A review by tneumann
The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey

1.5

I finished this book out of spite and because I was already 200 pages in at that point. Did not care about the MC’s or their relationship. It was insta-love and maybe I was missing some build up from the first book, but see similar sentiments from others. This book didn’t deliver - no depth or investment in the characters, only lust. The author is trying to weave in some heavier topics but it’s not done well. We’re told Burgess is super patient and understanding, but then so much of the book, he’s very direct, possessive and jealous. Single dad trope usually hits but even that was a miss. Their banter was so cringy and the spice scenes even felt out of context at times. I just had whiplash and felt confused about the tone and massive mood flip-flops by the MCs. I gave so many eye rolls at the cheesy ass lines peppered throughout the book and was just plain annoyed by it. It read like a horny hallmark knock-off.

The Nanny by Lana Ferguson is a better version of this trope.