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The Sweet Spot
She wants forever. He plays it day by day. They’re both wishing for the best in USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke’s charming and sexy hopefully-ever-after romance. Single mom Palmer Clark will not be sidelined by the new man in town. Sure, the honey-tongued baseball legend is gorgeous, loves puppies, and has charmed his way into the community’s heart, but Palmer craves stability. Nothing about Cole says forever. So why is he so hard to resist? Cole is swinging through town to visit his parents when he meets the kind of down-to-earth distraction he’s been looking for since retiring from the majors. True, his long-term relationship score is zero. But even though raising his average with Palmer seems impossible, it’s worth a shot. As promising as the summer nights are, fate turns small-town dreams upside down, and some lessons are learned the hard way. But having faith in love and choosing hope over fear might get Palmer and Cole to the sweet spot they’re looking for.
367 pages, Paperback
Published November 29, 2022
About the author
Adriana Locke
92 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 849 reviews
January 18, 2024
3.5 stars
I enjoy Adriana Locke’s writing and I was looking forward to this sweet small-town romance with a single mom heroine and retired baseball star hero. I loved the kid in this book and I liked both Palmer and Cole together. Parts with her son Ethan and his parents were heartwarming and overall I enjoyed this one. I didn’t love the conflict towards the end and how it was handled, but the ending was sweet.
I enjoy Adriana Locke’s writing and I was looking forward to this sweet small-town romance with a single mom heroine and retired baseball star hero. I loved the kid in this book and I liked both Palmer and Cole together. Parts with her son Ethan and his parents were heartwarming and overall I enjoyed this one. I didn’t love the conflict towards the end and how it was handled, but the ending was sweet.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Teddy Hamilton & Stella Hunter
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 9h 43m
November 13, 2022
The Sweet Spot is a small town and single mom romance. Tropes I highly enjoy. Sadly this story fell short. I tried so hard but the story and the romance wasn’t working for me.
Palmer and Cole’s chemistry was lacking and at times it felt forced. As the story progressed it was repetitive nothing really keeping me invested.
Palmer and her son Ethan. Their close bond was a highlight but sadly it wasn’t enough. The side characters were great too.
The conflict/reveal towards the end felt like it was thrown in at the last minute not really doing anything for the story except breaking them up which I was waiting for to happen.
I’m sad this story didn’t work cause it had tropes which are some of my favorites. I’ve read this author before and even though this wasn’t her best in my opinion I’ll still try another in the future.
*The ARC was provided by Montlake Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Palmer and Cole’s chemistry was lacking and at times it felt forced. As the story progressed it was repetitive nothing really keeping me invested.
Palmer and her son Ethan. Their close bond was a highlight but sadly it wasn’t enough. The side characters were great too.
The conflict/reveal towards the end felt like it was thrown in at the last minute not really doing anything for the story except breaking them up which I was waiting for to happen.
I’m sad this story didn’t work cause it had tropes which are some of my favorites. I’ve read this author before and even though this wasn’t her best in my opinion I’ll still try another in the future.
*The ARC was provided by Montlake Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
March 4, 2023
Single Mom trope is top tier. Love Adriana Locke's work
December 12, 2022
Talk about a blindsiding, misleading blurb. This review will be spoiler-ish!
I haven't much experience with Adriana Locke's stories and it's been a hot minute since the grapes in the pussy episode (I see this got your attention, so this is the book, but you know what they say about curiosity: Sway) then I saw this cute cover the other night, read the blurb and thought, why not?
I love a small town romance, so if the premise is small town romance I'm already listening. Throw in a single parent getting swept off their feet by a gorgeous sports celebrity giving them and her kid equal attention and care and I'm LISTENING. I'm here for all the feels, the elation of a sweet courtship: engaging banter, sexy innuendos, family dynamics, slow burning feels, heated kisses and the low angst from the insecurity of a small town single mom playing it safe about harbouring dreams of a future with hot shot baseball player from California uprooting his life for them.
Development between Palmer (she) and Cole (he) goes pretty fast: the hero is being very forward and relentless in a cocky/charming way and the heroine is eventually giving in after a bout of reluctancy.
Things are good between them for a while if you can excuse the lack of substantial chemistry on page and one truly uninspired sex scene.
There's just this "news" Cole has been continuously putting off acknowledging since the beginning, to himself and his family, that is regularly reminded to us by the author. A looming drama cloud. We’re aware early in the book about a health issue going on with Cole that led him to retire early from his professional baseball career but it's being eluded foreverrrr: until the fated third act break up of romance. Ugh.
And it’s exactly when this sweet small town romance took a definitive negative turn for me. Suddenly the bad news are coming from EVERYWHERE. Drama is being piled on Palmer's doorstep in the matter of minutes. Literally.
Cole is visiting Palmer with the intention to talk to her about his recent diagnosis (multiple sclerosis) and his wish to move here permanently. He finds her in tears because of the news her boss —with whom she has a close/friendly relationship— just dropped about his wife having terminal cancer. Additionally the boss has decided to close shop so heroine is about to become jobless.
In the same scene and before Cole has had any chance to drop his bomb, she receives a call from her crappy ex—that we hear about on/off in the story because of his shitty parental skills— asking her to send him bail money from jail. Palmer has always been very diplomatic dealing with her son’s father even after he basically abandoned their son but she finally loses her shit on the phone in front of Cole. Venting about not having the mental space to deal with someone else’s shit anymore.
