I'm going to be honest-- if this weren't an ARC, I would have DNFed about half way through.

I was SO looking forward to this one because I absolutely loved Fangirl Down and was hoping TB had found her stride again and would keep the instalove/instalust/ridiculousness that I've come to have a love/hate relationship with to a minimum. Alas.

Burgess is low-key obsessed with Tallulah after one meal with her and the level of instalust was instannoying. I have little patience for adults who can't control themselves. All the back and forth about whether they should get together or not got old fast. And he straight up tells her NO on going further multiple time because he wants her to know what she wants more but she doesn't listen because SHE wants the physicality.

At one point I started a Notes list about all things that were annoying me because it was too much to keep up with. A little taste- her age really shows and her nativity was exhausting at some points (like the dating mixer for a well-known pro athlete? come tf on, that would end up on the local news AT A MINIMUM). They both are in desperate need of therapy. The custody schedule for Lissa makes zero sense for his schedule during the season. Why would Tallulah's family not come and visit HER? Why does she need to be the one to visit them when she's the one who went through a very traumatic experience? The littering of the postcards made me rage (a little issue, but an unnecessary plot point). Burgess seemed to only remember he had a daughter when it was a plot device. Like, after his incident he did not even consider or think about her until she walked into the room. It was all Tallulah Tallulah Tallulah even though he had only known her for like a second. This brand new girlfriend is mad at you and you don't want to go on even though you have pre-teen daughter? Ick. The complete 180 on his personality was also a huge red flag. Pass.

This was not for me and I am really disappointed at how much I dislike this one compared to the first in the series. A true bummer.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

The Au Pair Affair, by Tessa Bailey, was an excellent addition to her Big Shots series. I read the first in the series, Fangirl Down, and gave it five enthusiastic thumbs up! (I still HiGHLY recommend that book.) The Au Pair Affair had a tough act to follow, but Tessa Bailey did an excellent job on this book as well. Tallulah is Josephine's best friend from the first in the series and Burgess is Will's best friend. That is how they meet. Burgess needs a nanny for his 12 year old daughter, Lissa. I thought this was going to be a book about a mom mostly abandoning her child and the dad needing to step up, thus the need for a nanny. I was actually pleasantly, surprised that that is not the case. Lissa's mom is not a bad mom, they just split custody and because Burgess plays hockey, he cannot be there all the time and needs someone to help out, thus the need for Tallulah. You do learn fairly early in the book that Tallulah had a horrific thing happen to her in the past that she is still recovering from. It was not a situation I've read about in a book before and it really added some depth to this book. I could understand why the trauma would still impact your life, even years later. I can highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the next book in the series. Thank you NetGalley and Tessa Bailey for an advanced copy!

Uhhhhh, hate to say this, but there was too much sex. And the sex was too gritty for me. I suppose it would appeal to me as a story if the author had toned that down a bit, but I’m certain she has an audience for it, as she has written many other books. I did enjoy the hockey and marine biology elements immensely, though. And I appreciated the “tour” of Boston.

This book was so incredibly fun!! Burgess and Tullulah had such fun chemistry! I loved how they pushed each other to be the best version of themselves, with Tullulah learning to face her fears and Burgess learning to be more open with the people in his life! The spice was really good, no one does it quite like Tessa Bailey! I loved Sig and Chloe and I’m hoping we’ll get a future story about them! As far as sports romances books go, this one was great! I always think hockey is such a fun sport to focus on!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Avon Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
My review on Goodreads is linked and I will add my Instagram one closer to the publishing date!

Let me preface this by saying I haven’t read (and didn’t initially realize that there was) a first book in this series (Bigshots Series - Fangirl Down). With that said, I think that is one of the attributes of this book, I was able to jump right into Tallulah and Burgess’ story - and WOW what a story it was! The chemistry, banter, and trust between them is unmatched. Our MC Tallulah stayed true to herself and her needs throughout the book, and the way Burgess was able to meet these needs (along with some of his own!) - well, swoon. Suffice it to say, up next I’m reading Fangirl Down!

Tessa Bailey can do no wrong in my eyes! I loved this story, the grumpy/sunshine vibes were so good, making the banter that much sweeter! The older single dad gave a new element to the popular hockey romance trope that made it feel fresh and fun.

