Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “Somebody to Love (Ryker Falls, #1)” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

Somebody to Love

(Ryker Falls #1)

Wendy Vella (Goodreads Author)

4.31 · Rating details · 94 ratings · 37 reviews

He was the bad boy no one trusted

Bailey’s burned out, and unsure why she’s landed back in Ryker Falls, but has a feeling it’s got something to do with closure. Bad boy Joe Trainer was once her soulmate, but she wasn’t sure she had a soul anymore. Finding he’d made something of his life is a shock, as he’d been on a one-way trip to hell when she left. This new Joe is sexy ...more

Get A Copy

Or buy for $4.99

Kindle Edition, 363 pages

Published December 6th 2017 by Vella Ink

More Details... Edit Details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Somebody to Love, please sign up.

Be the first to ask a question about Somebody to Love

Lists with This Book

Great Series

96 books — 15 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

Showing 1-30

Average rating 4.31 ·

Rating details

· 94 ratings · 37 reviews

More filters

Sort order

Start your review of Somebody to Love (Ryker Falls, #1)

Dec 08, 2017 Isha Coleman rated it it was amazing

Shelves: first-reads

My familiarity with Ms. Vella's historical works made me a bit apprehensive about her contemporary works. In my mind I thought separating regency from modern day would prove difficult, but Somebody to Love was a pleasant surprise. In fact I think I love her contemporary work more. When the teenage bad boy matures into the man with a plan, the once stable footing of young love becomes topsy turvy. Can the girl that lost her way, find home in the arms of her first love? Bailey and Joe are true to ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Nov 30, 2017 Sabrina rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I received an ARC and told myself that I was going to take my time reading. I have the weekend, I thought, to enjoy this story and write a review. Little did I know (though I should have expected), that wouldn't be the case. Instead, I found myself picking it up when I came home from work and spending the rest of the night reading it. Yeah, it was that good.

Wendy Vella creates another town that I wish was real so I could go live there! I loved her Lake Howling series (which, by the way, I hope I received an ARC and told myself that I was going to take my time reading. I have the weekend, I thought, to enjoy this story and write a review. Little did I know (though I should have expected), that wouldn't be the case. Instead, I found myself picking it up when I came home from work and spending the rest of the night reading it. Yeah, it was that good.

Wendy Vella creates another town that I wish was real so I could go live there! I loved her Lake Howling series (which, by the way, I hope is not finished yet) and created the Ryker Falls series and book one was everything I hoped it would be. Bailey and Joe have that soul mate kind of love. They met when they were preteens and were separated for fifteen years! But that kind of connection doesn't disappear over time.

Bailey is a famous pianist who has returned home to Ryker Falls for a break and to escape the cage that her Grandfather created for her in his attempt to control her life and career all while believing that he was helping her. Returning to Ryker Falls, she tries to gain her footing and learn what it is like to be on her own and have some control over her life and choices.

Joe Trainer didn't have an easy childhood and his young-adulthood wasn't that much better. After leaving his home at Ryker Falls, he returns years later and makes something out of himself and for his family. He's much happier and continues to prove to the town that he has put his troubled youth behind. However, no matter how many years have passed, his feelings for Bailey have always been there.

Reunited, and Joe is determined to not lose the girl who got away, while Bailey tries to keep her emotions in check in fear that she will have her heart broken all over again. The story was beautifully written and the character development was great. You watch as these characters learn to get to know one another again and break the barriers around their hearts to find their way to happiness. It isn't an easy journey, but it's one that has love worth fighting for.

With action that keeps this small town and its people on their toes and plot twists that you never see coming, this book is definitely worth checking out! Especially if you loved the Lake Howling series as much as I did. And my fingers are crossed that these towns exist in the same universe and a crossover of characters is a possibility (there may not have been any hints of that, but hey, a girl can dream!).

With a cast of characters that i fell in love with and that I hope will get their own books, this was a great to start to what I think will be a great series! Another favorite of mine of Wendy Vella's to add to my collection. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Dec 07, 2017 S. Hartley rated it it was amazing

**I was given an opportunity to read Somebody To Love in return for an honest review.

This was my first Contemporary written by Wendy Vella ~ she has quickly become one of my favorite Historical Romance authors and I now must add her to another genre!

