This was an author I hadn't read before and I'm grateful for the opportunity to expand my horizons. This had more sexual content than I typically read, yet given this title is mainstream romance, I thought it was tastefully done and will satisfy the expectations of readers in this popular genre. The characters were well-written, with strong motivations, clearly defined goals and a second-chance-at-love opportunity that kept me rooting for them to find their way back to each other. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy. I look forward to reading the next book in this delightful series.

A charming small town romance sure to go down a treat with fans of Debbie Macomber and Robyn Carr, Somebody Like You is the first title in a charming new series from the gifted pen of Donna Alward.

Local legend in the small town of Darling, Vermont, states that a kiss on the town’s infamous Kissing Bridge results in a love that lasts a lifetime. This piece of local history is not merely embedded in the town’s folklore, but it also has tourists from across the world flocking to the infamous bridge to tempt their luck to try and find their soulmate with whom they will spend the rest of their lives.

Aiden Gallagher was only five years old when he had been snapped on the bridge and for the past twenty years, his image has been used in every single publicity campaign the small town of Darling, Vermont has had to publicize the town. However, when Aiden is asked to recreate that fateful moment all these years later, he finds himself coming face to face with his old flame and the one woman he has never quite managed to forget – Laurel Stone. Will that old magic rekindle one more? Or has too much water flown under the bridge for them to have another go at happy ever after?

Men are strictly off the agenda for Laurel. Recently divorced and with her faith in men and relationships well and truly shattered, Laurel has gone back home to Darling to rest, recuperate and recharge. A relationship is the absolute last thing on her mind – and even if she were to consider starting dating again, she would categorically never consider giving Aiden Gallagher the time of day, let alone a second chance. But Laurel has underestimated the power of first love and the charm of her hometown…

As teenagers, Aiden and Laurel’s relationship had not ended on the best of terms, but that old spark still burns brightly between them. The more time Aiden and Laurel spend together, the more they find themselves falling for each other again. Will The Kissing Bridge work its magic a second time around? Or is their relationship just not meant to be?

Donna Alward can always be relied upon to deliver a sweet, charming, tender, heartwarming, poignant and highly readable contemporary romance and Somebody Like You is certainly no exception! Sparkling with emotion, humour and heart, Somebody Like You is a delightful romance I devoured in a single sitting and its intoxicating blend of wonderfully vivid characters, idyllic setting, compelling drama and pathos will have readers laughing and crying in equal measures.

With a terrific heroine, a gorgeous and romantic hero and plenty of love and laughter to satisfy readers everywhere, Somebody Like You kicks off what promises to be an enchanting and enjoyable series from the wonderful Donna Alward!

Donna Alward is a new author for me. I've seen her books before and thought about reading them but never took the time to do so. I'm not really sure why? I think it had to do with the fact that I thought they wouldn't be the type of books that I would like.

I couldn't have been more wrong!

I really enjoyed Somebody Like You. I found it very easy to read and well-written. I also loved her characters. Somebody Like You is the first book in her Darling VT series. I've never read a book based in Vermont (or at least I don't remember doing so) so that was different. I enjoyed the small-town feel to it.

I LOVE, LOVE the idea of two little ones taking a picture on a bridge and the town using it as their town photo! So sweet and cute! I also loved how they wanted to update the photo with the two people as adults. Great idea!

Or it should have been. Of course that little girl and boy no longer talk.

You'll enjoy the ride of Aiden and Laurel. It takes them a long time to get over their past and forgive each other, but when they do they realize what they really want...each other. So much happens in the book that I'd love to talk about but I don't want to ruin the story for you. And the ending is....WONDERFUL!!!!

I really loved the twist! I really can't wait to read Someone Like You which is out March 7th! That will give you plenty of time to read Somebody Like You!

Somebody Like You brought me pretty much all I could want from a romantic read and, with a wonderful small town vibe in a beautiful setting, is a promising start to the Darling, VT series.

"You have a thing for gingers. And you have to admit, I grew up kinda good."

With an engaging writing style, Donna Alward introduces us to the endearing residents who will feature throughout the series. First up is Darling's town cop, Aiden and divorcee and returning resident, Laurel, who grew up together and were the town's poster children, only for it to turn sour when they were teenagers.

