Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey

Love, Loyalty, and Laughter on the Links

Holy mother of rom-coms, folks. Tessa Bailey has done it again, and this time she’s bringing her signature heat to the world of professional golf. “Fangirl Down” is a hole-in-one of a romance that’ll have you laughing, swooning, and maybe even considering taking up golf yourself (or at least investing in some cute golf skirts).

The Set-Up: A Grumpy Golfer Meets His Match

Wells Whitaker used to be golf’s golden boy, but these days he’s more likely to be found nursing a hangover than sinking putts. Enter Josephine Doyle, his one remaining fan who refuses to give up on him, even when he’s given up on himself. When Wells quits the tour in a blaze of glory (and by glory, I mean a temper tantrum that would make a toddler proud), he realizes he’s made the biggest mistake of his life.

But our boy Wells isn’t about to let his fangirl slip away that easily. He shows up at Josephine’s door with a proposition that’s crazier than trying to play golf in a hurricane: be his new caddy, help him turn his game around, and split the prize money. And Josephine, whose life is currently in more disarray than Wells’s golf swing, decides to take a chance on her grumpy golfer.

The Chemistry: Hot Enough to Melt a Sand Trap

Listen, if you’ve read any of Tessa Bailey’s other books (and if you haven’t, what are you waiting for?), you know she can write chemistry that’ll fog up your e-reader. Wells and Josephine are no exception. From the moment they start working together, the sexual tension is thicker than the rough on a PGA course.

But it’s not just physical attraction that makes these two sizzle. Their banter is sharper than a well-polished nine-iron, and the way they challenge and support each other is enough to make even the most cynical reader believe in love. Wells may be gruff and growly on the outside, but watching him soften for Josephine is like seeing a perfectly executed chip shot – beautiful, precise, and deeply satisfying.

Standout Moments That’ll Have You Cheering

• Wells’s reaction to Josephine’s perfect golf swing (let’s just say it involves a lot of stammering and a sudden need to adjust his pants)
• The bathtub scene (trust me, you’ll never look at a loofah the same way again)
• Josephine standing up to Wells’s former mentor (girl’s got more backbone than a titanium driver)
• The heart-wrenching moment when Wells has to make a tough decision for Josephine’s sake (grab the tissues, folks)

Character Growth: More Than Just a Pretty Swing

What sets “Fangirl Down” apart from your average sports romance is the depth of character development. Wells isn’t just a hot athlete who needs to learn how to love – he’s a complex man dealing with abandonment issues, imposter syndrome, and the pressure of living up to his own potential. Watching him learn to trust and open up is like seeing a flower bloom in the middle of a fairway—unexpected and beautiful.

Josephine, too, is far from a one-dimensional fangirl. She’s whip-smart, fiercely loyal, and dealing with her own set of challenges, including managing her type 1 diabetes. Bailey handles this aspect of Josephine’s character with sensitivity and realism, showing how it’s just one part of who she is, not her entire identity.

The Golf: More Than Just a Backdrop

For those worried that the golf might be too technical or boring, fear not. Bailey manages to make the sport exciting and accessible, even for those of us who think a birdie is just something that flies. The tournament scenes are tense and thrilling, and you’ll find yourself holding your breath as Wells lines up that final putt.

But more than that, golf serves as a beautiful metaphor for Wells and Josephine’s relationship. It’s a game of patience, strategy, and trust—all qualities they need to learn in order to make their love work.

Tee-rific Supporting Characters

• Ricky, Josephine’s fellow caddy and new BFF (can we get a spin-off for him, please?)
• Burgess Abraham, Wells’s hockey player friend (who may or may not be getting his own book soon—fingers crossed!)
• Jim and Evelyn, Josephine’s adorably supportive parents (who are definitely couple goals)

The Spice: Hot Enough to Melt Your Golf Balls

Look, it’s a Tessa Bailey book. You know it’s going to be steamy. But the heat in “Fangirl Down” feels especially earned. Wells and Josephine’s first time together is a perfect blend of passion, tenderness, and just the right amount of dirty talk (because let’s be real, no one does dirty talk like Tessa Bailey).

But it’s not just about the physical stuff. The emotional intimacy between Wells and Josephine is just as hot as their bedroom scenes. Watching them learn to trust each other, to be vulnerable, to love without holding back – that’s the real fire in this book.

The Happily Ever After: A Perfect Putt

Without giving too much away, the ending of “Fangirl Down” is satisfying in every way. Bailey manages to tie up all the loose ends without making it feel forced or rushed. The epilogue, set eight years in the future, is the cherry on top of this romance sundae, showing us that Wells and Josephine’s love has only grown stronger with time.

Perfect for Fans Of:

• “It Happened One Summer” by Tessa Bailey (because grumpy/sunshine is always a win)
• “The Love Hypothesis” by Ali Hazelwood (for those who love a good STEM heroine)
• “Beach Read” by Emily Henry (for the perfect blend of humor and heart)

Similar Books from Tessa Bailey:

• “Hook, Line, and Sinker” (for another sports-adjacent romance with a grumpy hero)
• “It Happened One Summer” (for more of that signature Tessa Bailey heat)
• “Tools of Engagement” (for another story about finding love while pursuing your dreams)

Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Read “Fangirl Down”

Look, I’m not saying “Fangirl Down” will change your life. But I’m also not not saying that. Because here’s the thing – in a world that can sometimes feel like one big sand trap, books like this are a perfect escape. They remind us that love can bloom in the most unexpected places, that second chances are possible, and that sometimes, all it takes is one person believing in you to turn your whole life around.

Tessa Bailey has crafted a romance that’s as refreshing as a cold drink after 18 holes in the hot sun. It’s got heart, it’s got humor, and it’s got enough heat to make you consider installing a sprinkler system in your living room.

So whether you’re a long-time Tessa Bailey fan or a romance newbie, do yourself a favor and pick up “Fangirl Down”. Just make sure you’ve cleared your schedule first, because once you start, you won’t want to put it down. And who knows? By the end, you might just find yourself eyeing that dusty set of golf clubs in your garage. After all, if Wells and Josephine can find love on the links, who’s to say you can’t?

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a sudden urge to go practice my putting. And maybe reread that bathtub scene. You know, for research.