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Getting Pickled
Banger? I don't even know her!
Willow Blackburn is an independent, freelance graphic designer, content to keep her small, trusted circle of friends.
Luca Giordano works an unfulfilling corporate job that leaves him yearning for a greater purpose in life.
Both find enjoyment in playing pickleball, and they just so happen to live in the same neighborhood in the city of Athens, Illinois, which hosts a wildly popular mixed doubles pickleball tournament every year called The Pickle Bowl. Unfortunately, they got off on the wrong foot on what Willow calls “the worst Tinder date in history,” and the reason she has sworn off dating forever.
When Willow’s partner for the tournament succumbs to injury, she finds herself in quite a pickle. Especially when Luca is named as her new partner.
The two of them must find a way to work together as a team if they want a shot at winning. Perhaps they will learn they are not so different after all, and that by opening themselves up to one another their painful pasts do not have to define their future.
Find out what happens in this spicy pickleball romance!
Willow Blackburn is an independent, freelance graphic designer, content to keep her small, trusted circle of friends.
Luca Giordano works an unfulfilling corporate job that leaves him yearning for a greater purpose in life.
Both find enjoyment in playing pickleball, and they just so happen to live in the same neighborhood in the city of Athens, Illinois, which hosts a wildly popular mixed doubles pickleball tournament every year called The Pickle Bowl. Unfortunately, they got off on the wrong foot on what Willow calls “the worst Tinder date in history,” and the reason she has sworn off dating forever.
When Willow’s partner for the tournament succumbs to injury, she finds herself in quite a pickle. Especially when Luca is named as her new partner.
The two of them must find a way to work together as a team if they want a shot at winning. Perhaps they will learn they are not so different after all, and that by opening themselves up to one another their painful pasts do not have to define their future.
Find out what happens in this spicy pickleball romance!
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2025
4 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 8, 2025
A breath of fresh air! Excellent debut novel. Easiest five stars
I thoroughly enjoyed how easy this was to read. Were a few parts predictable? Sure; and there were several things that weren’t. Details were not missed and everything comes full circle in the end. The spice, was spicy and the cheese, was cheesy - a perfect balance!
THANK YOU Allison for the opportunity to read and review your book in advance of it's release - it was truly an honour!
Some of my favourite highlights:
“You don’t need anyone to take care of you, but you think it might be nice to have someone alongside you, where you both take care of each other. Not out of obligation, but just because you want them to feel loved.”
Jesus take the wheel. This woman is going to be the death of me.
“What if I don’t want you to be a gentleman? What if I want you to say every nasty thought swimming around in that pretty head of yours and command me until I’m a whimpering mess for you?”
I don't let people take care of me often. I’m not used to anyone doing things for me that I’m fully capable of doing myself, let alone enjoying it. Is this what it’s supposed to be like?
“You are my home.”
I thoroughly enjoyed how easy this was to read. Were a few parts predictable? Sure; and there were several things that weren’t. Details were not missed and everything comes full circle in the end. The spice, was spicy and the cheese, was cheesy - a perfect balance!
THANK YOU Allison for the opportunity to read and review your book in advance of it's release - it was truly an honour!
Some of my favourite highlights:
“You don’t need anyone to take care of you, but you think it might be nice to have someone alongside you, where you both take care of each other. Not out of obligation, but just because you want them to feel loved.”
Jesus take the wheel. This woman is going to be the death of me.
“What if I don’t want you to be a gentleman? What if I want you to say every nasty thought swimming around in that pretty head of yours and command me until I’m a whimpering mess for you?”
I don't let people take care of me often. I’m not used to anyone doing things for me that I’m fully capable of doing myself, let alone enjoying it. Is this what it’s supposed to be like?
“You are my home.”
October 11, 2025
📖 Book Review: Getting Pickled
ARC gifted by: @authorallisonrayne
Getting Pickled by Allison Rayne is the kind of rom-com that sneaks up on you — full of laughter, heart, and just enough spice to keep things interesting. 🎾✨ This was such a refreshing read that blended humor, tension, and vulnerability perfectly.
If you love enemies-to-lovers, second chances, and that irresistible forced proximity setup, you’re in for such a treat.
Add pickleball partners, golden retriever x black cat energy, and a wholesome found family dynamic, and you have a story that’s both entertaining and emotionally grounded.
From playful banter to meaningful growth, every chapter pulled me in a little more.
Between work, family, and life’s endless to-do lists, I often look for stories that make me feel light again — and this one did exactly that. It was the kind of book that reminded me why I adore romance: the healing that comes through connection, the messy yet beautiful way love can rebuild after hurt, and the comfort of knowing you’re not alone in your struggles. The mental health representation was thoughtful and sincere, making the story even more powerful. 💖
Allison Rayne’s writing shines with warmth and wit. Her characters felt real and imperfect in the best ways — the kind of people you want to root for and maybe even grab coffee (or a pickleball paddle 🏓) with.
The chemistry was genuine, the slow-burn tension delicious, and the open-door spice added just the right amount of heat without overshadowing the heart of the story. 🌶️
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heartfelt, funny, and full of charm, Getting Pickled proves that sometimes love finds you in the most unexpected places — even on the court. 🎾💞
ARC gifted by: @authorallisonrayne
Getting Pickled by Allison Rayne is the kind of rom-com that sneaks up on you — full of laughter, heart, and just enough spice to keep things interesting. 🎾✨ This was such a refreshing read that blended humor, tension, and vulnerability perfectly.
If you love enemies-to-lovers, second chances, and that irresistible forced proximity setup, you’re in for such a treat.
Add pickleball partners, golden retriever x black cat energy, and a wholesome found family dynamic, and you have a story that’s both entertaining and emotionally grounded.
From playful banter to meaningful growth, every chapter pulled me in a little more.
Between work, family, and life’s endless to-do lists, I often look for stories that make me feel light again — and this one did exactly that. It was the kind of book that reminded me why I adore romance: the healing that comes through connection, the messy yet beautiful way love can rebuild after hurt, and the comfort of knowing you’re not alone in your struggles. The mental health representation was thoughtful and sincere, making the story even more powerful. 💖
Allison Rayne’s writing shines with warmth and wit. Her characters felt real and imperfect in the best ways — the kind of people you want to root for and maybe even grab coffee (or a pickleball paddle 🏓) with.
The chemistry was genuine, the slow-burn tension delicious, and the open-door spice added just the right amount of heat without overshadowing the heart of the story. 🌶️
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heartfelt, funny, and full of charm, Getting Pickled proves that sometimes love finds you in the most unexpected places — even on the court. 🎾💞
September 25, 2025
ARC Review!
I really enjoyed this book. Easy to read even if you know nothing about pickleball. Great friendships, relatable and engaging interesting. Love interest was great, with enough drama and passion, loved the spicy parts.
Overall 4star from me. Only because I felt a few bits were predictable but I still loved it.
Looking forward to reading the next one
I really enjoyed this book. Easy to read even if you know nothing about pickleball. Great friendships, relatable and engaging interesting. Love interest was great, with enough drama and passion, loved the spicy parts.
Overall 4star from me. Only because I felt a few bits were predictable but I still loved it.
Looking forward to reading the next one
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews