What a thoroughly delightful book, I couldn't stop smiling! In Hannah Doyle's 'The Pick Up', single parents Sophie and Joe fake date so the flirtatious school mums back off 'Single Hot Dad' Joe, while Sophie can use Joe's popularity to be accepted by the other mums so her daughter is included in play dates.

Divorced Sophie is fiercely independent, entrepeneurial and loves lists compared to Joe who is much more go-with-the-flow. Both of them complement each other perfectly, with a great banter and a very sweet chemistry. Joe was also the perfect sort of romantic hero, swoony and his easy-going nature slowly breaks down Sophie's walls. At times Sophie could be frustrating, but I loved how she slowly realised what she had was something worth risking.

This book was funny, charming and just an all-round warm hug of a book. Hannah Doyle creates such a vivid world of parenting and the school gate shenanigans. I also liked that she addressed the fake dating concept in a realistic way for single parents and acknowledge it *is* a bit of a bonkers idea. I was invested in all the characters, especially the Barnaby's Babes. By the time the book finished I was bereft. Sophie and Joe felt so real, I could've kept reading more.

Thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the ARC. I will definitely buying myself a copy as well as the audiobook (depending on narrator) and I was also be going to buy Hannah Doyle's previous books.

“The Pick Up” by Hannah Doyle is the perfect feel good romance book that everyone needs to read. I’ve never been to keen on the idea of fake dating, but wanted to give this book a chance still. I am so glad I did! You instantly want to know how the story will end and if they will end up together or just forever be friends. The only reason I am giving the book a 4/5 rating is I felt like the end was slightly rushed. I wanted more details about the lives of Sophie and Joe. Overall this will be a book I could read a million times and will be recommending it to others.

Hate giving negative reviews
But u am 9% in and just don’t care about the story yet
I know Paul is supposed to come off as a bad and stuck up guy
But it’s so much that it feels forced
Sophie is meh i am skimming paragraphs rather then reading

Update: 21% and I can’t say I am enjoying it - the story is good! I love the concept but the writing style/ characters aren’t my jam unfortunately 💔

The premise of ‘The Pick Up’ is that Sophie and Joe, two single parents whose children are in the same class, decide to fake a romance. Sophie is a single mom who wants to be accepted by the other moms while Joe is a single dad who wants some space from the other moms at school drop-off and pick-up.. Before starting, I was curious how two parents could have a fake relationship without involving the children, but Doyle was able to make it believable. She was also able to accurately capture different parents’ perspectives (single mom, married, working, stay at home, etc).

I really enjoyed this book. It’s perfect for a holiday read, though I do think it would be better enjoyed by a reader who has children. The main characters are charming without being over the top and the secondary characters have a ton of personality so you really grow to appreciate everyone in the story.

[Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for the eARC!]

Where to start, where to start...

This book is about 2 single parents who try to get the Queen Mama Bees of their kids' school off their backs. Joe, with an Irish accent, can't seem to stop the flirty mamas from badgering him. Sophie has always been an outsider and is noticing that her daughter is reaping those consequences. She wants to be involved and for her daughter to make friends. Together, Joe and Sophie concoct a plan to fake date to get the women off his back and for Sophie to be recognized and involved.

The banter between the two was pretty entertaining. It just got old after a while. There is also no spice in the book. Hardly even a couple of short kisses. I know spicy books aren't for everyone, but I didn't feel like there was chemistry between the couple. They seemed better as friends, honestly.🤷‍♀️

While it wasn't one of the best books of the year that I've read, it was a sweet book about parenting and friendship. If you are a mama or dad, this book might be for you!

Thank you, NetGalley and HQ, for the ARC!

The premise of this book is adorable, single parents, fake dating, and a badass boss lady MC. I found the characters lovable and relatable despite not having children myself. The idea of fake dating to trick the mum’s group at the primary school is as ridiculous as it is fun to read about. At first I was worried how the story would play out since it seemed as if this particular fake dating scenario could only drag on so long but I was pleasantly surprised by the ups and downs of the story.

The chemistry between Joe and Sophie is simply delightful and I found myself rooting for them and enjoying their ever present banter. It also helped knowing that all of Joe’s romantic and teasing lines were happening with an Irish accent.

If you’re looking for a book that is equal parts humorous, sweet, and just the right amount of spicy tension the The Pick Up is a perfect read

Thanks, NetGalley and HQ for this ARC! This book was cute. Was not my overall favorite however. I did not relate as much since it is about people with children and I am not a parent. But, it was still a fun read. Had a fake dating trope. I loved the main characters as well and though the writing was written very well.

So in the mood for a good romance faking dating troupe and this one is of the Singke parents variety. I’m so excited to read, review, share, and acquire Sophie & Joes story and I can’t wait to share more including a full review soon!