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Smash Point Social Club #3
The Hot Shot
She should've known she was playing with fire.
Rachel never teaches outside of her pickleball club, but when a determined eight-year-old walks in wanting lessons, she makes a mistake. His dad, Jake, won't commit to their schedule, plus the fitness app she works for is desperate for competitive content.
Now she's teaching pickleball at a firehouse court, getting way too attached to this kid, and being dragged into late-night poker games with Jake and the rest of his crew.
The worst part? She's starting to like it. She's starting to like him.
But Rachel doesn't play games she can't win. Unlike Jake, she doesn't take risks with her life or her heart, and when she finds out the truth about Jake's last three years? About why he became a firefighter and why he battles for his son?
She wants to high-tail it out of there.
But she still has a month of lessons, and the longer she stays, the harder it is to remember that this is only supposed to be a temporary deal…
This is a clean romantic comedy
Grumpy firefighter single dad Sunshine pickleball instructor Found Family Kid matchmaker
Rachel never teaches outside of her pickleball club, but when a determined eight-year-old walks in wanting lessons, she makes a mistake. His dad, Jake, won't commit to their schedule, plus the fitness app she works for is desperate for competitive content.
Now she's teaching pickleball at a firehouse court, getting way too attached to this kid, and being dragged into late-night poker games with Jake and the rest of his crew.
The worst part? She's starting to like it. She's starting to like him.
But Rachel doesn't play games she can't win. Unlike Jake, she doesn't take risks with her life or her heart, and when she finds out the truth about Jake's last three years? About why he became a firefighter and why he battles for his son?
She wants to high-tail it out of there.
But she still has a month of lessons, and the longer she stays, the harder it is to remember that this is only supposed to be a temporary deal…
This is a clean romantic comedy
Grumpy firefighter single dad Sunshine pickleball instructor Found Family Kid matchmaker
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 7, 2026
3,5⭐
This is one of the shortest books I've read this year, under 200 pages, and yet it has delivered plenty of layghs, drama, some sad moments, romance, and found family... Yes, all in 165 pages, and it doesn't feel rushed at all.
It's the third book in the series, but they can be read as standalones since each one focuses on a different couple; I started with this one and had no issues at all to understand.
To begin with, can we talk about the slow burn? It blew my mind. Since it's such a short book, I thought things might move faster, but nope, not at all. I was so invested in every tiny touch or banter between them, they felt as intense as a kiss.
Jake is a serious and grumpy character, though that's understandable given what he has been through, and anyways he has such cute moments too; also his relationship with his son, Colton, is incredibly sweet. I loved every moment they spent together.
Speaking of Colton, I adored every single scene he was in; even though he is a kid starting as teenager, he's surprisingly clued in and, of course, he was the first one to be completely charmed by the main character.
As for Rachel, she is much more open, though I would have liked to know a bit more about her past. I say this without full knowledge, of course, since perhaps more details are given in the previous books.
And can we talk about Darryl?! And all the other firefighters? What an amazing group of friends and found family they have there; I fell in love with all of them, ALL of them.
Getting back to Darryl, because it is absolutely necessary, what a man he is. At first, I wasn´t too keen on him for a specific reason, but after discovering the things he'd been keeping to himself...
I really hope I get to read a book about him where he ends up truly happy.
Finally, having the actual text messages included on the pages always earns extra points; plus, I learned about the sport, pickleball, I had no idea of its existence. I have to admit I still don't fully get it, but I found it pretty interesting.
I also forgot to mention that I want more of Colton's grandma, that lady seems like an angel.
So yeah, what more could you want? It's a short book, I read it in two afternoons, and that was only because I didn't have much time the day I started it. It has romance, sports, firefighters, lots of firefighters, no fragil masculinities, and nothing but green flags. Just saying.
It's one of those entertaining, lighthearted books that are fun to read and that help you switch off for a while.
Thanks to the author, Cynthia Gunderson, a to Booksirens for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of the shortest books I've read this year, under 200 pages, and yet it has delivered plenty of layghs, drama, some sad moments, romance, and found family... Yes, all in 165 pages, and it doesn't feel rushed at all.
It's the third book in the series, but they can be read as standalones since each one focuses on a different couple; I started with this one and had no issues at all to understand.
To begin with, can we talk about the slow burn? It blew my mind. Since it's such a short book, I thought things might move faster, but nope, not at all. I was so invested in every tiny touch or banter between them, they felt as intense as a kiss.
