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Pickle Perfect
A second chance at love crashes one woman’s tropical pickleball vacation and serves up an adorkably swoony romantic comedy.
Lulu Gardner only takes predictable shots. After faulting on tennis stardom at eighteen, Lulu, now a thirtysomething single parent, is in control of her game. But when an unanticipated blunder threatens her teaching job, Lulu’s stable, well-planned—okay, boring—world spins out. And somehow, her godparents convince her to join them for a “de-stressing” destination pickleball vacation in Costa Rica. Maybe an all-inclusive picklecation is just the pick-me-up she needs to loosen her grip.
Or it would have been if she wasn’t backhanded by the sight of her high school fling Tyler Demming on the beachside courts. Fresh off the pickleball pro tour, the reigning bad boy of paddle sports is as studly and snarky as ever. Even though his public image took a hit with a ballsy publicity stunt, Tyler seems to be the big shot he’s always been.
But Lulu’s had years to steel herself against his rugged good looks and hypnotic charm. Despite the changes she sees in Tyler since their teenage days, Lulu will have no problem keeping her head in the game and her heart on the sidelines. Or so she tells herself….
Lulu Gardner only takes predictable shots. After faulting on tennis stardom at eighteen, Lulu, now a thirtysomething single parent, is in control of her game. But when an unanticipated blunder threatens her teaching job, Lulu’s stable, well-planned—okay, boring—world spins out. And somehow, her godparents convince her to join them for a “de-stressing” destination pickleball vacation in Costa Rica. Maybe an all-inclusive picklecation is just the pick-me-up she needs to loosen her grip.
Or it would have been if she wasn’t backhanded by the sight of her high school fling Tyler Demming on the beachside courts. Fresh off the pickleball pro tour, the reigning bad boy of paddle sports is as studly and snarky as ever. Even though his public image took a hit with a ballsy publicity stunt, Tyler seems to be the big shot he’s always been.
But Lulu’s had years to steel herself against his rugged good looks and hypnotic charm. Despite the changes she sees in Tyler since their teenage days, Lulu will have no problem keeping her head in the game and her heart on the sidelines. Or so she tells herself….
368 pages, Paperback
Published October 28, 2025
33 people are currently reading
15942 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
October 11, 2025
3.5 stars -
I’m a sucker for second-chance romance. Sometimes we may think about the one that got away or the one you never really got a second chance to find out if it was meant to be.
This particular story had some very interesting twists and centered around the main theme of Pickleball players and learning how to play the game.
As someone learning how to play it myself, it sounded like a fun plot, and it was. The twist is that the story is mainly in Costa Rica, and yes, there is some Pickleball in it, but it is not extensive.
I have to say, in the beginning, I struggled a bit getting into the story. I’m not sure what it was, but once I had the chance to sit and really read for long periods of time, the story grew on me.
The female leader focused a lot on her hurt and bitterness regarding the fact she felt he let her down as young lovers. Now she’s juggling a kid, a job that blew up, and life in general, so the last thing she needed was him showing up as she tried to manage everything.
The story is built as they traverse Costa Rica. I really like the male lead character. He is sweet and kind, even though she is a tad hostile at times – lol. The story is cute, clean, a bit swoony, and a refreshing change of pace.
There were some spots that kind of rang a little untrue in terms of being in the jungle, which, by the way, would be a hell no for me. But overall, it is refreshing and light, and the twist at the end really did make the story.
Pickle Perfect is lighthearted and a relaxing story that doesn’t get you all wound up, full of anxiety. A fun read overall.
~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/pickle-perfe...
I’m a sucker for second-chance romance. Sometimes we may think about the one that got away or the one you never really got a second chance to find out if it was meant to be.
This particular story had some very interesting twists and centered around the main theme of Pickleball players and learning how to play the game.
As someone learning how to play it myself, it sounded like a fun plot, and it was. The twist is that the story is mainly in Costa Rica, and yes, there is some Pickleball in it, but it is not extensive.
I have to say, in the beginning, I struggled a bit getting into the story. I’m not sure what it was, but once I had the chance to sit and really read for long periods of time, the story grew on me.
The female leader focused a lot on her hurt and bitterness regarding the fact she felt he let her down as young lovers. Now she’s juggling a kid, a job that blew up, and life in general, so the last thing she needed was him showing up as she tried to manage everything.
The story is built as they traverse Costa Rica. I really like the male lead character. He is sweet and kind, even though she is a tad hostile at times – lol. The story is cute, clean, a bit swoony, and a refreshing change of pace.
