I LOVED this book. I couldn't stop inhaling this as fast as possible lol! I loved Josephine and Wells so much and even though this was a classic grumpy/sunshine trope, it felt different than other grumpy/sunshine books I have read. The fangirl storyline is done SO WELL!!! The third act conflict was kind of mehhh to me but I just kind of ignored it and it didn't take away from the rest of the book to me. Even if you don't watch golf, (I don't!) I think any fans of contemporary romance will also LOVE this one! Thanks to the publisher for the advanced copy and to libro.fm for the ALC!

I really enjoyed Josephine and Wells together. From the first I saw of them together I was all-in on their story. I enjoyed being in the world of golf also!

Former golf prodigy Wells has alienated everyone in his life—including Josephine, his last remaining supporter. After realizing his mistake in abandoning her along with the game, he returns with a plan: she’ll be his caddy, and they’ll split the prize money. As they travel together, their relationship evolves, but the complications of their professional dynamic and fan attention make a romance impossible.

This novel is adorable. Wells and Josephine are hilarious together. The story is fast-paced and fun.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

A sports romance…about golf… I’ll admit, I was skeptical, but if anyone can pull this off, it’s Tessa Bailey, and BOY did she!

This book was hilarious and I found myself laughing throughout the entire story. Don’t get me wrong, there were heavier topics at play too, but they were handled with care and with characters who were both struggling for their own reasons. And yet… they both balanced each other in a beautiful way.

I also really didn’t expect to like Wells after his behavior in the beginning, but yet again, Tessa manages to show us how people have reasons for the way they act, if we just give them a chance to explain.

If you’re looking for a fun romcom filled with games of golf that might just make you a fan (at least in the fictional world), this is the perfect one for you.

Tropes:
- Sports romance: golf
- Celebrity/fangirl
- Boss/employee
- Fling to forever
- Forced proximity
- Grumpy/sunshine

I have enjoyed the author's other books. I really liked Joey and Wells banter. I am not a prude but did not care for the dirty sex talk. It made me cringe. I did like how Wells respected Joey's dreams and talents.

5 -⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I was very happy being alone until you showed up. You've ruined me."
"I'm sorry."
"I'm not. I love being ruined by you..."

Fangirl Down is the first novel in an Adult Interconnected Standalone Sports Rom-Com series, Big Shots. In this novel we follow the once mighty Wells Whitaker and his fangirl Josephine Doyle. Wells was a rising star in the golf world...until he wasn't and loss after loss has gotten to him. He plans to walk away from everything until he is confronted by the sunny redhead fan who cheers when he curses. When said sunny redhead finds herself in financial struggle she never expects said grumpy star to show up at her house and offer her a job that will save her store. What neither expected was that amidst the travelling and long days on the field would lead to tension arising, success looming, and lines being blurred. Can a fangirl and her idol/boss make things work among the greens or will it all crash and burn?

This is an utter delight. The banter, the comedy, the sweetness all came together to deliver a rom-com that kept me engaged throughout.

Josephine is a resilient and bright character who's ability to find the good in everything was fresh and balanced her male counterpart beautifully. I loved seeing her explore new aspects of the golf world while also holding her own against those who want to test her. She is someone people underestimate because of her bubbly personality but I felt connected to her. In addition the integration of her type 1 diabetes in the story was made meaningful and highlighted pretty important issues people face in USA.

Wells is so gruff but also such a good guy. I loved how underneath the facade of does not care, ready to give up, we have this guy who truly cares. Seeing the ways Josephines support motivates him was endearing but I loved seeing him come to terms his struggles and how to move forward.

This book does contain spice. I would say about a 2.5 spicy pepper out of 5 spicy pepper. The romance is slow burn with spice and there is this sort of forbidden element as he becomes her boss. The tension between them builds the romance so well as the bicker, tease, support, and motivate so when the spice does hit it is incredibly rewarding. I loved how the romance helped them learn more about themselves to change and become between not just together but apart. It had me smiling and giggling the entire time.

"I don't miss people to the point of torment, Josephine. And I don't spend the night with women, waking to every couple of hours to convince myself they're not a dream. I do both of those things with you like it's my job."

In terms of story and world, as a rom com there isn't a whole lot of world building needed. What worked really well was that, despite it being a golf romance, you don't need to know much about golf to enjoy the story. The story itself is very much focused on the characters and their relationship as we navigate gold tournaments, budding romance, sponsorship, and self sabotage. I felt the pace was well done and the journey grew through the ups and downs. The third act twist also took a turn I was not expecting and I felt it led to a really powerful message I hadn't expected. I could not put this book down.

