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….
Pickle Perfect by Ilana Long is a heart warming book about second chances. A 4 star read for me. It’s a bonus that it takes place in beautiful Costa Rica. The main characters Lulu and Tyler were high school sweethearts, best friends and teammates on their school’s tennis team. However, young love can be fragile. Tragedy follows and defines them, especially Lulu, whose parents are killed by a drunk driver while they were out frantically looking for Lulu. Amidst her pain Tyler seemingly abandoned her in her grief. She felt immense guilt over her parents’ deaths and Tyler’s abandonment would go on to shape her.
Life did take Tyler and Lulu in different directions. Lulu was taken in by her godparents, Aunt Laverne and Uncle Rooster, who anchored her. She became a teacher which helped pay her bills especially when she became pregnant and her partner abandoned her. Again, her godparents took her in again and became instant grandparents to her daughter Zoe.
Tyler became a successful tennis player until an unfortunate series of events dimmed his light. Tyler bounces back and lands on his feet in the world of competitive pickleball. He became an instant sensation here, too. Of course, he did.
Lulu’s life also took an unexpected turn when an email that was critical about her students was mistakenly sent out. Her school strongly suggested she step back for an undetermined period of time. She was at a loss once again but her godparents once again pulled her back from the edge of the cliff. Her godfather’s love of pickleball earned him a trip to Costa Rica for a tournament. They convince Lulu and her daughter to join them at minimal cost to her. I mean where better to ponder your future than on a tropical island.
In a cruel twist of fate Tyler is also part of the tournament. Uncle Rooster teaches Lulu the basics of pickleball when they arrive. Suddenly, she is swept up into touring the island with the official team. This guarantees close proximity to Tyler and all those memories and feelings come to the forefront for Lulu. Tyler hopes that they can also become closer.
Ilana Long writes a beautiful love story of young love reborn. Do they resolve all their issues? Their happily ever after sparks a renewed drive in Lulu in figuring out what she wants to do in her life. Their love is like those Chinese bowls with veins of gold that not only repair it but makes them stronger. Bonus points for Tyler showing up. Extra points for Lulu’s growth. Extra credit for Zoe getting a happier mom, for Tyler kneeling down to her level and opening his heart to her, too. Pick up Pickle Perfect! You won’t be disappointed.
Fun fact: My youngest was in Costa Rica at the same time that I was reading the book! I am pretty sure she visited some of the places written in the book! Alas, she was not in a pickleball tournament. A case of art imitating life.
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Do you play pickle ball?
Do you enjoy books that take characters to faraway places?
Have you ever visited Costa Rica?
One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, October 31 will receive a print copy of Pickle Perfect.
*U.S. only
*Must be 18
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