Saving Drew

Silver Bay, Book 3

by Lara Van Hulzen

Recovering from a shoulder injury that could end his career as starting pitcher of the New York Empires, Drew MacIntire comes to Silver Bay for solitude and privacy from the media frenzy his surgery has created. After he dances with the beautiful baker, Baylee, at his sister’s wedding, his heart not only wants baseball back, but a future with her as well.

Baylee Nelson is settled into her simple, small town life in Silver Bay with her young son, Casey. When Drew saunters into her bakery intent on asking her out, she can’t help but be thrilled. He’s handsome, sexy, kind, and also takes interest in Casey. Baylee knows she needs to keep things casual. She and Drew live in separate worlds, and she needs to keep her focus on her business and son, but Drew didn’t get to the top by giving up easily.

Drew and Baylee are falling hard, but with spring training approaching, it seems like the third strike for their future… Can their love withstand the media glare and challenges of a long distance romance?

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.)