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Summer
Returning to her home town was supposed to be temporary. But things change when she realizes her mom needs her help. And when her old high school crush who lives next door finds her on the front porch crying, everything changes. It all feels like a dream come true. At least until reality sets in. She wonders how long it will take before all the fun and excitement wears off because good things never last.

Dane
Twenty years ago he lied to her about his feelings. He's regretted it every day since. But he did it for a good reason. She deserves better than a blue-collar mechanic. But when she returns home, and he finally experiences that special side of her that calls to him, he isn't sure he can let her go again.

189 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2024

441 people are currently reading
126 people want to read

About the author

Kate Oliver

53 books1,409 followers
Kate Oliver has aspired to be an author all her life. From the time she was known as "that girl who always has her nose stuck in a book", Kate Oliver has wanted to be a writer. Currently, fetish romance is her favorite for both reading and writing. Kate has been a part of the fetish community for many years, and strives to write stories that realistically reflect that lifestyle. Her favorite part of writing her own books is dreaming up the hot and steamy, yet loving and strict, Daddies that Littles dream about.


To contact Kate, you can Email her at: kateoliverstories@gmail.com.

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5 stars
651 (53%)
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339 (27%)
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190 (15%)
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35 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
Profile Image for Cat H.
1,972 reviews218 followers
March 23, 2024
3.4 stars.
Lot of emotional turmoil about her mom’s mental state and health. And also about both of their self worth when it comes to ‘deserving’ a relationship with each other.
I enjoyed it, but I do wish there had been a second epilogue that had been a tiny bit further into the future where they were more settled in.
Profile Image for Lee Hamm.
333 reviews6 followers
Read
March 2, 2024
Dane is the 2nd book in Kate Oliver's Daddies of Pine Hollow series. It's the story of Dane and Summer. Dane was her best friend's brother and her biggest crush in high school. And although Dane had feelings for her too he lied because he didn't feel that he was worthy enough for her as a mere mechanic. Summer leaves heartbroken and tries to move on with her life. Dane regrets letting her go. But when she comes home to visit her mother and realizes how progressed her mother is in her dementia she decides to stay and help. Dane, who lives next door gets the chance to comfort Summer and sees a whole new side of her that calls out to him. There were parts of this that had me so emotional. I feel for Summer as she deals with her mother's condition. Having had a loved one who also suffered from it, it hit me hard. I loved that Summer and Dane were able to finally get together and be what each other needed. And that he came to see it's not the job that makes the man, it's his actions and heart.
Profile Image for Beverly McCall.
Author 2 books28 followers
March 31, 2024
Dane is the second installment in Kate Oliver’s Daddies of Pine Hallow series. In it readers witness the age-play and age-gap romantic journey of Summer Avery Pierce and Dane Bennett. She is a lawyer, independent, smart, curvy, and caring. After her father’s death, it has always been Summer and her mother. Now her mother is suffering dementia. Summer feels responsible and needs to care for her mom. Dane is a mechanic and has always been attracted to Summer. As she graduates high school Dane dashes her hopes of a relationship. He sends her away to college. Years late she is back. Does Dane regret his decision to let Summer go? Does she still have feelings for him? Can they find a way into each other’s hearts? To find out, you must read this book.

In this second chance at love romance, Ms. Oliver does a great job utilizing literary devices. Her dialog, both conversational and internal monologues, are outstanding. Readers get a fuller understanding of their backstories, their pain, and their happiness. Her lead characters are multi-dimensional. The secondary characters are also interesting and the camaraderie between them and the lead characters is enjoyable. This character-driven plot line moves at a nice pace.

