Hannah Gray spends her days in vacationland, living in a small, quaint town on the coast of Maine. She is an avid reader of contemporary romance and is always in competition with herself to read more books every year.
During the day, she loves on her three perfect-to-her daughters and tries to be the best mom she can be. But once she tucks them in at night--okay, scratch that. Once they fall asleep next to her in her bed--because their bedrooms apparently have monsters in them--she dives into her own fantasy world, staying awake well into the late-night hours, typing away stories about her characters. As much as she loves being a wife and mom--and she certainly does love it--reading and writing are her outlet, giving her a place to travel far away while still physically being with her family.
She married her better half in 2013, and he's been putting up with her craziness every day since. As her anchor, he's her one constant in this insane, forever-changing world.
Hannah, I truly love you so much for blessing me with this series. Each book just keeps getting better and better. The way that you create such a beautiful story while tackling difficult subject matters. Dallas and Haven’s story was equal parts swoony and spicy, with moments that brought tears to my eyes. Dallas’ childhood was so heartbreaking. This man is truly broken and he needs to be protected at all costs.
Ugh thank you for giving me the story I didn’t know that I needed!
This book is the exact reason why Hannah is an auto read author for me.
Give me a broken boy MMC and I will fall head over heels for him every single time. Dallas Rivers is no exception. This boy is as broken as they come and my goodness do I love him with my whole entire heart. Dallas hides his brokenness well but Haven sees the real him. Their relationship is full of banter and fighting off their undeniable chemistry.
I adored watching their relationship develop after Haven starts to tutor Dallas so he can stay on the football team. Both main characters are such badasses but their love for eachother is so beautiful and pure.
What to expect: Dual athletes Brothers best friend Coach’s daughter Tutor x athlete Heroine in danger Mutual pining Forced proximity Childhood friends to lovers
Here's me, dropping every single alpha / beta /arc read as soon as Hannah's book comes in and then proceeding to devour it in 24 hours. Oh man, oh man. It's a real hardship.... such a hardship... speaking of, so like Hannah - is the next book ready? Asking for a friend... I'm the friend. I need it.
Omg this book. GAH!!!! This book was intense. So for those not in the know, this book is Hannah's next gen and is book #3 of The Good Girls of NE University. This is Dallas and Haven's story. If you want to know the tropes and the plot, I'm sure you can click on over to the book's description, that's not what I'm here for. I'm here to tell you that when it comes to emotional distress, Hannah is going to torch you. But in the best way! Toooootally in the best ways possible!!! When it comes to really difficult things, like seriously deep and awful things that some people (real-life or fictional) have had to endure and or go through - it seems that Hannah is one of a very select few authors who can tell that story right. Case in point: this book. Because hoooooly shizballs. Not even halfway through this book I was brought back to one particular book of Hannah's - which at this point is many books of hers ago - that still lives rent-free in my head and utterly shattered me. The depth of human suffering was so intense, and how she told that story and peeled back the layers.... my god. It still lives rent-free in my head and soul. I say that to say that this book was giving those vibes, but in a different and unique way. Dallas's life story and his growth as a human is ... wow. So as you read, just expect there to be hard things - read those triggers if you're not able to handle certain subjects. But again, the way that Hannah puts it together... it's like she's got a gift of telling difficult stories. Ugh, it was incredible.
On another note, I was in the 80th percentage of this book when I thought I'd get through a Hannah Gray book without balling my eyes out. WRONG!!! She got me twice. The end... girl, why you gotta destroy me? Seriously. I'm just not okay now that this book is over - even despite them getting their HEA which we so desperately rooted for. But my emotions are beyond raw. I need help. Is there a Hannah Gray support group?
I'm rambling. But this book was all about emotion and I'm all up in my feels over this one. My heart, head and soul are seriously all over the map after reading this. The rollercoaster of emotion was so strong with this book. Like... cray! That said, do I recommend this book? Umm, easy yes. Is this a 5 star read? Easy yes. But as said, check those triggers: this might not be for everyone. But if it is for you, buckle up cowgirl, you're about to get your emotions squashed. Enjoy!
I already have withdrawals. No seriously. It’s bad and therefore be warned for this long and detailed review…
I went into Saving the Shortstop expecting a cute college sports romance, but what I got was one of my favourite sports romances I’ve ever read. I absolutely devoured this book.
I’ve realised that friends-to-lovers is such a strange trope for me because I’ll either love it or it completely misses the mark. There is absolutely no in-between. But this? This was everything I want from a friends-to-lovers romance. The tension was insane. For what felt like half the book, they barely said anything meaningful to each other. It was lingering looks, awkward silences, jealousy, death stares, and so much unresolved emotion. Every interaction felt loaded with years of history and feelings neither of them wanted to acknowledge.
Dallas absolutely stole my heart. The emotional trauma he carried throughout this book was handled so beautifully, and watching him slowly learn that he deserved love, support, and happiness genuinely broke my heart. I loved the healing journey in this story just as much as I loved the romance. One thing Hannah Gray does so well is making the emotional moments hit just as hard as the romantic ones. There were scenes that made me laugh, scenes that made me swoon, and scenes that genuinely hurt.
