Burgess is the epitome of ‘he falls first and hard’. There is a case of insta-love on his side but honestly, I enjoyed it in contrast to Tallulah’s hesitancy towards the situation and when it was balanced out by one of the best third-act breakups that Tessa Bailey has written. There was so much sexual tension between our two main characters, plus getting to see Josephine and Wells again made this book so fun.

I’m a sucker for a single dad romance and if you make it a grumpy single dad hero who’s only sweet for his daughter then I’m sold!

Burgess and Tallulah were exactly what each other needed. I genuinely LOLd in this book and swooned more than once. I really enjoyed their banter and watching the relationship unfold. Another sweet aspect was her relationship with his daughter, super cute.

These two had epic chemistry that included realistic conversations about wants, consent and more which made me a very happy reader.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for the advanced copy for review.

Being a massive Tessa Bailey fan I was already pumped getting into this book, regretfully I didn't read Fan Girl Down first because Tallulah and Burgess were introduced in the first book in the Big shots series. Thankfully it didn't make a difference because I became OBSESSED with these characters!!

I think I may have a new appreciation for the Grumpy Single Dad trope because Burgess was smoking!

As always Tessa brings the witty banter and spicy talking making it an enjoyable read
I now just need to grab a physical copy to add to the collection!

🏒 The Au Pair Affair 🏒
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This might be my new favourite Tessa Bailey book. I mean hockey romance, say less 💅

When we got to meet Tallulah and Burgess in Fangirl Down I immediately knew they were going to be some of my favs and I was invested in these characters from the start! 💕
I mean Sir Savage helping Tallulah work through past trauma *chefs kiss* 🤌

Read this if youre a fan of:
- Single Dad/Nanny
- Hockey Romance
- Age Gap
- He falls first and hard
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Roommate/Forced Proximity
- Opposites Attract

The Au Pair Affair is available now, I definitely need to get myself a physical copy!!
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins Australia for the ARC!

4.5⭐️ I was hooked on Burgess and Tullulah after their encounter in Fan Girl Down (Big Shots, #1), so I was so excited to read The Au Pair Affair (Big Shots, #2). And honestly this book did not disappoint, for me this book was better than the last one which proves the series is getting better and better.

We first got introduced to Burgess and Tullulah in Fan Girl Down (Big Shots, #1) and that planted the seed for this single-father/nanny romance to develop. Tullulah accepted the job as a live-in nanny months ago when she met Boston Bearcats team captain Burgess Abraham and his 12 year old daughter Lissa at a golf tournament with Wells and Josephine. At the time it’s seemed like a great idea and would provide her with a stable job and somewhere to live while completing her Masters in Marine Biology at Boston Uni. However, now it’s time to start the nanny position and she’s realised she’s moving in with a stranger. A man she doesn’t know. What was she thinking??

Burgess notices how reluctant Tallulah is about moving in and tries to allay her fears. He’s quickly charmed by her vivaciousness, her sense of humour and how she has quickly connected with Lissa which is no easy feat. He’s also caught off guard, feeling things he’s never felt before (keep in mind he was once a married man!), and he wondering how it came to be that he’s lusting after his young and beautiful au pair…

Burgess is intense, broody and serious which is basically the exact opposite of Tullulah who is spontaneous, fun, adventurous and young. Burgess feels like he’s past his prime and is nothing like what she’d be looking for or needs given he’s a divorced single father eleven years her senior. Tullulah is trying to live in the world without distrust and paranoia as she is not easily trusting of men. She’s feeling distrustful and helpless, not bold and fearless like she used to be. This fear and distrust which Burgess clearly sees, brings out a protectiveness in Burgess, a “who hurt you” vibe which is so, so attractive. Tallulah transforms their lives and helps their family become happier - she helps Burgess communicate better with Lissa, and with Lissa being happier they have a more harmonious household. Things develop between Burgess and Tullulah from playful to something bigger, something deeper, something more permanent. Turns out Burgess is nowhere near past his prime, he’s is a total DILF and he’s still go it!

This series keeps getting better and better! Can’t wait for the next book which will be Burgess’ team mate Sig and his soon to be step-sister Chloe.

The Au Pair Affair

° Single dad x Nanny
° Grumpy x Sunshine
° Forced Proximity
° Age Difference
° Hockey Romance
° Dual POV

"The Au Pair Affair," the second book in Tessa Bailey's Big Shots series, follows the story of Burgess, a professional hockey player, and Tallulah, a marine biology graduate student, who meet through their mutual friends Wells and Josephine from "Fangirl Down."

