First, let me clarify that this post is NOT about critiquing anyone’s reading preferences. Everyone should feel free to enjoy whatever books they like, without judgment or shame.
When Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey started gaining traction in the market, it quickly became the target of mockery, with many people dismissing it outright because of the “bad boy golfer” angle. I get it—promoting a book with a “bad boy golfer” might not seem like the most captivating or conventional way to market a romance novel. However, the dismissive reactions often came from people who hadn’t even read the book. That’s what got me thinking.
Why is it that hockey players can be accepted as the quintessential grumpy, alpha “touch-her-and-die” male main characters (MMCs), but golf players or athletes from other less aggressive sports can’t? Is it because golf is not typically seen as a “masculine” sport, and thus its players can’t be perceived as possessive or aggressive? Or are we dealing with a form of stereotyping here? Could this all come down to a deep-rooted idea of toxic masculinity, where only certain sports are associated with strength, dominance, and aggression?
I’m genuinely curious about your thoughts on this. After all, the sport these characters play shouldn’t wholly define their personalities. I’ve read many books where the MMCs are football, hockey, or rugby players with “cinnamon roll” characteristics—gentle, sweet, and kind—so the argument that certain sports necessitate certain types of characters doesn’t really hold up.
To be honest, I’m not the biggest Tessa Bailey fan, but I was hoping she might set off a new trend with Fangirl Down—one where authors would feel encouraged to explore romances set in the worlds of less popular sports. Right now, the sports romance genre feels oversaturated with the same two or three sports, and it would be refreshing to see that change in 2024.
About the Book: Fangirl Down
Fangirl Down centers around Tatum Walsh, a successful sports journalist with a not-so-secret obsession with pro golfer Wes Callahan. When Tatum is assigned to cover a major golf tournament, she jumps at the chance to meet Wes in person. What she doesn’t expect is to be swept up in a whirlwind romance with the enigmatic and rebellious golfer who seems determined to win her over, both on and off the course. As sparks fly and secrets unfold, Tatum must decide if she’s willing to risk her career and her heart for the bad boy golfer.
Similar Reads
If you enjoyed Fangirl Down, you might also like:
- The Deal by Elle Kennedy – A college hockey romance featuring a grumpy yet charming bad boy.
- Intercepted by Alexa Martin – A sports romance set in the world of professional football, with a strong-willed heroine and a determined athlete.
- The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon – A fun and flirty story involving a personal trainer and a retired football player.
- The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata – A slow-burn romance with a brooding football star and a determined heroine.
About the Author: Tessa Bailey
Tessa Bailey is a New York Times bestselling author known for her humorous and heartfelt contemporary romance novels. Often referred to as the “Michelangelo of Dirty Talk,” her books are characterized by witty banter, steamy romance, and strong, relatable heroines. With titles like It Happened One Summer and Fix Her Up, Bailey has built a loyal readership who love her take on modern love stories with a twist of humor and heat.
Final Thoughts
It’s not that I have anything against hockey or football romances; it’s just that the repetition can get stale. Why not mix things up? Golf, tennis, swimming, rock climbing—there are so many possibilities. Expanding beyond the “standard” sports might bring new layers of intrigue and diversity to the genre, giving readers a chance to explore different settings, character dynamics, and storylines.
What do you think? Would you be interested in seeing more sports represented in romance novels, or do you think there’s a reason why certain sports have remained the go-to backdrop for these stories?
I’d love to hear your opinions!
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