The Merger by Adriana Locke (Audio Review)

Disclaimer: I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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Adriana Locke's "The Merger," the fourth installment in the Brewer Family series, makes for a delightful and steamy listen in its audiobook format.

Book Description

Crushes are harmless—unless they involve your best friend’s grumpy, off-limits brother.

Gannon Brewer is the epitome of my type. He’s at least ten years older than me, emotionally unavailable, and highly disagreeable—a walking red flag in a tailored suit. But do I listen to that? No. In fact, when his office plants start dying, I convince myself that I can ignore the pheromones and save the philodendron.

Now I’m in his office every week, dodging sinful smirks and heated stares, reminding myself to reach for the watering can—not him. But one late-night “ivy incident” changes everything. Suddenly, we’re sneaking around, indulging in a steamy, forbidden fling that’s supposed to be nothing more than (a lot of) fun.

After all, he swears he’ll never fall in love. I assure him that I only want one thing, and it’s not his heart. But the closer we get, the more lines we blur, and the harder it becomes to keep our promises …

Especially when the secret I’m keeping threatens to shatter everything.

About Adriana Locke

USA Today Bestselling author, Adriana Locke, writes contemporary romances about the two things she knows best—big families and small towns. Her stories are about ordinary people finding extraordinary love with the perfect combination of heart, heat, and humor. 

She loves connecting with readers, fall weather, football, reading alpha heroes, everything pumpkin, and pretending to garden. 

Hailing from a tiny town in the Midwest, Adriana spends her free time with her high school sweetheart (who she married over twenty-five years ago) and their four sons (who truly are her best work). Her kitchen may be a perpetual disaster, and if all else fails, there is always pizza.

My Thoughts

Adriana Locke's "The Merger," the fourth installment in the Brewer Family series, makes for a delightful and steamy listen in its audiobook format. Narrated by Jack Calihan and Angelina Rocca, the story of the grumpy-sunshine, best friend's brother trope comes vibrantly to life. Calihan perfectly captures Gannon's broody demeanor, while Rocca embodies Carys's witty and determined spirit, making their contrasting personalities shine.

The premise is classic romance fare: Carys needs a business deal with Gannon's company to save her fledgling plant shop, and despite their initial clashes and the obvious attraction, they agree on a no-strings-attached affair. Of course, as the story unfolds, those "no strings" inevitably tangle. Locke delivers the expected humor and sizzling chemistry, and the narrators amplify the flirty banter and tender moments with engaging performances.

While the plot itself doesn't break new ground, Locke's strength lies in her character development and the genuine connection she crafts between Gannon and Carys. The audiobook format allows the listener to fully appreciate the nuances in their interactions, from the subtle shifts in tone to the heartfelt vulnerability in their inner thoughts. The supporting characters, particularly Tate, provide welcome comedic relief and further enrich the Brewer family dynamic.

Overall, the audiobook of "The Merger" is a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Calihan and Rocca's narration elevates Locke's charming story, making it a perfect choice for listeners seeking a lighthearted yet steamy contemporary romance with well-developed characters and a satisfying happily-ever-after. If you're a fan of the Brewer family or enjoy the grumpy-sunshine trope, this audiobook is a worthwhile addition to your listening queue.

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