in this series and enjoyed it, I'm going to say that you'll also enjoy this one. But for me, this has cemented the fact that I'm not really into Tessa Bailey's romances and her style. The last one I read was a novella so I thought maybe it was the short format that didn't work, and the other one I read was so long ago that maybe I was in the wrong frame of mind when I picked it up. Nope. Her romances just don't work for me. The characters are fine, but there's this element of, well, discomfort around the characters and their relationship. In this one, he hires her as a nanny and she accepts. But they both go into it with interest in the other which really made me uncomfortable. Burgess should know better. And despite all she has been through, Tallulah still puts herself in really bad situations that could go badly for her.

This wasn't as bad as the last Bailey I read, an I did at least like the characters and the plot was decent if you can look past the employer-employee relationship. Lissa and the odd relationship with Sig and Chloe were actually the parts of the story that redeemed a lot of this book, although again, the next book is likely to be uncomfortable too but at least Sig and Chloe as step siblings is not awful. Maybe a weird taboo, but they can still be together romantically.

Again, if you like Bailey, ignore my review because you'll probably enjoy this one. But if you have been luke warm to her in the past, you'll likely continue to feel meh about this one.

Cute light romance read, good banter, I wish there was more depth in the relationship post-Burgess’s injury, it felt kinda superficial after the depth of the initial characterization of Burgess and Tallulah, I liked this more than the first book in the series, I’d like to see a third one with Chloe & Sig! 👀

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this novel!

Tessa has found her groove with these sports romance books! 🏒🥅

The Au Pair Affair is the second book in the Big Shot series and follows professional hockey player and single father, Burgess (also known as sir savage) and his newly hired live-in nanny, Tallulah. These characters were first introduced in Fangirl Down and instantly you could tell there was a connection. Tallulah reluctantly moves in and Burgess does everything possible to make her feel more comfortable. He is quite the grump to her sunshine, but is a complete teddy bear for her! Tallulah is determined to help him get his dating groove back and push him out of his comfort zone. Overall, a fun and flirty read 💕

Many thanks to Avon Books and Harper Voyager US for providing me this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The Au Pair Affair will be published July 16th.

My new favorite romance?

Tessa Bailey is a must-read author for me and I was lucky enough to receive an early copy of the Au Pair Affair. This age-gap hockey romance is hilarious, heartfelt, and impossible to put down. I cannot wait for the rest of this series!

Tallulah and Burgess are a perfect match - she just doesn't know it yet. In a "he falls first" love story, Burgess is the overprotective alpha male with a soft spot for the spicy au pair. I'll be honest that I didn't love Fan Girl Down, the first in the Big Shots Series, but I'm glad I gave this second book a chance. There were definitely some lighthearted moments and funny banter that kept the storyline moving. I felt like there was much more of a connection and more character development between Burgess and Tallulah than during the MCs in Fan Girl Down which made for an overall more enjoyable experience. As with most Tessa Bailey books, you know what you're getting going into it - spice, romance, and nothing too heavy. Would definitely recommend as a lighthearted (spicy!) summer read. Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A thoroughly enjoyable lighthearted read. I would have enjoyed a little more character development in the story but overall really enjoyed it. I have a soft spot for hockey romances and will always pick on up, especially when written by an author I enjoy.

Look, there is not another author I love that is so hit or miss for me. When I love Tessa’s books I LOVE them with my whole heart, such as Fangirl Down, but some just don’t hit the mark for me and the Au Pair Affair was unfortunately one that didn’t work as well for me.

It wasn’t terrible, there were some definite good parts. I loved how into Tallulah Burgess was. Tessa’s ‘dumbstruck by their feelings’ heroes are just the best. This wasn’t a nanny/single dad romance where the dad fights his urges, he was basically like “you’re hired, and there’s my bedroom if you want more” (it is worth noting Tallulah is a 26 year old grad student and their best friend’s are dating - this wasn’t a naive 18 year old nanny with no support system so the power imbalance wasn’t really a factor for me). There are tons of laugh out loud moments and when the spice hits it hits hard.

Tallulah had a bad (very bad, check TWs) experience with a man in the past so she’s convinced herself it’s time to be young and free and live life again which is understandable but she keeps pushing Burgess away and I just never felt like she liked him that much. Found him hot? Yes. Loved him? No.

In the end, it had more vibes than plot or romance but if you’re into that maybe you’ll love it! I just wanted more romance.

Honestly this book is 4.5 stars in my opinion so I round up. This book had me kicking my feet and grinning like a crazy person. Burgess and Tallulah’s story is so sweet and cute. This book had me giggling and blushing all at the same time while reading it. I swear I am such a sucker for a single dad, age gap, he falls first type of situation because I truly enjoyed this Tessa Bailey book.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the complimentary copy. Opinions are my own.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this ARC! Tessa Bailey is one of my favorite authors, and she did not disappoint. I loved watching this grumpy/sunshine romance blossom. I’m a sucker for age gap romances, and I was glad it didn’t become the main issue. I loved seeing the character growth in both main characters. Only reason it’s not a 5 star are a few specific things I don’t care for in a romance (nothing triggering-just tropes I find annoying). Overall, I loved this book and have already pre-ordered my “trophy” copy!

The Au Pair Affair is the second book in Tessa Bailey’s Big Shots series and I am having SO.MUCH.FUN with the sport romances from her!!

Tallulah and Burgess’s love story is one for the books-literally! It’s a swoon worthy, sweep you off your feet, want to read again and again kind of romance.

For anyone that loves the single dad trope, nanny and boss, age gap, grumpy/sunshine, hockey, he falls first, opposites attract, forced proximity and an overall well written, sucks you in kind of love story…this one’s for you!

I devoured this book and can’t wait to relive it all again on my instant reread. Word of advice though, start with Fangirl Down, which is equally just as great as this one!

Tessa has an amazing ability to paint a story that hooks you from the first page and I can’t wait to read her next installment! The Au Pair Affair releases July 16th and I can’t wait to own a physical copy of this one!

Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this arc. All opinions are my own.

If you like all things Tessa Bailey, you’re in luck – it’s got a little bit of everything! This is brimmed with age gap romance, insta love but slow burn, he falls first, opposites attract, grumpy meets sunshine, boss/employee and forced proximity with a touch of sports. There are also deeper aspects like finding oneself and inner healing. Perfect for the summer – but could be considered even more ideal in wintertime because of Tallulah and Burgess’ love of the cold!

Tessa took all her works from before (really, all the elements that made them good), combined them and made something stupendous here! The single parent element is something she has not covered often so again this is a fresh approach. Slowburns for Tessa is exceptionally rare to see and I really adore when she does it! This was nicely done, made the wait worth it. And goodness, the steam was so good ahh! Her books are either hit or miss depending, but this was definitely a hit this time for me.

This has so much humour and heart that this had such an impact on me. I would argue it is even better than "Fangirl Down", though I loved of course that we got to see dear Wells and Josephine again. He should be named Wells the wingman after this ordeal.

There was so, so much depth to Burgess and Tallulah which was so great to see! I loved both their similarities and differences. It was cute that they both like and feel comfortable in the cold (Tallulah spent her time in the quiet Arctic studying wildlife, and Burgess does his ice hockey). The amount of green flags Burgess has, I think his team should have been this colour instead of blue! He instils so much confidence into Tallulah, and is so protective of her, never wants to take advantage of her, that it is so heartwarming to see.

I see a lot of myself in Tallulah. I love that she touches every aspect of Burgess’ life and changes it for the better. Reminds me of Piper from "It Happened One Summer", but a much much better and more relatable version of her. Burgess is the Best Bailey Boy! Loved him from the start.

I WAS OBSESSED! Single dad x nanny is a new favorite trope of mine thanks to this book! I was super excited going in just because I love hockey romance books and this did not disappoint. This is the second book in the Big Shot series but I don’t think you necessarily need to read the first (Fangirl Down) to read this one. I finished this a couple days ago and Burgess and Tallulah have been living in my head rent free ever since. The surly single dad being in love with his grad student au pair had me in my feels. Although there was a time where I was mad at Burgess, he came out on the other end with my love. 😂

This was a 4.5 stars in my book!

I've been reading any of Tessa's books that I can get my hands on! Unfortunately Yours and The Au Pair Affair have been top tier! I really feel that her writing has grown in these past two books. Can't wait for the next Tessa Bailey book!

This felt a bit different from other Tessa books, but especially in coming from Fangirl Down.

There are some serious topics in Tallulah's background that aren't even hinted at in the synopsis (cutesy illustrated cover hiding serious business strikes again) and her decisions and actions from that history play out in the entire book.

On the upside, Burgess is GONE for her and it's delightful reading him try to figure things out. I really enjoyed how these two talked and worked on their foundation before giving into the instant chemistry they had. Of course, daughter Lissa is fun and the set up for the next book is great, but seeing Wells and Josephine again was the best.

Plot wise, it's mostly good. There were some sections that felt disjointed and JFC, the push and pull at the end was annoying. They did so well with the communication until they didn't. I wish they would have stopped assuming facial expressions were actual words.

Overall, this was fun, but (for me) not as lighthearted as I've come to expect from Tessa.

FYI: stalking, drugging, kidnapping, and being restrained all talked about from the FMC's history

**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**

Tallulah and Burgess’ story is so special as it shows what some of the modern day anxieties women experience, even if you’re an au pair for an insanely hot hockey player. The twists and turns that Tessa Bailey takes us on is a wild ride, but unlike anything she has written in the past. I was able to feel the weight of the emotions that Tallulah and Burgess felt throughout the novel, which led to some tears being shed for me. Bailey’s Au Pair Affair is a heartfelt, steamy rom-com that will have you both laughing and crying.

Tessa Bailey is a star and her books are always a yes for me! My favorite is It happened last summer ( i even bought it in russian cuz i loved it so much)!

This book was just as fun and sexy. Loved the chemistry between the main characters and the friendships with the side characters were equally interesting!

Tessa please please please write Sig and Chloe’s love story next!

The Big Shots series is seriously Big Fun. I really liked this hockey romance of a woman trying to find her footing in life and in romance again. This one is another winner from Bailey!