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The Pick-Up
When Mari hails a rideshare to a music festival, the last thing she expects is for the car to pick up a gorgeous guy along the way. Mari doesn't believe in dating--it can only end with a broken heart. Besides, she's only staying at her dad's house in Chicago for the weekend. How close can you get to a guy in three days?
TJ wants to study art in college, but his family's expectations cast a long shadow over his dreams. When he meets Mari in the back of a rideshare, he feels alive for the first time in a long time.
Mari and TJ enter the festival together and share an electric moment but get separated in a crowd with seemingly no way to find each other. When fate reunites them (with a little help from a viral hashtag), they'll have to decide: was it love at first sight, or the start of nothing more than a weekend fling?
TJ wants to study art in college, but his family's expectations cast a long shadow over his dreams. When he meets Mari in the back of a rideshare, he feels alive for the first time in a long time.
Mari and TJ enter the festival together and share an electric moment but get separated in a crowd with seemingly no way to find each other. When fate reunites them (with a little help from a viral hashtag), they'll have to decide: was it love at first sight, or the start of nothing more than a weekend fling?
250 pages, Paperback
First published September 7, 2021
59 people are currently reading
1652 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Kenneally
14 books4,255 followersGrowing up in Tennessee, Miranda Kenneally dreamed of becoming an Atlanta Brave, a country singer (cliché!), or a UN interpreter. Instead she writes, and works for the State Department in Washington, D.C., where George W. Bush once used her shoulder as an armrest. Miranda loves Twitter, Star Trek and her husband.
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Note: I don't answer direct messages, but do answer questions on Goodreads and Twitter. Please feel free to check in with me there!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
September 11, 2021
Sweet, lovely, feel good, young insta love story: might be defined as love at first ride-share!
Mari comes to Chicago for attending music festival Lollapalooza, staying with her step sister and father she’s still harboring negative feelings after he left his mother, trying to protect her heart from any another man related disappointments !
But the love could come and find you at the last place you’re looking for. Mari’s path crosses with TJ who is sweetheart, dealing with family issues, desiring to pursue his dreams to become an artist. They meet at the ride share to go to the same music festival.
They feel like they’re clicked after spending short time together and they unfortunately get separated in the crowd of festival. But if this is meant to be : they may find each other again immediately!
Both of them are from different states and Mari already suffers from trust issues after witnessing how her parents’ relationship was torn apart. But when love knocks your door, you gotta open it to chase what it brings you.
Overall: both characters were lovely. Especially TJ was kind hearted, lovely sweet pie!
It was quick, soft, easy reading! I’m not head over heels in love with this book. But it’s still solid, sweet, relaxing read! A great getaway after a stressful, demanding week!
Special thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOK Fire for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Mari comes to Chicago for attending music festival Lollapalooza, staying with her step sister and father she’s still harboring negative feelings after he left his mother, trying to protect her heart from any another man related disappointments !
But the love could come and find you at the last place you’re looking for. Mari’s path crosses with TJ who is sweetheart, dealing with family issues, desiring to pursue his dreams to become an artist. They meet at the ride share to go to the same music festival.
They feel like they’re clicked after spending short time together and they unfortunately get separated in the crowd of festival. But if this is meant to be : they may find each other again immediately!
Both of them are from different states and Mari already suffers from trust issues after witnessing how her parents’ relationship was torn apart. But when love knocks your door, you gotta open it to chase what it brings you.
Overall: both characters were lovely. Especially TJ was kind hearted, lovely sweet pie!
It was quick, soft, easy reading! I’m not head over heels in love with this book. But it’s still solid, sweet, relaxing read! A great getaway after a stressful, demanding week!
Special thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOK Fire for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
January 4, 2022
This well written story was definitely aimed at a young adult audience. It was "Like at first sight" in the back of a Ryde Share for Mari and T.J.!
Mari and T.J. have the usual pressures to deal with: college majors to choose, fulfilling parental expectations, but in Mari's case she has to contend with a mother who is verbally and even physically abusing her.
Lollapalooza is the setting for a fair amount of the action. This young couple is inadvertently parted by the frenzied crowd and they had to resort to the internet to try to find each other in the mass of partying concert goers.
