Power, prestige, and plenty of women, the dapper politician’s life is pretty phenomenal. But in the midst of the biggest campaign of his life, he needs to focus. The last thing he can afford is a distraction. ALISON BAKER is a work-in-progress.
As a single mother to HUXLEY, she’s rebuilding life on her terms. She’s focused on family, faith, and a future for her son that can’t be taken away. Putting her child first means not being careless, no matter what.A chance encounter forces Barrett and Alison to redefine what they really want out of life. But everything comes at a cost … and sometimes, even for love, it’s a price too steep to pay.
Excerpt
“I want a chance to win you over,” he breathes, peering at me. The way his eyes search mine make it seem like time stands still. “Will you let me try?”
He forces a swallow and the look of hesitation, the internal fight he’s having, isn’t lost on me. It’s there, right beneath the surface, and when I add my concerns to the mix, it’s enough to make me balk. Just a bit.
“I’ll think about it,” I whisper, holding on to the little strand of courage I have left.
“Say yes.”
Instead of responding, I ask, “Where’d you get that scar over your right eye?” I reach out and press gently on the raised skin. I expect him to pull back, but he doesn’t.
My hand shakes as I touch his warmed skin. His forehead is silky and smooth. I’d like to run my hands over every inch of it, feel it ripple beneath my fingertips.
The corner of his lips twitch. “Lincoln hit me in the head with a baseball.”
“Bad reflexes on your part?”
“Wicked curveball on his,” he says, his face breaking out into a full smile.
“I thought he played center field?”
“He does. But he pitched some growing up.”
We stand inches apart, my hand gently brushing down the side of his face. Although I feel like he’d stand here all night and talk to me, it’s not possible.
“I really need to get back to work,” I say, trying to unlock my eyes from his.
“Dinner? This week?”
I can barely resist the look in his eye, the one that implores me to say yes. The one that makes me believe he really does want to have dinner and spend a few hours with me.
I need to get away, put some space between us while I can.
“We ran into each other tonight,” I shrug. “If we’re supposed to see each other again, then I guess we will.” I start to turn away before I completely buckle under his gaze.
“How am I supposed to get ahold of you? I don’t have your number,” he calls after me.
Heading up the steps to the Savannah Room, I glance at him over my shoulder. “You’re the Mayor. Figure it out.”
Tracey’s Review
Well, Adriana Locke has gone and done it again, written a book that I have fallen completely in love with. Every time she releases a new book, I think, ‘Oh, my gosh, this is my favorite, I just love it so much!’ And then, she writes another one, and it happens all over again.
I have to say that Max Quinn from THE PERCEPTION held my heart for a very long time, with his constancy, and his sweet Southern sexiness. What wasn’t to like? But, folks, I’ve gotta tell you, Adriana has written a man that will completely give Max a run for his money, because Barrett Landry is here, and, oh, my word.
Barrett Landry, mayor of Savannah, GA, is everything you’d expect a successful Southern politico to be. Rich, sexy, a true ladies’ man, he’s enjoying all of the perks of his position, and living a pretty sweet life. Alison Baker, once married to a powerful man herself, knows what a life in the spotlight is like, and has come away with less-than-positive experience. Now all she wants is to make a good life for her son and herself, far from the notoriety that once followed her. When a chance encounter brings Barrett and Alison into each others’ sphere, life as they each know it takes an unexpected turn.
SWAY is thoughtfully crafted, and instilled with Adriana’s signature focus on family. Each member of the Landry family, along with Alison’s family and friends, bring personality, humor, and, most importantly, unswerving support, to both Barrett and Alison, and Huxley, Ali’s son, had my heart from his first scene. There are plenty of distinctly unlikable characters, as well, which just adds to the political intrigue that runs throughout the story.
I am absolutely in love with this story, and with the relationship between Barrett and Ali. He is completely swoon-worthy, made even more so by his utter commitment to making things work with Ali. Although the differences between them say that they shouldn’t, the two of them just work, and it’s pure pleasure experiencing it along with them.
“What if this is all wrong?” I ask.
“What if it’s all right?”
“What if we mess this up a million different ways?”
“What if we nail it every way we go at it?” he smirks.
“What if you decide you hate me?”
He laughs, kissing me on the nose.
“What if you decide you’re going to love me forever? Because that, Ms. Baker, is what I’m going to make sure happens.”
Seeing Barrett aspire to become the man that he truly is at heart, and watching the relationship between the two of them unfold, moved SWAY firmly into one of the top spots of my favorite Adriana books, and one of the most enjoyable I’ve read recently. 5 sweet, sexy, ‘I love a man that knows what he wants’ stars for this one. I cannot wait for the rest of the Landrys to get their turn, and will have each book at the top of my TBR.
***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***
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USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys created by other authors, Adriana has created her own.
She resides in the Midwest with her husband, sons, and two dogs. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather’s nice and there’s always a piece of candy in her pocket.
For sneak peeks, giveaways, and more, please join Adriana’s Facebook Group, Books by Adriana Locke, or her Goodreads group, All Locked Up.
Saucy Southern Readers 