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Big Shots #2
The Au Pair Affair
A sports rom-com about a burly, surly, single dad who falls head-over-hockey-stick for his quirky live-in nanny...
Tallulah is smart, vivacious, and studying to be a marine biologist. She’s also twenty-six and broke. So when Burgess, a battle-scarred hockey veteran and newly single dad, offers her a job as his live-in nanny, she jumps at the opportunity to get paid while living in a super fancy neighborhood and being around Lissa, his cool but introverted tween.
Her tween charge isn’t the only one who could use some help fitting in, though. According to…well, everyone except Burgess, he needs to get back on the dating scene, and adventurous Tallulah is just the girl to show him how. But as boundaries are slowly crossed and Burgess finds himself pulled between his daughter, who wants her parents back together, and his insane chemistry with Tallulah, a huge rift is formed, and Tallulah does the “right” thing—breaks her own heart and walks away.
Though Burgess knows it’s for the best—he’s too jaded, with too much baggage—a chance meeting, and a new push from his daughter, forces him to put everything on the line and fight to prove he learned his lessons well and is worthy of a happily ever after with Tallulah.
Tallulah is smart, vivacious, and studying to be a marine biologist. She’s also twenty-six and broke. So when Burgess, a battle-scarred hockey veteran and newly single dad, offers her a job as his live-in nanny, she jumps at the opportunity to get paid while living in a super fancy neighborhood and being around Lissa, his cool but introverted tween.
Her tween charge isn’t the only one who could use some help fitting in, though. According to…well, everyone except Burgess, he needs to get back on the dating scene, and adventurous Tallulah is just the girl to show him how. But as boundaries are slowly crossed and Burgess finds himself pulled between his daughter, who wants her parents back together, and his insane chemistry with Tallulah, a huge rift is formed, and Tallulah does the “right” thing—breaks her own heart and walks away.
Though Burgess knows it’s for the best—he’s too jaded, with too much baggage—a chance meeting, and a new push from his daughter, forces him to put everything on the line and fight to prove he learned his lessons well and is worthy of a happily ever after with Tallulah.
384 pages, Paperback
First published July 16, 2024
3304 people are currently reading
71599 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Bailey
115 books65.8k followersNew York Times Bestselling author Tessa Bailey can solve all problems except for her own, so she focuses those efforts on stubborn, fictional blue collar men and loyal, lovable heroines. She lives on Long Island avoiding the sun and social interactions, then wonders why no one has called. Dubbed the “Michelangelo of dirty talk,” by Entertainment Weekly, Tessa writes with spice, spirit, swoon and a guaranteed happily ever after. Catch her on TikTok at @authortessabailey or check out tessabailey.com for a complete list of books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 9,985 reviews
July 26, 2024
1.75!
Note to myself: Never be excited for a Tessa bailey book
Before reading fangirl down Tessa bailey was already walking on very thin ice because I had given three books a one and dnf'd one because I absolutely loved it happened one summer and enjoyed her other works so I kept on giving her a chance and fangirl down delivered for me and I was so happy for this because I thought that Bailey was back in track but I was so wrong because she absolutely ruined everything in this book!! This book was a hockey romance with single dad and spice and the only thing where she did deliver as always was on the spice part the rest two were disappointing 😭😭
Tallulah was supposed to be a better FMC than she turned out to me because she was so dull and horny all the time like I honestly hated her at times and Burgess kept on saying that he can't fuck Tallulah but he LITERALLY would do everything but put his schlong inside her 😭💀 like man sit the fuck back down. The single dad trope in this book didn't hit and its very weird because it usually always hits.
The romance besides the spice was blandest, weirdest, dumbest shit written because it was 100% all lust and no development whatsoever!! The third act break up was so unnecessary and Tallulah like a doormat she is fell for burgesses cock and forgave him and pls her sucking him through his boxers 💀💀 trauma like the ass eating in the first one wasn't enough
It's alarming how fangirl down was a 4 and this one's a one 😭💀
~~~
SO EXCITED TO READ THIS 🤩Mutt Burgess here I come 🤭
~~~
Why is the guy looking like Mutt from Schitts creek 😭
(Tallulah and Burgess literally had me hooked from just one encounter)
Note to myself: Never be excited for a Tessa bailey book
Before reading fangirl down Tessa bailey was already walking on very thin ice because I had given three books a one and dnf'd one because I absolutely loved it happened one summer and enjoyed her other works so I kept on giving her a chance and fangirl down delivered for me and I was so happy for this because I thought that Bailey was back in track but I was so wrong because she absolutely ruined everything in this book!! This book was a hockey romance with single dad and spice and the only thing where she did deliver as always was on the spice part the rest two were disappointing 😭😭
Tallulah was supposed to be a better FMC than she turned out to me because she was so dull and horny all the time like I honestly hated her at times and Burgess kept on saying that he can't fuck Tallulah but he LITERALLY would do everything but put his schlong inside her 😭💀 like man sit the fuck back down. The single dad trope in this book didn't hit and its very weird because it usually always hits.
The romance besides the spice was blandest, weirdest, dumbest shit written because it was 100% all lust and no development whatsoever!! The third act break up was so unnecessary and Tallulah like a doormat she is fell for burgesses cock and forgave him and pls her sucking him through his boxers 💀💀 trauma like the ass eating in the first one wasn't enough
It's alarming how fangirl down was a 4 and this one's a one 😭💀
~~~
SO EXCITED TO READ THIS 🤩
~~~
Why is the guy looking like Mutt from Schitts creek 😭
(Tallulah and Burgess literally had me hooked from just one encounter)
June 7, 2024
I need a big boy.
Give me a big boy.
Give me a big boy.
July 24, 2024
3.5 stars✨
Not as good as Fangirl Down but I had a really great time with it.
I found the start to be weak and it wasn't looking promising, but it got better when I got to see the dynamic between Burgess and Lissa. The father daughter bond was so sweet and it made Burgess much likable. Him putting in effort for his daughter being a single dad was precious to see. I liked how tough he was and at the same time, he can be open and vulnerable for the woman he came to care for. He fell hard and fast and I loved that. Tallulah is a complex fmc. I liked her backstory a lot as it gave depth to her character and her conflict with her feelings seemed perfectly reasonable. I loved that the two could trust each other with their traumas and supported the other.
When it comes to Tessa Bailey books, there is no such thing as a slow burn. I was fully prepared for the insta lust as it has always been the case. If anyone is surprised about that, that's on them. Sorry. I ate up the tension between the two characters and the age gap romance is written so amazingly. Like I could not picture the two not getting together. I do however think that Burgess is far more of a romantic than Tallulah. The spice was chefs kiss 🤌
The only two issues for me was the fact that while the middle was STRONG, the beginning and ending were very weak. Even if I ignore the rocky start, I can't ignore that the third act conflict was dragged out too much. Firstly, the focus should have been more on Lissa, Burgess and Tallulah conflict. I would have loved to see Lissa and Tallulah talk more and spend more time emotionally. The thing that happened with Burgess and Tallulah should have taken ten pages maximum but it dragged. The way they resolved it, was sort of meh.
Overall, loved the entertainment but it could have been better. Rounding the rating up cause I ate up the middle.
~•~•~
I loved Fangirl Down, so got high hopes for this one 🤞
Not as good as Fangirl Down but I had a really great time with it.
I found the start to be weak and it wasn't looking promising, but it got better when I got to see the dynamic between Burgess and Lissa. The father daughter bond was so sweet and it made Burgess much likable. Him putting in effort for his daughter being a single dad was precious to see. I liked how tough he was and at the same time, he can be open and vulnerable for the woman he came to care for. He fell hard and fast and I loved that. Tallulah is a complex fmc. I liked her backstory a lot as it gave depth to her character and her conflict with her feelings seemed perfectly reasonable. I loved that the two could trust each other with their traumas and supported the other.
When it comes to Tessa Bailey books, there is no such thing as a slow burn. I was fully prepared for the insta lust as it has always been the case. If anyone is surprised about that, that's on them. Sorry. I ate up the tension between the two characters and the age gap romance is written so amazingly. Like I could not picture the two not getting together. I do however think that Burgess is far more of a romantic than Tallulah. The spice was chefs kiss 🤌
The only two issues for me was the fact that while the middle was STRONG, the beginning and ending were very weak. Even if I ignore the rocky start, I can't ignore that the third act conflict was dragged out too much. Firstly, the focus should have been more on Lissa, Burgess and Tallulah conflict. I would have loved to see Lissa and Tallulah talk more and spend more time emotionally. The thing that happened with Burgess and Tallulah should have taken ten pages maximum but it dragged. The way they resolved it, was sort of meh.
Overall, loved the entertainment but it could have been better. Rounding the rating up cause I ate up the middle.
~•~•~
I loved Fangirl Down, so got high hopes for this one 🤞
July 22, 2024
So here’s the thing. When I pick up a Tessa Bailey book, I have certain expectations. They aren’t high, they’re simple. Grumpy/sunshine, a man who is referred to as “gruff” at least fourteen times, and dirty talk that would be the worst thing imaginable if it was happening in real life but is fine on page. And this book delivers on those things! Which is great! Unfortunately, it also attempted to dive into some dark aspects (with the topic of stalking/kidnapping) and that very upsetting storyline was treated with the delicacy of a rabid wolverine killing a family of squirrels. I’m happy for authors to push their boundaries, but it doesn’t seem like Bailey is up for the task - this type of storytelling needs nuance, not a boss panting over and sexually propositioning his employee repeatedly. Burgess was just the most typical, lunkhead alpha MMC I’ve read in some time - I’m sorry but how many “he grunted”s are too many? We get it, he’s monosyllabic because his muscles are so big. He had less personality than a boiled turnip, which at least matches Tallulah, who is the color beige enfleshed. Don’t worry: they don’t let their lack of chemistry get in the way of engaging in some of the cringiest sex I’ve ever read, god bless them.
July 20, 2024
DNF @ 50%
and the award of the weirdest relationship/couple goes to..
and the award of the weirdest relationship/couple goes to..
November 25, 2024
2.5 stars ⭐️
Nothing worse than feeling your rating lower the further you get into a book… I thought this would be a 4 star read at the start but it all went downhill and blindsided me in an instant. I think it's safe to say Tessa bailey's writing style is not for me.
Tropes
╰┈➤ Professional hockey star x Nanny
╰┈➤ Grumpy/Sunshine
╰┈➤ Age gap (he’s 37, she’s 26)
╰┈➤ He’s protective
╰┈➤ Roommates
These two had so much potential! I loved their chemistry and banter between them in the beginning but it was ruined by the cringy dialogue. Exhibit below:
“The inked skin/thick butt/muscle trifecta was really bringing home the fact that she was not simply working for a single father. She was working for a snack. A DILF. A big boy.”
The spice.. I have no words. Not for me 🙅🏼♀️
On a positive note, I did enjoy the dynamic between Burgess and his daughter. He was a very protective girl dad.
The main trope wasn't my issue, I've read aged gap x single dad x nanny before and absolutely loved it. The FMC was portrayed as very immature and played into the stereotype. The romance was heavy on the lust and light on sweet moments / emotional depth. I was expecting the insta love with Tessa, however, it needed more depth due to Tallulah's traumatic past. The alpha/overly possessive MMC was not the best choice.
The main reason my rating dropped so low is because of the third act event. Personally, there would be no coming back from the way he spoke to her for me. There is no excuse for a fully grown man with a daughter to be speaking to a woman like that when she did nothing wrong. No amount of grovelling was going to repair that for me.
✨ Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers Australia for the arc!
Nothing worse than feeling your rating lower the further you get into a book… I thought this would be a 4 star read at the start but it all went downhill and blindsided me in an instant. I think it's safe to say Tessa bailey's writing style is not for me.
Tropes
╰┈➤ Professional hockey star x Nanny
╰┈➤ Grumpy/Sunshine
╰┈➤ Age gap (he’s 37, she’s 26)
╰┈➤ He’s protective
╰┈➤ Roommates
These two had so much potential! I loved their chemistry and banter between them in the beginning but it was ruined by the cringy dialogue. Exhibit below:
“The inked skin/thick butt/muscle trifecta was really bringing home the fact that she was not simply working for a single father. She was working for a snack. A DILF. A big boy.”
The spice.. I have no words. Not for me 🙅🏼♀️
On a positive note, I did enjoy the dynamic between Burgess and his daughter. He was a very protective girl dad.
The main trope wasn't my issue, I've read aged gap x single dad x nanny before and absolutely loved it. The FMC was portrayed as very immature and played into the stereotype. The romance was heavy on the lust and light on sweet moments / emotional depth. I was expecting the insta love with Tessa, however, it needed more depth due to Tallulah's traumatic past. The alpha/overly possessive MMC was not the best choice.
The main reason my rating dropped so low is because of the third act event. Personally, there would be no coming back from the way he spoke to her for me. There is no excuse for a fully grown man with a daughter to be speaking to a woman like that when she did nothing wrong. No amount of grovelling was going to repair that for me.
✨ Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers Australia for the arc!
July 20, 2024
4 ⭐️ Burgess is THE definition of 'he falls first and hard'
"You could be wasting your time on me."
"Time with you could never be a waste. Only a privilege."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ hockey romance
✨ Boston setting
✨ he's a hockey legend known as Sir Savage
✨ she's a bubbly but cautious marine biologist student
✨ nanny x boss
✨ roommates
✨ grumpy x sunshine
✨ opposites attract
✨ he falls first and hard
✨ forced proximity
✨ age gap (11 years)
✨ single dad
✨ 3/5 🌶️ spice
✨ third act breakup
✨ GROVELING
✨ TW: chronic pain, injury, abduction (past) and ptsd, family drama (his daughter wants her dad and mom to be together)
My Thoughts:
This story is so much fun!!! I mean, the tropes are stacked in its favor: nanny x boss, grumpy x sunshine, age gap, and single dad. How could it not be entertaining?
What I liked:
The MCs, Tallulah and Burgess are so different, but so likable. It's obvious they have chemistry from the start, and together they bring out the best in each other. I like how they lean on each other and find their footing in life together.
This book has some of the best sexual tension written by Tessa Bailey! Burgess is instantly obsessed with Tallulah, and while she is smitten as well, she tries to resist. However, his persistence eventually wears her down. Every interaction between Tallulah and Burgess was *chefs kiss* and there were just so many swoon worthy moments that had my heart fluttering.
The spice is hot. It's classic Tessa Bailey, so expect it to be explicit and filthy. Burgess knows how to take control and pleasure his woman. 🥵
What I didn't liked:
This story had me feral for the first 75% and then the third act breakup happened and it brought down the vibe. I didn’t mind the actual breakup, but it took them so long to reconcile timeline wise but then once they were together in the same place and forced to deal with this, they kept going back and forth. This didn't feel believable nor was it very enjoyable to watch play out.
Burgess is a father, but it seemed like he loves Tallulah more than his own daughter. There were just a couple things he said that made me feel this way, which bummed me out. For example, he's injured and thinks, "Tallulah. She was everything. The love of his life and the reason for opening his eyes every morning." What about his daughter??? Is she not reason enough for him to want to get better??? To get out of bed???? There's also a scene earlier in the story where Burgess takes Tallulah on a date to the Boston aquarium after closing. He says "I don't use my name to pull favors very often in Boston but . . . found the most worthy reason." Burgess' struggle to connect with his daughter is one of his biggest issues, and it’s highlighted by the fact he's so willing and easily able to put for effort to connect with a woman instead of his daughter. And at the end of the day, Burgess is a great love interest to Tallulah, but I think he's lacking as a father. Get your priorities straight, man.
I think Sig and Chloe are gonna be the MCs for the next book in the Big Shots series, and I’m definitely excited! They're soon-to-be step siblings, so bring on the forbidden romance and tension. Sidenote: Chloe seems like such a ditz so I'll be curious how Tessa makes her a likable FMC.
Thank you Netgalley for providing an eARC and Harper Collins / Avon for providing an early finished copy in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
Favorite Quotes:
*Slight spoilers ahead* - read at your own risk
That was life, wasn't it? Making connections, bonding with people and places, then moving forward without them. Missing them. Carrying those influences around, sort of like layers of clothing.
_______
"If you're implying I don't know how to make a woman wet, I'd be happy to disprove your theory, gorgeous. I only need one hand to drive this car."
_______
"You want to bring me around Boston on your adventures, good. Let's go. You let me know if you want me bed to be one of them."
_______
She was not simply working for a single father. She was working for a snack. A DILF. A big boy.
_______
"Just want to mention that I'm happy to give, not just receive. In fact, I fucking love giving Tallulah."
_______
Making Tallulah laugh was like taking a shower in sunshine. It just rained down in the form of warmth at the top of his head, coating him down to his toes.
_______
Being allowed into this person's head would forever be his life's biggest honor. It was a beautiful, complicated place and he couldn't wait to explore.
_______
"You're not leaving my bedroom unsatisfied, Tallulah. If you think I'd let that happen, you haven't been paying attention."
"I can satisfy myself. I just wanted this to be about you."
"Satisfying you is for both of us."
_______
He belonged. She'd made him belong. Now he just needed to convince her she belonged with him.
_______
"Being your girlfriend means you're no longer my bodyguard. When we go on adventures together, it's simply a date."
"I'm still going to guard you," he blustered.
"I know."
_______
"One day in hell feels a lot worse after spending weeks in heaven, Tallulah."
"I'm heaven?"
"My heaven, yeah."
_______
Love and Tallulah were interconnected. There couldn't be one without the other. Love was her. She was love.
_______
"You smile at me, Tallulah, and I know I'll feel it for centuries."
_______
"You could be wasting your time on me."
"Time with you could never be a waste. Only a privilege."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ hockey romance
✨ Boston setting
✨ he's a hockey legend known as Sir Savage
✨ she's a bubbly but cautious marine biologist student
✨ nanny x boss
✨ roommates
✨ grumpy x sunshine
✨ opposites attract
✨ he falls first and hard
✨ forced proximity
✨ age gap (11 years)
✨ single dad
✨ 3/5 🌶️ spice
✨ third act breakup
✨ GROVELING
✨ TW: chronic pain, injury, abduction (past) and ptsd, family drama (his daughter wants her dad and mom to be together)
My Thoughts:
This story is so much fun!!! I mean, the tropes are stacked in its favor: nanny x boss, grumpy x sunshine, age gap, and single dad. How could it not be entertaining?
What I liked:
The MCs, Tallulah and Burgess are so different, but so likable. It's obvious they have chemistry from the start, and together they bring out the best in each other. I like how they lean on each other and find their footing in life together.
This book has some of the best sexual tension written by Tessa Bailey! Burgess is instantly obsessed with Tallulah, and while she is smitten as well, she tries to resist. However, his persistence eventually wears her down. Every interaction between Tallulah and Burgess was *chefs kiss* and there were just so many swoon worthy moments that had my heart fluttering.
The spice is hot. It's classic Tessa Bailey, so expect it to be explicit and filthy. Burgess knows how to take control and pleasure his woman. 🥵
What I didn't liked:
This story had me feral for the first 75% and then the third act breakup happened and it brought down the vibe. I didn’t mind the actual breakup, but it took them so long to reconcile timeline wise but then once they were together in the same place and forced to deal with this, they kept going back and forth. This didn't feel believable nor was it very enjoyable to watch play out.
Burgess is a father, but it seemed like he loves Tallulah more than his own daughter. There were just a couple things he said that made me feel this way, which bummed me out. For example, he's injured and thinks, "Tallulah. She was everything. The love of his life and the reason for opening his eyes every morning." What about his daughter??? Is she not reason enough for him to want to get better??? To get out of bed???? There's also a scene earlier in the story where Burgess takes Tallulah on a date to the Boston aquarium after closing. He says "I don't use my name to pull favors very often in Boston but . . . found the most worthy reason." Burgess' struggle to connect with his daughter is one of his biggest issues, and it’s highlighted by the fact he's so willing and easily able to put for effort to connect with a woman instead of his daughter. And at the end of the day, Burgess is a great love interest to Tallulah, but I think he's lacking as a father. Get your priorities straight, man.
I think Sig and Chloe are gonna be the MCs for the next book in the Big Shots series, and I’m definitely excited! They're soon-to-be step siblings, so bring on the forbidden romance and tension. Sidenote: Chloe seems like such a ditz so I'll be curious how Tessa makes her a likable FMC.
Thank you Netgalley for providing an eARC and Harper Collins / Avon for providing an early finished copy in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
Favorite Quotes:
*Slight spoilers ahead* - read at your own risk
That was life, wasn't it? Making connections, bonding with people and places, then moving forward without them. Missing them. Carrying those influences around, sort of like layers of clothing.
_______
"If you're implying I don't know how to make a woman wet, I'd be happy to disprove your theory, gorgeous. I only need one hand to drive this car."
_______
"You want to bring me around Boston on your adventures, good. Let's go. You let me know if you want me bed to be one of them."
_______
She was not simply working for a single father. She was working for a snack. A DILF. A big boy.
_______
"Just want to mention that I'm happy to give, not just receive. In fact, I fucking love giving Tallulah."
_______
Making Tallulah laugh was like taking a shower in sunshine. It just rained down in the form of warmth at the top of his head, coating him down to his toes.
_______
Being allowed into this person's head would forever be his life's biggest honor. It was a beautiful, complicated place and he couldn't wait to explore.
_______
"You're not leaving my bedroom unsatisfied, Tallulah. If you think I'd let that happen, you haven't been paying attention."
"I can satisfy myself. I just wanted this to be about you."
"Satisfying you is for both of us."
_______
He belonged. She'd made him belong. Now he just needed to convince her she belonged with him.
_______
"Being your girlfriend means you're no longer my bodyguard. When we go on adventures together, it's simply a date."
"I'm still going to guard you," he blustered.
"I know."
_______
"One day in hell feels a lot worse after spending weeks in heaven, Tallulah."
"I'm heaven?"
"My heaven, yeah."
_______
Love and Tallulah were interconnected. There couldn't be one without the other. Love was her. She was love.
_______
"You smile at me, Tallulah, and I know I'll feel it for centuries."
_______
June 2, 2024
This second book in the "Big Shot" series has already made me a big hockey fan! I loved Will and Josephine's love story, but I can honestly say I enjoyed Tallulah and Burgess' romance even more. It includes themes of forced proximity, a single dad, an age difference, and opposites attract!
Tallulah is a quirky marine biologist and a survivor of past trauma that left her insecure. She's a free-spirited, kind-hearted heroine who always puts others' needs first. She's easy to like, with Turkish heritage (her last name is "Aydin," which is a city in Turkey), but her first name is Native American, meaning “running water”—a perfect fit for her character and her tendency not to stay in one place for long.
Burgess is kind-hearted and gentlemanly, although he can show some violent tendencies on the field as an occupational hazard, which makes Tallulah question whether to work at his house after his outburst during a game goes viral.
He amicably parted ways with the mother of his 12-year-old daughter Lissa (thankfully, the book doesn't involve an evil ex-wife or a love triangle). Due to his busy travel schedule as a hockey player, he needs to hire an au pair to help take care of his daughter. That's when his best friend Will's future wife, Josephine, recommends Tallulah, who needs a change of scenery. As soon as they meet, Burgess realizes he's in trouble. After a dinner together, he falls deeply for her. But isn't it unethical to pursue someone who works for him, even if the feelings are mutual? When Tallulah decides to do the honorable thing and help little Lissa, who wants to see her parents back together, by quitting her job, things get more complicated!
I don't want to spoil more, but this book contains some very satisfying and well-deserved groveling scenes that I actually enjoyed! (I believe in some books, the men easily get away when they make big mistakes, but this book is different, giving readers pure happiness with a fair conclusion.)
Overall, this is one of the highly anticipated, sweetest, high-chemistry sports romances with likable characters that I highly recommend for a thoroughly enjoyable read!
Many thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager for sharing this adorable romance's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Tallulah is a quirky marine biologist and a survivor of past trauma that left her insecure. She's a free-spirited, kind-hearted heroine who always puts others' needs first. She's easy to like, with Turkish heritage (her last name is "Aydin," which is a city in Turkey), but her first name is Native American, meaning “running water”—a perfect fit for her character and her tendency not to stay in one place for long.
Burgess is kind-hearted and gentlemanly, although he can show some violent tendencies on the field as an occupational hazard, which makes Tallulah question whether to work at his house after his outburst during a game goes viral.
