Tallulah is looking for a new adventure. She’s trying to get out of her shell after a traumatic experience but is not looking for a relationship. Burgess is looking for someone to watch after his daughter while he’s out of town playing hockey. Their friends decide they can help each other out, so Tallulah becomes Burgess’ au pair.

It’s dual pov, age gap, he falls first, grumpy sunshine, protective MMC, and so many other great troupes.

I went into this pretty open minded. I really enjoy Tessa Bailey’s books, but they’re not all 5 stars for me. This one started uncertain. It felt almost cheesy for a chapter or two but wow I got into this quickly. This was one that made me want to kick my feet and not want to stop reading. I devoured this book.

I want to fully disclosed that I did not read the first book before reading this one. I’m definitely going to, but it’s still on hold at the library and I just couldn’t wait to read this one.

If you like any of Tessa Bailey’s books, definitely give this one a try!

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the ARC “The Au Pair Affair” by Tessa Bailey in exchange for my honest review.

We first met Burgess and Tallulah as supporting characters in “Fangirl Down”. Burgess is a divorced, mid thirties professional hockey player with a preteen daughter. He’s needing extra help, so he agrees to hire Tallulah as an Au Pair. Tallulah is in her mid twenties and was moving to Boston to attend grad school. She’s dealing with PTSD from a traumatic kidnapping and has trust issues with men. Sig and Chloe are supporting characters and have an interesting connection. Maybe we’ll be lucky and see their love story unfold in a third book to the series?

I enjoyed reading this book and was sad to finish. I was hooked from the start and laughed out loud several times. I loved the chemistry between these two characters. They also dealt with real life issues and challenges. I found it to be well written and entertaining. I highly recommend this book, you won’t be disappointed.

Tessa Bailey DELIVERED in this captivating follow-up to Fangirl Down. I know I can always count on Tessa for a feel-good romance, but this one was a little heavier on the emotions than its predecessor, which I enjoyed and appreciated. Burgess is a man down BAD for my girl Tallulah, and I was absolutely Living For It. I just find it so refreshing when athlete MMCs are commitment-oriented men. Burgess didn’t want to be playing games with his girl right from the start, and I absolutely ate that up. I just like the way Tessa writes MMCs in general, ok? She’s knows what she’s doing when it comes to boys obsessed. And, as always, the spice be spicing.

There wasn’t much lacking for me in this one, but I was a little disappointed in Josephine’s notable absence. Aren’t she and Tallulah supposed to be best friends? If my best friend was back in the States after a research trip to Antarctica and I previously wasn’t able to talk to her regularly for months, you better believe I’d be blowing up her phone nonstop - especially during wedding planning!!! Josephine’s absence did open up the floor for Chloe, though, who I’m thinking will make a fantastic next FMC in this series (please, Tessa, I’m begging you!!!!)

Overall, 4.5 stars! Minus a half because the third-act breakup almost took me out. Tallulah needed to be told about herself (again, I expected a big friend heart-to-heart with Josephine and I didn’t get that, so I’m a little salty). I didn’t like how long Tallulah held *the thing* against Burgess for so long, especially considering the circumstances. It all came together very nicely in the end with T and B’s respective revelations about life and love and the whole nine, but it felt drawn out and a little cruel on Tallulah’s part. Really hoping for another installment to this series soon!!!

This is a little to cliched for my taste. If you enjoy predictable romance plot this is for you. DNF

**********************************I received an ARC for my honest opinion from NetGalley.************

-- DONE!
I absolutely loved the pacing in this book, the slow-burn and will they or won't they was very well written for someone who's had a past as traumatic as Tallulah. Yes, the third act breakup frustrated me to hell and back, and for a moment there I was considering that Tallulah should never forgive him.. but yeah, no, Tessa Bailey fixed it at the end. I did find their journey very realistic, and as much as I love my romances that are escapist and disconnected from reality romances, this book really hit home in a good way <3

If I had one complaint?
I had hoped for more of Lissa (the MMC's daughter), given that this book is marketed as a single dad x nanny, but this book has a major focus on the MCs and their past trauma / career fears - so keep that in mind I guess.

