Someone to Love

Skylark #1

by Michelle Major

One month. One fake boyfriend. One shot at forever.

I’ve got four weeks to cross one thing off my bucket list—and it isn’t exactly PG.

I’m not the type to take risks, but when a friend battling cancer dares you to go big, you don’t say no. My mission? Lose my V-card before my baby sister’s wedding.

Did I mention she’s marrying my high school crush? Yeah. There’s no way I’m walking into that ceremony as the awkward, untouched older sister.

Enter single dad Ian Barlowe—my sinfully hot, NFL legend neighbor, who owes me big time after his daughter breaks into my house. He offers to make amends by playing my fake boyfriend. How can I say no?

It should be easy enough—except nothing about Ian feels fake. The chemistry? Explosive. His unexpected sweetness? Heart-melting. And the way he seems to like me just as I am? Ruh, roh.

Here’s the thing—I don’t do vulnerability, and neither does he. But as the line between pretend and real starts to blur—especially in the bedroom—I wonder if happily-ever-after is a game we can win.

I set out to score one for the bucket list, but now I’m playing for keeps. And if we’re not careful, I might lose my heart in the final play.

Genres: Romance, Sports, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Small Town Romance, Animals, Fake Dating

294 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2025

About the author

USA Today and Top 5 Amazon Bestselling author Michelle Major writes swoon-worthy stories full of heart, heat, and guaranteed happily-ever-afters. When she’s not dreaming up romance, you’ll find her hiking the trails (or avoiding housework) in her home state of Colorado.

Connect with her at www.michellemajor.com or come say hi on Instagram and Facebook.

Reviews

[Andie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC: Someone to Love by Michelle Major

5⭐️!! WOW. The clever, hilarious banter between the characters - absolute gold. If a book can make me laugh out loud, it’s an immediate 5⭐️. But that’s not all it has:

Loved the dynamic relationship between Ian, his daughter Riva, and even Riva’s mother. Sadie being a mentor and role model for Riva was a beautiful story line as well!

Sadie and her sister Piper also have a beautiful relationship. Witnessing their bond is special, as a sister myself. 🥰

Honestly had me guessing until the end of how this book was going to finish, but I’m so so happy with it!! Would LOVE to Felix’s story…🫣👀😏

I thought it was incredibly well-written and easy to read. Totally recommend this one to my small town, dog-loving, retired athlete sports romance readers. 💕 e-book release date is 3/27!!! Mark your calendars!!!

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Michelle Major for this ARC of 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘛𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦!

~~
Funny 𝗾𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲 from the book:

"A book club emergency isn't a thing, is it?" -Ian

"Maybe they found out one of their members folds the pages down instead of using a bookmark. That's a no-no with books." -Felix (Ian's brother)
~~

❤️Things I loved about this book:

♡ The monthly book club
♡ Sadie (FMC) boarding and training dogs
♡ Sadie taking care of her sister Piper after their mother's death
♡ Ian's aim for a better relationship with his daughter, Riva

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄:

I loved this book and the premise behind it. Sadie's friend Sloane has been diagnosed with cancer. Sloane wants her book club friends to check something off of their bucket lists or do something big for themselves to help her take her mind off of her diagnosis. Sadie volunteers to go first, and this is where her story with Ian begins. ❤️

All of the main characters were easily lovable, and I loved that they had such strong friendships.

This book was very lighthearted, and there was so much humor. It was hard to pick just one funny quote!

Also, I loved the Gilmore Girls reference, but season 4 was the best. 😉 😂

I'll be looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.

𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘛𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟳𝘁𝗵!

[Tammi Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Someone to Love was like stepping into a Hallmark movie with a little bit of spice. From the picturesque mountain town in Colorado, to the steamy hot ex-NFL single-dad moving to town, Michelle Major delivers a swoon-worthy romance, with all the witty banter included. Someone to Love was an engaging, quick read with all the feelings that had me laughing and falling in love right from the beginning.

