What do you think?
Rate this book
In a Pickle: a sports romance
A contemporary sports romance between a pickleball coach and the unexpected new girl in his rec league class...
For fans of Abby Jimenez and Emily Henry comes a feel-good sports romance about finding your perfect match, no matter what life serves you.
____
Life can be sour...
Liana Abrams' life isn't going the way she'd planned. When she graduated high school and was accepted into a prestigious university, everyone told her she was going places.
But life happened, and Liana unexpectedly finds herself moving back in with her mom at age 26, directionless and learning to manage a chronic disease. Trying to recover, Liana signs up for a pickleball class at her local court... only to discover that her attractive instructor is someone she recognizes from high school.
Life can be sweet...
James Alonso thought he'd be a major tennis star by now, but a career-ending injury caused him to take up pickleball instead. He's pleased that the new student in his class is a familiar face.
Sure, he never paid much attention to Liana in high school. She was a bit of a wallflower, while he was the popular golden boy. But now, he can't stop thinking about her, and he's determined to take the unexpected opportunity life gave him by putting Liana in his path.
In a Pickle is a delightful sports romance about finding love while finding yourself.
For fans of Abby Jimenez and Emily Henry comes a feel-good sports romance about finding your perfect match, no matter what life serves you.
____
Life can be sour...
Liana Abrams' life isn't going the way she'd planned. When she graduated high school and was accepted into a prestigious university, everyone told her she was going places.
But life happened, and Liana unexpectedly finds herself moving back in with her mom at age 26, directionless and learning to manage a chronic disease. Trying to recover, Liana signs up for a pickleball class at her local court... only to discover that her attractive instructor is someone she recognizes from high school.
Life can be sweet...
James Alonso thought he'd be a major tennis star by now, but a career-ending injury caused him to take up pickleball instead. He's pleased that the new student in his class is a familiar face.
Sure, he never paid much attention to Liana in high school. She was a bit of a wallflower, while he was the popular golden boy. But now, he can't stop thinking about her, and he's determined to take the unexpected opportunity life gave him by putting Liana in his path.
In a Pickle is a delightful sports romance about finding love while finding yourself.
- GenresRomance
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2024
About the author
Jane Marlowe
1 bookJane Marlowe has been creating fictional characters in her head ever since she can remember. A lover of coffee, books, and baseball, Jane lives in Florida with her husband and son. In a Pickle is her debut novel.
Follow on Instagram for updates:
Instagram.com/janemarlowewrites
Amazon author page:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...
Follow on Instagram for updates:
Instagram.com/janemarlowewrites
Amazon author page:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 25, 2024
Extremely grateful to the author for this ARC! 💗
I loved the premise of this book and I loved that it was a sports romance around a sport we don’t usually see!
🏓 (pretend that’s a pickleball paddle)
I didn’t feel the connection between the characters that I want to in a romance, it felt rushed. I loved the supporting cast. Sometimes I was reading the descriptions about mental health and chronic illness issues (which are issues I appreciate a book representing) and I felt that I was being provided the google definitions of things instead of how the character was actually affected by the issue. I guess it just felt more surface level and I didn’t connect with the characters because of it.
Overall it was a cute, fast paced, easy to read romance book I just wanted to feel more for the characters!
Overall 3.25/5 ⭐️
I loved the premise of this book and I loved that it was a sports romance around a sport we don’t usually see!
🏓 (pretend that’s a pickleball paddle)
I didn’t feel the connection between the characters that I want to in a romance, it felt rushed. I loved the supporting cast. Sometimes I was reading the descriptions about mental health and chronic illness issues (which are issues I appreciate a book representing) and I felt that I was being provided the google definitions of things instead of how the character was actually affected by the issue. I guess it just felt more surface level and I didn’t connect with the characters because of it.
Overall it was a cute, fast paced, easy to read romance book I just wanted to feel more for the characters!
Overall 3.25/5 ⭐️
October 23, 2024
First I want to say thank you Marlowe for sending me your book in return for an honest review, it's so brave to create something and the send it out into the world.