I was intrigued, as I have always wanted to attend that type of concert. Unfortunately, I am not fond of large crowds. Mari is reluctant to open herself to a relationship with T.J. (Too bad, because he really came across as a decent guy!)
All's well that ends well, as the Bard would say. I enjoyed spending time with these teens and watching them move towards each other, and away from their respective problems and hangups.
A very entertaining story, which I do recommend to the young adult audience.
Mari and T.J. have the usual pressures to deal with: college majors to choose, fulfilling parental expectations, but in Mari's case she has to contend with a mother who is verbally and even physically abusing her.
Lollapalooza is the setting for a fair amount of the action. This young couple is inadvertently parted by the frenzied crowd and they had to resort to the internet to try to find each other in the mass of partying concert goers.
I was intrigued, as I have always wanted to attend that type of concert. Unfortunately, I am not fond of large crowds. Mari is reluctant to open herself to a relationship with T.J. (Too bad, because he really came across as a decent guy!)
All's well that ends well, as the Bard would say. I enjoyed spending time with these teens and watching them move towards each other, and away from their respective problems and hangups.
A very entertaining story, which I do recommend to the young adult audience.
July 3, 2021
This definitely followed in the same vein as the author's previous books, providing a quick and easily-consumed romance with moments of depth.
I think the premise for this book was so fun and I loved the meet-cute that was established early on. Mari and TJ were adorable. Though there was some insta-love, I do really enjoy books, especially YA, that take place over a short period of time. This story followed Mari and TJ's relationship as they got to know one another over the course of three days at a music festival.
I also really enjoyed the family aspect and Mari's step-sister, Sierra. I do wish that the supporting characters were focused on a bit more to really round out the story. Mari and TJ were super sweet though and I was happy reading about their adventures at the festival.
This was a fun and fast-paced read that's perfect to take with you for a quick road trip or a day at the beach!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I think the premise for this book was so fun and I loved the meet-cute that was established early on. Mari and TJ were adorable. Though there was some insta-love, I do really enjoy books, especially YA, that take place over a short period of time. This story followed Mari and TJ's relationship as they got to know one another over the course of three days at a music festival.
I also really enjoyed the family aspect and Mari's step-sister, Sierra. I do wish that the supporting characters were focused on a bit more to really round out the story. Mari and TJ were super sweet though and I was happy reading about their adventures at the festival.
This was a fun and fast-paced read that's perfect to take with you for a quick road trip or a day at the beach!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
June 11, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It was super easy to read which I love and the characters were amazingly written.
I need a TJ in my life too.
I need a TJ in my life too.
September 19, 2021
Miranda Kenneally, author of the terrific Hundred Oaks series, is back with a fresh new stand-alone YA novel. The PIck-Up is a quick read with sweet romantic moments as well as more serious reflections on family and damaged relationships.
When TJ and Mari meet in a ride-share, their immediate attraction gives each a fresh burst of hope and excitement, and as they spend time together at the music festival, their connection seems instant and electric. At first, seeing them separated by the crowd and trying to find one another again, despite not exchanging contact info, I thought we were in for a story about missed connections and long searches. But thankfully, this wasn’t that!
Instead, TJ and Mari do manage to reconnect, thanks to the intervention of their friends, and commit to spending more time together over the weekend.
They each bring baggage, though. TJ is in Chicago for the weekend staying with his older brother, to whom he always compares himself and finds himself lacking. TJ’s family expects him to study business when he starts college in the fall, but he secretly yearns to pursue his passion for art.
Meanwhile, Mari is staying with her dad, stepmom, and stepsister for the weekend before returning to her home in Tennessee. Her parents divorced after her father’s affair with the woman he ended up marrying, and Mari’s mother is so consumed by anger and bitterness that she takes it out on Mari. Her verbal abuse has taken a frightening turn to the physical, and Mari both wants to stay with her father and is scared to mention it, for fear that it’ll just make things with her mother even worse.
As TJ and Mari spend time together, they each experience the highs of early attraction and emotional connection, but each also has to contend with their own fears and insecurities.
The story is told in chapters that alternate between TJ and Mari as narrators, and it’s a really effective way to show how their perspectives on the same events can be different and still make sense to the person experiencing it. While they’re both struggling with family issues, Mari’s are much more serious, and her scenes of confronting her father with her feelings and her fears are deeply affecting.
While there are plenty of serious matters portrayed throughout The Pick-Up, there’s also a lot of fun, from scenes at the festival to a Ferris wheel ride to goofy beach shenanigans. Mari and TJ have chemistry, and I really enjoyed Mari’s stepsister as a character as well.
Miranda Kenneally has a gift for creating well-drawn teen characters who feel real. They’re not idealized — they’re complicated and messy and emotional, and that’s what makes them so compelling to read about.
I really enjoyed The Pick-Up, just like I’ve enjoyed pretty much everything I’ve read by this author. Check it out!
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley. Full review at Bookshelf Fantasies.
When TJ and Mari meet in a ride-share, their immediate attraction gives each a fresh burst of hope and excitement, and as they spend time together at the music festival, their connection seems instant and electric. At first, seeing them separated by the crowd and trying to find one another again, despite not exchanging contact info, I thought we were in for a story about missed connections and long searches. But thankfully, this wasn’t that!
Instead, TJ and Mari do manage to reconnect, thanks to the intervention of their friends, and commit to spending more time together over the weekend.
They each bring baggage, though. TJ is in Chicago for the weekend staying with his older brother, to whom he always compares himself and finds himself lacking. TJ’s family expects him to study business when he starts college in the fall, but he secretly yearns to pursue his passion for art.
Meanwhile, Mari is staying with her dad, stepmom, and stepsister for the weekend before returning to her home in Tennessee. Her parents divorced after her father’s affair with the woman he ended up marrying, and Mari’s mother is so consumed by anger and bitterness that she takes it out on Mari. Her verbal abuse has taken a frightening turn to the physical, and Mari both wants to stay with her father and is scared to mention it, for fear that it’ll just make things with her mother even worse.
As TJ and Mari spend time together, they each experience the highs of early attraction and emotional connection, but each also has to contend with their own fears and insecurities.
The story is told in chapters that alternate between TJ and Mari as narrators, and it’s a really effective way to show how their perspectives on the same events can be different and still make sense to the person experiencing it. While they’re both struggling with family issues, Mari’s are much more serious, and her scenes of confronting her father with her feelings and her fears are deeply affecting.
While there are plenty of serious matters portrayed throughout The Pick-Up, there’s also a lot of fun, from scenes at the festival to a Ferris wheel ride to goofy beach shenanigans. Mari and TJ have chemistry, and I really enjoyed Mari’s stepsister as a character as well.
Miranda Kenneally has a gift for creating well-drawn teen characters who feel real. They’re not idealized — they’re complicated and messy and emotional, and that’s what makes them so compelling to read about.
I really enjoyed The Pick-Up, just like I’ve enjoyed pretty much everything I’ve read by this author. Check it out!
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley. Full review at Bookshelf Fantasies.
September 6, 2021
A weekend trip to Chicago for Lollapalooza turned into so much more for Mari, when a rideshare app brought TJ into her car and into her heart.
Disclaimer: I love Miranda Kenneally’s books. Be prepared for some fangirling. With that said, this was classic Keneally while also being a bit different.
The first thing that was so strange for me was that we were not in Tennessee. It was odd indeed, though Mari was from Tennessee, and we did get a few peeks back to her hometown via video calls with her best friend. There was also mention of the couple from Four Days of You and Me which made me giddy. I love when authors do that, and catching up with that couple was such a treat.
Let’s get back to The Pick-Up. Here we had two very likable characters who were a bit leery of relationships. Mari was dealing with the fallout of her parents’ divorce, while TJ struggled with self-confidence. I loved seeing those sparks fly between them. They were sweet and adorable and precious together, and you could just tell there were possibilities for the two of them. It was easier convincing me they belonged together than it was convincing Mari though.