This was a fun read. It was funny, but it did have spice. It’s one of those reads that has you kicking your legs in the air with glee at the raunchiness (which significantly cranks up at the halfway point). I loved the friction between the two main characters and how ridiculously bad they were at NOT gravitating towards each other, especially after the third act breakup, although the vibe was a bit different and Tallulah kept going back and forth on whether or not she actually wanted to breakup. Both characters involved did a lot of growing. It was a good story that showed how two people overcame the fear of vulnerability and came out better for it in the end.
I received an advance review copy for free in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Tessa Bailey and NetGalley, for giving me the opportunity to read this book!

"The Au Pair Affair" by Tessa Bailey is a heartfelt and steamy romance that deftly navigates the complexities of love, family, and second chances. The story follows Tallulah, an intelligent and spirited 26-year-old aspiring marine biologist, who finds herself financially strapped and jumps at the chance to become a live-in nanny for Burgess, a gruff but endearing hockey veteran and newly single father.

Tallulah's vibrant personality and caring nature make her an instant hit with Lissa, Burgess's introverted tween daughter. However, it's her growing connection with Burgess that forms the crux of the novel. Their chemistry is undeniable, but their relationship is fraught with challenges. Burgess is torn between his daughter’s hopes of reuniting her parents and his burgeoning feelings for Tallulah. Meanwhile, Tallulah is caught in a dilemma, trying to do the "right" thing by stepping away, despite her deepening affection for Burgess.

Bailey excels at creating nuanced characters who are both relatable and endearing. Tallulah’s adventurous spirit and Burgess’s vulnerability and strength are beautifully contrasted, making their relationship dynamic and compelling. The author also does an excellent job of portraying Lissa’s struggles, adding depth to the story and highlighting the impact of parental relationships on children.

The narrative is well-paced, blending emotional moments with sizzling romantic tension. Bailey’s signature wit and engaging dialogue shine through, making the interactions between Tallulah and Burgess both humorous and heartfelt. The romance is intense and passionate, but it's the emotional growth of the characters that truly stands out. Burgess’s journey from a jaded, battle-scarred father to a man willing to fight for love is particularly moving.

"The Au Pair Affair" also touches on themes of healing and personal growth. Tallulah helps Burgess confront his past and move forward, while she herself learns to take risks and embrace her desires. Their journey is a testament to the transformative power of love and the importance of taking chances, even when the outcome is uncertain.

Overall, "The Au Pair Affair" is a captivating and emotionally satisfying read. Tessa Bailey has crafted a story that is as heartwarming as it is passionate, with characters that stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Fans of contemporary romance will find much to love in this tale of unexpected love, family bonds, and the courage to pursue happiness against all odds.

Bailey's highly awaited sequel to Fangirl Down is called The Au Pair Affair. At the conclusion of Fangirl, there were clues of this pairing, and throughout this book, there were numerous glimpses at Josephine and Welles. Burgess has engaged Tallulah as an au pair for his 12-year-old daughter, Hockey Beast. Despite her surprising and intense worries, Tallulah can't resist helping this family, who blatantly need her. Their relationship is amazing as he works through his own issues and gains her trust. It feels slower than it actually is as Tessa's burn is a tad slower than this one. As usual, though, the reward is worthwhile.

My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I wish I’d never read this book so I could read it again for the first time. MAN, do I love me some Tessa Bailey!

Summary: Tallulah is studying to be a marine biologist at a university in Boston and has taken a job as an au pair for a professional hockey player, Burgess. He wants her to move in for the position to be there for his 12 year old daughter but she has a hard time trusting men because she’s seen the dark side of them before. He sets out on a mission to convince her that she is safe with him.

Thoughts: Let’s set the scene on this book here, okay. Single dad - hockey player - age gap - live in nanny - hot scientist - set in Boston. I meannnnnnn as far as tropes go, we hit gold here. Yet as much as this had going for it, I just couldn’t get all the way into it.

There were quotes in here that were very insightful, some that made me laugh out loud and some that had me swooning. But there were also moments where it felt awkward and toxic. There’s a couple of situations that come in that started to hook me in but they never get fully resolved so it left me wanting more.