Profile Image for Rara Loves to Read.
547 reviews25 followers
March 6, 2024
A deeply moving tale that lingers in your heart

Dane by Kate Oliver is the second book in the Pine Hollow series. It's a beautiful story of the sacrifices we make for the ones we love and the opportunity to learn and grow and have a second chance. This book touched on a very sensitive subject - the care of an elderly sick parent. Ms. Oliver skillfully portrayed the emotional turmoil Summer experienced as she navigated the challenges of caring for her mother, who is battling early onset dementia. I was drawn into Summer's world where she tried to balance her responsibilities and the longing for her own happily ever after. As Summer and Dane's relationship grew, Summer grappled with guilt and uncertainty about her mother while Dane grappled with self-doubt. As her mother's health worsens, Summer's need to retreat into Little space to cope is the push Dane needs to confront his insecurities and step up as the supportive Daddy she needs. Their evolving relationship showing their vulnerablities and strengths drew me in from the first page. This book is a deeply moving tale that lingers in your heart long after the last page
Profile Image for Fiona.
2,744 reviews31 followers
August 10, 2024
super sweet

I thoroughly enjoyed the story about Dane and Summer. Summer has been in love with Dane most of her life, and when he told her, he didn’t have any feelings for her on her graduation night, he broke both their hearts. Dane always felt that Summer deserved more than what he could give her, so he let her go so that she could find what she needed in Seattle. Now 20 years later, she has come home to look after her mum who has dementia, but she is not handling things well and Dane decides to step in and help. She needs Little time but she’s not getting it, Dane is taking over as her Daddy. Eventually, the two of them are honest with each other and declare their love, love for each other. I thought this was really cute that no matter what obstacles came in front of them that Dane was always strong enough to show Summer that he was there to take the burden, even to the point where he changed his house around so that her mother could move in with them once they were married.

I am voluntarily leaving my review for this book and this is my honest and fair opinion.
109 reviews3 followers
March 6, 2024
Get the Kleenex ready because you will need them!

I love a book that has real life connections and deals with real life issues. Ms. Oliver does a phenomenal job of portraying a relationship where the little has to deal with a very big issue. Her mother has dementia and she feels torn between caring for her mother, her relationship with Dane and her career as a lawyer. The author is very tactful and gentle in bringing this story to life. Her character development is perfect and Dane is so gentle, caring and compassionate with Summer and her mother. He does everything he can to get any amount of little space that he can for Summer to relax and unwind. I cried a few times reading this book. The author helped me to really feel what Summer was going through and I cheered for this couple as they navigated their relationship while dealing with a crisis. This is a book you do not want to miss. Ms. Oliver told Summer and Dane's story with so much grace and emotion. It will be in my reread list for sure!
Profile Image for Trish.
1,210 reviews35 followers
February 28, 2024
💙Best Friend’s Brother
💙Next Door Neighbor
💙Daddy Dom
💙Second Chance
💙Small Town

Dane is the second book of the Daddies of Pine Hollow series of interconnected standalones. I wasn’t expecting this one to be so emotional but it really hit me in the feels! The fmc is dealing with her mom having dementia and since we are going through this with my father in law it just hit me hard.

Summer has come home to help her mom who has dementia and it is progressing quicker than expected. Dane steps up and is there for her when she needs him the most. I loved these two and their relationship with each other. I love Dane and how protective he is over Summer, with her physical and mental needs. I love that this series is showing the reality of not only this dynamic but life in general. Real life happens and it isn’t always butterflies and rainbows but Dane and Summer are figuring it out together.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,762 reviews63 followers
March 1, 2024
Twenty years ago, Dane broke Summer's heart so she left and went to college, never to come back to Pine Hollow. Now she is back because her mother needs specialized care for dementia and Dane has finally realized that Summer belongs to him. But he is going to have to prove it to her because she is still haunted by his rejection all those years ago. This story was very emotional for me because my mom has recently been diagnosed with this horrible thing! It's so well written and it made me tear up in several spots. Kate is a gifted storyteller with a heart of gold for all her readers. And while I love her Mafia Daddies and all the guys in the Daddies of the Shadows series, this series is special. I love that Dane took his time to prove to Summer that he really did want her as his own and that he let her take the lead in her mother's care. So good, so sweet but at the same time, it's so HOT!!! Wonderful story and I can't wait to read the next book in this wonderful small town series!
Profile Image for Dee H.
407 reviews11 followers
February 29, 2024
Dane is the second book by Kate Oliver of the Daddies of Pine Hollow.
Summer andd Dane live next door to each and even though Dane loves Summer he pushes her away believing; as a mechanic, he's not worthy of her. Summer leaves to become an Attorney as she is devastated by this rejection of her love.
Jump 20 yrs forward and Summer comes to visit her mum when she realises how ill she is with Dementia. Summer feels guilty for not coming home sooner and she feels her life is crumbling around her.
Can Dane finally show Summer that his love is what she needs? Can Summer finally accept his help?
This is such an emotional read, especially for anyone who has had a family member with dementia. Kate Oliver handles this tough subject with her usual tact, sympathy and grace.
Real life happens to us all, thankyou Kate for you truly wonderful story. I'm in awe of your writing skills.
1,790 reviews38 followers
March 12, 2024
Heartwarming!

