A review by shaysshelf
Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective tense
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Thank you Tessa Bailey for absolutely crushing this hot golf romance. 

As a hobby golfer, the anticipation for Tessa's take on a golf romance had me excited since she announced it at her Secretly Yours tour a year ago. Already a fan of sports romance subgenre, I couldn't have asked for a better golf romance than what Tessa Bailey presented. She certainly exceeded all expectations.

My concern about the term "fangirl" was quickly dispelled by Tessa, assuring readers that Josephine's passion extended beyond Wells' bad boy image to a genuine love for the game. The shared enthusiasm for golf in both the MMC and FMC brought a refreshing dynamic, reminiscent of "The Dugout" by Meghan Quinn.

Wells and Josephine's relationship, from start to finish, was a more than I could have asked for. Their banter, chemistry, and mutual affection struck a perfect balance. Wells' character added such depth to the romance.

Josephine, a Type 1 Diabetic, aimed not only to revitalize her family's legacy golf pro shop but also to earn her parents' trust in managing her condition. When a hurricane shatters her dreams, the opportunity to help her favorite bad boy golfer, Wells, regain his PGA tour standing arises.

Wells' character arc was fantastic. As the aloof bad boy with abandonment issues, despite a two-year slump and self-destructive tendencies, he undergoes a transformative journey with Josephine's influence. 
Except when the hurricane hits Florida, he suddenly finds himself concerned for the only person who continued to show up and believe in him.  

Wells' growth is spectacular to witness. His transition from self-sabbotage, to opening up to Josephine, to caring for her, to listening to her advice, to his final act of selflessness to prove to her, himself and everyone that he is a better person because of her and not only when she is there to keep his temper in check made for an incredibly compelling character.

Our boy falls HARD. Hard and fast - just the way he likes it - and good lord I cannot handle the way he loves this girl. When he thinks something terrible has happened to Josephine - the way he races to find her and busts down the door to get to her. I died. I DIED. I love this man and the way he loves his caddy.

Tessa hit was a hole in one with this book. The love, growth, and passion between Wells and Josephine are brilliantly crafted, making "Fangirl Down" an unforgettable and thoroughly enjoyable read. I can't express enough how much I loved it.

Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for the ARC.