Picked & Playing Along

by Kylie Kidd

Ambushed by matchmakers, I end up fake dating my complete opposite. But real feelings were never part of the plan.

The annual Sweetpines matchmaking festival is legendary for unsolicited romantic advice, quirky pairings, and compatibility contests. I didn’t enter. My best friend did it for me.

And the town found me a effortlessly handsome, Beau Callahan—a broody, reserved handyman with haunted eyes and a mysterious past. I’m an overzealous florist, boisterously unfiltered, and admittedly, a bit out-there. Tell me how that makes sense.

But we pretend to be perfect together, while everyone watches and the gossip thickens. Between his quiet support, love-laced songs, accidental touches in a one-bedroom cabin, and the way he accepts what others try to shrink, I fall for him.

We only agreed to fake it for the festival. But if none of this was ever real to him, I won’t just believe I’m “too much” to be loved—this will confirm it.

Picked & Playing Along is a closed-door romantic comedy with no profanity. All the sizzle. None of the steam.This sweet rom-com is “A Perfect Match” for fans heartwarming romance set in a charming, rural United States town; witty, laugh-out-loud comedy; humorous relationship and dating mishaps; and emotional journeys of overcoming low self-worth through the healing touch of music and a soulmate’s love. If you crave love stories with heated chemistry but only mild spice, plenty of kisses, and always an HEA—then Picked & Playing Along belongs on your bookshelf.

Genres: Contemporary, Amazon, Romance

258 pages, Paperback

First published June 29, 2025

Reviews

[Brandi Jackola · Rating 5 out of 5]

So…

This is sort of a romantic comedy, but it also has some heavier themes that completely wrecked me for a little while. I’ll get back to that in a bit.

Maisie is at the annual matchmaking festival, where The Stitch Sisters match up two (debatably) lucky people to compete in the matchmaking contests, and hopefully find a love connection. Maisie is something close to horrified to hear that she has been matched to her friend Tess’s older brother, Beau, especially since she didn’t throw her hat into the ring. Turns out her other friend, Jenna, filled out the forms for Maisie, without asking first. Awkward!

Beau and Maisie are not happy, but Maisie suggests that they fake it for the competition, and then go their separate ways. Beau agrees, and neither of them have any idea what journey they’ve just undertaken.

These two both have hidden pain; in the case of Maisie, she’s often rebuked for being her big, bright, loud, enthusiastic self. This is NOT coming from her family and friends, but it does happen with some people in the Sweetpines community. If there’s one thing I hate, it’s someone tearing someone else down for just being who they are.

On Beau’s side, his faith in humanity and love was shaken years ago, and he’s determined to never let anyone hurt him like that again. He’s closed himself off from pretty much everything, but he’s not one of the people who tries to dim Maisie’s light.

When you find out the reasons why Beau and Maisie react the way they do when their barriers are breached…well, if you have any empathy in you at all, you’ll be furious on their behalf.

Now, back to me being completely wrecked. I went through a very similar situation as the one Maisie did, especially as there were people in that situation who tried to mold me into someone I was not. I was so desperate for love and acceptance that I let it happen, and when it all fell apart, I was devastated, because I didn’t know who I was anymore. I was undiagnosed autistic back then (or call it neurodivergent if you like that better), and my whole life for about my first twenty years was all about how I was too much of this and not enough of that. Add that my empathy is turned up to eleven and always on, and you have a sensory overload nightmare of a childhood, with no idea how to just be me.

Hoo, that’s more than you all wanted to know, I’m sure.

I loved this story, even though parts of it were hard on me. I laughed, and I cried, because both Beau and Maisie are so freaking relatable to me. Upon reading the author’s Afterward, I feel we may have had some similarities in our life’s journeys. Watching this couple fall in love is so sweet, and I was rooting for both of them all the way.

Everyone has a story. Don’t judge people or try to dim their light. Just love them exactly as they are.

[Sheri Bolinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beau and Maisie's story was an emotional experience of the best kind. Being set up to be "matched" for their town's week long match making event, both Beau and Maisie agree to fake a relationship for the week for the town. What transpired from there is full of uncertainty, over-the-top townsfolk, witty banter, emotional rapids that have to be traversed, and maybe the incredible prize of finding someone who sees all of you and thinks you're perfect...no changes needed! What a wonderful gift!