There were some spots that kind of rang a little untrue in terms of being in the jungle, which, by the way, would be a hell no for me. But overall, it is refreshing and light, and the twist at the end really did make the story.
Pickle Perfect is lighthearted and a relaxing story that doesn’t get you all wound up, full of anxiety. A fun read overall.
~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/pickle-perfe...
February 9, 2026
Lulu and Tyler were young lovers. When Tyler went to make his fortune as a tennis star, he promised to always look out for her. But when her parents pass away suddenly, he’s nowhere to be found. In fact, they never speak again. But he’s found later as the star of the pickleball world.
Now in her early thirties, Lulu’s a single mom and a teacher. When she’s suspended from her teaching gig for an honest mistake, she decides to accompany her aunt and uncle to their pickleball retreat in Costa Rica. And who’s the star instructor? You guessed it: Tyler.
I played tennis in my twenties, but I took up pickleball as something to do with the missus this past summer. Easier and more fun to play, and more of a team game. We played at Kaiser Park here on Coney Island. The people in my PB Crew have become very special to me: they’re tough, skilled, and never take themselves too seriously. So…pickleball? Rom-com? Perfect!
(See what I did there? Hey-o!)
The author’s note says it all: it’s a love letter to Costa Rica. The characters go on a wilderness / pickleball tour, and we’re treated to waterfalls, cliffs, and volcanos. They eat some delicious food. There’s rappelling, zip-lining, swimming, hiking. Nice little travelogue for anyone interested in outdoors activities and travel.
It was great to see my new sport take the stage, even if it wasn’t always center stage. The author got the rules and action right. The characters played the game the right way, and Long described everything with a little pizzazz. Made me want to get my paddle and run out there!
Lulu’s a good MC, a working mom in a tough spot. Tyler’s a nice old flame, and there’s definitely some friction based on past injuries. The adventures and sights have a way of getting in front of the romance, but the attraction and misunderstandings, staples of the rom-com genre, are definitely there. They come together and break apart several times, so get ready for that. The HEA is a nice one.
Will we see a more pickley romance from this author one day? I sure hope so!
Now in her early thirties, Lulu’s a single mom and a teacher. When she’s suspended from her teaching gig for an honest mistake, she decides to accompany her aunt and uncle to their pickleball retreat in Costa Rica. And who’s the star instructor? You guessed it: Tyler.
I played tennis in my twenties, but I took up pickleball as something to do with the missus this past summer. Easier and more fun to play, and more of a team game. We played at Kaiser Park here on Coney Island. The people in my PB Crew have become very special to me: they’re tough, skilled, and never take themselves too seriously. So…pickleball? Rom-com? Perfect!
(See what I did there? Hey-o!)
The author’s note says it all: it’s a love letter to Costa Rica. The characters go on a wilderness / pickleball tour, and we’re treated to waterfalls, cliffs, and volcanos. They eat some delicious food. There’s rappelling, zip-lining, swimming, hiking. Nice little travelogue for anyone interested in outdoors activities and travel.
It was great to see my new sport take the stage, even if it wasn’t always center stage. The author got the rules and action right. The characters played the game the right way, and Long described everything with a little pizzazz. Made me want to get my paddle and run out there!
Lulu’s a good MC, a working mom in a tough spot. Tyler’s a nice old flame, and there’s definitely some friction based on past injuries. The adventures and sights have a way of getting in front of the romance, but the attraction and misunderstandings, staples of the rom-com genre, are definitely there. They come together and break apart several times, so get ready for that. The HEA is a nice one.
Will we see a more pickley romance from this author one day? I sure hope so!
October 23, 2025
I know absolutely nothing about Pickleball. And you don’t need to either to enjoy this tropical second-chance romance! Offered an all-inclusive adventure through Costa Rica, single mom Lulu hesitantly jumps at the chance, hoping a little sunshine and adventure will shake up her routine. What she doesn’t expect is running into her high school fling, Tyler—a now pickleball pro who ghosted her fifteen years ago during one of the hardest moments of her life.
There’s definitely a lack of communication here. Or maybe just some wrong assumptions about Tyler, I suppose. But honestly, Lulu was justified in her distrust. Given their history and what she’s seen of Tyler in the media, you can’t blame her. To be honest, I wasn’t the biggest fan of Tyler myself. Deep down he’s a good guy, but the story continually builds up to the big reason he ghosted Lulu, and his excuse felt a little flimsy to me. I just don’t think he grovelled enough.
But I adored Lulu. Her inner dialogue sometimes veered a little silly and overly horny, but she’s super fun, relatable, and I really connected to her as a mom trying to find herself again. The Costa Rica setting was also such a highlight. I loved all the romantic, adventurous excursions and genuinely funny little mishaps!