Sadie Hart has always put everyone else's needs and happiness before her own, starting with the sacrifice she made for her sister Piper after their mother’s death. Ex-NFL star Ian Barlowe has always put his own desires and career before everyone else including his daughter, Riva. When Ian’s decision to retire and spend more time with his daughter moves him to a small Colorado town, and next-door to Sadie, the timing could not be more perfect. Sadie needs a boyfriend for her sister Piper’s wedding and Ian is just the guy for the job. To everyone around town, Sadie and Ian are together, to Sadie and Ian it is just a fake relationship... Or is it? The more time they spend together, there is no denying their chemistry or the heat and electricity between them. Will they survive the month together and walk away as friends or will they risk everything for the chance at love?

Someone to Love is a standalone fake relationship, single-dad, opposites attract, romance set in a small-town. It is packed full of light-hearted humor, and a whole lot of heart. It will have you smiling, laughing, and if you are like me, possibly even shedding a couple of tears.

Thank you, Michelle Major, for the opportunity to receive an ARC copy of Someone to Love. I could not wait to share my love of Sadie and Ian with other readers.

[Cristina]

I should’ve known better but the pity-party the h is displaying is not for me. I get it, her half-sister is marrying an “old” crush and it’s a bit awkward. However, it’s been years since she last saw this crush. Why does it bother her? Is it because she’s 33 and a V? I don’t know how she never found anyone to date. Anyway, this one wasn’t for me.

[Virginia Danyow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book!! A great feel good romance with just the right amount of spice. Looking forward to another chapter....perhaps Piper and Felix?

[Lainy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“His voice pours over me like warm honey, and I don’t want to think about all the ways he could make me sticky sweet.”
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Sadie and Ian’s story was an absolute delight! What began as a fake relationship transforms into something beautiful! Someone to Love is a heartwarming love story where both characters undergo a transformation that leads them toward each other. From the very first page, I was hooked and could not put the book down. I highly recommend!

[Jayme · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely gushinggggg!!!! I loved Sadie and Ian’s story!! This book was a great time! I laughed at the witty comments and was literally foaming out the mouth at how protective Ian gets with Sadie! He is soooo swoon worthy!!!

[Lacey Fatura]

ARC Review

*clapping* 5 ⭐️ man did I absolutely LOVE this book. It gave me all the feels but also literally laughing out loud and the whit these characters have. There are so many relationships to adore in this book which I love when it’s more than just your two main characters.

Don’t get me wrong, you will fall hard over heels for both Sadie and Ian. Sadie the dog loving, big hearted sister who puts EVERYONE above herself and doesn’t see her true beauty and worth. And Ian, oh Ian, his tall dark and handsome retired quarterback self who’s just trying to prove to his daughter he can be the best dad and give her the life she deserves in good ole skylark.

As someone who currently has a very close friend going through cancer, I appreciated this element in the story and really applaud Michelle for how she portrayed the importance of friendship during a scary time.

Long story short, add to TBR immediately and be ready for 3/27! Hopefully next up is Felix’s story 🫣

[Charlotte · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received an ARC for this book in exchange for a review. I have to say that it really was not my thing. I got 30% through and it was becoming a chore to read. There is absolutely no chemistry between the two main characters, and to be honest, not even much dialogue. Based off of next to no interaction, only the odd conversation when his daughter is involved, they’ve decided they’re super attracted to each other and will fake date? Nevermind the fact that they barely have a conversation and he’s suddenly masturbating over her multiple times a day (creep).

I’m sure this is perfect for someone but it’s not for me.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and am giving it 5 stars. The characters were all very likable and realistic. I was rooting for Sadie and Ian from the very beginning and enjoyed the dialogue and pacing of this story. The side characters such as Sally, Trina, Piper, Felix, Riva, and the book club (who I hope the rest of the book club gets their own bucket list adventures). Love how the dogs were also brought in as loveable characters as well. I also liked how Ian and Sadie grew and brought out the best in each other.

[Jessica Aranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️

💕Small Town
🔥Single Dad
💕Found Family
🔥Opposites Attract
💕Accidental Virgin
🔥Fake relationship
💕Girl Next Door/Neighbors
🔥Football Player

💕This was such a cute small town romance book. I devoured this in a day! I just couldn’t put it down. I loved Sadie and Ian’s story. I really connected with Sadie because that’s how I used to be.
💕If you love second chance romance and a happy ending add this to your TBR! Trust me 😁

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Only three chapters in, and I already knew it was going to be a favorite. Michelle Major delivers a heartwarming, swoon-worthy romance with all the charm of a cozy small-town setting.

One of the best things about Someone to Love is the Gilmore Girls-esque banter and hilarious inner monologues. I found myself grinning like a fool through most of the story—it's just that good! The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, and the emotional depth makes their journey even more satisfying.

With tropes like he falls first, small-town romance, ex-sports star, and single dad, what’s not to love? If you enjoy witty dialogue, heartfelt moments, and a romance that will leave you smiling, this book is a must-read!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Corrin Strickland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Someone To Love. I knew I was going to like this book by the second paragraph. Sadie is such a strong and likable character and I enjoyed escaping into her world. I loved the way Sadie and Ian's relationship bloomed. They were so honest with each other from the beginning. Well maybe honest isn't the right word since they both were hiding their true feelings from each other, but they were both so enamored by the other from the very beginning. Ian shows Sadie that she's worth more than what she thinks, and Sadie shows Ian that he's worthy of love. I hope there will be more in store for Sadie and Ian in the future, or even just pop-ups from them in someone else's story in Skylark.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
📕: Someone To Love by Michelle Major
Why you’ll love this book!!
🔥Small Town
🔥Single Dad
🔥Found Family
🔥Opposites Attract
🔥Accidental Virgin
🔥Fake relationship
🔥Girl Next Door/Neighbors
🔥Football Player


Sadie meets up with her book club after finding out some news that shake her into wanting to do something she never done and her and the group create a bucket list and Sadie volunteers to go first and wants to lose her v- card ..Sadie meets her new male neighbor and they agree to be in a fake relationship to help Sadie when she has to see a guy she had a crush on at her little sister’s wedding..
This is author Michelle Majors debut novel and I ate this book up in a day!!
I loved how she wrote Ian and Sadie’s relationship!!

[Karen B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lighthearted, small town romance with a fake dating scenario, adorably cute dogs and a pre-teenager with some sass. Desiring to cross one major item off her list, Sadie, a doggie daycare owner, agreed to - mutually beneficial one month fake dating relationship wit her new neighbor, Ian, a retired football player and single dad. Additionally, Ian’s desire to have a better relationship with his daughter was super sweet, and Sadie’s unexpected connection with her was even more so. The banter was cute, the spice steamy, with the found family trope also a strong player. Quite a lighthearted, enjoyable read!
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the characters and the way it was written in the main characters POV. I like how quickly I became entwined with their lives.

It had the “good girl” vibe and the “player” vibe romance genre. You can’t help loving Sadie and rooting for her with Ian.

Michelle Major never disappoints. I have read all of her non Harlequin books and was so happy to get my hands on this one.

Her hometown backdrop does not disappoint. I can’t wait for the next book.

If you are a Michelle Major fan you will not be disappointed.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this was a wonderful read and I am eager to continue this series. I loved Sadie and Ian. They were both easy to like and their chemistry was irresistible. Incandescent sparks and witty banter flow smoothly between these two and I was quickly fiercely rooting for the HEA these two deserved. Cuteness, humor, heart, drama, emotion, and a touch of poignancy are woven into a moving and meaningful story that packs a potent punch right to your heart.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic start to this incredible new series. This book was a delightful blend of romance and drama with relatable, real and multi layered characters who had amazing chemistry. The secondary characters were an added bonus full of charm. This story was so entertaining, sweet, swoony and funny with hilarious witty dialog. I just loved it and enjoyed everything about the book. Definitely worth the read!

[Michelle King-Best · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC copy of this book and I’m so glad I did. I was immediately in love with the town of Skylark, CO and its characters. From page 1 of this book my brain was screaming “finally!…. A heroine that is an introvert and is used to taking care of everyone else around her.”

To help a friend take their mind off of a recent cancer diagnosis Sadie takes on a challenge to do something that she’s not even sure is possible in her life. New neighbors, a handsome retired NFL player named Ian and his daughter move in next door. Sadie’s very structured world gets turned upside down and it starts her wondering if she wants more out of life, after a fake relationship with Ian starts to feel not so fake. I loved
reading about Sadie and the wonderful group of woman who truly supported (and pushed her a little) into living her best life. This story is cozy, full of love, found family and definitely had its sexy moments. I can’t wait to read the next installment of this small town’s romances (especially because I got so hooked into this story I finished it in about 6 hours… I kind of inhaled it, lol).