TWs - aggressive stalker faced by FMC in the past, potentially career ending injuries faced my MMC

-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!

-- update at 44%
"Making Tallulah laugh was like taking a shower in sunshine."
😭

--- update at 40%
What I expected going in without reading the blurb: forced proximity slow-burn, grumpy/sunshine, swoony/steamy dialogues
What's in the book: all of the above PLUS loads of vulnerable, wholesome conversations, and the MCs rediscovering what it means to have adventure again after their respective [redacted] pasts😭🥲

Also, there's a peanut butter and espresso smoothie in this one?? I need it?

Also, also, I think I've already seen the harp player FMC and her MMC for the next book in this series?? I can't wait for them 😭

Tessa Bailey does it again. The Au Pair Affair was a slap shot to my heart! Tallulah and Burgess were everything my heart desired. I mean Sir Savage is the cinnamon roll of my dreams. Single dad and Nanny might be my new favorite trope. This book had depth and heart, with all the heat and spice we have come to expect from the brilliant Tessa.
Tallulah is struggling with past trauma and finds herself face to face with the Job opportunity of a lifetime. How could she pass up room and board with a hot single dad hockey star. Finishing her masters in marine biology will be thought, But taking a leap and trusting will be the biggest challenge and adventure of all.
Burgess has been stuck in a love life limbo since his divorce, instead focusing on balancing his hockey career and being a single dad. He loves his daughter but needs a push with how best to communicate with his blossoming preteen. Tallulah is just what his family needed.
I loved all of the supporting characters. Sig and Chloe… I’m going to need more of that, and the orgasm twins were just the comedic relief needed.
This book was HOT! Their chemistry leaped off the page and I couldn’t wait for the tension to snap. His protectiveness was swoon worthy.
ALL THE STARS!!!

#hefallsfirst
#cinnamonroll
#singledad
#nanny
#penguins
#hockey
#agegap
#sportshero

I am a huge Tessa Bailey fan, but I had a lot of likes and dislikes with this one.

Her characters have such an electrifying chemistry that I absolutely love, and that rings true for Au Pair Affair. This “he falls first” was so sweet and adorable-it made me agonize with Burgess. I loved it.

What I felt missed the mark was that majority of the action takes place as internal struggles. There are a few loose ends (Finn the study buddy) that I felt could have created more actions. There was a lot of “telling the reader” instead of “showing the reader.” I think with the conflict being internal struggles probably painted Bailey into a corner.

I love Tessa Bailey, I love Burgess and Tallulah, and now I need to watch more hockey.

I love Tessa Bailey! All her books are so fun and spicy, including this one! While I think I enjoyed Fangirl Down a little more than this one, The Au Pair Affair was still fun, sexy, and a good time. Who doesn't love the single dad/nanny trope? I feel the break -up towards the end was over-dramatic and a bit much. I didn't love the way Burgess treated Tallulah but admired his drive to win her back. This was a fun read that had some serious moments. Of course it all works out in the end which is what we're here for. I don't think I'll ever be disappointed in a Tessa Bailey Book.

Thank you to Net Galley and Avon Publishing for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you Tessa Bailey, Avon and Harper Voyager for this eARC!

To say I was excited to read Burgess and Tallulah's story after being introduced to them in Fangirl Down (Big Shots #1) is an understatement. This story was not only exciting and tension filled, but the love and compassion woven within the storyline brought it to a whole different level. Could not put this one down and am hoping for a third installment with Sig and Chloe's story!

