Title: Lucky Number Eleven
Author: Adriana Locke
Genre: Romantic Comedy/Sports Romance
Release Date: September 7, 2017
Blurb
People say not to believe the things you read in magazines, but you know what? Most things you’ve heard about me are probably true.
I totally banged the reporter in the locker room after the championship game last year.
Those pictures in Expose from last summer? Those were not modified.
I’m also not really six-foot tall. (But let’s keep that between us.)
Now, I know you’re wondering about that last Expose headline—the one about me and my teammate (and ex-best friend) Finn Miller’s sister, Layla James. That one is a little more complicated.
Here’s the thing: I’ve played football my whole life. If there’s one thing I know, it’s how to adjust when the game changes. And if there’s one thing I always do, it’s find a way to win.
Granted, the stakes are higher. The playbook has changed. There’s more on the line than (another) MVP title. But guess what hasn’t changed? Me. I’m still Branch “Lucky” Best and I’m not about to fumble this one.
Grab a seat and a subscription to Expose. I’m about to make some headlines. (Again.)
A sexy, swoon-filled standalone novel.
Adriana Locke is quickly becoming a one click author for me. I love, love, love football romances (when done right) and I have a weakness for the best friend's little sister trope. Lucky Number Eleven is a fantastic blend of both. This story was a quick read for me, full of heart and heat.
I loved Branch-and I mean loved him. He was sexy, smart, sweet and swoonworthy. He knows who he is and what he wants-and when what he wants changes, he doesn't shy away from it. He was much more grounded than I anticipated him being and I really appreciated that.
I liked Layla. She's a woman who is strong and smart, who works for what she wants. She's successful in life because she's made herself that way. I liked her drive and passion. She had some insecurities that I wish she had dealt with a little quicker, but I can't really fault her for her feelings either.
These two have instant chemistry and it works. Ms. Locke has a way of writing where that instant chemistry feels believable, not forced in any way. There is more to these characters than their sexy times (though those are hot) and I appreciated seeing them grow and work through the issues in their relationship.
I loved the secondary characters in this story. I loved the group of friends for these characters that we got to meet-and who I wouldn't mind seeing more of in a future book. They helped move the story along in a way that made sense without taking away from Branch and Layla.
This story had a turn I didn't see coming but I absolutely loved it. I won't get into it because it's a spoiler but one you learn of fairly early. I enjoyed the way this story played out. I thought it was a fun read, and one I got through quickly. This is a great romance to read as football season starts because you can bet I'll be imagining Branch as one of the players I see on my TV on Sundays. I recommend this book.
Playlist
“One question,” Poppy interjects, looking at Branch. “What position are you?”
“I typically like the bottom so I can watch—oomph,” he says, getting another elbow from Finn. “Wide receiver. Why?”
Looking at Poppy, I can’t help but laugh as her eyes light up.
“You got a problem with wide receivers?” Branch asks.
“You do,” Finn interjects, giving me a narrowed glare. “They aren’t any better than quarterbacks.”
Branch looks from me, to Finn, and back to me. “Why do we not like quarterbacks?”
“My sister was dating Callum Worthington.”
“No shit?” His face puckers like he just bit into a lemon. “How in the hell did that cocksucker end up with you?”
“He didn’t. We’re not together anymore.”
Branch’s eyes heat, the look causing my pulse to quicken. “I’m not a bit sorry to hear that.”
“You better forget you heard any of that,” Finn warns. “This is my sister, Branch. Not a cheerleader or reporter or some chick from a dating app. Got it?”
“Finn, relax,” I say, shoving a swallow past the lump in my throat. “I appreciate the big brother spiel, but I can handle myself.”
“I know you can,” he says, pulling his gaze away from Branch. “But you can’t handle him.”
Author Bio
USA Today and Amazon Top 10 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.
Please contact Adriana at
www.adrianalocke.com. She loves to hear from readers.
Author Links
