Book Review: Pickle Perfect

By Allyson Bales

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…. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

I enjoyed Long’s debut novel Pickleballers (reviewed here) and was looking forward to being back in the pickleball world again.  This story focused less on pickleball and more on romance and I really enjoyed that! I would say this story is a combination of sports romance and travel romance and this perfect cozy read! 

In Pickle Perfect you get to meet Lulu and Tyler.  Lulu makes a big mistake and decides she needs to get away.  Tyler is handsome and also going through something and it was fun to follow along as they reconnect after not seeing one another since high school.  This story had so many fun things going for it!

Firstly, the setting!  I have always wanted to go to Costa Rica and I loved the way Long takes you to the jungle and the beaches and so much adventure!  Secondly, you get to see Tyler and Lulu grow as characters and that is always my favorite.  I loved their second chance romance and am always a fan of a main character that challenges herself and steps out of her comfort zone!  Lulu is a mom and, as a new mom myself, I really resonated with some of what she was going through in terms of how to stay true to herself. 

If you can, I would definitely get my hands on the audio.  It is narrated by the author and I really enjoyed how she brought the story to life!

If you are looking for a quick and easy read and one with a lot of heart, read this one!  

Thanks to Berkley for the book in exchange for an honest review.

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