Jul 318 min read

Book Review: The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey - A Heartwarming Hockey Romance That Scores Big

Updated: Aug 6

Introduction: Love on Ice

Have you ever wondered what happens when a gruff hockey player meets his match in a spirited young nanny? Tessa Bailey's "The Au Pair Affair" takes this tantalizing premise and turns it into a captivating romance that will melt even the coldest of hearts. As the second installment in Bailey's Big Shot series, this novel proves that lightning can indeed strike twice, delivering a story that's as emotionally resonant as it is steamy..

Bailey, known for her ability to craft sizzling romances with depth, pushes her own boundaries in this tale of unexpected love. "The Au Pair Affair" is more than just a sports romance or an age-gap love story; it's a nuanced exploration of second chances, family dynamics, and the courage it takes to open one's heart.

Whether you're a die-hard hockey fan or someone who can't tell a puck from a baseball, this book promises to sweep you off your feet and onto the ice of a beautifully crafted love story.

Book Summary: A Game-Changing Romance

At the heart of "The Au Pair Affair" are Burgess, a 37-year-old professional hockey player grappling with the twilight of his career, and Tallulah, a 26-year-old marine biology graduate student with a zest for life and adventure. When Burgess finds himself in need of a live-in nanny for his 12-year-old daughter, Lissa, fate (and some well-meaning friends) brings Tallulah into their lives.

From the moment Tallulah steps into their home, the dynamics shift. She forms an instant bond with the introverted Lissa, bringing light and laughter into a house that had grown too quiet. For Burgess, Tallulah's presence is both a blessing and a torment. He's drawn to her vivacity and kindness, but the age gap and his position as her employer create a chasm he's unsure how to bridge.

As Tallulah encourages Burgess to step out of his comfort zone and rejoin the dating scene, the tension between them grows palpable. Their opposite personalities – Burgess's gruff exterior hiding a tender heart, and Tallulah's outgoing nature masking deep-seated insecurities – create a compelling push and pull that drives the narrative forward.

The story takes unexpected turns as Burgess navigates his feelings for Tallulah while trying to be a good father to Lissa, who harbors hopes of her parents reuniting. Meanwhile, Tallulah must confront her own past traumas and learn to trust not just Burgess, but herself.

What sets this book apart is its depth of character development and the authenticity of its emotions. Bailey doesn't shy away from the complexities of their situation, addressing the power dynamics and ethical considerations of their relationship head-on. The result is a romance that feels both passionate and grounded in reality.

Author's Style and Craft: A Symphony on Ice

Tessa Bailey's writing in "The Au Pair Affair" showcases her growth as an author. Her prose is confident and evocative, painting vivid pictures of both the physical and emotional landscapes her characters inhabit. Bailey has a knack for creating tension through dialogue, and this skill shines particularly bright in the exchanges between Burgess and Tallulah.

The narrative structure alternates between Burgess and Tallulah's perspectives, allowing readers to dive deep into both characters' psyches. This dual POV approach adds layers to the story, revealing the insecurities and desires that drive their actions. Bailey's pacing is masterful, building the romantic and emotional tension steadily throughout the novel, punctuated by moments of humor and heartache that keep the reader engaged.

One of Bailey's strengths lies in her ability to write steamy scenes that are not just physically arousing but emotionally charged. In "The Au Pair Affair," these scenes serve as pivotal moments in the characters' journey, revealing vulnerabilities and deepening their connection.

Character development is where Bailey truly excels. Burgess and Tallulah are complex, flawed individuals who grow and change throughout the story. Their internal struggles feel authentic, and their journey towards self-acceptance and love is both challenging and rewarding to witness.

Themes and Deeper Meaning: More Than Just a Game

At its core, "The Au Pair Affair" explores themes of trust, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace change. The age gap between Burgess and Tallulah serves as a metaphor for the different stages of life they're navigating – Burgess facing the end of his career and redefining his identity, while Tallulah is just beginning to explore her potential.

The novel delves into the complexities of modern families, showcasing how love and support can come from unexpected places. Lissa's relationship with both Burgess and Tallulah highlights the importance of emotional connection over biological ties.

Bailey also touches on the theme of second chances – not just in love, but in life. Burgess's journey to rediscover himself beyond his identity as a hockey player resonates with anyone who's faced a major life transition.

The author skillfully weaves in commentary on societal expectations and judgments, particularly regarding age-gap relationships and non-traditional family structures. This adds depth to the romance, grounding it in real-world concerns and challenges.

Strengths: Scoring Hat Tricks in Romance

The Au Pair Affair" excels in several areas that elevate it above typical romance fare. First and foremost is the chemistry between Burgess and Tallulah. Their attraction feels organic and multi-faceted, based on mutual respect and understanding as much as physical desire. This quote captures the essence of their connection:

"You've got this whole world inside of you, Tallulah. And I want to explore every inch of it."

Bailey's portrayal of Burgess as a single father is another standout element. His relationship with Lissa is tender and authentic, showcasing a nurturing side that adds depth to his character. This father-daughter dynamic provides a heartwarming counterpoint to the main romance.

