Not wanting to give any spoilers ….

I found this a bit slow to start with but glad I carried on …as the further I went, the quicker I found myself wanting to know what was next.

An enjoyable yet relatable story of a hard working, now divorced mum battling some of the insecurities she feels about whether or not she is doing enough for her little one, battling to befriend the mums at the school gates and avoid her sisters relentless mission to help her find love again by taking a relationship with a single school gate dad …

I laughed out loud a few times and will seek out more by the same author in the future 🥰

Thank you #netgalley and #harpercollins for an early copy to read!

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for approving the request for ARC of The Pick Up.
3.5 stars because Netaglley doesn't have that option...yet
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Sophie, being a single mother, doesn't want to feel outcasted by other mothers at her 5-year-old daughter's pick-up. Joe, the single father, doesn't want to be the center of attention by the mothers at his 5-year-old son's pick-up. Is there any better option than fake dating? A light and fast read for readers of every age.
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For readers like me who prefer no spice in their books, this one was perfect. Unlike other romance ARCs I read, which contain unnecessary sexual desires and flirty lines. This showed pure and true communication between the two adults. It was really cute at first when they fake-dating in real and Joe remembered every detail about Sophie, how great listeners both of them were. I also love how Sophie was independent and never felt the need for any man in her life or career.
For me, books are instantly plus 1 star when it has dual POVs so I think this book lacked that because I really wanted to know about Joe's feelings and impressions Sophie had on his life or maybe a little of his side of the story.
About other characters, Poppy and Adam were really cute, There wasn't much about them tho but I kinda liked how Adam kept taking care of Poppy silently and she didn't have a clue. Also, Joe's mom, Denise, was the most precious human. Every time she bakes cookies it makes me drool cause they sound so delicious.
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What to look for in this book:
-Single father
-Fake-dating
-Only one bed
-No spice
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Overall a perfect book to read in spring-summer. It would not only leave you grinning but also help you lift your mood.

Right off the bat I just want to mention how great the writing was, i flew thru this book even though it took me a while to start it because I haven’t been feeling to good lately. But i definitely enjoyed this book. One thing or should I say character I disliked was Mark, he truly didn’t even try. Why even get in contact with someone just to bail on them again. It’s almost like giving someone false hope. You’re basically pulling the rug out from under them. But anyways the buildup of starting to fall in love with someone, learning to trust in another individual and growing together is amazing, no matter what stage you are in life. Such a good read, the dialogue flowed nicely throughout the book, character development, it was exactly as expected. 10/10 recommend.

Unfortunately this wasn’t for me but that doesn’t mean it won’t be for someone else. It had a lot of potential and I hope someone finds it as their new fave!

3.5 Stars
0 Spice Stars

*Special thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of the ARC in exchange for my honest review*

This was a very sweet, easy read.

The Pick Up is about Sophie - a single mum in Bristol doing the most and trying to find an in with the mums at her daughter’s school. One day she meets Joe, a popular single dad that all the mums are fawning over, and strikes a bargain with him - they fake a relationship! It would get her sister off her case about dating, the mums of Joe’s back, and they’d both reap the benefits of being in the in-crowd.

Joe and Sophie’s new found friendship seems innocent enough but before long the happy family act starts to feel all too real to both of them. They’re going to have to find a way to communicate that they may kinda want to date for real before it’s too late!

This was a fine rom-com that had the HEA I expected even if both Sophie and Joe were a bit painfully non-communicative. Kids aren’t my thing personally but this was a fun, light-hearted read.

The Pick-Up is a sweet single parent romance set in Bristol, UK.

#NetGalleyARC I really enjoyed this book. I love a good fauxmance turned HEA. It did take me a little bit of time to get hooked in the beginning, but after a few chapters I was hooked and looking forward to the story to come. I like that the two MCs are super relatable, even if you aren’t a parent. A great read!

Two single parents. Fake dating. Good banter and chemistry.

A cute, funny, sweet romcom. This story took me a while to get into it, but overall I enjoyed it.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book.

While this book was lighthearted and easy to read, I didn’t feel like I was actually the targeted reader. Sophie is a powerhouse and it also made me super aware of the pressure us women put on ourselves (or have put on us) to “have it all”. There was a heavy focus on having a child and them being your large purpose of life. While I can understand this despite not being in the position myself, I felt the amount it was addressed was redundant and slightly tiring.

This opinion was my own and was no way influenced by receiving a free copy.

I could read about Sophie and Joe forever. I love fake dating but it’s more than that it’s also friends to lovers. I loved their banter so quick witted and Sophie’s inner dialogue had me smiling and giggling. This was super cute and Hannah Doyle writes the sweetest most adorable men- even for Sophie’s sister Poppy and her love interest Adam he was just a breath of fresh air. My one thing was that I wish we got a few chapters of them when they’re actually together. I just felt like the whole time you’re waiting for Joe and Sophie to be together and then when it finally happens it’s over.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advanced e-copy of The Pick Up in exchange of an honest review.

In Sophie's journey of navigating the complexities of parenting, "The Pick Up" presents a relatable tale. Single motherhood and the longing to connect with other parents are explored in this heartwarming story. Joe's presence, a charming single father, sets off a playful dance of a faux romance, a trope that adds a delightful layer to the narrative. The novel's strength lies in its authentic portrayal of parental experiences. Moments of self-doubt, the challenges of early mornings, and the relentless search for a support system resonate deeply with readers. Sophie's struggles invite empathy, making her a relatable protagonist. The romance between Sophie and Joe is a delightful blend of sweetness and humor. Their banter sparks laughter, and the evolution of their relationship from a ruse to a genuine connection is a captivating aspect of the story. For those seeking a captivating read featuring a relatable parental journey, a dash of fake romance, and witty exchanges, "The Pick Up" is highly recommended. With a well-developed storyline and engaging characters, it earns a solid 4.0-star rating.

