REVIEW: Restraint by Adriana Locke

In Restraint (Mason Family #1) by Adriana Locke, Chicago attorney Blaire Gibson is basically being forced by her family to take a vacation. So what if she works nonstop? She’s a defense attorney who takes her clients’ futures very seriously. But when Blaire runs smack into a hunky man who takes her breath away in the airport, she hopes it’s a sign she’s about to have some fun for a change. Her wish is granted when she again runs into delicious businessman Holt Mason while in Savannah, Georgia. Somehow their last minute date turns into a one-night stand of epic proportions. And Blaire gets talked into making it a vacation fling. Although when she gets ready to head back to Chicago, will she be able to part ways for good with Holt?

‘I’m silenced by what I see.
Lust. Control. Consideration.
A man in power.
And for the first time in my life, I’m okay with giving up that power for one night.’

Holt’s life goes a million miles a minute, being co-CEO of his family’s multi-million dollar business and trying to keep up with all his siblings’ antics. It doesn’t usually leave room for a social life. And he’s okay with that. Usually. But when Holt meets stunning Blaire, well, he’ll make the time to spend with her. Besides…she’s leaving to go back to Chicago in a few days so he’ll be able to resume his normal crazy work schedule after some much needed relaxation. But with a huge business deal demanding his time, Holt feels torn. And when he finds himself admitting he doesn’t want Blaire to leave, he wonders if there is a way to balance all the parts of his life to include love.

‘When I think of Blaire, I’m heated. Energized. Itching to have a conversation with the woman who intrigues me mentally as well as physically.’

The Georgia heat wasn’t the only steaminess in Restraint, the beginning of a new series by Adriana Locke. Hot, passionate, dreamy romance was the key factor between two workaholics after an airport meet-cute that literally knocked them off their feet. And what happened next shook both their worlds up in grand style.

‘She’s the one–the only one I’ve ever wanted to fight for. The only woman who makes my life more uncomplicated by being a part of it.’

So much fun! Restraint was just the type of feel-good romance I enjoy reading. It had flawed but believable characters who needed to do some serious soul searching about where their lives were headed. We had all kinds of interaction with both the hero and the heroine’s siblings which was a hoot. Gotta love big families and the wonderful dynamics they provide. But it was the one-night stand that turned into a “multi-night stand” and then much, much more that truly stole the show.

To me, author Adriana Locke’s writing seems very character driven, which I love. It felt like we got to know Holt and Blaire quite well as they fumbled along, trying to define what was happening between them. Like I mentioned, they were both workaholics: Holt as co-CEO of his family’s huge business and Blaire as a successful defense attorney. They were under a lot of pressure. So while Blaire was on a mini-vacation in Savannah, it only made sense that she would blow off some steam and agree to a date with Holt. But then it became a whole lot more serious.

I love how Locke showed us how capable our couple was in their careers but that emotionally Blaire and Holt had been through a lot in the past so it made them leery of romantic entanglements. Which made perfect sense once we learned each of their backgrounds. They both made mistakes–and fessed up to it fairly quickly. And even though the ending was more of a HFN instead of a true HEA, it was perfect for Holt and Blaire. Besides, I have a feeling we’ll be getting more of them in book two, Holt’s brother Coy’s story: Rehearse.

Restraint will sweep readers away with its emotional goodness and sexy encounters. Adriana Locke is off to a terrific start with the Mason Family series and I can’t wait to see what excitement she has for us next.

Book Info:

Publication: Published August 3rd 2020 | Umbrella Publishing, Inc. | Mason Family #1

Blaire Gibson knows better than to have one-night stands.

She prides herself on her decision-making skills. It’s the one asset that has never let her down. But even the best thinkers have weaknesses.
Hers is a delicious business mogul with a quick tongue.
Unfortunately for her, that tongue is good for more than just talking.

Holt Mason doesn’t need to justify anything to anyone.

He wants Blaire. He pursues Blaire. And he gets Blaire because that’s how his life works.
Until it doesn’t.
What begins as a single night in a hotel room spirals into an unusual agreement. As late nights provide the space to trade secrets and walls come tumbling down, more is shared than just pillow talk.

They both should’ve known better. They should’ve shown restraint. Because when guards are dropped, hearts get shattered.

A one-night stand turns into something more in this heart-filled, steamy romance from USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke.