Pickleballers - by Ilana Long (Paperback)

About the Book

"A pickleball newbie looking to recover from life's swings and misses crosses paddles with love in this debut romantic comedy. Meg Bloomberg is in a pickle. When Meg's ex turns out to be a total dink, her bestie suggests a mood-lifting pickleball excursion to Bainbridge Island. It's supposed to be an easy lob, a way to heal-not the opening serve to a new courtside romance that's doomed to spin out. But no matter how Meg tries, she can't shake her feelings for Ethan Fine. A charismatic environmental consultant and Bainbridge local, Ethan is eager to play with her on-and off-the court. But when Meg discovers that Ethan's pickleball promises are not the real dill, she decides the match is over. It's time for Meg to take control of her own game. And maybe, just maybe ... love will bounce back."--

Book Synopsis

A pickleball newbie looking to recover from life's swings and misses crosses paddles with love in this debut romantic comedy.

Meg Bloomberg is in a pickle. When Meg's ex turns out to be a total player, she and her bestie take off for a mood-lifting pickleball excursion to Bainbridge Island. It's supposed to be an easy lob, a way to heal, not the opening serve to a new courtside romance that's doomed to spin out.

No matter how Meg tries, she can't shake her feelings for Ethan Fine. A charismatic environmental consultant and Bainbridge local, Ethan seems like the real dill. But when Meg discovers that Ethan is sabotaging her home court, she decides the match is over.

It's time for Meg to take control of her own game. And maybe, just maybe...love will bounce back.

Review Quotes

Praise for Pickleballers

"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

"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

"A funny, feel-good adventure you won't want to miss."--Kirkus, starred review

"This spirited and well-plotted rom-com sparkles...Readers won't have to be fans of the sport to appreciate this charming love story--but Long's irresistible descriptions of gameplay may inspire newcomers to take to the court themselves."--Publishers Weekly

"An amusing read, full of puns and situational comedy."--Library Journal

"Pickleball history and lore, as well as nuances of the game, flesh out this amusing, flirty rom-com. With a background in stand-up and sketch comedy at Second City in Chicago, Long serves up witty volleys of banter and clever plot twists that play out with winning aplomb."--Shelf Awareness

"There are a lot of pickleball fans out there, and this sexy romance is sure to please them."--Booklist

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 of the picture book, Ziggy's Big Idea, and her essays appear in multiple books in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.