I liked it. Two single parents. Fake dating. Cheerful, cute children. Everything was very interesting, unworn and fun to read. And people were even talking! It's just that the female main character, was stubbornly and for a long time, did not want to admit her feelings. But everything turned out beautifully. Maybe I just missed some kind of epilogue. But overall it was a good story.

I absolutely love a good single parent, love, fun and banter filled story and this was definitely that for me, I think I’m most definitely obsessed I absolutely loved the instant chemistry and the love they have for their kids and themselves was just so refreshing to see😍😍

i was not drawn into this book at all. i just kept putting it down and not wanting to pick it back up

A cute clean slow burn romance. I enjoyed how they both interacted with their children and were mindful of their feelings when introducing another partner into the mix. Well written.

This book is great, especially if you love fake dating and banter. Sophie and Joe’s dynamic was so fun, but it was definitely a slow burn. The cast of characters were unique and brought something fresh to the story. The only thing that fell flat for me was the miscommunication. While the hesitancy seemed realistic, it is alway so painful to read because the solution seems so obvious.

I am excited to read more from this author in the future & I will definitely recommend The Pick Up to friends! Thank you to NetGalley and the publishing team for the ARC!

This was such a sweet, slow burn romance about two single parents joining forces to manage and survive the other PTA parents at their kids’ school by faking a relationship. It was full of chemistry and humor between Sophie and Joe alongside a cast of truly entertaining secondary characters.

Sophie is a single mom existing on the outside of the other parents at her daughter’s school, and she worries that her daughter is being left out of activities with her classmates as a result. Joe is the widowed single dad the rest of the moms regularly thirst over. Sophie wants an in to the crowd and Joe wants a deterrent to all the unwelcome attention. They settle on a mutually beneficial fake dating arrangement that before long begins to feel all too real.

I felt the connection between Sophie and Joe immediately, even in the face of Sophie’s snap judgment of Joe during their first interaction. They had an electric chemistry that I could feel buzzing on the page. Their banter flowed and the dry humor they shared was like hanging out with my own friends. When I say this was a slow burn, I do mean slow, but the payoff delivered even as there are only kisses shared on page. I did want to shake Sophie out of her stubbornness long before she managed to do it herself. Despite using her words to be honest with Joe, her actions were still conflicting, and I understood where Joe was coming from with some of his own actions. That said, he could have also used lessons of his own when it came to communicating. I understood it though, as frustrating as the pair of them could be.

The other parents in the group were a mixed bag of chaos, challenging, and endearing. I also really like Joe and Sophie’s family members. I thought all the secondary characters added some fun moments and good insight for the main characters throughout the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was so good! Perfect fake dating trope, a widower and divorcee with 5 year olds in the same class start a fauxmance and this book makes you laugh and loud and fall in love with Joe & Sophie, great side characters too!

Thanks to NetGalley for my ARC of this book 4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bookthreads @netgalley

I received this arc in exchange for an honest review. 🤍

unfortunately this just fell really flat for me. it had so much potential but just felt really bland and lacklustre. i’m really disappointed because i wanted to love it.

I was ready for a cute, quick read, quirky romance and this was just the ticket.

Sophie is your classic FMC masquerading as super-mom... Doing everything in her power to do right by her daughter while absolutely killing it at work... That doesn't stop her sister Poppy from seeing a gap in Sophie's life and trying to fill it with a man-shaped-fix. How else do you get your sister to lay-off than by engaging in a spontaneous fauxmance?!

Enter Joe... the perfect single dad who has the looks and an adorable kiddo who just so happens to be friends with Sophie's daughter... I'm sure you can see where this is going. The two partner up to put a stop to their various annoyances (Sophie's sister and the ravenous mom's at school pick-up in Joe's case!) with one of the more believable fake relationships I've read about!

I enjoyed reading through their experience and watching their friendship and possibly more build. This is one of those books where you're pretty sure you know exactly what you're getting into, but I still enjoyed it more than most of those with similar plots I've read. I would give a 4.5 on this if I were able!

The only detractor for me was how reluctant and frankly, unrelenting Sophie was in her steadfastness to her reason for not wanting a real relationship... I get that there has to be a foil and a reason something isn't happening, but this lacked a bit of depth for me and only in the end did Sophie tie it back to thinking she was doing the best thing for her daughter by avoiding a relationship... I honestly think the last mention of it was in the very end... otherwise to that point we just saw Sophie saying she didn't need it.. she was focusing on work... she didn't want a relationship... etc. None of that was enough for me to want to drop a full star, however...

A fun, light read with two main characters that you rooted for throughout.

A charming yet humorous read, The Pick Up checked all the boxes!

Single parents Joe and Sophie decide to fake-date: her to get an in with the mom's group at her child's school and get her sister off her back about dating, and him to be free of the fawning and pity of the moms.

The fake-dating trope was classic with a unique twist- which made it hilarious. The antics and dynamics within the mom's group was a constant source of laughter. The romance between the two characters was done so well. It's also clean, which is a nice departure from other novels and allows you a chance to focus more on the story. While the story borrowed from classic tropes, it was truly a unique idea, and I loved the moms group part of their fake-relationship (not just family pressure).

Will definitely be looking out for more from this author in the future! If you want a sweet but funny read, this is for you!

Thank you NetGalley and HQ for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.