Jake is a serious and grumpy character, though that's understandable given what he has been through, and anyways he has such cute moments too; also his relationship with his son, Colton, is incredibly sweet. I loved every moment they spent together.
Speaking of Colton, I adored every single scene he was in; even though he is a kid starting as teenager, he's surprisingly clued in and, of course, he was the first one to be completely charmed by the main character.
As for Rachel, she is much more open, though I would have liked to know a bit more about her past. I say this without full knowledge, of course, since perhaps more details are given in the previous books.
And can we talk about Darryl?! And all the other firefighters? What an amazing group of friends and found family they have there; I fell in love with all of them, ALL of them.
Getting back to Darryl, because it is absolutely necessary, what a man he is. At first, I wasn´t too keen on him for a specific reason, but after discovering the things he'd been keeping to himself...
I really hope I get to read a book about him where he ends up truly happy.
Finally, having the actual text messages included on the pages always earns extra points; plus, I learned about the sport, pickleball, I had no idea of its existence. I have to admit I still don't fully get it, but I found it pretty interesting.
I also forgot to mention that I want more of Colton's grandma, that lady seems like an angel.
So yeah, what more could you want? It's a short book, I read it in two afternoons, and that was only because I didn't have much time the day I started it. It has romance, sports, firefighters, lots of firefighters, no fragil masculinities, and nothing but green flags. Just saying.
It's one of those entertaining, lighthearted books that are fun to read and that help you switch off for a while.
Thanks to the author, Cynthia Gunderson, a to Booksirens for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2026
4.5/5
The Hot Shot is book 3 in the smash point social club series. In this book, we follow Rachel, a pickleball instructor at Smash Point, as she meets Jake, a single dad, firefighter, whose son is obsessed with pickleball. Similarly to the other books written by Cynthia Gunderson, the romance is very cute with many funny, laugh out loud moments. Although Rachel did not have the best story, the other characters in the book, including, Jake, Colton and the rest of the firefighters were very fun and interesting. Would love to read a spinoff series featuring the firefighters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Hot Shot is book 3 in the smash point social club series. In this book, we follow Rachel, a pickleball instructor at Smash Point, as she meets Jake, a single dad, firefighter, whose son is obsessed with pickleball. Similarly to the other books written by Cynthia Gunderson, the romance is very cute with many funny, laugh out loud moments. Although Rachel did not have the best story, the other characters in the book, including, Jake, Colton and the rest of the firefighters were very fun and interesting. Would love to read a spinoff series featuring the firefighters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 24, 2026
*Thank you to Book Sirens for E ARC, in exchange for an honest review*
What a heartwarming story!
I’m officially in love with this series. I read the first book, The Big Dink, last year, followed by the second book earlier this year. It seems that I can’t get enough of this series. I didn’t think I could fall more in love with the series until I read Rachel’s story in Hot Shot. The chemistry between Rachel and Jake was instant – even if the two of them tried to deny it. I understood why Jake was the way that he was, considering what happened in his past. However, I hoped that he would realize that it’s okay to move on.
Rachel, you couldn’t help but love that girl. The way that she was with Jake’s son, Colton. Also, the way she knew how to stand up for herself. I loved the description of pickleball when Rachel was teaching. I felt as if I was there, as if she was teaching me. Since starting this series, I have felt like I learned so much about pickleball, and I have become fascinated by it.
There were some hard topics in the book, and I liked how the characters handled them. I also enjoyed the bond that Rachel created with the rest of the firefighters. I couldn’t get enough of this book; I couldn’t put it down. I do wish these books were a little longer, only because I get so attached to the characters and don’t want to let go. Highly recommended for sports romance fans.
What a heartwarming story!
I’m officially in love with this series. I read the first book, The Big Dink, last year, followed by the second book earlier this year. It seems that I can’t get enough of this series. I didn’t think I could fall more in love with the series until I read Rachel’s story in Hot Shot. The chemistry between Rachel and Jake was instant – even if the two of them tried to deny it. I understood why Jake was the way that he was, considering what happened in his past. However, I hoped that he would realize that it’s okay to move on.
Rachel, you couldn’t help but love that girl. The way that she was with Jake’s son, Colton. Also, the way she knew how to stand up for herself. I loved the description of pickleball when Rachel was teaching. I felt as if I was there, as if she was teaching me. Since starting this series, I have felt like I learned so much about pickleball, and I have become fascinated by it.