I loved this fresh take on a sports romance, a new less aggressive sport like Pickleball and the two main characters both going through a recovery from mental wounds, surgeries, and chronic illness and surgery. It was nice to be able to read characters I can personally relate to the trials they are experiencing. While I don't suffer from the same chronic illness in the same book, it was refreshing take on someone who has illness but is capable and able to share their vulnerability and trust others to help support her.
That being said I feel like the execution of characters and dialogue needed editing and maybe a few more passes before release. There were moments where simple things were so over explained. And I understand wanting readers to understand premise and circumstance (i.e pickleball, Crohn's, etc.) I wish the author would have trusted me and other readers to either be educated or to do the research on what we. might not be familiar with firsthand. It felt like both characters were reading google answers to each other instead of a real conversation.
I appreciate that all storylines were resolved by the end, there wasn't a third act breakup, and overall the storyline was well paced.
I loved this fresh take on a sports romance, a new less aggressive sport like Pickleball and the two main characters both going through a recovery from mental wounds, surgeries, and chronic illness and surgery. It was nice to be able to read characters I can personally relate to the trials they are experiencing. While I don't suffer from the same chronic illness in the same book, it was refreshing take on someone who has illness but is capable and able to share their vulnerability and trust others to help support her.
That being said I feel like the execution of characters and dialogue needed editing and maybe a few more passes before release. There were moments where simple things were so over explained. And I understand wanting readers to understand premise and circumstance (i.e pickleball, Crohn's, etc.) I wish the author would have trusted me and other readers to either be educated or to do the research on what we. might not be familiar with firsthand. It felt like both characters were reading google answers to each other instead of a real conversation.
I appreciate that all storylines were resolved by the end, there wasn't a third act breakup, and overall the storyline was well paced.
September 26, 2024
This was a fun read and I enjoyed it. I really appreciated the chronic illness rep - the details of Liana's diagnosis and her recovery really helped me understand her condition better, and as someone who is chronically ill in other ways, I related to her general insecurities so much! I have never read or heard of another pickleball romance, but I love pickleball so I really liked the sport aspect. I also loved all the puns that pickleball offers LOL.
The ending was so wholesome, and while there was spice, the story was there, so it wasn't too much. While I liked most of the characters, there were I few I hated with a passion. Some of the characters were so immature, even though they are all adults around 30 years old or older, and it really irked me how some of them acted. James was also SO considerate, thoughtful, and patient, it made me question how realistic it was. Overall, I thought it was a cute and quick read! Would recommend if you like sports romances, books with illness/mental health rep, and stories about unconditional love.
The ending was so wholesome, and while there was spice, the story was there, so it wasn't too much. While I liked most of the characters, there were I few I hated with a passion. Some of the characters were so immature, even though they are all adults around 30 years old or older, and it really irked me how some of them acted. James was also SO considerate, thoughtful, and patient, it made me question how realistic it was. Overall, I thought it was a cute and quick read! Would recommend if you like sports romances, books with illness/mental health rep, and stories about unconditional love.
February 19, 2025
3/5 ★
***SPOILERS***
It was fine. I didn’t love it, but I also didn’t hate it.
The whole story felt really rushed, I didn’t really feel a connection between Liane and James. His problems with his parents were superficial, I didn’t really care.
Liane had trouble with her Chrone’s, but still didn’t feel really relevant.
She didn’t have a job, and spent no minutes trying to figure it out what was it that she liked and wanted to do with her life. Her best friend didn’t look like a best friend, since she only appeared at like 60% of the book.
He was really cute and great to her, but it felt a little bit too much, liek forced, a little cliche, like the guy has to be everything to her.
I dunno, felt weird.
***SPOILERS***
It was fine. I didn’t love it, but I also didn’t hate it.
The whole story felt really rushed, I didn’t really feel a connection between Liane and James. His problems with his parents were superficial, I didn’t really care.
Liane had trouble with her Chrone’s, but still didn’t feel really relevant.
She didn’t have a job, and spent no minutes trying to figure it out what was it that she liked and wanted to do with her life. Her best friend didn’t look like a best friend, since she only appeared at like 60% of the book.
He was really cute and great to her, but it felt a little bit too much, liek forced, a little cliche, like the guy has to be everything to her.
I dunno, felt weird.
October 7, 2024
Words can not adequately describe how much I enjoyed reading this book. The relationship that develops between Liana and James is so wholesome. Liana is in a tough spot in life with her disease and her life plan thrown off course. James truly is patient and so kind with her. I loved reading about the development of their relationship. Additionally the Pickle Ball element of the story is so unique and add an element of fun to the story. I have never read a romance book that involved pickle ball so I thought this was super unique!! Now I want to learn how to play Pickle ball.
If you are a romance reader you will love this story. I am so thankful I was chosen as an ARC reader!
If you are a romance reader you will love this story. I am so thankful I was chosen as an ARC reader!
October 8, 2024
This was a very cute sports romance story, even though romance isn't my genre (and I've not read any sports romance stories before either). Liana was a very likeable main character, who has confidence issues after being made redundant and facing a lot of misfortune, so decides to take up pickleball as a sport in order to get her life back on track.
I didn't know very much about pickleball either, until I read this story!
I didn't know very much about pickleball either, until I read this story!
October 18, 2024
this was like a 3.75 for me! I loved the story. So easy to read, and super relatable. I also loved the aspect of understanding what dealing what a chronic illness is like (though not to the full extent). I also loved how the author brought in mental health and how life/medical issues can affect that.
Great read! Super cute and fun💓
Great read! Super cute and fun💓
June 25, 2026
It was not bad per se, yet I felt everything happened way too fast romantically speaking. From the start they were practically in love which didn't feel very... Realistic. I can understand desire but feelings... Well.
Enjoyable enough for a quick read though.
Enjoyable enough for a quick read though.
September 9, 2024
I hope this book brings you a bit of the joy it brought me to write!
July 23, 2025
I love the content warning at the beginning of this book. I also love that the book contains chronic illness representation and autoimmune disease portrayal. The author also includes mental health representation in this story.
Liana is home recovering from surgery and getting her health back. She had been on her own for a while and is between the new adult and midlife stages. Her first big outing is lunch with her mom’s boisterous friends, but they are like family to her. She gets invited to play pickleball with her mom’s friends at the country club to check out the instructor and ease back into exercise.
Wow, with all the name-dropping, I almost missed the importance of whom and why the pickleball instructor matters. Yes, I had to scroll back and think about it. He was Mr. Pro Athlete, supposedly dating the ever-popular Mary Grace and traveling the world according to the inter-webs feed. But of course, he is also the pickleball instructor, so what’s the real story?
We do get his pov in the story, and since he is the only other character the same age as Liana, I imagine he is an important character. James has a history of an injury redirecting his life and career as well, which is why he now teaches pickleball classes.
So her disease is mentioned and the effect on her body and the surgery she went through, but not outright named at this point in the story. He is a good coach, but
Ahh, so it is mentioned, and she has issues with her illness and the reality of living with it still. She dominated how to proceed with the date, and I don’t blame her. She has Crohn’s disease. Like a lot of people, she thought it was all in her head until it manifested in outward symptoms, but I still thought it was anxiety. My heart goes out to this character.
Liana's journey with diagnosis is very relatable for anyone with chronic illness, going to the doctor, and being sent home with random labels that don’t treat the issue. Her sickness is affecting her work and her social life, even as an introvert. She got lucky. One doctor finally suggested a basic test and found the solution for her, but of course, to reverse the years of damage, she would need surgery. This brings us to the present day.
James and Liana have an easy level of friends and lovers, but then have an opposite side of the tracks thing going on his side. To her, middle class is very noticeable in the story.
James is an awesome boyfriend and support system, dealing with her autoimmune challenges as they come and being supportive and understanding. I love how the book focuses on a healthy relationship and budding romance.
Oh, they get steamy and outdoor frisky at that. I so didn’t see that coming with her self-esteem issues. Of course, one steamy scene leads to a more drawn-out intimate scene as their relationship becomes more defined. Unfortunately, things are regrets, and I’m not sure how it happens, but James screws it up. I didn’t see it coming, and there was no prelude to it from the author. So this is kinda out of left field.
The unexpected does lead to moving on with the ex and long-time nemesis. So there is that, but can they fix their relationship? So apologies, new friendships, and a time jump. The story ends cutely with a happy-for-now ending.
Overall, I like the story and the body positivity, second chance romance, chronic illness representation, and sports romance. I love the change in the tropes with the mix of a contemporary romance and sports romance to keep it fresh. The characters have a whole friends-to-lovers thing going on with a little history and a small-town feel. The chronic illness was highlighted more since the beginning of the book, and then the author tapered off through the story; it is mentioned, but very little is noticeable as the romance is involved. The book is a little steamy and has a lot of corny puns. But it was a cute read.
Liana is home recovering from surgery and getting her health back. She had been on her own for a while and is between the new adult and midlife stages. Her first big outing is lunch with her mom’s boisterous friends, but they are like family to her. She gets invited to play pickleball with her mom’s friends at the country club to check out the instructor and ease back into exercise.
Wow, with all the name-dropping, I almost missed the importance of whom and why the pickleball instructor matters. Yes, I had to scroll back and think about it. He was Mr. Pro Athlete, supposedly dating the ever-popular Mary Grace and traveling the world according to the inter-webs feed. But of course, he is also the pickleball instructor, so what’s the real story?
We do get his pov in the story, and since he is the only other character the same age as Liana, I imagine he is an important character. James has a history of an injury redirecting his life and career as well, which is why he now teaches pickleball classes.
So her disease is mentioned and the effect on her body and the surgery she went through, but not outright named at this point in the story. He is a good coach, but
Ahh, so it is mentioned, and she has issues with her illness and the reality of living with it still. She dominated how to proceed with the date, and I don’t blame her. She has Crohn’s disease. Like a lot of people, she thought it was all in her head until it manifested in outward symptoms, but I still thought it was anxiety. My heart goes out to this character.
Liana's journey with diagnosis is very relatable for anyone with chronic illness, going to the doctor, and being sent home with random labels that don’t treat the issue. Her sickness is affecting her work and her social life, even as an introvert. She got lucky. One doctor finally suggested a basic test and found the solution for her, but of course, to reverse the years of damage, she would need surgery. This brings us to the present day.
James and Liana have an easy level of friends and lovers, but then have an opposite side of the tracks thing going on his side. To her, middle class is very noticeable in the story.
James is an awesome boyfriend and support system, dealing with her autoimmune challenges as they come and being supportive and understanding. I love how the book focuses on a healthy relationship and budding romance.
Oh, they get steamy and outdoor frisky at that. I so didn’t see that coming with her self-esteem issues. Of course, one steamy scene leads to a more drawn-out intimate scene as their relationship becomes more defined. Unfortunately, things are regrets, and I’m not sure how it happens, but James screws it up. I didn’t see it coming, and there was no prelude to it from the author. So this is kinda out of left field.
The unexpected does lead to moving on with the ex and long-time nemesis. So there is that, but can they fix their relationship? So apologies, new friendships, and a time jump. The story ends cutely with a happy-for-now ending.
Overall, I like the story and the body positivity, second chance romance, chronic illness representation, and sports romance. I love the change in the tropes with the mix of a contemporary romance and sports romance to keep it fresh. The characters have a whole friends-to-lovers thing going on with a little history and a small-town feel. The chronic illness was highlighted more since the beginning of the book, and then the author tapered off through the story; it is mentioned, but very little is noticeable as the romance is involved. The book is a little steamy and has a lot of corny puns. But it was a cute read.
Did Not Finish
April 14, 2025I tried to read it despite 3rd POV—I usually don’t enjoy reading 3rd, but the premise seemed interesting. The writing was off for me—can’t quite put my finger on what it is.
DNF
DNF
October 15, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book in return for an honest review, In a Pickle is a heartwarming and engaging read that will appeal to both sports enthusiasts and romance lovers alike. Jane Marlowe has crafted a story that is both entertaining and uplifting, making it a must-read for anyone looking for a charming escape.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews