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Smash Point Social Club #1
The Big Dink
They say the fastest way to a man’s heart is through his paddle…
Alecia Monroe is bubbly, competitive, and has a flair for big ideas. Garrett, her charming, sporty office crush, loves three things. Spreadsheets, Pilot Precise V5 pens, and pickleball. So when the cute blond in the office next to his suggests a weekly company pickleball night, Alecia does what any rational woman would do.
She lies about knowing how to play.
A few private lessons should be enough to bluff her way through. How hard can it be? But when Calder (grumpy, sarcastic, and infuriatingly hot) steps in as her instructor, she doesn't think this bid is worth it. Until she discovers he's friends with Garrett...and if she wants to land her workplace hearthrob, she might need some insider information.
But somewhere between the trash talk, late-night rallies, and moments Calder actually lets his guard down, Alecia stops thinking about Garrett and starts noticing the one man she swore she couldn’t stand.
Right as Garrett starts paying attention…
If The Gilmore Girls, Ted Lasso, and The Office had a baby, you’d get “The Big Dink.”
One-click and start reading if you
Strong Found FamilyGrumpy/sunshineInstructor sports romanceClean romanceToe curling banter
Alecia Monroe is bubbly, competitive, and has a flair for big ideas. Garrett, her charming, sporty office crush, loves three things. Spreadsheets, Pilot Precise V5 pens, and pickleball. So when the cute blond in the office next to his suggests a weekly company pickleball night, Alecia does what any rational woman would do.
She lies about knowing how to play.
A few private lessons should be enough to bluff her way through. How hard can it be? But when Calder (grumpy, sarcastic, and infuriatingly hot) steps in as her instructor, she doesn't think this bid is worth it. Until she discovers he's friends with Garrett...and if she wants to land her workplace hearthrob, she might need some insider information.
But somewhere between the trash talk, late-night rallies, and moments Calder actually lets his guard down, Alecia stops thinking about Garrett and starts noticing the one man she swore she couldn’t stand.
Right as Garrett starts paying attention…
If The Gilmore Girls, Ted Lasso, and The Office had a baby, you’d get “The Big Dink.”
One-click and start reading if you
Strong Found FamilyGrumpy/sunshineInstructor sports romanceClean romanceToe curling banter
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
November 22, 2025
The big dink is a closed door romance about Alecia, a girl in her 20s, who has had the biggest crush on her boss Garrett. Alecia joins a work pickleball event to be closer to Garrett without knowing how to play the sport. A week before the event, she signs up for pickleball lessons at a nearby sports club. During her lesson, she meets Calder who is in the club working in his coach certification, and later finds out that he is one of Garrett’s friends.
The story had me laughing the whole time, the sweet moments between Alecia and Calder were so cute and loved all the characters in the story. Can’t wait to read the second book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story had me laughing the whole time, the sweet moments between Alecia and Calder were so cute and loved all the characters in the story. Can’t wait to read the second book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 23, 2026
Grumpy/sunshine, PG sports-romance novella set in Denver
This is a single-POV romance novella written in first-person past tense. The FMC, Alecia, is a perky 24-year-old who works at a small Denver firm called Paper and Pixel, which offers marketing, design, and printing services. It was founded a few years ago by a 20-something named Garrett, whom the story refers to as merely Alecia's coworker, but who is technically her boss.
Alecia has a huge crush on Garrett. Early in the book she acts like a ditzy teenager and seems to spend most of her time at work spying on Garrett rather than doing her job. When she finds out he is a terrific pickleball player and has formed a pickleball club for his staff to encourage unity and morale, she decides to join it in order to catch his attention. Prior to a company pickleball night, she schedules pickleball lessons so she will be able to actually play the sport. Her instructor is a handsome, muscular, stoic man named Calder. Fortunately, Alecia has a background as a talented tennis player during high school, so she quickly becomes competent at pickleball.
Alecia's BFF, Sam, also works at P&P, and she drags Sam into her pickleball scheme. Sam is an important subcharacter in this novel as the Confidante, and she is the FMC of the second novella in this duology. Unlike Alecia, Sam was never very athletic before, so she is surprised at how much she's coming to love pickleball and how well she's able to master basic skills.
What I most liked about this story is how athletic Alecia and Calder are. I very much enjoy sports romances, and that portion of this novella is well done.
I was concerned at first this was going to be a romantic triangle story, but it becomes quite obvious early on in this novella that Calder is going to be the man for Alecia instead of Garrett, who ultimately serves merely as the means to bring Calder into her life.
We are never told Calder's age, but I'm guessing that he's at most 29. Possibly this could be classified as a New Adult romance, but it is, thankfully, minus all the sleazy sex, boozing and bacchanalian parties that are commonplace in NA college romances.
The name of the series, Smash Point Social, is based on the name of the pickleball club in Denver where Alecia frequently plays pickleball throughout this book. It seems to be modeled on the real life Racket Social Club in the Denver area.
I suppose you could call this story romantic comedy. Mainly because it's very lightweight with no melodrama, but it's not actually funny. Also, the author has labeled this as a grumpy/sunshine romance because Alecia is described as bubbly, and Calder is described as dour. But he really isn't grumpy, which is defined as having a bad temper, being easily irritated, or dissatisfied in a sullen way. He simply is a person who rarely smiles. He also is not sarcastic, which the blurb for this story claims.