There were some hard topics in the book, and I liked how the characters handled them. I also enjoyed the bond that Rachel created with the rest of the firefighters. I couldn’t get enough of this book; I couldn’t put it down. I do wish these books were a little longer, only because I get so attached to the characters and don’t want to let go. Highly recommended for sports romance fans.
June 14, 2026
3.5 stars
Super cute, short book.
Single dad & spunky pickleball instructor.
Loved all the pickleball references! And the fire station setting was fun. The 12-year old was adorable.
Side characters were supportive and fun.
Low angst. Lacked meaningful conflict, but it was still cute and fun for a short romance.
Fave part was when Rachel’s male colleague was teasing her with his hilarious title suggestions for her tutorial videos about teaching the firemen how to play pickleball. His titles were ridiculously full of innuendo and had me cracking up, esp when he added “with Rachel [whatever her last name was]!” at the end of every title, as if she’d be super proud to post these tutorials. Dying!!
P.S. Keep kids off social media. Tons of research shows how harmful it is for them in a plethora of ways. Every single parent and kid should read The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt.
Loved Jake’s stance on this. Lots of holes with Rachel’s response. 🤷♀️
Content-
Language- very limited. One or two damns and hells
Spice- this is a no-spice romance. Some kisses.
Violence- no
Substance abuse- none.
Cover- love it
POV- single POV
Cliffhanger- No
Format- Hoopla
Narration- fantastic female performance
Super cute, short book.
Single dad & spunky pickleball instructor.
Loved all the pickleball references! And the fire station setting was fun. The 12-year old was adorable.
Side characters were supportive and fun.
Low angst. Lacked meaningful conflict, but it was still cute and fun for a short romance.
Fave part was when Rachel’s male colleague was teasing her with his hilarious title suggestions for her tutorial videos about teaching the firemen how to play pickleball. His titles were ridiculously full of innuendo and had me cracking up, esp when he added “with Rachel [whatever her last name was]!” at the end of every title, as if she’d be super proud to post these tutorials. Dying!!
P.S. Keep kids off social media. Tons of research shows how harmful it is for them in a plethora of ways. Every single parent and kid should read The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt.
Loved Jake’s stance on this. Lots of holes with Rachel’s response. 🤷♀️
Content-
Language- very limited. One or two damns and hells
Spice- this is a no-spice romance. Some kisses.
Violence- no
Substance abuse- none.
Cover- love it
POV- single POV
Cliffhanger- No
Format- Hoopla
Narration- fantastic female performance
August 10, 2026
Their banter was top-notch, as with the rest of the couples in this series. The texting, Colton and Darryl helping, I loved it allllll.
The only thing I missed was a dual POV. Seeing things from Jake's POV and setting glimpses of the men watching Rachel's videos would have been amazing.
Expect:
Grumpy x Sunshine
He falls first but won't admit it
Comic relief side character who helps wingman
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The only thing I missed was a dual POV. Seeing things from Jake's POV and setting glimpses of the men watching Rachel's videos would have been amazing.
Expect:
Grumpy x Sunshine
He falls first but won't admit it
Comic relief side character who helps wingman
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 19, 2026
Clean, cute, lots of fun. I absolutely adore this!
July 13, 2026
Thoughts:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is my first Gunderson book and I wasn’t prepared for how cute it would be. First of all Colton is sooo cute and having a single dad romance may become one of my new favourite tropes because it led to both some really cute parenting moments and also some vulnerability I don’t often see in other romances. Rachel having to teach the firefighters pickleball after playing a competition with them is both cute and funny, showing the reality of social media lifestyles since we know they can play but the clips for socials don't. I also loved the water fight moment as it showed a cute and fun moment between the characters in the moment and then with Rachel editing and sharing the content later it gives us that moment with Jake’s reaction before showing how easily things can spiral when shared. Overall, I could feel the chemistry between Rachel and Jake (which was great after my last book where I couldn’t sense any for 300 pages). The book also handles grief well and it was great to see healthy male friendships being portrayed through the camaraderie with the firefighting family. I thought the ending was done in a unique way, it’s like a movie montage but with quick, time jumping chapters so we can see the development of the romance without extra details.
Favourite Quote:
“The urge to say something inspiring or somehow reassure him that it will be okay hits, but I swallow it. I hate when people do that. Sure, people are resilient and time does dull old wounds, but telling someone to look at the bright side is almost never the right answer in my experience.”
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is my first Gunderson book and I wasn’t prepared for how cute it would be. First of all Colton is sooo cute and having a single dad romance may become one of my new favourite tropes because it led to both some really cute parenting moments and also some vulnerability I don’t often see in other romances. Rachel having to teach the firefighters pickleball after playing a competition with them is both cute and funny, showing the reality of social media lifestyles since we know they can play but the clips for socials don't. I also loved the water fight moment as it showed a cute and fun moment between the characters in the moment and then with Rachel editing and sharing the content later it gives us that moment with Jake’s reaction before showing how easily things can spiral when shared. Overall, I could feel the chemistry between Rachel and Jake (which was great after my last book where I couldn’t sense any for 300 pages). The book also handles grief well and it was great to see healthy male friendships being portrayed through the camaraderie with the firefighting family. I thought the ending was done in a unique way, it’s like a movie montage but with quick, time jumping chapters so we can see the development of the romance without extra details.
Favourite Quote:
“The urge to say something inspiring or somehow reassure him that it will be okay hits, but I swallow it. I hate when people do that. Sure, people are resilient and time does dull old wounds, but telling someone to look at the bright side is almost never the right answer in my experience.”
June 27, 2026
This book was honestly so much more interesting and entertaining than I thought it was going to be. I don’t always get so deeply invested in a story that’s this short but man was I hooked on this one. I was locked in from the very start and stayed that way until the last word was read. It was so easy to relate to all of the characters in this book in one way or another. My connection to them went far beyond just Rachel or Jake. I felt so much for Colton and what he went through. And for Jake. That whole situation broke my heart into a million pieces. But watching Rachel and the firefighters be the support that both Jake and Colton need was so endearing. Rachel didn’t just offer platitudes or empty words. She supported and understood and empathized in ways others just didn’t. The connections between Rachel and Jake, and Rachel and Colton, were so genuine and sweet. There was an honest feeling of care and support. Even when someone was being a grump or a mischievous gremlin it was never malicious or done to hurt. The good hearts and beautiful soul of our two MCs had me cheering for them from the very beginning. I just wanted them to find peace and happiness, no matter what it looked like. But oh was I happy with how that ended up happening. It was perfection for them. And I have to say Colton and Darryl make the best wingmen that anyone could ask for. They know how to orchestrate a moment. Pure brilliance.
May 24, 2026
This book was so sweet and despite having minimal drama or action, I was utterly hooked. I finished the novel in one sitting. There was adorable banter and cute, heartwarming moments. The romance was definitely the focus, but there was a lot of humor and an overarching theme of found family. Even though darker topics like grief were covered, I smiled throughout the entire story and finished the book feeling happy and uplifted. However, I would've enjoyed a longer, more future-oriented epilogue as I prefer endings with an HEA rather than HFN.
Rachel was a slightly immature yet very witty character, but Jake was more grounded. I wish we would've gotten his POV in addition to Rachel's. Jake was loving, willing to admit his mistakes, and brave. His son, Colton, had a fun personality and was a significant addition to the novel, rather than a mere placeholder as in some single parent romances. I also really liked Rachel's and Jake's friends. They added some lightheartedness and rounded out the story with touches of jealousy, teasing, and emotional support.
Overall, this was an engaging and low-tension romantic comedy. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy single parent or sports-related romances. *I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Rachel was a slightly immature yet very witty character, but Jake was more grounded. I wish we would've gotten his POV in addition to Rachel's. Jake was loving, willing to admit his mistakes, and brave. His son, Colton, had a fun personality and was a significant addition to the novel, rather than a mere placeholder as in some single parent romances. I also really liked Rachel's and Jake's friends. They added some lightheartedness and rounded out the story with touches of jealousy, teasing, and emotional support.
Overall, this was an engaging and low-tension romantic comedy. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy single parent or sports-related romances. *I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
August 11, 2026
So for this book this is one of the friends that was stayed in the hotel. She is working for the pickleball place as like a private instructor for kids and this kid comes in with his dad. His dad is a firefighter and she says she'll help him get into classes and he can move up depending on a skill lover. Dad's not sure with his schedule but the boy ends up sneaking off and going to the class anyway and shows up there just in time when a kid starts choking and is able to step in. He is known as the firefighter now. The boy takes upon himself to invite the instructor to the Firehouse because he tells them that all the firemen have been watching her online videos. Pretty much because she's hot. They're having a little Firehouse tournament so she shows up there with her friend and of course with all the firefighters butts because they're kind of like sort of Pros. She finds out about this firefighter's wife had died and it's just him and his son. After a wreck and the firefighters are called away she's left with the sun and finds out that that's kind of how his mom died. She kind of helps the boy and the dad kind of move on there's a cute little scene with the water hose and the boy it's adorable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2026
I got the lovely opportunity to read, yet another, firefighter romance. Some could say that I have fallen in love with a good firefighter romacne. Cynthia Gunderson is such an amazing author, and I am forever thankful for this opportunity to ARC read for her! Jake Graham will forever have my heart, adn just about every firefighter MC in a book. I highly recommend this book, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! This book is a closed door, clean romance with mild kissing, a son who helps his dad get the girl, and a wingman of a brother-in-law.
