Save the Last Dance

Take the Backroads #1

by Joanne Rock

Coming home? Or hurtling headlong into family drama?

Mack Finley left his Tennessee hometown for good reasons. Yet he always knew the problems deep in the Finley clan would one day draw him back. What he didn’t count on was encountering an old flame at the same time, and that one-two punch from the past has him reeling.

Nina Spencer never forgot Mack. But she respects that they wanted different things out of life. Now, with the life she built imploding, she’s not sure how to resist the draw of the man and the magic of their shared memories. When she comes face to face with Mack’s complicated family again, she quickly recalls why things fell apart between her and Mack the first time. As old secrets come to light and new pressures make it harder than ever to stay together, Mack and Nina grapple with what it means to be a family.

*an earlier draft of this story previously released by Harlequin

Genres: Contemporary, Second Chance, Romance

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2025

About the author

Joanne Rock is a USA Today bestselling author of over one hundred works of popular fiction, including domestic suspense and romantic suspense. A frequent speaker at regional and national writing conferences she enjoys giving back to the writing community that nurtured and inspired her early career. She has a Masters degree in Literature from the University of Louisville and has taught fiction, film, and writing at the college level. When she's not writing, Joanne enjoys travel to gather new ideas.

Reviews

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author takes the readers to Heartache, Tennessee, the place where our characters have indeed experienced deep heartaches and a past.
Nina Spencer left town after HS and an accident that devastated many lives. Some even blamed her for it. But she had high hopes of making it big, and she did, until… years later she’s back home after her business partner in NYC took her money and destroyed their business. Realizing her grandmother, the woman who raised her with love , needs her back, Heartache is where she has to be.
Whom she didn’t expect to cross paths was with the boy she had always loved . The same one that broke her heart. Mack Finley, now a successful businessman in Nashville, is home to help his brother and his family salvage his marriage , help his brother’s daughter and put together a festival.
Finding themselves thrown together to work on the Fall festival, Mack and Nina realize their love never died. But their goals in life are different , and neither, especially Mack, is ready or willing to change his mind.
This story is more than a romance. It’s a story about family. It’s also a story about overcoming physical and mental disease. On how mental illness affects not only the patient, no matter their age, but the entire family. It’s also a reminder that having the illness doesn’t mean the end for the individual, especially nowadays with the improvements in therapy and medication. Kudos to the author for bringing to light such a delicate issue that many hide.
Can’t wait to see what else is in store in the next book in the series.
I was a entrusted a copy of this book by Booksprout. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mack Finlay and Nina Spencer once meant everything to one another when they were young, but family obligations held Mack back and sent Nina to find her dream of college and having her dream of baking and having her own business. But circumstances bring them both back to town because of family. Mack takes over the Harvest Festival to help out his brother and Nina to help her grandmother after an injury. It was only a matter of time before these two young lovers would rekindle that love, but would they have a future together in the small town of Heartache TN and both have their dreams come true. Or will heartache come around again.

I love Mack and Nina. They both were loyal to their families and how they both loved the town and the work they put into the Harvest Festival. There is a lot of heartbreaking moments in this book that will have you reaching for a tissue but you will be cheering on the two young women in this book who overcome their differences with help of a young man and Mack and Nina as well as others. Joanne Rock does a great job of navigating a subject that effects so many in today's society and people are still hesitant to talk about. Good for you Joanne...
A book you will want for your Fall reading shelf or any other time of the year.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very engaging second chance romance story, about a former high school couple returning to their small Tennessee town. Mack and Nina were each other’s first love in high school. Their lives have been full of drama - from Mack’s bipolar mother, Nina being raised by her grandmother, and more. Nina left town after one of their friends was killed in a car accident. Mack eventually moved to Nashville and became a successful business owner. Nina has returned to their small town to care for her grandmother, after the failure of her bakery start-up business (more drama!). Coincidentally, Mack returned at the same time, to help one of his siblings with work on a town festival. Mack and Nina begin to spend time together again, while struggling with their strong attraction to each other. Their second chance romance story has some adult steam, along with multiple secondary plot lines such as Mack’s brother’s failing marriage and his niece’s own crush. Whew. Characters in this book deal with a lot of baggage and with numerous sensitive topics like bi-polar illness, genetic risks, self-harm and more. Throughout it all, Mack and Nina are likeable and genuine as they move forward. Somehow it all works, and their story does have a satisfying HEA. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[PurpleLadi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Save the Last Dance, by Joanne Rock, is a small town second chance romance story about centered around Nina and Mack. They were high school sweethearts until ill timed harsh words, and tragedy forced them apart. Nick, reeling from the death of his best friend and his mother's mental meltdown, inadvertently pushes Nina away, reinforcing her thoughts that the the whole town blamed her for the accident. Nina, feeling misunderstood, broken hearted, and unfairly judged by everyone, leaves town, after Nick's best friend dies in a single car accident. To add insult to injury, Nick married his dead best friend's girlfriend. Fast forward several years, and Nina and Nick have returned to their hometown, Heartache, Tennessee. Nick is there to help his older brother salvage his failing marriage, by taking over the management of the Harvest festival. Nina returns to assist her ageing, mobility challenged grandmother. Nick and Nina quickly find out that the chemistry and need to be with each other are stronger now, then when they were teenagers. will they be able to forgive and put the past behind them, or go their separate ways?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bobbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this trope, a small town, second chance romance. For Nina and Mack, both returning home to Heartache, Tennessee at the same time brought about family issues, long ago hurts and more to make this book as good as it is. Nina came home, bankrupt, broke and needing her grandmother, the only parent she felt that she had. Mack came home to help his brother with the annual fall festival the town put on. Along the way we learn how the”hurts” came about; the issues with Mack’s family which included mental illness, and the failing relationship of his brother and wife. And best of all, we learned how love can save families, relationships, and friends. The secondary characters in this book were very much a part of the whole story, and I hope we get more of this town and these people.

[Floraljoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A more serious read:
This was a fairly enjoyable and emotional second chance romance. It dealt with some quite heavy topics and there was a lot of drama, yet thankfully this didn’t bog the story down too much. The journey to Mack and Nina's HEA was long and hard fought, so I was glad when they eventually got there. I liked the portrayal of family and how sensitive topics were broached. It isn’t a light romance by any means, however worthy of reading if you are interested in a book that tackles issues such as mental illness and trauma.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming second chance romance!
Fate certainly plays into both Mack and Nina returning to their hometown at the same time and neither are sure how they feel about it. Yet the tingle of a love lost is never far behind as the two now work together to bring the fall festival to a rounding success. Yet while Nina decides what to do with her failed bakery in NYC and her budding love for Mack while the two are in town. Mack is also deciding what to do about the love he feels for Nina and how can they possibly make it work with his business back in Nashville. How will it all end? You have to read to find out and will be rooting for Mack and Nina’s second chance!

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nina came back to her hometown to help her grandmother after her business partner destroyed their business. Her high school boyfriend Mack came back to help his brother save his marriage, but he quickly realizes he needs to help his teenage niece Ally and himself first. They both quickly realize they have ties to their small town and each other despite past issues. But Nina has dreamed of having a family and Mack refuses to take the change that his mother’s mental illness is hereditary. Ally has her own issues which are increased by her arguing parents. I enjoyed reading about the fall festival and Nina’s yummy sounding baked goods. This was a steamy second chance romance.

[Vilma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mack Finley and Nina Spencer have history. And while they both left their hometown behind them at different times, they somehow end up back in town at the exact same time.

While old hurts, secrets, and half told stories get resolved, Mack and Nina have to decide if they can forge a future together. I loved their second chance romance, especially since they had time and distance to become mature, thoughtful adults. But I also liked the secondary story brewing between Mack’s niece, Ally and the neighbors grandson, Ethan.

Adding the dynamics of Ethan, Ally, and Rachel only added to the depth of the small town charm. And of course there’s a satisfying happy ending.

[tonicha Pugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Save The Last Dance is a really cute small town, second chance romance, that is a perfect fall read.
Mack comes back to town to help his brother with the fall festival. Nina moves home after her business fails and needs to be close to her nan. after years apart, their love is still strong. they need to navigate their own hurt and worry from the past to finally move on.
It's a great book to bring awareness to mental health and how to come past the struggles with it.
3.5 stars

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.Thanks for choosing me.

I loved the story, I loved being able to spend time with all the characters, and I enjoyed the roller-coaster of emotions even if it did include shedding a tear or two. Heartache, TN, has my heart. It was sweet, tender, and, at times, intense, and I loved every minute I was able to spend with them.

This was my first time reading any of Joanne Rock's work, and it definitely won't be my last.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

While it is fun to watch Nina and Mack find their way back to each other it is the secondary storylines that make this book the rich read that it is. Rock adds themes of families dealing with serious chronic illness; acceptance of those that are different; and maintaining a marriage when things aren’t what was expected. This is much more than a light summer read, but definitely worth the time.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This romance book by Joanne is a definite page turning book that makes your heart smile. I found myself really enjoying the storyline, but it does pull at your heart strings sometimes. Great characters and the storyline will take you back to the place you call home at least it did that to me. I wish that I could give this romance book more than 5/5 stars because it really does deserve it.

[Ann Wampler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Joanne Rock. Joanne was one of the first writers that I would watch for her books. Started with Harlequin books, went on from there. I’ve always loved a second chance with a HEA, and this doesn’t disappoint. Mack Finley and Nina Spencer both have reasons for not wanting to come face to face upon their return to hometown, so naturally they come face to face that first day. Will they be able to overcome their past and make a lifetime together this time? Only time will tell.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rock jumps right in with a journey of past heartaches and present, new beginnings. Mack and Nina find themselves dancing through the ravages of love and regret. From the mistakes of youth to the hopes of the present, Save the Last Dance puts it's soul on full display.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mack and Nina are both back in Heartache, Tennessee after leaving many years earlier and thanks to the upcoming festival they have to face each other and the past. This is about healing from the past, forgiving and moving forward in life while creating new memories.

[Pauline Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. Mack comes home to help out with the towns festival only to find out Nina is back and they work together on details for the festival. Both have baggage they need to deal with but plenty going on.

[Sue Flickinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growth and Family

This was a compelling book to read. With multiple storylines that showed how mental illness and an old tragedy can affect the lives of the characters. We see the growth in understanding while also receiving a traditional happy ending.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Save The Last Dance is a small town second chance story. It has family and full of drama and emotions. I loved the characters, the connections and undeniable chemistry. It’s an engaging and heartfelt read.

[Vickie Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book, could not put it down

[Trina Lynn Hobson]

Not Closed Door

I prefer closed door romances. I was mistaken when I downloaded this one. It was a compelling story but there were two scenes I skipped over.

[Chantale Canadian Book Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book.

This book is an emotional second chance story that got me hooked from the very beginning. It’s very well written .

I very highly recommend Save The Last Dance .