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Marshall Family #1
More Than I Could
From USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Locke comes a grumpy, blue-collar single dad that falls hard for his new nanny. This small-town romance is a standalone novel with tons of heat and even more heart.
This grumpy single dad falls hard for the nanny. Chase Marshall is many · An attentive single dad · Jaw-droppingly gorgeous · My employer for the next thirty days He’s also the bane of my existence. He swears I’m a never-ending headache—the most infuriating woman he’s ever met. If I’m so irritating, then what’s up with the lingering looks when he thinks I’m not watching? The seemingly innocent touches while making breakfast? The smirk that graces his kissable lips after one of our verbal spars after his daughter has gone to bed? One minute he’s coming to my rescue. The next second he’s complaining about how I fold his work shirts. Fine. Fold them yourself. It turns out that the only time I don’t get under Chase’s skin is when I’m under him . And that’s where things get complicated.
This grumpy single dad falls hard for the nanny. Chase Marshall is many · An attentive single dad · Jaw-droppingly gorgeous · My employer for the next thirty days He’s also the bane of my existence. He swears I’m a never-ending headache—the most infuriating woman he’s ever met. If I’m so irritating, then what’s up with the lingering looks when he thinks I’m not watching? The seemingly innocent touches while making breakfast? The smirk that graces his kissable lips after one of our verbal spars after his daughter has gone to bed? One minute he’s coming to my rescue. The next second he’s complaining about how I fold his work shirts. Fine. Fold them yourself. It turns out that the only time I don’t get under Chase’s skin is when I’m under him . And that’s where things get complicated.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2023
2227 people are currently reading
3953 people want to read
About the author
Adriana Locke
98 books15.9k followersAdriana Locke is a USA Today and Amazon Charts Bestselling author with a knack for writing swoony, unforgettable contemporary romances. At nineteen, she traded her small-town roots for big-city life, only to realize her heart beats for quiet mornings and cozy chaos. These days, she’s living her happily-ever-after in Ohio with Mr. Locke—her high school sweetheart—four lively sons, and two hilariously hyper Jack Russell terriers.
When she’s not penning love stories that will leave you laughing and sighing, Adriana is battling the epic quest of missing silverware, “gardening” (a.k.a. chatting with her plants), or leaving her grocery list on the counter as she heads to the store. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let her books whisk you away to a world of heartwarming romance and irresistible heroes.
When she’s not penning love stories that will leave you laughing and sighing, Adriana is battling the epic quest of missing silverware, “gardening” (a.k.a. chatting with her plants), or leaving her grocery list on the counter as she heads to the store. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let her books whisk you away to a world of heartwarming romance and irresistible heroes.
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May 10, 2023Dear Reader,
Welcome to Peachwood Falls, Indiana.
This book is a standalone novel, but my hero, Chase, has lots of siblings (I did write this, after all). There is a chance I will write their stories in the future. But, for right now, this book truly stands on its own. There is nothing you need to read before or after to enjoy. Actually, there is nothing you can read before or after it to get more of these characters. They exist only in this world.
The Coming Home Series that you see this book connected to is in theme only. A group of writers, including myself, thought it would be fun to write about what the idea of coming home meant to us. Each of our stories are independent and are not tied together in any other way.
My goal in writing this book was to put a smile on your face for a few hours. If you're like me, you're avoiding social media, your timeline, and the news. It's a bunch of yuck. I want this book to be the counterpart to that—a sweet, steamy, fun little break from the real world.
I hope you enjoy.
Happy reading,
Adriana
Welcome to Peachwood Falls, Indiana.
This book is a standalone novel, but my hero, Chase, has lots of siblings (I did write this, after all). There is a chance I will write their stories in the future. But, for right now, this book truly stands on its own. There is nothing you need to read before or after to enjoy. Actually, there is nothing you can read before or after it to get more of these characters. They exist only in this world.
The Coming Home Series that you see this book connected to is in theme only. A group of writers, including myself, thought it would be fun to write about what the idea of coming home meant to us. Each of our stories are independent and are not tied together in any other way.
My goal in writing this book was to put a smile on your face for a few hours. If you're like me, you're avoiding social media, your timeline, and the news. It's a bunch of yuck. I want this book to be the counterpart to that—a sweet, steamy, fun little break from the real world.
I hope you enjoy.
Happy reading,
Adriana
February 26, 2023
I loved More Than I Could, it was hilarious, heartfelt, emotional and just an all around beautiful story. Chase and Megan have an insane amount of chemistry, the first few chapters are hot as hell and made me fall in love with Chase and Megan immediately. Their relationship develops into something greater than was so fun to read and their struggles were hard to read but also is what made this book stand out amongst the other single dad romances I’ve read this month!
Chase is a wonderful father and his and Kennedy have an amazing father-daughter relationship that also shows the struggles of raising a child as well. Kennedy and Megan have a great relationship and bond so well, I loved their scenes especially the one at the school.
I loved everything about this book and took my time reading the story to savor and enjoy it! One thing I love about Adriana Locke’s books is how she branches out and covers different careers as well, it is something not often done, but I appreciate reading characters with the unique careers as much as the common ones!
