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Wild Pitches #3
The Fastball
Amanda:
I hate flying. In fact, it terrifies me. But the cute stranger seated next to me on my first flight in five years helps calm my nerves and put me at ease. When I find out that he flips houses, it doesn't take much convincing to ask if he'll help me with the house I just inherited from my grandpa. It's not easy for me to put my heart on the line, and I don't know if I can take that plunge.
Again.
James:
There's nothing quite like breaking through the clouds into bright blue sky, but my seat mate might disagree with me on that. She's terrified. And I'm not going to let her go through this experience alone. When she asks if I can help with her house, of course I say yes. I'm intrigued and want to get to know her more. But when our shared past comes calling, I don't know if I can risk my heart.
Please be aware that The Fastball includes brief, on-page depictions of PTSD/flashbacks as a result of James' military service, and subsequent discussions of mental health. Therapy sessions are also depicted on-page. The Fastball also includes chronic illness representation in the form of food sensitivity and digestive disorders. This is a closed door, pen-pals to friends to lovers romance, with elements of found family and forced proximity. This is the third book in the Wild Pitches series, but can be read as a standalone.
I hate flying. In fact, it terrifies me. But the cute stranger seated next to me on my first flight in five years helps calm my nerves and put me at ease. When I find out that he flips houses, it doesn't take much convincing to ask if he'll help me with the house I just inherited from my grandpa. It's not easy for me to put my heart on the line, and I don't know if I can take that plunge.
Again.
James:
There's nothing quite like breaking through the clouds into bright blue sky, but my seat mate might disagree with me on that. She's terrified. And I'm not going to let her go through this experience alone. When she asks if I can help with her house, of course I say yes. I'm intrigued and want to get to know her more. But when our shared past comes calling, I don't know if I can risk my heart.
Please be aware that The Fastball includes brief, on-page depictions of PTSD/flashbacks as a result of James' military service, and subsequent discussions of mental health. Therapy sessions are also depicted on-page. The Fastball also includes chronic illness representation in the form of food sensitivity and digestive disorders. This is a closed door, pen-pals to friends to lovers romance, with elements of found family and forced proximity. This is the third book in the Wild Pitches series, but can be read as a standalone.
348 pages, Paperback
Published March 30, 2023
17 people are currently reading
323 people want to read
About the author
Megan Cousins
10 books99 followersMegan is a Michigan native who loves books, board games, baseball, and her family - not necessarily in that order. She loves books with wit and banter and scenes that wouldn’t make her grandma blush...so she wrote one.
Megan’s stories are filled with humor and heart, sometimes obscure baseball references, swoon-worthy heroes, and heroines who aren’t afraid to speak their mind.
Connect with Megan on Instagram: @authormegancousins
Or Twitter: @Meg_mcuzz
Megan’s stories are filled with humor and heart, sometimes obscure baseball references, swoon-worthy heroes, and heroines who aren’t afraid to speak their mind.
Connect with Megan on Instagram: @authormegancousins
Or Twitter: @Meg_mcuzz
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 22, 2023
I don't know how I got so lucky to read two books with essence of You've Got Mail inside, but I am really enjoying February so far! Megan Cousins is 3 for 3 in the 5-star read department, and I am now convinced she is incapable of writing a bad book. Her stories are unique, her characters multi-layered with relatable life challenges, and the settings, whether it be the big city, small town or a national park, never fail to capture my attention from the first page to the last. In this book, we also get the exciting tropes that are hidden identity, found family and close proximity which lead to all kinds of fun shenanigans - not the hot and spicy kind though, this book is firmly closed door. Thought I will say this one had a bit more...steam, shall we say? If anyone can make a closed door romance steamy, I would say Megan Cousins is your gal. It was just the right amount to tug at my heartstrings while keeping my libido in check.
Amanda MacDougal hates flying. The last thing she wants is to fly anywhere, but that's just what she must do to get to her grandfather's home, which he left to her upon his passing. Slipping into a panic on the plane, she initially doesn't notice her seat-mate, James Hutchinson, who is kind enough to help keep her calm throughout the flight. James loves flying, having been a pilot in the Air Force, and after being put on mandatory leave from his job as an ER doctor following a bad episode of PTSD, he is looking for a distraction. Amanda shares with him her plans in Saratoga Springs, New York, and James immediately perks up, offering to help her with the house she inherited. It doesn't matter that it's been two years since he last did a renovation project - he just wants to help. Amanda and James spend more and more time together, and soon sparks are flying. But there's a secret that neither realizes the other one is keeping, specifically that they each have a pen pal, and their pen pals happen to be...each other.
These two were just the absolute cutest pair of individuals - Amanda was a sweetheart, with so many emotions tied up in knots inside of her regarding her late husband, who died overseas while serving in the military, as well as her relationships with friends and family. She wasn't sure how she would manage with the added stress of a house that she loved so much, and James really came to the rescue for her as her own personal knight in shining armor. I took to James just as quickly as I did Amanda. He needed a hug desperately, and I was so excited to see how much support he had from his family. Amanda was able to get that as well, and that safety net that a strong family bond provides really came in handy for her and James. Honestly, if I had to pick the type of family I eventually inherit as in-laws, I would want one like the Hutchinsons. They are kind, dependable, goofy and giving. Their strength lies in each other, and I think Amanda really needed to see that after having so many issues during her marriage. She needed to learn to trust in others again, and James and his family helped so much with her healing process. In addition, Amanda was a rock James could lean on as well. She really cared about him, and I think that's what made it difficult for her to accept his love. Oh folks, I was so emotional throughout this whole book. Read it. You'll love it and thank me later.
On to the next Megan Cousins book! As always, I can't wait to read what she writes next.
**I received a free copy from the author, and this is my honest review.**
Amanda MacDougal hates flying. The last thing she wants is to fly anywhere, but that's just what she must do to get to her grandfather's home, which he left to her upon his passing. Slipping into a panic on the plane, she initially doesn't notice her seat-mate, James Hutchinson, who is kind enough to help keep her calm throughout the flight. James loves flying, having been a pilot in the Air Force, and after being put on mandatory leave from his job as an ER doctor following a bad episode of PTSD, he is looking for a distraction. Amanda shares with him her plans in Saratoga Springs, New York, and James immediately perks up, offering to help her with the house she inherited. It doesn't matter that it's been two years since he last did a renovation project - he just wants to help. Amanda and James spend more and more time together, and soon sparks are flying. But there's a secret that neither realizes the other one is keeping, specifically that they each have a pen pal, and their pen pals happen to be...each other.
These two were just the absolute cutest pair of individuals - Amanda was a sweetheart, with so many emotions tied up in knots inside of her regarding her late husband, who died overseas while serving in the military, as well as her relationships with friends and family. She wasn't sure how she would manage with the added stress of a house that she loved so much, and James really came to the rescue for her as her own personal knight in shining armor. I took to James just as quickly as I did Amanda. He needed a hug desperately, and I was so excited to see how much support he had from his family. Amanda was able to get that as well, and that safety net that a strong family bond provides really came in handy for her and James. Honestly, if I had to pick the type of family I eventually inherit as in-laws, I would want one like the Hutchinsons. They are kind, dependable, goofy and giving. Their strength lies in each other, and I think Amanda really needed to see that after having so many issues during her marriage. She needed to learn to trust in others again, and James and his family helped so much with her healing process. In addition, Amanda was a rock James could lean on as well. She really cared about him, and I think that's what made it difficult for her to accept his love. Oh folks, I was so emotional throughout this whole book. Read it. You'll love it and thank me later.
On to the next Megan Cousins book! As always, I can't wait to read what she writes next.
**I received a free copy from the author, and this is my honest review.**
April 3, 2023
Pros:
I love that this story really shows how a relationship can take time to develop and grow. I love a good love at first sight story, I’m not saying they’re bad, there is just something really special about love being a journey and getting to take that trip with the characters.
The little moments in this book are perfection. Having Uncle James make the perfect grilled cheese cut into triangles not squares is an actual memory for me. Having the little chats with different family members and seeing how they approach them differently but always with that same underlying love and understanding. The bookstore date….these just all took this story from good and fun to a new favorite comfort read.
Cons:
I just want more. I want to see how they plan the wedding, I want to see more of Jenna with Amanda and I need to know more about Penelope’s pregnancy. I love these characters so I want to be nosy and be there for it all.
I love that this story really shows how a relationship can take time to develop and grow. I love a good love at first sight story, I’m not saying they’re bad, there is just something really special about love being a journey and getting to take that trip with the characters.
The little moments in this book are perfection. Having Uncle James make the perfect grilled cheese cut into triangles not squares is an actual memory for me. Having the little chats with different family members and seeing how they approach them differently but always with that same underlying love and understanding. The bookstore date….these just all took this story from good and fun to a new favorite comfort read.
Cons:
I just want more. I want to see how they plan the wedding, I want to see more of Jenna with Amanda and I need to know more about Penelope’s pregnancy. I love these characters so I want to be nosy and be there for it all.
January 13, 2023
This is Megan Cousins at her absolute best.
I’ve never been able to put her books down. But when I say this one had a hold on me I couldn’t escape…well, let’s just say my daily responsibilities went by the wayside. And I’m not even a little bit sorry.
As heroes go, James will be the standard by which all others will be measured. His heart is as big as they come, and the way his actions play out on the page still gives me chills.
And the banter between Amanda and James? It is pure perfection. The give and take in their conversations, the way he cares for her…it’ll leave you swooning.
I cannot recommend this book enough. If you enjoyed Megan’s other books, you’ll adore this one. She just keeps getting better and better.
I’ve never been able to put her books down. But when I say this one had a hold on me I couldn’t escape…well, let’s just say my daily responsibilities went by the wayside. And I’m not even a little bit sorry.
As heroes go, James will be the standard by which all others will be measured. His heart is as big as they come, and the way his actions play out on the page still gives me chills.
And the banter between Amanda and James? It is pure perfection. The give and take in their conversations, the way he cares for her…it’ll leave you swooning.
I cannot recommend this book enough. If you enjoyed Megan’s other books, you’ll adore this one. She just keeps getting better and better.
March 27, 2023
In The Fastball, the third installment of the Wild Pitches series, we revisit the Hutchinson family, baseball, small town living in Saratoga Springs, and are treated once again with an emotional, heartfelt, contemporary romance that embraces tough subjects and handles them with delicate care.
James first writes Amanda when he is sent on a mission to save her husband while deployed overseas, and unfortunately he succumbs from his injuries. They write letters back and forth under nicknames for years, developing a strong friendship while intentionally hiding identifying details. When fate brings them James & Amanda (not Striker & Lou) together on a cross-country flight, they are instantly drawn to each other and fall into easy friendship. Almost as if they’ve known each other for years…
I absolutely LOVED this book! Megan’s writing just gets better and better with each book, and while The Curveball may still be my favorite (because I’m a big fan of women shattering glass ceilings), this book is definitely the best one yet. The Fastball has so many things I love in a romance - epistolary elements (you get the letters & text messages), men talking about mental health & going to therapy (!!), a large loving family, caretaking (both physical & mental health), and character development through the story. My heart is still bursting days later from reading this book – it stays with you, long after you read “The End.”
Thank you @authormegancousins for the advanced review copy.
James first writes Amanda when he is sent on a mission to save her husband while deployed overseas, and unfortunately he succumbs from his injuries. They write letters back and forth under nicknames for years, developing a strong friendship while intentionally hiding identifying details. When fate brings them James & Amanda (not Striker & Lou) together on a cross-country flight, they are instantly drawn to each other and fall into easy friendship. Almost as if they’ve known each other for years…
I absolutely LOVED this book! Megan’s writing just gets better and better with each book, and while The Curveball may still be my favorite (because I’m a big fan of women shattering glass ceilings), this book is definitely the best one yet. The Fastball has so many things I love in a romance - epistolary elements (you get the letters & text messages), men talking about mental health & going to therapy (!!), a large loving family, caretaking (both physical & mental health), and character development through the story. My heart is still bursting days later from reading this book – it stays with you, long after you read “The End.”
Thank you @authormegancousins for the advanced review copy.
December 23, 2023
“Books are my love language so you’re going to have to be okay with that for today.” 🥹
Loving the continuity between books so much.
Loving the continuity between books so much.
January 11, 2023
I count myself extremely lucky to be a romance reader. I’m a simple human, my needs are pretty easily met, and they make me happy.
But I count myself even luckier that Megan Cousins keeps writing romances that feel like home to my heart.
Y’all The Fastball, book 3 in her (absolutely no skips) Wild Pitches series is about to drop March 30th and y’all are NOT ready. Not ready at all for James and Amanda’s EPIC, heart-first and dare I say the most SWOONY romance she’s given us yet.
I’d like to thank Megan for an advance copy, mostly spoiler free thoughts are below. Enjoy!
At its core The Fastball is a soft, low-angst romance between two people that are working through complex traumas, grief and figuring out how to be read again. Yes thats right, read. I have such an admiration for how Megan tells stories about love, loss and the realities of chronic illness. But I think what so deeply appreciate about this series (that I swear was written JUST for me) is how Megan lets her characters be loved. And that is pretty much all you can ask for in a romance book right?
The Fastball beautifully weaves past and present together while deftly navigating CPTSD, past emotional abuse from a deceased spouse, and what it means to be loved without conditions in a way that I think is going stick with me for a long time.
But, y’all IT’S ALSO A PEN PAL ROMANCE. Holy-frigging-bench-clearing-brawl was I so smitten reading Sweet Lou and Striker’s notes and emails. And watching them slowly fall in love through their letters (even while maybe both of them were a little unaware), was just the best.
And oh wow did I ever see myself in Amanda (right down to the bringing your own food, and suffering in silence because WHY BRING ATTENTION TO YOURSELF). Her late-grandfathers run down recently inherited house that holds so many warm memories is a perfect metaphor for where Amanda (aka Sweet Lou) is at when we first meet her. She’s the house y’all.
And that house (like Amanda) needs someone to help restore it. Shore up a strong foundation. Help it find its shine again.
