This was a fun read! It was somewhat slow in the beginning but, once it picked up, it was so cute! I loved the banter, all the golf references, and the love story was sweet.

I haven’t read too many sport romances but I’m so happy Tessa Bailey wrote one for golf. She showcased the gender issues within the sport through Josephine, who showed everything that women can be just as knowledgeable and interested in the sport as men. The spicy scenes were well done and not the focal point of the story — there was plot and amazing character development, especially by the main mail character, Wells.

Overall, I definitely recommend if you like sport romances, grumpy-sunshine trope, and a sweet (but steamy) love story.

This was a cute golf romance which is something I thought I would never type but here we are. I don't love or honestly even like golf but I enjoyed the romance between Josephine & Wells. As always Tessa Bailey books are steamy and gah the chemistry between the two main characters was off the charts.

When was the last time I was kicking my feet and giggling out loud while reading? I can’t remember but I LOVED this. This is Tessa at her best. Wells and Josephine forever <3

I am going to be honest, I was a bit hesitant about reading another Tessa Bailey book since the first one didn't do much but I was really surprised by this one. I'm excited I gave it a chance for multiple reasons, one of them being that Josephine is a Type 1 Diabetic and I love seeing that reflected in novels. The representation was well done, the care Wells had for her without being overbearing. Ugh. I didn't expect to be so moved by how he acted towards her and what he did to make her feel seen. That being said, the diabetes rep definitely pushed this book to a 3 5 or 4 star read. The golf rep was fun, the story was cute but feeling so seen with representation really did it for me.

For some reason this took me so long to get through. I like Tessa Bailey and her style. This was similar to her other books, maybe even a little spicier? I liked the diabetic representation and I liked Josephine as a FMC. I can’t really decide how I feel about Wells. Sometimes he seems like a loving nice guy but more often than not he seems like a petulant child who needs his girlfriend to be his babysitter. But the bottom line is you know what to expect from TB and this one delivers.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wells was once a rising star on the golf scene, but he’s since fizzled out, and has the hangover to prove it. But no matter his game, Josephine is always rooting for him on the sidelines.

Josephine has always believed in Wells, even though times are tough. So when Wells shows up at her door with the proposal she be his caddy and help him turn his game around, Josephine says yes, because times are tough.

As the two travel together, and get to know each other, things begin to change, and lines begin to blur…

I had zero, absolutely zero, idea that golf could be so hot. I’m going to need to take a breather after reading this book because, wow was it hot. I don’t know about you, but I am a sucker for thick muscular thighs, and this book was delivered in that arena. If I become golfs biggest fan, you now know why! Just hot. I also had zero clue that sports romance could include golf! #themoreyouknow

I loved the chemistry between Wells and Josephine. It just exuded off the page and was hilarious. I’m all for good banter and this book delivered. I particularly loved the Type 1 Diabetes rep that this book had and the author’s note as to why she chose to write about this just made it all that much better. This book had some of my favorite tropes to include grumpy/sunshine and forced proximity, and I’d even say potentially he fell first, though it was close. It also had such strong touch her and die vibes coming from Wells. He was golfs ultimate bad boy

This is probably my favorite Tessa Bailey book to date, and I cannot wait to read the rest of this series where we get Tallulah and hockey player Burgess (hockey players have big thighs too, are you noticing a theme? I am)! If you didn’t think golf was sexy, I urge you to read this book and think again.

Thank you so much to Avon and Harper Voyager as well as Netgalley for an e-arc copy. All thoughts are my own.

Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey was another engaging rom-com that I couldn’t put down!
The story was truly wonderful and the writing was simply superb.
This is an entertaining, well-written, steamy contemporary romance novel. It has sizzling chemistry and amazing humor.
With its blend of sizzling romance and charming protagonists Fangirl Down is a delightful page-turner that leaves readers eagerly anticipating each turn of the page.
Bailey is the master of romance, her writing a perfect mix of character, setting, love and laughter. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Josephine and Wells.
Tessa has delivered once again with her amazing main characters.
Josephine and Wells story is a perfect balance of humor, passion, and heartfelt moments.
I just found the whole book really interesting and charming. A charming and sexy story. I love a good sports romance but damn TB absolutely killed this one!
Highly recommended.
Tessa Bailey never disappoints and Fangirl Down is no exception!
I can’t wait for book two The Au Pair Affair to release!

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank You NetGalley and Avon for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the arc of this book. I always enjoy Tessa Bailey books and this book is sure to be a best seller. Fangirl Down is the first in her new series of sports romances. I was a little skeptical that I would like a golf romance since I do not like golf but I ended up loving this book. Who knew a book about golf could be so spicy. Once I started reading I could not put it down. I think this book is my new favorite Tessa Bailey. I cannot wait to read the next book in the Big Shots series.

