it was actually really cute and sweet. the ending had me smiling👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩it was written very british which as an american was a little bit hard to understand sometimes but the story was so sweet and i typically don’t love when children are involved but this one was perfect

Thank you for letting me read this arc copy.

This book was a lovely read. The fake relationship between Joe and Sophie was such a good idea and both got quite a lot from it!

I really enjoyed this book, because all you get in romance books these days is a lot of spicy scenes and not much of a plot/story.
The Pick Up romance was slow burn and there weren’t spicy scenes to take away your attention from the main story!
Both characters had a personal growth and it was especially great seeing Sophie to get out there and believe in herself properly.

The ending made me cry and it was just perfect.

This was a cute story. Sophie and Joe’s reasonings for their fake relationship seemed like a no brainer. The results ended in giving them what they wanted.. Joe was all in but Sophie was frustrating with her waffling back and forth .a fake dating trope is always a favorite of mine. Thank you netgalley for the free advanced copy . This review is left voluntarily

Many thanks to Net Galley for the ARC.

I could not put this book down. I read it in an entire day, it was wonderful.

Sophie and Joe were beautiful written, their depth individually and together was so well thought out and the CHEMISTRY! BANTER! It was all so wonderful, and created a beautiful story. I loved the single parenthood and mid-thirties characters (very refreshing!), friendships, sisterhood, family, independence but also vulnerability, and the humour was top tier.

I'm only knocking off a star because I was expecting a little spice and got no spice, when I think we all deserved a bit of spice between these two.

Overall, I loved this through and through.

This was so much fun! Between Sophie and Joe’s witty rapport, a hilarious band of school gate mums and Lila’s antics (she is up there with one of the funniest book kids I’ve read about) - I thoroughly enjoyed it!

The tension that built between Sophie and Joe was great - I only wish there could have been a bit more of it. The third act angst was a little too long for me, and it felt like there were some more opportunities for romance before we got there.

Maybe that was just because I was desperate for Sophie to realise the happiness she could have!

I loved the extended family dynamics as well, particularly Poppy and Denise (nothing
better than an Irish Mammy!) It was refreshing to read a story where neither of the MCs had parent related trauma.

Definitely recommend this book for a fun romantic read! Thank you for the DRC.

How have I made it this far in life without reading a Hannah Doyle book?! 🫨🫨🫨🫨

I honestly went into this with no expectations - the synopsis was cute the cover was cute - what more could you ask for?!

Then I started and let me tell you, this is so hilarious. If you’ve ever seen the sitcom “Single Parents” this gives off the same vibes in the best way. I loved Sophie and Joe so much! The angst, the will they won’t they going on was the perfect blend that made this a binge read for me.

Warning: This book is laugh out loud hilarious but also really endearing. ♥️♥️♥️♥️

Rating : 4.5


Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC, my thoughts and opinion are my own.

Thank you to HarperCollins Publishers, Hannah Doyle, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I loved this book. Fake dating, one bed tropes, closed door, and slow burn.
This is my first read from this author and she did not disappoint.
The pacing of the book was a bit slow, but I didn't mind that because this book felt so real. As a mom, I related so much to Sophie. Trying to find balance between a career and family is hard. Doing it alone is unimaginable.
Sophie is a divorcee, Joe is a widower. They have such a strong foundation as friends. From sing/screaming in the car to stolen glances, these two had my heart wrapped around their fingers.
The thirsty mom group that Sophie so desperately wants to belong to is so relatable. Between taking care of littles and yourself, finding friends in your 30's is a real feat. This book has an honest depiction of what being a woman in her 30's feels like.

I devoured this book on a long haul flight and enjoyed the story. I liked the way Hannah wrote the characters of Sophie and Joe as we got to know them, This story had charm with a cute romance and remaining real. I definitely recommend reading this book and Hannah as an author.

The writing style didn't quite gel with me so I struggled to really immerse myself in the story. It was a short, sweet read that would be perfect for a beach holiday.

This book was funny!!! Sophie’s internal monologues made the book. It was so fun and hilarious. I live fake dating stories and this one nailed it. Fun, easy, entertaining read.

Why have I never heard of Hannah Doyle before? You best believe I will be ordering every other book she has published. When I saw I got approved for this arc safe to say I was intrigued

We start off with Sophie single parent to messy, bubbly 4 yearold Lila. Sophie has been struggling from working and raising a 4 year old she has her plate full, without sister poppy trying to get Sophie to get out there in the dating world . Sophie is also desperate to get in with the parents at school for Lila. So what happens when single dad Joe who is tired of the mums at pick up flinging themselves at him proposes a fake dating scheme.

Usually I’m not into the single dad trope but come on, we have a hot single IRISH dad. Joe Joe Joe Joe the BLUE PRINT of love interests. I don’t want Joe I NEED Joe. He was such a sweet man he had me swooning. The moment I picked the book up I was immersed, a book I intended to read for 20 mins before bed turned into a 3 hours session of devouring the book. Before I knew it the book was finished and it’s 2 am. Yes it’s that kind of book.

I adored the friendships that came from Sophie finally being in with the Barnaby babes (parent group) their kids free events were comical. My only criticism of the book is that it was not longer. I have seen the fake dating trope done many times, some done well whilst others not. This is one of the book which did it so well. It takes such a well used and known trope and makes it fresh.
Overall this book was cute, heartwarming and charming, filled with banter chemistry and real laugh out loud moments. Would highly recommend

Thank you so much to HQ digital for the Arc.

A cute romcom. It was quick to read and who doesn't love a HEA? A few too many miscommunications/leaving things unsaid for me. Overall a cute, quick read.

This book was such a beautiful read! I absolutely loved getting to know Sophie and Joe. This story felt so realistic while still being such a cute romance. I definitely recommend reading this book!!!

A cute and heartwarming romantic comedy, featuring the fake relationship trope.

Sophie is a single mum to Lila, but she doesn't fit in with the 'school mums' who always seem to have their life together. Joe is a single father to Sidney, and all of the school mums have a crush on him, calling Thursdays 'Thirsty Thirsdays' as that's when Joe picks Sidney up from school.

As Joe and Sophie start talking, they come up with a plan that would benefit the both of them... a fake relationship. One, it would get Sophie an 'in' with the school mums, and two, it would stop them ogling Joe. But, can a fake relationship stay fake in the long run?

𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
I thought this was a really cute read. I couldn't relate to Sophie and Joe as I'm not a parent, but it was heartwarming to see them both give a second chance to love - and I enjoyed the banter between the two as well.

I did really like seeing the secondary characters too, I loved Poppy - Sophie's sister - and would love to see a book focused on her. I really liked Denise - Joe's mum - as well!

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this copy. This review is voluntary.

Loved this fun and funny romcom with two single parents doing a fake dating scenario and catching real feelings! Thanks for the arc

DNF at 15% - I just couldn’t get into this writing style! I’ve seen many reviews that this book is very cute but it didn’t hook me. I couldn’t follow the dialogue and felt rushed to give a glimpse at mom life right from the start. I have a 3 year old and so this did feel authentic but I couldn’t get into the story.

This charming book centers around the delightful premise of single parents engaging in fake dating, featuring a strong and charismatic female lead. Despite not having children myself, I found the characters endearing and relatable. The plot, revolving around the absurd yet entertaining concept of tricking a mom's group at a primary school with a faux romantic relationship, had me initially concerned about its sustainability. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the engaging twists and turns the story took.

The chemistry between Joe and Sophie adds a delightful touch, and their constant banter had me cheering for their evolving relationship. The fact that Joe's romantic and teasing lines were delivered with an Irish accent only enhanced the overall appeal. For readers seeking a book that seamlessly combines humor, sweetness, and just the right amount of spicy tension, 'The Pick Up' is an ideal choice.

This book an enjoyable for a holiday read. The main characters' charm is balanced, avoiding over-the-top portrayals, while the secondary characters exude personality, fostering a genuine appreciation for everyone in the narrative. The overall experience is a perfect blend of humor, sweetness, and just the right amount of spicy tension, making 'The Pick Up' a delightful and satisfying read.

3.5/5 stars!! Thank you Netgally for the ARC.

Such a lovely heartwarming story! I really enjoyed this book. It was refreshing to read about characters who were falling in love as a second chance. Secondary characters were so good as well - I would totally read Poppy's story. 4 stars from me!

Single parents and fake dating, I definitely found this story adorable and laughed many times. I didn’t really relate to the book, but if you are a parent, single or not, you should try this book. The chemistry between the two is there but it felt plain at the same time, can’t really explain it. Would recommend if you’re looking for an adorable quick read with no spice.

Sophie is so relatable as mom! Sweet baby Lila is a gem. I loved her shenanigans! Poppy was such a fun addition to the story. We love good side characters! Oh and Joe. I loved Joe so much. This was such a sweet story about two single parents falling in love.