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Up Red Creek #1
The Pick Up
It could never work. Kyle's grappling with grief after losing his partner. He's a single dad suddenly back in the hometown he thought he'd left behind. Everyone from old friends to his daughter's too-hot teacher seems to disapprove of him. It could never work. Adam's life as a teacher is quiet and tidy. Messy, scattered Kyle doesn't fit into that. The best they can be is friends...as long as Adam ignores his inconvenient attraction to Kyle's goofy charm. What if it did work? Falling in love is all about timing, and Adam and Kyle's timing is the worst. But as the school year ends and their feelings grow, maybe the only time they have is right now.
238 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2018
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206 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
May 1, 2018
I wish I enjoyed The Pick Up by newbie author, Allison Temple, more. But I didn't.
Okay, there isn't anything wrong with it exactly, except that it felt endlessly, endlessly long.
The story had lots of starts and stops. The men get together... then they don't. They show an inch of progress... then it goes to crap. The back and forth got really tired after some time, to be honest. I love a good slow-burn, but this was more like slow-cold-shoulder.
I don't mind a story about a family, but I found the book to be a little heavy and more focused on the father/daughter and teacher/student dynamics than I would have liked. I wanted more romance and more oomph, but I found that part of the story to be a little flat.
For me, the romance wasn't nearly strong enough to carry a story of this length. I think I needed more wow, more of an emotional punch. However, I do hope to see more from Allison Temple in the future.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
Okay, there isn't anything wrong with it exactly, except that it felt endlessly, endlessly long.
The story had lots of starts and stops. The men get together... then they don't. They show an inch of progress... then it goes to crap. The back and forth got really tired after some time, to be honest. I love a good slow-burn, but this was more like slow-cold-shoulder.
I don't mind a story about a family, but I found the book to be a little heavy and more focused on the father/daughter and teacher/student dynamics than I would have liked. I wanted more romance and more oomph, but I found that part of the story to be a little flat.
For me, the romance wasn't nearly strong enough to carry a story of this length. I think I needed more wow, more of an emotional punch. However, I do hope to see more from Allison Temple in the future.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
April 9, 2018
This story had a lot of funny passages. It made me laugh more than once.
Kyle is somewhat a boyish guy.. a lot of humor is coming out of his mouth...
Recently, because of urgent family matters, he lives with his daughter 'Beans' with and at his fathers house in a very small town called Red Creek.
When he runs late to pick up his daughter from school he gets a reprimand from her teacher... Mr Hathaway. Impressed by this hot teacher he can't get him out of his head and he doesn't know Mr Hathaway has the same going on his head.
Life hasn't been easy on both of them. Adam Hathaway turned to Red Creek after a bad ending relationship, because of this experience he refuses to get involved around work with someone ever again. So his attitude toward Kyle is a bit out of place. There is a lot of push and pull. Kyle is the playful one of them and also the one to initiative. They have besides their ongoing arguments also time to relax together... those parts were fun. Adam even dares to dream.
Kyle's field of work isn't as he has hoped so....but hey...he never planned to stay in Red Creek....
A lovely story I had warm feelings for Kyle's personality and after a while I defrost for Adam.
Kyle as father was really nice put down. His daughter of six Caroline was a sweetheart. The mother of Caroline slash partner of Kyle has died and her personality has a vague place in this story as the love life of Kyle and her did. Kyle's father and the community of Red Creek has a good part in this story. The struggling relationship between Kyle and Adam was good put down.
It was a nice written story, engaging, it had a fun dynamic.
Kindly received an arc from the publisher through NetGalley
Kyle is somewhat a boyish guy.. a lot of humor is coming out of his mouth...
Recently, because of urgent family matters, he lives with his daughter 'Beans' with and at his fathers house in a very small town called Red Creek.
When he runs late to pick up his daughter from school he gets a reprimand from her teacher... Mr Hathaway. Impressed by this hot teacher he can't get him out of his head and he doesn't know Mr Hathaway has the same going on his head.
Life hasn't been easy on both of them. Adam Hathaway turned to Red Creek after a bad ending relationship, because of this experience he refuses to get involved around work with someone ever again. So his attitude toward Kyle is a bit out of place. There is a lot of push and pull. Kyle is the playful one of them and also the one to initiative. They have besides their ongoing arguments also time to relax together... those parts were fun. Adam even dares to dream.
Kyle's field of work isn't as he has hoped so....but hey...he never planned to stay in Red Creek....
A lovely story I had warm feelings for Kyle's personality and after a while I defrost for Adam.
Kyle as father was really nice put down. His daughter of six Caroline was a sweetheart. The mother of Caroline slash partner of Kyle has died and her personality has a vague place in this story as the love life of Kyle and her did. Kyle's father and the community of Red Creek has a good part in this story. The struggling relationship between Kyle and Adam was good put down.
It was a nice written story, engaging, it had a fun dynamic.
Kindly received an arc from the publisher through NetGalley
March 7, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, primarily because of the snarky, sarcastic back and forth between Kyle and Adam.
This book is enemies to lovers and hot for (your kid's) teacher and returning home and finding exactly what you never knew you always wanted.
With sharp and snappy dialogue, lots of giggle-snorts, a slow-burn romance, and a good chunk of character growth for both MCs, I simply flew through the pages.
The characters are complex and flawed, and felt realistic to me. One small niggle is that Kyle's relationship with Olivia, his daughter's mother, wasn't really explained deeply enough for my taste.
I might have shed a tear for Adam and how scared he was to trust again, and for Kyle still grieving for Olivia, but also cheered for them when they finally got it together.
This was my first book by this author, and I'm interested to see what else she has to offer.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. **
This book is enemies to lovers and hot for (your kid's) teacher and returning home and finding exactly what you never knew you always wanted.
With sharp and snappy dialogue, lots of giggle-snorts, a slow-burn romance, and a good chunk of character growth for both MCs, I simply flew through the pages.
The characters are complex and flawed, and felt realistic to me. One small niggle is that Kyle's relationship with Olivia, his daughter's mother, wasn't really explained deeply enough for my taste.
I might have shed a tear for Adam and how scared he was to trust again, and for Kyle still grieving for Olivia, but also cheered for them when they finally got it together.
This was my first book by this author, and I'm interested to see what else she has to offer.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. **
June 24, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
- small town
- widower/single dad
- parent/teacher
- slow burn
- opposites attract
Kyle finds himself back in his hometown of Red Creek and living back in his family home, not something he ever expected to do again, but after a family crisis he needs all the help he can get raising his daughter. Moving back home wasn’t his plan, neither is crushing on his six year old daughter’s grumpy teacher.
Adam moved to Red Creek for a new start, and ever since has been fighting off the single/divorced parents at the school he teaches out. He refuses to date a student’s parent, keeping things strictly professional, but there’s something about Kyle Fenton that he can’t resist.
Kyle was such a hot mess, as to be expected after what he and Caroline have been through, but Adam is the perfect anchor for him. Their friendship that morphs into more was so sweet, and while this was a bit of a slower burn than I like, I really enjoyed this!
- small town
- widower/single dad
- parent/teacher
- slow burn
- opposites attract
Kyle finds himself back in his hometown of Red Creek and living back in his family home, not something he ever expected to do again, but after a family crisis he needs all the help he can get raising his daughter. Moving back home wasn’t his plan, neither is crushing on his six year old daughter’s grumpy teacher.
Adam moved to Red Creek for a new start, and ever since has been fighting off the single/divorced parents at the school he teaches out. He refuses to date a student’s parent, keeping things strictly professional, but there’s something about Kyle Fenton that he can’t resist.
Kyle was such a hot mess, as to be expected after what he and Caroline have been through, but Adam is the perfect anchor for him. Their friendship that morphs into more was so sweet, and while this was a bit of a slower burn than I like, I really enjoyed this!