(heat level: 1 open-door scene, mild details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There’s definitely a lack of communication here. Or maybe just some wrong assumptions about Tyler, I suppose. But honestly, Lulu was justified in her distrust. Given their history and what she’s seen of Tyler in the media, you can’t blame her. To be honest, I wasn’t the biggest fan of Tyler myself. Deep down he’s a good guy, but the story continually builds up to the big reason he ghosted Lulu, and his excuse felt a little flimsy to me. I just don’t think he grovelled enough.
But I adored Lulu. Her inner dialogue sometimes veered a little silly and overly horny, but she’s super fun, relatable, and I really connected to her as a mom trying to find herself again. The Costa Rica setting was also such a highlight. I loved all the romantic, adventurous excursions and genuinely funny little mishaps!
(heat level: 1 open-door scene, mild details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 28, 2025
I was never really interested in pickleball until I started reading Ilana Long! I didn’t even know this sport existed but now I find it fascinating! But don’t worry if it’s not a sport for you. The romance is explored much more than pickleball. And what a romance it is! A second chance romance set in Costa Rica with a single mom, her childhood fling, and adventure! I really loved Lulu. I found her authentic and enjoyed watching her learn to trust again. Tyler was great too, but it took me a little while to accept him. I think it’s because I truly felt for Lulu and her feelings towards what happened between them. There’s also plenty of adventure, tender moments, and of course some pickleball.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy read this is definitely a good one to grab! I even recommend reading Pickleballers although you don’t need to read it to enjoy this standalone. I just liked it a lot!
If you’re looking for a quick and easy read this is definitely a good one to grab! I even recommend reading Pickleballers although you don’t need to read it to enjoy this standalone. I just liked it a lot!
December 28, 2025
Meh. I actually didn’t enjoy this book. I love sport romances but I felt like pickleball was just thrown in there.
January 18, 2026
This book was so bad I was forcing myself to read it. Look, I get that pickleball is the new craze. The pickleball part wasn't even the bad part of this book. It was just the nonsensical plot elements.
- Lulu is in her 30s with a child, solo parenting, but she is hung up on Tyler, the guy she was dating AS A TEENAGER. Strike 1
- Tyler, is a "wild man" personality that was a rising tennis star that flamed out and is now a professional pickleball player. Sure. For some reason, he needs to rehabilitate his image due to his JackAss like behavior on the pickleball courts??? According to this, he was juggling flaming paddles.........riiiiiiight. Strike 2
- Lulu ends up at a resort hosting an ALL INCLUSIVE PICKLEBALL VACATION (what?) and ends up on a one week excursion that takes her deep into the jungles of Costa Rica so she can be a part of a team that's on vacation but "teaching the locals how to play pickleball". STRIKE 3
That's about all the plot we experience. Most of this book takes place on a zipline or at a campsite which, why not just make this book about people going on a week long excursion? The ~sport part of this book seems like something unrelated that sometimes happens.
Unfortunately for them, I'm not really buying that the people of Costa Rica were begging for white people to teach them how to play pickleball. So already, the foundation isn't working.
The romance was boring and immature. You all havent spoken in over a decade and have a week to fall in love, and I'm supposed to believe that you work through all that history that quickly? I'm not even really sure why Lulu wanted to be with him that badly. Like, you have a whole CHILD. Are you telling me your life has remained this stagnant that the immature teenage boy you were in love with (that's now an immature adult man) is STILL the love of your life???????????
This really did feel like a white millennial woman's creative writing prompt. The dialogue, the plot, the side characters, it just all had a filter of immaturity that made me rme.
Genuinely don't have anything positive to say.
I received an arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
- Lulu is in her 30s with a child, solo parenting, but she is hung up on Tyler, the guy she was dating AS A TEENAGER. Strike 1
- Tyler, is a "wild man" personality that was a rising tennis star that flamed out and is now a professional pickleball player. Sure. For some reason, he needs to rehabilitate his image due to his JackAss like behavior on the pickleball courts??? According to this, he was juggling flaming paddles.........riiiiiiight. Strike 2
- Lulu ends up at a resort hosting an ALL INCLUSIVE PICKLEBALL VACATION (what?) and ends up on a one week excursion that takes her deep into the jungles of Costa Rica so she can be a part of a team that's on vacation but "teaching the locals how to play pickleball". STRIKE 3
That's about all the plot we experience. Most of this book takes place on a zipline or at a campsite which, why not just make this book about people going on a week long excursion? The ~sport part of this book seems like something unrelated that sometimes happens.