I also loved Haven. She wasn’t simply there to save Dallas or support his growth. She had her own strength, her own dreams, and her own journey, which made their relationship feel balanced. Once they finally stopped fighting what had always been there between them, they became completely inseparable. I know they technically got together fairly early considering how much book was left, but because of all the yearning beforehand, it never felt rushed to me.
And don’t even get me started on the rescue dog. He got her a rescue dog so they could heal together.🥹🥹 How was I supposed to recover from that?
The spice was also incredible. As someone who practically lives and breathes romance novels, it takes a lot for spice to stand out to me anymore, but somehow the chemistry between Haven and Dallas felt completely unmatched. Maybe it was all the tension beforehand, maybe it was the emotional connection, or maybe it was simply Dallas being Dallas, but every scene felt earned because of everything they’d been through together.
I think one of the reasons this friends-to-lovers romance worked so well for me is because it never felt easy. There was angst, emotional pain, misunderstandings, and moments where they genuinely frustrated each other. It never felt like two best friends suddenly waking up and realising they were in love. It felt messy, complicated, and inevitable, which made every payoff that much sweeter.
The writing was incredible, the pacing kept me glued to the pages, and I finished this far quicker than I expected because I simply couldn’t put it down. I’ve read a lot of sports romances, and while Boys of Tommen will always have a special place in my heart when it comes to emotional stories, this might genuinely be my favourite college sports romance.
Also, can I please have Gigi and Noah’s book immediately? The little glimpses we got throughout this story were not enough, and that ending absolutely convinced me that I need their story as soon as possible.
🤍 Favourite Quotes:
♡ “She’s practically family to me. I have no business reacting this way to a simple glance. No business at all.”
♡ “Like how, for the first year I was adopted, the only times when I didn’t feel anxious every second of the day were when I was near her.”
♡ “We, Haven… we are inevitable. I’m still terrified. All my fears are still there. But it doesn’t matter because I can’t escape you. And I don’t want to anymore either.”
♡ “You deserve love, Dallas. In its truest, best form.”
♡ “Kiss me, Short. You’re the only person who can numb this pain.”
♡ “I’m yours, Dallas. Whether you’re fully ready for that or not, I belong to you. I have since we were kids.”
♡ Thank you to Hannah Gray for the opportunity to read this book ♡
I was a total goner and already crying in the first chapter 😭 Saving the Shortstop, on an emotional level, blew me away.
Dallas Rivers believes he's damaged goods, but I want to state that Dallas has a huge heart and knows exactly when to use his empathy and sweet inner marshmallow that he doesn't really let anyone else see. The first decade of Dallas' life wasn't exactly champagne and roses. It was actually pretty terrible, but he eventually came to live with Lane and Memphis Rivers and his life changed forever. Especially because the Rivers family was close to the King family. For years Haven King, her brother Noah, and Dallas grew up and were basically like family to each other, but underneath all the holiday parties, family dinners, and sporting events Dallas had a crush on Haven, but he never once acted on it, knowing deep inside the biological beginnings he came from. Dallas feels he's damaged and will never be good enough, that his darkness, his beginning in life, will taint Haven. So, no matter how much he longed for someone as good as Haven, he never wanted to be the one to harm her or let her down.
He's such a good guy, literally through the entire book. 😭 I can't even begin to say how often I cried over Dallas and his beautiful heart.
On the flip side, not that Haven is bad, because she's not. She's had a pretty great life. Loving parents, her father is the head football coach at NEU, she's smart and acing her classes, loves playing softball at a D1 school, again...everything is going great until her benefit situation with one of the football guys starts getting a bit too clingy. She's never been anything but upfront with him that it was only fun and super casual, and honestly she wouldn't even need him if her forever crush, Dallas Rivers, would have given her the time of day, but that's a pipe dream that will never happen, so hookups is what her life is all about.
Haven doesn't hold back on anything. Life, softball, words, passion, you name it, she's all in, except when it comes to her feelings around Dallas. She's been in love with him pretty much since she first met him, but she’s kept it to herself. No way was she going to make family gatherings awkward. But when her football fling goes sideways Dallas is there to help. I mean he's been looking out for Haven King for years, but didn't exactly know how to label it until now, not that he wished anything bad to happen to Haven, but he likes being close to her, even if he doesn't feel like he deserves her time. However, the more time they spend together, keeping their feelings to themselves may no longer be as easy as it was in the past.
I tell you what, Dallas broke me, tore me up, and made me weep over and over again. 🥹He also stole my heart with just how wonderful and sweet he was, even when he didn't realize that was what he was doing. And once he finally gave in to what his heart really wanted, the inferno between these two was so hot. 🔥🥵 Dirty, hot, crazy, passionate, and perfect for each other. I mean it!! 💯 True and utter perfection!👌Saving the Shortstop was another wonderful addition to a fantastic series.