He amicably parted ways with the mother of his 12-year-old daughter Lissa (thankfully, the book doesn't involve an evil ex-wife or a love triangle). Due to his busy travel schedule as a hockey player, he needs to hire an au pair to help take care of his daughter. That's when his best friend Will's future wife, Josephine, recommends Tallulah, who needs a change of scenery. As soon as they meet, Burgess realizes he's in trouble. After a dinner together, he falls deeply for her. But isn't it unethical to pursue someone who works for him, even if the feelings are mutual? When Tallulah decides to do the honorable thing and help little Lissa, who wants to see her parents back together, by quitting her job, things get more complicated!
I don't want to spoil more, but this book contains some very satisfying and well-deserved groveling scenes that I actually enjoyed! (I believe in some books, the men easily get away when they make big mistakes, but this book is different, giving readers pure happiness with a fair conclusion.)
Overall, this is one of the highly anticipated, sweetest, high-chemistry sports romances with likable characters that I highly recommend for a thoroughly enjoyable read!
Many thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager for sharing this adorable romance's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
July 21, 2024
3.5⭐️ is it just me or Tessa's smut has improved considerably? 😏❤️🔥
I almost gave this 4 stars just for that because I felt extra warm during those spicy scenes. yes, I know some were a bit weird and the whole love affair made little sense and she didn't much as a live in nanny if we are being completely honest.
I do like this, now let's get the love affairs took be less weird, more believable and happen in less than 15 pages or so.
***
I never thought I'd read another Tessa Bailey book again but here we are 🙂
I almost gave this 4 stars just for that because I felt extra warm during those spicy scenes. yes, I know some were a bit weird and the whole love affair made little sense and she didn't much as a live in nanny if we are being completely honest.
I do like this, now let's get the love affairs took be less weird, more believable and happen in less than 15 pages or so.
***
I never thought I'd read another Tessa Bailey book again but here we are 🙂
August 13, 2024
✩ 2 stars ✩
What to Expect:
➼ Age Gap (He’s 37, She’s 26)
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ Hockey Romance
➼ He Falls First
➼ Boss & Employee
➼ Grumpy x Sunshine
➼ Live-in Nanny
➼ Recovering from Past Trauma
➼ Single Dad/Divorcé
➼ “Who hurt you?”
➼ Opposites Attract
➼ 3rd Act Breakup
➼ Third Person POV
Being kidnapped and held hostage for days by a man who planned to murder you is not a backstory you just drop into a romance novel, but Tessa Bailey did just that. There was no deeper conversation, no intent to seek therapy, no discussion of the possibility of a PTSD diagnosis despite her altering her entire life out of fear. I am all for TB adding more substance to her books, but if she’s going to do it, I want her to do it right.
Despite this pretty major blunder, this book was headed towards a 3 star review until Burgess was injured. Obviously I didn’t love the way he treated Tallulah, but what bothered me most was the way he acted after he successfully drove her away. This man is a FATHER and he acted like he no longer had a reason for living. It was extremely unattractive.
After things were smoothed over between them, he gave this quote to a reporter and it totally gave me the ick. ‘“Former Au Pair, current everything.”There was no other way to describe Tallulah. She was everything. The love of his life and reason for opening his eyes every morning, his best friend and co-parent, his cheerleader, his inspiration, his heart.’ Ahem… excuse me sir, your daughter isn’t part of your reason for opening your eyes every morning? She doesn’t even register as SOMETHING to you? Was I supposed to swoon over this? 🤢
I honestly can’t believe so many people loved this book. You guys must have had your “big strong man” blinders on. And okay… fair enough. 😜
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: My holds for this and The Game Changer both became available today and I swear I’m seeing double… 👀
What to Expect:
➼ Age Gap (He’s 37, She’s 26)
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ Hockey Romance
➼ He Falls First
➼ Boss & Employee
➼ Grumpy x Sunshine
➼ Live-in Nanny
➼ Recovering from Past Trauma
➼ Single Dad/Divorcé
➼ “Who hurt you?”
➼ Opposites Attract
➼ 3rd Act Breakup
➼ Third Person POV
Being kidnapped and held hostage for days by a man who planned to murder you is not a backstory you just drop into a romance novel, but Tessa Bailey did just that. There was no deeper conversation, no intent to seek therapy, no discussion of the possibility of a PTSD diagnosis despite her altering her entire life out of fear. I am all for TB adding more substance to her books, but if she’s going to do it, I want her to do it right.
Despite this pretty major blunder, this book was headed towards a 3 star review until Burgess was injured. Obviously I didn’t love the way he treated Tallulah, but what bothered me most was the way he acted after he successfully drove her away. This man is a FATHER and he acted like he no longer had a reason for living. It was extremely unattractive.
After things were smoothed over between them, he gave this quote to a reporter and it totally gave me the ick. ‘“Former Au Pair, current everything.”There was no other way to describe Tallulah. She was everything. The love of his life and reason for opening his eyes every morning, his best friend and co-parent, his cheerleader, his inspiration, his heart.’ Ahem… excuse me sir, your daughter isn’t part of your reason for opening your eyes every morning? She doesn’t even register as SOMETHING to you? Was I supposed to swoon over this? 🤢
I honestly can’t believe so many people loved this book. You guys must have had your “big strong man” blinders on. And okay… fair enough. 😜
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: My holds for this and The Game Changer both became available today and I swear I’m seeing double… 👀
September 3, 2025
╰┈➤ 3 stars!
this book wasn't as great as the first book of the series, but i still enjoyed reading it
౨ৎ tallulah. if the word independent were a person, it would be this woman. she literally embodied it. she had been through so much, and i was so happy to see her character development throughout the story. her story (past) made her character complex, but it made her her.
౨ৎ burgess. this man is sooo protective, and his experience as a single dad was so realistic. he was such a great dad to his daughter, and i really saw him trying his best to be the best dad for her. but him as a hockey player was so different!! he's really known as the player who breaks noses lol!
overall, this book was good, but it could definitely be better like what the first book is. it was still a good read though <3
౨ৎ favorite lines/quotes:
"I'm going to marry this girl someday."
"That's my girl."
"Making Tallulah laugh was like taking a shower in sunshine. It just rained down in the form of warmth at the top of his head, coating him down to his toes."
"Former au pair. Current... everything."
this book wasn't as great as the first book of the series, but i still enjoyed reading it
౨ৎ tallulah. if the word independent were a person, it would be this woman. she literally embodied it. she had been through so much, and i was so happy to see her character development throughout the story. her story (past) made her character complex, but it made her her.
౨ৎ burgess. this man is sooo protective, and his experience as a single dad was so realistic. he was such a great dad to his daughter, and i really saw him trying his best to be the best dad for her. but him as a hockey player was so different!! he's really known as the player who breaks noses lol!
overall, this book was good, but it could definitely be better like what the first book is. it was still a good read though <3
౨ৎ favorite lines/quotes:
"I'm going to marry this girl someday."
"That's my girl."
"Making Tallulah laugh was like taking a shower in sunshine. It just rained down in the form of warmth at the top of his head, coating him down to his toes."
"Former au pair. Current... everything."
July 23, 2024
The single father romance that is going to make this summer even hotter with what Burgess and his dirty mouth bring to this story...
When Tessa Bailey first introduced Burgess and Tallulah in Fangirl Down, my instant obsession of a single father/nanny romance kicked in and got me beyond hyped. And then when this puppy landed on my kindle one beautiful and even better Friday morning, I knew that I was going to have an incredible weekend. And my gosh did I devour this story in two days!
Burgess is a Boston hockey player, who is also a single father trying his very hardest to balance the life of a father and a famous hockey star. His career is coming to a near end, him being 37 years old has finally caught up to him physically. And the connection that he tries to have but does not know how with his 12 year old daughter, comes to a situation of dragging him emotionally as well. So when the opportunity arrises for Burgess to hire Tallulah as a live in nanny, he does it in a heartbeat. His instant attraction towards Tallulah is palpable through every page. When the time comes for her to officially move in with Burgess, her hesitation is one that I can truly understand. Tallulah at an instant seems to understand Burgess' daughter and her pre-teen ways. And adding that to his enamor attraction towards Tallulah, Burgess grows even more effatuated with her. But their personalities could not be any more different, especially with Tallulah's past as well as trying to find ways to change it, and Burgess' current present of being stuck in one place. Even so, these two characters make every page worth reading because of how obsessive they turn you as a reader. And that is the power of Tessa's writing.
And let's not forget about the most important part; the dirty talk. The scorching dirty talk that comes from this growly, surly of a man. Oh he knows what he is doing and much more. Combining that with how soft of a teddy bear he also is, and Tallulah's attention and ways of submitting to him is what makes these two one of the favorite couples of the year;
This story brings to the table so much more than our daddy Burgess. It brings the best qualities if Tallulah and the battles that she has to fight on her own. But also the protective energy and ways that Burgess wants to give and show to her, even after knowing her past. This story will be a favorite for many! And just as one when I finished reading Fangirl Down, after finishing this one, Tessa already has me giggling and anticipating her next novel. The step-sibling trope is coming our way!
ARC kindly provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review...
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When Tessa Bailey first introduced Burgess and Tallulah in Fangirl Down, my instant obsession of a single father/nanny romance kicked in and got me beyond hyped. And then when this puppy landed on my kindle one beautiful and even better Friday morning, I knew that I was going to have an incredible weekend. And my gosh did I devour this story in two days!
Burgess is a Boston hockey player, who is also a single father trying his very hardest to balance the life of a father and a famous hockey star. His career is coming to a near end, him being 37 years old has finally caught up to him physically. And the connection that he tries to have but does not know how with his 12 year old daughter, comes to a situation of dragging him emotionally as well. So when the opportunity arrises for Burgess to hire Tallulah as a live in nanny, he does it in a heartbeat. His instant attraction towards Tallulah is palpable through every page. When the time comes for her to officially move in with Burgess, her hesitation is one that I can truly understand. Tallulah at an instant seems to understand Burgess' daughter and her pre-teen ways. And adding that to his enamor attraction towards Tallulah, Burgess grows even more effatuated with her. But their personalities could not be any more different, especially with Tallulah's past as well as trying to find ways to change it, and Burgess' current present of being stuck in one place. Even so, these two characters make every page worth reading because of how obsessive they turn you as a reader. And that is the power of Tessa's writing.
And let's not forget about the most important part; the dirty talk. The scorching dirty talk that comes from this growly, surly of a man. Oh he knows what he is doing and much more. Combining that with how soft of a teddy bear he also is, and Tallulah's attention and ways of submitting to him is what makes these two one of the favorite couples of the year;
"Only had it once, but I remember this pussy like the back of my goddam hand. It's wet and tight and it's mine..."
This story brings to the table so much more than our daddy Burgess. It brings the best qualities if Tallulah and the battles that she has to fight on her own. But also the protective energy and ways that Burgess wants to give and show to her, even after knowing her past. This story will be a favorite for many! And just as one when I finished reading Fangirl Down, after finishing this one, Tessa already has me giggling and anticipating her next novel. The step-sibling trope is coming our way!
ARC kindly provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review...
Follow Me On:
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July 17, 2024
The best way to describe this book is “Holy shit biscuits” (if you know, you know)! If you like all things Tessa Bailey, you’re in luck – it’s got a little bit of everything! This is brimmed with age gap romance, insta love but slow burn, he falls first, opposites attract, grumpy meets sunshine, boss/employee and forced proximity with a touch of sports. There are also deeper aspects like finding oneself and inner healing. Perfect for the summer – but could be considered even more ideal in wintertime because of Tallulah and Burgess’ love of the cold!
PLOT SUMMARY
26-year-old Tallulah Aydin is a marine biologist, striving to get her Master’s degree in Boston. She made a deal a year ago with divorced single father Burgess Abraham, 37-year-old captain of the Boston Bearcats ice hockey team – also known as “Sir Savage” for his brutality on the rink. This deal? To be an au pair (babysitter) for his 12-year-old daughter, Lissa.
With initial reluctance, due to his rough and cold reputation as well as her own trust issues from previous relationships, Burgess shows Tallulah that he only wants to keep her safe. After a little while they form an unmistakable attachment. After all, unbeknownst to Tallulah, he has been in love with her since they first met.