From the moment Megan introduces us to James and Amanda (oh my god the plane meet-cute!) I was hooked. Signed up, and bought the f*ck in. I love them, your honor.
I loved the meta commentary on romance novels peppered throughout The Fastball and hello, what book loving human wouldn’t just melt into a pile of romantic goo, for a custom built library to house all the books their person is gonna keep buying them.
The Hutchinson family are goals and easily are on par among the perennial bookstagram favorite Bergmans. I think, though what Megan really needs to drop on us is a Hutch-Fam Cookbook (asking for a friend which is me. I am the friend).
Lots of family moments round out a book that is so warm, so earnest, so special that I might re-read it another couple times before it’s out March 30th 2023.
Please pick this book up, pre-order it or call your library to bring it in for you. And while you’re waiting for this one (and MLB’s opening day) read The Curveball and The Changeup free with KindleUnlimited or wherever you get your romances.
But I count myself even luckier that Megan Cousins keeps writing romances that feel like home to my heart.
Y’all The Fastball, book 3 in her (absolutely no skips) Wild Pitches series is about to drop March 30th and y’all are NOT ready. Not ready at all for James and Amanda’s EPIC, heart-first and dare I say the most SWOONY romance she’s given us yet.
I’d like to thank Megan for an advance copy, mostly spoiler free thoughts are below. Enjoy!
At its core The Fastball is a soft, low-angst romance between two people that are working through complex traumas, grief and figuring out how to be read again. Yes thats right, read. I have such an admiration for how Megan tells stories about love, loss and the realities of chronic illness. But I think what so deeply appreciate about this series (that I swear was written JUST for me) is how Megan lets her characters be loved. And that is pretty much all you can ask for in a romance book right?
The Fastball beautifully weaves past and present together while deftly navigating CPTSD, past emotional abuse from a deceased spouse, and what it means to be loved without conditions in a way that I think is going stick with me for a long time.
But, y’all IT’S ALSO A PEN PAL ROMANCE. Holy-frigging-bench-clearing-brawl was I so smitten reading Sweet Lou and Striker’s notes and emails. And watching them slowly fall in love through their letters (even while maybe both of them were a little unaware), was just the best.
And oh wow did I ever see myself in Amanda (right down to the bringing your own food, and suffering in silence because WHY BRING ATTENTION TO YOURSELF). Her late-grandfathers run down recently inherited house that holds so many warm memories is a perfect metaphor for where Amanda (aka Sweet Lou) is at when we first meet her. She’s the house y’all.
And that house (like Amanda) needs someone to help restore it. Shore up a strong foundation. Help it find its shine again.
From the moment Megan introduces us to James and Amanda (oh my god the plane meet-cute!) I was hooked. Signed up, and bought the f*ck in. I love them, your honor.
I loved the meta commentary on romance novels peppered throughout The Fastball and hello, what book loving human wouldn’t just melt into a pile of romantic goo, for a custom built library to house all the books their person is gonna keep buying them.
“Books are my love language, let me do this for you..” I AM UNWELL.
The Hutchinson family are goals and easily are on par among the perennial bookstagram favorite Bergmans. I think, though what Megan really needs to drop on us is a Hutch-Fam Cookbook (asking for a friend which is me. I am the friend).
Lots of family moments round out a book that is so warm, so earnest, so special that I might re-read it another couple times before it’s out March 30th 2023.
Please pick this book up, pre-order it or call your library to bring it in for you. And while you’re waiting for this one (and MLB’s opening day) read The Curveball and The Changeup free with KindleUnlimited or wherever you get your romances.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2023
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Amanda & James’s points of view
– there are mentions of emotional abuse/neglect from a spouse who passed away (years before the book begins)
– there are mentions of PTSD (flashbacks, panic attacks & dissociation) from both the abuse/loss of husband as well as from being in the military
– there are mentions of grief, anxiety, mental health, as well as therapy sessions
– Amanda suffers from food sensitivity & digestive issues (symptoms not talked about in much detail, but enough to show that it is a very serious issue)
Review:
Another great lovable and emotional romance from Megan Cousins! I loved so much of this book and how she dealt with the difficult subjects/things that many of the characters went through within the story. I love that she showed not only the present, but also past experiences & messages between Amanda & James and how it affected them to be where they were at in this time period. I loved getting to see snippets of how they became so close as Striker & Lou. Some of my favorite moments/scenes included: getting away to the cabin, fishing, working together on the house, flashbacks to older messages between them, them cuddling together, time with the whole family, Amanda & James with the two girls, every moment James patiently waited for Amanda, and every moment they broke past the things holding them back. And I am so excited for Jax next! I need someone who will not only love him, but will also fiercely love his adorable little girls.
Summary:
When Amanda is willed her grandfather’s home after his passing, she is in a place where she needs a change to move herself forward. So she takes the chance to go and see what she is working with after years of not being in the old house. But to get there, she needs to work through her fear of flying, which is easier said than done. Thankfully her seat mate is able to make her comfortable enough to get through the flight and he might even be able to help her out with fixing up her grandfather’s home. James makes her feel more secure unlike anyone she’s talked to lately. Well, anyone except for her pen pal Striker, though they both seem to be similar in how they make her feel…
James has had trouble sleeping after his last mission. It haunts and hits him when he least expects it leaving him restless. But Amanda gives him this peace that he hasn’t felt in a long time. With his parents having opened their doors for Amanda to stay with them while they work on making her grandfather’s house habitable again, James has many chances to spend time with and around Amanda. Which he thanks his lucky stars that they kept on being pushed together with how much Amanda brights everything in his life. And when multiple signs begin pointing to Amanda likely also being his pen pal Lou, who has gotten him through some of his toughest days since retiring, he wants to thank them all over again. But there is one thing James knows he needs to tell Amanda if she truly is Lou, and it might change everything between them…
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Amanda & James’s points of view
– there are mentions of emotional abuse/neglect from a spouse who passed away (years before the book begins)
– there are mentions of PTSD (flashbacks, panic attacks & dissociation) from both the abuse/loss of husband as well as from being in the military
– there are mentions of grief, anxiety, mental health, as well as therapy sessions
– Amanda suffers from food sensitivity & digestive issues (symptoms not talked about in much detail, but enough to show that it is a very serious issue)
Review:
Another great lovable and emotional romance from Megan Cousins! I loved so much of this book and how she dealt with the difficult subjects/things that many of the characters went through within the story. I love that she showed not only the present, but also past experiences & messages between Amanda & James and how it affected them to be where they were at in this time period. I loved getting to see snippets of how they became so close as Striker & Lou. Some of my favorite moments/scenes included: getting away to the cabin, fishing, working together on the house, flashbacks to older messages between them, them cuddling together, time with the whole family, Amanda & James with the two girls, every moment James patiently waited for Amanda, and every moment they broke past the things holding them back. And I am so excited for Jax next! I need someone who will not only love him, but will also fiercely love his adorable little girls.
