What do you think?
Rate this book
Perfect Praise
Maren and Locke both exist in the same world of professional golf—he's the number one player in the world while she just takes his picture.
Never mind that Locke unintentionally leads the press to believe that he and Maren are dating, because when she confronts him, he couldn't care less.
Add in a reality show Maren is unfortunately a part of with her now ex-boyfriend, the number two golfer in the world, and she finds herself propositioning Locke to teach her how to quit caring...about everything.
Of course, Locke would never do something like that out of the goodness of his heart, so he asks for something in return—for her to accompany him to his pro-athlete obligations and to not take his picture. One thing they're definitely not doing? Fake dating.
But when their now 'fake friendship' starts to blur the lines, they both find themselves opening up to each other in ways they never would have imagined.
Never mind that Locke unintentionally leads the press to believe that he and Maren are dating, because when she confronts him, he couldn't care less.
Add in a reality show Maren is unfortunately a part of with her now ex-boyfriend, the number two golfer in the world, and she finds herself propositioning Locke to teach her how to quit caring...about everything.
Of course, Locke would never do something like that out of the goodness of his heart, so he asks for something in return—for her to accompany him to his pro-athlete obligations and to not take his picture. One thing they're definitely not doing? Fake dating.
But when their now 'fake friendship' starts to blur the lines, they both find themselves opening up to each other in ways they never would have imagined.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2024
89 people are currently reading
3030 people want to read
About the author
Grace Pearce
5 books126 followersGrace Pearce writes stories that strive to leave you with a smile. She lives in southern Louisiana, but her husband may one day get his wish to move to a state with less humidity. She is the author of Leigh Makes Three, The Ex List, Perfect Praise, and the forthcoming Guardians & Monsters duology.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
November 26, 2025
I absolutely loved Perfect Praise. From start to finish, the story grabbed me with its perfect mix of emotion, tension, and romance.
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
Let’s talk about Locke. He’s discipline personified—cold, focused, and fiercely private. He keeps everyone at arm’s length and doesn’t share a thing about his personal life. Honestly, he couldn’t care less about what anyone thinks of him. Locke moves through the world with a gruff, no-nonsense attitude, and his indifference to others’ opinions only makes him more unapproachable.
Then there’s Maren, a genuinely warm and cheerful soul who has spent much of her life putting others first and struggling to see her own worth, both personally and professionally. When she agrees to accompany Locke to his events in exchange for his help in learning to let go of her fear of judgment, it marks the beginning of significant personal growth.
While spending more time together, Locke quickly picks up on something Maren hasn’t even admitted to herself… she responds to praise in a way that runs deeper than just desire. When he calls her “good girl,” it sparks a longing in her for the kind of affirmation she’s gone without for most of her life. She’s used to playing small and staying in the background, but with Locke, she feels truly seen. He may be gruff with a filthy mouth, but he’s also unexpectedly attentive. He pushes her—in all the best ways—to explore what she wants, both in and out of the bedroom. And as that tension builds into something more intimate, Locke finds himself falling for her—not just for her body, but for the woman who challenges him, grounds him, and slowly breaks down every wall he’s built.
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
Watching these two grow closer both emotionally and physically felt so real and deeply satisfying. Their chemistry is off the charts, but what really stood out was how their attraction helped them break down walls and heal old wounds. This book isn’t just about passion; it’s about trust, vulnerability, and finding safety in each other. I couldn’t put it down and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a slow-burn, heartfelt romance with plenty of heat.
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
“I wanted peace and quiet. But now, I want you above everything else."
“I wish I could be every single raindrop caressing her skin, carry her laugh around in a jar to hear it whenever I wanted—but maybe that's not obsession, maybe it's just the way I feel. Maybe it's love.”
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
things to know about the book ↓
⛳️ he falls first
📸 golfer x photographer
⛳️ praise kink
📸 grumpy x sunshine
⛳️ dual pov
──────────
・❥・⁀➷ pre-read
A few of my friends read this and have been telling me to read it foreverrrrr. The authors note is insane ngl. I’m so ready 🤞🏼
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
Let’s talk about Locke. He’s discipline personified—cold, focused, and fiercely private. He keeps everyone at arm’s length and doesn’t share a thing about his personal life. Honestly, he couldn’t care less about what anyone thinks of him. Locke moves through the world with a gruff, no-nonsense attitude, and his indifference to others’ opinions only makes him more unapproachable.
Then there’s Maren, a genuinely warm and cheerful soul who has spent much of her life putting others first and struggling to see her own worth, both personally and professionally. When she agrees to accompany Locke to his events in exchange for his help in learning to let go of her fear of judgment, it marks the beginning of significant personal growth.
While spending more time together, Locke quickly picks up on something Maren hasn’t even admitted to herself… she responds to praise in a way that runs deeper than just desire. When he calls her “good girl,” it sparks a longing in her for the kind of affirmation she’s gone without for most of her life. She’s used to playing small and staying in the background, but with Locke, she feels truly seen. He may be gruff with a filthy mouth, but he’s also unexpectedly attentive. He pushes her—in all the best ways—to explore what she wants, both in and out of the bedroom. And as that tension builds into something more intimate, Locke finds himself falling for her—not just for her body, but for the woman who challenges him, grounds him, and slowly breaks down every wall he’s built.
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
Watching these two grow closer both emotionally and physically felt so real and deeply satisfying. Their chemistry is off the charts, but what really stood out was how their attraction helped them break down walls and heal old wounds. This book isn’t just about passion; it’s about trust, vulnerability, and finding safety in each other. I couldn’t put it down and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a slow-burn, heartfelt romance with plenty of heat.
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
“I wanted peace and quiet. But now, I want you above everything else."