June 11, 2018
3.25 stars
Kyle Fenton returns home to Red Creek with his six-year-old daughter, Caroline, after the death of Caroline's mother. He temporarily lives with his Dad, working from home, while trying to do his best raising his daughter. Adam Hathaway is Caroline's first grade teacher, who is trying to keep his personal live private after a bad situation at a private school that also forces him to move to Red Creek. Both are tentatively working on their issues while figuring out how to deal with being attracted to one another.
The Pick Up is both a debut from Allison Temple and a start of a small-town romance series with two more books coming within this year and next. I will try to give what works and what doesn't for me about this one.
First of all, this one is a SLOW BURN romance. Yes, SLOW BURN. Now, I do love my slow burn. My early experience with romance is Harlequin, where they keep the sex scenes between the hero and heroine near the end; sort of a 'reward' after going through the 'getting to know each other' phase.
UNFORTUNATELY, for me, the slow burn in this book is more of a result of the two men NOT talking rather than a natural progress of relationship. Adam and Kyle keep A LOT of things from each other, and to that extent from this reader as well.
For example, it isn't until around 1/3rd of the book that I find out that Kyle and Olivia never married. Or about 2/5th of the book where Kyle has sudden panic attack, and apparently THAT had happened before.
Even until the end I still have questions about how Kyle and Olivia ended up together. Kyle does talk to Adam about her but it's more like snippet. Olivia was part of Kyle's life for seven years, and I wonder what attracted Olivia to Kyle and vice versa. While in Adam's case, I don't know ANYTHING about the bad experience until almost half-way.
Another thing I wish to be more explored is Kyle's relationship with his father. I understand Kyle's pride takes a hit, having to come back to Red Creek. However, I don't feel like Kyle's father contributes to him staying away at Seattle for all those years either. So what happens? Is it just that logical situation where one wants to stay away from their parents when they grow up? I wish Kyle's father have more scenes in the book!
What I do enjoy from this book is the domesticity and slice-of-life fragments of being a single father, being a hot-single-teacher, as well as being part of a small town community. Okay, I'm not sure how REALISTIC it is because I don't live in a US small town, but it feels like so.
I like the exploration of Kyle's issue. I can totally understand Kyle feeling sort of like a failure ... returning home to live with his father, while before he was living independently in Seattle, making his mark on the world. Going back to Red Creek feels like a step back for Kyle, and I liked how the Temple writes how he deals with that.
I'm a bit ambivalent about Adam, though. Adam acts quite like a jerk in the beginning towards Kyle... and I can't say that I'm warming up to him because he acts a bit hot and cold, and that argument near the end doesn't help Adam to win my heart either.
All in all, I think this is a pleasant romance from a new-to-me author. I look forward to the next book...
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Kyle Fenton returns home to Red Creek with his six-year-old daughter, Caroline, after the death of Caroline's mother. He temporarily lives with his Dad, working from home, while trying to do his best raising his daughter. Adam Hathaway is Caroline's first grade teacher, who is trying to keep his personal live private after a bad situation at a private school that also forces him to move to Red Creek. Both are tentatively working on their issues while figuring out how to deal with being attracted to one another.
The Pick Up is both a debut from Allison Temple and a start of a small-town romance series with two more books coming within this year and next. I will try to give what works and what doesn't for me about this one.
First of all, this one is a SLOW BURN romance. Yes, SLOW BURN. Now, I do love my slow burn. My early experience with romance is Harlequin, where they keep the sex scenes between the hero and heroine near the end; sort of a 'reward' after going through the 'getting to know each other' phase.
UNFORTUNATELY, for me, the slow burn in this book is more of a result of the two men NOT talking rather than a natural progress of relationship. Adam and Kyle keep A LOT of things from each other, and to that extent from this reader as well.
For example, it isn't until around 1/3rd of the book that I find out that Kyle and Olivia never married. Or about 2/5th of the book where Kyle has sudden panic attack, and apparently THAT had happened before.
Even until the end I still have questions about how Kyle and Olivia ended up together. Kyle does talk to Adam about her but it's more like snippet. Olivia was part of Kyle's life for seven years, and I wonder what attracted Olivia to Kyle and vice versa. While in Adam's case, I don't know ANYTHING about the bad experience until almost half-way.
Another thing I wish to be more explored is Kyle's relationship with his father. I understand Kyle's pride takes a hit, having to come back to Red Creek. However, I don't feel like Kyle's father contributes to him staying away at Seattle for all those years either. So what happens? Is it just that logical situation where one wants to stay away from their parents when they grow up? I wish Kyle's father have more scenes in the book!
What I do enjoy from this book is the domesticity and slice-of-life fragments of being a single father, being a hot-single-teacher, as well as being part of a small town community. Okay, I'm not sure how REALISTIC it is because I don't live in a US small town, but it feels like so.
I like the exploration of Kyle's issue. I can totally understand Kyle feeling sort of like a failure ... returning home to live with his father, while before he was living independently in Seattle, making his mark on the world. Going back to Red Creek feels like a step back for Kyle, and I liked how the Temple writes how he deals with that.
I'm a bit ambivalent about Adam, though. Adam acts quite like a jerk in the beginning towards Kyle... and I can't say that I'm warming up to him because he acts a bit hot and cold, and that argument near the end doesn't help Adam to win my heart either.
All in all, I think this is a pleasant romance from a new-to-me author. I look forward to the next book...
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
March 29, 2018
This was a cute sweet story that focused more on building a relationship outside the bedroom ( which is present) but doesn’t dominate the story. I found myself smiling a lot while witnessing Adam stumble through his feelings for his daughter’s 1st-grade teacher and Kyle trying to readjust to life back in small hometown.
As a parent, I understood Kyle’s struggle. It’s hard to open your heart to another after losing your wife and child’s mother. As for Adam, I had to be patient with him. He was so caught up in what he perceived was the path to happiness instead of living in the moment and appreciating reality for what it is.
Both of these MC’s made me laugh out loud quite a few times. I adore Kyle's surly nature and being in his head as he groused over Adam’s many injustices. I also enjoyed Adam’s unrestrained vocal parry regardless of who he was sparring with.
This is one of those feel-good stories that you can’t help but love. There’s a lot of “meat” to this story that is delivered in small funny bites which makes this a satisfying light-hearted read. I’m looking forward to more.
As a parent, I understood Kyle’s struggle. It’s hard to open your heart to another after losing your wife and child’s mother. As for Adam, I had to be patient with him. He was so caught up in what he perceived was the path to happiness instead of living in the moment and appreciating reality for what it is.
Both of these MC’s made me laugh out loud quite a few times. I adore Kyle's surly nature and being in his head as he groused over Adam’s many injustices. I also enjoyed Adam’s unrestrained vocal parry regardless of who he was sparring with.
This is one of those feel-good stories that you can’t help but love. There’s a lot of “meat” to this story that is delivered in small funny bites which makes this a satisfying light-hearted read. I’m looking forward to more.
March 10, 2018
This was really enjoyable! I see that this is the first book for the author so it's a new author and a new to me author, and I have to say she did will for her debut novel.
"The Pick Up" is about Adam, Caroline's first grade teacher and her father, Kyle, who only has his own father to help out since Caroline's mother passed away. They meet when Adam is on pick up duty after school, and Kyle is a little late picking Caroline up. Adam is a little short with Kyle, but there's an attraction there anyway.
And one of the reasons I'm taking a star off is because for one thing, it wasn't all the way clear on what Kyle and Olivia's (the dead mother) relationship was before she died. It seemed like they were together together, but at times Kyle referred to her as his best friend (which would be fine if it was also mentioned he lost his...girlfriend? Because he said they never married) and he did say the last year before she died it seemed they were "working toward something" so what did that mean? It was just fairly vague at times.
Also, the book eventually does say that Kyle is bi but for a long time I was like...is Kyle gay and he just accidentally got Olivia pregnant during a drunken night and then they just became BFF's when they were forced together by their kid? Or was he bi and he and Oliva had a thing as well as the kid? What? It took awhile for those things to be answered and that annoyed me. There's waiting to tell the reader everything about the characters and then there's waiting lol.
But overall those things weren't too detrimental to the story. Watching Adam and Kyle so slowly fall for each other, and they were wonderful together, and they had great chemistry. Caroline was adorable but she wasn't a perfect kid - she had her tantrums as all kids do. There are fun side characters too, like Adam's sister and Kyle's dad.
And I did like how the conflict near the end was actually reasonable. It wasn't manufactured or out of left field or anything. There are legitimate reasons why Kyle does the thing he does and why Adam reacts the way he reacts, but it all works out in the end.
Anyway, this was a fun, entertaining book and I really enjoyed it. It ended up being more than I was expecting. Two enthusiastic thumbs up from me! :)
"The Pick Up" is about Adam, Caroline's first grade teacher and her father, Kyle, who only has his own father to help out since Caroline's mother passed away. They meet when Adam is on pick up duty after school, and Kyle is a little late picking Caroline up. Adam is a little short with Kyle, but there's an attraction there anyway.
And one of the reasons I'm taking a star off is because for one thing, it wasn't all the way clear on what Kyle and Olivia's (the dead mother) relationship was before she died. It seemed like they were together together, but at times Kyle referred to her as his best friend (which would be fine if it was also mentioned he lost his...girlfriend? Because he said they never married) and he did say the last year before she died it seemed they were "working toward something" so what did that mean? It was just fairly vague at times.
Also, the book eventually does say that Kyle is bi but for a long time I was like...is Kyle gay and he just accidentally got Olivia pregnant during a drunken night and then they just became BFF's when they were forced together by their kid? Or was he bi and he and Oliva had a thing as well as the kid? What? It took awhile for those things to be answered and that annoyed me. There's waiting to tell the reader everything about the characters and then there's waiting lol.
But overall those things weren't too detrimental to the story. Watching Adam and Kyle so slowly fall for each other, and they were wonderful together, and they had great chemistry. Caroline was adorable but she wasn't a perfect kid - she had her tantrums as all kids do. There are fun side characters too, like Adam's sister and Kyle's dad.
And I did like how the conflict near the end was actually reasonable. It wasn't manufactured or out of left field or anything. There are legitimate reasons why Kyle does the thing he does and why Adam reacts the way he reacts, but it all works out in the end.
Anyway, this was a fun, entertaining book and I really enjoyed it. It ended up being more than I was expecting. Two enthusiastic thumbs up from me! :)
January 28, 2018
After the death of Kyle Fenton's best friend Olivia in an accident he finds himself raising their six year old daughter Caroline alone. Not really able to make ends meet, when his father extends an offer of help, Kyle moves from Seattle back home to Red Creek - a place he'd much sooner have never returned to.
Adam Hathaway teaches grade school and keeps his private life very private, especially after a relationship gone bad cost him his job at private Newcastle Academy.
After clashing with Kyle several times, the two find themselves gravitating to one another, which isn't optimal to either of them. Adam, because of his past relationship mistakes, and Kyle because Olivia has been dead less than a year and his father doesn't seem that keen on Kyle's bisexuality.
After a very slow start the two finally gain a groove and work their way through some miscommunication to open up to one another and embrace a relationship.
This is a slow burn with a lot of false starts. Since both Adam and Kyle have their own pasts and challenges to overcome they basically fight their attraction to one another, and later any kind of relationship, the pacing of the story was particularly slow going, and I didn't feel like the HFN was an adequate pay off for getting through it all.
There were some things I liked about the story, like the way Kyle and Adam were with their families, and the depiction of small town life, but I wanted more romance between Kyle and Adam. I wanted a better connection, more chemistry, and better relationship arc.
I also wanted to know more about Kyle's relationship with Olivia, which wasn't really explained, because while I'm calling Kyle bisexual here, the word wasn't used once in the whole book, and his "relationship" with Olivia was a bit mysterious.
But, mostly, I just wanted them to stop being jerks to each other long before they actually did and get on with the romancing.
Unfortunately this one was a miss for me but YMMV.
Advanced Review Galley copy of The Pick Up provided by Riptide Publishing via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Adam Hathaway teaches grade school and keeps his private life very private, especially after a relationship gone bad cost him his job at private Newcastle Academy.
After clashing with Kyle several times, the two find themselves gravitating to one another, which isn't optimal to either of them. Adam, because of his past relationship mistakes, and Kyle because Olivia has been dead less than a year and his father doesn't seem that keen on Kyle's bisexuality.
After a very slow start the two finally gain a groove and work their way through some miscommunication to open up to one another and embrace a relationship.
This is a slow burn with a lot of false starts. Since both Adam and Kyle have their own pasts and challenges to overcome they basically fight their attraction to one another, and later any kind of relationship, the pacing of the story was particularly slow going, and I didn't feel like the HFN was an adequate pay off for getting through it all.
There were some things I liked about the story, like the way Kyle and Adam were with their families, and the depiction of small town life, but I wanted more romance between Kyle and Adam. I wanted a better connection, more chemistry, and better relationship arc.
I also wanted to know more about Kyle's relationship with Olivia, which wasn't really explained, because while I'm calling Kyle bisexual here, the word wasn't used once in the whole book, and his "relationship" with Olivia was a bit mysterious.
But, mostly, I just wanted them to stop being jerks to each other long before they actually did and get on with the romancing.
Unfortunately this one was a miss for me but YMMV.
Advanced Review Galley copy of The Pick Up provided by Riptide Publishing via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
January 21, 2018
Kyle is a single dad and a widower. He has returned home to Red Creek to try and rebuild his life and recover from a devastating bereavement which has left him bringing up his six-year-old daughter on his own. Life has not worked out the way he thought it would and he has come home realising that, not only is he bereaved and single, he also hasn't made the kind of progress that he wants. Instead he drives a battered old van, lives at home with his dad and takes care of his little daughter Caroline. Kyle doesn't really think about the future. Life for him means just taking one day at a time, trying to fill the gap left by the tragic death of his partner Olivia.
Kyle is quite surprised when he finds that he is recovering from his grief, or at least recovering enough to recognise the feelings of attraction that he has for his daughter's class teacher Mr Adam Hathaway.
Adam is attracted to the father of his young student, but he is also very wary because he has been burnt by a previous relationship and he certainly doesn't think that it is professional of him to date the father of one of his students. Thankfully love cannot be thwarted. Red Creek is a small town and when Kyle joins his friend's basketball team he is surprised to see Adam there as well. In this very small town the two men get to see each other at other social events and at the school gates and a friendship develops, and then something deeper begins to grow between them.
Both men have different challenges to overcome. Kyle is still grieving and seeking to make a new life for himself and his daughter. Adam has been hurt in the past and despite his deep attraction for Kyle he is reluctant to get involved again, especially with a parent.
And so in this lovely story, two men each have to overcome the tragedies and difficulties of the past and move forward into new lives with new hope and although it sounds nice it isn't easy.
This is a nice romantic story and very well written. I didn't feel that it was gripping enough for me. I felt it was a bit slow, but for anyone wanting a nice, gentle romance this is perfect.
Copy provided by Riptide Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Kyle is quite surprised when he finds that he is recovering from his grief, or at least recovering enough to recognise the feelings of attraction that he has for his daughter's class teacher Mr Adam Hathaway.
Adam is attracted to the father of his young student, but he is also very wary because he has been burnt by a previous relationship and he certainly doesn't think that it is professional of him to date the father of one of his students. Thankfully love cannot be thwarted. Red Creek is a small town and when Kyle joins his friend's basketball team he is surprised to see Adam there as well. In this very small town the two men get to see each other at other social events and at the school gates and a friendship develops, and then something deeper begins to grow between them.