I loved Fangirl Down and the peek we got into these characters then. In their own book though, I never was able to get into these characters the way I wanted to. It could be a me thing but I need the tension and for chemistry to build up a little more. This one is very instalust.

Now, if you are the type of person that reads a book for the spicy scenes and plot takes a backseat, this could be the book for you. Those scenes were written very well and I feel like took up substantial real estate in this one. The dirty talk was also supreeeeeme.

Although it wasn’t a complete love for me, I enjoyed it overall and truly cannot wait for the next book in the series. We get a sneak peek into those characters and I already love them.

I adore Tessa Bailey, and the fact that she took a crack at hockey romance makes me love her even more. This book was a delight. It had the perfect blend of Bailey humor, heart, and spice and I was living for all of it. I also am a sucker for the single dad/nanny trope—it hits every single time. I loved Wells and Josephine's cameos and liked seeing how happy they were in this installment. The development of Tallulah and Burgess' relationship was also really well done. I loved how all-in he was straight from the jump. My only qualm is that the third act conflict lasted too long. I understand why it did, but I wished it was resolved quicker. The spice though was incredible. Man's was absolutely feral and we love to see it! Thank you to Avon for sending me an e-ARC to read and review!

This one’s really sexy! I loved the dynamics between Burgess and Talulah. They were the perfect opposites attract. Didn’t love the last 20% but, overall, a great read! I’d still recommend it for sure!

DNF @ 20%. Unfortunately Tessa Bailey’s writing style does not click with me. I found the Bellinger Sisters stories entertaining enough (while admittedly a bit over the top, which is also a Bailey special) to get through, but all subsequent books after have been missing the mark. The male POV is what Bailey struggles with the most and that is definitely the case in this book and why I did not decide to continue. I think I would enjoy the stories way more if it was solely from the FMCs pov and toned down a little. Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collin’s for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you, NetGalley for this ARC. I was really excited about this book because I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series. This book fell really flat for me. I really liked it in the beginning, but found myself getting bored as the book progressed. Also, I became extremely mad at the main male character for how he treated the main female. I was rooting for her, not to take him back, which is never a good sign.

This was my first Tessa Bailey book and I loved it! The age gap trope and hockey are always my favorite. It took me a little bit to get into the 3rd person narrative, but it was SO good once I got used to it!

I will be honest, I have been avoiding reading hockey romances, but when I read Fangirl Down and learned that Tessa Bailey was continuing on the series with The Au Pair Affair, I knew I had to pick it up. While at times I found Burgess to be a bit too possessive and protective, I did like his and Tallulah's connection. I loved that it was also about so much more than just their relationship, but also about Burgess's relationship with his daughter. And it isn't a Bailey romance without some steammmmy scenes. Overall it was a great read!

A perfect summer read!! After reading gold romance Fangirl Down, I couldn’t wait to read Burgess’ story and Ms. Bailey did not disappoint!! No one does banter like she does!

Marine biologist Tallulah is back from Antarctica and agrees to be an au pair for single dad pro hockey player Burgess Abraham. Also known as Sir Savage, he’s a beast on the ice and somewhat sullen with a big protective streak. Tallulah isn’t interested in a relationship, but Burgess is hard to resist.

So sweet and super spicy - I loved it! I can’t wait for the next installment - this cast of characters is so funny!

3.5 stars! If you loved Fangirl Down you’ll love the next in her series of men thirsting after their one and only. Burgess and Tallulah’s story began as a glimpse in Fangirl Down and this picks up some time later with Burgess having offered Tallulah an au pair position and their relationship blossoms from there. Their attraction blossoms quickly and Burgess helps Tallulah come out of her shell processing some past trauma. I did feel the last 20-30% of the book was rushed or perhaps I just wanted a longer book. Without spoiling it Burgess hurts Tallulah in a moment of anger /self pity and the second he stopped being overbearing about getting her back she panics and throws herself back at him. I also really really hope we get Sig/Chloe next bc they are deep in denial and I love that for them.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the ARC “The Au Pair Affair” by Tessa Bailey in exchange for my honest review.

Okay storyline, with typical Tessa Bailey romance factors throughout. Personally, I felt like the character depth was lacking and the actual friends to lover part was rushed over 🤷🏼‍♀️