Chase is a wonderful father and his and Kennedy have an amazing father-daughter relationship that also shows the struggles of raising a child as well. Kennedy and Megan have a great relationship and bond so well, I loved their scenes especially the one at the school.
I loved everything about this book and took my time reading the story to savor and enjoy it! One thing I love about Adriana Locke’s books is how she branches out and covers different careers as well, it is something not often done, but I appreciate reading characters with the unique careers as much as the common ones!
February 25, 2023
I was lucky enough to get an early copy and what a good book! I’m typically not a standalone reader… I love a series and getting all the different stories of the characters and family members. But this book was so sweet, fun, witty, and gave me all the feels! The chemistry between Megan and Chase was perfect! Their banter and steam were the perfect combination! Adriana has done it again!
I have read, loved, and re-read every one of her books but this had a different feel to it. I feel like this has the potential to become a series and in my opinion it could end up being her best yet. I really hope it does, I would love to see Luke, Kate, and Gavin get their own books! I have to say, I think Gavin was my favorite character in the book though honestly! Absolutely loved him.
I have read, loved, and re-read every one of her books but this had a different feel to it. I feel like this has the potential to become a series and in my opinion it could end up being her best yet. I really hope it does, I would love to see Luke, Kate, and Gavin get their own books! I have to say, I think Gavin was my favorite character in the book though honestly! Absolutely loved him.
June 21, 2023
"What did he say? Is a man being logical? Did I just fall in love?"
Adriana has been crowned the queen of small town romances, and she does not disappoint with More than I could. Right from the start, the instant chemistry between "Grumpy Cat" Chase and Megan makes it so hard to put the book down. This book was full of witty banter, sweet moments, and loveable characters.
It is a standalone book, but I do hope that Gavin's or even Luke's story will eventually come.
Tropes: Small town romance, Grumpy Dad, Nanny
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
Adriana has been crowned the queen of small town romances, and she does not disappoint with More than I could. Right from the start, the instant chemistry between "Grumpy Cat" Chase and Megan makes it so hard to put the book down. This book was full of witty banter, sweet moments, and loveable characters.
It is a standalone book, but I do hope that Gavin's or even Luke's story will eventually come.
Tropes: Small town romance, Grumpy Dad, Nanny
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
February 27, 2023
For the record, not knowing what your 🐱 tastes like will make it easier when you’re asleep a few doors down the hallway from me every night 👀🥵
Honestly at this point Adriana Locke could write alien fanfic and I would read it and probably love it. But lucky for you and me she wrote one of my quickly growing fav tropes single-parent/nanny and made it grumpy/sunshine with lots of fantastic banter and a group of siblings I will for sure need books on.
We meet Chase while he is driving on a rainy night and comes upon a stranded vehicle. Although he rather just drive by and ignore it his better sense kicks in and offers to help. The woman in the car however does not take kindly to strangers on a dark road surrounded by corn fields, so the initial give and take from moment one sets up this continuous ribbing throughout the whole book. Megan isn’t impressed by Mr Grumpy car saver but can appreciate a good looking man, but when Mr Grumpy turns out to be the guy she is going to be helping out for a few weeks things get a little more complicated. These two know they have obvious chemistry and even admit as much but both know that its probably not a good idea and the focus needs to be on Chase’s 14 year old daughter. But what do they say about best laid plans? Well whatever it is these two fail spectacularly. And I loved every moment of it.
Chase and Meg were fantastic characters, I loved them individually as well as together and learning their pasts, how Chase became a father and how Meg is feeling adrift. Their chemistry, tension and banter back and forth was everything I love and laughed out loud so many times. Then throw in Gavin and Luke, Chase’s brothers and you feel like you’re at a comedy show. Everything with this family just made me smile and get giddy. I also loved Meg and Kennedy’s relationship. Not having a Mom is hard and Meg really stepped up for Kennedy and made her feel seen. Please go read this! Its out now on KU and I’m already ready for my re-read!!
*ARC Review*
Honestly at this point Adriana Locke could write alien fanfic and I would read it and probably love it. But lucky for you and me she wrote one of my quickly growing fav tropes single-parent/nanny and made it grumpy/sunshine with lots of fantastic banter and a group of siblings I will for sure need books on.
We meet Chase while he is driving on a rainy night and comes upon a stranded vehicle. Although he rather just drive by and ignore it his better sense kicks in and offers to help. The woman in the car however does not take kindly to strangers on a dark road surrounded by corn fields, so the initial give and take from moment one sets up this continuous ribbing throughout the whole book. Megan isn’t impressed by Mr Grumpy car saver but can appreciate a good looking man, but when Mr Grumpy turns out to be the guy she is going to be helping out for a few weeks things get a little more complicated. These two know they have obvious chemistry and even admit as much but both know that its probably not a good idea and the focus needs to be on Chase’s 14 year old daughter. But what do they say about best laid plans? Well whatever it is these two fail spectacularly. And I loved every moment of it.
