RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
SPICE: 🔥🔥.5
Palmer Clark has a lot on her plate. She is trying to be the best mom to her 12-year-old son Ethan, even though Ethan's father -- and Palmer's ex -- continues to disappoint them at every turn. She seems to be the only one working hard (other than her boss) at her job. The last thing Palmer needs in her life is another man.
Too bad retired baseball hotshot Cole Beck didn't quite get that memo and has been trying to charm his way into Palmer's life. When an opportunity falls into his lap to get closer to her and her son, can Cole convince Palmer that he is more than just a fleeting presence in her life?
This read has good elements that I adore about Adriana Locke's books: A strong small-town community that rallies around the main characters, charismatic family members, and great chemistry between the main characters.
I love Palmer. She is strong and resilient. We totally understand why she is so wary about being vulnerable in relationships, especially with men. And while Cole is adorable, her story dominated this book.
Don't get me wrong. I like Cole, too. He is a good alpha-roll who embraces being at the mercy of Palmer's boundaries and Ethan's place in her life. I just did not feel like his arc was completely developed, and with incredibly charming predecessors like the Landry and Carmichael men, he definitely had huge shoes to fill.
This book is a standalone apart from all of Adriana Locke's wonderful book universes.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Adriana Locke, Montlake, and NetGalley for providing an ARC. **
ABOUT THE BOOK
She wants forever. He plays it day by day. They’re both wishing for the best in USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke’s charming and sexy hopefully-ever-after romance.
Single mom Palmer Clark will not be sidelined by the new man in town. Sure, the honey-tongued baseball legend is gorgeous, loves puppies, and has charmed his way into the community’s heart, but Palmer craves stability. Nothing about Cole says forever. So why is he so hard to resist?
Cole is swinging through town to visit his parents when he meets the kind of down-to-earth distraction he’s been looking for since retiring from the majors. True, his long-term relationship score is zero. But even though raising his average with Palmer seems impossible, it’s worth a shot.
As promising as the summer nights are, fate turns small-town dreams upside down, and some lessons are learned the hard way. But having faith in love and choosing hope over fear might get Palmer and Cole to the sweet spot they’re looking for.
MEET ADRIANA LOCKE
USA Today and Washington Post 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.
Connect with Adriana
Website: https://adrianalocke.com
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Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/adriana-locke
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