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Next Best Swing
GOLF JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT HOTTER….
NOT SO LONG AGO, BROOKES DEVEREAUX WAS THE WORLD NUMBER ONE GOLFER. NOW, FRESH OUT OF REHAB, HIS COMEBACK IS NOT GOING QUITE ACCORDING TO PLAN, AND HE’S SERIOUSLY STARTING TO WORRY THAT THE OLD BROOKES IS GONE FOR GOOD, AND WHAT’S LEFT IS NOTHING MORE THAN A 32-YEAR-OLD WASHED-UP HAS-BEEN.
WHEN FACED WITH THE REAL THREAT OF LOSING HIS TOUR CARD, BROOKES AND HIS MANAGEMENT TEAM ARE LEFT SCRAMBLING. BUT, WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM HIS MEDDLING, 80-YEAR-OLD BEST FRIEND, BROOKES DECIDES THAT POPPY CRAWFORD, THE CURVY CART GIRL WITH ENDLESS SUNSHINE AND SPUNK, MIGHT BE JUST WHAT HE NEEDS TO HELP HIM IMPROVE HIS IMAGE.
BROOKES AND POPPY COME TO AN ARRANGEMENT; SHE AGREES TO BE HIS FAKE GIRLFRIEND FOR THE SUMMER, AND HE’LL PAY HER ENOUGH MONEY THAT SHE’LL FINALLY BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF HER EX-BOYFRIEND'S APARTMENT. IT’S THE PERFECT DEAL; BROOKES ISN’T AT ALL INTERESTED IN HER OR A RELATIONSHIP, AND POPPY NEEDS MONEY TO TURN HER SMALL BUSINESS INTO HER DREAM CAREER.
BUT WHEN POPPY HELPS BROOKES FIND HIMSELF AGAIN, AND BROOKES HELPS POPPY FIGHT THE DEMONS FROM HER PAST THAT SHE’S KEPT HIDDEN FROM EVERYONE, THE TWO GROW CLOSER. AND WHEN THE LINES BETWEEN REAL AND FAKE, AND RIGHT AND WRONG BEGIN TO BLUR, BROOKES FINDS HIMSELF WONDERING IF WHAT HE DIDN’T WANT, MIGHT BE EXACTLY WHAT HE NEEDS.
BROOKES IS HOPING TO FIND HIMSELF AGAIN, AND RECLAIM HIS PLACE AT THE TOP; WHAT HE WASN’T PREPARED FOR WAS FINDING MORE THAN HIS NEXT BEST SWING…
NOT SO LONG AGO, BROOKES DEVEREAUX WAS THE WORLD NUMBER ONE GOLFER. NOW, FRESH OUT OF REHAB, HIS COMEBACK IS NOT GOING QUITE ACCORDING TO PLAN, AND HE’S SERIOUSLY STARTING TO WORRY THAT THE OLD BROOKES IS GONE FOR GOOD, AND WHAT’S LEFT IS NOTHING MORE THAN A 32-YEAR-OLD WASHED-UP HAS-BEEN.
WHEN FACED WITH THE REAL THREAT OF LOSING HIS TOUR CARD, BROOKES AND HIS MANAGEMENT TEAM ARE LEFT SCRAMBLING. BUT, WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM HIS MEDDLING, 80-YEAR-OLD BEST FRIEND, BROOKES DECIDES THAT POPPY CRAWFORD, THE CURVY CART GIRL WITH ENDLESS SUNSHINE AND SPUNK, MIGHT BE JUST WHAT HE NEEDS TO HELP HIM IMPROVE HIS IMAGE.
BROOKES AND POPPY COME TO AN ARRANGEMENT; SHE AGREES TO BE HIS FAKE GIRLFRIEND FOR THE SUMMER, AND HE’LL PAY HER ENOUGH MONEY THAT SHE’LL FINALLY BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF HER EX-BOYFRIEND'S APARTMENT. IT’S THE PERFECT DEAL; BROOKES ISN’T AT ALL INTERESTED IN HER OR A RELATIONSHIP, AND POPPY NEEDS MONEY TO TURN HER SMALL BUSINESS INTO HER DREAM CAREER.
BUT WHEN POPPY HELPS BROOKES FIND HIMSELF AGAIN, AND BROOKES HELPS POPPY FIGHT THE DEMONS FROM HER PAST THAT SHE’S KEPT HIDDEN FROM EVERYONE, THE TWO GROW CLOSER. AND WHEN THE LINES BETWEEN REAL AND FAKE, AND RIGHT AND WRONG BEGIN TO BLUR, BROOKES FINDS HIMSELF WONDERING IF WHAT HE DIDN’T WANT, MIGHT BE EXACTLY WHAT HE NEEDS.
BROOKES IS HOPING TO FIND HIMSELF AGAIN, AND RECLAIM HIS PLACE AT THE TOP; WHAT HE WASN’T PREPARED FOR WAS FINDING MORE THAN HIS NEXT BEST SWING…
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2026
About the author
Shann McPherson
13 books229 followersShann McPherson has been writing contemporary romance fiction for as long as she can remember, and she has no plans on stopping any time soon.
Living in sunny Queensland, Australia, when she isn't dreaming up your next book boyfriend, Shann enjoys making memories with her husband and boisterous son, drinking wine and the occasional beer, and singing completely off-key to Taylor Swift.
Living in sunny Queensland, Australia, when she isn't dreaming up your next book boyfriend, Shann enjoys making memories with her husband and boisterous son, drinking wine and the occasional beer, and singing completely off-key to Taylor Swift.
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April 13, 2026
જ⁀➴ 3.75 stars (rounded up to 4)
Thank you to The Smuthood and Shann McPherson for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. Next Best Swing is out now!
🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺
Welp, there's a first time for everything, and I gotta say that not only this is my first time reading from Shann McPherson, but this is also the first sports romance I've read that featured golfing. While I'm not a golf fan in real life, I think this was the perfect read for this weekend because the Masters was today (at least at the time of writing this review), so what better way to (kind of) celebrate the event than with a golf romance?
Brookes Devereaux was at the top of his game in the golf world, holding many records and paving the way for himself as one of the youngest and best players of his time. Previously known for being the "wild child" of the golf scene, with his tattoos, penchant for swearing, and partying and drinking, he was the epitome of everything the golf scene doesn't want him to be. When he reaches an all-time-low that puts him in rehab, he's ready for a comeback, but the risk of him losing his tour guard has him and his management struggling to find a way to prove to the board that he's a squeaky-clean golfer now. Enter Poppy Crawford, cart girl at the country club he trains at. She has a past of her own, one that she's not healed from, but she needs money to grow her jewelry business. The two strike up a fake dating scheme that benefits them both: Brookes has a chance to show that he's changed, and Poppy gets a nice paycheck to grow her business on. Will it end up becoming more?
First off, we need to take a moment to appreciate the fact that this is a GOLF romance. A GOLF ROMANCE THAT I ACTUALLY ENJOYED. Listen, I feel like the average person (AKA me) who knows NOTHING about golf would find a golf romance boring. Like, really, I find golf in real life to be boring. (Sorry if any golf fans are reading this.) The way that I actually read this story and actually enjoyed it says a lot about how Shann McPherson managed to write a story well enough to hook me and suck me into the world of golfing and high society. Also, I love how more authors are branching out and giving other sports a moment in the spotlight, no matter how big or small an author they are. I find it absolutely refreshing to read a sports romance that doesn't revolve around what I personally call the "Big 3 sports" in the sports romance world: hockey, F1, and football.
I liked Brookes' unapologetic personality. I feel like, as an outsider looking into the golf world, I feel like so much of it is so prim and proper and too...orchestrated? I'm not sure if orchestrated is the right word to describe it, but it just seems too manicured and proper to me. I get that's how golf has always been, but Brookes defied every stereotype and expectation of what a general golfer carries himself, and that was so much fun to read about. Sure, his personality's gotten him in trouble, but he's managed to improve himself and had a lot of character growth as the story went on. The way he stood up for Poppy, the way he takes care of her, and the way that he made her feel loved and special even when she didn't feel that way was enough to make my frozen heart thaw a little.
I loved reading about Poppy getting out of her shell and becoming more confident in herself. She has a lot of background story that's important to understanding why she is the way that she is, and the story does touch upon it. I feel her pain on a more personal level because I've been through some of the same things she had, so I was able to relate to her a little more than the other FMCs I read about in the books I review. I love that she's confident in her body, and she surrounds herself with people who love her just the way she is. (The best example of this is Lori. I LOVED LORI! She seems so much fun, and she's giving like, super cool grandma vibes.)
The one critique I had about the story is that once the spice hits, that's essentially all we get for the rest of the book. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't care if a book is spicy or not for me to enjoy it, but I felt like the last like, 40-45% of the book was mostly spice with a little bit of plot, whereas everything leading up to it was all plot and the buildup. I felt like there was a specific serious sideplot/storyline that needed to be addressed and talked about in the story more. I felt it was almost forgotten about right up until the last couple of chapters, and it was resolved way too quickly and tied up in a neat little bow at the end. I remember reading the last chapter and being absolutely shocked that the main storyline would end the way that it did (I won't say anything beyond this other than the fact that it was giving thriller/suspense vibes), not realizing it was the last chapter, and then I swipe and next thing I know, it's the epilogue and a time jump.
^(With that said, please read the trigger warnings for this book; I'll include them at the end of this review. They may contain some spoilers for the plot, so read at your own risk.)
Overall, this was such a fun read and a great look into the world of golf that I probably never would've ventured into had I not read this. I'll be looking forward to seeing what else the author has in store and I'd pick up another book of hers to read in the future!
🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺
Trigger/content warnings (all provided by the author at the beginning of the story; it's quite a long list and it may contain spoilers for the story, so scroll further down if you want to see them all):
character in recovery for alcohol and substance abuse, discussion of alcohol, substance abuse, and addiction, mention of off-page sexual assault of a MC, mention of off-page manslaughter, mention of off-page emotional abuse by a parent, on-page attempted physical/sexual assault, on-page pregnancy of a side character, on-page violence, character with chronic illness, discussion of weight and body issues, explicit language, sexual content (I'd personally rate it at a 2.5-2.75, but I could argue it could even push a 3/5 depending on the reader and their personal experiences with reading spice in books)
Thank you to The Smuthood and Shann McPherson for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. Next Best Swing is out now!
"She doesn't need to look the part...she is the part; I just wish she could see that."
🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺
Welp, there's a first time for everything, and I gotta say that not only this is my first time reading from Shann McPherson, but this is also the first sports romance I've read that featured golfing. While I'm not a golf fan in real life, I think this was the perfect read for this weekend because the Masters was today (at least at the time of writing this review), so what better way to (kind of) celebrate the event than with a golf romance?
Brookes Devereaux was at the top of his game in the golf world, holding many records and paving the way for himself as one of the youngest and best players of his time. Previously known for being the "wild child" of the golf scene, with his tattoos, penchant for swearing, and partying and drinking, he was the epitome of everything the golf scene doesn't want him to be. When he reaches an all-time-low that puts him in rehab, he's ready for a comeback, but the risk of him losing his tour guard has him and his management struggling to find a way to prove to the board that he's a squeaky-clean golfer now. Enter Poppy Crawford, cart girl at the country club he trains at. She has a past of her own, one that she's not healed from, but she needs money to grow her jewelry business. The two strike up a fake dating scheme that benefits them both: Brookes has a chance to show that he's changed, and Poppy gets a nice paycheck to grow her business on. Will it end up becoming more?
First off, we need to take a moment to appreciate the fact that this is a GOLF romance. A GOLF ROMANCE THAT I ACTUALLY ENJOYED. Listen, I feel like the average person (AKA me) who knows NOTHING about golf would find a golf romance boring. Like, really, I find golf in real life to be boring. (Sorry if any golf fans are reading this.) The way that I actually read this story and actually enjoyed it says a lot about how Shann McPherson managed to write a story well enough to hook me and suck me into the world of golfing and high society. Also, I love how more authors are branching out and giving other sports a moment in the spotlight, no matter how big or small an author they are. I find it absolutely refreshing to read a sports romance that doesn't revolve around what I personally call the "Big 3 sports" in the sports romance world: hockey, F1, and football.
I liked Brookes' unapologetic personality. I feel like, as an outsider looking into the golf world, I feel like so much of it is so prim and proper and too...orchestrated? I'm not sure if orchestrated is the right word to describe it, but it just seems too manicured and proper to me. I get that's how golf has always been, but Brookes defied every stereotype and expectation of what a general golfer carries himself, and that was so much fun to read about. Sure, his personality's gotten him in trouble, but he's managed to improve himself and had a lot of character growth as the story went on. The way he stood up for Poppy, the way he takes care of her, and the way that he made her feel loved and special even when she didn't feel that way was enough to make my frozen heart thaw a little.
I loved reading about Poppy getting out of her shell and becoming more confident in herself. She has a lot of background story that's important to understanding why she is the way that she is, and the story does touch upon it. I feel her pain on a more personal level because I've been through some of the same things she had, so I was able to relate to her a little more than the other FMCs I read about in the books I review. I love that she's confident in her body, and she surrounds herself with people who love her just the way she is. (The best example of this is Lori. I LOVED LORI! She seems so much fun, and she's giving like, super cool grandma vibes.)
The one critique I had about the story is that once the spice hits, that's essentially all we get for the rest of the book. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't care if a book is spicy or not for me to enjoy it, but I felt like the last like, 40-45% of the book was mostly spice with a little bit of plot, whereas everything leading up to it was all plot and the buildup. I felt like there was a specific serious sideplot/storyline that needed to be addressed and talked about in the story more. I felt it was almost forgotten about right up until the last couple of chapters, and it was resolved way too quickly and tied up in a neat little bow at the end. I remember reading the last chapter and being absolutely shocked that the main storyline would end the way that it did (I won't say anything beyond this other than the fact that it was giving thriller/suspense vibes), not realizing it was the last chapter, and then I swipe and next thing I know, it's the epilogue and a time jump.
^(With that said, please read the trigger warnings for this book; I'll include them at the end of this review. They may contain some spoilers for the plot, so read at your own risk.)
Overall, this was such a fun read and a great look into the world of golf that I probably never would've ventured into had I not read this. I'll be looking forward to seeing what else the author has in store and I'd pick up another book of hers to read in the future!
🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺🏌⛳🛺
Trigger/content warnings (all provided by the author at the beginning of the story; it's quite a long list and it may contain spoilers for the story, so scroll further down if you want to see them all):
character in recovery for alcohol and substance abuse, discussion of alcohol, substance abuse, and addiction, mention of off-page sexual assault of a MC, mention of off-page manslaughter, mention of off-page emotional abuse by a parent, on-page attempted physical/sexual assault, on-page pregnancy of a side character, on-page violence, character with chronic illness, discussion of weight and body issues, explicit language, sexual content (I'd personally rate it at a 2.5-2.75, but I could argue it could even push a 3/5 depending on the reader and their personal experiences with reading spice in books)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Next Best Swing by Shann McPherson Beta & eARC Review ⛳️
The way I LOVED this book. When did golf get to be so damn hot? 🥵
This is actually my first book by Shann and I am most definitely hooked now. Her writing is fantastic and this book was everything you could want in sports romance. Brookes and Poppy have the absolute sweetest story that truly made my heart melt.
Brookes is grumpy, and has the toughest exterior. I love a grumpy MMC and when he is soft and sweet only with Poppy.. that melts me.
Brookes and Poppy enter into a fake dating agreement in order for Brookes to fix his imagine in the golf world. Poppy is the absolutely sweetest. She is truly sunlight in his dark world. Their banter is amazing, absolutely top tier. The spice is SO HOT. The vibrator on the golf course scene will live rent free in my mind.
I can’t recommend this book enough. The tension will have you sweating and the happily ever after will have you kicking your feet.
What to expect:
Golf romance
Fake dating
Age gap
Grumpy x sunshine
He falls first
Chronic illness rep
Slow burn
Thank you so much Shann for allowing me to beta read this amazing book and for the arc as well!
The way I LOVED this book. When did golf get to be so damn hot? 🥵
This is actually my first book by Shann and I am most definitely hooked now. Her writing is fantastic and this book was everything you could want in sports romance. Brookes and Poppy have the absolute sweetest story that truly made my heart melt.
Brookes is grumpy, and has the toughest exterior. I love a grumpy MMC and when he is soft and sweet only with Poppy.. that melts me.
Brookes and Poppy enter into a fake dating agreement in order for Brookes to fix his imagine in the golf world. Poppy is the absolutely sweetest. She is truly sunlight in his dark world. Their banter is amazing, absolutely top tier. The spice is SO HOT. The vibrator on the golf course scene will live rent free in my mind.
I can’t recommend this book enough. The tension will have you sweating and the happily ever after will have you kicking your feet.
What to expect:
Golf romance
Fake dating
Age gap
Grumpy x sunshine
He falls first
Chronic illness rep
Slow burn
Thank you so much Shann for allowing me to beta read this amazing book and for the arc as well!
April 12, 2026
5🌟, 3🌶️
Somehow this book made golf feel ridiculously addictive… and I’m not mad about it.
It completely pulled me in with that perfect mix of swoony, funny, and just enough emotional depth to keep it grounded. Brookes and Poppy are everything together. He’s all grumpy walls and sharp edges, and she’s pure sunshine, softening him without even trying. And the way he’s only soft for her? Yeah… I melted a little.
The fake dating sets things in motion, but it doesn’t take long before it starts feeling very real. Their banter is so easy and natural, the chemistry never lets up, and the tension? You’ll feel it. And listen, the spice absolutely delivers while still letting their emotional connection take the lead. What I loved most is how steady their relationship feels. No over-the-top drama, just two people finding comfort, safety, and something real in each other. Poppy is confident and so easy to love, and watching Brookes go from guarded to completely gone for her was so satisfying.
This story had heart, heat, and really well-done character growth. The side characters added so much warmth, and the whole thing was just so easy to fall into. It’s one of those books where you tell yourself one more chapter and suddenly it’s been hours.
I’m still smiling thinking about them.
~~~~
Huge thank you to Shann McPherson & The Smuthood for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
Somehow this book made golf feel ridiculously addictive… and I’m not mad about it.
It completely pulled me in with that perfect mix of swoony, funny, and just enough emotional depth to keep it grounded. Brookes and Poppy are everything together. He’s all grumpy walls and sharp edges, and she’s pure sunshine, softening him without even trying. And the way he’s only soft for her? Yeah… I melted a little.
The fake dating sets things in motion, but it doesn’t take long before it starts feeling very real. Their banter is so easy and natural, the chemistry never lets up, and the tension? You’ll feel it. And listen, the spice absolutely delivers while still letting their emotional connection take the lead. What I loved most is how steady their relationship feels. No over-the-top drama, just two people finding comfort, safety, and something real in each other. Poppy is confident and so easy to love, and watching Brookes go from guarded to completely gone for her was so satisfying.
This story had heart, heat, and really well-done character growth. The side characters added so much warmth, and the whole thing was just so easy to fall into. It’s one of those books where you tell yourself one more chapter and suddenly it’s been hours.
I’m still smiling thinking about them.
~~~~
Huge thank you to Shann McPherson & The Smuthood for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
I can not recommend this one enough!! I promise these two will not disappoint.
HAPPY BROOKS ABD POPPY DAY!!! You guys I loved this one!! Shann’s books are the perfect mix of funny spicy and captivating!!
And this one is absolutely no different.
A hot pro gold romance book?!? YES PLEASE!! Petition for more of these asap!!
Brooks & Poppy start fake dating to help save Brooks career and things start getting real, quick!!! because Brooks cannot help, but fall for our girl Poppy!
The banter, chemistry, emotion, and chemistry that these two have with each other is unmatched!!
Tropes
Golf romance
Fake dating
Age gap
Grumpy x sunshine
He falls first
Chronic illness rep
Slow burn
HAPPY BROOKS ABD POPPY DAY!!! You guys I loved this one!! Shann’s books are the perfect mix of funny spicy and captivating!!
And this one is absolutely no different.
A hot pro gold romance book?!? YES PLEASE!! Petition for more of these asap!!
Brooks & Poppy start fake dating to help save Brooks career and things start getting real, quick!!! because Brooks cannot help, but fall for our girl Poppy!
The banter, chemistry, emotion, and chemistry that these two have with each other is unmatched!!
Tropes
Golf romance
Fake dating
Age gap
Grumpy x sunshine
He falls first
Chronic illness rep
Slow burn
April 8, 2026
One word: Megalodon. I never thought that this one would could basically destroy me, because that ending was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever read. Despite being a pretty lighthearted sports romance back there are themes of past sexual assault and addictions, so please proceed with caution. In a light note, I’ve never read a golf romance before but Shann McPherson is one of my favourite sports romance writers, and ladies and their spawns, she has done it again! There is nothing I love more than a fake dating romance with so much feels. The forced proximity trope, one bed trope and even the little bit of forbidden trope makes it so much more intense. The plot was amazing, so gripping and emotional, with great plot twists. But for me, it was the characters that stood out the most. I loved the portrayal of Poppys chronicles disease, her SA trauma and body image struggles called to the broken part of my soul. I love a character I can relate too, and feels even too real at times. Brooke’s was the perfect boyfriend, one of the greenest flags I’ve ever read. He is so damn SMITTEN, and just protective and wants to make sure she’s always comfortable.