Both men have different challenges to overcome. Kyle is still grieving and seeking to make a new life for himself and his daughter. Adam has been hurt in the past and despite his deep attraction for Kyle he is reluctant to get involved again, especially with a parent.
And so in this lovely story, two men each have to overcome the tragedies and difficulties of the past and move forward into new lives with new hope and although it sounds nice it isn't easy.
This is a nice romantic story and very well written. I didn't feel that it was gripping enough for me. I felt it was a bit slow, but for anyone wanting a nice, gentle romance this is perfect.
Copy provided by Riptide Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
January 15, 2018
This was a cute story. There were somethings I wish would of been put into the story. There were unanswered questions about Olivia and why Kyle chose to be with her (of course I know for his daughter) but I’m more on the lines of his attraction to men and wondering how the relationship worked. I love that the story wasn’t
So fast paced. The author took their time in letting you get to know each of their personalities. I feel that Kyle and Adam fit well together. I was secretly hoping that In the pick up line Adam would come around and kiss Kyle.
I’m giving the book 3 stars because I wish there was more information in it. Overall, Adam and Kyle Were super cute.
So fast paced. The author took their time in letting you get to know each of their personalities. I feel that Kyle and Adam fit well together. I was secretly hoping that In the pick up line Adam would come around and kiss Kyle.
I’m giving the book 3 stars because I wish there was more information in it. Overall, Adam and Kyle Were super cute.
March 16, 2018
I liked this book a lot. The writing style was fresh, the way the story was told was captivating. Nevertheless, the whole time I read it I was waiting for something. Some big surprise, something revealing about his past, something more about him and Olivia? The whole time I felt as if there was something important missing. Therefore I stick to 4 stars.
Well, I'm still looking forward to reading the next books in this series, although I'm quite pessimistic right now after reading on the author's blog that she asked back for the rights for the unpublished books. So, it looks like being up in the air. That's a pity.
Well, I'm still looking forward to reading the next books in this series, although I'm quite pessimistic right now after reading on the author's blog that she asked back for the rights for the unpublished books. So, it looks like being up in the air. That's a pity.
March 28, 2018
There was a lot about this that had potential. I liked the idea of Kyle revisiting his hometown and reconnecting there. I liked the idea of a nerdy teacher giving him a run for his money and I thought his daughter was adorable. (Later in the story I also really liked Kyle’s father, too.)
For me, unfortunately, I never really liked Kyle all that much. I didn’t connect strongly with him, or understand his background fully. While I thought it was cute at first, his calling Adam “Mr Hathaway” all the time got under my skin. Since our guys spend so much time struggling, I really wanted them to have a decisive HEA and it’s only tepid.
I won’t say that I’m looking forward to book 2 in this series, but if the blurb is intriguing I wouldn’t turn it down based on this experience.
This might be a case of “it’s not the book, it’s me” but this just didn’t work for me that well.
3 of 5 stars
For me, unfortunately, I never really liked Kyle all that much. I didn’t connect strongly with him, or understand his background fully. While I thought it was cute at first, his calling Adam “Mr Hathaway” all the time got under my skin. Since our guys spend so much time struggling, I really wanted them to have a decisive HEA and it’s only tepid.
I won’t say that I’m looking forward to book 2 in this series, but if the blurb is intriguing I wouldn’t turn it down based on this experience.
This might be a case of “it’s not the book, it’s me” but this just didn’t work for me that well.
3 of 5 stars
March 14, 2018
This is a 3.75 star book for me - there were some things I didn't like or that could have been better, but overall I quite enjoyed it.
Adam is a primary school teacher in a small town, and after a bad experience in the past he's determined to keep his private life separate from his job. And when he meets Kyle for the first time, he isn't exactly impressed by him, either - he's late to pick up his daughter from school and everything about him just seems to irritate Adam - apart from the fact that Kyle is pretty attractive. It turns out Kyle recently lost his wife and now has moved back to live with his father in his former hometown. And when their paths keep crossing, they can't deny their attraction to each other - even though they both fear it's a bad idea to get involved.
I really liked Kyle, his father and his daughter Caroline. Kids in stories so often seem like a prop if badly written, and Caroline was her own person and really seemed like an actual kid. I also liked the pace at which Adam's and Kyle's relationship develops, even though the (necessary) drama was a little too dramatic - their interactions were pretty grown up and realistic most of the time and then when there were issues it just suddenly seemed a bit over the top. But that could just be me.
Adam was the story's main weakness for me - I couldn't really get a sense of him, somehow, and it might have worked better if there had been more focus on his feelings and backstory. I also wasn't a fan of the sex scenes - they weren't horrible, but they also weren't hot. The kissing was, though, so there is that.
Overall, I quite enjoyed it (and it bears repeating that right now me finishing a book is high praise in itself). If you enjoy stories with low-key drama and single dad's, this is a great choice.
I'm going to add one comment about Riptide here: I'm aware of their horrible and unprofessional behaviour. I debated with myself whether to review this or not, but I don't want to punish innocent authors. I sincerely hope that they change things over there, and I will support the authors who choose to leave - but some may not have a choice, and I want to support them, too.
Adam is a primary school teacher in a small town, and after a bad experience in the past he's determined to keep his private life separate from his job. And when he meets Kyle for the first time, he isn't exactly impressed by him, either - he's late to pick up his daughter from school and everything about him just seems to irritate Adam - apart from the fact that Kyle is pretty attractive. It turns out Kyle recently lost his wife and now has moved back to live with his father in his former hometown. And when their paths keep crossing, they can't deny their attraction to each other - even though they both fear it's a bad idea to get involved.
I really liked Kyle, his father and his daughter Caroline. Kids in stories so often seem like a prop if badly written, and Caroline was her own person and really seemed like an actual kid. I also liked the pace at which Adam's and Kyle's relationship develops, even though the (necessary) drama was a little too dramatic - their interactions were pretty grown up and realistic most of the time and then when there were issues it just suddenly seemed a bit over the top. But that could just be me.
Adam was the story's main weakness for me - I couldn't really get a sense of him, somehow, and it might have worked better if there had been more focus on his feelings and backstory. I also wasn't a fan of the sex scenes - they weren't horrible, but they also weren't hot. The kissing was, though, so there is that.
Overall, I quite enjoyed it (and it bears repeating that right now me finishing a book is high praise in itself). If you enjoy stories with low-key drama and single dad's, this is a great choice.
I'm going to add one comment about Riptide here: I'm aware of their horrible and unprofessional behaviour. I debated with myself whether to review this or not, but I don't want to punish innocent authors. I sincerely hope that they change things over there, and I will support the authors who choose to leave - but some may not have a choice, and I want to support them, too.
March 12, 2018
Better than I expected.
February 21, 2018
I thought this book was totally adorable.
6 year old Caroline was a spunky little thing that you just couldn't help not loving.
Adam was kind of a prick in the beginning, but while you were in his POV it was kind of funny. He seems to be a man of few words (which is kind of odd for a first grade teacher, but maybe not a relationship stunted one). I don't think he quite knew how to take Kyle and Caroline's energy.
Kyle doesn't quite have a filter so the things that come out of his mouth can be quite awkward, but funny and Dare I say, adorable? As the chapters move back and forth through their different POVs it's fun to see. Kyle quirky and energetic and the perfect (single) dad to a 6 year old girl. He's fun yet stern and even a good influence in his dad's life. Kyle is all about the eating healthy and taking care of his family, Caroline is the most important thing to him.
While Kyle and Adam have both had some terrible things happen to them, this story didn't feel that dramatic to me. Kyle found it odd that the entire town wanted to help him, he didn't quite understand this at first. He wanted everyone out of his business and not pity him when it came to Caroline and her mother. It took him a fight with Adam and a 6 hour drive to Richmond to understand what he would be giving up if he left again.
All in all This was a very sweet, low drama, light read.
6 year old Caroline was a spunky little thing that you just couldn't help not loving.
Adam was kind of a prick in the beginning, but while you were in his POV it was kind of funny. He seems to be a man of few words (which is kind of odd for a first grade teacher, but maybe not a relationship stunted one). I don't think he quite knew how to take Kyle and Caroline's energy.
Kyle doesn't quite have a filter so the things that come out of his mouth can be quite awkward, but funny and Dare I say, adorable? As the chapters move back and forth through their different POVs it's fun to see. Kyle quirky and energetic and the perfect (single) dad to a 6 year old girl. He's fun yet stern and even a good influence in his dad's life. Kyle is all about the eating healthy and taking care of his family, Caroline is the most important thing to him.
While Kyle and Adam have both had some terrible things happen to them, this story didn't feel that dramatic to me. Kyle found it odd that the entire town wanted to help him, he didn't quite understand this at first. He wanted everyone out of his business and not pity him when it came to Caroline and her mother. It took him a fight with Adam and a 6 hour drive to Richmond to understand what he would be giving up if he left again.
All in all This was a very sweet, low drama, light read.
March 5, 2018
3.5 stars. Sweet story, likeable characters (I loooved Kyle) - I enjoyed this one alot. <3 Full review coming to www.thenovelapproachreviews.com
December 4, 2021
Thank you CandyCandyCanesCandyCorns&Syrup Elf for the gift!
Merged review:
Surprisingly sweet. Review to come.
Merged review:
Surprisingly sweet. Review to come.
March 6, 2018
4.5 stars
There is nothing I love more than discovering a new author that I adore. The Pick Up is Allison Temple's debut novel and it was everything I hoped it would be. It's funny and sweet, with awesome characterizations and one of the absolute best kid portrayals I've read in a novel.
Kyle and Adam both come to Red Creek looking for a place that will let them get back on their feet after life beats them down. Kyle brings his daughter back to his hometown after the death of his partner and Caroline's mom, Olivia. He needs his dad's support while he tries to figure out where they're going next. Adam comes to Red Creek after a relationship ends and he loses his job, looking for support from his sister as he starts a new life. Romance aside, this book is about family, support systems, small towns, finding your way again after life treats you like dirt and coming to realize that where you are might just be exactly where you need to be.
The familial relationships, and the exploration of them, were some of my absolute favorite parts of this story, especially Kyle's with his dad and daughter. Kyle's back in the house he grew up in, he and Caroline living with his father. Kyle's struggling, feeling inadequate and like so much of his life has been a failure, including coming back to his small hometown after escaping to the big city. On top of that, he's, well, not exactly unhappy, but unfulfilled in his job. Nothing has gone to plan for him, and he feels like everything's falling in on him. I loved Kyle from the first time we see him, through Adam's eyes, and he tugged at my heartstrings throughout the book.
Poor communication is something I generally detest in books. Like, it grinds all my gears in all the wrong ways. So color me super surprised when all the communication woes Kyle and Adam have (and boy, are they bad at communicating) made me fall more in love with these characters. Kyle talks a mile a minute about everything under the sun except for what he's feeling. He thinks he needs to be the strong one for his daughter and needs to handle the tough stuff himself. Adam's quiet; he just doesn't have much to say. He struggles with all the words, not just the ones that matter the most. The fact that they don't communicate well wasn't tropey. It wasn't there just to create angst. It was true to their characters, and the evolution of their communication built with the growth of their relationship in an honest and realistic way.
I really could go on and on about the things I loved about this story, so I'll digress. To sum it up, this book made me laugh and cry and smile and I didn't want to put it down a single time (even though I had to - stupid work and sleep). I can NOT wait for more books from Allison Temple, and more books about Red Creek. I hope we get some cameos of Kyle, Adam and Caroline because I can't wait to see them again.
An advance copy of this book was received from the publisher through NetGalley for review on OMGReads.
There is nothing I love more than discovering a new author that I adore. The Pick Up is Allison Temple's debut novel and it was everything I hoped it would be. It's funny and sweet, with awesome characterizations and one of the absolute best kid portrayals I've read in a novel.
Kyle and Adam both come to Red Creek looking for a place that will let them get back on their feet after life beats them down. Kyle brings his daughter back to his hometown after the death of his partner and Caroline's mom, Olivia. He needs his dad's support while he tries to figure out where they're going next. Adam comes to Red Creek after a relationship ends and he loses his job, looking for support from his sister as he starts a new life. Romance aside, this book is about family, support systems, small towns, finding your way again after life treats you like dirt and coming to realize that where you are might just be exactly where you need to be.
The familial relationships, and the exploration of them, were some of my absolute favorite parts of this story, especially Kyle's with his dad and daughter. Kyle's back in the house he grew up in, he and Caroline living with his father. Kyle's struggling, feeling inadequate and like so much of his life has been a failure, including coming back to his small hometown after escaping to the big city. On top of that, he's, well, not exactly unhappy, but unfulfilled in his job. Nothing has gone to plan for him, and he feels like everything's falling in on him. I loved Kyle from the first time we see him, through Adam's eyes, and he tugged at my heartstrings throughout the book.
Poor communication is something I generally detest in books. Like, it grinds all my gears in all the wrong ways. So color me super surprised when all the communication woes Kyle and Adam have (and boy, are they bad at communicating) made me fall more in love with these characters. Kyle talks a mile a minute about everything under the sun except for what he's feeling. He thinks he needs to be the strong one for his daughter and needs to handle the tough stuff himself. Adam's quiet; he just doesn't have much to say. He struggles with all the words, not just the ones that matter the most. The fact that they don't communicate well wasn't tropey. It wasn't there just to create angst. It was true to their characters, and the evolution of their communication built with the growth of their relationship in an honest and realistic way.
I really could go on and on about the things I loved about this story, so I'll digress. To sum it up, this book made me laugh and cry and smile and I didn't want to put it down a single time (even though I had to - stupid work and sleep). I can NOT wait for more books from Allison Temple, and more books about Red Creek. I hope we get some cameos of Kyle, Adam and Caroline because I can't wait to see them again.
An advance copy of this book was received from the publisher through NetGalley for review on OMGReads.
March 6, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
I liked this one. It’s very methodical in building the friendship and then the romance between Adam and Kyle. There’s a bit of sweet sexytimes, but that’s secondary to the romance. Kyle grew a lot in this, recognizing that his ideas/ideals got in the way of his reality. Adam had to loosen up and let someone in again, which wasn’t easy for him to do. There are some really nice secondary characters, including Kyle’s father and best friend, and Adam’s sister. The small-town dynamic was really focused, as well, with Kyle’s big-city ideals being a real culture clash for him. His eclectic style is one thing that attracts Adam, and sparks the interest, too.
It’s a little on the long side and dragged just a little in the middle, for me, but I did enjoy it. I found Adam’s competitiveness to be funny and Kyle’s openness to be charming. He’s desperate to be a good father and a supportive partner, and those are traits I connect with easily.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
I liked this one. It’s very methodical in building the friendship and then the romance between Adam and Kyle. There’s a bit of sweet sexytimes, but that’s secondary to the romance. Kyle grew a lot in this, recognizing that his ideas/ideals got in the way of his reality. Adam had to loosen up and let someone in again, which wasn’t easy for him to do. There are some really nice secondary characters, including Kyle’s father and best friend, and Adam’s sister. The small-town dynamic was really focused, as well, with Kyle’s big-city ideals being a real culture clash for him. His eclectic style is one thing that attracts Adam, and sparks the interest, too.
It’s a little on the long side and dragged just a little in the middle, for me, but I did enjoy it. I found Adam’s competitiveness to be funny and Kyle’s openness to be charming. He’s desperate to be a good father and a supportive partner, and those are traits I connect with easily.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
February 27, 2018
3.5 stars - I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is a seriously sweet family romance. Set in a small town, it is the story of a single dad who falls for his daughter’s first grade teacher. Kyle’s attraction to Adam is complicated by the fact that he and his daughter are still grieving the loss of her mother and by Kyle’s struggle to readjust to life back in his hometown after years away in Seattle.