Chase and Meg were fantastic characters, I loved them individually as well as together and learning their pasts, how Chase became a father and how Meg is feeling adrift. Their chemistry, tension and banter back and forth was everything I love and laughed out loud so many times. Then throw in Gavin and Luke, Chase’s brothers and you feel like you’re at a comedy show. Everything with this family just made me smile and get giddy. I also loved Meg and Kennedy’s relationship. Not having a Mom is hard and Meg really stepped up for Kennedy and made her feel seen. Please go read this! Its out now on KU and I’m already ready for my re-read!!
*ARC Review*
February 26, 2023
In this fun, phenomenal romance, our hero, Chase Marshall, is a lineman for the electric company and single dad to a fourteen-year-old daughter, Kennedy. He needs a nanny to fill in for his for the next month while his parents are out of town visiting his sister. Chase and Megan's mothers are the ones who make the arrangements, and that's how Megan Kramer finds herself traveling to Peachwood Falls to stay with Chase's daughter, Kennedy.
Their first meeting is not exactly a meet-cute when Chase stops to help a woman stranded in her car on the side of the road. His winning personality and sparkling wit earn him the moniker of Grumpy Cat from Megan, so you can imagine her surprise when she realizes the next day that Mr. GC is her potential boss.
This crafty wordsmith is my go-to for small-town, feel-good romance and she never disappoints. I love the grumpy/sunshine mix, and adding a young teenage girl into the mix kept things interesting. I enjoyed the fictional world and secondary characters so much that I wish this were a series rather than a standalone. Sweet and steamy and full of feels, this is small-town romance at its finest. An epic reading escape guaranteed to make your romantic heart blissfully happy, run to the 1-Click and start reading this one right away!
Their first meeting is not exactly a meet-cute when Chase stops to help a woman stranded in her car on the side of the road. His winning personality and sparkling wit earn him the moniker of Grumpy Cat from Megan, so you can imagine her surprise when she realizes the next day that Mr. GC is her potential boss.
This crafty wordsmith is my go-to for small-town, feel-good romance and she never disappoints. I love the grumpy/sunshine mix, and adding a young teenage girl into the mix kept things interesting. I enjoyed the fictional world and secondary characters so much that I wish this were a series rather than a standalone. Sweet and steamy and full of feels, this is small-town romance at its finest. An epic reading escape guaranteed to make your romantic heart blissfully happy, run to the 1-Click and start reading this one right away!
October 15, 2023
🎧🎧AUDIO REVIEW🎧🎧
❤️easy breezy
❤️entertaining
❤️lighthearted & heartwarming
❤️low angst
❤️adults adulting properly ❤️😍❤️😍❤️
↪↪ things that popped in my head while listening :)
📚STORY📚: More Than I Could is one of those stories that you just can’t help but fall into in an easy breezy manner. After I finished listening, I could see where the story could have gone down a different road and maybe been a more in-depth angsty plot, digging deeper into the characters backgrounds to see how life had brought them to where they are today but Adriana’s choice to focus on the ’here and now’ of it all was a delightfully fulfilling choice! Honestly, it was a charming #swoonfest most of the time and entertaining all of the time! This is a perfect story for any romance reader, but especially good for any reader that’s maybe having a reading slump because it will make you smile broadly and laugh lightheartedly, even when it tugs at your heart!
🎧NARRATION🎧: Tor Thom and Maxine Mitchell are both favorite narrators of mine, and they did not disappoint with this narration! They brought the story and all the characters to life gloriously and made this already great story even better! Well done!
❤️easy breezy
❤️entertaining
❤️lighthearted & heartwarming
❤️low angst
❤️adults adulting properly ❤️😍❤️😍❤️
↪↪ things that popped in my head while listening :)
📚STORY📚: More Than I Could is one of those stories that you just can’t help but fall into in an easy breezy manner. After I finished listening, I could see where the story could have gone down a different road and maybe been a more in-depth angsty plot, digging deeper into the characters backgrounds to see how life had brought them to where they are today but Adriana’s choice to focus on the ’here and now’ of it all was a delightfully fulfilling choice! Honestly, it was a charming #swoonfest most of the time and entertaining all of the time! This is a perfect story for any romance reader, but especially good for any reader that’s maybe having a reading slump because it will make you smile broadly and laugh lightheartedly, even when it tugs at your heart!
🎧NARRATION🎧: Tor Thom and Maxine Mitchell are both favorite narrators of mine, and they did not disappoint with this narration! They brought the story and all the characters to life gloriously and made this already great story even better! Well done!
February 27, 2023
I love a grumpy hero, but make him a small town, single dad & that’s my personal favorite! Chase is everything I love in a romance: gruff, but sweet. Single dad that’s both fun loving, and restrained & parental.
Megan, our heroine, is sweet, sassy, and a little bit unsure & self conscious. She is the perfect foil for Chase.
Kennedy, Gavin, Luke and the parents round out this small town romance with hopes that Adriana Locke decides to continue this as a series.
Megan, our heroine, is sweet, sassy, and a little bit unsure & self conscious. She is the perfect foil for Chase.
Kennedy, Gavin, Luke and the parents round out this small town romance with hopes that Adriana Locke decides to continue this as a series.