Their chemistry was something else, just the way she loved his praise and how he makes her feel loved, and the way she calms him down and quiets his addictions. I love all the side characters, and seeing Happy and Hannah get married truly was a blessing. Brookes’ eighty year old best friend Jonesy is also such a mood and I loved him! I can’t wait to see what’s next from Shann McPherson! This book was an emotional rollercoaster and such an inspiring book, I give it a 5/5
Their chemistry was something else, just the way she loved his praise and how he makes her feel loved, and the way she calms him down and quiets his addictions. I love all the side characters, and seeing Happy and Hannah get married truly was a blessing. Brookes’ eighty year old best friend Jonesy is also such a mood and I loved him! I can’t wait to see what’s next from Shann McPherson! This book was an emotional rollercoaster and such an inspiring book, I give it a 5/5
March 20, 2026
The book I didn’t know I wanted but needed! Shann gave Brookes a great redemption story and I absolutely loved it!
We first meet Brookes in Happy Ever After and it’s all thanks to Hannah and Happy that Brookes gets the help he needs. One year later and here we are - Brookes is needing to clean up his image after the awful events that took place at his last golf tournament - his team thinks he needs a nice girl to help his image - in walks Poppy a cart girl from the golf course that can help.
I absolutely loved Poppy, plus sized but so secure with her body and her looks that you cannot help but love her and that’s exactly what Brookes does! Fake dating is never just fake dating and these two are incredibly cute together. He makes her feel safe and she helps calm him. When he needed her on the golf course I almost melted!
Poppy has a heartbreaking back story that Shann writes about so well.
Loved Lori and “Jonesy” the parent figures they both did not have 🥰
Cannot recommend this book more and if you are coming from the New York Thunder series you will love Brookes book!
Thank you so much to Shann and her team for this eARC in exchange for my honest review
We first meet Brookes in Happy Ever After and it’s all thanks to Hannah and Happy that Brookes gets the help he needs. One year later and here we are - Brookes is needing to clean up his image after the awful events that took place at his last golf tournament - his team thinks he needs a nice girl to help his image - in walks Poppy a cart girl from the golf course that can help.
I absolutely loved Poppy, plus sized but so secure with her body and her looks that you cannot help but love her and that’s exactly what Brookes does! Fake dating is never just fake dating and these two are incredibly cute together. He makes her feel safe and she helps calm him. When he needed her on the golf course I almost melted!
Poppy has a heartbreaking back story that Shann writes about so well.
Loved Lori and “Jonesy” the parent figures they both did not have 🥰
Cannot recommend this book more and if you are coming from the New York Thunder series you will love Brookes book!
Thank you so much to Shann and her team for this eARC in exchange for my honest review
April 7, 2026
I went into Next Best Swing by Shann McPherson not really knowing what to expect, as this was my first book by this author, and I'm so glad I was selected to receive the e-ARC. It ended up being such a fun and great surprise.
This story follows Brookes, a professional golfer in need of a bit of a...let's call it a personal and professional reset, and Poppy, a cart girl who becomes exactly the kind of grounding presence he didn't know he needed. What unfolds between them feels natural and easy in the best way. Their connection isn't overly dramatic or forced, it's built on comfort, trust, and that quiet sense of safety that just makes you exhale a little as a reader.
The writing style really stood out to me. The prose isn't overly flowery, it leans into everyday language but it's done in a way that feels mature, intentional, and intelligent. It made the story feel grounded while still carrying emotional depth, which I really appreciated.
Also, can we talk about how refreshing it is to get a golf romance? It's not a trope you see often, and it gave the story such a fun and unique backdrop. We need more golf romances!
And yes...the spice was spicing. I can't speak for everyone's spice scale, but for me it landed at a solid 3.5 red peppers. Just enough heat to keep things interesting while still letting the emotional connection take a center stage.
One of my favorite things, though, was the lack of a third -act breakup. Instead of unnecessary drama, we get a relationship that grows in a way that feels steady and genuine, which honestly made me love it even more.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read; heartfelt, easy to sink into, and a really strong introduction to Shann McPherson for me. I'll definitely be reading more from this author.
This story follows Brookes, a professional golfer in need of a bit of a...let's call it a personal and professional reset, and Poppy, a cart girl who becomes exactly the kind of grounding presence he didn't know he needed. What unfolds between them feels natural and easy in the best way. Their connection isn't overly dramatic or forced, it's built on comfort, trust, and that quiet sense of safety that just makes you exhale a little as a reader.
The writing style really stood out to me. The prose isn't overly flowery, it leans into everyday language but it's done in a way that feels mature, intentional, and intelligent. It made the story feel grounded while still carrying emotional depth, which I really appreciated.
Also, can we talk about how refreshing it is to get a golf romance? It's not a trope you see often, and it gave the story such a fun and unique backdrop. We need more golf romances!
And yes...the spice was spicing. I can't speak for everyone's spice scale, but for me it landed at a solid 3.5 red peppers. Just enough heat to keep things interesting while still letting the emotional connection take a center stage.
One of my favorite things, though, was the lack of a third -act breakup. Instead of unnecessary drama, we get a relationship that grows in a way that feels steady and genuine, which honestly made me love it even more.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read; heartfelt, easy to sink into, and a really strong introduction to Shann McPherson for me. I'll definitely be reading more from this author.
April 12, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
3 🌶️
🌟ARC Read🌟
I wasn’t totally sure how I felt about Brookes going into this. We get glimpses of him in the previous series and know he’s a famous golfer who hit rock bottom and ended up in rehab. He’s trying to get his life together so he doesn’t lose his shot with the PGA, and let’s just say, his image needs work.
He’s a brash, tattooed, ridiculously handsome 30-year-old who definitely doesn’t fit the typical golfer mold. As part of fixing his reputation, he’s advised to clean up his image, including getting a girlfriend. Enter Poppy, the cart girl at his club.
First, I have to say, Jonesy and Lori were hands down my favorite side characters. I loved every scene with them.
Now, I did struggle a bit with how often Poppy’s weight was brought up. I’m all for plus-size representation (love it, actually), but the constant “she’s not my type so I won’t be tempted” comments from Brookes rubbed me the wrong way at first.
That said… once his feelings shift, they shift fast. And when Brookes is in, he is ALL in. He becomes protective, devoted, and honestly… kind of melts you. 🫠 Especially with that dirty mouth 🥵
I won’t spoil anything, but I really ended up enjoying this one. I also loved seeing characters from the New York Thunder woven into the story—it added so much to the world.
Spicy chapters 🔥
28
29
31
33
34
38
40
41
42
45
46
3 🌶️
🌟ARC Read🌟
I wasn’t totally sure how I felt about Brookes going into this. We get glimpses of him in the previous series and know he’s a famous golfer who hit rock bottom and ended up in rehab. He’s trying to get his life together so he doesn’t lose his shot with the PGA, and let’s just say, his image needs work.
He’s a brash, tattooed, ridiculously handsome 30-year-old who definitely doesn’t fit the typical golfer mold. As part of fixing his reputation, he’s advised to clean up his image, including getting a girlfriend. Enter Poppy, the cart girl at his club.
First, I have to say, Jonesy and Lori were hands down my favorite side characters. I loved every scene with them.
Now, I did struggle a bit with how often Poppy’s weight was brought up. I’m all for plus-size representation (love it, actually), but the constant “she’s not my type so I won’t be tempted” comments from Brookes rubbed me the wrong way at first.
That said… once his feelings shift, they shift fast. And when Brookes is in, he is ALL in. He becomes protective, devoted, and honestly… kind of melts you. 🫠 Especially with that dirty mouth 🥵
I won’t spoil anything, but I really ended up enjoying this one. I also loved seeing characters from the New York Thunder woven into the story—it added so much to the world.
Spicy chapters 🔥
28
29
31
33
34
38
40
41
42
45
46
April 13, 2026
One day I will read a book from Shann and not cry over it. Today was not that day. Y'all are NOT ready for Poppy and Brookes!! These two were amazing and had me in ALL my feelings!! Poppy was such a beautiful character, and I loved every piece of her journey that we got to see, as she fought for her own healing and growth! She was so amazing to watch as she pushed herself through her own growth, while also providing Brookes with the support and steadiness that he didn't even know he needed! And Brookes was just such an amazing man, and from where we saw him in Happy Ever After to this book was so incredible! I loved so much how we got to watch him come back into his own, and accepting the love and support of the people around him! These two were just perfection!! Plus all the side characters we got in this book were just the best!! I'd do some sketchy things to have a Lori in my life!! Overall, this book was amazing, and I absolutely binged it in a day! I loved every second of it, and I am so glad to be able to read this one!! 5 stars; 3.75 chili peppers
Tropes:
- Fake Dating
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Hurt/Comfort
- Workplace Romance
- Age Gap
- "Who did this to you?"
Tropes:
- Fake Dating
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Hurt/Comfort
- Workplace Romance
- Age Gap
- "Who did this to you?"
April 12, 2026
Next Best Swing
By: Shann McPherson
“Well, you better get used to seeing her out there, Jackson. She’s my lucky charm, and she ain’t goin’ nowhere.”
I was an ignorant stupid-*ss son of a b!tch to think having a girl like Poppy around wouldn’t tempt me because she’s not my type. Not my type? Turns out Poppy is fine as h*ll and I’m a f***ing joke.
“You’re the first man I’ve ever felt safe with.”
Brookes and Poppy are my first ever golf romance read, and oh my god! They did not disappoint!! These two are the freaking cutest! I love how they both have traumatic pasts, but when put together to fake date and help Brookes image, they find the healing they are both so desperately looking for without even realizing it. They just click from the get go. Add in the perfect side characters Lori and Jonesy who are hilarious, and always championing for our girl Poppy. And a dirty talking Brookes in the bedroom and we get a fun and sexy read. I can’t gush enough about these two. I really loved their story!
Tropes:
Age Gap
Grumpy x Sunshine
Golf Player MMC
Slow Burn
Fake Dating
He Falls First
Spice starts at: 55%
Spice: 3/4
Stars: 5/5
Available on Kindle Unlimited
By: Shann McPherson
“Well, you better get used to seeing her out there, Jackson. She’s my lucky charm, and she ain’t goin’ nowhere.”
I was an ignorant stupid-*ss son of a b!tch to think having a girl like Poppy around wouldn’t tempt me because she’s not my type. Not my type? Turns out Poppy is fine as h*ll and I’m a f***ing joke.
“You’re the first man I’ve ever felt safe with.”
Brookes and Poppy are my first ever golf romance read, and oh my god! They did not disappoint!! These two are the freaking cutest! I love how they both have traumatic pasts, but when put together to fake date and help Brookes image, they find the healing they are both so desperately looking for without even realizing it. They just click from the get go. Add in the perfect side characters Lori and Jonesy who are hilarious, and always championing for our girl Poppy. And a dirty talking Brookes in the bedroom and we get a fun and sexy read. I can’t gush enough about these two. I really loved their story!
Tropes:
Age Gap
Grumpy x Sunshine
Golf Player MMC
Slow Burn
Fake Dating
He Falls First
Spice starts at: 55%
Spice: 3/4
Stars: 5/5
Available on Kindle Unlimited
April 5, 2026
⭐️ 5 stars
Shann McPherson said she could make golf hot… and she absolutely delivered.
