A Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestseller.From USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke comes a witty romance about first love and second chances.After being burned by her dream job in New York City, sports journalist Neely Kimber suddenly finds herself jobless and paying a long-overdue visit to her hometown in Tennessee. Her plan? Relax, reset, and head back up the corporate ladder. … and head back up the corporate ladder. There’s just one unexpected step. Neely’s back in Dogwood Lane for barely a day when she sees the man she ran from nine years ago: the bad boy next door who was her first kiss, her first love, and her first heartbreak.
Devoted single dad Dane Madden knows he hurt Neely in the worst way. He’s got a lot to make up for. And as passionate as their reconnection is, it’s a lot to hope for. Having her back in his arms feels so right. But falling in love all over again with a woman who wants to live a world away is bound to go so wrong.
What’s it going to take for Neely to give him—and Dogwood Lane—just one more chance?
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Tumble is the first book in the Dogwood Lane series by the ever-talented, Adriana Locke. I was so excited when I found out she was writing a new series with all new characters in a new town. I have loved all of her books and was just as amazing. I don’t want to spoil anything so I will make this fast.
Neely hasn’t been home in ten years. Not since they day she left for college. From there she moved on to New York to become a sports journalist. She was making her way up in that world until she came crashing down. Now, she is back in Dogwood Lane for a few days to get some fresh air and to visit her mom. Once she finds a new job in NY she will be leaving the small town once again. Her life was in NY. The life she built.
Dane is a single dad to a daughter who has him wrapped around her finger. He has built his life around his little girl. He works hard. Hangs out with his friends and family and rarely dates. He misses the waking up to a woman in his arms but the only one he has even wanted there left ten years ago. Neely. And now she was back. Only for a few days but damn does he wish she would stay forever.
Dane and Neely’s relationship ended years ago but when they are in the room, the sparks are still flying. Everyone in town feels them. But, they have a past that holds them back. She also needs to feel like she has succeeded in the world. Made a difference and she doesn’t see that happening in Dogwood Lane. Even if seeing Dane with his little girl makes her heart flutter and her body swoon. Even if she could forgive him for his past mistakes, could they really move forward?
No. Yes. Maybe. You would have to read to find out the whole story. And please trust the author.
Overall…I loved the story. The characters. The banter. The fun. The heat. The love. The hate. It really has it all. I can’t wait to see who is getting a story next. I have a feeling…and omg! It’s going to be good.
Quotes:
“Well, not to be creepy or anything, but I looked him up online. I don’t know how to say this, Neely, but he’s freaking hot.”
“I know.” I moan. “I hate him for it.”
“Don’t hate him for it. Fuck him for it.”
“How are you, Penn?” She gives him a quick once-over. “You look hot.”
Penn’s jaw drops. “I’ve waited for this moment for years.”
“No, really. Make sure you drink enough so you don’t dehydrate.”
“Look at me, sitting erect,” Mia says with a hint of pride.
3.5 stars. I love Adriana Locke books. This was a different book for her. Small town single dad second chance Romance book. Neely left Dogwood Lane after her heart was broken to follow her dreams. She’s at crossroad in life and has come back to figure out what was next in life. Dane broke Neely’s heart but never got over her. I will say it made me angry Dane justified his cheating. Mia is a great addition to the book.
When much loved authors try something new, it’s exciting and a little scary too. Tumble starts a new small town series, Dogwood Lane, by Ms Locke and she definitely delivered.
Dane and Neely were high school sweethearts who had things implode on them, leading to 10 years apart until she finally comes home. I found myself liking both characters and rooting for them to get closure and find their happily ever afters.
Dane, his brother, and friend fit the Locke hero mood perfectly. That is to say that they are not perfect at all, but that they have a sense of honor and have a wonderful sense of humor that makes you want to get to know them better.
Neely is a unique and strong heroine. I loved that she let herself lash out at Dane and put the hurt out on a platter, but then felt the need to apologize. I also could relate to how her priorities changed, I think the struggle she went through is something a lot of people deal with as they mature.
This is an overall fun book. There is history and some angst, but it’s not too heavy. There is also a good balance between world building, plot, and character development. I am looking forward to more from Dogwood Lane.
NO SPOILERS!
Tumble was everything you’d expect in a small town second chance romance, and I absolutely loved it! Tumble was a sweet, sexy, and charming standalone contemporary romance and start to the Dogwood Lane series. Adriana Locke’s writing style was wonderful, and the tale she wove for Dane and Neely was amazing. I fell in love with Dane, Neely, and the rest of the people and town of Dogwood Lane, Tennessee, and can’t wait to continue the series in Tangle!
I usually love Adriana Locke’s books. So as soon as I saw a new one, I had to get it and read it.
It’s not that I didn’t enjoy this. I did, somewhat.
