Saving Drew

This book totally surprised me. Not having read anything else in the series I didn’t know what to expect but it definitely wasn’t this smooth, mostly angst-free, love story. It does have just a touch of insta-love, which may not appeal to some, but Van Hulzen does a good job of making sure that they have time to get to know each other and commit to their relationship. Drew is at a crossroads in his life. Unfortunately, it isn’t one of his choosing so it’s been really hard on him. In Silver Bay for his sister’s wedding, he decides to stay just a little longer in the pretty little town. Especially after meeting (and feeling so comfortable) with Baylee. She’s been the only thing so far to snap him out of his funk and, while he knows that it isn’t a good time, he really wants to get to know her better. Baylee has made a good life for herself, her son and her mom. Unfortunately she’s given up on having a man in her life … until she meets Drew. He’s understanding, sexy, good with her family, and makes her feel wonderful things again. But his life isn’t in her small town and she’s not sure she’s up for anything else. I really enjoyed being with Drew & Baylee as they try to navigate their developing feelings. Both are hesitant, for good reasons, but their pull is undeniable. There isn’t a lot of conflict, just the two of them working their way through the obstacles that come up. It’s refreshing & touching and Van Hulzen makes it so easy to get caught up in their quest for a HEA ending. (This is the first in this series that I’ve read but it can easily stand on its own.) *** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

I really enjoyed Saving Drew by Lara Van Hulzen. This is the third book in her Silver Bay Romance series. This is a story of two strangers falling in love almost at first sight. I enjoyed how Ms. Van Hulzen had Drew only love Baylee, but also her son with aspergers. I’m glad Baylee was given a second chance to find love and a partner who understood her son and respected both of them. I really enjoyed her analogy of sports movies to romance movies in one scene. I also liked reading about a sports figure who was down to earth and not a partier. This was a sweet, fun and entertaining story with likeable and real characters you want to cheer on, hoping for that happy ending. The characters were well written with complex characteristics and real life problems. The story line was riveting and kept my attention to the very end. I enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. I highly recommend this book to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

This was a very sweet story. Baylee is a single mother who owns the bakery in Silver Bay. Drew is a professional baseball pitcher who is in town for his sister's wedding, and to recover from a shoulder injury. They both have their struggles, but Baylee seemed to add so much light to Drew's life, all because he decided to ask her to dance at the wedding reception. I loved Drew and how awesome he was with Baylee's son Casey. He was so much more down to earth than you would imagine a pro ball player to be. They certainly had their trials, but Baylee and Drew were both such likable characters I found myself both wanting to savor the story, and rushing to get to the happy ending for them.