*I received a free copy of Tumble from Montlake Romance via Netgalley. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *
Tumble by Adriana Locke Series: Dogwood Lane #1
Published by Montlake Romance on February 26, 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 279
Format: eARC
Source: Netgalley
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. 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?
If y’all hadn’t figured it out yet, I’m a sucker for second chance romances. ALocke served up a nice one in Tumble. Neely and Dane had been high school sweethearts but when it came time to leave their small town for college, Dane broke up with Neely. And then he proceeded to really break her heart. So Neely moved on, got her degree and her dream job in NYC. Just when she thought she was going to get her chance to really make a difference, she was betrayed and she, therefore, quit. And when life serves you a blow like that, there’s only one thing that can make you feel better…Mama. Being from a small town like Dogwood Lane, it doesn’t take long before everyone knows Neely’s back – including Dane. He just needs her to give him an opportunity to really apologize for his mistakes…and maybe win her back.
Dane – he’s such a solid guy. Sure he made his mistakes but he wouldn’t change things because he got a beautiful and spunky little girl out of the deal. Breaking up with Neely wasn’t his only sin. But he’s had time to grow up and change. And spending time with Neely – allowing hope and emotions and feelings to blossom there – enable even more introspection and understanding of his errors in judgement. It also allowed for more growth.
Neely, having this time away from work, is able to see there might be more to life than her career. And maybe that there are other things she’s always wanted – besides her job – that are actually more important and more fulfilling.
ALocke developed a wonderful cast of secondary characters to surround the main two. None more charming than Dane’s daughter, Mia. I admire an author who can incorporate a child into a romance as something more significant that a plot device so kudos to ALocke. Mia is feisty yet introspective and sensitive. She rounded out a colorful cast that has me completely invested in the inhabitants of Dogwood Lane.
Tumble was my first read from ALocke and it certainly won’t be my last! I loved the small town setting for this wonderful second chance romance. I adored the characters (look forward to more from them in future books!) and character growth for Neely (especially her) and Dane. And Mia! Goodness but I couldn’t help but love that little girl! Tumble was engaging, well-paced, had just the right amount of angst, and fun!
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
About Brandee @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
Brandee is a mom of 3 and a soon-to-be empty nester. She is also an avid reader, a genre omnivore, and a compulsive one-clicker - but she's in recovery. Besides being a reader, she's also a writer and hopes to divide the vast quantities of spare time she'll soon have between reading and finally publishing her first book.
You make me want to dive into this one. I’ve already been curious to try her books and have two on my Kindle. Enjoyed the review, Brandee!
Second chance romance is totally my jam too! It’s a trope that’s very hard to resist! I don’t think I’ve read anything by Locke, but you’ve got me very curious, Brandee. Glad you enjoyed this one!
Like you, I really love a second chance romance and this sounds like a good one. I’m usually wary of children playing a significant role in books because they always seem to come off as overly precocious or overly precious but it sounds like even that was done well!
I love a good small town setting, second chance at love, romance! I think it’s great that the author was able to incorporate Mia, as significant to the story and more than a plot device. This story sounds realistic with how the main characters made mistakes, but had to learn and grow from them, before getting their second chance. I’m adding this story to my TBR! Lovely Review Brandee!
Oh I love a good second chance romance! And kids are so hard to fit into the story right but it sounds like this author did a good job. Great review!
I read this one, because it was a second chance romance, and no regrets. It was fun and as my first Locke book, I will say, I really enjoyed the writing. But like DANE! He brought tears to my eyes.
Oh I’m with you… when they can successfully incorporate a child into the story well, it usually is a good one. Hm… I’m going to have to check this one out.
I feel like a small town setting goes so well with a second chance romance kind of read! I am glad you liked trying something by this author for the first time ^.^
Twitter: Northwomn
Excellent review Brandee! I might have to find this one. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I love kids in a romance too.