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. **
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I loved this story of a girl and her dad on a magical adventure, trying to overcome and forget sadness. A fun, uplifting read.
I adored Sway. I have already fallen for the Landry family. This was a great start to this series. I really liked Alison. The things she went through were tough and being with Barrett brought those bad memories and fears to the surface with him being in the limelight. She was a good mom to her son. I really liked her with Barrett and how his family immediately brought her into their close knit family. I really enjoyed the story and love Adriana Locke’s writing.
I was completely seduced by this first book in the Landry Family series! It is a unique and compelling tale of finding true love while being true to yourself in the cut-throat political environment. Barrett Landry is the handsome, charming mayor of Savannah in the middle of his campaign for governor of Georgia. He is used to getting whatever and whoever he wants, easily. So when he sets his sights on a sexy waitress who doesn’t fall at his feet, he is up for the challenge to win her vote. What he finds is a smart, hardworking, independent woman who doesn’t want him for what he can do for her but for who he really is. Alison is a single mom who has been burned before and is determined to never be in that predicament again. She is committed to building a better life for her son and herself. But Alison can’t resist the sexy, kind, compassionate, southern gentleman. Barrett is drawn to the honest, loyal, loving mother and her son, along with a life he hadn’t considered before. But can two people, living two very different lives, find a place together? In a political race where money and power can create an atmosphere of immoral actions and false loyalty, will the pressures be just too much for them?
I really like Barrett and Alison because they are so genuine and believable, and I really love them together. They have fun, their banter is witty and they challenge each other. They have great chemistry and their fiery passion is off the charts. Their relationship isn’t easy but they try to work through all of their vulnerabilities and insecurities as well as the outside forces trying to separate them.
Ms. Locke is also a master at creating interesting and authentic secondary characters. I loved Alison’s son, Huxley, who is an adorable little man. He was a great addition to this story along with the whole Landry family, and I can’t wait to read their stories as well. This is such a well rounded story that flows so naturally from one scene to the next. There are so many sweet moments but so many intense, heart pounding, and thrilling events as well. I loved that Ms. Locke didn’t rely on angst to drive her story but created a clever and exquisite adventure that I didn’t want to end!
NO SPOILERS!
Sway was one of the best political romances that I’ve ever read, and it had everything I could have hoped for and so much more! It was only my second novel by Adriana Locke and it definitely won’t be the last. I absolutely LOVED and ADORED her writing style and the storyline and characters she created in Sway. I was hooked to Barrett and Alison’s story from beginning to end, and I truly loved reading every moment of it.
Barrett and Alison were amazing characters and they immediately won me over. I loved their personalities and chemistry together, and I thoroughly enjoyed how their relationship progressed. I loved reading the book from both Barrett and Alison’s POV, and I loved their banter and interactions with each other. There was definitely no shortage of drama in Sway, which is to be expected in a political romance, but luckily it wasn’t anything that was super annoying. I honestly don’t know how politicians deal with all of it on a regular basis. It certainly wouldn’t be my career choice, that’s for sure. Despite some of the drama and uncertainty in the story, I loved Barrett, Alison, her son Huxley, her friends/co-workers, and the entire Landry family. I don’t think I’ve ever been as excited to start a new series as I have been with the Landry Family series. I fell head over heels in love with all of them, and I am so freaking excited to read more about the other Landry siblings, starting with Lincoln’s story in Swing next.
Sway was sweet, sexy, intriguing, and addicting, and one of my favorite reads of the year. I was captivated by the storyline and characters from start to finish, and I was very happy with the resolution to Barrett and Alison’s story. There were definitely a few ups and downs throughout, but all of it was totally worth it in the end. Adriana Locke is a pure literary genius and I am so ecstatic that I discovered her books. She is certainly a new favorite author for me, and I honestly can’t wait to read more from her! If you haven’t checked out her books yet, especially the Landry Family series, you should really do so ASAP!
s worth the risk of going, after the woman that stole his heart. Barrett Finally realize that he needs to put his self first and stand up to his family.
4.5 stars
Have you met the Landry family yet? Well let me tell you, you will need a bib and a muzzle if you are with Lola. The Landry men are H-O-T! Drool is not required but a guaranteed reaction. You may spontaneously beg for gratification. It has been known to happen.
Alison is a single mom supporting herself and her child after her nightmare of an ex. She is not looking for a man, a quick hook up, or any thing that will jeopardize her son. So running into the sexiest man she has ever met is a small bump in the road. She can walk away everything will be fine. But what if that man doesn’t let her walk away? What if he insists on being around? What happens when he gets under her skin?
Barrett Landry is the hottest mayor Savannah has ever had. He uses that and he enjoys the benefits. He has never had trouble when it comes to women. He enjoys the freedom. So much so that when Alison offers him champagne, he assumes she’s offering more. Barrett may have had everything handed to him before but he is about to learn that not everyone says yes.
Trying to navigate her fears and the new feelings that Barrett brings into her life, Alison must make a choice. Not just for herself but for Hux too.
