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Play Me #3
Show Me
He’s showing me a lot more than he should.
The one time I choose to be unpredictable, I find myself practically naked in a dark cabin on a ranch, face-to-face with a smirking man barely wearing a towel.
Despite his chiseled body and a wicked smile that makes following the rules feel optional, nothing happens. Why? Because I, Audrey Van, don’t know how to have fun.
I came to my friend’s cabin with my whimsy list in hand, determined to fix that. I’ve earned my doctorate and built a career with zero parking tickets and even fewer hangovers. I’ve been so good … and so boring.
This isn’t who I want to be anymore.
Brooks Dempsey is the last person who should be helping me find myself. The ridiculously hot mixed martial artist—and my brother’s nemesis—is a walking bad decision gift wrapped in broad shoulders and trouble. But who better to teach me how to flirt, defend myself, and explore other things than the man who does it best?
Soon, I want more. Not just from life, but from him.
But this recklessly electrifying thing between us was never meant to last. The bad boy never settles with the good girl, and a girl like me should know better. So, when life throws us into the ring, gloves on, will we fight together? Or will one of us throw in the towel?
_________
Bad Boy / Good Girl
Small Town
MMA Fighter
Brother’s Nemesis
He Falls First
One Bed Situation
The one time I choose to be unpredictable, I find myself practically naked in a dark cabin on a ranch, face-to-face with a smirking man barely wearing a towel.
Despite his chiseled body and a wicked smile that makes following the rules feel optional, nothing happens. Why? Because I, Audrey Van, don’t know how to have fun.
I came to my friend’s cabin with my whimsy list in hand, determined to fix that. I’ve earned my doctorate and built a career with zero parking tickets and even fewer hangovers. I’ve been so good … and so boring.
This isn’t who I want to be anymore.
Brooks Dempsey is the last person who should be helping me find myself. The ridiculously hot mixed martial artist—and my brother’s nemesis—is a walking bad decision gift wrapped in broad shoulders and trouble. But who better to teach me how to flirt, defend myself, and explore other things than the man who does it best?
Soon, I want more. Not just from life, but from him.
But this recklessly electrifying thing between us was never meant to last. The bad boy never settles with the good girl, and a girl like me should know better. So, when life throws us into the ring, gloves on, will we fight together? Or will one of us throw in the towel?
_________
Bad Boy / Good Girl
Small Town
MMA Fighter
Brother’s Nemesis
He Falls First
One Bed Situation
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2026
796 people are currently reading
1355 people want to read
About the author
Adriana Locke
86 books16.2k 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 575 reviews
March 16, 2026
I loved this book! It was different to me as this book had a strong FMC that was courageous, and not dependent on the MMC.
Audrey and Brooks had a most unusual meeting. And, the angst just builds from there. Audrey is trying to find whom she really is, and departs in the middle of a snowstorm to her friend’s vacation house. When she gets there she is met with quite the surprise!
Will she and Brooks make a match, or will he be another check mark on her list? Is he using her because he wants to return to fighting? How clean will this end? When does a simple arrangement turn complicated?
I loved the story, setting, and character dynamics in Show Me! Adriana Locke knows how to make a girl suffer! (Poor Audrey) The only downside to me was how much overthinking Audrey does, and missing bits of information early in the book. Other than that, the book is very entertaining!
Happy Reading,
Crystal E.
Booked_in_mississippi
Audrey and Brooks had a most unusual meeting. And, the angst just builds from there. Audrey is trying to find whom she really is, and departs in the middle of a snowstorm to her friend’s vacation house. When she gets there she is met with quite the surprise!
Will she and Brooks make a match, or will he be another check mark on her list? Is he using her because he wants to return to fighting? How clean will this end? When does a simple arrangement turn complicated?
I loved the story, setting, and character dynamics in Show Me! Adriana Locke knows how to make a girl suffer! (Poor Audrey) The only downside to me was how much overthinking Audrey does, and missing bits of information early in the book. Other than that, the book is very entertaining!
Happy Reading,
Crystal E.
Booked_in_mississippi
March 12, 2026
Oh my gosh I loved this soo much, it was fun, spicy but also very inspiring. This is one of the most well done good girl x bad boy romances I’ve ever read, because it didn’t overemphasise the fmcs “innocence” and made her out an extremely strong and intelligent character. The plot was great, I loved how they’re both city people escaping to a small town, him being an injured boxer and her being a philosophy professor trying to find herself again. I loved the whole “whimsy list” and the point of building confidence. It was pretty inspiring to me because the whole being reduced to “sweet” and the pressure of being perfect is something a lot of people can relate to, and it was written very realistically. Heck it even makes me want to start my own whimsy list. I loved the flirting, between Brooks and Audrey, it felt natural and so fun. They had insane chemistry but gosh Brooks was so damn whipped from the start, it was adorable. Like what do you mean he wanted to be near her so bad he told her to stitch up his arm even though she has zero experience??? This man was so down bad, and I loved how he was so supportive, encouraging and helped her find herself. But most importantly, how he left most of the discovery to her, and just gave her the push she needed. This book was about healing for two completely different people with totally opposite traumas and it had me crying because of the emotional impact. This truly was a 5/5 read, it was a very empowering book but also so fun and cute.
April 14, 2026
I'll say that with all my heart...
All these series about a group of friends finding love should be read one right after another!
Cause let's face it... we read too much! We love too many characters and we have tons of book boyfriends 😂😂😂
And with just a few exceptions, we tend to forget about a lot of them, and that's just sad when I know that I loved the previous books in a series, but can't remember nothing about it 😫.
With that said, I (again) fell in love with another couple, and of course... with Brooks 😂
He gave her strength and self esteem back. He gave her love and life (among other things 😏).
It was amazing to see both of them let go of their past, to be happy with their present.
And of course, all the cameos of previous couples made me realize that my memory sucks! 😂
Highly recommend it though! 😂
All these series about a group of friends finding love should be read one right after another!
Cause let's face it... we read too much! We love too many characters and we have tons of book boyfriends 😂😂😂
And with just a few exceptions, we tend to forget about a lot of them, and that's just sad when I know that I loved the previous books in a series, but can't remember nothing about it 😫.
With that said, I (again) fell in love with another couple, and of course... with Brooks 😂
He gave her strength and self esteem back. He gave her love and life (among other things 😏).
It was amazing to see both of them let go of their past, to be happy with their present.
