Member Reviews
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!
This was an amazing second chance romance that was well written. Neely and Dane share a past. She left and now she’s back. There past is about to come together with the present. They get a second chance to make right. First love is hard to forget.
A beautifully written story that flowed well. A great first story in an all new series.
So "Tumble" was the very first book I ever read from Adriana Locke and probably not the last one.
The story was very enjoyable and hearwarming. The characters were just adorable, as well as the setting very cosy.
As a reader I really felt, like I was in this small town "Dogwood Lane" and welcomed by its citizens. Similar like the main character Neely, who comes back to her hometown after 10 years of absence, after quiting her job and trying to re-enegize herself and see for her next steps.
In town she meets all old new faces, especially her former lover Dane. That there is history between those two is clear, but it takes a while to unravel. Meanwhile Neely helps at the local gym where kids learn gymnastics. As she was as a teenager also a (quite successfull) gymnast it is perfect for her.
While teaching new tricks to the children or helping them improve their routines, Neely also learns a lesson herself, even if you tumble, you have to pick yourself up and try again.
And than the showdown of the story, was soo exciting to read and really captivating, how is it now going to end, who will make the first step.
And not only the main characters were pleasent and likeable, but also the ensemble around them was great and bring potential future stories.
Thank you very much for Montlake Romance publishing and NetGalley for a review copy..
Adriana delivered another fantastic story that you're going to want to get lost in and not come back from. The only problem, I don't know if I want to stay in Dogwood Lane or enjoy all the other amazing world's that Adriana creates.
I felt both an unsettled feeling in my gut and excitement starting Tumble. I knew my heart would be broken before the book ended but I also had complete fate that everything was going to be ok by the end too. Adriana didn't disappoint. Tumble is everything I love about her writing, it's family, it's small towns I want to live in, it's happiness, and it's heartbreak.
When Neely's life gets flipped upside down she goes home hoping to find the answer to what she should do now. What she was hoping to avoid was Dane her ex and the reason for her last life changing decision. Maybe the answer she's looking for has been in her hometown all this time...or maybe she'll be reminded of the reasons she left. Whatever Neely finds you won't want to miss.
Go on the journey with Neely you won't regret it!
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.
Adriana Locke does a small town romance well. Not only does she write steamy relationships, but she builds a cast of characters that keeps you wanting more. She knows how to tell a story and keep the pages turning.
Tumble is a whole new world for Locke readers, a new town, new characters, new friends. This story, although frustrating at times, was a second chance that was earned. I look forward to seeing what happens in Dogwood Lane next.
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.
4.5⭐
Tumble was a great second chance romance. As not only did it have a lovely mix of sweetness, emotion and lightheartedness. But it was packed full of charismatic, entertaining, well rounded and likable characters. Not to mention it easily drew me in and I quickly became ensnared in Neely and Dane's romance. Which is why I would happily recommend it to others.
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!
5 Emotional Stars!
Dane broke Neely's heart when she was 18, so she moved to New York to follow her other dream. Dane has regretted his decision to break up with Neely every day. Ten years later when Neely comes home to Dogwood Lane after her quits her job, Dane doesn't know whether to ignore her or try to catch her because he knows that she was never meant to stay in their small town ... but he wanted her to.
This book has all the emotions in it ... I laughed, I cried, I swooned and I got mad. I loved that Dane wasn't a ladies man and that he was a devoted dad and responsible man. Neely was city girl on the outside, but on the inside she was a country girl. And Mia, Dane's daughter, just melted my heart. And not only were the main characters great, I really enjoyed the rest of the gang. The way that Dane, his brother Matt and his best friend Penn talked to one another was just the best. I can't wait for Matt and Penn's stories because the way Ms. Locke painted them, you just know they are gonna be great. This is an excellent start to a new series.
I received an advanced copy courtesy of Montlake Romance through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
(4.5) Just as with all of Locke's other novels, I really enjoyed this story! There were moments that made me gush, moments that made me think, moments that gave me the FEELS. Such a great light & fluffy read for the upcoming spring break season... I would recommend it! :)
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!
A super cute small-town romance. Is everyone perfect? No. But who is in life?
A history between a couple that tore them apart and kept them so. Which started them on very different paths. But suddenly, they are back in each other's lives.
The development of the two of them back to each other doesn't come without stumbling blocks, and some of the resolutions were not what I expected them to be. But through it all, they form a beautiful family that just works.
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.
Another small town, second chance romance from Adriana Locke. Yes, I’m there. I loved the new town and cast of characters I met. This book had some seriously bittersweet moments are well as laugh out loud moments that you wanted more of.
I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!
So this is probably one of the best second chance books I’ve read in a long time, it’s not usually my chosen trope to read but this one blew me away. I love Neely and Dane and all of the side characters. The ending is my favourite part though, I love the way it all happened. I’ve reread the ending twice now. I cannot wait for more of this series!