Frankly, Alecia rather irritated me in the beginning, because she seemed so immature. I had trouble at first believing in the viability of the opposites-attract trope between her and Calder. As a garrulous, extreme extrovert, Alecia initially seemed like a yappy Yorkie beside introverted Calder's mellow Golden Retriever. However, as I progressed through the story, Alecia grew on me, because she is a very warm-hearted person, compassionate toward every living creature. It was hard to deeply get to know Calder, since we don't get his POV. But by observing his increasingly overt, Cinnamon Roll behavior toward Alecia, he also grew on me over the course of the novel.
Speaking of CR, I don't typically enjoy it when there's a big disparity between how much the CR is investing in the relationship and how much the FMC is. Maybe because this is a short novella the relationship dynamic in that direction did not get extreme enough to trigger my intolerance of CR.
In spite of this being supposedly a "clean" novel, purists may object to the following: Alecia frequently (childishly) giggles at unintended sexual innuendos that accidentally crop up in conversation. And the first time Calder innocently touches her, we are informed that she feels heat in her "lady parts." (I appreciate her not using a crude term for her genitals, but this is another example of portraying her as juvenile.) Most significantly, there is sex at the end of this novel, though it is closed door.
Because this is a novella with limited page space, we only get an HFN ending. However, the second novella in this duology shows Alecia and Calder well on their way to moving into the HEA of marriage.
I got the audiobook for free through my Audible membership. It is narrated by the author, who actually does a good job.
I rate this book 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
This is a single-POV romance novella written in first-person past tense. The FMC, Alecia, is a perky 24-year-old who works at a small Denver firm called Paper and Pixel, which offers marketing, design, and printing services. It was founded a few years ago by a 20-something named Garrett, whom the story refers to as merely Alecia's coworker, but who is technically her boss.
Alecia has a huge crush on Garrett. Early in the book she acts like a ditzy teenager and seems to spend most of her time at work spying on Garrett rather than doing her job. When she finds out he is a terrific pickleball player and has formed a pickleball club for his staff to encourage unity and morale, she decides to join it in order to catch his attention. Prior to a company pickleball night, she schedules pickleball lessons so she will be able to actually play the sport. Her instructor is a handsome, muscular, stoic man named Calder. Fortunately, Alecia has a background as a talented tennis player during high school, so she quickly becomes competent at pickleball.
Alecia's BFF, Sam, also works at P&P, and she drags Sam into her pickleball scheme. Sam is an important subcharacter in this novel as the Confidante, and she is the FMC of the second novella in this duology. Unlike Alecia, Sam was never very athletic before, so she is surprised at how much she's coming to love pickleball and how well she's able to master basic skills.
What I most liked about this story is how athletic Alecia and Calder are. I very much enjoy sports romances, and that portion of this novella is well done.
I was concerned at first this was going to be a romantic triangle story, but it becomes quite obvious early on in this novella that Calder is going to be the man for Alecia instead of Garrett, who ultimately serves merely as the means to bring Calder into her life.
We are never told Calder's age, but I'm guessing that he's at most 29. Possibly this could be classified as a New Adult romance, but it is, thankfully, minus all the sleazy sex, boozing and bacchanalian parties that are commonplace in NA college romances.
The name of the series, Smash Point Social, is based on the name of the pickleball club in Denver where Alecia frequently plays pickleball throughout this book. It seems to be modeled on the real life Racket Social Club in the Denver area.
I suppose you could call this story romantic comedy. Mainly because it's very lightweight with no melodrama, but it's not actually funny. Also, the author has labeled this as a grumpy/sunshine romance because Alecia is described as bubbly, and Calder is described as dour. But he really isn't grumpy, which is defined as having a bad temper, being easily irritated, or dissatisfied in a sullen way. He simply is a person who rarely smiles. He also is not sarcastic, which the blurb for this story claims.
Frankly, Alecia rather irritated me in the beginning, because she seemed so immature. I had trouble at first believing in the viability of the opposites-attract trope between her and Calder. As a garrulous, extreme extrovert, Alecia initially seemed like a yappy Yorkie beside introverted Calder's mellow Golden Retriever. However, as I progressed through the story, Alecia grew on me, because she is a very warm-hearted person, compassionate toward every living creature. It was hard to deeply get to know Calder, since we don't get his POV. But by observing his increasingly overt, Cinnamon Roll behavior toward Alecia, he also grew on me over the course of the novel.
Speaking of CR, I don't typically enjoy it when there's a big disparity between how much the CR is investing in the relationship and how much the FMC is. Maybe because this is a short novella the relationship dynamic in that direction did not get extreme enough to trigger my intolerance of CR.
In spite of this being supposedly a "clean" novel, purists may object to the following: Alecia frequently (childishly) giggles at unintended sexual innuendos that accidentally crop up in conversation. And the first time Calder innocently touches her, we are informed that she feels heat in her "lady parts." (I appreciate her not using a crude term for her genitals, but this is another example of portraying her as juvenile.) Most significantly, there is sex at the end of this novel, though it is closed door.
Because this is a novella with limited page space, we only get an HFN ending. However, the second novella in this duology shows Alecia and Calder well on their way to moving into the HEA of marriage.
I got the audiobook for free through my Audible membership. It is narrated by the author, who actually does a good job.
I rate this book 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2025
Okay so— this one was cute. Like, slow burn, clean sports romance cute. The pacing’s on the slower side (definitely more chill than intense), but it works for the kind of story it is. It’s written in first person, only Alecia’s POV, and I won’t lie— I kept wishing we’d get a peek into Calder’s head. The man’s got layers, and I wanted in.
Still, it’s got that grumpy-sunshine vibe done right. Alecia’s messy, relatable, and kinda chaotic in the best way. The humor’s soft, the chemistry’s subtle, and the story leaves you with that cozy “yeah, that was nice” feeling.
