This was a sweet, swoony, small town read with some spice. I loved all the characters! The single parent trope is one of my faves especially with adorable kids like Ethan. Palmer and Cole (despite being a multi-millionaire) were relate-able characters. The story line was compelling and required a tissue a couple of times. I’m looking forward to seeing who the next story is going to feature!

I loved this book. Palmer is a single mother raising her twelve year old son, working full time and dealing with an absent ex. And she’s not looking for anything casual. She doesn’t want to waste her time, she wants to find the one that will marry her and have a life with her and her son. Cole has suddenly retired from baseball and is in town visiting his parents. When he see’s Palmer at the diner he ask her out, but she knows that he’s just passing through. And turns him down. That doesn’t deter him. And when Palmers son needs a coach for his baseball team Cole is more than happy to help. But keeping his feelings at bay for Palmer isn’t easy. Especially knowing that he will be leaving soon. I loved Palmer and her son. And I loved Cole. This is a nice small town romance with a hea!

This was such a sweet and amazing read! Cole Beck is a pro baseball player who recently retired and is visiting his parents in a little town in Ohio. He’s having lunch with a friend and sees her, Palmer Clark. He asks for her number but she tries to play him… they have a pull, a chemistry! It’s amazing, their banter is super entertaining! He’s a charmer and she’s a single mom whose sole purpose in life is to take care of her son Ethan. As the time goes by and Cole and Palmer spend time together the inevitable happens and sparks fly! I love how Adriana always manages to elevate every day life to the next level. Real, difficult, emotional, full or twists and turns but in the end all that matters is the love!

So I'm officially a fan of Adriana Locke because she's done it again.
With The Sweet Spot the characters of this beautiful love story stole my heart and distracted me from reality in a wonderful way.

Palmer is a tough single mom and has a enough of untrustworthy guys. All she needs is stability for herself and her son Ethan.
And when the baseball star Cole Beck visits the small town she doesn't seem interested... at... all. But can she really resist his charme?

Awwwwwww! Palmer and Cole!
They stole my heart! I fell in love with them right from the beginning!
I grinned a lot when they met each other because she seemed so resistant but he never gave up at all!
I don't want to spoil you - but trust me when I say you'll love their story!
It's not just a great love story of wonderful characters! There's soooo much more!
Intense feelings! Absolutely emotional moments where I cried! OMG how much I cried! Not just because of sad moments... but also because of their beautiful chemistry and... awwww...
Let me just tell you HOW MUCH I ENJOYED THIS BOOK! ❤️
Perfect!

Thanks a lot Montlake and Adriana Locke for this ARC via NetGalley.
This is my honest review in my own words.

The Sweet Spot is complete with a sexy and incredibly sweet guy. Cole Beck is THE MAN for our girl, Palmer. After all the let downs in life, Palmer is ready for the big leagues.

However, these two need to get out of their own ways first. Enjoy watching them fall in love and wrap Ethan up in it too.

I absolutely loved The Sweet Spot by Adriana Locke; it is an incredible love at first sight love story. Adriana Locke continues to prove that she is an amazing storyteller. I love that Adriana Locke continues to write the books that I love to read. The Sweet Spot was impossible to put down and I loved moment on every page. Who does not love hot sexy men, strong females, loving families, and friends, who always support one another? I really enjoy how the book is told in the first person from perspective of the main characters. I love getting the insight and feelings from the different characters. The Sweet Spot is a love at first sight love story and is filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. I love the lighter moments where I find myself smiling and laughing out loud. My favorite moments are the ones that pull at my heartstrings that cause me to sigh, as I read the heartbreaking moments. The Sweet Spot is filled with such moments, and with so much emotion. It is filled with all those things that we have come to love and expect in a love story, Adriana Locke did not disappoint, especially with the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. I love how the title of the book is incorporated into the love story. The Sweet Spot is the story of Palmer Clark, office manager for Skoolie’s bus company and single mother to twelve-year-old, Ethan and Colton “Cole” Beck, retired professional baseball catcher for the San Diego Swift. Cole retired after getting injured during his last baseball game. Palmer is at Fletcher’s restaurant talking with her friend, Val who works there when Cole walks up, introduces himself, he is immediately taken by Palmer. He asks Palmer for her phone number, so that he can win a bet with his friend, Fish, I love that Palmer convinces Cole to give her the money he will win with her bet, so that she can use the money to pay her tab her at Fletcher’s. I love that Palmer gave him Val’s phone number, and that Cole calls it, realizes that she did, and then asks Val for her phone number. Palmer and Cole run into each other outside the local bowling alley the following day. Palmer is there picking up Ethan from his father, Jared and Cole is out for a run. Ethan has a ball and glove that Jared purchased for him, and Cole agreed to play catch with him. Conversation between Palmer and Cole flows so easily, I love that both Palmer and Cole share secrets with one another. Palmer has insecurities regarding her choice of men in the past. I love the chemistry between Palmer and Cole. When the coach for Ethan’s team cancels, Cole agrees to coach the team and asks Palmer to be the team mom. As Palmer and Cole spend time together, things change between them, neither one is willing to admit their true feelings for one another. Some of their conversations between Palmer and Cole are truly heartbreaking. I love all the small things that Cole does for Palmer and Ethan. Multiple plot twists occur and change things between Palmer and Cole. I love the heart-to-heart conversation that Cole with his parents when he reveals his secret. I love the changes that Palmer and Cole decide to make in their life, to have a life with one another. The Sweet Spot was an amazing love story; I am so glad that Palmer and Cole got their happily ever after. I loved all the surprises that filled the pages of this love story. I loved that The Sweet Spot is a more than just a romance, there are issues that both Palmer and Cole are facing that need to be resolved. I love how the storylines get so beautifully resolved. I love how the epilogue is the perfect ending to their love story. The Sweet Spot is filled with poignant and bittersweet moments as well as plot twists. I love the characters and the family dynamic in The Sweet Spot the characters feel like family and friends. I thoroughly enjoyed The Sweet Spot, who does not love a love at first sight love story? Highly recommend this incredible love story.

The Sweet Spot by Adriana Locke is a small town romance, single mom, sports romance. This book had so much heart and feeling. It was an emotional read.
Cole isn’t looking for a relationship when he comes to town, but Palmer seems worth it. Palmer wants stability for her son Ethan. The two are just meant to be.
The relationships that grew will warm your heart. This book had all the feels you want. The chemistry and banter between Cole and Palmer will keep you glued to the pages. This story will leave you smiling, and keep you hooked. This is a book not to be missed!

I am and will always be a fan of Adriana. I can always count on her work to be entertaining, well written and easy to follow.
I am not generally a fan of “small town girl meets millionaire professional athlete” but these characters and their story was just too good to give up on! The character development for both Palmer and Cole was fantastic. Cole gave me Lincoln Landry vibes at first but then I realized he is wayyyyy more mature (but slightly less hot IMO 😂). His family dynamic made his story even better.
Palmer’s mama bear tendencies made her so relatable. At the end of the day she wanted nothing more than to protect her son and save them both a little heartbreak in the meantime!

Fell in love within the first chapter. The writing, the story, the characters.. It just all pulled me in && I LOVED it! I’m a huge Adriana fan, so I’m gonna read her books no matter what. But she just keeps getting better && better!

Palmer is a single mom, with a sordid past && a horrible dating history. This woman is my spirit animal! She’s such a hard worker && a great mom, but she is also full of sarcasm && spunk! She kept me laughing && on my toes throughout the whole book!

Cole is a retired baseball player in town visiting his parents before he heads back to California. WHAT. A. MAN. He’s funny, smart, so sweet with Palmer && even better with her little boy. We all need a Cole Beck in our lives!!

Do yourselves a favor && grab this one! Prepare to swoon!!

Romance blooms when least expected!

Palmer isn't looking for another temporary thing; she's tired of irresponsible men and is holding out for a true hero. Too bad Cole is only looking for a short-term fling, something to distract him while he figures out his post-MLB career.

This story has all the small-town charm and family-first focus that makes it easy to fall in love with both Palmer and Cole. I love her stark honesty, how she isn't going to settle for less than she knows she - and her son, Ethan - deserve. Cole's inner struggle to find his new path in life was very well written and beautifully paced.

Baseball is often used as a metaphor for life, never before so exquisitely done as it is in this heartwarming book. I was instantly drawn into the story and read it all in one sitting. Their HEA was everything I'd wished for and I truly loved every bit of the journey. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves contemporary sports romances. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

This book hit "The sweet spot" it has everything that is comforting in a small town romance. You think you will fall in love with Palmer and Cole, but really your heart aches for Ethan.

