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 … 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.
** Author’s note: Sway is a deliciously sexy, full length standalone novel. It packs a heavy dose of steam and has no cliffhanger. **
more
This beauty is free for a short time! You don’t want to miss it!
“Every part of me is tangled up in this irresistibly handsome politician and I’m afraid there’s no way out. I’m really afraid I might not want a way out.1′
Yup! I used grapes instead of quote marks… This was way too good of an opportunity to pass up. LOL! But that scene was soooooo H-O-T! *fans myself*
Before delving about the book I would like to talk about the author and I feel this is the right time to talk about this. The thing is the more books an author puts out and the more books we have read of theirs, in this case, every one of them, there are only so many ways that a character will be portrayed before the characteristics start overlapping be it the main characters or supporting. But, what I love about Adriana’s writing is that there is yet to be a female lead, or a male lead or a supporting character for that matter, be the same in any way.
They all are just so different! The intensity that all of her male leads have for their significant others is vastly different but they are intense nonetheless. Her female characters are so strong they can carry the book on their own without the men coming in!
Now take Sacrifice and Sway as an example. Both the books have a single mother but the stories differ from each other so much! Sacrifice is so much more intense and gut-wrenching than Sway. The relationship, the kids, the writing. Everything! And THAT is one commendable quality!
NOW, yes, I’m finally going to talk about the book.
“What are you doing to me?
Exactly what you thought I was going to do to you. What you were picturing in your mind when you agreed to be mine.”
As always Adriana delivers another amazing book. In a nutshell, this a book centred around Alison Baker, who is a mother to an adorable boy Huxley and a playboy politician Barrett Landry. Barrett is used to getting what he wants, whenever he wants and however he wants. Alison, on the other hand, was once part of the high society but with an asshole of a husband, she loses everything. She now works two jobs and attends college to secure a better future for her son.
Alison and Barrett are on the extreme ends of the pole but one night at a party when these two come face-to-face, they cannot deny the attraction.
If you have read Adriana’s previous works you know that she writes some of the strongest and independent female characters and Alison is no exception to this rule. She is tough, brave, selfless, giving, loving and will do anything to protect her son, even if it means overlooking a certain politician’s advances.
Now, don’t think she is playing hard to get or anything. She is being cautious on about who to trust and whom to fall for and give her heart to. But most importantly she is protecting her son. Her ex-husband did a number on her and Huxley. he put his own “needs” above his family and Ali does not want a repeat of that.
Barrett… Well, he is smooth and will charm your pants off. His character was a little convoluted. Women have come and gone from his life but nobody affected him as much as Ali. As the main lead of the book, Barrett evolved more as a character. His once one-track mind was finally opening up and he was learning a lot when it came to handling a woman who wasn’t easily charmed by him. As the novel progresses, Barrett’s character also progresses and he is more open to compromises and other people’s views and feelings.
Huxley… OMG Huxley was such an adorable, smart and strong kid! I would have liked to see more of him and his relationship with Alison but whatever I got I’ve got to say. This kid is a protector and will not see his mother hurt and will not be afraid to call out on whoever hurt her. The kid is just so amazing!
This book is all kinds of sexy [who knew grapes could be so fun?] It will give you tingles, especially all those extra romantic and sexy moments between Alison and Barrett. I also really enjoyed the relationship that Barrett, Alison and Hux shared. There is still a lot for Barrett to learn but he will take everything in stride and come out as a winner like always.
“So you’ll be my girl? Even though you once told me I’m the exact person you didn’t want to be with?
I thought you once told me you could spot a liar from a mile away.”
4.5 Stars!
I absolutely love the Landry family!! I’m so looking forward to each of the siblings getting their own story!
To begin, I have loved every book that Adriana Locke has written. Sway was no exception! I loved the complexity of Barrett and his political career. Don’t get me wrong- the love story was phenomenal, but like the najority of romances, you know where it will end. But the political subplot (is that the word I’m looking for?) kept me on my toes. I didn’t know what Barrett was going to do and that certainly spiced up the predictability. I loved that Alison was a hard-working mother who was always thinking in terms of what was best for her 10 year old son, Huxley. And what a wise, strong young man he was!
Meeting each of the siblings, getting to know them, and understanding the dynamics of a large family was a definite highlight. As someone who comes from a large family, it’s always interesting to compare the siblings and their roles to my own family.
I’m truly looking forward to Swing- Lincoln’s story. He was a surprise throughout and I can’t wait to get to know him better, and catch up with the entire Landry family!
Barrett Landry would get my vote! Oh, and I will never, ever look at a grape the same way!!!
GENRE: Contemporary
THEME: Romance, Humor, Politics
RECEIVED: Kindle Unlimited
REVIEW:
Can I just say I have a new addiction… it’s the Landry family, well the Landry boys that is. I seriously don’t know how to thank my fellow KA forum girls who recommended Adriana Locke and this series to me, I freaking love it! But seriously this is one of my new favorite series!
Sway follows Alison Baker, a mom of an incredibly smart and adorable boy name Huxley who is just trying to rebuild her life. She isn’t prepared for the charming and sexy politician Barrett Laundry, who pretty much sweeps her off her feet, but with a campaign coming to a near end Barrett has to figure out how to handle this new found woman who is giving him a run for his money.
