Title: Swink
Author: Adriana Locke
Published July 19, 2017
243 pages, ebook
Rating: 4.35
Overview
Camilla Landry is the epitome of perfection, with her silky lingerie and porcelain skin. But when she meets Dominic Hughes, she’s drawn to his colorful tattoos and bad boy attitude.
Dominic is the rebel she’s been looking for, a chance to experience life on the wild side. And for Dominic, Camilla is just another pretty face using him for a taste of something different.
But as they get closer, they realize their attraction is more than just skin deep. Will they be able to bridge the gap between their different worlds and find true love?
About the Author
Adriana Locke is an author who writes contemporary romances. Her stories are about regular people who find extraordinary love in small towns.
Adriana grew up in a tiny town in the Midwest and loves connecting with her readers. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their four sons, who she considers her greatest accomplishment.
Adriana’s hobbies include reading about alpha heroes, football, and everything pumpkin. She also enjoys pretending to garden, even though her kitchen is usually a mess.
If all else fails, she knows there’s always pizza. You can learn more about Adriana and her work by visiting her website at adrianalocke.com.
Editoral Review
Swink by Adriana Locke is a contemporary romance novel that explores the themes of family, love, and personal growth. Published in July 2017, Locke’s work is an excellent example of the genre, offering readers a steamy and emotional story that keeps them on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The novel follows the story of Graham Landry, the youngest Landry sibling, who had left his hometown of Dogwood Lane in South Carolina to pursue his dreams in Hollywood. However, after a few years of living the Hollywood life, Graham returns to his family and hometown, hoping to find solace and stability in the familiar surroundings.
He reconnects with his childhood friend, Mallory Sims, a sassy and independent woman who manages the local bar, Swink. As Graham and Mallory rekindle their friendship, they begin to confront their feelings for each other, which have been simmering beneath the surface for years.
However, with Mallory being averse to commitment, and Graham struggling with his career and family expectations, the road to their happy ending is fraught with challenges and obstacles. One of the strengths of Swink is Locke’s ability to create complex and relatable characters.
Graham and Mallory are both flawed and troubled in their unique ways, but their struggles and aspirations feel real and relatable. Locke also excels at creating a vivid sense of place, transporting readers to the quirky town of Dogwood Lane and immersing them in its eccentricities and charm.
That being said, there are some shortcomings to the novel. The pacing can be slow and meandering at times, and some of the secondary characters feel underdeveloped and two-dimensional.
Additionally, the novel’s themes and conflicts are not particularly groundbreaking or original, which may turn off readers looking for a more nuanced and thought-provoking story. Overall, Swink is an enjoyable and satisfying read for fans of the romance genre.
Locke’s writing style is engaging and accessible, and her characters are likable and sympathetic. While the novel does not break new ground or offer any profound insights, it is a well-crafted and entertaining story that offers a welcome escape from the daily grind.
If you are a fan of contemporary romance with a small-town setting and relatable characters, Swink would be an excellent choice for your next read. Locke’s novel offers plenty of heart and passion, making it an ideal choice for a lazy summer afternoon or a cozy evening at home.
I would give it a rating of 3.5 out of 5, based on my overall impression of the book.