I've been waiting for Haven's story ever since meeting her parents in Seeing Red, and Saving the Shortstop was everything I hoped it would be and more. Friends-to-lovers, brother's best friend, years of pining, protective football player, found family, emotional healing... this book checked every single box for me.
Dallas Rivers completely stole my heart. If you've read Losing Memphis, then you have already met the couple that end up adopting him. Watching him finally get his own happily ever after everything he went through, felt so deserved. There were so many moments throughout this book where my heart hurt for him, especially when his fear of being abandoned reared its ugly head. One quote absolutely wrecked me: "Everyone will be happy you two finally stopped fighting it. But I am going to also tell you this. When Dallas tries to push you away—because he will—it’s important if you really do love him the way I think you do, to stay. Because until Lane and Memphis, no one ever stayed for him." And that's exactly what made this story so special. Haven stayed.
I loved Haven. She wasn't willing to let Dallas fight his battles alone, even when he tried his hardest to push her away. Their relationship felt earned because it wasn't built on instant attraction; it was built on years of friendship, loyalty, and quietly loving each other from a distance.
The pining in this book was chef's kiss. When Dallas admits, "I have loved her for years..." I was done for. Completely done.
The humor was also perfectly balanced with the heavier moments. I laughed way too hard at: "Girl, you're really out here, hard launching the shit out of your relationship before even telling your family?"
And honestly, Haven's entire family dynamic was one of my favorite parts of the book. Getting to revisit characters from previous books felt like coming home. As someone who has become ridiculously attached to this series, seeing all the connections come full circle made me so happy. I even caught myself smiling at the little detail that Dallas ended up being adopted by Memphis and Lane. It just felt right.
The football scene where Dallas realizes Haven is actually good at throwing had me grinning too: "One, I've never had a football to throw, but this is actually kind of fun, and I'm not half bad at it. And two... Haven scares me a little bit."
As much as this is a romance, it's also a story about healing, belonging, and learning that you don't have to carry your struggles alone. Dallas's journey hit hard, and Haven's unwavering support made their love story feel that much stronger.
This book gave me butterflies, made me laugh, squeezed my heart, and left me with the biggest smile when I turned the final page. If you've loved the NEU series, this one is an absolute must-read.
I thought the first two books in the The Good Girls of NE University series were exceptional reads, delivering not only all the swoon-worthy romance feels but also an emotional depth that turns a good romance into something truly unforgettable. They had my heart racing, but nothing could have prepared me for Saving The Shortstop. This story completely captivated me from the very first page and without question Hannah Gray has delivered something extra special with Haven and Dallas’s story.
My heart absolutely broke for Dallas. Beneath the confident quarterback exterior is a man still carrying the pain and scars from a heartbreaking childhood before being adopted at twelve. Dallas has spent so much of his life believing he was never truly worthy of love, and that emotional weight pours from every page. Watching him battle those feelings while trying so hard to protect his heart made him impossible not to fall for.
And then there is Haven. Not only is she an incredible shortstop and another fantastic example of the strong female athletes this series showcases so brilliantly, but she is exactly what Dallas needs. What I adored most about Haven was that once their feelings finally came to the surface, she refused to let Dallas retreat back behind his fears and insecurities. She became his safe place, his strength, and his rock in the moments he needed it most. The way she loved him so fiercely and patiently honestly made some of the most poignant scenes in the entire book. Those moments reached deep inside my heart and stayed there long after I finished reading.
The fact they have known each other since Dallas was adopted made their connection feel even more emotional and layered. Years of hidden feelings, longing, friendship, and unspoken love all build into something beautifully intense once they finally let themselves fall completely. Their chemistry is undeniable and the passion between them is electric, but what truly makes this story exceptional is the emotional connection that flows effortlessly off every single page.
Hannah Gray once again proves just how talented she is at creating characters who feel real and relationships that completely consume you emotionally. Add in the family and friendships that have become the heartbeat of this series and it once again delivers everything I love in a romance.
This entire series is an absolute hit and Saving The Shortstop may just be my favourite yet. A six-star must-read in every possible way. Hannah Gray truly knocked this one right out of the ballpark.
