Au Pair Affair with Lemon Curd Blueberry Ice Cream
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Let me introduce you to “Au Pair Affair.” A hot and cold (pun-intended) sports romance about a hockey player and the college student nanny who works for him. After hiring her to look after his shy pre-teen daughter, Burgus finds his icy temper melting when he gets to know the super-hot Tallulah who wants to be a marine biologist one day. This book is apart of a series called, “The Big-Shot Series” written by Tessa Bailey who is dubbed the “Michelangelo of dirty talk,” by Entertainment Weekly. Does this ring true? Read below to find out.
The Story
Surly, burly hockey player and single dad Burgus is at his wit’s end. After spending many years battling on the ice, he is getting worn down in more ways than one. His career is on the verge of being over and his daughter Lissa is extremely unhappy with both her parents’ divorce, plus not fitting in school.
In comes the beautiful, intelligent Tallulah who is a genius at braiding hair, helping with homework, and cooking good meals. As soon as she comes into their lives this fun-loving, bubbly soon-to-be marine biologist breathes life into their lives again. However, she is suffering from some past trauma of her own.
Almost instantly the two of them are attracted to each other and can’t keep away especially since they live under the same roof. They try to make excuses as to why they can’t be together. “He is my boss.” “She has been hurt.” All the way up to the twelve-year age gap between them.
However, they just can’t stop their desire for each other and things continue to heat up between them. But can they both put away their baggage and make a fresh start with each other?
My Review
The sex scenes were written with perfect clarity and spice that it was easy to visualize what was going on. A good way to get a little inspiration if you know what I mean.
The chemistry between our two lovers is very believable. The fact that it was not just Tallulah who showed up and made everything better (which she did) but Burgus also played a part in that too. The way he was protective of Tallulah and helping her go out on adventures shows a good give-and-take between them. Enough to make the heart flutter.
There is good character growth to everyone involved in this story. Grumpy Burgus used to have miserable interactions with most of his team but with Tallulah’s advice he has a better working relationship with them. Also, you see Tallulah make connections again with new people thanks to Burgus offering his protection. Even Lissa starts to blossom thanks to both Tallulah and her father just being present together.
Sure, I know it’s typical: The opposites attract, boss/employee love story, single dad learns to love again but let’s face it. Those are the kind of stories I just love to read about. Two people who find happiness in the most unlikely of places even when they “shouldn’t” be giving in but do. It makes for a happy read. Sadly, there is some stuff that didn’t work out.
The nicknames that the characters gave each other was really cringy. Whenever Tallulah calls Burgus “Mean Daddy” or when he calls her, “Little Girl.” I find it rather disturbing when someone tries to pull that old saying that women want someone who is just like their father or any other kind of incestuous underlining. It also seems a little pedophilic to call someone “Little Girl” as well. I’m sorry and this is just my opinion but it is not sexy to have nicknames like these even if it is just to point out the age difference.
Their “last” breakup was just all kinds of wrong. I get that Burgus was hurting and did not want Tallulah to see him like that but to throw her trauma in her face like that is unforgivable. He even said it himself that what happened to her would certainly cause her to be cautious, then to callously toss it at her like that and treat her badly for it. I mean, come on! Who would take him back after that? Whether he felt bad about it or not is irrelevant. He still did what he did and it was wrong.
The Pairings
This book goes the best with some lemon-curd blueberry ice cream. The lemon curd is perfect for Tallulah’s sunny disposition, both fresh, inviting and a little tart but all sugar. The blueberry because of Burgus who is feeling rather blue about himself and his life but still has a hidden delightfulness to him. It is also the colour of his hockey jersey. Ice cream because you can not have a hockey game without the ice and the story is a rather sweet one.
Although this is a specialty flavoured ice cream, you can always find both flavours separately or get it specially ordered. I got mine from a local creamery called, “Made by Marcus,” and it is a popular spot here in Calgary. So, grab your treat, your book, and enjoy what the day brings to you.
The Rating/Final Thoughts
7/10
All and all, this book was fabulous. Hot and steamy sex scenes mixed with genuine human connection and fun adventures. This is a story you can believe happening to one of your friends, family members, or even an acquaintance. Tessa Bailey’s descriptions and wording are just beautiful. You can visualize every scene, sense every emotion, and hear the joys of the crowd when their favourite team scores a goal. It’s like being there and experiencing everything that the characters are going through.
Normally I am not into sports rom-coms but this one is a joy to read. The brooding man is matched with a cheery woman who changes his life for the better. But that is not all. Burgus happily goes on the adventures that Tallulah wants to experience. He does not complain, in fact, he truly enjoys himself in Tallulah’s company. So along with the joys that she brings into his household, he brings her happiness as well as security. It is charming to read.
It’s also nice to know that the age and financial differences don’t mean a thing when it comes to love. It makes one feel hopeful that one day they will be surprised by love when it comes. Keep them coming, Tessa!
