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Wild Pitches #2
The Changeup
Jenna:
The prospect of spending the summer with your best friend shouldn't be this daunting. But when your best friend is handsome, charming, and you're more than a little attracted to him, a road trip and summer spent sharing an apartment with each other isn't all it's cracked up to be. At least we have our research to keep us occupied, right?
Marcus:
I can't spend another minute with Jenna without telling her how I feel. How I've felt for so long. As a geologist, I know better than anyone that too much turmoil simmering under the surface will eventually find a way to be released...I just hope that Jenna and I survive this summer together. And even more than that, I hope our friendship survives.
The Changeup is a closed door, friends-to-lovers romance, with a heroine (and hero!) in STEM, road trip mishaps, and the baseball references and commentary you would expect from this series. The Changeup also features #OwnVoices representation, featuring a heroine with arthritis and chronic pain written by an author who deals with the same.
The prospect of spending the summer with your best friend shouldn't be this daunting. But when your best friend is handsome, charming, and you're more than a little attracted to him, a road trip and summer spent sharing an apartment with each other isn't all it's cracked up to be. At least we have our research to keep us occupied, right?
Marcus:
I can't spend another minute with Jenna without telling her how I feel. How I've felt for so long. As a geologist, I know better than anyone that too much turmoil simmering under the surface will eventually find a way to be released...I just hope that Jenna and I survive this summer together. And even more than that, I hope our friendship survives.
The Changeup is a closed door, friends-to-lovers romance, with a heroine (and hero!) in STEM, road trip mishaps, and the baseball references and commentary you would expect from this series. The Changeup also features #OwnVoices representation, featuring a heroine with arthritis and chronic pain written by an author who deals with the same.
Paperback
Published January 1, 2022
13 people are currently reading
431 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 64 reviews
November 13, 2022
Национален парк Йелоустоун. Цялата щедрост на природата, животинският и растителен свят, уникалните гейзери и характерни скали. Преходи, маршрути и изследвания на терен. На фона на ярките описания на района се развива приятелството между Д - р Джена Хъдчинсън и Д - р Маркъс Грант. Те са двойка най - добри приятели , израстващи заедно. Годините в колежа, а после и в лаборатории и аули изграждат личностите им. Емоционалните загуби при единия се срещат с физическите бариери пред другия. Но когато близостта е толкова голяма, преодоляването става чрез присъствие и постоянните разговори.
Не знам кой не би искал да има такава силна връзки с някого? Да знае, че постоянното присъствие на другия е гарантирано. Че внимание винаги ще има. Че и в стрес и в съмнение някой ще бъде на твоя страна?
Съвсем плавно това приятелство премина в по - силна връзка, в по - голяма нужда от взаимно присъствие. Джена е умна , интелигентна, с невероятен хъс да работи сред природата и да я опазва. Но артритът й пречи на всяка крачка. Когато младостта, жаждата за движение напред и амбицията са ограничавани от физически проблем, то само волята прави нещата да се случват. Маркъс е интелигентен , силен и сърдечен. Загърбил кариерата професионален бейзболен състезател заради геологията, той е щастлив в научните среди. Несигурността му идва от неуредиците между родителите му и разтрогнатото семейство. Онова , което го стимулира, мотивира и го държи стабилен , е приятелството на Джена. Желанието му да я следва и да е близо до нея. И в тази осемнадесет годишна връзка двамата израстват като хора, за които е жизнено важно присъствието на другия. Маркъс е стабилно и подкрепящо присъствие в изпълнения с болка свят на Джена. Ведрата усмивка и любовта към природата на Джена са топлия емоционален отдушник в напрегнатия ден на Маркъс.
The Changeup e eлегична и живописна книга за чудото, което приятелството може да внесе в живота ни. И за изцеляващото въздействие на работата сред майката- природа !
Не знам кой не би искал да има такава силна връзки с някого? Да знае, че постоянното присъствие на другия е гарантирано. Че внимание винаги ще има. Че и в стрес и в съмнение някой ще бъде на твоя страна?
Съвсем плавно това приятелство премина в по - силна връзка, в по - голяма нужда от взаимно присъствие. Джена е умна , интелигентна, с невероятен хъс да работи сред природата и да я опазва. Но артритът й пречи на всяка крачка. Когато младостта, жаждата за движение напред и амбицията са ограничавани от физически проблем, то само волята прави нещата да се случват. Маркъс е интелигентен , силен и сърдечен. Загърбил кариерата професионален бейзболен състезател заради геологията, той е щастлив в научните среди. Несигурността му идва от неуредиците между родителите му и разтрогнатото семейство. Онова , което го стимулира, мотивира и го държи стабилен , е приятелството на Джена. Желанието му да я следва и да е близо до нея. И в тази осемнадесет годишна връзка двамата израстват като хора, за които е жизнено важно присъствието на другия. Маркъс е стабилно и подкрепящо присъствие в изпълнения с болка свят на Джена. Ведрата усмивка и любовта към природата на Джена са топлия емоционален отдушник в напрегнатия ден на Маркъс.
The Changeup e eлегична и живописна книга за чудото, което приятелството може да внесе в живота ни. И за изцеляващото въздействие на работата сред майката- природа !
November 21, 2022
This book, this book far exceeded my expectations. I absolutely loved it. Jenna and Marcus are so freaking cute. I also love any type of book were the mcs are scientists (also bonus points because I’m literally taking ecology this semester and ecology is mentioned, loveee) also amazing rep in this book. Overall loved!!
January 1, 2023
Taylor Swift songs: “you are in love”!!!
everyone, stop what you’re doing and read this book NOW. This book made me feel so loved and seen and understood, I cried so many times. The MC, Jenna, has Arthritis, just like me. I have had severe/“end stage” arthritis for coming on 4 years now. This closed door Romcom had such a real representation of arthritis that it felt like the author, Meg Cousins, took some of the lines straight from my brain. I cannot count the amount of times and though, “how did she know that was exactly how I felt?” The daily struggle that comes with not only horrible mind-numbing pain, but also the fact that it’s invisible. No one around me knows the pain that I’m going through, but I still have to go through the day like everyone else. I have read one book where the MC had arthritis, but it fails in comparison to this. I highly recommend those looking for an insight to what people like me have to struggle with on a daily basis. Can I just say, Jenna is my hero. She is not only battling Arthritis with such grace, but she is a hike-loving STEM-queen. I cannot put into words how much this book meant to me. I loved everything about this book. Not only was this so healing for me, but the romance was actually the sweetest. This book is friends to lovers, closed door, and forced proximity!!! Marcus and Jenna’s relationship is the most precious thing ever, and it made my heart so full and so happy reading about them. I may or may not have cried at the end too (happy tears), which is really rare for me because I don’t cry a lot at books, but I had such a strong emotional connection to this book!! I received this book as an Ebook ARC but I WILL be buying it as soon as it comes out. There is not a single thing that I would change about this book, it is truly one in a million.
Age rating: 13+ (Adult characters put completely closed door, and no foul language)
everyone, stop what you’re doing and read this book NOW. This book made me feel so loved and seen and understood, I cried so many times. The MC, Jenna, has Arthritis, just like me. I have had severe/“end stage” arthritis for coming on 4 years now. This closed door Romcom had such a real representation of arthritis that it felt like the author, Meg Cousins, took some of the lines straight from my brain. I cannot count the amount of times and though, “how did she know that was exactly how I felt?” The daily struggle that comes with not only horrible mind-numbing pain, but also the fact that it’s invisible. No one around me knows the pain that I’m going through, but I still have to go through the day like everyone else. I have read one book where the MC had arthritis, but it fails in comparison to this. I highly recommend those looking for an insight to what people like me have to struggle with on a daily basis. Can I just say, Jenna is my hero. She is not only battling Arthritis with such grace, but she is a hike-loving STEM-queen. I cannot put into words how much this book meant to me. I loved everything about this book. Not only was this so healing for me, but the romance was actually the sweetest. This book is friends to lovers, closed door, and forced proximity!!! Marcus and Jenna’s relationship is the most precious thing ever, and it made my heart so full and so happy reading about them. I may or may not have cried at the end too (happy tears), which is really rare for me because I don’t cry a lot at books, but I had such a strong emotional connection to this book!! I received this book as an Ebook ARC but I WILL be buying it as soon as it comes out. There is not a single thing that I would change about this book, it is truly one in a million.