Somebody To Love had me from the beginning! Not quite a second chance romance, but close – the two main characters knew one another during a time that their age gap would have been awkward for “love”, but Ms. Vella did a beautiful job of creating a ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Apr 09, 2019 Marissa Chavez rated it it was amazing

Bailey + Joe =

After fifteen years apart Bailey and Joe were together again. I loved how he didn't give up on her when she clearly wasn't ready for a relationship. Their story was so beautifully written. I loved everything about it. Can't wait to read more all the Trainer 's. I loved getting to know about his family. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Dec 06, 2017 Em__Jay rated it liked it

As youths, Joe Trainer and Bailey Jones declared themselves “friends for life”. This friendship sadly did not stand the test of time when Bailey, at the age of 13, moved away when her parents separated.

Fast forward 15 years and Bailey is back in Ryker Falls. Having lived a suffocating existence as a concert pianist under the firm control of her grandfather, an accident offers Bailey the opportunity to take stock and decide she no longer wants her current life. She embarks on a journey to As youths, Joe Trainer and Bailey Jones declared themselves “friends for life”. This friendship sadly did not stand the test of time when Bailey, at the age of 13, moved away when her parents separated.

Fast forward 15 years and Bailey is back in Ryker Falls. Having lived a suffocating existence as a concert pianist under the firm control of her grandfather, an accident offers Bailey the opportunity to take stock and decide she no longer wants her current life. She embarks on a journey to discover both herself and determine what she really wants from life.

Bailey is an interesting character in the sense that she may have led a pampered life but she has been so sheltered that she never learned basic life skills. As the book progresses, she grows in confidence the more she is able to take control of her own life, the money she’s earned and the skills she’s gained.

The one thing she cannot seem to control is Joe and her feelings for him. Joe is happy to see his old friend back in town. He has been back in Ryker Falls for years and has built a life and future for himself after a very rocky start involving an abusive parent and himself running off the rails in his teenage years.

Joe’s feelings for Bailey have progressed beyond friendship but he is struggling to get the ever-skittish Bailey to talk to him and spend time with him. She is wary of someone else having control of her life and destiny.

Added to this stop-start relationship, there’s the mystery of who is trying to cause physical harm to Bailey.

I found the pace of the book quite slow for the first half, especially the beginning where the author felt it necessary to introduce us to many of the townsfolk in the first 10%. The pace definitely picked up in the latter half of the book. Not only did Bailey relax enough to open up about her former life and what happened to her, but we saw a lot more action with a killer on the loose. Joe and Bailey’s journey was presented in an emotional manner but the issues and problems that arose for other characters and the mystery element were dealt with quickly and in a matter-of-fact way. I found this somewhat disconcerting, especially the ease with which some characters had a change of heart.

Even with the suspense element, I found this to be an overall light read.

I received an advance review copy of this book.
...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Dec 10, 2019 Angel Hatfield rated it it was amazing

