* * * 1/2
All Andi Parker has ever wanted, all she’s ever dreamed of,
is a spot on the Olympic track team. But when an accident leaves her
hospitalized with serious injuries and shattered dreams, she’s not only
uncertain what her future holds but also completely alone.
Drew Slater is a wanted man. Professional football teams
want him for his arm. Women want him for his good looks and magnetic
personality. But the well-crafted disguise he wears, the one that helps him
score on and off the field, hides secrets. Conceals lies. Threatens the
happiness of everyone around him.
One chance encounter brings Andi and Drew together, changing
their worlds in ways they never thought possible. Unfortunately, what they
thought they knew about themselves—and about each other—might just be the
biggest lie of all.
I will admit without shame that it was this ridiculously fit
guy on the cover that drew my attention to this book. Seriously, this guy is
ripped! I didn’t even pretend to read the blurb on what this story was about!
I’m glad I didn’t though because it
allowed me to just enjoy the story as it unfolded.
Since Drew is about one ambitious athlete who meets another
disillusioned one because of an unfortunate accident. Andi, who has dreamed
of being an Olympian all her life and has worked towards that goal with fervent
determination, finds herself banged up in the hospital after being hit by
car while on a run. Drew, a talented and hotly-pursued college football star
whose next move could make or break his career, is also in the hospital but
won’t disclose why he’s there. They’re
accidentally put in the same room together which is how these two very
different individuals are thrown into each other’s orbit.
All Andi can think about is how soon she can return to
running. Not even an injury as significant as hers can deter her from her
plans. Drew’s presence and nonchalance around the hospital is a
distraction from her boredom, their banter keeping her from going crazy. Drew
confides his deepest thoughts to her about the pressures he’s under to make a
decision about his football future. So much is riding on him going pro that he
doesn’t think that choosing to do what he believes will make him happy is even an
option. It’s so different from Andi’s world
where she’s in control of her own future.
There’s obviously a mutual attraction here and they enjoy
baiting each other. Sometimes I did
wonder how it could be real because some of the conversations and actions bordered
on unbelievable. But that’s where J.
Nathan cleverly turned things upside down steering the storyline in a new
direction. When this happens, Andi has to work twice as hard at her connection
with Drew. Even when a breakthrough comes, there’s still the danger of a bigger secret coming out, and when it does it could be worse than the accident that
changed Andi’s life.
Andi and Drew go through some heavy stuff together. Andi has
always known what she has wanted to do and has always had the backing of her
family. Drew has never had that. Andi bolsters his confidence and gives him the
stability he needs. In turn, Drew shows Andi that her life isn’t over just
because she can’t compete for the Olympic team this time around. It’s just wait and see as to whether they
can survive through the changes in their lives and the secret that threatens
them.
Since Drew has all the sizzle and funny get-to-know-you
moments you’ll enjoy. It also has moments anyone can appreciate. Who hasn’t
gone through setbacks, disappointments, indecision and uncertainty? Who hasn’t
been afraid to voice the truth and go for what they really want? Behind this gorgeous cover, is a story well
worth getting into!
~ Bel
Check out an excerpt and enter the giveaway for a chance to win an ebook copy of Since Drew. The giveaway is open internationally. Enter here!