A clean, feel-good read that doesn’t rush itself. I liked it. Didn’t love-love it, but it definitely earned its stars.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Still, it’s got that grumpy-sunshine vibe done right. Alecia’s messy, relatable, and kinda chaotic in the best way. The humor’s soft, the chemistry’s subtle, and the story leaves you with that cozy “yeah, that was nice” feeling.
A clean, feel-good read that doesn’t rush itself. I liked it. Didn’t love-love it, but it definitely earned its stars.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2026
Honestly if it wasn't so short I would have DNF it. FMC is kind of crazy and even though it is closed door the whole book is filled of innuendos.
May 6, 2026
Plot- The pickleball club setting was adorable and unique and I totally loved it. Maybe it helps that I’m also obsessed with the sport and think it’s a super fun romantic vehicle.
Characters- The FMC was awesome, happy, and peppy in the best way. Definitely started out a bit juvenile with her obsession with watching her hot boss’s body language during phone calls. Creepy much? But she grew on me.
I liked her interactions for the most part, except one scene when she confronted a colleague when he didn’t do anything outwardly wrong. She just felt like he was only interested in the idea of her, or in a specific version of her, so she couldn’t be herself around him. So yeah, after 1 date she knows they aren’t a good fit, but woah, confronting him about it felt incredibly cringy!! Esp since he was really respectful and even gave her a gift of appreciation after their date.
#awkward
The love interest felt mysterious, then attractive, and then perfectly swoony. Since this was a novella, it didn’t go much deeper than skin deep on this character. But that’s the nature of the beast, so it’s ok.
Loved the positive female side-characters and how the gorgeous girl (Megan?) was super sweet and fun (vs being painted as the resident mean girl).
Romance- Loved the progression of their romance. The little bit of jealousy was chef’s kiss.
This ended in a HFN where they jump into bed on their second kiss, so a far cry from a committed long term relationship… but they seem like a really cute fit, and I felt happy and satisfied. They were adorable together.
Writing- Good writing.
Content-
Language- no swears. Some lightly crude jokes throughout.
Spice- one lightly explicit bedroom scene that pulled the curtain. Premarital sex is normalized with an attitude that it’s the natural next step if you find you’re at least initially compatible and attracted to each other.
Triggers/Violence- none
Substance abuse- social drinking, including to excess. She and her BFF get drunk together and she suffers the natural consequence of a hangover.
Spiritual/religious- no
Cover- love it!!!
POV- single POV, 1st person
Cliffhanger- no.
Format- I bought the discounted Audible (but I realized after that it’s free on Hoopla)
Narration- the female performer did awesome with all the voices!
Characters- The FMC was awesome, happy, and peppy in the best way. Definitely started out a bit juvenile with her obsession with watching her hot boss’s body language during phone calls. Creepy much? But she grew on me.
I liked her interactions for the most part, except one scene when she confronted a colleague when he didn’t do anything outwardly wrong. She just felt like he was only interested in the idea of her, or in a specific version of her, so she couldn’t be herself around him. So yeah, after 1 date she knows they aren’t a good fit, but woah, confronting him about it felt incredibly cringy!! Esp since he was really respectful and even gave her a gift of appreciation after their date.
#awkward
The love interest felt mysterious, then attractive, and then perfectly swoony. Since this was a novella, it didn’t go much deeper than skin deep on this character. But that’s the nature of the beast, so it’s ok.
Loved the positive female side-characters and how the gorgeous girl (Megan?) was super sweet and fun (vs being painted as the resident mean girl).
Romance- Loved the progression of their romance. The little bit of jealousy was chef’s kiss.
This ended in a HFN where they jump into bed on their second kiss, so a far cry from a committed long term relationship… but they seem like a really cute fit, and I felt happy and satisfied. They were adorable together.
Writing- Good writing.
Content-
Language- no swears. Some lightly crude jokes throughout.
Spice- one lightly explicit bedroom scene that pulled the curtain. Premarital sex is normalized with an attitude that it’s the natural next step if you find you’re at least initially compatible and attracted to each other.
Triggers/Violence- none
Substance abuse- social drinking, including to excess. She and her BFF get drunk together and she suffers the natural consequence of a hangover.
Spiritual/religious- no
Cover- love it!!!
POV- single POV, 1st person
Cliffhanger- no.
Format- I bought the discounted Audible (but I realized after that it’s free on Hoopla)
Narration- the female performer did awesome with all the voices!
November 13, 2025
I couldn't stop smiling while reading this story. My face hurts because of all the giddy, sweet, and funny moments.
Alecia is such a ray of sunshine. I know why Sam is her best friend and how they complement each other. And I know, too, how it feels to lose the magic we have held for so long for a man that turned out not to be the one for us.
So Calder fits just right with her: he's the kind of man who commits, who makes you feel safe, heard, who doesn't patronize you, who presents himself as true as he can, and doesn't flinch when conflict arrives. He's confident and knows how to play the long game to get the girl of his dreams. And most importantly, he makes you feel like you are the greatest human being.
They are perfect! I'm honestly impressed, too, by the lightness of the reading, the happiness this book radiates, and all the pickleball knowledge I got from this—bonus points!
Favorite phrase that summarize the entire energy of this story: "All this time I thought it was skincare and pilates that were the key to attracting men, but turns out, it's a pickleball membership".
***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Alecia is such a ray of sunshine. I know why Sam is her best friend and how they complement each other. And I know, too, how it feels to lose the magic we have held for so long for a man that turned out not to be the one for us.