[Allesandra Brandenburg · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I fell for you from the start. I think it might have been the deer leg sticking out of your back pocket”

This was such a cute fake dating romance! It was a quick read that kept me hooked with the banter. Sadie and Ian’s chemistry was so fun to watch unfold o the page.

It did leave me wanting more at the end a bit, especially with so their miscommunication thing exploded. But I’m hoping we get more with the next book in the series.

[Dayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this review.

Thank you to Michelle Major for providing me with an ARC of Someone to Love. This book is an open-door, small-town, standalone romance and is the first installment in her Skylark Series. This was my first time reading a book from Michelle Major and I really enjoyed it.

My thoughts:

This was such a cute fake dating romance! Sadie is introverted, and cautious, and is used to taking care of others at the expense of her own happiness. Ian is a former NFL player with a reputation. It was a slow burn, which really allowed for the chemistry between Sadie and Ian to build. It had just the right amount of spice. The secondary characters were also entertaining and I found myself laughing out loud a few times. I felt the ending of the book was a little rushed; especially after the miscommunication occurred and I hope to see their story continue with the next book in the series.

If you like open-door romances and enjoy tropes like small-town, football player, found family, single dad, fake relationship, and opposites attract, then check out this book. This is available on 3/27/25!

[Kaiemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really enjoyed this one! i found myself giggling and loving the main characters. i loved the single dad trope and the fact that he was a retired football player. the added dog content was enjoyable as well. i am usually not a romance person but i always like michelle’s books. i think she does a really good job writing cute romances that aren’t super cheesy. they have good smut that isn’t super cringey and her books have some meat to them and aren’t basic! i would read a sequel to this!

[Amber Dickmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gobbled this up in a day.. quick and fun!

[Aneesah · Rating 4 out of 5]

First by this author

…but I’m sure it won’t be my last. Small town romance with lots of heart and humor and even a little heat.

[Lynne Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me awhile to warm up to Sadie, but she found her HEA. A good story about finding yourself and having good friends to back you up.

[Katie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure to read Someone to Love as an ARC and it was such a fun read!

Ian retired from the NFL and moves to small-town Colorado to give his daughter a normal life out of the spotlight. He meets his new neighbor Sadie and with a little convincing agrees to be her fake date to her sister’s wedding .
The banter is great in this book! Many times I laughed out loud! I don’t love the miscommunication trope and that is why I gave it 4 stars but everything else about this book is great! If you are looking for a small town, fake dating, opposites attract romance add this one to your TBR.

[Ryana Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

ian. mfin. barlowe. the man that you are. i love a good reformed playboy, i mean who doesn't, and the playmaker is no exception. the banter and chemistry between sadie and ian flows and is so natural. and i love that even though sadie feels like they just don't work, ian KNOWS they do.

the story is good, there were definitely times that i thought piper needed to get rocked but that might be my bias as an older sister lol. i do hope we get felix's book because i know he's gonna be a good leading male.

what's inside:
-retired nfl playboy x small town good girl
-single dad
-dog trainer
-forced proximity
-fake relationship
-virgin fmc

cw/tw:
-parental death
-descriptive sexual content

thank you for the ARC!!!

[Kaitlin Ashwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I just devoured Someone to Love by Michelle Major and I'm head over heels in love with Sadie and Ian's story! This small-town romance is everything I needed and more. The way these two opposites attract and bring out the best in each other is pure magic. I couldn't put the book down and I'm so thankful I got to read it! If you're a fan of Happily Ever After stories, do yourself a favor and add this one to your TBR! PS, Ian has a dirty mouth and I couldn’t help but drool a little!!! His overprotective, don’t touch my girl kind of personality had me swooning over him and it’s a bonus he is funny too! A girls dream!

