Second Swing

by Nicole Devonne

She walked away from love. Now it’s waiting for her on the green.

Seven years ago, Clinton Morrison left Cypress Lake with a pro golf contract… and a shattered heart. Now he’s back—older, wiser, and ready to launch his youth golf program and finally put down roots. But the woman who left him standing at the gate? She’s still here, and so are the feelings he thought he buried.

Paloma has spent years pouring everything into the cozy bookish bar she co-owns with her best friend, determined to avoid the kind of love that breaks you open. But when she sees Clinton again—salt-and-pepper swagger, soft eyes, and a smile that still undoes her—the carefully built walls she’s spent her whole life building, start to crack.

Thrown together for a charity golf tournament, their chemistry is as electric as ever… and so is the unresolved heartbreak.

Is it too late for a second swing or is forever still in play?

Genres: Second Chance, Romance, Plus Size

373 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2025

Reviews

[Cydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by saying I don’t know anything about many sports, but I especially don’t know anything about golf! Second Swing not only informed me, it made me somewhat interested? Let me find out those people are actually having a jolly good time on the green!

This is a second chance, age gap romance with two main characters who are relentlessly lovable, and impossible not to root for. I read it in pretty much one sitting; it was so cute!

Clint and Paloma both communicated so well once they got past the initial pain of seeing one another again, and gave each other space to emotionally process the things that were going on in a way that was refreshing. Paloma dealt with some childhood abandonment trauma for pretty much the entire book, and I loved how Clint was not only patient with her, he supported her next steps and tried to ease her load where he could.

I did feel like the middle of the book experiences a bit of a lag after they decide to give themselves another shot; sometimes the day-to-day of their interactions helped in the sense that mundane interactions tend to showcase how couples genuinely interact and hurt in the sense that sometimes it made time go by really slowly, something that was already naturally occurring (for me) because there were more than a couple flashbacks.

I absolutely adored the announcers who narrating their love story; it made this story so charming and unique! I have yet to stop craving waffles since I started reading this LOL.

Thank you to Luna Literary Management and Nicole Devonne for sending me an ARC!

4 ⭐️s
3 🌶️

[Felecia Rodney · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review:

“Tomorrow doesn't work for me, Dove. Not with you. Not when forever is on the line.”

Tropes:
Second Chance
Small Town
Emotional Baggage
Forced Proximity
Mature Love Story

The story follows Clinton, a retired pro golfer returning to Cypress Lake to start a youth program, and Paloma, his first love who’s turned her heartbreak into ambition and built a life around her cozy, book-filled bar. Their reunion during a charity golf event brings all the old feelings (and pain) rushing back—and what follows is a journey of rediscovery and healing that will stay with you long after the last page.

Nicole Devonne writes with emotional precision—her dialogue, her pacing, even the quiet moments between the main characters—everything just clicks. This was my first book by her, but it definitely won’t be my last. 💚

If you love second chance romances with depth, heart, and grown-up emotion, Second Swing is for you. Huge thanks to Nicole Devonne and Luna Literary Management for this ARC!

[Stephanie | ReadWithSnicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

a second chance love story that actually made me care about golf?!! I didn’t think it was possible but Nicole Devonne did just that!

Cypress Lake sounds like such a great small town, I’m ready to move there - and the way that our MCs Clinton and Paloma find their way back to each other had me swoony. Lo and Clint's story was so emotional - Clint’s patience and how obsessed he is with Lo, yes pleaseeeeee 🙌🏼 and Lo’s warmth, even as she guarded her heart, really spoke to me. Plus, that sassy friend group really ties it all together 🤭

I also really enjoyed the start of each chapter and “checking in” with Lou and Chuck - I don’t think I’ve ever read anything like that, and it really tied the golf theme together in an entertaining way!

Now, I’m gonna go eat a waffle because this story deserves all the celebrations!

What you will find inside this book:
⛳️ Age Gap
🧇 Second Chance
⛳️ Doesn’t believe in love
🧇 “I can fix her”
⛳️ Plus size FMC
🧇 Interracial/Multicultural (Puerto Rican FMC/Black MMC)
⛳️ He 💦 in his pants while “eating”
🧇 “Golf Daddy”
⛳️ Waffle Obsessed
🧇 Cat Mom
⛳️ He’s down bad/Obsessed
🧇 Strong Female Friendships

Many thanks to the author and Luna Literary for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review ✨

[madmanreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️ | 2 🌶️

⛳️ Age Gap
🧇 Second chance romance
⛳️ Plus size FMC
🧇 Golf romance

I was really excited about the premise of this book with it being a golf romance, second chance romance and the advertised 💦 in the 👖 moment!

