“Somebody’s Baby” is book 3 of Donna Alward’s Darling, VT series. But more than that, it’s a story that will hug your heart.

Rory Gallagher is the town’s vet and the brother of Aiden (“Somebody Like You”) and Ethan (“Someone to Love”). While his brothers found love, Rory is still recovering from a broken college romance that had given him the hope of having a family. Yet he is attracted to Oaklee and can’t act on that attraction because she is his best friend’s sister.
Oaklee Collier works for the town’s Chamber of Commerce and is their social media guru. Having been humiliated by her high school/college boyfriend she isn’t ready to open her heart again.
Enter a dog named Buster who wiggles his way into everyone’s heart.

The sweetest and humorous scenes are when Oaklee first takes Buster home. The scene at the infamous Kissing Bridge will make you warm inside along with its “You’ve Got Mail” feel to it.
And the ending? It will make your heart sigh.

Ms. Alward has created characters that are relatable; that you feel could be your friends if they didn’t live in the pages of a book. This is a book you will want to share with your real-life friends.

Somebody's Baby by Donna Alward is messy, complicated, and super addictive. The characters are three-dimensional. Each character has the internal and external conflicts that make their lives interesting, hot, and sweet. The plot is fast, well-written, and engaging. This was the first novel I have read by this writer, and I was immediately impressed.

Donna Alward's characters are so real. There's Oaklee Ferguson who works hard in life and doesn't accept handouts. Her older brother can easily help her out, but she's determined to make it on her own. She was puppy dog crazy for her brother's best friend when she was a teen. However, she ended up dating a man not worthy of her. Now, she's miserable, doesn't believe in love, and still has the hots for one man...Rory Gallagher.

Rory Gallagher is older than Oaklee by two years. He is the best of her brother. His job was to watch out for Oaklee. Meaning she was off limits then and still off limits now. However, he still can't shake her from his mind. Then an accident on a road leads her to his vet clinic and all bets are off...Oaklee sets his blood on fire. She's a major distraction to his. But one shared kiss...and Rory is in trouble.

The worst part...he wants her. Oaklee wants him. But are they ready for a no strings just friends with benefits? I highly recommend readers to read the book to find out what happens. Somebody's Baby by Donna Alward was sizzling, intriguing, and entertaining. Plus, it involved a super cute dog that will melt any reader's heart...like it did to mine.

Would she rather the dog bites her and gives her rabies?

He thinks of her in a sisterly way, but then finds her sexy?

I see Rory is still OCD.

Huh. Having a dog is just as expensive as having a kid. No wonder people choose to have a dog first.

Claire needs to work on her compliments.

Are you still best friends if you haven't seen each other in years? Is that a guy thing?

So he has a reputation as a player, but he just has a bunch of dates? I thought he was a sex freak or something.

Um, I throw my laundry all in together.

Poor guy. He picked up her dirty clothes and didn't even get a homemade meal.

She was going to have kids eventually, right? What did she expect to do with them?

Coconut. Blech.

It's like she's trying to find fault with him so that she has an excuse to continue being alone.

Oaklee’s had her heart shattered and is not willing to risk having it be broken again, but will a stray dog she hits, show her the unconditional love she needs? Rory, who talks Oaklee into fostering the dog, has also had his heartbreak so will they be able to find the trust needed to sustain a relationship? I loved these two characters, and wanted them to get together! Also, enjoyed re-visiting Rory’s family and various other characters from previous books. Please keep this series of books coming Donna Alward!

This was my first exposure to Darling, VT and it was wonderful! Each of the characters are engaging and realistically drawn. This story of Rory and Oaklee is one of two people extremely wounded by their pasts. There was nothing trite in their roads to self discovery and a beginning of healing. The story unfolded in a satisfying and heartfelt manner that leaves the conclusion in no doubt. I could have done without the graphic sex, and I felt it confused the real issues. I will be getting the rest of the series, it was that appealing.

An endearing read, the characters including the furry baby, bring smiles to your face.
The idyllic world of Darling VT, and the stubbornness and friendship of both of the main characters, gives us a lovely feel good story that will stay with you long after you've finished.
A beautiful read, I look forward to the next with great anticipation.