Alison is the ultimate mamma bear, as am I, so I totally connected with her. She adores her son and is working hard to be a good mom and put food on the table. So when she meets Barrett at a gala and his charming alpha attitude spark something inside her, everything changes for her. What I loved most about this story, is Alison’s son Huxley, he’s hilarious and knows a lot more than he probably should, he put Barrett in his place a couple times, being protective of his mom as well as loves Barretts baseball star brother Lincoln.
Barrett is under a lot of pressure, with the election coming close and the annoyance of keeping his rich voters happy, when he’d rather be helping the people not the rich, he wasn’t prepared for Alison. She gets him to see that his ideas and wants as a future governor are more important than keeping the greedy people who are pressuring him happy. Plus he wants to make his family proud and always has the support of them, but Alison is a distraction and some people around him and making it hard on her and Barrett.
Overall I loved the dynamic between this couple, they are both from very different background, but also both proud of who they are as a person, Barrett as a politician and Alison and a protective mom. The romance is off the chart steamy and there is this thing with grapes, that just takes it to another level, fyi in the future books there are some major joke among the brothers and sisters about it. I also loved the family, the Landry’s are so supportive and loving, they fight all the time but its all in the name of how much they love each other and want to keep their family close. I highly recommend this series for anyone who love drama, humor, family chaos, and some smoking hot romance.
Sexy story, food play and big girl words: all of my favorite things!!
I can’t believe I haven’t read any of the Landry Family until now! GAHH! Barrett and Alison are so sweet, so cute, so hot!
ANNNND Now I am craving grapes!!
Looking forward to the rest of the family’s stories.
Loved this book! I think I was as stressed as Alison on whether she should date Barrett or not. I mean he seems as sexy as sin but there is that whole political thing he has going on. I really loved him! Granted he has a sordid past but is trying to make up for it now. Huxley is just adorable. How much he loves Linc over Barrett…haha! I think Barrett gets him on his side by the end though.
It was great meeting the whole clan! The relationship between these boys makes me wish to be a little sister. I can’t wait for Graham’s book. But next up in Linc’s. I listened to this on audio. Wen Ross and Kai Kennicott narrated and do amazing as always. I wasn’t a fan of the music intros though. It just seemed weird.
Every time I read another book by Adriana Locke I feel so much. Anger at myself that I haven’t made time to read the story and all her other books sooner. The very strong desire to binge read and listen to everything she’s written. And of course, most importantly, the love for what I just experienced.
Sway is the first book in the Landry series and now I’m officially hooked. I want to read them all and get to know each member of this wonderful family better. Barrett was great. He was an unapologetic “lover of women” until he met Allison. They were two people with different goals in life who met unexpectedly and changed each other’s lives. It was such a sweet, passionate, funny, and emotional journey. But it made for an amazing story.
I had the pleasure of listening to this story as I read and it was preformed by two of my favorite narrators. Kai and Wen are fantastic. I would buy a new story just for them alone because I know I’m going to get a great performance. They are two prime examples of why I love audiobooks. They really being the story to life. This is a must listen kind of book.
AudiobookObsession Reviewer
I adore this series, AND this standalone is FREE right now!
Free for a limited time!
Read: 5/12/2020
Sway was the first book in the Landry Family series by Adriana Locke.
Barrett Landry was the local mayor running for governor. He was in the midst of his campaign; although it was winding down. He was known for being the Most Eligible Bachelor in the State – except he wasn’t eligible. Relationships weren’t his jam and he was unapologetic in his actions.
Allison Baker was a single mom working multiple jobs while getting a degree. Her total focus was on her ten year old son, Huxley. She had the high life once and wasn’t impressed. She was independent and managed well for her and Huxley.
Locke took us through the meet and chase while diving into the details of both lives. There was push/pull, reflection, angst, new revelations and humor. It was well written and told through a double POV. It was somewhat predictable, but had a twist or two. I enjoyed it, but felt there was at least one unfinished business, of not two, where I wanted more closure. Hopefully we’ll read more as the series progresses.
As to the characters, at first I thought Barrett was an arrogant ass. He was used to getting his way and although he was uber polished, he wasn’t exactly respectful. But once the layers were pulled back, he grew on me. And Huxley, well of course he stole the show.
Locke also set the stage for the series. Barrett was the oldest of six siblings: Graham, Linc, Ford, Sierra and Camilla. All were unique, fun and with their own personality but they shared a bond of loyalty to family. Linc is up next in Swing.
I was disappointed. It was just average to me. I kept waiting for it to get really good but it never did. For most of the book I was bored. It kept rehashing the same thing over and over. It didn’t get really interesting to me until about 60% into the story. I wasn’t that fond of Barrett or Alison. They both we’re to indecisive fir most of the book. I loved Alison’s 10 year old son Huxely more than anybody. He seemed to be the only wise adult in the bunch. I’ve read several of Adriana’s books and I liked them. This one wasn’t for me but will continue to read her books. Until next time y’all happy reading.
Great Story & Audible ListenSwoon-worthy & Enjoyable!
Sway
Landry Family Series, Book 1
By: Adriana Locke
Narrated by: Kai Kennicott, Wen Ross
Series: Landry Family, Book 1
I loved this book, it is well written and well told with storylines that captivated me from start to end. I adored the two leads, Alison, a hard working single mother is rebuilding her life after a after a failed marriage. She is taking classes to get her college degree and working two jobs to make ends meet. I admired her determination to be self sufficient and not wanting to have to financially depend on anyone else again. Barrett Landry is the Mayor of Savannah and is one of the most eligible bachelors in Atlanta. Alison was working a catering event when Barrett noticed her, he struck up an conversation with her, there was an instant attraction but Alison was not going for it. Barrett wants to spend time with her, find out more about her. A man used to getting his way, he sets out to do just that. I loved how well plotted this book is and how natural the story flowed. I though these two were great for each other, Barrett was great with Huxley too, as was his brother Lincoln. There is never a dull moment in this book, there is plenty of drama, angst, twists you do not see coming and some hot loving and romance. Amazing use of grapes too! Adriana Locke, thank you for another amazing story, I loved everything about it even the emotional rollercoaster ride.
I listened to the Audible edition, Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross are wonderful narrators and voice performers. They bring these characters to life giving each their own voice and personalty. You can hear how much heart and passion they put into their work as they capture and project the emotions of the characters into their performance. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another amazing listen
Thank you @AudiobookObsession AudiobookObsessionReviewer
My first book by Adriana Locke & I am hooked. I really love the big family & the banter between all the siblings. Barrett & Alison were such a sweet couple to start with. The audiobook is great too!
I know I am late to the party, but I recently listened to Sway by Adriana Locke, the first book in her Landry Family series, and narrated by Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross. I absolutely loved it! Barrett Landry seems like the perfect man. He is powerful, sexy, charming and almost out of reach. Alison is a single mother working to give herself and her son Huxley a better life. She is focused on their future, their small family and work. Then a chance encounter with Barrett changes everything.
Barrett in on track to be governor, including all the struggles and stress that come with it. The responsibilities can be overwhelming. Alison is careful of her choices after being burned and humiliated. Letting Barrett in may be more than she bargained for. But their chemistry is combustible and undeniable. Can Alison trust Barrett to keep her heart safe and can Barrett let another person in with so much on his shoulders?
The audio of Sway by Adriana Locke was sweet, charming and touching romance. Kai and Wen truly bought to life Barrett and Alison to life for me and am so excited to listen to the rest of the stories in the series!
Listened and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy listening!
A struggling divorced single mom meets the local mayor who is running for governor of the state. He sees her as someone who snags his fancy. She is reluctant to deal with her attraction to him. After all, she has a son to raise and an education to complete so she doesn’t have to work her butt off! Some people can’t take “No” for an answer!
OK everyone, ereaders charged and ready? Let’s go!
The first in the Landry series we are introduced to the entire family, and each of these characters are so unique in their own way. In this book we meet Barrett Landry, the current major, and one that is running for Governor of Georgia. He is a political through and through, but also goes through women like water. With family pressure we experience the drama of a campaign and all the crazy that comes from it.
Enter Allison, your every day single Mom, just trying to do right by her son. Allison knows what can happen when the media turns against you, she has lived through it and will not do so again. However, when she meets Barrett at her place of business, his charm their connection are something she is unsure she can fight.
Barrett promises to keep their relationship private, but what happens when the media gets a hold of it? Scandals, media storms, and something fishy with the staff…this story is one that will keep you on the edge of your seat and reaching for the next book for sure!
Barrett Landry is driven and heading for the Governors Mansion when he meets Alison Baker she been down the road with a famous person before and it turned out bad. But their chemistry is hot and their banter fantastic. Love the Landry Family
I FLOVED this book!! Highly recommend reading this. Barrett is so sweet, endearing and HOT! Alison is tough, strong and a protective single mother. Sparks fly, past comes back to haunt and tough decisions are made. Love the supporting cast. A must read!!!
Enjoyed reading is book, especially that it’s part of a series. Alison and Barrett This is a wonderful light book. It’s funny, well written and I was able to enjoy Off to read book two. SWING
hmm don’t really know how to begin this review. I honestly have to say I didn’t really get into the beginning of the book but it slowly took me into the story and then I started to enjoy it more. It’s a good story though with great characters and I enjoyed the interactions.
Barrett Landry is the Mayor of Georgia and is running for Governor. His campaign isn’t really going the way he’s wanting it to be. Being considered as the most eligible man, he has women to choose from. But when he meets Allison, his world is turned upside down. The more time he spends with her, the more he falls for her, whether it’s good for his campaign or not, she surely is creeping into his heart.
Allison never expected to meet the most handsome man she’s laid her eyes on but she’s not interested in going down that road yet again and burn her fingers. She’s not only protecting her heart but also her son. But sometimes you just can’t control who you fall for…
Will they get a happy ending or will things slowly break it all apart?
**3,5 – 4 star read for me. I’m really looking forward to reading Lincoln’s story.**