[Mandy Pittman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was excited to read this based off the blurb. I didn’t really like it. I still read it because I had already committed. The beginning was a touch rough to get into. I honestly didn’t like the relationship between FMC and her “book club”. I’m not saying it’s not realistic to still be a virgin at 33 but it felt very unbelievable. I didn’t like Piper. The MMC was okay. I just felt like there was so much potential. I also wasn’t a big fan of the writing style and there was a lot of moments where you’d have no idea who ways saying what because there was no specification of who was saying what.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadie Hart lives in Skylark, Colorado. Everyone knows everyone way too well. When you walk into Cover to Cover the shelves are brimming with books, and assorted knick-knacks that line the cozy space. You get the scent of old paper and fresh-baked cookies. It’s like an invitation encouraging people to get comfortable and stay a while. Let’s say, there is a reason she likes her dog-walking business working with the furry variety more than humans. As soon as she walks into the Cover to Cover bookstore, it’s like there is blood in the water and the sharks are circling though.

These ladies are the closest thing she has to friends, but in town, they truly don’t know the real her. The conversation all died as five heads turned to stare at her like she farted in church or something. “Good Lord, Sadie. What’s wrong?” “You look like somebody kicked your puppy.” “Oh my God, did someone kick one of your dogs?” “Talk about losing it. I’ll lose it all over that dog kicker.” “You guys, no. The dogs are fine.” She runs a training and boarding facility out of her home, and sadly the pups are the only overnight visitors she can claim.

Schooling her face so the emotions tumbling through it weren’t written all over it is a massive fail. “My sister called. She’s getting married.” Piper is having a boyfriend.” “Tonight is the first time I heard about it.” She tried for another smile, but it was an epic fail. “They met at the hospital where she got a job after nursing school. Turns out he’s also from Skylark.” “So you know him?” Sloane asks. “Are there red flags?” “I do know him.”

I hold my thumb and index finger an inch apart. “Perhaps a teensy yellow flag. My sister’s twenty-two, but Brad—Bradley, he goes by his full name now—is my age. Eleven years older. He and I were friends in high school.” “How close of friends?” “We were best friends. Well, I thought so anyway. We were both at CSU for undergrad. He was on a pre-med track, and I was pre-veterinary medicine. Then Mom died, and things changed.” “I remember him,” Avah says.

She’s a couple of years younger than her, and they weren’t friends until they both joined Sloane’s Cool Girls Book Club. She’s not sure any of them, other than Sloane and Avah, ever identified as cool girls. “He was a dick in high school. You were too nice to notice, or at least to say anything.” “I might have had a small crush on Bradley back in the day.” “Who changes their name to Bradley?” Molly throws up her hands. “I’m embarrassed for the guy.” “He’s finishing up an orthopedic fellowship.

Very prestigious, Piper tells me.” “So when is this…happy occasion taking place?” Taylor asks. “Fourth of July weekend in Vail.” “That’s like six weeks away,” Avah points out. “Is she preggers?” “No.” I shake my head. “At least, not that she’s told me. The lodge had a cancellation, and she snagged the date. The other option was waiting a year.” “Sadie, tell us how we can help.” Sloane slides into the chair next to Iris. “I’m sure you’ll have tons of planning to do with such short notice.”

“Piper is still close with a couple of high school friends and the girls from her sorority. I guess the youngsters are doing most of the planning.” “You’re thirty-three.” Iris looks disgusted on my behalf. “Not exactly an old maid.” “It would help if we switch topics to the book,” I say, not bothering to reach for another smile. I’m not fooling anyone. “I agree with Sadie.” Sloane nods. The book is by a freelance writer and life coach. The Year of Losing It is Kristen’s debut. It documents her path to letting go of the fear.

“I found the author’s journey inspiring,” Molly says. Sloane nods. She’s kind of a role model, you know?” Iris snorts. “Because it’s so easy to jump out of a plane? Maybe she learned to be brave. Or the value of stepping outside her comfort zone.” “Releasing control,” Sadie adds. When the group finds out that Sloan is carrying a bigger burden than Sadie is over Piper’s wedding and all the girls come together to be a part of her campaign. Things somehow don’t look so bad until she needs to fulfill her challenge.

And Ian Barlowe ends up temporarily moving in right next door to her. And a part of her challenge, not by her choice, although not unhappy with her friends strong arming him, but still pissed. She doesn't like being anyone’s pity date let alone her handsome, sexy, and smart ass next-door neighbor Ian’s pity date. But she needs this pity date, and even she knows. Read this funny book and yet heart wrenching on so many levels. See how they all have to work through some major issues with his daughter and her sister and the burden of hurt it causes when the tiniest of lies are told.