Stories like Beyond the Bases are the reason why Kaylee Ryan is my go to for feel-good, swoony romance. Low drama, heartfelt sincerity, and a sweet and tender love story make this the kind of story that makes you smile, that remind you how magical romance can be.
Our hero Easton is just DELICIOUS. A professional baseballer who is over the playboy life and wants to start building a family- REFRESHING right?! A chance encounter and a lukewarm meet cute moment puts him in the path of single mom Larissa, whose work and parenting commitments as well as her personal romantic baggage cause her to be a bit uninterested in Easton’s advances. But Easton is charmingly not deterred-this is a man who feels a instant but soulful connection to the brunette beauty, and he continues to rather adorably (and non-aggressively) put himself in her path. Larissa is soon charmed just like we are, but she first has to reveal just why she wasn’t open to dating- and Easton proves just why no one rights swoony, sincere leading men like Kaylee Ryan.
Easton gives me all the happy butterflies - he’s emotionally transparent, generous and giving, incredibly open hearted, and just DREAMY. He loves hard, freely, and compassionately. He’s patient and kind as Larissa works through her issues and opens her heart to the relationship, and he practically made my ovaries explode with his adorable devotion to scene-stealing Paisley, Larissa’s 4 year old daughter. This is the kind of story where our leading man dates not just the single mama, but makes space to “date” the kiddo to- making sure they develop their own independent and ADORABLE connection. And Larissa is so relatable- she’s strong, hard working, and resilient. She’s a bit stubborn at first- how can she resist this delicious man?! But we soon learn why- she’s a mama first, and she’s worked tirelessly to care for her daughter, and to protect her.
The chemistry between all the characters- romantic and platonic- is just outstanding. Easton and Larissa have a sweet and sexy connection, and Easton and little Paisley are so cute together it could rot your teeth- total heart melting magic. Paisley is so adorable- she steals every scene she’s in, and if you weren’t already madly in love with Easton, watching him dote on this little girl will do you right in.
I did find the ending to feel a bit too fast for me- I wanted to revel in their togetherness a bit more, but then Kaylee Ryan treats us to several epilogues and now I’m all warm and fuzzy. Charming from start to finish- low angst, low drama, just all the happy feels. SWOON!
4.5 stars