There was a lot in life Joe couldn’t stomach like grocery shopping, brussel sprouts.Bit asked Joe if he was ok and he told her he just wanted a guy’s shampoo. Joe studied the tiny woman standing at his side. He’d only ever known her as bit but she was actually Mrs. Rosemary Yardley. Bailey Jones had made an impression in his life the two years she was in it. But it had been fifteen years years and it was time to let her go. Then he realized it was Bailey and she realized it was Joe and said There was a lot in life Joe couldn’t stomach like grocery shopping, brussel sprouts.Bit asked Joe if he was ok and he told her he just wanted a guy’s shampoo. Joe studied the tiny woman standing at his side. He’d only ever known her as bit but she was actually Mrs. Rosemary Yardley. Bailey Jones had made an impression in his life the two years she was in it. But it had been fifteen years years and it was time to let her go. Then he realized it was Bailey and she realized it was Joe and said hello. He still remembered the last words she had said to him. Bailey had been the best friend he ever had and at thirteen Bailey understood him better than anyone.She had been the one person who believed in him. She had tired eyes now. He asked if she was here for a vacation and she said yes but she wasn’t sure for how long yet. They were strangers now. Of all the scenarios he had thought about this day if it ever came. It hadn’t played out like this. Joe thought they’d laugh, discuss the past like old friends. Instead they were uncomfortable with each other. Joe said he knew she was in Boston by Maggie who was proud of her famous friend. Bailey said once famous that now she didn’t do that now. Joe shot her a puzzled look and saw that she wasn’t as composed as she seemed. Her eyes were darker, a sure sign she was emotional. Joe remembered that and so much more. Now she was a twenty eight year old beautiful woman. Joe said he heard she was wooing crowds. Bailey said no not for months. She also said she was taking a break. His friend Fin came up to him after Bailey had thanked him for his help. They had been friends for awhile, both had pasts that were best left behind. Joe had a feeling his life was about to be flipped on its head after leaving the store. Bailey tried to regroup after she left the store. She was no longer the thirteen year old girl who thought the sun rose and set because of joe. Friends for life he had said but eventually she’d realized how foolish she was to believe him. Maggie had kept in touch with her childhood friend Maggie by writing a letter each week. She had never asked about Joe because no one knew what they meant to each other. A year ago, her life had derailed and she’d been unsettled ever since. Three months ago she packed her things and took to the road but in her heart she knew she was heading here. Joe’s inner peace had been shattered two days ago when he found Bailey on the grocery store. Joe had open and now owned a bar. He bought the place five years ago and ran it.
I loved this romantic read. I loved that Bailey found the strength to get out from under her grandfather. This was well written I rooted for Bailey and Joe from the minute they ran into each other in the store and even more so when she stuck up for Joe, each holding back how they really felt for each other. I loved the mystery and intrigue in this book. I loved that Joe’s and bailey’s connection was still there with sexual heat thrown in. there was a lot to this book: romance, danger, a controlling grandfather, drama , murder, ex fiances, intrigue, fame, villain, bad boy turned good, abuse, and soulmates. This had my attention from beginning to end. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I highly recommend it.
...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 02, 2019 Linda Walters rated it it was amazing

What a great little gem this turned out to be. And talk about drawing me in quickly. Within the first couple of chapters I so wanted to know more of Bailey's story. She's been away 15 years but it also looks like a lot of those years had been tough on her. Bailey may have been basically all on her own except for her controlling grandfather.
Of course Joe's life hasn't all been a walk in the park either. Joe had some family behind him and that included his brothers, his Aunt Jess
and cousin Piper. ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 04, 2019 Anne rated it really liked it

Somebody to Love by Wendy Vella is book number one in her new series, Ryker's Falls. He was a bad teen. She was the perfect child. Somehow they forged a friendship that broke them both when she had to leave town. Now, years later she is back, having escaped controlling relationship with her grandfather, who loved her and wanted the best for her but had no idea how to go about it. She was a famous concert pianist, running back to the only place that had ever felt like home: Ryker's Falls.

Joe ...more

flag Like · see review

Nov 30, 2017 Robyn rated it really liked it

Bailey, an international concert pianist, needed a break from her life. She returns to Ryker Falls where she spent the first 13 years of her life. For the first time in her life, she is on her own and learning how to survive outside of the luxury cage that she found herself trapped in.

Joe Trainer grew up and made something of himself and his family. He returned to Ryker Falls a better man than when he left and over the last 10 years has managed to become a great asset to the community despite ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 03, 2017 Miriam Wolfe rated it it was amazing

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

This was not really a second chance romance as Bailey and Joe were friends and didn't really have a romance when they were 13 and 16 years old. I loved how they both helped each other through three years of terrible home lives, and were devastated when Bailey's mother moved away from town.

I was kind of upset with Joe that he would ignore Bailey's letters and later go to one of her concerts and not even try to connect with her. Bailey really let him ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 09, 2017 Synergy_Quest rated it really liked it

The characters on their own are talented, beautiful people trying to shape and secure their place in a world that at one time left them with little control. Together, they're kind of a mess. Well intentioned though he may be, Joe lies about gifts so Bailey will accept them. Bailey isn't honest about her grandfather's role in her life and how out of hand things have gotten. What remains true and right is their love and care for one another. I don't know if their have ever been two people written ...more

flag Like · see review

Nov 25, 2019 Samantha rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley-books

Somebody to love is a second chance romance sort of for Joe and Bailey. At 16 and 13 they had a friendship so strong that when they were separated years couldn’t destroy their love for each other. Years have past and Bailey has come back to Ryker Falls, she needs to reboot and find herself. Why not. Come back to the one place that she felt safe and where one of her only friends lives. She never thought she would be near Joe so much or how it would affect her.

Joe hasn’t gotten over her, and ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 04, 2017 Deb Diem rated it it was amazing

Somebody To Love by Wendy Vella is a phenomenal story. Ms. Vella has delivered a well-written book and populated it with amazing, lovable characters. Bailey is a world famous pianist. After an accident, she gives it up and travels until she ends up in Ryker Falls, the town of her childhood. Joe was Bailey's best friend but when she left town he acted out and has spent years cleaning up his reputation. Their story is full of drama, action, suspense and sizzle. This book hooked me at page one and ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 08, 2017 Nicki rated it it was amazing

I adored the whole basis of this story and quickly fell in love with the characters, main and side. Bailey returns to her home town to find herself again after realising that her life wasn't quite what she wanted. She was famous but controlled and wanted her own life back so returned to where she'd once been happy and where she'd once had a secret best friend in Joe, a boy 3 years older who had a horrid childhood that contributed to him going off the rail but now, 15 years later they have both ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 05, 2017 Kristen Lewendon rated it it was amazing

I loved them, I wanted to throttle them, I wanted to hug them: to say that this book is an emotional roller-coaster is a bit of an understatement. I'm a sucker for second-chance romances, so this book reuniting friends that didn't get the chance to work out the first time around makes my heart gooey. I loved watching Joe and Bailey together. She's so strong but she doesn't see it. And Joe’s my favorite kind of alpha: the bad boy turned good, who’s always looking out for ‘his people’. This pair ...more

flag Like · see review

Nov 08, 2019 Lori rated it really liked it

What a great story of second chances at life, with your soul mate, as well as personal growth. Both Joe and Bailey had a hard youth, though different. He comes from an abusive childhood and she from a wealthy, but lonely neglected one. But these two come through it full of love, strength, and determination. Watching Bailey transform from meek to a strong, more assertive, and bold was inspiring. Then to meet her soul mate again to discover their strong bond still there was heartwarming. Throw in ...more

flag Like · see review

Nov 04, 2019 Debbie Caswell rated it it was amazing

This was a glorious book that once you started it you didn't want to put it down My first book by this author it definitely won't be my last

Bailey Jones and Joe Trainer where once best friends she was the good girl that always did the right thing he was the bad boy that was on his way to ruin. Then they went their separate ways She became a famous pianist whose grand father totally controlled her life all in the interest of her career Now she is totally burnt out and has returned to Ryker Falls ...more

flag Like · see review

Jan 02, 2018 Jimnlori rated it it was amazing

I really enjoyed this first book of Wendy Vella's Ryker Falls series and will most definitely be reading more stories in the series.
Bailey Jones is burned out and looking for healing so she heads to her hometown and best friend hoping to make much needed changes in her life.
Joe Trainer wasn't expecting to find Bailey back in town, but now that she is home he hopes that she will let him help her heal even with being home upsetting his well balanced life.
Joe wants nothing more than a second ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 02, 2017 BP34 rated it really liked it

A sweet second chance romance featuring Bailey and Joe. Set in the tranquil small town of Ryker Falls, easily one of the best places to live. Joe was the ultimate bad boy who had changed his ways and made something of his self. Bailey was the ultimate good girl who had let her grandfather control her and Joe break her heart. Determined to change both of them, she returned home to Ryker Falls. Two flawed souls are reunited with lot of twists and surprises, but no spoiler. A well written book with ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 07, 2017 Jane Huetter rated it it was amazing

First off, let me say that I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. That being said, I can honestly say that I enjoyed this book very much. As usual Miss Vella has written a quality story with well-rounded characters. The story progression is smooth and detailed and you can easily picture the town of Ryker Falls and its cast of characters. The threat of danger in the story adds to the suspense and makes it more than just a romance. Joe and Bailey are a terrific ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 06, 2017 Mireille rated it it was amazing