Summary:
When Amanda is willed her grandfather’s home after his passing, she is in a place where she needs a change to move herself forward. So she takes the chance to go and see what she is working with after years of not being in the old house. But to get there, she needs to work through her fear of flying, which is easier said than done. Thankfully her seat mate is able to make her comfortable enough to get through the flight and he might even be able to help her out with fixing up her grandfather’s home. James makes her feel more secure unlike anyone she’s talked to lately. Well, anyone except for her pen pal Striker, though they both seem to be similar in how they make her feel…
James has had trouble sleeping after his last mission. It haunts and hits him when he least expects it leaving him restless. But Amanda gives him this peace that he hasn’t felt in a long time. With his parents having opened their doors for Amanda to stay with them while they work on making her grandfather’s house habitable again, James has many chances to spend time with and around Amanda. Which he thanks his lucky stars that they kept on being pushed together with how much Amanda brights everything in his life. And when multiple signs begin pointing to Amanda likely also being his pen pal Lou, who has gotten him through some of his toughest days since retiring, he wants to thank them all over again. But there is one thing James knows he needs to tell Amanda if she truly is Lou, and it might change everything between them…
March 30, 2023
No real names, no pictures, and no in-person contact. The rules that “Lou” and “Striker” agreed to five years ago when they began their online pen pal agreement. Five long years of tears and hardships, of grief and sleepless nights. After those five years, Amanda MacDougal is ready to put the memories of her emotionally abusive, late husband behind her and move towards a second chance by deciding to renovate her grandfather’s house in New York for the summer. James Hutchinson is attempting to move forward from the “failure” of his past, being unable to save a fellow military pilot who left a grieving widow behind. Needing time off from his job, he finds himself on the way back home to New York, looking for a second chance to help erase the past. Ending up on the same flight as Amanda, one thing becomes abundantly clear to him - Amanda hates flying. After chatting the entire flight, they share their reasons for going to small-town New York, and James offers his unofficial handyman services as assistance to help her flip her house. They are complete opposites. Amanda is sweet, delicate, and soft-spoken, still trying to find her voice. In contrast, James is broken, outspoken, and grieving. The more time they spend together, the closer they become, but will the same sparks they have as each other's pen pal be there without the screens and fake names? Is it possible to find forgiveness with a second chance?
The Fastball, the third book in the Wild Pitches Series, is the perfect balance of romantic comedy and heavy topics (such as: having minor PTSD flashbacks, grief, and anxiety) without being overly heavy. It also handles mental health and related topics extremely well. I loved the flashbacks to previous conversations between “Lou” and “Striker,” as I felt it was the perfect added touch. James and Amanda truly are the perfect characters for each other, as they are able to lean on each other when they need someone the most. They have such great banter and intense conversations both in person and as their online personas of “Lou” and “Striker.” I enjoyed the important conversation around mental health and going to therapy to help talk through trauma. Overall this book was one of my favorites as it covers not only mental health issues but also a great rom-com.
* I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
The Fastball, the third book in the Wild Pitches Series, is the perfect balance of romantic comedy and heavy topics (such as: having minor PTSD flashbacks, grief, and anxiety) without being overly heavy. It also handles mental health and related topics extremely well. I loved the flashbacks to previous conversations between “Lou” and “Striker,” as I felt it was the perfect added touch. James and Amanda truly are the perfect characters for each other, as they are able to lean on each other when they need someone the most. They have such great banter and intense conversations both in person and as their online personas of “Lou” and “Striker.” I enjoyed the important conversation around mental health and going to therapy to help talk through trauma. Overall this book was one of my favorites as it covers not only mental health issues but also a great rom-com.
* I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
April 2, 2023
Romance level: kissing 🔥.
First of all, I love the entire Hutchinson clan! This family is just pure gold. The Wild Pitches series is amazing 😍
I love Amanda's job! She's so cool. I loved what inspired her to do her job. What she went through was heartbreaking.
James was such a kind & sweet man. Always so caring & protective. I love how much he respects her, lets her feel, lets her do her stuff & it's constantly there in case she needs help, but doesn't controls her.
I loved the small interventions & how entwined this story is! I loved the slow burn & the building up of trust & friendship.
I just loved the support & communication these two had. James has been a favorite of mine since he started to appear in the other books...Here it's confirmed why😍
I love how the communication is so open & healthy! The main tense moment was so well done! The Hutchinson brothers have a special place in my heart.
Megan did such an amazing job carrying the plot & maintaining the perfect balance into what was happening. The small hugs he gives her are the best🥺. Their first kiss was so sweet♥️
The ⚾game! That whole chapter was definitely one of my favorites 😍. A close second THE TALK & epilogue! The whole scene were he talks about what he loves about her😍👌🏻.
The letters in the last few chapters were so powerful. I was so happy to see their growth😭💕 I can't even begin to describe how much I love this book.
James & Amanda figuring out how to heal the trauma & grief. This books goes beyond a romance book. It's a story of strength, realness, fighting fears, finding real love...
Jax was an MVP! He's such a sweet character. He carries so much weight on his shoulders. I can't wait to dive into his story next!
Favorite scenes:
⚾The game
🩹Him taking care of her
🏞️The lake scene😍
⚾The t-shirt 😂
✉️Their letters♥️
⚠️TW: PTSD (discussed); grief, & anxiety; Flashback/panic attack/dissociation; Death of loved one & emotional abuse (discussed); military service (discussed).
⚾
* I was kindly gifted an ARC from the author. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of the book*
First of all, I love the entire Hutchinson clan! This family is just pure gold. The Wild Pitches series is amazing 😍
I love Amanda's job! She's so cool. I loved what inspired her to do her job. What she went through was heartbreaking.
James was such a kind & sweet man. Always so caring & protective. I love how much he respects her, lets her feel, lets her do her stuff & it's constantly there in case she needs help, but doesn't controls her.
I loved the small interventions & how entwined this story is! I loved the slow burn & the building up of trust & friendship.
I just loved the support & communication these two had. James has been a favorite of mine since he started to appear in the other books...Here it's confirmed why😍
I love how the communication is so open & healthy! The main tense moment was so well done! The Hutchinson brothers have a special place in my heart.
Megan did such an amazing job carrying the plot & maintaining the perfect balance into what was happening. The small hugs he gives her are the best🥺. Their first kiss was so sweet♥️
The ⚾game! That whole chapter was definitely one of my favorites 😍. A close second THE TALK & epilogue! The whole scene were he talks about what he loves about her😍👌🏻.
The letters in the last few chapters were so powerful. I was so happy to see their growth😭💕 I can't even begin to describe how much I love this book.
James & Amanda figuring out how to heal the trauma & grief. This books goes beyond a romance book. It's a story of strength, realness, fighting fears, finding real love...
Jax was an MVP! He's such a sweet character. He carries so much weight on his shoulders. I can't wait to dive into his story next!
Favorite scenes:
⚾The game
🩹Him taking care of her
🏞️The lake scene😍
⚾The t-shirt 😂
✉️Their letters♥️
⚠️TW: PTSD (discussed); grief, & anxiety; Flashback/panic attack/dissociation; Death of loved one & emotional abuse (discussed); military service (discussed).
