Book Review: Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey

About the Book:

Title: Fangirl Down

Author: Tessa Bailey

Series: Big Shots #1

Page Length: 384

Publication Date: Feb. 13, 2024

Publisher: Avon

Synopsis: Wells Whitaker was once golf’s hottest rising star, but lately, all he has to show for his “promising” career is a killer hangover, a collection of broken clubs, and one remaining supporter. No matter how bad he plays, the beautiful, sunny redhead is always on the sidelines. He curses, she cheers. He scowls, she smiles. But when Wells quits in a blaze of glory and his fangirl finally goes home, he knows he made the greatest mistake of his life.

Josephine Doyle believed in the gorgeous, grumpy golfer, even when he didn’t believe in himself. Yet after he throws in the towel, she begins to wonder if her faith was misplaced. Then a determined Wells shows up at her door with a wild be his new caddy, help him turn his game around, and split the prize money. And considering Josephine’s professional and personal life is in shambles, she could really use the cash…

As they travel together, spending days on the green and nights in neighboring hotel rooms, sparks fly. Before long, they’re inseparable, Wells starts winning again, and Josephine is surprised to find a sweet, thoughtful guy underneath his gruff, growly exterior. This hot man wants to brush her hair, feed her snacks, and take bubble baths together? Is this real life? But Wells is technically her boss and an athlete falling for his fangirl would be ridiculous… right?

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

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My Review:

Sports romance is super popular right now, and Tessa Bailey hit the mark with Fangirl Down, the first book in the Big Shots series. I’m not really a golf fan, but I am a Tessa Bailey fan, and this story is about so much more than the sport. It’s heartwarming and sexy, and the characters and love story are fantastic!

Josephine and Wells are such dynamically developed characters, and I loved their growth over the course of the story. They both go through a lot – Wells with his fledgling career and Josephine with financial and health struggles – and their stories are really compelling. Wells has total “I hate everyone but you” vibes going on, and I loved every second of his growly, cranky, protective, dirty-talking time on the page. And Josephine is like a breath of fresh air, especially when compared to Wells. They are opposites in many ways, but they fit so perfectly together.

The banter between Josephine and Wells is so fantastic. It’s comical and sexy and flirty and everything in between. There were as many laugh-out-loud moments as there were swoon-worthy moments, and I just fell deeper and deeper in love with them as a couple. And I love how hard Wells works to know her and support her while still respecting her independence and autonomy. This is really important to Josephine, and the fact that he understood and supported that made him even more lovable than he already was.

Josephine never gives up on Wells even when he gives up on himself, and I love that for him. Wells has a lot of trauma in his past, and having such a loyal person by his side changes him. And it says so much about Josephine that she never gives up on this troubled and angry man. OMG, and the sexy times… whew, they were filled with dirty talk and spice!! Get a fan because things get pretty steamy for this couple!

Bailey’s romances are always so fun and refreshing, and even when it delves into heavier topics, there’s also a ton of excellent banter, humor, and heart-warming elements. I devoured this book and have officially become a fangirl myself! lol Special thanks to Avon Books for sending me a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.