I am a huge fan of sports romance novels so I was excited to have the chance to read Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey ahead of its release this February. I’d not read any Tessa Bailey before but I’d been eyeing of some of her books over of the last few months, and I have to say I was not disappointed reading Fangirl Down. This was a lot of fun.
Note: Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for this gifted copy of Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey.
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BLURB:
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 proposal: 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 neighbouring 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?
@wilddinosaurr Finished #FangirlDown by #TessaBailey ✨✨✨✨ Review now up on the blog. Link in bio. #romance #sportsromance #books #booktok thanks @HarperCollins Australia ♬ Confidence (sped up version) – Ocean Alley
REVIEW:
This was a hilarious, sexy, exciting addition to the sports romance genre. There is so much I enjoyed as I flew through reading this book.
Wells truly is a bad-boy, the kind you love and hate at the same time. Rough around the edges you know there’s more to him than his self-destructive ways. What I think Tessa handles well in this is the discussion around men’s mental health, the impact of pressure in high intensity situations and the evolution of healthy communication. Jo was such a fun heroine. Strong, independent, an amazing trash talker who doesn’t put up with anyone’s shit. She is wonderfully loyal, almost to fault, which puts Wells in a tricky situation towards the end of the book when he must do what she is unwilling to for her dreams and their future as a couple.
I never thought I’d be so interested in the game of golf while reading this either. Well explained and engaging, the actual time spent on the golf course discussing the game felt natural and real to these characters, as if you were simply there observing the conversations during the tournaments.
Tessa Bailey also wrote some of the spiciest, smuttiest scenes I’ve read in a hot minute. Lots of dirty talk, knowing what they want… and butt stuff. If that’s your kind of thing. Those scenes are quite well written compared to other smut in romance novels I’ve read over the years. Saucy and fun.
There was some elements that felt out of step with the pacing but overall I really enjoyed reading this book. I will admit I had been confused by the blurb on the back of the book as it said this was a duology, and I had interpreted it to mean Wells and Jo’s story would go over two books. But no, it is a standalone novel, complete with its happy ending! But characters who do appear in this book will have their own romance in the sequel.
I loved reading this, it was a delightful and refreshing romp that is a great new addition to the sports romance genre.
Until next time,
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Genre: Sports Romance
Publishing: February 14, 2024.
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