Awkward. Cole does what he thinks is best given the context, he breaks up with Palmer and goes back to California.
Sigh.
Look, the chemistry was somehow choppy and I wasn’t that much into the story but this made me skim until the end. I believe the son, Ethan, (who talks and acts like an adult) gives a phone call to Cole to tell him to come back deal with his mom’s tears. Cole comes back. They are pregnant six months later.
The writing wasn’t for me. I failed to connect with the main characters as a couple and didn’t believe in their romance but more than this the uninspired over the top drama pile was anything but sweet.
I despise cancer used as plot device, same goes for MS or any major illness. The blurb says sweet and sexy. I'm asking : WHERE was the sweet and sexy? Really?
I haven't much experience with Adriana Locke's stories and it's been a hot minute since the grapes in the pussy episode (I see this got your attention, so this is the book, but you know what they say about curiosity: Sway) then I saw this cute cover the other night, read the blurb and thought, why not?
I love a small town romance, so if the premise is small town romance I'm already listening. Throw in a single parent getting swept off their feet by a gorgeous sports celebrity giving them and her kid equal attention and care and I'm LISTENING. I'm here for all the feels, the elation of a sweet courtship: engaging banter, sexy innuendos, family dynamics, slow burning feels, heated kisses and the low angst from the insecurity of a small town single mom playing it safe about harbouring dreams of a future with hot shot baseball player from California uprooting his life for them.
Development between Palmer (she) and Cole (he) goes pretty fast: the hero is being very forward and relentless in a cocky/charming way and the heroine is eventually giving in after a bout of reluctancy.
Things are good between them for a while if you can excuse the lack of substantial chemistry on page and one truly uninspired sex scene.
There's just this "news" Cole has been continuously putting off acknowledging since the beginning, to himself and his family, that is regularly reminded to us by the author. A looming drama cloud. We’re aware early in the book about a health issue going on with Cole that led him to retire early from his professional baseball career but it's being eluded foreverrrr: until the fated third act break up of romance. Ugh.
And it’s exactly when this sweet small town romance took a definitive negative turn for me. Suddenly the bad news are coming from EVERYWHERE. Drama is being piled on Palmer's doorstep in the matter of minutes. Literally.
Cole is visiting Palmer with the intention to talk to her about his recent diagnosis (multiple sclerosis) and his wish to move here permanently. He finds her in tears because of the news her boss —with whom she has a close/friendly relationship— just dropped about his wife having terminal cancer. Additionally the boss has decided to close shop so heroine is about to become jobless.
In the same scene and before Cole has had any chance to drop his bomb, she receives a call from her crappy ex—that we hear about on/off in the story because of his shitty parental skills— asking her to send him bail money from jail. Palmer has always been very diplomatic dealing with her son’s father even after he basically abandoned their son but she finally loses her shit on the phone in front of Cole. Venting about not having the mental space to deal with someone else’s shit anymore.
Awkward. Cole does what he thinks is best given the context, he breaks up with Palmer and goes back to California.
Sigh.
Look, the chemistry was somehow choppy and I wasn’t that much into the story but this made me skim until the end. I believe the son, Ethan, (who talks and acts like an adult) gives a phone call to Cole to tell him to come back deal with his mom’s tears. Cole comes back. They are pregnant six months later.
The writing wasn’t for me. I failed to connect with the main characters as a couple and didn’t believe in their romance but more than this the uninspired over the top drama pile was anything but sweet.
I despise cancer used as plot device, same goes for MS or any major illness. The blurb says sweet and sexy. I'm asking : WHERE was the sweet and sexy? Really?
December 7, 2022
3.5 stars
I am really unsure how to rate this one because I really struggled with the heroine, Palmer, for the first half of the book. I usually love single Mom/Dad books, but Palmer was plucking my nerves. I adored her son, Ethan and the relationship they had. There were a few sweet moments between the two.
I am glad I pushed through because I did love Cole and how crazy he was for Palmer. The small town characters just added a warmth to the story. More than once Cole’s mother made me laugh.
This is only the second book I read from this author and I know I will read more. I think my mood was the reason I struggled with the first half of the book. I look to reading more from AL.
I am really unsure how to rate this one because I really struggled with the heroine, Palmer, for the first half of the book. I usually love single Mom/Dad books, but Palmer was plucking my nerves. I adored her son, Ethan and the relationship they had. There were a few sweet moments between the two.
I am glad I pushed through because I did love Cole and how crazy he was for Palmer. The small town characters just added a warmth to the story. More than once Cole’s mother made me laugh.
This is only the second book I read from this author and I know I will read more. I think my mood was the reason I struggled with the first half of the book. I look to reading more from AL.
October 29, 2022
Oooh this book started out so strong for me! I adore sports romance, I adore single mom / single dad tropes, and I adore small town stories. On top of that, Palmer and Cole's meet cute was the exact sort of sparky, playful, understated sexy that I live for. I was so into them and that only blossomed when Cole turned out to be a really good guy.
I mean, Cole was amazing. The way he persistently but respectfully pursued Palmer - all sexy swagger and irresistible confidence. I loved how his relationship with Ethan, Palmer's son, also seemed to happen so naturally and heartwarmingly. I was completely consumed with the first half of this story.
The second half...seemed to slow down a bit for me? It felt a little repetitive and I could feel myself getting impatient. It likely didn't help that there were secrets because I am rarely patient with secrets and indeed, I did find myself very frustrated with the way some of the things played out. I skimmed through a bit of the second half.