I don’t know what Hannah Gray put in this book. Holy Hell, it was AMAZING! This story had me from the very first page, and Dallas and Haven’s story is so beautiful! My heart absolutely broke for Dallas; his story is absolutely heartbreaking before he got adopted by Memphis and Lane. Even though Lane and Memphis saved him, he still has a lot of demons he’s fighting. Haven is the person that helps him fight his demons when her father has her help him with his homework, and even though these two have known each other since they were 11 and 12 years old, they finally can’t fight those feelings anymore! Haven is Dallas’s best friend’s sister and his coach’s daughter. She is pure sunshine and one of the best shortstops in softball. I love her; she’s always hyping everyone around her, and I love the way she doesn’t take no shit! The banter these two have is amazing; I love the back and forth and the snide remarks had me dying! I loved seeing these two fall in love, even though you always knew they had feelings for each other. Seeing why Dallas kept Haven away had me bawling; this man deserved everything! I loved the way Haven helped Dallas; she never treated him differently and helped him understand! This story was so beautiful and had me bawling for 3 straight chapters and then the last 3 chapters. I truly don’t know if I finished this book or if this book finished me!💛 I truly couldn’t put this book down! This book also became my favorite Hannah Gray book ever! I loved Dallas Rivers, and the dirty mouth on this man had me in a puddle. I will throw down for these two because they are truly everything! I also loved seeing past characters in this book! Also, Isla, Harley, Lexi, and GiGi are such amazing friends, and the way they all were there for Haven was amazing. And the couples from the NE University series also were amazing to see again. I honestly can keep going on and on about this book and this couple, but I won’t because I don’t want to spoil anything, but you can read this book on Kindle Unlimited on June 11!!! Also, I am so excited for the next book, especially if it’s who I think it is!! If you want a book that will rip your heart out and have you bawling, go read this book; you won’t be disappointed!! I truly don't know if I finished this book or if this book finished me!💛
💛🥎🏈Thank you so much for the ARC! This review is my opinion🏈🥎💛
I seriously do not know what Hannah Gray puts in her books but OMG. You can’t put them down, absolutely devoured it in hours! Saving the Shortstop is book three in the Good Girls of NE University. And this one, every freaking emotion. Haven and Dallas are pure PERFECTION. Football romance, brother’s best friend, his coach's daughter, childhood friends to lovers.. I could keep going, so many good tropes!
These two are true childhood friends to lovers. Two kids that always knew they loved each other but life and unknown feelings get in the way. These two are absolute end game! Inevitable and again, pure perfection! Dallas is the star quarterback. This man has lived a hellish life, coming from so much trauma and heartbreak. But his heart is pure gold when it comes to our girl. Protective to the core, so caring and loving. And so scared to give his full heart feeling so undeserving due to his past. Haven. This girl is pure sunshine. She’s so fun and strong with that little wild side. And their lives couldn't have been more different. She was raised with an amazing and loving family and life. When harm comes to Haven, Dallas is there to take care of her and finally hearts are revealed! And I can't even express the heat between these two. This man’s mouth was pure fire BUT so was hers!! Omg was it worth the wait!
Add in a great group of friends and family which add so much to this story.
I can’t express how good this was! I cried, I laughed, I felt every emotion to the core. One thing I adore about Hannah is she writes stories that are real. So vulnerable and raw. They show the true importance of communication, not giving up and loving unconditionally and that true healing can happen. I swear I said the last couple was my favorite but I seriously think these two may have beat them out. They are so perfect! I cannot wait for who is up next! You MUST read this book and this series!
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
💛Football player MMC x Softball player FMC 💛Brother’s Best Friend 💛Coach’s Daughter 💛Tutor x Athlete 💛Heroine in Danger 💛Mutual Pining 💛Childhood Friends to Lovers 💛Forced Proximity
🦋Thank you so much Hannah Gray and The Smuthood for my arc!
I am currently on Hannah’s team, and a perk is getting advanced copies, however this is my opinion and has nothing to do with hannah or her team; however this is five stars in my opinion.
When Hannah Gray releases a book, I get excited because I know it’s going to pull me into a make-believe world filled with real-life issues. This new series, The Good Girls of NE University, completely hooked me. Haven and Dallas stole my heart, and I need to warn you now: this book will absolutely have you in your feels.
Dallas grew up with great parents, but when it comes to his biological parents … things are a lot more complicated. I won’t spoil anything, because you’ll learn more as the story unfolds, and trust me, it’s worth it.
Haven may have grown up with a silver spoon, but she proves herself every single day - both on the field and academically. She works hard, and it shows.
She also has a very weird boyfriend … and everyone around them knows it. I promise, once you read the story, it’ll all start to click into place.
But here’s where things get interesting: Dallas needs help in school, and his football coach - who happens to have a dad-mode moment - decides Haven is going to tutor him.
What could possibly go wrong?
They’ve both quietly crushed on each other for years, all in silence. Put them together studying, spending time together, and helping each other? I’ll repeat: what could go wrong?
This book is perfection. Truly.
Thank you, Hannah.
Please read this one. And if you’re a trigger-warning reader, make sure you check those beforehand.
This story is fantastic, and Hannah somehow manages to outdo herself with every new release.
I’m emotionally unwell. I fear Saving the Shortstop is now embedded within my very being and I may never recover. 5 stars, obvi.