Unfortunately for them, I'm not really buying that the people of Costa Rica were begging for white people to teach them how to play pickleball. So already, the foundation isn't working.
The romance was boring and immature. You all havent spoken in over a decade and have a week to fall in love, and I'm supposed to believe that you work through all that history that quickly? I'm not even really sure why Lulu wanted to be with him that badly. Like, you have a whole CHILD. Are you telling me your life has remained this stagnant that the immature teenage boy you were in love with (that's now an immature adult man) is STILL the love of your life???????????
This really did feel like a white millennial woman's creative writing prompt. The dialogue, the plot, the side characters, it just all had a filter of immaturity that made me rme.
Genuinely don't have anything positive to say.
I received an arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2025
This was an extremely cute, quick romance read with plot points that centered around the game of pickleball (which I enjoy). I loved the premise of LuLu joining the Costa Rican pickleball tour and how it helped to open her up a little, but I did not enjoy all of the miscommunication between her and Tyler. I feel like at 33 years old you should know how to be a better communicator 🤷🏽♀️
This book is perfect if you want an easy read, a taste of adventure in Costa Rica, and love the game of pickleball.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC! 💙
This book is perfect if you want an easy read, a taste of adventure in Costa Rica, and love the game of pickleball.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC! 💙
January 28, 2026
This is how you do romance . If you like Katherine center, Ellie Palmer, ally Carter, Annabel Monaghan, Sophie cousins
She scores again!!
Cracked door to Fade to black; strong language <20
She scores again!!
Cracked door to Fade to black; strong language <20
November 16, 2025
Yes! I always say that I don’t have a favorite trope cause I like most of them but the unexpected second chance trope with the golden retriever and some type of past misunderstanding is my jam. I want it all! All the drama and fun and reconnecting! But on a pickle ball tour in Costa Rica so add forced proximity.
Loved the writing style and will definitely be looking for more from this author!
Loved the writing style and will definitely be looking for more from this author!
March 5, 2026
super corny, but a fun short read 😂
February 10, 2026
I think I need more groveling. And also, she needed to go on a stronger personal growth journey. It felt like she didn’t learn enough about herself, especially for being an absolute menace the entire vacation with her hot and cold emotions and complete lack of communication. She needed to go on a stronger personal growth journey in my opinion; it felt like she didn’t learn enough about herself. It also felt like she forgave certain characters too easily. Like, it’s fine to forgive, but betrayal isn’t something you just go “it’s okay” and move on like there’s nothing wrong in the relationship.
January 26, 2026
poop from a butt
November 10, 2025
Unfortunately, this book was definitely not for me!
I really struggled with their relationship from the start. I normally love second chance romance, but this was just weird in how he acted like nothing was wrong when she had all this hatred and animosity towards him. Also the course of this book was like a week long and somehow everything fixed itself in that time? It just was hard for me to connect with them in that aspect as well.
I found the FMC to be really grating. I actually don't think I've disliked an fmc more. I found myself constantly rolling my eyes at her. We had the same song and dance of "oh I should go do this brave thing, now I'm going to second guess myself, now he'll swoop in and help me". Like girl should have just stayed home.
Also, I have young nieces. I don't know what interactions the author has with young children, but the daughter in this was really not written well and it took me so far out of the book.
Honestly, I should have DNFd but I'd gone too far and just wanted to finish it. I hope others like it more than me, but I just could not do this one.
I really struggled with their relationship from the start. I normally love second chance romance, but this was just weird in how he acted like nothing was wrong when she had all this hatred and animosity towards him. Also the course of this book was like a week long and somehow everything fixed itself in that time? It just was hard for me to connect with them in that aspect as well.
I found the FMC to be really grating. I actually don't think I've disliked an fmc more. I found myself constantly rolling my eyes at her. We had the same song and dance of "oh I should go do this brave thing, now I'm going to second guess myself, now he'll swoop in and help me". Like girl should have just stayed home.
Also, I have young nieces. I don't know what interactions the author has with young children, but the daughter in this was really not written well and it took me so far out of the book.
Honestly, I should have DNFd but I'd gone too far and just wanted to finish it. I hope others like it more than me, but I just could not do this one.
May 30, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy of this book; all thoughts are my own!
📖 Book Review 📖 I did not know a Picklecation Retreat existed until this book and now I am 💯 convinced I need one as soon as possible! Single mother Lulu Gardner is in desperate need of a change of scenery and is thrilled to tag along with her aunt for some sun and sport in Costa Rica. Embracing the Pura Vida, she even goes with a last minute change, leaving behind the resort and her daughter with family to embark on an adventure pickleball tour around the country. She’s not even going to let the fact that her high school fling, Tyler, also a former tennis player, now pickleball pro ruin this opportunity for her. Being back on the court together again is something neither of them imagined, but the spark is not left in the past. No pickleball experience is necessary to indulge in this delightfully delicious second chance romance with a heavy dose of adventure in the jungle. Ilana Long delivers a true golden pickle both on and off the courts in Pickle Perfect
📖 Book Review 📖 I did not know a Picklecation Retreat existed until this book and now I am 💯 convinced I need one as soon as possible! Single mother Lulu Gardner is in desperate need of a change of scenery and is thrilled to tag along with her aunt for some sun and sport in Costa Rica. Embracing the Pura Vida, she even goes with a last minute change, leaving behind the resort and her daughter with family to embark on an adventure pickleball tour around the country. She’s not even going to let the fact that her high school fling, Tyler, also a former tennis player, now pickleball pro ruin this opportunity for her. Being back on the court together again is something neither of them imagined, but the spark is not left in the past. No pickleball experience is necessary to indulge in this delightfully delicious second chance romance with a heavy dose of adventure in the jungle. Ilana Long delivers a true golden pickle both on and off the courts in Pickle Perfect
November 7, 2025
As someone who has never played pickleball I am really enjoying all these pickleball themed romance books that are popping up, I think this is the 4th one I've read.
Forced into a pickleball situation with her one time love Lulu is starting to see that
Tyler is still as handsome as ever. He is super sweet to her throughout the whole thing, but I did not totally forgive him for how he ghosted her when she was young. It took a long time into the book to get the explanation for why he would act so cold, but I was too mad at that point to feel like it was a good enough reason. But they were insanely young so I chose to let it go and enjoyed the conclusion.
Tropes and Microtropes
FMC is a teacher (for a hot second)
FMC is a single mom
High School Sweethearts
Second Chance Romance
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
He's keeping a secret
She rescues him (sort of)
Secret tattoo
Forced into a pickleball situation with her one time love Lulu is starting to see that
Tyler is still as handsome as ever. He is super sweet to her throughout the whole thing, but I did not totally forgive him for how he ghosted her when she was young. It took a long time into the book to get the explanation for why he would act so cold, but I was too mad at that point to feel like it was a good enough reason. But they were insanely young so I chose to let it go and enjoyed the conclusion.
Tropes and Microtropes
FMC is a teacher (for a hot second)
FMC is a single mom
High School Sweethearts
Second Chance Romance
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
He's keeping a secret
She rescues him (sort of)
Secret tattoo
October 27, 2025
Thank you to Ilana Long, Berkley Publishing, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a cute & adventurous second chance romance that centers around the game of pickleball. Even if you don’t know anything about the game this is an easy to comprehend read. I loved the adventure portions of the pickleball tour throughout Costa Rica, it really made me want to travel there again. I did like the natural chemistry between our main characters but felt that 80% of this book is just miscommunication between the two. It’s incredibly frustrating that two mid-thirty year olds don’t know how to effectively communicate and be honest with each other. I did enjoy the resolution of the book and would’ve loved an epilogue showing how they have grown together after sorting their futures.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a cute & adventurous second chance romance that centers around the game of pickleball. Even if you don’t know anything about the game this is an easy to comprehend read. I loved the adventure portions of the pickleball tour throughout Costa Rica, it really made me want to travel there again. I did like the natural chemistry between our main characters but felt that 80% of this book is just miscommunication between the two. It’s incredibly frustrating that two mid-thirty year olds don’t know how to effectively communicate and be honest with each other. I did enjoy the resolution of the book and would’ve loved an epilogue showing how they have grown together after sorting their futures.
Read
October 30, 2025PICKLE PERFECT 🥒
Written by Ilana Long
Standalone
Adult • Sports Romance
368 Pages
🗓️ October 28
🥒pickleball romance
🥒second chance
🥒a little dislike, a lot of hurt
🥒single mom
🥒close proximity
🥒one bed
🥒a series of unfortunate outdoor activities
📖”Getting to spend time with you again feels like we’re two haves of a granola bar. If you line them up right, you’d never know it had been broken.”
Did I start this book not knowing anything pickleball?
Yes.
Did I finish this book still not knowing anything pickleball?
Also yes. But! I now want to visit Costa Rica. So there’s that. Sans the extreme sports because… Lulu and me?! Same.
I’m going to tell you this…I was flying through this book just to find out why they drifted apart when they were younger. I guess that’s why second chance gets me so excited. I devour the whole thing just to learn the twist that started the entire debacle 🫣 a romantic-heartbreak suspense of sorts if you must 😂
{Gwendy for president of the world! 😁👏🏼}
Written by Ilana Long
Standalone
Adult • Sports Romance
368 Pages
🗓️ October 28
🥒pickleball romance
🥒second chance
🥒a little dislike, a lot of hurt
🥒single mom
🥒close proximity
🥒one bed
🥒a series of unfortunate outdoor activities
📖”Getting to spend time with you again feels like we’re two haves of a granola bar. If you line them up right, you’d never know it had been broken.”
Did I start this book not knowing anything pickleball?
Yes.
Did I finish this book still not knowing anything pickleball?
Also yes. But! I now want to visit Costa Rica. So there’s that. Sans the extreme sports because… Lulu and me?! Same.
I’m going to tell you this…I was flying through this book just to find out why they drifted apart when they were younger. I guess that’s why second chance gets me so excited. I devour the whole thing just to learn the twist that started the entire debacle 🫣 a romantic-heartbreak suspense of sorts if you must 😂
{Gwendy for president of the world! 😁👏🏼}
October 30, 2025
3.5 stars - Cute pickleball romcom set amidst beautiful Costa Rica. The setting and adventure through CR adds so much imagery while reading. Tyler and Lulu are a second chance romance with quite a bit of misunderstanding/miscommunication mixed in. Lulu seems to go back and forth in her thoughts about Tyler the whole book. At times her thoughts would stray or spiral just a little too much for me. It's a little steamy and fully closed door (fade to black). Recommend for a light, fun read.
January 26, 2026
3.75⭐️ Thank you Berkley for the free final copy! 💚
This was super cute! Second chance is one of my favorite tropes, and I thought it was done well here. I think I enjoyed this author’s previous book Pickleballers a little bit more, but I would definitely read more pickleball romances from her!
This was super cute! Second chance is one of my favorite tropes, and I thought it was done well here. I think I enjoyed this author’s previous book Pickleballers a little bit more, but I would definitely read more pickleball romances from her!
Did Not Finish
March 30, 2026Dnf…I do not have the willpower to make it through
March 7, 2026
This book was okay. The premise sounds good and a second chance romance usually does it for me, but this didn’t hit all the right spots. I could definitely see them breaking up in a year or two.
October 27, 2025
First and foremost I would like the thank Berkley Publishing for the eARC!
3.5 ⭐️: I’m pretty conflicted with this rating because there is actually a lot the I liked about this book. I loved the FMC Lulu and the plot surround the story where she goes to Costa Rica. I also really loved her friendship that she formed with Adriana and seeing it develop! I liked the setup of the second chance romance and how they bump into each other again was pretty entertaining, however I wasn’t rooting for them in the end. I think that with every action the MMC Tyler took it was still very glaringly obvious that while he said he wanted to change and take responsibility for his actions, the actions he did make were not showcasing that. I think that their chemistry was purely physical and I’m not saying there is anything wrong with that but the issues they had in the past are still issues they face now with one very big difference with Lulu has someone that relies on her. At the end of the day I really couldn’t root for them to end up together. The love story portion just feel short and wasn’t for me.
3.5 ⭐️: I’m pretty conflicted with this rating because there is actually a lot the I liked about this book. I loved the FMC Lulu and the plot surround the story where she goes to Costa Rica. I also really loved her friendship that she formed with Adriana and seeing it develop! I liked the setup of the second chance romance and how they bump into each other again was pretty entertaining, however I wasn’t rooting for them in the end. I think that with every action the MMC Tyler took it was still very glaringly obvious that while he said he wanted to change and take responsibility for his actions, the actions he did make were not showcasing that. I think that their chemistry was purely physical and I’m not saying there is anything wrong with that but the issues they had in the past are still issues they face now with one very big difference with Lulu has someone that relies on her. At the end of the day I really couldn’t root for them to end up together. The love story portion just feel short and wasn’t for me.
June 28, 2025
Books have always been my “happy place.” For as long as I can remember, I have been a fan of traditional romance. Lately, I have started to become a huge fan of “sports romance,” so I was glad to get a chance to read this.
As someone who has not played pickle ball since high school, I was a bit shocked about the huge “craze” that is currently going on. This book definitely piqued my interest a bit in regards to trying to play again.
In regards to the book, I hate to say that this is one where I didn’t really get a strong attachment to either of the main characters. I just couldn’t really get invested in this one, if I’m being honest. This book doesn’t have a prologue, and normally I’m really disappointed in not getting a “glimpse” of their future. With this book, I didn’t have that feeling at all.
