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Adriana Locke consistently delivers a good time, and Show Me—narrated flawlessly by Shiloh James and Connor Brown—is no exception. This binge-worthy romance expertly blends the bad boy/good girl trope with a brother’s nemesis dynamic, all set against a cozy, small-town MMA backdrop.
Book Description
He’s showing me a lot more than he should.
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?
About Adriana Locke
Adriana 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.
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My Thoughts
Adriana Locke consistently delivers a good time, and Show Me—narrated flawlessly by Shiloh James and Connor Brown—is no exception. This binge-worthy romance expertly blends the bad boy/good girl trope with a brother’s nemesis dynamic, all set against a cozy, small-town MMA backdrop.
The story follows Audrey Van, a brilliant philosophy professor who has spent her life being "perfect," and Brooks Dempsey, a debonair mixed martial artist who happens to be her brother’s rival. When Audrey arrives at a ranch with a "whimsy list" intended to help her reclaim her life, she finds herself face-to-face with a smirking, towel-clad Brooks, setting the stage for a journey filled with electric chemistry and a hero who falls hard and fast.
Audrey and Brooks are impossible not to adore. While Audrey is the picture of innocence, her personal growth is top-notch. With Brooks’s encouragement, she finds her sass and snark, shifting her worldview in a way that feels both empowering and realistic. Brooks undergoes a compelling arc of his own; though his actions during the third-act conflict might induce a bit of frustration, seeing the pieces fall into place for him is incredibly satisfying.
Their connection strikes a perfect balance between a quiet, natural rhythm and agonizingly good tension. Brooks is "down bad" from the start, supporting Audrey’s self-discovery while providing the kind of flirting and spice that keeps the pages turning. Whether they are on a one-bed road trip or navigating their feelings at the ranch, the sparks are undeniable.
One of the most beautiful aspects of the book is Audrey’s "whimsy list." It’s more than just a cute wish list; it serves as a tool for her to unravel the person she felt forced to become. Beneath the lighthearted fun and the antics of Otis, a hot-dog-loving cat, Locke explores deep themes of healing and the importance of not wasting time.
This emotional weight makes the story resonate, particularly as both characters navigate their respective traumas while finding solace in the found-family vibes of Blackbird Ranch and Sugar Creek. For longtime fans, the "Locke universe" Easter eggs are a delightful treat that adds to the signature heart and humor of the prose.
While there are a few lingering questions regarding Brooks’s backstory and a brief moment where the characters act slightly out of character for the sake of the plot, these are minor critiques in an otherwise stellar read. Ultimately, Show Me is an inspiring, 5-star story about living well and loving much. It leaves you with a sappy smile and a bit of a blush, making it a must-read for any romance lover.
Other books I've read by Adriana Locke HERE!!!
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