The slow-burn nature of the romance is expertly handled, building tension and anticipation that pays off spectacularly. When Burgess and Tallulah finally come together, it feels earned and deeply satisfying.

Lastly, the integration of hockey into the story adds flavor without overwhelming the narrative. It provides a rich backdrop that informs Burgess's character and creates unique scenarios for the romance to unfold.

Areas for Improvement: Minor Penalties

While "The Au Pair Affair" is a strong offering, there are a few areas where it could have been strengthened. The conflict that separates Burgess and Tallulah in the latter part of the book, while understandable, feels slightly contrived. A more organic source of tension might have felt more satisfying.

Additionally, some readers might find the age gap between the protagonists challenging, despite Bailey's thoughtful handling of the issue. More exploration of how this difference impacts their relationship beyond the initial hesitation could have added another layer of complexity to the story.

Lastly, while Lissa is well-developed for a secondary character, there were moments where her plotline felt slightly underdeveloped. Expanding on her journey could have enriched the family dynamics even further.

Comparative Analysis: A Star Player in the Romance League

In the world of sports romances, "The Au Pair Affair" stands out for its emotional depth and character development. While it shares elements with other hockey romances like Elle Kennedy's "Off Campus" series or Sarina Bowen's "Brooklyn Bruisers," Bailey's focus on an older player facing the end of his career adds a unique perspective to the genre.

Compared to Bailey's previous works, this novel shows a maturation in her writing style. The emotional beats are more nuanced, and the characters feel more fully realized than in some of her earlier books.

"The Au Pair Affair" also contributes to the growing subgenre of romances featuring older protagonists, challenging the notion that swoony love stories are only for the young. It stands alongside works like Jasmine Guillory's "Royal Holiday" in showing that love can bloom at any age.

Target Audience: Who Should Lace Up for This Romance?

The Au Pair Affair" will appeal to a wide range of romance readers, but it's especially suited for those who enjoy:

Sports romances, particularly hockey-themed stories
Age-gap relationships with thoughtful exploration of the dynamics involved
Single parent romances that focus on family bonds as well as romantic love
Slow-burn romances with a good balance of emotional depth and steamy scenes

Content-wise, the book contains explicit sexual scenes and some strong language, making it most appropriate for adult readers. Those who enjoy contemporary romance with a touch of humor and a lot of heart will find much to love in this novel.

Personal Impact: A Game-Winning Goal

Reading "The Au Pair Affair" was a delightful experience that reminded me why I love romance novels. The characters' journey towards love and self-discovery resonated deeply, evoking both laughter and tears. Burgess's struggle to redefine himself beyond his career struck a particularly poignant chord, reminding me of the universal challenge of adapting to life's transitions.

This book left me with a warm, hopeful feeling and a renewed appreciation for the power of opening oneself up to love and new experiences. It's the kind of story that lingers in your mind, making you revisit favorite scenes and ponder the characters' choices long after you've finished reading.

Conclusion: A Romance That Shoots and Scores

The Au Pair Affair is a triumph of contemporary romance, blending heart, heat, and humor in a package that's hard to resist. Tessa Bailey has delivered a story that's both a fantastic escape and a touching exploration of love in its many forms. Whether you're a longtime fan of Bailey's work or new to her writing, this novel is sure to capture your heart.

With its well-drawn characters, sizzling romance, and thoughtful themes, "The Au Pair Affair" is more than worthy of a spot on your to-be-read pile. It's a reminder of why we fall in love with love stories – for the journey, the growth, and the promise of a happily ever after that feels truly earned. Don't miss this chance to fall in love with Burgess and Tallulah's story.

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Dear Author - A trusted source for honest and well-thought-out reviews, often featuring witty commentary.
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FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Q: Do I need to read the first book in the series to enjoy "The Au Pair Affair"? A: While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, reading "Fangirl Down" first will provide context for some characters and relationships.
Q: How steamy is this book on a scale of 1 to 10? A: It's about an 8. Tessa Bailey is known for her hot scenes, and this book doesn't disappoint in that department.
Q: Is hockey knowledge necessary to enjoy the book? A: Not at all. While hockey is part of the setting, the focus is on the characters and their relationships.
Q: How does the author handle the age gap between the main characters? A: Bailey addresses it thoughtfully, exploring the challenges and power dynamics while showing the genuine connection between the characters.
Q: Is there any representation of diverse characters in the book? A: While the main characters are not explicitly diverse, Bailey includes some diversity in secondary characters.
Q: How does this book compare to Tessa Bailey's other works? A: Many readers find it to be one of her more emotionally mature works, with deeper character development.
Q: Is there a happy ending? A: Without spoiling anything, the book follows romance genre conventions regarding satisfying endings.
Q: Are there any trigger warnings for this book? A: The book touches on themes of parental absence and trust issues, but doesn't contain graphic violence or non-consensual situations.
Q: How prominently does the daughter feature in the story? A: Lissa plays a significant role, with her relationship with both Burgess and Tallulah being an important part of the plot.
Q: Will there be more books in this series? A: While not officially confirmed, the book hints at potential future stories in this world.