A review by kelzurs
The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey

emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I’d just like to start out by saying the things I liked about this book. Tessa Bailey really nails the romantic aspect of her books and this one was no exception. I loved the relationship between Burgess and Tallulah, and I felt like their relationship seemed realistic at most points, and when it didn’t, I was willing to suspend my disbelief at some points because the rest was so strong. I also liked how Bailey acknowledged the age gap but didn’t make it super problematic (mc is in late 20s). Now with the stuff I didn’t like.
This book is full of cringe moments and unrealistic descriptions (such as felt it in his Adam’s Apple) which would take me out of the book instantly and I would have to take a second before diving back in. There were so many cringey lines and this was definitely my least favorite part of this book. I also thought that the third act breakup was such a cop out- Burgess says many times throughout the book that he is mature and knows what he wants- that at his age he’s already made his mistakes… then makes a really stupid mistake that causes them to breakup. I also thought that Tallulah’s kidnapping reveal should’ve been saved for a little later in the book and it also felt a little weird the way it was referenced. Burgess’ protectiveness gets a little much at times and feels unnecessary in most instances.
Overall, I did really enjoy this book. Bailey has a way of pulling you into her universe of characters and making you eat up every word (even the cringey ones). I think this book is worth picking up! 
Thanks to netgalley for the arc!
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