What a fantastic story! It’s not just about DD/Lg, it’s about second chance too! Plus this author touched on a very sensitive subject, and did it with complete grace and dignity. Summer and Dane have known each other their whole lives. She had a major crush, but he felt he was too old for her and wanted her to live her life. Years later when she comes back to town to take care of her Mom, they meet again and the spark is still there. I enjoyed their story as they navigated thru the start of a new relationship. Even with all the struggles, Dane is the perfect person for Summer. He is kind, protective and loves her with his whole heart. These two are just perfect for each other. They made me laugh and they made me cry. And what they really did is make me love them. A truly warm, inspiring story that shows that love can conquer all.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
443 reviews2 followers
March 19, 2024
The prologue got me solo excited. The chemistry was off the charts.
I liked the story, but there was a plot hole.
The conflict in this story lies in how to go forward with the FMC's mother that suffers from rapidly worsening dementia. The FMC doesn't want to be a bad daughter and send her to a home, but she has a job in a different city and can't care for her.
In one of her clear moments the mother tells her that she doesn't want to live in her old home and would rather live in a home so her daughter doesn't have to be her sole caregiver.
After that the FMC cuts ties with the MMC, because she feels that he will break her heart once he looses interest because she is the caretaker to her mother.

That did not make sense. Her mother doesn't want to burden her daughter but the FMC thinks that they will still live in the house while she takes care of her mother.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lesley Thompson.
146 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2024
Sweet and Sad but oh So Good

This book delved in the big issue of coping with a parent who suffers from dementia. While Summer knows she is a little, having to deal with "big" issues can be very draining and not sharing with her friends so as not to be a burden especially so. Summer has always wanted Dane (her best friends older brother) to be her Daddy but he didnt think he was good enough and pushed her away. 20 years later and they finally come together and realise how great they could be but could the added stress of her mum be the one thing that could tear them apart? Sweet and sad but as always Kate has written a fantastic book about the caregiver dynamic known as DDLG x
Profile Image for Geeky Girl Review Cafe.
1,230 reviews99 followers
March 5, 2024
I loved this addition to the Daddies of Pine Hollow series!

I appreciate that this series deal with older adults, small town/blue collar folks, and real life struggles and situations. It made me feel like all-consuming love with HEAs are possible for us "average joes" not just in the larger than life/fantasy romances.

I loved that Dane and Summer had grown up together, and were reconnecting as adults...that they had friends and family members that tied them together.

Kate did a great job tackling a heavy topic while also giving us a solid storyline, setting up future books/couples in the series, and giving us the age play dynamic and steam/romance we are looking for.

I'm excited to continue this series.
Profile Image for Laiba Malik.
503 reviews
March 6, 2024
Dane is the second book in the Daddies of Pine Hollow series.
The plot revolves around Summer and Dane. Summer and Dane were secretly in love during theit young age. Dane was her bestfriend's brother who broke her heart as he felt that Summer deserved someone better.
After her hearbreak, Summer left Pine Hollow. However her mother's illness brought her back. Since her arrival, her meeting with Dane has rekindled her old passion and love she had for him. Dane has been the emotional rock Summer needed since her arrival. He confessed his love with Summer and decided to give their relationship a go.

