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BOOKWORM REVIEW: More Than I Could by Adriana Locke

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥

Of all single-parent romance reads, teenage kids are probably my least favorite, because if you have teenage kids like I do or are around them on a regular basis, you know that they are complex and unpredictable. Yes, we all have to suspend our beliefs when reading fiction, but there is that one quirk we cannot let go of, and parenting teens is it for me.

It is a great thing Adriana Locke knocks this one out of the park for me.

Chase Marshall just wants to survive being a single dad to a testy teenage daughter, but his parents have a different idea. They are off to visit his sister for 30 days, and since they help a lot with taking care of 14-year-old Kennedy, he is going to need a hand while they are away. When his mom solicits the help of a newly unemployed Megan, he finds himself at odds with his feelings and his responsibilities. Can he figure out a way to get both to co-exist?

Chase and Megan do not play around in this read. Their attraction is clear as day from the get-go, and they even admit that in the beginning. It is resisting the sizzling tension and magnetism that becomes our entertainment as both struggle with desire and obligation. Locke makes the payoff worth the wait with dirty-talking Chase leading the charge in the bedroom. I certainly would not turn down a wake-up call from Mr. Marshall.

The dynamic between Chase and Kennedy and between Megan and Kennedy is so well done. Adriana Locke perfectly captures navigating the complexities of teenage parenting, including loving someone who fiercely wants to be independent but still needs guidance to survive life. Small but deliberate details throughout the story help make Megan and Kennedy's bond feel so organic. 

Credit also goes to Chase for being the firm but loving dad. I found his characterization of a dad who lovingly tries but struggles to get on the same page as his teen daughter so relatable; it endeared him more to me. This quote from him especially felt so close to home for me:

" I don't think you're dumb. But the world is evil and mean, and it will swallow you up and spit you out before you know what happened. The only thing between you and all of that is me. That's my responsibility."

This is a kickoff to the series, so we get to meet the rest of the Marshall clan. With the exception of the elusive Mallet (what a name), the rest of them bring a unique charm to the table, and I cannot wait for each of their stories. 

** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Adriana Locke and Candi Kane PR for providing an ARC. **

ABOUT THE BOOK

This nanny makes things hard for her boss.

Chase Marshall is many things:
   -  An attentive single dad
   -  Jaw-droppingly gorgeous
   -  My employer for the next thirty days

He’s also the bane of my existence.

He swears I’m a never-ending headache—the most infuriating woman he’s ever met.  

If I’m so irritating, then what’s up with the lingering looks when he thinks I’m not watching?
The seemingly innocent touches while making breakfast?
The smirk that graces his kissable lips after one of our verbal spars after his daughter has gone to bed?

One minute he’s coming to my rescue. The next second he’s complaining about how I fold his work shirts. Fine. Fold them yourself.

It turns out that the only time I don’t get under Chase’s skin is when I’m under him.
And that’s where things get complicated.
 
From USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Locke comes a grumpy, blue-collar single dad that falls hard for his new nanny. This small-town romance is a standalone novel with tons of heat and even more heart.

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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