“I wish I could be every single raindrop caressing her skin, carry her laugh around in a jar to hear it whenever I wanted—but maybe that's not obsession, maybe it's just the way I feel. Maybe it's love.”
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
things to know about the book ↓
⛳️ he falls first
📸 golfer x photographer
⛳️ praise kink
📸 grumpy x sunshine
⛳️ dual pov
──────────
・❥・⁀➷ pre-read
A few of my friends read this and have been telling me to read it foreverrrrr. The authors note is insane ngl. I’m so ready 🤞🏼
December 5, 2025
I know golf isn’t everyone’s thing. Watching it can be boring, playing it can be boring. But this book was the opposite of boring. It was electric start to finish.
This is the kind of romance that sneaks up on you and becomes an instant Roman Empire type forever favorite. I read so many books, and not all of them stick with me for long after, but this one absolutely will.
Maren and Locke are the perfect grumpy x sunshine pairing. They’re both around 30 (thank you, love me some GROWN characters 🙏). The setup alone hooked me with a pro golfer holding a reputation for being cold and unapproachable + a sweet photographer with a tendency to put everyone before herself. Throw in some fake friendship, a rival’s ex situation, slow burn and forced proximity (OH, the forced proximity 🤤), and I was sold.
This book is a dual POV, and being inside Locke’s head honestly made the entire story. Everyone sees him as this detached 💥hole, but the truth is so much more tragic and just breaks your heart. His slow unraveling and the way he falls first, along with his filthy mouth all rather literally gave me butterflies in a way that few romances do anymore.
Maren was so easy to love. She’s sunshiney without being naive, but her softness leaves her open to hurt (relatable). Her journey to not giving a 💩 was hysterically but heart warming relatable, cause, same. Still in progress though, for me.
The pacing seemed quick but it may have been because I couldn’t put it down. I laughed, I cried, I blushed, and I felt every beat of this relationship.
This is 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 in my opinion. It was intense, emotional, and exactly right for these characters.
Infinity stars. Loved it. Gimme more.
What to expect:
🏌️♂️ Pro golf romance
📸 Photographer FMC
🏌️♂️ MCs over 25
📸 Grumpy x Sunshine
🏌️♂️ Fake friendship
📸 Rival’s ex
🏌️♂️ Tension and banter
📸 Forced proximity
🏌️♂️ He falls first
📸 Possessive MMC
🏌️♂️ Dual POV
This is the kind of romance that sneaks up on you and becomes an instant Roman Empire type forever favorite. I read so many books, and not all of them stick with me for long after, but this one absolutely will.
Maren and Locke are the perfect grumpy x sunshine pairing. They’re both around 30 (thank you, love me some GROWN characters 🙏). The setup alone hooked me with a pro golfer holding a reputation for being cold and unapproachable + a sweet photographer with a tendency to put everyone before herself. Throw in some fake friendship, a rival’s ex situation, slow burn and forced proximity (OH, the forced proximity 🤤), and I was sold.
This book is a dual POV, and being inside Locke’s head honestly made the entire story. Everyone sees him as this detached 💥hole, but the truth is so much more tragic and just breaks your heart. His slow unraveling and the way he falls first, along with his filthy mouth all rather literally gave me butterflies in a way that few romances do anymore.
Maren was so easy to love. She’s sunshiney without being naive, but her softness leaves her open to hurt (relatable). Her journey to not giving a 💩 was hysterically but heart warming relatable, cause, same. Still in progress though, for me.
The pacing seemed quick but it may have been because I couldn’t put it down. I laughed, I cried, I blushed, and I felt every beat of this relationship.
This is 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 in my opinion. It was intense, emotional, and exactly right for these characters.
Infinity stars. Loved it. Gimme more.
What to expect:
🏌️♂️ Pro golf romance
📸 Photographer FMC
🏌️♂️ MCs over 25
📸 Grumpy x Sunshine
🏌️♂️ Fake friendship
📸 Rival’s ex
🏌️♂️ Tension and banter
📸 Forced proximity
🏌️♂️ He falls first
📸 Possessive MMC
🏌️♂️ Dual POV
August 13, 2024
Okay, so this unlocked a new side of spice for me in the best way possible — and I think that’s because the incredible emotional arc and character growth in both MCs elevates the 🌶️ to a whole new level 😍
First of all, the FMC, Maren, is refreshingly unique to a lot of things I’ve been reading lately. She is definitely the sunshine to Locke’s grumpy, but not in a surface-level, annoying way. I felt that her joy and kindness was deep-rooted IN ADDITION to other deeper levels that she tries to hide from the world. And I think a lot of people will find representation in her sweet soul 🥰
Locke…oh, Locke. I’ve never met a man with so many good lines that I didn’t even know what to highlight. Every word that comes out of his mouth is somehow simultaneously so dirty and so respectful???? Like how did Grace make the perfect male specimen? Idk, but I’m here for it.
Minor spoilers past this point:
From a writer’s standpoint, I also really enjoyed the addiction theme/symbolism woven throughout this story. Grace does such a good job highlighting how addiction can alter someone’s life.
I also thought it was insightful to learn more about the praise kink and why certain people like that. It’s often used in romances without any kind of exploration or explanation, so to have Maren and Locke discover that together made all the “good girl” moments just a lot more meaningful.
First of all, the FMC, Maren, is refreshingly unique to a lot of things I’ve been reading lately. She is definitely the sunshine to Locke’s grumpy, but not in a surface-level, annoying way. I felt that her joy and kindness was deep-rooted IN ADDITION to other deeper levels that she tries to hide from the world. And I think a lot of people will find representation in her sweet soul 🥰
Locke…oh, Locke. I’ve never met a man with so many good lines that I didn’t even know what to highlight. Every word that comes out of his mouth is somehow simultaneously so dirty and so respectful???? Like how did Grace make the perfect male specimen? Idk, but I’m here for it.
Minor spoilers past this point:
From a writer’s standpoint, I also really enjoyed the addiction theme/symbolism woven throughout this story. Grace does such a good job highlighting how addiction can alter someone’s life.
I also thought it was insightful to learn more about the praise kink and why certain people like that. It’s often used in romances without any kind of exploration or explanation, so to have Maren and Locke discover that together made all the “good girl” moments just a lot more meaningful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2024
Obsessed doesn’t even begin to cover how I feel about this book. Maren and Locke (pronounced Lock) are SO PERFECT! Both of them have so much personality! I would read about these two characters forever. Maren is so beautiful. She adds so much strength to the book and her character is so well developed. I want to be best friends with her so bad. I feel like I really related to her because she also cares too much of what other people think about her. If you’re one of those people too, pick up this book immediately because you’ll probably relate to Maren. And you’ll love Locke.
Locke. Sweet Locke. He may be one of my favorite characters of all time. He is written in a way that is so incredibly thought out. He is strong and independent, sometimes coming across as if he doesn’t care, but he does. His story and the way that he is comes from a place of strength and I just want to be best friends with him.
The plot is perfectly written and everything is cohesive and makes sense. The side characters are relevant and all of them add to story. (Can we start a “we hate Russ” group chat?)
I just love this book so much and I relate so much that I found myself tearing up.
If you don’t like golf, don’t watch it, don’t understand it, or think it’s boring, this book may change your mind! It’s very easy to follow in terms of golf and the golf aspect felt complete at the end!
Cannot recommend enough!!
Locke. Sweet Locke. He may be one of my favorite characters of all time. He is written in a way that is so incredibly thought out. He is strong and independent, sometimes coming across as if he doesn’t care, but he does. His story and the way that he is comes from a place of strength and I just want to be best friends with him.
The plot is perfectly written and everything is cohesive and makes sense. The side characters are relevant and all of them add to story. (Can we start a “we hate Russ” group chat?)
I just love this book so much and I relate so much that I found myself tearing up.
If you don’t like golf, don’t watch it, don’t understand it, or think it’s boring, this book may change your mind! It’s very easy to follow in terms of golf and the golf aspect felt complete at the end!
Cannot recommend enough!!
September 11, 2024
✨Sports Romance (golf)
✨Fake Dating
✨Enemies to friends to lovers
Overall Rating: 4/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Imagery: 3.5/5
The Plot: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Originality: 4/5
Speed of Development: 4/5
Spice: 4/5
Insecure photographer, finds her confidence with a help of a closed off golfer who hates having his picture taken.
Maren & Locke’s story was such a cute & fun read! The author’s warning made it seem as though the story was going to be all smut and no plot but I don’t think that this was the case at all. We really see both characters grow into themselves by the end of the book.
I really enjoyed seeing Maren find herself and Locke learning to open up and soften his hard shell. Not only was this a cute and quick romantic read, but I love some of the found family aspects that the author incorporated into Locke & Maren’s story. Locke’s family dynamics and relationship not only gave us insights into why his character is the way it is, but it also gave us some of the sweetest and wholesome scenes.
✨Fake Dating
✨Enemies to friends to lovers
Overall Rating: 4/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Imagery: 3.5/5
The Plot: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Originality: 4/5
Speed of Development: 4/5
Spice: 4/5
Insecure photographer, finds her confidence with a help of a closed off golfer who hates having his picture taken.
Maren & Locke’s story was such a cute & fun read! The author’s warning made it seem as though the story was going to be all smut and no plot but I don’t think that this was the case at all. We really see both characters grow into themselves by the end of the book.
I really enjoyed seeing Maren find herself and Locke learning to open up and soften his hard shell. Not only was this a cute and quick romantic read, but I love some of the found family aspects that the author incorporated into Locke & Maren’s story. Locke’s family dynamics and relationship not only gave us insights into why his character is the way it is, but it also gave us some of the sweetest and wholesome scenes.
November 30, 2024
I wanted to like this so much more than I actually did. For some reason it took me a really long time to finish despite it being under 300 pages. The pacing felt weird in a lot of parts where things happened quickly or were glossed over while other things were drawn out. I needed some more dialogue and direct moments read between the characters that were centered around them being physical. Speaking of the physical, it was very spicy. Much more than I anticipated (not complaining). There was one scene that involved a golf club going there (yes it’s where you’re thinking) and I noped out. As someone who has held a golf club plenty, there’s no way that felt good for her.
This is me being picky, but some of the information around the golf technical aspects didn’t make sense. Someone who doesn’t play golf wouldn’t notice but a PGA pro doesn’t change from a pitching wedge to a seven iron full swing for a 100 yard shot then later hit his seven iron 200 yards. Again, me being picky but there were other moments as well.
I want the golf romances to do well! This one didn’t work for me though.
⛳️ golf
🤭 strangers to friends to lovers
👥 close proximity
👏🏻 no third act breakup
dual POV
3.5/5 stars ⭐️
3/5 spice level 🌶️
This is me being picky, but some of the information around the golf technical aspects didn’t make sense. Someone who doesn’t play golf wouldn’t notice but a PGA pro doesn’t change from a pitching wedge to a seven iron full swing for a 100 yard shot then later hit his seven iron 200 yards. Again, me being picky but there were other moments as well.
I want the golf romances to do well! This one didn’t work for me though.
⛳️ golf
🤭 strangers to friends to lovers
👥 close proximity
👏🏻 no third act breakup
dual POV
3.5/5 stars ⭐️
3/5 spice level 🌶️
August 18, 2024
1.5⭐️
Perfect Praise gives a fresh spin on romance with its golf-centric setting, and Locke’s character definitely brought some depth. I was intrigued by his growth, and it was cool to see a sport like golf get some love in a romance novel.
That said, the pacing felt off for me. Maren and Locke’s relationship jumped into the physical way too fast without the emotional buildup I crave. Maren started off strong, but her people-pleasing tendencies and lack of resolution with her character arc left me frustrated. While there were parts I enjoyed, especially Locke’s development, the story overall just didn’t hit the mark for me.
Perfect Praise gives a fresh spin on romance with its golf-centric setting, and Locke’s character definitely brought some depth. I was intrigued by his growth, and it was cool to see a sport like golf get some love in a romance novel.
That said, the pacing felt off for me. Maren and Locke’s relationship jumped into the physical way too fast without the emotional buildup I crave. Maren started off strong, but her people-pleasing tendencies and lack of resolution with her character arc left me frustrated. While there were parts I enjoyed, especially Locke’s development, the story overall just didn’t hit the mark for me.
November 3, 2024
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for choosing me.
First and foremost, a HUGE thanks to Grace Pearce for writing this love letter.
Second, where can we all find a man like Locke?
Third, Maren, you are amazing.
I loved the dirty, filthy parts but also swooned for the sweet parts, too.
I connected so much with Maren. I've been where she is, feeling low and unseen, and it was a breath of fresh air to be able to watch her realize her worth thanks to Locke.
I absolutely loved the vulnerability they shared in their intimate moments. The spice was definitely spicy. I loved the back and forth between them and absolutely fell head over heels for both characters. Between the banter, the vulnerability, and the worshipping, I was a goner. 😊❤️
If you come across this book, do yourself a favor and read it, your future self will thank you a million times over.
First and foremost, a HUGE thanks to Grace Pearce for writing this love letter.
Second, where can we all find a man like Locke?
Third, Maren, you are amazing.
I loved the dirty, filthy parts but also swooned for the sweet parts, too.
I connected so much with Maren. I've been where she is, feeling low and unseen, and it was a breath of fresh air to be able to watch her realize her worth thanks to Locke.
I absolutely loved the vulnerability they shared in their intimate moments. The spice was definitely spicy. I loved the back and forth between them and absolutely fell head over heels for both characters. Between the banter, the vulnerability, and the worshipping, I was a goner. 😊❤️
If you come across this book, do yourself a favor and read it, your future self will thank you a million times over.
August 21, 2024
I'm gonna be 100% real. I judged this book so hard at the beginning. I thought the MMC was a complete asshole and literally rolled my eyes at the FMC while I said, "Grow a freakin' backbone!"
But considering I've read this author before and really liked that book, I kept reading. And I'm SO GLAD I DID BECAUSE OMG. For one, the spice had me in such a chokehold! I was NOT expecting that, and it was such a pleasant surprise. More importantly, I ended up loving our MCs, getting to know more about them, learning why they were the way they were, and how they both helped each other grow. 🩷
I loved getting to see Locke's layers slowly shed (for Maren only, of course) and Maren gaining her confidence and mastering the art of not giving a shit. It honestly put things into perspective for myself as well. Oh! I also can't forget that I got so giddy when a couple from a previous book I read made a surprise appearance! 🥰
If you're looking for a smutty, golf romance (this was my first!), definitely check this one out. It's so good!
Read if you love:
⛳️ Golf romance
📸 Fake dating twist
⛳️ Grumpy/sunshine
📸 Open door spice
⛳️ He falls first
Thank you, @gracepearcewrites, for this arc! I know you said you may not write a book like this ever again but I truly hope you do because I enjoyed it so so much. 🩷
But considering I've read this author before and really liked that book, I kept reading. And I'm SO GLAD I DID BECAUSE OMG. For one, the spice had me in such a chokehold! I was NOT expecting that, and it was such a pleasant surprise. More importantly, I ended up loving our MCs, getting to know more about them, learning why they were the way they were, and how they both helped each other grow. 🩷
I loved getting to see Locke's layers slowly shed (for Maren only, of course) and Maren gaining her confidence and mastering the art of not giving a shit. It honestly put things into perspective for myself as well. Oh! I also can't forget that I got so giddy when a couple from a previous book I read made a surprise appearance! 🥰
If you're looking for a smutty, golf romance (this was my first!), definitely check this one out. It's so good!
Read if you love:
⛳️ Golf romance
📸 Fake dating twist
⛳️ Grumpy/sunshine
📸 Open door spice
⛳️ He falls first
Thank you, @gracepearcewrites, for this arc! I know you said you may not write a book like this ever again but I truly hope you do because I enjoyed it so so much. 🩷
September 30, 2024
ARC review
OMG, this was fantastic. The way I just adored this book.
Maren was a people pleaser and she wanted to break from that. Enter Locke, who was the exact opposite. She was so sweet and strong, she put her ex boyfriend in his place and that felt so good. She deserved so much more and Locke was ready to give her his all.
Locke was so gruff but beneath all that, he was vulnerable and just wanted someone to love him for himself. The way he just worshiped Maren was everything. He was commited even when be couldn't admit it and it was so cute to watch him trying to understand what he felt.
I loved them together and they complemented each other beautifully
OMG, this was fantastic. The way I just adored this book.
Maren was a people pleaser and she wanted to break from that. Enter Locke, who was the exact opposite. She was so sweet and strong, she put her ex boyfriend in his place and that felt so good. She deserved so much more and Locke was ready to give her his all.
Locke was so gruff but beneath all that, he was vulnerable and just wanted someone to love him for himself. The way he just worshiped Maren was everything. He was commited even when be couldn't admit it and it was so cute to watch him trying to understand what he felt.