This book is a delightful, light read filled with tension and spice. It had me laughing out loud and swooning over Burgess' protectiveness towards Tallulah. The narrative also skillfully incorporates Tallulah's personal trauma and Burgess' struggles with chronic pain from hockey and single parenthood to his pre-teen daughter.

One of the standout moments is when Burgess repeatedly watches a French braid tutorial video to ensure his daughter Lissa doesn't feel left out during a volleyball scrimmage. This heartwarming effort reminded me of when my husband learned to do pigtails for our daughter by watching a YouTube tutorial.

I also enjoyed the side characters, Sig and Chloe, who are set to be the main characters in the next book of the series.


Favorite Quotes:

ᥫ᭡“I might have thrown away my chance, but I’m not going to throw away the lesson you tried to teach me. If it’s the only piece of you I’m allowed, I’m keeping it.”

ᥫ᭡ “Maybe I will cry again. Maybe we’ll shout and get angry or push each other’s buttons. But our love is going to be bigger than the bad moments.”

ᥫ᭡ “I’m going to take you on adventures…but hear me when I tell you, there will never be an adventure that lives up to you.” He looked her in the eye. “I want to stay on it forever.”

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Australia for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars
Content warnings: detailed mentioning of a past stalker and subsequent trauma, major injury leading to surgery and rehab, power dynamics with a boss/employee-to-lovers relationship

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy to review. All thoughts are my own.

I absolutely adored Fangirl Down earlier in the year, and it was a surprise to me because I am very hit or miss with Bailey's books. I'm not 100% her target audience, because fans know they're going to get a steamy story with characters that follow predictable tropes that make her books a comfort to many romance readers. I tend to prefer emotional romance stories and can overlook multiple spicy scenes for something that has a great connection, which I've found lacking in some of Bailey's books.

That being said, I enjoyed this one enough to give it 4 stars. Was it highly predictable and had characters Bailey has penned before just in a different scenario? Absolutely. Was there a big focus on the chemistry, you bet! Yet I liked Burgess and Tallulah's story enough to remain invested. Burgess is very typically alpha-coded, but I liked the addition of being a solo dad and how attentive he was to Tallulah's input to his way of going about things in his life. He went from being somewhat clueless on how to manage a tweenaged daughter, a career that kept him on the road a lot of the time, and failing a previous marriage, to showing his daughter he was paying attention to her thoughts and needs in an appreciative manner, could balance his expectations and beliefs in his teammates, and accepting he wasn't the complete failing measure to his previous marriage. Tallulah's constant guidance was well-placed without being overbearing, and I liked that he in turn made her feel safe in a world that scared her deeply. Whilst I found her storyline quite heavy, I appreciated how Bailey explored it, and allowed Tallulah to subsequently rediscover her bolder personality once more.

I'm going to be honest, I absolutely loved the tension and the almost spicy moments between the pair and their relationship felt real. But when the actual spice hit, I wasn't a fan. It felt very generically worded, and I admit to skimming some portions because I never enjoy the alpha dirty talk/simpering sally type sex scenes in romance novels. I'm in the minority here, but I want to share for transparency, as it did lessen my overall interest in the book. This is something I've experienced with other books by this author where I've enjoyed the storyline but not the minor character assassination in the bedroom, and because of this, I was able to adjust my expectations and finish the read.

Final thought based on the side characters: I liked the brief moments with Wells and Josephine being added in but I adored Sig a great deal, and I am so glad he'll be the main male character of the next book in the series. I appreciated Bailey's decision to continue setting the next book up with the side characters in the present read, and I'm eager to get invested in their storyline next. I liked how both Chloe and Sig played decent roles in each POV a good deal more than how Tallulah and Burgess were used in book 1. It felt a little more organic this time around.

Overall, I liked this story. Generic smut/spiciness aside, I found the characters individually interesting enough to enjoy and the ending was cute as heck. I'm glad I took a chance on Fangirl Down earlier in the year as I would have missed out on this story which would have been a shame.

I was thrilled to get an early review copy of Tessa Bailey's *Au Pair Affair* thanks to an ARC (Advance Reader Copy). Apologies to my family for the flood of ecstatic messages when I got approved—this is Tessa Bailey we're talking about!

