Small town second chance romance with NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP.

It’s been 5 years since June left her small town with no explanation. She left her dad, her friends, and her fiancé. When she comes back unannounced to take care of her dad after knee surgery, June is quickly reminded how a small town can hold a grudge.

This was a cute quick read. I loved the small town vibes. While June might not have handled things well in the past, she showed so much growth in her second chance. Tucker was such a romantic, half-heartedly trying not to fall back into June knowing she wasn’t going to stay.
I was a little annoyed with Junes dad. He kept so many things from her and was more worried about Tucker getting hurt than how June might be feeling.

Thank you Dreamscape Media for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

I recieved an audiobook copy of this for my honest review.

Our FMC is heading back home to her small town in Texas after 5 years away. Her dad is having knee surgery and she is going to help him while he needs it. When she gets to his house, our MMC and her ex-boyfriend, is already there helping. They haven't spoken since she basically snuck away in the middle of the night. They had been high school sweethearts, planning their wedding in college when she felt overwhelming like she would end up hurting him like her mom had hurt her dad. She knows that she hurt people, and maybe this time in town will give closure, because she knows, even though she is still in love with him, she can't stay. Can she? Will she be just like her mom and think she is stuck in a small town, or will being back amongst friends and family show her just what she has been missing these last 5 years?

Falling In Line was a super cute, super sweet closed door second chance romance. I really enjoy second chance romances when they're done well and this one truly hit the spot. This was such an easy and fast paced story to get yourself immersed in.

I loved the dual POV we got, we truly got to see both sides of their story and where each of them was coming from. Why they were acting the way they were. I loved getting to know them, seeing their new relationship grow back to fruition. There was miscommunication as to why she left in the first place which made me cringe, but I was able to surpass it.

It's also pretty plot oriented, so you get a lot of story with an added romance. I thought it was a nice blend of things and I loved the whole storyline.

🎧 The narration by Cara Swingline & Evan Sibley was really well done. The only thing I felt like the male narration the audio was a little off, as if his recording studio just wasn't adequate. It was still very enjoyable, they brought the characters to life with all the related emotions. I truly enjoyed their performance, they kept me invested.

✨️Thank you to @netgalley, @dreamscapemedia & @kaseystockton for my gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC audiobook.

Love a good, clean, swoon-worthy novel? This book is for you. June and Jack and all the side characters were all SO lovable! June and Jack were high school sweethearts who were nearly married and then June left without any explanation. She comes back to her small hometown 5 years later and well… you will just need to read the book to find out what happens when she comes back around. This is a story of second chance love and forgiveness. It was a fun and easy listen. I loved having the 2 different narrators (male/female).

Falling in Line is ann audio ARC I got to listen to, and it’s dual POV which means a male and female author! I loved listening to them both, they really made this small town romance come alive. I loved June and Tucker dancing around their old feelings, and how June really had to come to terms with what her leaving did to the people she left. The story was well crafted and heartfelt.

Wow, these folks sure harbored a lot of anger toward this young woman! I grew up in a small town, but I don't think anyone would have held a grudge quite like these residents.

If you stick with Kasey Stockton's Falling in Line you'll see the conflicts are resolved, but there is a bunch of negative and bitter confrontations to get through first. The audiobook narrators, Cara Swingline and Evan Sibley do a good job of capturing the tone and mood for which Stockton is striving.

I loved this audio!! Cara Swingline and Evan Sibley are the perfect fit for Falling in Line and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to them. Falling in Line is a quick, easy, fun, happy, sweet, swoony story that you'll find yourself binging because it's so good. I love a good audiobook and I'm thrilled this was one I requested because it flew by and left me feeling all the good vibes. The narrators were clear and smooth, really embodying the characters and drawing the reader/listener in. I'd definitely listen to anything else they narrate.

