As a lifelong sports enthusiast who’s seen more than a few ball games in my time, I can confidently say that “Pickleballers” by Ilana Long is a fresh and exciting addition to the sports romance genre. Having dabbled in pickleball myself during a summer vacation, I can vouch for its addictive charm, which this book captures beautifully.
If there’s one sport taking the world by storm right now, it’s pickleball, and now, it’s taking over the romance world with Pickleballers.
For a sports romance enthusiast like me, I never imagined a love story set in the world of pickleball. But here we are, and I’m pleasantly surprised! Considering its growing popularity, it makes sense that Berkley would choose to publish this book – it’s an exhilarating read, full of romantic fun.
If my understanding is correct, this novel marks Ilana Long’s first foray into romance, making it all the more intriguing. And with its adorable cover design, there’s even less reason not to love it! Regardless of whether you’re an avid pickleball enthusiast or a complete novice, you’re guaranteed to find this book entertaining.
I’d like to thank Berkley for sending me an ARC so I was able to read and review this one early.
Pickleballers is a uniquely adorable sports romance debut.
This narrative centers around our protagonist, Meg, who’s facing some tough times. She’s recently gone through a divorce and is working hard to rebuild her life. A method she’s found helpful in this process is playing pickleball with her dearest friend, Annie. Although Meg isn’t particularly skilled at pickleball, she gives it her all.
In Bainbridge, Washington – the hometown of pickleball – she encounters a man. After connecting with this individual, who turns out to be Ethan, they start dating. However, things take an unexpected turn when Meg returns home. The local pickleball courts where she usually plays are at risk of closing down due to animal inhabitation. Remarkably, the person responsible for this is none other than her boyfriend, Ethan.
Amidst my efforts to stay composed around Ethan, I find myself unable to suppress the electrifying pull I feel towards him. Then, news of a local pickleball tournament brightens our community’s spirit, and we all decide to participate. Being new to the game, I’m initially teamed up with another novice. However, things take an unexpected turn when they reveal their secret ace – my former spouse!
Moving forward, Meg is resolute about more than just claiming the position; she intends to thwart Ethan and decide what’s best for herself in the process. If you find the narrative intriguing due to its multifaceted nature, you’re not alone. Yet, Ilana Long skillfully ensures that it never feels overwhelming. The book’s pace is remarkably well-balanced.
Despite the third act being rather outrageously dramatic, watching Meg’s romantic journey with Ethan was enjoyable. They appear to be an unconventional couple, yet their connection is clear from the beginning, and it’s heartening to see Meg finally find her Happily Ever After after facing so many challenges. However, the romance sometimes felt overshadowed by all the other events unfolding.
If you’re fond of pickleball, I believe you’ll find the various references and diverse pickleball-related scenes in this book engaging. Although I haven’t personally played, the character Ilana Long has sparked my curiosity about trying it out. In summary, this book was enjoyable and a promising debut.
Pickleballers by Ilana Long is out now where books are sold.
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2024-11-12 16:15