I will start off by saying I am not a fan of nanny romances (or professor-student or employee-boss, for that matter) Something about the power imbalance makes me feel icky. So right off the bat, Burgess and Tallulah would need to be fantastic to win me over. The story was fun in places, but I felt like the pacing was a bit off. The third act breakup seemed abrupt and weird. The characters seemed uneven and Tallulah was so indecisive. At times, it seemed like everyone forgot that Burgess even had a child.
However, I am not reading a Tessa Bailey book for its tight plot and character development, I'm reading it for its dirty talk and spice. In those two areas, The Au Pair Affair shines. I was definitely entertained! I also enjoyed seeing the characters from Fangirl Down again.

2/5 ⭐️
Spiciness: 4/5

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon for the opportunity to review this ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

General tropes/themes:
- Age gap (11 year)
- Single Dad and the nanny/au pair
- Sports romance (hockey)
- FMC with history of trauma

I absolutely enjoyed the first book in this series, Fangirl Down, and was hoping for magic again in this book!

I liked elements of this book. I liked Lissa and Tallulah’s budding relationship. I like how Tallulah has depth with her prior experiences. Sig and Chloe are easily some of my favorite characters.

I think that my biggest criticism for this book is that it felt like too much was happening at each time. A lot of tropes were included, however it seemed to muddy the story rather than giving the intended depth. I struggled to see the chemistry at times between the main characters. I remember feeling this in book 1, where this entire introduction was forced and felt awkward. How does Wells even know this Boston Defenseman and where is the background for them? Also, the self proclaimed “Mean Daddy” goes from “she is too young” to “I want her to be my girlfriend” to “I will marry her” remarkably fast and it did not feel as fluid as I wanted. The conflict in the story also felt forced and unnatural for these characters. And some of the spicy scenes were… full of… interesting dialog? Some I could get behind but some I had to read a second time… like a double take, you know?

I was more caught up in Chloe and Sig’s sideline romance and wanted way more of that. Will be reading any book about them because I am so intrigued by their story. They better get a book.

Ultimately, I liked parts of this book, but there were things in this book that I just could not get into, which is a bummer because I love a hockey romance.

I recently saw an interview where Tessa Bailey bragged about being able to write a book in 2 months….that’s not a feat when the books aren’t good and this one was BAD.

I’ve read 3 of her books in my life. Secretly Yours, which I didn’t finish because it was so boring. My Killer Vacation, which I had to physically DRAG myself through while I gagged over her truly disgusting ways of describing genitals. And now this one, The Au Pair Affair, which I think might actually be the worst book I’ve ever read.

Let’s start at the beginning, shall we? If Burgess was a real life man, he would be a walking red flag. The man has not a single thought in his brain beyond how horny he is. That’s it! Tallulah told him her deepest darkest trauma and the next page was thinking about doing her again. I find it to be such a turnoff when the MMC sees the FMC for the first time and he’s thinking about having sex with her but in this case, it never stopped!

Tallulah on the other hand has the personality of a ketchup covered napkin. This girl is supposedly going to become a marine biologist and just got back from a tour in Antarctica and somehow she’s this boring?! How? These two shallow, paper thin characters made for thee most boring dialogue I’ve ever experienced in a book.

Beyond that, the writing was just so horrible. I’m not supposed to quote anything since it’s from an ARC but I have sooo many highlights on my Kindle from this book and they’re all passages that were laughable, hard to read, written wrong, or just gross. At the very, very least maybe invest in a better editor?

To summarize, Tessa needs to slow tf down and focus on quality over quantity and she has officially earned her spot on my never read again list. Congrats!

Ever since I ventured into book reviewing and blogging, one of my dreams was to be approved for an ARC by Tessa Bailey, an author whose narratives have captivated me time and again. It's a delight to say that this book, the second installment in the "Big Shots" series, not only met but surpassed my expectations.

