Someone to Love

by Melanie Shawn

Sometimes when life is cruel, fate steps up and says, “Hold my beer.”

Poppy Davies wanted one thing and one thing a family. When that dream got shattered, she needed a distraction and knew exactly where to find it, or him. Tagging along as her older brother’s plus one was part of the plan. Accidentally catching the bouquet was not. But she wasn't complaining since the man who caught the garter was her brother's best friend...the sexy, brooding, cyber-intelligence genius with a jawline so sharp it could cut glass who happened to be very distracting.

AJ Costas wanted one thing and one thing peace. He hoped after his last deployment that on the cross-country trip to his mom’s wedding he would clear his head and find clarity. Instead, what he found was undeniable chemistry with his best friend's little sister... the flirty, curvy brunette whose eyes mesmerized him and whose touch quieted his mind and made the rest of the world disappear.

It was supposed to be the perfect escape, one night. No strings. No feelings. No complications.

In a plot twist neither saw coming, their paths crossed again eight weeks later at, you guessed it, another wedding, because fate definitely has a sense of humor. One minor head wound and trip to the ER left them both reimagining their entire futures. Cue panic.

She had to learn to trust love doesn’t always arrive perfectly packaged.

He had to fight for a future he thought he never wanted.

Together, they’ll have to navigate uncharted territory filled with mistaken intentions, NSFW showers, swoon-worthy melt-your-heart moments, and life’s unexpected detours discovering sometimes the best plans are the ones you never made.

Author’s Someone to Love is a older brother's best friend, opposites attract, military/neurodivergent hero, next-door neighbor, ONS fail, soulmate/meant-to-be, oopsie baby, spicy small-town romance.

488 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 4, 2026

About the author

NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Melanie Shawn writes HEAs filled with sweet and sassy heroines, heroes who are cinnamon rolls in the streets alpho-holes in the sheets, casts of supportive *cough: meddling* friends and family who put the fun in funny, toe-curling combustible heat, and sugary sweet “aww” moments that will have your hearts and e-readers melting.

Reviews

[Tina Buchberger Oase · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book #2 in the Hope Falls, Main Street series and another wondeful addition to the whole series!
This story centers around Poppy and AJ who meet and basically fall in love at first sight before meeting and then physically while attending a wedding.
Poppy has always dreamt of having the perfect family; husband, kids, the whole shebang. She finds out that she has a less than 1% chance of ever conceiving and decides to reset her standards for men.
AJ is neurodivergent and is always being misunderstood in his relationships. Mostly because he speaks the truth and others dont know how to handle him.
AJ describes Poppy as calming and a weighted blanket who quiets the sounds around him.
Poppy describes him as understanding her needs before even she can express them.
They have a one night stand and surprise! One thing leads to another and then may be spending more time together than they originally planned.

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I was really happy to have an opportunity to read AJ and Poppy's story. Beyond the fact that it was a VERY emotional story, a love at first sight with all the feels, it was also a very educational one. I learned a lot!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone to Love is the second book in the Hope Falls: Main Street series and it's always fun to be back in this small town!

Poppy Davies has always wanted the quintessential dream of a house, husband, and kids, however health challenges she has dash her hopes of having children. Knowing she needs a change of scenery, she makes the decision to move to Hope Falls. She'll be closer to family and hopefully she can get herself back on track.

AJ Costas is Poppy's brothers best friend, but he is also in the military and is neurodivergent. He is brilliant and has learned over the years how to deal in places and spaces where he is less than comfortable. He's home from his latest military assignment and he's contemplating leaving it all behind.

Both Poppy and AJ are aware of one another before they even meet and they are both curious. When they finally come face to face, the comfort level between them is immediate and is easier than either of them typically have with others. They end up spending one night together and while they agreed that would be it, the pull is still there and it is undeniable that there is truly something between them. The question becomes will they be able to get out of their own way to see if something can come of it?

I really enjoyed these characters and the neurodivergent storyline isn't one you see often, so I was happy to. Both main characters were dealing with a lot and I appreciated the way that the author handled them. This was a wonderful story and one I'm very happy I read.