And of course, all the cameos of previous couples made me realize that my memory sucks! 😂
Highly recommend it though! 😂
March 12, 2026
Adriana Locke’s Show Me confirms once again why Adriana is one of my favorite romance authors. Of this new series I have to say that this has become my favorite book so far. 💚
In this story we have Audrey, who is tired of being seen as the sweet girl, the one who never breaks rules. Determined to change that, she goes to her best friend's cabin for a week with a clear goal: to rediscover herself and start crossing things off her "whimsy list", that list of things she has always wanted to do but has never dared. ✅
That's where Brooks appears, an MMA fighter who comes into her life to teach her how to break the rules, to let go a little and, above all, to say what she really wants. What begins as a simple week to complete a list ends up becoming something much more intense. 🔥🌶️
And as if that wasn't enough... Brooks also turns out to be Andrew's nemesis, Audrey's older brother, which complicates things even more for both of them.
Something that always fascinates me about Adriana Locke is how, even with relatively short stories, she manages to connect us deeply with her characters. The couples always have something special, something that makes you get attached to them. ✨
Now I can only say one thing: I need Hartley's book! I really hope that's the next story Adriana tells us.
📚 Show Me goes on sale this March 13.
In this story we have Audrey, who is tired of being seen as the sweet girl, the one who never breaks rules. Determined to change that, she goes to her best friend's cabin for a week with a clear goal: to rediscover herself and start crossing things off her "whimsy list", that list of things she has always wanted to do but has never dared. ✅
That's where Brooks appears, an MMA fighter who comes into her life to teach her how to break the rules, to let go a little and, above all, to say what she really wants. What begins as a simple week to complete a list ends up becoming something much more intense. 🔥🌶️
And as if that wasn't enough... Brooks also turns out to be Andrew's nemesis, Audrey's older brother, which complicates things even more for both of them.
Something that always fascinates me about Adriana Locke is how, even with relatively short stories, she manages to connect us deeply with her characters. The couples always have something special, something that makes you get attached to them. ✨
Now I can only say one thing: I need Hartley's book! I really hope that's the next story Adriana tells us.
📚 Show Me goes on sale this March 13.
March 14, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
✨Bad Boy / Good Girl
✨Small Town
✨MMA Fighter
✨Brother’s Nemesis
✨He Falls First
Adriana always writes such bingeable books! The 312 pages flew by, especially with a storyline centered around a good girl experiencing a little insta lust and wanting to explore her wild side.
Audrey decides to step out of her comfort zone and visits her best friend’s family cabin, where she meets Brook, the reckless MMA fighter. From the very beginning, the chemistry and tension between them are undeniable.
Their relationship was really well written and gave me all the feels. I especially loved how Brook encouraged Audrey to ask for what she wanted and helped her find the confidence she’d been missing.
Overall, it was such a cute read with cozy small town vibes. A quick, enjoyable romance that was easy to get lost in.
Thank you @authoradrianalocke for the gifted arc
March 28, 2026
I have been waaaaaiting for this one! I love a story about the quiet, unassuming friend. The one thats probably a little shy whos got some unrequited love going on.
Audrey is out to relax and have some fun. She made herself a "whimsy" list and is tired of being boring. And who better to help her with her list than the guy she just ran into (while he was naked!)?
Brooks is a mix martial artist and knows how to have fun. He knows how to flirt, he knows basically everything on Audreys list! Who better to help her mark out everything?
Except... Brooks knows someone in Audreys life. Someone who definitely wouldn't want them together. Someone who holds the keys to Brooks getting his life back.
Its such a fun book. Brooks treats Audrey so well (most of the time). And Audrey has some great friends to lean on when things get tough. Brooks is a country boy, and Audrey is a sophisticated woman. It shouldn't work but it does.
Audrey is out to relax and have some fun. She made herself a "whimsy" list and is tired of being boring. And who better to help her with her list than the guy she just ran into (while he was naked!)?
Brooks is a mix martial artist and knows how to have fun. He knows how to flirt, he knows basically everything on Audreys list! Who better to help her mark out everything?
Except... Brooks knows someone in Audreys life. Someone who definitely wouldn't want them together. Someone who holds the keys to Brooks getting his life back.
Its such a fun book. Brooks treats Audrey so well (most of the time). And Audrey has some great friends to lean on when things get tough. Brooks is a country boy, and Audrey is a sophisticated woman. It shouldn't work but it does.
March 21, 2026
I loved the story, the dynamics and the cast of characters in Show Me!
This one features Audrey and Brooks and their first meeting was so good. Audrey is trying to find herself and writes a list and escapes to a dreamy location and Brooks just happens to be in the location. He is recovering from a serious injury and is MMA fighter. Their chemistry was instant and this one is about finding yourself and healing from the past. This was such an enjoyable read and is book three in the Play Me series.
I received a complementary copy from Hambright PR.
This one features Audrey and Brooks and their first meeting was so good. Audrey is trying to find herself and writes a list and escapes to a dreamy location and Brooks just happens to be in the location. He is recovering from a serious injury and is MMA fighter. Their chemistry was instant and this one is about finding yourself and healing from the past. This was such an enjoyable read and is book three in the Play Me series.
I received a complementary copy from Hambright PR.
March 25, 2026
Adriana delivers again with "Show Me"!
This bad boy/good girl romance hooked me right away and kept me fully invested in Dempsey and Audrey's story. If you’ve read earlier in the series, getting more of Dempsey was such a treat and I loved that he was paired with Auden. They shouldn’t work on paper, but their connection proves otherwise.
What stood out most to me was how their relationship developed. Beneath the tension and banter, there’s a real emotional depth that makes their connection feel genuine. Watching their walls come down and seeing them open up to each other was one of my favorite parts of the story.
And the nickname “Doc”? I loved it. It added such a personal and endearing touch to their dynamic.
This story really shines in how it focuses on the relationship itself two people from very different worlds finding something real together.
If you enjoy opposites-attract with strong chemistry and emotional growth, this is definitely one to pick up!
This bad boy/good girl romance hooked me right away and kept me fully invested in Dempsey and Audrey's story. If you’ve read earlier in the series, getting more of Dempsey was such a treat and I loved that he was paired with Auden. They shouldn’t work on paper, but their connection proves otherwise.
What stood out most to me was how their relationship developed. Beneath the tension and banter, there’s a real emotional depth that makes their connection feel genuine. Watching their walls come down and seeing them open up to each other was one of my favorite parts of the story.
And the nickname “Doc”? I loved it. It added such a personal and endearing touch to their dynamic.
