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?
The Silver Bay series Book 1: Return to Silver Bay Book 2: Loving Kate Book 3: Saving Drew
I write books. I read almost all genres. I love sports, tea, books, and cookies. My faves are my Great Dane, my husband, & my 3 kids. (Not always in that order. :)
I'm an author with Tule Publishing. I am all about people and I love character driven stories. I love history and am a curious person who consistently wants to learn. I can't remember a time in my life where I wasn't writing or reading. I had journals as soon as I could write words. And I would get lost in books for hours as a kid. Stories and writing are how I process the world around me, what I see and experience as well as what I learn. I could talk books for hours and am happy to do so with anyone. I also love to sip tea and watch baseball.
"You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me." - C.S. Lewis Happy Reading Everyone!
This is an enjoyable, well crafted, heartwarming, baseball romance with great, well developed characters.
Having divorced her ex-husband, a failed wannabe sports star, the last thing Baylee Nelson is looking for is another wounded sporting hero. She has more than enough on running her own bakery and caring for her beloved son, Casey, who has special needs. She meets Drew MacIntire at the wedding where the bride is his sister and one of her best friends. He’s obviously sad but still asks her for a dance and the connection is made . . .
Drew is recovering from a serious injury to his shoulder, an injury which could end his career as a baseball pitcher. He’s only in Silver Bay for his sister’s wedding but he meets Baylee there and the two are definitely attracted. He can’t resist going into her bakery and shocks her and himself when he asks her out on a picnic, even inviting her son along to join them.
This is a brilliant story of two people falling hard for each other but with his uncertain future, the nature and demands of his career and the needs of her son there are lots of added complications to their detract from their possibilities. Making it work won’t be easy and there will be obstacles along the way adding twists to endanger their potential HEA.
This is a lovely, cosy romance, though there are some sad moments, too. The Silver Bay community, friends, family and the baseball trainer and team all have significant roles, adding to the enjoyment of this sweet, clean, love story.
Many thanks to the publishers who gifted me a copy of this book through NetGalley without any obligations. This is my honest review after choosing to read it!
Sweet read with a feel good vibe and very low angst.
This romance is very squeaky clean. Too squeaky clean for my liking.
Baylee has a son with Asperger’s it’s been tough but she does what is best for her son. His father wasn’t interested and boy is he a piece of work. She envies the love she sees that her friends have. Drew, baseball pitcher is having a tough time. With a busted shoulder he doesn’t know what is happening now let alone in the future.
That is until he meets Baylee at his sister’s wedding and can’t get her out of his head. Baylee and Drew are sweet together and they make their feelings clear from the beginning there is an instalove feel to the book. They have the press to deal with and what it will be like for a small town girl garnering the attention of such a high profile athlete.
Kate, Drew’s sister stuck her nose where it was none of her business to stick it. I didn’t like that woman at all.
Although well written I got to say this book didn’t move me. I reckon this is me and not the book so don’t let it deter you from reading the book.
This is a good read. Lara, another new author for me, put this story line out and gives us a real story! Lara starts us off with a wedding and gives us Drew and Bayley. Bayley is the baker in town and meets Drew who is home for PT on his injured pitching shoulder. Bayley has a son Casey who is still being tested for autism. Spoiler. Drew asks Bayley to go for a picnic. The sparks are growing now. She is divorced because her ex didn't want a "Special" son. Drew treated Casey like his dad treated him. His dad let Drew do what he liked even if it wasn't anything his dad liked. Spoiler. Drew has to go back for spring training. Bayley won't leave her small, quiet town. Then the reporters start going after Bayley. Major Spoiler! I liked this book. The characters are spot on. If you like baseball and coffee cake then this is the story for you. I recommend everyone to read this story! Enjoy your reading. Don't let it slip away! I volunteered to read and review this book.
"Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review" I loved the beginning of the story with this improbable relationship between a baseball player and a baker who is a single mom. I liked that the hero was a bit reserved and that we, readers, have his perspective of how he falls in love with the heroine. The romance is very sweet, with a boy that is so dear and with whom the hero relates wonderfully. The story is also predictable but very enjoyable for a cozy evening. I'm grateful to the author, Lara Van Hulzen, the publisher, Tule Publishing, and NetGalley for providing a free copy.
A truly captivating sports romance that literally will steal your heart. The characters are genuine with so much depth and dimension...creating individuals who seem like you've known them forever. The draw between Drew and Baylee is magnetic and heartwarming, with Casey as the added measure of goodness that glows throughout the story. This is the third book in a series that is surely only getting better with each story...one can only hope that there is more to come.
