Pickle Perfect by Ilana Long: Review

Have you ever read a book that seemed like it was a love story for a particular location?

I’ve read several, and they always bring that yearning to go and experience that destination. Plus, it adds so much to the book itself. This particular book is basically a love story for Costa Rica.

A second-chance romance, where the destination plays a big part in the story. Check out my review below.

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Pickle Perfect by Ilana Long
Publisher: ‎ Berkley
Publication date: ‎ October 28, 2025
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0593642252

OVERVIEW:
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 Review

I’m a sucker for second-chance romance. Sometimes we may think about the one that got away or the one you never really got a second chance to find out if it was meant to be.

This particular story had some very interesting twists and centered around the main theme of Pickleball players and learning how to play the game.

As someone learning how to play it myself, it sounded like a fun plot, and it was. The twist is that the story is mainly in Costa Rica, and yes, there is some Pickleball in it, but it is not extensive.

I have to say, in the beginning, I struggled a bit getting into the story. I’m not sure what it was, but once I had the chance to sit and really read for long periods of time, the story grew on me.

The female leader focused a lot on her hurt and bitterness regarding the fact she felt he let her down as young lovers. Now she’s juggling a kid, a job that blew up, and life in general, so the last thing she needed was him showing up as she tried to manage everything.

The story is built as they traverse Costa Rica. I really like the male lead character. He is sweet and kind, even though she is a tad hostile at times – lol. The story is cute, clean, a bit swoony, and a refreshing change of pace.

There were some spots that kind of rang a little untrue in terms of being in the jungle, which, by the way, would be a hell no for me. But overall, it is refreshing and light, and the twist at the end really did make the story.

Pickle Perfect is lighthearted and a relaxing story that doesn’t get you all wound up, full of anxiety. A fun read overall.

3.5 STARS!!

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links have been included – Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.