This story really shines in how it focuses on the relationship itself two people from very different worlds finding something real together.
If you enjoy opposites-attract with strong chemistry and emotional growth, this is definitely one to pick up!
March 24, 2026
4 ⭐️'s
I was happily surprised at how much better I liked both Brooks and Audrey than in the previous books. I especially liked Brooks' vulnerable side. Their relationship was really sweet and I liked how they were there for each other.
I didn't think the "drama" got enough page time. It wrapped up too easily as did the ending although I thought the two epilogues were great.
Now the question is...is Hartley going to get a book?
I was happily surprised at how much better I liked both Brooks and Audrey than in the previous books. I especially liked Brooks' vulnerable side. Their relationship was really sweet and I liked how they were there for each other.
I didn't think the "drama" got enough page time. It wrapped up too easily as did the ending although I thought the two epilogues were great.
Now the question is...is Hartley going to get a book?
April 1, 2026
4 stars
A sexy and fun friends-with-benefits romance, I loved this book.
This is the third book in Locke’s Play Me series, and there is some character crossover, but it can easily stand alone.
Audrey is a good girl. She’s the quiet, more reserved member of her girl group, and she’s on a mission to change that. She has travelled to a friend’s cabin, taking time out from her everyday life to be a little wild for once. Brooks is an MMA fighter who is on break and helping out on a friend’s farm where Audrey is staying. He is instantly smitten and wastes no time inserting himself into her life, and when he accidentally sees Audrey’s ‘whimsy list’ of wild things she wants to accomplish, he gallantly offers to help her out.
It’s fun and flirtatious, and I loved these two together from the start. Their chemistry is immediate, full of flirting, teasing and banter, and they don’t hide their attraction to each other. And when Brooks makes good on his promise, the sexy time is scorching! They are compatible on every level, and I loved how Brooks helps Audrey come out of her shell in so many ways
I loved Audrey! She goes on quite the journey in this book, and watching her be strong, realise her worth and stand up for herself made me so damn proud of her. And Brooks is such a great hero, a sexy, dirty-talking charmer, he’s got a heart of gold, and is such a good guy! Though they plan to keep emotions out of it, they fall for each other naturally and easily, and I loved watching them come together.
Back in the real world, though, their lives are so different, and they have some huge challenges to overcome, including the complication that Audrey’s brother is Brooks’ nemesis, and there is seriously bad blood between them. The drama adds tension, but it’s handled well without overwhelming the romance, and I loved seeing how it all played out as these two find their happy ending.
This is an easy, feel-good read that’s sweet, sexy, and full of charm — and it left me smiling.
4 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
A sexy and fun friends-with-benefits romance, I loved this book.
This is the third book in Locke’s Play Me series, and there is some character crossover, but it can easily stand alone.
Audrey is a good girl. She’s the quiet, more reserved member of her girl group, and she’s on a mission to change that. She has travelled to a friend’s cabin, taking time out from her everyday life to be a little wild for once. Brooks is an MMA fighter who is on break and helping out on a friend’s farm where Audrey is staying. He is instantly smitten and wastes no time inserting himself into her life, and when he accidentally sees Audrey’s ‘whimsy list’ of wild things she wants to accomplish, he gallantly offers to help her out.
“If we do this, we do it my way,” he says, studying me.
“What does that mean?”
“That means that for the next week, you’re mine.”
It’s fun and flirtatious, and I loved these two together from the start. Their chemistry is immediate, full of flirting, teasing and banter, and they don’t hide their attraction to each other. And when Brooks makes good on his promise, the sexy time is scorching! They are compatible on every level, and I loved how Brooks helps Audrey come out of her shell in so many ways
“When I’m with you,” she says softly, her chest rising and falling in tempo with mine. “I feel free. I can be whoever I want. Say things, do things…act on things I’ve never been able to express in my life. Thank you for that.”
I loved Audrey! She goes on quite the journey in this book, and watching her be strong, realise her worth and stand up for herself made me so damn proud of her. And Brooks is such a great hero, a sexy, dirty-talking charmer, he’s got a heart of gold, and is such a good guy! Though they plan to keep emotions out of it, they fall for each other naturally and easily, and I loved watching them come together.
“You are the kind of girl who levels my world,” he says smoothly. “And I’m the kind of man who decimates yours. We can do this.”
Back in the real world, though, their lives are so different, and they have some huge challenges to overcome, including the complication that Audrey’s brother is Brooks’ nemesis, and there is seriously bad blood between them. The drama adds tension, but it’s handled well without overwhelming the romance, and I loved seeing how it all played out as these two find their happy ending.
This is an easy, feel-good read that’s sweet, sexy, and full of charm — and it left me smiling.
4 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
March 30, 2026
“Show me” was a really fun and moderately spicy read and then unexpectedly gets really emotional around the 75% mark — hit me right in the feels! But in a really good and enjoyable way.
Brooks is a hot ex-MMA fighter and Audrey is a smart “good girl” trying to spice things up in her life by having a fling with a bad boy. He falls first, and she starts getting more and more confident in herself and her sexuality as she explores things with him.
Audrey has a PhD in philosophy so there is the dynamic of a nerdy woman with a man that is less “intellectual”. She also comes from an extremely wealthy family, and he doesn’t. So there is an opposites attract vibe and there are many challenges that they will need to overcome.
The main reason this isn’t a 5 star read for me is because Audrey didn’t seem very realistic and I couldn’t really identify with her at all — there are lots of attractive and intelligent women who are shy or lacking in confidence and therefore struggle to embrace the “whimsy” in life, but it didn’t make sense to me that she would be so naive about her family, or that she would go from having so many personal hang ups about casual sex (i.e. thinking it makes her a “bad girl”) to embracing it so easily. Obviously Brooks helps her and that’s the point of the story, but I just felt there wasn’t a lot of depth to her character.
That being said, this is a really lovely story for anyone to read who is feeling like they need to get out of a rut, try some new things, and would love a man to come along that just helps to break them out of living in a sheltered bubble. Or even just to show them great sex. And to remind us all to create a “whimsy list”.
Thanks to Hambright PR and Adriana Locke for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Brooks is a hot ex-MMA fighter and Audrey is a smart “good girl” trying to spice things up in her life by having a fling with a bad boy. He falls first, and she starts getting more and more confident in herself and her sexuality as she explores things with him.
Audrey has a PhD in philosophy so there is the dynamic of a nerdy woman with a man that is less “intellectual”. She also comes from an extremely wealthy family, and he doesn’t. So there is an opposites attract vibe and there are many challenges that they will need to overcome.
The main reason this isn’t a 5 star read for me is because Audrey didn’t seem very realistic and I couldn’t really identify with her at all — there are lots of attractive and intelligent women who are shy or lacking in confidence and therefore struggle to embrace the “whimsy” in life, but it didn’t make sense to me that she would be so naive about her family, or that she would go from having so many personal hang ups about casual sex (i.e. thinking it makes her a “bad girl”) to embracing it so easily. Obviously Brooks helps her and that’s the point of the story, but I just felt there wasn’t a lot of depth to her character.
That being said, this is a really lovely story for anyone to read who is feeling like they need to get out of a rut, try some new things, and would love a man to come along that just helps to break them out of living in a sheltered bubble. Or even just to show them great sex. And to remind us all to create a “whimsy list”.
Thanks to Hambright PR and Adriana Locke for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2026
Thanks, @adrianalockebooks for the copies!
Audrey has been 'the good girl' forever. If anyone calls her 'sweet' one more time she's going to lose it. So she heads out to her friend Astrid's ranch to spend some time and try out some things - hopefully crossing out some items on her 'whimsy list'.
After a long drive in the snow, she arrives at her destination. A little stressed but feeling very accomplished... until she runs into a gorgeous man, dripping wet and wrapped in a towel. Whoa!
Brooks is in Sugar Creek to rehab an injury and to figure out what to do since he was unjustly suspended from fighting. His MMA career is Vegas in on the line. Meeting this gorgeous girl with innocent eyes was not on his bingo card but he's not complaining.
After introductions are made and Audrey finds out he is Astrid's boyfriend's best friend, they sort of hit it off. And then Brooks finds the whimsy list....
This was fun and kind of adorable! Narrated dual style by Shiloh James and Connor Brown, who really bring the story to life. Connor is new to me and I will definitely seek more of his work. Now, Shiloh SHINES here. She gives Audrey a sweet, endearing voice, She also gives us very distinct voices to Astrid and Giana, and her male voices are chef's kiss!
Ashley and Brooks are fire together. I loved that this was also a story of personal growth for both of them. We do have the darn third act breakup but with the situations that arise (no spoilers) I couldn't see a way out for Brooks... until he grand gestures his way into Audrey's heart.
A story of falling for your brother's nemesis, with good girl/bad boy vibes, a naked meet cute, he falls first, a road trip, crossing goals off a list, finding your true self, and in the end getting everything you hoped for.
(I did need a certain brother to find his comeuppance, though. I am petty like that! LOL)
Content notes (including but not limited to): mentions of blackmail, illegal tampering with fight results, sports injury, physical assault by a date, injury that requires stitches on page
Audrey has been 'the good girl' forever. If anyone calls her 'sweet' one more time she's going to lose it. So she heads out to her friend Astrid's ranch to spend some time and try out some things - hopefully crossing out some items on her 'whimsy list'.
After a long drive in the snow, she arrives at her destination. A little stressed but feeling very accomplished... until she runs into a gorgeous man, dripping wet and wrapped in a towel. Whoa!
Brooks is in Sugar Creek to rehab an injury and to figure out what to do since he was unjustly suspended from fighting. His MMA career is Vegas in on the line. Meeting this gorgeous girl with innocent eyes was not on his bingo card but he's not complaining.
After introductions are made and Audrey finds out he is Astrid's boyfriend's best friend, they sort of hit it off. And then Brooks finds the whimsy list....
This was fun and kind of adorable! Narrated dual style by Shiloh James and Connor Brown, who really bring the story to life. Connor is new to me and I will definitely seek more of his work. Now, Shiloh SHINES here. She gives Audrey a sweet, endearing voice, She also gives us very distinct voices to Astrid and Giana, and her male voices are chef's kiss!
Ashley and Brooks are fire together. I loved that this was also a story of personal growth for both of them. We do have the darn third act breakup but with the situations that arise (no spoilers) I couldn't see a way out for Brooks... until he grand gestures his way into Audrey's heart.
A story of falling for your brother's nemesis, with good girl/bad boy vibes, a naked meet cute, he falls first, a road trip, crossing goals off a list, finding your true self, and in the end getting everything you hoped for.
(I did need a certain brother to find his comeuppance, though. I am petty like that! LOL)
Content notes (including but not limited to): mentions of blackmail, illegal tampering with fight results, sports injury, physical assault by a date, injury that requires stitches on page
March 17, 2026
4.25⭐️
🌶️
There's just something indescribable about reading an Adriana Locke book for me. It's always so comforting.
I really loved how different Brooks and Audrey were. A complete opposites attract relationship. I loved their getaway as well, so sweet!
I was a little disappointed by parts of the storyline that didn't feel fully explored but I won't say more than that because of spoilers. Otherwise an amazing book as always and I can't wait for the next one!
🌶️
There's just something indescribable about reading an Adriana Locke book for me. It's always so comforting.
I really loved how different Brooks and Audrey were. A complete opposites attract relationship. I loved their getaway as well, so sweet!
I was a little disappointed by parts of the storyline that didn't feel fully explored but I won't say more than that because of spoilers. Otherwise an amazing book as always and I can't wait for the next one!
March 20, 2026
5⭐️
The vibes alone in this book gets 5 stars. I had the BEST time reading this! This story was so fun, spicy, funny, and had me over here giggling and kicking my feet for practically the entire book.
I absolutely fell in love with each and every single character in this story and of course LOVED Brooks and Audrey. I loved watching Audrey grow and get out of her comfort zone and really become the person she wanted to be. I also especially loved the "whimsy list"! If you are a fan of the mmc helping out the fmc with her list of things she hasn't yet done but wants to..😉 you're going to love this one!
This book gave me every thing I could have asked for and I have zero complains. I haven't yet read the first 2 books in the series but I'll tell you right now that I definitely will be!
I HIGHLY recommend this to anyone looking for their next quick, spicy, fun read that you won't want to put down. Especially if you're into small town, boxing romance, brothers enemy, he falls first, or bad boy x good girl. I promise you it's SO SO good!!
The vibes alone in this book gets 5 stars. I had the BEST time reading this! This story was so fun, spicy, funny, and had me over here giggling and kicking my feet for practically the entire book.
I absolutely fell in love with each and every single character in this story and of course LOVED Brooks and Audrey. I loved watching Audrey grow and get out of her comfort zone and really become the person she wanted to be. I also especially loved the "whimsy list"! If you are a fan of the mmc helping out the fmc with her list of things she hasn't yet done but wants to..😉 you're going to love this one!
This book gave me every thing I could have asked for and I have zero complains. I haven't yet read the first 2 books in the series but I'll tell you right now that I definitely will be!
I HIGHLY recommend this to anyone looking for their next quick, spicy, fun read that you won't want to put down. Especially if you're into small town, boxing romance, brothers enemy, he falls first, or bad boy x good girl. I promise you it's SO SO good!!
April 13, 2026
This book is fabulous! Plenty of angst, fun and two characters who are very easy to relate to. I love a good bad boy x good girl romance, and our girl is independent and strong enough without him. Audrey is determined to find herself and complete with a list, she sets out to do just that.
A fun easy read that I read in an afternoon. I am excited to see who is next.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
A fun easy read that I read in an afternoon. I am excited to see who is next.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
March 14, 2026
Audrey Van is smart, educated, professional, sweet, a little naïve, and a good girl. She leaves city life behind for a cabin in the country on her friend’s ranch to contemplate her life. And at the heart of all her pondering is really one desire.
It's the desire to stop worrying about pleasing others and talk a walk on the naughty side. And MMA fighter Brooks Dempsey may be just the guy to take that walk with Auddie. But no amount of chemistry, compatibility, or heart connection can stop outside forces that want to keep them apart.
I love everything about this one, from the enviable bond between friends to the charming small town that comes vividly alive, it all makes this one is such a pleasure to read. The secondary characters are just as complex, colorful and endearing as the main characters, and the overly emotive tabby cat, Otis steals the show.
With undeniable chemistry and laugh-out-loud moments, the perfect placement of these elements is just as successful as the emotional component. Sweet, humorous, poignant and heartfelt, this is one you definitely don’t want to miss.
It's the desire to stop worrying about pleasing others and talk a walk on the naughty side. And MMA fighter Brooks Dempsey may be just the guy to take that walk with Auddie. But no amount of chemistry, compatibility, or heart connection can stop outside forces that want to keep them apart.
I love everything about this one, from the enviable bond between friends to the charming small town that comes vividly alive, it all makes this one is such a pleasure to read. The secondary characters are just as complex, colorful and endearing as the main characters, and the overly emotive tabby cat, Otis steals the show.
With undeniable chemistry and laugh-out-loud moments, the perfect placement of these elements is just as successful as the emotional component. Sweet, humorous, poignant and heartfelt, this is one you definitely don’t want to miss.
March 13, 2026
I love everything about Adriana Locke's books! Particularly this one. You've got two complete opposite in characters. One more on the shy side and the other one more rugged. I love when these two personalities combined. Add in the girl squad, the emotions. Makes one heck of a book. 5 + stars
April 8, 2026
I think it is me...I loved Try Me, the previous book in this series. I just had a hard time connecting with the characters in this book.
March 25, 2026
4.25⭐️ loved this book and series!!! cannot wait for hartley 👀👀👀
March 17, 2026
I just finished this ARC and my first 5⭐️ read of 2026. I consumed but also savoured this story, reading some passages twice they were so moving . . . this story had everything. Love and laughter, emotion and tears, friendship and spice, and two very different but equally beautiful characters who had such a special connection. One thing I look for in a 5⭐️ book, for me, is character development . . . and Audrey was the epitome of that. To know her from the other two books, and then see her in this story, and watch her grow and explore life, both emotionally and physically, to watch her search and reach for more within her, was incredible to read. The way she also showed Brooks how he was so much more than his history, really touched my heart. I don’t know how to express any more how much I adored and enjoyed Audrey and Brooks’s story. This was an excellent read, Adriana. Thank you for the honour and pleasure of reading an ARC.
March 20, 2026
ARC Review: Thank you to Adriana Locke for sending me a. Advanced copy of Show Me to read and review!
Brooks and Audrey are officially my favorite couple of the Play Me series! The instant chemistry between these two characters was done to perfection. My girl Adriana knows how to write some spice!
Brooks is that charming, tortured hero who you can’t help but root for. I love how much Brooks loves his mama. I really enjoyed the insight we got into Audrey’s character in this book. Brooks is Audrey’s brother’s rival, and there was just enough drama due to the rivalry to make things interesting, but it wasn’t a huge drawn-out affair, and that was totally fitting for this book. This book was so funny, sweet, and spicy.
As usual, the friendship between Audrey, Astrid, and Giana is one of my favorite things about this series. This book also gives us a better look into Hartley’s character, and I hope he gets his HEA. I seriously can’t say enough good things about this book.
Brooks and Audrey are officially my favorite couple of the Play Me series! The instant chemistry between these two characters was done to perfection. My girl Adriana knows how to write some spice!
Brooks is that charming, tortured hero who you can’t help but root for. I love how much Brooks loves his mama. I really enjoyed the insight we got into Audrey’s character in this book. Brooks is Audrey’s brother’s rival, and there was just enough drama due to the rivalry to make things interesting, but it wasn’t a huge drawn-out affair, and that was totally fitting for this book. This book was so funny, sweet, and spicy.
As usual, the friendship between Audrey, Astrid, and Giana is one of my favorite things about this series. This book also gives us a better look into Hartley’s character, and I hope he gets his HEA. I seriously can’t say enough good things about this book.
March 23, 2026
Oh, my word. This book totally yanked me out of my reading slump and I literally devoured it in one sitting! There was no denying that Show Me was by far my most favorite in this series. Imagine what kind of sparks the shy and demure Audrey could ignite with Brooks, the MMA fighter who made a living by beating people up? These two were pure gems I couldn't wait to carve a special place in my heart for. Their interaction was so naturally genuine, their banter cracked me up endlessly, and the slow-burn of their romance got me kicking my feet and screaming for "more, more, more" the entire time I was reading this book. All in all, Show Me was undoubtedly a MUST READ! Whether you'd read the previous books in this series or not, Audrey and Brooks' story would definitely make you fall in love with them, along with all the other secondary characters, immediately. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
***Massive thanks to the author and Hambright PR for generously providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
***Massive thanks to the author and Hambright PR for generously providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
April 3, 2026
“Hesitation will get you hit.”
I had all the feels with this book. I stayed up way too late and finished this book in one sitting and I don't regret it at all! This book was everything! Renn Brewer is now tied with Brooks and believe me.. no one has come close to topping Renn.
Audrey is tired. She is never one to step out of the box she has designed for herself. She is always
"Miss Perfect" and that has caused her to settle and not have any fun. All of her friends are moving forward and she's stuck. She doesn't know what she wants out of life, but what she has now is not working for her. She decides to go to a cabin to try to figure out her life and quiet the noise in her head.
That first night in the cabin when she runs into a mostly n&ked man changes her..and teaches her new things...
Brooks is a MMA fighter and waiting for his license to be reinstated. After some things happen that causes him to get injured, he needs to find some place to land and wait. He never felt he would be good enough for anyone so he never wanted more than a one night stand. Until one night when he steps out of the shower and runs into a bombshell..that needs a...teacher.
One "Whimsy List" later and boy..did they mark things off Audrey's list of things to do! Brooks and Audrey were perfect for one another. She saw the real him and wanted to show him that he was worthy of being loved. Brooks helps Audrey find her voice and her self confidence. He makes her see just how smexy she really is and how wanted she is to him.
I laughed way too hard and cried way too much with her group of friends that just loved Audrey for everything she couldn't see about herself. Gianna being Gianna (IYKYK) and Astrid being the steady one were the epitome of best friends and chosen family. Brooks was the most swoon worthy book boyfriend I have read in a long time. He made me start to feel confident. And we can't forget Otis, the hotdog loving, screaming cat you could ever love and will have you laughing!
This book was everything that I didn't know I needed in a book. She is always an automatic one click author for me and this book was perfect.
I had all the feels with this book. I stayed up way too late and finished this book in one sitting and I don't regret it at all! This book was everything! Renn Brewer is now tied with Brooks and believe me.. no one has come close to topping Renn.
Audrey is tired. She is never one to step out of the box she has designed for herself. She is always
"Miss Perfect" and that has caused her to settle and not have any fun. All of her friends are moving forward and she's stuck. She doesn't know what she wants out of life, but what she has now is not working for her. She decides to go to a cabin to try to figure out her life and quiet the noise in her head.
That first night in the cabin when she runs into a mostly n&ked man changes her..and teaches her new things...
Brooks is a MMA fighter and waiting for his license to be reinstated. After some things happen that causes him to get injured, he needs to find some place to land and wait. He never felt he would be good enough for anyone so he never wanted more than a one night stand. Until one night when he steps out of the shower and runs into a bombshell..that needs a...teacher.
One "Whimsy List" later and boy..did they mark things off Audrey's list of things to do! Brooks and Audrey were perfect for one another. She saw the real him and wanted to show him that he was worthy of being loved. Brooks helps Audrey find her voice and her self confidence. He makes her see just how smexy she really is and how wanted she is to him.
I laughed way too hard and cried way too much with her group of friends that just loved Audrey for everything she couldn't see about herself. Gianna being Gianna (IYKYK) and Astrid being the steady one were the epitome of best friends and chosen family. Brooks was the most swoon worthy book boyfriend I have read in a long time. He made me start to feel confident. And we can't forget Otis, the hotdog loving, screaming cat you could ever love and will have you laughing!
This book was everything that I didn't know I needed in a book. She is always an automatic one click author for me and this book was perfect.
March 12, 2026
The premise of Miss Goody Two Shoes with the town’s bad boy immediately intrigued me, and it did not disappoint.
Audrey is known for being “too sweet” or “too nice,” always putting other people’s needs ahead of her own. She struggles to stand up for herself and tends to conform to what everyone expects of her. When she hits a bit of an existential crisis and decides to take time away to find her true self, she creates a “whimsy list” of things she wants to try while stepping outside of her comfort zone. Enter Brooks.
Brooks is all confidence and pushes every single one of her buttons. When he accidentally reads her list (which includes experiencing a few things she’s never allowed herself to explore… some of it of the spicy kind), he offers to help her complete it. Brooks is definitely not the settling down type and everyone knows it, and it all starts as a no-strings-attached arrangement. 😏
Watching Audrey grow throughout the story was one of my favorite parts. Their dynamic shifts from her being incredibly shy and hesitant to someone who gradually gains confidence, speaks her mind, and feels more comfortable in her own skin.
There were a few backstories that felt like they could have used a bit more closure. Nothing that took away from the overall story, just moments where I was curious to see things wrapped up a little more.
But what a deliciously steamy and addicting read! 😍
✨what to expect✨
bad boy / good girl • small town romance • MMA fighter • brother’s nemesis • he falls first • insta-lust with lots of tension • inexperienced FMC • he shows her the ropes • sexual awakening
Thank you Adriana Locke and Hambright PR for giving me an eARC. I was so hooked I finished it in two days!
Audrey is known for being “too sweet” or “too nice,” always putting other people’s needs ahead of her own. She struggles to stand up for herself and tends to conform to what everyone expects of her. When she hits a bit of an existential crisis and decides to take time away to find her true self, she creates a “whimsy list” of things she wants to try while stepping outside of her comfort zone. Enter Brooks.
Brooks is all confidence and pushes every single one of her buttons. When he accidentally reads her list (which includes experiencing a few things she’s never allowed herself to explore… some of it of the spicy kind), he offers to help her complete it. Brooks is definitely not the settling down type and everyone knows it, and it all starts as a no-strings-attached arrangement. 😏
Watching Audrey grow throughout the story was one of my favorite parts. Their dynamic shifts from her being incredibly shy and hesitant to someone who gradually gains confidence, speaks her mind, and feels more comfortable in her own skin.
There were a few backstories that felt like they could have used a bit more closure. Nothing that took away from the overall story, just moments where I was curious to see things wrapped up a little more.
But what a deliciously steamy and addicting read! 😍
✨what to expect✨
bad boy / good girl • small town romance • MMA fighter • brother’s nemesis • he falls first • insta-lust with lots of tension • inexperienced FMC • he shows her the ropes • sexual awakening
Thank you Adriana Locke and Hambright PR for giving me an eARC. I was so hooked I finished it in two days!
March 20, 2026
It was an easy and entertaining ready. Pretty quick, easily a 1-2 day read, it only took me more to finish because I was reading multiple books at the same time and this one happened to be paused for the longest, but I pretty much read it in two goes.
It’s simply a good time book. There are certain themes and details thrown into the plot or character arcs but they seem underdeveloped in a way while being enough at the same time. I know, it sounds weird, but like there had to be something to keep it all interesting, but if Adriana took it further it would either be heavier (which is not a theme for this series and type of romance) or overdramatic (which I’m not a fan of).
Audrey is supposed to be a shy FMC and while she is, she’s not shy-shy, more like shy but can be bold when she wants to ;). I didn’t get fully why Brooks was so dead set on not being a relationship guy and “messed up”, but overall it was just the classic trope of shy FMC x good time only, bad boy MMC, they have a fling, “just for fun” that ends up on one side expecting more.
Overall it was a good time book with just perfect page count (100 pages more and my rating could have been lower). Just the right balance of classic tropes and execution with details/characteristics that kept it interesting. I followed this series from the first book so I was already invested in these characters when I started reading this one.
Gianna and Drake remain my favs but I am a fan of Adriana and wish her books well. This might not be my fav of her but I still had a good time reading it, it wasn’t a struggle or anything like that, hence 4 stars.
It’s simply a good time book. There are certain themes and details thrown into the plot or character arcs but they seem underdeveloped in a way while being enough at the same time. I know, it sounds weird, but like there had to be something to keep it all interesting, but if Adriana took it further it would either be heavier (which is not a theme for this series and type of romance) or overdramatic (which I’m not a fan of).
Audrey is supposed to be a shy FMC and while she is, she’s not shy-shy, more like shy but can be bold when she wants to ;). I didn’t get fully why Brooks was so dead set on not being a relationship guy and “messed up”, but overall it was just the classic trope of shy FMC x good time only, bad boy MMC, they have a fling, “just for fun” that ends up on one side expecting more.
Overall it was a good time book with just perfect page count (100 pages more and my rating could have been lower). Just the right balance of classic tropes and execution with details/characteristics that kept it interesting. I followed this series from the first book so I was already invested in these characters when I started reading this one.
Gianna and Drake remain my favs but I am a fan of Adriana and wish her books well. This might not be my fav of her but I still had a good time reading it, it wasn’t a struggle or anything like that, hence 4 stars.
March 21, 2026
Audrey's story begins with an unexpected meet-cute during a stormy arrival at her friend's cottage, where she finds Brooks stepping out of the shower in just a towel. From their first encounter, I could already tell this would be my kinda story 😊
The book centers on Adriana Van's journey toward self-discovery. After being labelled as "sweet," she decides to create her Whimsey List as a quest to redefine herself. With Brooks entering the picture, she considers him the perfect man to help her tackle this list 📑 💌
The sexual tension is high after they discuss him helping her with her list. He wants her to be confident and strong, to be the woman he knows her to be 💖. Or as he put it she's a good girl who wants to be bad for once.
What unfolds is an addictive page turner where the main characters empower each other, help one another grow and heal from past traumas. From escaping to a small town, to a road trip with just the Doc and sharing a single bed ... this romance story has some of the best tropes 🥰
🤸♀️ Bad Boy / Good Girl
🤸♀️ Small Town Romance
🤸♀️ MMA Fighter
🤸♀️ Brother's Nemesis
🤸♀️ He Falls First
🤸♀️ Road Trip
🤸♀️ One Bed Situation
This was my first Adriana Locke story, and "Oh, my stars" it certainly won't be my last.
I immensely enjoyed the character dynamics, the small town atmosphere, and genuine friendships throughout. Realising this is book 3 in this series, I’m eager to catch-up with the couples from the previous books 📚 before Adriana writes Hartley's book.
Thank you Hambright PR and Adriana Locke for the chance to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
The book centers on Adriana Van's journey toward self-discovery. After being labelled as "sweet," she decides to create her Whimsey List as a quest to redefine herself. With Brooks entering the picture, she considers him the perfect man to help her tackle this list 📑 💌
The sexual tension is high after they discuss him helping her with her list. He wants her to be confident and strong, to be the woman he knows her to be 💖. Or as he put it she's a good girl who wants to be bad for once.
What unfolds is an addictive page turner where the main characters empower each other, help one another grow and heal from past traumas. From escaping to a small town, to a road trip with just the Doc and sharing a single bed ... this romance story has some of the best tropes 🥰
🤸♀️ Bad Boy / Good Girl
🤸♀️ Small Town Romance
🤸♀️ MMA Fighter
🤸♀️ Brother's Nemesis
🤸♀️ He Falls First
🤸♀️ Road Trip
🤸♀️ One Bed Situation
This was my first Adriana Locke story, and "Oh, my stars" it certainly won't be my last.
I immensely enjoyed the character dynamics, the small town atmosphere, and genuine friendships throughout. Realising this is book 3 in this series, I’m eager to catch-up with the couples from the previous books 📚 before Adriana writes Hartley's book.
Thank you Hambright PR and Adriana Locke for the chance to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 16, 2026
I loved this book! It had everything you would want. A slow burn, good girl meets bad boy, an MMA fighter, and a bucket list!
I adored our FMC. She decides that she needs some time to herself to reflect and get to know herself without all the pressure from her parents, especially her mom, who always forces her to do things that she doesn't always enjoy. She creates a "whimsy" list of things that will take her outside of her comfort zone. She wants to bring out the bad side of her that's internally dying to be freed. She is done with being a good girl. She goes to her friend's cabin in the middle of nowhere, Tennessee, to live off the grid for a few months.
In comes Brooks. He is an MMA fighter who has been suspended from fighting after someone attempted to sabotage his career. He is on a break, returning to his hometown to await his return to work. He is spending some time with his mom when, upon a chance encounter, which was hilarious by the way, he stumbles into our FMC. Once he finds out about her list, he enlists himself to help. His mission is to cross off every item from said list.
I adored these two together. They have this comfortable banter between them and are really friends at first. Told in dual POV, I loved getting a glimpse at how each of these characters sees themselves as well as each other.
The inner dialogue of these two kept me cracking up. This was my first book by this author, but now I am interested in seeing what else she has written. Definitely a 5-star read for me!
I adored our FMC. She decides that she needs some time to herself to reflect and get to know herself without all the pressure from her parents, especially her mom, who always forces her to do things that she doesn't always enjoy. She creates a "whimsy" list of things that will take her outside of her comfort zone. She wants to bring out the bad side of her that's internally dying to be freed. She is done with being a good girl. She goes to her friend's cabin in the middle of nowhere, Tennessee, to live off the grid for a few months.
In comes Brooks. He is an MMA fighter who has been suspended from fighting after someone attempted to sabotage his career. He is on a break, returning to his hometown to await his return to work. He is spending some time with his mom when, upon a chance encounter, which was hilarious by the way, he stumbles into our FMC. Once he finds out about her list, he enlists himself to help. His mission is to cross off every item from said list.