Next Best Swing is one of those books that just hooks you immediately—the chemistry, the banter, the tension?? It’s effortless and so addictive.
Fake dating + grumpy MMC + sunshine FMC is already a win, but Brookes and Poppy just hit different. Their dynamic felt natural, easy, and genuinely fun to read. The way he softens for her?? Yeah… I get it.
Poppy was such a standout for me—confident, real, and so easy to love. And Brookes’ redemption arc added that depth that made this more than just a fun sports romance.
This was one of those “I’ll just read one more chapter” books… and suddenly your entire day is gone.
If you want:
♡ fake dating
♡ grumpy x sunshine
♡ banter + chemistry
♡ sports romance that actually delivers
…this one is it.
April 9, 2026
I'm obsessed with Brookes & Poppy. I seriously had the best time reading this one. Check out my updates for the chaos.
The way Brookes was so protective with Poppy & made her feel safe. Man was grumpy as hell, till Poppy. Then Poppy, our sunshine girl. She was the absolute sweetest! Also the way Brookes was so patient with Poppy knowing her past. We love the consent! He made her use those words.
These two were freaking hot as well. It might of taken a minute to get there, but damn!
And who knew golf romance would be so hot?! Give me a Brookes and I’ll go sit through a round of golf anytime.
And I loved their little game of Truth or Dare throughout.
I can’t wait to go back to the NY Thunder series after meeting them in this one briefly!
Thank you Shann for the arc and letting me read Poppy & Brookes!
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
•golf romance
•age gap
•fake dating
•grumpy x sunshine
•he falls first
•chronic illness rep
•slow burn
The way Brookes was so protective with Poppy & made her feel safe. Man was grumpy as hell, till Poppy. Then Poppy, our sunshine girl. She was the absolute sweetest! Also the way Brookes was so patient with Poppy knowing her past. We love the consent! He made her use those words.
These two were freaking hot as well. It might of taken a minute to get there, but damn!
And who knew golf romance would be so hot?! Give me a Brookes and I’ll go sit through a round of golf anytime.
And I loved their little game of Truth or Dare throughout.
I can’t wait to go back to the NY Thunder series after meeting them in this one briefly!
Thank you Shann for the arc and letting me read Poppy & Brookes!
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
•golf romance
•age gap
•fake dating
•grumpy x sunshine
•he falls first
•chronic illness rep
•slow burn
April 12, 2026
arc review ⛳️💚💙
4.5⭐️
i have once again been proven by an author that GOLF IS HOT and we have been sleeping on golf romances!!!
shann absolutely killed it with poppy & brookes story. i was so excited for him to get his own story after i read happy ever after (the last book in shann’s hockey series) and it did not disappoint 👏🏽
brookes is a recovering addict/alcoholic who is getting back to the golf scene after. and poppy is the cart girl at his golf club who he propositions to be his fake girlfriend to help improve how the golf world sees him. what they didn’t see coming is how much they needed each other!!! poppy was the calm to his storm and brookes was the safe space poppy oh so deserved 🥹
٠࣪⭑ what to expect ٠࣪⭑
⛳️ gold romance
🤫 fake dating
🌦️ grumpy x sunshine
👀 age gap
💚 chronic illness rep
😍 he falls first
🐌 slow burn
4.5⭐️
i have once again been proven by an author that GOLF IS HOT and we have been sleeping on golf romances!!!
shann absolutely killed it with poppy & brookes story. i was so excited for him to get his own story after i read happy ever after (the last book in shann’s hockey series) and it did not disappoint 👏🏽
brookes is a recovering addict/alcoholic who is getting back to the golf scene after. and poppy is the cart girl at his golf club who he propositions to be his fake girlfriend to help improve how the golf world sees him. what they didn’t see coming is how much they needed each other!!! poppy was the calm to his storm and brookes was the safe space poppy oh so deserved 🥹
٠࣪⭑ what to expect ٠࣪⭑
⛳️ gold romance
🤫 fake dating
🌦️ grumpy x sunshine
👀 age gap
💚 chronic illness rep
😍 he falls first
🐌 slow burn
April 2, 2026
While this was my first book of Shann McPherson’s, it surely won’t be my last. Next Best Swing made me laugh, cry, and (here’s something I never thought I’d say) truly enjoy a book about golfers! I am a sucker for a fake dating trope, but Poppy and Brookes are one of my favorite couples ever. The witty banter, plus-size representation, and 🔥🔥🔥 scenes…what more could you want?
A special thank you to Shann and TheSmuthood for allowing me to get early access to this masterpiece! BRB while I go devour The New York Thunder series.
A special thank you to Shann and TheSmuthood for allowing me to get early access to this masterpiece! BRB while I go devour The New York Thunder series.
April 11, 2026
Considering my generational reading slump, getting fully through this and being engaged is complimentary enough. The pet names made me nauseous as always and I added half a star simply bc I appreciated the republican slander 😛
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐️
I love when a book makes me work for the romance a little—and this one definitely did. It didn’t sweep me up right away, but somewhere along the way, it quietly pulled me in and refused to let go.
Brookes is coming off a rough stretch—rehab, bad decisions, and a reputation that needs serious repair if he’s going to have any kind of comeback in the golf world. So naturally, he lands on fake dating. Enter Poppy Crawford: cart girl, sunshine personified, and just trying to get out of her ex’s apartment while building something of her own. On paper, it’s simple—he fixes his image, she gets financial breathing room. No strings, no complications.
Except… it’s a little awkward at first. The chemistry isn’t instant, and honestly, I appreciated that. Brookes chooses Poppy because he doesn’t see her as a distraction, which is… a choice. And he’s not exactly charming in the beginning either—very grumpy, very blunt, occasionally making you want to side-eye him. Meanwhile, Poppy is warm, patient, and quietly holding her own. Their dynamic feels uneven early on, and I won’t lie—I had a moment where I wondered how this was going to turn into a convincing romance.
But that imbalance actually ends up making more sense the deeper you get into Brookes’ head. His struggle with addiction isn’t just a backstory detail—it shapes everything. The pressure, the mental exhaustion, the constant effort it takes to stay in control… you feel all of it. It explains why he keeps people at arm’s length, why he needed someone who felt “safe,” and why Poppy becomes that space for him. Watching him slowly become more grounded, more self-aware, and honestly… softer, was such a rewarding part of the story.
And that’s exactly why the relationship unfolds the way it does. There’s no big, dramatic “bam” moment where feelings suddenly appear. It’s quiet. It starts with Brookes finding comfort in Poppy—this steady, safe place to land—and from there, it just grows. Small moments, baby steps, a shift you almost don’t notice until it’s already there. By the time it clicks, it really clicks.
That softness carries into how he shows up for her, too. Because while Poppy is light and kind, she’s also carrying trauma and chronic illness beneath the surface. When she starts to open up, the way Brookes supports her—without trying to fix everything—really shows how much he cares. Their relationship isn’t built on grand gestures, but on consistency, on being there, on choosing each other in the quiet moments.
By the end, I was completely won over. Brookes’ growth, Poppy’s quiet strength, and a relationship that feels earned instead of rushed—it all comes together so well. Add in a few familiar faces, and it’s such a satisfying return to this world.
💫Thank you to Shann McPherson and The Smuthood for an advanced copy💫
I love when a book makes me work for the romance a little—and this one definitely did. It didn’t sweep me up right away, but somewhere along the way, it quietly pulled me in and refused to let go.
Brookes is coming off a rough stretch—rehab, bad decisions, and a reputation that needs serious repair if he’s going to have any kind of comeback in the golf world. So naturally, he lands on fake dating. Enter Poppy Crawford: cart girl, sunshine personified, and just trying to get out of her ex’s apartment while building something of her own. On paper, it’s simple—he fixes his image, she gets financial breathing room. No strings, no complications.
Except… it’s a little awkward at first. The chemistry isn’t instant, and honestly, I appreciated that. Brookes chooses Poppy because he doesn’t see her as a distraction, which is… a choice. And he’s not exactly charming in the beginning either—very grumpy, very blunt, occasionally making you want to side-eye him. Meanwhile, Poppy is warm, patient, and quietly holding her own. Their dynamic feels uneven early on, and I won’t lie—I had a moment where I wondered how this was going to turn into a convincing romance.
But that imbalance actually ends up making more sense the deeper you get into Brookes’ head. His struggle with addiction isn’t just a backstory detail—it shapes everything. The pressure, the mental exhaustion, the constant effort it takes to stay in control… you feel all of it. It explains why he keeps people at arm’s length, why he needed someone who felt “safe,” and why Poppy becomes that space for him. Watching him slowly become more grounded, more self-aware, and honestly… softer, was such a rewarding part of the story.
And that’s exactly why the relationship unfolds the way it does. There’s no big, dramatic “bam” moment where feelings suddenly appear. It’s quiet. It starts with Brookes finding comfort in Poppy—this steady, safe place to land—and from there, it just grows. Small moments, baby steps, a shift you almost don’t notice until it’s already there. By the time it clicks, it really clicks.
That softness carries into how he shows up for her, too. Because while Poppy is light and kind, she’s also carrying trauma and chronic illness beneath the surface. When she starts to open up, the way Brookes supports her—without trying to fix everything—really shows how much he cares. Their relationship isn’t built on grand gestures, but on consistency, on being there, on choosing each other in the quiet moments.
By the end, I was completely won over. Brookes’ growth, Poppy’s quiet strength, and a relationship that feels earned instead of rushed—it all comes together so well. Add in a few familiar faces, and it’s such a satisfying return to this world.
💫Thank you to Shann McPherson and The Smuthood for an advanced copy💫
Review of advance copy received from Author
The world can always use a great comeback story, this is one of those stories.
I love the storyline and plot of Next Best Swing, along with it's main characters Poppy & Brookes. Their story is awesome with amazing chemistry between them. It is a beautiful thing when two broken souls find each other and end up being each others greatest supporters. Poppy's sass and how realistically "male" Brookes is truly makes this book a wonderful read. Not to mention the spicy scenes are well written and thankfully there are a good number of them 😍.
When we first meet Brookes he is a grumpy, always seems angry stick in the mud MMC. But at his core, and what he hides behind this mask, he is a very caring, kind, giving, considerate and protective MMC. After succesfully fighting his addictions at rehab Brookes would give anything to achieve his dream of obtaining the elusive green jacket by winning The Masters. To help soften his image his management team encourages him to consider finding someone to settle down with. Enter the sweet, sassy, funny, desperately needs money FMC cart girl Poppy. It is hilarious to read how their friends try desperately to push them and their relationship from fake-dating to real-dating
This books fun banter between the characters, their friendly support of each other, Poppy's love and implementation at odd times of the game Truth or Dare, Brookes protectivness of Poppy and her positive influence on Brookes helps elevate the book from a good read to a great one. My favorite has to be the way Shann wrote Brookes character. His characteristics are very much true to a real life male. I cracked up when, in true real life male fashion, he gets really flustered when she is crying and he desperately tries to fix whatever the problem is just to get the crying to stop.