Age rating: 13+ (Adult characters put completely closed door, and no foul language)
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March 6, 2024I'm more than a little biased about this one, but Jenna and Marcus stole my heart and ran away with it.
If you enjoyed The Curveball, you'll probably enjoy this next installment in the series. Friends to lovers, forced proximity, and chronic pain representation round out The Changeup, not to mention our MCs in STEM professions and a first act road trip!
Tell your TBR to take a hike, and pick up The Changeup!!
If you enjoyed The Curveball, you'll probably enjoy this next installment in the series. Friends to lovers, forced proximity, and chronic pain representation round out The Changeup, not to mention our MCs in STEM professions and a first act road trip!
Tell your TBR to take a hike, and pick up The Changeup!!
September 18, 2022
Just when I thought there was no way Megan Cousins could top her first book, this book took me by surprise, just like a wild pitch the series is named for. I absolutely adored the couple in The Curveball, and this book follow the hero's sister in her own journey to love. Unlike so many romance novels, both main characters are in their 30s and have known each other for almost twenty years. It's no wonder that the classic trope of pining comes into play, and of course let's not forget the crowd favorite - oops, there's only one bed. Being closed door and dual POV, the emotional intimacy takes a major role in relationship development, and I found my heart tugged many times as conflict occurred and heart ache had to be sorted out. The heroine has arthritis and has to deal with that alongside being a well-educated woman in a male-dominated field. The author does an amazing job of creating a heroine who tackles her obstacles head-on, with a level of grace and strength any reader can admire.
Jenna Hutchinson has been dreaming of this fellowship at Yellowstone National Park for so long, with the support of her family and her best friend, Marcus Grant. She never expected that getting it would be both a blessing and a curse - because Marcus gets it as well. Now they are both competing for a permanent position at the end of the summer, and neither are happy about the possibility that their success will be the other person's lost dream. Jenna, because she would never want it to affect her friendship with Marcus, who she wishes could eventually be more than just a friend. Marcus, because he has been pining for Jenna since college, and he wants nothing more in the world than for her to be happy. Road-tripping together to Yellowstone brings its own challenges and growth between them, and by the time they arrive, their relationship has shifted. But Jenna has been keeping a secret from Marcus, and although it doesn't stay a secret for long, it may put her dream of working at Yellowstone in jeopardy.
Jenna captured my heart from the very first page, with her enthusiasm for her work and the bright light she brought into the world when teaching. It was so obvious to me that she loved what she did, and all she wanted to do was keep learning and teaching others about the environment around them. With Marcus by her side, they were a tremendous team, even if their areas of studies often took them in different directions. Marcus was so supportive and caring towards Jenna, it made me laugh at the thought that neither realized they both had been pining for each other for so long. Their families knew and kept pushing them to confess their feelings, but their worry about losing their friendship always kept them apart. I cried, I laughed, I had steam coming out of my ears when Jenna was disrespected, and I swooned when Marcus had to hold himself back from fighting her battles. They were such an amazing couple, with a relationship I hope to experience some day. The portrayal of Jenna's arthritis was done so well - I really appreciated how the author showed it in a way that didn't overcome the rest of the story. Arthritis didn't define Jenna. Instead, she figured out ways to still have what she wanted in life while dealing with the medical needs that came along with her pain. As someone with chronic pain myself, I appreciated this a lot, because we don't often get the credit we deserve for putting up with pain in silence. Showing others' ignorant reactions to Jenna's pain and her perseverance through it all was realistic and eye-opening. Such an education for all.
After these first two books being five-star reads, Megan has set the bar high for herself! I am confident she will continue to deliver.
**I received a free copy from the author and this is my honest review.**
Jenna Hutchinson has been dreaming of this fellowship at Yellowstone National Park for so long, with the support of her family and her best friend, Marcus Grant. She never expected that getting it would be both a blessing and a curse - because Marcus gets it as well. Now they are both competing for a permanent position at the end of the summer, and neither are happy about the possibility that their success will be the other person's lost dream. Jenna, because she would never want it to affect her friendship with Marcus, who she wishes could eventually be more than just a friend. Marcus, because he has been pining for Jenna since college, and he wants nothing more in the world than for her to be happy. Road-tripping together to Yellowstone brings its own challenges and growth between them, and by the time they arrive, their relationship has shifted. But Jenna has been keeping a secret from Marcus, and although it doesn't stay a secret for long, it may put her dream of working at Yellowstone in jeopardy.
Jenna captured my heart from the very first page, with her enthusiasm for her work and the bright light she brought into the world when teaching. It was so obvious to me that she loved what she did, and all she wanted to do was keep learning and teaching others about the environment around them. With Marcus by her side, they were a tremendous team, even if their areas of studies often took them in different directions. Marcus was so supportive and caring towards Jenna, it made me laugh at the thought that neither realized they both had been pining for each other for so long. Their families knew and kept pushing them to confess their feelings, but their worry about losing their friendship always kept them apart. I cried, I laughed, I had steam coming out of my ears when Jenna was disrespected, and I swooned when Marcus had to hold himself back from fighting her battles. They were such an amazing couple, with a relationship I hope to experience some day. The portrayal of Jenna's arthritis was done so well - I really appreciated how the author showed it in a way that didn't overcome the rest of the story. Arthritis didn't define Jenna. Instead, she figured out ways to still have what she wanted in life while dealing with the medical needs that came along with her pain. As someone with chronic pain myself, I appreciated this a lot, because we don't often get the credit we deserve for putting up with pain in silence. Showing others' ignorant reactions to Jenna's pain and her perseverance through it all was realistic and eye-opening. Such an education for all.
After these first two books being five-star reads, Megan has set the bar high for herself! I am confident she will continue to deliver.
**I received a free copy from the author and this is my honest review.**
April 6, 2024
This book validated things I’ve felt and felt like I shouldn’t feel for so long so obviously it gets all the stars.
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October 29, 2022I'm so sad, I was expecting to adore this and it was just okay.
My biggest challenge was that while I felt the love the characters had for each other, I didn't feel any real spark? And not just because it's a closed-door story. But if my serious girlfriend who I live with in my 30s just got out of the hospital and I didn't want to leave her alone to sleep, why would you not just sleep on the bed next to her? Why sleep on the floor? There's closed-door romance and then there's that.
And don't get me wrong, I appreciated the disability rep. But maybe I'm learning that romance is my escapism and I don't want my rheumatoid arthritis to follow me into my escape. (Also, this is such a small nit, but it's one of my biggest pet peeves-- when the heroine is diagnosed, she's diagnosed with osteoarthritis, which is different than rheumatoid arthritis, which is what I think she's actually supposed to have. It's one of my biggest pet peeves when people use the terms interchangeably because osteoarthritis is the normal wear and tear that your joints get as you age, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is a systematic autoimmune disease that has arthritis, among other things, as a symptom. I read a whole book about how the disease should be renamed to rheumatoid disease just to move away from the "arthritis" label because they are such different conditions. But anyways, this was one word in a book of thousands, but it's just a huge pet peeve of mine and I felt the need to rant about it.)
My biggest challenge was that while I felt the love the characters had for each other, I didn't feel any real spark? And not just because it's a closed-door story. But if my serious girlfriend who I live with in my 30s just got out of the hospital and I didn't want to leave her alone to sleep, why would you not just sleep on the bed next to her? Why sleep on the floor? There's closed-door romance and then there's that.
And don't get me wrong, I appreciated the disability rep. But maybe I'm learning that romance is my escapism and I don't want my rheumatoid arthritis to follow me into my escape. (Also, this is such a small nit, but it's one of my biggest pet peeves-- when the heroine is diagnosed, she's diagnosed with osteoarthritis, which is different than rheumatoid arthritis, which is what I think she's actually supposed to have. It's one of my biggest pet peeves when people use the terms interchangeably because osteoarthritis is the normal wear and tear that your joints get as you age, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is a systematic autoimmune disease that has arthritis, among other things, as a symptom. I read a whole book about how the disease should be renamed to rheumatoid disease just to move away from the "arthritis" label because they are such different conditions. But anyways, this was one word in a book of thousands, but it's just a huge pet peeve of mine and I felt the need to rant about it.)
July 4, 2023
Truthfully, I would like to give this book a bazillion stars. Jenna and Marcus took my heart and ran away with it and, quite frankly, they can keep it. I’m obsessed. This book is my favorite of Megan’s so far. 🥰
Dr. Jenna Hutchinson is best friends with Dr. Marcus Grant. They’re spending the summer together for an incredible research opportunity in Yellowstone National Park. Here’s the problem— they’re both very attracted to each other. But, of course, they are nervous to admit it because what if their friendship doesn’t survive?
LISTEN. I could talk about this book for forever. Best friends to lovers is my favorite trope and Megan nailed it. Not only that, they are huge nerds. And they love listening to each other talk about their passions. My words aren’t doing them justice. This book is just full of joy.
This is, once again, an OwnVoices novel with more discussions about chronic pain. There are all mentions of family relationships. As always, trigger warning are listed at the beginning of the book.
The Changeup can be read as a stand-alone but you’ll love it a bajillion times more if you’ve read The Curveball first.
Dr. Jenna Hutchinson is best friends with Dr. Marcus Grant. They’re spending the summer together for an incredible research opportunity in Yellowstone National Park. Here’s the problem— they’re both very attracted to each other. But, of course, they are nervous to admit it because what if their friendship doesn’t survive?
LISTEN. I could talk about this book for forever. Best friends to lovers is my favorite trope and Megan nailed it. Not only that, they are huge nerds. And they love listening to each other talk about their passions. My words aren’t doing them justice. This book is just full of joy.
This is, once again, an OwnVoices novel with more discussions about chronic pain. There are all mentions of family relationships. As always, trigger warning are listed at the beginning of the book.
The Changeup can be read as a stand-alone but you’ll love it a bajillion times more if you’ve read The Curveball first.
June 20, 2023
This book was SO MUCH BETTER than book 1 in terms of editing. I never reviewed it to say that, but it so so was.
November 1, 2022
I have been so incredibly lucky to meet the author twice at signings at my local independent bookstore. The kindness shown in her characters come directly from her and the love of family truly is a representation of her own family who are as kind and sweet as she is.
I’ve had people ask me if they’ll like the books if they aren’t into sports or science and I can say with certainty you will. Nothing is done in a dry technical way and everything always relates back to the characters and the plot. You can go in knowing nothing about either and come out with some info but most importantly feeling happier because these books, while handling real world issues always come to a close with the happiest of endings.
What can you expect?
STEM representation without man bashing
Grumpy/ Sunshine dynamics
Friends to lovers
Disability rep done with respect without making it the only quality of the character
Strong family ties
Clean romance so you can read with you child or grandmother without blushing
Pros:
The characters are beautifully real with strengths and weaknesses they have to work with. I love that you see characters handle chronic pain in this book and the first but in different ways. It’s important to remember that everyone handles pain differently and I love that the author has captured two different styles and personally I was thankful this one involved less crying. I agree there is nothing wrong with crying it out but I know many pain sufferers who find it increases their pain so they fight it with everything they have.
The family dynamics in this book are amazing. You get to experience strong family ties as well as broken ones in need of repair.
I struggled with other STEM stories always focusing on men being evil and the women man bashing. I really appreciate that while it is discussed and the issue of misogyny in the field is addressed that Jenna never puts blame on issues with work on her gender and she never once holds Marcus’ success against him because he is male. I love seeing him stand up for her and seeing her stand up for herself even more. This was much more successful in showing how such things should be handled than major releases aimed at STEM lovers.
Cons:
I have very few to no complaints with this story. If anything I almost wanted to see Jenna break a trail rule when she sees her first bears but that would break character terribly so it is best it didn’t happen.
I’ve had people ask me if they’ll like the books if they aren’t into sports or science and I can say with certainty you will. Nothing is done in a dry technical way and everything always relates back to the characters and the plot. You can go in knowing nothing about either and come out with some info but most importantly feeling happier because these books, while handling real world issues always come to a close with the happiest of endings.
What can you expect?
STEM representation without man bashing
Grumpy/ Sunshine dynamics
Friends to lovers
Disability rep done with respect without making it the only quality of the character
Strong family ties
Clean romance so you can read with you child or grandmother without blushing
Pros:
The characters are beautifully real with strengths and weaknesses they have to work with. I love that you see characters handle chronic pain in this book and the first but in different ways. It’s important to remember that everyone handles pain differently and I love that the author has captured two different styles and personally I was thankful this one involved less crying. I agree there is nothing wrong with crying it out but I know many pain sufferers who find it increases their pain so they fight it with everything they have.
The family dynamics in this book are amazing. You get to experience strong family ties as well as broken ones in need of repair.
I struggled with other STEM stories always focusing on men being evil and the women man bashing. I really appreciate that while it is discussed and the issue of misogyny in the field is addressed that Jenna never puts blame on issues with work on her gender and she never once holds Marcus’ success against him because he is male. I love seeing him stand up for her and seeing her stand up for herself even more. This was much more successful in showing how such things should be handled than major releases aimed at STEM lovers.
Cons:
I have very few to no complaints with this story. If anything I almost wanted to see Jenna break a trail rule when she sees her first bears but that would break character terribly so it is best it didn’t happen.
April 28, 2023
Another wonderful Hutchinson family romance! Jenna and long time best friend Marcus set out on the road trip they've always dreamed of doing together to work at Yellowstone National Park in hopes of securing a dream research position for scientists like them. Oh, and they both have had feeling for each other FOR EVER but the fear of changing the status quo of their rock solid friendship has kept them both scared to take that next step.
I don't think I realized how much I could love a friends-to-lovers story as much as I loved The Changeup. Everything about the dynamic between Jenna and Marcus just made so much sense. Her fear of telling him about her arthritis and not wanting it to change how he saw her. His fear of his relationship turning into that of his parents and turning sour. The dread of possibly losing a friendship if the romantic relationship doesn't work out. And there were a few times I just wanted to shake them both for being so oblivious to the other's signals and ask them "How could you not know???"
I can't wait to get to James's book next, but I'm definitely going to need to be in the right headspace for that one, as I can already tell it's going to a heavier read.
I don't think I realized how much I could love a friends-to-lovers story as much as I loved The Changeup. Everything about the dynamic between Jenna and Marcus just made so much sense. Her fear of telling him about her arthritis and not wanting it to change how he saw her. His fear of his relationship turning into that of his parents and turning sour. The dread of possibly losing a friendship if the romantic relationship doesn't work out. And there were a few times I just wanted to shake them both for being so oblivious to the other's signals and ask them "How could you not know???"