So Calder fits just right with her: he's the kind of man who commits, who makes you feel safe, heard, who doesn't patronize you, who presents himself as true as he can, and doesn't flinch when conflict arrives. He's confident and knows how to play the long game to get the girl of his dreams. And most importantly, he makes you feel like you are the greatest human being.
They are perfect! I'm honestly impressed, too, by the lightness of the reading, the happiness this book radiates, and all the pickleball knowledge I got from this—bonus points!
Favorite phrase that summarize the entire energy of this story: "All this time I thought it was skincare and pilates that were the key to attracting men, but turns out, it's a pickleball membership".
***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 10, 2025
Let’s dink around. Calder is your guy he will drill you so hard you won’t walk straight tomorrow. Yeah oh my hilarious, had me in stitches most of the time reading it. If you have a couple hours, it’s a quick read. It’s head in the gutter comedy. I think what made it even more funny was the fact my husband and I just started playing pickle ball a couple years ago. We are constantly laughing over the terminology and this book brings it! I enjoyed Alecia Monroe the main character who is actually crushing on someone in the office who signed up to play pickle ball so of course she signups up as well. Yeah she doesn’t know anything about pickle ball. Her and her friend decide to take a couple lessons. All I can say is you will want to read what happens, I did give a bit of a teaser in the first two sentences. I’m looking forward to reading the next one. It is clean no cursing, only a bit of spicy innuendo but still clean.
I got this ARC through BookSirens as part of the review team for the book. This is my honest opinion, which who else’s would it be. I’m not a robot!
I got this ARC through BookSirens as part of the review team for the book. This is my honest opinion, which who else’s would it be. I’m not a robot!
March 31, 2026
Short and sweet
April 13, 2026
this was so refreshing 😌 funny and cute, short and sweet. A great little read!
November 8, 2025
Despite the fact I wanted this to be a full-length novel (with the depth and character development to accompany it), it was a fun read! I have never even seen or heard of pickleball romcoms so that was fresh. Hence, I enjoyed the storyline too much to feel satisfied with 170ish pages!!
November 5, 2025
Actually I am doubting between 4,5 and 5 stars but...
This is light reading, book that you can finish within few hours. Funny, little bit predictable but still you just cannot stop reading it.
For the ones who never heard of pickleball and doesn't know terms and/or rules it could be harder to follow (at least it was for me) but it is an opportunity to learn about new sport. 😉
I am looking forward to next book in series.
This is light reading, book that you can finish within few hours. Funny, little bit predictable but still you just cannot stop reading it.
For the ones who never heard of pickleball and doesn't know terms and/or rules it could be harder to follow (at least it was for me) but it is an opportunity to learn about new sport. 😉
I am looking forward to next book in series.
April 30, 2026
Grumpy x sunshine is my absolute favorite trope and this book delivered exactly what I wanted 😭💛
Calder being all grumpy and guarded while clearly caring more than he lets on just worked.
My only wish was that I wished we had the Male’s POV.
Calder being all grumpy and guarded while clearly caring more than he lets on just worked.
My only wish was that I wished we had the Male’s POV.
October 29, 2025
This book was waaaayyyy to short to be THAT GOOD. I am yet again falling in love with the characters and am on the lookout for when the next book drops!!! Everyone should pick up this book immediately!!
October 24, 2025
The Big Dink, the Big Laughs, and the Big Feels
What a fun and refreshing story! The Big Dink had me hooked from the first chapter. Cynthia Gunderson's writing is sharp and witty and her characters feel like people you actually know - they're messy, funny and real. It's one of those books that has humor, heart and just the right touch of chaos. I didn't want this book to end! Totally recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What a fun and refreshing story! The Big Dink had me hooked from the first chapter. Cynthia Gunderson's writing is sharp and witty and her characters feel like people you actually know - they're messy, funny and real. It's one of those books that has humor, heart and just the right touch of chaos. I didn't want this book to end! Totally recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 23, 2025
The Big Dink is a fun, flirty pickleball sports romance that brings the steam while keeping the door closed. It’s a quick, easy read—perfect for devouring in one sitting. I loved that pickleball was front and center; I even learned a few things along the way. It was a refreshing change from the usual sports romances.
I related so much to Alecia and her feelings of being too much—too loud, too talkative, too expressive. I appreciated that she didn’t ignore the red flags and was able to recognize the kind of relationship she truly wanted and deserved. The way she handled things at the end showed real courage and maturity. Her inner dialogue had me laughing out loud more than once.
I really liked Calder, though I wish we’d gotten to know him a bit more. I would have loved more insight into what he was thinking and feeling. I enjoyed the slow burn, but once things shifted, I found myself wishing we had more time to see the relationship develop before the story wrapped up. Calder and Alecia had great chemistry— I especially enjoyed their texts — and a few moments had me nearly blushing.
I was quickly invested in Alecia, Calder, and the entire cast of side characters, leaving me wishing for a little more time with everyone. I already can’t wait to read Sam and Justin’s story.
If you’re looking for a fade to black/ closed-door sports romance with playful banter, strong chemistry, and a low time commitment, this series starter is an easy addition to your TBR.
✨Includes:✨
Grumpy/ Sunshine
Pickleball Romance
He Gives Her Lessons
She Asks Him For Dating Advice
Found Family
Single POV
Novella Length
Fade To Black
Suggestive Humor
Thank you Cynthia Gunderson and BookSirens for the gifted ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I related so much to Alecia and her feelings of being too much—too loud, too talkative, too expressive. I appreciated that she didn’t ignore the red flags and was able to recognize the kind of relationship she truly wanted and deserved. The way she handled things at the end showed real courage and maturity. Her inner dialogue had me laughing out loud more than once.