There are a couple of steamy scenes in this book but it is mostly a family drama. Kyle’s life revolves around six year old Caroline and they live with his father. I’m not a huge fan of domestic small town romances and there were a few too many cute kid moments for me in this one. I really liked the fact that sexuality was a non issue for all the characters in this story. There is no closeted angst here - just two men struggling to figure out how to make a relationship work.
The story only just touches on Adam’s baggage and the reason for his move to a small town elementary school. I think I might have understood his reservations about Kyle more if I’d known more about his background from the start. As it is, these two guys have pretty rubbish communication skills. I understood Kyle’s skittishness but Adam just seemed to run hot and cold.
This is a little bit too cute for me but I’m sure other readers will enjoy the often adorable scenes of domestic bliss and the connection between two sweet men.
This is a seriously sweet family romance. Set in a small town, it is the story of a single dad who falls for his daughter’s first grade teacher. Kyle’s attraction to Adam is complicated by the fact that he and his daughter are still grieving the loss of her mother and by Kyle’s struggle to readjust to life back in his hometown after years away in Seattle.
There are a couple of steamy scenes in this book but it is mostly a family drama. Kyle’s life revolves around six year old Caroline and they live with his father. I’m not a huge fan of domestic small town romances and there were a few too many cute kid moments for me in this one. I really liked the fact that sexuality was a non issue for all the characters in this story. There is no closeted angst here - just two men struggling to figure out how to make a relationship work.
The story only just touches on Adam’s baggage and the reason for his move to a small town elementary school. I think I might have understood his reservations about Kyle more if I’d known more about his background from the start. As it is, these two guys have pretty rubbish communication skills. I understood Kyle’s skittishness but Adam just seemed to run hot and cold.
This is a little bit too cute for me but I’m sure other readers will enjoy the often adorable scenes of domestic bliss and the connection between two sweet men.
April 17, 2024
The writing was proficient, but the story didn't work for me. You know that feeling when you're walking up the stairs and you take one more step up, expecting a stair, but you're already at the top? That's what this book felt like. The stairs were never where you expected them to be, and everyone was just kind of jolting around. These guys never felt like they fit together. It really didn't help that the cover suggests a romcom, and this is most definitely not a romcom.
March 1, 2018
ARC from Netgalley
“I need you. I need you to tell me when I’m being an idiot, and when my pickup lines cross the cheese threshold.”
Every few months I go to NetGalley and request some soon-to-be-available titles that have cute covers and interesting stories. Every few months I get turned down for most but the few I get approved rarely disappoint me. The Pick Up had a super cute cover and a story that got me questioning how the two main characters could make things work. I was in for the happy ending that I was sure I was going to get. Come on, you don’t throw that kind of cover for a story that’s going to have a bitter ending, right? No way!
A few months after the death of his wife and best friend, Kyle is struggling with life so he packs his things and takes his daughter back with him to his dad’s house and the town he left behind after finishing high school. He meets Mr. Adam Hathaway, his daughter Caroline’s first grade teacher. It’s almost lust at first sight. Kyle is bisexual and his heart hadn’t made that much beating since he became a widow, and Adam wasn’t planning on finding someone like Kyle when all he wanted was to lay low and avoid unnecessary complications. Life has a way to make things work even in the messiest of lives.
I have to admit that I usually get a lot affected by the ratings. I try not to but the number gets stuck in my head. Seeing that this book had less than 4 stars got me a little anxious. I’m usually easily pleased so I wasn’t really worried. If this book didn’t have the elements I usually hate in books, then I was going to be okay. And I was. I was entertained, my heart did weird things, joy and sadness mixed well together and I was giggling, gasping, smiling softly at those two dumb men and their attempt to understand what was going on between them.
Losing someone you love is hard; everywhere you see their presence, you get daily reminders of their absence, thinking about them is easy yet so hard at times. Grieving never ends; it gets easy with time but you will forever miss that person and someone else will never fill the void they left. That doesn’t mean you won’t be happy anymore. As I said, life has ways to surprise you. Some may think that Kyle was getting himself involved with Adam too soon after the death of his wife but there’s no soon or late, there’s not a settled time to grief, there are no rules to your heart. You are not really moving on, you are only finding happiness when you thought happiness didn’t have a place in your heart at least for a while.
“Seriously though, we have to work on your blushing thing.”
“I don’t blush!” Adam said, while his face heated up more.
Kyle didn’t thought he was going to feel so much for Adam, he wasn’t looking for love when he looked at him that first time. Kyle has so much going on with Caroline, with his job, with the memories of his wife and the panic attacks that not having a clue what to do with his life causes him. But maybe, just maybe, even if loving Adam wasn’t planned and it came when it wasn’t ideal, it was exactly what Kyle needed. Maybe he will find his place in this new world without his wife, with a six-year-old girl obsessed with princesses, a father who sighs loudly at his vegetarian cuisine, and a man who teaches the food groups but only buys from the frozen isle at the supermarket.
I was happy to get to know the both of them better with the two different POVs narration. Getting to know both sides, both inner monologues, make it easier to empathize and understand what’s really going on. It also makes you angrier because you can clearly see the misunderstandings forming and you can’t do anything but wait and hope they speak and work it out.
I am happy I read this book and I liked a lot the writing style. Will I be coming back for more from this author? You bet I will!
“I need you. I need you to tell me when I’m being an idiot, and when my pickup lines cross the cheese threshold.”
Every few months I go to NetGalley and request some soon-to-be-available titles that have cute covers and interesting stories. Every few months I get turned down for most but the few I get approved rarely disappoint me. The Pick Up had a super cute cover and a story that got me questioning how the two main characters could make things work. I was in for the happy ending that I was sure I was going to get. Come on, you don’t throw that kind of cover for a story that’s going to have a bitter ending, right? No way!
A few months after the death of his wife and best friend, Kyle is struggling with life so he packs his things and takes his daughter back with him to his dad’s house and the town he left behind after finishing high school. He meets Mr. Adam Hathaway, his daughter Caroline’s first grade teacher. It’s almost lust at first sight. Kyle is bisexual and his heart hadn’t made that much beating since he became a widow, and Adam wasn’t planning on finding someone like Kyle when all he wanted was to lay low and avoid unnecessary complications. Life has a way to make things work even in the messiest of lives.
I have to admit that I usually get a lot affected by the ratings. I try not to but the number gets stuck in my head. Seeing that this book had less than 4 stars got me a little anxious. I’m usually easily pleased so I wasn’t really worried. If this book didn’t have the elements I usually hate in books, then I was going to be okay. And I was. I was entertained, my heart did weird things, joy and sadness mixed well together and I was giggling, gasping, smiling softly at those two dumb men and their attempt to understand what was going on between them.
Losing someone you love is hard; everywhere you see their presence, you get daily reminders of their absence, thinking about them is easy yet so hard at times. Grieving never ends; it gets easy with time but you will forever miss that person and someone else will never fill the void they left. That doesn’t mean you won’t be happy anymore. As I said, life has ways to surprise you. Some may think that Kyle was getting himself involved with Adam too soon after the death of his wife but there’s no soon or late, there’s not a settled time to grief, there are no rules to your heart. You are not really moving on, you are only finding happiness when you thought happiness didn’t have a place in your heart at least for a while.
“Seriously though, we have to work on your blushing thing.”
“I don’t blush!” Adam said, while his face heated up more.
Kyle didn’t thought he was going to feel so much for Adam, he wasn’t looking for love when he looked at him that first time. Kyle has so much going on with Caroline, with his job, with the memories of his wife and the panic attacks that not having a clue what to do with his life causes him. But maybe, just maybe, even if loving Adam wasn’t planned and it came when it wasn’t ideal, it was exactly what Kyle needed. Maybe he will find his place in this new world without his wife, with a six-year-old girl obsessed with princesses, a father who sighs loudly at his vegetarian cuisine, and a man who teaches the food groups but only buys from the frozen isle at the supermarket.
I was happy to get to know the both of them better with the two different POVs narration. Getting to know both sides, both inner monologues, make it easier to empathize and understand what’s really going on. It also makes you angrier because you can clearly see the misunderstandings forming and you can’t do anything but wait and hope they speak and work it out.
I am happy I read this book and I liked a lot the writing style. Will I be coming back for more from this author? You bet I will!
March 5, 2018
My Review:
Okay, I like this book...a LOT. So much, that I am really shocked at all the mediocre reviews of it (at the time I wrote this review which is still a few weeks before release so maybe they will go up). But for me, this book was awesome! There is a ton of heart and emotion built into it.
Kyle and Adam are an interesting pairing. Kyle is the 'hot mess' single father. His partner, Olivia, died seven months ago, so he and his daughter, Emily, are still trying to find a new normal. He's had to move back home to live with his father just to survive, something that he hates just because it's humiliating. He spends his days as a virtual personal assistant and constantly on the phone. But it's his dialogue with his first grade daughter early in the book that stole my heart. I loved how amazing he was with her, even when he was in the middle of breaking inside. And he definitely wasn't the perfect dad...he makes mistakes, but gah...I loved him so much. The fact that he's still going through the stages of mourning is really moving, too. Everything about his character worked for me...most especially that he is a bit of a hot mess, especially compared to the very contained Adam.
Adam is Emily's teacher. Two years ago he had to leave another teaching job he loved because he got involved with the wrong man. As a result, he really fights hard against his attraction to Kyle, who as a parent is definitely off-limits. Adam is more reserved and conservative. On the other hand, Kyle visibly flails when he gets nervous...and rambles a lot. It's really kind of funny.
But at first, despite the attraction on both their sides, these guys are really developing a friendship, not a romance. In fact, neither of them realize that a relationship might be on the table. Adam isn't out, and Kyle's partner was female. They both just assume the other is straight.
This is a very slow burn build up, but I think that's needed with the details of what Kyle is going through. It really worked for me and made it so that the two are friends first...which I loved.
There are some truly sweet moments throughout the book, too, especially when Emily is involved in the story. I thought she added a lot, and I loved how Kyle's emotions would seesaw when dealing with her...which is very apropos.
Overall, I just thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was a great start to the series...and I think it was a first novel for Allison Temple. That predicts good things to come in this series. I'm definitely looking forward to more!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Okay, I like this book...a LOT. So much, that I am really shocked at all the mediocre reviews of it (at the time I wrote this review which is still a few weeks before release so maybe they will go up). But for me, this book was awesome! There is a ton of heart and emotion built into it.
Kyle and Adam are an interesting pairing. Kyle is the 'hot mess' single father. His partner, Olivia, died seven months ago, so he and his daughter, Emily, are still trying to find a new normal. He's had to move back home to live with his father just to survive, something that he hates just because it's humiliating. He spends his days as a virtual personal assistant and constantly on the phone. But it's his dialogue with his first grade daughter early in the book that stole my heart. I loved how amazing he was with her, even when he was in the middle of breaking inside. And he definitely wasn't the perfect dad...he makes mistakes, but gah...I loved him so much. The fact that he's still going through the stages of mourning is really moving, too. Everything about his character worked for me...most especially that he is a bit of a hot mess, especially compared to the very contained Adam.
Adam is Emily's teacher. Two years ago he had to leave another teaching job he loved because he got involved with the wrong man. As a result, he really fights hard against his attraction to Kyle, who as a parent is definitely off-limits. Adam is more reserved and conservative. On the other hand, Kyle visibly flails when he gets nervous...and rambles a lot. It's really kind of funny.
But at first, despite the attraction on both their sides, these guys are really developing a friendship, not a romance. In fact, neither of them realize that a relationship might be on the table. Adam isn't out, and Kyle's partner was female. They both just assume the other is straight.
This is a very slow burn build up, but I think that's needed with the details of what Kyle is going through. It really worked for me and made it so that the two are friends first...which I loved.
There are some truly sweet moments throughout the book, too, especially when Emily is involved in the story. I thought she added a lot, and I loved how Kyle's emotions would seesaw when dealing with her...which is very apropos.
Overall, I just thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was a great start to the series...and I think it was a first novel for Allison Temple. That predicts good things to come in this series. I'm definitely looking forward to more!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
March 8, 2018
~ 3.5 Stars ~
The Pick Up, by Allison Temple, delivered just what I hoped the adorable cover was advertising: a cute, low-angst, fun read. The story wasn’t perfect, but that’s ok. I was able to brush off the few little issues I had and enjoy it for the parts that worked so well. There are plenty of reasons to like this book—small-town setting, an adorable kid, good bisexual representation, great characters (I’m looking at you, Fenton clan), and humor to name a handful.
Kyle was my favorite. The author’s description of him, and all his fabulous graphic tees, fit his personality so perfectly. And, I loved how driven he was, even though his job situation was so challenging. It was tough moving back home, what with everyone knowing his business and offering un-asked for help, and the lack of privacy that came with living with his dad, but Kyle had to do what was best for him and his six-year-old daughter, Caroline, after their life in Seattle unraveled. I also loved, loved Caroline and Kyle’s dad. They were a big part of the combination of things that made the book so enjoyable.
Adam was a bit tougher of a sell for me. I did like him and ultimately thought he was a good fit for Kyle and Caroline, but he was so over the top and melodramatic at times, especially during the small conflict toward the end, that I wasn’t as in love with him as I was with Kyle. He was obviously an excellent teacher, though, and I liked how sold on the community he was. He clearly appreciated living in Red Creek and being so close to his sister, though it was a sort of reluctant closeness. Rebecca was a busybody, though, so I don’t blame him!
Temple has a very nice start to her series here. I smiled and/or laughed through just about all of it. The romance was slow burn, which was good considering Kyle recently lost his girlfriend, who was also his best friend, and Adam had a difficult breakup involving a coworker. Even though the conflict and Adam’s behavior didn’t quite work for me, I definitely enjoyed where they ended up; the epilogue was very cute. And, I just realized that the author is going to be at GRL this October. So, I look forward to seeing her there! Maybe I’ll have another Red Creek installment to discuss before then. 😊
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
The Pick Up, by Allison Temple, delivered just what I hoped the adorable cover was advertising: a cute, low-angst, fun read. The story wasn’t perfect, but that’s ok. I was able to brush off the few little issues I had and enjoy it for the parts that worked so well. There are plenty of reasons to like this book—small-town setting, an adorable kid, good bisexual representation, great characters (I’m looking at you, Fenton clan), and humor to name a handful.
Kyle was my favorite. The author’s description of him, and all his fabulous graphic tees, fit his personality so perfectly. And, I loved how driven he was, even though his job situation was so challenging. It was tough moving back home, what with everyone knowing his business and offering un-asked for help, and the lack of privacy that came with living with his dad, but Kyle had to do what was best for him and his six-year-old daughter, Caroline, after their life in Seattle unraveled. I also loved, loved Caroline and Kyle’s dad. They were a big part of the combination of things that made the book so enjoyable.
Adam was a bit tougher of a sell for me. I did like him and ultimately thought he was a good fit for Kyle and Caroline, but he was so over the top and melodramatic at times, especially during the small conflict toward the end, that I wasn’t as in love with him as I was with Kyle. He was obviously an excellent teacher, though, and I liked how sold on the community he was. He clearly appreciated living in Red Creek and being so close to his sister, though it was a sort of reluctant closeness. Rebecca was a busybody, though, so I don’t blame him!
Temple has a very nice start to her series here. I smiled and/or laughed through just about all of it. The romance was slow burn, which was good considering Kyle recently lost his girlfriend, who was also his best friend, and Adam had a difficult breakup involving a coworker. Even though the conflict and Adam’s behavior didn’t quite work for me, I definitely enjoyed where they ended up; the epilogue was very cute. And, I just realized that the author is going to be at GRL this October. So, I look forward to seeing her there! Maybe I’ll have another Red Creek installment to discuss before then. 😊
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
March 5, 2018
The Pick Up is a sweet romance that will make you feel good after reading. Who doesn't love single dads and sassy six-year-olds?
Kyle doesn't plan to be in his hometown forever, just long enough to get some help with his daughter and to get his life back on track. And then he meets Mr. Adam Hathaway. Who teaches not only Caroline about the food groups, but Kyle about love.
After a bad experience Adam doesn't want to take the chance again. But Super Dad Kyle with his nerdy T-shirts and his cheesy pickup lines makes it difficult.
The two of them have a rough start but a tentative friendship bands them together. When they give in and finally stop with the miscommunication and misunderstandings they find so much more than they were expecting.
Both Adam and Kyle grow in this book. Adam learns to open his heart and take a chance. Kyle learns to rely on family and that it's okay to have a whole community of people looking out for you.
Red Creek is a town full of friends and family who prove they will always be there for those they love. It's shown over and over again over the course of the book, neither Kyle nor Adam are so receptive to that, but I loved it. It shows character growth. Kyle never thought of settling down in his hometown, not after living the life of his dreams for years. But sometimes it takes one event, and one person to make you see things differently.
I love how Kyle had to relearn the importance of family in this book. He's so stubborn and so independent, his growth and ability to see that not only does his daughter need the love and support, but he does as well.
Adam, oh Adam. Such a conflicted man, wanting to do right, yet it only hurts him until he realizes that sometimes the "wrong" thing to do is the right thing. He didn't have as much growing as Kyle did, but there was enough there for him to evolve alongside Kyle.
All in all this romance was sweet, had some humor, and brought along some feels about life and family.
Kyle doesn't plan to be in his hometown forever, just long enough to get some help with his daughter and to get his life back on track. And then he meets Mr. Adam Hathaway. Who teaches not only Caroline about the food groups, but Kyle about love.
After a bad experience Adam doesn't want to take the chance again. But Super Dad Kyle with his nerdy T-shirts and his cheesy pickup lines makes it difficult.
The two of them have a rough start but a tentative friendship bands them together. When they give in and finally stop with the miscommunication and misunderstandings they find so much more than they were expecting.
Both Adam and Kyle grow in this book. Adam learns to open his heart and take a chance. Kyle learns to rely on family and that it's okay to have a whole community of people looking out for you.
Red Creek is a town full of friends and family who prove they will always be there for those they love. It's shown over and over again over the course of the book, neither Kyle nor Adam are so receptive to that, but I loved it. It shows character growth. Kyle never thought of settling down in his hometown, not after living the life of his dreams for years. But sometimes it takes one event, and one person to make you see things differently.
I love how Kyle had to relearn the importance of family in this book. He's so stubborn and so independent, his growth and ability to see that not only does his daughter need the love and support, but he does as well.
Adam, oh Adam. Such a conflicted man, wanting to do right, yet it only hurts him until he realizes that sometimes the "wrong" thing to do is the right thing. He didn't have as much growing as Kyle did, but there was enough there for him to evolve alongside Kyle.
All in all this romance was sweet, had some humor, and brought along some feels about life and family.
April 13, 2020
I thought I was really going to like this, and I did like it at first.
It seemed to be going in the direction of a real slow burn, with Kyle and Adam starting out on the wrong foot. And then all of a sudden, Kyle declares them friends and they are hanging out. The transition felt rather abrupt, as though the author couldn't think of how to get things rolling from there, so just skipped a step. And from there the entire relationship seemed one step forward, two steps back. Every time a little progress was made, some silly little thing would reset it all.
Considering that a) Kyle has a 6 year old daughter b) Kyle's wife died 7 months ago c) Adam is Kyle's daughter's teacher, I think a slower moving relationship would have made more sense.
And I pretty much lost interest entirely once Adam
Also, the "Mr. Hathaway" thing got really old, really fast.
And that first sex scene was way too long, which I'm sure seems like an odd complaint. But, there was like 2 or 3 pages of fingering alone.
It seemed to be going in the direction of a real slow burn, with Kyle and Adam starting out on the wrong foot. And then all of a sudden, Kyle declares them friends and they are hanging out. The transition felt rather abrupt, as though the author couldn't think of how to get things rolling from there, so just skipped a step. And from there the entire relationship seemed one step forward, two steps back. Every time a little progress was made, some silly little thing would reset it all.
Considering that a) Kyle has a 6 year old daughter b) Kyle's wife died 7 months ago c) Adam is Kyle's daughter's teacher, I think a slower moving relationship would have made more sense.
And I pretty much lost interest entirely once Adam
Also, the "Mr. Hathaway" thing got really old, really fast.
And that first sex scene was way too long, which I'm sure seems like an odd complaint. But, there was like 2 or 3 pages of fingering alone.
Read
March 7, 2018ARC from Netgalley
DNF @ 63%, so no rating.
I really wanted to like this book - the setup was so sweet and cute. Unfortunately, I think this book was going for adorkable but really missed the mark. Things were awkward in a cringe-worthy way, and there was too much flip-flopping between we can and we can't. And to be honest, at 63%, this book was still way too long.
I won't be continuing with the series.
DNF @ 63%, so no rating.
I really wanted to like this book - the setup was so sweet and cute. Unfortunately, I think this book was going for adorkable but really missed the mark. Things were awkward in a cringe-worthy way, and there was too much flip-flopping between we can and we can't. And to be honest, at 63%, this book was still way too long.
I won't be continuing with the series.
April 25, 2018
Funny with a few very hot scenes, with an excellent depiction of the pros and cons of small town life.
February 20, 2018
Overall, I liked this novel.
This is a cute story (and great first effort for a new writer) -- opposites attract with all the stresses of a newly single parent in a new town thrown in. Kyle with too many words, Adam with not enough, they get off to a rocky start and their relationship seems to nearly die as often as the van.
I really enjoyed Caroline -- she wasn't a brat, didn't hog the story but still made some of the scenes between the men work. Ditto Dad. I laughed at the whole bit about family movie night -- and the unsuccessful demotion of the Princess. She seems to handle Dad dating her ex-teacher with more calm than most adults would.
I could use a little more background -- Kyle's Dad seems to be way more okay with Kyle's sexuality than I expected -- he didn't react stereotypically at all -- which made me wonder what had happened in the past between Dad + Son in the past to make "the Adam development" not be a thing between them.
I also wanted a scene with the basketball buddies and some sort of "coming out" acknowledgement -- it feels like Adam needed to do a big (or tiny) reveal to show off Kyle towards the end.
This is a cute story (and great first effort for a new writer) -- opposites attract with all the stresses of a newly single parent in a new town thrown in. Kyle with too many words, Adam with not enough, they get off to a rocky start and their relationship seems to nearly die as often as the van.
I really enjoyed Caroline -- she wasn't a brat, didn't hog the story but still made some of the scenes between the men work. Ditto Dad. I laughed at the whole bit about family movie night -- and the unsuccessful demotion of the Princess. She seems to handle Dad dating her ex-teacher with more calm than most adults would.
I could use a little more background -- Kyle's Dad seems to be way more okay with Kyle's sexuality than I expected -- he didn't react stereotypically at all -- which made me wonder what had happened in the past between Dad + Son in the past to make "the Adam development" not be a thing between them.
I also wanted a scene with the basketball buddies and some sort of "coming out" acknowledgement -- it feels like Adam needed to do a big (or tiny) reveal to show off Kyle towards the end.
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