I can't wait to get to James's book next, but I'm definitely going to need to be in the right headspace for that one, as I can already tell it's going to a heavier read.
August 5, 2022
There is just so much to love about this book!
While I’ve never been to the places Marcus and Jenna travel in this book, I feel like I have. And I’ve gotta tell you…I had the best time.
Megan writes romance, but I love how she sprinkles in little bits of lightheartedness throughout. There are so many smiles in this book because it’s impossible not to smile when you’re reading about Marcus. Impossible!
But what Megan does best? She’s a master at weaving heart and emotion into her stories. Intricate details, sometimes even just a look, is enough to hit you right in the feels. And that speaks to her ability to draw you in, make you care about the characters, and feel all the things they’re feeling as though it’s happening to you.
This is just a fun, beautiful story, and I was so happy to spend time in Marcus and Jenna’s life.
While I’ve never been to the places Marcus and Jenna travel in this book, I feel like I have. And I’ve gotta tell you…I had the best time.
Megan writes romance, but I love how she sprinkles in little bits of lightheartedness throughout. There are so many smiles in this book because it’s impossible not to smile when you’re reading about Marcus. Impossible!
But what Megan does best? She’s a master at weaving heart and emotion into her stories. Intricate details, sometimes even just a look, is enough to hit you right in the feels. And that speaks to her ability to draw you in, make you care about the characters, and feel all the things they’re feeling as though it’s happening to you.
This is just a fun, beautiful story, and I was so happy to spend time in Marcus and Jenna’s life.
August 6, 2022
What a sweet natured,light read. The characters are very charming and likeable. I loved the arthritis representation in this book. The story is way more than a love story. The reader gets to see Jenna adjust with her arthritis and using mobility aids to help her enjoy every aspect of her job,hobbies,and relationships. Everything was so relatable to me (a woman with a disability.) Kudos to Megan Cousins for highlighting the struggles and achievements of a disability so efficiently.
A must read for wonderful disability representation. You are never alone.
A must read for wonderful disability representation. You are never alone.
July 16, 2023
This book had really great arthritis rep! Since the author has arthritis as well, I was so excited to read a book with accurate representation and in this regard, the book did not disappoint.
I also really appreciated that the characters were both in their late 30s (36 years old to be accurate) and that they were both really excelling in their careers as scientists/ professors. I appreciated that this was a friends to lovers romance and that it was a professor/teacher romance where they were not in love with their student.
The area that I had some difficulty with this book, however, was that they got through all three of their main struggles by the halfway mark of the book (his conflict with his father, her secrecy around her arthritis, and them not telling each other that they had both been in love with each other for like half their lives). So when we got to the halfway mark and all of that happened, my interest in the book started to dwindle. I would still say that if you want some autoimmune arthritis rep, this is a great book to go to, but that the story gets a bit flat after the mid way point.
I also really appreciated that the characters were both in their late 30s (36 years old to be accurate) and that they were both really excelling in their careers as scientists/ professors. I appreciated that this was a friends to lovers romance and that it was a professor/teacher romance where they were not in love with their student.
The area that I had some difficulty with this book, however, was that they got through all three of their main struggles by the halfway mark of the book (his conflict with his father, her secrecy around her arthritis, and them not telling each other that they had both been in love with each other for like half their lives). So when we got to the halfway mark and all of that happened, my interest in the book started to dwindle. I would still say that if you want some autoimmune arthritis rep, this is a great book to go to, but that the story gets a bit flat after the mid way point.
December 20, 2023
“Marcus has been loving me for years in little gestures and action, and in doing so has left his handprint on my heart without ever having to say a word.” 🪨 🐻
August 20, 2022
Once again Megan's characters are out here setting the bar way too high for real-life love interests!
We revisit the Hutchinson family, except this time the story focuses on the sister. I loved the STEM representation (one main character is an ecologist while the other is a geologist) and the Own Voices chronic illness representation. Also, the setting being at Yellowstone National Park? Yes, please!
Jenna is such a fun and passionate character with her love for the environment and determination to overcome the challenges that her arthritis pose. As a fellow arthritis sufferer (although rheumatoid as opposed to Jenna's osteoarthritis), it's so refreshing to read a book where the main character perfectly captures the experiences. The good days, the bad days, and the little things like losing grip strength or the ability to use certain motor skills at the most random moments. Being young with arthritis isn't easy and Jenna shows readers how living with it can be complicated, but doable.
As for Marcus, I love how complex his story is and how Jenna brings out the best in him. Even when they had their disagreements, they resolved things quickly and maturely. I loved Marcus and his love language of acts of service and how he's yet another swoony love interest in this book series. The family reconciliation was heartbreaking yet heartwarming at the same time and in the end, came together well. Plus the dual POV was once again the best and the slow burn was great!
I adore this book series and can't wait to see the direction the rest of the books go in and highly suggest you go check out the first book, The Curveball, as all the books interconnect through different characters in the same family. This book series really does have everything you could want!
Huge thank you to the author for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
We revisit the Hutchinson family, except this time the story focuses on the sister. I loved the STEM representation (one main character is an ecologist while the other is a geologist) and the Own Voices chronic illness representation. Also, the setting being at Yellowstone National Park? Yes, please!
Jenna is such a fun and passionate character with her love for the environment and determination to overcome the challenges that her arthritis pose. As a fellow arthritis sufferer (although rheumatoid as opposed to Jenna's osteoarthritis), it's so refreshing to read a book where the main character perfectly captures the experiences. The good days, the bad days, and the little things like losing grip strength or the ability to use certain motor skills at the most random moments. Being young with arthritis isn't easy and Jenna shows readers how living with it can be complicated, but doable.
As for Marcus, I love how complex his story is and how Jenna brings out the best in him. Even when they had their disagreements, they resolved things quickly and maturely. I loved Marcus and his love language of acts of service and how he's yet another swoony love interest in this book series. The family reconciliation was heartbreaking yet heartwarming at the same time and in the end, came together well. Plus the dual POV was once again the best and the slow burn was great!
I adore this book series and can't wait to see the direction the rest of the books go in and highly suggest you go check out the first book, The Curveball, as all the books interconnect through different characters in the same family. This book series really does have everything you could want!
Huge thank you to the author for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
August 8, 2022
Thank you to Megan Cousins for sending me a copy of this book to read and review! I know this series is only two books so far but both have my entire heart. I loved Jenna and Marcus. Their friends to lovers transition was so well done and I loved how long they'd been a part of each other's lives. This can be read as a standalone, but I enjoyed seeing the cameos from book one so it helped for context. I also think that Cousins nails the real and vulnerable aspects of her characters. Learning more about arthritis and the struggles that came along with it was really interesting and I think it's important to discuss things that might be difficult sometimes. The scientific backgrounds were also really cool. I loved how strong the characters were and how they gave me so many warm and fuzzy feelings. I also think these books are structured a but differently and I enjoyed the relationship development when it was like this. Overall, I love these siblings and I'm so excited to keep reading the rest of the series!
October 1, 2022
I liked it.
This was a friends to lovers book about Jenna and Marcus, and I loved their relationship and how sweet Marcus was with Jenna and wanted to help her.
I loved seeing the family relationship, especially with Jenna's brothers, the scenes with all of them were always fun.
However, I think the writing style gave to many details that were not necessary, about their job and the place, that were too specific.
I also think that the conflict came to early and the story didn't have the angst we expect from a friends to lovers.
I do like the family in the book, and will be reading the books about the other brothers.
*I've received an ARC of this book, from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
This was a friends to lovers book about Jenna and Marcus, and I loved their relationship and how sweet Marcus was with Jenna and wanted to help her.
