“Number three [Somebody’s Baby] in Alward’s Darling, Vermont, series is a fantastic friends-to-lovers tale featuring a true-to-life wary-of-commitment couple.” – RT Bookreviews Veterinarian Rory Gallagher chose a different path from his brothers, both of whom became first responders in the lovely little town of Darling, Vermont. Rory’s always had an affinity for animals–and the ladies. Known for … animals–and the ladies. Known for his impressive track record in breaking hearts, Rory never meant to hurt anyone; he’s just never been in a hurry to settle down. It’s not as if he needs to pay a visit to the town’s famed Kissing Bridge to magically find love. He’ll know The One when he sees her. . .right?
Oaklee Ferguson is the kid sister of Rory’s best friend–and, even now that she’s all grown up, remains immune to the pet-doctor’s charms. When she shows up at Rory’s clinic late one night–devastated after hitting a stray dog with her car–Rory’s so-called “bedroom eyes” are the last thing on her mind. Still, his care and kindness toward the dog, and his concern for her feelings, catches Oaklee by surprise. . .and soon the two (and rescued dog makes three!) begin to share a deep connection that neither could have ever imagined. Could it be that love has been waiting for them by the bridge all along?
more
Favorite Quotes:
Your inner child is incorrigible and always was.
Do you ever feel left out? Like the rest of the family gets ‘it’ but something doesn’t quite fit right? Like someone else’s shoes, and the arch is wrong or the heel’s worn on one side?
I remember you saying the night he left, that you always knew he was somebody’s baby, but you’d wanted him to be yours. This time, Oaklee, no one is going to come and tell you that you were wrong. That this love doesn’t belong to you, or you don’t deserve it. No one is going to make you feel like your love isn’t worth having.
My Review:
Oaklee was a former homecoming queen and outwardly, she typically presented as perky and perfectly put together, as she had perfected that façade. No one ever saw her home, because she was a total slob and her home was a mess, and she liked it that way. Rory seemed happy-go-lucky, when he was actually highly structured, a planner, and an OCD neat freak. Oaklee did not date. Rory was a serial dater. Yet they had more in common than they knew. When Oaklee ran over a “silly mutt with funny eyebrows” and ended up at Rory’s vet clinic, their lives would never be the same. I adored this couple, they had both been deeply damaged by disastrous relationships and while they were not always likable, both were endearing flawed and more than deserving of the good things in life. The storyline was full of feels and populated by interesting and appealing characters. I have enjoyed each of the three trips I’ve made to Darling, Vermont and am delighted that Ms. Alward decided to make the Gallagher clan so prolific as it leaves us with many more siblings to be featured as she weaves her tapestry of captivating tales.
In the small town of Darling Rory Gallagher is known as the heart-breaker, it’s not that he means to do it, it’s just that he dates a woman, they get attached, he feels pressured and his need to be a free man takes over and he is gone. He isn’t anywhere ready to be a settled man, he likes his the way it is, and having the privilege of doing what he wants, and not having to worry about answering to anyone. He has always thought when the right woman for him comes along he’ll know and then he’ll be ready to give up his bachelor ways… he doesn’t need the town’s famed kissing bridge to dictate his future… or does he?
Oaklee Ferguson has never understood what all the fuss is about when it comes to the towns famed handsome veterinarian Rory Gallagher, yes he is good looking, but he’s nothing to get all twisted up about, or is he? She has heard all the rumors, seen the remnants of the trail of broken hearts he leaves behind, but his tempting bedroom eyes and charming smile have no effect on her whatsoever… That is until she finds herself on his office steps late one night with an injured dog. Watching him care for the injured animal starts to do weird things to her heart, and then when he settles his caring eyes on her she knows she is in trouble… something about this man is making her feel things for him she never thought were possible!
I always enjoy my visits to Darling, the towns people there always have a special way of pulling me into their world and having me never wanting to say goodbye, each one always finding a way to secure a treasured spot in my heart. But I have to say this may just be my favorite visit yet, meeting Rory and Oaklee, and reading their touching story really struck a cord with me. I am not sure what it was about these two that resonated with me so much, but from the moment they both walked onto the page I was completely captivated by them, their story really stirred the emotions up and had me feeling the intent behind every word. Their story was a perfect blend of romance, heartfelt emotion, and humor, and I truly loved every minute of it!!
I think it is safe to say that Ms. Alward has another bestseller on her hands with this one, it is certain to win the hearts of all romance readers!!