My only could do without or not a fan of aspect of the book is the authors generalizations towards a couple groups of people. Thankfully it is only in a sentence or two throughout the book so it is easy to skip them as they did not add anything to the book.
If you are looking for a great feel good comeback story I recommend reading Next Best Swing by Shann McPherson.
This book has:
Grumpy protective MMC
Sweet and sassy curvy FMC
Age-gap
Fake-dating
Golf scenes
Lots of spicy scenes
Funny banter
Great plot, surprise twist
Found family & girl squad
Starting over after hitting rock bottom
Learning to trust again
Cameos of FMC's & MMC's from The New York Thunder Series
I love the storyline and plot of Next Best Swing, along with it's main characters Poppy & Brookes. Their story is awesome with amazing chemistry between them. It is a beautiful thing when two broken souls find each other and end up being each others greatest supporters. Poppy's sass and how realistically "male" Brookes is truly makes this book a wonderful read. Not to mention the spicy scenes are well written and thankfully there are a good number of them 😍.
When we first meet Brookes he is a grumpy, always seems angry stick in the mud MMC. But at his core, and what he hides behind this mask, he is a very caring, kind, giving, considerate and protective MMC. After succesfully fighting his addictions at rehab Brookes would give anything to achieve his dream of obtaining the elusive green jacket by winning The Masters. To help soften his image his management team encourages him to consider finding someone to settle down with. Enter the sweet, sassy, funny, desperately needs money FMC cart girl Poppy. It is hilarious to read how their friends try desperately to push them and their relationship from fake-dating to real-dating
This books fun banter between the characters, their friendly support of each other, Poppy's love and implementation at odd times of the game Truth or Dare, Brookes protectivness of Poppy and her positive influence on Brookes helps elevate the book from a good read to a great one. My favorite has to be the way Shann wrote Brookes character. His characteristics are very much true to a real life male. I cracked up when, in true real life male fashion, he gets really flustered when she is crying and he desperately tries to fix whatever the problem is just to get the crying to stop.
My only could do without or not a fan of aspect of the book is the authors generalizations towards a couple groups of people. Thankfully it is only in a sentence or two throughout the book so it is easy to skip them as they did not add anything to the book.
If you are looking for a great feel good comeback story I recommend reading Next Best Swing by Shann McPherson.
This book has:
Grumpy protective MMC
Sweet and sassy curvy FMC
Age-gap
Fake-dating
Golf scenes
Lots of spicy scenes
Funny banter
Great plot, surprise twist
Found family & girl squad
Starting over after hitting rock bottom
Learning to trust again
Cameos of FMC's & MMC's from The New York Thunder Series
April 11, 2026
Rating: 4.75/5
There’s something about finishing a book and immediately wanting to live in it a little longer and that’s exactly how this one left me feeling.
Brookes Devereaux is the kind of character you think you’ve figured out early… and then he slowly proves you wrong in the best way. When we first met him in Happy Ever After, he wasn’t exactly winning hearts, but this book gives him the redemption arc he truly deserved. Watching him navigate recovery, reputation, and his own vulnerabilities made him feel incredibly real. Beneath the grumpy, guarded exterior is someone deeply caring and when that softness is reserved just for Poppy, it completely melted me.
Poppy was just as compelling. She’s bright, kind, and genuinely warm, but she’s also resilient and grounded in herself. I loved how confident she was in who she is, and how she never let herself be diminished. Her strength felt quiet but powerful, and her emotional journey added so much depth to the story.
Together, they just work. The fake dating trope is one of my favourites, and this delivered everything I wanted from it. Their relationship builds from a place of friendship and trust, with banter that feels natural and chemistry that grows steadily before tipping into something intense and undeniable. The slow-burn pacing made every moment feel earned, and when it finally ignites… it’s unforgettable.
What stood out most to me was the emotional balance. There is humour, tension, and undeniable chemistry, but also real weight. The story touches on heavier themes, including addiction and past trauma, and handles them with care and sensitivity. It made the connection between Brookes and Poppy feel even more meaningful. They don’t just fall for each other; they help each other heal.
And I can’t not mention the side characters. Jonesy and Lori were absolute standouts. Funny, warm, and full of heart. They added so much life to the story and were easily some of my favourite moments.
This book made me laugh, made me feel, and completely swept me up in its world. Easily one of my favourites.
Who this is for: If you love grumpy/sunshine, redemption arcs, fake dating, and romances that balance emotional depth with humour and heat, this is absolutely for you.
Thank you so much to the Shann for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
There’s something about finishing a book and immediately wanting to live in it a little longer and that’s exactly how this one left me feeling.
Brookes Devereaux is the kind of character you think you’ve figured out early… and then he slowly proves you wrong in the best way. When we first met him in Happy Ever After, he wasn’t exactly winning hearts, but this book gives him the redemption arc he truly deserved. Watching him navigate recovery, reputation, and his own vulnerabilities made him feel incredibly real. Beneath the grumpy, guarded exterior is someone deeply caring and when that softness is reserved just for Poppy, it completely melted me.
Poppy was just as compelling. She’s bright, kind, and genuinely warm, but she’s also resilient and grounded in herself. I loved how confident she was in who she is, and how she never let herself be diminished. Her strength felt quiet but powerful, and her emotional journey added so much depth to the story.
Together, they just work. The fake dating trope is one of my favourites, and this delivered everything I wanted from it. Their relationship builds from a place of friendship and trust, with banter that feels natural and chemistry that grows steadily before tipping into something intense and undeniable. The slow-burn pacing made every moment feel earned, and when it finally ignites… it’s unforgettable.
What stood out most to me was the emotional balance. There is humour, tension, and undeniable chemistry, but also real weight. The story touches on heavier themes, including addiction and past trauma, and handles them with care and sensitivity. It made the connection between Brookes and Poppy feel even more meaningful. They don’t just fall for each other; they help each other heal.
And I can’t not mention the side characters. Jonesy and Lori were absolute standouts. Funny, warm, and full of heart. They added so much life to the story and were easily some of my favourite moments.
This book made me laugh, made me feel, and completely swept me up in its world. Easily one of my favourites.
Who this is for: If you love grumpy/sunshine, redemption arcs, fake dating, and romances that balance emotional depth with humour and heat, this is absolutely for you.
Thank you so much to the Shann for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I never would’ve imagined a golf book being this dang good! Shann McPherson blew me away with this adorably funny, light, golf rom-com, that had me laughing out loud and turning me into a golf fan with each turn of a page. This book gave me Happy Gilmore mixed with Pretty Woman vibes. I absolutely ate it up!
Brookes “bad boy” Devereaux. I freaking loved him! He was not your typical country club golfer. He has tattoos, a filthy mouth, and doesn’t care what people think about him. It was refreshing to have him as the MMC. He has a bit of a struggle with the fame of being one of the up a coming golfers and does a stint at rehab, now trying to make a come back in the golf world. In order to approve his image, he seeks the help of Poppy, the country club’s sunny cart girl. She’s younger, curvy and proud, and a bit sassy. She’s got a hard past that’s left her a bit hesitant around men (could be sensitive to some readers), but she’s got a good heart. And she’s not Brookes’ normal type, which makes it easy to not fall for when they start fake dating. Ha, yea right.
Of course Brookes slowly starts falling for the curvy girl who breaks down all his insecurities and becomes the best fake girlfriend all while showing him how fun and loving she truly is. These two together have a slow burn, but it was filled with so much tension and flirtation that I was totally ok with it. They got to know each other and it was so sweet watching Brookes fall for her. And even though the spice happens more than half way, when it spices it definitely spices! Poppy is definitely not faking anything behind closed doors.
Even though Brookes has his bad boy side, he’s a true softy for Poppy. Talk about some swoony moments between these two! And if found family is your thing, both Brookes and Poppy have friends who will make you laugh. It was nice seeing their relationships as an addition to Poppy and Brookes’.
Overall a great sports romance! It was entertaining, made me laugh, had the slow burn that led to some great spice. And I absolutely loved watching Brookes be a bad boy with a soft heart and Poppy be a loud and proud of herself.
This was an ARC read for me and these are my honest opinions.
Brookes “bad boy” Devereaux. I freaking loved him! He was not your typical country club golfer. He has tattoos, a filthy mouth, and doesn’t care what people think about him. It was refreshing to have him as the MMC. He has a bit of a struggle with the fame of being one of the up a coming golfers and does a stint at rehab, now trying to make a come back in the golf world. In order to approve his image, he seeks the help of Poppy, the country club’s sunny cart girl. She’s younger, curvy and proud, and a bit sassy. She’s got a hard past that’s left her a bit hesitant around men (could be sensitive to some readers), but she’s got a good heart. And she’s not Brookes’ normal type, which makes it easy to not fall for when they start fake dating. Ha, yea right.
Of course Brookes slowly starts falling for the curvy girl who breaks down all his insecurities and becomes the best fake girlfriend all while showing him how fun and loving she truly is. These two together have a slow burn, but it was filled with so much tension and flirtation that I was totally ok with it. They got to know each other and it was so sweet watching Brookes fall for her. And even though the spice happens more than half way, when it spices it definitely spices! Poppy is definitely not faking anything behind closed doors.
Even though Brookes has his bad boy side, he’s a true softy for Poppy. Talk about some swoony moments between these two! And if found family is your thing, both Brookes and Poppy have friends who will make you laugh. It was nice seeing their relationships as an addition to Poppy and Brookes’.
Overall a great sports romance! It was entertaining, made me laugh, had the slow burn that led to some great spice. And I absolutely loved watching Brookes be a bad boy with a soft heart and Poppy be a loud and proud of herself.
This was an ARC read for me and these are my honest opinions.
April 9, 2026
E-ARC was provided by https://thesmuthood.com/ in exchange for an honest review.
Vibes
Sports Romance (Golf)
Curvy FMC
Age Gap
Forced Proximity
Found Family
Grumpy X Sunshine
Fake Dating
9.36/10 or 5/5
Characters-9.5
Going into this book, I didn’t know what to expect from the characters. Brooks was a bad boy with a troubled past, and his journey of recovery was great here. He had a tough exterior but was a softie once you got to know him. Poppy was someone who also had experiences in the past that she learned from, and they made her a better person. She was the sunshine to Brooke’s grumpiness, and they matched each in a way the best romance couples do. The side characters in this, like Jonesy, Lori, Hannah, Happy, and Cam, were great additions to the story. Found Family is one of my favorite tropes in books, and the found family elements were strong in Next Best Swing.
Setting-10
I love small-town settings in books, and the town Next Best Swing took place in was great. I loved how much of the town you got to see as the story progressed, such as golf courses, shops, and the characters’ homes. There was a charm to the setting that drew me in from the beginning.