Thank you Netgalley for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

Who knew a golf romcom could be fun?! This was cute, and I loved both of the characters. I really loved how the main character had diabetes, and it went into detail about managing diabetes. This was easy to listen to on audiobook, and I think many people will really this one!

Wells Whitaker is in a slump. After a sudden and less than graceful exit from his last professional golf tournament, he is trying to make his way back into the PGA tour. He decides to enlist his biggest fan, Josephine, as his caddy for the tour. As someone who knows the sport, she can help him on the course and help him rein in his attitude. Josephine's sunshine and belief in him begins to bring his walls down as they fall fast and hard for each other while on tour.

This was a really fun book! I loved the premise of this - a fangirl who believed in a professional golfer even though he wasn't doing so well. Josephine believed Wells had what it took and she knew she could help him out of his slump. I really enjoyed Wells' character. There was a vulnerability to him because he was down and out and finally asking for help. It was exciting to watch Wells' comeback journey knowing that Josephine had a big part of that. Those bets they had sure made things a lot more interesting!

As usual, Tessa Bailey did not disappoint with the steamy scenes in this book. Wells had that erotic talk down and I liked that he couldn't wait to be with her, no matter where they were. And there were some scenes that were shocking but in a good way.

Pick this up for a fun and entertaining grumpy/sunshine sports romance!

Steam level: 🔥🔥🔥¾

Thank you Avon and Netgalley for the ARC!

I love Tessa Bailey so much. Her humor is so unhinged and she never fails to have me laughing out loud. Fangirl Down kept the streak alive because she had me rolling with this one. This book was crammed with steam, humor and heart. I loved it!

oh dear heck wow this ione was so fun! i admit that at the start the idea of a bad boy GOLFER was a little odd, but i was almost instantly enthralled. tyssm for the arc.

This was probably my favorite Tessa Bailey book of the recent years! The setting was interesting and fresh and the main characters had some pretty good banter. I will say, Wells drove me crazy for about half of the book, because he was so clingy and not in a cute way. I kept expecting him to go to therapy to work on himself. And the conflict at the end was a miscommunication, which is my least favorite way to do conflict and I was quite annoyed. But I do think this one is going to appeal to fans of Tessa and also to new readers! I'm excited to read the next book in the series after the little cameo!

FAN GIRL DOWN –Tessa Bailey
Big Shots, Book 1
Avon
ISBN: 978-0063308367
February 13, 2024
Romantic Comedy

Florida and Texas – Present Day

Wells Whitaker had once been one of golf’s biggest rising stars but too much drinking and too many bad public displays ended with him barred from playing. Wells still remembers the woman who haunted his tournaments with her sign, “Wells Belle.” She was his biggest fan. No matter how terrible he played, the redheaded beauty was always on the sidelines. But now Wells wants to get back in the game and he can’t get his biggest fan out of his head. Where is she? Maybe she was right in cheering him on. He makes a bargain with the head of the tour, and it stipulates that his fan girl will be his caddy.

Wells shows up on Josephine Doyle’s door—or rather, the ruined remains of her family’s golf pro shop—and asks her to be his caddy. In exchange, she will get compensated enough to help pay for the damages to the shop after a hurricane sliced through the area. Josephine didn’t have insurance on the shop—or on herself—and had used the money to buy insulin and other diabetic supplies. Josephine is a type one diabetic who doesn’t let her condition define her. While she will always be Wells’s number one fan, she wonders if she is taking on more than she can chew. After all, she would be the only female caddy on the tour. Add in her attraction to the man, and she may be heading for some heartbreak.

Josephine has always had a sunny outlook on life even though life sometimes threw strikes at her. She was a late-in-life child born to her parents and was diagnosed with diabetes as a child. They are protective of her and worry about her. This is why she didn’t tell them that the shop was hanging on by a thread and that she had to let the insurance lapse. Then the hurricane happened. She can’t tell them the truth. Helping Wells and getting a cut of his winnings as his caddy is like a dream come true. Despite Wells’s antics on the course, she believed in him and was his biggest supporter. Their first tour stop is in Texas, where she is considered an anomaly because she is the only female caddy and because she is with Wells. They don’t expect him to do well. To everyone’s surprise, he does, and both he and Josephine reap the benefits. Meanwhile, Wells is coming to a startling revelation. He’s attracted to his caddy.

If you’re not a fan of golf, some of the lingo used might go over your head in FAN GIRL DOWN. But the center of the story is the rise, fall, and rise again, of Wells Whitaker. The chemistry between him and Josephine sizzles. He can insult her, but she can take it and give it right back. More often than not, she is the one who is right. Their sexy banter is part of the fun in this cute romantic comedy. They get into situations that will make you laugh. Josephine is such a likable character. Even Wells, with his grumpy behavior, will leave you with a smile. They go together like salt and pepper. One complements the other.

