Romance Quick Reviews: The Single Dad Edition

Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage (2024)

Gus' demanding job on his family's ranch causes him to need a babysitter for the summer for his daughter, and his sister Emmy's friend Teddy is available.  Even though the two are sworn enemies, Gus has no other choice, but their summer together may have them changing their minds about each other.  I had mixed feelings about this one.  I loved returning to Rebel Blue Ranch and getting enveloped in the closeness of the Ryder family and friends.  I sympathized with Teddy as she worried how her friendship with Emmy was changing, now that Emmy was getting married.  And I enjoyed seeing Gus and Teddy get to know each other better; even though they've known each other their whole lives, there was an animosity there that was relieved by more time spent together.  My main issue with this book is how Teddy is portrayed.  Yes, she's this vivacious, life-of-the-party creative type - but she loses her job at a boutique in town, still lives at home with her dad (granted, she does take care of her ailing father), and has to rely on a babysitting job to make ends meet.  Gus needs Teddy because he has too many responsibilities.  I don't know, maybe I'm reading too much into it, but I just feel like she was kind of relegated to this downtrodden, damsel in distress role.  I wanted more for her.  3.5 stars

The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey (2024)

Hockey player Burgess needs a nanny for his pre-teen daughter, so he hires graduate student Tallulah.  Their working relationship quickly veers into personal territory, as Tallulah helps Burgess get back into the social scene and he comes along on her adventures in an effort to find her outgoing spirit again.  Could these two find real happiness together?  Tessa Bailey's books are always good for a fun time, a laugh, and some seriously spicy scenes.  She injected a dose of seriousness with a scary backstory for Tallulah, but I was rooting for Tallulah to overcome her past.  I appreciated that she did have reservations about a relationship with Burgess, because even though she had feelings for him, she wasn't really looking for something serious.  Burgess, on the other hand, wants to lock Tallulah down almost immediately.  I didn't get a ton of love at first, just a lot of lust, as boundaries are crossed right from the start.  It was a little overwhelming to see Burgess be ready to drop anything for Tallulah (including leaving his daughter home alone in the middle of the night??).  He was too possessive and protective.  3 stars

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