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hdabru's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
As always, Tessa Bailey delivers.
She churns out book after book, and as many contemporary romances do, they all sort of follow the same formula. But throw in a new combo of tropes and some issues the couple has to overcome and you’re good. But some authors can throw together a bunch of tropes and leave you feel like it was just cheesy and contrived. Bailey absolutely crushes it at writing believable main characters with relatable issues and, as is her forte, extremely hot smut scenes.
I found Tallulah’s ptsd extremely relatable, though I thought she came to trust Burgess a little too soon. Given her history, his possessive nature seemed like it would scare her rather than endear her. Further, I thought he compromised on his own convictions a little too quickly. I enjoyed the various adventures the book took us on, but I don’t think he repented enough for what he did in the third act breakup to make her feel safe enough to get back together with him. So I’m conflicted as to whether to give this 3.5 stars or 4, which means I’ll round up to 4 with the caveat that some parts felt weak compared to her other books, including the first one in this series.
She churns out book after book, and as many contemporary romances do, they all sort of follow the same formula. But throw in a new combo of tropes and some issues the couple has to overcome and you’re good. But some authors can throw together a bunch of tropes and leave you feel like it was just cheesy and contrived. Bailey absolutely crushes it at writing believable main characters with relatable issues and, as is her forte, extremely hot smut scenes.
I found Tallulah’s ptsd extremely relatable, though I thought she came to trust Burgess a little too soon. Given her history, his possessive nature seemed like it would scare her rather than endear her. Further, I thought he compromised on his own convictions a little too quickly. I enjoyed the various adventures the book took us on, but I don’t think he repented enough for what he did in the third act breakup to make her feel safe enough to get back together with him. So I’m conflicted as to whether to give this 3.5 stars or 4, which means I’ll round up to 4 with the caveat that some parts felt weak compared to her other books, including the first one in this series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content
Moderate: Kidnapping and Stalking
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
angelica_elle_reads's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
nreadsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
nssutton's review against another edition
fast-paced
3.0
This one was not for me, as I’m not a fan of instalove, Dad/au pair couples, or truly terrible communication as the main impediment to an HEA, but I’ll be counting the days till Sig & Chloe’s story!
sikensmanicpixiegf's review against another edition
3.0
I've been really into light and spicy romances lately, and this book definitely delivered. Tessa Bailey did a great job with the cute and lighthearted romance between Tallulah and Burgess. Their connection was instant and their dynamic as an Au Pair and a single dad added an interesting twist to the story, however the instant connection bothered me a bit since i orefer my romances with a bit more build up! And while I did wish there was more emotional depth, overall it was still an enjoyable read. I actually liked it more than the first book in the series and I'm eagerly looking forward to a third one!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher fir the arc!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher fir the arc!
romancebookaffair's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed Burgess and Tallulah's journey to their happily ever after.
Burgess, or Sir Savage, was intriguing. He has such a grumpy, mean, imposing hockey persona and definitely lives up to it on the ice. But at home he has such a low self esteem when it comes to parenting his daughter Lissa. His lack of confidence and vulnerability begins to include Tallulah, their age gap and his growing attraction.
I loved Tallulah's character arc. Having suffered a major trauma in the past, she still had a lot of healing to do and it was well written. I loved that Burgess was conscious of this and was respectful of the space and pace she needed.
Burgess fell hard and fast. I found it an interesting slow burn progression. Their chemistry was evident from the start and their honesty about their attraction leds to some steamy exchanges but Burgess had lines he wouldn't cross without commitment.
Sig and the other Bearcats teammates were alot of fun, and I am excited for Sig and Chloe's book.
Burgess, or Sir Savage, was intriguing. He has such a grumpy, mean, imposing hockey persona and definitely lives up to it on the ice. But at home he has such a low self esteem when it comes to parenting his daughter Lissa. His lack of confidence and vulnerability begins to include Tallulah, their age gap and his growing attraction.
I loved Tallulah's character arc. Having suffered a major trauma in the past, she still had a lot of healing to do and it was well written. I loved that Burgess was conscious of this and was respectful of the space and pace she needed.
Burgess fell hard and fast. I found it an interesting slow burn progression. Their chemistry was evident from the start and their honesty about their attraction leds to some steamy exchanges but Burgess had lines he wouldn't cross without commitment.
Sig and the other Bearcats teammates were alot of fun, and I am excited for Sig and Chloe's book.
lashawnwiltz's review against another edition
3.0
So….
I don’t like large age gaps. But this one, since she was over 25 seemed like it would be fine.
The underlying live story was so sweet. He falls first and hard etc etc
But the sex talk had me like ick 🤦🏾♀️
And I love some dirty talk in my sex scenes but… “mean daddy?”
Chile…
I don’t like large age gaps. But this one, since she was over 25 seemed like it would be fine.
The underlying live story was so sweet. He falls first and hard etc etc
But the sex talk had me like ick 🤦🏾♀️
And I love some dirty talk in my sex scenes but… “mean daddy?”
Chile…
kalynnrynn's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
readwithvicky's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I'm really into engaging light-hearted romances lately, especially when they have a bit of spice. Tessa Bailey nailed it with this one! I was completely absorbed and now I'm excited to dive into the series. This hockey romance with Tallulah and Burgess was a fun read. Their rapid connection, coupled with the reluctant Au Pair dynamic, made for an enjoyable story. Despite their emotional baggage, the way they worked through it felt genuine and devoid of any cringiness. Definitely a recommendation for those seeking a quick, enjoyable read! Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!