Various obstacles are preventing them from being together:
• Their age gap of 11 years is the most notable
• Tallulah is spontaneous, Burgess is more guarded and wants everything to be just so
• Burgess has a child and would expect Tallulah to settle down; she wants to spread her wings and party. Girlfriend, sure, but not wife and stepmother all at once.
• Lissa has hopes that, despite Burgess’ ex-wife Ashleigh having a fiancé, her parents will reconcile. This leaves Tallulah in the most awkward predicament.
When an injury threatens to end his ice hockey career, and their affair comes out, things come to a head (and get heavily messy). But will they put aside their differences to be the best man and maid of honour at their best friend’s Wells and Josephine’s wedding in Costa Rica?
OVERALL OPINIONS
I may have said previously that Fangirl Down is Tessa's best story yet. I retract my statement: this one is it. It has got everything, which I listed above. This has so much humour and heart that this had such an impact on me. I would argue it is even better than Fangirl Down, though I loved of course that we got to see dear Wells and Josephine again – and that they are getting married. He should be named Wells the wingman after this ordeal.
Tessa took all her works from before (really, all the elements that made them good), combined them and made something stupendous here! The single parent element is something she has not covered often so again this is a fresh approach. Slowburns for Tessa is exceptionally rare to see and I really adore when she does it! This was nicely done, made the wait worth it. And goodness, the steam was so good ahh! Her books are either hit or miss depending, but this was definitely a hit for me.
There was so, so much depth to Burgess and Tallulah which was so great to see! I loved both their similarities and differences. It was cute that they both like and feel comfortable in the cold (Tallulah spent her time in the quiet Arctic studying wildlife, and Burgess does his ice hockey). The amount of green flags Burgess has, I think his team should have been this colour instead of blue! He instils so much confidence into Tallulah, and is so protective of her, never wants to take advantage of her, that it is so heartwarming to see. One of my favourite moments showing this was when he uses his own experiences to relate to Tallulah struggling to reject a guy:
<< Positives >>
🠚 The re-iteration of an all too realistic issue for most women: being scared of what men might do to us if we reject them. This is such a big deal, and I am glad Tessa decided to use this for plot and covered it exceptionally well.
🠚 The way both Burgess and Tallulah comes to the other’s defence.
🠚 Raising awareness of emotional abuse. Again, Tessa did this very well. As someone who has had this, I really felt the issues in my soul. In a world full of Bretts please be a Burgess!
🠚 Showing an amicably divorced couple. This was a healthy thing to see. I like that Ashleigh does not become a stereotypical jealous ex-wife who wants him back (which was how I feared this would go). Again, different and refreshing to see. She even tries to diffuse the situation when Lissa is mad at Tallulah and apologises for being initially jealous and giving the wrong idea.
🠚 Portrayal of a healthy stepmother and daughter relationship. Lissa understandably sees Tallulah as someone who has come between her parents getting back together but also sees the error in her ways. I love that she also gets a good character arc through Tallulah, going from being bullied in school to Tallulah helping her style her hair and land the main role of Juliet at school.
🠚 Healthy funny friendships, which as always Tessa is so good at portraying. Wells and Burgess were as wholesome as ever. And it is so lovely that everyone on the ice hockey team help Burgess to get better!
<< Negatives >>
🠚 Like Fangirl Down, there is not much of the actual sport occurring, but I would argue there is enough.
🠚 We did not get a chapter of the wedding to Wells and Josephine itself, I was so excited for this. I wonder if she will cover it in a book about Sig and Chloe. It certainly looks like that’s what Tessa is gearing up for.
🠚 Not a negative for me in this particular book especially because he *is* one, but if you hate someone calling their boyfriend “Daddy” you might want to skip this.
🠚 Never call a dick a “rigid pike” again, Tessa! I am begging. Please tell me I am not the only one who thought this??
CHARACTERS
-ˋˏ ꒰ Tallulah꒱ ˎˊ-
↳ I see a lot of myself in Tallulah. I love that she touches every aspect of Burgess’ life and changes it for the better. Reminds me of Piper from It Happened One Summer, but a much much better and more relatable version of her.
🠚 Her journey and her growth as a character in terms of confidence was so lovely to see! I like that she finally throws the postcards away and does things for herself and her happiness. She is super strong at the hospital, I would have cried instantly.
-ˋˏ ꒰ Burgess꒱ ˎˊ-
↳ Best Bailey Boy! Loved him from the start. When I read “A man who recognized his own faults. A man who wanted to be better.” I have never waved a green flag so fast in my life! Also, the “Name the dead man who hurt you” made me melt! Also I like that his eyes are blue, probably ice blue which is very fitting considering he likes ice.
🠚 Massive kudos to Tessa making this man (mostly) think with his heart and not his dick. Very rare phenomenon, but please keep this up.
🠚 He is the Big Boy that SZA was singing about hehe (that has got to be his song, right there)! I love that he has loved her since day one, and how big and protective he is. There are so many things he does that are so cute I need to list them properly:
• secretly offering to cover Tallulah’s rent and buying her pepper spray so she can stay somewhere safe
• making the effort to try and learn French braids for his daughter
• the way he listens to Tallulah when she talks about her difficult time and why she distrusts men. “He was exhibiting patience and understand, addressing her worries without her having to ask – and he wasn’t doing it in a patronizing way. That…counted for something.”
• “Give me a chance to show that you’re safe with me” – pleaseeee marry him!
• got them into an Aquarium for free
• even when they separated, he made sure she was okay via news from Chloe.
🠚 It can be seen why some people would dislike him after what he said in the hospital, and I get it. However, I have been in a situation like that, and in order to get you to be quiet men particularly like to say something that will get to you so you will stop or leave them alone. It sucks but it was so accurate I was like yes, this is exactly what would happen. And I would have done the exact same as Tallulah in that situation and left.
FAV QUOTES
• she hadn’t purposely searched for shirtless interviews, thank you very much. They’d come up as a *suggested* Google search. She couldn’t simply ignore that kind of search engine divine providence. It would be irresponsible.
• This was the person he remembered from lunch. Direct and clever. A little self-deprecating. Wildly unique.
• One hurdle at a time, though – and tonight was a big one. Six-foot-three to be exact.
• “That’s just a human being a human. Sometimes we break a little.”
• “What do you mean by that, buddy?” Burgess asked, his tone dripping with malice. Only, the way he said “buddy” sounded more like “future corpse”.
• Burgess liked playing protector. Yet he still wanted to help Tallulah stand on her own two feet again. That said a lot about his character.
• She ran, jumped and was enfolded in the warmest, safest hug of all time.
• she was brighter than any star in the sky. More brilliant than the nighttime lights illuminating the field. She put the Citgo sign to shame. She fucking glowed.
• He usually defended other people, but…she’d come to his defense? That meant a lot.
• It no longer felt like an injury signaling the end of his career, it was a minor worry – and he had a major one that needed his attention. Tallulah was endgame.
• “It’s raining.”…“Is it?” His eyes ran a lap around her face “The sun is shining in here.”
• “you’re all mine.” “Ah gorgeous. I’ve been yours since California.”
• “The day we met, you could have asked me to bring you the moon on a platter and I’d have done it…Ask me for galaxies now.”
• Love and Tallulah were interconnected. There couldn’t be one without the other. Love was her. She was love.
• He looked at his daughter that meant so much more to him than hickey.
• She’d had her heart shattered for her efforts, but look. Look. She was still walking, talking and breathing.
• “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.”
• “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.”
• “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.”
══════════ ⋆★⋆ ══════════
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review and I’d like to thank Tessa Bailey, Avon, and NetGalley for the opportunity. This has not affected my opinion in any way.
Happiness didn’t just appear out of thin air, a man had to search for it, cultivate it, and guard it with their life. Someone like Tallulah wouldn’t come along again. Ever. He’d found someone who slowed down time and made him feel immortal. Someone who believed in him. Someone *he* believed in, too…suddenly there was determination in his chest to take her places, show her things… Be alive with her. Love her.[ Contains some spoilers ]
PLOT SUMMARY
26-year-old Tallulah Aydin is a marine biologist, striving to get her Master’s degree in Boston. She made a deal a year ago with divorced single father Burgess Abraham, 37-year-old captain of the Boston Bearcats ice hockey team – also known as “Sir Savage” for his brutality on the rink. This deal? To be an au pair (babysitter) for his 12-year-old daughter, Lissa.
With initial reluctance, due to his rough and cold reputation as well as her own trust issues from previous relationships, Burgess shows Tallulah that he only wants to keep her safe. After a little while they form an unmistakable attachment. After all, unbeknownst to Tallulah, he has been in love with her since they first met.
Various obstacles are preventing them from being together:
• Their age gap of 11 years is the most notable
• Tallulah is spontaneous, Burgess is more guarded and wants everything to be just so
• Burgess has a child and would expect Tallulah to settle down; she wants to spread her wings and party. Girlfriend, sure, but not wife and stepmother all at once.
• Lissa has hopes that, despite Burgess’ ex-wife Ashleigh having a fiancé, her parents will reconcile. This leaves Tallulah in the most awkward predicament.
When an injury threatens to end his ice hockey career, and their affair comes out, things come to a head (and get heavily messy). But will they put aside their differences to be the best man and maid of honour at their best friend’s Wells and Josephine’s wedding in Costa Rica?
“You could be wasting your time on me.”
“Time with you could never be a waste. Only a privilege.”
OVERALL OPINIONS
I may have said previously that Fangirl Down is Tessa's best story yet. I retract my statement: this one is it. It has got everything, which I listed above. This has so much humour and heart that this had such an impact on me. I would argue it is even better than Fangirl Down, though I loved of course that we got to see dear Wells and Josephine again – and that they are getting married. He should be named Wells the wingman after this ordeal.
Tessa took all her works from before (really, all the elements that made them good), combined them and made something stupendous here! The single parent element is something she has not covered often so again this is a fresh approach. Slowburns for Tessa is exceptionally rare to see and I really adore when she does it! This was nicely done, made the wait worth it. And goodness, the steam was so good ahh! Her books are either hit or miss depending, but this was definitely a hit for me.
There was so, so much depth to Burgess and Tallulah which was so great to see! I loved both their similarities and differences. It was cute that they both like and feel comfortable in the cold (Tallulah spent her time in the quiet Arctic studying wildlife, and Burgess does his ice hockey). The amount of green flags Burgess has, I think his team should have been this colour instead of blue! He instils so much confidence into Tallulah, and is so protective of her, never wants to take advantage of her, that it is so heartwarming to see. One of my favourite moments showing this was when he uses his own experiences to relate to Tallulah struggling to reject a guy:
“How do you feel about telling this clown that he’s making you uncomfortable and he needs to back the fuck off?”At the same time, I especially liked that they both become quite flawed characters and that both hurt each other: Burgess really ruins their relationship by pushing her away in the coldest arguably cruellest way possible, and Tallulah later on feels that she can have sex with him to get him out of her system. Tessa usually has a fallout where both parties feel guilty/bad about what happened and here is no exception – but this was the book where I felt like both of them really did some messed up stuff, whereas in other books it felt more one-sided than others. What an emotional roller coaster.
She hissed a breath. “Oh, I don’t know. I’d rather just get through it.”
“Is getting through it working?” When she only blinked at him, he searched for a different tactic. “When someone encroaches on my territory on the ice, I let them know it’s not okay. And I guess it’s…I never thought about it, because it’s just my job, but I guess it’s empowering. To demand somebody backs off. You have that right, too.”
<< Positives >>
🠚 The re-iteration of an all too realistic issue for most women: being scared of what men might do to us if we reject them. This is such a big deal, and I am glad Tessa decided to use this for plot and covered it exceptionally well.
She shouldn’t have to lie or make an excuse not to be interested. She was allowed to simply not be interested and didn’t owe him an explanation about it. Her fear stemmed from how he would react is she turned him down.🠚 Big shoutout to Chloe for being a girls-girl at the club and checking Tallulah was okay talking to that guy, we love that and we love Chloe!
🠚 The way both Burgess and Tallulah comes to the other’s defence.
🠚 Raising awareness of emotional abuse. Again, Tessa did this very well. As someone who has had this, I really felt the issues in my soul. In a world full of Bretts please be a Burgess!
🠚 Showing an amicably divorced couple. This was a healthy thing to see. I like that Ashleigh does not become a stereotypical jealous ex-wife who wants him back (which was how I feared this would go). Again, different and refreshing to see. She even tries to diffuse the situation when Lissa is mad at Tallulah and apologises for being initially jealous and giving the wrong idea.