⚾
* I was kindly gifted an ARC from the author. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of the book*
March 26, 2023
The Fastball is the 3rd book in the Wild Pitches series by author Megan Cousins, this is the first book in the series I’ve read and while do definitely can be read as a stand alone there were several references to the previous books and I think it would be made some scenes feel less confusing if I’d read them in order.
There was a lot I loved about this book, I mean Amanda and James are such genuine, selfless and thoughtful people it is impossible not to root for them. I will say this is not your typical sweet romance, it goes deep dealing with anxiety, grief, PTSD and chronic illness. Megan did a wonderful job of giving all of these topics the time and sensitivity they deserve and it really helped paint a full picture of the characters.
In a fun twist we see both the present day Amanda and James and how they are slowly getting to know each other and building a relationship. James is such a sweet man, he is not perfect but he takes great care to be there for Amanda in ways she could never count on her husband to be. I love the way he loves her but is so patient and understanding of the anxiety she is battling due to past relationship trauma. It is so obvious these two really care about one another and so easy to see where those feelings have developed from. I especially loved how Megan understands when you have gone through a relationship where you had to conform to the other persons version of what they thought a “good spouse” is it takes time to rebuild your thought patterns and to let yourself be loved again.
After finishing this book I would love to go back and read the previous books in the series and get to know the Hutchinson family better. The only thing I found a little frustrating was how long it took for them to make the connection to their penpal relationship, there were so many times I thought “it is so obvious, how can’t you see it?”. Overall I really enjoyed this book
Thank you to author Megan Cousins for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
There was a lot I loved about this book, I mean Amanda and James are such genuine, selfless and thoughtful people it is impossible not to root for them. I will say this is not your typical sweet romance, it goes deep dealing with anxiety, grief, PTSD and chronic illness. Megan did a wonderful job of giving all of these topics the time and sensitivity they deserve and it really helped paint a full picture of the characters.
In a fun twist we see both the present day Amanda and James and how they are slowly getting to know each other and building a relationship. James is such a sweet man, he is not perfect but he takes great care to be there for Amanda in ways she could never count on her husband to be. I love the way he loves her but is so patient and understanding of the anxiety she is battling due to past relationship trauma. It is so obvious these two really care about one another and so easy to see where those feelings have developed from. I especially loved how Megan understands when you have gone through a relationship where you had to conform to the other persons version of what they thought a “good spouse” is it takes time to rebuild your thought patterns and to let yourself be loved again.
After finishing this book I would love to go back and read the previous books in the series and get to know the Hutchinson family better. The only thing I found a little frustrating was how long it took for them to make the connection to their penpal relationship, there were so many times I thought “it is so obvious, how can’t you see it?”. Overall I really enjoyed this book
Thank you to author Megan Cousins for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
January 10, 2023
This series has me in a chokehold and continues to get better and better! I was excited for James’ story and it certainly didn’t disappoint!
This book tackles grief, PTSD, trauma, and anxiety remarkably well. It’s a story that will leave you gutted for the characters and the rough pasts they have while also being a warm read full of love and family. If you love the found family trope, this series is certainly for you. You’ll wish you were a part of the Hutchinson family enjoying their unmatched hospitality.
I love Amanda’s character and how she’s learning to find herself again after years of emotional abuse. How a pen pal helps her stay grounded and that while she aids a professional baseball team in their mental health, she has to come to terms with her own. She’s such a strong character navigating her own emotional turmoil and grief and her story arc is beautiful.
James is such a fantastic love interest. He’s doting, a romance novel enthusiast, loves to flip houses, and will leave you melted into a puddle on the floor with how patient and understanding he is. His own demons plague him and lead him to have to seek help in coming to terms with his traumatic past and I loved the open and honest therapy sessions that occurred on page as it helps illustrate the strength and vulnerability it takes to seek help. Watching his story connect with Amanda’s was such a brilliant journey to witness and I absolutely adore them together and how they help each other out in their battles.
Once again the writing is fantastic and the pacing perfect. You’ll be sucked in from the start and imagining yourself at the lake making sprinkle s’mores in the evening and making orange cinnamon rolls for breakfast alongside the family. From the excellent communication between characters to the positive mental health representation and from the dual POV to the blueprint love interests, this book (and series) has it all. Including my heart.
This book tackles grief, PTSD, trauma, and anxiety remarkably well. It’s a story that will leave you gutted for the characters and the rough pasts they have while also being a warm read full of love and family. If you love the found family trope, this series is certainly for you. You’ll wish you were a part of the Hutchinson family enjoying their unmatched hospitality.
I love Amanda’s character and how she’s learning to find herself again after years of emotional abuse. How a pen pal helps her stay grounded and that while she aids a professional baseball team in their mental health, she has to come to terms with her own. She’s such a strong character navigating her own emotional turmoil and grief and her story arc is beautiful.
James is such a fantastic love interest. He’s doting, a romance novel enthusiast, loves to flip houses, and will leave you melted into a puddle on the floor with how patient and understanding he is. His own demons plague him and lead him to have to seek help in coming to terms with his traumatic past and I loved the open and honest therapy sessions that occurred on page as it helps illustrate the strength and vulnerability it takes to seek help. Watching his story connect with Amanda’s was such a brilliant journey to witness and I absolutely adore them together and how they help each other out in their battles.
Once again the writing is fantastic and the pacing perfect. You’ll be sucked in from the start and imagining yourself at the lake making sprinkle s’mores in the evening and making orange cinnamon rolls for breakfast alongside the family. From the excellent communication between characters to the positive mental health representation and from the dual POV to the blueprint love interests, this book (and series) has it all. Including my heart.
February 11, 2023
Although this is technically a sports romance, and baseball is woven throughout their story, I was captivated by the raw honesty from both Amanda and James! @authormegancousins dives right into heavy mental health ownership. Both the MMC and FMC deal with trauma through the book that show up as nightmares, a crippling fear of flying, and a true belief that one has to prove their worth constantly… to name a few. It is tackled head on and with a great plug for therapy (huge fan, everyone can benefit!). The two find comfort in their friendship, and in their overlapping healing journey in ways they don’t even know when we they have an adorable meet-cute on a flight from Seattle to Albany. Thankfully James also renovates house because Amanda is headed to do just that at Saratoga Lake.
The Hutchinson family is gorgeous to read. Like a warm hug, wrapped in cinnamon rolls, and sprinkles. Collectively they’re a huge support to Amanda as she tackles everything that comes with inheriting her grandparents home. Plus, Amanda has Sutton and Max in her corner from Seattle as well as her own parents - so much goodness! Plus, nestled into this gem is a man who’s love language is books (swoon) and who’s grand romantic gesture /secret project in Amanda’s newly renovated home is my absolute dream come true! The Fastball is available March 30th so get it on your list now! It’s the perfect way to celebrate opening day 😉⚾️
Thank you to @authormegancousins for the ARC and the amazing goodies! I loved this family, their openness with mental health, and their love for a good romance. Who knows, maybe I’ll learn to appreciate baseball after all 😉
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
#writeareview #readingaddict
#arc #mentalhealthmatters #happyreading📚💜
The Hutchinson family is gorgeous to read. Like a warm hug, wrapped in cinnamon rolls, and sprinkles. Collectively they’re a huge support to Amanda as she tackles everything that comes with inheriting her grandparents home. Plus, Amanda has Sutton and Max in her corner from Seattle as well as her own parents - so much goodness! Plus, nestled into this gem is a man who’s love language is books (swoon) and who’s grand romantic gesture /secret project in Amanda’s newly renovated home is my absolute dream come true! The Fastball is available March 30th so get it on your list now! It’s the perfect way to celebrate opening day 😉⚾️
Thank you to @authormegancousins for the ARC and the amazing goodies! I loved this family, their openness with mental health, and their love for a good romance. Who knows, maybe I’ll learn to appreciate baseball after all 😉
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
#writeareview #readingaddict
#arc #mentalhealthmatters #happyreading📚💜
April 6, 2023
📚BOOK REVIEW📚
The Fastball
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice level: 0/3
Genres: romantic fiction, contemporary romance, adult fiction
Tropes: friends-to-lovers, emotional scars, closed door romance, found family
Amanda MacDougal is war widow; her husband Nick died in a plane crash during duty. After he passes, she gets a condolences message from someone her late husband served with, and strikes up a “pen pal” type relationship with this person. They talk a lot, and she feels that they really understand her and what she has gone through.
5 years after his passing, Amanda’s grandfather also passes and leaves his house in New York to her. She is able to work remote (she is a sports psychologist and mental skills coach for a baseball team in Seattle) and decides to move to New York and repair the house.
Amanda hasn’t flown since her husband’s passing, and is incredibly nervous; she happens to run into a nice guy (James) who was previously a pilot in the army, and he comforts her. After landing, she discovers his family was neighbors with her late grandfather, and knew him well.
Throughout the story, Amanda fixes up the house and learns more about James and his background. Both of them become suspicious of the similarities between each other and their respective “pen pals”. Amanda also uncovers a secret regarding James and his connection to the accident that caused her late husband’s death.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The author wrote this book as an Own Voices book, with the attempt to showcase some of the struggles someone with PTSD may go through. It was educational in a way that didn’t feel like I was reading an article or textbook.
This book was written from the dual-POV of Amanda and James, which gave a unique view into both sides of their relationship.
I love stories like this, where the whole thing is full of synchronicity; random events occurring throughout Amanda’s and James’s life that led to them to meeting each other. An added feature that made this a fun read was the use of dramatic irony; as a reader, you got to see both sides of their relationship and the messages from the pen pals. It led to a lot of moments of shouting at the characters in the book to “open their eyes” to the obvious coincidences.
It was a fun read, and my favorite in the Wild Pitches series so far.
The Fastball
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice level: 0/3
Genres: romantic fiction, contemporary romance, adult fiction
Tropes: friends-to-lovers, emotional scars, closed door romance, found family
Amanda MacDougal is war widow; her husband Nick died in a plane crash during duty. After he passes, she gets a condolences message from someone her late husband served with, and strikes up a “pen pal” type relationship with this person. They talk a lot, and she feels that they really understand her and what she has gone through.
5 years after his passing, Amanda’s grandfather also passes and leaves his house in New York to her. She is able to work remote (she is a sports psychologist and mental skills coach for a baseball team in Seattle) and decides to move to New York and repair the house.
Amanda hasn’t flown since her husband’s passing, and is incredibly nervous; she happens to run into a nice guy (James) who was previously a pilot in the army, and he comforts her. After landing, she discovers his family was neighbors with her late grandfather, and knew him well.
Throughout the story, Amanda fixes up the house and learns more about James and his background. Both of them become suspicious of the similarities between each other and their respective “pen pals”. Amanda also uncovers a secret regarding James and his connection to the accident that caused her late husband’s death.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The author wrote this book as an Own Voices book, with the attempt to showcase some of the struggles someone with PTSD may go through. It was educational in a way that didn’t feel like I was reading an article or textbook.
This book was written from the dual-POV of Amanda and James, which gave a unique view into both sides of their relationship.
I love stories like this, where the whole thing is full of synchronicity; random events occurring throughout Amanda’s and James’s life that led to them to meeting each other. An added feature that made this a fun read was the use of dramatic irony; as a reader, you got to see both sides of their relationship and the messages from the pen pals. It led to a lot of moments of shouting at the characters in the book to “open their eyes” to the obvious coincidences.
It was a fun read, and my favorite in the Wild Pitches series so far.
March 18, 2023
I was so excited to get my eyes on an advanced copy of The Fastball because of the epistolary element of the story, which is something I love to read in any genre.
And what fun it added to their romance. Even as the book tackles experiences of grief and past trauma, there's enough distance and time that the story resonates as hopeful and warm (cue in the Hutchinson fam). And had me laughing in quite a few places.
I was impressed by how the author uses dual timelines to build tension. It worked well. The reader is definitely "let in" on the pen pal secret early on, and I appreciated that because it gave me real buy-in to the outcome of when, and will they, and kept me turning pages.
Thank you to Megan Cousins for writing transparently about chronic illness and mental health, for talking about therapy on the page.
Without giving anything away, if you are looking for a romance with strong character growth for both MCs, great tension, dual timeline, and a ton of found family feels, in a beautiful setting that truly feels like home, and it goes without saying, if you love baseball... this is your next read.
Series Note: This is my first read of the series, and I'm looking forward to going back to meet the rest of the cast of characters and read their stories. I think reading in order will make the appearance of the secondary characters especially enjoyable, but you definitely can read this as a standalone.
And what fun it added to their romance. Even as the book tackles experiences of grief and past trauma, there's enough distance and time that the story resonates as hopeful and warm (cue in the Hutchinson fam). And had me laughing in quite a few places.
I was impressed by how the author uses dual timelines to build tension. It worked well. The reader is definitely "let in" on the pen pal secret early on, and I appreciated that because it gave me real buy-in to the outcome of when, and will they, and kept me turning pages.
Thank you to Megan Cousins for writing transparently about chronic illness and mental health, for talking about therapy on the page.
Without giving anything away, if you are looking for a romance with strong character growth for both MCs, great tension, dual timeline, and a ton of found family feels, in a beautiful setting that truly feels like home, and it goes without saying, if you love baseball... this is your next read.
Series Note: This is my first read of the series, and I'm looking forward to going back to meet the rest of the cast of characters and read their stories. I think reading in order will make the appearance of the secondary characters especially enjoyable, but you definitely can read this as a standalone.
March 24, 2023
rep: PTSD, food sensitivity, digestive issues
I think this has been my favorite book out of Wild Pitches series so far! This one hit really close to home for me, suffering from digestive issues myself I felt very connected to Amanda.
I already knew I loved the Hutchinson family going into this book so I was definitely excited to hear more about them, hear James’s story and meet our new character Amanda. The story did not disappoint. Honestly, the writing felt more complex in this book than any of her other books in the best way. The story was intriguing, it’s heartbreaking also being uplifting.
Amanda went through something I truly would wish upon no one. As she’s trying to find herself in a new town she runs into James who is also trying to piece back his life, watching them connect was delightful.