"When I start something with you,” he said, “I intend to finish it. Alone. Without interruptions."

With their years apart leading to somewhat calmer waters between them, it soon becomes evident that Laurel and Aiden still have a natural chemistry bubbling away between them, and she slowly begins to lower her defences and let him in, although he's also careful of his own heart. And in keeping with their hometown, these characters were indeed, darlings.

"I’m tired of making choices with my head. This time I’m going to follow my heart."

With the romance coming with a sprinkling of angst and drama, it wasn't entirely plain sailing and there were a couple of moments when Laurel's actions frustrated a little, but I have to say it actually played out far better than I anticipated. And with plenty of emotion--because there were some moments that wrenched the old heartstrings--this really was a book I struggled to part myself from.

"You make me want to be a better person."

I already have the next two books in the series ready and waiting for me and I can't wait to see what lies in store for Aiden's brothers, Ethan and Rory.

"Somebody Like You" by Donna Alward. This is a sweet story that is heartwarming and a fun and easy read. Aiden, a local police officer, is sexy and sweet. I found him to be endearing and kind. Laurel is the new owner of a garden center and working hard to get on her feet and be a success. Recovering from her recent divorce, she came across a bit standoffish at times. She and Aiden do have a history, dating back to high school and that history is not all sweet and fluff. However, I found watching these two tread water trying to get back to each other, even if they fought it at times, enjoyable and entertaining. The small town of Darling, VT, has some fun and interesting secondary characters too and I hope I look forward to reading about their journeys in the future. (received copy for honest review

Somebody Like You is a cute, light, second-chance romance, a good choice for me during an emotionally difficult week. I really enjoyed Laurel and Aiden’s relationship. They make a great couple, and it was delightful to watch him figure out how to court her — and see him slowly realize that he is courting her rather than just looking for a quick fling. I absolutely loved his grand romantic gesture toward the end — Wow!

From the beginning, Laurel is reluctant to get involved for several reasons: she’s recently been through a divorce, and she and Aiden have an uncomfortable history. No, not that kiss when they were five, but a hurtful incident in high school. Alward tries to show that they both bear some responsibility for that, but I must admit, my sympathies were primarily with Lauren. However, Aiden has grown into an upstanding man, a dedicated police officer… which is what brings him to Lauren’s door, after vandals trash her new garden shop and steal some money from her. Lauren is easy to like and sympathize with, and so is Aiden.

Alward does a nice job with Laurel and Aiden’s relationship, and with their families and friendships — particularly Aiden’s family, a homeless man whom both Aiden and Laurel befriend, and Laurel’s perceptive friend Willow. We’ll see more of Willow in book 2, paired with Aiden’s brother Ethan. I can’t wait to see that relationship play out!

The series’ setting, the fictional town of Darling, Vermont, is charming, even if it’s more of a (stereo)typical small town than a specific place with its own individual character. (Well, other than the Kissing Bridge, anyway — that’s unique!) I didn’t get a strong sense of it as a Vermont town, as opposed to any small town anywhere, but Alward has a good grasp on what we all dream about when we think “small town.” (And speaking as a resident of a smallish town in a semi-rural county, she’s pretty accurate on most counts.) I’m hoping that the sense of place evolves to become more specific as the series continues, since that’s one of the things that interested me in reading it in the first place. [ETA: I’m in the middle of the second book now, and there’s a stronger sense of place already.]

The mix of humor and heartwarming moments also makes Somebody Like You a pleasure to read. I particularly liked the developing friendship between Laurel and George, the homeless vet to whom she offers a job. I hope we see more of George in the next book, too, and find out a little more of his backstory.

I’m glad to have been introduced to Alward’s books; this kind of light, small-town romance is one of my go-to genres when I’ve been having a rough week. I’m looking forward to the second book, Someone to Love, which comes out in March. And I’ve just discovered that book 3, Somebody’s Baby, which focuses on another Gallagher brother, is due out in April. I sure do appreciate it when series books come out in quick succession!