**I voluntarily read a copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**

[Felicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It made me truly believe that there is someone special out there for everyone that truly understands them to their deepest soul. Both Poppy and AJ felt an attraction to the other from a photograph before they even met at their siblings’ wedding. That feeling of knowing the other grew when they finally met and ended in an amazing night after the wedding. Due to a misunderstanding, Poppy tried to deny her feelings (and AJs calls and texts) for weeks until she saw him the next time… at another wedding. The pull was just as strong and after an incident at the ER, the two realized that their connection would be with them forever. However they still couldn’t stop the misunderstandings to both realize that they wanted forever together. What a great book! These two are one of my favorite couples of all time!

[Susanne Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may just throw a controversial view into the mix and say it wasn’t Poppy and her heartfelt struggles that cinched this book for me, but AJ and his wonderful neurodiverse personality.

Initially I wasn’t sure I wanted to keep reading this book about Poppy who desperately wanted a baby but had massive fertility issues, however, enter AJ and that all changed. I was totally fascinated in how he navigated social situations, and also how accepting and patient Poppy was with him. I found all of his techniques to get through certain situations and his thought processes really interesting and I could even identify with a few.

I loved how he showed up for Poppy time and time again, his show of love wasn’t fancy dinners, flowers or expensive gifts, it was much more personal. It was himself, his time and the things he did to ensure she was safe and healthy. He might not have smiled and laughed around, but he was so solid and dependable and loving in such a unique way that was sexy in its own way.

Despite my initial thoughts, this was an amazing read, that made me ugly cry more than once. AJ is my new favourite.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poppy and AJ first see photos of one another and are both drawn to each other even before officially meeting. Once they do meet, sparks fly and everyone sees it.
AJ is very honest. He doesn't know how not to be. He is neurodivergent and only answers in truth and brevity.
Poppy is tired of the same routine that was only meant to be temporary but ended up her entire life. She wants a baby but has been told she most likely will never be able to get her dream. She decides after her brother gets married to change her life and go after something new and exciting, a new house, a job as a nanny and going back to school.

Poppy's past growing up as the result of a long time affair always looking in from the outside shapes her interactions and worries about the future she sees with AJ and if they actually have one while AJ's neurodiverency causes his communication skills to not clearly communicate what he wants or thinks. Both of these characters are lovable in their own ways and together they are fire.

And the lead in for AJ's twin's story makes me hope it wont be long before finding out what happens next with this big and all inclusive family.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poppy’s family was quite a mess and you almost needed a map to determine who and how they were related. I felt bad for how she was raised, and even worse when all she ever wanted was to have a child but had a very small chance of ever becoming pregnant. It was crazy good how both AJ and Poppy saw a picture of each other and was very attracted to the other. It was kismet that they were going to the same wedding where they met each other. AJ had something like Autism that made him have many different reactions to touch, sounds, big groups of people but was also super intelligent. I enjoyed watching AJ and Poppy fall in love with so many ups and downs. AJ didn’t normally show emotions and Poppy showed her emotions which got confusing at times. There were other couples and family that had their ups and downs which drew Poppy or AJ or both in that I enjoyed. I strongly encourage you to read the book.

[Roe Quinajon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled a bit with this book. But I’m glad they got their HEA. And always happy to go back to Hope Falls.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone to Love is the second novel in the Hope Falls: Main Street series by Melanie Shawn. I absolutely loved getting to know AJ and Poppy more through this story!

Poppy has always had a messy home life, so its not completely surprising that she wants to have her own family and turn that around for the next generation.

AJ has always been misunderstood by anyone other than his family and close friends. Back in Hope Falls for his sister's wedding, he finds a woman he is instantly connected to on a level much deeper than normal first interactions.

I loved Poppy and loved AJ, but their lack of communications was surprisingly frustrating! The writing was well done and really drove this home, which had me thinking to myself, "oh come on!"

I cannot wait for more of Hope Falls and this ever expanding crew of characters!

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC

[Susan Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done Melanie Shawn

Poppy and AJ. What a beautiful love story. So well written. An honest depiction of what life, love, romance and family are like through challenging lenses. Fertility issues, career choices, the ramifications of infidelity on half siblings, unexpected pregnancies ...this book handled all of those topics with amazing care. Definitely my favorite book in recent history. I can't wait for more Hope Falls

[Brandi Sartin lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

AJ and Poppy have a secret they aren’t sharing, well they actually have a few. Where were they when everyone went to the hospital? What’s going on with them? And why don’t they interact around everyone? Everyone knows how AJ is and doesn’t always question why he isn’t interacting or just observing. But they know Poopy and she is the life of the party so what has changed?
As always is good to catch up with everyone else. This story continues from the one. Can’t to read the next one!

[Sherri Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to this series. From the moment I picked up the book I was hooked. I loved AJ and Poppy. They had so much chemistry going on between them. Their story will make you laugh, it will make you smile. It is full of heat, drama, and so much more. This is a book that you do not want to miss. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Argie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend

Someone to Love By by Melanie Shawn is a heartfelt, feel-good romance that’s easy to fall in love with. The characters are warm and relatable, the chemistry feels genuine, and the story has just the right mix of emotion, charm, and hope. A comforting, engaging read that leaves you smiling and wanting more. Highly recommend!

[Toi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Read

Cute Read - be prepared to fall in love with this couple, both have something that could stop them from being together, but both are at peace with each othet.

[Michelle Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

steamy, smart and super good!

Always a great read with any Melanie Shawn book and this one is too! I love their connection, the family ties and the intelligence. Grateful for the length of the story too to keep connected to it for multiple days. Love it!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story of AJ and Poppy. Both, very different people but drawn to each other almost in a magical way. Tons of chemistry but struggling with communication and a little surprise. Great cast of characters as always in Hope Falls!

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poppy and AJ were fire one moment and ice the next! The ice was all miscommunication and assumptions. The fire was instant chemistry and common goals. I’m glad they figured out how to manage the fire.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Trip back to Hope Falls. Loved AJ and Poppy's chemistry even before the first meet up. Can't wait to hear more about the rest of the characters and of course baby Dylan.

[Nate Brightman · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the first book in this new series, The Gravity of Us we met this the 2nd book in the series female protagonist Poppy Davies, and to a far lesser extent the male protagonist A.J. Costas.
In that book we learned two very important things about Poppy beyond her relationship to that book’s male lead, her half brother Liam Davies and her position as a lab tech at Pineview Hospital. We learned that Poppy was very sad and was doing her best to hide it from her family. At the opening of this book we learn the now 30 year old Poppy’s sadness is due to the fact that she has been told by several medical experts that due to a serious if non-fatal medical condition, there is a less than 1% chance she’ll ever be able to conceive. And for Poppy who for her entire life wanted nothing more than to be a mother, to create the family she never had, that news is devestating. We also learned that Poppy was immediately attracted to The Gravity of Us female lead Frankie Costas’s older brother A.J. just from seeing a picture of him. It is also strongly hinted at in that book that A.J. and Poppy had a one night stand after the wedding of A.J. and Frankie’s mother to Liam’s non-biological father.
We learned that A.J., one of Frankie’s two older twin brothers was brilliant and as they say “on the spectrum” of autism. We are also led to believe A.J. has some sort of job working in intelligence for the U.S. Government that sometimes causes him to go “on missions.” My problem with this is when we first meet A.J. in this story we learn that his autism effects him far more than I was believed in the first book. Yes he’s brilliant. Capable of being a terrific intelligence analyst. For the most part A.J.’s autism doesn’t prevent him from living a normal life although he doesn’t readily pick up on social cues. But IMHO his high sensitivity to environmental stimuli including but not limited to touch, sights and sounds would prevent him from ever leading military missions in a combat situation. They would just be too disruptive to his ability to focus. And really after reading the first couple of chapters in this book I still don’t understand what branch of the government A.J. works for? It sounds like he might be working for the CIA or some other clandestine organization but as the story opens he’’s standing at attention in front of and saluting some superior reviewing his actions in his last mission. Which involved the death of six of his team members. While he is found innocent of being responsible for their deaths, A.J. still blames himself. His missions are described as deployments and we’re told his current enlistment is almost up. It sounds like he’s military intelligence not CIA or NSA.. We’re never told.
This story is at its heart of course a romantic fantasy and the author takes full advantage of that fact with our two protagonist emotional and physical reactions to just seeing a random picture of the other before they’ve ever even met. There’s the racing pulse, the sweaty palms, the way a picture of Poppy soothes A.J.s always over active mind. Creating feelings within him he’s never felt for another woman. The way a picture of A.J. kick starts Poppy’s previously dormant libido making her forget about her crushed dreams being able to bear children. The way the author describes Poppy’s and A.J.’s attraction to one another is at least in my life’s experience, really over the top. But again, this is romantic fantasy.
So, I know I’m not giving anything away by telling you that A.J. and Poppy did hook up after the wedding, and surprise! Poppy discovers eight weeks later after Frankie’s and Liam’s wedding that she is pregnant. The rest of the story is these two (especially Poppy) finding their HEA. You see due to her upbringing, even after seeing a therapist who helps Poppy realize her abandonment issues and how they have affected her behavior, she still keeps A.J. at arms length trying to protect her heart from being broken when he finally leaves her. And A.J. lacks to communication skills to initiate the conversation they need to have. A.J.’s M.O. is to offer information only when he’s asked a direct question. It doesn’t help that just before learning Poppy is pregnant with his child he declares he has never wanted to have children. So, despite everything he does for Poppy afterwards, Poppy believes he doesn’t really want to be a father but he’s such an honorable guy he’s trying to do the right thing for the baby he doesn’t want. And the last thing Poppy wants is for her and their child to be an obligation. Of course it all works out for the two of them in the end but the author makes us wait l, I iterally until the last couple of pages for it to happen. Along the way the Davies family learns some surprising information. There’s another Costas wedding. And we’re teased about the next book. Honestly, I really could have used a little more of Poppy and A.J.s H.E.A. after waiting for over 300 pages to get to it.

[Michelle Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really felt for Poppy with the way this story started. If anyone was meant to be a mom, it is Poppy. WIth her having to deal with the news she just received and a wedding coming up, she had to get her thoughts together. Who would’ve known that when these two saw pictures of the other, it was pretty much game over and who knew that in the span of a few hours, you could have possibly found the one. I really liked Poppy and AJ and who knew that their night together would change the trajectory of their lives. The next time these two encounter each other both have made pretty major changes in their lives and then when Poppy gets the news, she is happy but yet unsure. I really liked these two together and how AJ was so supportive of her and going above and beyond to help her with whatever she needed and especially with her new renovation project. However, AJ had a feeling about Deacon, the person that Poppy is nannying for and what he found out, that is a whole can of worms to deal with. We also have Yaya who is always a mothering presence sharing news of her own with Mr. Santonio and when AJ starts sharing with her about his past we find out way more about Yaya and her deceased husband than we knew. AJ also reaches out to Miss Carol and offers her an amazing opportunity to move back to California to be there for Poppy. Totally loved how everyone and everything came together and I have to say I have a new Melanie Shawn book boyfriend in the form of AJ. Definitely intrigued by what the next book might hold for Niko and Tiana and wondering what might be in this authors thoughts for Deacon. Great Book!

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

AJ Costas will steal your heart!
This story made me fall in love with romance stories all over again. This story is about AJ Costas and Poppy Davies. Two souls that are both dealing with a lot in their lives, but luckily find their way to each other. Poppy is Liam’s half sister from Gravity of Love. This poor woman has wanted one thing her whole life and that’s to have a loving husband and children. You’ll understand when you read about her life growing up. She is dealing with a lot of heartache right now and feels like her life is spinning out of control. Then she sees a picture of Frankie’s brothers, AJ and Niko and she is instantly drawn to AJ. She grills Liam about him and then she sets her mind on meeting him at his mom’s wedding. Meanwhile, AJ is dealing with his own issues with a tour gone wrong with his job and now he’s dealing with a lot of guilt. AJ is a special man who has Asperger’s and doesn’t do well when he’s over stimulated. He also sees a picture of Poppy and is very intrigued by her. Fast forward to his mom’s wedding and when these two see each other in person, sparks start to fly. I loved the part with the wedding bouquet and garter. These two were so good together. I loved how even though AJ has issues with crowds, loud music and being over stimulated, Poppy sees him and understands what he needs to calm down. It was so easy to see that these two were made for each other. AJ was exactly what Poppy needed as well. I loved watching the love between these two grow and watching them fight for the happily ever after. Trust me when I say you’re going to fall in love with AJ.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poppy and AJ meet when his sister marries her brother. These two feel a connection and understanding between them. Poppy has some health issues she's dealing with and AJ is considering leaving the service and moving to Hope Falls. They spend some time together and AJ goes home to get his stuff in order. When AJ returns for his grandma's wedding he's hoping to see Poppy and see where things go. Poppy decides to leave her job and move to Hope Falls to nanny. AJ moves in next door to where she is living. These two have some miscommunication, but when Poppy gets hurt AJ is there for her. They discover some startling news and both are dealing with it in their own way. They both get some good advice and the ending was really good! AJ was such a great guy!! This was a really good book! Loving this series!Poppy and AJ meet when his sister marries her brother. These two feel a connection and understanding between them. Poppy has some health issues she's dealing with and AJ is considering leaving the service and moving to Hope Falls. They spend some time together and AJ goes home to get his stuff in order. When AJ returns for his grandma's wedding he's hoping to see Poppy and see where things go. Poppy decides to leave her job and move to Hope Falls to nanny. AJ moves in next door to where she is living. These two have some miscommunication, but when Poppy gets hurt AJ is there for her. They discover some startling news and both are dealing with it in their own way. They both get some good advice and the ending was really good! AJ was such a great guy!! This was a really good book! Loving this series!