The sweet spot will make you laugh, and then it will make you cry, and then you will swoon. There are a lot of emotions in this book, which contributes to how well the story is told.

Tropes: Small Town Romance, Sports (Baseball) Romance, Single Mom,
TW: Health Struggles (MS)

Thank you Montlake, Netgalley and Adriana for a free ARC of this book for exchange of my honest review

4.5 stars
The title is fitting, as this truly is a sweet story. Palmer is the kind of heroine you root for, and you just want her to get a break. She's juggling way too many balls, keeping things afloat at her job, raising her son, being a kind neighbor and friend. She puts up with a lot. Then Cole comes to town, immediately interested in her. They banter. He smirks. She blushes. It's adorable.
They each are just what the other needed. Him a responsible, caring, adult male who sees her, and her who can offer him a home and a purpose after his retirement. But of course there are some roadblocks.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. Adriana has written another feisty heroine and wonderful hero who make a great couple.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Sweet Spot is a small town and single mom romance. Tropes I highly enjoy. Sadly this story fell short. I tried so hard but the story and the romance wasn’t working for me.
Palmer and Cole’s chemistry was lacking and it felt forced. As the story progressed I felt at times it was repetitive nothing really keeping me invested.
Palmer and her son Ethan. Their close bond was a highlight but sadly it wasn’t enough. The side characters were great too.
The conflict/reveal towards the end felt like it was thrown in at the last minute not really doing anything for the story except breaking them up which I was waiting for to happen.
I’m sad this story didn’t work cause it had tropes which are some of my favorites. I’ve read this author before and even though this wasn’t her best in my opinion I’ll still try another in the future.


*The ARC was provided by Montlake Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

It was long time ago when the author swept my feet with her book, Sacrifice. It is so beautifully written and touch deeply. Something I am searched from my romance book I read. This is my first sport romance I read from her and I thought she never lost her touch with this one.

Sweet spot following a single mom Palmer from small town who meet smooth taker baseball legend sexy, Cole. Their attraction seem instan for my taste but I enjoyed the process how both of them start building relationships. Whole journey is brimming with chemistry, tension and fun banter. But I also enjoyed emotional building at here, something author always put strongly in her book. The premise isnt new and some scenes feel predictable but that's wont reduce the excitement to read this book till the end.

Sweet Spot will publish at November 29th 2022.
Thank you Netgalley and Montlake for provided me with this copy. I enjoyed my romantic read but my thoughts are my own.

What a sweet small town romance. I absolutely loved Palmer- written as the ultimate good guy who came home after finishing out his baseball career and trying to figure out what to do now. Then he meets Palmer and her son and everything becomes even more- and less- clear. I thought that Adriana Locke put just enough push and pull to keep me enthralled with the romance and especially, with the small town and world that was created. What a fun way to spend a few hours!

The Sweet Spot was so different from Locke’s "normal," and I’m not even sure I can pinpoint the reason. It has the witty banter, a small-town setting, a loving family, and feels that Locke continuously delivers. The more comes from everything that’s woven between all of that; Palmer, Ethan, and Cole’s story isn’t an ordinary read; it’s nothing if not extraordinary.

Locke has such a way of creating fictional worlds that could be so easily read. Especially as someone who lives in a small town in Ohio, maybe that was what made this brand new fictional world feel like home in the first few words. I can tell you I had no intention of reading this in one day, but I will say it was more than any one thing that made this one of my top reads of the year. Maybe it was the hope it offered to a girl from a small town in Ohio who has been thrust into a similar situation that Cole finds himself in.

Palmer and Ethan’s relationship was everything. The love between a mother and son, and a parent putting their child and their happiness before anything and everyone else, is something I see lacking with some "parents." I suppose it was a reminder that this is something that every child should have, but from both parents. They immediately stole every piece of my heart.

Palmer was the essence of strength and unconditional love. It was clear that once she let you into her heart, it was forever. She was also sassy and incredibly witty, but I’m not sure any of those were as high on the chart as her stubbornness because it’s the only thing that would make sense when it came to continuously turning down the new man in town. Some of the thoughts that fluttered through her thoughts were ones that could have been taken from my very own. Of course, not for the same reasons, but close enough to make me feel a stronger connection to this fictional character than to most people in real life, though even that didn't compare to the connection I felt to Cole.

Cole was at the top of his game, but sometimes life tosses you a curveball. Life tossed him a curveball followed by a fastball, and it may not have been what he expected, but it led him to the greatest game he would ever play. His charm could cause a saint to be a sinner, but his heart was what sealed the deal. He’s got a swoony swagger, and he’s my new favorite Locke man. I know, nobody is as shocked by that statement as I am, and shockingly, it has nothing to do with baseball pants. It was the immediate bond with Ethan that infused this child's heart and soul. Ethan may not have been his biological child, but Cole immediately became a father to that child, even if he didn’t realize it at first.

You can’t mention the chemistry between Cole and Palmer without adding Ethan into the equation. Cole and Palmer were like a lightning strike, but Cole and Ethan were the thunderous boom that followed. I have no doubt that every moment they had lived had led them to this point. The three of them were meant to be.

My emotions were invested in the very first pages, but I never could have imagined the way these characters would inevitably become embedded in my soul. Palmer for her strength and her way of taking care of everyone around her. That was my entire life, until a heartbreaking medical diagnosis ended it took that me away. Now I spend more time living life alongside fictional characters because, the truth is, my diagnosis took a lot away, and more often than not, I feel like more of a "reader" in my real life than I do when I’m able to get lost in an imaginary world. I feel like I'm a part of it rather than on the outside looking in.

Locke delivers a brand new fictional world that feels like home within a few pages. The good and the bad life has to offer, and how sometimes the ordinary moments in life are what truly make the life we’re given extraordinary. Locke created so much more than a single mom romance; this was a fictional story that offers very real glimmers of hope. This is so much more than romance.

Sweet, heartfelt and insightful, The Sweet Spot is a wonderful read.

Full of sass, wit and strength, with great characters and an engaging plotline Cole and Palmer's story is charming to it's very core. Highlighting the importance of communication, support and strength, and showing that you never know what fate might have in store for you, this is a cozy, real life story bound to leave your heart satisfied.

4 stars and a dinger

***BOOK REVIEW****


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Title: The Sweet Spot
Author: Adriana Locke

If you love second chance, small town romance, or single mom this book is definitely for you.

The banter between Palmer and Cole was everything 😍 I found myself laughing throughout the entire book. And Ethan was the cutest kid ever!

My only issue was that the big problem reveal was close to the 80% mark. And then I felt the rest of the story was rushed.

Thanks to Netgalley and Montlake for a copy of The Sweet Spot in exchange of an honest review.

This was a cute small town romance!

Palmer is a single mother who doesn’t have time for dating. Her job and her son both keep her busy, along with her dead-bead ex, so she certainly doesn’t have time to date, especially a guy who’s only in town temporarily to visit his parents. Cole is a recently retired baseball player, trying to figure out his next steps while facing an uncertain future. He’s immediately floored by Palmer, and I actually enjoyed his flirty persistence which is kind of rare for me. He was a great character, and I really liked his interactions with Palmer’s son.

It has all the hallmarks of an Adriana Locke book, but something didn’t quite click for me. It was cute, but I can’t say I genuinely enjoyed it. Some of the dialogue was corny, the second half was kind of slow, and there was a bit too much of the heroine’s job in it for me.

Overall, it was cute enough but not a new favorite.

5 Stars for this gut-wrenching story!

The Sweet Spot ... is absolutely the perfect title for this book! Cole and Palmer captured my heart from the beginning and never let it go ... not even at the end, as this is one of those books that is going to stay with me for a long time. Ms. Locke delves into sensitive subjects and somehow makes you feel their pain and frustration. Don't get me wrong, it's not all doom and gloom, there are lots of funny and heart-warming chapters as well. "The season of your life" is just so perfect for this book. I haven't come across a book that Ms. Locke has written that I don't love. I highly recommend this book ... actually, any of them.

Palmer was been dealt a bad hand her whole life. Her mother dies during childbirth, her father is an acholic, and her boyfriend gets her pregnant and never really grows up himself. And she is stronger for all her hardships, but my heart broke for her. Then there's Cole ... he is just every woman's dream guy. He's kind and thoughtful ... and it definitely helps that he's not arrogant, rich and a hunk. Cole was a pro baseball player who retired out of the blue and has everyone wondering why. He decides to go visit his parents and hopefully they will help centre him. He never expected the small spitfire with the messy hair and the fact that she has no clue who he is and turns him down flat. Neither Cole or Palmer knew what hit them and their lives will never be the same.

I received an early copy courtesy of Montlake through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.