Bailey and Joe were secret best friends as children, then they were parted when Bailey had to move away. Now Bailey has returned to Ryker Falls, to the only real home she’s ever known in an attempt to escape from her grandfather and his total control, and try to build a life of her own and find out who she really is. Joe is the local bad boy done good. He and his family have battled the odds and done well for themselves. This book has romance, love, laughter, intrigue, suspense and death. It’s a ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 05, 2017 Emma rated it it was amazing

This novel had all the elements of a great read. The romance between Bailey and Joe. These characters were strong, independent and loving. All the characters in the book were relatable and realistic. It also had an excellent plot and subplots. Reading this book was like being on an emotional roller-coaster. There was not only a sweet romance but there was also lots of drama, danger, murder, shootings, and a villain on the loose. Thankfully all the suspense comes to a head and I could not put the ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 03, 2019 Pelusa Rivera rated it really liked it

We have a long lost love, second chance used to be best friend story Bailey returns to Ryker Falls a place that she had been for the first 13 years of her life, she leaves and does not have the best life. She is closed off and even though she is with a friend Maggie she doesn't let people in. Then Joe comes and he was the bad boy but a friend and now he is all grown up and made something of himself and wondering about Bailey and even though she tries to push him away he will not let that happe

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Nov 19, 2019 Cherry London rated it it was amazing

Bailey and Joe two hearts that beat in tune with the symphony of love for each other but first they must overcome past insecurities, hurt and betrayal and sadness. A heartwarming sweet tale with a deep romantic kick spiced up with a murder mystery. The intrigue gave this book a thrilling factor that sweetened the romance, which captivates and entices you. This is an awesome read I love it, I felt sorry it came to an end, for I wanted more.

flag Like · see review

Nov 02, 2019 Ashley (A Stack Above The Rest Blogg) rated it it was amazing

I've read numerous novels by Wendy Vella, but they have been historical romances for the most part. This was the first one that I read in the contemporary timeframe.

I loved everything about this novel. The back story and the mystery really added to the plot and the character development was on point.

Wendy continues to be one of my favorites and she hasn't let me down yet.

flag Like · see review

Nov 03, 2019 Pauline_MCB rated it did not like it

I will not be finishing this book. I don’t care about the characters, or their stories. I found the ark ting to be quite confusing at times. Like, why end a chapter of your continuing the scene with the same characters, in the same location, just seconds later. I didn’t like Joe’s behavior after their first kiss, his flirting is also pretty terrible.

flag Like · see review

Jul 20, 2019 PAMpublish rated it it was amazing

Wendy Vella has the talent to draw the reader into the moment whether with her Historical Victorian romances or with her Contemporary novels. With an excellent understanding of human nature and human development, the characters are extremely relatable to the time and place, wherever that may be. Recommended for a great read, no matter your genre preferences.

flag Like · see review

Dec 07, 2017 Suzzie rated it it was amazing

What a wonderful story of friends that are separated but find their way back to each other as adults. Love when you read a story about love that comes from a strong friendship bond. You will enjoy this book. I was gifted this book. I voluntarily give my review. This is my honest review

flag Like · see review

Dec 09, 2017 Kim F rated it it was amazing

Wow! Absolutely loved it. Very captivating and interesting sexy read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong characters. I want to read more. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

flag Like · see review

Dec 06, 2017 Pat rated it really liked it

Well written storyline that pulled me in from the very beginning and the characters are so well detailed that I felt like I was sitting in a room watching the story unfold between Bailey and Joe!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

flag Like · see review

« previous 1 2 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend It | Stats | Recent Status Updates

Readers also enjoyed

See similar books…

Genres

Romance

1 user

Fiction

1 user

See top shelves…

About Wendy Vella

Wendy Vella

492 followers

Writing is something Wendy has always found time for, and as an incurable romantic, the romance genre was a natural fit. When her children were small, she would find writing time in the early hours of the morning, sitting quietly with her grandfather’s old typewriter while the family slept. These works, however, she says, will never see the light of day! She joined Romance Writers of New Zealand ...more