February 28, 2023
Adriana Locke has won me over again!
Chase and Megan are perfection!
Single Dad, Small Town, Hot Nanny. What more could you ask for!?
This story was sweet and sexy. The romance was thick and made me swoon.
Chase’s love for his daughter is enough to make him drool-worthy all on its own.
Megan and Kennedy’s relationship felt genuine and unforced!
I loved every character in this book and hope there are more stories to come!
Chase and Megan are perfection!
Single Dad, Small Town, Hot Nanny. What more could you ask for!?
This story was sweet and sexy. The romance was thick and made me swoon.
Chase’s love for his daughter is enough to make him drool-worthy all on its own.
Megan and Kennedy’s relationship felt genuine and unforced!
I loved every character in this book and hope there are more stories to come!
June 12, 2023
5 Megan and Chase Stars
This is a gorgeous single dad romance that had me wanting to visit Peachwood Falls again in the future. Although nothing is in the works at the moment , it would be awesome if Adriana decides to write more books based there - Chase has siblings that could have amazing stories to tell, especially Gavin.
Megan is thirty and feeling a bit lost in life as all the things she had planned have not gone as she would have hoped. As a favour to her Mum , she accepts the job of caring for a teenager for a month. Megan's Mum's best friend has a 14 yo granddaughter called Kennedy. Turns out that Kennedy's Dad, Chase (early thirties), is not the easiest guy to get on with - fans of the Grumpy / Sunshine trope will be in contemporary romance nirvana with this one. Chase is handsome in a rugged , able to fix anything and deliver orgasms just by looking at you way. That said , their first meeting does not go well and is highly entertaining.
This book had so many elements that I am always drawn to including small town shenanigans, a hot single dad who adores his daughter with every fibre of his being, a hero who is rugged and not polished but oh so commanding - you'd totally be in safe hands.
He cocks his head to the side.
“Yeah. I thought you weren’t a morning person.”
“I’m not.”
“You’ve been up every morning since you got here.”
“Well, drinking coffee and watching you putter around shirtless is my reward.”
Chase’s fingers flick my knuckle. I open my hand, and he slides his palm against mine, his fingers lacing through my cold digits. I tingle at the sweet, innocent contact that feels as intimate as anything we’ve done.
As a heroine, Megan was interesting and I felt like she had the biggest character development. I really felt for her and she definitely pulled my heartstrings once she dropped that self protecting fortress that she had up. I thought the conversations between her and Kennedy were brilliantly written.
There is a lot of passion ,laughter ,heart wrenching moments - I did cry a little , fun and a chance to just lose yourself in a town where everyone knows who you are and looks out for you. I loved the whole feel of this book.
HEA? More HFN but lovely.
Cheating? No
Something is calming about the sun rising. Dad always said that the sun coming up was a sign that you get a new start. All of yesterday’s mistakes were erased in the night. I liked that idea growing up, and I’ve kept it with me my whole life.
Perfectly said.
This is a gorgeous single dad romance that had me wanting to visit Peachwood Falls again in the future. Although nothing is in the works at the moment , it would be awesome if Adriana decides to write more books based there - Chase has siblings that could have amazing stories to tell, especially Gavin.
Megan is thirty and feeling a bit lost in life as all the things she had planned have not gone as she would have hoped. As a favour to her Mum , she accepts the job of caring for a teenager for a month. Megan's Mum's best friend has a 14 yo granddaughter called Kennedy. Turns out that Kennedy's Dad, Chase (early thirties), is not the easiest guy to get on with - fans of the Grumpy / Sunshine trope will be in contemporary romance nirvana with this one. Chase is handsome in a rugged , able to fix anything and deliver orgasms just by looking at you way. That said , their first meeting does not go well and is highly entertaining.
This book had so many elements that I am always drawn to including small town shenanigans, a hot single dad who adores his daughter with every fibre of his being, a hero who is rugged and not polished but oh so commanding - you'd totally be in safe hands.
He cocks his head to the side.
“Yeah. I thought you weren’t a morning person.”
“I’m not.”
“You’ve been up every morning since you got here.”
“Well, drinking coffee and watching you putter around shirtless is my reward.”
Chase’s fingers flick my knuckle. I open my hand, and he slides his palm against mine, his fingers lacing through my cold digits. I tingle at the sweet, innocent contact that feels as intimate as anything we’ve done.
As a heroine, Megan was interesting and I felt like she had the biggest character development. I really felt for her and she definitely pulled my heartstrings once she dropped that self protecting fortress that she had up. I thought the conversations between her and Kennedy were brilliantly written.
There is a lot of passion ,laughter ,heart wrenching moments - I did cry a little , fun and a chance to just lose yourself in a town where everyone knows who you are and looks out for you. I loved the whole feel of this book.
HEA? More HFN but lovely.
Cheating? No
Something is calming about the sun rising. Dad always said that the sun coming up was a sign that you get a new start. All of yesterday’s mistakes were erased in the night. I liked that idea growing up, and I’ve kept it with me my whole life.
Perfectly said.