🠚 Portrayal of a healthy stepmother and daughter relationship. Lissa understandably sees Tallulah as someone who has come between her parents getting back together but also sees the error in her ways. I love that she also gets a good character arc through Tallulah, going from being bullied in school to Tallulah helping her style her hair and land the main role of Juliet at school.
🠚 Healthy funny friendships, which as always Tessa is so good at portraying. Wells and Burgess were as wholesome as ever. And it is so lovely that everyone on the ice hockey team help Burgess to get better!
<< Negatives >>
🠚 Like Fangirl Down, there is not much of the actual sport occurring, but I would argue there is enough.
🠚 We did not get a chapter of the wedding to Wells and Josephine itself, I was so excited for this. I wonder if she will cover it in a book about Sig and Chloe. It certainly looks like that’s what Tessa is gearing up for.
🠚 Not a negative for me in this particular book especially because he *is* one, but if you hate someone calling their boyfriend “Daddy” you might want to skip this.
🠚 Never call a dick a “rigid pike” again, Tessa! I am begging. Please tell me I am not the only one who thought this??
CHARACTERS
-ˋˏ ꒰ Tallulah꒱ ˎˊ-
↳ I see a lot of myself in Tallulah. I love that she touches every aspect of Burgess’ life and changes it for the better. Reminds me of Piper from It Happened One Summer, but a much much better and more relatable version of her.
🠚 Her journey and her growth as a character in terms of confidence was so lovely to see! I like that she finally throws the postcards away and does things for herself and her happiness. She is super strong at the hospital, I would have cried instantly.
-ˋˏ ꒰ Burgess꒱ ˎˊ-
↳ Best Bailey Boy! Loved him from the start. When I read “A man who recognized his own faults. A man who wanted to be better.” I have never waved a green flag so fast in my life! Also, the “Name the dead man who hurt you” made me melt! Also I like that his eyes are blue, probably ice blue which is very fitting considering he likes ice.
🠚 Massive kudos to Tessa making this man (mostly) think with his heart and not his dick. Very rare phenomenon, but please keep this up.
🠚 He is the Big Boy that SZA was singing about hehe (that has got to be his song, right there)! I love that he has loved her since day one, and how big and protective he is. There are so many things he does that are so cute I need to list them properly:
• secretly offering to cover Tallulah’s rent and buying her pepper spray so she can stay somewhere safe
• making the effort to try and learn French braids for his daughter
• the way he listens to Tallulah when she talks about her difficult time and why she distrusts men. “He was exhibiting patience and understand, addressing her worries without her having to ask – and he wasn’t doing it in a patronizing way. That…counted for something.”
• “Give me a chance to show that you’re safe with me” – pleaseeee marry him!
• got them into an Aquarium for free
• even when they separated, he made sure she was okay via news from Chloe.
🠚 It can be seen why some people would dislike him after what he said in the hospital, and I get it. However, I have been in a situation like that, and in order to get you to be quiet men particularly like to say something that will get to you so you will stop or leave them alone. It sucks but it was so accurate I was like yes, this is exactly what would happen. And I would have done the exact same as Tallulah in that situation and left.
FAV QUOTES
• she hadn’t purposely searched for shirtless interviews, thank you very much. They’d come up as a *suggested* Google search. She couldn’t simply ignore that kind of search engine divine providence. It would be irresponsible.
• This was the person he remembered from lunch. Direct and clever. A little self-deprecating. Wildly unique.
• One hurdle at a time, though – and tonight was a big one. Six-foot-three to be exact.
• “That’s just a human being a human. Sometimes we break a little.”
• “What do you mean by that, buddy?” Burgess asked, his tone dripping with malice. Only, the way he said “buddy” sounded more like “future corpse”.
• Burgess liked playing protector. Yet he still wanted to help Tallulah stand on her own two feet again. That said a lot about his character.
• She ran, jumped and was enfolded in the warmest, safest hug of all time.
• she was brighter than any star in the sky. More brilliant than the nighttime lights illuminating the field. She put the Citgo sign to shame. She fucking glowed.
• He usually defended other people, but…she’d come to his defense? That meant a lot.
• It no longer felt like an injury signaling the end of his career, it was a minor worry – and he had a major one that needed his attention. Tallulah was endgame.
• “It’s raining.”…“Is it?” His eyes ran a lap around her face “The sun is shining in here.”
• “you’re all mine.” “Ah gorgeous. I’ve been yours since California.”
• “The day we met, you could have asked me to bring you the moon on a platter and I’d have done it…Ask me for galaxies now.”
• Love and Tallulah were interconnected. There couldn’t be one without the other. Love was her. She was love.
• He looked at his daughter that meant so much more to him than hickey.
• She’d had her heart shattered for her efforts, but look. Look. She was still walking, talking and breathing.
• “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.”
• “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.”
• “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.”
══════════ ⋆★⋆ ══════════
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review and I’d like to thank Tessa Bailey, Avon, and NetGalley for the opportunity. This has not affected my opinion in any way.
April 2, 2024
If I could rate this zero stars, I would. This Labrador of a man turns out to be one of the most toxic male characters I have ever come across in my life. Knows her past trauma (which, holy heck.. trigger warning) and still says the toxic awful things he says and she’s written as finding it “hot” until he pushes too far and yet they still end up back together. On top of his horrible things he says to her, he’s unbelievably jealous and not in a hot way. It’s like someone tried to make him some awful alpha character but instead made him creepy possessive and jealous. She was absolutely insufferable through out most of the book. They were so humpy for each other that it actually got boring about half way through. I genuinely found myself rolling my eyes more than anything through this book. I can’t believe how angry the whole book made me. I really, really, really, hated this book. So much.
May 6, 2024
UPDATE 5/6/24 : I’ve finally read it and holy hell man this book was the best. I’m a whore for Tessa honestly. If she writes it, I’ll read it. The first book in this series, Fangirl Down, was probably my favorite book of hers to date. But this one…was also just so freaking good, it might be a tie 🫢
This is a nanny/boss, age gap romance with a sprinkle of grumpy/sunshine because my man Burgess is a grump only for everyone else but is a teddy bear for Tallulah. Tallulah is a hot, smart, marine biology grad student, who takes a job as Burgess’s live-in au pair. She’s got some trauma and is understandably restrained around a large man who happens to be 11 years her senior and is unsettlingly good at breaking noses on the ice, but they work together to navigate each other’s boundaries. My favorite thing about both Fangirl Down and the Au Pair Affair is the amount of respect that the MCs have for each other (I know respect should be a bare minimum but it rarely is in this world). There are constant check-ins, accommodations, and efforts to communicate, for both parties and you can tell there is a sense of comfort that doesn’t feel manufactured.
The smut was so perfectly smutty, the romance was a punch in the heart, and the characters had so much personality, I couldn’t stop laughing.
**********************************************
who tf has already rated this book 1 star??? the first book in this series was amazing and I'm so excited for book 2
This is a nanny/boss, age gap romance with a sprinkle of grumpy/sunshine because my man Burgess is a grump only for everyone else but is a teddy bear for Tallulah. Tallulah is a hot, smart, marine biology grad student, who takes a job as Burgess’s live-in au pair. She’s got some trauma and is understandably restrained around a large man who happens to be 11 years her senior and is unsettlingly good at breaking noses on the ice, but they work together to navigate each other’s boundaries. My favorite thing about both Fangirl Down and the Au Pair Affair is the amount of respect that the MCs have for each other (I know respect should be a bare minimum but it rarely is in this world). There are constant check-ins, accommodations, and efforts to communicate, for both parties and you can tell there is a sense of comfort that doesn’t feel manufactured.
The smut was so perfectly smutty, the romance was a punch in the heart, and the characters had so much personality, I couldn’t stop laughing.
**********************************************
who tf has already rated this book 1 star??? the first book in this series was amazing and I'm so excited for book 2
Want to read
November 30, 2023AINT NO WAY THIS MAN AINT SAM HARTMAN?? Tessa knows what she’s doing
July 18, 2024
I WAS ROOTING FOR YOU!! But it was kind of a cringy let down….
Self-conscious hockey player in need of confidence boost, and a young graduate student looking to reenter the social scene! Burgess & Tallullah embarked on a tumultuous single dad/nanny relationship in a opposites attract romance.
I feel like Tessa wanted to do all the things but ended up losing sight of the actual plot tropes. Probably one of the worst au pair/nanny tropes I’ve read 🛑 Genuinely painful to read about them sneaking around after the kid clearly said she doesn’t want them together?! Ya super romantic…
I liked
❤️ AGE GAP! loved how mmc was painfully aware of his ‘old age’
❤️ vulnerable conversations on mini adventures
❤️ Wells!! how is this not even his book but he still steals the spotlight!
❤️ when mmc happily pretends to be her boyfriend
❤️ he falls first!
Please no, no, no….
💔 AU PAIR?! I didn’t feel a strong connection between nanny and the kid and was really missing more sweet family moments
💔 3rd act break up! Too long!
💔 fmc was annoying & not as understanding considering her situation
💔 cringy spice!! CARDINAL SIN! lines like these send me rolling and not in a good way
“After you meet me down there, you won’t be laughing when you talk about it. You’ll whisper about my cock like you’re in church.”
“Her nails were sinking into the fleshy curve of his buttocks, urging him to scramble her like eggs.”
On top of the cringy spice there wasn’t anything that scandalous either!! I guess no one can really live up to Wells ‘Tight Cheeks’!
I absolutely adored Wells & Josephine but this was a miss for me. I enjoy the fuck out of ‘he falls first’ and lap it up every time but…why was this so awkward. Now that I think of it…IT WAS PROBABLY the poorly written fmc.
friends to lovers (it feels like it)
grumpy x sunshine (basic)
opposites attract
single dad/nanny
he falls first
fmc in STEM
protective mmc
HEA
Self-conscious hockey player in need of confidence boost, and a young graduate student looking to reenter the social scene! Burgess & Tallullah embarked on a tumultuous single dad/nanny relationship in a opposites attract romance.
I feel like Tessa wanted to do all the things but ended up losing sight of the actual plot tropes. Probably one of the worst au pair/nanny tropes I’ve read 🛑 Genuinely painful to read about them sneaking around after the kid clearly said she doesn’t want them together?! Ya super romantic…
I liked
❤️ AGE GAP! loved how mmc was painfully aware of his ‘old age’
❤️ vulnerable conversations on mini adventures
❤️ Wells!! how is this not even his book but he still steals the spotlight!
❤️ when mmc happily pretends to be her boyfriend
❤️ he falls first!
Please no, no, no….
💔 AU PAIR?! I didn’t feel a strong connection between nanny and the kid and was really missing more sweet family moments
💔 3rd act break up! Too long!
💔 fmc was annoying & not as understanding considering her situation
💔 cringy spice!! CARDINAL SIN! lines like these send me rolling and not in a good way
“After you meet me down there, you won’t be laughing when you talk about it. You’ll whisper about my cock like you’re in church.”
“Her nails were sinking into the fleshy curve of his buttocks, urging him to scramble her like eggs.”
On top of the cringy spice there wasn’t anything that scandalous either!! I guess no one can really live up to Wells ‘Tight Cheeks’!
I absolutely adored Wells & Josephine but this was a miss for me. I enjoy the fuck out of ‘he falls first’ and lap it up every time but…why was this so awkward. Now that I think of it…IT WAS PROBABLY the poorly written fmc.
friends to lovers (it feels like it)
grumpy x sunshine (basic)
opposites attract
single dad/nanny
he falls first
fmc in STEM
protective mmc
HEA
May 9, 2025
"I would give up everything I own to go back to that day and tell you I love you, too, Tallulah. I'd smile while handing over my soul to the devil for that chance."
3.5 stars
I'll start by saying I will never NOT enjoy a Tessa Bailey romance. They are such fun, easy reads, and she is an auto buy for me 🩵
But there were a couple things here that I wasn't jiving with. First being anything have to do with Burgess' daughter, Lissa. I don't really prefer the single parent trope, but if I'm going to read about it, it should be a big part of the story imo, especially if the FMC is being hired as her au pair. So this was already strange and then all of a sudden their relationship fractures because of his daughter. There just wasn't enough page time for her to have that much sway on the main characters. I was looking for Lissa and Tallulah to slowly build a relationship, but Lissa had like 3 scenes.