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and independent review. A very sweet romance with good characters. Drew, a professional sportsman recovering from injury is not only gorgeous but a genuinely nice man. I loved his feelings towards Baylee's son who has Aspergers and the way he is so caring. Whilst with most good romances the path of true love does not run smoothly. But predictably has a HE. An enjoyable and easy read.
When it comes to Baylee and her son, Drew is such a sweetheart “I'm not trying to be amazing. I’m just trying to be who you and Casey need. Who you deserve.” I enjoyed this book, I liked Drew, his momma raised him right.
I received an ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review
What an adorable, light and heartwarming novel! I enjoyed Saving Drew by Lara Van Hulzen very much, really liking all of the characters, but I must say, that I think every good woman deserves a Drew. He is just adorable, and sweet throughout the book, no matter what the situation. While he does have edges, just enough to make him interesting, I found it refreshing to read a romance novel without all of the alpha male being an alpha pain in the rear. Even when Baylee - the female lead - reacted kind of emotional - understandable from her background - he was patient, and understanding.
Of course, both lead characters come with some background to overcome. Drew is a Major League Baseball player with an injured shoulder, not knowing if he will ever be able to play professionally again.
Baylee has a special needs son, she raises on her own, his father not in the picture.
I am not a sports fan, but that did not distract me from enjoying this wholesome romance. If you are looking for a fast-paced or long-drawn-out romance, you are not going to like this book, but you will find instead a warm, simple, good-hearted and uplifting book, that can bring a smile on your face. It surely has done so for me.
Even though Saving Drew is the third novel in the Silver Bay series, it can easily be read as a stand alone. I am looking forward to reading the other installments soon.
When two people are meant to be together it shows, and Lara Van Hulzen has done a fine job of showing why Baylee and Drew are perfect for each other. This is the third book in the Silver Bay series and is a sweet inspirational story. It takes two people from different worlds and shows how they can complement each other. Baylee is a divorcee whose young son Casey has special needs. Drew is an injured professional baseball pitcher who has returned to Silver Bay to recover and work towards regaining his spot on the team. Glitz, glamour and the media are very much a part of his world, while those are the very things that Baylee doesn't want or need for herself or her son. I enjoyed the pace of this story and the characters, all of whom felt real to me. This has been an enjoyable read which works well by itself or as part of the series.
Does forever after ever happen? What happens when you are so focused on your goals and what you think you need to do to get there?
Baylee and Drew have so many questions including these and what happens when you are in a room with someone and the atmosphere gets lit? Between past hurts, future questions and a small town will these two ever see the forever.
This is a short novella, part of the Silver By series but can be read as a stand-alone. It’s a beautiful read where your heart gets amazingly attached to this town and more so to these two leads. The verbiage is well chosen and flows so smoothly so the story moves along quickly without making you feel like you are missing anything. A feat with a story this short. For a feel good shot of happy pick up this one.
Saving Drew by new to me author Lara Van Hulzen, is a sweet and clean sports-themed romance. It is a nicely-written book with two very likeable and interesting main characters. Unfortunately, the plot lagged from time to time. This is the third book from Ms. Van Hulzen's Silver Bay series, and it can be read as a standalone.
After her divorce, Baylee Nelson made a new life for herself and her son in the small town of Silver Bay. Baylee enjoys living in California, and her bakery is doing well. Her friend Kate, who is also her building mate, has a good looking and talented older brother. Drew MacIntire, a professional baseball player, is in town rehabbing his shoulder, while visiting his family. Even though Baylee and Drew are not looking for love, it nips them in the bud anyway. However, making it work is a huge hurdle they have to overcome.
Overall, I liked this book. The author pours passion into her writing and as a result, her characters are well-developed and full of intensity. Baylee, Drew, and Baylee's son, create a nice family. If you are in the mood for a baseball romance with a lot of warmth, then pick up a copy of Saving Drew.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
This is a sweet and easy read about an injured sportsman and the single mother he falls for. The romance is clean and there are plenty of friends and family to add to the small community feel, making the whole thing nicely enjoyable.
A little too nice at times, perhaps. Drew is a decent guy and Baylee is a really nice woman. Their relationship does seem to come out of nowhere, though. There’s a bit of attraction, but I never felt any chemistry between them. They hang out a few times and suddenly it’s serious – or it could be serious. It all felt rather sudden and easy and rather low on angst considering some of the issues they potentially face. Which is also how most of their problems seem to be resolved. In fact, most of this book is about internal thoughts about the future, without a lot of real time spent together.
