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Try Me
“Try me.”
That’s what Drake Bennett said when I declared on my live podcast that no man could make me fall in love. The former pro football star turned sportscaster didn’t just laugh—he challenged my entire brand.
Gianna Knows Best is built on the idea that love is a choice. Drake says it’s a feeling—a magical, uncontrollable, world-shifting experience.
I call BS. He says I’m scared.
The audacity.
So, we make a bet. Six weeks of dating … in front of millions of listeners. If I don’t fall for him, I win. If I do … don’t worry. Not going to happen.
I expected spicy nights and viral ratings. What I didn’t expect was thoughtful surprises, spontaneous affection, and moments that make my heart do strange things.
Drake isn’t who I thought he was, and I can’t tell what scares me that he’s been playing me all along or that I’m wrong about love. Either way, someone’s about to get hurt—and I bet it’ll be me.
That’s what Drake Bennett said when I declared on my live podcast that no man could make me fall in love. The former pro football star turned sportscaster didn’t just laugh—he challenged my entire brand.
Gianna Knows Best is built on the idea that love is a choice. Drake says it’s a feeling—a magical, uncontrollable, world-shifting experience.
I call BS. He says I’m scared.
The audacity.
So, we make a bet. Six weeks of dating … in front of millions of listeners. If I don’t fall for him, I win. If I do … don’t worry. Not going to happen.
I expected spicy nights and viral ratings. What I didn’t expect was thoughtful surprises, spontaneous affection, and moments that make my heart do strange things.
Drake isn’t who I thought he was, and I can’t tell what scares me that he’s been playing me all along or that I’m wrong about love. Either way, someone’s about to get hurt—and I bet it’ll be me.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2025
1674 people are currently reading
6785 people want to read
About the author
Adriana Locke
91 books16.1k followersAdriana Locke is a USA Today and Amazon Charts Bestselling author with a knack for writing swoony, unforgettable contemporary romances. At nineteen, she traded her small-town roots for big-city life, only to realize her heart beats for quiet mornings and cozy chaos. These days, she’s living her happily-ever-after in Ohio with Mr. Locke—her high school sweetheart—four lively sons, and two hilariously hyper Jack Russell terriers.
When she’s not penning love stories that will leave you laughing and sighing, Adriana is battling the epic quest of missing silverware, “gardening” (a.k.a. chatting with her plants), or leaving her grocery list on the counter as she heads to the store. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let her books whisk you away to a world of heartwarming romance and irresistible heroes.
When she’s not penning love stories that will leave you laughing and sighing, Adriana is battling the epic quest of missing silverware, “gardening” (a.k.a. chatting with her plants), or leaving her grocery list on the counter as she heads to the store. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let her books whisk you away to a world of heartwarming romance and irresistible heroes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 643 reviews
January 17, 2026
જ⁀➴ 3.75 stars (rounded up to 4)
Thank you to Adriana Locke and Hambright PR for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. Try Me is out now!
⊹₊⟡⋆🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹
This was my second-ever eARC with Hambright PR, and I got accepted into the influencer program the same day this book came out, so this review is a little late since I put a request in for the book late, not realizing the book had already come out. Regardless, this felt a little different from the romances I usually read but in the best way possible.
Gianna Bardot runs a relationship advice podcast called Gianna Knows Things. Listeners call in asking for relationship advice, and Gianna gives it to them straight. The underlying message underneath all her advice? Love is a choice. You choose to fall in love, you sign up for inevitable heartbreak and red flags that don't come out on the first date. When fellow podcaster and coworker, Drake Bennett, former star tight-end and runs an equally popular sports podcast, comes on her show after a last-minute mishap with one of Gianna's guest stars, he challenges her to put everything she thought about love to the side for six weeks to date him. He wants to show her that love is real and you just have to find your person.
As I mentioned earlier, this felt a little different from the romances I usually read, because it's a workplace romance and it also involves some fake dating. It's not that I don't like these things in romance books, but from a logical standpoint, I always feel like workplace romances can get super messy with conflicts of interest, and it brings up a lot of third-act drama that is usually avoidable to some extent. While I will say there is some drama, it doesn't last long,
If there's a way to describe Gianna as a character, I'd definitely say she's like a combination of Eva Kitt from Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings and Lexi Armstrong from the D.C. Stars series by Chelsea Curto. Gianna's very comfortable in her sexuality, and her jokes are constantly laced with innuendos that drive her best friends, Audrey and Astrid, crazy at times. Yes, she has a pessimistic view on love, and there's a reason behind why she feels the way that she does that deepens her character development and background.
Drake is one of the greenest flag characters I've ever read about in a book. He organizes all of his dates with Gianna with what he thinks she would like in mind, he's kind, observant, funny, and especially THAT scene at the end of the book?! What a power move. His goal was to challenge Gianna's view on love and relationships, and he went in and proved her wrong on pretty much everything. (Also, the way he calls her "my girl" even though they're fake dating? It made my cold, unfeeling heart melt a little and I may or may have not giggled when I saw that on the page.)
The few things I was shocked about was how smooth the pacing was. I think that's single-handedly one of the biggest factors in me being able to read a book in one sitting (maybe two if I'm busy). Everything made sense and flowed together nicely, and there was never a spot where I felt like the plot dragged or felt too rushed. Adding to this mix is the banter between Gianna and Drake, and I'll admit there were a few moments where I genuinely laughed out loud reading, which is something I rarely do. Lastly, I think Gianna's character growth was one of the best I've read in a book recently. Now, I know that her character growth can come across to people like, "Oh, she was a strong, independent woman who isn't afraid to get what she wants and doesn't let men ruin her day" to "Oh, she has a man now so she's softened up," but I think she can still be all of those things on her own because Drake lets her and respects her for who she is. He sees her as an equal, and he's proud of her just the way she is and all that she's accomplished.
The few things I took a 1.25 stars off for, although all of them are minor, were the following:
⊹₊⟡⋆🎨 Gianna's art: I wanted to see more of her art! She's an artist and she has a ton of cool pieces in her house and she's constantly making new things. It's a big part of her character and I wanted to see more of her artist side and what she's making!
⊹₊⟡⋆🎨 Gianna and Lucia I would've loved to see more interactions between her and her sister, Lucia. It seems like they have a close relationship and I wished we got to dive in a little deeper with their sister dynamic.
Overall, this was such a fun read and this was my first Adriana Locke book, so I'm excited to see what Audrey's book has in store for us! I didn't realize this was the second book in a series (Astrid's book is the first one), so I'll definitely stay tuned for the other books and I'll be checking out Adriana Locke's other books in the future!
⊹₊⟡⋆🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹Trigger/content warnings: recounted car accident, recounted death of a parent, dementa diagnosis of a loved one, sexual content (I'd personally say it was like a 2.75-3/5 on the spice scale, but obviously that rating will vary from person to person and their comfort level with spice).
Thank you to Adriana Locke and Hambright PR for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. Try Me is out now!
"Because I might have been wrong all along. Maybe love is a chemical reaction that you can't control."
⊹₊⟡⋆🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹
This was my second-ever eARC with Hambright PR, and I got accepted into the influencer program the same day this book came out, so this review is a little late since I put a request in for the book late, not realizing the book had already come out. Regardless, this felt a little different from the romances I usually read but in the best way possible.
Gianna Bardot runs a relationship advice podcast called Gianna Knows Things. Listeners call in asking for relationship advice, and Gianna gives it to them straight. The underlying message underneath all her advice? Love is a choice. You choose to fall in love, you sign up for inevitable heartbreak and red flags that don't come out on the first date. When fellow podcaster and coworker, Drake Bennett, former star tight-end and runs an equally popular sports podcast, comes on her show after a last-minute mishap with one of Gianna's guest stars, he challenges her to put everything she thought about love to the side for six weeks to date him. He wants to show her that love is real and you just have to find your person.