Writing-9.5
I loved the writing style in Next Best Swing. The dual POV writing style was great because you got to learn what Poppy and Brookes were thinking in real time. There were some emotional scenes in the book that were handled with care, and I loved the mixture of lighter and more emotional scenes. Shan McPherson has a writing style that’s easy to read, and drew me in from the start of the story. Next Best Swing was the perfect amount of rom-com and emotional depth for me.
Plot-9
The story of Next Best Swing is deceptive. There’s so much more than what the summary gives you, and I loved that. Yes, this was a romance, with all the romantic moments, but it was also a story of redemption. Brookes started the story in a low place in his life and picked himself back up with the help of Poppy and his friends. For Poppy, it was a story of finding love and someone accepting you as you are.
Enjoyment-9.5
I loved Next Best Swing! The characters were great, and the story was fun, mixed with emotional moments. I will read from the author again.
Vibes
Sports Romance (Golf)
Curvy FMC
Age Gap
Forced Proximity
Found Family
Grumpy X Sunshine
Fake Dating
9.36/10 or 5/5
Characters-9.5
Going into this book, I didn’t know what to expect from the characters. Brooks was a bad boy with a troubled past, and his journey of recovery was great here. He had a tough exterior but was a softie once you got to know him. Poppy was someone who also had experiences in the past that she learned from, and they made her a better person. She was the sunshine to Brooke’s grumpiness, and they matched each in a way the best romance couples do. The side characters in this, like Jonesy, Lori, Hannah, Happy, and Cam, were great additions to the story. Found Family is one of my favorite tropes in books, and the found family elements were strong in Next Best Swing.
Setting-10
I love small-town settings in books, and the town Next Best Swing took place in was great. I loved how much of the town you got to see as the story progressed, such as golf courses, shops, and the characters’ homes. There was a charm to the setting that drew me in from the beginning.
Writing-9.5
I loved the writing style in Next Best Swing. The dual POV writing style was great because you got to learn what Poppy and Brookes were thinking in real time. There were some emotional scenes in the book that were handled with care, and I loved the mixture of lighter and more emotional scenes. Shan McPherson has a writing style that’s easy to read, and drew me in from the start of the story. Next Best Swing was the perfect amount of rom-com and emotional depth for me.
Plot-9
The story of Next Best Swing is deceptive. There’s so much more than what the summary gives you, and I loved that. Yes, this was a romance, with all the romantic moments, but it was also a story of redemption. Brookes started the story in a low place in his life and picked himself back up with the help of Poppy and his friends. For Poppy, it was a story of finding love and someone accepting you as you are.
Enjoyment-9.5
I loved Next Best Swing! The characters were great, and the story was fun, mixed with emotional moments. I will read from the author again.
April 13, 2026
I went into this one because I have loved this author before, and somehow she managed to pull me in all over again. I know absolutely nothing about golf, but that did not matter for a second. This book completely hooked me and reminded me why her writing always gets me out of a reading slump. There is just something about the way she writes that is so fun, full of personality, and impossible to put down.
This was my first time reading Brookes and Poppy’s story, and I was all in from the start. Brookes is the perfect grumpy MMC with a tough exterior, but the way he softens only for Poppy is everything. Poppy is pure sunshine, confident in herself and so easy to love. Watching her bring light into his world while he makes her feel safe and steady was honestly beautiful.
The fake dating setup to help Brookes fix his image quickly turns into something real, and their connection feels so natural. Their banter is top tier, their chemistry is undeniable, and the tension builds in a way that keeps you completely invested. When the spice hits, it definitely delivers. That golf course scene is unforgettable and will live in my head for a long time.
I also really appreciated how grounded their relationship felt. There was no unnecessary drama, just steady growth, trust, and emotional depth. Poppy’s backstory added another layer to the story, and seeing her growth alongside Brookes’ redemption made everything hit even harder. Their journey felt genuine and earned, which made the happily ever after that much more satisfying.
The side characters and found family elements added so much warmth to the story too. It just felt like a full, comforting world that you could easily get lost in.
I genuinely did not expect to love a golf romance this much, but this book proved me wrong in the best way. It was funny, emotional, swoony, and completely addictive. I laughed, I felt everything, and yes I definitely cried.
If you love fake dating, grumpy and sunshine dynamics, age gaps, and a story where he falls first, this one is absolutely worth picking up. I cannot recommend it enough.
This was my first time reading Brookes and Poppy’s story, and I was all in from the start. Brookes is the perfect grumpy MMC with a tough exterior, but the way he softens only for Poppy is everything. Poppy is pure sunshine, confident in herself and so easy to love. Watching her bring light into his world while he makes her feel safe and steady was honestly beautiful.
The fake dating setup to help Brookes fix his image quickly turns into something real, and their connection feels so natural. Their banter is top tier, their chemistry is undeniable, and the tension builds in a way that keeps you completely invested. When the spice hits, it definitely delivers. That golf course scene is unforgettable and will live in my head for a long time.
I also really appreciated how grounded their relationship felt. There was no unnecessary drama, just steady growth, trust, and emotional depth. Poppy’s backstory added another layer to the story, and seeing her growth alongside Brookes’ redemption made everything hit even harder. Their journey felt genuine and earned, which made the happily ever after that much more satisfying.
The side characters and found family elements added so much warmth to the story too. It just felt like a full, comforting world that you could easily get lost in.
I genuinely did not expect to love a golf romance this much, but this book proved me wrong in the best way. It was funny, emotional, swoony, and completely addictive. I laughed, I felt everything, and yes I definitely cried.
If you love fake dating, grumpy and sunshine dynamics, age gaps, and a story where he falls first, this one is absolutely worth picking up. I cannot recommend it enough.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
⭐5/5
🌶️2.5/5
📌Check TW
I had the best time reading this fun and heartfelt book. Shann truly knows how to pull at your heartstrings while also making you laugh out loud, and then turn up the heat with moments that are perfectly woven into the story.
Poppy completely stole my heart. What she went through in the past was devastating, and her present was not much kinder. After everything she endured, she found herself alone, without a real support system, and constantly judged because of her body. She deserved so much more, and I’m so glad she finally got it in the most unexpected way, through the so-called bad boy of the golf world.
Brookes… what a redemption arc. If you’ve read Happy Ever After, you know he hit rock bottom, and it wasn’t pretty. While you don’t have to read it to understand this book, it definitely adds more depth to his journey. Watching him grow into someone patient, caring, and deeply respectful was everything. The way he showed up for Poppy, listening to her, taking care of her on her hardest days, defending her, and loving her exactly as she is without trying to change her… yeah, I was swooning hard. Bad boy? Only when it’s deserved, and maybe a little behind closed doors too.
The spice builds at just the right pace, never overpowering the story but adding to it in a way that feels meaningful and respectful of Poppy’s journey. He cherishes both her body and her heart, and their connection feels genuine and earned.
Also, I know absolutely nothing about golf, but everything was explained so well that I never felt lost, which made the reading experience even better.
And the cameos from the New York Thunder characters? Exactly what the story needed to make everything feel a little more like home.
If you’re looking for a golf romance with a hilarious and lovable curvy FMC, a redeemed MMC, fake dating, found family, and plenty of laughs, then you need to pick up Next Best Swing now!
Thank you so much Shann for this beautiful eARC!
⭐5/5
🌶️2.5/5
📌Check TW
I had the best time reading this fun and heartfelt book. Shann truly knows how to pull at your heartstrings while also making you laugh out loud, and then turn up the heat with moments that are perfectly woven into the story.
Poppy completely stole my heart. What she went through in the past was devastating, and her present was not much kinder. After everything she endured, she found herself alone, without a real support system, and constantly judged because of her body. She deserved so much more, and I’m so glad she finally got it in the most unexpected way, through the so-called bad boy of the golf world.
Brookes… what a redemption arc. If you’ve read Happy Ever After, you know he hit rock bottom, and it wasn’t pretty. While you don’t have to read it to understand this book, it definitely adds more depth to his journey. Watching him grow into someone patient, caring, and deeply respectful was everything. The way he showed up for Poppy, listening to her, taking care of her on her hardest days, defending her, and loving her exactly as she is without trying to change her… yeah, I was swooning hard. Bad boy? Only when it’s deserved, and maybe a little behind closed doors too.
The spice builds at just the right pace, never overpowering the story but adding to it in a way that feels meaningful and respectful of Poppy’s journey. He cherishes both her body and her heart, and their connection feels genuine and earned.
Also, I know absolutely nothing about golf, but everything was explained so well that I never felt lost, which made the reading experience even better.
And the cameos from the New York Thunder characters? Exactly what the story needed to make everything feel a little more like home.
If you’re looking for a golf romance with a hilarious and lovable curvy FMC, a redeemed MMC, fake dating, found family, and plenty of laughs, then you need to pick up Next Best Swing now!
Thank you so much Shann for this beautiful eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧
I absolutely loved this story. This is my first time reading a golf sport romance and I absolutely adore it and enjoy it in the best way.
From the start, I was pulled into Brookes and Poppy’s journey, and their encounters made it impossible to stop reading. Their connection builds slowly, filled with tension, vulnerability, and moments that had my heart completely invested. The chemistry between them felt natural, and every glance, touch, and quiet interaction made the slow burn even more satisfying. 😍
What I loved most was how both Brookes and Poppy were. Brookes isn’t just confident and intimidating on the outside, he’s struggling with pressure, his past, and trying to rebuild himself. Watching him soften around Poppy and slowly open up was one of my favorite parts. Poppy, on the other hand, is strong in such a quiet way. She carries so much emotional weight and trauma, yet she still shows kindness and patience. Seeing her trust Brookes and let him in made their relationship feel real and heartfelt. ❤️🩹
Their dynamic was everything. The protective moments, the banter, and the intense tension between them kept me hooked. I especially loved the softer intimate scenes where their emotional connection stood out just as much as the attraction. Those moments felt meaningful, not rushed, and made the spice feel earned. The way Brookes supports Poppy and reassures her when she opens up about her past really shows how deeply he cares.
This story also balances emotional vulnerability with sweet and swoony moments. Whether it was Brookes showing concern for Poppy’s health or the quiet conversations that revealed their insecurities, I found myself rooting for them more and more. Their relationship grows naturally, and by the end, I was completely invested in their happily ever after. 🥹
Overall, this was such an emotional, sweet, and steamy read. I will never forget about it. 💖
I absolutely loved this story. This is my first time reading a golf sport romance and I absolutely adore it and enjoy it in the best way.
From the start, I was pulled into Brookes and Poppy’s journey, and their encounters made it impossible to stop reading. Their connection builds slowly, filled with tension, vulnerability, and moments that had my heart completely invested. The chemistry between them felt natural, and every glance, touch, and quiet interaction made the slow burn even more satisfying. 😍
What I loved most was how both Brookes and Poppy were. Brookes isn’t just confident and intimidating on the outside, he’s struggling with pressure, his past, and trying to rebuild himself. Watching him soften around Poppy and slowly open up was one of my favorite parts. Poppy, on the other hand, is strong in such a quiet way. She carries so much emotional weight and trauma, yet she still shows kindness and patience. Seeing her trust Brookes and let him in made their relationship feel real and heartfelt. ❤️🩹
Their dynamic was everything. The protective moments, the banter, and the intense tension between them kept me hooked. I especially loved the softer intimate scenes where their emotional connection stood out just as much as the attraction. Those moments felt meaningful, not rushed, and made the spice feel earned. The way Brookes supports Poppy and reassures her when she opens up about her past really shows how deeply he cares.
