Wild Pitch by Sloan Johnson

wildpitchTitle: Wild Pitch
Series: Homeruns, #1
Author: Sloan Johnson
Genre: Contemporary / Sports / Coming Out
Length: Novel (228 Pages)
Publisher: SJ Books (June 11th 2015)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: There’s never been any question in Sean Tucker’s mind that he’d do whatever it took to make it to the major leagues and be one of the best pitchers of his time. The day he acknowledged to himself that he was gay was also the day he vowed to stay in the closet in order to chase his dreams. The problem is, he never counted on Mason Atley.

Sean showed rookie short stop Mason Atley the ropes, both on the field and off. The two forged a friendship which continued as both of them moved through the ranks of the farm system and into the majors. Unfortunately, there’s always been one secret Mason never felt he could share with Sean. Until now.

For seven years, Sean lived with the fact that he loved a man who would never reciprocate. When Mason admits that he’s always known he’s bisexual but has never allowed himself to pursue a relationship with a man, will Sean be able to put aside his reservations about starting a relationship with the friend he’d always assumed was straight?

And more importantly, will they be able to find a way to stay together when their careers keep them apart more than they can be together?

ASIN: B00ZGYBGCQ

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Pitch-Homeruns-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00ZGYBGCQ

Reviewer: KathyMac

Review: I don’t know how I have managed to not read any books from this author, but now that I know how incredible her writing is, I’ll be rectifying that, immediately.

Wild Pitch, by Sloan Johnson, is an incredible story of friendship, love, overcoming fears, and perseverance.

I was moved several times over the course of reading this book. Ms. Johnson has taken current affairs about gay players in sports and showed that homophobia is still a major concern. However, the times are changing. And, they are changing for the better. I’m sure this is not true everywhere, we know it’s not true, but I do believe it is better than it used to be, and Wild Pitch shows us that there are good people out there. Accepting people who could care less about what you do in the privacy of your own home.

Sean has always known he was gay, but it was something that he had already made peace with keeping this information to himself. Being a pitcher for the major leagues is his life’s dream, and the one person that he wanted was also the one person he couldn’t have. Or, so he thought. His straight best friend…straight, married, best friend.

When we meet Mason, he has a marriage that has crumbled, his stats on the field are not the best, and he wants his best friend more than anything. Never admitting to anyone that he is, at least, bi holds him back from telling Sean the truth. He’s had plenty opportunities over the years to confess his own secret, but he held back thinking he wanted the wife, kids, and the white picket fence.

Even though Mason and Sean are on opposite teams they have always been friends first and foremost. Mason gets a call one night from Sean’s teammate to come and pick up his inebriated ass. When he gets him back to the house, one thing leads to another, and secrets spill. Sean can’t believe what he is hearing, but deciding to not pass up this opportunity, he gives in to Mason’s desires and wow, it was amazing.

I loved this story for many reasons. The author’s writing is something that I connected to right away. She allowed the characters to work through their problems, for the most part, together. Oh, there was a couple of times a tantrum ensued sending them off to separate corners, but they didn’t stay away too long.

Their relationship was not what I would consider insta-love, although, they did love each other very much. They started out as friends so their bond was very strong. Once they moved into a relationship status Sean was afraid to push too fast, too soon, in case Mason changed his mind.

With the help of Sean’s sister, and Mason’s parents, they gave unlimited support and advice only wanting the best for both of them. Regardless to the obstacles they faced, whether it is an ex-wife or injuries, they stood by each other with a formidable wall.

This is a really touching and moving story that will have you biting your nails one minute, and the next. You will be smiling from ear to ear. The story did not revolve only around the MC’s. Ms. Johnson has included several secondary characters that were vital in bringing this story to its full potential. Each one had a purpose adding so much value to this story. Sean’s sister, who lives with

Sean most of the time, is struggling through her own problems and Sean and Mason, both, were there for her in any capacity. It was really beautiful how both of them watched out for her and tried to protect her. There are a couple of guys on the team that were instrumental, as well, and I hope they eventually get their own story.

This story is not cliché or predictable. One of the reasons that I stayed glued to the pages was because I wasn’t sure how everything would turn out. To say that the author threw in a couple of surprises and bonuses would be an understatement. Without spoiling it for anyone, I will just say that the ending was soooooo good. I wasn’t sure whether to smile or cry and honestly, I think I did a little of both.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves friends to lovers, sex scenes that are super-hot and passionate, and happy ever after’s. You definitely get all of that and a lot more, and for me, I have just found another author with a catalogue I can’t wait to delve into.

fanart wild pitch sloan johnson(1)

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *