The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey

Love on Ice: When Opposites Attract

You know that feeling when you curl up with a good book and suddenly it’s 3 AM and you’re bleary-eyed but can’t stop turning pages? That’s exactly what happened to me with Tessa Bailey’s latest rom-com, “The Au Pair Affair.” This sizzling sports romance had me hooked from the first chapter, serving up the perfect blend of humor, heart, and heat that Bailey’s fans have come to expect.

As the second installment in Bailey’s Big Shots series, “The Au Pair Affair” follows the unlikely romance between Burgess Abraham, a gruff hockey player and single dad, and Tallulah Aydin, the free-spirited marine biology student who becomes his daughter’s nanny. It’s a classic case of opposites attract, with enough witty banter and sexual tension to keep you entertained for hours.

The Play-by-Play: What’s the Story?

Meet the Players

Burgess Abraham is your typical alpha male hero—brooding, muscular, and emotionally constipated. As the captain of the Boston Bearcats hockey team, he’s used to being in control on the ice. But when it comes to raising his 12-year-old daughter Lissa? Let’s just say he’s skating on thin ice.

Enter Tallulah Aydin, a 26-year-old grad student studying marine biology. She’s vivacious, adventurous, and in desperate need of a paycheck. When the opportunity to be Lissa’s live-in nanny falls into her lap, Tallulah jumps at the chance—even if it means living under the same roof as the intimidating (and ridiculously attractive) Burgess.

The Game Plan

What starts as a convenient arrangement quickly evolves into something more. Tallulah breathes new life into the Abraham household, encouraging both Burgess and Lissa to step out of their comfort zones. Meanwhile, Burgess finds himself increasingly drawn to Tallulah’s warmth and spontaneity.

But of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. Lissa harbors hopes of her parents reconciling, Burgess struggles with vulnerability, and Tallulah grapples with her own past traumas. When feelings deepen and boundaries blur, our leads must decide if they’re brave enough to take a shot at love.

Penalty Box: The Highs and Lows

What Works

1. Chemistry that Sizzles:

Holy smokes, the sexual tension between Burgess and Tallulah is off the charts! Bailey has a knack for writing steamy scenes that’ll make you fan yourself.

2. Emotional Depth:

While the romance is central, the story also explores themes of trust, healing, and family. Burgess’s journey towards emotional vulnerability is particularly well-done.

3. Lovable Side Characters:

Lissa steals every scene she’s in, and I found myself equally invested in her growth. The supporting cast, including Burgess’s teammates and Tallulah’s friend Chloe, adds humor and heart.

4. Pacing:

The story moves at a brisk clip, with plenty of banter and sexual tension to keep you engaged. I never felt bored or tempted to skim.

Room for Improvement

1. Predictable Plot Points:

While enjoyable, the story follows a fairly standard romance formula. Some readers might find it a bit predictable.

2. Suspension of Disbelief:

A few plot points require a hefty suspension of disbelief. The speed at which Tallulah becomes integrated into Burgess’s life, for instance, feels a tad unrealistic.

3. Rushed Resolution:

The final conflict and resolution felt a bit rushed. I would’ve liked to see more time spent on Burgess and Tallulah working through their issues.

Power Play: Standout Elements

Character Development

One of the strongest aspects of “The Au Pair Affair” is the character growth. Burgess, in particular, undergoes a compelling arc. We watch him evolve from a closed-off, emotionally stunted grump to a man capable of vulnerability and love. It’s not always a smooth journey – Bailey doesn’t shy away from showing his missteps and moments of backsliding – which makes his transformation all the more satisfying.

Tallulah, too, experiences significant growth. Her journey involves overcoming past traumas and learning to trust again. I appreciated that Bailey didn’t magically “fix” Tallulah’s issues with love, but instead showed her working through her fears with support from Burgess.

Family Dynamics

The relationship between Burgess and Lissa is another highlight. Their father-daughter dynamic feels authentic, complete with awkward attempts at bonding and genuine moments of connection. Watching Burgess learn to communicate with his preteen daughter is both hilarious and heartwarming.

Tallulah’s integration into their family unit is handled with care. She doesn’t try to replace Lissa’s mother, but instead forms her own unique bond with the girl. The evolution of their little found family is genuinely touching.

Steamy Scenes

Let’s be real – many of us pick up a Tessa Bailey book for the steam, and “The Au Pair Affair” delivers in spades. The sexual tension between Burgess and Tallulah is palpable from their first meeting, and when they finally get together? Whew! Bailey’s love scenes are explicit without being crude, focusing on the emotional connection as much as the physical.

Overtime: Comparisons and Context

If you enjoyed Bailey’s previous book in the Big Shots series, “Fangirl Down,” you’ll likely love “The Au Pair Affair” as well. It maintains the sports romance theme while introducing new characters and dynamics.

For fans of hockey romances, this book sits comfortably alongside works like Elle Kennedy’s “Off Campus” series or Sarina Bowen’s “Brooklyn Bruisers.” Bailey’s unique voice and steamy writing style set it apart, though.

In the broader context of Bailey’s work, “The Au Pair Affair” showcases her growth as an author. The emotional depth and character development feel more nuanced than in some of her earlier works, while still maintaining the humor and heat her fans love.

Final Score: Is It Worth Reading?

Absolutely! “The Au Pair Affair” is a fun, sexy romp that’ll leave you with a smile on your face and a warm fuzzy feeling in your chest. It’s the perfect escape read for when you need a pick-me-up.

Bailey balances humor, heart, and heat with skill, creating a story that’s equal parts funny, touching, and steamy. While it may not reinvent the romance wheel, it executes the tropes we know and love with flair.

The chemistry between Burgess and Tallulah is electric, their journey from antagonism to love is compelling, and the family dynamics add depth to the story. If you’re a fan of sports romances, single dad romances, or just enjoy a well-written love story with plenty of steam, “The Au Pair Affair” should definitely be on your TBR list.

Bonus Period: Who Should Read This?

– Fans of sports romances, especially hockey
– Readers who enjoy the single dad trope
– Anyone who likes their romance with a hefty dose of steam
– Tessa Bailey fans looking for her signature blend of humor and heat
– Those who enjoy watching grumpy heroes soften for the right woman

So grab a cozy blanket, maybe a cold drink (you’ll need it), and dive into the world of Burgess and Tallulah. Just don’t blame me if you end up staying up way too late to finish it!