I loved seeing the family relationship, especially with Jenna's brothers, the scenes with all of them were always fun.
However, I think the writing style gave to many details that were not necessary, about their job and the place, that were too specific.
I also think that the conflict came to early and the story didn't have the angst we expect from a friends to lovers.
I do like the family in the book, and will be reading the books about the other brothers.
*I've received an ARC of this book, from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2022
Book: The Changeup
Author: Megan Cousins
Rating: 5/5
Synopsis:
Jenna:
The prospect of spending the summer with your best friend shouldn't be this daunting. But when your best friend is handsome, charming, and you're more than a little attracted to him, a road trip and summer spent sharing an apartment with each other isn't all it's cracked up to be. At least we have our research to keep us occupied, right?
Marcus:
I can't spend another minute with Jenna without telling her how I feel. How I've felt for so long. As a geologist, I know better than anyone that too much turmoil simmering under the surface will eventually find a way to be released...I just hope that Jenna and I survive this summer together. And even more than that, I hope our friendship survives.
The Changeup is a closed door, friends-to-lovers romance, with a heroine (and hero!) in STEM, road trip mishaps, and the baseball references and commentary you would expect from this series. The Changeup also features #OwnVoices representation, featuring a heroine with arthritis and chronic pain written by an author who deals with the same.
Review:
I absolutely adored this book! This is the second novel in the Wild Pitches series, but can be read as a standalone novel. Although I don't have arthritis, I live with chronic pain myself, so it felt like this book was written specifically for me. I related a lot to Jenna, and sometimes the things she were saying felt like she was quite literally speaking my mind! I loved how the author portrayed the chronic pain and arthritis own voices storyline, as it was handled in a way that wasn’t too much or too little, and made me feel very seen, as it is not often where I read a book that I see myself represented, even though my condition is different from Jenna’s.
I loved Marcus! His background and storyline with his dad was very interesting to see unfold, and I loved how caring he was of Jenna. This book is best friends to lovers, since Marcus and Jenna have known each other for 20 years, and that is my absolute favorite romance trope. I also loved getting to revise Jenna's family that we met in book 1.
An aspect of this book that is different from the first in the series that is it set over the backdrop of Yellowstone, and has lots of STEM representation. There is still the theme of baseball woven throughout the book, but it is definitely not as main of a theme as it was in the first story. However, there is one stop on Jenna and Marcus' road trip that was written specifically for baseball fans - you'll have to read to book to find out what that is! That being said, I absolutely loved the science aspect of the book, and it was not too overwhelming to the point where I felt like I couldn't figure out what was going on! The author beautifully portrayed female representation in STEM professions, as well as the unfortunate situations and misogyny they have to deal with. The Yellowstone setting was beautifully described, and made me want to visit, as I have never been!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and definitely recommend that you give it a try!
Thank you to Megan Cousins for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Changeup releases on October 25, so preorder your copy today!
Author: Megan Cousins
Rating: 5/5
Synopsis:
Jenna:
The prospect of spending the summer with your best friend shouldn't be this daunting. But when your best friend is handsome, charming, and you're more than a little attracted to him, a road trip and summer spent sharing an apartment with each other isn't all it's cracked up to be. At least we have our research to keep us occupied, right?
Marcus:
I can't spend another minute with Jenna without telling her how I feel. How I've felt for so long. As a geologist, I know better than anyone that too much turmoil simmering under the surface will eventually find a way to be released...I just hope that Jenna and I survive this summer together. And even more than that, I hope our friendship survives.
The Changeup is a closed door, friends-to-lovers romance, with a heroine (and hero!) in STEM, road trip mishaps, and the baseball references and commentary you would expect from this series. The Changeup also features #OwnVoices representation, featuring a heroine with arthritis and chronic pain written by an author who deals with the same.
Review:
I absolutely adored this book! This is the second novel in the Wild Pitches series, but can be read as a standalone novel. Although I don't have arthritis, I live with chronic pain myself, so it felt like this book was written specifically for me. I related a lot to Jenna, and sometimes the things she were saying felt like she was quite literally speaking my mind! I loved how the author portrayed the chronic pain and arthritis own voices storyline, as it was handled in a way that wasn’t too much or too little, and made me feel very seen, as it is not often where I read a book that I see myself represented, even though my condition is different from Jenna’s.
I loved Marcus! His background and storyline with his dad was very interesting to see unfold, and I loved how caring he was of Jenna. This book is best friends to lovers, since Marcus and Jenna have known each other for 20 years, and that is my absolute favorite romance trope. I also loved getting to revise Jenna's family that we met in book 1.
An aspect of this book that is different from the first in the series that is it set over the backdrop of Yellowstone, and has lots of STEM representation. There is still the theme of baseball woven throughout the book, but it is definitely not as main of a theme as it was in the first story. However, there is one stop on Jenna and Marcus' road trip that was written specifically for baseball fans - you'll have to read to book to find out what that is! That being said, I absolutely loved the science aspect of the book, and it was not too overwhelming to the point where I felt like I couldn't figure out what was going on! The author beautifully portrayed female representation in STEM professions, as well as the unfortunate situations and misogyny they have to deal with. The Yellowstone setting was beautifully described, and made me want to visit, as I have never been!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and definitely recommend that you give it a try!
Thank you to Megan Cousins for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Changeup releases on October 25, so preorder your copy today!
October 25, 2022
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Jenna & Marcus’s points of view
– Jenna deals with arthritis & chronic pain and uses aids in her day to day life due to it
– Marcus deals with the rift between him and his father due to his parent’s divorce and his choices in life that they didn’t agree on (past events, but this does get resolved!)
Review:
This is my first book by Megan Cousins and I really enjoyed it! I can’t wait to go back and read the first book while I wait for the rest of the series! I loved Jenna and Marcus and how much they nerded out about science throughout the book. (While I didn’t understand quite a bit of the science, I did like that it didn’t detract from the story and I learned some new things which was cool!) I also loved Jenna and Marcus’s banter and their general comfort around each other. I loved that they could be themselves and grew to know each other a little bit differently over the course of their road trip and volunteering. I loved the little things Marcus would do for Jenna, even the ones she didn’t realize he did right away. It was so sweet of him! I loved that Jenna made science and hikes fun for her family and the people that she took on hikes. I also loved that she stepped up in her volunteer position and took over where there was lack. I loved that she took care of the people around her, especially when it made people flock to her in favor of a not-so-nice supervisor. I also loved the banter with her family and how they accepted Marcus from the get go. Some of my favorite scenes included: the bet and winnings for it, Marcus fishing with Aiden, times they spent with Marcus’s dad & her family, the bears, and the last couple of scenes (starting when Jenna’s brothers come down).
Summary:
Jenna and Marcus have been best friends since their first class together in college and their friendship has only grown over the years. Now, Jenna thinks she is falling for him, which could be a problem. Why? One: They are best friends and he might not feel the same way. Two: They were both accepted to a fellowship that will end in someone being offered a job there. If one of them is offered the job and they both want it, what will it do to their friendship? Three: And most importantly, they will both be living in the same apartment for the next three months during their time volunteering with the fellowship. Things could get awkward real fast if Jenna isn’t careful.
Marcus has been in love with his best friend for awhile now. He knew that Jenna’s ex was no good for her but he couldn’t say anything for fear that she’d buckle down and refuse to listen. But now they are both single and about to be spending a lot more time together. Maybe it’s finally time to let Jenna know just how he feels. Marcus will have ample opportunity to do so with working at the fellowship and living in the same apartment as her. And if he holds it in any longer, Marcus may just burst like the geysers he’ll be studying…
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Jenna & Marcus’s points of view
– Jenna deals with arthritis & chronic pain and uses aids in her day to day life due to it
– Marcus deals with the rift between him and his father due to his parent’s divorce and his choices in life that they didn’t agree on (past events, but this does get resolved!)