I enjoyed the characters, their second chance at love, and the way he loved on her curvy figure!!!

I was left wanting in many aspects. There were some internal issues with the FMC that I wish would’ve been explored more and were just kind of quickly resolved or glossed over. I was also hoping for more golf. This focused more on the couple being in the clubhouse and working together on a charity through golf. I also was hoping for more from the 💦 in the 👖 moment. It felt like that was just thrown in with no real buildup or attention, just more like: hey, this happened.

I also really enjoyed the female friendships and Lo’s place of business - a bar that has romance books and can even match up a book rec based on your cocktail order- can we have one of these in real life please???

Overall I do believe this one is worth checking out if you enjoy second chance romance and an age gap.

Thank you so much to Luna Literary and the author for the opportunity to arc read Second Swing!

[Keya · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC Reader*
Second Swing such an amazing story of a well-deserved second chance romance. This is the first golf romance I have ever read and let me tell you Golf Daddy did not disappoint. This story is also an age gap romance, but with the way the characters were written and the maturity of the FMC you really could not tell the difference in age. Clinton, the MMC is a professional golfer that is going back to his hometown to do great work and while he is there, he ends up reconnecting with Paloma someone from his past. these two end up working on a project together, but also coming together for their second chance. Paloma, the FMC was really stressing me out with her need to run away when things got really heavy. I loved that Paloma had an amazing support system with her mother as well as her group of friends. I definitely learned a lot about golf reading this book and it is a beautiful story and I highly recommend it.

[Danielle Renno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Lo and Clint's story so much. As someone who struggled with parental relationships and generally just not feeling "enough" - Paloma spoke to my heart! Plus - what is not to love about a friend group of sassy females? Everyone needs that in their life!

I also secretly loved that this had a golf aspect to it. You do not see many (or in my case, any) golf stories - let alone romances. And this one has some good green scenes :).

Overall, check this one out if you are in the mood for a 12 year age gap, a story where he is OBSESSED with her, a story where the FMC realizes shes not damaged goods, a friend group that has all the sass, or an MMC going from Golf Daddy to just....Yes, Daddy.

[ReadMoreAdultLess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg Golf daddy may have just raised the bar for MMCs everywhere! This man is the epitome of a green flag and the way he loves Paloma is just a thing of beauty! Now our girl Lo, she’s got some stuff to work through but between the girls and Clint you know she’s going to be okay! This was such a low drama, high swoon, adorable golf romance with a little sprinkle of spice to kick it up a notch! Thank you Luna for the ARC opportunity!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Team Mulligan!
I surely was not expecting a golf romance book to get me all weepy eyed in the late hours of the evening but once again Miss Nicole has proven to hit me in the heart strings.
.
This is the second book in the Cypress Lake series, though it can be left as a stand alone. (Be warned there is a spoiler for book one at the end of this one.) we follow Paloma and Clinton a heartbreaking love story with a smoooth slow burn and anxious filled want. Paloma “Lo” has childhood trauma that stops her from loving but more importantly being loved how she rightfully deserves. Clint is a man with what seems to be unlimited patiences.
.
I loved the story telling in this, we get the “then and now” view points which are very clearly marked aiding the reader in flow. We get both view points from Clint and Lo so you just feel the love and angst from this couple. Their story is very common but can they work through the sand traps and stay on the green to make a successful round of golf… errr life? (p.s. the narrators are so funny! It really added a next level to this one and I loved it!)

[Sherley's Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite tropes is second chance romance, so the moment I found out Nicole Devonne’s second book in her Cypress Lake series was going to be a small town, second chance, age gap romance, I was all in! It was also my first time reading a sports romance featuring golf, and I must admit, I did not know what to expect, but guys I am obsessed! Clinton and Paloma were absolutely adorable together and their love story completely won me over.

Like I said, this is a second chance romance, so Clint and Paloma end up reconnecting after years apart. I really enjoyed watching them rebuild their friendship before letting themselves fall in love again. It is a bit of a slow burn, but since these two had been apart for 7 years, the time they took to work things out made the story feel so real and authentic. But when they finally did get back together, they for sure made up for the lost time (this one was spicy y’all!)