In the end, I did enjoy this story - it was just a bit inconsistent and lopsided for me. I loved the happily ever after, and the way it left my heart feeling happy and satisfied. It won't go down as my favorite Adriana Locke book, but I'm still happy to have read it. ~ Shelly, 3 Stars
I mean, Cole was amazing. The way he persistently but respectfully pursued Palmer - all sexy swagger and irresistible confidence. I loved how his relationship with Ethan, Palmer's son, also seemed to happen so naturally and heartwarmingly. I was completely consumed with the first half of this story.
The second half...seemed to slow down a bit for me? It felt a little repetitive and I could feel myself getting impatient. It likely didn't help that there were secrets because I am rarely patient with secrets and indeed, I did find myself very frustrated with the way some of the things played out. I skimmed through a bit of the second half.
In the end, I did enjoy this story - it was just a bit inconsistent and lopsided for me. I loved the happily ever after, and the way it left my heart feeling happy and satisfied. It won't go down as my favorite Adriana Locke book, but I'm still happy to have read it. ~ Shelly, 3 Stars
December 3, 2022
4.5 stars
Palmer is a single mum to her 12 year old son Ethan. She works hard to give him the stability every child deserves to have. She knows she needs to make up for his father’s lack of interest and presence in his life. He does see his dad but it’s always on his terms and he regularly lets his son down. Ethan is getting to age now where he is beginning to work things out on his own and he prefers his mum to give him honesty when it comes to his dad.
Cole has recently retired from professional baseball and is weighing up his future plans. He has a few great offers to consider but there are some personal matters he needs to deal with first. He is back home visiting his parents now that he has the opportunity to spend some quality time with them. He first meets Palmer when he is out at a local bar with his best mate and there is an instant spark between them.
Palmer thinks Cole is all kinds of hot but she is not into casual hook ups, no siree. Ethan comes first in her life and she has learnt from experience that it’s better not to date random guys. It doesn’t mean she wants to be alone though, it will take a special kind of person to become a permanent fixture in their lives.
‘The problem is… I’m too old to be doing this. I’ve played around enough in my life - kissed enough boys behind sheds. Now I’m thirty-two and have nothing to show for it except the best kid in the world that I’m fully and solely responsible for.’
When Ethan’s dad kindly signs him up for baseball, as usual it falls on Palmer to see it all through. Palmer works full time and is constantly trying to juggle her time but if this gets Ethan outside into the fresh air she is willing to support him. At the first practice she is surprised to see that Cole has volunteered to be the coach, it seems she can’t seem to get away from this guy.
Cole and Ethan click right away. It makes Palmer feel sad and frustrated that his own father can’t appreciate how incredible their son is. He is truly missing out on such an amazing boy. Palmer is hesitant at first to give into the attraction she is feeling for Cole but in the end there really isn’t any reason not to. She hasn’t felt this much excitement about anyone for as long as she can remember. He makes her feel wanted and beautiful. She is falling fast… and he is right there with her.
‘I look into his eyes and wish I could just pause time. This feeling is everything that I’ve ever dreamed. Supported. Appreciated. Wanted.’
Cole was not looking to meet someone. He has been so focused on his career and not really in the place to be settling down into a relationship. Being with Palmer has him rethinking his future, maybe he can relocate to Ohio, spend more time with his parents and be the man that Palmer and Ethan deserve to have in their lives.
‘Palmer Clark is a unicorn. There’s substance behind her beauty, a humbleness behind her swagger. She’s kind yet confident and has a vulnerability that eats at me in ways that it shouldn’t. She’s funny and also fierce, and watching her with her son pulls at something soul deep. She triggers something inside me that makes me want to protect her.’
As much as Cole wants to have a future with Palmer, there is still a bit of uncertainty in his life. He had a reason for retiring while was at the peak of his career and he isn’t ready to share that with Palmer. Lord knows she has enough on her plate every day and the last thing he wants is to be another burden she has to contend with. He knows he has a tough decision to make and hurting the girl he is falling in love with may simply be unavoidable.
‘I wish for the hope that he brought me, the light he shone on my life - the way things felt possible. Like there was something to look forward to. Like there was something in this life just for me.’
This story had all the feel goods I was in the reading mood for, I love it when that happens. Sure, there is a bit of angst but I loved all the cute moments, the romance, Cole being blindsided by this amazingingly fierce and passionate woman. Palmer is shining example of a single mum selflessly doing everything she can to raise her child the best way she can. Loved this!
Palmer is a single mum to her 12 year old son Ethan. She works hard to give him the stability every child deserves to have. She knows she needs to make up for his father’s lack of interest and presence in his life. He does see his dad but it’s always on his terms and he regularly lets his son down. Ethan is getting to age now where he is beginning to work things out on his own and he prefers his mum to give him honesty when it comes to his dad.
Cole has recently retired from professional baseball and is weighing up his future plans. He has a few great offers to consider but there are some personal matters he needs to deal with first. He is back home visiting his parents now that he has the opportunity to spend some quality time with them. He first meets Palmer when he is out at a local bar with his best mate and there is an instant spark between them.
Palmer thinks Cole is all kinds of hot but she is not into casual hook ups, no siree. Ethan comes first in her life and she has learnt from experience that it’s better not to date random guys. It doesn’t mean she wants to be alone though, it will take a special kind of person to become a permanent fixture in their lives.