Somebody Like You is the beginning of Ms. Alward’s new series titled Darling, VT.
It’s a sweet and thoughtful story about second chances in love, life and the way we perceive it.
Our main characters are Aiden and Laurel. Aiden is currently a respected police officer in the town he grew up and Laurel is back home after a divorce that has her questioning who she is and how she feels about herself. These two have a history from their days not only in HS but also as 5 year olds. One that affected them both with hurt and regrets.
Life has a way of creating it’s own path and these two are thrown together once again.
Will this time things be different? Will Laurel let someone think of her first and want to make life better for her, or will she refuse that help and love because of self doubts and fears of getting hurt? And as Ms Alward’s reminds us “ love hardly ever makes sense”. Will the recreation of a picture taken a lifetime ago be the one that brings back hope and love?
A thoughtful and lovely story worth your time. I can’t wait to what else is in store for the town of Darling.
I was gifted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

After going through a humiliating divorce Laurel Stone is looking forward to moving back to Darling and having fresh new start, now if she could just figure out a way to survive the gossip that is sure to come with her return. Everyone knows the details of her failed marriage, so having to face all of them and the whispering behind her back is going to be rough, but it's a challenge she is ready to face head on. She is hoping opening her new business will keep her busy and be a good distraction from the swirling gossip, but someone decides to throw a wrench into her plans and starts vandalizing her business. At first she tries to handle it on her own, but word of the break in travels quickly and she soon finds one of Darlings boys in blue on her doorstep... the minute she realizes it's none other than Aiden Gallagher coming to her rescue her walls come up and she is ready to send him packing. They have history and she isn't about to let it repeat itself...she can't fall for him again... or can she?

Nothing could have prepared Aiden Gallagher for the moment of seeing Laurel again, when he comes face to face with her, she stills the breath from his lungs, and inspires some sexy little thoughts from the past. But before he gets the chance to make his move, she shuts him down, she is wounded from a failed divorce, and she hasn't forgive him for the past. He however, isn't so willing to let her away a second time, and is determined to win her heart, so he waits patiently for the right time to work himself back into her good graces and when he finally does the sparks start to fly...

Nothing makes your heart happy quite like a charming small town romance story with endearing characters that pull you in, make you feel right at home, and an engaging story line that you can't help but get wrapped up in... and I am happy to say this book had all of that and then some! Barely a chapter into it I found myself quickly becoming an honorary Darling resident, and instantly knew there was no way I was leaving town until they found their happily ever after... which ultimately lead to me having a little late night reading marathon, and I must say it was it worth the lost hours of sleep!!! This is my read first from this author, and I am quite certain it will not be my last, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Darling, and cannot wait to make a return visit in the very near future!! Highly recommend this one it is sure to warm your heart and leave you with a smile!

I voluntarily read and reviewed and advanced copy of this title.

4 stars - This is a new author for me & a very good story. It is well-written with well-developed & interesting characters. At first I wasn't sure if I'd like Laurel as she couldn't let go of things that happened in her past, but as she does let go you find out how deeply she cares for everyone. I would definitely read more by this author.

Laurel Stone and Aiden Gallagher have a lot of history, some of it good, some of it not so good. First as children in a picture that has become the iconic representation of the town of Darling, Vermont; then as high school friends and later enemies. Both have also gotten a few life experiences under the belts. For Lauren, having her marriage end in a tabloid-style way and having to return home was not part of her plans, but she's making the best of her situation and trying to deal with her emotional wounds. Aiden is a constant reminder of the heartbreak and humiliation he dealt her back in high school and her revived feelings for him are very inconvenient.

Aiden has always regretted the role he played in the fallout with Laurel, but never got a chance to apologize, but fate has given him the perfect opportunity to do so and spending time with her only increases the intensity of his feelings for her.

Okay, this book was all kinds of cute and sweet and fun, but it was also a bit emotional for me. Laurel's struggle to deal with her sense of betrayal by her ex-husband, the blow her self-confidence and self-esteem and having to keep her head up in the face of the gossip and everything going on, got to me. Aiden was one of the few that saw through the facade she put up to the hurt beneath and really put himself out there to earn her forgiveness for the juvenile stunt he pulled.

Both Laurel and Aiden experience a lot of personal growth and I enjoyed how they supported each other. Like there wasn't enough between Aiden and Laurel to make you tear up, the way both of them reached out to a homeless man and gave him some dignity was so heartwarming and also a clear example the kind of good and caring people they were.