If you are looking for cute sports romance that has all the fun and banter this book will provide you with everything you need!

Thank you Avon for this arc!

5 Stars!
Wells Whitaker was once golf's hottest rising star, and at the top of his game. Now he's lost his magic and is on the verge of quitting the sport he once loved. He was miserable and ready to give up. He'd become golf's resident bad boy, and his once promising career was slipping away. The only bright spot was his number one fangirl that always showed up for him.

Josephine Doyle grew up on a golf course and had always been passionate about the sport. Her favorite golfer was Wells Whitaker. She'd been his biggest fan for the past five years. Win or lose she had faith in him. His game had declined in the last couple years, but she still believed in him and cheered him on from the sidelines with her unwavering cheery support. Then he quits and makes her question her loyalty. When he shows up out of the blue with a proposal she can't refuse suddenly she finds herself working with a professional golfer.

Wells and Josephine are now a team. Together they are magic, and soon everyone is calling her his good luck charm. As they settle into a successful partnership lines blur, feelings complicate things, and suddenly everything feels possible!

Fangirl Down (Big Shots Book 1) by Tessa Bailey is romantic comedy at its best! I absolutely adored this book! It's pure Tessa Bailey gold! It's hilarious and super steamy. It's a heartwarming, sexy, boss/employee, grumpy/sunshine, friends to lovers, sports romance full of fabulous banter, explosive chemistry and beautiful connections. I just loved this story and can't wait for the next book in the series! <333

This was an easy 4.5 stars for me. The FMC reminded me of Piper, who I absolutely adored despite the ditziness.

Tessa writes spice so well most of the time - and this was one of them. Holy moly this one was 🥵 .

I loved the female golf rep - such a unique premise for a sports romance and I was unsure how it would work. I flew through this in one day. It was so funny and the character dynamic was great.

A couple cringey moments towards the end that are standard for romances like this - but it didn't ruin anything for me. There was a good balance of conflict and fun. Can't wait for the next one.

“‘Josephine.’ ‘Yes.’ His tone was pure reverence. ‘You had to have hit that two hundred and fifty yards.’ If he hadn’t already fallen madly in love with her, the cocky little smile she gave him over her shoulder would have inked the deal. ‘Jealous?’”

Wells is a cranky has been golfer. Josephine is his biggest fan. Just based on those two sentences I am sure you can imagine how fun this storyline is. This is grumpy meets sunshine at its absolute finest!

Josephine…my girl. Now THAT is the way to use your sexual power for good. 👏🏻😂🥵

This book is what happens when a woman believes in a man more than he believes in himself. It is full of emotion, sexual banter, fun, lust, and oh so much love. It is hot Hot HOT! This is book 1 in the new Big Shots sports series and I can’t wait for more.

I also loved the representation of a chronic disease and the struggles that come with a lack of health insurance. Josephine suffers from type 1 diabetes and struggles with the costs and health ramifications of that.

And the audiobook?! Stop. Fan-friggen-tastic. So good. So so good. The narrator expertly executes the banter, the snark, and the looove scenes. Just awesome!

“Unless his cock was auditioning for the role of stunt double to his nine iron, they needed to cool it.” 😂

Thank you to Netaglley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and the author for the ARC. And thank you so much to @libro.fm for the #gifted #audiobook.

THIS BOOK!!! Tessa Bailey you do it again and again and I will never be over it. I absolutely love Tessa’s style of writing so when I heard she was writing a sports romance series I was so hyped. Now I’ll be honest a golf romance had me for a second but know this was written by Tessa I never should’ve questioned it for a second.

First we was grump as hell golfer Wells who is very much over the golf scene and just wants to be left alone. He has no passion for the game any more and the fans can tell. Well all the fans except for one. Enter Wells’ Belle (her self-given nickname) or Josephine if you’re off the golf course. His one remaining fan, who may annoy him but he also finds her annoyingly attractive. I wouldn’t say Josephine is a classic sunshine character but she definitely has the important components of that. I love how Tessa Bailey handled Josephine’s diabetes. She showed Josephine as a whole person - not just her diagnosis.

AND THE SPICE!! I cannot let this review go any further without addressing the amazing spice in this one! First - it starts around 30% which we love. And it is sprinkled throughout the book, which we also love. This is classic Tessa smut so if you’ve read her before it’s exactly what you are hoping for. If you are triggered by spicy scenes then this is not the book for you.

I think this is my favorite book of the year so far!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and Tessa Bailey for the opportunity to read an ARC of Fangirl Down. An honest review was requested but not required.