This story also balances emotional vulnerability with sweet and swoony moments. Whether it was Brookes showing concern for Poppy’s health or the quiet conversations that revealed their insecurities, I found myself rooting for them more and more. Their relationship grows naturally, and by the end, I was completely invested in their happily ever after. 🥹
Overall, this was such an emotional, sweet, and steamy read. I will never forget about it. 💖
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
۶ৎ 𝙉𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝘽𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙎𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙮 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙣 𝙈𝙘𝙋𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣
#arcreview
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★★★★.75
Tropes- fake dating, golf romance, grumpy x sunshine, chronic illness rep, slow burn, age gap, he falls first, forced proximity
—
I was so ready for Brooke’s story after happy ever after and it did not disappoint. Brookes and Poppy story was amazing, I’m so glad Shann was my first introduction to golf romance cause this was so good. This book just made me feel all type of emotions, I just love how their relationship was paced throughout the book the slow burn was definitely slowing but the tension and chemistry made up for it
I connected with Poppy on a deeper level, I just love her so much she just gets me as a plus size girlie you can be so confident in yourself but still have bad days, Poppy is a bev cart girl who works on the golf course and she’s also currently living with her ahole ex cause she can’t afford to move out right now. Poppy backstory broke me she just deserves the world her growth throughout the book was so beautiful done.
The chemistry between Brookes and Poppy is absolutely incredible. I love their relationship so much and seeing them open up to each other more and more throughout the book. I just love me a fake dating book and this was definitely no different I couldn’t get enough of their relationship and how caring they are towards each other
Brookes agent wants him to fake date someone so it can clean up his image after being fresh out of rehab. I loved Brookes development from the last book and this one cause I absolutely hated him loll but in this book!? He’s so hot and makes golf look fun. And he’s relationship with his 80 year old bff and his wife was just everything and more. Brookes is grumpy, and arrogant but I just loved him and his growth
I just didn’t want this book to end I loved them so much and the plot was also so good along with the pacing of the story. Plus their banter was really good and the spice!? Oh I was sat for that it just had me giggling and kicking my feet
Thank You So Much for giving me this incredible arc !💐🖤
#arcreview
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★★★★.75
Tropes- fake dating, golf romance, grumpy x sunshine, chronic illness rep, slow burn, age gap, he falls first, forced proximity
—
I was so ready for Brooke’s story after happy ever after and it did not disappoint. Brookes and Poppy story was amazing, I’m so glad Shann was my first introduction to golf romance cause this was so good. This book just made me feel all type of emotions, I just love how their relationship was paced throughout the book the slow burn was definitely slowing but the tension and chemistry made up for it
I connected with Poppy on a deeper level, I just love her so much she just gets me as a plus size girlie you can be so confident in yourself but still have bad days, Poppy is a bev cart girl who works on the golf course and she’s also currently living with her ahole ex cause she can’t afford to move out right now. Poppy backstory broke me she just deserves the world her growth throughout the book was so beautiful done.
The chemistry between Brookes and Poppy is absolutely incredible. I love their relationship so much and seeing them open up to each other more and more throughout the book. I just love me a fake dating book and this was definitely no different I couldn’t get enough of their relationship and how caring they are towards each other
Brookes agent wants him to fake date someone so it can clean up his image after being fresh out of rehab. I loved Brookes development from the last book and this one cause I absolutely hated him loll but in this book!? He’s so hot and makes golf look fun. And he’s relationship with his 80 year old bff and his wife was just everything and more. Brookes is grumpy, and arrogant but I just loved him and his growth
I just didn’t want this book to end I loved them so much and the plot was also so good along with the pacing of the story. Plus their banter was really good and the spice!? Oh I was sat for that it just had me giggling and kicking my feet
Thank You So Much for giving me this incredible arc !💐🖤
April 7, 2026
📖 Next Best Swing by Shann McPherson
✨ Main Characters: Brookes & Poppy
❤️ What I liked
Brookes Devereux, what are you doing here on my list of most loved fictional MMCs?? I’ll tell you what he’s doing, he’s taking care of business whilst also being a consent king, and I’m here for every bit of it. Though unbelievably grumpy and a bit of a recluse, when it came to anything to do with Poppy, he was a complete simp.
When I tell you that I read this book in a matter of hours, I’m not exaggerating. The author created a story and characters so engaging and relatable, I couldn’t help but be fully invested. Brookes and Poppy were so well matched, despite being complete opposites. Brookes grumpy to Poppy’s sunshine was the perfect mix, and I loved how he constantly asked for consent from her; her comfort was his utmost priority, and let me tell you, I was swooning for days. The fake dating trope always gets me a bit giddy, however it was taken to the very next level with these pair, absolutely nothing felt fake about their connection. This author could write an in depth guide on how to weed your garden, and I’d read it and rate it five stars.
🌀 What I disliked
Blake. If ever there was a man that could make a woman feel as dry as the Sahara desert…
🏷️ Tropes
Age Gap, Sports Romance, Golf Player MMC, Grumpy x Sunshine, Slow Burn, Chronic Illness Rep, He Falls First, Fake Dating,
🚩 TW/CW
Fatphobia, mention of chronic illness (lipedema), description of sexual assault, mention of dysfunctional parental relationship, mention of a loved one in prison, mention of addiction to alcohol and prescription drugs, attempted sexual assault,
🌶️ Spice Level
🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐️ Rating
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🫶 3rd act breakup?
Absolutely not, Brookes would never.
Thank you to the author and The Smuthood for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.
✨ Main Characters: Brookes & Poppy
❤️ What I liked
Brookes Devereux, what are you doing here on my list of most loved fictional MMCs?? I’ll tell you what he’s doing, he’s taking care of business whilst also being a consent king, and I’m here for every bit of it. Though unbelievably grumpy and a bit of a recluse, when it came to anything to do with Poppy, he was a complete simp.
When I tell you that I read this book in a matter of hours, I’m not exaggerating. The author created a story and characters so engaging and relatable, I couldn’t help but be fully invested. Brookes and Poppy were so well matched, despite being complete opposites. Brookes grumpy to Poppy’s sunshine was the perfect mix, and I loved how he constantly asked for consent from her; her comfort was his utmost priority, and let me tell you, I was swooning for days. The fake dating trope always gets me a bit giddy, however it was taken to the very next level with these pair, absolutely nothing felt fake about their connection. This author could write an in depth guide on how to weed your garden, and I’d read it and rate it five stars.
🌀 What I disliked
Blake. If ever there was a man that could make a woman feel as dry as the Sahara desert…
🏷️ Tropes
Age Gap, Sports Romance, Golf Player MMC, Grumpy x Sunshine, Slow Burn, Chronic Illness Rep, He Falls First, Fake Dating,
🚩 TW/CW
Fatphobia, mention of chronic illness (lipedema), description of sexual assault, mention of dysfunctional parental relationship, mention of a loved one in prison, mention of addiction to alcohol and prescription drugs, attempted sexual assault,
🌶️ Spice Level
🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐️ Rating
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🫶 3rd act breakup?
Absolutely not, Brookes would never.
Thank you to the author and The Smuthood for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.
Review of advance copy
Next Best Swing is a fake dating golf romance that follows Brookes Devereaux and Poppy Crawford. Our MMC Brookes is a professional golfer. After a stay in rehab, he is determined to get his career back on track and rebuild his imagine. Brookes’ manager and agent recommend a fake relationship to help him out and in comes our FMC, Poppy. Who works as a cart girl at Brookes’ local golf course.
Both Brookes and Poppy each have their own demons that they need to work through and I loved how they were able to tackle their demons together. Solidifying their relationship. The way these two had each other’s back (from the beginning!) and their need for one another, there was no way this relationship was going to stay fake.
Brookes and Poppy were so well matched, the grumpy x sunshine duo was done really well in this one. Brookes was such a hot grump with a tough exterior and Poppy is the true definition of sunshine and positivity.
Poppy is a freaking delight! She’s a plus sized and confident, and just so comfortable in her own skin. There were a few times in this book where she opened up and showed her vulnerable side and it made her so relatable making me love her even more.
Poppy is the only one who manages to get Brookes to soften up. Those moments between the two of them were oh so sweet! I loved the chemistry and the banter. This was a bit of a slow burn, but once the spice hit, it was great!
Jonesy and Lori were the best side characters in this book. Every scene that involved either one of them had me giggling. I loved their dynamic and they were the perfect parental figures and support system to both Brookes and Poppy.
This was my first golf romance and it did not disappoint! Who knew golf could be so hot!?! This book was written so well, the characters and storyline were so engaging and relatable. This book left me wanting more and more of Brookes and Poppy’s story, I just didn’t want it to end!
Thank you so much Shann McPherson and the Smuthood for providing me with this ARC 💕
Both Brookes and Poppy each have their own demons that they need to work through and I loved how they were able to tackle their demons together. Solidifying their relationship. The way these two had each other’s back (from the beginning!) and their need for one another, there was no way this relationship was going to stay fake.
Brookes and Poppy were so well matched, the grumpy x sunshine duo was done really well in this one. Brookes was such a hot grump with a tough exterior and Poppy is the true definition of sunshine and positivity.
Poppy is a freaking delight! She’s a plus sized and confident, and just so comfortable in her own skin. There were a few times in this book where she opened up and showed her vulnerable side and it made her so relatable making me love her even more.
Poppy is the only one who manages to get Brookes to soften up. Those moments between the two of them were oh so sweet! I loved the chemistry and the banter. This was a bit of a slow burn, but once the spice hit, it was great!
Jonesy and Lori were the best side characters in this book. Every scene that involved either one of them had me giggling. I loved their dynamic and they were the perfect parental figures and support system to both Brookes and Poppy.
This was my first golf romance and it did not disappoint! Who knew golf could be so hot!?! This book was written so well, the characters and storyline were so engaging and relatable. This book left me wanting more and more of Brookes and Poppy’s story, I just didn’t want it to end!
Thank you so much Shann McPherson and the Smuthood for providing me with this ARC 💕
Review of advance copy received from Author
No love of golf required
Poppy works as a cart girl at the home course for Brookes Devereaux, a pro golfer fresh from a stint in rehab and an embarrassing return to the circuit. After being scolded by the league owners, Brookes' manager and agent decide a fake relationship will help his image and get the higher ups off his back. After rescuing Poppy from some handsy frat bros on the course one day, Brookes chooses Poppy as his new girlfriend.
Despite claiming not to be interested in Poppy at all, Brookes takes such good care of her from the start. He's a little oblivious sometimes (he is a man) but once something is brought to his attention, he fixes it as quickly as he can. He is super sweet, and once they give in, the spice is excellent.
