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hdabru's review
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
meganclaire7's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Cute light romance read, good banter, I wish there was more depth in the relationship post-Burgess’s injury, it felt kinda superficial after the depth of the initial characterization of Burgess and Tallulah, I liked this more than the first book in the series, I’d like to see a third one!
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this novel!
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this novel!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Injury/Injury detail
beckyremillard's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
Tallulah is looking for a new adventure. She’s trying to get out of her shell after a traumatic experience but is not looking for a relationship. Burgess is looking for someone to watch after his daughter while he’s out of town playing hockey. Their friends decide they can help each other out, so Tallulah becomes Burgess’ au pair.
It’s dual pov, age gap, he falls first, grumpy sunshine, protective MMC, and so many other great troupes.
I went into this pretty open minded. I really enjoy Tessa Bailey’s books, but they’re not all 5 stars for me. This one started uncertain. It felt almost cheesy for a chapter or two but wow I got into this quickly. This was one that made me want to kick my feet and not want to stop reading. I devoured this book.
I want to fully disclosed that I did not read the first book before reading this one. I’m definitely going to, but it’s still on hold at the library and I just couldn’t wait to read this one.
Definitely give this one a chance if you like any of Tessa Bailey’s books!
Am I the only one who thought they were going to get locked in the closet together when they were doing the rehearsal? I’m glad they didn’t because I think too many set ups by Wells and Josephine would have been overkill, but I thought that’s where that was going. We also didn’t get their actual wedding, I’m wondering if that comes up in Sig and Chloe’s story. Can’t wait for that!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for a chance to read and review this eARC!
It’s dual pov, age gap, he falls first, grumpy sunshine, protective MMC, and so many other great troupes.
I went into this pretty open minded. I really enjoy Tessa Bailey’s books, but they’re not all 5 stars for me. This one started uncertain. It felt almost cheesy for a chapter or two but wow I got into this quickly. This was one that made me want to kick my feet and not want to stop reading. I devoured this book.
I want to fully disclosed that I did not read the first book before reading this one. I’m definitely going to, but it’s still on hold at the library and I just couldn’t wait to read this one.
Definitely give this one a chance if you like any of Tessa Bailey’s books!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for a chance to read and review this eARC!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Kidnapping, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual content, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Bullying
spectacles_and_books's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The ingredients for a good time:
* 1 Tessa Bailey
* 1 Tallulah (possibly inspired in part by Tessa's love of Turkish Dramas?)
* 1 Burgess (single Dad hockey player)
* a few 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Method:
Mix together facing your fears, admitting your weaknesses and finding the one you can't live without.
I really enjoyed the second instalment of the Big Shots series. There were parts of Tallulah's backstory I found relatable, making the growth in her character so rewarding. Burgess was just the kind of MMC that Tessa writes so well. I call it, the 'enlightened caveman.' He can't help but be all broody and protective, but he's trying his very, very best to be a feminist too.
Perhaps, for me the third act wasn't quite what I was expecting plot wise. Overall though, it's up there with my favourites of hers.
Thank you to HarperCollins Australia and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
* 1 Tessa Bailey
* 1 Tallulah (possibly inspired in part by Tessa's love of Turkish Dramas?)
* 1 Burgess (single Dad hockey player)
* a few 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Method:
Mix together facing your fears, admitting your weaknesses and finding the one you can't live without.
I really enjoyed the second instalment of the Big Shots series. There were parts of Tallulah's backstory I found relatable, making the growth in her character so rewarding. Burgess was just the kind of MMC that Tessa writes so well. I call it, the 'enlightened caveman.' He can't help but be all broody and protective, but he's trying his very, very best to be a feminist too.
Perhaps, for me the third act wasn't quite what I was expecting plot wise. Overall though, it's up there with my favourites of hers.
Thank you to HarperCollins Australia and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Stalking
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
hellowildflower's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
fast-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
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
☆ Single dad/nanny
☆ Forced proximity
☆ He falls first
☆ Hockey romance
☆ Opposites attract
I have been dying to read this book since I read Fangirl Down a few months ago.
I instantly fell in love with Burgess and Tallulah in that book and desperately wanted to read their story.
I read this book so fast. I didn’t want to stop. From page one I was in it and just needed to know what happened next.
Super fun story and relatable characters. I really hope we’ll be getting Sig’s story next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Sexual content, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Violence
sarahyjackson's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The third/fourth act was a little bit uneven to me but I LOVED the spectrum of sexual activity/tension/foreplay.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail and Sexual content
Moderate: Confinement, Emotional abuse, and Stalking
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