Wells Whitaker was having a horrible day. He used to be golf’s fastest rising star, but now his shot was off and that fangirl was here in all her preppy glory. She could be so annoying with her signs and cheering – why couldn’t she see it was over for him? How could she believe in him more than he believed in himself? That’s why he lost it – he tore her sign in half and screamed at her in the middle of the course. That spectacular tantrum could have been the end of their relationship, but when a hurricane hits, he can’t seem to shake the thought she’s in danger. What happens next turns him from loser to hero and pairs them together in a unique way.
Tessa Bailey is known for her romance writing with a twist, most recently focusing on athletes in her stories. The New York Times bestseller has delivered Same Time Next Year about a romance between a hockey player and sports bar employee in December 2023, and followed it with the delightful story of a golf pro and his biggest fan/pro shop owner in Fangirl Down in February 2024. Both stories feature Bailey’s wit and creative banter between characters, as well as her unique ability to walk the fine line between steamy romance and smut in describing sex scenes. This book is all about the unlikely hero and the redemption you can find when someone else believes in you.
I give Fangirl Down 5 out of 5 stars. I always enjoy the relatable storylines in Bailey’s work and the slow burn romances. The only detraction for me with this novel is that it feels like it was written for the small screen. I could see this easily being the next Hallmark or Netflix romcom – especially when their best friends are suddenly thrust together. I do appreciate the thoughtfulness Bailey puts into the backstories of her characters. You can also tell the author did her research on both diabetic care and the behind-the-scenes world of golfers and caddies on tour.
If you have enjoyed any of Bailey’s previous books, you’ll enjoy this one, too! While the sex scenes are steamy, nothing is explicitly written. However, I would still direct this book to more mature audiences over 16. This book gives that small-town romance feel by utilizing a small group of close-knit characters, and gives the sports lovers something as well!
I chose Fangirl Down for the Read With Lindsey Reading Challenge prompt “a new release in 2024”. I fell in love with Tessa Bailey after reading Same Time Next Year in January and jumped at the chance to read her latest release, too! This is actually the first book in her new series Big Shots, which will be followed this summer by The Au Pair Affair which will follow Tallulah and Burgess, the best friends of the main characters in this current release, and revisit the hockey world she wrote so well in her 2023 release!
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What I’m Reading
- Current print book: June, Reimagined, Rebekah Crane
- Current audio book: Summers at the Saint, Mary Kay Andrews
- Book I’m most looking forward to: Rich People Problems, Kevin Kwan
Read With Lindsey 
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