All in all, this book was ok. I do feel like some POV from the MMC may have added to my enjoyment of the story.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
As someone who has not played pickle ball since high school, I was a bit shocked about the huge “craze” that is currently going on. This book definitely piqued my interest a bit in regards to trying to play again.
In regards to the book, I hate to say that this is one where I didn’t really get a strong attachment to either of the main characters. I just couldn’t really get invested in this one, if I’m being honest. This book doesn’t have a prologue, and normally I’m really disappointed in not getting a “glimpse” of their future. With this book, I didn’t have that feeling at all.
All in all, this book was ok. I do feel like some POV from the MMC may have added to my enjoyment of the story.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
February 20, 2026
A fun book that was a great follow up to Pickleballers (I’m tempted to reread it!). I’m glad I finally got to be able to have the time to read it. I enjoyed their slow burn second chance romance but will be honest a lot of their issues could have been solved with basic level communication. A little unbelievable that she would get a job training pickleball players with a week of playing under her belt but enjoyed the book enough to overlook it.
November 14, 2025
I liked a lot of it but I felt like there were immature parts and that took me out of it unfortunately
January 18, 2026
I was looking for a cute rom-com and this one fell flat for me.
January 21, 2026
This book went on and on and took me forever to finish. It was a quirky romance but I wouldn’t waste you time
January 2, 2026
🎧 Title: Pickle Perfect
✍🏾 Author: Ilana Long- I've read Pickleballers and gave it 3⭐
📅Publication date: 10-28-25 | Read: 1-1-26
🗣️Narrator: Ilana Long voices all the characters with standouts from Lulu and Tyler. The reading style brought the text to life, and the author and narrator worked together perfectly. The pacing and flow allowed me to get lost in the story. The narrator paused and announced new chapters and there was a table of contents which helped me follow along.
🏃🏾♀️➡️Run Time: 11:18
Genre:
* Rom-Com/Contemporary Romance
*Adult Fic
Tropes:
*sports romance
*high school sweethearts
*single parent
*2nd chance
*vacation
*forced proximity
*journey companions
👆🏾POV: 3rd person
⚠️TW: death of parents, suspended from work, grief
🌎 Setting: Seattle, Washington to Costa Rica
Summary: Fifteen years ago, Lulu and Tyler were sweethearts on their way to careers in tennis after graduation. Tragedy struck, Lulu expected Tyler's presence and comfort, but she never saw him again...until now. She agrees to go on vacation with her aunt and uncle for a vacation in Costa Rica. Unable to stay with her family, she leaves Zoe stays with her godparents and goes on a rustic adventure to the Costa Rican jungle. Tyler has to do an image clean-up after his crazy antics got him kicked off the tour. Sparks fly but things get complicated by their past and his marriage.
👩🏾 Heroine: Lulu Gardner-33, high school teacher and an ex-tennis star @ 18
👨🏾 Hero: Tyler "The Rocket" Demming-33, the "bad boy" of paddle sports, married to Sapphire Roe
🎭 Other Characters:
*Zoe-3, Lulu's daughter
*Aunt Laverne and Uncle Rooster-raised Lulu after parents' death
*Gwendy + Bill-fellow pickleballers
*Ariana-Gwendy's daughter, befriends Lulu
🤔 My Thoughts: There was a big miscommunication that kept Lulu from embracing Tyler again. I loved the journey they went on together which offered some funny moments with bat caves and wild pigs. Costa Rica was a character that displayed its beauty and culture.
Rating: 4/5 ✨
Spice level: 3/5 🌶️
✍🏾 Author: Ilana Long- I've read Pickleballers and gave it 3⭐
📅Publication date: 10-28-25 | Read: 1-1-26
🗣️Narrator: Ilana Long voices all the characters with standouts from Lulu and Tyler. The reading style brought the text to life, and the author and narrator worked together perfectly. The pacing and flow allowed me to get lost in the story. The narrator paused and announced new chapters and there was a table of contents which helped me follow along.
🏃🏾♀️➡️Run Time: 11:18
Genre:
* Rom-Com/Contemporary Romance
*Adult Fic
Tropes:
*sports romance
*high school sweethearts
*single parent
*2nd chance
*vacation
*forced proximity
*journey companions
👆🏾POV: 3rd person
⚠️TW: death of parents, suspended from work, grief
🌎 Setting: Seattle, Washington to Costa Rica
Summary: Fifteen years ago, Lulu and Tyler were sweethearts on their way to careers in tennis after graduation. Tragedy struck, Lulu expected Tyler's presence and comfort, but she never saw him again...until now. She agrees to go on vacation with her aunt and uncle for a vacation in Costa Rica. Unable to stay with her family, she leaves Zoe stays with her godparents and goes on a rustic adventure to the Costa Rican jungle. Tyler has to do an image clean-up after his crazy antics got him kicked off the tour. Sparks fly but things get complicated by their past and his marriage.