I just couldn’t connect to either Neely or Dane. I just wasn’t feeling them.
They both basically said “sorry for what happened 10 years ago”. Then they jump in the sack together, knowing Neely is leaving again.
Dane wants to protect Mia from heartbreak by another woman, but yet he just lets Neely right into Mia’s life.
I did like Penn, Matt, Grace, Mia, and Hayley though.
The writing was great. The story just didn’t grab me the way that Adriana’s books normally do. And I love second chance books, especially single dad ones.
4 stars
Tumble is the first title in the Dogwood Lane series, a small town, second chance romance whilst poignant is also heart-warming.
The heroine Neely is strong, independent, driven and focused. Unfortunately I struggled to connect with her in the beginning of the book.
Dane is a swoon worthy hero. He made mistakes in his youth , but can’t regret the outcome, despite the fact that he lost Neely in the process.
Whilst these characters are flawed, they are also realistic. I really enjoyed the banter they share, that is both witty and honest. The chemistry and connection between Dane and Neely is undeniable, and just oozes off the page.
It took me a bit to get into Tumble, but once I did this cast of characters stole my heart and captivated my interest. By the end I was incredibly eager for the next instalment of Dogwood Lane.
I haven’t read much that Adriana Locke has written, but what I have read, I’ve really liked. A lot. And this book is no exception. Tumble is the first book in this author’s next series, Dogwood Lane. It is Neely & Dane’s story.
Neely & Dane were high school sweethearts but he broke her heart in a very nearly permanent way. But now she’s back in town to unwind and reset after being stabbed in the back by her employer in New York City. Dane knows that she’ll be easy to fall in love with, again, but there’s so much more at stake this time. Can they figure out how to be together, or will life and choices keep them apart for good this time?
I LOVE second chance romance books. Mostly because that’s why my story is and the second chance was more than worth the wait. And so is Neely & Dane’s relationship. She’s been hurt by Dane and by “friends” in NYC, but she’s not jaded. Neely’s character is simply sweet. Yes, she’s angry, and rightfully so. But she’s not vengeful in her anger. She simply wants to do the best thing for herself going forward. Neely could hold a grudge, but she doesn’t. She opens up her heart and tries to figure out the best move for herself, for Dane, for everyone. And who doesn’t love a sexy single dad? Dane is a good guy who made a couple of dumb decisions when he was younger. The first one, his heart was in the right place. The second one? Just a plain dumb decision. But one he can’t bring himself to fully regret. What he does regret? Hurting Neely. And now he’s trying to make it right. For himself, for Neely, for everyone.
The characters in this book are just so loveable. I’m a southern girl from what used to be a small town, and so much of their story and their world was much like my own. I couldn’t help but fall in love with them, the town…all of it! And now I’m very much looking forward to Tangle, book two in this series!
NICUnurse’s Rating: This author weaves a great love story that weaves in themes of young love, mistakes, forgiveness…and real-life choices. I love that Neely doesn’t bow to pressure from anyone in the end. She’s fierce, strong, loving, and fair. And Dane is loyal, understanding, and protective. I give Tumble 4.5 stars and enthusiastically encourage you to read it today!
Adriana Locke is an author I read blind so I wasn’t sure what I was getting and I wasn’t prepared for the slow ache that this gave me. Sigh. It took me a hot minute to figure out what was happening in Tumble. Holy smokes- talk about small-town drama and this one is juicy!
I liked Neely. She was strong-willed and confident but also burnt out. Dedicated to her job, she lives a lonely life in the big city. She had poured all of her time and passion into making her dream a reality and got stuck with a nightmare. Not one to take things laying down, she decided to catch her breath with a visit at her hometown, a place she hadn’t been in a decade. And she didn’t leave on the best of terms. She left with a shattered heart. Thanks to Dane.
Oh Dane. Immediately I didn’t like him because he had hurt Neely. And when I learned exactly what he had done, my rage flag was flying. Did I get his rationale after he was given a chance to explain himself, kind of. He was just a kid at the time and in his mind and heart he was doing the right thing. Even though it wasn’t. However, the more I saw him with sweet and adventurous Mia, the more he wore me down. And Neely too. Though she did require a bit more a nudge in the direction of forgiveness.
I kept waiting for the big dramatic blow-up to happen. I knew it was coming, especially since Neely kept telling everyone she was headed back to New York. But I was prepared for her departure to hurt as much as it did. In her short time back at Dogwood Lane, she mad a big impact. But she had her dreams to chase and given the opportunity to do so, she couldn’t say ‘no’. So where did that leave Dane and Mia? Gah! My heart almost couldn’t take it.
I’m just going to take a moment and swoon over ‘the big gesture’ because this one was epic- on both accounts (and that’s all I’m going to say about it). No lie, Tumble was everything I didn’t know I wanted in this small-town, second-chance romance. There was heartache and heat and humor and hope. It was powerful but in a subtle way. Not in your face, but one of those that hits you when it’s over and you put it all together. Dane and Neely are the proof that chasing your dreams opens doors you didn’t even know were possible. Especially when there is a whole lot of love in the mix. And I am very much looking forward to returning to Dogwood Lane to get more of this fun cast of characters!
TUMBLE (Dogwood Lane #1) by Adriana Locke is a second chance contemporary romance that is the first book in a new series set in the small town of Dogwood Lane, TN. The hero and heroine have some issues that are still as fresh today, 10 years later, as they were when the heroine left town for college and then on to New York City to work in sports publishing.
Neely Kimber was on track to achieve her dream job until she was cheated out of a promotion. She quit and returned home to Dogwood Lane and her childhood home to lick her wounds and regroup. She is happy to be home with her mom until she runs into the boy, now man, who broke her heart and is the main reason she stayed away for so long.
Dane Madden knows he is the reason Neely has stayed away. He hurt her in the worst possible way, but it gave him his daughter, Mia so he cannot regret it. Now she is back in town and she ends up helping at the gym were Dane’s daughter is a junior gymnast. Even though Dane knows Neely is only home for a short time, he cannot stop himself from pursuing her and letting her get close to Mia.
Is a career in New York City really what this small town girl’s heart really wants? Can the past be forgiven and this couple become a family?
I have to say that I was having some difficulty in the first few chapters liking Neely, UNTIL I found out what Dane had done. I felt that Ms. Locke’s handling of all the strong emotions is well written and realistic. There is only one sex scene not behind-closed-doors and it is not overly explicit.
The secondary characters are all entertaining and I am looking forward to reading their stories in future books in this series.
Thank you to Montlake Romance and Net Galley for allowing me to read this eARC.
This is the first book in a new series from this talented author, and what a fantastic introduction this is. Neely is back in her hometown after 11 years. Dane is a single dad, who regrets what he did that drove Neely to leave town heartbroken. No spoilers; this is a definite must read, you will not be disappointed. This is a well written second chance story which is fun, entertaining, and humorous with witty banter. I was totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner, and cannot wait to read more in this amazing series.
Book 1 in the new Dogwood Lane Series and if Tumble is anything to go by Adriana Locke has a hit series on her hands, if you love second chance romance mixed in with small town romance this book should certainly be on your radar.
This book ticked all my boxes, a single hot dad with an adorable daughter , characters who I loved from the first page and did I mention the sizzling chemistry they shared, a story that was a classic romance that really tugged at my heartstrings and all of this centred around small town living. I swooned I smiled and I hoped and prayed for a HEA for Dane and Neely because their journey captivated me and left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, this slow burn love story has all the feels and it is the perfect holiday read or a book to curl up with on a cold winters night so all in all it’s a a must read for all lovers of romance stories. Can’t wait for book 2 in the Dogwood Lane Series.
Tumble by Adriana Locke is book One in the Dogwood Lane Series. This is the story of Dane Madden and Neely Kimber.
Neely left Dogwood Lane behind about 9 years ago with hopes of making it in her career choice and also to move away from her heart break named Dane. Now years later, her dream job is no more and she comes home to recharge her batteries and get a new game plan. What she didn’t count on was seeing Dane right away nor for her feelings to be so fresh still from him. Dane knows that he messed up years ago but is this his second chance wth Neely? Really enjoyed their story, the secondary characters and looking forward to the next book!
Adriana certainly knows how to write a sweet, second-chance romance that will make you laugh, swoon and cry.
Soon as Neely and Dane re-unite in the coffee shop I have been rooting for them to get together (although I could honestly understand Neely’s reluctance) These two were so perfect for each other, the chemistry between them was off the charts hot.
Adriana has given us a great cast of characters that you can’t help but become addicted to, Neely, Dane, Claire, Matt, Hayley and Penn, but of course can’t forget Mia, she is a real heart thief. The wit, banter and love between them keeps you hooked.
Neely and Dane were high school sweethearts. when Dane broke Neely’s heart and did the unthinkable Neely left town and never came back for 11 years. Whilst he regrets breaking Neely’s heart he can’t regret his actions giving him his beautiful little girl Mia. She certainly melts your heart and they way Neely embraced her straight away was beautiful to watch considering she could have held some resentment.
Another great start to a new series from Adriana. I honestly can’t wait to see what she brings us next in this series and who gets the next story.