[Debbie Blane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had a unique story line that was plausible and held together well. The supporting cast was fun, as was the setting. A man and a woman who do not pressure each other and see each other's gifts, closed door, HEA and not too much suspense. I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop. A very pleasant read that I highly recommend.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute!

This book was fun and enjoyable, but needs more fine-tuning. There was too much inner-dialogue for a rom-com, felt a little dis-jointed at times, but the story was beautiful. Great characters with a lovely small town feeling.

[Megan Olds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story with a set-up romance.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sizzling dream of a book with no nook . Yup it’s clean as a baby’s behind . But ( excuse the pun) the playing them at their own game has turned our couple of fakers into the real deal . Game! So there must be true matchmakers in town cos , Beau and Maisie ,they are going down without a safety net ,don’t you fret none though cos they’re undone for each other . Oh brother it’s going to take time ,you can tell from the start and these two they got heart . It’s not their fault that they were pawns in this festival of amour . Isn’t that what Sweetpines is famous for? The Sweetpines matchmaking festival is in full swing and these two might as well be looking for rings! Some fake dates they turn out to be . You see they were Picked and Playing Along ,not giving a pout to put themselves out ,but there’s a song in both their hearts and it’s a happy tune for lovers not players or fakers y’all. I sure had a ball reading this bliss. The chef’s kiss of romance with a perfect playful and joyful dance that delights , these are just the highlights ! You gotta read this fine story that does appease as well as tease. If you so please . Great writing as ever with clever wit and rather exquisite prose from Kylie Kidd. The characters are written superbly Beau is portrayed so well and he falls head of heels but oh swell…Maisie is his sister’s friend so it’s a bit like she’s his sister in a roundabout way too.But you can’t but tell or decide who you’ll fall for hey? Not with meddling Jenna to lead the way…woe betide her…It’ll never work they’re kidding themselves,but it’s better than ending up on the shelves like a child’s toy that they’re not allowed to play with. For sure! So sweet and demurely fun . Kylie Kidd ,I thoroughly enjoyed this one hon.

[Julianne Dombrowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked and Playing along
Kylie Kidd

If you are looking for a great romance romcom, this is definitely the book for you!!
Kylie hands down a fantastic romance, author with RomCom added in. Which is in her history of books that she turns out new books constantly! And each book I read is as high-quality if not better than the last. Never have one of her books disappointed me. She has a way from pulling you in from page one and by the time you get to the end of the book, you don’t want it to end.
In this book Picked and Playing along. Maisie (a little free spirited ) is matched up with Beau Callahan. What?!?! She never answered this contest. She looks at her phone after it buzzes and she realizes that she had four missed calls from her best friend Jenna. She did this! I could say I’m not doing it against my will, but why not play along. But along the way the most unexpected things happen. Will they call it friends or a little more? You have to read to find out.
Kylie has done it again! I so enjoyed this book and you will too!
Well fellow readers, I’m on my next book by Kylie Kidd!! 📚♥️

[Katie Brewster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a funny, quirky romcom with hidden depths of acceptance and the ability to love the deepest parts of ourselves that feel unlovable. Kidd’s descriptions and prose are so vivid and colorful, I felt so immersed in this small town charm. That’s one of the strongest parts of the story — it felt like a mixture of Stars Hollow & Sweet Magnolias, and I wanted to jump right into this quaint town with quirky characters and adorable shops. What’s even cuter was that it revolved around a Matchmaking Festival. Yes, you heard right. A Matchmaking Festival! LOL. Run by a group of ladies called The Stitch Sisters who are way too nosy for their own good 🤣. The love story was a bit insta-lovey for me, which I’m more of a slow burn girl, but it was still cute. I wish it had been just a little longer to explore the realm of friendship & their growing feelings for one another before they started to fall in love. But you will breeze through this story quickly! It’s such a fast, sweet read. This story is for those who’ve ever been told they were “too much” — too loud, too emotional, too passionate. You should never apologize for being who you are or dim your light so that others may feel better about themselves. Just like this book says, there is someone made just for you who will love ALL of those parts of yourself that you’ve been insecure about. This story is about loving yourself, warts and all, and no longer being ashamed of who you are 💖