As I mentioned earlier, this felt a little different from the romances I usually read, because it's a workplace romance and it also involves some fake dating. It's not that I don't like these things in romance books, but from a logical standpoint, I always feel like workplace romances can get super messy with conflicts of interest, and it brings up a lot of third-act drama that is usually avoidable to some extent. While I will say there is some drama, it doesn't last long,
If there's a way to describe Gianna as a character, I'd definitely say she's like a combination of Eva Kitt from Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings and Lexi Armstrong from the D.C. Stars series by Chelsea Curto. Gianna's very comfortable in her sexuality, and her jokes are constantly laced with innuendos that drive her best friends, Audrey and Astrid, crazy at times. Yes, she has a pessimistic view on love, and there's a reason behind why she feels the way that she does that deepens her character development and background.
Drake is one of the greenest flag characters I've ever read about in a book. He organizes all of his dates with Gianna with what he thinks she would like in mind, he's kind, observant, funny, and especially THAT scene at the end of the book?! What a power move. His goal was to challenge Gianna's view on love and relationships, and he went in and proved her wrong on pretty much everything. (Also, the way he calls her "my girl" even though they're fake dating? It made my cold, unfeeling heart melt a little and I may or may have not giggled when I saw that on the page.)
The few things I was shocked about was how smooth the pacing was. I think that's single-handedly one of the biggest factors in me being able to read a book in one sitting (maybe two if I'm busy). Everything made sense and flowed together nicely, and there was never a spot where I felt like the plot dragged or felt too rushed. Adding to this mix is the banter between Gianna and Drake, and I'll admit there were a few moments where I genuinely laughed out loud reading, which is something I rarely do. Lastly, I think Gianna's character growth was one of the best I've read in a book recently. Now, I know that her character growth can come across to people like, "Oh, she was a strong, independent woman who isn't afraid to get what she wants and doesn't let men ruin her day" to "Oh, she has a man now so she's softened up," but I think she can still be all of those things on her own because Drake lets her and respects her for who she is. He sees her as an equal, and he's proud of her just the way she is and all that she's accomplished.
The few things I took a 1.25 stars off for, although all of them are minor, were the following:
⊹₊⟡⋆🎨 Gianna's art: I wanted to see more of her art! She's an artist and she has a ton of cool pieces in her house and she's constantly making new things. It's a big part of her character and I wanted to see more of her artist side and what she's making!
⊹₊⟡⋆🎨 Gianna and Lucia I would've loved to see more interactions between her and her sister, Lucia. It seems like they have a close relationship and I wished we got to dive in a little deeper with their sister dynamic.
Overall, this was such a fun read and this was my first Adriana Locke book, so I'm excited to see what Audrey's book has in store for us! I didn't realize this was the second book in a series (Astrid's book is the first one), so I'll definitely stay tuned for the other books and I'll be checking out Adriana Locke's other books in the future!
⊹₊⟡⋆🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹ 🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹Trigger/content warnings: recounted car accident, recounted death of a parent, dementa diagnosis of a loved one, sexual content (I'd personally say it was like a 2.75-3/5 on the spice scale, but obviously that rating will vary from person to person and their comfort level with spice).
February 3, 2026
The narrators, Tor Thom and Raven Wildewood, delivered an amazing performance. I liked listening to these two, they compliment each other nicely and bring out the personalities of each character. This was such a great listen and read. It is written very well and the characters are lovely. I really liked the character growth as well. The banter was on point and there was definitely some swoon worthy moments. All kinds of feels with laugh out loud moments and loads of romantic tension. Overall, it's an excellent story that I thoroughly enjoyed. I highly recommend listening to this and reading it. It's so good.
January 9, 2026
I went into Try Me expecting a fun, character driven romance, but it ended up being a letdown. Large parts of the book felt pointless, like scenes existed just to fill pages rather than move the story forward. The six week dating experiment, which should have been the most entertaining and meaningful part of the plot, ended abruptly and without much payoff.
The ending in particular felt rushed and unfinished. There was a missed opportunity to turn the experiment into something memorable, like having the characters launch their own podcast and update listeners on how things unfolded. That could have added humor, closure, and a sense of growth, but instead the story just wrapped up quickly and moved on.
Overall, the book had potential but lacked focus and follow through. It felt more like a rough draft of a good idea than a fully developed story, and by the end I was left disappointed rather than satisfied.
The ending in particular felt rushed and unfinished. There was a missed opportunity to turn the experiment into something memorable, like having the characters launch their own podcast and update listeners on how things unfolded. That could have added humor, closure, and a sense of growth, but instead the story just wrapped up quickly and moved on.
Overall, the book had potential but lacked focus and follow through. It felt more like a rough draft of a good idea than a fully developed story, and by the end I was left disappointed rather than satisfied.
December 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A dating bet, a live podcast, and the slow unraveling of everything she thought she knew about love.
This book is pure rom-com gold with a surprisingly emotional core.
Gianna is smart, confident, and unapologetically certain that love is a choice—not some uncontrollable fairytale. Drake Bennett, former pro football star turned sportscaster, waltzes onto her live podcast and challenges that belief with one cocky little phrase: Try me. The tension is instant, the banter razor-sharp, and the premise completely addictive.
The dating bet is perfection. Six weeks. Millions of listeners. Fake dating with very real chemistry. What starts as a publicity stunt quickly becomes something far more intimate, and watching Gianna slowly lose control—while insisting she absolutely has not—is endlessly entertaining.
Drake is a standout MMC. Charismatic without being shallow, confident without being cruel, and unexpectedly thoughtful in ways that sneak up on both Gianna and the reader. The way he shows up—with quiet gestures, emotional awareness, and genuine affection—makes the slow burn ache in the best possible way.
What really elevates this story is the emotional honesty. Beneath the humor and heat is a thoughtful exploration of vulnerability, fear, and what it really means to let someone see you. The found family element adds warmth, and the public nature of their relationship raises the stakes in a way that feels real and relevant.
This is the kind of romance that makes you smile, swoon, and hold your breath when feelings get involved and hearts are on the line. If you love fake dating, dating bets, opposites-in-belief romances, and rom-coms with real emotional payoff, this one is a must-read. 🎙️❤️🔥
A dating bet, a live podcast, and the slow unraveling of everything she thought she knew about love.
This book is pure rom-com gold with a surprisingly emotional core.
Gianna is smart, confident, and unapologetically certain that love is a choice—not some uncontrollable fairytale. Drake Bennett, former pro football star turned sportscaster, waltzes onto her live podcast and challenges that belief with one cocky little phrase: Try me. The tension is instant, the banter razor-sharp, and the premise completely addictive.
The dating bet is perfection. Six weeks. Millions of listeners. Fake dating with very real chemistry. What starts as a publicity stunt quickly becomes something far more intimate, and watching Gianna slowly lose control—while insisting she absolutely has not—is endlessly entertaining.
Drake is a standout MMC. Charismatic without being shallow, confident without being cruel, and unexpectedly thoughtful in ways that sneak up on both Gianna and the reader. The way he shows up—with quiet gestures, emotional awareness, and genuine affection—makes the slow burn ache in the best possible way.
What really elevates this story is the emotional honesty. Beneath the humor and heat is a thoughtful exploration of vulnerability, fear, and what it really means to let someone see you. The found family element adds warmth, and the public nature of their relationship raises the stakes in a way that feels real and relevant.
This is the kind of romance that makes you smile, swoon, and hold your breath when feelings get involved and hearts are on the line. If you love fake dating, dating bets, opposites-in-belief romances, and rom-coms with real emotional payoff, this one is a must-read. 🎙️❤️🔥
January 4, 2026
I LOVE stories about live podcast shows and the inner workings of them!
Gianna is a girl who believes love is 100% a CHOICE and has always been screwed over by the guys she’s dated. Her podcast focuses on relationship advice that mostly gears towards insecurities of the partner. Her stance is always, if he/she wanted to be with you, they would. If they were TRULY into you, you wouldn’t be calling the show asking the advice. And…men suck. They just do. In her world, that is.
Enter Drake Bennett. When he and Gianna unexpectedly host a segment together on Gianna’s show, Gianna’s listeners go NUTS over Drake and fall in love with him. They banter back and forth of what mostly women can expect from men and Drake basically says…”you’re dating the wrong type of men.” Gianna says yeah well no matter what, I’ll never fall in love. Hence where sexy Drake says…”Try me.”