Tessa Bailey invites us once again into her vibrant mind with a story that brims with chemistry and charm. The protagonist, Burgess, is the epitome of what one might wish for in a male main character in a sports romance—burly, a bit surly, and overwhelmingly magnetic. His connection with Tallulah, the bright and vivacious marine biologist and grad student turned au pair, is electric from the start. Despite their different life stages and the chaos of Burgess's single dad status, their romance evolves beautifully, marked by moments of intense emotional and physical connection that Tessa Bailey orchestrates flawlessly.

What truly stands out in "The Au Pair Affair" is how real the characters feel. Tallulah, with her spirited demeanor and complex backstory, brings a light into Burgess's structured life that he didn't know was missing. The dynamic within Burgess's family, especially with his daughter Lissa, adds layers to the story that enrich the romantic plot, making every interaction poignant and meaningful.

Bailey’s signature spice is there, of course, adding heat to Burgess and Tallulah's encounters, which are as heartfelt as they are steamy. The scenes are daringly explicit, yet tastefully executed, showcasing a range of emotions and dynamics from playful and teasing to intensely passionate. This isn't just romance; it's an exploration of desires, boundaries, and the intoxicating dance of give and take between two perfectly matched souls. Tallulah's boldness in embracing her desires and articulating them adds a layer of authenticity and empowerment to their romance, making their connection all the more compelling.

The narrative is perfectly paced, with conflicts that feel genuine and resolutions that satisfy the heart's craving for a happily ever after. In conclusion, "The Au Pair Affair" is a triumphant return to what Tessa Bailey does best—crafting stories of love, laughter, and the kind of romance that leaves a lasting impression. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-balanced sports rom-com that explores the depths of love and the complexities of human relationships. Burgess and Tallulah's story is a testament to the power of love's transformative ability, making it a deserving addition to any romance lover's collection. Five Burgess-sized stars!

My favorite books are the ones where I fall into the story and can’t put it down. The Au Pair Affair kept me up into the early morning hours and I didn’t even realize it! I loved the story of Tallulah and Burgess, but all the supporting characters made this so fun. I loved her friendship with Chloe and all the meddling from Sig, Wells and Josephine. Burgess is super protective, and Tallulah is trying to learn to trust and take chances. This is a great read, and one that I could easily see playing out in a movie. Tessa’s writing immerses you into the story.

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager, and Netgalley for this ARC.

I legitimately think Tessa Bailey is an amazing writer. But I really should listen to my instincts about what kinda trope I am in the mood for. I am not a big age gap fan, especially when there is a work relationship. And the nanny and the hockey player? Oof it just wasn’t my jam. I mean it was super steamy hot. And if those tropes had been my thing? I would have been in heaven. But unfortunately, I didn’t trust myself enough, to realize this wasn’t for me. (At least not today) Which for what it is worth is one of the themes in the book. The characters were so fun and had really heartfelt emotional journeys. So my recommendation is if you like these tropes, read this book. If nanny, age gap is not your thing, read another one of Tessa Bailey’s books.

Love Tessa Bailey, and this one did not disappoint! Burgess and Tallulah are hilarious and quippy, and Burgess' clear understanding of what she needs vs. his own needs is so refreshing. Makes me want to read the rest of the standalone series!

I really liked the chemistry between these two characters. I had a difficult time with the initial toxic masculinity that the mmc showcased when it came to his back and his overall health. I really prefer a mmc that takes care of himself so that he can then begin to take care of others. The banter was cute, but I wished it was more slow burn and pining versus the insta-lovey vibe we got. Overall, I still really liked it and will continue to read more from Tessa Bailey in the future.

Oh my god. Tessa. This whole universe of characters is quickly becoming my entire world.

TBH, I thought when I met Burgess and Tallulah in Wells and Josephine's book that W+J was going to be my favorite couple. I can firmly commit to all of them being my favorite, even with just *the hints* of what's to come in this universe for us!

