Teeing Off: A Love Story on the Green
Well, folks, grab your nine irons and slather on the sunscreen, because Tessa Bailey’s latest romance, “Fangirl Down,” is about to take us on a wild ride through the world of professional golf. And let me tell you, it’s anything but par for the course.
Bailey, known for her steamy contemporaries like “It Happened One Summer” and “Hook, Line, and Sinker,” brings her signature heat to the links in this tale of a washed-up golf pro and the devoted fan who just might save his career—and his heart. It’s a match made in rom-com heaven, complete with witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and enough emotional depth to sink a golf cart.
The Players: Meet Our Star-Crossed Lovers
Wells Whitaker: Golf’s Bad Boy with a Heart of Gold
Our hero, Wells Whitaker, is a classic Bailey creation—gruff, growly, and hiding a heart of gold beneath layers of self-doubt and whiskey. Once the rising star of the PGA Tour, Wells has fallen from grace spectacularly. His clubs are broken, his spirit is crushed, and his only remaining fan is… well, we’ll get to her in a minute.
Wells is the kind of character you want to alternately hug and smack upside the head with a nine iron. His journey from rock bottom to redemption is both frustrating and deeply satisfying. Bailey has a knack for crafting complex, flawed men who learn to be vulnerable, and Wells is no exception.
Josephine Doyle: Sunshine in a Skort
Enter Josephine Doyle, Wells’s number one (and only) fan. She’s been cheering him on from the sidelines for years, through thick and thin, birdie and bogey. Josephine is a ray of sunshine in a sea of khaki, with her homemade signs and unwavering faith in Wells’s talent.
But don’t mistake Josephine for a simpering fangirl. She’s got depth, wit, and a fierce determination that rivals Wells’s own. Her struggle to balance her devotion to Wells with her own dreams and ambitions forms the heart of the story.
The Course: A Romance Full of Hazards
When Wells hits rock bottom and quits the tour in spectacular fashion, Josephine is left adrift. But fate (and Wells’s guilt) brings them back together with an offer she can’t refuse: become his caddy, help him stage a comeback, and split the winnings.
What follows is a delightful journey of self-discovery, healing, and some seriously steamy hotel room encounters. Bailey’s talent for crafting sexual tension is on full display here, folks. The slow burn between Wells and Josephine is exquisite, building to a payoff that’ll have you fanning yourself with the nearest golf magazine.
Fore! Watch Out for Flying Emotions
But “Fangirl Down” isn’t just about the physical chemistry (though there’s plenty of that to go around). Bailey digs deep into the emotional stakes, exploring themes of self-worth, loyalty, and the courage to pursue your dreams.
Wells’s journey to overcome his self-destructive tendencies and learn to believe in himself again is particularly well-crafted. His growth from surly, closed-off jerk to vulnerable, loving partner is a joy to witness. And Josephine’s struggle to balance her feelings for Wells with her own ambitions adds a layer of complexity to their relationship.
The Scorecard: Hits and Misses
Hole-in-One: What Works
- Chemistry for Days: The attraction between Wells and Josephine is palpable from page one. Their banter crackles with wit and sexual tension.
- Emotional Depth: Bailey doesn’t shy away from the heavy stuff. Both characters grapple with real issues, making their journey to love all the more satisfying.
- Golf Knowledge: As someone who wouldn’t know a birdie from a bogey, I was impressed by the authentic feel of the golf scenes. Bailey clearly did her research.
- Supporting Cast: The secondary characters, from Wells’s gruff mentor to Josephine’s supportive parents, add richness to the world.
- Steamy Scenes: Look, it’s a Tessa Bailey book. You know what you’re getting into, and she delivers. The intimate scenes are hot, consensual, and emotionally resonant.
In the Rough: Room for Improvement
- Pacing Issues: The middle section drags a bit, with some repetitive internal monologues from both characters.
- Convenient Plot Points: A few developments felt a tad too convenient, stretching believability.
- Golfer Stereotypes: While most characters felt well-rounded, a few of the other golfers veered into caricature territory.
The Nineteenth Hole: Final Thoughts
“Fangirl Down” is a solid addition to Bailey’s romance repertoire. It may not reinvent the wheel, but it takes familiar tropes (grumpy/sunshine, sports romance, boss/employee) and executes them with flair and heart.
If you’re a fan of Bailey’s previous works or sports romances in general, this one’s a no-brainer. And even if you’ve never picked up a golf club in your life, the emotional journey and steamy romance make it worth the read.
Who Should Tee Up?
– Fans of sports romances
– Readers who love a good grumpy/sunshine pairing
– Anyone who enjoys a steamy slow burn
– Those who appreciate complex characters with real emotional depth
Who Might Want to Sit This Round Out?
– Readers looking for a sweet, closed-door romance (things get hot and heavy here, folks)
– Those who prefer their romances without sports elements
– Anyone triggered by themes of self-doubt and mild self-destructive behavior
On Par with the Genre: Similar Reads
If “Fangirl Down” leaves you craving more sports romance, consider checking out:
– “The Hook Up” by Kristen Callihan (football romance)
– “The Wall of Winnipeg and Me” by Mariana Zapata (slow-burn football romance)
– “Kulti” by Mariana Zapata (soccer romance)
– “The Deal” by Elle Kennedy (hockey romance)
Teeing Up for More: What’s Next for Tessa Bailey?
“Fangirl Down” is the first in a new sports romance series from Bailey. While details on future installments are scarce, rumors suggest we might be hitting the ice for a hockey romance next. Keep your eyes peeled for “The Au Pair Affair,” coming Summer 2024.
The Final Putt: Should You Read It?
Look, I’m not saying “Fangirl Down” will improve your golf game. But it just might make you fall in love with the sport—or at least with Wells Whitaker. Tessa Bailey has crafted a romance that’s equal parts sweet, sexy, and emotionally satisfying. It’s the literary equivalent of sinking a difficult putt—challenging at times, but oh-so-rewarding when it all comes together.
So grab your favorite beverage, find a comfy spot (preferably not in a sand trap), and prepare to be charmed by this tale of love on the links. Just don’t blame me if you suddenly find yourself browsing golf club sales online. After all, every fangirl needs the right equipment, right?