And the fake dating is so fun. Drake goes above and beyond to slow Gianna how special she is (because he has liked her for awhile now) and romances her socks off. Gianna on the other hand wants to take advantage of the full “fake” dating experience so tries to get that D every chance she gets. She even gets desperate so sneakily leaves her phone in his car to get him to come back!
In the end, well…I’d like you to see for yourself. It’s so good! An Amazon Best Seller as well!
Thank you Adriana Locke and Hambright PR for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review!
Gianna is a girl who believes love is 100% a CHOICE and has always been screwed over by the guys she’s dated. Her podcast focuses on relationship advice that mostly gears towards insecurities of the partner. Her stance is always, if he/she wanted to be with you, they would. If they were TRULY into you, you wouldn’t be calling the show asking the advice. And…men suck. They just do. In her world, that is.
Enter Drake Bennett. When he and Gianna unexpectedly host a segment together on Gianna’s show, Gianna’s listeners go NUTS over Drake and fall in love with him. They banter back and forth of what mostly women can expect from men and Drake basically says…”you’re dating the wrong type of men.” Gianna says yeah well no matter what, I’ll never fall in love. Hence where sexy Drake says…”Try me.”
And the fake dating is so fun. Drake goes above and beyond to slow Gianna how special she is (because he has liked her for awhile now) and romances her socks off. Gianna on the other hand wants to take advantage of the full “fake” dating experience so tries to get that D every chance she gets. She even gets desperate so sneakily leaves her phone in his car to get him to come back!
In the end, well…I’d like you to see for yourself. It’s so good! An Amazon Best Seller as well!
Thank you Adriana Locke and Hambright PR for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review!
December 29, 2025
This was such a good book. I read it in a couple days. I couldn’t put it down. This book didn’t disappoint.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
January 12, 2026
✨ Thank you to Adriana Locke and Hambright PR for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. ✨
Try Me is a wonderful contemporary romance about two coworkers who playfully debate love on a podcast. Gianna and Drake both believe they already have their perfect lives. Gianna hosts a popular relationship advice podcast—even though she doesn’t believe love is for her—while Drake is a former professional football player who now cohosts a sports podcast.
After hearing Gianna on air, Drake challenges her to a six-week dating bet, agreed to live on the podcast. The stunt is sure to bring publicity, but will it also change Gianna’s views on love?
Locke’s pacing is smooth and consistent from beginning to end. She skillfully balances witty banter with emotional growth, allowing the characters to challenge each other without the story ever feeling rushed.
Read this if you enjoy contemporary romance with heat, humor, and a love story rooted in genuine care and respect.
#HPRTryMe #AdrianaLocke #HambrightPR #ARCReview #RomanceReaders
Try Me is a wonderful contemporary romance about two coworkers who playfully debate love on a podcast. Gianna and Drake both believe they already have their perfect lives. Gianna hosts a popular relationship advice podcast—even though she doesn’t believe love is for her—while Drake is a former professional football player who now cohosts a sports podcast.
After hearing Gianna on air, Drake challenges her to a six-week dating bet, agreed to live on the podcast. The stunt is sure to bring publicity, but will it also change Gianna’s views on love?
Locke’s pacing is smooth and consistent from beginning to end. She skillfully balances witty banter with emotional growth, allowing the characters to challenge each other without the story ever feeling rushed.
Read this if you enjoy contemporary romance with heat, humor, and a love story rooted in genuine care and respect.
#HPRTryMe #AdrianaLocke #HambrightPR #ARCReview #RomanceReaders
January 6, 2026
Gianna and Drake are podcasters. They're great at what they do. So great that they're going to be in competition with each other for a prime time slot. Their podcasts are very different but when they make an agreement to date for 6 weeks, its figured that this arrangement will bring in new listeners for both.
And it does! But with the new listeners is a relationship that Gianna has never had before. Shes a firecracker in real life and at work and Drake treating her so well (and pretty respectfully, almost too respectfully) kinda makes her think.
Gianna isn't like me, shes bold and brash. But does have a sweet heart. Personal losses and the way she was brought up have really shaped her into her devil may care persona.
Drake knows what he wants and can play the slow game. And he's a great guy too. He's so close to his family (even his sisters) and is in the time of his life that he can take care of them.
Can Drake knock down the walls Giannas built (and kinda doesnt see)?
And it does! But with the new listeners is a relationship that Gianna has never had before. Shes a firecracker in real life and at work and Drake treating her so well (and pretty respectfully, almost too respectfully) kinda makes her think.
Gianna isn't like me, shes bold and brash. But does have a sweet heart. Personal losses and the way she was brought up have really shaped her into her devil may care persona.
Drake knows what he wants and can play the slow game. And he's a great guy too. He's so close to his family (even his sisters) and is in the time of his life that he can take care of them.
Can Drake knock down the walls Giannas built (and kinda doesnt see)?
December 27, 2025
Try Me is a fun, steamy, low angst romance between Gianna Bardot and Drake Bennett. Amazing chemistry and banter between the two of them, too.
Gianna is quirky and chaotic. Drake is more in control. He is the epitome of a wonderful book boyfriend. So thoughtful and caring. He’s so honest and direct with his kind words to Gianna. They have opposing views on love so he dares her to date him for six weeks.
They are both so different, but are absolutely perfect for each other.
I thoroughly enjoyed Drake and Gianna’s story.
Thank you to the author for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
TW: parent with dementia
Gianna is quirky and chaotic. Drake is more in control. He is the epitome of a wonderful book boyfriend. So thoughtful and caring. He’s so honest and direct with his kind words to Gianna. They have opposing views on love so he dares her to date him for six weeks.
They are both so different, but are absolutely perfect for each other.
I thoroughly enjoyed Drake and Gianna’s story.
Thank you to the author for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
TW: parent with dementia
February 25, 2026
3.5 ⭐️'s
Hmmm…I’m a little torn on this one. I liked how the story was set up with two podcasters and their trial dating for six weeks. And of course, I liked Drake. I just felt Gianna was too forward and the story was too sex heavy.
I enjoyed seeing Gianna’s vulnerability though and her relationships with her best friends and her sister.
Side note: I only found out this was a series at the end of the book and there was an excerpt for the first book, Play Me (Astrid’s book) and after checking I found out that Audrey’s book, Show Me is coming out March 2nd. (I really hate when they don’t title series!)
Hmmm…I’m a little torn on this one. I liked how the story was set up with two podcasters and their trial dating for six weeks. And of course, I liked Drake. I just felt Gianna was too forward and the story was too sex heavy.
I enjoyed seeing Gianna’s vulnerability though and her relationships with her best friends and her sister.
Side note: I only found out this was a series at the end of the book and there was an excerpt for the first book, Play Me (Astrid’s book) and after checking I found out that Audrey’s book, Show Me is coming out March 2nd. (I really hate when they don’t title series!)
February 12, 2026
Try Me was light in plot, had instalove, which I don't love, and I don't think Adriana, the fmc, was always the best friend. For someone who put very little value in romantic love for herself, she made it seem like women having a man in some capacity in their lives was vitally important. I found her to be contradictory at times.
Adriana and Drake were meh.
Also, early on in this book, Drake's father said something that made me cringe so hard that I think I may have permanent wrinkles.
Adriana and Drake were meh.
Also, early on in this book, Drake's father said something that made me cringe so hard that I think I may have permanent wrinkles.
January 28, 2026
I would like to start out by saying thank you to Adriana Locke and Hambright PR for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
This was my first Adriana Locke novel and it will not be my last! She made a fast fan out of me and I am excited to read more of her work.
Adriana wrote a beautifully written novel with pure characters, heartfelt emotion, low angst, top tier banter, undeniable chemistry and high quality steam. This felt like the perfect rom-com! Like it made me giggle one minute and then pull my heartstrings the next. The flow and pace of this book felt completely perfect. My attention never waved and I should mention that I was addicted within the first two chapters!
The fact that Gianna and Drake made a dating bet on the podcast because they had opposing opinions on love had me absolutely HOOKED! I loved watching how this played out because what started out as a publicity stunt became something far more.
Gianna is such a confident and strong FMC but she is also extremely gaurded. I genuinely loved the depth that Adriana wrote into Gianna. She is convinced that love is a choice and that it is not for her... and I loved watching her fall helplessly for Drake.