‘The problem is… I’m too old to be doing this. I’ve played around enough in my life - kissed enough boys behind sheds. Now I’m thirty-two and have nothing to show for it except the best kid in the world that I’m fully and solely responsible for.’
When Ethan’s dad kindly signs him up for baseball, as usual it falls on Palmer to see it all through. Palmer works full time and is constantly trying to juggle her time but if this gets Ethan outside into the fresh air she is willing to support him. At the first practice she is surprised to see that Cole has volunteered to be the coach, it seems she can’t seem to get away from this guy.
Cole and Ethan click right away. It makes Palmer feel sad and frustrated that his own father can’t appreciate how incredible their son is. He is truly missing out on such an amazing boy. Palmer is hesitant at first to give into the attraction she is feeling for Cole but in the end there really isn’t any reason not to. She hasn’t felt this much excitement about anyone for as long as she can remember. He makes her feel wanted and beautiful. She is falling fast… and he is right there with her.
‘I look into his eyes and wish I could just pause time. This feeling is everything that I’ve ever dreamed. Supported. Appreciated. Wanted.’
Cole was not looking to meet someone. He has been so focused on his career and not really in the place to be settling down into a relationship. Being with Palmer has him rethinking his future, maybe he can relocate to Ohio, spend more time with his parents and be the man that Palmer and Ethan deserve to have in their lives.
‘Palmer Clark is a unicorn. There’s substance behind her beauty, a humbleness behind her swagger. She’s kind yet confident and has a vulnerability that eats at me in ways that it shouldn’t. She’s funny and also fierce, and watching her with her son pulls at something soul deep. She triggers something inside me that makes me want to protect her.’
As much as Cole wants to have a future with Palmer, there is still a bit of uncertainty in his life. He had a reason for retiring while was at the peak of his career and he isn’t ready to share that with Palmer. Lord knows she has enough on her plate every day and the last thing he wants is to be another burden she has to contend with. He knows he has a tough decision to make and hurting the girl he is falling in love with may simply be unavoidable.
‘I wish for the hope that he brought me, the light he shone on my life - the way things felt possible. Like there was something to look forward to. Like there was something in this life just for me.’
This story had all the feel goods I was in the reading mood for, I love it when that happens. Sure, there is a bit of angst but I loved all the cute moments, the romance, Cole being blindsided by this amazingingly fierce and passionate woman. Palmer is shining example of a single mum selflessly doing everything she can to raise her child the best way she can. Loved this!
June 23, 2022
The Sweet Spot gives you that bottom of the ninth, bases loaded, tie ball game, the batter swings and knocks it outta the park feels.
Cole and Palmer’s story is what makes me believe in love. It brings you the flirty, giddy feeling that romance is made of. It also shows you how somethings are just meant to be no matter how much you fight it. Did I mention Cole’s friendship with Palmer’s son? Ovary. Explosion.
It’s the perfect feel good, small town, single mom meets her match romance. I highly suggest this one!
Cole and Palmer’s story is what makes me believe in love. It brings you the flirty, giddy feeling that romance is made of. It also shows you how somethings are just meant to be no matter how much you fight it. Did I mention Cole’s friendship with Palmer’s son? Ovary. Explosion.
It’s the perfect feel good, small town, single mom meets her match romance. I highly suggest this one!
June 20, 2022
Adriana knocked it out of the park (Pun intended) with Palmer and Cole's story. I am a huge fan of Adriana's writing and this one hit me right in the feels. I am not normally a crier when when reading but I legit had to stop reading at work cause I was crying at the end of the book. Palmer is a single mom, with a terrible dating history trying to raise her 12 year old son right. Cole is a recently retired baseball star who has come to town to visit his parents. Palmer is looking for forever and Cole doesn't even know what he is doing with his life in the next month, let alone forever.
I loved Palmer's wittiness, sass and her sarcasm. She is my spirit animal for sure. Cole is this fine specimen who literally just walked off the baseball field into my heart. His bond with Ethan though is what sealed the deal for me. Watching Ethan light up under his praise was beautiful. Ethan is smart beyond his years and loved his mom beyond measure.
Palmer and Cole's story proved to you that you can't fight fate. Sometimes people walk into your life right when they are supposed to and they show you that your dreams aren't really that far fetched after all. That you would rather walk through fire with the right person, than live on beach without them. I loved loved loved this book!!!!
I loved Palmer's wittiness, sass and her sarcasm. She is my spirit animal for sure. Cole is this fine specimen who literally just walked off the baseball field into my heart. His bond with Ethan though is what sealed the deal for me. Watching Ethan light up under his praise was beautiful. Ethan is smart beyond his years and loved his mom beyond measure.
Palmer and Cole's story proved to you that you can't fight fate. Sometimes people walk into your life right when they are supposed to and they show you that your dreams aren't really that far fetched after all. That you would rather walk through fire with the right person, than live on beach without them. I loved loved loved this book!!!!
January 17, 2023
this was a super cute small town single mom romance! cole is a recently retired pro baseball player and he’s visiting his parents in their small town. he’s not sure what to do with his life next, so when he learns that one of the youth baseball teams needs a coach, he decides to stick around for a while. palmer is a single mom, and her son happens to be on the team cole will be coaching. cole & palmer hit it off pretty quickly, despite her initial hesitations. cole and ethan (palmer’s son) have a great relationship and i loved how they both cared so much for palmer. very cute & heartwarming with great side characters. everything you want in a small town romance!
