ARC Review: The Walk Off
Ya’ll I am in my FEELINGS big time. I can’t believe that we’ve come to the end of the Wild Pitches series. Seriously I remember stumbling across a tweet of Megan’s promoting The Changeup and being SOLD. We are living in the best timeline - because Megan is writing these books and they are really freaking great.
I’d like to thank Megan for the advance copy, thoughts below are my own - enjoy!
Jax (eldest Hutchinson) has been one of my series favourites so when I heard we were getting his book I was as the kids say READY. I go into each of Megan’s books thinking - there’s really no way I can love this family any more right? And each time she manages to punch right through my heart and find even more love for them and the partners they’ve folded into their “team”.
This one, though I think might have my emotions in a legit chokehold because Emma and Jax as a couple really are goals. Yes they have a little on-field meet cranky, and yes turns out the lady you just grumbled at WILL be your kids soccer coach (oh and is also their school librarian). Oh and also Jax you will be fully OBSESSED with her before you know it and can’t imagine your life with out her. Enjoy that journey buddy.
Like all of Megan’s books the care she has for her characters is like getting the best hug from your favourite human. There is kindness in these books that will make your heart feel full. But there is also real vulnerabilities, insecurities and fears that they meet with grace and courage. The acceptance that these folks also receive from their people (and the extended Hutch-Fam™) is so tender and perfect - I always catch myself thinking when reading “my goodness can this family be real–and a follow up–where can I hang out with them??”
Emma, folds into the Hutchinson team in such a natural way, but her relationships (yes multiple) with Jax and his daughters (Alice and Mackenzie) are the things dreams are made of. Supportive, gentle, kind, fun, joyful are all things that make her relationships with Jax and his girls what it is: wonderful. From bedtime stories, to blanket fort building, to helping cultivate focus (come through ADHD gang) - Emma really is their missing puzzle piece.
The slow burn nature of all of Megan’s books shines in this one, and okay, like the mantra of “do it scared” is going to resonate with SO many people. It’s a theme in all of the Wild Pitches romances. Doing things in spite of your fears, because of them, meeting the challenges that life is laying at your doorstep but doing it anyway. It’s something–oop I’m going to cry–I need to remember carry with me on the big days where things might feel a little too much.
These books and characters are special because the way Megan writes is special. If you haven’t picked up what I’m putting down (seriously?!) I loved this as the end to a series that I’ve felt seen, loved, cared for, validated and supported by. I feel like I’ve seen this family grow up, evolve and create families of their own (brb gonna sob). So when you get to the series epilogue have some tissues handy - like I wont even spoil it but, IT’S FREAKING PERFECT and I can’t believe it’s over??!!
I’m so thankful Megan is writing, we need the stories she’s telling. Grab books 1-3 of my favourite baseball loving family today - and get ready for Jax and Emma who’ll be landing at retailers September 18th 2023.