Tropes:
-Grumpy x Sunshine
-Firefighter
-Single Dad
-Kid Matchmaker
-Pickle Ball
-Closed door romance
*Did not purchase this book, this book was recieved for free for an honest review*
Tropes:
-Grumpy x Sunshine
-Firefighter
-Single Dad
-Kid Matchmaker
-Pickle Ball
-Closed door romance
*Did not purchase this book, this book was recieved for free for an honest review*
May 29, 2026
I couldn't resist the opportunity to review this new book from Cynthia Gunderson. It arrived at the right time, after reading two suspense novels after each other, this gave me exactly what my body and brain needed. Time to just relax and let the romance lead the way.
This has also become my favourite sport in the last few months and I most whole-heartedly cheer from the chair in my home. Rachel has the ability to put all newbies, no matter their age, at ease and eager to return. Throw a first responder, Jake with his son Colton, into the mix and you have a romance that runs away with you.
I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
This has also become my favourite sport in the last few months and I most whole-heartedly cheer from the chair in my home. Rachel has the ability to put all newbies, no matter their age, at ease and eager to return. Throw a first responder, Jake with his son Colton, into the mix and you have a romance that runs away with you.
I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
July 27, 2026
Wow! So far this series is three for three, and this might just be my favorite book.
Who can resist a grumpy six foot four firefighter with an adorable twelve year old son? Obviously not Rachel.
When she gets her first glance at Jake she’s already smitten. As she gets to know him and his son Colton there’s no way she can back out of her feelings. And a few covert glances from him might just mean he returns her interest. If she’s lucky.
I love the interactions between the people at the firehouse and the ones at Smash Point. There’s humor, family, friends, and some real moments that make this book a great read. I recommend it.
Who can resist a grumpy six foot four firefighter with an adorable twelve year old son? Obviously not Rachel.
When she gets her first glance at Jake she’s already smitten. As she gets to know him and his son Colton there’s no way she can back out of her feelings. And a few covert glances from him might just mean he returns her interest. If she’s lucky.
I love the interactions between the people at the firehouse and the ones at Smash Point. There’s humor, family, friends, and some real moments that make this book a great read. I recommend it.
May 22, 2026
Another winner. This story is so cute and the supporting characters are actually the puppet masters. Jake lost his wife two years ago and now is raising his son, Colton alone. Rachel is a pickleball instructor and social media app creator. Jake seems grumpy but truly he just has his walls firmly in place to protect him. One little video of him and Rachel in a water fight goes viral and you think that’s when the chemistry started. Nope medaling fireman at play or work here. The banter so good!
May 23, 2026
Jake lost his wife two years ago and now is raising his son Colton alone. Rachel is a pickleball instructor and social media app creator. Jake seems grumpy but truly he just has his walls firmly in place to protect himself and his son. One little video of him and Rachel in a water fight goes viral and everything begins to change; but the truth is, Jake and Rachel already had amazing chemistry.
The Hot Shot is a sweet romance about two people who appear to be an unlikely pair but who really just require a little helping hand from those around them to realize they are meant to be.
The Hot Shot is a sweet romance about two people who appear to be an unlikely pair but who really just require a little helping hand from those around them to realize they are meant to be.
July 1, 2026
This is at times a bittersweet story. The MMC is trying to move on from a tragedy that occurred a few years before. The FMC is an instructor at a rec center and is quite charming. This is a single POV story. It’s a bit angsty when there seems like a competition is going on. However, I was pleasantly surprised and impressed when I found it to be something totally unexpected. I loved this story. It was relatively light-hearted and sweet. It was well written and moved along nicely. I would definitely recommend this book.
May 23, 2026
Couldn't put this down
There was so much sizzling chemistry without explicit scenes. The dialogue was so realistic that I could visualize all these fun people, and I felt like I was friends with them. I really enjoyed all the teasing about the "tiny crush" that wasn't so tiny. And the scheming and matchmaking created some very nice tension-filled moments between the main couple 🔥 There were some serious topics as well but not overly sad. I've been loving this series.