December 2, 2022
What a beautiful book!
I've read nearly all of Adriana Locke's books and liked them all a lot but think this might be my favourite so far! I read it in less than 24hours and really enjoyed it. Definitely some heart-breaking moments in there but I loved Palmer, Cole and Ethan.
Thank you Adriana for the opportunity to read this early!
I've read nearly all of Adriana Locke's books and liked them all a lot but think this might be my favourite so far! I read it in less than 24hours and really enjoyed it. Definitely some heart-breaking moments in there but I loved Palmer, Cole and Ethan.
Thank you Adriana for the opportunity to read this early!
November 29, 2022
What a mature and charming story. Loved the characters and the growth they showed throughout the tale. Ethan was a joy to discover and was written particularly well. This was my first read from this author and won’t be my last!
Thanks Montlake and Netgalley for the free copy.
Thanks Montlake and Netgalley for the free copy.
August 25, 2022
Usually I wrinkle my nose in front of single working mother meets and charms the rockstar or the sport superstar
I do not like it
Adriana Locke is a talented author and does a good and honest job this book is good reliable and funny
I loved the heroine and her inner strength
Cole is a decent man and cuts himself a good role and does what it is needed from him
Nice side characters
Well done
3.75 stars bordering 4
0.25 star lead for the h name Palmer ?!?!!
1 star less for too much baseball ⚾️ non Us reader get lost 😞
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC
I do not like it
Adriana Locke is a talented author and does a good and honest job this book is good reliable and funny
I loved the heroine and her inner strength
Cole is a decent man and cuts himself a good role and does what it is needed from him
Nice side characters
Well done
3.75 stars bordering 4
0.25 star lead for the h name Palmer ?!?!!
1 star less for too much baseball ⚾️ non Us reader get lost 😞
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC
November 29, 2022
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
The Sweet Spot was such a fun story to read. Cole and Palmer had the sweetest connection and I just couldn't get enough of it. Palmer was scared of being hurt again and had so much going on in her life that she didn't want to take the chance on Cole. But he was so caring and really tried to understand her and her struggles. I loved how he was there for her but didn't try to take over her life for her, instead he knew when to just sit back and let her handle things on her own and I really liked that.
Overall, this was an easy story to fall in love with and the characters were very lovable.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
The Sweet Spot was such a fun story to read. Cole and Palmer had the sweetest connection and I just couldn't get enough of it. Palmer was scared of being hurt again and had so much going on in her life that she didn't want to take the chance on Cole. But he was so caring and really tried to understand her and her struggles. I loved how he was there for her but didn't try to take over her life for her, instead he knew when to just sit back and let her handle things on her own and I really liked that.
Overall, this was an easy story to fall in love with and the characters were very lovable.
December 5, 2022
4.5 stars
Be still my emotional, beating heart. This one tugged Tf out of my heart strings & I am still melting from the overall amazingness of this book.
This was my first Adriana Locke book & I absolutely loved it. Wow. Cole was the ULTIMATE love interest. A hot, retired baseball hero, who does not give up on what he wants? HELL YEAH. The way he had my heart fluttering almost had me ordering an EKG. Palmer was an amazing woman & my heart really felt for her. There were so many things working against her but she never let it fully get her down. And her boy, Ethan, was just wonderful. Also, I would die for cole parents…just saying.
Y’all I teared up so many times. And the way I highlighted so many freaking parts of this book is no joke!!!
Spice: 🌶
Tropes:
Single mom
Small town
He falls first
Be still my emotional, beating heart. This one tugged Tf out of my heart strings & I am still melting from the overall amazingness of this book.
This was my first Adriana Locke book & I absolutely loved it. Wow. Cole was the ULTIMATE love interest. A hot, retired baseball hero, who does not give up on what he wants? HELL YEAH. The way he had my heart fluttering almost had me ordering an EKG. Palmer was an amazing woman & my heart really felt for her. There were so many things working against her but she never let it fully get her down. And her boy, Ethan, was just wonderful. Also, I would die for cole parents…just saying.
Y’all I teared up so many times. And the way I highlighted so many freaking parts of this book is no joke!!!
Spice: 🌶
Tropes:
Single mom
Small town
He falls first
October 29, 2022
**ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
What a wonderful light contemporary romance. What really made me enjoy this novel was the amazing characters. I love the single-parent trope, so I was really looking forward to reading this book. Palmer is a very strong and independent woman who puts her son Ethan before anything else. But she has been hurt and betrayed a lot so she is very hesitant to start anything if it doesn't have the potential of becoming serious. Cole is a retired baseball player and is visiting his parents in a small town. He feels an attraction to Palmer the moment he meets her, but Palmer doesn't have time for a relationship. However, Cole doesn't give up and eventually finds his way into Palmer's heart.
I fully connected to the characters and was invested in their lives. Cole is such a wonderful guy and I loved his interaction with Palmer's son Ethan. There were some emotional moments but mostly this was a light and fun romance. I really appreciated that there wasn't any unnecessary drama and that the relationship developed organically. The characters were very likable and I was rooting for them. The story didn't feel rushed and I really enjoy Adriana's writing style. I would've wanted more steamy/spicy scenes, but overall The Sweet Spot was a great contemporary romance.
What a wonderful light contemporary romance. What really made me enjoy this novel was the amazing characters. I love the single-parent trope, so I was really looking forward to reading this book. Palmer is a very strong and independent woman who puts her son Ethan before anything else. But she has been hurt and betrayed a lot so she is very hesitant to start anything if it doesn't have the potential of becoming serious. Cole is a retired baseball player and is visiting his parents in a small town. He feels an attraction to Palmer the moment he meets her, but Palmer doesn't have time for a relationship. However, Cole doesn't give up and eventually finds his way into Palmer's heart.
I fully connected to the characters and was invested in their lives. Cole is such a wonderful guy and I loved his interaction with Palmer's son Ethan. There were some emotional moments but mostly this was a light and fun romance. I really appreciated that there wasn't any unnecessary drama and that the relationship developed organically. The characters were very likable and I was rooting for them. The story didn't feel rushed and I really enjoy Adriana's writing style. I would've wanted more steamy/spicy scenes, but overall The Sweet Spot was a great contemporary romance.
August 26, 2022
This was the first book I’ve read by Adriana Locke, and I really enjoyed it!
It’s a sweet small-town romance about Palmer, a busy single mom, and a recently retired baseball legend, Cole.
Palmer wants a stable relationship with someone who she and her son can count on. But, Cole is just in town to visit his parents while waiting on health-related news that will determine his future.
I loved how well these two maturely communicated with each other throughout the book, and especially enjoyed the many scenes with Palmer’s young son. Themes of family played a large part in this book, and it was so nicely done!
This felt like a cozy, slice-of-life story, and it made me look forward to reading more by this author in the future!!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC. This is my honest review.
It’s a sweet small-town romance about Palmer, a busy single mom, and a recently retired baseball legend, Cole.
Palmer wants a stable relationship with someone who she and her son can count on. But, Cole is just in town to visit his parents while waiting on health-related news that will determine his future.
I loved how well these two maturely communicated with each other throughout the book, and especially enjoyed the many scenes with Palmer’s young son. Themes of family played a large part in this book, and it was so nicely done!
This felt like a cozy, slice-of-life story, and it made me look forward to reading more by this author in the future!!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC. This is my honest review.
February 10, 2023
Not sure what exactly made me love this book. It just worked for me. 🥰
Palmer is a single parent to Ethan, her 12 yr old son.
Cole is a recently retired professional baseball player visiting his parents in Bloomfield Ohio, where they recently moved.
I loved how super sweet Cole ended up being and how attentive her was to Palmer AND her son. 💕
⚠️There was a brief mention of past childhood neglect/abuse. Also mention of cancer.
Palmer is a single parent to Ethan, her 12 yr old son.
Cole is a recently retired professional baseball player visiting his parents in Bloomfield Ohio, where they recently moved.
I loved how super sweet Cole ended up being and how attentive her was to Palmer AND her son. 💕
⚠️There was a brief mention of past childhood neglect/abuse. Also mention of cancer.
December 3, 2022
Really liked the romance. Did not like that the diagnosis of MS was the conflict.
2.5 stars?
2.5 stars?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2023
A small town single mom x former pro-Baseball player romance with way more depth than I was expecting!! I really enjoyed this one with surprisingly great MS rep and excellent narration by Teddy Hamilton and Stella Hunter. Highly recommended, especially if you enjoyed books like Karina Halle's My life in shambles or Feels like home by Melissa Grace (two other romance books with MS rep).
November 29, 2022
Palmer and Cole deserve all the stars but Ethan seriously sets this book to not only a must read but a book that will always have a place in my heart.
The way Palmer and Cole meet is hilarious but also shows how much she is set apart from the rest! Cole had his eye on the prize and Palmer was his prize. Both are going through life changing events and they met at the perfect time.
I loved their chemistry, banter and just how much they helped each other out. They both helped the other come out of their comfort zones and the ending omg so damn sweet! As a former single mom I have to say Adriana knocked it out the park! The confliction you feel as a mom, the guilt just everything she nailed it!
The story was so beautifully written and has some amazing characters that I hope to see more of!
The way Palmer and Cole meet is hilarious but also shows how much she is set apart from the rest! Cole had his eye on the prize and Palmer was his prize. Both are going through life changing events and they met at the perfect time.
I loved their chemistry, banter and just how much they helped each other out. They both helped the other come out of their comfort zones and the ending omg so damn sweet! As a former single mom I have to say Adriana knocked it out the park! The confliction you feel as a mom, the guilt just everything she nailed it!
The story was so beautifully written and has some amazing characters that I hope to see more of!
August 27, 2023
This book was so cute but also had sine serious moments. I'm a huge baseball fan, so The Sweet Spot was right up my alley.
Palmer and Cole were adorable together, and Cole's relationship with Ethan was super heartwarming.
This book just sort of felt like a warm hug. With very little stress and almost no angst.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Palmer and Cole were adorable together, and Cole's relationship with Ethan was super heartwarming.
This book just sort of felt like a warm hug. With very little stress and almost no angst.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
November 21, 2022
3.75 ⭐️
RTC soon
RTC soon
January 5, 2023
I love the single parent trope more than anything. I think it’s because usually woman are reduce to role of being a mom and often people forget they are woman with needs and desires, so I think it’s so sweet to see them navigate dating after having a child. If the child is sweet and fun than it’s a plus. Maybe the fact that I’ve read a lot of books about a single mom or dad made this book so boring and frustrating or maybe it’s just a bad book, i don’t know. I can’t tell. But I didn’t like this one.
