Show Me Summary: Adriana Locke’s Small Town Sports Romance
TL;DR: Quick Snapshot
Show Me is a contemporary small-town sports romance told in dual first-person perspectives.
Audrey Van, a rule-following philosophy professor, travels to a Tennessee cabin to complete a secret “Whimsy List.” She discovers Brooks Dempsey, a suspended MMA fighter, already there.
They agree to a one-week arrangement that helps Audrey explore her desires while Brooks rehabilitates his shoulder and fights false allegations.
Their connection faces interference from Audrey’s brother, Drew, who sits on the fighting commission.
The novel focuses on personal growth, healing from past trauma, and choosing community over social expectations.
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- Genre: Contemporary small-town sports romance
- Main characters: Audrey Van and Brooks Dempsey
- Setting: Sugar Creek, Tennessee
- Central conflict: Family pressure, career threats, and emotional vulnerability
Show Me Summary: The Full Story (Spoilers Ahead)
Warning: This section contains major spoilers for Show Me by Adriana Locke.
Audrey Van arrives at Blackbird Ranch in Sugar Creek, Tennessee, during a severe winter storm.
She plans to stay at her friend Astrid’s cabin to escape her family’s expectations and work on a private “Whimsy List” of adventurous goals. Upon entering the dimly lit cabin, she accidentally walks in on a naked Brooks Dempsey.
Brooks is a former NAFL MMA champion recovering from shoulder surgery. He is also fighting false allegations of fight-fixing.
After a phone call with his friend Gray Adler clarifies the mix-up, Brooks agrees to leave. However, a playful spark is immediately lit between the analytical professor and the unfiltered fighter.
Their paths cross again when Brooks severely cuts his forearm on barbed wire at the ranch. He refuses an expensive Urgent Care visit and convinces Audrey to stitch his arm using a needle and thread from her sewing kit.
During the impromptu surgery, Brooks notices Audrey’s laptop displaying her Whimsy List, including her desire to explore her sensual side.
Brooks offers to help Audrey check off her goals on her own terms.
They meet at Patsy’s, a local bar, where Audrey proposes a one-week “controlled fling.” Brooks agrees but discovers a complication: Audrey’s brother, Drew Van, is a former fighter appointed to the NAFL Combat Commission. Drew holds a decade-long grudge against Brooks and has the power to reinstate or revoke Brooks’s suspended fighting license.
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Despite the impending conflict, Brooks takes Audrey on a secluded road trip to a lakeside house. Over several days, they engage in passionate physical intimacy and emotional vulnerability.
Audrey discovers new confidence, while Brooks shares the painful childhood trauma of protecting his mother from his abusive father.
He also takes her shopping at Intimo, a boutique, encouraging her to embrace her own worth.
The sanctuary shatters when Drew calls Brooks directly. Drew issues a harsh ultimatum: if Brooks does not walk away from Audrey immediately, Drew will use his commission power to ensure Brooks’s license is permanently revoked.
Believing that continuing the relationship would destroy Audrey’s family connection and cost him his career, Brooks returns to the cabin and abruptly breaks things off.
Hurt and disappointed, Audrey uses her new voice to stand up to Brooks before packing her bags and heading to Nashville.
She stays with her best friends, Gianna Bardot and Astrid Lawsen. Back in Sugar Creek, Brooks’s friend Hartley Adler confronts him for taking the easy, fearful way out.
Shortly after, Gianna calls Brooks and angrily informs him that Lewis Lemon, a dangerous past date who previously sliced Audrey’s leg with a knife, is harassing her ahead of her father’s party in Boston.
Realizing he cannot live without Audrey and refuses to let fear dictate his life, Brooks makes a life-altering decision. He officially retires from professional fighting, neutralizing Drew’s leverage, and boards a flight to Boston.
Brooks surprises Audrey at her Boston hotel room right before her father’s birthday gala. He apologizes profusely, confesses his love, explains his retirement, and asks Audrey to be his official girlfriend.
Audrey joyfully accepts. Together, they attend the high-society event, where Audrey’s parents, Robert and Jessica Van, warmly welcome Brooks.
Brooks privately confronts Drew, informing him of his retirement and revealing that his private investigator has gathered irrefutable evidence of Drew’s past fight-fixing and bribery schemes.
Brooks warns Drew that any further interference in Audrey’s life will result in public exposure. Powerless, Drew backs down.
In the aftermath, Audrey and Brooks return to Sugar Creek.
They decide to purchase fifty acres of land near Blackbird Ranch to build their future home and start a family together.
Two months later, surrounded by their tight-knit circle of friends, Audrey updates her Whimsy List to include wedding planning.
She has fully stepped into her own strength and happiness.
Read Next: Wherever It Leads Book Summary
Summary by Chapter (Spoilers Ahead)
This section provides a brief summary of each chapter for readers who want to explore what’s inside.
The book contains 31 numbered chapters and 2 epilogues.
Chapter 1 (POV: Audrey): Audrey drives through a harsh winter storm from Nashville to Blackbird Ranch. She arrives late at night at Astrid’s cabin and changes into sweatpants and silk lingerie.
Chapter 2 (POV: Brooks): Brooks steps out of the shower completely naked and finds Audrey in the bedroom. After a scream, he calls Gray Adler, who clarifies that Audrey has permission to stay.
Chapter 3 (POV: Audrey): The next morning, Audrey enjoys coffee, discusses her “good girl” image with Gianna, meets Hartley Adler, and reviews her secret Whimsy List.
Chapter 4 (POV: Brooks): Brooks undergoes shoulder rehab at Alfie’s Gym while dealing with his suspended license. He mentors a boy named Trent, talks with Alfie, and spots Audrey driving through town.
Chapter 5 (POV: Audrey): Audrey eats lunch at Piper’s Pizza, texts her brother Drew, and speaks with her mother Jessica. Later, Brooks accidentally slices his forearm open on barbed wire.
Chapter 6 (POV: Audrey & Brooks – Interleaved): Brooks convinces Audrey to stitch his arm in the cabin bathroom. During the procedure, he notices her laptop displaying her Whimsy List.
Chapter 7 (POV: Audrey): Brooks teases Audrey about her Whimsy List, specifically her intimate goals. He offers to help her check items off before Hartley’s arrival interrupts.
Chapter 8 (POV: Brooks): Brooks accompanies his mother Sally to the cemetery. Returning home to his cat Otis, he realizes Audrey wants to break out of her shell.
Chapter 9 (POV: Audrey): Audrey finishes grading papers, tells Astrid about stitching Brooks’ arm, updates her Whimsy List, and decides to spend Friday night at Patsy’s bar.
Chapter 10 (POV: Audrey & Brooks – Interleaved): At Patsy’s, Brooks surprises Audrey. She proposes he help her check off her list during her remaining week, and he agrees under his terms while discovering her brother is on the commission.
Chapter 11 (POV: Audrey): Brooks arrives at the cabin on Saturday with lunch. They engage in flirtatious banter about philosophy and family expectations, and he promises a controlled experience.
Chapter 12 (POV: Brooks): Brooks speaks with his manager Isaac about his suspended license and rivalry with Drew. He meets Audrey at Alfie’s Gym for a self-defense lesson and plans a road trip.
Chapter 13 (POV: Brooks): Brooks attends Sunday church with his mother, arranges cat-sitting for Otis, and exchanges playful texts with Audrey before picking her up.
Chapter 14 (POV: Audrey): Audrey walks to Hartley’s house, where Cathy packs her a picnic basket. She takes a call from Drew, who demands she stay away from Brooks.
Chapter 15 (POV: Audrey): Audrey texts Astrid and Gianna while waiting at the cabin. She squeals with excitement when Brooks pulls up in his truck.
Chapter 16 (POV: Audrey): During the drive to a rented lake house, Audrey and Brooks review her Whimsy List and share flirtatious banter.
Chapter 17 (POV: Audrey): Arriving at the lakeside cottage, Brooks undresses Audrey on the back deck. They engage in passionate physical intimacy on the bed.
Chapter 18 (POV: Brooks & Audrey – Interleaved): Brooks and Audrey engage in complete lovemaking. Audrey realizes she has permanently shed her old inhibitions.
Chapter 19 (POV: Brooks): Eating cereal at 2:00 AM, Brooks opens up about his childhood trauma. Audrey comforts him, and they share stories about their families.
Chapter 20 (POV: Brooks & Audrey – Interleaved): Brooks and Audrey explore a neighboring town. He buys her five new sets of lingerie at Intimo boutique and kisses her under the streetlamps.
Chapter 21 (POV: Brooks & Audrey – Interleaved): Brooks learns Drew has officially taken the commission seat. That afternoon, Audrey wears a red lace bodysuit, and they share an intense encounter.
Chapter 22 (POV: Brooks & Audrey – Interleaved): Preparing to leave the lake house, Brooks and Audrey discuss the meaning of “home.” Audrey seduces Brooks one last time before checking out.
Chapter 23 (POV: Audrey): Back at the cabin, Brooks hugs Audrey goodbye. Audrey catches up on work, talks with Astrid, and stands her ground during a call with Drew.
Chapter 24 (POV: Audrey & Brooks – Interleaved): Drew calls Brooks with an ultimatum threatening his license. Brooks abruptly breaks off the romance. Audrey stands up for herself before he leaves.
Chapter 25 (POV: Audrey): Heartbroken, Audrey drives to Nashville to stay with Gianna and Astrid. She receives harassing texts from Lewis Lemon and reveals he previously sliced her leg.
Chapter 26 (POV: Brooks): Hartley calls out Brooks for choosing fear. Gianna calls Brooks, revealing Lewis Lemon’s threat. Brooks decides to retire from fighting and head to Boston.
Chapter 27 (POV: Audrey & Brooks – Interleaved): In her Boston hotel room, Audrey prepares for her father’s party. Brooks knocks, apologizes, announces his retirement, and asks her to be his girlfriend.
Chapter 28 (POV: Audrey & Brooks – Interleaved): Brooks accompanies Audrey to the gala and meets her approving parents. He privately confronts Drew, revealing his retirement and threatening to expose Drew’s corruption.
Chapter 29 (POV: Audrey): Audrey and Brooks celebrate their reunion in Boston. They decide to buy fifty acres of land near Blackbird Ranch to build their dream house.
Epilogue #1: Two months later, Audrey and Brooks celebrate closing on their Sugar Creek property with matching tiny clover and lock tattoos alongside their friends.
Epilogue #2: Audrey updates her Whimsy List with wedding planning goals. She is content in the loving, fulfilling life she has created on her own terms.
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Characters In This Book
| Character | Role |
|---|---|
| Audrey Van Brooks Dempsey (Dr. Audrey Van) | Main female protagonist; 27-year-old online philosophy professor at Montague College seeking to break free from high-society expectations through her “Whimsy List.” |
| Brooks Dempsey | Main male protagonist; former NAFL MMA champion recovering from shoulder surgery at Blackbird Ranch while fighting false fight-fixing allegations. |
| Drew (Andrew) Van | Audrey’s overbearing brother, a former fighter appointed to the NAFL Combat Commission who holds a bitter rivalry against Brooks. |
| Gianna Bardot | Audrey’s fiercely protective, outspoken best friend in Nashville who encourages Audrey to embrace her desires. |
| Astrid Lawsen (Adler) | Audrey’s close friend, married to Gray Adler, who offers her cabin at Blackbird Ranch as Audrey’s retreat. |
| Gray Adler | Brooks’ childhood best friend, former professional athlete, husband of Astrid, and co-owner of the cabin. |
| Hartley Adler | Gray’s brother, a pragmatic local rancher who offers straightforward advice to Brooks. |
| Sally Dempsey | Brooks’ sweet, resilient mother who bakes cobblers for the community and survived an abusive marriage. |
| Jessica Van | Audrey and Drew’s high-society mother, obsessed with perfection, appearances, and social clubs. |
| Robert Van | Audrey and Drew’s wealthy father, who approves of Brooks over Audrey’s past suitors. |
| Cathy | Hartley’s warm, motherly housekeeper (“Domestic Supervisor”) who prepares picnic baskets for Audrey and Brooks. |
| Alfie | Owner of Alfie’s Gym in Sugar Creek, a local fighting legend and mentor to Brooks. |
| Trent | A young, eager boy training at Alfie’s Gym whom Brooks mentors. |
| Achilles | Brooks’ high-priced physical therapist overseeing his shoulder rehabilitation. |
| Isaac | Brooks’ fight manager who investigates the commission and conspiracy details. |
| Jasper | Brooks and Gray’s close friend in Sugar Creek, dating Markie. |
| Markie | Jasper’s girlfriend. |
| Mira | Markie’s sister and Hartley’s long-time love interest. |
| Drake Bennett | Gianna’s boyfriend, a supportive member of the friend group. |
| Lewis Lemon | A dangerous past date who previously sliced Audrey’s leg with a pocketknife and continues to stalk her. |
| Seth Cranton | Audrey’s past crush who harshly rejected her via text. |
| Otis | Brooks’ dramatic, hot-dog-loving 5-year-old orange tabby cat. |
| Darla | The encouraging owner of the Intimo lingerie boutique. |
| Lisa | Friendly waitress at Piper’s Pizza. |
| Terri | Bartender at Patsy’s bar. |
| Anna | Audrey’s deceased older sister who passed away as an infant, influencing her parents’ strict upbringing. |
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Who Is Show Me For?
This book may appeal to readers who enjoy contemporary small-town romance with dual first-person perspectives. It features a sports romance backdrop centered on an MMA fighter and a philosophy professor.
The story includes a bucket-list premise, opposites-attract dynamic, and a forbidden attraction involving a brother’s rival.
Readers who prefer character-driven narratives with emotional vulnerability, witty banter, and a cozy rural setting may find this book matches their interests.
The pacing is fast, and the plot unfolds chronologically over several weeks.
Book Snapshot
- Genre & Subgenre: Contemporary Romance / Small Town Sports Romance
- Core Narrative Tropes: Mistaken Identity Encounter, Opposites Attract / Grumpy x Sunshine, Bucket List / Whimsy List, Small Town Escape, Sports Romance (MMA), Brother’s Rival / Forbidden Attraction
- Tone & Atmosphere: Cozy, sensual, romantic, witty, and emotionally heartwarming
- Primary Conflict: Audrey’s internal struggle to overcome high-society family pressure versus Brooks’ external struggle with his suspended MMA license, his grudge against Audrey’s brother Drew, and his fear of emotional attachment
- Pacing Style: Fast-paced, character-driven dual POV chronologically unfolding over several weeks
- ISBN: 978-1960355508
- Pages: 304
- Book Structure: 31 numbered chapters alternating between Audrey (“A”) and Brooks (“B”), concluding with 2 Epilogues