This book touches on PTSD in a lot of different ways and I truly thought it was all handled so delicately while still being real and raw. Meagan Cousins books are always wonderful with a disability representation, and this one was no different. I especially loved the representation of dairy sensitivity because I have that as well and a lot of feelings Amanda felt were very relatable.
Overall I’m so glad I read this book, I love this series and cannot wait to see it wrap up. I’d definitely recommend!
*Thank you Megan Cousins for an eARC of this book in exchange for a review, all opinions above are my own!*
I think this has been my favorite book out of Wild Pitches series so far! This one hit really close to home for me, suffering from digestive issues myself I felt very connected to Amanda.
I already knew I loved the Hutchinson family going into this book so I was definitely excited to hear more about them, hear James’s story and meet our new character Amanda. The story did not disappoint. Honestly, the writing felt more complex in this book than any of her other books in the best way. The story was intriguing, it’s heartbreaking also being uplifting.
Amanda went through something I truly would wish upon no one. As she’s trying to find herself in a new town she runs into James who is also trying to piece back his life, watching them connect was delightful.
This book touches on PTSD in a lot of different ways and I truly thought it was all handled so delicately while still being real and raw. Meagan Cousins books are always wonderful with a disability representation, and this one was no different. I especially loved the representation of dairy sensitivity because I have that as well and a lot of feelings Amanda felt were very relatable.
Overall I’m so glad I read this book, I love this series and cannot wait to see it wrap up. I’d definitely recommend!
*Thank you Megan Cousins for an eARC of this book in exchange for a review, all opinions above are my own!*
April 3, 2023
I received an eARC from the author. Amanda's grandfather left her his house across the country. So, she does the one thing she absolutely hates doing, gets on a plane to go see the house. She is terrified on the flight, but her seatmate does his best to help her calm down. Once they start talking, they realize not only are they headed to the same city, but he remodels houses, and she has a house that needs work. He agrees to take a look at it and let her know what needs to be done so she can decide if she wants to keep it or sell it. James is on a break from his job in the ER after a helicopter arriving caused a flashback to a traumatic war experience. He's taking the time to remodel homes, and the woman he met on the airplane owns the house just down the road from his parents that needs a lot of work. Now they find themselves working together on the house during the day, and hanging out with his family in the off time. She has unresolved grief from the difficult marriage she had and the death of her husband. He has trauma from his time in the Air Force and a failed mission. Will this attraction between them grow despite the trauma and grief they're dealing with?
I picked this book up and couldn't put it down. The way grief is handled is so realistic and relatable. Amanda was not only grieving the loss of her husband, but the loss of the marriage she wanted but never had. And James was the perfect book boyfriend! He was so understanding and supportive. And his family was absolutely amazing. This was my first book to read in the series, and I will definitely be going back and reading the first 2. I would recommend this to those looking for trauma representation, secret identity trope, friends to lovers, and closed-door romance.
I picked this book up and couldn't put it down. The way grief is handled is so realistic and relatable. Amanda was not only grieving the loss of her husband, but the loss of the marriage she wanted but never had. And James was the perfect book boyfriend! He was so understanding and supportive. And his family was absolutely amazing. This was my first book to read in the series, and I will definitely be going back and reading the first 2. I would recommend this to those looking for trauma representation, secret identity trope, friends to lovers, and closed-door romance.
June 16, 2024
This was just perfect! The Fastball is the third book in Megan Cousins’ Wild Pitches series. I was so excited to read this book after reading Jenna’s and it did not disappoint. I was so ready to read James’ book and see him find his happily ever after.
James and Mandy were so cute together! I liked how they helped each other deal with the different traumas that they had each faced. They felt real and relatable as they tried to overcome their pasts. I like how they both grew throughout the book and learned to communicate with each other.
The romance felt perfect and fit the characters. James and Mandy had a sort of slow burn as they got to know each other better. They became friends and it slowly grew to more as they spent time together. I liked that they had an easy connection.
James’ family is the best and I was so glad that we got to see more of them. I like how they come alongside each other and help each other. They truly felt like a family especially as they helped each other through hard times. Cousins don’t shy away from hard topics but they are written in a way that fits the characters and the book.
I loved The Fastball! I would totally recommend this book! It can be read alone but it is best enjoyed as part of the series. The Fastball is a closed door contemporary romance.
James and Mandy were so cute together! I liked how they helped each other deal with the different traumas that they had each faced. They felt real and relatable as they tried to overcome their pasts. I like how they both grew throughout the book and learned to communicate with each other.
The romance felt perfect and fit the characters. James and Mandy had a sort of slow burn as they got to know each other better. They became friends and it slowly grew to more as they spent time together. I liked that they had an easy connection.
James’ family is the best and I was so glad that we got to see more of them. I like how they come alongside each other and help each other. They truly felt like a family especially as they helped each other through hard times. Cousins don’t shy away from hard topics but they are written in a way that fits the characters and the book.
I loved The Fastball! I would totally recommend this book! It can be read alone but it is best enjoyed as part of the series. The Fastball is a closed door contemporary romance.
February 13, 2023
This has been my hands down my favorite book in the Wild Pitches series, thus far! I am a huge fan of love letters, secret admirers, slow burn romance stories and this one was all that plus more. If you love 'You've Got Mail', minus the grump part, you will adore this book. You don't need to read any other books in the series to get the full enjoyment of this story, but there will be some spoilers that happen. Personally, I don't think it will take away from the other books or this book at all. You will still get the perfect romance, closed door, powerful woman, super supportive Hutchinson family that Megan is known for writing. This story follows Amanda, a widow looking to start her life over again and figure out who she is by tackling some big fears. And James, a Hutchinson brother who suffers with PTSD from a military mission that is fighting to regain his life back. These two are meant to be together and their lives come crashing into one another in the most beautiful way. This is the perfect story if you love baseball, home improvement, fishing, quiet vacations by the lake, and a good bookstore visit.
Thank you, Megan, for my free ebook. It wasn't expected for me to leave a positive review. The opinions are 100% my own.
Thank you, Megan, for my free ebook. It wasn't expected for me to leave a positive review. The opinions are 100% my own.
March 18, 2023
This book felt like I was being wrapped in my favorite blanket. It was so cozy and loving and warm and I loved it so much. Megan's books always seem to find me when I need them the most an this one was no different. The Fastball may be my favorite one in the series so far and I've loved all of them so much. Mandy and James had so many real and honest conversations and didn't push each other away because of their pasts. I also absolutely adored the pen pal trope and I love when the two characters make that connection. I thought the anxiety rep and PTSD was so valid and Megan handled these topics with care and grace. The Hutchinson family is the best and I love how comforting they are towards the people in their lives. Also James is a KING when it comes to gestures and acts of service and I felt the love off of the page. I loved seeing the other siblings and it makes me excited to get Jax's story at some point. I can't say enough good things about this book and this series. Thank you to Megan for providing me with an arc to read and review!!
April 7, 2023
(4⭐️) Taylor Swift songs: “I'm only me when I’m with you”, “Happiness” (her past)”, and tolerate it” (her past).
If the movie “You’ve Got Mail” was friends to lovers!!
