REVIEW: Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey

Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey: Wells Whitaker was once golfs golden boy, but it didn’t take long for him to fall from grace, nowadays his name is more commonly linked to dismal golf scores, broken clubs and killer hangovers. While the media and all of his fans have deserted him, Wells still has one true believer, Josephine Doyle. At least someone still believes that he is capable of greatness, because Well’s himself sure is having a hard time believing. That is until Wells quits in a blaze of glory, leaving even his biggest fan questioning if he is still worth her support.

However something changes for Wells when he learns that Josephines family pro shop got completely wrecked during a resent storm and she is in dire need of money if she wants to be able to resort her families shop. Josephine has been a Wells supporter from the very beginning but after his last tantrum she just cant help but want to throw in the towel as well, more so now that she has to find a way to tell her parents that their beloved pro shop is completely gutted and they have no insurance! Which is when Wells makes an impromptu reappearance in her life, only this time he has a wacky plan that could help both of them! All they have to do is team up for the next competition, she can be his new caddy and help him turn his game around and once he wins they can split the prize money! Should be a simple win win, right? Well somewhere between sharing snacks, late nights in hotel rooms and bantering on the green, Wells begins to fall for his biggest fan, the only question is can these two actually work out, outside of the golf green?

Fangirl Down did the unthinkable, it actually made me enjoy golf! This super cute sports romcom was the perfect balance of playful and cute with a grump meets sunshine characters. This book packed in the giggles and the steam while leaving you with a nice warm feel good feeling at the end. Bailey did a fantastic job in crafting this opposites attract, work place, sports romcom with a touch of forced proximity. It was hard not to get invested in Wells and his Belle as they figured their way out. I think the only thing that I did not like about this book was the fact that it was told in third person, personally I prefer reading on first person but that is about the only thing that I can say I did not love about this book.

“There’s nothing sexy about this caddie uniform.”
“You’re wearing a uniform with my name on it, belle. There is nothing hotter.”

Gosh Wells was one complex character that I could not help but adore! This guy gave of such gruff and rough vibes but under all his messy hair and grouchiness he was a total softie that really wanted to love and be loved. He played the part of grump who pushes everyone away before they can hurt him perfectly, but more than anything he desperately wants someone to really believe in him wholeheartedly. This is what makes his connection with Josephine all the more touching, she genuinely sees something in him that I think at times he cant even seem himself. I loved Josephine, she was the definition of pure sunshine. She did not have a mean bone in her body. Her desire to put everyone before herself made it hard not to root her on, she was so selfless and completely supportive of Wells but also her families pro shop. She put so much of care into everything that she did. I have to say that I really liked that Bailey made Josephine a diabetic, this made her character more relatable and just that much more dynamic.

“Being around her again was like waking up after a lung transplant and remember what it’s like to breathe. He just wanted to get drunk on her oxygen. Was that so much to ask?”

The chemistry between these two was of the charts hot! There was so much of banter and build up that it was hard not to want to furiously flip the pages. All I will say is keep a fan near by because things get pretty steamy! I really liked that they brought out a stronger side in each other, Josephine was the unwavering support and belief that Wells needs and he was her care giver making sure that she doesn’t over push herself. I loved their dynamic and getting to see them work through their issues. One of the cutest things about this book was the fact that Josephine called herself Wells Belle, gosh this was just downright adorable, more so because he refers to her as Belle. Total swoon!

Banter filled, emotion packed and down right adorable, this is exactly what you can expected to get when reading Fangirl Down! I definitely recommend reading this steamy cute sports romance, I can not wait for the next book in this series!

Book Info:

Publication: February 13, 2024 | Avon | Big Shots #1

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?