While this series can be read as standalone, I would highly recommend to read the previous books as the characters are interconnected.
102 reviews
May 15, 2025
Not great.

I just really don't like books where for any reason the characters pretend they don't have feelings for someone, devastate the person and then however many years later come back with the old I did have feelings for you but was protecting you blah blah blah and suddenly the last 20 years of heartbreak never happened, happily every after.
It's lazy writing. Come up with an actual plot line with actual drama and not this played out contrived drama. It's boring and irritating.
I also really didn't care for the MMC. I don't know who he thinks he is suddenly trying to daddy her when he coldly rejected her (How noble! Not.)
DNFd at just over half. There are books on my TBR I need to get to that have actual story lines.
Profile Image for Sara Starner.
12 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2024
This book was so damn good!! I loved the storyline between Summer and Dane.

Summer comes back home to help her mom. The next-door neighbor, who she always had a crush on, still lives there. Dane steps in to help her, showing her that Daddy does know what's best.

Dane always knew Summer had a crush on him growing up. When she comes back to town, he realizes his feelings for her. He knows he is the Daddy she needs for her Little.

This was a great addition to the Daddies of Pine Hollow series. I adored the story between Summer and Dane, and getting to see some of the other hints at future couples was such a tease!! I cannot wait for the next book in the series
Profile Image for Airy M..
375 reviews3 followers
March 6, 2024
just what was needed

I have been waiting impatiently for this book to be released and boy was it worth the wait. It was really well written. It also hit me right in the feels. Summer’s mum has dementia and as someone whose family member dealt with it I resonated so much with Summer. It broke my heart some of the scenes where her mum doesn’t remember her. But Dane is the best thing that could ever happen to Summer. She’s so strong but needs help and someone to be able to give over control to. I loved reading this book even though I was sad at times I truly thought it was a wonderful read.
711 reviews6 followers
March 6, 2024
Dane and Summer are so cute together! I love this second chance best friend older brother dd/lg story. Summer comes home to take care of her mom who’s deteriorating fast from dementia and rekindles her feelings for her best friends older brother Dane who got away once but has always loved her. This story depicts very realistic stress and anxiety on a caretaker for a parent who’s declining fast and in need of constant care. To say it’s hard is an understatement for sure but I love that she can count on Dane to support her and also step in if the need arises! I love them together, they’re pretty perfect!!!
Profile Image for Victoria.
47 reviews
March 8, 2024
This series is so good!!
I absolutely fell in love with Dane. It was instant love. I can see why Summer has loved him since they were kids. Summer came back to Pine Hollow to take care of her mom because her dementia has worsened. Struggling with her mom, taking a leave of absence from work and not being able to be Little lead her straight to Dane. He has been in love with Summer even though he lied to her. He sees her struggling and swoops in and daddies her. They try to deny the rightness between them. Thankfully love wins. Summer and Dane are working together and helping her mom. This will make you cry!!
Profile Image for Brittmeetsbook.
169 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2024
Dane!

Okay! But I loved Dane! It was so sweet!

Dane fell in love with his little sister’s best friend when they were kids! And he thought she could do so much better than him. So lied and pushed her away so that she would leave to go to college out of state! So she could make something of herself.

Summer family wasn’t the greatest. Her Dad was addicted to gambling and mean. But her best friend was a god send and helped her feel better. Now if only she could stop thinking about her best friends older brother.

Dane made my heart happy and the sweetness and spice complemented each other very well! I again loved another One of Kate Oliver and can’t want for more!
Profile Image for catiereads.
28 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2024
the struggles of life and finding balance

I knew a little of what to expect before reading this book, but I didn’t know just how much I was going to love how it portrayed the struggles of life and managing a kink lifestyle. Most books just paint life easy with minimal struggles, but Kate didn’t do that. She actually showed what it’s like to try to deal with someone who has dementia on top of trying to take care of yourself. She did an amazing job at showing both and how there is give and take on both sides. I loved Summer and Danes story and I can’t wait to read about Nash.
2 reviews
March 6, 2024
Loved it!!