🥎 Dual Athlete 🏈 Brother’s Best Friend 🥎 Coach’s Daughter 🏈 Tutor x Athlete 🥎 Heroine in Danger 🏈 Mutual Pining 🥎 Forced Proximity 🏈 Childhood Friends to Lovers
I don’t even know how to begin to express how much I adored this book. I’ve read nearly every single book that Hannah has written but Saving the Shortstop just hits different. Haven is a ray of freaking sunshine but also is a bit mouthy. Haven is easy to love. She’s dedicated to her sport, she’s a great friend, and believes the good in everyone. Dallas on the other hand is a bit more pessimistic. Until he was adopted at 10, life was pretty rough. But things didn’t get easy right away. Learning to trust that people will forever be in your corner is a lesson that doesn’t come easy. Luckily for him, Haven is so incredibly headstrong and refuses to leave him behind.
The Good Girls of NE University has been such a fun ride so far but did you know that Hannah has a first gen 3 book series that takes place at NEU? If you haven’t, you should definitely read Seeing Red and Losing Memphis before Saving the Shortstop. The extended family of Haven and Dallas are so entwined. You’d be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t do your homework before jumping in.
PS. Saving the Shortstop does a phenomenal job of setting up the 4th book in this series, Praising the Pitcher, that I’m actually salivating. It’s that or sit in my own despair waiting for the release.
↓↓ Well Hannah has done it again. I go in to a book with a known fave MMC of hers and I finish her most recent book and have a new fave MMC, EVERY.SINGLE.TIME!!!
Dallas, oh my poor broken Dallas. My heart hurt for him so much and for so many things. His childhood, his thoughts on himself, his grief, the weight that he carries of misplaced guilt. So many times I cried for this man.
Haven, girl you a boss bitch!! She is fierce and hilarious and I wish I had an iota of her confidence. She loves hard and deep and is there in times of need without question.
I really enjoyed watching their story unfold, he saw glimpses of their past and how they grew up together which added great backstory of how they came to be the bickering friends we saw in the beginning.
I think the moment I loved the most was when things finally shifted between them and they expressed how they felt for each other. The mutual pining, the yearning, the years long of it's been you, muah chefs kiss.
Dallas the man you are! So protective and caring. Getting the dog for Haven when things went to shit so she wouldn't be alone, swoon! Also the mouth on this man, whew 😮💨
I loved everything about this book! Hannah never fails to deliver on an incredible emotional read.
𝚆𝙷𝙰𝚃 𝚃𝙾 𝙴𝚇𝙿𝙴𝙲𝚃 💛Dual Athlete (Football player MMC x Softball player FMC) 💛Brother’s Best Friend 💛Coach’s Daughter 💛Tutor x Athlete 💛Heroine in Danger 💛Mutual Pining 💛Childhood Friends to Lovers 💛Forced Proximity
⭐️5 ARC Review - “You make it easier to show you all of me, because you don’t run away from the darkness, Haven. You stand up to it.” - Dallas Rivers
One sitting. Start to finish, in one sitting. I can’t tell you the last time I did that with a book. This one feels like Hannah in her absolute prime. This for me is up there with Puck Boy, Filthy Boy and Convincing the Catcher. Even though I always love everything Hannah writes, this one has a special feeling to it - her angst is showing and I am HERE for it!
Everything about it, perfection. The hurt in Dallas’s past, his darkness and his angry guilt towards his birth parents. His adoptive parents though - two of my fave Hannah characters and the nostalgic feeling I had seeing them again! Haven’s sunshiney, wild, chaotic nature drew me in completely. The SUSPENSE!! YES HANNAH!! This is what I was looking forward to the most when she told the team the tropes and she nailed it!! Also - the spice, because lord have mercy on me for living a dirty mouthed man but in this? She gives as good as he does!! They both had me sweating and squirming in my seat!
This one had me so hooked from the get go that I genuinely ignored all my housework, by husband and son, literally everything - to sit and read! It’s so rare to find a book that grips me that way so thank you Hannah for bringing this beauty into our lives! I am truly grateful to be a part of the team and love this world of second gen characters, I can’t wait for the next book!
Book three in The Good Girls of NE University series.
Saving the Shortstop is a beautiful story of childhood friends to lovers. Hannah Gray is fantastic at writing emotional sports romances and this one definitely is no exception.
Haven King is a beautiful and confident softball player destined for great things. Dallas the college quarterback, had me from the prologue, I just knew this little boy would grow up and tear at my heartstrings. They have been in love with each other since they were kids and are the only two who didn’t realise it. Now that they are required to spend time together, they find out what everyone else already knew.
What to expect: 🏈 sports romance - dual athletes (football and softball) 🥎 brother’s best friend 🏈 childhood friends to lovers 🥎 coach’s daughter 🏈 tutor x athlete 🥎 heroine in danger 🏈 mutual pining 🥎 forced proximity
TRIGGER WARNING: - Mentions of off-page child neglect, child abuse, and DV - Flashback to past incidents of childhood abuse - Stalking and intimate partner violence, threats, and coercion - Brief flashback of on-page murder; reference to off-page suicide - Threats with a deadly weapon
I couldn’t get enough of Dallas Rivers and Haven King, both are second generation, their parents are all from NE University series and just like all of Hannah Gray’s series, this one so far has beautiful storylines, awesome spice, fantastic banter, found family, features some of the OG favourites.
♾️ ⭐️ Dallas Rivers, you are my favorite Hannah Gray MMC.
I don’t know what Hannah puts in her books but they are so easy to gobble up and not want to stop till you’re done. And then want more of these characters. I never wanted this to end.
Dallas and Haven are childhood friends. Growing up together they’ve bickered a lot but mostly to hide their true feelings for each other. At NEU, he’s the star QB for the football team. And she’s the Shortstop for her softball team. When Dallas notices, that her ex is too possessive and too jealous he immediately goes into protector mode for Haven. ( I loved this!) Needing some tutoring, Dallas begins to spend time with Haven and it gets to the point where their true feelings are hard to hide. Cue all the swoon worthy fireworks!!
There is not enough that I can say about this book. In true Hannah fashion she pulls at your heart strings in a way they leaves you in awe of these characters and her ability to pull these beautiful stories together. Dallas and Haven were the best. He is a broken boy, that protects those he loves. Haven is the nice, but says it like it is, girl. Together, their banter is amazing. The way they have been pining for each other for years, is the sweetest. Had me all giddy! And when they get together, butterflies!!!
Perfect story. Perfect characters. If there is ever a Hannah book you want to read, it’s this one. But read all of them. Because they’re all amazing.
Saving the Shortstop by Hannah Gray completely stole my heart and quickly became one of those books I couldn’t stop thinking about. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the engaging characters, their undeniable chemistry, and the emotional depth woven throughout every part of the story. The romance felt authentic, natural, and beautifully developed, allowing the relationship to grow in a way that felt both believable and deeply satisfying. Every interaction between the main characters added another layer to their connection, making it impossible not to root for them every step of the way.
Hannah Gray created characters that felt real, flawed, and incredibly lovable. They each had their own struggles, strengths, and vulnerabilities, which made their journey even more compelling. Reading how they navigated challenges, confronted their fears, and grew both individually and together was one of the highlights of the book. Their story was filled with heartfelt moments, emotional tension, personal growth, and just the right amount of swoon-worthy romance to keep me completely invested.
And I loved how the sports element enhanced the plot and complemented the romance without ever overshadowing it. Instead, it added another layer of depth and authenticity that made the story even more enjoyable.
-Brother’s Best Friend -Softball Player x Football Player -Forced Proximity -Childhood Friends to Lovers -Coach’s Daughter
For starters, everyone needs to read this book and this series. I absolutely love the style of Hannah’s writing. She leaves you on the edge of your seat to where you literally can’t stop reading. I LOVE the banter. I love that they both secretly love each other. I also love that all of Hannah’s characters are extremely relatable.
Haven is such a strong fierce woman with a ton of talent. She is fun and flirty. She does not ever back down, no matter how scared she might be. But she also loves so hard even if she is scared. She is what most woman aspire to be. Not afraid to chase your dreams and never gives up. I loved her story and I love her friend group!
Dallas has a traumatic past that he is still working through but when he decides he loves someone, he stops at nothing to protect them. He is such an amazing caretaker, he is a protector, and he can be extremely sweet. His past haunts him to where he feels undeserving of love and happiness. But Haven truly shows him he can have everything he wants and more.
The spice was perfection! The book was so emotional yet fun. I am hooked. Hannah writes some truly amazing books and I can’t wait to read more! Thank you for allowing me to read this ARC and letting me review your amazing book early !
Hannah you know how to write a broken boy! These two were just absolutely incredible. They complimented each other so well. Her sunshiney demeanor to his hard and gruff. The soft to his hard! I’m not one to usually love the friends to lovers but my god these two were just fantastic. And seeing all the last couples (their parents) in and seeing some of their back story was great! Hannah had me crying from the prologue. Like how can you do me dirty like that from the beginning lol This book just had so much emotion and growth and I loved every second of it! Watching the healing that Dallas went through through out the book had me smiling like a crazy! He was such a strong person to go through what he did and be a better man because of it. And Haven being the sunshiney girl she is, being there for him always and him for her. And DO NOT get me started on this man’s dirty talk because holy hell I was sweating. I wanted to jump into those pages and swap places with Have 🤣🤣 although she probably would have kicked my ass
This series just keeps getting better and better and I’m here for it! These girls are so strong and resilient and their other halfs just let them be themselves and I love all their relationships!!!
Oh wow! Did Hannah take us on an emotional rollercoaster with this one. I had tears in my eyes at the prologue and that wasn’t the last time I was crying. Dallas’ journey is an emotional ride and Hannah did such an amazing detailed description of his life. My heart honestly broke for him and the life he had before Lane and Memphis adopted him. He has known Haven since he was 11 and I loved how everyone knew these two harboured feelings for each other yet these two had no idea how the other one felt. When Haven needs some support and security Dallas is one to do so and with her helping him with tutoring they become even closer and can’t deny their feelings any longer. Haven is such a strong FMC that not only is she stubborn, hard working and a good friend but also amazing at what she does in softball. These two were a great support to one another. I loved both Dallas and Haven, both have amazing qualities that you realise these two are inevitable! This is one of my fave Hannah Gray books and you definitely will not be disappointed. Be prepared to be sucked into Dallas and Haven’s world and never want to leave. Thank you so much to Hannah and her team for this eARC in exchange for my honest review
When I started reading this book, I knew from the first few pages it would be a favorite. The way Hannah Gray writes her stories that tug on those heartstrings, is what makes her so good at it. I was consumed by this story so quickly.