I loved them together and they complemented each other beautifully
September 16, 2024
This is the first book I have read by Grace and it was great! Tropes you will see:
+ sports romance
+ fake dating
+ enemies to lovers - well enemies to friends to lovers :)
Maren and Locke. I loveeee. I felt this was unique in a sense, as I have not come across any many golf romance books personally so this was a breath of fresh air! I loved the plot, the spice, and some of the deeper meanings and lessons throughout. This was a great book and I am happy to have had the chance to read it a little early! Thank you Grace for the opportunity!
+ sports romance
+ fake dating
+ enemies to lovers - well enemies to friends to lovers :)
Maren and Locke. I loveeee. I felt this was unique in a sense, as I have not come across any many golf romance books personally so this was a breath of fresh air! I loved the plot, the spice, and some of the deeper meanings and lessons throughout. This was a great book and I am happy to have had the chance to read it a little early! Thank you Grace for the opportunity!
August 15, 2024
The way I DEVOURED this book. The spice? Incredible. But the lessons? Life altering. Probably my favorite book by Grace yet!
September 17, 2024
⛳️perfect praise ⛳️
I was waiting for release day to post my review but I’m eager and excited to share it with you RIGHT NOW 🙈.
I DEVOURED IT!!! 👀📖✨🤩
I’m not kidding about thissss! I love it to pieces 🤩. Maren and Locke relationship was everything.
He helped her to grow her confidence - to help her see how much she’s valued. Like know your worth and tax it 💕.
And Maren was the sweetest person. She was a people pleaser and wanted to change that part of her after her ex cheated on her and her mum pressure with everything so she asks Locke to teach her the art of not giving a sh!t.
Both characters had an impressive development but in my opinion Locke was the one who improved the most. He started showing his vulnerability and learned to share his feelings with his loved ones.
I can’t recommend this enough for all of youuuuu. This is a perfect rom-com like it’s been a while since I enjoyed this kind of trope. Perfect Praise has the perfect combination between a romance comedy + and little of drama because it deals with sensitive topics.
And the spice was top ❤️🔥.
I’d love to thank Grace for the opportunity to arc it
I was waiting for release day to post my review but I’m eager and excited to share it with you RIGHT NOW 🙈.
I DEVOURED IT!!! 👀📖✨🤩
I’m not kidding about thissss! I love it to pieces 🤩. Maren and Locke relationship was everything.
He helped her to grow her confidence - to help her see how much she’s valued. Like know your worth and tax it 💕.
And Maren was the sweetest person. She was a people pleaser and wanted to change that part of her after her ex cheated on her and her mum pressure with everything so she asks Locke to teach her the art of not giving a sh!t.
Both characters had an impressive development but in my opinion Locke was the one who improved the most. He started showing his vulnerability and learned to share his feelings with his loved ones.
I can’t recommend this enough for all of youuuuu. This is a perfect rom-com like it’s been a while since I enjoyed this kind of trope. Perfect Praise has the perfect combination between a romance comedy + and little of drama because it deals with sensitive topics.
And the spice was top ❤️🔥.
I’d love to thank Grace for the opportunity to arc it
October 1, 2024
After this book, we definitely need more ⛳ GOLF romance books! I can’t even express how much I enjoyed this one.
I knew it was going to be spicy 🌶️—and it was—but there was also so much plot! Locke and Maren were so much fun. Their banter, heat, and chemistry had me swooning. Locke was completely obsessed, and I loved how he truly saw Maren for who she was, helping her see herself in the process.
What started as a “sorta” fake relationship between two people who “kinda” didn’t like each other quickly became something much more.
I knew it was going to be spicy 🌶️—and it was—but there was also so much plot! Locke and Maren were so much fun. Their banter, heat, and chemistry had me swooning. Locke was completely obsessed, and I loved how he truly saw Maren for who she was, helping her see herself in the process.
What started as a “sorta” fake relationship between two people who “kinda” didn’t like each other quickly became something much more.
May 24, 2025
cute but already forgotten. and i don‘t get golf 🏌️
September 30, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
"You are all-consuming. You consume my thoughts, and I would watch my life go up in flames just to have the smallest piece of you."
I’m not a golf girly but I loved this sports romance. I don’t know what Grace put in this one but I devoured it. Locke is a professional golfer and Maren is the sports photographer. A situation leads to them to living as neighbors and the TENSION had me giddy.
✨ Maren is a sunshine girl trying to figure out what she wants out of her life as she’s getting closer to 30. I found her to be so relatable with this. From her past experiences, it’s hard for her to feel as though she’s enough. When she starts working with Locke, he praises her and makes her feel like she’s enough. She can’t help but to start falling for him.
✨ Locke is a grumpy professional golfer. He’s secretive and cold to everyone but his close family. Because of his past, he doesn’t think he’s relationship material or deserving of one. But when he meets Maren, he is down immediately. He can picture having everything with her.
✨ Locke and Maren are perfect for each other. Their banter had me laughing out loud. Locke helps Maren figure out what she truly wants. He stands up for her whenever she can’t herself. Also, he praises her every chance he got to show her that she’s worth everything. I loved that Maren helps show Locke that he could have everything and is deserving. The spice in this one is definitely high to where I was blushing.
Perfect Praise has:
⛳️ Golf romance
🌥️ Grumpy/sunshine
📸 Photographer
💚 Fake dating
🏘️ Forced proximity
✨ Boy obsessed
🩵 Banter & spice
Ps, it releases today!!
Thank you @gracepearcewrites for this ARC! 🫶🏼
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
"You are all-consuming. You consume my thoughts, and I would watch my life go up in flames just to have the smallest piece of you."
I’m not a golf girly but I loved this sports romance. I don’t know what Grace put in this one but I devoured it. Locke is a professional golfer and Maren is the sports photographer. A situation leads to them to living as neighbors and the TENSION had me giddy.
