Excerpt + Review: "Resolution" by Adriana Locke

Congratulations to author Adriana Locke on today's release of "Resolution," book #5 of the Mason Family series. Characters from previous stories make appearances in this one, but it reads as a complete standalone. 

Photographer Dara Alden's wealthy father never acknowledged her while he was alive, so it comes as a surprise when her paternal grandfather, hotel magnate Curt Bowery, reaches out to her and attempts to establish a relationship. It's even more surprising when her grandfather offers to build her the house of her dreams and asks architect Wade Mason to design it. Wade doesn't want to take on the project at first, but with his brothers pressuring him because of the potential business a connection with Bowery might generate, he agrees to meet with Dara. Normally cool and controlled Wade is thrown for a loop when Dara reminds him that they had a class together in college, although they haven't seen each other since then. There's certainly nothing forgettable about Dara now, and it's not long before Wade can't get Dara off his mind, no matter how hard he tries.
 

I've been excited to read Wade's story ever since I picked up the first book in this series, and it did not disappoint. He was so closed off and reluctant to make an emotional connection with anyone, and his reasons became a mystery that feisty, independent Dara was determined to solve. There was some angst related to an incident in Wade's past as well as Dara's family situation, but that was nicely balanced by the story's humorous moments, particularly in the form of their witty banter. I particularly enjoyed all of the innuendos and double entendres that worked their way into Dara and Wade's conversations, both accidentally and on purpose.

 

Wade's relationships with his brothers were also tremendously important to the story, and I enjoyed having the chance to visit with each of the Mason brothers one last time. Each of their relationships was unique, but special in its own way. For as much as they teased and bickered with each other, their love and support for each other always shined through. I also loved Wade's relationship with his youngest brother Boone's little girl, Rosie. She latched onto him almost from the moment they met and still hasn't let go! Poor Dara - Rosie may never forgive her for stealing her man. ;-)

Overall, "Resolution" was the perfect conclusion to the Mason Family series and I highly recommend it for all contemporary romance fans. I look forward to whatever Adriana Locke writes next.

 

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.     

 

 

About "Resolution"

From USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke comes a workplace romance between a grumpy, alpha architect and his new client—who just so happens to have the blueprint to bring him to his knees.

Romance is not in Wade Mason’s portfolio.

This is tragic. It’s unfair that a man so maddeningly gorgeous—an architect with a deliciously squarish jaw, adorably dimpled chin, and the hottest black glasses that straddle the line between professional and provocative—rebukes all things love.

I knew this well before I walked into his office.

The man is a conundrum—a complicated, steel wall of a puzzle. On the one hand, he brushes against me in the conference room with a broodiness that sets me on fire. He demands in-person meetings about the house we are working on together. I catch him watching me out of the corner of his eye with a look that’s anything but platonic. But any talk of hookups, love, or relationships—even in general? Completely off the table.

I’m determined to peel back his layers until I get to the bottom of the mysterious businessman. But my plan is foiled by a surprise that leaves both of us reeling. Neither of us sees it coming, but it changes everything … forever. 

 

 

Read an Excerpt from "Resolution"

Much to my surprise and annoyance, she laughs as she walks by me. Her elbow grazes my stomach in a move that I think is intentional. Before I can react, she’s down the hall and standing in front of Eliza.

“That dress is stunning on you,” she tells Eliza as if we weren’t in a strained conversation five seconds ago. “Where did you get it?”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” I grumble as I slam my door. The framed copy of the first building I ever designed shakes against the wall.

I lean against my desk and suck in a deep lungful of air. The scent of coconuts only intensifies my frustration.

I open a window and then sit down.

“Busy men always go through the motions and never have time to be creative. I’m not sure that fits my needs.”

What the hell?

Relational intimacy.

Loads of rubbish, just as it was ten years ago.

Instead of listening to spoiled, silver spoon-fed women who want their ridiculous projects handled, I have real work to do.

My heart pumps from the interaction with Dara, and I find myself replaying much of our conversation. It’s not until I get to relational intimacy do I realize how much time I’ve wasted—and am still wasting.

I put my phone on Do Not Disturb and get back to the only thing I ever want to know intimately—my work.