BARRETT LANDRY has it all.
Power, prestige, and plenty of women, the dapper politician’s life is pretty phenomenal. But in the midst of the biggest campaign of his life, he needs to focus. The last thing he can afford is a distraction.
ALISON BAKER is a work-in-progress.
As a single mother to HUXLEY, she’s rebuilding life on her terms. She’s focused on family, faith, and a future for her son that can’t be taken away. Putting her child first means not being careless, no matter what.
A chance encounter forces Barrett and Alison to redefine what they really want out of life. But everything comes at a cost … and sometimes, even for love, it’s a price too steep to pay.
GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29562692-sway
Review
“Speak as you find.”
I absolutely love this advice, and it’s a lesson that’s pivotal to learn in all areas of life but especially when someone is in the public eye, where things get twisted and manipulated.
In the political realm, it’s difficult to speak openly and honestly because there is always someone waiting to spin things any way they want to in order to paint a much different picture than the one the candidate wants to show. For much of his political career, Barrett Landry has been led by his team to do whatever it takes to win, even if that means going against his principles and not going with his gut. But a chance encounter with Alison Baker, a woman who knows first hand what can happen in the smoke and mirrors world of politics, opens Barrett’s eyes to what it means to truly take risks and have the guts to speak much more than half-truths, accomplishing the things he perceives as important not what’s important to the people who try to tell him what to do.
Alison Baker is a strong woman who’s had to build herself back up after being put through the wringer and destroyed by her ex and his numerous political scandals. She’s extremely hesitant to start anything with Barrett no matter how much she wants him, which makes sense because she has no desire to be thrust into the media spotlight again. But even though I completely understood Alison’s fears, I’ll admit that I did get kind of frustrated with her actions at times because she could tell from the start that Barrett is nothing like her ex-husband; in fact, he shows on numerous occasions how much he wants her in his life. But Adriana Locke does such a great job of exploring Alison’s fears and explaining them so thoroughly that regardless of my frustration, I couldn’t fault Alison for wanting a bit of distance and time to think…I think the romantic in me just wanted her to let go of her past and live in the present with Barrett but clearly Alison’s concerns were seared into her heart and soul, forcing her to be cautious, especially for her son.
Adriana Locke not only illustrates the effect bad press and the power of the media have on politics, but she also gives readers a behind the scenes look at how manipulative and backhanded the political world truly is. With all of the double dealing and greasing of palms that take place, it’s a wonder if political leaders ever truly stand on their own principles or if they simply take the positions they’re told to in order to get the votes or the backing they need. And with the state of the race for the presidency, I couldn’t help but align various issues in Sway to the reality of today’s presidential election.
Barrett and Alison’s story is a fantastic start to Locke’s new Landry Family Series, and I have to say that I’m looking forward to getting Linc’s story and seeing what lucky lady wins his heart.
Oh, and by the way, I’d absolutely vote for Barrett Landry!
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Poison Apples
Excerpt
“I want a chance to win you over,” he breathes, peering at me. The way his eyes search mine make it seem like time stands still. “Will you let me try?”
He forces a swallow and the look of hesitation, the internal fight he’s having, isn’t lost on me. It’s there, right beneath the surface, and when I add my concerns to the mix, it’s enough to make me balk. Just a bit.
“I’ll think about it,” I whisper, holding on to the little strand of courage I have left.
“Say yes.”
Instead of responding, I ask, “Where’d you get that scar over your right eye?” I reach out and press gently on the raised skin. I expect him to pull back, but he doesn’t.
My hand shakes as I touch his warmed skin. His forehead is silky and smooth. I’d like to run my hands over every inch of it, feel it ripple beneath my fingertips.
The corner of his lips twitch. “Lincoln hit me in the head with a baseball.”
“Bad reflexes on your part?”
“Wicked curveball on his,” he says, his face breaking out into a full smile.
“I thought he played center field?”
“He does. But he pitched some growing up.”
We stand inches apart, my hand gently brushing down the side of his face. Although I feel like he’d stand here all night and talk to me, it’s not possible.
“I really need to get back to work,” I say, trying to unlock my eyes from his.
“Dinner? This week?”
I can barely resist the look in his eye, the one that implores me to say yes. The one that makes me believe he really does want to have dinner and spend a few hours with me.
I need to get away, put some space between us while I can.
“We ran into each other tonight,” I shrug. “If we’re supposed to see each other again, then I guess we will.” I start to turn away before I completely buckle under his gaze.
“How am I supposed to get ahold of you? I don’t have your number,” he calls after me.
Heading up the steps to the Savannah Room, I glance at him over my shoulder. “You’re the Mayor. Figure it out.”
USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys created by other authors, Adriana has created her own.
She resides in the Midwest with her husband, sons, and two dogs. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather’s nice and there’s always a piece of candy in her pocket.
For sneak peeks, giveaways, and more, please join Adriana’s Facebook Group, Books by Adriana Locke, or her Goodreads group, All Locked Up.
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