Review:
This is my first book by Megan Cousins and I really enjoyed it! I can’t wait to go back and read the first book while I wait for the rest of the series! I loved Jenna and Marcus and how much they nerded out about science throughout the book. (While I didn’t understand quite a bit of the science, I did like that it didn’t detract from the story and I learned some new things which was cool!) I also loved Jenna and Marcus’s banter and their general comfort around each other. I loved that they could be themselves and grew to know each other a little bit differently over the course of their road trip and volunteering. I loved the little things Marcus would do for Jenna, even the ones she didn’t realize he did right away. It was so sweet of him! I loved that Jenna made science and hikes fun for her family and the people that she took on hikes. I also loved that she stepped up in her volunteer position and took over where there was lack. I loved that she took care of the people around her, especially when it made people flock to her in favor of a not-so-nice supervisor. I also loved the banter with her family and how they accepted Marcus from the get go. Some of my favorite scenes included: the bet and winnings for it, Marcus fishing with Aiden, times they spent with Marcus’s dad & her family, the bears, and the last couple of scenes (starting when Jenna’s brothers come down).
Summary:
Jenna and Marcus have been best friends since their first class together in college and their friendship has only grown over the years. Now, Jenna thinks she is falling for him, which could be a problem. Why? One: They are best friends and he might not feel the same way. Two: They were both accepted to a fellowship that will end in someone being offered a job there. If one of them is offered the job and they both want it, what will it do to their friendship? Three: And most importantly, they will both be living in the same apartment for the next three months during their time volunteering with the fellowship. Things could get awkward real fast if Jenna isn’t careful.
Marcus has been in love with his best friend for awhile now. He knew that Jenna’s ex was no good for her but he couldn’t say anything for fear that she’d buckle down and refuse to listen. But now they are both single and about to be spending a lot more time together. Maybe it’s finally time to let Jenna know just how he feels. Marcus will have ample opportunity to do so with working at the fellowship and living in the same apartment as her. And if he holds it in any longer, Marcus may just burst like the geysers he’ll be studying…
October 25, 2022
🔬🔬🔬🔬/5
Do you like books that are full of learning and shedding light to things you didn’t know before? Because this is the book for you, if so!!
I’m not going to lie, the science bogged me down just a little bit at times because I had no clue about the topics discussed in this book before I read it. But I thoroughly enjoyed learning things I didn’t know previously, and now I’m dying even more to visit Yosemite and see all the things I learned from Jenna and Marcus in real life.
And I LOVED that @authormegancousins sheds light about people who live with arthritis and the chronic pain that comes along with it. It was hard and painful for us as readers (and for Jenna who has to live with it), to watch her suffer, but I really liked that I got to learn about this disease and it’s symptoms.
@authormegancousins is a great author when it comes to opening your eyes about mental and physical illness, and for that I will always be a supporter and fan of her books.
But not only is she great at introducing these illnesses, she great at writing familial relationships and romantic relationships that are deep and meaningful.
While the romance between Jenna and Marcus is closed door, I never felt anything lacking. The moments between them are soft and gentle. While also being authentic and raw. It was easy and effortless to watch them grow into their love for each other. And I enjoyed every minute of their story.
Like The Changeup, there’s light baseball mentioned and I really enjoyed that connection to some of our previous beloved characters. But now I am SO EXCITED to continue meeting new characters and their stories from the Hutchinson family.
Definitely a worthwhile read and you should check it out for yourself if you enjoy advocacy for illnesses and the environment! And if you love nature preserves and bears 🐻
Do you like books that are full of learning and shedding light to things you didn’t know before? Because this is the book for you, if so!!
I’m not going to lie, the science bogged me down just a little bit at times because I had no clue about the topics discussed in this book before I read it. But I thoroughly enjoyed learning things I didn’t know previously, and now I’m dying even more to visit Yosemite and see all the things I learned from Jenna and Marcus in real life.
And I LOVED that @authormegancousins sheds light about people who live with arthritis and the chronic pain that comes along with it. It was hard and painful for us as readers (and for Jenna who has to live with it), to watch her suffer, but I really liked that I got to learn about this disease and it’s symptoms.
@authormegancousins is a great author when it comes to opening your eyes about mental and physical illness, and for that I will always be a supporter and fan of her books.
But not only is she great at introducing these illnesses, she great at writing familial relationships and romantic relationships that are deep and meaningful.
While the romance between Jenna and Marcus is closed door, I never felt anything lacking. The moments between them are soft and gentle. While also being authentic and raw. It was easy and effortless to watch them grow into their love for each other. And I enjoyed every minute of their story.
Like The Changeup, there’s light baseball mentioned and I really enjoyed that connection to some of our previous beloved characters. But now I am SO EXCITED to continue meeting new characters and their stories from the Hutchinson family.
Definitely a worthwhile read and you should check it out for yourself if you enjoy advocacy for illnesses and the environment! And if you love nature preserves and bears 🐻
October 28, 2022
Romance level: kissing🔥.
I love the recap of their first meeting & how they know each other so well. When he called her sweetheart 😍.
Both Marcus & Jenna had so much to work. That was one of the things I loved. They complimented & understood each other so well.
I love that they're both scientists! 💚.This book is so good. As a biologist, I loved reading about women in STEM, & how hard it can be sometimes. Jenna was such a strong character, in & out of the field. I loved how she relied on her family, & later w/Marcus, to overcome the pain, but also put her boundaries.
The plot was so frustratingly well written (friends to lovers trope). But it was so worth the wait!! That open communication! *Chef kiss* . Also, the first kiss 💕It was so sweet & I didn't see it coming!
The fishing scenes were so epic😂. I love how Marcus respected & took care of Jenna. His weekend off idea was super sweet. He's so gentle & careful while touching her.
I love the Hutchinson family😍. I loved their interactions. James & Marcus's friendship was so cute💞. The Hutchinson's hike was so funny 😂.
I loved the epilogue & how we got a super complete HEA. The final scene gave the perfect insight into their future. Can't wait to read more of Megan & this series.
Scenes I loved:
🛣️ Roadtrip
💞Nicknames
🏨 Hotel mishaps
🔥Marcus hand kisses
🌿Jenna-isms
🧺Laundry
Representation 💜: rheumatoid arthritis.
🍁
* I was kindly gifted an ARC from the author. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of the book*
I love the recap of their first meeting & how they know each other so well. When he called her sweetheart 😍.
Both Marcus & Jenna had so much to work. That was one of the things I loved. They complimented & understood each other so well.
I love that they're both scientists! 💚.This book is so good. As a biologist, I loved reading about women in STEM, & how hard it can be sometimes. Jenna was such a strong character, in & out of the field. I loved how she relied on her family, & later w/Marcus, to overcome the pain, but also put her boundaries.
The plot was so frustratingly well written (friends to lovers trope). But it was so worth the wait!! That open communication! *Chef kiss* . Also, the first kiss 💕It was so sweet & I didn't see it coming!
The fishing scenes were so epic😂. I love how Marcus respected & took care of Jenna. His weekend off idea was super sweet. He's so gentle & careful while touching her.
I love the Hutchinson family😍. I loved their interactions. James & Marcus's friendship was so cute💞. The Hutchinson's hike was so funny 😂.
I loved the epilogue & how we got a super complete HEA. The final scene gave the perfect insight into their future. Can't wait to read more of Megan & this series.