Poppy goes from living with her ex, no friends at all, in a new state, to going to charity events and hanging with country club members as an equal. Unfortunately she is treated poorly by men throughout the book. She keeps her sunshine personality going through it all. From dealing with her health issues and unwanted attention from men, you would think she is feeling down all the time. But she really shines and makes everyone around her smile. I love seeing someone have such a good outlook and keep going through so much crap.
Probably my favorite part of the book is their friendships with Jonesy and Lori. They are an older couple, but they both bring some much-needed perspective, pseudo parenting, and a little meddling to the story. And Lori helps facilitate the "Pretty Woman" moment we all wish we could have. (This book is worth reading for that alone)
As someone who has never watched a game of golf in my life, I can safely say that a love for the sport is not required to enjoy this beautiful love story. You will enjoy it if you like sports romance, grumpy/sunshine, he takes care of her, or meddling elderly characters.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Poppy works as a cart girl at the home course for Brookes Devereaux, a pro golfer fresh from a stint in rehab and an embarrassing return to the circuit. After being scolded by the league owners, Brookes' manager and agent decide a fake relationship will help his image and get the higher ups off his back. After rescuing Poppy from some handsy frat bros on the course one day, Brookes chooses Poppy as his new girlfriend.
Despite claiming not to be interested in Poppy at all, Brookes takes such good care of her from the start. He's a little oblivious sometimes (he is a man) but once something is brought to his attention, he fixes it as quickly as he can. He is super sweet, and once they give in, the spice is excellent.
Poppy goes from living with her ex, no friends at all, in a new state, to going to charity events and hanging with country club members as an equal. Unfortunately she is treated poorly by men throughout the book. She keeps her sunshine personality going through it all. From dealing with her health issues and unwanted attention from men, you would think she is feeling down all the time. But she really shines and makes everyone around her smile. I love seeing someone have such a good outlook and keep going through so much crap.
Probably my favorite part of the book is their friendships with Jonesy and Lori. They are an older couple, but they both bring some much-needed perspective, pseudo parenting, and a little meddling to the story. And Lori helps facilitate the "Pretty Woman" moment we all wish we could have. (This book is worth reading for that alone)
As someone who has never watched a game of golf in my life, I can safely say that a love for the sport is not required to enjoy this beautiful love story. You will enjoy it if you like sports romance, grumpy/sunshine, he takes care of her, or meddling elderly characters.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
April 8, 2026
Rating: 5⭐
Spice: 3🌶️
FMC: Poppy Crawford
MMC: Brookes Devereaux
What a wonderful story this was. It’s intense, but a beautiful love story between two people who both feel broken. They lift each other up and want what is best for one another.
What started as a fake relationship to better Brookes’ image becomes a real love story where both characters find themselves, and each others best parts. They were absolutely adorable from the start, and it warmth my heart of how sweet and careful Brookes was with Poppy. After learning her story, he was so supportive and wanted to take care of her. I love a man who gets sappy and protective.
Poppy has such a sunshine personality, and you could tell it helped Brookes to get grounded again. The banter between them was fun, and they definitely made me smile. This whole story stole my heart, and I’ll definitely be thinking of them for a long while.
I do wanna mention to read the trigger warnings if you’re sensitive for certain subjects because there are a few heavy and intense potential triggers in this story. Your mental health matters, so be aware.
Thank you, Shann McPherson, for the ARC opportunity. I really appreciated that you trusted me to read and review it early. I had an amazing time, and I can’t wait for your next projects to come 💕
Tropes:
🟢 fake dating
🟢 age gap
🟢 grumpy x sunshine
🟢 slow burn
🟢 golf romance
🟢 chronic illness rep
🟢 he falls first & hard
🟢 curvy heroine
🟢 dual first person pov
Quotes:
‘I’d be lying if I said I didn’t find Brookes Devereaux attractive. He’s kind of everything— tall, muscular, tattooed, eyes that resemble a clear August sky… that kind of everything. The whole package.’
‘I rub gently up and down her arm. Because, I figure, if she won’t talk to me, then the least I can do is show her that I’m here, that I’m not going anywhere.’
Spice: 3🌶️
FMC: Poppy Crawford
MMC: Brookes Devereaux
What a wonderful story this was. It’s intense, but a beautiful love story between two people who both feel broken. They lift each other up and want what is best for one another.
What started as a fake relationship to better Brookes’ image becomes a real love story where both characters find themselves, and each others best parts. They were absolutely adorable from the start, and it warmth my heart of how sweet and careful Brookes was with Poppy. After learning her story, he was so supportive and wanted to take care of her. I love a man who gets sappy and protective.
Poppy has such a sunshine personality, and you could tell it helped Brookes to get grounded again. The banter between them was fun, and they definitely made me smile. This whole story stole my heart, and I’ll definitely be thinking of them for a long while.
I do wanna mention to read the trigger warnings if you’re sensitive for certain subjects because there are a few heavy and intense potential triggers in this story. Your mental health matters, so be aware.
Thank you, Shann McPherson, for the ARC opportunity. I really appreciated that you trusted me to read and review it early. I had an amazing time, and I can’t wait for your next projects to come 💕
Tropes:
🟢 fake dating
🟢 age gap
🟢 grumpy x sunshine
🟢 slow burn
🟢 golf romance
🟢 chronic illness rep
🟢 he falls first & hard
🟢 curvy heroine
🟢 dual first person pov
Quotes:
‘I’d be lying if I said I didn’t find Brookes Devereaux attractive. He’s kind of everything— tall, muscular, tattooed, eyes that resemble a clear August sky… that kind of everything. The whole package.’
‘I rub gently up and down her arm. Because, I figure, if she won’t talk to me, then the least I can do is show her that I’m here, that I’m not going anywhere.’
April 10, 2026
If you’ve read Happy Ever After by Shann, then you met our MMC, Brookes (and if you haven’t, go read it too, because it’s also amazing). In HEA, Brookes is really struggling with addiction, and Hannah and Happy are able to help get him the support he needs.
In Next Best Swing, Brookes is back after some time in rehab and is looking to get back into the swing of things (pun intended). To help rebuild his image, he suggests a fake dating scheme with Poppy, a cart girl at his local golf club. Poppy is desperate to move out of the apartment she shares with her ex and agrees. We all know how the fake dating goes though, and it doesn’t take long for sparks to fly between the two.
I will say, I was wary of Brookes at first. He was adamant that Poppy was “not his type” because she was curvy. He quickly realizes that was stupid on his part, though. Even berating himself at one point: “Not my type? Turns out Poppy is fine as hell and I’m a fucking joke.” After that, my wariness evaporated. He falls so hard for Poppy and bends over backwards for her. When he rush ordered the compression suit to help with her lipedema, I swooned.
Poppy has been through a lot in her short life, and for a lot of the book, I wanted to hug her. Despite having every reason not to be, she still has such a positive attitude. She’s tough as nails and brave as hell, which I loved about her. She deserves to be doted on by Brookes (just like he deserves to be doted on by Poppy).
The spice in this was so, so good. I loved seeing Happy and Hannah again for their wedding. And Lori is who I want to be when I grow up (request for Shann - can we get a book about her and Jonesy falling in love? Please 🙏)
Overall, this was such a fun book with a lot of emotions and humor. One note though, please make sure to read the trigger warnings for this book as there are some heavy topics and your mental health matters.
April 13, 2026
ARC Review: Next Best Swing by Shann McPherson ⛳🔥🏌🏼♀️
Ughhhh you guys. Shann is one of my must read, go to, top tier favorite authors and she has done it AGAIN. I devoured this in two days. Cracking it open every free moment… even sneaking in chapters at 1 a.m. because I was glued to Brookes and Poppy’s story.
The Blurb:
Golf just got a whole lot hotter… and messier. Brookes Devereaux, once the world’s number one golfer, is fresh out of rehab and fighting to rebuild his career. Enter Poppy Crawford, the curvy, sunshine in human form cart girl who might be the PR miracle he needs. A fake dating deal, a little forced proximity, and two people who desperately need someone in their corner… and suddenly the line between real and fake starts to blur.
Tropes you’ll find:
⛳ Age gap
⛳ Chronic illness rep
⛳ Fake dating
⛳ Found family
⛳ Grumpy x sunshine
⛳ Golf romance
⛳ Only one bed
⛳ Forced proximity
⛳ Curvy size 16 FMC
My Thoughts:
Shann stays in my Top 5 (maybe Top 3) for a reason. From chapter one, I am in. By 14 percent we already have our fake dating arrangement and the pacing never lets up. Nothing drags and everything matters.
Brookes’ caretaking of Poppy is swoon worthy. This man shows up for her in ways no one ever has, and watching her finally be cared for made my heart melt.
As someone who has read all of Shann’s New York Thunder books, the wedding chapters were everything. Getting the whole New York Thunder crew back together felt like a homecoming. Seeing Hannah, Happy, Fran, Robbie, and now falling for Lori and Jonesy made this world feel even richer.
This book is heartfelt, spicy, fast paced, and full of characters you want to root for. Shann just knows how to write chemistry, connection, and community. I did not want it to end.
⛳🏌🏼♀️ Add this one to your TBR immediately.
Ughhhh you guys. Shann is one of my must read, go to, top tier favorite authors and she has done it AGAIN. I devoured this in two days. Cracking it open every free moment… even sneaking in chapters at 1 a.m. because I was glued to Brookes and Poppy’s story.
The Blurb:
Golf just got a whole lot hotter… and messier. Brookes Devereaux, once the world’s number one golfer, is fresh out of rehab and fighting to rebuild his career. Enter Poppy Crawford, the curvy, sunshine in human form cart girl who might be the PR miracle he needs. A fake dating deal, a little forced proximity, and two people who desperately need someone in their corner… and suddenly the line between real and fake starts to blur.
Tropes you’ll find:
⛳ Age gap
⛳ Chronic illness rep
⛳ Fake dating
⛳ Found family
⛳ Grumpy x sunshine
⛳ Golf romance
⛳ Only one bed
⛳ Forced proximity
⛳ Curvy size 16 FMC
My Thoughts:
Shann stays in my Top 5 (maybe Top 3) for a reason. From chapter one, I am in. By 14 percent we already have our fake dating arrangement and the pacing never lets up. Nothing drags and everything matters.
Brookes’ caretaking of Poppy is swoon worthy. This man shows up for her in ways no one ever has, and watching her finally be cared for made my heart melt.
As someone who has read all of Shann’s New York Thunder books, the wedding chapters were everything. Getting the whole New York Thunder crew back together felt like a homecoming. Seeing Hannah, Happy, Fran, Robbie, and now falling for Lori and Jonesy made this world feel even richer.
This book is heartfelt, spicy, fast paced, and full of characters you want to root for. Shann just knows how to write chemistry, connection, and community. I did not want it to end.
⛳🏌🏼♀️ Add this one to your TBR immediately.
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