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in Hope Falls with a unique couple, Poppy Davies and AJ Costas.
Poppy has always wanted children , a supportive husband and the white picket fences. But at 30, after another heartbreaking confirmation of her infertility, she’s about to give it all up.
Determined to start over, she plans to move to Hope Falls . The place her soon to be married brother Liam, will be living.
AJ , her brother’s best friend, is a brilliant neurodivergent individual. After years in the military, he’s considering leaving it all behind after the last mission.
From the moment these two meet at a wedding, the attraction is spontaneous and what was suppose to be a one night stand , becomes more. Complicated by unexpected developments.
While the plot was engaging, it was the characters and their uniqueness that makes this story unique.
Kudos to the author for treating both infertility and neurodivergent individuals with respect and care.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own,

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite couples so far! Poppy has the biggest heart and has always wanted a family of her own. She has a special way of connecting with all children and understands people on a fundamental level. AJ is misunderstood by most because they don’t understand how his brain works and they only look at how he seems to react to situations and people. Family drama, in the best way, is only part of what you get with this story. Poppy and AJ are introduced in “Gravity of Love”, and the story lines intertwined and cross over for part of the book. If you haven’t read the other story, you don’t have to read it first, but you will want to after reading this one. Both share the same big and varied family and friend group. I just love the variety of characters and personalities in Melanie Shawn books. From neurotypical to neurodivergent, various preferences of partners, they are all shown for the people they are, personality first!

[Tracy Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful read from Melanie Shawn. This is a gentle, uplifting romance centered on resilience and rediscovering hope. Someone to Love brings together two people who are each trying to find their footing again. Poppy is still reeling from a heartbreak she never saw coming, and AJ is a man who’s spent years keeping his guard up to avoid getting hurt. When their lives cross, there’s immediate sparks. They’re both cautious, both carrying their own scars, yet they find comfort and understanding in each other in a way that feels real. This read shows no matter how different two people are, true love outshines anything. It’s a sweet reminder that sometimes the right person shows up exactly when you’ve stopped looking.
This is a must read. Highly recommended!!!

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lust at first sight, oopsie baby and two emotionally different people!! AJ and Poppy could not be more different!! Poppy is out going and AJ is reserved!! So many emotions through out this book. From lust to love to laugh out loud moments to tears and confusion to love of family that will have you quickly turning pages and enjoying the HEA that will finally put this couple together!! Love a meddling family and all the residents of Hope Falls!! This is a must read series that you will not be able to put down!! Highly recommend this love story and enjoyed the unlikely couple find out they are perfect for each other!!

[Urvashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

AJ and Poppy saw each others pics for the first time, and it was insta lust for both of them. Then when their paths cross at a wedding, it was love at first sight. They thought the one night together was all they will have to contend with but fate had other plans.
Someone to love was a swoon worthy romance. I absolutely loved AJ. I didn’t think the author will be able to top Liam from Gravity of Love, but AJ is another level.
AJ and Poppy are complete opposites and perfect for each other. Their amazing chemistry, fun characters and a beautiful romance made this the perfect read to start your year.
Absolutely loved the book.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

AJ and Poppy's story was a wonderful return to a favorite storybook city - Hope Falls!!
I loved that this story started off where the first book in the series (Gravity of Love) was ending. It was a perfect way to smoothly move into this book, though I think it could also be read as a standalone. Having read the first one though, it made it even better as the timing overlapped and so did the characters. This book dealt with very real topics of infertility and neurodivergence and an HEA with love at first sight!! Cannot wait for the next one!

[Laurie Louis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone to Love is a fun brothers best friend romance from beginning to end. Poppy and AJ's story starts before they even meet each other. Then when their paths cross at a wedding, it was love at first sight. Still thinking their time together is a no strings attached night, they both become miserable. But luckily, fate has other plans.
This book has lots of fun characters and a few different potential storylines. It’s a great book to add to this year’s reading list.