I’ve been enjoying Tessa Bailey’s books more the more of them I read, and Fangirl Down was one of the best yet. This *despite* it focusing on golf instead of my favorite (hockey). Actually, incorporating golf was a big plus – it’s a sport not frequently seen in romance.

The synopsis basically sets up the story: Wells Whitaker, former golf prodigy and unrepentant bad boy, has flamed out. After insulting and alienating his last remaining fan (the fangirl referenced by the title, Josephine Doyle) he hits rock bottom. Wells is plagued by a rare attack of conscience and looks up Josephine after a hurricane to see if she’s OK and make amends for his bad behavior. (((This part of the plot is a REAL STRETCH but bear with me.))) Josephine’s family store has been decimated by the hurricane and Wells offers her a job as his caddy (officially) and muse (unofficially).

The plot device used to bring Josephine and Wells together could be considered a bit of a stretch and there is a risk of ick factor in the idea of Wells being attracted to his biggest fan (we’re talking nicknames and posters and internet fan club-level obsession). However. Once Josephine and Wells are actually in proximity they are absolute GOLD together. I know grumpy/sunshine is a thing right now but Wells is truly an unrepentant grinch. I loved his commentary. He has no filter and does. not. care. His self-sabotage and abandonment issues really hit home for me. And Josephine ... what a treat. I loved that besides her hero-worship of Wells she is actually a very talented golfer in her own right, and more than qualified for the job of caddy/advisor/golf-mojo-inspirer. Let’s just say that there is a HIGH steam level to this. Wow. Tessa Bailey writes some spice, for sure. HANDS DOWN this is the sexiest golf khakis have *EVER* been and ever will be.

Funny, sexy, snarky, absolutely jammed with chemistry, this one was a real treat. I can’t wait for The Au Pair Affair and I was thrilled to read in Tessa Bailey’s newsletter that she’s extending the series. Bring on ALL the Tessa Bailey sports romance!

Fangirl Down is a funny, sharp, delight of a sports romance by Tessa Bailey. I cannot recommend Fangirl Down enough to fans of Bailey and any contemporary romance fan. We start in on a washed up golfer (Wells Whitaker) with only one fan left cheering for him. I really love that fan, Josephine Doyle. Behind Wells Bells is a brilliant golfer, dreamer and entrepreneur. The banter in this book is sharp, fast and sparkling. I love the grumpy/sunshine dynamic of Josephine and Wells. The romance is everything I've always wanted in a contemporary romance! This is going to leave you laughing and full of feels!

Thank you to #Netgalley and #Avon for the early read. All opinions are my own.

Wells is a dream! This book had it all: banter, comedy, swoony moments, an engaging plot, romance to knock your socks off, spicy scenes to die for and more! Tessa is always a fav author and I will always read and rec her books.

This fabulous books offers a refreshing take on a sports romance between a golf pro and his biggest fan. Wells is the "bad boy" of professional golf and is used to people giving up on him so he doesn't let many people into his inner circle. But when Josephine seems to be his only fan not to give up on him he lets her in just a little bit at a time. Their instant chemistry is undeniable is just a matter of time before things start to heat up between them.

This is the perfect grumpy and sunshine trope. Well seems crop on the outside but as we get to know him and his armor is shed we find out he does have a very caring and soft side. Josephine is the ultimate optimist full of sunshine. She always has faith that things will work out for the best. They are definitely opposites and their hilarious banter shows it.

The plot was easy to follow and moved along in a steady pace. Think Happy Gilmore with a lot of spice! I am looking forward to the potential of this new Tessa Bailey series and cannot wait to read the next installment.

I am extremely grateful to the Avon and Haper Voyager Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this spicy and fun book.

POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️.5

Only Tessa Bailey could not only make me want to read a golf romance, but also make me fall head over heels in love with it! I am obsessed with everything about this book, but mostly the way Wells was absolutely crazy for Josephine.

As a former Fangirl myself, I was instantly intrigued with a book where the Fangirl actually gets the guy she Fangirls over, and I think the best part is that in the end, it’s really Wells who is Josephine’s biggest fan.

Although this book shows Josephine living with Type 1 diabetes and Wells dealing with his own troubles, it is mostly light and I was giggling out loud through a lot of this book. I loved the Happy Gilmore vibes I was getting and am so excited that there are more sports romances to come from Tessa!