Haven and Dallas are both athletes and they know what it means to be dedicated. They were childhood friends and there is mutual pining. I love that Haven is the coach's daughter and the sister of Dallas's best friend. She is pure sunshine! Dallas is the QB and he works hard for his spot on the team and for his coach. He is that character that you just love instantly, even when he is a little standoffish. I felt like I was on the edge of my seat while reading this. I couldn't wait until they got their HEA, but of course you know it can't be easy.
This book is one of my favorite reads! I felt a connection to these characters and I could feel their emotions through the story. I don't usually feel so strongly for characters so when I do, I know it is a book that will hit harder than the others.
I love this series and I can't wait for more, I am hooked and totally invested in these characters!!
I ate this up. I absolutely love Dallas and Haven to pieces.
I wanted to jump into my kindle so many times and just hug him☹️
These two have known each other since they were little..
Dallas did not grow up with great parents at all but his adoptive parents are legit amazing and saved his life…
I love their nicknames for each other.. I love how sweet and protective Dallas is. I love how how he takes care of her when she’s sick🥹 I love that Haven will not give up on him. His mouth is 😮💨 They are 🔥 together! I love that they both play sports and are so supportive of each other. I love that he knows all of her favorite things and remembers everything about her😝
One part in every book that will always be my favorite is when they finally express their feelings for each other… Especially when they feel the same way and have for along time.. Hands down!😍
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“Thank you,” I whisper, my throat feeling raw with emotion. “For being what I need.”
“Thank you for being the man I love,” she says back, pressing a kiss to my neck. “You can’t run from me, D. I’ll find you every time.”
When @authorhannah_gray writes a book, I’m gonna read it. No doubt, I’m gonna devour it because she knows now to write a broken boy and it gets me every time. Her upcoming book Saving the Shortstop did just that and more. It’s not just your regular spicy sports romance, it’s a fabulous story of childhood friends to lovers, with layers of emotions.
Dallas and Haven have been friends since they were 11, and they were in love from that moment but neither of them realised or admitted it. Everyone around them knew though, and it takes them a while to get there.
When her ex becomes creepy, he steps up to protect her. We love a good forced proximity to help them admit their unspoken feelings.
I could write so much about how much I loved this book, but I’ll just encourage, no demand you read it when it releases. Dallas is my newest book boyfriend, and he may just be my favourite Hannah Gray MMC. Which is saying a lot.
The spice, the banter, the emotional journey, it’s all here and it’s just so damn good. Like seriously, add this to your TBR now. Set for release 11 Jun - my birthday - so I’ll be buying my trophy copy as my birthday present to myself.
Thank you @authorhannah_gray for the e-ARC of this book. Loved it, love you, and can’t wait for more from this series.
I think I say this every time, but this was my favorite of the series so far. Hannah Gray could write anything and I’d read it. Each book literally gets better and better.
In this book we also have two of my favorite tropes: friends to lovers and brothers best friend. Dallas is the MMC who had a traumatic childhood, but was adopted by loving parents and is still trying to escape his demons and thinks he will never be good enough for Haven our FMC. They meet around 11-12 years old when Dallas is adopted and his new adopted parents are best friends with Havens parents. They grow up together and each has a crush and feelings for the other but never act on it. Fast forward to today, Haven begins to tutor Dallas and ends up needing some help herself and Dallas is the first one to step up. I loved how their relationship evolved and grew even though Dallas tried to fight it at times.
I loved this and cannot wait for more from this series. Thank you to Hannah Gray for the e-arc.
Tropes: ♥️Brothers best friend ♥️Childhood friends to lovers ♥️Coach’s daughter ♥️Mutual pining ♥️Heroine in danger ♥️Forced Proximity ♥️Football player x Softball player
*I received a copy of this book as an ARC. This review and thoughts are mine alone.*
Rating: 5⭐️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Excuse me while i go cry in the corner for awhile.
I swear every single book by Hannah just gets better and better.
I truly loved Cane and Harley SO MUCH. Like. Literally never thought anyone could top them.
But HERE WE ARE. Haven and Dallas are PERFECTION.
Like. Full definition of childhood friends to lovers. The way he cared for her. Not only just because of Tabor (we hate him btw), but also when she was sick was literally just a glimpse into how much he loved and cared for her.
I genuinely want to say no one will top them, but we all know that will happen with the next book, and the one after, and so on.
Hannah is not only one of the most incredible authors, but also an incredibly kind person, who gives her all to every single book.