Read if you like:
- Small town charm ✨
- Meddling matchmakers in the form of old ladies who head a Stitch Club group 🤣
- One bed trope 🛏️
- Guitar-playing MMCs 🎸
- Closed door romances
- Fake dating
- A Matchmaking Festival 🎉
- A florist FMC 💐
- Comical dialogue
- Quirky neighbors and shops
- The cutest town dog 🐶

No language
Kisses only

3.75 ⭐️ rounded up

[Curious Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked & Playing Along is an emotional take on a matchmaking romance.

Maisie and Beau aren't strangers, but both have been hurt by love. When they're picked to be part of the Sweetpines matchmaking festival, they decide it will be easier to spend the festival fake dating. 

Maisie and Beau are likable characters with wounds they help each other heal. Deep emotions and insecurities are brought to the surface. I drew a hard breath a few times when Maisie confronted some issues I struggle with myself. 

I'm an animal lover, so Peaches, the town dog, was a favorite character. Some of the couples acting deviously added more layers. 

The story is fast-paced. Certain elements/characters are not fully explored, probably because the book is part of a series. I'm guessing it's better to read the novels in order so the history and secondary characters are familiar. 

Since the "couples" are matched by the organizers and everyone knows they aren't a real couple, the fake dating element didn't seem needed because the festival is ABOUT matchmaking. While this is written as a rom-com--which aren't necessarily logical--I would have enjoyed seeing them go along simply as good sports, having fun with the events as they fall in love and deal with their deeper emotional trauma.

The writing is first-person present with omniscient additions. The narrative switches between the main characters' points of view.

Dr. Brooks, while charming, is uncomfortable for me because he releases information about patients. Just revealing a patient has seen a doctor breaks HIPPA rules, then element(s) of the consultation are revealed as well. I love comedy, but can't find loss of privacy amusing. A few story continuity issues were also noted and some scenes seem episodic. 

For a fast-paced romance with emotional depth, be sure to check out Picked & Playing Along.

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet small town, opposites attract, fake dating, matchmaking romantic comedy with two beautiful songs and no cliffhanger.
Some of the lines I really like --- “You mean pretend to connect, communicate, and be attracted to each other?” --- “So, you’re prescribing laughter with some mocking thrown in now?” --- "a mystery rose is better than a dozen apology bouquets and a patient who bakes me brownies.” --- “We make a good team. I’m not put off by bent things. You keep things lively with pruning shears.” --- “The world deserves to hear you. The kind of gift you have. It isn’t meant to stay hidden.” --- "Don’t rewrite your future with the pen of your past.” --- "You shouldn’t have to be anyone else with him. If it’s real, he’ll love you exactly as you are.” --- “Thing is, healing doesn’t always start where the hurt happened. Sometimes it starts when you let someone see the break.” --- “A successful relationship means falling in love again and again, but always with the same person,” --- “we don’t measure a man by what he kept quiet. We measure him by how he steps back into the light.” -----
Peaches the town's dog is adorable and acts like she runs the town.
What's Jenna up to? What's Tess up to? What's the Stitch Sisters up to? What does Dr. Brooke see? Who stole Beau's song? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Masie and Beau's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and can't wait to read her next book.

[Britt Galbraith · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a sweet, swoony, and wholesome love story, this book is for you!

Expect:
- Small town full of matchmakers (especially the quilting club)
- Faking dating (with real sparks)
- Competitive Bake-off (with a hot surprise)
- Maisie (FMC) outgoing, creative florist
- Beau (MMC) quiet, reserved musician
- Cabin getaway with only one bed
- Love of comfy plaid
- Yummy baked goods (carbs are necessary for handling big emotions) 🥧
- Two broken hearts in need of healing
- Opposites attract
- Songs written by the MMC

Content:
💋 Kisses only. Couple discusses choosing to wait until marriage (in respectful/nondescriptive language)
🚫 No profanity
⚔️ No violence

The writing style is very descriptive and poetic. With dual perspective and very introspective characters, you get a lot of insight into the characters’ thoughts and feelings. ✍️

🎶 Beau also processes his feelings through music- so his songs are full of raw emotion. You can actually listen to them on the author’s YouTube channel and on her Instagram. How cool is that?! 💕I used one of the songs for this post 💕

This wholesome book is an inspiring story of two hearts healing through love. It’s low angst, very heartfelt, and cozy. It feels like being wrapped in your favorite warm and fuzzy blanket. 🥰

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This clean read is about Maisie, a florist and Beau, a handyman and part time music teacher to the town's youth who are "matched" romantically by their small town in an annual contest where prizes are awarded.
Maisie has known Beau for a number of years but he is a few years older and went away to Nashville where he joined a band. Something hurtful happened to him and since his return, he has withdrawn himself and is distrustful of people. Maisie has always been criticised for being "too" everything - too boisterous, too bubbly, too loud and she has learnt to withdraw and suppress her natural exuberance.
But these two protagonists find complete acceptance with one another and learn to rebuild their trust and encourage one another.
This is supposed to be a RomCom but there is a lot of introspection and character development that makes this book less light-hearted and a story that requires the reader to delve deeper into each character's psyche.
It is a book that has a lot of heart and written with more emotional depth than I was expecting. The characters were believable and genuine and this was a heartwarming read.

[Angie Nel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just adore any small-town romance and Picked & Playing Along is no exception. The town and all the meddling characters are just the right amount of quirky and meddlesome to keep things interesting. I am particularly fond of Peaches, because I have yet to come across a fictional dog I didn’t love. The fact that she is kind of the town’s communal dog says a lot about the community at large in a very subtle way.

I love the way the leads are portrayed. Maisie is unapologetically herself. Loud, colorful and fun to route for even after her previous trauma. Having had left a man who tried to suppress her and didn’t understand how amazing she was. Thank goodness for Beau.
Speaking of, I found Beau’s backstory fascinating. And I just knew his ex would be back in the picture! But being right wasn’t a disappointment. She added a very necessary wrinkle to the plot.

The romance was fun, the prose beautiful and the characters relatable.

I would definitely recommend this for any lovers of small-town romance who prefer their books to be a bit cleaner and more wholesome.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this one hits some of the tropes I absolutely adore…
Small town
Match-making
Fake Relationship
This usually makes for a very fun read….

This was really sweet - both have had difficulties in their past. There’s a bit of fear, but I really enjoyed how they just made the most of it.

Beau was a sweetheart, and I think I fell a little in love with him too… I love how protective he got when people tried to bring her down.

Moments of humour, a bit of emotional depth and crazy competitors in the matchmaking festival make for a really fun read. I loved the personal touch, and how it delved into some pretty deep aspects of people’s self-esteem and self-worth.
Bravo author.. well done!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Picked and Playing Along” by Kylie Kidd

-Maisie and Beau are reluctantly paired at a quirky matchmaking festival, faking romance to please their small town. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Hidden wounds surface as they pretend, revealing hearts longing to be accepted just as they are.
Their journey is full of laughter, tears, and healing that feels genuinely earned.

A warm, closed-door romcom that celebrates loving boldly and finding your true match. I love the final chapter, especially the last paragraph is sweet. What wonderful supportive friends and neighbors and a great town!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an upbeat romance and Maisie was the bright spotlight in the doom and gloom of our news reports lately. Being coerced into the Sweetpines compatibility matching, she is partnered with Beau Callahan. He is her friend's brother who left town years ago and become a bit of a reclusive character.
This author didn't only bring us one happy ending, and if I counted correctly, there were five times I could have been happy with. However, the extra four were all worth it. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received a copy from BookSprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you have a mother or other person, usually female, in your life that would tell you I’m sure you would like them if you just got to know them? I remember it was usually about the son of one of her friends and it rarely proved true. Well, in this case it does. “Picked”, set up more like it, to pair with one of her best friend’s older brother, Beau, to participate in the Sweetpines Matchmaker festival, Maisie is determined to just make it through the festival and then kill her best friends. We all know that isn’t going to happen, but it is fun watch the two of them figure that out. Turns out Beau has a few secrets that Maisie didn’t know about. This was a sweet story and I enjoyed it.

[Jean Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet romantic story with humor. The story is well-written and the descriptions are wonderful. Both Beau and Maisie have had difficulties in their pasts so are a little gun shy. Then they are basically pushed into attending the matchmaking festival as a couple. Beau is an amazing man and is so good at standing up for Maisie when some people try to bring her down. There are some pretty crazy competitors who will do just about anything to win. I loved watching this couple fall in love and was rooting for them the whole time. I received an ARC copy of the book and this is my honest review.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is the local florist, with feelings of insecurity and inadequacy stemming from a past relationship. He is a handyman with a painful past. They are thrown together during the towns Sweetheart Festival. Will pretending lead to more or will the go their separate ways after the winner is announced. What an incredibly beautiful love story of two broken souls brought together by chance….or is it fate? I absolutely loved every bit of this charming love story. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.

[Angee Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet RomCom. It was very enjoyable and perfect for summer. It was a well-written story with characters that were multi-dimensional. The main characters are tricked into fake dating for the town’s sake. They’ve been hurt before, so they aren’t ready for the real thing. They have a lot of help along the way to get to their happy ever after. I received an advanced copy of the book and this is my voluntary review.

[Heather Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital ARC of this book. If you like Hallmark movies, you will enjoy this sweet romance. Maisie and Beau live in a small town. Every year there’s a matchmaking festival. Unbeknownst to them they were put in the mix of possible matches. When their names are called, they are both shocked. They decide to fake date and compete in the competition so they don’t upset the town. But will it stay fake, or will they realize the matchmakers had it right? You’ll have to read to find out!

[Karen D Haughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming story about a mismatched couple in a town contest. Maisie and Beau play along for the contest, but is it really fake? The characters' stories are written in great depth, tearing at your heartstrings. The townspeople's personalities add greatly to the story. The pacing is excellent with twists and t urns, both funny and painful. I received an advanced copy of the book and this is my voluntary review.

[RoseVE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Match

Beau and Maisie are reluctantly paired at the yearly matchmaking festival in Sweerpines. They agree to fake a relationship to get through the week of events. Very soon both begin to feel it's not so fake anymore. When he plays and sings a song for just her, she sees how he opens himself up to her. This is a beautiful story of finding the ones who heal and complete. I really loved it.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good. I enjoyed all of the characters and their peculiarities. I like how they were both willing to fake it for the town's sake. Then they actually fell in love. I love how Beau explained why he wanted to wait until they were married to be intimate.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Daniela Ruas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming and sweet story about two people who have been hurt, learning to be vulnerable again - because this is the only way to find something real. The characters are so sweet and I found myself wishing for a Beau of my own to write me into music.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tami Willard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can be read as a standalone but some of the characters may overlap with other books. Their small town takes matchmaking to a whole new level. Set up by her friends and his sister they find themselves in the last place they want to be. The center of attention during a week long festival. Both have been betrayed and rejected before. Will they be able to help heal each other?

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I genuinely enjoyed this story from beginning to end. Beau and Maisie don’t seem to have much in common on the surface but when you dig a little deeper there are so many similarities. The way they both see and love each other for their true selves is beautiful and reassuring.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suze82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

reluctant
I was so happy for Beau and Maisie when their forced match developed into something real, isn´t it nice to find the one who sees and loves you for who you really are? Still I have to say matchmaking can also seriously backfire if there is no connection at all, so well meaning will not always lead to success.

[Katterley · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet...

A beautiful sweet and clean story of two people not sure they can believe in love any more, and both, for different reasons, not sure they'd deserve it, either. Highly recommend you read their journey finding out they're wrong, even though it takes a whole town to help them figure it out.

[Rick Molitor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet rom com about two broken souls who are tricked into fake dating. Can two people who have been hurt heal each other? The is a closed-door rom com that will have you laughing but also rooting for the happy ending.