Wells Whitaker, once considered golf’s most promising, has decided to quit. He has no agent, some broken clubs, and only one fan. Josephine Doyle believes in Wells, no matter what. She firmly believes he just needs to believe in himself. When Wells implodes on her, though, she begins to think that she must follow a new golfer.

Then a tornado hits Josephine’s family’s golf store, and Wells comes up with a business proposal. Josephine caddies for him while he attempts to get back on track for the Master’s. In time, though, Josephine proves that she is an invaluable asset to Wells. In more than just golf.

This actually was really cute. I enjoyed Josephine and her personality. One minute she was ignoring Wells’ attitude, and the next she was giving as good as she got. Wells was, for the most part, me. I have a very peopley job for someone who dislikes people, and so I could understand Wells’ grumpiness. However, it was also obvious that Wells was not a complete jerk off. I will admit that I didn’t understand the nickname for Josephine, Belle, but still felt it was adorable.

The chemistry and attraction were perfect. This was a spicy romance, so readers be aware.

I’m really excited for the second novel as it follows Burgess, the hockey player, and Josephine’s scientific friend, Tallulah. I cannot wait.

Overall, I rate this novel 4.5 out of 5 stars.

That's right, a sports romance with a...golfer? But Wes is far from your grandparents' golfers or anything "bad boy golfer" you googled.

I did keep remembering how my friend said she got a six-pack from the golf team in high school, and after this book, I believe her.

Wes is the bad boy of golfing with the tattoos, lack of care, and isolation from...everyone. After he loses his swing, the only one he has left with his mentor, "friends," and manager gone is his number one fan, Josephine. But he wouldn't be a self-sabotaging, burn the world before it burns me, bad boy if he didn't decide to destroy that relationship too. But he's not as heartless and without care as he'd like to believe as that ripped sign echoes in his mind.

Josephine has stuck by Wes for the last two years he's gone from best in the world to almost off the pro-tour. She believed in him for the man she saw, the one who did the good deeds when the cameras weren't on and loved the game like she did. She was loyal until she realized she deserved better and her self-respect couldn't be faulted, and Wes take to her honesty and bluntess like fresh water.

When a man who believes everyone leaves meets a woman who has stuck by him loyally for years with no personal benefit, he has to face that his heart still has hope in it.

Wes continues to get whiplash from Josephine as she gets him like no one else while changing his ideas of himself, others, and what he's capable of and wants.

Living with Type 1 Diabetes has made Josephine desperate to always prove herself capable and yearn for recognition. She has dreams for her family's golf shop and caddying for Wes will give her the money to repair the shop after a hurricane, but she makes it clear he is gaining her expertise. Her self-respect is admirable and Wes meets her there as he becomes protective of her while also wanting to ensure she gets her dream.

Wes absolutely falls first despite Josephine being his fan for years (they're only a couple years apart in age fyi). While jealous and possessive of his fan as he takes her into the world she loves, and the other golfers realize how she's more than a publicity stunt or girlfriend or charity case, Wes above all wants to care for her. Asking her parents how to help her take care of herself, knowing her own agency and ability but wanting to understand how to support her.

They learn to trust each other and build a solid bond and care for each other, but with their lives pulled in different directions, when they can't do it all, when they worry about each other's dream, then you get the angst. But, I really enjoyed the conflict (not typical at all for me in romances where I think they're cliche and people just need to talk). This one felt valid.

And of course, the smut was excellent and built up as their obsession did. It was so satisfying and we got Tessa's infamous dirty talk, were happy golf has skirts, and not your basic "mine" spice. Though it did feature his name on her uniform.

Overall, the sweet and the funny mixed well with the ~rings sound nice~ and sex bets. There's so much more I could say but I'll end here: I immediately wanted to reread this when I finished it (and days later still do), which is my highest compliment.

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review!

Feat: sports romance, golf romance, boss/employee, peach play (for them both!), type 1 diabetes rep, chronic illness rep, romcom, protective/possessive MMC, he falls first, everything is for her, MMC loves a ponytail

5 stars
3.5 spice

This is one of Tessa Bailey's best! I'm fairly certain only she could make golf fun and sexy. Josephine is Wells' biggest fan, and he doesn't have many fans left as his golf career is going downhill. After a mishap has Josephine in desperate need of money, she agrees to be his caddy and everything starts looking up - including his game and their loves lifes.

Well this was fun! Who knew I was missing out on a sports romance about…golf? This was a prime example of grumpy/sunshine but the development of their relationship was so good. The banter was fun and the spice was oh so spicy. Josephine was Wells number one fangirl even when he was self destructing and down on his luck. When he hired her to be his caddie to help him make a comeback and help her get her family’s pro shop back up and running, their partnership becomes so much more. I was a huge fan of the support and honesty and caring for one another. Also, I cannot wait for the next book. 4 ⭐️

I want to begin by stating that although I am not a golf enthusiast, this book is not solely intended for golf fans. You do not need to have any prior knowledge about golf to appreciate this book. After finishing this book, I would not claim to be a golf fan, but I don't find it as tedious as I did before.

This is the second book I have read by Tessa Bailey, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I still can't believe she made the sport of golf sexy. Josephine Doyle is a strong female character and she didn't lose that when she was with Wells Whitaker. They worked together and it was more than a 50/50 relationship but more like 100/100. They made each other better and the growth was great to read about. When I want a grumpy sunshine book, this is what I am talking about. Wells was still grumpy but not with Josephine, and I loved that. Now I am off to eagerly wait for the next book The Au Pair Affair.

PS: I have a cat named Josephine but we call her Josie, so at parts, I couldn't stop laughing thinking of my cat.

Thank you
Netgalley and Avon for letting me give my honest review.

Fangirl Down was a pleasant story. I liked how Wells and Josephine had that special connection. Golf was the common denominator but there was so much more to it than that. They got really close the more time they spent together. And I enjoyed seeing the progression of their relationship. They had good banter and playful and steamy interactions. Wells and Josephine brought out the best in each other. They were cute together. While yes this was a romance there was so much more to the story. Both Wells and Josephine had an individual growth from beginning to end and that was nice to see. The story had a good pace to it and the characters were fine. I was glued into it from start to finish and couldn't wait to see how it all played out. Overall a good read.

I laughed my way through this book. It was so much fun! The banter was Ace- pun intended. You do not need to like nor under golf to enjoy this book. Did she make golf sexy? Yes. Was there a lot of golf lingo- it was par for the course. ;) okay okay I’m done with the puns. I’d consider this book an eagle. Whew ok I think I got it out of my system. Josephine is a type one diabetic, her family’s golf shop just flooded she’s been rationing her insulin because her lack of health insurance and the pro shop her parents entrusted her to run does not currently have insurance either. She’s got herself in a tight spot. She’s the #1 fan of Wells Whitaker- bad boy golfer and all around asshat. Can they turn it around and say each other? We also get a peak at Tallulah, Lissa and Burgess, let me tell you if it’s anything like Fangirl down sign me up!

Tessa Bailey does it again! What a romantic, spicy, wonderful story! LOVED every second of it. Tessa Bailey's books are always SO addicting and this one was no different. Truly the QUEEN of spice!

Rating: 4/5
Steam: 4/5
Warnings: Aftermath of a hurricane (flooding), childhood neglect, diabetes
Tropes: he takes care of her, tattooed MMC, grumpy/sunshine, I hate everyone but you

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

We all know I am very hit or miss with TB books...and I keep coming back to them like a magnet so there is always that. Fangirl Down was a delight!

Things I loved: I now need more golf romances. Wells simultaneously looking out for Josephine but also believing she was not incapable given her diabetes. he also did not hesitate to give her credit for her accomplishments. the epilogue was adorable.

Things I didn't love: damn it moved FAST. also, I don't know how we skimmed over superfan/stalker to caddy/player so easily. the steam...just, the internal dialogue was per usual, a little cringe for me.

I am now very interested in book two, so we can see their best friends, Tallulah and Burgess, in a hockey player/nanny romance.

After loving It Happened One Summer, I’ve religiously picked up every Tessa Bailey new release, hoping to find that magic again, only to feel let down. Imagine my surprise when a golf-centric romance is the finally the one to capture my heart! Fangirl Down is Tessa at her best - a grumpy hero, a sunshine-y heroine, banter and chemistry for days, and great steam. Josephine and Wells are both a little unhinged - she’s borderline stalking him and he’s got some serious anger issues - and somehow Tessa had me rooting for these two to get together from the first page. Don’t be put off by the “bad boy golfer with touch her and die energy” marketing that everyone was joking about on social media - this book is a sexy good time.

Thank you netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Tessa Bailey is never a miss. I loved the premise of this - "bad boy golfer" isn't something you read about everyday. I liked the unique take on a sports romance (we can only read some much hockey). I enjoyed this thoroughly. It was your classic Tessa Bailey - lots of a banter with some spice.

If you love Tessa Bailey you will love this book! How did she managed to make golf interesting! This has me kicking my feet, giggling, and blushing in public. I didn’t expect Wells to to become one of my favorite MMC. The tension the banter between Wells and Josephine I could not stop reading. I can’t wait to start recommending this to people.

4.5

Inhaled this book. Tessa Bailey just made golf sexy.

So Josephine Doyle was always a massive fan of Wells Whitaker. But then he started giving up on himself and she’d had it. Cue massive flooding and Wells missing his “Well’s Belle” so he goes to check on her. One thing leads to another and suddenly she’s his caddie helping him find joy in the sport again, And Josephine is a bada$$ who dives deep into her life diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and her dreams of taking her golf shop to the next level.

Pick it up for him-falling-first-sports-romance-grumpy-sunshine. Stay for the shower scene.

Departing from her recent 2-parters focusing on fishing, then wine, Tessa Bailey’s newest series is all about niche sports. This first book, Fangirl Down, takes on the high-stakes world of golf. Josephine runs her family’s longtime pro shop while dealing with her own health struggles with diabetes, but none of it will stop her from rooting for golf’s bad boy, Wells Whitaker. And as “Well’s Belle” her dedication is tested when he quits golf. When a hurricane strikes Josephine’s Florida town, Wells steps in — call it guilt, a heart, a crush, or whatever you want — and soon offers Josephine the role of a lifetime: take that #1 fan role into caddying for Wells as he makes his grand return. It’s not long though before professional and personal lines are blurred and they develop feelings. And in true Tessa fashion, those feelings get SPICY.
This was a cute storyline with some Easter eggs leading to the next book in the series. I loved the sarcasm and banter between the main characters, but while I enjoy the occasional smutty scene, this got a bit too graphic (and frequent) to the point it took away some of the genuine charm readers can love between Josephine and Wells.
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

This was so good! I am so here for the sports romances and this one did not disappoint. This also reminded me more of the Tessa Bailey from the Hot & Hammered series (one of my favs). I'm always a sucker for men sharing their emotions and growing throughout the book. Understanding more about Wells's mental health in terms of his family life and professional life was refreshing. I also loved representing women in sports, especially golf, a sport I know very little about.
Even though the overall timeline was short, it didn't feel rushed. Their relationship made sense and I loved how equal it was. I also enjoyed the dual perspective. I laughed every time I picked this up to read and I couldn't wait until my next chance.
Also, A+++ on the spice level .
Can't wait for Bailey's next book!

Ahh this books was fantastic! I have only read one other Tessa Bailey book (It Happened That Summer) and didn’t love it, but I am sold now that I’ve read Fangirl Down. As a former skeptic, I highly recommend this sports romance and know that if you’re considering reading this one, you will too. Also, it’s spicy. Spicy, spicy. Read at your own flaming risk.

I really enjoyed the premise to this story. Josephine and Wells are so cute. I was rooting for them the whole time! If you’re a fan of grumpy x sunshine, he falls first and hard, lots of spice, and a comeback, this book is for you!

I loved this book!! It was fabulous and well done. The characters were on point and I thought the plot was well developed. I would recommend this book to others. Tessa Bailey is a queen among romance authors.

Read this today!

𝙁𝙖𝙣 𝙂𝙞𝙧𝙡 𝘿𝙤𝙬𝙣
by Tessa Bailey
380 pages
Thank you @avonbooks for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Have you been obsessed with the Tayvis love story and looking for a sporty and spicy adult romance novel?

This might be for you.

Look no further than Book 1 of Tessa Bailey’s Big Shot series. This is only for the very open door spice loving romance readers who want a fast moving and fun read. I read it in one day on vacation.

Fangirl Josephine is Well Whitaker’s last supporter because everyone else has had it with his bad boy, burn it down attitude, and his poor golf performance. Josephine is the only person left who still has any love left for Wells until he rips her Well’s Belle sign and heart in half when she wins lunch with him in a contest and he refuses to go.
A hurricane comes along and Josephine’s life really begins to crumble- she must confront her financial mistakes and survive. We learn what she has sacrificed to keep her family’s pro shop The Golden Tee open - her health as a Type I diabetic is at risk and she is forced to face everything she has done to keep going.

Why is Wells always his worst enemy?
Will Josephine be able to redeem herself and save her family’s livelihood?

The grumpy sunshine trope is strong as is the bad boy good girl relationship vibe. This is not a book for you if you can’t handle explicit and hot romance.
I simply can’t wait for the next in this series- the hockey star romance - yes I am here for it. When can I get my hands on the next installment?

This was very hot much like the Skyland series by Kennedy Ryan. I do love steamy romances and love this month of love. I finished it in a day and it is perfect for fans of open door romance.🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Absolutely loved this new book by Tessa. I have never found myself more interested in golf. Wells is the perfect grumpy sunshine character and Josephine is such a strong female lead. They genuinely felt like they had a connection. I cannot wait to read the next one

When I tell you that I could not be more pleasantly surprised by how much I loved FANGIRL DOWN ... At the start of the novel we are introduced to Josephine Doyle, a cutesy and whimsical diabetic sunshine girl who is down BAD for golf's mega-start bad-boy, Wells Whitaker. We meet her on the golf course in fact, following Wells down the sidelines from hole to hole carrying a handmade sign reading "Well's Belle."

Immediately, the ick. How can I possible enjoy a romance where the main girl is stars-in-her-eyes obsessed with, cough, a MAN? How can that level of admiration and fandom, right out the gate, not be anything BUT reminiscent of wattpad's juiciest and dirtiest Harry Styles fanfic.

Somehow, Tessa Bailey, in her Tessa Bailey-ness, pulls it off. When I tell you that by the end of this book I was kicking my little feet and squealing my little squeals over this couple, I am not exaggerating. I, by the end, was the one down bad, for BOTH of these characters.

Josephine's sunshine was the perfect salve to Well's grumpiness, and I was so grateful to my family for always having the golf channel on in the background, allowing me to really visualize the setting of this story.

I loved, loved, loved this.