How Pickleball Became the Next Great Romance Setting

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Pickleball is officially the new hotspot for meet-cutes—and now it’s getting the book-romance treatment it deserves.

In this episode, I chat with author Ilana Long about how she brought one of the first traditionally published pickleball romances to life. We talk about her creative background in stand-up and Second City improv, why pickleball is the perfect sport for romance lovers, and what it was like narrating her own audiobook. Plus, Ilana shares the cozy, feel-good books she’s been reading lately—from Irish small-town romcoms to magical realism with a touch of travel escapism.

📚 Books Mentioned

Pickle Perfect by Ilana Long — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance, Second-Chance, Vacation Romance | Audio ✅

Pickleballers by Ilana Long — Buy on Amazon | Romantic Comedy, Small Town | Audio ✅

Love at First Book by Jenn McKinlay — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Cozy Village, Grumpy/Sunshine | Audio ✅

The Wedding Dashers by Heather McBreen — Buy on Amazon | Romantic Comedy, Destination Wedding | Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers | Audio ✅

The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake by Rachel Linden — Buy on Amazon | Magical Realism, Women’s Fiction | Travel Romance, Foodie Fiction | Audio ✅

⏱️ Timestamps

[00:00] – Welcome Ilana Long, to the podcast

[01:00] – Her creative journey from stand-up comedy to writing

[05:30] – Finding joy in creative identity & persistence as a writer

[09:00] – What makes pickleball the perfect social (and romantic!) sport

[13:00] – How the pandemic grew the pickleball community

[14:30] – Why pickleball meet-cutes are the new dating trend

[17:00] – Writing Pickle Perfect and setting it in Costa Rica

[18:30] – Narrating her own audiobook & audition process

[20:30] – Ilana’s reading life and favorite genres

[25:00] – Her book club picks & humorous mysteries

[27:00] – Book recommendations for cozy fall escapes

[31:00] – Where to find Ilana online

🏓 Love this episode? Don’t miss my Pickleball Romance Book List, where I share even more laugh-out-loud, feel-good reads set on the court — from flirty doubles partners to small-town tournaments that turn into love stories. → https://whattoreadnextblog.com/pickleball-romance/

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