I adored these two together. They have this comfortable banter between them and are really friends at first. Told in dual POV, I loved getting a glimpse at how each of these characters sees themselves as well as each other.
The inner dialogue of these two kept me cracking up. This was my first book by this author, but now I am interested in seeing what else she has written. Definitely a 5-star read for me!
March 21, 2026
Much like the first two books, this was extremely easy to read. I finished this in one day. Out of the three it probably had the best character development of the main couples. But still the first book had the better storyline over the series.
The MMC Brooks was great, much like the two previous MMCs he stood out in the story slightly more than the FMCs. Audrey was probably the better developed FMC in the whole series and I actually liked her journey. She had a good start, middle and end in this book.
My main gripe and issue through the whole series was the author’s writing style. A lot of characters having convos out loud with themselves, constant phone calls with side characters, long winded text threads, repeated use of phrases and when a character remembers what someone says she re-writes what they said exactly word for word. It would just take me out. I think she writes spice really well. The spice scenes were the best thing but I think the story around the spice often lacked. A lot of times there was things introduced like storylines or plots that kind of never really get fully resolved. Also I found a lot of grammatical errors, incorrect wording etc. which is understandable for someone self-published. No hate to her for that but maybe just slightly better editing.
The whole series was a very easy read and did have some good moments in each book. I liked the MCs through the series but it isn’t an exactly memorable series. But of the 3 probably 1 was my fav, followed by book 3 and then book 2.
The MMC Brooks was great, much like the two previous MMCs he stood out in the story slightly more than the FMCs. Audrey was probably the better developed FMC in the whole series and I actually liked her journey. She had a good start, middle and end in this book.
My main gripe and issue through the whole series was the author’s writing style. A lot of characters having convos out loud with themselves, constant phone calls with side characters, long winded text threads, repeated use of phrases and when a character remembers what someone says she re-writes what they said exactly word for word. It would just take me out. I think she writes spice really well. The spice scenes were the best thing but I think the story around the spice often lacked. A lot of times there was things introduced like storylines or plots that kind of never really get fully resolved. Also I found a lot of grammatical errors, incorrect wording etc. which is understandable for someone self-published. No hate to her for that but maybe just slightly better editing.
The whole series was a very easy read and did have some good moments in each book. I liked the MCs through the series but it isn’t an exactly memorable series. But of the 3 probably 1 was my fav, followed by book 3 and then book 2.
March 31, 2026
For fans of:
Bad boy / good girl
Small town romance
MMA fighter MMC
Brother’s nemesis
He falls first
One bed
Also: playlist vibes, strong FMC, and lovable side characters (Gianna >>>)
This was such an entertaining read. I really enjoyed the story, the setting, and especially the character dynamics.
Audrey is a strong FMC who’s trying to figure herself out, and I appreciated that she wasn’t dependent on the MMC. Her journey felt very personal and real, even if she does overthink a lot (which… relatable, but also a little frustrating at times).
She ends up at her friend’s vacation house during a snowstorm and has a very unexpected meeting with Brooks—an MMA fighter. From there, the tension and angst build pretty quickly. You’re constantly wondering: is this real, or is he using her? And when does their “arrangement” turn into something more complicated?
Brooks definitely fits the bad boy vibe, but I liked the softer side of him too. Their dynamic kept me hooked.
That said, my only issue was the writing style. There were a lot of characters talking out loud to themselves, long text threads, repeated phrases, and conversations being restated word-for-word later on. It pulled me out of the story more than once.
The spice was well written (probably the strongest part), but I do wish the overall story had been just as strong as those moments.
Overall, this was a fun, drama-filled romance with great tension and characters—but not without its flaws.
Bad boy / good girl
Small town romance
MMA fighter MMC
Brother’s nemesis
He falls first
One bed
Also: playlist vibes, strong FMC, and lovable side characters (Gianna >>>)
This was such an entertaining read. I really enjoyed the story, the setting, and especially the character dynamics.
Audrey is a strong FMC who’s trying to figure herself out, and I appreciated that she wasn’t dependent on the MMC. Her journey felt very personal and real, even if she does overthink a lot (which… relatable, but also a little frustrating at times).
She ends up at her friend’s vacation house during a snowstorm and has a very unexpected meeting with Brooks—an MMA fighter. From there, the tension and angst build pretty quickly. You’re constantly wondering: is this real, or is he using her? And when does their “arrangement” turn into something more complicated?
Brooks definitely fits the bad boy vibe, but I liked the softer side of him too. Their dynamic kept me hooked.
That said, my only issue was the writing style. There were a lot of characters talking out loud to themselves, long text threads, repeated phrases, and conversations being restated word-for-word later on. It pulled me out of the story more than once.
The spice was well written (probably the strongest part), but I do wish the overall story had been just as strong as those moments.
Overall, this was a fun, drama-filled romance with great tension and characters—but not without its flaws.
March 13, 2026
This is the kind of romance book I crave. Electric chemistry and a delicious build up of tension between Brooks and Audrey. From the moment they meet, they have a spark that's impossible to ignore. I love both main characters, Audrey because even though she seems a little awkward, she still has a backbone, and Brooks because he has a ton of confidence that doesn't come across as too cocky. He helps her find her own confidence. So when the 3rd act break up happens, she handles it much better than she probably would've before they met.
My reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is because I didn't like that Brooks never tells Audrey about why his license was suspended, and because he didn't tell her how her brother was involved. He has a reason for not telling her about her brother and while I understand it, I feel like it's important information she should have. Especially if they will all be in each other's lives. As far as not telling her about the suspension, it's not really that important, but it does tie into the whole thing with Audrey's brother, and it's part of the reason Brooks walks away. So while I appreciate what Brooks does to fix what he broke, I still feel like he should've told her everything.
Overall I really liked the book. I loved Brooks and Audrey together and how naturally it felt for them to fall in love.
My reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is because I didn't like that Brooks never tells Audrey about why his license was suspended, and because he didn't tell her how her brother was involved. He has a reason for not telling her about her brother and while I understand it, I feel like it's important information she should have. Especially if they will all be in each other's lives. As far as not telling her about the suspension, it's not really that important, but it does tie into the whole thing with Audrey's brother, and it's part of the reason Brooks walks away. So while I appreciate what Brooks does to fix what he broke, I still feel like he should've told her everything.
Overall I really liked the book. I loved Brooks and Audrey together and how naturally it felt for them to fall in love.
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