I hate having to wait for books in series to be released, but couldn’t field it fast enough once it was. I have read all of Kate’s books (multiple times, helps with my anxiety) and have loved them all.
I loved Dane and Summers’s story. I work in hospice and have worked with dementia patients before and you did the topic justice.
The raw emotion that both characters feel you can help but feel them as well.
Can’t wait (but have to) for Nash’s story.
Wonderful job as always!!!!
Profile Image for Cat.
605 reviews2 followers
March 10, 2024
Kate Oliver is one of the best storytellers that I have had the pleasure of reading.
Dane is the second book in one of her newest series, Daddies of Pine Hollow. This series is down to earth and deals with real life issues that everyday people have to deal with, so they are all extremely relatable to every reader who love romance with real life twists and turns.
Dane and Summer's story is a second chance romance between a Daddy and his Little Girl that also deals with the care of an elderly relative living with Dementia.
Fall in love with Dane and his Little, Summer, and enjoy the ride.
Profile Image for Heather.
697 reviews
April 29, 2024
EMOTIONAL! That sums this book up. Summer has come home to take care of her mother who has rapidly progressing Dementia. That was tough to read and my heart went out to Summer because that roll is extremely tough and not everyone understands. Dane had loved Summer for twenty years but lied to her about it all those years ago. Now she is back home, can they have another chance. This book is not all roses and it is real life. Real life struggles and seeing how they deal with what happens. Yes, there is a HEA for them., but the road there is a ride!
Profile Image for Shiree.
347 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2024
I love this series, but then again I love all Kate Oliver books.

I think it’s very ironic, that Dane didn’t want Summer talking bad about herself and yet he constantly thought bad about himself. Very ironic and man thinking lol.

I think one of the lines I use the most when speaking to my partner is “what’s good for the goose is good for the gander”… lol

I can’t wait to get into the other books of this series and hope that the awesome Kate Oliver writes more and more more more books🤭🤭🤭
Profile Image for K. .
404 reviews6 followers
May 27, 2025
Sweet and Tragic romance

This book was a super sweet, rekindled love between two people who never got a chance to be together when they were young. Summer had a rough life and her mother’s dementia makes for a rough time still but her sweet and HOT neighbor definitely helps!

This read is a great example of how this type of dynamic (or any type of dynamic) can put you in a place that is good for your mental health. Summer is able to just get away and decompress when she’s in Little space and that feels so wholesome.
Profile Image for Allie Felske.
56 reviews
March 1, 2024
This was such a heartwarming story. Dane and Summer being able to find their way back to each other is amazing itself but then when you throw in Summer navigating her moms rapidly declining health it makes the story so much more real. As someone who works with people suffering from this particular disease it takes a toll on everyone and seeing the support she has and being able to share that with someone is beautiful!!
78 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2024
All I can say is that I teared up a couple times reading this book. Kate is an amazing author and I think she surpassed herself this time. This is an almost second chance romance with family drama. There is heartache, love, and friendships that have stood the test of time in this book. Dane and Summer are the perfect couple and you can feel the love throughout the whole book. I cannot wait to see what Kate writes next!
Profile Image for JudyAnnLovesBooks.
2,121 reviews76 followers
March 4, 2024
There must be something in the water of Pine Hollow because the Daddies from that small town are super fine! Dane is a super sweet and sexy blue collar man and when he starts being the alpha Daddy he is, it is hot. Summer doesn’t stand a chance against his charm, and really why should she. She deserves a good man and to be taken care of. I enjoyed watching them get there happily ever after. It was everything. I’m giving 𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗘 the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
12 reviews
March 5, 2024
Dane!

Kate Oliver delivers again! Every story I read I fall more in love with each one of the Daddies!
As someone who is in their 40s I love when the Littles and Daddies are in the late 30s and above. Dane and Summer are a great couple. Dane was dumb when he told his little white lie, although I could understand, he really shouldn't have let so many years go by before he claimed his girl.

I will read everything Kate puts out!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews

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