That’s not to say they’re not good together. They’re a cute couple and I loved how Drew got along so easily with Casey. He accepts Casey exactly how he is and doesn’t get worried about the possible Asperger’s diagnosis. I think their relationship was my favourite part of the whole book. I was less fond of Drew’s meddling sister, mostly because she doesn’t seem to give Drew any credit for the solid guy he clearly is.
Overall this is okay. The romance is clean, the plot is pleasant and the characters are nice. I never felt too caught up in their problems, though, or convinced that anything major was going to go wrong. I would have liked to have seen more of them trying to make things work and maybe a few more challenges in their way, but if you’re looking for an easy, low-angst read, then this will certainly deliver that.
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. ***
Saving Drew is a touching romance with a touch of instant love, a special little boy and two adults who are so strongly attracted to each other yet there are issues to be dealt with.
I feel any time a special needs character is introduced into a story the author has just upped the bar a bit and needs to be able to portray them in a realistic, relatable fashion. I have a son who is physically challenged, so I notice things that might slip past some readers. I understand we’re talking fiction not real life, but it’s those small touches that have us accept characters as real life-like people we can identify with in some fashion. Casey stole my heart. His situation, his father’s reactions are not that unusual unfortunately. This amazing child was part of the story, and it showed. And that mattered… to me.
Baylee and Drew were a delightful couple. That feeling of being right for each other does happen in life, some of us are fortunate to know almost from the beginning that we’ve met that just right person for us. A popular sports star, the long distance, the time apart, the press, the fans, the new business, all the everyday normal, that is far from normal for most of us all play a part in Baylee and Drew’s romance. They have things to deal with, and they do it as a couple (for the most part) and realistically.
I enjoyed my time spent with Drew, Baylee and Casey very much. I believe Saving Drew is a romance that anyone who loves a good love story would enjoy.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
****ARC WAS PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR FOR AN HONEST REVIEW****
Writing: Great Violence: None Sex: None Narration: 1st person; alternating male/female lead
If you are looking for a sweet romance then I would recommend Saving Drew by Lara Van Hulzen. This book would be a great read for people who like a little romance in their reading but don’t want to read a lot of explicit sex.
Saving Drew follows Baylee Nelson a bakery owner as she meets and falls in love with Drew MacIntire, baseball pitcher and brother to one of her best friends. There are so many complications to this relationship even from the very beginning, but despite the issues Drew and Baylee face, they are determined to give it everything they have. Through his and hers struggles, their relationship will be tested and only time will tell if they have what it takes to be together forever
The characters in Saving Drew are exactly like the people next door and I found that I just wanted to live in Silver Bay. It is such a great community and Lara Van Hulzen has done a great job creating a town and characters that you want in your own life. I was totally immersed in this town and it’s people. While this is a sweet romance, the manner in which it was written still gave me butterflies, which checked off one of my must haves for a romance book.
Saving Drew is the third book in the Silver Bay series. You do not need to read the previous two books to understand what is happening and it ends with an HEA.
"Saving Drew" by Lara Van Hulzen is a sweet and endearing story that is filled with warmth and love. I adored both main characters. Baylee is a single mom, running a bakery and enjoying her life. She is upbeat, fun and someone that I would love to have as a friend. Drew is a professional baseball player in town for a wedding and to heal from an injury. Despite his fame and fortune, he isn't your stereotypical famous athlete. He doesn't relish the limelight, he simply loves the game. He is kind and gentle and a romantic at heart (even if he doesn't believe it). His attitude and actions with Baylee's son are adorable and tender. Watching these two get to know each other and fall in love was an enjoyable ride. There are several secondary characters (that have their own stories, which I have yet to read but didn't take away from this tale) that offered insights to our lovely couple and provided love and support to both. Simply put, this is a story of love - there's a touch of angst but nothing more than what every day life can throw at someone. I was hoping for a bit more at the end but I suppose that's because I grew to really like Drew and Baylee and didn't want their story to stop. (received copy from NetGalley for honest review)
This is a sweet love story between a professional baseball pitcher and a baker - Drew and Baylee. Drew is in Silver Bay to attend the wedding of his sister and at the same time to recuperate/rehab his injured shoulder. Baylee, single mom and owner of a bakery happens to be friends with Drew's sister Kate. They meet during Kate's wedding, they dance, they talk, sparks fly. Aside from the romance, this book deals with Asperger's Syndrome- the son of Baylee, Casey, happens to have Asperger. It gives you a brief glimpse into what it is like for both parent and child alike and how to deal with Asperger- the patience you will need. Sad to say, Baylee's ex is a total dbag and I fell in love with how Drew treated Casey particulary when they were playing catch. All in all its a sweet clean book, a perfect one to just curl into your chair and get away from the stress of holiday shopping.
thank you to NetGalley, Tule Publishing and Ms. Lara Van Hulzen for providing me with this ARC.
Three words which defines the plot. The brevity of the book echoes in the simplicity of the plot line. The underlying idea of a well-balanced, understanding and loving relationship has been beautifully detailed out and justified by two lead characters who truly belong to each other as well as to the plot. The narrative style is simple and easy to understand and get along with.
While the title is justified here looking at the character of Drew, the cover image doesn't feel right here considering the plotline and the simplicity of the romance that has been detailed here.
My opinion: A sweet and quick book thag no one will regret reading and every lady will wish to have in their own relationship.
A wonderful sweet read that stole my heart from the first page. Drew MacIntire is in Silver Bay recovering from what could very well be a career ending injury. His one goal is to get himself back to the level he was before the injury. Never did he think he would find Baylee Nelson and her incredible young son. As things begin to get serious the pressure of Drew leaving, paparazzi, and the possibility of a long distance relationship pay a toll on Baylee and Drew. Will they be able to weather what lays in front of them?
This is a very entertaining, sweet clean read that I would recommend to everyone.
Received an Arc for voluntary review for netgalley. This was a sweet, clean, love story. Drew was a baseball player going thru a difficult time in his life due to an injury. He meets Baylee, a single mom, with a child with Asperger's syndrome. Even though both of them do not want to get in a relationship, feeling that they really could not offer much to the other. they do get in one and fall in love, while knowing that he eventually has to head back to New York and she stays in California. It has its sad moments, but it is mostly a feel good story about love.
More than Baylee's baking and Drew's baseball career what pulled me into the story was Drew's budding relationship with Baylee's special needs son Casey, Drew just gets him,understands him more than his own dad. The small town life and the realness of the main characters made this a genuinely enjoyable read,a feel good story that captured my heart. I recommend this book to lovers of romance.
Saving Drew by Lara Van Hulzen was a sweet delightful read. I enjoyed it very much. It had a nice flow to it, and a sweet feel throughout the story. It´s technically part of a series, The Silver Bay series, but it´s a stand alone type of book. The other books in this series are: Book 1: Return to Silver Bay Book 2: Loving Kate Book 3: Saving Drew It revolves around a baseball and baking them but is filled with loved and romance, so if you like any of those things you are in for a good read.
Saving Drew: Silver Bay series Book 3 is by Lara Van Hulzen. This is the third book in the trilogy of Silver Bay. It is really a sweet book and tugs at your heart. Drew came to Silver Bay for his sister Kate’s wedding. He really had no other place to go at the moment. He was recuperating from shoulder surgery and undergoing physical therapy to get his arm back into pitching shape. Drew was a professional baseball pitcher and he was facing the bleak idea that his pitching days were over. However, he wouldn’t stay away from his sister’s wedding. So, he had come to Silver Bay along with his problems. At the wedding, however, he was drawn to Baylee who had made the cupcakes for the wedding cake. She was beautiful but retiring. He couldn’t seem to help himself and asked her to dance with him. His reaction toward her shocked him and he left the reception after the dance. Kate found him outside and persuaded him to come back in but he ignored Baylee for the remainder of the party. After Kate left for her honeymoon, he decided to stay in Silver Bay until Spring Training began. Baylee was a single mother with a five-year-old son who had symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome. After her divorce, she and her Mother came to Silver Bay for its school which was perfect for her son. Baylee had started her own bakery and it was doing quite well. She hadn’t found anyone to love her and her son. She was surprised to find Drew in the bakery one morning. She served him a fresh coffee cake and sat down to talk to him. He ended up surprising her with an invitation to a picnic and he invited her son! After he left, she questions herself about this date. What was she doing? Was it in the best interest of her son? Why not go with him? He is leaving shortly back to baseball.
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.
4 Stars Saving Drew was my first time reading anything written by Lara Van Hulzen.
Although this is the third title in the Silver Bay series, it can be read as a standalone.
This book is a well written, enjoyable and quite heartwarming read.
Drew McIntyre is an all round nice guy, recovering from an injury and spending time with family, the last thing he expects to find is Baylee. A single mother, who's son Casey has Asperger's she put's his needs before all else. She's protective, hard working, kind and sweet. Their attraction and connection is pretty much instant and undeniable. These characters are incredibly like-able and relate-able, and I really enjoyed reading their story.
This story is low angst. It is also a very clean romance with very little heat and no love scenes, so may not be to everyone's taste when it comes to a contemporary sports romance.
The story has strong themes of friendship, community and family.
I was provided with a copy of this title by the publisher to review in exchange for an honest review via netgalley.