Pickleball Romance Recommendations for Fans of Sporty Love Stories
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Pickleball isn’t just the fastest-growing sport in America—it’s also making waves in the world of romance novels. From grumpy coaches and second-chance love to small-town rivalries and flirty competitions, these books bring serious heat to the court. Whether you’re already a paddle pro or just here for the banter and butterflies, this list of pickleball-themed romances is ready to serve.
Pick Me by Victoria Schade
Premise:
Romance ghostwriter Brooke Murphy is in a rut—both creatively and romantically. Hoping to spark inspiration for her next cowboy love story, she signs up for a pickleball match to impress a potential muse. The catch? She has no idea how to play. Enter Owen Miller, the grumpy yet unexpectedly endearing pickleball coach who reluctantly agrees to train her.
Why You’ll Love It:
This is a delightful slow-burn with just the right mix of banter, personal growth, and unexpected chemistry. Perfect for fans of the grumpy-sunshine dynamic.
Craving more sporty romance? Dive into this list of steamy water sports romance books—perfect for fans of summer vibes, Olympic drama, and splashy love stories. Check out the full list here →
All’s Fair in Love and Pickleball by Kate Spencer
Premise:
Cowboy romance ghostwriter Brooke Murphy is once again stuck in a creative slump and nursing a bruised heart. A flirtatious pickleball match offers a spark—and a potential new muse. But when she meets her coach, Owen Miller, things get complicated. As Brooke learns to serve, volley, and dink, the line between training and falling in love begins to blur.
Why You’ll Love It:
If you’re into witty dialogue, flirty tension, and a rom-com setup that delivers charm in spades, this one’s for you.
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Pickleballers by Ilana Long
Premise:
Meg Bloomberg escapes heartbreak with a trip to Bainbridge Island and signs up for a pickleball retreat to clear her head. There, she meets Ethan Fine, a charming local who seems like the perfect rebound. Just as sparks fly, a betrayal puts them on opposite sides of the court—and the heart.
Why You’ll Love It:
A perfect pick for fans of vacation romance, personal reinvention, and a few juicy secrets along the way. This one’s feel-good with just enough bite.
If you love swoony romances with similar vibes to Ted Lasso, check out these 3 charming soccer/football romances that deliver heart, humor, and happily ever afters. Read the list here →
In a Pickle by Jane Marlowe
Premise:
Liana Abrams returns to her hometown at 26, facing chronic illness and a pile of unmet dreams. She signs up for a pickleball class hoping for a fresh start—only to find her coach is James Alonso, her former high school crush turned tennis prodigy.
Why You’ll Love It:
This sweet second-chance romance brings emotional depth, slow-burn chemistry, and the tender message that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.
Dink Wars by Wynn Valentine
Premise:
Lena Park has worked hard to build Briarwood’s beloved pickleball league—so when Gavin Reid returns to town and threatens to shut it down, she’s not backing down. But as their rivalry intensifies, so does their attraction. A town-wide bet forces them into close proximity, and soon their battle turns into a game of hearts.
Why You’ll Love It:
Packed with enemies-to-lovers tension, community hijinks, and a satisfying romantic payoff, this one’s pure fun from first serve to final kiss.
Ready for More Rom-Coms That Score Big?
If you loved the sports-meets-swoons setup of these books, be sure to check out our list of action-packed romcoms and romances featuring undercover spies—because sometimes, love is a full-contact sport.
Got a favorite pickleball (or sports-themed) romance we missed? Share it in the comments—we’re always looking for our next bookish crush.