You can count on Megan Cousins to deliver a sweet, wholesome, hallmark-esque (in a good way) romance!! I’m getting to know and love the Hutchison family through each book following a different sibling. Their family dynamic is so sweet. I really like James’ character, he’s such a sweet golden retriever man, who is not afraid to cry, and who goes to therapy!! Possible trigger warning: His character is retired military (Air Force search and rescue, not combat), so beware if that is triggering or upsetting to you. I love seeing Amanda work through her issues with her late husband, and her getting to know and love herself, and how James pushes her to be kinder to herself. I also love seeing James work through his past issues with PTSD, and generally how they help each other heal.
This was just overall a really sweet book.
Age rating: 12+ (no cursing, closed door, completely clean-cut)
If the movie “You’ve Got Mail” was friends to lovers!!
You can count on Megan Cousins to deliver a sweet, wholesome, hallmark-esque (in a good way) romance!! I’m getting to know and love the Hutchison family through each book following a different sibling. Their family dynamic is so sweet. I really like James’ character, he’s such a sweet golden retriever man, who is not afraid to cry, and who goes to therapy!! Possible trigger warning: His character is retired military (Air Force search and rescue, not combat), so beware if that is triggering or upsetting to you. I love seeing Amanda work through her issues with her late husband, and her getting to know and love herself, and how James pushes her to be kinder to herself. I also love seeing James work through his past issues with PTSD, and generally how they help each other heal.
This was just overall a really sweet book.
Age rating: 12+ (no cursing, closed door, completely clean-cut)
December 30, 2023
Amanda Louise & James ❤️
✈️Mandy is flying from Seattle to Saratoga in New York to see the house her grandfather left her. It’s on a lake, where she spent many happy summers, but she knows it’s fallen into disrepair.
🤝She’s petrified of flying ever since her pilot husband died in combat. James is sitting next to her on the flight, and he seems to know just what to say to help her.
✉️James was the pilot who rescued Amanda’s husband when he was shot down, and unknown to both of them, they have been corresponding without meeting or speaking for the past five years.
🎣When they both land up in Saratoga, their paths continue to cross, their families and interests intertwined.
❤️This is the third book in this baseball themed series, and it tackles abuse, mental health in a way that weaves so many strings of the story together in a special way. I adored this couple, and the way they seem fated to connect and bring peace to each other. There’s also zero steam in this series if that’s your preference.
Read on Kindle Unlimited
My rating 4.5/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫
✈️Mandy is flying from Seattle to Saratoga in New York to see the house her grandfather left her. It’s on a lake, where she spent many happy summers, but she knows it’s fallen into disrepair.
🤝She’s petrified of flying ever since her pilot husband died in combat. James is sitting next to her on the flight, and he seems to know just what to say to help her.
✉️James was the pilot who rescued Amanda’s husband when he was shot down, and unknown to both of them, they have been corresponding without meeting or speaking for the past five years.
🎣When they both land up in Saratoga, their paths continue to cross, their families and interests intertwined.
❤️This is the third book in this baseball themed series, and it tackles abuse, mental health in a way that weaves so many strings of the story together in a special way. I adored this couple, and the way they seem fated to connect and bring peace to each other. There’s also zero steam in this series if that’s your preference.
Read on Kindle Unlimited
My rating 4.5/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫
July 7, 2025
Every book in this series has been 5 stars for me. I can't put these books down! The stories are so wholesome and have such great representation and talk about important things. The characters are amazing, and the character development is always spot-on.
I adored James and Amanda. Their relationship started in an uncoventional way and it made for such a unique story. I was rooting for them the whole time!
It was really great to see two people with trauma helping each other heal without offering unsolicited advice and urging each other to seek professional help and talk to someone. I think a lot of people forget that their romantic partner is not their therapist, and this story served as a good reminder of that.
I am so sad that the next book is the last book in the series, but I'm so happy that Megan Cousins has more books for me to dive into! If you're a fan of romance, you need to check out her books!
I adored James and Amanda. Their relationship started in an uncoventional way and it made for such a unique story. I was rooting for them the whole time!
It was really great to see two people with trauma helping each other heal without offering unsolicited advice and urging each other to seek professional help and talk to someone. I think a lot of people forget that their romantic partner is not their therapist, and this story served as a good reminder of that.
I am so sad that the next book is the last book in the series, but I'm so happy that Megan Cousins has more books for me to dive into! If you're a fan of romance, you need to check out her books!
August 20, 2023
The third book in the Wild Pitches series and a beautiful friends to lovers story filled with letters and emails and finding love when you least expect it.
I loved getting to see Amanda realise the kind of love she is deserving of and seeing romance loving James be the one who gives it to her so freely. He shows up for her without being asked, continually proving that she deserves real, genuine love without caveats, and I love that she gets this from all the Hutchinsons, her friends and is able to reconnect with her family too.
More tears obviously as I have become so used to with Megan's books as she writes such heartfelt stories filled with genuine characters experiencing pain but finding someone to lean on when they need to.
I loved getting to see Amanda realise the kind of love she is deserving of and seeing romance loving James be the one who gives it to her so freely. He shows up for her without being asked, continually proving that she deserves real, genuine love without caveats, and I love that she gets this from all the Hutchinsons, her friends and is able to reconnect with her family too.
More tears obviously as I have become so used to with Megan's books as she writes such heartfelt stories filled with genuine characters experiencing pain but finding someone to lean on when they need to.
March 20, 2023
This was actually the first book in this series that I’ve read, but it did not disappoint. I was able to easily jump in and understand everything. I loved the little bits of baseball sprinkled in and the family support the characters had. Megan Cousins was phenomenal at representing someone who has a mental illness and how hey are able to deal with it while still going through everyday life and the struggles it brings. It was good to see the main characters interacting and helping each other through all the struggles and challenges throughout the book. I loved both of the main characters and can’t wait to read more of the books!
*I received an ARC and all opinions are my own
*I received an ARC and all opinions are my own
March 31, 2025
I felt like she was an idiot tbh how do you give the phone to James to text striker when:
A) you and James have a “relationship”
B) as far as you know JAMES IS NOT STRIKER
The way James found out about lou was natural but with Amanda I just felt like she was being dense on purpose
Otherwise it was cute
A) you and James have a “relationship”
B) as far as you know JAMES IS NOT STRIKER
The way James found out about lou was natural but with Amanda I just felt like she was being dense on purpose
Otherwise it was cute
April 25, 2023
I love this whole series! There is so much healing that happens in this story. I love James and Amanda's sweet romance; especially all of the baseball references!
*note- this novel can be read as a stand alone
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
*note- this novel can be read as a stand alone
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
January 11, 2023
I absolutely loved James & Amanda's heartachingly beautiful, sweet,funny, swoony story!!
Thank you for ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you for ARC. All opinions are my own.
January 24, 2023
“The MMC reads romance novels and can build things from scratch with his own two hands” SAY NO MORE
Also selfishly now we are one step closer to Jax’s book which has me actin up
Also selfishly now we are one step closer to Jax’s book which has me actin up
May 25, 2023
Actually 4.5! I loved this series ! Can't wait for the 4th book this fall!
August 16, 2024
“books are my love language.” LADIES HE BUILT HER A LIBRARY
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