Pickleball rivalry? Sure. Falling for your fake boyfriend? Now that’s a surprise.

Bex Martin’s racquet club is her entire world. But the business she inherited from her mother has started to feel more like a sinking ship. That is, until Nikolaus Karras—a former tennis bad-boy with an ego as big as his serve—makes himself at home on her courts.

Niko has something to prove, and a high-stakes pickleball tournament is just what he needs to get back in the game after a career-ending injury. When he is finally able to set his ego aside to ask for Bex’s help, everyone assumes that they are a couple—on and off the court.

But she needs the prize money to save the club, and he needs a win to restore his reputation. So now they have a fake relationship as well as a doubles partner that they can’t seem to resist. Game on!

My thoughts:

“All’s Fair in Love and Pickleball” is an absolute delight. Kate Spencer has delivered far more than just a romance set against the backdrop of pickleball; she has created a story that resonates deeply. Bex and Niko have not only captured my heart but have also earned a permanent spot on my favorites shelf.

I will admit that the story takes a little time to find its footing, and the plot doesn’t immediately hook you with relentless momentum. However, what it lacks in initial pacing, it more than makes up for with its incredible cast of characters. From the very beginning, Bex, Niko, Loretta, Deb, Ed, and the entire Sunset Springs Racquet Club crew completely stole the show. Each character is beautifully developed, full of heart, and possesses a wonderfully distinct personality. While Bex and Niko are the compelling leads, Loretta and Ed also carved out a special place in my heart. Not to mention, Maureen and Deb had me laughing out loud with their genuine humor.

Don’t be fooled by the cute, whimsical cover. It’s slightly deceptive regarding the depth of the story within. Yes, this is a romantic comedy featuring fake dating, enemies-to-lovers vibes, and pickleball. However, it also tackles heavier themes like grief—specifically, the loss of a parent—and mental health with remarkable sensitivity. Bex’s fierce dedication to the racquet club is deeply intertwined with the memory of her mother, and the potential loss of this sanctuary so soon after her mother’s passing is a central struggle. For Niko, he’s grappling with the aftermath of a serious injury, and the psychological toll is a significant part of his journey. What impressed me most was how seamlessly Kate Spencer wove these weighty topics into the narrative. They felt like an authentic part of the characters’ lives, never overwhelming the story but rather adding layers of relatability and depth.

Watching Bex and Niko’s relationship evolve was the highlight of the book. Their initial animosity and tension were palpable, but seeing that dynamic shift throughout their fake relationship was incredibly satisfying. Niko started as an elitist grump (a trait somewhat forgiven by his status as a literal Greek tennis god), but Bex managed to draw out a softer, more vulnerable side of him. Conversely, seeing Bex emerge from the shadow of her grief was a joy. Playing pickleball with Niko rekindled her love for the game, and their faux romance reminded her of her own vitality and untapped potential.

This is a sports romance done right. Pickleball isn’t just a quirky setting; it’s an integral part of the plot. I knew nothing about the sport beforehand, but I finished the book feeling both informed and surprisingly invested. While I won’t claim I’m rushing to the nearest court, my interest is certainly piqued.

Overall, “All’s Fair in Love and Pickleball” shoots to the top of my recommendation list. Readers will be initially drawn in by the promise of pickleball, but they will stay for the unforgettable journey of Bex, Niko, and the entire Sunset Springs Racquet Club crew.

Utter perfection. The writing, the story, the characters—I have no criticisms. Kate Spencer achieved the impossible by making me care about a sport. My praise for this book is endless, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.