I didn’t like that Palmer and Cole discussed endless if they should hook up before sharing a kiss. They talk about the fact that she wanted marriage and kids and he’s a baseball player that lives in California, not Ohio; about how her son could get attached; etc. it was a lot of talk - the same talk we see in a bunch other books - and I thought to myself: “the sex must really be out of this world after all this talk because if it’s not what a waste of time”. Spoiler alert: the sex scene wasn’t that great. He didn’t even go down on her, please have some self respect woman.
Then, after they hook up the story had a plot twist I already saw it coming but it was so badly written, so out of the blue, like she needed a problem and didn’t wanted to be the ex husband.
The side characters are boring, the whole town is boring, there isn’t much fun and just … urgh..
The kid … omg the kid who talks like he’s an adult … urgh.
It’s bad. But like I said: maybe the problem is me because I’ve read a lot of single parent trope but I don’t think that is. I think it’s just bad writing.
I didn’t like that Palmer and Cole discussed endless if they should hook up before sharing a kiss. They talk about the fact that she wanted marriage and kids and he’s a baseball player that lives in California, not Ohio; about how her son could get attached; etc. it was a lot of talk - the same talk we see in a bunch other books - and I thought to myself: “the sex must really be out of this world after all this talk because if it’s not what a waste of time”. Spoiler alert: the sex scene wasn’t that great. He didn’t even go down on her, please have some self respect woman.
Then, after they hook up the story had a plot twist I already saw it coming but it was so badly written, so out of the blue, like she needed a problem and didn’t wanted to be the ex husband.
The side characters are boring, the whole town is boring, there isn’t much fun and just … urgh..
The kid … omg the kid who talks like he’s an adult … urgh.
It’s bad. But like I said: maybe the problem is me because I’ve read a lot of single parent trope but I don’t think that is. I think it’s just bad writing.
November 28, 2022
I'll start this review by saying i don't think this was Adriana Locke's best work. The story started off great and strong. Their meet-cute was funny and it left me wanting to turn the pages as quickly as possible to see what lie in store for them. But the more time they spent together; the spark went out a little.
I don't want to say the story was not interesting, but the fire was not as strong as it was at the beginning of the book. And maybe that's because Palmer has had a rough life and she is basically taking care of her almost teenage son all on her own, whereas Cole doesn't need to take care of anyone but himself. I didn't even mind that much the main plot problem but would have wished that she realized more just how she really closed off and how much he loved both her and her son.
Overall, this was an OK read but not my favorite. Maybe i was in a weird state of mind but this time I'm giving this -4*.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
I don't want to say the story was not interesting, but the fire was not as strong as it was at the beginning of the book. And maybe that's because Palmer has had a rough life and she is basically taking care of her almost teenage son all on her own, whereas Cole doesn't need to take care of anyone but himself. I didn't even mind that much the main plot problem but would have wished that she realized more just how she really closed off and how much he loved both her and her son.
Overall, this was an OK read but not my favorite. Maybe i was in a weird state of mind but this time I'm giving this -4*.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
July 1, 2022
I don't even know how to begin to describe my impressions of this wonderful story. This may be a cliché because there are quite a lot of stories like this, but this story is somehow different for me. Here, we meet a single mother and a former athlete who is looking for a new start and a life without disappointment, pain, and mistrust., Their chemistry is felt from the very beginning until the end. The story is very emotional and for the most part, it describes real-life situations. I enjoyed it and it has all the best recommendations from me.
Thank you for this opportunity.
ARC provided by publisher .
Thank you for this opportunity.
ARC provided by publisher .
July 1, 2022
Adriana Locke, thank you for this amazing book!!! This book sunk it's hooks into me on page one and didn't let me go. Honestly, I didn't want it to ever end!
This is the story of Cole and Palmer. These two belong together. They have such a strong connection and a sizzling chemistry. I really enjoyed seeing their story play out, filled with all the feels and sexy times. Highly, highly recommend this book!!!
This is the story of Cole and Palmer. These two belong together. They have such a strong connection and a sizzling chemistry. I really enjoyed seeing their story play out, filled with all the feels and sexy times. Highly, highly recommend this book!!!
December 4, 2022
I have loved everything I have ever read by Adriana Locke. This book was magnificent. Single Parent tropes seem to be my favorite. It is just so special when a character can find a person to step in and not only love them but their child too.
Palmer pushed Cole away at first, even though it was perfectly obvious that wouldn't happen for long. They were the perfect fit, and their relationship was so easy. Palmer's son fit so perfectly into the mix, and Cole's parents were so accepting. The story was heartwarming with an ample amount of heat. I feel blessed to read it early.
Palmer pushed Cole away at first, even though it was perfectly obvious that wouldn't happen for long. They were the perfect fit, and their relationship was so easy. Palmer's son fit so perfectly into the mix, and Cole's parents were so accepting. The story was heartwarming with an ample amount of heat. I feel blessed to read it early.
June 20, 2022
In my opinion, nothing is better than the combination of baseball and romance, and once again Adriana Locke knocks it out of the park. Palmer and Cole's love story cannot be more honest and true. Each and every chapter brings them closer to getting their HEA that they rightfully deserve. But is would not be an Adriana Locke masterpiece with out something that they will have to overcome and only come out stronger in the end. True romance starts and ends right here with Cole and Palmer. I wish I could give this more than 5 stars.