OKAY. Thank you to AVON to the ARC of this beauty! I'll hoard her on my shelf until my dying breath, just like Burgess is going to love Tallulah. These are my honest thoughts! :)

Holy freaking Tessa Bailey. All is right in my world. I savored this book as much as I could, but I COULD BARELY PUT IT DOWN. These are main characters are so complementary to each other, and their chemistry just hums in their veins, bleeds into the words on the page, vibrates into the heart of the reader, and just freaking stays there. WOO-EEE, they were hot for each other and I am hot for them!

Burgess plays hockey. He's a defender. He's a... meanie? (I don't want to spoil Tallulah's nickname for him because it's amazing, but here's my clue lol). Off the ice, he's reserved and a little gruff and soft for his girl, Lissa (his daughter). But he doesn't really have anyone else.

Enter sunshine Tallulah, who has some trauma from her past that she's decided to stop running from, but she's taking baby steps and she's taking care of herself. Although she's agreed to be the au pair for Lissa, she's a lil nervous to be living with a big meanie hockey defensemen goliath who she doesn't know at all. But Burgess immediately goes into protector mode. She's the goalie of his life... protecting, defending, shielding, making confident. It's just... it's so lovely. There's an age gap; he's a veteran hockey player and captain, she's a graduate student. But they just bring out the best in each other and it's beautiful, and age only matters when Burgess feels like an old man :D

Many, many thoughts to share on the things I loved about this book:
- Respect. The two main characters respect each other. Burgess respects the person Tallulah wants to be again, and he is respectfully dirty in the best way towards respecting her, what could be, the space that their relationship exists, and his own boundaries. It's hot.
- Tallulah's ability to pull people into her orbit. Burgess. Lissa. Chloe. Her grad school friends. Random people she meets.
- HE FREAKING FALLS FIRST + IT'S AMAZING.
- Adventures. Tallulah sets off to have adventures, and Burgess goes along to see her shine in her bravery.
- FREAKING ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT. It's... hot? Can I keep saying it's hot?
- THE SWEATSHIRT SCENE(S)
- The immediate response to show up for the person you love
- The processing of emotions on both parts. I love this fictionalized version of what it's actually like to fall in love with someone (in some fun and obviously fictional situations). These two both have these emotional responses to each other. Some of them are toxic or come from a place of trauma. There's healing in processing those responses and reactions together. You don't fall in love and instantly become the BEST person for your partner. This demonstrates what it takes to learn your partner so that you can better support them in everything they want to achieve in their lives and those hardships that come with chasing your dreams.
- Burgess thinking Tallulah can't get any more beautiful EVERY TIME HE SEES HER. This is the kind of hero(ine) worship I'm here for!
- The Ever Inspired Tessa Bailey Spice™
- THE AQUARIUM DATE
- How emotionally in-tune these two are to each other, and how Tallulah's emotional intelligence wakes Burgess up from a deep slumber and makes him more emotionally available to everyone in his orbit

Five Burgess-sized stars for this book! Can't wait for this one to hit shelves in July and for you to fall in love with this story! :)

After a year spent studying in Antarctica, Talulah needs a job. So when she gets the opportunity to nanny for a friends friend, she doesn’t hesitate. What she doesn’t expect, though is to grow attracted to the hot hockey player living with her.
This might be the first time I’ve ever had a crush on both of the main characters in a book at the same time… like hello?? She’s obsessed with penguins and is absolutely stunning and he’s one of the smoothest smooth talkers I’ve ever read, kind of crazy honestly. The only reason I’m disappointed I have a ARC is because I have to wait even longer now for the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Publishing for an eARC of this book.

The Au Pair Affair follows the relationship between Tallulah, the au pair, and Burgess, a grumpy hockey player with a young daughter. Overall, I did not enjoy this book as much as previous Tessa Bailey books. I feel like the relationship development wasn't as well written and I was not a fan of Burgess's character. I usually like the protective MMC but not in this book.

The spice was still pretty good but the story was lacking for me. I'm still a fan of Tessa Bailey. Not every book can be a banger.

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.