An enjoyable tale revolving around the world of golf should be a must-read for lovers of romantic comedy. Don’t miss FAN GIRL DOWN.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

I will be the first person to admit that I'm not usually a Tessa Bailey girly. No hate, I just usually prefer a liiiiiitle more plot than what she's giving. However, "Fangirl Down" was definitely giving plot, and it also had me in an absolute chokehold, giggling and kicking my feet, from start to finish.

I adored the chemistry between Wells and Josephine and how they supported each other and built each other up. Josephine has Type 1 Diabetes, which was a wonderful piece of chronic illness representation that I was not expecting, and it was done really well in my opinion. And of course the spice was great, as it is with any Tessa Bailey book.

One of my least favorite romance novel tropes is when one character is hiding something from the other and you're just kind of waiting for the shoe to drop. To the extent that this trope was (kind of) in the book, I was glad that it was dealt with pretty early.

If I had to critique something I'd say that it maybe felt a little instalove-y and that the circumstances that led to the plot kicking off maybe felt a little forced. But I'm willing to suspend my disbelief a little.

I can't believe that Tessa Bailey made golf attractive...

5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey 💚
Big Shots, Book 1
Interconnected Standalone

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adult • Romance
ARC Review
380 pages
🗓️ February 13

⛳️ sports romance
⛳️ fangirl/pro golfer
⛳️ close proximity
⛳️ banter
⛳️ grumpy/sunshine
⛳️ disability rep
⛳️ dual POV
⛳️ HEA

📍“Everyone drifts from their path once in a while. But your path is still there waiting.”

The first Tessa Bailey books I’ve read were It Happened One Summer & Hook, Line, And Sinker. And I’ve been chasing that high ever since. I’ve read countless books by her and they were all great. But there was something about the Bellinger sisters that touched my heart differently. Well, move over. Belle has entered the chat and I was hit with that high all over again.

📍“It’s not always about the next thing you do. Sometimes it’s about what you already did.”

This was the first sports romance by Tessa Bailey but I implore her to never ever stop writing them. I don’t even like golf and was overflowed with excitement every time they [please insert here something clever about golf].

The pace, the characters, the dialogues, the romance, the arc. Are you kidding me?! Absolute gold page after page. I would have read 1000 pages more 🥹🫶🏼

📍“I want all of your next times.”

And I want the next book, which was deliciously set up over the last chapters of this one. Chef’s kiss 💋

I absolutely adore everything by Tessa Bailey! Her stories are so swoony and sexy. Once you start, nothing short of the ending would be good enough!! I adored the characters, spice and legit am now looking at Pro Golfers in a new way! 5 stars! ~Ratula

Josephine Doyle is Wells Whitaker's biggest fan...and quite possibly his only fan left. Wells was once golf's hottest start, but he's regressed into always being hungover, breaking clubs, and losing. When he finally throws in the towel, and loses the support of his biggest fan, he begins to feel regret. He has a proposition for her....be his new caddy and split the prize money. Josephine desparately needs the money, so she accepts.

Once they start working together, he starts improving - both personally and professionally. And boy, do sparks start to fly. What will happen when the tour ends?

What I liked: The mouth on this man, perfection. The spicy was SPICY, and the sexual tension between them was out of this world. I liked both characters and liked their character development. I like a feminist MMC too! I also like that this didn't follow some of the normal formula - while there was a HEA, it wasn't the perfect ending - and that's the way it should be.

What I didn't like: Honestly, I liked it all.

This is a book that only Tessa Bailey could write. It’s hilarious and ridiculous and naughty and full of so much charm. Wells’ character is truly one of a kind and I don’t think anyone other than Tessa could so seamlessly create a character who is a hot bad boy professional golfer.

I devoured this story and while it wasn’t my favorite TB (Brendan Taggart reigns supreme) it was a lot of fun. I’m also really looking forward to the next installment in the series - a grumpy hockey play and his nanny? Yes, please!

Thanks to the publisher for allowing me to be an early reader. All opinions are my own!

5/5 ⭐
3/5 🌶️

I absolutely freaking adored this book. I love Tessa Bailey to begin with, but add in this grumpy golfer and and his sunshiney superfan and I am obsessed. Josephine and Wells were perfect in every way and I couldn't get enough.

This was my first golf romance and I really hope it's not my last. This is definitely a genre/trope that needs more love, it's perfect for that grumpy sunshine, alpha hole vibe. Wells was such a giant jerkwad at the beginning of this story, but I loved watching him fall for Joey. He went from an all around grump to grumpy for you in a hot minute and became as touch her and I'll unalive you as possible for a golfer in a rom-com. So good.

Josephine was such an amazing FMC. She was strong, smart and resilient, and Wells not just supporting her when she was better than him, but lifting her up and rooting for her had me up in my feels. She could stand on her own two feet just fine, but was also even better with him by her side. I loved how her confidence shined while he supported her.

We got quite the tease for book two in this series and I can. not. wait. Tessa + Hockey + Single Dad + Nanny = A Big Fat HECK YES from me.