✨ Maren is a sunshine girl trying to figure out what she wants out of her life as she’s getting closer to 30. I found her to be so relatable with this. From her past experiences, it’s hard for her to feel as though she’s enough. When she starts working with Locke, he praises her and makes her feel like she’s enough. She can’t help but to start falling for him.
✨ Locke is a grumpy professional golfer. He’s secretive and cold to everyone but his close family. Because of his past, he doesn’t think he’s relationship material or deserving of one. But when he meets Maren, he is down immediately. He can picture having everything with her.
✨ Locke and Maren are perfect for each other. Their banter had me laughing out loud. Locke helps Maren figure out what she truly wants. He stands up for her whenever she can’t herself. Also, he praises her every chance he got to show her that she’s worth everything. I loved that Maren helps show Locke that he could have everything and is deserving. The spice in this one is definitely high to where I was blushing.
Perfect Praise has:
⛳️ Golf romance
🌥️ Grumpy/sunshine
📸 Photographer
💚 Fake dating
🏘️ Forced proximity
✨ Boy obsessed
🩵 Banter & spice
Ps, it releases today!!
Thank you @gracepearcewrites for this ARC! 🫶🏼
August 22, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.8
The common sports romance books out there are hockey, then soccer/football. This book change the sports romance and throw golf into the mix.
Immediately this book got me cracking up! I got so invested and not far too long into the book, “Good girl,” was my downfall. I started to devoured and inhaled this book and got me all on chokehold! Funny thing the title started to make sense, and took me 8 chapters for it.
This was all hearts and flowers, but at the same time dirty. Definitely the spice was top-notched! The story did not even let me catch a break, if life was not in the way I would have finished this in 2 and half days. I would invest all my time in the world just to finish this right away because I could not put it down!
Anyway, it was almost perfection and could have been a five stars. The only thing that was little off was how Maren was associated with the “PGA.” The connections were not as clear. Especially with Russ and Locke, like was she the official photographer of Russ then transferred to Locke? Or just official photographer of “PGA” in general? I got throw off a little bit. Nevertheless, this book deserves all the hype in the world.
The common sports romance books out there are hockey, then soccer/football. This book change the sports romance and throw golf into the mix.
Immediately this book got me cracking up! I got so invested and not far too long into the book, “Good girl,” was my downfall. I started to devoured and inhaled this book and got me all on chokehold! Funny thing the title started to make sense, and took me 8 chapters for it.
This was all hearts and flowers, but at the same time dirty. Definitely the spice was top-notched! The story did not even let me catch a break, if life was not in the way I would have finished this in 2 and half days. I would invest all my time in the world just to finish this right away because I could not put it down!
Anyway, it was almost perfection and could have been a five stars. The only thing that was little off was how Maren was associated with the “PGA.” The connections were not as clear. Especially with Russ and Locke, like was she the official photographer of Russ then transferred to Locke? Or just official photographer of “PGA” in general? I got throw off a little bit. Nevertheless, this book deserves all the hype in the world.
September 18, 2024
Read if you like
- Sports romance (golf)
- Grumpy/sunshine
- He plays golf/she takes photos of him
- Fake dating
- He's obsessed
- No third-act breakup
- On-page text messages
- She lives in his guest house
- He tells her secrets
"You are all-consuming. You consume my thoughts, and I would watch my life go up in flames just to have the smallest piece of you."
"My smiles are yours," he whispers into my ear
Perfect Praise is swoony, sexy, and worth the read! Grace has put me in my golf-romance era and I do not ever want to leave. Locke and Maren make such a cutie couple, and I loved seeing their personalities grow brighter the more time they spend with each other. I loved watching Maren's confidence grow and Locke learn how to let people in. The scene where she played golf and he took photos of her...so so cute. I also really enjoyed spending time with Locke's family, as well as seeing Maren taking pictures of them and building her website with their photos.
Thank you Grace for the early review copy! This was such a wonderful read
- Sports romance (golf)
- Grumpy/sunshine
- He plays golf/she takes photos of him
- Fake dating
- He's obsessed
- No third-act breakup
- On-page text messages
- She lives in his guest house
- He tells her secrets
"You are all-consuming. You consume my thoughts, and I would watch my life go up in flames just to have the smallest piece of you."
"My smiles are yours," he whispers into my ear
Perfect Praise is swoony, sexy, and worth the read! Grace has put me in my golf-romance era and I do not ever want to leave. Locke and Maren make such a cutie couple, and I loved seeing their personalities grow brighter the more time they spend with each other. I loved watching Maren's confidence grow and Locke learn how to let people in. The scene where she played golf and he took photos of her...so so cute. I also really enjoyed spending time with Locke's family, as well as seeing Maren taking pictures of them and building her website with their photos.
Thank you Grace for the early review copy! This was such a wonderful read
January 28, 2025
***************CAUTION: My book shelves include potential spoilers.****************
It was a tiny bit of a slow start, so my rating is actually around 4.5*, but I'm rounding up because I still really enjoyed it.
I'm a long time fiend for bedroom praise, but it's lost some of it's appeal because it seems like some authors have thrown it into a scene just to tick off that trope. I really like how it was done here though, watching Maren discover that she had a praise kink really did it for me. I appreciated that she wasn't shy about exploring her kink, and I especially enjoyed her emotional growth when it came to realizing how that need for praise impacted her life outside of the bedroom. Readers who can't stand doormat heroines may want to avoid this one, but I was kicking my feet in the air as she slowly shed that habit.
Locke was a jerk in the beginning, but I fell in love with him as he built her up and supported her in every way. I was smiling ear to ear by the end of this, this sweet and spicy book gave me more feels than I expected.
It was a tiny bit of a slow start, so my rating is actually around 4.5*, but I'm rounding up because I still really enjoyed it.