There was so much sizzling chemistry without explicit scenes. The dialogue was so realistic that I could visualize all these fun people, and I felt like I was friends with them. I really enjoyed all the teasing about the "tiny crush" that wasn't so tiny. And the scheming and matchmaking created some very nice tension-filled moments between the main couple 🔥 There were some serious topics as well but not overly sad. I've been loving this series.
May 26, 2026
I don’t know much about pickleball, but the last 3 books about Smash Point make me want to find a club near me.
I mean, single, HOT, responsible, fireman, with rippling abs and a fix-it mentality, who could want more?
This book is a quick and easy read with just a little splash of spice and a whole lot of swoon!!
I mean, single, HOT, responsible, fireman, with rippling abs and a fix-it mentality, who could want more?
This book is a quick and easy read with just a little splash of spice and a whole lot of swoon!!
June 16, 2026
Rachel runs a program for kids in pickleball. Jake is new to town and brings his son Colton to see about the program. Jake lost his wife two years ago and it is an adjustment for both of them. I really liked this book. Jake is so caring when it comes to Colton. It is fun watching Colton with Rachel. A great book about loss and living again.
July 11, 2026
obsessed with The Firefighter 🤩
Another fantastic read/listen from Cynthia Gunderson!
I seriously binged all 3 books in one day. It was that good.
I loved the banter and chemistry between Jake and Rachel. It was so natural and cute!
Colton was the best little meddler 😂
This was a well written, fun quick read!
Thank you to Booksirens for allowing me to review this book!
Another fantastic read/listen from Cynthia Gunderson!
I seriously binged all 3 books in one day. It was that good.
I loved the banter and chemistry between Jake and Rachel. It was so natural and cute!
Colton was the best little meddler 😂
This was a well written, fun quick read!
Thank you to Booksirens for allowing me to review this book!
July 20, 2026
Fun cast, good ending
The Hot Shot by Cynthia Gunderson
I really enjoyed this. The characters felt real. Camille is a minor celeb from her pickleball app. She has walls, but is ready to open up? Jake is a widower firefighter with a 12yo son, Colton, who wants to be a competitive pickleballer. Jake also has walls, but is very resistive.
The Hot Shot by Cynthia Gunderson
I really enjoyed this. The characters felt real. Camille is a minor celeb from her pickleball app. She has walls, but is ready to open up? Jake is a widower firefighter with a 12yo son, Colton, who wants to be a competitive pickleballer. Jake also has walls, but is very resistive.
May 27, 2026
This was so good!! I love Rachel and Jake. I love Colton and his sneaky ways. Great characters, great story plot! Loved this!!
I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.
I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.
June 11, 2026
I needed a sweet palate cleanser from the mafia and mc books I’ve been listening to. I loved how sweet this book was
A widower looking for love and a girl who needs to be loved. Ugh of course I’m going to devour this
A widower looking for love and a girl who needs to be loved. Ugh of course I’m going to devour this
June 20, 2026
learning
I must admit I don´t have the slightes clue about pickleball but reading this book felt like Rachel not only taught Jake´s son colton. I liked the firefighter community and how this book not only entertained me but also made me think about certain aspects of everyday life.
I must admit I don´t have the slightes clue about pickleball but reading this book felt like Rachel not only taught Jake´s son colton. I liked the firefighter community and how this book not only entertained me but also made me think about certain aspects of everyday life.
Read
May 25, 2026Such a good read. I loved the characters and plot and pretty much just everything about it. I loved the sweet wholesome story so much.
June 4, 2026
This book was really cute, a quick and easy read, and no drama.
July 26, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ / 5
so complicated, yet so swoony.
so complicated, yet so swoony.
June 20, 2026
I was super excited to read another book from the Smash Point series! Firemen are a special class of sexy in my preferences. Rachel is a pickleball coach at the Smash Point social club. Single dad, Jake brings his son , Colton, to the club looking for a new club for pickleball competitions as they had recently moved to town. What ensues is a whole bunch of “it takes a village to raise a child” and to fix up a grumpy fireman w/ a sweet and perky pickleball coach. It is really a happy and sweet relationship. This book is perfect to lift your spirits and meet a firehouse full of firemen that I hope Cynthia Gunderson plans on writing more romances about. Thanks KU for including such awesome entertainment at my fingertips.
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