👩🏾 Heroine: Lulu Gardner-33, high school teacher and an ex-tennis star @ 18
👨🏾 Hero: Tyler "The Rocket" Demming-33, the "bad boy" of paddle sports, married to Sapphire Roe
🎭 Other Characters:
*Zoe-3, Lulu's daughter
*Aunt Laverne and Uncle Rooster-raised Lulu after parents' death
*Gwendy + Bill-fellow pickleballers
*Ariana-Gwendy's daughter, befriends Lulu
🤔 My Thoughts: There was a big miscommunication that kept Lulu from embracing Tyler again. I loved the journey they went on together which offered some funny moments with bat caves and wild pigs. Costa Rica was a character that displayed its beauty and culture.
Rating: 4/5 ✨
Spice level: 3/5 🌶️
October 29, 2025
Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking the link below. It is also posted in full.
https://novelsalive.com/2025/10/29/4-...
Pickle Perfect by Ilana Long is a second-chance love story with pickleball at its center.
Pickleball isn’t my sport, and I didn’t think I would enjoy this book as much as I did. Part of the draw for me was the vivid scenic descriptions, especially of nature.
Lulu and Tyler are the two main characters in this contemporary romantic comedy. It starts in high school in Washington State, but most of the story is spent in Costa Rica. It was an unlikely backdrop for the adventure they unexpectedly take part in together when their paths cross, far from where they grew up and also fell apart.
There are several misconceptions about how and why Lulu and Tyler went their separate ways fifteen years ago, but in the end, all is finally brought to light. There was one adventure after another in Costa Rica with unexpected sightings and details that made up their itinerary. Tyler’s a disgraced pickleball pro who was kicked off the circuit for his actions. He’s in Costa Rica to improve his image, but will it work?
Lulu‘s daughter Zoe was a cute addition, although she wasn’t in the story as much as I had expected. There were family members, newfound friends, and an unknown love of pickleball. When Lulu’s life takes another unexpected turn—this time in her job as a high school teacher—she and Zoe end up in Costa Rica tailing her aunt and uncle. But for her, it probably was one of the best things that ever happened to her.
Several storylines are played throughout, with twists and turns and many surprises. The ending was sweeter than I expected, with a chance for a happily-ever-after. There was also a little romance along the way, but Lulu was always taking two steps back when overcoming her fears and then taking one step forward. The ending gave some closure, but I would have liked to see how their life really played out once she and Tyler were on the same page.
Pickle Perfect is an adventurer’s dream with pickleball and Costa Rica as its lure.
https://novelsalive.com/2025/10/29/4-...
Pickle Perfect by Ilana Long is a second-chance love story with pickleball at its center.
Pickleball isn’t my sport, and I didn’t think I would enjoy this book as much as I did. Part of the draw for me was the vivid scenic descriptions, especially of nature.
Lulu and Tyler are the two main characters in this contemporary romantic comedy. It starts in high school in Washington State, but most of the story is spent in Costa Rica. It was an unlikely backdrop for the adventure they unexpectedly take part in together when their paths cross, far from where they grew up and also fell apart.
There are several misconceptions about how and why Lulu and Tyler went their separate ways fifteen years ago, but in the end, all is finally brought to light. There was one adventure after another in Costa Rica with unexpected sightings and details that made up their itinerary. Tyler’s a disgraced pickleball pro who was kicked off the circuit for his actions. He’s in Costa Rica to improve his image, but will it work?
Lulu‘s daughter Zoe was a cute addition, although she wasn’t in the story as much as I had expected. There were family members, newfound friends, and an unknown love of pickleball. When Lulu’s life takes another unexpected turn—this time in her job as a high school teacher—she and Zoe end up in Costa Rica tailing her aunt and uncle. But for her, it probably was one of the best things that ever happened to her.
Several storylines are played throughout, with twists and turns and many surprises. The ending was sweeter than I expected, with a chance for a happily-ever-after. There was also a little romance along the way, but Lulu was always taking two steps back when overcoming her fears and then taking one step forward. The ending gave some closure, but I would have liked to see how their life really played out once she and Tyler were on the same page.
Pickle Perfect is an adventurer’s dream with pickleball and Costa Rica as its lure.
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