Saying I loved this book is an understatement. As soon as I finished *Fangirl Down*, I pre-ordered the next one without hesitation. Like Burgess, I was completely hooked.

Tessa brilliantly weaves in the experiences of single parents and co-parenting, highlighting how Tallulah strengthens his bond with his daughter Lissa.

I adored the female main character’s dreams and aspirations. Watching her grow and overcome some tough challenges was inspiring. GIRL POWER!

This book was fantastic—I devoured it just like every other Tessa Bailey novel. I only wish I could experience it again for the first time!

Grumpy, single dad? Say less. Forced Proximity? Yes please. Dirty talking MMC? Absolutely. Spice? Oooh yes.

If you’re a lover of sports romances, this is a read for you. Burgess & Tallulah provide palpable, obvious attraction, paired with stubbornness and feelings of doing the right thing. Fighting feelings, for each other & from themselves, The Au Pair Affair is heartfelt, raw, tense and hot as all hell.

This is absolutely worth your time.

I love the breadcrumbs that were sprinkled throughout "Fangirl Down". I wanted to read about Tallulah x Burgess's relationship the moment I finished the first book of the series. I've read a couple of Tessa Bailey's previous books. And I understood going into this series there will be spice (or at least I expected there to be). And that is good imo! However, I would've preferred just a bit more background story. E.g more interaction between Tallulah x Lissa. Or just any additional interaction with any other characters. And I preferred the banter in the previous book in comparison.

Tallulah and Burgess's relationship was adorable. However, I am so thankful that Tallulah didn't just take Burgess back during their third-act breakup. Although its not something I like in my romance novels. The grovel somewhat made up for it. Although maybe it's a personal preference I would've made Burgess groveled / suffer just a little bit more. What Burgess said was incredibly hurtful considering Tallulah's circumstances. And in a way I'm glad Tallulah finally went out of her comfort zone. The unfortunate push and pull despite wanting to move on. The mild angst between the characters. Overall ,The Au Pair Affair was a fun and quick read for me :)

A man who is so in love that he is willing to take you to the aquarium every night. What a dream. And Sir Taken? I giggled 3.5/5 

Thank you NetGalley, the Publisher & Tessa Bailey for giving me an opportunity to review this book :)

I loved this books so much! So light and fun while also balancing some emotional and quite serious topics. The 2 main characters chemistry was off the charts and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time to see when they would get together. Those spicy scenes were A+ and totally hot!

Sweet, swoony and spicy, The Au Pair Affair was everything I had hoped for, and more! I absolutely adored the relationship between Burgess and Tallulah. Their chemistry and their banter was perfection, but I think what I loved most about them was the respect and affection that they had for each other. As always, Tessa Bailey’s writing was impeccable and this book should not be missed!

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Publishers Australia and the author Tessa Bailey for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I’m a sucker for a Tessa Bailey book, they always hit me in the right place and of course The Au Pair Affair was no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I rate it a 4.75/5 ⭐️ (rounded up to a 5⭐️). This book is filled with characters that you can’t help but love despite the tension. I absolutely ate this up! 🥵😮‍💨🤤

The Au Pair Affair was such a quick paced book but it was so much fun and Tessa always nails it with the spice! I absolutely love Burgess and Tallulah, the tension, the banter, the dirty talk, it was all 10/10, chefs kiss. I really enjoyed the touch her and die vibes, I love a protective man 😮‍💨 I also loved the ‘mean daddy’ vibes that Burgess was giving off. I’m not usually someone who picks a single dad trope but this did NOT disappoint.

I loved Fangirl Down and could not wait to hear more about Burgess and Tallulah, their story exceeded my expectations (you also get a touch of Wells and Josephine). I was rooting for Burgess and Tallulah from the start, their character development was great and there was amazing character depth. If you also loved Fangirl Down, you will eat this up too.

The side characters were also chefs kiss for me, I loved hearing about Lissa, Sig & Chloe 😉🤫 and even the rookies! 😂 Can’t wait to see what Tessa comes out with next.

I would highly recommend this book if you love a book filled with great tropes, e.g. grumpy x sunshine, touch her and die, forced proximity, age gap, boss/employee, single dad, roommates, opposites attract and obviously hockey romance (plus more) 🤤🥵😮‍💨.

I absolutely adored Fangirl Down, and this second instalment of the Big Shots series by Tessa Bailey was a fantastic follow up. Hockey player single dad Burgess hires live in nanny Tallulah, 11 years his junior. Sparks fly. This book had me laughing out loud, swooning over Burgess, and rooting for Tallulah the entire time.

This was a fun, easy read and you can always trust Tessa to nail the spice! Burgess had me WEAK. The tension, 10 out of 10. The dirt talk, 10 out of 10. I live for her male leads, and this one was perfect. The grumpy x sunshine trope is one of my favourites, and Burgess did not disappoint. I was SWOONING.

By now, I should be prepared for the third act breakup, but her books always catch me off guard and I love it! I went into this book expecting the rom com vibe, but I was surprised to find some more serious themes revolving around Tallulah’s past trauma, as well. I think these were explored well, and appreciated how it was handled throughout.

If you love a good trope-filled rom com with humour and spice, you will love this series! I will devour anything Tessa Bailey writes, and if you loved Fangirl Down, you will adore this one, too.

Thank you Avon, Tessa Bailey and Netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey

emotional funny lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0 Stars

I don’t often reach for romances that include single parent or age gap tropes but this was a pleasant surprise! Classic Tessa Bailey writing that had me giggling all the way through.

Love all the characters, the grovelling and the chemistry between Tallulah and Burgess.

It’s a must read for any lover of hockey romances!

Thank you to Tessa Bailey, HarperCollins Publishers Australia and Netgalley for the ARC.

I’m not one to reach for sports romances but let me just say this book may have turned me! It had laugh out loud banter, the best slow burn and he absolutely falls first…hard! Tessa Bailey is a fabulous story teller who gives readers everything they are looking for...characters with depth, slow burn to spice all topped off with a sprinkle of laugh out loud banter.

There are so many tropes in this book, it shouldn’t work, but somehow it does and does it well. I’m talking hockey romance, opposites attract, boss/employee, grumpy and sunshine, roommates, forced proximity, age gap, single dad, instant attraction years prior and groveling.

The only tiny negative from me was towards the end, the pace just fell away a little when Tallulah walks away, but overall it was a fun and spicy read that I very much enjoyed and would recommend.

I loved this book so much! Tessa Bailey is one of my go-to authors and this was another hit for me. The main characters Tallulah and Burgess were likable and relatable. They had great chemistry and I was rooting for them from the start. I also enjoyed their backstories and their character development throughout the book. Burgess is without a doubt my favorite MMC from Tessa Bailey. I loved that he falls first and has basically zero red flags. The spice was also perfection!

Somehow I completely missed the first book in this series, but it really didn't matter and I will definitely be buying it! I'm also looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I'm definitely intrigued with what will happen in Chloe and Sig's story.

If you are a fan of any of the following tropes, you NEED to red this book : sports romance, hockey romance, age gap, single dad, forced proximity grumpy/sunshine, room mates.

Huge thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!

I knew this would be awesome and it did not disappoint. Tessa does it again! Surely there are only so many times I can give Tessa's book 5 star reviews? Well, here is another! This is a perfect blend of sport, angst, family and romance. The spice was amazing. So hot!! So well worth it. It's just something about the way Tessa writes her characters and their character growth that has me loving her books and coming back for more. The spoiler at the back is (eyes) and I hope it is Sig and Chloe!!

Big thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins Australia and Tessa Bailey for this early release copy in exchange for my honest review.

✨ hockey romance ✨ nanny x boss ✨ grumpy x sunshine ✨ opposites attract ✨ he falls first and HARD ✨ forced proximity ✨ age gap ✨ single dad

Need I say more? Tessa Bailey is an auto-read for me! Tallulah and Burgess *chefs kiss* The SPICE was SPICING🌶️ If you a fan of books where he falls first, and hard and fast this is the book for you!

Thank you Tessa Bailey & Netgalley for the advanced readers copy!

This book was full of instant attraction between the 2 main characters and lots of internal struggle. It was slightly a Insta love story and there was plenty of spice. Considering this I was hesitant reading because of the Au Pair /Boss trope. However it was very clear in the books that there was mutual attraction before they had a working relationship.

Being written this way it made me enjoy the book even more. There felt like there was less of a power imbalance between the couple and it didn’t leave me feeling icky.

However the main male characters over protectiveness was annoying at times. Overall it was a light easy read that didn’t consume much brain power

Thank you NetGalley for letting me read an arc.