I really liked the MCs June and Tucker and the side characters were all fun and added depth to the story. After years away from home, June is back in town to take care of her dad during his recovery but she didn't expect to find Tucker at her house when she arrives. Nor did she realize he bought the house next door. Awkward. It's clear that even though June left him behind years ago when she fled her hometown, their love for each other stayed. The chemistry and tension are there from that first run in and I was rooting for them throughout. June's reasons for leaving are really understandable and Tucker's hurt is justified but they were also so young when she left and I understand June's fear that they would fall out of love like her parents did after being together since they were basically kids. I love that Tucker was so sure of their love even though he didn't see how much June's mom leaving affected her until she came back. This is a sweet story of second chance love in a small town. It's a story of forgiveness and overcoming fears, finding your home and discovering the future you really want for yourself. The way the town reacts to June's return is mixed and I think in a small town setting that would definitely be the case. Not only does June know she has to apologize to Tucker for running but she realizes she owes a lot more people than him and her dad an apology and that they weren't the only two she hurt when she left without looking back. I love how being back home helps June heal and realize what she really wants and I love the relationship between June and Tucker because even when they're not together it's clear that they are a perfect fit.

small town romance
second chances
forgiveness
self-discovery
closed door romance

This is not a spicy romance, it's sweet and wholesome and tender. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to any romance fans! The audio is out on March 19th 2024 so check it out then!

I voluntarily listened to and reviewed an ALC from Dreamscape Media via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Second chance romances are my new jam!!
The characters are so beautifully written and i absolutely love in love right from the starting and the book was in audiobook format, so it was also so amazing and wonderful to read this book.
I finished it in two days and omg this book was so cute and sweet!! I absolutely love this!
There was not a single moment I was disappointed by the writing or the characters. The author's writing was so good. I had a great time reading this.

I really liked the relationship between our MC and the love interest. I didn’t love her reason for being gone for so long and not coming back, I didn’t like it mostly for her dad. But when I got over that, I really liked the rest of this book.

3.75 ✨

Oh my god! you were an amazing experience and I don't to audiobooks that much but I definitely enjoyed the hell out of this one, the narrators did an impeccable job because I was hooked and I also enjoyed it because it was very convenient for my situation as I tend to listen and code (works very well for me) so the Narrators, Kudos to them!

The author I'd say that her writing style was very accessible and fast paced, it was easy to immerse yourself within the book but not enough to be deeply connected with it and I believe that was the only issue that I had with this book was I could not connect with the writing style that much but that still does not neglect how well thought this book is because, come on! A small town romance, second chance and Grumpy X sunshine? All were nailed to the wall!

June and Tucker were a joy to read about, the characters were so fun and I honestly saw both of their sides and I did understand where they both were coming from so, I really can't blame any of the two because June's trust after her mom left was obviously going to deteriorate and she was obviously going to have to feel bad but then again Tucker is not really a mind reader and it is not like June told him when she left so fault at both sides but the way they patched and interacted was so sweet and wholesome, I was rooting for them the entire time.

Moving on to the romance, I honestly thought that adding no spice to it was the perfect solution tbh because when a book is going so fluffy and cute, smut tends to ruin things and thank god tat this one did not have it because I would have been off with it but the pieces of it that we got were so tender and heartwarming that I fell in love. I would say though for a romance book it focused more on the plot than the romance and I mean I dont usually mind that but I wanted a little more romance.

Overall, a really fun experience and I would recommend this to everyone.

*Thank you to Netgalley and dreamscape books for providing me and audio arc in exchange for an honest review*

"Falling in Line" is all about second chances. So let's chat about them for a hot minute. They're tricky, right friends? Now imagine how tricky it would be if it involved returning to a small town you swore you'd left behind for good. Well, cue the dramatic entrance of June, our spunky heroine. And then there's Tucker, the jaded hero whose heart's been through the wringer. Ah, the stage is set in Arcadia Creek for a tale that's about healing and taking those second chances, even when it scares you.

June's surprise return home sends ripples through Tucker's well-guarded heart. You can practically feel the tension and the heartache simmering between them from the moment he opens her Dad's door. There's this undeniable spark between Tucker and June. There is this hope that maybe, just maybe, hearts can heal and love can once again take hold. If it ever really left in the first place.

June is not about to let Tucker hold onto old grievances, and Tucker is trying not to make the same mistake twice. Their journey is one of finding yourself, standing on your own two feet, but coming home and realizing that maybe you could have done that with the person you always loved. It's a story about facing the past, embracing the present, and daring to hope for a future that once seemed impossible.

I did love the dynamic between June and Tucker. They're like two pieces of a puzzle that forgot they fit together perfectly. Their interactions range from awkward to deeply touching, painting a picture of a love that’s resilient, a little messy, but all the more real for it.

So, my book friends, if you're craving a read that’s got that small-town charm where the characters feel like old friends and the story wraps around you like a warm hug, then "Falling in Line" should definitely be on your radar. Kasey Stockton has woven a tale that reminds us it's never too late for second chances, especially when it comes to love.

If you like cozy romances pick up Falling in Line grab your favorite cozy blanket, a cup of something delicious, and let yourself fall in line with June and Tucker's story. Happy reading, friends!

An adorable, sweet small town second chance romance. June literally ran away from the small town she grew up in and from everyone in it, including her fiancé, Tucker. did she handle things properly, absolutely not. Was she young, feeling lost and unable to articulate the depth of her feelings of having been abandoned by her mother, having to become the parent to her father when he fell apart and pressure of the entire town watching and judging every single thing she said and did…YES, so she fled. When she returns home she finally finds her way and things take a turn for the better for her and for everyone. And of course, there is what we came for, a terrific HEA. Now, the town is lovely, but they are kind of cult-like and a teeny bit creepy albeit loving. Lovely narration added to the listening experience.

I love me a good second chance romance, add in that this book is written by one of my favorite authors and yeah, it is a total winner!
Falling in Line was such a cute, clean romcom. June and Tucker had such a sweet relationship even with the bumps that came from time apart and a very abrupt end to their original romance. Even though the plot really is nothing like Sweet Home Alabama, while I read this book, I had those same feels the movie captures and I loved that vibe. June broke Tucker's heart and left him and their small home town behind. When she returns, she's a bit skeptical and nervous about what to expect, but sometimes that first love really is the one.
I loved the whole small-town community and side characters. I enjoyed how the angst played out and that Tucker didn't sit in his anger, but that June also had to acknowledge what she had done. It was a sweet story told in dual POV that I will be reading again and again.
Side note: I am soooo excited for Dusty’s story now too.
I listened to the audiobook version of Falling in Line. I liked the narrator for Tucker, but the female narrator wasn't quite how I imagined June sounding. She did a good job, but seemed older somehow than how I pictured June (not that she sounded old old, just not quite the "Texas turned Cali girl June" I felt in the story). It's still good to listen to and I'd rate it a 4. 5 star audiobook.

This one was adorable. I love how he tried so much to not fall in love with her but he just couldn’t help himself. She honestly couldn’t either. They never stopped and it’s so cute and so happy when they finally get back together and admit there was love there all along.

🌀Synopsis
June is back in town. It’s something Tucker knew could happen but still didn’t expect. After how their relationship ended, he’s not happy she’s back either. She’s back to help her dad though and he can appreciate that. He just hopes she finds her way back out soon and doesn’t stop to talk to him either. The only problem seems to be that he can’t steer clear of her willingly or otherwise.
June has a lot on her plate when she returns to town. Her dad needs help after surgery and his book store is failing. She decides to tackle both and finds that she’s happy to be back with her dad. Leaving town was rough but he was in the depths of depression then and nothing June did could help. Now he’s healthy but still needs help making the store work. She realizes that there were a lot of things and people she inadvertently left behind when she dashed away and didn’t return. The biggest of those being Tucker and their engagement. It’s not that she didn’t love him, she was just drowning in the needs of her father and didn’t know how to help. Now the love she’s harbored all those years is back and she’s determined to figure out if he feels it still too.

This was cute and I really enjoyed it. Loved the characters and the plot. Definitely want to go read book 1 now

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an early listen of this audiobook. All thoughts are my own, I do not accept money for reviews.

Let me tell you, I have read many a small town romance, and this one is the most accurate portrayal I've come across. I have lived in the same small town in east Texas for my 24 years of life, and this book just perfectly captures what a small town is like. We are a weird little bunch, everyone is up in your business, these people watch and help you grow up, and we are all there to pick up each other when we fall. Is it all sunshine and rainbows, no, but its a community like no other.