I really liked Calder, though I wish we’d gotten to know him a bit more. I would have loved more insight into what he was thinking and feeling. I enjoyed the slow burn, but once things shifted, I found myself wishing we had more time to see the relationship develop before the story wrapped up. Calder and Alecia had great chemistry— I especially enjoyed their texts — and a few moments had me nearly blushing.
I was quickly invested in Alecia, Calder, and the entire cast of side characters, leaving me wishing for a little more time with everyone. I already can’t wait to read Sam and Justin’s story.
If you’re looking for a fade to black/ closed-door sports romance with playful banter, strong chemistry, and a low time commitment, this series starter is an easy addition to your TBR.
✨Includes:✨
Grumpy/ Sunshine
Pickleball Romance
He Gives Her Lessons
She Asks Him For Dating Advice
Found Family
Single POV
Novella Length
Fade To Black
Suggestive Humor
Thank you Cynthia Gunderson and BookSirens for the gifted ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 6, 2026
The game of pickleball would be the backdrop of a great romance. Who would have thought that complex peddle board game would become a place of romance between Alecia and Calder. This novella was cute and adorable. It is a light, quick and easy read. The romance is accompanied by a good amount of humor, a bit of sass sprinkled throughout, the flirty banter, and sizzling tension attraction that has you in a chock hold! Alecia, a stunner in her 20s, has a huge office crush on her boss Garrett and she has notes full of his tells. Now she just needs to figure out how to get his attention and a company pickleball night could be the answer. She hires a coach by the name Calder to help improve and impress her chances to bag her boss. However! However, once Calder showed up, showed his hit grumpy self, it wasn't difficult to remain on team Garrett! There were so many sweet moments between Alecia and Calder that were cute. I loved all the characters and their personalities in the story. My top three are Alecia, Calder and Alecia’s best friend Sam. I unwilling even got to learn a tad about a sport that I know nothing about and never will. The story had me laughing the whole time. Cynthia Gunderson did a beautiful and wonderful job with writing and expressing everything into this fun story.
December 13, 2025
Another quick and easy read with plenty going on to get you hooked from Cynthia Gunderson!
I think I have now read every book and eagerly await new ARCs and audiobooks on various platforms!!
Alecia has a huge crush on her boss and knows more about him than she cares to let on, including his liking of pickleball so how else to get herself on his radar than to go and take up pickleball herself!
With the help of best friend Sam, they take some lessons with Calder, the grumpy coach - however before long its Calder that is on her mind and the crush on her boss seems to be fading!
I loved the switch to a new sport and am looking forward to more stories in the Smash Point Social Series! This could go in so many directions!
Thankyou again to Cynthia for writing books quicker than I can read them and for keeping me coming back for me. Thankyou to BookSirens for the ARC in return for an honest review.
This review gets a solid 4 out of 5 for me! The only thing that doesn't get it a 5 is that it follows the usual style of story for these books and was a little predictable in places.
Another great read that I would happily recommend to any enemies to lovers or hockey / sport romance fans!!
I think I have now read every book and eagerly await new ARCs and audiobooks on various platforms!!
Alecia has a huge crush on her boss and knows more about him than she cares to let on, including his liking of pickleball so how else to get herself on his radar than to go and take up pickleball herself!
With the help of best friend Sam, they take some lessons with Calder, the grumpy coach - however before long its Calder that is on her mind and the crush on her boss seems to be fading!
I loved the switch to a new sport and am looking forward to more stories in the Smash Point Social Series! This could go in so many directions!
Thankyou again to Cynthia for writing books quicker than I can read them and for keeping me coming back for me. Thankyou to BookSirens for the ARC in return for an honest review.
This review gets a solid 4 out of 5 for me! The only thing that doesn't get it a 5 is that it follows the usual style of story for these books and was a little predictable in places.
Another great read that I would happily recommend to any enemies to lovers or hockey / sport romance fans!!
April 27, 2026
Fun, quick, cute read after many my failed reading attempts. It’s a love triangle but not really. Definitely grumpy sunshine. Calder’s many names fit his personality. At first I was confused with all the names I thought Sam was a guy. It was an office romance which prolly could have ended badly if he is still your boss.
I now understand what it meant when it said closed door but steamy. It’s not terribly descriptive but you can guess what happened. One kinda funny innuendo at the end.
Def will read the next one.
Content
Descriptive kisses
Couple curse words
One kinda weird bathroom scene
Quotes
“Okay, ambushed is a strong word. He stood there with his coffee while I attempted to run him over, then stumbled over every word I said and acquired a nervous system disorder. But hey, we spoke more than two sentences!”
Sam nods in understanding. “I thought she was doing mushrooms or something. For like the first two weeks I knew her.”
Most people thought I was putting on a show, wearing a mask of toxic positivity. When Sam realized I was really just a squirrel with the attention span of a goldfish, we became fast friends.
I now understand what it meant when it said closed door but steamy. It’s not terribly descriptive but you can guess what happened. One kinda funny innuendo at the end.
Def will read the next one.
Content
Descriptive kisses
Couple curse words
One kinda weird bathroom scene
Quotes
“Okay, ambushed is a strong word. He stood there with his coffee while I attempted to run him over, then stumbled over every word I said and acquired a nervous system disorder. But hey, we spoke more than two sentences!”
Sam nods in understanding. “I thought she was doing mushrooms or something. For like the first two weeks I knew her.”