The ending was straight out of a fairy-tale and just perfect for them as a couple and hit all the high notes for me - family, friendship, community, emotion and romance. This book made my heart hurt and then smile. SOMEBODY LIKE YOU is a really great start to this series and I can't wait for the rest of the series.

I've been a Donna Alward fan for a while now, but when I saw the plot summary of the first book in her new series, Somebody Like You, I hesitated. Plots like this never work, but I took a chance and I wasn't disappointed.


Here's the summary, from Amazon:

A kiss to last a lifetime

Aiden Gallagher was only five years old when he appeared in a photograph on the Kissing Bridge. The town of Darling, Vermont, has used Aiden’s image on the famed bridge―local legend has it that a kiss there results in everlasting love―as part of its tourism campaign. Now, twenty years later, Aiden is asked to recreate the moment with the woman he once kissed: Laurel Stone.

Recently divorced, there’s nothing Laurel wants less than to pretend happily-ever-after with Aiden. As teenagers, their romance was no fairy tale―and Laurel has never quite forgiven Aiden for breaking her heart. But now that she is back in her hometown, and keeps bumping into police officer Aiden, Laurel can’t deny that there’s still a strong flicker between her and her old flame. Could it be that the Kissing Bridge is working its magic on Laurel and Aiden―and that all true love ever needed was a second chance?

See? Cheesy, right? I mean come on, how is that even logical unless they grew up to be a couple? Of course Laurel refuses and who could blame her?

Laurel has recently come off a shocking divorce. Her faith in love and men and in her future are completely smashed. She's gone back home to heal and start over and is the subject of a good bit of gossip. She's prickly and hurt and yet still can't put herself first. She's so conscious of appearances and of never hurting another person that she puts herself in situations that destroy her. She has a history with Aiden, and not just the kiss on the bridge as children. She knows people are talking, plus she's mad about how that ended. And honestly, she's justified in all of it.

Aiden tho, he's the best. He screwed up in high school, but he admits it, and boy did he grow up nice. He's a small town cop with the desire to really help people. He's smart and caring and a bit of a prankster with his brother, and he really really loves Laurel. He clearly always has.

There's a little bit of outside drama here, enough to make the plot interesting, but the main conflict is within Laurel herself. Aiden never questions what he feels, even though he's outright terrified. The scene at the end is so adorable (and unrealistic) and if I weren't already half in love with him, this would have done it for me. This isn't perfect, but it's sweet and romantic and before I even turned off my Kindle I was back at NetGalley requesting the next in the series. The book as a whole won't go down in my top ten of all time, but Aiden's emotion in the final scenes will, and I suspect I'll go back to reread that part more than once.

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4.5 - "I'll see you at the Kissing Bridge..." Stars!

Somebody Like You; the first book in Donna Alward’s new series take the reader to the town and residents of Darling, Vermont.

IMAGE.

I really enjoyed the second-chance romance between Laurel and Aiden, both of them have grown and changed in the nine years that she has been away from town, that her return brings to the fore feelings that both of them had thought were long extinguished, but while one of them tentatively embraces those re-emerging feelings, the other is wary of getting burnt again.

Memories were powerful things. Sometimes the body remembered what the heart would rather forget…

Laurel’s reasons for returning to Darling and opening The Ladybug Garden Centre are gossip fodder for the town in general, and Aiden soon works out that he is going to have to take things slowly with her if he wants to progress from the no-strings fun she is insistent on, to something deeper, especially as they were more enemies than friends when she moved away due to a silly bet he agreed to be a part of as a teenager.

"It’s starting to become a personal mission to win you over."

This sort of story, series, characters and general reading experience is something I have found myself gravitating to much more lately, I like a bit of drama and angst, and the author skilfully interweaves it into this couples reconnection, but it doesn’t detract from the overall feeling of enjoyment that I take away from my reading experience, because it isn’t the main focus of the story.

"I said the wrong things last time… Did all the wrong things."

The secondary characters make a big impact too, and the author utilizes their input to great effect. The Gallagher family look to be the main focus of the forthcoming books, but you are introduced to a couple of the other forthcoming main characters as well, that you just know the longer you read the deeper the connection as a reader you are going to feel to the series.

"You’re smitten… It was true ten years ago and its true now."

I have to say that I am absolutely loving all these ‘small town / big impact’ contempory romances that St. Martins Press and its authors seem to be getting right time and time again lately, and I am glad that I am being given the opportunity to read so many of them. The storylines offer up easy to get along with tropes and characters, everything is kept moving at a steady place and the set-ups and locations just pull you in and keep you happily entertained until you finish the last page.

"You should dream… You should always have dreams."

I have already lined up the next book in the series Somebody to Love on my Kindle, and I am so happy to see that after its release in March, we are getting to revisit again in April for the release of Somebody’s Baby, I have certainly started 2017 with a smile on my face with this news, and I expect this series to be one of my favourites of the year if the first book is anything to go by.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.

My Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quotes:

I’m probably the last person on earth you want to start anything with. But Laurel? What just happened was just about perfect. You’re just about perfect. And I’m gonna go now before I have the chance to mess anything up.

Tell that to the teenaged girls who came in last night. They thought it was very cool to have all-natural, vegan, free trade, ecologically responsible food. So cool that they posted all sorts of pictures of it on their phones while wearing clothes that were probably produced in some Bangladesh sweatshop.

I love you, so much I probably always have, and you scare me to death, but I’m man enough now to tell you and be at your mercy.

She wasn’t sure how a heart could break and heal all at the same time, but those words seemed to accomplish it.


My Review:

Somebody Like You was my first Donna Alward reading experience, although I plan to repeat this pleasant task again and again. Written from my favorite dual POV, I was entertained and engaged throughout with a storyline that was easy to follow, relevant, observantly detailed, and emotive. The primary and secondary characters were flawed yet likable, as well as intriguing and complex. Given the end result of humiliating and emotionally devastating betrayals from the two times she had given her heart, Laurel was disillusioned with relationships and understandably, was more than bit angry and plagued with trust issues. She was prickly, feisty, and fiercely independent - she pretty much had to be as she was starting over as a small business owner. The vast majority of women worldwide could relate to her issues at least once in their lifetime… The plot had several thoughtful and intriguing threads that were unique and interesting in how they connected to the overall premise. The story was a first in a series stand-alone and has me I looking forward to many return trips to Darling, Vermont.

Can a mythical legend make an illusion into reality? Somebody Like You is a nod to nostalgia. Ms. Alward takes readers through the many phases of love. From puppy love, to teenage romance to heartbreak. She delivers a reunion story that worms it's way into the heart. From childhood Aiden and Laurel have heard the legend of love everlasting and happily ever after. The poster for the perfect couple, these lovebirds were far from ideal. Youth and life tore them apart. Can maturity and a legendary town bring them back together? A feel good read that blends the fantasy of fairy tales with the hope for the future.

Somebody Like You is the start of a fantastic new series by author Donna Alward. The first in her Darling VT series, this story focuses on Laurel, a woman facing major changes as she disentangles herself from her ex and embarks on a new venture, one she hopes to distract her from her aching heart.

From the get go I was enthralled with Laurels situation. Facing down the past as she moves to her hometown and tries to begin her life anew. Laurel is a complex character; emotional, introspective, and guarded. So very guarded and for good reason. As her backstory comes to light, it's easy to understand why and the more and more I got to know her, the more she felt like a friend, one I wanted to protect. But, this is where Aiden comes in. Aiden, a part of her history, is at first is a foe but as Laurel slowly lowers her defenses, a beautiful love story emerges.

Laurel could really use a champion and Alward creates a thoughtful and considerate gentlemen in Aiden. The more we got to know him, the more he infiltrates Laurels life, the more he shows his classic hero tendencies and his swoon-worthiness. When he steps up for Laurel, he does so in a big way that shows his undeniable feelings for Laurel (YAY Aiden!!). This doesn't mean Laurel appreciates it fully, but she is a character learning how to trust her feelings at the same time they are being tested like she's never known.