I really liked Clinton. He was a bit older than Paloma, but “Golf Daddy” Clinton was the definition of a swoony MMC. Green flags anyone?! Clinton had them all! Ahh! I could not help but love him.

Now Paloma…she had a lot to work through. After her parents’ relationship fell apart, Paloma swore to never let love hurt her like it did her mother, and her personal life really suffered for it. I wanted to grab and shake her at times and say, “Let that man love you girl.” But I was so happy to see how things played out. She had such a strong support system in her friends and mother, and Paloma ended up having amazing character growth. As for Paloma’s relationship with her dad, it was kind of sad. It really hit close to home and had me a little teary-eyed at times, but I liked the relatability and realistic nature of the storyline.

Overall, this was a great read. I did end up reading it all in one day. Like I said, it is a slow burn and there were points in the story where I think the pacing was a bit off but nothing that really took away from the main story. I love this friend group, and I cannot wait to revisit Cypress Lake in the next book.

🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅴🆇🅿🅴🅲🆃
💚Second Chance
⛳Plus Size FMC
💚Age Gap
⛳Golf Daddy
💚She’s Puerto Rican x He’s Black (Interracial Love)
⛳She’s A Cat Mom
💚He’s Obsessed with Her (He Definitely Fell Hard)

🆀🆄🅾🆃🅴🆂
💚 “Tomorrow isn’t enough for me. Not when she’s asked for tomorrow before and tomorrow never came. No. The only option is forever.”
💚 “Love is messy and terrifying, but it’s also one of the best things in life you can ever experience.”
💚 “Love isn’t about being fearless. It’s about being brave enough to plant your feet and stand in the space of risking your heart. Even when you’re scared.”

[Spinster Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an absolute delight from the first word to the last! It is filled with swoons, giggles, feet kicks, some tears, and so much wit. I love a book that delivers both romantic love and platonic soulmates. Beautiful!

Paloma is a bookish bar owner and cat momma.

Clinton is a pro golfer.

They met when they worked at the same golf course years ago. They got *close* but he had to leave for work and she didn't go with him. Hearts were broken. Now he is back to start a golf academy for youths. Their paths cross. It is awkward. And sweet. And things get interesting (and hot) when they are paired up to help with a golf tournament. Interesting & yummy!

Paloma is stunning. She has a beautiful soul and loves her friends & mom, but she struggles with believing in love, romantic love. She thinks it isn't for her, it's not worth the pain. That's why she stopped contact with Clinton the first time. She goes on quite a journey in this book (pro tip: have tissues nearby) and she asks & sits with some hard questions & truths. I love her.

Clinton is everything you could ever want in a silver fox and more. He knows what he wants and he goes for it, but has learned some things & matured in the last seven years. And he has the ability to reflect & take responsibility for his missteps. He loves big & put loud. And he is patient & supportive. He is just too swoony!

I loved these two as individuals and am obsessed with them together. Their communication was impressive. And their spice was spicy.

This was my first time reading Nicole Devonne and it will not be my last! I am obsessed with the way she writes characters and their depth. It was so, so good! Definitely a fan.

I received this as an ARC and am ridiculously thankful. This had no impact on my review.

[Khadìdja Boulahbal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC.

I wanted to rate it as 2.5/5 stars, but that is not doable here on Goodreads.

To me, it seems like this book had so much potential it did not live up for. Initially, I enjoyed it, but it started to really lose its initial pace midway, which was quite suitable. Description-wise, I believe it lacked certain elements that made me immersed, as I felt connected and disconnected quite often and I read this book in one sitting. Some passages were described beautifully and eloquently, whereas others seemed to leave me derealized as a reader. Disillusioned, even.

The premise of the story was nuanced and promising, but the golf aspect was not really a forefront, which was what initially drew me in. I expected some nuance to that, some conflict regarding that as well, but I was met with none. However, there was a lot of emotional baggage for Paloma, which I felt was underdeveloped and lacked the emotional nuance and depth the first half of the book featured. This, too, made me feel like Clinton and Paloma's love and connection was merely transactional. Physical intimacy became the forefront of the plot and the novel, substituting the intricate character nuances and emotional depths promised to the reader, rendering the plot devoid of substance, in my opinion.

Paloma's crippling fear of marriage, of love, of connection was explored, but not deeply enough. It was what drew me in to her character. She was relatable until that core aspect was no longer at the forefront of the novel. I believe internal conflicts should have been explored thoroughly, as this book is set as a Second Chance trope, but it was executed in such a fast-paced manner that it simply did not hit the mark for me.

[Pitoufa's Bookish Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

📚 ARC review 📚

I had the chance to beta-read Second Swing a while back and had fun reading Clinton and Paloma's story. I used to hate the second-chance trope, but I've somehow grown to enjoy it.

Clinton Morrison was the greenest of green flags ❤️ I loved his character from the very moment I met him. Forgiving someone who broke your heart in the past and wanting to start over with them isn't an easy decision to make, especially while knowing they might not want the same thing; but Clinton was so far gone for the magenta-haired Latina he met 7 years prior, that imagining a life she wasn't part of was simply out of the question. I loved his calm and patience while trying to convince the woman who might crush him again to give it another chance.

Paloma didn't believe in the idea of love for herself. She believed everyone could find a soul mate, except for her. Witnessing her parents' feelings for one another dissipate in one single moment left her scarred, and led her to believe she would be abandoned by her partner, just like her mom had been by her dad 💔 The co-owner of Shaken Tropes believed abandoning her partner before they could do the same to her would spare her the heartache, which in turn cost Clinton his heart.

I believe there would have been a stronger emotional impact had the pacing been slower. The story delved into heavy themes of abandonment, regret, and heartbreak, but they needed a bit more time to develop properly and be conveyed to the reader. I yearned to see the signature tension buildup, the angst and slow burn that second-chance romances are known for, but Paloma didn't grovel the way I think she should have. Clinton forgave her far too easily in my opinion. Nonetheless, I still found the story quite entertaining ❤️

[Keshia Bigler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Second Swing, and this is my honest review, and honestly, I’m in love.

Let me start with Paloma, because wow, I adored her. She’s soft, thoughtful, grounded, a little guarded, and fully living my dream life of running a bookstore bar. I just wanted to hug her and then immediately ask for a job application. She feels real, a woman with history, longing, and a life she’s built with intention.

And then there’s Clinton. This man and his hoochie daddy shorts? Listen. The way Nicole wrote him had me kicking my feet a little. He’s tender, steady, emotionally mature, and genuinely obsessed with Paloma in a way that feels safe and warm, and not performative or “look how good of a guy I am.” He just is good. And the chemistry? It's subtle but powerful, like a secret between the two of them that you desperately want in on.

Nicole does plus-size joy so well. No shrinking plotlines, no “love yourself first” moralizing, none of the tired tropes that flatten plus-size characters. Paloma gets to exist fully in her body — desired, wanted, valued. And Clinton loves her with his whole chest. It feels refreshing and, honestly, healing to read.

The second-chance tension is thoughtful and sweet. The emotional payoff is well worth the wait. The pacing is smooth. And overall, the book just left me feeling soft, warm, and very much in my feelings.

What to Expect:
- Second chance romance
- Small town/returning home
- Bookstore-bar owner (elite, tbh)
- MMC who is absolutely down bad
- Soft, steady, emotionally mature hero - aka healthy masculinity
- Plus-size heroine who gets full-bodied joy and desire
- Quiet intimacy + earned vulnerability

If you want a romance that feels comforting, hopeful, and a little swoony…Second Swing is it.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sucker for a second chance romance so this book was right up my alley and it was just as good as I’d hoped! I love sports romance and know a bit about golf but wasn’t sure if I would like it - but I loved it!

Clinton is a golf pro. He and Paloma worked together at the golf club in Cypress Lake. He left to go on tour and wanted her to go with him but she didn’t. Now he is back after 7 years and he still has feelings for her even after she broke his heart. She told him not to fall in love with her and he did it anyway. Paloma has past trauma from her parents divorce and doesn’t do relationships so she won’t get hurt and doesn’t feel worthy of love. She still has feelings for Clint and feels bad for the way she ended things. Now they are forced to work together to coordinate the golf tournament for his golf academy. This brings them closer and Clint is determined to make her his.

Their chemistry was still there after several years, it was like they picked up where they left off. This story really tugged at my heartstrings. I was rooting for them and for Paloma to speak with her dad get resolve her past trauma to finally be with Clint and when they got together it was the spiciest and swooniest moments! I also really enjoyed the Hispanic representation in this book. I am also Hispanic so I really enjoyed the Spanish language and the cultural foods mentioned in the book

This was my first book by this author and I really liked her writing! I can’t wait to read more from her.

Thank you to Nicole Devonne and Luna Literary Management for the ARC of this book!

Tropes:
Age gap
Second chance romance
Golf romance
Plus size fmc

[Ariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 ★

What to expect:
• Second Chance
• Plus Size Puerto Rican FMC
• Interracial (Black MMC)
• 12 year age gap
• Fear of Love
• Found Family

Nicole’s storytelling is Chef’s Kiss! Second chance romances are one of my favorites, then you add a plus size Puerto Rican FMC who loves waffles, here for it!

Clinton rolls back into town after seven years older, wiser, and still carrying the heartbreak, as is Paloma who has used that heartbreak to motivate herself in being bar co-owner.

This was my first golf romance read and I really enjoyed it! Especially with a Golf Daddy like Clinton, which he definitely earned in having as a nickname.

“You had your girl dinner, now it’s time for me to have mine.”

From the banter, to the tension, and the spice, yessss! Their chemistry is so natural, and the perfect mix of heat and heartbreak.

Then adding in the girl gang, which gives loyalty and humor in how they hype up Lo (Paloma). I fell in love with the girls from book 1!

This is interconnected series, and Book 2 can be read as a standalone (although I HIGHLY recommend reading Book 1, and there is a spoiler at the end this one from Book 1).

Thank you to the author, Nicole Devonne, and Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to read this as an ARC!

[Kali Dempsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐ 3 🌶️

I absolutely adored Paloma and Clint. Second Chance Romances are some of my absolute favorites; throw in some golf, an age gap and a broken girl and I AM ALL IN. I just wanted to hug poor Lo almost every chapter... Her parents unwittingly broke her and it broke me in turn. Clint wanted so badly just to love on her and she ran at so many turns.

The good news is Clint is a freaking golden retriever of a man and was willing to put in the work. My goodness I loved him. He was so perfect for her and I loved them together. The spice was spicy tooooo. I love a man who EATS.

Also, props to Sel who was such a great friend the entire story. I need this bestie's story ASAP Nicole! Well, okay, after Janelle because she set that one up nicely with our girl coming home, likely a touch broken herself, and I can't wait to watch her fall in love. And Brianna was an amazing addition to the series as well. I really hope we are getting Cypress Lake stories for awhile yet.

Thank you so much to Luna Literary for the advanced copy!!

[Oasis Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicole is a new to me author, so I'm, once again starting in the middle of a series. My anxiety hates that, but I loved this book. Now, I come from a sports family, my siblings and I have done everything from football, baseball, and soccer to lacrosse, dancing, MMA and Brazilian jiu jitsu. We were all in competitive marching band. We watch hockey and rugby and cricket and horseback riding and NASCAR. But golf has somehow never been a thing in this household? I didn't think a golf romance would have me hooked but did! There was enough golf to keep it interesting, but not so much that it made things confusing for a newbie like me to read through.

I love a second chance romance, and this one was done right. It felt more grown. And given that the MC's are 28 and 40, it's a breath of fresh air that there isn't a bunch of unnecessary miscommunication between them. Clinton always knew that Paloma was the one for him, and he let her know that from the beginning. He was there to help her work through all her hang-ups around letting herself be loved after childhood parental trauma.

[Han · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so romantic and sweet! I loved both Clinton and Paloma. The writing was so spectacular as every emotion was intensified throughout the book. Clinton and Paloma had a once in a lifetime type of love.

Clinton is such a heartthrob type of man. He wears his heart on his sleeve for Paloma and never gives up fighting for her - even after 8 years. He’s down bad for his woman without apology. You can’t help but love him because he’s so nurturing, sweet, and romantic. The tender and affectionate moments between these two were utter perfection. The makeup wipe scene was one of my favorites.

Paloma is such a sweet woman who fights the idea of love because she’s scared of heartbreak. Clinton changes her whole perspective and loves her fiercely. Her character growth was beautiful as she allows herself to fall madly in love with Clinton and works on forgiveness and loving herself. She loves Clinton just as much as he loves her. The connection between these two was intense and passionate. Their love story never ended nor did it ever fade out.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
2 (maybe 3?) 🌶️

If my stars and spice rating have you scratching your head saying “what?” then yeah… same…

Overall, Second Swing was good. For me it wasn’t a bad book but also wasn’t exciting. I struggled feeling like I was reading much of the same things again and again. And in some instances I was, because I’ve never heard of someone tucking someone’s hair behind their ears as much as Clinton did Paloma.