I'm a long time fiend for bedroom praise, but it's lost some of it's appeal because it seems like some authors have thrown it into a scene just to tick off that trope. I really like how it was done here though, watching Maren discover that she had a praise kink really did it for me. I appreciated that she wasn't shy about exploring her kink, and I especially enjoyed her emotional growth when it came to realizing how that need for praise impacted her life outside of the bedroom. Readers who can't stand doormat heroines may want to avoid this one, but I was kicking my feet in the air as she slowly shed that habit.
Locke was a jerk in the beginning, but I fell in love with him as he built her up and supported her in every way. I was smiling ear to ear by the end of this, this sweet and spicy book gave me more feels than I expected.
December 31, 2024
I devoured this book. I read it in 2 days, I literally couldn’t put it down. Did I ever think I would enjoy reading a golf romance? No. Did I enjoy reading a gold romance? Yes.
Maren and Locke are swoon worthy. Fake dating, Enemies to friends to lovers. Forced proximity. Grumpy Sunshine. Tons of spice!
Maren is bubbly, outgoing, and she has a hard time letting go what other people think about her.
Locke is quiet/closed off, secretly sweet, and doesn’t let what other people think about him bother him.
Maren and Locke balance each other out perfectly. With Locke being a professional golfer and Maren a photographer. I loved how both of their stores developed and what they had to go through in their pasts. The ending tied everything together, nothing was left unanswered. I highly recommend giving this a read if you love spicy romances!
I received a free e-book copy of this novel through a good reads giveaway.
Maren and Locke are swoon worthy. Fake dating, Enemies to friends to lovers. Forced proximity. Grumpy Sunshine. Tons of spice!
Maren is bubbly, outgoing, and she has a hard time letting go what other people think about her.
Locke is quiet/closed off, secretly sweet, and doesn’t let what other people think about him bother him.
Maren and Locke balance each other out perfectly. With Locke being a professional golfer and Maren a photographer. I loved how both of their stores developed and what they had to go through in their pasts. The ending tied everything together, nothing was left unanswered. I highly recommend giving this a read if you love spicy romances!
I received a free e-book copy of this novel through a good reads giveaway.
August 19, 2024
ARC Review
Locke and Maren run in the same circles but couldn’t be more different. He’s a broody and mysterious golfer (who happens to be the best player in the world) and also couldn’t care less about anything. She’s the bubbly people pleaser who photographs him, but wishes she didn’t. After things go a little awry with a reality tv show staring Maren and her (now ex) boyfriend, aka the second best golfer in the world, Maren finds herself wishing she didn’t care about anything too. So when Locke unintentionally leads the press to believe they’re dating, Maren takes her shot and asks for his help. In return, he asks her to accompany him to a couple press related events, but they’re not dating, fake or otherwise. Soon the lines start to blur, and fake friendships become real… along with some other feelings. 💕 I loved Maren and Locke’s story and I hope you all do too!!
Locke and Maren run in the same circles but couldn’t be more different. He’s a broody and mysterious golfer (who happens to be the best player in the world) and also couldn’t care less about anything. She’s the bubbly people pleaser who photographs him, but wishes she didn’t. After things go a little awry with a reality tv show staring Maren and her (now ex) boyfriend, aka the second best golfer in the world, Maren finds herself wishing she didn’t care about anything too. So when Locke unintentionally leads the press to believe they’re dating, Maren takes her shot and asks for his help. In return, he asks her to accompany him to a couple press related events, but they’re not dating, fake or otherwise. Soon the lines start to blur, and fake friendships become real… along with some other feelings. 💕 I loved Maren and Locke’s story and I hope you all do too!!
May 2, 2025
4.5/5
Whew! Grace Pearce really delivered with these spicy sports romance. The characters were fun, real, and I loved the interactions between them.
It really fun watching standoffish and grumpy Locke meet his match in Maren, who is the sunshine in the story. I think they did an amazing job of learning from
Each other. Maren, with her newfound confidence and Locke in his ability to open up to people.
The rom com centers on their faux but not really faux friendship that morphs quickly into onpage chemistry. It was fine watching this two banter with each other at every turn.
And the chemistry. Whew. Grace didn’t hold back and whew. Locke has one hell of a mouth on him.
This is the perfect rom com to enjoy when you just need a really good story with some fun spicy moments.
Whew! Grace Pearce really delivered with these spicy sports romance. The characters were fun, real, and I loved the interactions between them.
It really fun watching standoffish and grumpy Locke meet his match in Maren, who is the sunshine in the story. I think they did an amazing job of learning from
Each other. Maren, with her newfound confidence and Locke in his ability to open up to people.
The rom com centers on their faux but not really faux friendship that morphs quickly into onpage chemistry. It was fine watching this two banter with each other at every turn.
And the chemistry. Whew. Grace didn’t hold back and whew. Locke has one hell of a mouth on him.
This is the perfect rom com to enjoy when you just need a really good story with some fun spicy moments.
July 11, 2025
Forget top book of the year, this book just became top book of my life. I recently bought this book at a book signing event with little to no research going into it besides the thought of “finally something other than hockey.” And all I can say wow this is not just some little simple romance book that lacks plot and is all fluff, but hands down the best romance book I’ve read. Relatable characters, deeply personal struggles that are rarely written about if at all, and a captivating plot beginning to end! If I could beg and plead with the author to make this a series I would in a heartbeat! If this book has 1000 fans I’m one of them, if this book has 1 fan it’s me, if this book has zero fans that means I’m dead. I love love love loveeee this book!!! Did I mention how great this book is?