November 14, 2024
This was my first Adriana Locke read and I can say for sure that I will definitely be diving into her backlist! I really hope that Chase’s brothers and sister get their own books! These characters were so lovable and I miss them already!
March 2, 2023
4.5⭐️
Another great small town romance from Adriana Locke. Chase is a single dad to 14 year old Kennedy and needs a some help with her whilst his mom is away for a month. She arranges for her best friend to come and stay with him, but an injury means the friend’s 30 year old daughter is enlisted to help instead.
The banter and chemistry between Chase and Megan was strong right from the start, and I really enjoyed their story. The relationship between Megan and Kennedy was beautiful too, and Chase’s brothers were typical of the family dynamics we’ve come to know and love from Adriana’s books.
Knocked off half a star as I would have loved to see a little bit more grovelling near the end, and an epilogue further into the future but hopefully that means we’re getting books for the rest of the Marshall family?!
Thank you to Adriana for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Another great small town romance from Adriana Locke. Chase is a single dad to 14 year old Kennedy and needs a some help with her whilst his mom is away for a month. She arranges for her best friend to come and stay with him, but an injury means the friend’s 30 year old daughter is enlisted to help instead.
The banter and chemistry between Chase and Megan was strong right from the start, and I really enjoyed their story. The relationship between Megan and Kennedy was beautiful too, and Chase’s brothers were typical of the family dynamics we’ve come to know and love from Adriana’s books.
Knocked off half a star as I would have loved to see a little bit more grovelling near the end, and an epilogue further into the future but hopefully that means we’re getting books for the rest of the Marshall family?!
Thank you to Adriana for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 26, 2023
A great small town single dad romance from Adriana Locke, Chase and Megan story is a great read the chemistry these two had was lit from there first meeting first the banter as Chase is a grumpy old cat (lol) and then the lust for each other. Check it out to see how these two cope for a month while Chase’s mum away and Megan watching 14 year old Kennedy while Chase works. You will also love the Chases brothers definitely a book to read 4⭐️
March 20, 2024
Ugh. DNF because I cba with this narrative: “If my life doesn’t get on track soon, my eggs might be dried before I find viable sperm.” This reads like the FMC is trying to be Carrie Bradshaw in a small town.
September 28, 2023
While originally written as a stand alone - this is now book 1 in Adriana Locke's Marshall Family series.
This was a cute and sexy small town nanny romance with grumpy/sunshine vibes. I cracked up at Megan and Chase's initial meeting as well as her obliviousness to small town life (and gossip!). Chase's 14yo Kennedy was a great character and I loved her relationship with all the Marshall family members. While Chase and Megan's backgrounds offer heart wrenching tales - the relationship itself is fairly low angst. Megan's perspective dominates the story with more than double the chapters than Chase. I don't expect it to be even, but I wanted a bit more from him.
Megan and Chase are instantly attracted to each other but decide that it's in everyone's best interest to keep things professional. The book only covers a few weeks, so the "truce" doesn't last that long. The inuendo filled banter and sexy shenanigans were a treat.
My favorite part of nanny romance is the nanny falling just as hard for the kids as the other parent. Locke delivered that here. Kennedy was able to bond with Megan in ways that she just couldn't with her dad. Add in Megan's awesome friendship with Chase's brother and it was easy to see how she's a great match for the entire family.
There is the 3rd act break up and while I appreciate that it was resolved rather quickly - I would have liked a little more to solidify the HEA. However, since this is just the beginning of the series I know that I'll be "seeing" them in future books.
Narration:
Maxine Mitchell and Tor Thom were wonderful. I love both of their performances and how they brought the Marshall family and the small town to life. It was a great listen.
While I borrowed the ebook via Kindle Unlimited, I did receive a copy of the audiobook from Home Cooked Books and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This was a cute and sexy small town nanny romance with grumpy/sunshine vibes. I cracked up at Megan and Chase's initial meeting as well as her obliviousness to small town life (and gossip!). Chase's 14yo Kennedy was a great character and I loved her relationship with all the Marshall family members. While Chase and Megan's backgrounds offer heart wrenching tales - the relationship itself is fairly low angst. Megan's perspective dominates the story with more than double the chapters than Chase. I don't expect it to be even, but I wanted a bit more from him.
Megan and Chase are instantly attracted to each other but decide that it's in everyone's best interest to keep things professional. The book only covers a few weeks, so the "truce" doesn't last that long. The inuendo filled banter and sexy shenanigans were a treat.
My favorite part of nanny romance is the nanny falling just as hard for the kids as the other parent. Locke delivered that here. Kennedy was able to bond with Megan in ways that she just couldn't with her dad. Add in Megan's awesome friendship with Chase's brother and it was easy to see how she's a great match for the entire family.
There is the 3rd act break up and while I appreciate that it was resolved rather quickly - I would have liked a little more to solidify the HEA. However, since this is just the beginning of the series I know that I'll be "seeing" them in future books.
Narration:
Maxine Mitchell and Tor Thom were wonderful. I love both of their performances and how they brought the Marshall family and the small town to life. It was a great listen.
