Pickle Perfect - by Ilana Long (Paperback)

About the Book

"Lulu Gardner only takes predictable shots. After faulting on tennis stardom at eighteen, Lulu, now a thirtysomething single parent, is in control of her game. But when an unanticipated blunder threatens her teaching job, Lulu's stable, well-planned-okay, boring-world spins out. And somehow, her godparents convince her to join them for a "de-stressing" destination pickleball vacation in Costa Rica. Maybe an all-inclusive picklecation is just the pick-me-up she needs to loosen her grip. Or it would have been if she wasn't backhanded by the sight of her high school fling Tyler Demming on the beachside courts. Fresh off the tennis pro tour, the reigning bad boy of paddle sports is as studly and snarky as ever. Even though his public image took a hit with a ballsy publicity stunt, Tyler seems to be the big shot he's always been. But Lulu's had years to steel herself against his rugged good looks and hypnotic charm. Despite the changes she sees in Tyler since their teenage days, Lulu will have no problem keeping her head in the game and her heart on the sidelines. Or so she tells herself..."--

Book Synopsis

A second chance at love crashes one woman's tropical pickleball vacation and serves up an adorkably swoony romantic comedy.

Lulu Gardner only takes predictable shots. After faulting on tennis stardom at eighteen, Lulu, now a thirtysomething single parent, is in control of her game. But when an unanticipated blunder threatens her teaching job, Lulu's stable, well-planned--okay, boring--world spins out. And somehow, her godparents convince her to join them for a "de-stressing" destination pickleball vacation in Costa Rica. Maybe an all-inclusive picklecation is just the pick-me-up she needs to loosen her grip.

Or it would have been if she wasn't backhanded by the sight of her high school fling Tyler Demming on the beachside courts. Fresh off the pickleball pro tour, the reigning bad boy of paddle sports is as studly and snarky as ever. Even though his public image took a hit with a ballsy publicity stunt, Tyler seems to be the big shot he's always been.

But Lulu's had years to steel herself against his rugged good looks and hypnotic charm. Despite the changes she sees in Tyler since their teenage days, Lulu will have no problem keeping her head in the game and her heart on the sidelines. Or so she tells herself....

Review Quotes

Praise for Ilana Long

"Pickleballers delivers the ultimate serve...a fun new rom-com that will definitely have you hitting the court ASAP as you follow along with Meg's new journey in the sport that comes with some unexpected game (and life) changing experience."--Cosmopolitan

"Flirty fun"--Good Housekeeping on Pickleballers

"Like a perfectly executed third shot drop, Ilana Long's Pickleballers is a delightful banter-filled romcom sure to plink all the heartstrings as the adorable heroine and a swoon worthy hero navigate love and life both on and off the court. Highly recommend!"--Jenn McKinlay, New York Times bestselling author

"With lush prose, swoony adventures, and an atmospheric setting, Pickle Perfect is the perfect escapist beach read. Ilana Long writes characters that are impossible not to root for with chemistry that crackles on and off the pickleball court. An utter delight of a romcom."--Heather McBreen, author of Wedding Dashers

"Pickle Perfect deftly volleys between fun and heartfelt as Lulu faces unexpected adventure--and a second shot at first love. Fans of sports romances will delight in this flirty, laugh-out-loud vacation romp!"--Jessica James, author of For One Night Only

"With Pickleballers, Long has taken a big swing and hit a winner."--KING 5's Evening

"Long makes her characters easy to root for, and adorable Zoe steals every scene she's in. The Costa Rican backdrop and fast-paced action on the pickleball court add to the fun. This charms."--Publishers Weekly on Pickle Perfect

"Long's second pickleball romance is a score, full of heart, excitement, spice, and shenanigans. Lulu and Tyler aren't afraid to be vulnerable and their chemistry is undeniable, with just the right amount of a sizzling slow burn."--Kirkus

About the Author

Ilana Long first heard about pickleball when her sporty friend confessed that she was addicted to a game that was "like ping-pong but standing on the table." Shortly after, Long joined the pickleball craze despite her utter lack of hand-eye coordination. A stand-up and sketch comedy writer and actor, Long studied improv and performed at The Second City in Chicago. She is the author Pickleballers, her debut romcom, the picture book, Ziggy's Big Idea, and her essays appear in multiple books in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.