January 19, 2023
Small town swoons
Such a cute, feel good read! This will be a win for small town, single parent lovers who appreciate a laidback and easygoing love story with a touch of heartache. I could feel the instant ZAP of attraction between these two, and it immediately had my attention. It reminded me of my favorite of Locke's romances, Tangle, with small town vibes and tension that arises from two people who are perfect for each other in all ways but one - their outlook on relationships. Our heroine has been burned too many times, so she's determined not to fall for a man who openly admits that he can't promise her forever. I loved watching Palmer resist Cole at first, just as much as I loved watching him fall head over heels for Palmer AND her son. The romance between them was all kinds of swoony and sweet, though the laidback feel did drag on occasion. I also thought the unexpected shot of angst towards the end detracted from the vibes, but it went right back to the swoons, so I can't complain too much.
The story follows Palmer, a woman who has put her heart on the line too many times. She's given her all in relationships, only to be strung along by guys who were never going to give her forever. So when she meets an irresistibly sexy and confident retired baseball player who is only in town temporarily, Palmer knows better than to fall for his charms. But the more Palmer resists Cole, the more he finds himself attracted, and it's not long before he reconsiders his plans. Spending time in a small town with Palmer and her 12-year-old son, coaching little league and getting to know the community... it's all pretty great. Unfortunately, there's a reason why Cole never promised forever, and it's all too easy to lose sight of that.
Locke can be hit or miss for me, but I've enjoyed several of her small town romances in the past - I think that's where she really shines. There is such personality in the community setting, a true sense of authenticity about being a mom, and lighthearted vibes that simply worked. The chemistry was also great. It was all working for me, though I do think the length could've been shortened a bit. I also loved that it went in a direction I wasn't expecting from the blurb, with Cole being less of a player and more of a sweetheart who has his reasons for holding back. It's clear throughout the story that he's got a secret - he retired from baseball for a reason - but I was very taken aback when all was revealed. There were some unexpected triggers and a few chapters that weighed things down, though I certainly empathized with the situation. I didn't even mind how instalovey everything was. This ended up being a solid 4-star read for me, and I think it could've been higher if a few things had been tightened up. It definitely gave me a case of the warm and fuzzies, which makes it a win overall.
Audio note: The audio was great! I was able to switch back and forth between the text and audio, though I ended up listening to most of it. The runtime was short enough to binge in a single day, and the narrators (Teddy Hamilton and Stella Hunter) were both easy to listen to. It's dual narration, with two skilled, relaxing narrators that I've listened to before. They were both good fits for the type of story, and I had no complaints about the performance. It's a low heat/slow burn story, so this also made for the perfect book to listen to while working. The laidback vibes were ideal for that, and it made my workday go faster. I recommend listening to this one - it was good.
Such a cute, feel good read! This will be a win for small town, single parent lovers who appreciate a laidback and easygoing love story with a touch of heartache. I could feel the instant ZAP of attraction between these two, and it immediately had my attention. It reminded me of my favorite of Locke's romances, Tangle, with small town vibes and tension that arises from two people who are perfect for each other in all ways but one - their outlook on relationships. Our heroine has been burned too many times, so she's determined not to fall for a man who openly admits that he can't promise her forever. I loved watching Palmer resist Cole at first, just as much as I loved watching him fall head over heels for Palmer AND her son. The romance between them was all kinds of swoony and sweet, though the laidback feel did drag on occasion. I also thought the unexpected shot of angst towards the end detracted from the vibes, but it went right back to the swoons, so I can't complain too much.
The story follows Palmer, a woman who has put her heart on the line too many times. She's given her all in relationships, only to be strung along by guys who were never going to give her forever. So when she meets an irresistibly sexy and confident retired baseball player who is only in town temporarily, Palmer knows better than to fall for his charms. But the more Palmer resists Cole, the more he finds himself attracted, and it's not long before he reconsiders his plans. Spending time in a small town with Palmer and her 12-year-old son, coaching little league and getting to know the community... it's all pretty great. Unfortunately, there's a reason why Cole never promised forever, and it's all too easy to lose sight of that.
Locke can be hit or miss for me, but I've enjoyed several of her small town romances in the past - I think that's where she really shines. There is such personality in the community setting, a true sense of authenticity about being a mom, and lighthearted vibes that simply worked. The chemistry was also great. It was all working for me, though I do think the length could've been shortened a bit. I also loved that it went in a direction I wasn't expecting from the blurb, with Cole being less of a player and more of a sweetheart who has his reasons for holding back. It's clear throughout the story that he's got a secret - he retired from baseball for a reason - but I was very taken aback when all was revealed. There were some unexpected triggers and a few chapters that weighed things down, though I certainly empathized with the situation. I didn't even mind how instalovey everything was. This ended up being a solid 4-star read for me, and I think it could've been higher if a few things had been tightened up. It definitely gave me a case of the warm and fuzzies, which makes it a win overall.
Audio note: The audio was great! I was able to switch back and forth between the text and audio, though I ended up listening to most of it. The runtime was short enough to binge in a single day, and the narrators (Teddy Hamilton and Stella Hunter) were both easy to listen to. It's dual narration, with two skilled, relaxing narrators that I've listened to before. They were both good fits for the type of story, and I had no complaints about the performance. It's a low heat/slow burn story, so this also made for the perfect book to listen to while working. The laidback vibes were ideal for that, and it made my workday go faster. I recommend listening to this one - it was good.
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