Scenes I loved:
🛣️ Roadtrip
💞Nicknames
🏨 Hotel mishaps
🔥Marcus hand kisses
🌿Jenna-isms
🧺Laundry
Representation 💜: rheumatoid arthritis.
🍁
* I was kindly gifted an ARC from the author. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of the book*
February 6, 2023
Thank you Megan Cousins for sending me a copy of the book to read and review! (Sorry it took me forever and a half to write my review). This are my personal opinions.
The Changeup follows best friends Jenna and Marcus as they go to Yellowstone for the summer to research. The scenery and details in this book just make you want to pack up your car and go to Yellowstone right now.
Jenna deals with arthritis and chronic pain. Coming to a new environment that is not already set up with modifications for her is nerve wrecking. However, she is not the type to complain or ask for help. The fellowship Jenna and Marcus land at Yellowstone has been her dream forever. However, unexpectedly Marcus also lands the fellowship and they both end up competing for the permanent position at the end of the summer.
I love books where the condition whether it is physical or mental does not define the character. And that is definitely true in this book. Megan found a way to write this lovable character who although has arthritis, arthritis does not define her.
As a woman in STEM Jenna faces challenges and that is no exception in this book. I wish I could throw my kindle at her supervisor and especially when Jenna is a rule abiding trail leader. I loved when she lead the hikes and went over all the rules with everyone at the beginning. Trail etiquette on point!
This is a very lovable closed door romance. A great read for February and a great read to escape to Yellowstone!
The Changeup follows best friends Jenna and Marcus as they go to Yellowstone for the summer to research. The scenery and details in this book just make you want to pack up your car and go to Yellowstone right now.
Jenna deals with arthritis and chronic pain. Coming to a new environment that is not already set up with modifications for her is nerve wrecking. However, she is not the type to complain or ask for help. The fellowship Jenna and Marcus land at Yellowstone has been her dream forever. However, unexpectedly Marcus also lands the fellowship and they both end up competing for the permanent position at the end of the summer.
I love books where the condition whether it is physical or mental does not define the character. And that is definitely true in this book. Megan found a way to write this lovable character who although has arthritis, arthritis does not define her.
As a woman in STEM Jenna faces challenges and that is no exception in this book. I wish I could throw my kindle at her supervisor and especially when Jenna is a rule abiding trail leader. I loved when she lead the hikes and went over all the rules with everyone at the beginning. Trail etiquette on point!
This is a very lovable closed door romance. A great read for February and a great read to escape to Yellowstone!
August 20, 2022
What could go wrong on a once in a lifetime road-trip to the dream research job in one of the greatest places in the US with your best friend? A lot; plans change, inconvenience arise, and relationships can change and that’s exactly what happened between Jenna and Marcus. They met the first day of their freshman year in college and have been best friends ever since but they have secretly been in love with each other for as long as they can remember. Now during this summer research fellowship, they share an apartment and navigate the changes of their relationship and career aspirations and decide what they want their future to look like- together or apart.
Jenna is one tough cookie but she doesn’t have to be all the time and finally letting Marcus all the way in to help her was huge. Jenna showed Marcus that he is enough and worthy of fighting for and became his anchor all those years ago. I loved how Marcus was vulnerable with his fears and feelings and told Jenna he didn’t know how to love her out loud and that finally cracked the dam between them and created the complete openness they needed from each other.
The Changeup is book 2 in the Wild Pitches series featuring the Hutchinson siblings and book 3 will be youngest brother James’s story.
Thank you @authormegancousins for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
Jenna is one tough cookie but she doesn’t have to be all the time and finally letting Marcus all the way in to help her was huge. Jenna showed Marcus that he is enough and worthy of fighting for and became his anchor all those years ago. I loved how Marcus was vulnerable with his fears and feelings and told Jenna he didn’t know how to love her out loud and that finally cracked the dam between them and created the complete openness they needed from each other.
The Changeup is book 2 in the Wild Pitches series featuring the Hutchinson siblings and book 3 will be youngest brother James’s story.
Thank you @authormegancousins for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
October 28, 2022
What a perfect outdoor hiking, camping, baseball infused romance story! This is book number 2 in the Wild Pitches series, but can be read as a stand along read. I adored Jenna and Marcus's story just as much as Jake and Penelope's story from book 1. Megan does an amazing job of creating characters with a lot of realistic qualities and depth that you are just drawn into their story and can't help but cheer along for their relationship to unfold. Jenna has both arthritis and chronic pain, but that doesn't stop her from living her dream of being a biologist / teacher / hiking guide / researcher and searcher of bears. Marcus is Jenna's best friend since their first day of freshman year. He has the biggest heart of any best friend and will go to the ends of the earth to keep Jenna safe. These two are in for one amazing summer at Yellowstone. Together they experience highs and lows that push them to question if their feelings are more than just friends? This is the perfect read if you enjoy friends to lovers relationships, road trips with special playlists, outdoor hiking, closed door romance, organized chaos, baseball, and bears! I personally can't wait for the next book in the series.
Thank you, Megan, for my free ebook. It wasn't expected for me to leave any positive feedback, these opinions are 100% my own.
Thank you, Megan, for my free ebook. It wasn't expected for me to leave any positive feedback, these opinions are 100% my own.
January 20, 2024
this was surely something…. let me tell you my problems
1. a 20 year feud with his dad and of them not speaking and suddenly everything is fixed and resolved with one 5 minute conversation and an “i’m sorry”????
2. they’ve been in love with each other for 20 years but as readers, i wasn’t invested in them. we didn’t see them fall for each other or anything. also they were 36 years old, entirely too old to be so scared to admit their feelings for half the book
3. also i get closed door romances are a thing and they’re totally fine but this took it to a whole new level. to have the male character sleep on the FLOOR while she’s in bed after they’re finally “together” was insane. also to have them on their WEDDING NIGHT get in the same bed and kiss each other on the forehead goodnight was insane. you don’t have to get graphic to still elude to something more….
4. was really excited about the arthritis rep in this book and didn’t love the way it was done. didn’t really talk about her own inner thoughts with it and struggles like i have all my life. it was more so just like she couldn’t grip a glass and it fell or her knee hurts so she put a hot water bottle on it too. like why was even the arthritis rep closed door too almost???
just disappointed in this one to say the least and it was definitely skimmed through at the halfway point
1. a 20 year feud with his dad and of them not speaking and suddenly everything is fixed and resolved with one 5 minute conversation and an “i’m sorry”????
2. they’ve been in love with each other for 20 years but as readers, i wasn’t invested in them. we didn’t see them fall for each other or anything. also they were 36 years old, entirely too old to be so scared to admit their feelings for half the book
3. also i get closed door romances are a thing and they’re totally fine but this took it to a whole new level. to have the male character sleep on the FLOOR while she’s in bed after they’re finally “together” was insane. also to have them on their WEDDING NIGHT get in the same bed and kiss each other on the forehead goodnight was insane. you don’t have to get graphic to still elude to something more….
4. was really excited about the arthritis rep in this book and didn’t love the way it was done. didn’t really talk about her own inner thoughts with it and struggles like i have all my life. it was more so just like she couldn’t grip a glass and it fell or her knee hurts so she put a hot water bottle on it too. like why was even the arthritis rep closed door too almost???
just disappointed in this one to say the least and it was definitely skimmed through at the halfway point
June 11, 2024
This was a fun friends to more book. This was the first book that I read by Megan Cousins but I am now hooked. The Changeup is the second book in Megan Cousins’ Wild Pitches series.
Jenna and Marcus were so sweet together. I really liked their friendship and easy connection. I liked the progression of their relationship. It fit them. They were struggling to figure out how to change their friendship without losing each other. I felt like their struggles were real and I felt for them both.
Jenna had been living with arthritis for most of life and she didn’t want to feel like a burden. I liked Jenna and her feistiness. She didn’t let anything stop her. However she had to learn to let others in particularly Marcus. Marcus had his own issues to deal with. I liked how Marcus was strong but how he let Jenna see a different side of him.
Marcus and Jenna helped each other be better. I liked how Cousins didn’t shy away from the hard parts of a relationship or of dealing with a disability. I love the side characters and Jenna’s family is so sweet and fun. This story itself was interesting and I wanted to see how Jenna and Marcus’ work plans would settle out.
I fell in love with The Changeup. It was a lovely book and I would definitely recommend it! I am super excited to read the other books in the series too. The Changeup is a closed door contemporary romance.
Jenna and Marcus were so sweet together. I really liked their friendship and easy connection. I liked the progression of their relationship. It fit them. They were struggling to figure out how to change their friendship without losing each other. I felt like their struggles were real and I felt for them both.
Jenna had been living with arthritis for most of life and she didn’t want to feel like a burden. I liked Jenna and her feistiness. She didn’t let anything stop her. However she had to learn to let others in particularly Marcus. Marcus had his own issues to deal with. I liked how Marcus was strong but how he let Jenna see a different side of him.
Marcus and Jenna helped each other be better. I liked how Cousins didn’t shy away from the hard parts of a relationship or of dealing with a disability. I love the side characters and Jenna’s family is so sweet and fun. This story itself was interesting and I wanted to see how Jenna and Marcus’ work plans would settle out.
I fell in love with The Changeup. It was a lovely book and I would definitely recommend it! I am super excited to read the other books in the series too. The Changeup is a closed door contemporary romance.
January 20, 2023
rep: arthritis
Soooo cute!!! This whole series is shaping up to be an adorable family series. I love hearing about all her characters. I feel like this book really brought out the closeness in the Hutchinson family. I love that Penelope and Jake made a reappearance, and we heard a little bit more for James and Jax. I especially loved that the connection to the family was female.
I genuinely really liked Jenna, I feel like I could really connect to her and her organized chaos, achy body and overthinking mind all hit close to home. Along those lines I thought the representation in this book was phenomenal, as expected, you can tell Megan Cousins is writing from real, raw experiences.
The romance between Marcus and Jenna was adorable, friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and I think this book executed it really well! I enjoyed the build up and character development, especially in Marcus and confronting his father. I do think this book had a bit extra “fluff” that wasn’t necessarily needed in the story so I found myself kind of skimming a bit.
Overall this was a cute read with great disability representation and i’m really excited to continue with this series! I would recommend this cute series!
Soooo cute!!! This whole series is shaping up to be an adorable family series. I love hearing about all her characters. I feel like this book really brought out the closeness in the Hutchinson family. I love that Penelope and Jake made a reappearance, and we heard a little bit more for James and Jax. I especially loved that the connection to the family was female.
I genuinely really liked Jenna, I feel like I could really connect to her and her organized chaos, achy body and overthinking mind all hit close to home. Along those lines I thought the representation in this book was phenomenal, as expected, you can tell Megan Cousins is writing from real, raw experiences.
The romance between Marcus and Jenna was adorable, friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and I think this book executed it really well! I enjoyed the build up and character development, especially in Marcus and confronting his father. I do think this book had a bit extra “fluff” that wasn’t necessarily needed in the story so I found myself kind of skimming a bit.
Overall this was a cute read with great disability representation and i’m really excited to continue with this series! I would recommend this cute series!
July 4, 2025
I think Megan Cousins is becoming a favorite author of mine! This is only the second book of hers that I've read but I am obsessed.
I really loved the friends to lovers situation happening in this book, and I loved the setting of Yellowstone! This book was also sciencey without being too sciencey, and it was actually fun to learn about some of the stuff our characters were talking about. And of course, baseball is still present in this book. It wasn't the sole focus - nor a huge focus - but it was just enough for me.
The disability rep in this book was also great to see. Jenna has arthritis, and this book did a good job of being sensitive yet informative about her physical disability. I loved how strong Jenna is and how she faced her disability head-on. It was also nice to see her more vulnerable moments of pain and how Marcus helped her through that.
I really enjoyed this book, and I'm excited to keep reading this series! If you're a fan of friends to lovers romance, this book is for you!
I really loved the friends to lovers situation happening in this book, and I loved the setting of Yellowstone! This book was also sciencey without being too sciencey, and it was actually fun to learn about some of the stuff our characters were talking about. And of course, baseball is still present in this book. It wasn't the sole focus - nor a huge focus - but it was just enough for me.
The disability rep in this book was also great to see. Jenna has arthritis, and this book did a good job of being sensitive yet informative about her physical disability. I loved how strong Jenna is and how she faced her disability head-on. It was also nice to see her more vulnerable moments of pain and how Marcus helped her through that.
I really enjoyed this book, and I'm excited to keep reading this series! If you're a fan of friends to lovers romance, this book is for you!
April 6, 2023
📚BOOK REVIEW📚
The Changeup
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice level: 0/3
Genres: romantic fiction, contemporary romance, adult fiction
Tropes: friends-to-lovers, workplace romance, emotional scars, grump vs. sunshine, bad bosses, closed door romance
Jenna Hutchinson is a professor with PhDs in ecology and microbiology who accepts a summer research fellowship in Yellowstone National Park. She loves all things nature and hiking, and is super passionate about her field. This fellowship could potentially lead to a permanent job offer, which she sees as her dream job.
The only issue is that her best friend Marcus, who teaches geology at the same university, also accepted an offer for the same fellowship. As excited as she is to spend so much time with him, she realizes that she will be ultimately competing with him for a job.
Jenna deals with a less than ideal work environment involving a horrible supervisor and the lack of accommodations for her disability. She struggles with feelings of inadequacy and feeling like her body is failing her, all while her friendship with Marcus starts to develop in to something more than just friendship.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The author wrote this book as an Own Voices book, with the attempt to showcase some of the struggles someone with osteoarthritis 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 Jenna and Marcus, which gave a unique view into both sides of their relationship. The dynamic of their friendship is really cute, as well as Jenna’s relationship with her family.
This was a fairly quick read, and definitely more “wholesome” than other romance books on the market. Anyone who has ever worked in academia or done research would find this book especially relatable. This was a fun read that I would recommend to anyone who likes romance books with strong female leads.
The Changeup
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice level: 0/3
Genres: romantic fiction, contemporary romance, adult fiction
Tropes: friends-to-lovers, workplace romance, emotional scars, grump vs. sunshine, bad bosses, closed door romance
Jenna Hutchinson is a professor with PhDs in ecology and microbiology who accepts a summer research fellowship in Yellowstone National Park. She loves all things nature and hiking, and is super passionate about her field. This fellowship could potentially lead to a permanent job offer, which she sees as her dream job.
The only issue is that her best friend Marcus, who teaches geology at the same university, also accepted an offer for the same fellowship. As excited as she is to spend so much time with him, she realizes that she will be ultimately competing with him for a job.
Jenna deals with a less than ideal work environment involving a horrible supervisor and the lack of accommodations for her disability. She struggles with feelings of inadequacy and feeling like her body is failing her, all while her friendship with Marcus starts to develop in to something more than just friendship.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The author wrote this book as an Own Voices book, with the attempt to showcase some of the struggles someone with osteoarthritis 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 Jenna and Marcus, which gave a unique view into both sides of their relationship. The dynamic of their friendship is really cute, as well as Jenna’s relationship with her family.
This was a fairly quick read, and definitely more “wholesome” than other romance books on the market. Anyone who has ever worked in academia or done research would find this book especially relatable. This was a fun read that I would recommend to anyone who likes romance books with strong female leads.
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