It was neat to venture into a new sports romance (I love them all but had never read a golf book before!). I was familiar with many terms thanks to my other half but Nicole had an excellent list made up for readers to familiarize themselves with the game!

While I am rather so-so on the story here, I ADORED Clinton and Paloma’s characters. Clinton loved Paloma so tenderly and with so much patience that I made me swoon. Hello proposal speech?! Paloma, I believe, was valid in her hurt feelings regarding her father especially.

Shoutout to Paloma’s girlfriends because they’re top tier!

Thank you Luna Lit for the ARC! All thoughts are my own.

[Megan Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually my first read of Nicole Devonne... AND IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT. Second Swing is such a sweet second chance romance full of golfing, cat mom shenanigans, and ultra spice that is spicing! Here we see Paloma who is scared to fall in love and Clinton who is falling HARD. Nicole does a fantastic job of going back and forth between past and present, allowing readers to see what happened all those years ago between them. For me, the flow between the two timelines flowed super nicely. I loved how Clinton was super insightful and patient with Paloma. Paloma herself is an absolute powerhouse and her silliness is SO RELATABLE. One thing I loved in particular, when it comes to plus size rep, was that she was active (golf and running)! I love that this actively challenges stereotypes fat individuals often face.

Overall, if you are looking for a second chance read with amazing banter, an fmc that is working through her fears, and a “golf daddy” of an mmc with so much patience, love, and compassion… this one is for you!

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore second chance romances so much. Partially because technically my husband and I are exactly that. And of course we love a plus size baddie! Paloma is after my heart because one I love a girl with colorful hair and two, I love waffles as much as she does. I really felt for her though, because of her past with her parents she has a distain for love and committed relationships, but watching her bloom with the right person is a beautiful thing. Bring in Clint, ok Golf Daddy! A man that knows what he wants and absolutely worships the ground you walk on? Yes please 😍😍

I ate this story up! It dealt with some real things while also staying comedic (thanks Lou and Chuck) I didn’t know I would love a sport romance this much let alone a GOLF romance at that. And now I’m excited to go back and read Mixed Connection (because you don’t have to read the series in order) Nicole writes delicious books and I can’t wait to see what’s next!

[Thee Spicy Pisces · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC*

First I’d love to say, I love that she chose golf as the Sport instead of the usual hockey, football, or basketball. ESP with the MMCs age, it was very fitting.

What I enjoyed about this book was the maturity of it all. Like a lot of second chance novels, there is so much immaturity, miscommunication, negative emotions, etc, but I feel like with this book, esp with Clint, everything was handled in a mature, grown and sexy demeanor.

Clint was very understanding that Paloma was young when she left him at the airport and he could have very well returned with a bitter and angry persona, but he didn’t. He returned with love and care and I love that.

Also, kudos for Paloma being a confident bad ass! I love how she handled herself during moments where she was being spoken down to because of her weight!! Not all plus size women are insecure and she showed that!

All in all, this novel was fun, sexy, and refreshing. I truly enjoyed it.

[Tiffani Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is flirty, funny, and fully unhinged in the best way.

Age gap? Check. Second chance? Yep. A MMC who claims he doesn’t believe in love but is down horrendous anyway? Absolutely. Add in a plus-size FMC with confidence, cats, and a love for waffles, and suddenly “Golf Daddy” makes a lot of sense.

The chemistry is instant, the obsession is mutual (even if only one of them admits it), and the representation shines — interracial romance, strong female friendships, and a FMC who is desired exactly as she is.

It’s bold, sexy, and doesn’t take itself too seriously — which makes it ridiculously fun to read.

Inside you’ll find:

age gap + second chance
“I don’t believe in love” MMC
plus-size FMC
Puerto Rican FMC / Black MMC
very obsessed hero
golf daddy energy
waffles, cats, and chaos
strong female friendships

Fun, spicy, and impossible not to smile through — Second Swing knows exactly what it’s doing ⛳️🧇🔥

[Briana Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love romance, this book will leave you swooning. Nicole Devonne writes for all the lovers of love.

I found Paloma incredibly relatable, especially as Clint supported her through all her personal growth. Their journey is a real testament to enduring love. The way Paloma explores the fear and vulnerability of falling in love resonated with me, being someone who experienced this specific kind of fear before getting married, I’ve never felt more seen by a character.

Checking in with Lou and Chuck every chapter added such fun to the story and tied the golf theme together in the most entertaining and fitting way.

