It’s been a while since I’ve read a novel and even longer since I’ve written a book review. After getting married, grieving my father, and moving, I’m finally back to reading. And I started with Tessa Bailey’s Fangirl Down.

In case you’re not familiar with Tessa Bailey, she is a best-selling romance author known for her spicy, character-driven novels. Her books often feature strong, but imperfect, heroines and swoon-worthy heroes. The cherry on top is her witty dialogue and engaging storytelling. Of Tessa Bailey’s many, many books (I know she’s written over 50!), I’ve read It Happened One Summer, Hook, Line, and Sinker, Fix Her Up, Secretly Yours, Love Her or Lose Her, and now Fangirl Down. Each book has delivered exactly what it promises—romance, steaminess, humor, and female empowerment.

When I saw Fangirl Down in the bookstore, I had to get it. It’s a contemporary romance novel that explores themes of love, fandom, and personal growth. The story follows a devoted, self-proclaimed fangirl who finds herself in a real-life romance with her favorite celebrity, attempting to navigate the challenges and thrills of her fantasy becoming reality.

Summary

Fangirl Down is set mostly in the urban environment of Florida. The story moves between Wells’s glamorous world of professional golf and Josephine’s more modest, everyday life as a fan and pro shop owner.

Josephine Doyle is an always cheery golf instructor and pro shop owner. She’s also, and most importantly, a superfan of surly pro golfer Wells Whitaker. Wells was once the best and most popular golfer on the tour. And just as quickly as he attained that status, he lost it. But Josephine still believes in him and has every confidence that he’ll turn it around. She’s so committed to him, his career, and being his fangirl, that she attends every event she can, wearing very obvious and supportive paraphernalia. While they aren’t friends, he is aware of her.

After a hurricane ruins her family's pro shop, Wells propositions Josephine. (No, not that kind of proposition!) He suggests that she be his new caddy and help him turn his game around, and they can split the prize money. The romance that inevitably develops while they’re spending so much time together faces the challenges of public scrutiny, personal insecurities, and the struggle to separate love and work.

The key conflicts revolve around each character’s need for the other. Wells learns to excel in and love the game of golf again, to make nice with competitors and reporters, and to trust that good things and people won’t always leave. But he learns it because of and with Josephine. His need for her, and not just his lustful need, is his primary motivator. And he both loves and fears that. It takes him most of the book to realize he can excel in golf without her coaching, be kind to others without her insistence, and rely on people without her encouragement.

Similarly, with Josephine being a diabetic, she’s grown accustomed to people assuming she needs help and is determined to prove she doesn’t need it. Throughout the story, she learns to accept help, affirms her physical and emotional strength, prioritizes her hopes and dreams, and trusts others with her vulnerability. And she does it all with Wells. These resolutions all come as they grow individually and together, falling more in love with each swing of their golf clubs.

Review

Fangirl Down wins us, giddy readers, over with its engaging writing style and lively narrative voice, immersing us in the bustling setting of pro golf. The character development is moving, with Josephine and Wells portrayed as beautifully imperfect and multidimensional, making their journey individually and romantically heartwarming. The plot is well-paced, balancing moments of tension and spice to keep us invested. Themes of self-discovery, vulnerability, empowerment, and trust are conveyed thoughtfully, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and deeply resonant. Bailey's skillful storytelling guarantees a super satisfying read.

Some of my favorite quotes from Fangirl Down include:

Let me be careful with you, belle. Let me worry without asking a bunch of questions, okay?

You don’t want games? Fine. I wasn’t visiting anyone in Palm Beach. I came for you.

You need me to be nice? I’ll be the nicest person you ever met. Just to you. Only you. Jesus Christ, you’re so beautiful.

Let’s get one thing straight, belle. You will never wonder where you stand with me or if I’m bullshitting you. You get exactly what you see. I don’t mess around with people, but especially you.

Fangirl Down shares the witty banter and steamy romance of Tessa Bailey’s other novels. However, it differs in its exploration of celebrity culture and its impact on personal relationships. While her other novels often feature imperfect and resilient heroines, Fangirl Down delves deeper into the imperfection by giving Josephine a myriad of personal struggles. The unique aspect of blending a fan-celebrity dynamic with a coming-of-age story and a heartfelt romance sets this novel apart, offering a fresh and engaging twist on Bailey's signature style.

Recommendation

I gave this book FIVE stars! Fans of romance and contemporary fiction will find Fangirl Down particularly delightful. It's an ideal vacation read or a perfect pick for a book club discussion. It offers a heartwarming and engaging story with well-developed characters and relatable themes. Bailey's signature humor and spice make this book another winner.

I invite you to read Fangirl Down and share your thoughts in the comments. Let's discuss our favorite moments and characters!