While I borrowed the ebook via Kindle Unlimited, I did receive a copy of the audiobook from Home Cooked Books and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
October 11, 2024
Listen…was this an unrealistic timeframe for them to fall in love, yes. But do I care, no I do not 😂 this was so cute, I love this author’s small town romances and I’m so excited to read about the rest of the Marshall siblings!
March 10, 2023
I've said it before and I'll say it again, Single Dad trope is top tier.
February 28, 2023
A sweet and funny small town romance from Adriana Locke. Chase and Megan have a great chemistry from the off and I loved the way Megan connected with Chase's daughter Kennedy. Chase and Megan's relationship wasn't all plain sailing when he discovered she was the new nanny but their flirty banter made for an exceptional read.
February 28, 2023
I loved every muddy dirty part of this book! The Marshalls are the family you want as yours. I loved the fire between Chase & Megan. This story was such a treat to read. Kennedy at 14 with a smart remark ready to go. Megan standing up for her had me in tears. I can’t wait for more of this family. This small town romance truly made me think of home and I loved every word.
December 26, 2023
More reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder
This was a perfect weekend read, light and funny, with just the right balance of steam and biting banter. Megan and Chase are five-alarm fun, full of heat and dirty jokes in this small town, grumpy-sunshine romance. Their chemistry is off the charts, which is evident within seconds of meeting, but they’re both determined not to act on this insane attraction. They’re completely honest about it though, which makes it interesting. Nobody is shy or subtle about it, they put all their cards on the table from the beginning, which is so refreshing.
Chase is a devoted single dad carrying a lot of guilt who worries he’s failing his teenage daughter. He doesn’t do relationships because he dated someone for years and when they broke up, Kennedy was devastated. Chase will never bring anyone else into their lives because he won’t risk hurting his daughter again. Megan is restless and desperate to find direction in her life again. She doesn’t know what she wants out of life right now and it’s frustrating. Her job was fun and glamorous but she doesn’t actually miss any of that. Nothing feels right and nowhere feels like home. Megan’s a little lost.
Despite feeling rudderless, Megan is fierce. She’s funny, smart and always stands up for herself. Chase is broody and cranky on the surface, but he’s a romantic deep down. They fell hard and fast, but it never seemed rushed or tenuous. They had an incredible connection from the moment they met, intense and deep. They’re both very real and honest. I really enjoyed watching them figure things out and the supporting cast is hilarious. I hope we get a lot more of the Marshall family.
May 29, 2023
Overall, this was an okay read; it wasn't bad, but it didn't knock my socks off either. I would still recommend it if you're into the single dad/nanny trope in a small town setting and just looking for an easy, lighthearted read.
September 26, 2023
More than I Could by Adriana Locke is a small-town single dad romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Maxine Mitchell and Tor Thom.
This is the second book of Adriana's that I have read, and it definitely won't be my last. I was pulled in from the first chapter and couldn't wait to see how everything was going to play out. I really enjoyed the relationship between Chase and Megan. I liked that we got both of their points of views throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.
Tor and Maxine did an amazing job on the narration. They both really know how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.
I would recommend this book if you're looking for single dad romances, nanny romances, small town romances, or contemporary romances.
This is the second book of Adriana's that I have read, and it definitely won't be my last. I was pulled in from the first chapter and couldn't wait to see how everything was going to play out. I really enjoyed the relationship between Chase and Megan. I liked that we got both of their points of views throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.
Tor and Maxine did an amazing job on the narration. They both really know how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.
I would recommend this book if you're looking for single dad romances, nanny romances, small town romances, or contemporary romances.
March 1, 2023
Adriana writes THE BEST not so meet cutes that have you laughing and rooting for the main characters like crazy! The way Megan and Chase met was hilarious and even more hilarious the next day!
Megan and Chase definitely do not start off on the right foot but with some deep truth bombs and very insightful honesty these two agree on a compromise! But, denying the inevitable will only last so long!!
I absolutely loved Kennedy and how fierce Megan was when it came to protecting her! As a teacher I wanted to jump into the pages and slap some people but the grace and strength Megan displayed has her as a top heroine! Also chases grovel abilities need to be notes by my husband because yes chase me down and grab be till I listen haha! In all seriousness I love the vulnerability these two had with one another and overall I can not wait for more from this family because they are going to be a while bunch!
Megan and Chase definitely do not start off on the right foot but with some deep truth bombs and very insightful honesty these two agree on a compromise! But, denying the inevitable will only last so long!!
I absolutely loved Kennedy and how fierce Megan was when it came to protecting her! As a teacher I wanted to jump into the pages and slap some people but the grace and strength Megan displayed has her as a top heroine! Also chases grovel abilities need to be notes by my husband because yes chase me down and grab be till I listen haha! In all seriousness I love the vulnerability these two had with one another and overall I can not wait for more from this family because they are going to be a while bunch!
January 7, 2024
I really enjoyed this book so much .. loved the characters and especially the Mr grumpy cat Chase Marshall 🥰 can’t wait to what’s in store with this series .