Most people thought I was putting on a show, wearing a mask of toxic positivity. When Sam realized I was really just a squirrel with the attention span of a goldfish, we became fast friends.
February 23, 2026
In this book, we follow the blossoming romance between Alecia and Calder, sparked during the pickleball lessons Alecia feels obliged to take to impress her co- work, on whom she has a not‑so‑subtle crush.
This is a fun, lighthearted story with an adorable romance set mainly across two locations: the workplace (where Alecia and Sam share their confidences and hatch plans to win over Garrett) and the Smash Point Social Club, where Alecia begins training with Calder for the company event. You don’t need to know anything about the sport to enjoy this couple’s journey. Calder is sexy hot but grumpy as Alicia is fun and extrovert but they find a way to understand each other during the late sessions.
The book is quite short, with a very fluid writing style and plenty of message exchanges between the characters. I found it very light, cute and enjoyable. And for those who become fans, a new installment is coming soon, this time following Sam’s story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a fun, lighthearted story with an adorable romance set mainly across two locations: the workplace (where Alecia and Sam share their confidences and hatch plans to win over Garrett) and the Smash Point Social Club, where Alecia begins training with Calder for the company event. You don’t need to know anything about the sport to enjoy this couple’s journey. Calder is sexy hot but grumpy as Alicia is fun and extrovert but they find a way to understand each other during the late sessions.
The book is quite short, with a very fluid writing style and plenty of message exchanges between the characters. I found it very light, cute and enjoyable. And for those who become fans, a new installment is coming soon, this time following Sam’s story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 18, 2025
This enemies to lovers story is filled with humor, snark, and sizzling attraction. Who would’ve thought pickleball would be the backdrop of a great romance.
Alecia has a huge crush on her boss Garrett and she has notes full of his tells. Now she just needs to figure out how to get his attention and a company pickleball night could be the answer.
I love Alecia’s best friend Sam, and with her help it’s not long before they’re pseudo pickleball experts and sneaking off for lessons. Sam is the kind of bestie I want; supportive, fun, and everything else a bestie should be.
Enter Calder, the annoying coach who interrupts her thoughts and continually gets in the way of her perfect plan. Why does he keep crashing the party when Garrett is her end goal?
I was given a copy courtesy of the author through BookSirens and this is my honest review of this book that drew me in with its unique style and storyline, keeping me interested to the very satisfying end.
Alecia has a huge crush on her boss Garrett and she has notes full of his tells. Now she just needs to figure out how to get his attention and a company pickleball night could be the answer.
I love Alecia’s best friend Sam, and with her help it’s not long before they’re pseudo pickleball experts and sneaking off for lessons. Sam is the kind of bestie I want; supportive, fun, and everything else a bestie should be.
Enter Calder, the annoying coach who interrupts her thoughts and continually gets in the way of her perfect plan. Why does he keep crashing the party when Garrett is her end goal?
I was given a copy courtesy of the author through BookSirens and this is my honest review of this book that drew me in with its unique style and storyline, keeping me interested to the very satisfying end.
December 2, 2025
Thank you to BookSirens for E ARC, in exchange for an honest review*
I love sports romance; there is something about those books that I can’t seem to get enough of. What I liked about The Big Dink is that it was different from the other sports romance books that I have read. There aren’t many sports books that you come across that are about pickleball. I have heard of it, but I didn’t know much about it. I felt that I knew more about it after reading the book, which made me want to read more books about this sport.
There was tension between Alecia and Calder from the moment that the two of them met. Still, based on how the two of them acted around each other, there was also a connection between the two of them. I was eager to find out what was going to happen between the two of them next. I can’t help but wonder what happened with them after that last page. I felt like the story wasn’t complete, and I was hoping maybe there would be more in the next book. I wish the book were slightly longer than it is. I couldn’t get enough of Alecia and Calder’s story, and the humor in the book made it even more interesting to read.
I loved Alecia’s best friend, Sam, and cannot wait for her story! I would highly recommend this book to any sports romance fans.
I love sports romance; there is something about those books that I can’t seem to get enough of. What I liked about The Big Dink is that it was different from the other sports romance books that I have read. There aren’t many sports books that you come across that are about pickleball. I have heard of it, but I didn’t know much about it. I felt that I knew more about it after reading the book, which made me want to read more books about this sport.
There was tension between Alecia and Calder from the moment that the two of them met. Still, based on how the two of them acted around each other, there was also a connection between the two of them. I was eager to find out what was going to happen between the two of them next. I can’t help but wonder what happened with them after that last page. I felt like the story wasn’t complete, and I was hoping maybe there would be more in the next book. I wish the book were slightly longer than it is. I couldn’t get enough of Alecia and Calder’s story, and the humor in the book made it even more interesting to read.
I loved Alecia’s best friend, Sam, and cannot wait for her story! I would highly recommend this book to any sports romance fans.
March 28, 2026
Pickleball, Plot Twists & Unexpected Feelings 🏓💛
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ½
Heat Level: 🔥
Tear Drops:
📚EBOOK📚
I picked up The Big Dink on Chirp needing something short and easy while drawing, and it delivered exactly that kind of light, feel-good vibe. This grumpy/sunshine story follows Alecia, who fakes her pickleball skills to impress her office crush Garrett—only to end up training with Calder, the grumpy, sarcastic (and way more interesting) alternative.
It’s that classic “chasing the wrong guy until the right one is right there” trope, and honestly, it works. The banter is cute, the dynamic between Alecia and Calder grows naturally, and I liked how her perception shifts as she gets to know him. The audiobook is simple with a single POV and narration, but it fits the tone of the story well.
