Review: Strikeout by Millie Perez

Rating: 2.5/5 Stars

Strikeout had so many of my favorite things going for it—single dad x nanny dynamic, Latinx representation, a slow burn romance, and a possessive hero ready to step up when love finally knocks him down. On paper, this should’ve been a home run.

Mateo, the devoted single father and star pitcher, and Isabella, the nanny who’s been in his orbit since childhood, have the perfect setup for a swoony, emotional romance. And while I appreciated the cultural touches and the way Mateo’s love for his daughter grounded the story, the execution fell a bit flat for me.

The pacing dragged, and it took me a long time to feel fully invested. The romance is extremely slow burn—physical chemistry doesn’t really hit until around the 70–75% mark, which left me wishing for more tension and payoff earlier on. I also struggled with the way their shared past was mentioned repeatedly but never really explored; it felt like a missed opportunity to deepen their connection.

That said, the book is undeniably cute, and when the romance does finally heat up, the payoff is satisfying. If you enjoy a patient, drawn-out build with lots of longing stares and forbidden vibes, this could be your jam. For me, I just wanted a little more momentum and depth to match the promise of its setup.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)