March 19, 2023
small town, single dad. i liked it. 🙂
3.5⭐️
3.5⭐️
January 1, 2025
How do I adequately put into words this book?
Chase and Megan’s story has been thrust into our lives and I’m not a bit disappointed in it. He’s grumpy. And she’s anything but that. She challenges him in more ways than one. And throw into the mix his teenage daughter.. it’s a recipe of 2 against 1 immediately.
This book brought so many feelings in to it. I found myself laughing, swooning, and tearing up. Adriana is one of the best small town romance writers I have ever read. She grabs you from opening page and places you into their world. She makes it where you don’t want to leave and you fall in love with every single character she introduces.
If you look up the definition of small town romance, you should see her picture right beside it.
I loved everything about this story. And hope that it continues on!
Chase and Megan’s story has been thrust into our lives and I’m not a bit disappointed in it. He’s grumpy. And she’s anything but that. She challenges him in more ways than one. And throw into the mix his teenage daughter.. it’s a recipe of 2 against 1 immediately.
This book brought so many feelings in to it. I found myself laughing, swooning, and tearing up. Adriana is one of the best small town romance writers I have ever read. She grabs you from opening page and places you into their world. She makes it where you don’t want to leave and you fall in love with every single character she introduces.
If you look up the definition of small town romance, you should see her picture right beside it.
I loved everything about this story. And hope that it continues on!
September 28, 2023
This one is a complete stand alone, but with the main character having a brood of siblings that bring a lot of laughs, you know we're all going to want it to be a series starter (but I don't think that's in the works at this time... maybe someday if we pray hard enough).
Megan is trying to find a new direction for her life. Her dream job ended (OMG the way I squeeeee'd when I found out she designed nail polish collections for a living... my heart was immediately with this girl) and since she has nothing else going on at the moment, she's going to Peachwood Falls to help fulfill her mother's commitment to look after the grand daughter of a family friend.
Chase is a grumpy single dad. His daughter is 14, full of spunk and "troubled". With his mom going on vacation to visit his sister for a month, he needs someone to be around for his daughter Kennedy, especially if he has to go out of town to work. But he second guesses the plan when the woman arrives and he is flattened by feels at first sight.
These two burn with tension from the first. so much push/pull, will they/wont they, the connection and conversations, the way Chase tells his brothers to back of on threat of bodily harm... I laughed, I swooned and my heart broke along the way.
The audiobook was performed by Maxine Mitchell and Tor Thom. They both took us thorough a range of emotions in these performances. Tor was fantastic as grumpy, conflicted Chase. But I think my favourite moments were when Maxine brought the conversations and connection with Kennedy to life. The way she helped that girl see potential consequences for rebellious actions, the way she stood up for her and asked questions no one else had. It hit home that there are multiple sides to every story and everyone involved should have a chance to tell theirs.
I requested and received an advanced copy of the audiobook. These are my honest opinions.
Megan is trying to find a new direction for her life. Her dream job ended (OMG the way I squeeeee'd when I found out she designed nail polish collections for a living... my heart was immediately with this girl) and since she has nothing else going on at the moment, she's going to Peachwood Falls to help fulfill her mother's commitment to look after the grand daughter of a family friend.
Chase is a grumpy single dad. His daughter is 14, full of spunk and "troubled". With his mom going on vacation to visit his sister for a month, he needs someone to be around for his daughter Kennedy, especially if he has to go out of town to work. But he second guesses the plan when the woman arrives and he is flattened by feels at first sight.
These two burn with tension from the first. so much push/pull, will they/wont they, the connection and conversations, the way Chase tells his brothers to back of on threat of bodily harm... I laughed, I swooned and my heart broke along the way.
The audiobook was performed by Maxine Mitchell and Tor Thom. They both took us thorough a range of emotions in these performances. Tor was fantastic as grumpy, conflicted Chase. But I think my favourite moments were when Maxine brought the conversations and connection with Kennedy to life. The way she helped that girl see potential consequences for rebellious actions, the way she stood up for her and asked questions no one else had. It hit home that there are multiple sides to every story and everyone involved should have a chance to tell theirs.
I requested and received an advanced copy of the audiobook. These are my honest opinions.
September 25, 2023
“One day, you’ll wake up and realise that a piece of your heart resides outside your body. You’ll feel a draw to that place no matter where you are in the world. You’ll only feel whole and content when you’re there—and that will be your home. That’s where things make sense. That’s where you’re meant to be.”
Rating: 3.5/5
- Small town
- Single dad/nanny
- Forced proximity
- Secret romance
- Grumpy (him) sunshine (her)
- Dual POV
More Than I Could follows Meghan and Chase. Chase is a grumpy small-town single dad to his teenage daughter, Kennedy. He needs someone to look after Kennedy for a month while his parents visit his sister. Meghan's mum (his mum's best friend), was meant to take on the role, but recently unemployed Meghan had to step in instead when her mum injured herself.
There's an instant attraction between Chase and Meghan, which is why he's so reluctant to ask for her help. He doesn't think he can keep his hands to himself for 30 days! But without any better options, Meghan moves in. It's not long before they throw the rules out the window and start a secret romance, though!
