Publishers Weekly
11/27/2023
Bestseller Bailey (Same Time Next Year) hits a hole-in-one with this charming golf-themed rom-com. Josephine Doyle, a perennially cheerful golf instructor and pro shop owner in Florida, is a superfan of surly pro golfer Wells Whitaker. Though he was once the hottest player on the tour, Wells’s game has been headed south for two years, but Josephine still believes he’ll turn it around (in his estimation, she might be “the last person on planet Earth pulling for him”). After she wins a contest for lunch with Wells, she’s ecstatic—until Wells quits the tour and stands her up. When a hurricane hits Palm Beach, Josephine’s shop is badly damaged—and both insurance for the shop and health coverage for her type 1 diabetes have lapsed. A remorseful Wells offers to give her the money to repair the shop, but Josephine insists on earning it as his caddie. As they work together, their explosive attraction becomes undeniable and Wells gets his swing back. Bailey does a convincing job of showing how the power of love transforms Wells from golf’s bad boy to satisfied partner who’s as concerned with Josephine’s blood sugar level as she is. Wells and Josephine are characters readers will embrace, especially fans of the grumpy/sunshine trope. This one’s a keeper. Agent: Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary. (Feb.)
From the Publisher
Tessa Bailey is the queen of rom-coms. Long may she reign!" — Julie Murphy, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Merry Little Meet Cute
“Nothing makes my heart catch fire like a Tessa Bailey book. She is all things magic and dirty talk.” — Elena Armas, New York Times bestselling author of The Spanish Love Deception
“Bailey writes banter and rom-com scenarios with aplomb, but for those who like their romance on the spicier side, she’s also the Michelangelo of dirty talk. She wields filth like Da Vinci does a paintbrush, and there’s a lot to be said for an author who can fill such exchanges with all the requisite heat, enthusiastic consent, and yes, even humor, of such a scenario without veering into corny territory.” — Entertainment Weekly
“The tenderness, vulnerability and heat I am always guaranteed with a Tessa Bailey book are the reasons she is one of my all-time favorite authors.” — Sally Thorne
“Tessa Bailey’s writing stands out in all the right sexy ways.” — Buzzfeed
“Tessa Bailey writes pure magic.” — Alexis Daria
Library Journal
11/01/2023
Josephine Doyle is pro golfer Wells Whitaker's number one fan. Unfortunately, he hasn't given her much to be a fan of lately. Problems on and off the course have tanked his career, and when he spectacularly quits the pro tour after a difficult tournament, Josephine is forced to give up her fangirl status. After a hurricane devastates her family's Florida pro shop, Josephine is shocked when Wells shows up and offers her a chance to be his new caddy so he can return to the tour and she can get the money to repair her family business and regain her health insurance. Before long, sparks are flying, but Josephine and Wells both worry that falling for each other will ruin their professional relationship and Wells's newfound success. Josephine and Wells are well-developed, multilayered characters, and their relationship, backstories, and Josephine's type 1 diabetes are all sensitively explored in Bailey's (Unfortunately Yours) sexy, swoony first foray into sports romance—the beginning of a new series. VERDICT Recommended for fans of grumpy-sunshine pairings and Bailey's previous work.—Whitney Kramer
APRIL 2024 - AudioFile
Unlike washed-up golf pro Wells Whitaker's swing, narrator Callie Dalton shoots par on her performance of this audiobook. When Wells's career hits a low, he asks superfan Josephine Doyle to caddy for him. Dalton's delivery of Wells's and Josephine's steamy chemistry is electric, as is their snarky repartee. Listeners will sink deep into their swoony romance. Josephine's voice is both sweet and tart, while Wells's has a blunt tone filled with secret amusement. Both are fun to listen to. As Wells and Josephine face conflicting career goals and personal demons, Dalton nicely paces their adventures on and off the course. There's no slowing down on the back nine for this power couple's journey. A sports romance with pure heart is well delivered by Dalton. C.A. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
2023-11-17
A professional golfer trying to make a comeback hires his biggest fan to be his caddy.
Despondent and demoralized at his terrible season, professional golfer Wells Whitaker decides to quit the pro circuit. He’s already been dumped by his mentor, his sponsors, and his agent—why not throw in the towel himself? The only person left on his side is Josephine Doyle, his most devoted fan, a woman so dedicated to his career that she’s given herself the moniker “Wells’s Belle.” Josephine has been following the golfer’s career for years, and she can’t help but feel betrayed when he abandons the game. After a hurricane destroys her family’s Palm Beach pro shop, Josephine is surprised to find Wells at her door. He’s had a change of heart and is determined to give himself one last chance on the pro circuit. Wells has secured a spot at an upcoming tournament in San Antonio and wants Josephine to be his caddy. She can’t say no. The money she earns will allow her to rebuild the shop and afford health insurance, which is crucial for managing her diabetes. Once they’re at the tournament, their obvious camaraderie and their chemistry make them the target of gossip and speculation in the press. Wells feels intensely possessive and protective of Josephine while still respecting her autonomy, and Josephine learns that her faith in him was not misplaced. Although several of the initial plot pieces feel manufactured, the emotional connection between Josephine and Wells is vibrant and alive. They fit together perfectly, with each growing and benefiting from their professional and romantic partnership. Bailey delivers her trademark high-heat, spicy romance, but it’s the emotional connection between Wells and Josephine that makes the book a winner.
This golf romance is a winner.
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