Drake? The man is perfect. He is the former professional football player turned sports podcaster and I was down bad for him. I loved how honest he was with Gianna while also being constantly thoughtful. Not to mention that man had a way with words!! I think Adriana wrote the perfect book boyfriend!
Drake and Gianna together were explosive with flirty banter and chemistry but they also had so many tender moments. Adriana did a phenomenal job writing these two to have the perfect balance. I am obsessed with them.
Would I suggest this to a friend? Yes! Would I reread this? Yes! Would I like a trophy? Yes!! My husband doesn't know what to do with me LOL.
This was my first Adriana Locke novel and it will not be my last! She made a fast fan out of me and I am excited to read more of her work.
Adriana wrote a beautifully written novel with pure characters, heartfelt emotion, low angst, top tier banter, undeniable chemistry and high quality steam. This felt like the perfect rom-com! Like it made me giggle one minute and then pull my heartstrings the next. The flow and pace of this book felt completely perfect. My attention never waved and I should mention that I was addicted within the first two chapters!
The fact that Gianna and Drake made a dating bet on the podcast because they had opposing opinions on love had me absolutely HOOKED! I loved watching how this played out because what started out as a publicity stunt became something far more.
Gianna is such a confident and strong FMC but she is also extremely gaurded. I genuinely loved the depth that Adriana wrote into Gianna. She is convinced that love is a choice and that it is not for her... and I loved watching her fall helplessly for Drake.
Drake? The man is perfect. He is the former professional football player turned sports podcaster and I was down bad for him. I loved how honest he was with Gianna while also being constantly thoughtful. Not to mention that man had a way with words!! I think Adriana wrote the perfect book boyfriend!
Drake and Gianna together were explosive with flirty banter and chemistry but they also had so many tender moments. Adriana did a phenomenal job writing these two to have the perfect balance. I am obsessed with them.
Would I suggest this to a friend? Yes! Would I reread this? Yes! Would I like a trophy? Yes!! My husband doesn't know what to do with me LOL.
February 11, 2026
ALC Review!
I first met Gianna in Play Me, and she’s that bubbly, artistic, can’t-help-but-love-her kind of character who sticks with you. So when I found out she got her own story… yay! And ohhh, did it ever deliver.
Gianna runs her own podcast, Gianna Knows Best, where she dishes out brutally honest (sometimes savage) relationship advice. Enter Drake Bennett: podcast host extraordinaire… but the sports kind. While Gianna believes love is a choice, Drake is basically white-picket-fence-and-a-dog kind of guy. Somehow, he ends up on her show convincing her to date him… for six whole weeks. Yup, six.
And the best part? The audiobook narration! Tor Thom and Raven Wildewood bring Gianna and Drake’s story to life in the most amazing way. Their voices make the humour and the banter wittier, and the swoony moments hit even harder.
If you want a book that will make you laugh, swoon, and maybe even consider starting your own podcast… 'Try Me' is it. Seriously. Just… try me.
I first met Gianna in Play Me, and she’s that bubbly, artistic, can’t-help-but-love-her kind of character who sticks with you. So when I found out she got her own story… yay! And ohhh, did it ever deliver.
Gianna runs her own podcast, Gianna Knows Best, where she dishes out brutally honest (sometimes savage) relationship advice. Enter Drake Bennett: podcast host extraordinaire… but the sports kind. While Gianna believes love is a choice, Drake is basically white-picket-fence-and-a-dog kind of guy. Somehow, he ends up on her show convincing her to date him… for six whole weeks. Yup, six.
And the best part? The audiobook narration! Tor Thom and Raven Wildewood bring Gianna and Drake’s story to life in the most amazing way. Their voices make the humour and the banter wittier, and the swoony moments hit even harder.
If you want a book that will make you laugh, swoon, and maybe even consider starting your own podcast… 'Try Me' is it. Seriously. Just… try me.
January 1, 2026
The book setup hooked me right away, a live podcast call-out, a confident former football star who actually says “try me,” and a dating bet played out in front of millions? So fun. The banter between Drake and Gianna is quick, flirty, and genuinely entertaining, and I loved how their totally opposite views on love kept colliding in the best way.
Drake surprised me in the best sense... smooth and confident, yes, but also thoughtful and intentional. And Gianna? She’s strong, funny, and guarded in a way that feels very real. Watching her slowly unravel her own beliefs about love had me rooting for her the entire time.
This book is equal parts spicy, sweet, and heartfelt. It made me laugh, gave me a few swoony moments, and left me feeling that cozy romance-book happiness. If you love playful bets, public tension, and a hero who shows up when it matters, this one is such a fun read. 💖📖
Drake surprised me in the best sense... smooth and confident, yes, but also thoughtful and intentional. And Gianna? She’s strong, funny, and guarded in a way that feels very real. Watching her slowly unravel her own beliefs about love had me rooting for her the entire time.
This book is equal parts spicy, sweet, and heartfelt. It made me laugh, gave me a few swoony moments, and left me feeling that cozy romance-book happiness. If you love playful bets, public tension, and a hero who shows up when it matters, this one is such a fun read. 💖📖
February 5, 2026
🎧 AUDIOBOOK REVIEW 🎧
Date Finished: February 5, 2026
4.5 Stars✨
Raven Wildenwood and Tor Thom both provide dual narration for the audio version of this book.
I believe you'll become even more captivated if you've already read this book in paperback or eBook and fallen in love with Gianna and Drake, since Raven and Tor's voices give this audiobook an additional dimension. Raven's sassy, vivacious personality is well conveyed in her voice, which is just what I expected. This narration is made more enticing and delightful by Tom's deep baritone, and he did an excellent job of portraying Drake.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this, and I am now eagerly anticipating the next book!
Date Finished: February 5, 2026
4.5 Stars✨
Raven Wildenwood and Tor Thom both provide dual narration for the audio version of this book.
I believe you'll become even more captivated if you've already read this book in paperback or eBook and fallen in love with Gianna and Drake, since Raven and Tor's voices give this audiobook an additional dimension. Raven's sassy, vivacious personality is well conveyed in her voice, which is just what I expected. This narration is made more enticing and delightful by Tom's deep baritone, and he did an excellent job of portraying Drake.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this, and I am now eagerly anticipating the next book!
January 8, 2026
I loved this book!
It was a greadt feel good read for me!
Loved the banter between their podcast, he falls really hard very fast and honestly that’s what I was in the mood for!
All the found family characters I enjoyed also.
Can’t wait to read more by this author.
It was a greadt feel good read for me!
Loved the banter between their podcast, he falls really hard very fast and honestly that’s what I was in the mood for!
All the found family characters I enjoyed also.
Can’t wait to read more by this author.
January 14, 2026
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this good, all-rounder romance with depth, authentic characters, realistic ‘adulting’ challenges (family and work drama, without being OTT) and some spice!
February 1, 2026
Debating between 4.5 and full 5 but what the hell, I’m going with full 5 cause I had the best time with this book and I want to end the year with a 5 star rating 😜
Longer review to come
Ok, turns out I haven’t gotten my thoughts together much.
I simply loved this book. It’s super fun, the easy 5 star kind of book. I think I might do a reread when the audio is out 🤭
Gianna and Drake had such a good dynamics! They are not exactly enemies, more like acquaintance/friendly co-workers to friends to lovers.
Gianna is just the feistiest and most chaotic character ever (affectionate) and Drake is more of a put together one but in a very hot way and not at all having stick up his ass or sth.
They simply have the best vibes to witness and their flirting was just so good!
I must admit I was super sexually frustrated while reading this book and it *almost* became a 2 star read. Thankfully Drake caved just in time, phew! 😮💨
I loved play me, can’t wait for book 3 of this series, but I’m pretty confident saying it will be hard to top Gianna and Drake!
Update 1.02.2026:
Does it count as a reread if I did the audiobook a month after reading the ebook?
ALC review
Duration: 9h (with 2 bonus chapter from a different book by Adriana)
Listening speed: 1.7-2x but mostly 2.0x
Narrators: Raven Wildewood, Tor Thom
I was super excited for this ALC. I loved the book and I was expecting for this audiobook to become my comfort listen. Sadly the male narrator did not do it for me. I had the biggest ick and if not for the fact that I already loved the book, I’m not sure if I would go with full 5 stars if I only did the ALC 😬
It’s the first time I’m glad it was not a duet, even more, I wish the female narrator did it all.
I checked and it’s actually a second audiobook with Tor Thom I listened to, only that I DNFed the first one mainly cause of narration. This is also the narrator who did the first 3 books of Heated Rivalry and I’ve seen a lot of people hating the audio so I guess I’m not alone in not liking this specific narrator. I just couldn’t with how he did any female voice and how he pronounced/intoned sentences in general.
If you know the narrator and don’t mind his work, go for the audio, but otherwise I suggest sticking to the ebook/physical book for better experience. The book is still a 5 star one for me!
Longer review to come
Ok, turns out I haven’t gotten my thoughts together much.
I simply loved this book. It’s super fun, the easy 5 star kind of book. I think I might do a reread when the audio is out 🤭
Gianna and Drake had such a good dynamics! They are not exactly enemies, more like acquaintance/friendly co-workers to friends to lovers.
Gianna is just the feistiest and most chaotic character ever (affectionate) and Drake is more of a put together one but in a very hot way and not at all having stick up his ass or sth.
They simply have the best vibes to witness and their flirting was just so good!
I must admit I was super sexually frustrated while reading this book and it *almost* became a 2 star read. Thankfully Drake caved just in time, phew! 😮💨
I loved play me, can’t wait for book 3 of this series, but I’m pretty confident saying it will be hard to top Gianna and Drake!
Update 1.02.2026:
Does it count as a reread if I did the audiobook a month after reading the ebook?
ALC review
Duration: 9h (with 2 bonus chapter from a different book by Adriana)
Listening speed: 1.7-2x but mostly 2.0x
Narrators: Raven Wildewood, Tor Thom
I was super excited for this ALC. I loved the book and I was expecting for this audiobook to become my comfort listen. Sadly the male narrator did not do it for me. I had the biggest ick and if not for the fact that I already loved the book, I’m not sure if I would go with full 5 stars if I only did the ALC 😬
It’s the first time I’m glad it was not a duet, even more, I wish the female narrator did it all.
I checked and it’s actually a second audiobook with Tor Thom I listened to, only that I DNFed the first one mainly cause of narration. This is also the narrator who did the first 3 books of Heated Rivalry and I’ve seen a lot of people hating the audio so I guess I’m not alone in not liking this specific narrator. I just couldn’t with how he did any female voice and how he pronounced/intoned sentences in general.
If you know the narrator and don’t mind his work, go for the audio, but otherwise I suggest sticking to the ebook/physical book for better experience. The book is still a 5 star one for me!
January 7, 2026
4 stars
This is such a great read! A banter and chemistry-filled love story with the most gorgeous romance, Drake and Gianna are a fantastic couple, and this book is lots of fun.
Gianna is a popular podcaster who has developed her brand around her belief that love is a choice, that men are mostly untrustworthy, and that relationships are disposable, and her confidence and filterless advice have built her a huge following. Her colleague, Drake, is a former NFL player who has his own sports podcast, and he believes in chemistry, connection and true love. Things take a fun twist when Drake bets Gianna live on air that he can change her mind about love, and he proposes to date her for six weeks. Gianna is quick to agree, happy for the chance to have a quick fling with her gorgeous colleague, and for Drake, it’s a chance to finally get her to see him as more than a coworker, convinced that being with a genuinely good guy will make her see love—and him—differently.
It’s a great set-up and lots of fun, and I loved Gianna and Drake together. They have this fantastic flirty/teasing relationship, and with Drake determined to make the most of his chance with the woman he’s wanted for so long, he pulls out all the stops in his quest to romance her. He’s the nicest guy and an absolute sweetheart, and everything he does challenges Gianna’s long-held beliefs in the best of ways.
This is a well-paced story with great banter and, much to Gianna’s surprise, an easy and natural romance that is sweet, fun and steamy and beautifully heartfelt. They do have some challenges to overcome but they are honest with each other and their relationship is functional and develops beautifully. The character growth is really well done, and I loved watching these two come together.
Such a great read – 4 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
This is such a great read! A banter and chemistry-filled love story with the most gorgeous romance, Drake and Gianna are a fantastic couple, and this book is lots of fun.
Gianna is a popular podcaster who has developed her brand around her belief that love is a choice, that men are mostly untrustworthy, and that relationships are disposable, and her confidence and filterless advice have built her a huge following. Her colleague, Drake, is a former NFL player who has his own sports podcast, and he believes in chemistry, connection and true love. Things take a fun twist when Drake bets Gianna live on air that he can change her mind about love, and he proposes to date her for six weeks. Gianna is quick to agree, happy for the chance to have a quick fling with her gorgeous colleague, and for Drake, it’s a chance to finally get her to see him as more than a coworker, convinced that being with a genuinely good guy will make her see love—and him—differently.
It’s a great set-up and lots of fun, and I loved Gianna and Drake together. They have this fantastic flirty/teasing relationship, and with Drake determined to make the most of his chance with the woman he’s wanted for so long, he pulls out all the stops in his quest to romance her. He’s the nicest guy and an absolute sweetheart, and everything he does challenges Gianna’s long-held beliefs in the best of ways.
This is a well-paced story with great banter and, much to Gianna’s surprise, an easy and natural romance that is sweet, fun and steamy and beautifully heartfelt. They do have some challenges to overcome but they are honest with each other and their relationship is functional and develops beautifully. The character growth is really well done, and I loved watching these two come together.
Such a great read – 4 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
December 29, 2025
Try Me by Adriana Locke
📖Standalone (related to Play Me)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adult • Romance
📖352 Pages
🗓️Out Today!
💙podcaster/sportscaster & former pro athlete
💙dating bet
💙workplace romance
💙arranged dating
💙slow burn
💙found family
💙he falls first
💙friends to lovers
📖“What?” I ask, staring up at him.
“Just making sure you’re real.”
📖 “You can’t disappoint someone when you never had anything to prove.”
We met Gianna in Play Me and she was unforgettable. Over-the-top, unapologetically of her opinions on love, and very much keeping her heart inside a fortress reinforced with b*rbed wire, our FMC was one of those characters that you can’t help to love. It just happens. You may disagree with half of the things she tells listeners on her podcast but!!!!! you WILL LOVE her! Because the thing is... she herself doesn’t either. Behind that facade is a tender heart, deeply afraid of people leaving, of people hvrting her, of people not choosing her.
But Drake is no quitter and definitely not a player, unless he is playing for keeps. And to keep her he very much wants to. This golden retriever of a man was so far gone, even when he knew there was a 90% chance he was getting his heart bruised. But did he waver?! Did he hesitate?! Fine, a little. Yes. But only because he decided to become friends first and there’s something deeply romantic about that. BUT did he take advantage of the opportunity that he so masterfully created?! You d*mned right he did!!!!!!
Gianna’s heart didn’t stand a chance. And neither did mine.
I must say, I really REALLY LOVED the ending of Try Me. I loved the whole book, obviously, but the way things unfolded in the last 1/3 of the book just hit me so right! That’s only the second time that has happened to me this year and both times happened in the last week. That satisfying ending. You just sit there tasting like the first coffee of the day.
📖Standalone (related to Play Me)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adult • Romance
📖352 Pages
🗓️Out Today!
💙podcaster/sportscaster & former pro athlete
💙dating bet
💙workplace romance
💙arranged dating
💙slow burn
💙found family
💙he falls first
💙friends to lovers
📖“What?” I ask, staring up at him.
“Just making sure you’re real.”
📖 “You can’t disappoint someone when you never had anything to prove.”
We met Gianna in Play Me and she was unforgettable. Over-the-top, unapologetically of her opinions on love, and very much keeping her heart inside a fortress reinforced with b*rbed wire, our FMC was one of those characters that you can’t help to love. It just happens. You may disagree with half of the things she tells listeners on her podcast but!!!!! you WILL LOVE her! Because the thing is... she herself doesn’t either. Behind that facade is a tender heart, deeply afraid of people leaving, of people hvrting her, of people not choosing her.
But Drake is no quitter and definitely not a player, unless he is playing for keeps. And to keep her he very much wants to. This golden retriever of a man was so far gone, even when he knew there was a 90% chance he was getting his heart bruised. But did he waver?! Did he hesitate?! Fine, a little. Yes. But only because he decided to become friends first and there’s something deeply romantic about that. BUT did he take advantage of the opportunity that he so masterfully created?! You d*mned right he did!!!!!!
Gianna’s heart didn’t stand a chance. And neither did mine.
I must say, I really REALLY LOVED the ending of Try Me. I loved the whole book, obviously, but the way things unfolded in the last 1/3 of the book just hit me so right! That’s only the second time that has happened to me this year and both times happened in the last week. That satisfying ending. You just sit there tasting like the first coffee of the day.
December 31, 2025
I was provided an ARC of this book via the author, all opinions are my own.
This follows Gianna, who we have met before in Play Me, as she is one of Astrid's best friends and is a spin off of the Brewer family series. You don't need to have read any of the previous books that mention the Brewer's or Astrid to pick this up as it reads as a complete standalone. Gianna is an artist and she says whatever she thinks, which works well for her highly successful podcast Gianna Knows Things . She is a current day Dear Abby, giving advice on relationships and love often telling her listeners the truths they already know but needed someone else to voice. Fellow podcaster Drake, a retired football player believes that everyone deserves love and that Gianna hasn't ever been treated right, hence her advice to eject from a relationship at the first sign of distress. She doesn't ask questions and doesn't want details when things feel off, she'd rather cut things off clean before things get too messy. Drake on the other hand feels that communication is key and relationships take work. He is determined to make Gianna see that there is another side to love that what she has seen so far. They agree on air to a 6 week trial dating period and their ratings soar both on an off the air. They have instant chemistry as Drake wines and dines Gianna in a way that both frustrates and charms her. They have great banter, and she learns that love doesn't have to be earned.
I loved this! Drake was such a gentleman as he courted Gianna and showed her that relationships don't have to be performative. While there are some very spicy scenes, they also built a great relationships as they learned about each other and talked about everything and nothing during their 6 week "fake" relationship period. They were open and honest with each other and supported each other during highs and lows. This also packs a punch in the emotional department as Drake's parents deal with early onset dementia or Alzheimer's diagnosis for his dad, (forgive me I don't recall if it was mentioned specifically), and his family has to figure out how to manage his care. This was such a well rounded book as it has humor, spice, emotion, great banter, and wonderful characters.
This follows Gianna, who we have met before in Play Me, as she is one of Astrid's best friends and is a spin off of the Brewer family series. You don't need to have read any of the previous books that mention the Brewer's or Astrid to pick this up as it reads as a complete standalone. Gianna is an artist and she says whatever she thinks, which works well for her highly successful podcast Gianna Knows Things . She is a current day Dear Abby, giving advice on relationships and love often telling her listeners the truths they already know but needed someone else to voice. Fellow podcaster Drake, a retired football player believes that everyone deserves love and that Gianna hasn't ever been treated right, hence her advice to eject from a relationship at the first sign of distress. She doesn't ask questions and doesn't want details when things feel off, she'd rather cut things off clean before things get too messy. Drake on the other hand feels that communication is key and relationships take work. He is determined to make Gianna see that there is another side to love that what she has seen so far. They agree on air to a 6 week trial dating period and their ratings soar both on an off the air. They have instant chemistry as Drake wines and dines Gianna in a way that both frustrates and charms her. They have great banter, and she learns that love doesn't have to be earned.
I loved this! Drake was such a gentleman as he courted Gianna and showed her that relationships don't have to be performative. While there are some very spicy scenes, they also built a great relationships as they learned about each other and talked about everything and nothing during their 6 week "fake" relationship period. They were open and honest with each other and supported each other during highs and lows. This also packs a punch in the emotional department as Drake's parents deal with early onset dementia or Alzheimer's diagnosis for his dad, (forgive me I don't recall if it was mentioned specifically), and his family has to figure out how to manage his care. This was such a well rounded book as it has humor, spice, emotion, great banter, and wonderful characters.
January 4, 2026
#Review: *Try Me* - Adriana Locke - ARC [18+]
4.9/5✨
3/5🌶️
Everything started with a dare. When ex football player and current sportscaster, Drake Bennett, threw the challenge of dating him for six weeks to Gianna Bardot in her own podcast, she thought that it supposed to be something funny and that she'll never fall for him. Gianna didn't really believed in true love and that's what her whole show was all about: to uncover the true side of love, the least beautiful side of it. But what happens when Drake was truly different than what Gianna has imagined? Where does that leave her and her heart in the end?
I can tell you from the start that this was such a sweet, fun and super enjoyable story. I had the bestest time following the banter of Drake and Gianna, two people who oozed confidence and so much tension. They were constantly flirting and I just loved how he just stumbled into Gianna's life. He was super sweet, thoughtful and he just knew that he had to do to win Gianna's heart with the occasion of that challenge. Even though Gianna haven't planned to fall for her new boyfriend, things shifted pretty fast between them and the banter was stronger than ever. I loved that she found comfort in Drake and how she knew that she could just be herself around him and he would still be around. He was a really nice surprise for her and I liked that she let her walls down and let everything happen by itself.
I simply adored these characters and the amazing synergy between them. It was super fun, yet it touched that emotional side of these characters, having the right amount of everything in this story. I found this story really addicting and I couldn't get enough of that cute thing Drake and Gianna had.
Super grateful for the opportunity Hambright Pr offered me, by accepting me for this e-ARC. Thank you so, so much for it!🤗
✨Tropes
▫️Co-workers To Lovers
▫️The Dating Bet
▫️Opposites Attract
▫️Friends To Lovers
▫️Banter
▫️Ex Football Player
4.9/5✨
3/5🌶️
Everything started with a dare. When ex football player and current sportscaster, Drake Bennett, threw the challenge of dating him for six weeks to Gianna Bardot in her own podcast, she thought that it supposed to be something funny and that she'll never fall for him. Gianna didn't really believed in true love and that's what her whole show was all about: to uncover the true side of love, the least beautiful side of it. But what happens when Drake was truly different than what Gianna has imagined? Where does that leave her and her heart in the end?
I can tell you from the start that this was such a sweet, fun and super enjoyable story. I had the bestest time following the banter of Drake and Gianna, two people who oozed confidence and so much tension. They were constantly flirting and I just loved how he just stumbled into Gianna's life. He was super sweet, thoughtful and he just knew that he had to do to win Gianna's heart with the occasion of that challenge. Even though Gianna haven't planned to fall for her new boyfriend, things shifted pretty fast between them and the banter was stronger than ever. I loved that she found comfort in Drake and how she knew that she could just be herself around him and he would still be around. He was a really nice surprise for her and I liked that she let her walls down and let everything happen by itself.
I simply adored these characters and the amazing synergy between them. It was super fun, yet it touched that emotional side of these characters, having the right amount of everything in this story. I found this story really addicting and I couldn't get enough of that cute thing Drake and Gianna had.
Super grateful for the opportunity Hambright Pr offered me, by accepting me for this e-ARC. Thank you so, so much for it!🤗
✨Tropes
▫️Co-workers To Lovers
▫️The Dating Bet
▫️Opposites Attract
▫️Friends To Lovers
▫️Banter
▫️Ex Football Player
January 11, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Try Me by Adriana Locke
🌶🌶–🌶🌶🌶 (2–3 chili peppers)
This book did for me what First Time Caller by B.K. Borison did not — and I mean that in the best way.
At its core, Try Me is a podcast romance with a host who doesn’t believe in love, but the execution here absolutely works. While the story itself is different, the vibes immediately reminded me of the Windy City series by Liz Tomforde — the writing style, the found family, and that perfect blend of humor with emotionally grounded, real-feeling characters. If you loved Windy City, this one is an easy yes.
Gianna is such a deeply relatable FMC. I saw so much of my own childhood, belief systems, and emotional walls reflected in her, which made her journey feel authentic and earned. Drake is a standout MMC — confident, believable, and steady in a way that feels genuinely romantic instead of overdone.
The flirting, banter, and tension are chef’s kiss. This is a true slow burn that lets the romance breathe, making every moment of connection feel intentional. The fake dating and podcast elements were perfectly executed — fun, natural, and never gimmicky.
One important note: this is an interconnected standalone, and the first book in the series is Play Me. You can absolutely read Try Me on its own, but it’s helpful to know going in.
This was fun, romantic, and emotionally satisfying in all the right ways. A full 5-star read for me.
🌶🌶–🌶🌶🌶 (2–3 chili peppers)
This book did for me what First Time Caller by B.K. Borison did not — and I mean that in the best way.
At its core, Try Me is a podcast romance with a host who doesn’t believe in love, but the execution here absolutely works. While the story itself is different, the vibes immediately reminded me of the Windy City series by Liz Tomforde — the writing style, the found family, and that perfect blend of humor with emotionally grounded, real-feeling characters. If you loved Windy City, this one is an easy yes.
Gianna is such a deeply relatable FMC. I saw so much of my own childhood, belief systems, and emotional walls reflected in her, which made her journey feel authentic and earned. Drake is a standout MMC — confident, believable, and steady in a way that feels genuinely romantic instead of overdone.
The flirting, banter, and tension are chef’s kiss. This is a true slow burn that lets the romance breathe, making every moment of connection feel intentional. The fake dating and podcast elements were perfectly executed — fun, natural, and never gimmicky.
One important note: this is an interconnected standalone, and the first book in the series is Play Me. You can absolutely read Try Me on its own, but it’s helpful to know going in.
This was fun, romantic, and emotionally satisfying in all the right ways. A full 5-star read for me.
February 4, 2026
Try Me is book 2 in the Play Me series and it can read fine as a standalone, there's previous characters that make appearances and background info from previous books so just keep that in mind. I love Adriana, but this one just didn't work for me at all. It was overly lengthy and a little boring to be honest. I felt nothing really happened, it just felt like pages and pages of filler. There was no story, no plot, I'm so sad, I wanted to love it.
The relationship between Gianna and Drake, non-existent. They have no chemistry, they just fall in a relationship together and had me cringing and rolling my eyes most of the time. It didn't feel real at all. The spice was so awkward, I couldn't read it most of the time, I hate it because I haven't felt like this for any of her books, but this one was not it. There was potential for a lot of development in their excitement and I feel it was missed. The ending was rushed and felt highly unfinished. I never believed in their love, that really took me out of the story.
Overall, this book truly did not work for me at all. It seems to be working for a lot of readers, so give it a shot, it might be for you!!
✨️ Thank you to Adriana Locke for my gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review.
The relationship between Gianna and Drake, non-existent. They have no chemistry, they just fall in a relationship together and had me cringing and rolling my eyes most of the time. It didn't feel real at all. The spice was so awkward, I couldn't read it most of the time, I hate it because I haven't felt like this for any of her books, but this one was not it. There was potential for a lot of development in their excitement and I feel it was missed. The ending was rushed and felt highly unfinished. I never believed in their love, that really took me out of the story.
Overall, this book truly did not work for me at all. It seems to be working for a lot of readers, so give it a shot, it might be for you!!
✨️ Thank you to Adriana Locke for my gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2026
4.5 Stars✨
3 Spices🌶️
Hmmm. How to describe this book candidly? If you're ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe even shed a tear, this book is a must-read. It challenges us to reconsider what love is, rather than only demonstrating it. So grab a copy now, pour some wine on that glass, or prepare yourself a cuppa, settle in, and let Drake and Gianna's story remind you why true love is worth the wait.
Try Me is the second novel in the Play Me series, which explores the themes of acceptance, self-discovery, and love. It follows the story of Drake Bennett, a former NFL pro-turned-sports podcaster, and Gianna Bardot, the infamous and quirky host behind Gianna Knows Best.
When Drake unexpectedly co-hosted a section on Gianna’s show, the airwaves went bananas, and fans adored their collaboration and banter behind the microphone—resulting in an agreement that will set these two friends and colleagues on a journey of a full "fake" dating experience that will speak to anybody who has ever gone through the highs and lows of friendship and love.
In this book, Gianna reveals a combination of strong and vulnerable traits behind the quirky, chaotic, and brutally honest woman. Because of her prior heartbreaks, she believes that men are undeserving and relationships are fleeting.
Enter the charming and confident Drake, who concurs. This man believes in chemistry, connection, and true love, given that he grew up in an atmosphere of love with parents who were completely committed to one another.
As they navigate friendship and companionship throughout the allotted time of their date, their regular meet-ups, hilarious banters on-air, and heartfelt conversations off-air, have transformed from fake to a profound bond between two people who couldn't be more different — or more perfect for each other.
The book shines with its sharp, witty dialogue, and Adriana expertly balances humour with insight into relationships. Drake and Gianna's philosophical arguments on love, sex, and friendship are relatable and memorable, and they have struck a chord with me throughout the reading process. Their undeniable chemistry elevates these interplays, making their dynamic captivating and authentic.
At its heart, Try Me is a story that explores love's unpredictable nature with honesty and sincerity. It provides a novel perspective on the complexities of love and human connection and is both entertaining and endearing. This charming story of evolving relationships and ultimate love has firmly established it as one of Adriana's greatest works, in my opinion.
Receiving a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was an honour, and I'm presenting my candid opinion based on my own experience. I am eternally grateful to Adriana Locke and her Team for entrusting me with reading this book beforehand.
3 Spices🌶️
Hmmm. How to describe this book candidly? If you're ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe even shed a tear, this book is a must-read. It challenges us to reconsider what love is, rather than only demonstrating it. So grab a copy now, pour some wine on that glass, or prepare yourself a cuppa, settle in, and let Drake and Gianna's story remind you why true love is worth the wait.
Try Me is the second novel in the Play Me series, which explores the themes of acceptance, self-discovery, and love. It follows the story of Drake Bennett, a former NFL pro-turned-sports podcaster, and Gianna Bardot, the infamous and quirky host behind Gianna Knows Best.
When Drake unexpectedly co-hosted a section on Gianna’s show, the airwaves went bananas, and fans adored their collaboration and banter behind the microphone—resulting in an agreement that will set these two friends and colleagues on a journey of a full "fake" dating experience that will speak to anybody who has ever gone through the highs and lows of friendship and love.
In this book, Gianna reveals a combination of strong and vulnerable traits behind the quirky, chaotic, and brutally honest woman. Because of her prior heartbreaks, she believes that men are undeserving and relationships are fleeting.
Enter the charming and confident Drake, who concurs. This man believes in chemistry, connection, and true love, given that he grew up in an atmosphere of love with parents who were completely committed to one another.
As they navigate friendship and companionship throughout the allotted time of their date, their regular meet-ups, hilarious banters on-air, and heartfelt conversations off-air, have transformed from fake to a profound bond between two people who couldn't be more different — or more perfect for each other.
The book shines with its sharp, witty dialogue, and Adriana expertly balances humour with insight into relationships. Drake and Gianna's philosophical arguments on love, sex, and friendship are relatable and memorable, and they have struck a chord with me throughout the reading process. Their undeniable chemistry elevates these interplays, making their dynamic captivating and authentic.
At its heart, Try Me is a story that explores love's unpredictable nature with honesty and sincerity. It provides a novel perspective on the complexities of love and human connection and is both entertaining and endearing. This charming story of evolving relationships and ultimate love has firmly established it as one of Adriana's greatest works, in my opinion.
Receiving a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was an honour, and I'm presenting my candid opinion based on my own experience. I am eternally grateful to Adriana Locke and her Team for entrusting me with reading this book beforehand.
January 1, 2026
ARC Review: Thank you to Adriana Locke for sending me an advanced copy of Try Me to read and review
First off, Adriana Locke has become an auto-buy author for me. Her books are so addictive.
Try Me was such a good book. Drake’s character was so easy to fall in love with. He loves his family. I loved those moments with his mom, dad, and sisters. He’s such a thoughtful person. Gianna expects their dating bet to be surface-level like every other guy she’s dated. I enjoyed seeing how thrown off she was by the thoughtfulness of the dates.
Gianna had a difficult relationship with her parents, and that bled over into her love life. She believed that love had to be earned. Her whole podcast is basically formed around the idea that she doesn’t believe in love. It was so sweet how Drake changed her entire mindset. He showed her that love was free and didn’t have to be earned. There was a moment between Drake’s dad and Gianna that had me crying at work. This book made me kick my feet and giggle, laugh, and cry. I loved Gianna from the moment she was introduced in Play Me, and I really enjoyed delving deeper into her character.
First off, Adriana Locke has become an auto-buy author for me. Her books are so addictive.
Try Me was such a good book. Drake’s character was so easy to fall in love with. He loves his family. I loved those moments with his mom, dad, and sisters. He’s such a thoughtful person. Gianna expects their dating bet to be surface-level like every other guy she’s dated. I enjoyed seeing how thrown off she was by the thoughtfulness of the dates.
Gianna had a difficult relationship with her parents, and that bled over into her love life. She believed that love had to be earned. Her whole podcast is basically formed around the idea that she doesn’t believe in love. It was so sweet how Drake changed her entire mindset. He showed her that love was free and didn’t have to be earned. There was a moment between Drake’s dad and Gianna that had me crying at work. This book made me kick my feet and giggle, laugh, and cry. I loved Gianna from the moment she was introduced in Play Me, and I really enjoyed delving deeper into her character.
December 27, 2025
"Try Me" by Adriana Locke became my favorite book from the author.
I am part of Adriana's review team and I received an advance reader copy of the book.
Opinions from this review are completely my own.
Drake is a former pro football player turned sportscaster and Gianna is an artist that also has a podcast called Gianna Knows Best.
After she declared that no man can make her fall in love, Drake challenged her to make a bet: date him for 6 weeks and she'll fall in love.
I enjoyed reading this book a lot.
The chemistry between the characters is great and the tension was built so good.
Even if they are different, they also complete each other. Gianna is messy and free spirited, while Drake is in control and so caring.
He really showed her she is worth so much more that she believes she does.
The dates were great and I loved the slow burn that turned into great spice.
There is also good character development and the plot is well written.
I am part of Adriana's review team and I received an advance reader copy of the book.
Opinions from this review are completely my own.
Drake is a former pro football player turned sportscaster and Gianna is an artist that also has a podcast called Gianna Knows Best.
After she declared that no man can make her fall in love, Drake challenged her to make a bet: date him for 6 weeks and she'll fall in love.
I enjoyed reading this book a lot.
The chemistry between the characters is great and the tension was built so good.
Even if they are different, they also complete each other. Gianna is messy and free spirited, while Drake is in control and so caring.
He really showed her she is worth so much more that she believes she does.
The dates were great and I loved the slow burn that turned into great spice.
There is also good character development and the plot is well written.
December 29, 2025
Oh my god, this book was soooo good! I have loved every book I've read by Adriana Locke, but this one was my favorite. The banter, the one-liners and humor was some of the best I've ever read. I actually laughed out loud several times! I was annoyed when my husband interrupted my reading to ask me a question! It was that good!
Drake and Gianna both worked for the same media company, each having their own podcast. When Gianna is getting ready to do an interview on her podcast, there's an emergency and she has to scramble at the last minute to fill it. When Drake walks by, she takes it as an opportunity. Drake happily agrees to do the podcast with her and then takes it as his opportunity to do something he's always wanted to do... Date Gianna. He dares her to date him for 6 weeks and she agrees. He knows he might walk away from this arrangement with a broken heart, but it's also a chance to show her that not everyone will let her down. Gianna just assumes she will take this opportunity to have some fun with a guy she has amazing chemistry with and will just move on when the 6 weeks are over. Little does she know how well Drake will do in the pretend boyfriend department! No woman on earth would stand a chance at resisting him!
Five big, shiny stars!!!
Drake and Gianna both worked for the same media company, each having their own podcast. When Gianna is getting ready to do an interview on her podcast, there's an emergency and she has to scramble at the last minute to fill it. When Drake walks by, she takes it as an opportunity. Drake happily agrees to do the podcast with her and then takes it as his opportunity to do something he's always wanted to do... Date Gianna. He dares her to date him for 6 weeks and she agrees. He knows he might walk away from this arrangement with a broken heart, but it's also a chance to show her that not everyone will let her down. Gianna just assumes she will take this opportunity to have some fun with a guy she has amazing chemistry with and will just move on when the 6 weeks are over. Little does she know how well Drake will do in the pretend boyfriend department! No woman on earth would stand a chance at resisting him!
Five big, shiny stars!!!
January 10, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up.
Try Me is an MF office romance between two podcasters who can‘t help falling in love with each other.
This was my first book by Adriana Locke and it certainly won‘t be the last. I had so much fun with Gianna‘s and Drake‘s story!
These two were my kind of people and I rooted for them from the get-go.
Gianna has this free and wild spirit. She‘s snarky and outspoken, but also jaded and sarcastic. And Drake? He‘s a dream man! He‘s sexy and confident and knows exactly what he wants; mainly Gianna. And while she was a tough nut to crack, against Drake‘s charm, she never stood a chance!
I loved their chemistry from the first page on, the banter made me laugh, the date’s Drake planned made me swoon and Drake‘s and Gianna‘s individual family background added depth. The balance between spice and story progress was perfect for my liking.
In short, this book was everything you could want in a romance book and I highly recommend picking it up.
Thank you to Adriana Locke and Hambright PR for sending me an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Try Me is an MF office romance between two podcasters who can‘t help falling in love with each other.
This was my first book by Adriana Locke and it certainly won‘t be the last. I had so much fun with Gianna‘s and Drake‘s story!
These two were my kind of people and I rooted for them from the get-go.
Gianna has this free and wild spirit. She‘s snarky and outspoken, but also jaded and sarcastic. And Drake? He‘s a dream man! He‘s sexy and confident and knows exactly what he wants; mainly Gianna. And while she was a tough nut to crack, against Drake‘s charm, she never stood a chance!
I loved their chemistry from the first page on, the banter made me laugh, the date’s Drake planned made me swoon and Drake‘s and Gianna‘s individual family background added depth. The balance between spice and story progress was perfect for my liking.
In short, this book was everything you could want in a romance book and I highly recommend picking it up.
Thank you to Adriana Locke and Hambright PR for sending me an ARC. All opinions are my own.
January 19, 2026
5 ⭐️
Okay woah! I freaking loved this book! So so so much!
I am not the biggest fan of the “fake” dating trope but this was an awesome execution of it! The dating bet set up was so effortless and totally not what I was expecting!
Gianna was such a fun FMC, creative, outspoken and so witty. I like when a FMC is love jaded but ends up falling head over heels for the right MAN. And oh boy was Drake a MAN alright. The way he showed Gianna what a relationship could be was swoon worthy. I enjoyed his family dynamic and how his actions for them and Gianna captured what a honest kind strong man should be.
I adore Adriana’s writing and how her stories ALWAYS make you laugh and feel like a warm hug. This one definitely had me tearing up when it came to Big Ed’s battle and I really enjoyed how he spoke about his love for his wife.
Oh man I could go on and on with all that I loved in this book!
Thank you to Adriana and Hambright PR for this ARC!
Okay woah! I freaking loved this book! So so so much!
I am not the biggest fan of the “fake” dating trope but this was an awesome execution of it! The dating bet set up was so effortless and totally not what I was expecting!
Gianna was such a fun FMC, creative, outspoken and so witty. I like when a FMC is love jaded but ends up falling head over heels for the right MAN. And oh boy was Drake a MAN alright. The way he showed Gianna what a relationship could be was swoon worthy. I enjoyed his family dynamic and how his actions for them and Gianna captured what a honest kind strong man should be.
I adore Adriana’s writing and how her stories ALWAYS make you laugh and feel like a warm hug. This one definitely had me tearing up when it came to Big Ed’s battle and I really enjoyed how he spoke about his love for his wife.
Oh man I could go on and on with all that I loved in this book!
Thank you to Adriana and Hambright PR for this ARC!
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