March 5, 2025
I give it a whopping… 3. I don’t know what to say guys, I was addicted to it while I read it. But then again why is everything rushed? Also this one had WAY more talk of golf and golf terminology and honestly I didn’t care for it. Lets not even forget the fact that there were so many health code issues going on with a certain golf club. And idk why but the “plot” still “plotting” with like 20 pages left made me really anxious. Like I thought something bad was going to happen. Also this book was again trying to convince me that golfers have Huge Biceps and Washboard abs, and again to that I say Ive seen those freaks irl and they’re not build for that.
June 11, 2025
4.5
I love a sports romance, and this one was so much fun! I love that gold was the focus, as you don't see too many books with this sport at the forefront. Locke was broody and closed off at first, but he really opened up to Maren. Speaking of Maren, I loved her! I thought her job as a sports photographer was incredibly interesting, and as a photographer myself, I could relate to her. I enjoyed the alternating POVs and how these two developed both individually and together. The spice was fantastic! There was one slightly cringey scene that just didn't feel realistic, but overall, I was a fan. I'd love to read more from Grace!
I love a sports romance, and this one was so much fun! I love that gold was the focus, as you don't see too many books with this sport at the forefront. Locke was broody and closed off at first, but he really opened up to Maren. Speaking of Maren, I loved her! I thought her job as a sports photographer was incredibly interesting, and as a photographer myself, I could relate to her. I enjoyed the alternating POVs and how these two developed both individually and together. The spice was fantastic! There was one slightly cringey scene that just didn't feel realistic, but overall, I was a fan. I'd love to read more from Grace!
August 22, 2024
More 4 1/2 🌟 Perfect Praise had be invested from the dedication and honesty I couldn’t put it down. This is a little different from Grace’s other books and there are a few trigger warnings which are notified at the beginning of the book. Maren and Locke are truly perfect for each other and I adored the way they both supported each other. If you adore a steamy golf romance where he falls first, grumpy sunshine then you will adore this one. I love everything Grace writes and this one didn’t disappoint.
August 25, 2024
Bee: There was never a moment in this book where I wasn’t FEELING something. Happiness, sadness for the characters, hope, anger. I loved this. Is Golf Romance the new hole in one for me? Because picturing a grumpy silent “a$$hole” pro golfer sounds who finds you “all consuming”.... so hot lol. What I loved the most though was that how there for each other Locke and Maren were regardless of their ~wobbly~ fake friend rules lol. The Dual POV really did me in though in showing what both Locke and Maren were feeling when they were too scared to verbalize it. LOVE!
Nik: I’ve been having withdrawals of Grace’s writing and I immediately remembered why I love it so much. She writes the best obsessed MMC and relatable FMCs. Locke was the best grumpy but sweetest guy with the funniest no f*cks given attitude. I love how Locke and Maren balanced each other out and brought out the best. The spice was spicing and I was not mad at all. I think this is my favorite of her books yet and I don’t even like golf! It was so well written and I enjoyed the storyline so much.
Nik: I’ve been having withdrawals of Grace’s writing and I immediately remembered why I love it so much. She writes the best obsessed MMC and relatable FMCs. Locke was the best grumpy but sweetest guy with the funniest no f*cks given attitude. I love how Locke and Maren balanced each other out and brought out the best. The spice was spicing and I was not mad at all. I think this is my favorite of her books yet and I don’t even like golf! It was so well written and I enjoyed the storyline so much.
August 25, 2024
ARC review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
⛳️dual POV
⛳️grumpy x sunshine
⛳️no third act breakup
⛳️golfer and photographer
⛳️fake dating
Perfect praise for a perfect book! Y'all can stay in your hockey era, I'll be in my golf one! 🏌♂️
The book was a little fast paced, but I actually really appreciated that. Both MCs had issues in their childhood that gave us a good understanding and background of them. The spice and banter was SO GOOD.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
⛳️dual POV
⛳️grumpy x sunshine
⛳️no third act breakup
⛳️golfer and photographer
⛳️fake dating
Perfect praise for a perfect book! Y'all can stay in your hockey era, I'll be in my golf one! 🏌♂️
The book was a little fast paced, but I actually really appreciated that. Both MCs had issues in their childhood that gave us a good understanding and background of them. The spice and banter was SO GOOD.
September 28, 2024
Perfect Praise is my first read by Grace Pearce, and I enjoyed it! This is also my first golf romance, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was a pleasant surprise. The chemistry between Maren, a photographer, and Locke, the top golfer, is a joy to read as they navigate their complex and unexpected relationship.
The plot balances tension and romance, mainly through the unique premise of Locke coaching Maren in more ways than one. Maren's sunshine and golden personality starkly contrast to Locke's grumpiness, making their banter witty and fun. The emotional depth deepens as struggles with addiction are raised to the surface, but the author does a beautiful job with this subject.
As for the spice - it is definitely present. Praise kink has always been a favorite trope of mine, and this one is so good. Yes, we get the 'good girl,' but this one feels rawer. The evolving dynamics and the gradual blurring of lines between their 'fake friendship' and genuine connection will have you hooked. Overall, it is a well-crafted story that will leave you wanting more.
The plot balances tension and romance, mainly through the unique premise of Locke coaching Maren in more ways than one. Maren's sunshine and golden personality starkly contrast to Locke's grumpiness, making their banter witty and fun. The emotional depth deepens as struggles with addiction are raised to the surface, but the author does a beautiful job with this subject.
As for the spice - it is definitely present. Praise kink has always been a favorite trope of mine, and this one is so good. Yes, we get the 'good girl,' but this one feels rawer. The evolving dynamics and the gradual blurring of lines between their 'fake friendship' and genuine connection will have you hooked. Overall, it is a well-crafted story that will leave you wanting more.
September 25, 2024
I absolutely love sport romances, not a fan of Golf but it blew me away! In the beginning I didn’t like the MMC but he slowly group on me. The FC was the sweetest person ever! & the spice was crazy!!🌶️❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews