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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
Published March 13, 2026
643 people are currently reading
1097 people want to read
About the author
Adriana Locke
93 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 430 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.
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 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 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 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 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
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 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.
March 16, 2026
Thank you to the author for the ARC! I didn’t get to this one before release since I was approved only a couple days beforehand and already deep into other reads, but I was excited to jump back into this interconnected friend group.
I absolutely loved book two (Try Me) in this series, so I was really looking forward to Audrey’s story.
This series follows a group of girlfriends navigating life, chaos, and love together, and I always enjoy the friendship dynamic Adriana Locke creates.
Audrey is a philosophy professor going through a bit of an existential crisis — bored, restless, and questioning the direction of her life. Her solution? The Whimsy List — a list designed to push her outside her comfort zone and bring a little adventure back into her life.
Enter Brooks — a professional fighter on sabbatical after an injury and accusations that his last fight was rigged. He’s very much the classic bad boy to Audrey’s good girl, which isn’t usually my favorite trope because it can feel cliché… but I was curious to see if this one would change my mind.
Overall, this one was fun and definitely spicy, but it didn’t hook me the same way Try Me did. I didn’t feel quite as connected to the characters or storyline, which made the book a little more forgettable for me.
Still an enjoyable read if you like:
• good girl x bad boy
• interconnected friend groups
• opposites attract
• spicy contemporary romance
I absolutely loved book two (Try Me) in this series, so I was really looking forward to Audrey’s story.
This series follows a group of girlfriends navigating life, chaos, and love together, and I always enjoy the friendship dynamic Adriana Locke creates.
Audrey is a philosophy professor going through a bit of an existential crisis — bored, restless, and questioning the direction of her life. Her solution? The Whimsy List — a list designed to push her outside her comfort zone and bring a little adventure back into her life.
Enter Brooks — a professional fighter on sabbatical after an injury and accusations that his last fight was rigged. He’s very much the classic bad boy to Audrey’s good girl, which isn’t usually my favorite trope because it can feel cliché… but I was curious to see if this one would change my mind.
Overall, this one was fun and definitely spicy, but it didn’t hook me the same way Try Me did. I didn’t feel quite as connected to the characters or storyline, which made the book a little more forgettable for me.
Still an enjoyable read if you like:
• good girl x bad boy
• interconnected friend groups
• opposites attract
• spicy contemporary romance
March 22, 2026
“ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴋɪɴᴅ ᴏғ ɢɪʀʟ ᴡʜᴏ ʟᴇᴠᴇʟs ᴍʏ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ. ᴀɴᴅ ɪ'ᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ᴋɪɴᴅ ᴏғ ᴍᴀɴ ᴡʜᴏ ᴅᴇᴄɪᴍᴀᴛᴇs ʏᴏᴜʀs."
oh my gosh within reading the first chapter I just knew these two would have me enamored with their story and I was right, I couldn't put it down!
“ɪ ᴄᴀɴ'ᴛ ᴅᴇᴄɪᴅᴇ ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ᴀ ᴛɪᴄᴋᴇᴛ ᴛᴏ ʜᴇʟʟ ᴏʀ ᴀ ғᴜᴄᴋɪɴɢ ᴀɴɢᴇʟ.”
Brooks the bad boy MMA Fighter and Audrey the good girl Professor or as Brooks likes to call her "Doc" were the epitome of opposites attract yet hands down had chemistry oozing from them and the banter.... LOVEEED it! Their first meet was hilarious and from that point on I couldn't get enough of Brooks and Audrey's run-ins. As for Audrey's "Whimsy List" and Brooks helping her knock things off of it (fans self) I knew their relationship was inevitable and life altering.
“ʙᴇᴄᴀᴜsᴇ ʏᴏᴜ, ᴅʀ. ᴠᴀɴ, ᴀʀᴇ ᴍʏ ᴡᴇᴀᴋɴᴇss. ᴀɴᴅ ғᴏʀ ɢɪʀʟs ʟɪᴋᴇ ʏᴏᴜ, ᴛʜᴀᴛ’s ᴅᴀɴɢᴇʀᴏᴜs.”
"sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ʙʀᴏᴏᴋs ᴄᴀᴘᴛɪᴠᴀᴛᴇᴅ ᴍᴇ. ᴇxᴄɪᴛᴇᴅ ᴍᴇ. ᴄʟᴇᴀʀʟʏ. sᴜʀᴇ, ʜɪs sᴍɪʀᴋ ɪs ᴅᴇᴠᴀsᴛᴀᴛɪɴɢʟʏ sᴇxʏ, ᴀɴᴅ ʜɪs ᴀʙs ᴀʀᴇ ғɪʀᴇ. ʜᴇ ᴀʟsᴏ sᴍᴇʟʟs ᴏғ sᴘɪᴄʏ ᴘʀᴏᴍɪsᴇs ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴀɴɢᴇʀᴏᴜs ᴇɴᴄᴏᴜɴᴛᴇʀs, ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴇ ᴍᴏᴠᴇs ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀ ᴄᴏɴғɪᴅᴇɴᴄᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴏɴʟʏ sᴏᴍᴇᴏɴᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴢᴇʀᴏ sᴇʟғ-ᴅᴏᴜʙᴛ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴍᴜsᴛᴇʀ."
While this is the third book in the series I definitely need to go back and read the first two books because this friend group was way too fun not to have read their stories. So if you want a good girl who learns to take what she wants and say what she feels from the bag boy who truly is a swoon-worthy book boyfriend who only sees HER, then you absolutely MUST read their journey to LOVE!
oh my gosh within reading the first chapter I just knew these two would have me enamored with their story and I was right, I couldn't put it down!
“ɪ ᴄᴀɴ'ᴛ ᴅᴇᴄɪᴅᴇ ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ᴀ ᴛɪᴄᴋᴇᴛ ᴛᴏ ʜᴇʟʟ ᴏʀ ᴀ ғᴜᴄᴋɪɴɢ ᴀɴɢᴇʟ.”
Brooks the bad boy MMA Fighter and Audrey the good girl Professor or as Brooks likes to call her "Doc" were the epitome of opposites attract yet hands down had chemistry oozing from them and the banter.... LOVEEED it! Their first meet was hilarious and from that point on I couldn't get enough of Brooks and Audrey's run-ins. As for Audrey's "Whimsy List" and Brooks helping her knock things off of it (fans self) I knew their relationship was inevitable and life altering.
“ʙᴇᴄᴀᴜsᴇ ʏᴏᴜ, ᴅʀ. ᴠᴀɴ, ᴀʀᴇ ᴍʏ ᴡᴇᴀᴋɴᴇss. ᴀɴᴅ ғᴏʀ ɢɪʀʟs ʟɪᴋᴇ ʏᴏᴜ, ᴛʜᴀᴛ’s ᴅᴀɴɢᴇʀᴏᴜs.”
"sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ʙʀᴏᴏᴋs ᴄᴀᴘᴛɪᴠᴀᴛᴇᴅ ᴍᴇ. ᴇxᴄɪᴛᴇᴅ ᴍᴇ. ᴄʟᴇᴀʀʟʏ. sᴜʀᴇ, ʜɪs sᴍɪʀᴋ ɪs ᴅᴇᴠᴀsᴛᴀᴛɪɴɢʟʏ sᴇxʏ, ᴀɴᴅ ʜɪs ᴀʙs ᴀʀᴇ ғɪʀᴇ. ʜᴇ ᴀʟsᴏ sᴍᴇʟʟs ᴏғ sᴘɪᴄʏ ᴘʀᴏᴍɪsᴇs ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴀɴɢᴇʀᴏᴜs ᴇɴᴄᴏᴜɴᴛᴇʀs, ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴇ ᴍᴏᴠᴇs ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀ ᴄᴏɴғɪᴅᴇɴᴄᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴏɴʟʏ sᴏᴍᴇᴏɴᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴢᴇʀᴏ sᴇʟғ-ᴅᴏᴜʙᴛ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴍᴜsᴛᴇʀ."
While this is the third book in the series I definitely need to go back and read the first two books because this friend group was way too fun not to have read their stories. So if you want a good girl who learns to take what she wants and say what she feels from the bag boy who truly is a swoon-worthy book boyfriend who only sees HER, then you absolutely MUST read their journey to LOVE!
March 17, 2026
ARC Review
Rating: 4/5 stars
Spice: 2.5/5
This is the book in the Play Me series, following Auddie as she learns to love herself after struggling with rejection. Then we have Brooks, an injured MMA fighter who is convinced he has been sabotaged.
The way they first met was so good! The immediate tension between them was chef's kiss. Brooks was obsessed with Auddie the moment he saw her. Brooks made sure to continue giving her compliments even before they got together. I really enjoyed how Brooks took his time with the sexual aspect of the deal they made; he didn't rush it and always checked in with her. It showed the chemistry and tension they had between them.
The only negative part for me was that I felt the like the part of the plot was brushed over rather than having it be the big climax like it was presented to be. I wanted to see more of the problem, more of a deeper aspect of it. I don't feel like there was any real conclusion to the story, and it just ended abruptly.
Overall, I did enjoy this book and do recommend it to anyone who loves forced proximity, banter, and bucket list.
Thank you Hambright for the ARC
Rating: 4/5 stars
Spice: 2.5/5
This is the book in the Play Me series, following Auddie as she learns to love herself after struggling with rejection. Then we have Brooks, an injured MMA fighter who is convinced he has been sabotaged.
The way they first met was so good! The immediate tension between them was chef's kiss. Brooks was obsessed with Auddie the moment he saw her. Brooks made sure to continue giving her compliments even before they got together. I really enjoyed how Brooks took his time with the sexual aspect of the deal they made; he didn't rush it and always checked in with her. It showed the chemistry and tension they had between them.
The only negative part for me was that I felt the like the part of the plot was brushed over rather than having it be the big climax like it was presented to be. I wanted to see more of the problem, more of a deeper aspect of it. I don't feel like there was any real conclusion to the story, and it just ended abruptly.
Overall, I did enjoy this book and do recommend it to anyone who loves forced proximity, banter, and bucket list.
Thank you Hambright for the ARC
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!!
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.***
March 13, 2026
After picking up the first book in this series, Play Me, and meeting this incredible group of girls, I’ve been dying for Audrey’s story—and let me just say, I loved every minute of it.
Audrey was such a relatable character for me in so many ways. Her journey really resonated, and she even inspired me to make my own Whimsy List. I think so many readers will connect with her story and the way she navigates her fears, hopes, and dreams. Watching her finally get her happily ever after was such a rewarding experience.
Adriana Locke did an incredible job bringing these characters to life. She shows their vulnerabilities and insecurities in such a real and honest way that even if you don’t personally relate, I guarantee you know someone who will.
I’ve absolutely loved this series and getting to watch each of these girls find their true love. But I have one question left… will we eventually see Hartley get his happily ever after too? 👀
Audrey was such a relatable character for me in so many ways. Her journey really resonated, and she even inspired me to make my own Whimsy List. I think so many readers will connect with her story and the way she navigates her fears, hopes, and dreams. Watching her finally get her happily ever after was such a rewarding experience.
Adriana Locke did an incredible job bringing these characters to life. She shows their vulnerabilities and insecurities in such a real and honest way that even if you don’t personally relate, I guarantee you know someone who will.
I’ve absolutely loved this series and getting to watch each of these girls find their true love. But I have one question left… will we eventually see Hartley get his happily ever after too? 👀
March 18, 2026
I have been so excited to get to Audrey's story and I absolutely loved it! Bad boy helps sweet good girl with a "whimsey" list!! I devoured this one!
Audrey is too sweet for her own good! And now she wants to get a little dirty and who better to help her than Brooks, a local MMA fighter who is on a break from fighting. These two had sizzling chemistry and the way Brooks was a safe space for her to try new things was just the sweetest! The way he encouraged her made me melt! The flirty banter had me kicking my feet and I adored how cute they were together! Brooks help Audrey find confidence within herself! The character growth for both Audrey and Brooks was phenomenal! They pushed each other in the best way to become the best versions of themselves! They were perfect for each other!!
-Small Town
-Bad Boy x Good Girl
-MMA Fighter
-Brothers Nemesis
-One Bed Situation
-He Falls First
Thank you Adriana for this ARC!
Audrey is too sweet for her own good! And now she wants to get a little dirty and who better to help her than Brooks, a local MMA fighter who is on a break from fighting. These two had sizzling chemistry and the way Brooks was a safe space for her to try new things was just the sweetest! The way he encouraged her made me melt! The flirty banter had me kicking my feet and I adored how cute they were together! Brooks help Audrey find confidence within herself! The character growth for both Audrey and Brooks was phenomenal! They pushed each other in the best way to become the best versions of themselves! They were perfect for each other!!
-Small Town
-Bad Boy x Good Girl
-MMA Fighter
-Brothers Nemesis
-One Bed Situation
-He Falls First
Thank you Adriana for this 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 13, 2026
This story is so heartfelt, adorable and inspiring. It’s spicy in such a fantastic way as well.
Audrey is a wealthy, sweet woman who hasn’t found herself yet. She has come to loathe being the stereotypical sweet, rule follower. She goes with the expectations put on her.
Brooks is a working class guy who is kind, caring, but doesn’t think he’s made for a long term relationship.
Both of them have emotional trauma that haunts them.
They have such a hilarious and steamy meet cute. It’s such a great scene! They have mutual friends and the instant chemistry between them is super hot!
Audrey has a list of things she wants to experience and Brooks is down to help.
I absolutely adore these characters, they won my heart easily.
I love their chemistry and banter so much. They are so cute together, they agree to a short fling to check off Audrey’s checklist.
It has quaint small town versus big city wealth vibes happening. They go on a getaway trip together to check off her list of living a more daring life.
I love their banter, I felt their connection was so special and loved the journey of getting to know each other deeply and feeling seen and understood for the first time. It gave me all the feels and it is so entertaining.
The sensual lessons are so steamy, emotional and both characters are pleasantly surprised by what transpires. I loved their connection, it was sweet, spicy and made me feel hopeful.
I absolutely adore this engaging story and wonderful characters.
Towards the end they have difficult decisions to make. Secondary characters surprised me and I love that aspect.
This is a feel good, must read for romance lovers. I’m utterly charmed by the story and characters.
#bookbloggerreview #romancestagram #HPRShowMe
#AdrianaLocke #HambrightPR
Audrey is a wealthy, sweet woman who hasn’t found herself yet. She has come to loathe being the stereotypical sweet, rule follower. She goes with the expectations put on her.
Brooks is a working class guy who is kind, caring, but doesn’t think he’s made for a long term relationship.
Both of them have emotional trauma that haunts them.
They have such a hilarious and steamy meet cute. It’s such a great scene! They have mutual friends and the instant chemistry between them is super hot!
Audrey has a list of things she wants to experience and Brooks is down to help.
I absolutely adore these characters, they won my heart easily.
I love their chemistry and banter so much. They are so cute together, they agree to a short fling to check off Audrey’s checklist.
It has quaint small town versus big city wealth vibes happening. They go on a getaway trip together to check off her list of living a more daring life.
I love their banter, I felt their connection was so special and loved the journey of getting to know each other deeply and feeling seen and understood for the first time. It gave me all the feels and it is so entertaining.
The sensual lessons are so steamy, emotional and both characters are pleasantly surprised by what transpires. I loved their connection, it was sweet, spicy and made me feel hopeful.
I absolutely adore this engaging story and wonderful characters.
Towards the end they have difficult decisions to make. Secondary characters surprised me and I love that aspect.
This is a feel good, must read for romance lovers. I’m utterly charmed by the story and characters.
#bookbloggerreview #romancestagram #HPRShowMe
#AdrianaLocke #HambrightPR
March 17, 2026
This is a quick, steamy romance between Brooks and Audrey. They meet in a hilarious, unexpected way that neither one of them will ever forget. He's an MMA fighter currently injured and she's a PhD professor of Philosophy. Astrid and Gianna from the first two books in this series are her best friends. It is good to see them interact with Audrey in this book.
The plot is fine, but things move so quickly for them. I had a difficult time with how fast. I couldn't believe I was at almost 80% of the book and how very little they knew each other. A lot of spicy times together (and the spice is hot) but other than that I just didn't see how they had any connection.
Thank you to the author for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The plot is fine, but things move so quickly for them. I had a difficult time with how fast. I couldn't believe I was at almost 80% of the book and how very little they knew each other. A lot of spicy times together (and the spice is hot) but other than that I just didn't see how they had any connection.
Thank you to the author for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 18, 2026
I have loved this series so much and this one is mo different.
Audrey wants something different, everything around her is changing and she decides she needs a little break. She comes up with a “Whimsey List” of things she wants to complete. Along the way she meets, Rhys.
She is the good girl and he is the bad boy who she shouldn’t want. I was giggling and falling for these two the entire time. Rhys knows he isn’t “good enough” for her but it doesn’t stop him from falling for her. They are the complete opposite, but the chemistry between them is electric.
I love how Rhys would do anything for her, even if he believed he couldn’t have her. Under his grumpy bad boy self he was sweet and caring.