The characters are realistic. I will be honest Barrett is a condescending prick that thinks he is God’s gift to women. So much so that he couldn’t understand why Alison would turn down his propositioning her moments after meeting. Now does that sound like your dream guy…I wanted to strangle the spit out of him. He changes but only slightly and not instantly either. He puts his feet in his mouth more often then a politician should. But I love the realism.
I loved the twist that is foreshadowed the entire book because hey its politics- its bound to happen.
But I loved the story and the characters. I love the anticipation of what’s next and I can not wait to get my hands on Linc’s story.
This is amazing start to this series !
Barrett Landry is a smart, savvy, career politician . He is running for Mayor and may I say he is Savannahs most sought after bachelor!
Alison is a hard working single mom that has never had anything come easy to her. A chance meeting while Alison is waitressing a catered event puts her front and center to Barrett.
Alison peaks his interests immediately but she is not going to be another notch on this politicians bedpost. Barrett is determined to show her that he is more than a playboy. As they begin to spend more time with each other he soon realizes that she is amazing , caring and a wonderful mother. Alison knows that this it too good to be true and will eventually run it’s course. The amazing chemistry this couple shares is refreshing. I loved the push and pull of this dynamic couple!
I am sure now that I have met the Landry men that we are in for an amazing ride!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Barrett and Ali are true blue American sweethearts! Ali has finally after a long and arduous road recovered after divorce from husband left her world shattered. She is now a single mom working two jobs doing all she can to get by. After the media storm of her ex’s high profile fall from grace and her and Huxley getting caught in the crossfire she is just trying to stay persona non grata… what she didn’t count on was catching the eye of Mayor Landry. Barrett is in the campaign trail for the Governorship and it seems as though everyone has an angle to play, so when he meets Alison she is a breath of fresh air and he is drawn to her simple charm. But she doesn’t want the spotlight that unfortunately that light isnt easy to shake. One look and hes interested, one conversation intrigued, one taste and hes hooked. Now hes knows he cannot let her get away but with husband life there is little to no possibility that he can protect her from the media and other outside forces. Campaigns for for hearts and minds are not just a state issue any longer and the vote he needs the most is the most elusive.
So.. My vote for new BBF??? Barrett Landry!! Wow. This book had everything. Snarky ex-lovers, backstabbing politicians, powerful family dynamics and a new love between two amazing people.
Barrett is smooth, smart and calculating. Alison is a single mother trying to right all of the wrongs in her life for herself and her son. When these two meet the chemistry between them explodes.
I am absolutely certain this book will rank off the charts. The absolutely flawless written book is about making decisions for the right reasons, and proving undivided worthiness in all that you do. Barrett Landry has choices to make, but Alison is unsure where she fits in his world. Will these decisions cost Barrett more than he’s willing to lose? I implore you to read this book to decide what you think. I promise you it’s worth it!
I received an ARC for an honest review. Completely worth the 5***** rating.
“I’ve been thinking about you since I met you, and you’ve given me a reprieve from my life without even trying.”
Sway is the first book of Adriana Locke’s new Landry Family Series. This book is about Barrett Landry, the oldest of six kids, who is also the Mayor of Savannah. He is currently a candidate in an election to become the next Governor of the state of Georgia. Alison is a single mom who is working two jobs to pay for school and provide a stable life for her son Huxley.
Barrett and Alison first meet at a banquet where Alison is working as a waitress. Pretty cliche right? Rich guy and “making ends meet” waitress meet at a party and fall in love. No, this book was so much more than that. First Barrett was a pretty decent guy for a politician. He was such a gentleman and down to earth. Alison was a very strong woman who always put her son first. After their first meeting Alison is hesitant to become involved with Barrett because of her past. I love that she acts responsible and isn’t all over him.
“You make me better. Don’t you see that? You make me feel like I can conquer the world, Alison. You make me smile, give me little glimpses of something I’d never considered before.”
I really enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and how Barrett’s family, especially his brother Linc was with Huxley. There were some hiccups in their relationship but that was to be expected. Some of them Barrett handled great others not so much. I love the Landry family and can’t wait to read about them. I am really happy we are getting Linc’s book next. Summarized this book is a great start to an awesome series with amazing characters.
5 “it might have been the grapes” stars
There are typical types of book boyfriends we all like: there are military men, bad boys in motorcycle gear, in the motorcycle clubs, tattoo artists, cowboys, brooding artists, hell, even chefs & bakers. But what I didn’t find that often were politicians. As pictured in Sway, too, politics are an ugly game and it’s rare to stumble upon a great guy. But Adriana Locke gives us hope that there are still some amazing guys with strong principles and moral rules in that harsh world who fight for the greater good. So thanks for that.
And not only was her main character, Barrett, amazing guy, he was hawt . Spelled like that. Yup. The whole book was like a huge parade of men in suits. I loved his character: I loved his confidence, but also a bit of self-depreciation the author showed us in Barrett: we’re all the same – we have our good sides, but bad one as well – we just have to learn how to get over them. He has support of his whole family behind him, but feels like he needs to prove himself as the individual.
Alison is kind of the same: proud & beautiful single mother who had had it all and had lost it all, needed to find her way after the nasty divorce that had left her alone and without a clue, with many what-now’s . But she’s a fighter, so she never gave up. She’s fulfilled as a mother, but it can’t be said it’s same for her as a woman. Barrett is the only one who sparks her interest so much that it’s hard to get him out of her head, and she’s scared out of her mind, because loving him might as well mean losing him.
Adriana Locke paints this story of love, of family united , of getting over our deepest fears, of learning how to love ourselves and appreciate our strength and intelligence in her unique way: very openly, but with intrigue and mystery woven into it all. It’s sexy as hell, and sweet as sugar. It’s amazing. Read it. That’s all I need to say.
Saucy Adriana Locke went and wrote one of the most memorable romantic scenes I have ever read. I absolutely fell in love with the Landry Family and believe this series will only continue to be a must read!
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
My first book by Adriana Locke and I think I’ve found new family to love 🙂
I loved it – from the first meeting, making assumptions to almost losing everything..it’s a real page turner.
Highly recommend this book!
Worthwhile Start to Family Series – 3.5 Stars
My first ever Locke read. Not everything I expected but I’m grading on a curve because it’s the first of the series.
Really like the way the main characters approached and worked through problems. Nothing has me DNFing faster than a lot of hysterics and immaturity, but Barrett and Alison each had good heads on their shoulders and their actions and emotions rang true. I love the Landry family. Love that the parents are flawed but loving, the siblings are unique and supportive, and I especially love that the sisters aren’t catty about bro’s new girl. And I appreciated Huxley’s character and his part in the mix. He’s a good kid.
Things I liked less: A woman like Alison, who had suffered at the hands of the media and now studies journalism at the collegiate level, should know the difference between slander and libel. Recurring editing issues were distracting.
Overall, a smart, sexy political romance. Definitely looking forward to the next book!
Barrett Landry, the Mayor of Savannah, has it all power, wealth, good looks, and all the women he could ever want.
Alison is a woman who is rebuilding a life for her and her son Huxley away from the spotlight of her past. Her first and only priority is her son. She is a woman working two jobs and going to school to cement their future.
Alison and Barrett meet at a fundraiser for his campaign for Governor, and when her boss accuses her of being too friendly with the attendees and threatens her job, Barrett comes to her rescue. They take a walk and talk, but Alison keeps him at a distance, the last thing she wants is to get involved with someone in the spotlight. (been there, done that, not going to repeat it)
Can Barrett convince her to spend time with him privately away from the spotlight, or does Alison keep him at arm’s length, afraid of a repeat performance of her past? You will have to read it to find out.
I loved this book and cannot wait for the next story in this series. Adriana has written a great story with very well developed Characters. You will fall in love with Barrett and his brothers and sisters who you will get to know better in future books.
Barrett Landry has my Vote! A definite 5 Plus Star Read
Very much enjoyed this book, I will be reading the Landry series, the family sounds interesting.
I’ve not read this book and don’t know why it said I gave it 5 stars.
Very good series to read. I loved the characters. Very well written
Vote Landry!!
I’m usually not a huge fan of books where the main character is a politician but Mr. Barrett Landry has changed my mind! We all know what politicians are like, especially now with the election just months away. We see on a daily basis how smarmy they can be! However, if all politicians were like Mr. Landry? My…what a wonderful world it would be
Barrett Landry is the Mayor of Savannah who is currently running for Governor of Georgia. Barrett is a determined, sexy man with a good heart. He can have any woman, anytime, anywhere he wants. And he has…many times. Now Barrett has to clean up his act while working on becoming the Governor.
Barrett meets Alison at an event she is working and falls for her immediately. There is an instant chemistry between them but she is not the typical woman he usually meets. Instead of clamoring to get in his bed, she knows well enough to stay as far away as she can. Barrett is instantly smitten with her and knows he is going to work hard to get her to see him again. Game on.
Alison Baker is a divorced mother with a ten year old son to think about. All of her actions have consequences and she is trying to do what is right for her son Huxley and herself. She is strong willed, a hard worker and is a totally relatable woman in this story. Being that she was married to a judge and being put through the wringer from his stupidity has made her very cautious.
“I just don’t need a knight in shining armor. In my world, I am the knight. I’m the one that saves the day.” – Alison
The chemistry between Barrett and Alison is AMAZING!! The banter between the two of them is sometimes funny, sometimes sarcastic, and all incredible. This story is sweet yet sexy and fun….and hot. I never knew I would appreciate grapes so much after this book.
I am totally in love with the secondary characters in this book. The entire Landry family, especially Lincoln Landry, will be a great continuation on to the Landry Family series. Sway is a delightful book and I truly enjoyed every minute reading it. I will definitely be re-reading this book again soon. I look forward to more Landry’s!
This book is amazing!!!! I love Adriana Locke and her books keep getting better and better!
Barrett is the oldest of the Landry siblings and he’s a politician. Currently, he’s the Mayor of Savannah and running in the election for Governor. Alison Baker is a single mom to her son, Huxley, and works two jobs while also going to school for journalism. Their chemistry is present from the first time they meet.
The characters are well developed and the story is excellent. Lots of feels and a great family dynamic. You get a glimpse of each of the Landry’s and I can’t wait to get the rest of the siblings’ stories.