I’m genuinely so lucky to know her and be on her team so i can constantly tell her how much i love the characters she’s brought to life.
And now, we wait. But im honestly so hoping that we get Lilly and Noah now! She is the pitcher after all🤭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This had me crying in the prologue and the epilogue, but for two very different reasons. Dallas & Haven are EVERYTHING. I devoured this and left no crumbs. Dual athletes, brother's best friend, childhood friends to lovers, heroine in danger, the list of perfect tropes goes on.
The secret pining for each other was perfect. Sweet broken boy Dallas who didn't think he deserved Haven, who just couldn't help her feelings for him. And the way he protected her was all we needed to know.
They complimented each other so well, and holy moly the mouth on Dallas Rivers is unmatched. They are absolute fire and I was here for every filthy morsel. Add in the found family and girl gang between all these friends and players, and I couldn't have asked for more.
Hannah has once again outdone herself with this next gen series, and seeing their parents come so far in their own books, and be such good parents to their kids was just icing on the cake.
Please check your triggers if you have any, as this book is heavy, but is done so so well. I went through so many emotions, was on the edge of my seat at points, and quite literally couldn't put it down. I can not wait for book four!
Thank you so much to Hannah for the early copy to read!
Hannah did it again. I felt so many emotions while reading this book. I laughed, I cried, I held my breath, I swooned, and I may have contemplated throwing my kindle more than once.
Haven was so feisty and strong. I LOVED how confident she was in who she was, and what she wanted. One of my favorite tropes is broken boy, and my goodness Dallas. That man was so heartbreakingly broken it hurt my heart. However, he was so strong for Haven when she needed it, and the way he loved her was so beautiful.
I don’t think you need to read the first generation series to appreciate this book, because I have yet to read them, BUT I think to fully understand some of the background it would be helpful. I know I’m adding them to the top of my TBR because if I adored Haven and Dallas as much as I did, I’m going to love their parents stories.
Thank you so much Hannah Gray for this ARC, I’m so thankful to be apart of your team and can’t wait to read what else you have in store for this series. ❤️
Omg. “Saving the Shortstop” had me in tears. I loved this book so so much. Dallas and Haven are everything especially to each other. The mutual pining, you could feel the tension between the pages!
Dallas Rivers thinks he’s a dirty, poor, broken kid. He hasn’t had the easiest life or upbringing. We slowly learn about Dallas’s past when he opens up to Haven and his story left me in tears. Haven King is coaches daughter. Dallas describes Haven as Wholesome Sunshine. They have known each other since they were kids and have been crushing on each other ever since.
When Haven is forced to tutor Dallas via her dad, the coach; this brings them closer together again. Especially when Haven is in danger due to her ex stalking her. Dallas doesn’t leave her side. He takes care of her when he is sick. 🥹They both know how to be there for each other and it is the sweetest thing. I couldn’t get enough of Haven and Dallas.🩷
This book completely consumed my life from the moment I started it. I told myself I'd read a few chapters and ended up ignoring everything else until I finished.
Dallas and Haven were impossible not to love. Their connection felt so natural, and every scene between them had me hooked. The humor, the tension, and the emotional moments were perfectly balanced. I found myself smiling one minute and fighting back tears the next.
Dallas's journey hit me hard. Watching him confront his past while learning to accept the love and support around him was incredibly emotional. Haven was such a strong, lovable heroine, and I adored how fiercely she cared for the people in her life.
This story broke my heart, put it back together, and then broke it a few more times just for good measure. By the end, I was an emotional wreck in the best possible way.
Without a doubt, this is my favorite book by Hannah Gray so far, and one I'll be thinking about for a very long time. 💛📚
Hannah is an auto buy author for me, she writes emotionally damaging books that will absolutely put you back together by the end. Saving the shortstop did just that.
Dallas goes through some very traumatic things growing up that leads him to be the damaged soul that he is today. Enter Haven who becomes just that to him. She is the sunshine to his darkness and allows him to feel peace.
Dallas and Haven have been in love with each other from the day they were introduced but never acted on it until they are pushed together by her dad when she is asked to tutor him.
This book made me cry, laugh and want to just punch some characters.
Was this book an all around good time yes! Would I recommend having a box of tissues next to you because you never know what will make you cry also yes!!
Forever grateful for getting to be apart of Hannah Grays content team and getting to experience this book as an arc because O M G. This book was so so good. There is so many things I want to say about it but don’t want to give any spoilers, but I will say it had me in tears both sad and happy tears. also Dallas is FILTTTHHHYYY 🥵 but in the absolute best way ever and I am so living for it. Like where can I get my own Dallas Rivers? I swear you could feel the chemistry between Dallas and Haven through the pages like no other book I’ve read. There banter and spark and the heat between them was chefs kiss. They truly bring out the best in each other and I adored every minute of this book and absolutely devoured it. I cannot wait for everyone to experience their story it’s truly heartbreakingly beautiful