There are many sports romances out there but this is the first golf sports romance I have read. A grumpy golfer, a sunshine fangirl who happens to be a spectacular golfer in her own right, and who runs her family’s golf shop; mix up a hurricane that destroyed the golf shop, and oh just a bit about Diabetes 1 that she lives with. Wells has been a pro golfer for several years but hit bottom a couple of years ago causing his gurlishness. Josephine has been a fan of his for so long, and she offers to be his caddy. He really doesn’t want her to be, but they are attracted to each other so she flirts with him and he agrees to letting her caddy. This had a depth I wasn’t really expecting but I know Ms. Bailey’s writing and hoped it would suck me in, and boy did it ever. Really enjoyable and easy to read. I voluntarily read and reviewed a gifted copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Listen, I haven’t yet met a sports romance I could say no to – and so Tessa Bailey’s new sports romance series was obviously not going to be the first. I was super excited to get my hands on this book, and even more excited when it managed to pack everything I love about sports romance between these pages.

The bromance – while lighter – was a delight. I loved how confounded Wells was by friendships. I loved how friendships kept finding him anyway. This added a layer of lightness and laugh-out-loud moments that I really appreciated.

I felt like this story was the best of Tessa Bailey. It was funny, swoony, and hot. I mean, hawt hot. But in a way that fit the story and didn’t feel egregious. I adored Wells and Josephine. I actually really loved how head-over-heels for her Wells fell, and how baffled by it he seemed. He was so grumbly, grouchy, and adorable. I loved how Josephine’s sunshine didn’t feel manufactured or over-the-top, but was still quirky. I loved how she put Wells in her place. And the banter? Oh, man. I LOVED the banter.

Fangirl Down was a little silly at times, but in the best way. I absolutely delighted in the storyline, the relationship, and the happily-ever-after.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥

Quick Breakdown

Golf Romance
Pro Golfer x Caddy
Grumpy x Sunshine
Forced Proximity
“I Hate Everyone but You”
T1D Rep
Dual POV
Open Door - Moderate to High Detail

You know when you love a book so much that it’s difficult to put that love into words?? ☝🏻☝🏻 I can tell you right now, Fangirl Down will be one of my top romances of the year & it’s tied with It Happened One Summer for my favorite Tessa book of all time. I loved it so much, I’ve already read it twice. Obsessed much? I don’t deny it.
 
Part of my obsession starts with the fact that golf romances are few & far between. While I can’t hit a golf ball to save my life, I married a hardcore golfer & our household is VERY pro golf. Heck, our first born is named after a golfer! Reading a grumpy x sunshine golf romance from the mind of TB – I was sold from the get go, but this was so much better than I was ever expecting.
 
The BIG reason I can’t get enough, though? Wells & Josephine. Holy fluff, I love these two together. Wells was unknowingly gone for Josephine from the get go, & watching him come to terms with that fact was an utter delight. Josephine is fierce, from her determination to support Wells, proving herself as a caddy to her T1D status. She was the perfect counterpart for a grumpy Wells. These two strong personalities brough the BEST BANTER. The sexy golf bets, the joint press conferences. SWOON. As hot & hilarious the tension was, it’s just as soft. Well’s desire to quietly help with her medical needs while loudly supporting her in front of their peers. His thoughtful grand gesture for her birthday. That’s a secret cinnamon roll if I’ve ever heard of one.

I’ll never be able to do this one justice. Just go read it, I promise it won’t disappoint!

Fangirl Down is my first experience with Tessa Bailey’s writing and I assure you it will not be my last. This adorable, sexy story follows grumpy pro-golfer, Wells Whitaker and his ever sunny and loyal fangirl, Josephine Doyle, as they embark on a mission to resuscitate Wells’ career and save Josephine’s pro shop.

The plot and the characters in this book are absolutely delightful. It’s filled with lots of banter, steam, and just enough drama to keep things interesting, and I can honestly say I could not put the book down. Wells and Josephine are the perfect book couple for anyone who loves a good grumpy/sunshine pairing.

What I liked:
The portrayal of Josephine’s Type 1 Diabetes
I specifically liked how the author chose to show her struggle with being seen as an independent adult and how that caused her to struggle with asking or accepting help.
The chemistry between Wells and Josephine (and the steam)
The development of the characters and how they had emotional highs and lows that allowed for growth

What I didn’t like:
How quickly Well’s character seemed to shift, specifically how quickly he became a possessive alpha towards Josephine

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

This book is definitely a must read for anyone who likes a good sports or grumpy/sunshine romance. At times it's adorable, at others steamy, and it’s always entertaining. I will definitely be checking out its upcoming spin-off romance as well.

Treat yourself this galentine’s day and become a Wells Belle! A down on his lucky golfer loses his last remaining fan but when a hurricane takes out her golf shop, he makes a deal with her. Josephine starts caddying for him but it turns into so much more (with some surprising hole play). You’ll have a smile on your face the entire book except for when Wells gets grumpy.