Overall, it’s a sweet, low-angst, clean romance—nothing groundbreaking, but charming, easy to follow, and perfect for a cozy little listening session.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ½
Heat Level: 🔥
Tear Drops:
📚EBOOK📚
I picked up The Big Dink on Chirp needing something short and easy while drawing, and it delivered exactly that kind of light, feel-good vibe. This grumpy/sunshine story follows Alecia, who fakes her pickleball skills to impress her office crush Garrett—only to end up training with Calder, the grumpy, sarcastic (and way more interesting) alternative.
It’s that classic “chasing the wrong guy until the right one is right there” trope, and honestly, it works. The banter is cute, the dynamic between Alecia and Calder grows naturally, and I liked how her perception shifts as she gets to know him. The audiobook is simple with a single POV and narration, but it fits the tone of the story well.
Overall, it’s a sweet, low-angst, clean romance—nothing groundbreaking, but charming, easy to follow, and perfect for a cozy little listening session.
May 1, 2026
What I think about this book? I am glad you asked! What I got was a whole lot of frustration and one man carrying the entire story on his back.✌🏻
Alecia genuinely tested my patience. I tried, I really did, but the constant self deprecation mixed with this supposed bubbly personality just did not land. It felt contradictory in a way that never became layered or interesting, just repetitive. Every time she put herself down, I found myself checking out more instead of rooting for her.
Calder, on the other hand, deserved better. He is the only reason I didn’t DNF. He had presence, actual personality, and moments where I thought okay, here we go, this could turn around. But no. He was stuck doing all the heavy lifting while the rest of the story lagged behind him.
By the end, I was mostly annoyed and a little disappointed because the premise had potential. It just never came together.
1/5 ⭐️ One star, and honestly that star belongs to Calder.
Alecia genuinely tested my patience. I tried, I really did, but the constant self deprecation mixed with this supposed bubbly personality just did not land. It felt contradictory in a way that never became layered or interesting, just repetitive. Every time she put herself down, I found myself checking out more instead of rooting for her.
Calder, on the other hand, deserved better. He is the only reason I didn’t DNF. He had presence, actual personality, and moments where I thought okay, here we go, this could turn around. But no. He was stuck doing all the heavy lifting while the rest of the story lagged behind him.
By the end, I was mostly annoyed and a little disappointed because the premise had potential. It just never came together.
1/5 ⭐️ One star, and honestly that star belongs to Calder.
November 23, 2025
4 ½ Stars
This was a really cute book! It is a light, quick and easy read. It took me a few chapters to get into the story and at times, the pickleball information was a little much for me.
I thought that Alecia was a great FMC. She was definitely in her head a lot, her inner dialogue was hilarious and she was very relatable. Calder was a great MMC and was definitely the grumpy to Alecia's sunshine.
There isn't a lot of angst or drama in this one. I'm also glad it didn't take our girl long to figure out who & what she wanted.
I would've loved an epilogue to see how the happy couple is doing in the future but maybe we'll get a peek at them in the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I will definitely be checking out Sam's story. She was an excellent BFF and I'm looking forward to seeing how her story turns out.
This was a really cute book! It is a light, quick and easy read. It took me a few chapters to get into the story and at times, the pickleball information was a little much for me.
I thought that Alecia was a great FMC. She was definitely in her head a lot, her inner dialogue was hilarious and she was very relatable. Calder was a great MMC and was definitely the grumpy to Alecia's sunshine.
There isn't a lot of angst or drama in this one. I'm also glad it didn't take our girl long to figure out who & what she wanted.
I would've loved an epilogue to see how the happy couple is doing in the future but maybe we'll get a peek at them in the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I will definitely be checking out Sam's story. She was an excellent BFF and I'm looking forward to seeing how her story turns out.
December 25, 2025
💛 Book Review 💛
4⭐ 1🌶️
Why is this so short? I could have read 600 pages of this story! Both the main characters and the side characters were fabulous and I loved them all. The story was fabulous and the quasi love.triangle aspect was both angsty and funny. Mind you most of this story is a bit of a giggle and I loved it.
While this is a single POV from the female MC's point of view, I both loved and hated this because I wanted to hear from the MMC POV because this man has layers and walls that I wanted to know more about. However, not hearing the MMCs POV also made the plot more interesting in some aspects were a surprise and that was also fabulous. Truthfully, I love this short read and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Big thanks to Book Sirens and Cynthia Gunderson for a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
4⭐ 1🌶️
Why is this so short? I could have read 600 pages of this story! Both the main characters and the side characters were fabulous and I loved them all. The story was fabulous and the quasi love.triangle aspect was both angsty and funny. Mind you most of this story is a bit of a giggle and I loved it.
While this is a single POV from the female MC's point of view, I both loved and hated this because I wanted to hear from the MMC POV because this man has layers and walls that I wanted to know more about. However, not hearing the MMCs POV also made the plot more interesting in some aspects were a surprise and that was also fabulous. Truthfully, I love this short read and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Big thanks to Book Sirens and Cynthia Gunderson for a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
March 8, 2026
A Pickleball RomCom
A quick read for a sports romance with humor and a bit of sass.
I have played tennis so pickleball should be easy to pick up in a few weeks right? When Alecia's office posts about weekly company nights, she looks at this as an opportunity for her boss, Garrett, to finally notice her. She finds lessons are warranted so that she doesn’t look like a complete fool. Enter Calder who takes over her lesson and sparks fly when she attempts to get rid of his scowl. Is my goal just to learn how to perfect the dink or much more? Alecia’s quest to be seen takes an unexpected detour. Was she seeing things clearly or was it just an office crush? Gunderson takes the messy parts of life to the forefront. A lighthearted fun read that can be devoured in one sitting and leaves you wanting more.
I received an ARC and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A quick read for a sports romance with humor and a bit of sass.
I have played tennis so pickleball should be easy to pick up in a few weeks right? When Alecia's office posts about weekly company nights, she looks at this as an opportunity for her boss, Garrett, to finally notice her. She finds lessons are warranted so that she doesn’t look like a complete fool. Enter Calder who takes over her lesson and sparks fly when she attempts to get rid of his scowl. Is my goal just to learn how to perfect the dink or much more? Alecia’s quest to be seen takes an unexpected detour. Was she seeing things clearly or was it just an office crush? Gunderson takes the messy parts of life to the forefront. A lighthearted fun read that can be devoured in one sitting and leaves you wanting more.
I received an ARC and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 22, 2026
Rate: ⭐️⭐️💫
2.75 — I WAS ON THE FENCE
This book had moments I liked, but overall I struggled. It didn’t fully work for me, though I can see how others might enjoy it.
Spicy: 🌶️
1 Pepper — Barely There
• Fade-to-black or very mild
• Mostly kisses / longing
• Romance-first, spice is minimal
Format: 🎧
Review:
I’m sitting at a solid 2.75 ⭐ rating… and honestly, the only reason it didn’t drop lower is because of Calder. That man CARRIED the book lol.
I went in expecting a fun sports romance, but it just didn’t fully land for me. Alecia had hardcore pick-me vibes, plus her personality was a tad much for me, which made it hard for me to stay invested in the love story… But Calder?? Mr. Grumpy pants? Yeah… he was IT.
Overall, cute story idea. Not terrible, but not a hit for me. I most likely will NOT be continuing the mini-series.
2.75 — I WAS ON THE FENCE
This book had moments I liked, but overall I struggled. It didn’t fully work for me, though I can see how others might enjoy it.
Spicy: 🌶️
1 Pepper — Barely There
• Fade-to-black or very mild
• Mostly kisses / longing
• Romance-first, spice is minimal
Format: 🎧
Review:
I’m sitting at a solid 2.75 ⭐ rating… and honestly, the only reason it didn’t drop lower is because of Calder. That man CARRIED the book lol.
I went in expecting a fun sports romance, but it just didn’t fully land for me. Alecia had hardcore pick-me vibes, plus her personality was a tad much for me, which made it hard for me to stay invested in the love story… But Calder?? Mr. Grumpy pants? Yeah… he was IT.
Overall, cute story idea. Not terrible, but not a hit for me. I most likely will NOT be continuing the mini-series.
October 25, 2025
Cute, Clean, Fun Read - Especially if You Play Pickleball
This book was very fun and relatable, because the characters definitely seem like friends we all have - working hard, trying to meet people and make good impressions, with embarrassing crushes, and trying to live their best lives on limited budgets. And if you have ever played (or tried!?) pickleball it truly is fun for all ages and abilities so the their "court trials and tribulations" were also relatable. The book was well written, moved quickly and I couldn't put it down - read it in one day. I can't wait to read Sam's story - Enjoy!
I was sent an ARC by the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This book was very fun and relatable, because the characters definitely seem like friends we all have - working hard, trying to meet people and make good impressions, with embarrassing crushes, and trying to live their best lives on limited budgets. And if you have ever played (or tried!?) pickleball it truly is fun for all ages and abilities so the their "court trials and tribulations" were also relatable. The book was well written, moved quickly and I couldn't put it down - read it in one day. I can't wait to read Sam's story - Enjoy!
I was sent an ARC by the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
November 21, 2025
I know nothing about pickleball, but I know a good book when I read it and this is a good book!!!
Have you ever had a crush on someone for a long time, and they were oblivious?? Well that’s exactly what happened to Alecia. She had the biggest crush and Garrett was clueless. So when there was a signup sheet for a company mixer to play pickleball and Alecia saw Garrett’s name on the list….of course she was joining!!
But first… she must learn how to play!!
And boy did she learn!! Not only about the balls, the paddles, and the lingo, but also about the boys, and better yet, about herself!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Have you ever had a crush on someone for a long time, and they were oblivious?? Well that’s exactly what happened to Alecia. She had the biggest crush and Garrett was clueless. So when there was a signup sheet for a company mixer to play pickleball and Alecia saw Garrett’s name on the list….of course she was joining!!
But first… she must learn how to play!!
And boy did she learn!! Not only about the balls, the paddles, and the lingo, but also about the boys, and better yet, about herself!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 3, 2025
Alecia is such a ray of sunshine. I know why Sam is her best friend and how they complement each other. And I know, too, how it feels to lose the magic we have held for so long for a man that turned out not to be the one for us.
So Calder fits just right with her: he's the kind of man who commits, who makes you feel safe, heard, who doesn't patronize you, who presents himself as true as he can, and doesn't flinch when conflict arrives. He's confident and knows how to play the long game to get the girl of his dreams. And most importantly, he makes you feel like you are the greatest human being. I loved reading Alecia and Calder’s HEA.
So Calder fits just right with her: he's the kind of man who commits, who makes you feel safe, heard, who doesn't patronize you, who presents himself as true as he can, and doesn't flinch when conflict arrives. He's confident and knows how to play the long game to get the girl of his dreams. And most importantly, he makes you feel like you are the greatest human being. I loved reading Alecia and Calder’s HEA.
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