All the feels. Neely had her heart crushed by Dane when they were teenagers. The ultimate betrayal. It’s been 10 years since she has returned to her hometown of Dogwood Lane and she thinks she can handle seeing Dane after all these years. Having just quit her job but still not feeling she has achieved all her goals she set for herself in her career and life. Dane is now a single father with an amazing daughter, Mia, that he does all he can to ensure she has the best life. When Neely walks back into his universe, he realizes the feelings he had for her never went away. Now, Neely never stopped loving Dane but how does her feelings for Dane and Mia factor into her well planned life? What happens when that dream job is offered to her? Does she give up on love? Does she find a new path? I loved this journey and felt all the emotions, I laughed, cried, screamed and cheered. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
This is my first book by Adriana Locke and it definitely won’t be my last! This is book 1 in the Dogwood Lane series. Neely Kimber has come home after being passed over for a promotion and quitting her job in NY. She only plans to stay and visit her mom until she finds another job in NY. She never plans on running into the man who nearly broke her years ago. Dane Madden never left Dogwood Lane, he stayed where he loved it and is raising his daughter on his own with help from his family. He never expects to see the woman he always loved, the one he hurt more than he ever wanted to. But the moment he see’s her, he knows he has never gotten over her. But he has a lot to try to make up for, and he has to hope that she will stay instead of going back to NY.
I absolutely loved this book! What Dane did to Neely was absolutely horrible. And I honestly don’t think I would be the person to be able to get over it the way she does. She is a much better woman that I am! But their relationship is absolutely beautiful to watch unfold. And the fact that she falls for his daughter as well is awe inspiring! Not many women have as much heart and goodness in them as this character does! Dane knew what he did was wrong and he finds ways to not only try to explain but to apologize and make her at least understand. You couldn’t help but fall in love with him as well! The side characters are absolutely awesome and cracked me up all the time! For the first book in a series, this one was great and left me hanging for more! A great way to start a series!
Loved this! It’s a fantastic small town second chance romance. Returning to her hometown was something Neely had vowed never to do. Yet when her job in NY implodes returning to Dogwood Lane is exactly what she does. Now her worst fear has come to pass. She’s face to face with Dane Maddox. No longer the boy who broke her heart and sent her running. He’s definitely all man and a single dad. Neely would never be able to trust him again no matter what her crazy libidio is say!
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and now I’m wondering what took me so long to give her books a try. With this book she’s definitely gained a new fan. I very much enjoyed her writing style, characters and story pace. I highly recommend this book.
I like a good second chance romance but throw in a single dad and oh be still my heart. While the writing was good, it took me a while to warm up to the characters and the story. It was interesting to see how Dane and Neely would progress as she spends more time at home, especially with how they first ended. When they were together it was nice and you can see how the basis of a friendship made the relationship work. I also liked reading about the relationship between Dane and his daughter Mia. It was sweet and he was such a devoted dad. I liked the small town feel to the story. It definitely added a warmth to the book-seeing the friendships between all. There were some parts better than others and I didn’t hate it nor love it. I liked it enough. Overall this was a nice read.
So here’s the thing – I was in Neely’s shoes before she escaped to NYC. And let me tell you: that shit is not something you can (so easily) forget. But this is fiction and we love to read how even the worst things that can happen to you can be overlooked.
Now back to the story: in a true Adriana Locke fashion this book was light (if you can get past the fact how he because a father), full of funny banter and hot when the MC’s found some comen ground. I think my favorite person in this book was Mia. That girl will cause both Dane and Neely grey hair in the future. The side characters were fun to get to know. If this book is any indication were in for a another great series. But please no more “we were on a break” moments OK???OK
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Dane.
Oh, Dane. How I love you.
I love how you love your daughter. I love that your love for her is so unquestioning, so unconditional, so complete.
I love how you love Neely. You know what she needs and want what is best for her, even if it means denying yourself happiness. I love that when she comes back onto Dogwood Lane, you let your heart be open to her.
I love the sort of brother, friend, coworker, and even son that you are. You’re the kind of guy who inspires the people around you, even if you don’t always see it. You demand professionalism and quality, and people respect you for it. They’re loyal to you.
I love how you forgive Neely for the mistakes she makes. You understand that she’s doing what you wanted her to do all those years ago–following her passion. You admit when you make mistakes, and you are open to moving outside of your comfort zone to find your happiness.
I love how you rock the headboard. DANE! You are scorching hot. I may not love the Dodgers (I feel like you would have been even more handsome had you worn an Orioles cap), but I love that the blue hat brings out your green eyes.
And I love how Adriana Locke tells your story. She makes me love you, and I more than like that experience.
Tumble is the first book in this new series. It is a second chance romance, which is one of my favorites. I liked this book but I wasn’t really a fan of the issue that happened. I loved Neely. I loved Dane at the beginning, until I read what he did but ended up liking him again towards the end. Mia was so cute. Neely and Dane had great chemistry. I loved all the secondary characters who I am hoping get books, especially Penn and Matt.