Onto the actual story, I related to June so much. I resented my small town in high school. I didn't like everyone being in my business, especially the parents of my peers. Small towns are small minded, and they usually don't change their opinion of you ever after you've grown up. Seeing someone you helped or watched grow up for them to turn their back on you hurts. But its part of life. June was tied to Arcadia Creek no matter what because of her dad and because she wasn't over Tucker.

Tucker is the blueprint for a small town boy and I'm not mad about it. So many of my former classmates have become linemen or firefighters like Tucker and Dusty respectively, and while I can't vouch for a rivalry between them, that banter was fun.

This book just gave me all the feels about my childhood and teenage years. And while I have grown apart from the people I've grown up with and was friends with, I also know that if I texted any of them asking to meet up it would be like no time has passed.

Also, Gig Em.

Falling In Line by Kasey Stockton
⭐️⭐️⭐️


Falling In Line is a solid small town, second chance CLEAN romance. This was our first time reading Kasey Stockton and her Arcadia Creek series. This is book 2 in the series, but works just fine as a stand alone! It was clear from the cast of characters that should you want to read in order that the relationship dynamics would have had more depth— but we did not feel too left out.

The story centers around FMC June who is returning to her hometown of Arcadia Creek to take care of her father after running away from her life and her fiancé Tucker years earlier. June left without explanation and returning to her gossipy small town requires her to face and explain many of those choices head on. The people of Arcadia Creek did not go easy on June and as a reader the heavy focus on her apologizing to multiple people started to grow old and by the public town apology we just felt a bad for June.

Apologies (when done correctly) are really valuable to strengthening relationships. However, does someone really need to apologize this hard for making decisions about where she lived and who she married? In our opinion the townspeople needed to back off or reach out to support rather than vilify June. The the phone works both ways. This was addressed but not nearly as focused on in the apology department.

We also felt the storyline stretching out when it didn’t need to. If the trope would have concluded around 75% of listening we probably would have given a 4⭐️ review. However, it started to take a LONG while to get to the resolution and the rest read as filler content. Without any spice by this point we were ready for the HEA.

The narration was done really well for both Tucker and June! Sometimes the readers can make or break the story. For you listeners, the audiobook becomes available March 19th! We also loved the bookstore/coffee setting and wondered why we aren’t starting one of our own!

Thank you @netgalley and @dreamscapemedia for the opportunity to give our honest feedback reviewing this ALC of Falling In Line!

June and Tucker

Love a second chance romance? Check out FALLING IN LINE by Kasey Stockton.

June and Tucker fell in love as teenagers and were meant to spend their life together. Until June ran away to California and Tucker stayed in Texas. Back in Texas to help her Dad recover from surgey, June and Tucker can't escape each other - and their feelings.

This was a great second chance romance, with lots of small town vibes. I loved the entire ensemble and the dual narration. Both characters were realistic and likable, and their love story believable. I liked the communication and especially loved June's Dad - what a sweetheart!

READ FOR:
💕Second chance romance
🏘️Small town vibes
🥰Clean romance
⭐4 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC! Opinions are my own

#rochellereadsit

Thank you, NetGalley, Kasey Stockton, and Dreamscape Media for giving me the audiobook arc in exchange for an honest review! This book is a sweet story about June and Tucker. June leaves her small town and Tucker the love of her life to find herself. When she comes back to take care of her father she hopes that she doesn't run into Tucker but of course she does. They work to forgive each other and see if they can mend their relationship. The narrator brings these characters to life.

What a great second chance romance! I listened to this book on audio and loved the dual narration, it helped me imagine the story between Tucker and June even more than reading it on page would have been.

Falling in Line is a small town romance with a sweet second chance love story. I loved that both characters still lived their own lives and progressed on their own during their 5 year separation. Their breakup didn't stop their individual progress, which I love seeing in a book!

Here are a few details I loved in the book:
- The rodeo
- The quilting group (I'm apart of a quilting group too so this was fun to read about!)
- The contract breech

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy of the audiobook. A positive review was not required.