Audrey wants something different, everything around her is changing and she decides she needs a little break. She comes up with a “Whimsey List” of things she wants to complete. Along the way she meets, Rhys.
She is the good girl and he is the bad boy who she shouldn’t want. I was giggling and falling for these two the entire time. Rhys knows he isn’t “good enough” for her but it doesn’t stop him from falling for her. They are the complete opposite, but the chemistry between them is electric.
I love how Rhys would do anything for her, even if he believed he couldn’t have her. Under his grumpy bad boy self he was sweet and caring.
March 19, 2026
Thank you HambrightPR and AdrianaLocke for the ARC!
This was super cute, Audrey is dealing with so many things we have thrown at us in our late 20s, figuring out who you are and what you want from life can be scary. But she approaches everything with a silver lining, which honestly felt extremely relatable. Brook’s was perfect, he had his issues and had an edge of morally grey but he’s emotionally intelligent and guided Audrey on her journey.
This was a great read and I’m looking forward to reading the others in this series!
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Solid four stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Also I’ve never despised a character more than I do Drew, once you read you’ll understand. That man needs a swift kick in the dick.
This was super cute, Audrey is dealing with so many things we have thrown at us in our late 20s, figuring out who you are and what you want from life can be scary. But she approaches everything with a silver lining, which honestly felt extremely relatable. Brook’s was perfect, he had his issues and had an edge of morally grey but he’s emotionally intelligent and guided Audrey on her journey.
This was a great read and I’m looking forward to reading the others in this series!
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Solid four stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Also I’ve never despised a character more than I do Drew, once you read you’ll understand. That man needs a swift kick in the dick.
March 14, 2026
Thanks to @authoradiranalocke for the gifted copy!
My Thoughts: As usual with Adriana's books, I binged this one in just a few days. I love the complete opposite ways in which Brooks and Audrey are, and how perfect they are for one another. Brooks challenged Audrey to push past her comfort zone and help her gain confidence in the challenging situations. Though Brooks had no thoughts of having a girlfriend, he had some of the swooniest moments I've read.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It was a quick and cute read that had me feeling all the feels.
What You'll Find:
🎭 Bad Boy / Good Girl
🏘️ Small Town Romance
🥊 MMA Fighter
👹 Brother's Nemesis
😍 He Falls First
🛏️ One Bed Situation
My Thoughts: As usual with Adriana's books, I binged this one in just a few days. I love the complete opposite ways in which Brooks and Audrey are, and how perfect they are for one another. Brooks challenged Audrey to push past her comfort zone and help her gain confidence in the challenging situations. Though Brooks had no thoughts of having a girlfriend, he had some of the swooniest moments I've read.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It was a quick and cute read that had me feeling all the feels.
What You'll Find:
🎭 Bad Boy / Good Girl
🏘️ Small Town Romance
🥊 MMA Fighter
👹 Brother's Nemesis
😍 He Falls First
🛏️ One Bed Situation
March 14, 2026
Another great book in the Play me series!
The chemistry with these two was undeniable right away but they had a lot of work cut out for them on both sides.
I loved the whimsy list and I loved how Brooks was all about helping Audrey cross things off and had a great time doing it.
I loved the banter and the pining. The Groveling during the 3rd act was fantastic.
Can't wait to see what Adriana Locke writes next!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
The chemistry with these two was undeniable right away but they had a lot of work cut out for them on both sides.
I loved the whimsy list and I loved how Brooks was all about helping Audrey cross things off and had a great time doing it.
I loved the banter and the pining. The Groveling during the 3rd act was fantastic.
Can't wait to see what Adriana Locke writes next!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
March 14, 2026
Oh these trips in this book are the best!!! What else could be better than a bad boy/ good girl in a small town romance? Add in the brother’s nemesis and the one bed situation and you have a spontaneous combustion of a story. Predictable and safe Audrey enlists Brooks to teach her how to be spontaneous and teach her to defend herself with some MMA training. He is the ultimate bad boy gift wrapped in ALL the red flags.
As the story goes, good girl falls for the bad boy!!!! I loved this book. All of us have a little love for a bad boy and Brooks is one of the best!!!! You will love it.
As the story goes, good girl falls for the bad boy!!!! I loved this book. All of us have a little love for a bad boy and Brooks is one of the best!!!! You will love it.
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