We’re already halfway through 2024, so I’m taking the time to reflect back on my 15 favorite books of the year so far. You’ll find my original review and some quotes from the book below!
I woefully underestimated how much I was going to love this, which became exceedingly obvious when I started flying through the pages. I ADORED the gruff and grumbly hero, who is so used to people giving up on him that he assumes his last remaining fan will do so as well. My heart hurt for the man he tried to hide behind his intimidating demeanor, and I loved watching him slowly reveal his true self. He is SUCH a sweetheart underneath all that grumble, and also intensely loving with his girl. The banter and playfulness paired perfectly with the plentiful hot and spicy moments, which dialed up the chemistry another notch. The forced proximity and team component made the story richer, and I loved watching these two come to realize how right they are for each other. The sunshine heroine has the loyalty and strength that our hurting hero needs in his life, and watching him bask in that light was so fun to read. It’s EASILY one of my new favorites from Bailey, and a fresh, original read. I loved it a whole lot.
The story follows Wells, a professional golfer who is ready to give up the game at only 29. He once had a reputation as one of the best, but Wells’ game has crumbled over the last few years, as everyone who once stood by his side has moved on to newer, shinier players. All except for one woman, his biggest fangirl. Josephine (27) has been cheering Wells on for the last several years because she understands what amazing talent he has, and she’s not going to give up on him just because he’s hit a rough patch. Though Wells is ready to give up on himself and is surlier than ever, the bad boy of golf shows a softer side when he realizes that Josephine could use some support herself. Soon after, Wells insists that Josephine become his new caddie and join him on tour – a decision he couldn’t have predicted would change everything for them. Because once Wells gets to know Josephine as more than the girl on the sidelines, he realizes there’s no way he’s going to let her go.
This has such a unique premise that I really wasn’t sure what to expect from it, so I went in with a level of hesitation – which quickly left the building. Josephine isn’t some puck bunny or celebrity chaser, she’s simply a woman who appreciates Wells’ talent. I loved that they only knew the surface level pieces, which meant they got to know each other in a whole new way. There’s the richness of their history but also the brand new chemistry, which takes no time to catch fire. Once Wells becomes smitten, he is a man obsessed, and I loved his over-the-top adoration of all things Josephine. Josephine was pretty great too, and it’s clear that she’s a heroine who is close to Bailey’s heart, as she has Type 1 Diabetes like her real-life daughter. That adds an extra layer of depth and intimacy to the story, and I thought it was a fantastic component. The story is playful and SUPER spicy, but there’s an undercurrent of something deeper running throughout. It was so very easy to binge and might just be my new favorite from the author. There was zero question that it was getting 5 stars from me.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NGIkbA
Audio Note:
Basic. That’s the word that comes to mind when I think of the audiobook. Despite the fact that the story is told from dual perspectives, we only get a single narrator – Callie Dalton. Many listeners enjoy her, but I find her delivery to be a little stale and uninteresting. She certainly doesn’t bring anything new to the table or enhance the reading experience in any way, especially a story that’s as spicy as this one. So I don’t think the audio is bad, but it’s dated. There are much better audiobooks out there these days. I don’t recommend trying to listen to this one at the office, as there’s plenty of heat. The runtime (11-12 hours) means it’s probably too much for a single day, unless you’re really hooked. It’s perfectly fine in the format if that’s your preference, but it’s not a memorable experience.
Find it on Libro.fm here
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3w7zJss
Blurb:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey launches a super sexy sports romance duology with a rom-com about a bad boy professional athlete who falls for his biggest fan…
Wells Whitaker was once golf’s hottest rising star, but lately, all he has to show for his “promising” career is a killer hangover, a collection of broken clubs, and one remaining supporter. No matter how bad he plays, the beautiful, sunny redhead is always on the sidelines. He curses, she cheers. He scowls, she smiles. But when Wells quits in a blaze of glory and his fangirl finally goes home, he knows he made the greatest mistake of his life.
Josephine Doyle believed in the gorgeous, grumpy golfer, even when he didn’t believe in himself. Yet after he throws in the towel, she begins to wonder if her faith was misplaced. Then a determined Wells shows up at her door with a wild proposal: be his new caddy, help him turn his game around, and split the prize money. And considering Josephine’s professional and personal life is in shambles, she could really use the cash…
As they travel together, spending days on the green and nights in neighboring hotel rooms, sparks fly. Before long, they’re inseparable, Wells starts winning again, and Josephine is surprised to find a sweet, thoughtful guy underneath his gruff, growly exterior. This hot man wants to brush her hair, feed her snacks, and take bubble baths together? Is this real life? But Wells is technically her boss and an athlete falling for his fangirl would be ridiculous… right?
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NGIkbA
About the Author:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey can solve all problems except for her own, so she focuses those efforts on stubborn, fictional blue-collar men and loyal, lovable heroines. She lives on Long Island avoiding the sun and social interactions, then wonders why no one has called. Dubbed the “Michelangelo of dirty talk,” by Entertainment Weekly, Tessa writes with spice, spirit, swoon and a guaranteed happily ever after. Catch her on TikTok at @authortessabailey or check out tessabailey.com for a complete list of books.
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