And finally, the amount of waffles I ate while reading Secong Swing should be considered criminal, but it made perfect sense to savor them along with Paloma and Clint’s story.

[Pà · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one. Clinton had been such a patient and kind man. And Paloma was ambitious, guarded, but still so full of warmth even when she tried to hide it. Their connection had felt real, mature, and built from years of hurt and love still sitting quietly between them. The small town of Cypress Lake had been written so beautifully I wanted to move there myself. The “then and now” chapters had flowed perfectly, showing how time changed them but didn’t erase their bond. I loved that there wasn’t unnecessary drama. The chemistry had been soft but steady. Nicole’s writing had been poetic without trying too hard. A really good read. Thank you so much to the author and Luna Literary PR for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.

[Just D · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
A Second Chance Done Right
This is exactly how a second-chance romance should feel—grown, genuine, and full of heart. No unnecessary angst, no eye-rolling miscommunication, just two people reconnecting in the most honest, tender way. Clinton and Paloma’s chemistry feels effortless, and their shared history gives every scene a quiet depth. The mystery and intrigue woven through add an unexpected layer, while the friendship and family dynamics give the story its warmth.
I loved how forgiveness and healing sit at the center of it all—it’s the kind of love story that feels earned. The pacing is smooth, the writing flows beautifully, and Lou and Chuck completely stole my heart. A weekend read that makes you say, “just one more chapter” until you’ve reached the end.

I was given a copy of this book by the author, thank you. I am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.

[Selena Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

Admittedly second chance romances can be very hit or miss for me-- and Second Swing hit it out of the park.

Before Clint and Paloma jumped back into things there was reflection and familial trauma that needed to be addressed. That's something that I really appreciated as we were able to really understand why their first chance ended in the manner that it did. It also had the right number of flashbacks showing us their meeting, transitional period into a "relationship", and ending.

With the length of this book there were a few occasions where I found myself skimming through due to pacing. Overall, I was so excited for the two to have their Mulligan (not me remembering terminology!) and enjoyed the journey getting there.

Thanks to the author Nicole and Luna Literary for the ARC and opportunity to share my thoughts!

[Diamond Bayron · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75/5💫
eARC Review

This was a good book wasn’t bad loved the points that were brought up like the effects of divorce parents and watching disfunction from it and how it spills into how you navigate real as an adult. I love a second chance romance and the forgiveness that happens was beautiful here’s my issue I love when authors right a plus size FMC like all woman are beautiful and are need to be represented in books but the description of her body by the MMC gave me the ick!! Like calling her stomach a pooch I don’t know it drove me up a wall, and than mentioning rolls on her I know it wasn’t meant in that way but I feel like there could of been other ways to describe her body and the love he had for her curves.

This story besides that was amazing the girlhood was amazing and I’m truly just a sucker the and age gap second chance love my brain just couldn’t get past the above.

[Cheetara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Paloma as just Cassie's best friend but I love her even more getting her own happily every after. Clinton was created perfectly for her and their "mulligan" was exactly how it was meant to be. I love how your characters love on each other in a relationship. Clint was definitely obsessed with his 🕊️.


I admittedly was a little thrown by the commentators at first but it evolved into me being excited to see what they were going to say next by a quarter into the book. 


Waffles E. Benedict can do no wrong with his French toast and chicken nugget stealing self🤣😹😹


As always I love the way this authors book show how people process different challenges in their lives and how they over come them.


I can't wait to see who's story is up next...like what's happening with Anders ma'am 🧐


Overall rating⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️


I definitely would recommend you give your read a try.

[GetLitWithRae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for second-chance romances, and Nicole Devonne delivers a truly heartwarming one in Second Swing!

Clinton and Paloma’s story had me hooked from the start. Even though Clinton had every reason to walk away, he didn’t give up on her — his patience and consistency made him such an easy hero to root for. (Also, Clinton Morrison, a.k.a. Golf Daddy, was chef’s kiss!) ⛳️💛

I really appreciated that there was no third-act breakup! After seven years apart, the emotional distance had already been enough. Once Paloma made up her mind, she stood firm, and I loved that maturity and growth in both characters.

There were a few pacing hiccups here and there, but nothing that took me out of the story. Overall, this was a sweet, satisfying second-chance romance that left me smiling when I finished.

Thank you, Nicole Devonne and Luna Literary for this ARC. This is my honest review.