The Au Pair Affair delivers steamy romance, heartfelt connections, and characters you’ll eagerly cheer for. This sizzling tale combines forbidden attraction, emotional growth, and favorite tropes like grumpy/sunshine, nanny/boss, age gap, and single dad. For readers craving a romance full of spice and heart, The Au Pair Affair hits all the right notes.
Summary of The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey
Tallulah is a bright, driven 26-year-old studying marine biology and trying to make ends meet. She eagerly accepts a live-in nanny job with Burgess, a retired hockey star and devoted single father. The job offers stability and a peek into an upscale world far from her current struggles.
Burgess is rugged, brooding and completely devoted to his introverted tween daughter, Lissa. Everyone in his life insists he should start dating again. However, Burgess is hesitant to move on from his painful past. Enter Tallulah, whose vibrant personality and adventurous spirit challenge him to step out of his comfort zone.
Tallulah guides Burgess through the dating world while helping him connect with his shy daughter, but their chemistry grows undeniable. Boundaries blur, emotions intensify and Burgess faces a struggle between his role as a father and his deepening feelings for Tallulah. Recognizing the complications, Tallulah makes the painful decision to walk away. Determined to pursue happiness, Burgess must choose whether to fight for their love and the future they both long for.
The Au Pair Affair is the second book in Tessa Bailey’s Big Shots series. While it’s a fantastic follow-up to Fangirl Down, it also works perfectly as a standalone.
Review of The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey
Tessa Bailey has once again proven why she’s one of the queens of contemporary romance. The Au Pair Affair is a captivating story that pulls you in with its irresistible characters, electric chemistry and emotionally charged moments.
The dynamic between Tallulah and Burgess is simply magnetic. Tallulah’s sunny optimism contrasts perfectly with Burgess’s gruff exterior, creating an engaging opposites-attract dynamic. From the very beginning, their interactions are laced with tension, humor and vulnerability. It was impossible to put the book down. I just wanted to read it in one sitting!
What sets this story apart is its balance of sizzling romance and heartfelt emotional growth. Burgess is a character with layers—his love for his daughter and his struggle with letting go of the past feel authentic and relatable. Tallulah’s journey of self-discovery and strength adds depth to her character, making her more than just the “sunshine” to Burgess’s “grump.”
The spice level in this book is classic Tessa Bailey—off the charts! Burgess’s obsession with Tallulah feels passionate and tender and the build-up of sexual tension is flawlessly executed. Every interaction between the two is charged with emotion and desire, keeping readers eagerly turning pages.
But it’s not all heat and steam. The story’s heartfelt exploration of family, love and second chances gives it a profound emotional resonance. Watching Burgess grapple with his priorities and step up as both a father and a partner adds so much depth to his character arc. Similarly, Tallulah’s determination to stay true to herself while supporting those she loves makes her a truly inspiring heroine.
While the story features familiar romance tropes, Bailey injects them with fresh energy and a unique voice. The result is a book that feels comforting yet entirely original, with moments that will make you laugh, swoon, and maybe even shed a tear.
About the Author, Tessa Bailey
Tessa Bailey is a bestselling romance author known for her signature mix of humor, heat and heart. With books like Fix Her Up, It Happened One Summer and Hook, Line and Sinker, she has cemented her reputation as a go-to author for smart, steamy romances.
Her stories often feature strong, relatable heroines and swoon-worthy heroes who bring plenty of passion and charm to the table. Bailey’s knack for crafting witty dialogue and intense chemistry ensures her books are impossible to put down.
If you’re new to Tessa Bailey’s work, The Au Pair Affair is a fantastic introduction. Fans of her other novels will also find all the elements they love, from sizzling romance to heartfelt storytelling.
Final Thoughts
The Au Pair Affair is a romance novel that checks all the boxes—compelling characters, a heartfelt story and steamy moments that leave you breathless. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Tessa Bailey or new to her work, you’re going to want to read this book.
I loved every moment of this story, from the fiery chemistry between Tallulah and Burgess to the tender moments of vulnerability and growth. The combination of romance and emotional depth made this book an unforgettable experience.
Have you read The Au Pair Affair or any other Tessa Bailey books? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your favorites in the comments and let me know which of her books I should add to my TBR pile. Happy reading!
Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance, Rom-Com, Humorous Fiction