I resonated with Meghan's struggle to find her place and her "home". I mean, I'm in my mid-30s and still don't think I've found my forever home. I also really liked her relationship with Kennedy and when she stood up for her 🙇♀️. Chase was also your quintessential grumpy dad, but he had a great relationship with Kennedy too.
The small-town vibes and Chase's fun-loving brothers were the icing on the cake.
My only critique was that it was a little bit too insta-love for me personally. But overall, I'd still recommend it to people who enjoy a single-dad romance as much as I do!
I received an audio copy thanks to Adriana and Homecooked Book Promos and it was perfectly narrated by Maxine Mitchell and Tor Thom!
Rating: 3.5/5
- Small town
- Single dad/nanny
- Forced proximity
- Secret romance
- Grumpy (him) sunshine (her)
- Dual POV
More Than I Could follows Meghan and Chase. Chase is a grumpy small-town single dad to his teenage daughter, Kennedy. He needs someone to look after Kennedy for a month while his parents visit his sister. Meghan's mum (his mum's best friend), was meant to take on the role, but recently unemployed Meghan had to step in instead when her mum injured herself.
There's an instant attraction between Chase and Meghan, which is why he's so reluctant to ask for her help. He doesn't think he can keep his hands to himself for 30 days! But without any better options, Meghan moves in. It's not long before they throw the rules out the window and start a secret romance, though!
I resonated with Meghan's struggle to find her place and her "home". I mean, I'm in my mid-30s and still don't think I've found my forever home. I also really liked her relationship with Kennedy and when she stood up for her 🙇♀️. Chase was also your quintessential grumpy dad, but he had a great relationship with Kennedy too.
The small-town vibes and Chase's fun-loving brothers were the icing on the cake.
My only critique was that it was a little bit too insta-love for me personally. But overall, I'd still recommend it to people who enjoy a single-dad romance as much as I do!
I received an audio copy thanks to Adriana and Homecooked Book Promos and it was perfectly narrated by Maxine Mitchell and Tor Thom!
September 26, 2023
I am such a fan of Adriana Locke’s small town romances, and really enjoyed this one as well! This is a single dad, nanny romance that was so much fun to read. The “child” in this book is fourteen, so it was a little different than reading a story about a nanny of a young child. I really liked that aspect of it and how different it was from what I normally read in this trope. Megan was more like a friend to Kennedy at times. I also really loved how much Megan was willing to dive into Kennedy’s behavior and find the root of the problem instead of writing her off like everyone else did. The way Megan stood up for her at school was so good!!
Megan and Chase have such good chemistry. They’ve decided not to act on anything since she is there for Kennedy and they don’t want to mess that up. They aren’t able to keep that agreement for long though. One night they are alone, he is in pain, and she massages his shoulders and things go from there. I really enjoyed these two together and how swoony Chase was once she saw the real side of him. He is so freaking sweet to her, and actually listens to her about her past in a way others usually don’t.
4 stars
Thank you to Adriana Locke for the audio copy for review. All onions are my own honest thoughts.
Megan and Chase have such good chemistry. They’ve decided not to act on anything since she is there for Kennedy and they don’t want to mess that up. They aren’t able to keep that agreement for long though. One night they are alone, he is in pain, and she massages his shoulders and things go from there. I really enjoyed these two together and how swoony Chase was once she saw the real side of him. He is so freaking sweet to her, and actually listens to her about her past in a way others usually don’t.
4 stars
Thank you to Adriana Locke for the audio copy for review. All onions are my own honest thoughts.
March 10, 2023
This was adorable!
Megan takes a nanny job, but doesn’t realize it is for the son of her mom’s friend. He’s also the guy who helped her with her malfunctioning rental car. She left California after being let go from her job there, and her life is up in the air. Chase is a lineman. He is a single dad to a 14 yr old girl, Kennedy, and is dealing with her teenage shenanigans. Megan is only there for a month, but tension is high and they can’t resist each other.
I really enjoyed Megan’s character. She took no shit, and I LOVED how she got along with Kennedy. This was hot. The tension was high between Megan and Chase, and I loved how they initially agreed not to do anything. But……..
This felt so fast, but it wrapped up really nicely in the end. I loved Kennedy’s development through this. Also GAVIN. He was so funny and he was a sweetheart for being there for Megan. I want to read a Gavin book!
Megan takes a nanny job, but doesn’t realize it is for the son of her mom’s friend. He’s also the guy who helped her with her malfunctioning rental car. She left California after being let go from her job there, and her life is up in the air. Chase is a lineman. He is a single dad to a 14 yr old girl, Kennedy, and is dealing with her teenage shenanigans. Megan is only there for a month, but tension is high and they can’t resist each other.
I really enjoyed Megan’s character. She took no shit, and I LOVED how she got along with Kennedy. This was hot. The tension was high between Megan and Chase, and I loved how they initially agreed not to do anything. But……..
This felt so fast, but it wrapped up really nicely in the end. I loved Kennedy’s development through this. Also GAVIN. He was so funny and he was a sweetheart for being there for Megan. I want to read a Gavin book!
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