The Big Dink: A grumpy sunshine, enemies to lovers, clean sports romance.

by Cynthia Gunderson

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

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, Sports, Sports Romance

171 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

Reviews

[Leticia🌻 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Rechal · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Francy Saa · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Serena Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Caroline Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!!

[Tanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Leané · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!

[WAReading250 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Nicole Rainey · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Steff Gwilliam-Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!!

[Anna B · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Anna Morelock · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Loki · Rating 4 out of 5]

💛 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.

[Lisa Benison · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jenny Lynn Curry · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pickleball was the draw, but Alecia's humour and personality won the game. Once Calder showed up, showed his grumpy self, it wasn't difficult to remain on team Garrett. However, can he change and open her eyes?
Cynthia Gunder kept me entertained with all the banter back and forth, but it was the round-robin that introduced the seriousness.
If you're looking for a fun, uplifting book, you have not landed here by chance, but I'm glad I did. I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Teon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is a great read! Not only did I laugh a lot, I was smiling throughout. I must say I received this gem of a book in order for me to give my honest thoughts and opinions about it. Alecia is a 20-something who has a quite youngish office crush on Garrett, who may be a bit of a player. In an effort to make Garrett interested in her, she embarks on a crash course to learn pickleball so she can participate in an office meet up game. Calder is the pickleball coach who shows her not only the game but also how she should be treated by a man. There is some slow burn between the two that opens Alecia eyes. Such a great book!

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is certainly a unique story. I don't know much about pickleball, so I thought I would read about it. The beginning of the book is scattered and shows all of Alecia's most annoying characteristics. It took several chapters for her to behave like a real person and for the story pacing to smooth out. I was glad that I stayed with the book because I enjoyed Alecia and Calder's exchanges as the story progressed. They were pretty funny.

[blinkwithbrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the e-arc*

Tropes:

Grumpy/sunshine

Found Family

Clean Romance

PICKLEBALL

Okay this is my first ever pickleball romance book and I loved everyyyy second of it! Calder is the exact level of grumpy that I love!!

The way he takes care of the FMC is chef’s kiss.

I was so giddy over reading this book and it’s perfectly short if you’re trying to finish your goodreads goal!

I will definitely be picking up more by this author soon!

[Jenny Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilariously fun! I cried literal tears of laughter a few times, gasped many times, and got *chills* at a certain scene 😉 IYKYK! I am a pickleball player and actually work in the pickleball club that I believe inspired this book, so it was so much fun to read it while I was in the pickleball club! Such a fun, would ride! I listened to the audiobook so it was so much fun having Cindy read it TO me!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just say, I HATE Pickle Ball, and totally thought this was a tennis story... However, I loved it anyways! I really loved Alecia as a FMC. She was fun and interesting. I really liked how mysterious Calder was and how his subtleness was so romantic and really outshined Garrett! I like that she could be herself and learned not to change. This was such a fun read. Thank you!

[Erika Anestedt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much, just wish it was longer ❤️

[K.M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved their Dynamic, Tharn got me giggling

[Emily P · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute PG romance and I actually learnt about Pickleball

[Jenny Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, entertaining read, especially if you play pickleball. Loved the characters and story.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it but the end need more

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook
Good book, learned about pickleball. Good visual description. I could really picture the place.

[Fernanda M.A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was unfamiliar with the game and had to do my own research, just like the protagonist.


I enjoyed it, but I felt the characters and plot needed a bit more development. The romance was practically nonexistent, and that was the weak point, preventing me from giving it 5 stars.