Second, the ending and them getting back together was meh. If there is going to be a third act breakup, there better be some groveling. I guess Burgress tried, but they couldn't stop fucking long enough for him to actually make up for what he did/said. But also, Tallulah was kind of shitty throughout the book. She obviously went through something traumatic, but then she kept pushing a physical relationship with Burgess even though he told her multiple times he's not interested unless she's all in.
And she was being holier than thou at the end about her "lifestyle" and wanting to go out and experience things. She JUST started doing all that again and in a pretty chill way, so her saying they're too different was kind of shitty. And he doesn't need to DO all those things with her if he doesn't want to; he can just go with her and be with her and that should have been acceptable, which he was doing.
So that's my rant for this one. But again, still really enjoyable overall as all TB books are.
3.5 stars
I'll start by saying I will never NOT enjoy a Tessa Bailey romance. They are such fun, easy reads, and she is an auto buy for me 🩵
But there were a couple things here that I wasn't jiving with. First being anything have to do with Burgess' daughter, Lissa. I don't really prefer the single parent trope, but if I'm going to read about it, it should be a big part of the story imo, especially if the FMC is being hired as her au pair. So this was already strange and then all of a sudden their relationship fractures because of his daughter. There just wasn't enough page time for her to have that much sway on the main characters. I was looking for Lissa and Tallulah to slowly build a relationship, but Lissa had like 3 scenes.
Second, the ending and them getting back together was meh. If there is going to be a third act breakup, there better be some groveling. I guess Burgress tried, but they couldn't stop fucking long enough for him to actually make up for what he did/said. But also, Tallulah was kind of shitty throughout the book. She obviously went through something traumatic, but then she kept pushing a physical relationship with Burgess even though he told her multiple times he's not interested unless she's all in.
And she was being holier than thou at the end about her "lifestyle" and wanting to go out and experience things. She JUST started doing all that again and in a pretty chill way, so her saying they're too different was kind of shitty. And he doesn't need to DO all those things with her if he doesn't want to; he can just go with her and be with her and that should have been acceptable, which he was doing.
So that's my rant for this one. But again, still really enjoyable overall as all TB books are.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2024
I don't know how to feel about this book!?! There are some parts I really enjoyed, but overall I just think the romance was a disaster. The instalust and horniness was on another level, I can usually get behind that but it felt like Tessa Bailey was trying to incorporate everything and it did not work for me. The dirty talking was so wild, one minute it was normal, and the next he's calling her 'girl' and she's calling him 'mean daddy', it was making me cringe so hard and that's not even the worst of it. Beyond the sex, their whole relationship was built on lust and their supposed chemistry, and because of that the romance and emotions felt completely forced to me. I don't even know if I want to read the next book, but I do love forbidden romance so I'll probably give Sig and Chloe's story a try when it comes out.
May 31, 2025
Typically, I enjoy this author. But this time I found myself a bit put off by the more than perfect good-looking pair of main characters. Is that really possible to be so perfect?
And, do we need to be reminded of just how cute they are – over and over again?
Also, the insta lust was a bit too saucy and spicy for me, especially with an over-abundance of foul and coarse language spread throughout the story.
Although it had a plot that could be considered interesting, i.e., a past that for one of the characters left her somewhat traumatized which affected her life decisions, and a child in the middle of a divorced couple, expecting more for her parents, it was hard to connect to this rom-com for all the reasons shared above. Still, don’t go by just my review, I may be an outlier.
2.5 stars
And, do we need to be reminded of just how cute they are – over and over again?
Also, the insta lust was a bit too saucy and spicy for me, especially with an over-abundance of foul and coarse language spread throughout the story.
Although it had a plot that could be considered interesting, i.e., a past that for one of the characters left her somewhat traumatized which affected her life decisions, and a child in the middle of a divorced couple, expecting more for her parents, it was hard to connect to this rom-com for all the reasons shared above. Still, don’t go by just my review, I may be an outlier.
2.5 stars
August 31, 2024
Nothing pisses me off more than a man who doesn’t grovel and the girl gives in right away cause of good dick. 🙄
July 21, 2024
I was ready to give this a 4-star rating, but the third-act breakup happened, so 3-stars it is. 🤷♀️
Ngl, the first 75% of the story was all about Burgess (37) and Tallulah's (26) physical and sexual attraction. It was insta-lust through and through. The tension, seduction, off-the-charts chemistry, and flirting felt more like the focus for the majority of the story.
Sure, there were moments with the daughter, but they were few and far between. There were also some adventures that Tallulah wanted to do as a way to get past her trauma. Which she did with the help of Burgess, but those activities were few and far between as well.
I really don't mind that there's nothing much going on for a huge part of this book. But that might not be a good thing for other readers, as for me, I'd say differently because that's what I'm in the mood for, and I wanted a light read. Anyway, this book gave me that and tbh, I had fun with these two (before the separation). 🤭
Then the conflict happened because, of course, Burgess didn't want Tallulah to see him weak, so he pushed her away and used her insecurity to do that. It's freaking awful, by the way. 😤 I will never understand why some authors like to do the pushing away by having one of the MCs callously do it using the other MC's insecurity—insecurity that was told in utter trust, btw. I can't express enough how these scenes never fail to make my blood boil.
There was a six-week separation because he was doing rehab. Then, at the wedding of their friends (it was a 3-day celeb), Burgess said he's willing to do everything to win Tallulah back. Yet, not even 24 hours after meeting her again, he gave up so easily and willingly set her free because he couldn't handle the pain in her face every time they locked eyes. So much for fighting for her, huh???
And when Tallulah realized that he had finally set her free, she panicked because she realized she's still in love with him and she didn't want him out of her life. So she ended up convincing him that she'd be willing to try again. Idk how to feel about this honestly. 🤷♀️
Six weeks is obviously nothing in the grand scheme of things, because they got back together within two days. 🤦♀️ These two were pretty messed up, and it was so annoying how the story went downhill starting from the 75% mark.
Don't get me started with that HFN ending; after 17 months, he just proposed to her, and that's basically it. 🤧
Overall, it was okay for the most part, but the last quarter ruined it for me. I wish they had talked about their problem and worked as a couple instead of drifting apart and hurting themselves in the process. 🤦♀️
Book info:
- Boss x Employee
- Age gap (11)
- Single dad
- Insta-lust
- Stalking (past)
- Slowburn
- No cheating, OPD
- No V (h - long time, I think since her incident so probably 4 yrs???, H - one yr)
- With separation (6 weeks)
- HFN (engaged)
Ngl, the first 75% of the story was all about Burgess (37) and Tallulah's (26) physical and sexual attraction. It was insta-lust through and through. The tension, seduction, off-the-charts chemistry, and flirting felt more like the focus for the majority of the story.
Sure, there were moments with the daughter, but they were few and far between. There were also some adventures that Tallulah wanted to do as a way to get past her trauma. Which she did with the help of Burgess, but those activities were few and far between as well.
I really don't mind that there's nothing much going on for a huge part of this book. But that might not be a good thing for other readers, as for me, I'd say differently because that's what I'm in the mood for, and I wanted a light read. Anyway, this book gave me that and tbh, I had fun with these two (before the separation). 🤭
Then the conflict happened because, of course, Burgess didn't want Tallulah to see him weak, so he pushed her away and used her insecurity to do that. It's freaking awful, by the way. 😤 I will never understand why some authors like to do the pushing away by having one of the MCs callously do it using the other MC's insecurity—insecurity that was told in utter trust, btw. I can't express enough how these scenes never fail to make my blood boil.
There was a six-week separation because he was doing rehab. Then, at the wedding of their friends (it was a 3-day celeb), Burgess said he's willing to do everything to win Tallulah back. Yet, not even 24 hours after meeting her again, he gave up so easily and willingly set her free because he couldn't handle the pain in her face every time they locked eyes. So much for fighting for her, huh???
And when Tallulah realized that he had finally set her free, she panicked because she realized she's still in love with him and she didn't want him out of her life. So she ended up convincing him that she'd be willing to try again. Idk how to feel about this honestly. 🤷♀️
Six weeks is obviously nothing in the grand scheme of things, because they got back together within two days. 🤦♀️ These two were pretty messed up, and it was so annoying how the story went downhill starting from the 75% mark.
Don't get me started with that HFN ending; after 17 months, he just proposed to her, and that's basically it. 🤧
Overall, it was okay for the most part, but the last quarter ruined it for me. I wish they had talked about their problem and worked as a couple instead of drifting apart and hurting themselves in the process. 🤦♀️
Book info:
- Boss x Employee
- Age gap (11)
- Single dad
- Insta-lust
- Stalking (past)
- Slowburn
- No cheating, OPD
- No V (h - long time, I think since her incident so probably 4 yrs???, H - one yr)
- With separation (6 weeks)
- HFN (engaged)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2024
⤿dates read: july 9th - july 14th 🩵
{age} 14+ {rating} 3✰ {pages} 367
no spoilers btw
Thank you William Morrow for sending me the advanced readers edition, so I can give them an honest review back! 🩵
⤿ 🩵 this is my fourth tessa bailey book, ive read the the vine mess series and the big shots honestly for tessa bailey has one good book in the series and the other one is just meh. in this series I really enjoy fangirl down, more than I liked the au pair affair. maybe it's just the fact that the characters chemistry in the first book is just a little better than tallulah and burgess. but when tessa bailey's couple is good, the book just hits different, the dirty talk to the perfect and overprotective boyfriends.
⤿ 🩵 honestly there is a lot to say about this book both good and bad. It definitely was not my favorite book but it's also not my least favorite book there were some parts that I really admired but there were also some parts where the dirty talk was just so bad in my opinion. I did like all the characters and their personalities they were very well written.
⤿ 🩵 character-breakdown
⤿ 🩵 tallulah aydin ~ 26
she's originally from Istanbul and she immigrated here but her entire family is still there. tallulah in my opinion is such a strong woman she has been through so much that it's just shocking. she's still so independent and so brave. always is there for the people she loves, she'll drop what ever she's doing just to go to them.
↬ 26 years old
↬ studying at boston uni
↬ au pair to twelve year old girl
↬ trama from past
↬ best friends with josephine
↬ studying to become a marine biologist
↬ loves exploring and trying new things
⤿ 🩵 burgess abraham ~ 37
buddy is literally the definition of an overprotective and he falls first and HARDER boyfriend. Hey but he also has got caring loving personality especially when he's around his daughter. but on the ice playing hockey he's like a totally different person he's all feisty and everything breaking people's noses.
↬ 37 years old
↬ professional hockey player
↬ RICH
↬ has a 12 year old daughter
↬ divorced
↬ grumpy
↬ overprotective
⤿ 🩵 summary
this book like I've mentioned is not the best but there are some parts that I really enjoyed like the character development and the certain quotes that I picked out I felt we're really cute and made the story a lot better.
⤿ 🩵 pre-review
eehhh! I just finished a Tessa Bailey book like last week, and now i'm being sent this??? wait I need to read fan girl down first lol!! so excited to get a copy of this arc in a few weeks!!
{age} 14+ {rating} 3✰ {pages} 367
no spoilers btw
Thank you William Morrow for sending me the advanced readers edition, so I can give them an honest review back! 🩵
˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆"That was life, wasn't it? Making connections, bonding with people and places, then moving forward without them. Missing them. Carrying those influences around, sort of like layers of clothing. Her birthplace was one layer, her family another, her best friend Josephine. Antartica. now Boston sometimes it hurts to collect another layer, to make new friends and have new experiences when she's still ached for the layers closest to her skin."
⤿ 🩵 this is my fourth tessa bailey book, ive read the the vine mess series and the big shots honestly for tessa bailey has one good book in the series and the other one is just meh. in this series I really enjoy fangirl down, more than I liked the au pair affair. maybe it's just the fact that the characters chemistry in the first book is just a little better than tallulah and burgess. but when tessa bailey's couple is good, the book just hits different, the dirty talk to the perfect and overprotective boyfriends.
˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ "she's from the republic of hotness just below france"
⤿ 🩵 honestly there is a lot to say about this book both good and bad. It definitely was not my favorite book but it's also not my least favorite book there were some parts that I really admired but there were also some parts where the dirty talk was just so bad in my opinion. I did like all the characters and their personalities they were very well written.
˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆"they stood on the rooftop of a building that overlooked Fenway the famous city go sign buzzing 50 yards over their heads and she was better than any star in the sky more brilliant than any star in the sky more brilliant than the night time lights Illuminating the field she put the city go sign to shame she f****** glowed"
⤿ 🩵 character-breakdown
⤿ 🩵 tallulah aydin ~ 26
she's originally from Istanbul and she immigrated here but her entire family is still there. tallulah in my opinion is such a strong woman she has been through so much that it's just shocking. she's still so independent and so brave. always is there for the people she loves, she'll drop what ever she's doing just to go to them.
↬ 26 years old
↬ studying at boston uni
↬ au pair to twelve year old girl
↬ trama from past
↬ best friends with josephine
↬ studying to become a marine biologist
↬ loves exploring and trying new things
˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆"love and tallulah were interconnected. there couldn't be one without the other. love was her. she was love"
⤿ 🩵 burgess abraham ~ 37
buddy is literally the definition of an overprotective and he falls first and HARDER boyfriend. Hey but he also has got caring loving personality especially when he's around his daughter. but on the ice playing hockey he's like a totally different person he's all feisty and everything breaking people's noses.
↬ 37 years old
↬ professional hockey player
↬ RICH
↬ has a 12 year old daughter
↬ divorced
↬ grumpy
↬ overprotective
˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆if someone insulted you I would do a lot worse than break their f****** glasses"
⤿ 🩵 summary
this book like I've mentioned is not the best but there are some parts that I really enjoyed like the character development and the certain quotes that I picked out I felt we're really cute and made the story a lot better.
˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ "the day we met you could have asked me to bring you the moon on a platter and i'd have done it. ask me for galaxies now. you get anything you want gorgeous"
⤿ 🩵 pre-review
eehhh! I just finished a Tessa Bailey book like last week, and now i'm being sent this??? wait I need to read fan girl down first lol!! so excited to get a copy of this arc in a few weeks!!
July 13, 2024
A gripping, sexy, sporty, romance that reignited my love of hockey and romance books! This book has several tropes: single dad, age difference, close proximity, nanny/employer, etc. This is the second book in the Big Shots series but worked very well as a stand-alone book for me.
Tallulah is studying to be a Marine Biologist. She's low on funds and in need of a job. When Burgess, a single dad and Hockey player offers her a live in job as a nanny to his daughter, Tallulah happily accepts. Both characters are likeable and dynamic. Both are strong but also have issues and vulnerabilities. I enjoyed their complex and distinct personalities.
It's all about the journey with romance books and this was a highly enjoyable one. I loved the banters, the angst, the attraction, and the writing.
This is the first book that I have read by Tessa Bailey, but it will not be my last! I can't believe that it took me so long to read one of her books. I have several on my tbr list and will be making a point to get to them soon!
Gripping, sexy, entertaining, and fun!
Thank you to Avon and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Tallulah is studying to be a Marine Biologist. She's low on funds and in need of a job. When Burgess, a single dad and Hockey player offers her a live in job as a nanny to his daughter, Tallulah happily accepts. Both characters are likeable and dynamic. Both are strong but also have issues and vulnerabilities. I enjoyed their complex and distinct personalities.
It's all about the journey with romance books and this was a highly enjoyable one. I loved the banters, the angst, the attraction, and the writing.
This is the first book that I have read by Tessa Bailey, but it will not be my last! I can't believe that it took me so long to read one of her books. I have several on my tbr list and will be making a point to get to them soon!
Gripping, sexy, entertaining, and fun!
Thank you to Avon and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
October 11, 2024
2.5 Stars
As a huge fan of Fangirl Down—hot as sin! still mentally drooling over the golfer! 5 smutty stars! would highly recommend—I was practically bursting at the seams to get to this sequel, loving what we briefly saw of ageing hockey star Burgess, his sweet tween daughter, and sassy twenty-something college student, and soon to be au pair, Tallulah.
The hype was real, folks, but very quickly I realised this was not going to play out how I hoped it would and I had a REAL disconnect to Burgess and Tallulah, increasingly in my disinterest of them as a viable couple and in my growing distaste for them as individuals the further I read.
The first half, I struggled to warm to Tallulah. Her backstory was jarring to me—quite frankly, it was more traumatic and intense in the throwaway telling than the tone of the book truly warranted. It was made very clear, very quickly, that T was coming through some bad years, determined to regain her confidence and ready to embrace life to the fullest. She was NOT looking for a forever love, not at her age; she wanted hot flings and to bank new experiences. Which is all fine and good—you go, girl—but it was in complete contrast to what I wanted for misunderstood, surly AF gentle-giant, Daddy Burgess.
Points to B, of course, because HE FELL FIRST—which is always a fave trope of mine and it was executed well here, with him vibing hard thoughts of SHE’S MY ENDGAME, MY NEXT WIFE, SUCH A BEAUTY, SUCH INTELLIGENCE, GOTTA BE MINE, MINE, MINE. It was sweet and growly-possessive, if not a little intense for the chick looking after your kid, whom you briefly met once over a dinner with friends...but, hey, I was game.
So, there was a lot of back and forth between these two, as they fought their sexual attraction (see: they did NOT fight it very hard at all), as they both grappled with their big feelings and what they each wanted from the other, as well as for themselves and the future.
I knew about halfway that this was just going to be middle-fare, run-of-the-mill romance reading for me—not truly hating on any specific thing, but also not loving any specific thing either (except for side characters Chloe and Sig—NEED MORE, STAT!!!). But then the third-act breakup happened and I went into full rage-monster mode with my reaction, halting my apathy and tilting me over into negative outcome territory, like a wave crashing hard against rocks.
Third-act conflict is pretty much expected in 90% of all romance books I read, but I still get so damn grumpy when it feels this contrived—or worse, if it’s the kind of drama that I don’t come back from, when I no longer even believe the couple in question would make it together long-term... which I didn’t/don’t.
To be clear, people who have read this may expect that I’d solely be annoyed at B for his ridiculously petulant, woe-is-me behaviour… and you’d be right. That shit just doesn’t fly with me when a 37-year-old man (nay, father) is concerned. But I also had a very personal reaction to the circumstances of his bullshit too. As someone who lives every day with a chronic pain disorder, his reaction to his injury and his recovery was so damn pathetic and enraging, that I couldn’t take him seriously thereafter. I also hate when other characters have to come in to force an MC to see the error of their ways. For me, if the growth only comes to you because other people forced it on you, it’s not actually growth, and you’ll likely backslide like a motherf*cker.
But the worst thing about the whole scenario?! THE 6 WEEK SEPARATION we unpleasantly got to skip over before either of the adults decided to start adulting and adultly communicate, like adults.
The last quarter was a slog of major proportions (literally only saved, again, by the presence of side characters) and by that point I simply didn’t care. If these two were a real-life couple and they made it past the 2-year mark I would be shocked—SHOCKED, I TELL YOU!!!
High anticipation may have been my downfall, methinks, but I also get blindsided by how often I can go from loving a Tessa Bailey book one minute, to fully disliking another book the next minute. Thankfully, though, the one’s I love, I love hard, which always brings me back for more, and I’m hoping, hoping, hoping that book three (Dream Girl Drama) does deliver on those high expectations I once again hold (but am trying to temper) with my new fascination with next leads, hockey hunk Sig and his soon-to-stepsister Chloe.
As a huge fan of Fangirl Down—hot as sin! still mentally drooling over the golfer! 5 smutty stars! would highly recommend—I was practically bursting at the seams to get to this sequel, loving what we briefly saw of ageing hockey star Burgess, his sweet tween daughter, and sassy twenty-something college student, and soon to be au pair, Tallulah.
The hype was real, folks, but very quickly I realised this was not going to play out how I hoped it would and I had a REAL disconnect to Burgess and Tallulah, increasingly in my disinterest of them as a viable couple and in my growing distaste for them as individuals the further I read.
The first half, I struggled to warm to Tallulah. Her backstory was jarring to me—quite frankly, it was more traumatic and intense in the throwaway telling than the tone of the book truly warranted. It was made very clear, very quickly, that T was coming through some bad years, determined to regain her confidence and ready to embrace life to the fullest. She was NOT looking for a forever love, not at her age; she wanted hot flings and to bank new experiences. Which is all fine and good—you go, girl—but it was in complete contrast to what I wanted for misunderstood, surly AF gentle-giant, Daddy Burgess.
Points to B, of course, because HE FELL FIRST—which is always a fave trope of mine and it was executed well here, with him vibing hard thoughts of SHE’S MY ENDGAME, MY NEXT WIFE, SUCH A BEAUTY, SUCH INTELLIGENCE, GOTTA BE MINE, MINE, MINE. It was sweet and growly-possessive, if not a little intense for the chick looking after your kid, whom you briefly met once over a dinner with friends...but, hey, I was game.
So, there was a lot of back and forth between these two, as they fought their sexual attraction (see: they did NOT fight it very hard at all), as they both grappled with their big feelings and what they each wanted from the other, as well as for themselves and the future.
I knew about halfway that this was just going to be middle-fare, run-of-the-mill romance reading for me—not truly hating on any specific thing, but also not loving any specific thing either (except for side characters Chloe and Sig—NEED MORE, STAT!!!). But then the third-act breakup happened and I went into full rage-monster mode with my reaction, halting my apathy and tilting me over into negative outcome territory, like a wave crashing hard against rocks.
Third-act conflict is pretty much expected in 90% of all romance books I read, but I still get so damn grumpy when it feels this contrived—or worse, if it’s the kind of drama that I don’t come back from, when I no longer even believe the couple in question would make it together long-term... which I didn’t/don’t.
To be clear, people who have read this may expect that I’d solely be annoyed at B for his ridiculously petulant, woe-is-me behaviour… and you’d be right. That shit just doesn’t fly with me when a 37-year-old man (nay, father) is concerned. But I also had a very personal reaction to the circumstances of his bullshit too. As someone who lives every day with a chronic pain disorder, his reaction to his injury and his recovery was so damn pathetic and enraging, that I couldn’t take him seriously thereafter. I also hate when other characters have to come in to force an MC to see the error of their ways. For me, if the growth only comes to you because other people forced it on you, it’s not actually growth, and you’ll likely backslide like a motherf*cker.
But the worst thing about the whole scenario?! THE 6 WEEK SEPARATION we unpleasantly got to skip over before either of the adults decided to start adulting and adultly communicate, like adults.
The last quarter was a slog of major proportions (literally only saved, again, by the presence of side characters) and by that point I simply didn’t care. If these two were a real-life couple and they made it past the 2-year mark I would be shocked—SHOCKED, I TELL YOU!!!
High anticipation may have been my downfall, methinks, but I also get blindsided by how often I can go from loving a Tessa Bailey book one minute, to fully disliking another book the next minute. Thankfully, though, the one’s I love, I love hard, which always brings me back for more, and I’m hoping, hoping, hoping that book three (Dream Girl Drama) does deliver on those high expectations I once again hold (but am trying to temper) with my new fascination with next leads, hockey hunk Sig and his soon-to-stepsister Chloe.
March 7, 2024
Listen, I am a Tessa Bailey apologist through and through. Her books are always a little weird; the characters are emotionally stunted and the spicy scenes are just a little too much but I still love them. This one however, was just a little bit too much for me. Maybe I find it hard to believe that someone who was locked in a closet for two days would begin to trust men so quickly after a brief skinny dipping outing.
May 14, 2024
Another man pathetically in love? WE WON
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Tallulah Aydin (26) | Burgess “Sir Savage” Abraham (37)
FEATURES
∘ nanny / single father
∘ professional athlete (hockey)
∘ love at first sight (him only)
∘ age gap (11 years)
REVIEW
Burgess saw Tallulah and was gone for her immediately. It was cute to watch him fluster and blush as he tried so desperately to read Tallulah and her feelings toward him.
The au pair aspect wasn’t as major as I was expecting. Lissa was twelve, so she was relatively independent and wasn’t present much. She was just present enough to be a fully-realized character but also away enough to let the main couple develop.
I loved the build-up and tension of this book, especially in the spice department. Burgess wouldn’t fully be with Tallulah until she was ready to commit to being his full-time girlfriend, but man did they both find creative ways to get their rocks off.
I was really vibing with the story until the third act hit, and I lost all momentum. It was so unnecessarily angsty and frustratingly drawn out. While I could understand the characters’ actions and feelings, it definitely felt like the romance novel version of watching a horror movie and shouting at the screen because of the dumb decisions they were making. I still enjoyed my time, but it was a bummer stall for sure.
The majority of the book was a great experience for me. Maybe if I read it at another time in my life (you know, when I’m not experiencing the worst reading month I’ve had since I started reading), I wouldn’t have been so bothered by the last ~30%. I will say, I’m looking forward to Sig and Chloe’s story and am manifesting that it’s next.
OW/OM DRAMA minor OM — Tallulah has men hit on her (she doesn’t reciprocate) and Burgess gets jealous |
OW — Burgess’s ex-wife is coparenting and Lissa (their daughter) is convinced they’re going to get back together (he is literally only interested in Tallulah)
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP yes — reconciliation about a month and a half later
ENDING HEA — 17 months later epilogue
POV dual / third person
SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5
RATING 3.5 / 5
Thank you to publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Tallulah Aydin (26) | Burgess “Sir Savage” Abraham (37)
FEATURES
∘ nanny / single father
∘ professional athlete (hockey)
∘ love at first sight (him only)
∘ age gap (11 years)
REVIEW
Burgess saw Tallulah and was gone for her immediately. It was cute to watch him fluster and blush as he tried so desperately to read Tallulah and her feelings toward him.
The au pair aspect wasn’t as major as I was expecting. Lissa was twelve, so she was relatively independent and wasn’t present much. She was just present enough to be a fully-realized character but also away enough to let the main couple develop.
I loved the build-up and tension of this book, especially in the spice department. Burgess wouldn’t fully be with Tallulah until she was ready to commit to being his full-time girlfriend, but man did they both find creative ways to get their rocks off.
I was really vibing with the story until the third act hit, and I lost all momentum. It was so unnecessarily angsty and frustratingly drawn out. While I could understand the characters’ actions and feelings, it definitely felt like the romance novel version of watching a horror movie and shouting at the screen because of the dumb decisions they were making. I still enjoyed my time, but it was a bummer stall for sure.
The majority of the book was a great experience for me. Maybe if I read it at another time in my life (you know, when I’m not experiencing the worst reading month I’ve had since I started reading), I wouldn’t have been so bothered by the last ~30%. I will say, I’m looking forward to Sig and Chloe’s story and am manifesting that it’s next.
OW/OM DRAMA minor OM — Tallulah has men hit on her (she doesn’t reciprocate) and Burgess gets jealous |
OW — Burgess’s ex-wife is coparenting and Lissa (their daughter) is convinced they’re going to get back together (he is literally only interested in Tallulah)
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP yes — reconciliation about a month and a half later
ENDING HEA — 17 months later epilogue
POV dual / third person
SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5
RATING 3.5 / 5
Thank you to publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 24, 2024
Now that I've re-read this one - I can confidently say that I love it. I already loved these characters from Fangirl Down -- and I think I know where the series is going for the third book!! I can't wait to read more of these characters and I love seeing little snippets of them in the series to come.
Also - the main characters are exactly what you want them to be. Their relationship is all about healthy growth!! I've become a pretty big Tessa Bailey fan at this point.
Here are the ones I've loved:
- Fangirl Down
- The Au Pair Affair
- Getaway Girl
*I have so many more to read!
**10/10 recommend reading the books in order to avoid spoilers!!
--
6-15-2024
I was obsessed with Fangirl Down and this is a fun continuation of that series! Love to see TB venturing into sports romances!
**Ok, here's the thing about this one. I really wanted to like it more than I did because I was such a fan of Fangirl Down, but I'm realizing I never like my digital reads as much as I like my physical ones. I may update my rating after I grab a physical copy of this and do a re-read!
**Thank you to Forever & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy(ies). I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤
Find Me On Instagram 🦋
Also - the main characters are exactly what you want them to be. Their relationship is all about healthy growth!! I've become a pretty big Tessa Bailey fan at this point.
Here are the ones I've loved:
- Fangirl Down
- The Au Pair Affair
- Getaway Girl
*I have so many more to read!
**10/10 recommend reading the books in order to avoid spoilers!!
--
6-15-2024
I was obsessed with Fangirl Down and this is a fun continuation of that series! Love to see TB venturing into sports romances!
**Ok, here's the thing about this one. I really wanted to like it more than I did because I was such a fan of Fangirl Down, but I'm realizing I never like my digital reads as much as I like my physical ones. I may update my rating after I grab a physical copy of this and do a re-read!
**Thank you to Forever & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy(ies). I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤
Find Me On Instagram 🦋
August 6, 2024
DNF @55%
Tessa Bailey somehow managed to put me into a reading slump 😮💨
Tessa Bailey somehow managed to put me into a reading slump 😮💨
July 19, 2024
I give you…✨one star✨
Living up to its predecessor, Fangirl Down was a tall order, but one I believed Tallulah and Burgess could live up to. As I’ve come to understand, we are all wrong at some point in our life and it appears as though after years of waiting, now is my time to shine.
˚₊ · »-♡→ characters
Tessa Bailey has always catered to the crowd that was looking for a good time. The caliber of writing was up to par with those who were craving a fun and dare I say, steamy read. That being said, the tone of this particular novel did not ring true to that statement. On the contrary, we, as readers, were introduced to a more serious plot through our female protagonist, Tallulah, that weighed with the remnants of a traumatic past. While I believe authors should be encouraged to explore outside the confines they’ve been built within, as with almost anything in life, there is a sensitivity to it that should be considered. Tallulah’s young adulthood, riddled with nightmares most of us only fear over, was permeated with grief over a life that could’ve been lived, but that she is now forced to merely exist in. Up until Tallulah’s interest in Burgess became romantic, her experiences were presented mindfully. Then, lust became the solution to years of pent up suffering. For some, intimacy becomes a coping mechanism, but in this instance, it was insinuated, whether consciously or not, that it was the last step in the bridge between her debilitating past and adventurous future. In no way do I want to invalidate Tallulah’s journey to recovery. All I’m saying is that perhaps we shouldn’t address more intense topics if we aren’t going to give them the nuance they deserve.
Burgess. I couldn’t put it more blatantly. Burgess was the bane of my existence. Truly, I’ve pondered through a million different ways of putting it, but it comes down all the same to his overbearing masculine nature. As a man, it came to no surprise to me that he was the common denominator in all my complaints. There is a difference between protectiveness and possessiveness, and Burgess completely overstepped into the latter with his ‘who did this to you’ persona. There’s a time and place and he missed them both. Needless to say, given the actions of Tallulah’s ex, it left a sour taste in my mouth and I’m surprised it didn’t do the same to her.
˚₊ · »-♡→ writing style + POV
As for the writing, it was very millennial core, and with all due respect, while I’ve come to expect that in Bailey’s novels, it was just too much. The second Burgess was crowned Sir Savage, I was out. I never claimed to be God’s strongest soldier, yet alas.
Despite being written in the third-person, we are still getting a dual POV and while I’m always an advocate for this kind of storytelling, the timeline seems to drift so drastically in the sense that the author was grazing over some of the most important scenes, allowing us to only see their aftermath, that it took away the magic.
Given that Josephine and Wells, our previous couple, were such an influence in Burgess and Tallulah’s arrangement, I expected to see them more. If not throughout the story, than at least at the end when the group is in Costa Rica for the Whitaker-Doyle wedding. Such a missed opportunity with the epilogue in that regard…
˚₊ · »-♡→ tropes
Talking tropes, as a single-dad + nanny connoisseur, I was gravely disappointed. I’ve made my peace with tropes being falsely acquainted with books purely to appeal to a wider audience, particularly in the romance space. Yet I was still taken aback when our nanny wasn’t nannying, nor was our single dad fathering. Poor Lissa basically raised herself at this point. What’s the fun in that?!
Third act breakups, you say? Basically a given when committing to a Tessa Bailey book. But this one was very overdramatized and yet, the MMC still didn’t do enough groveling. Surprise surprise.
All in all, my advice to anyone going into this is to expect everything except the synopsis.
˚₊ · »-♡→ ending thoughts
Given the glimpses we got into Sig and Chloe’s relationship, the protagonists of our upcoming Big Shots novel, I’m still unsure whether I’ll partake. It’s giving forbidden romance with their pending step-sibling status and that’s a little too taboo for me. But shoutout to everyone that’s brave enough to endure that!
Thank you to Avon and Tessa Bailey for providing me with an ARC. As always, all thoughts are my own and are in no way influenced by early access to this title.
Living up to its predecessor, Fangirl Down was a tall order, but one I believed Tallulah and Burgess could live up to. As I’ve come to understand, we are all wrong at some point in our life and it appears as though after years of waiting, now is my time to shine.
˚₊ · »-♡→ characters
Tessa Bailey has always catered to the crowd that was looking for a good time. The caliber of writing was up to par with those who were craving a fun and dare I say, steamy read. That being said, the tone of this particular novel did not ring true to that statement. On the contrary, we, as readers, were introduced to a more serious plot through our female protagonist, Tallulah, that weighed with the remnants of a traumatic past. While I believe authors should be encouraged to explore outside the confines they’ve been built within, as with almost anything in life, there is a sensitivity to it that should be considered. Tallulah’s young adulthood, riddled with nightmares most of us only fear over, was permeated with grief over a life that could’ve been lived, but that she is now forced to merely exist in. Up until Tallulah’s interest in Burgess became romantic, her experiences were presented mindfully. Then, lust became the solution to years of pent up suffering. For some, intimacy becomes a coping mechanism, but in this instance, it was insinuated, whether consciously or not, that it was the last step in the bridge between her debilitating past and adventurous future. In no way do I want to invalidate Tallulah’s journey to recovery. All I’m saying is that perhaps we shouldn’t address more intense topics if we aren’t going to give them the nuance they deserve.
Burgess. I couldn’t put it more blatantly. Burgess was the bane of my existence. Truly, I’ve pondered through a million different ways of putting it, but it comes down all the same to his overbearing masculine nature. As a man, it came to no surprise to me that he was the common denominator in all my complaints. There is a difference between protectiveness and possessiveness, and Burgess completely overstepped into the latter with his ‘who did this to you’ persona. There’s a time and place and he missed them both. Needless to say, given the actions of Tallulah’s ex, it left a sour taste in my mouth and I’m surprised it didn’t do the same to her.
˚₊ · »-♡→ writing style + POV
As for the writing, it was very millennial core, and with all due respect, while I’ve come to expect that in Bailey’s novels, it was just too much. The second Burgess was crowned Sir Savage, I was out. I never claimed to be God’s strongest soldier, yet alas.
Despite being written in the third-person, we are still getting a dual POV and while I’m always an advocate for this kind of storytelling, the timeline seems to drift so drastically in the sense that the author was grazing over some of the most important scenes, allowing us to only see their aftermath, that it took away the magic.
Given that Josephine and Wells, our previous couple, were such an influence in Burgess and Tallulah’s arrangement, I expected to see them more. If not throughout the story, than at least at the end when the group is in Costa Rica for the Whitaker-Doyle wedding. Such a missed opportunity with the epilogue in that regard…
˚₊ · »-♡→ tropes
Talking tropes, as a single-dad + nanny connoisseur, I was gravely disappointed. I’ve made my peace with tropes being falsely acquainted with books purely to appeal to a wider audience, particularly in the romance space. Yet I was still taken aback when our nanny wasn’t nannying, nor was our single dad fathering. Poor Lissa basically raised herself at this point. What’s the fun in that?!
Third act breakups, you say? Basically a given when committing to a Tessa Bailey book. But this one was very overdramatized and yet, the MMC still didn’t do enough groveling. Surprise surprise.
All in all, my advice to anyone going into this is to expect everything except the synopsis.
˚₊ · »-♡→ ending thoughts
Given the glimpses we got into Sig and Chloe’s relationship, the protagonists of our upcoming Big Shots novel, I’m still unsure whether I’ll partake. It’s giving forbidden romance with their pending step-sibling status and that’s a little too taboo for me. But shoutout to everyone that’s brave enough to endure that!
Thank you to Avon and Tessa Bailey for providing me with an ARC. As always, all thoughts are my own and are in no way influenced by early access to this title.
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