There are a slew of secondary characters that fill out the story line and drive plot changes. Willow is a new friend to Laurel who provides a solid sounding board and good advice. While Alward does an amazing job with all her characters I really appreciate how she fills out the storyline with a character like George. Sometimes a story has teaching moments and Alward really handles George's backstory with grace ( and I love how it shows Aiden influence Laurel and her interactions with George). This really endeared me to Alwards storytelling and kicked this up from a 4.5 star rating to a solid 5 star read. I am very excited to continue the series and am happy we get to know Willow and Aiden's brother Ethan more. I'm happy to recommend this book.

ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review

After the pretty crappy week I have had, Somebody Like You was just the thing I needed to cheer things up a little bit.

Aiden and Laurel's story is sweet, adorable second chance at love story. They have a history since early childhood and now as adults they are thrown back in each other's lives.

I love the snark and bite, especially from Laurel. I can hold a grudge with the best of them, but wowee Laurel is the master!

I am not going to lie, Laurel did annoy me at times. She would lash out at people who didn't deserve it, she was good at closing herself off from those who love her. I get why, I do, but she still frustrated me.

But Aiden, he's that guy. Knows he messed up, knows he's gotta fix it, and goes above and beyond to do it.

I loved how their relationship grew throughout the story, even with tall the small town meddling (believe me I live in a small town and boy can they meddle and gossip!) It takes a while for our lovelies to get there but get there they do.

There are some great secondary characters, but I was left with many questions at the end of this book - but knowing there are a couple more books to come I know they will be answered all in good time. But I need to know now!!

Ms Alward has written a beautiful, descriptive story that has me hankering to visit Vermont. Not wure what it is about Vermont lately, but in the past couple of weeks I have read so many new stories set there!

Now I am impatiently awaiting the second book, Somebody To Love.

I've been keeping an eye out for Donna Alward since her last Jewell Cove book was published far too long ago. When I got the notification for this one I was absolutely thrilled. While I'll miss Jewell Cove I'm super excited to explore Darling, Vermont and get to know a whole new cast of characters. I wasn't completely in love with the blurb on this one if I'm being honest. The foucs on recreating the kissing photograph just screamed contrived issue. Thankfully, that's not how it played out. This is mostly because Aiden and Laurel are perfectly capable of creating their own complications so the kissing photo is definitely a side plot.

Aiden and Laurel are both so likable that I instantly connected with them and found it super easy to root for their romance. Aiden is almost too perfect - he's smart, he's kind, he really just wants to help every one and he's ridiculously good looking. But as I got to know him a little I dis see there were some cracks under all that perfection (plus I loved that he moved stuff around just to mess with his brother) and it was impossible not to like him. Laurel's a little more prickly. She's got some issues that she's refusing to address and she's pretty stubborn at not forgiving Aiden for a high school bet gone terribly wrong - though to be fair I probably wouldn't have forgiven him easily either. There friendship/romance doesn't have the smoothest start but it was tons of fun to watch and I felt the conflicts made sense to both of their personalities.

If you want a fun contemporary romance with lots of heart, characters who really forge an emotional connection, and a small town full of interesting characters I think you'll enjoy this first book in the Darling, VT series. The ending did feel a little rushed but while it may not have been the most realistic I had a huge grin on my face while I was reading it!

3.5 Stars
Oh this was a fun and sweet book!
Laurel moves back to Darling (her home town) after her divorce and promptly runs into Aidan who was her first heart break.
It was fun watching Laurel reconnect with Aidan, Willow (another high school friend), and the town of Darling as she establishes her business and rebuilds her life. All of the central characters are easy to like and it is easy to sympathize with Laurel's post divorce struggles.
While Laurel experiences the biggest evolution in the book, Aidan has his share of emotional growth too and it was nice to see a late 20's male main character who could so easily put other people first.
Somebody Like You is a great little escape book and would be great for fans of Jill Shalvis, Susan Mallery, or Kristan Higgins.

This is a wonderful new series with a strong 1st book. Set in Darling, Vermont Aiden and Laurel were the original kissing couple on the legendary Kissing Bridge. Now many years later the town wants to renew the towns tourist trade by recreating their kiss. Too bad they can't stand to be in the same room since Aiden hurt Laurel so badly. Now Aiden is with the local police and Laurel is back after a divorce to lick her wounds. This town is Americana and sweetness. Lots of brothers and sisters for additional books.