People are going to get all up in arms about this being instalove. I don’t know if it was love at first sight, but there was an attraction that built to more between Mari and TJ. I believe there are situations we can be in where feelings get heightened, but in all fairness to the characters, they did take time to get to know each other. There were a lot of rather meaningful moments between them, so I had no problem buying into this relationship (and I liked it).
The romance was a big part of this story, but you will see, it was a one step forward, two steps back sort of relationship. Mari and TJ both had things weighing them down, and each were struggling with something. Mari covered it up well, but life at home with her mom was rough. Her personal journey was the hardest, and one I was very invested in. My heart ached for her when I discovered the root cause of her tendency to keep people at a distance and to not share much of herself. However, I was extremely pleased with how it all worked out.
TJ had a similar journey to make. He had reservations about his future. He was getting ready to start college with a major selected by his parents. His heart wasn’t in it, but he felt obligated to live out their plans rather than his own. Like Mari, TJ had to make a choice about taking control of his future.
Yes, there were a few tears and some deep stuff, but I also had a fabulous time with Mari and TJ. Ah, to be young and frolicking at a music festival again. Lolla holds a special place in my heart. I have been to the festival in Grant Park, but I also went several times waaaay back in the day out on Randall’s Island. It was fun to revisit the festival and see some sights in Chicago as they worked that selfie challenge.
Overall: This was a sweet story of first love, being honest with yourself, and taking control of your future. I reveled in the joy of the festival, while cheering for all the personal wins Mari and TJ experienced. And that ending! Miles of smiles.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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Disclaimer: I love Miranda Kenneally’s books. Be prepared for some fangirling. With that said, this was classic Keneally while also being a bit different.
The first thing that was so strange for me was that we were not in Tennessee. It was odd indeed, though Mari was from Tennessee, and we did get a few peeks back to her hometown via video calls with her best friend. There was also mention of the couple from Four Days of You and Me which made me giddy. I love when authors do that, and catching up with that couple was such a treat.
Let’s get back to The Pick-Up. Here we had two very likable characters who were a bit leery of relationships. Mari was dealing with the fallout of her parents’ divorce, while TJ struggled with self-confidence. I loved seeing those sparks fly between them. They were sweet and adorable and precious together, and you could just tell there were possibilities for the two of them. It was easier convincing me they belonged together than it was convincing Mari though.
People are going to get all up in arms about this being instalove. I don’t know if it was love at first sight, but there was an attraction that built to more between Mari and TJ. I believe there are situations we can be in where feelings get heightened, but in all fairness to the characters, they did take time to get to know each other. There were a lot of rather meaningful moments between them, so I had no problem buying into this relationship (and I liked it).
The romance was a big part of this story, but you will see, it was a one step forward, two steps back sort of relationship. Mari and TJ both had things weighing them down, and each were struggling with something. Mari covered it up well, but life at home with her mom was rough. Her personal journey was the hardest, and one I was very invested in. My heart ached for her when I discovered the root cause of her tendency to keep people at a distance and to not share much of herself. However, I was extremely pleased with how it all worked out.
TJ had a similar journey to make. He had reservations about his future. He was getting ready to start college with a major selected by his parents. His heart wasn’t in it, but he felt obligated to live out their plans rather than his own. Like Mari, TJ had to make a choice about taking control of his future.
Yes, there were a few tears and some deep stuff, but I also had a fabulous time with Mari and TJ. Ah, to be young and frolicking at a music festival again. Lolla holds a special place in my heart. I have been to the festival in Grant Park, but I also went several times waaaay back in the day out on Randall’s Island. It was fun to revisit the festival and see some sights in Chicago as they worked that selfie challenge.
Overall: This was a sweet story of first love, being honest with yourself, and taking control of your future. I reveled in the joy of the festival, while cheering for all the personal wins Mari and TJ experienced. And that ending! Miles of smiles.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
May 12, 2021
The last few years without a Kenneally book have been sad ones, so I was so excited to see The Pick-Up announced and available on Edelweiss!
Mari is visiting Chicago for Lollapalooza, a chance to see her favorite singer, hang out with her stepsister and see her Dad. Mari is struggling with personal issues- things are rough at home with her mom, her relationship with her best friend is strained, and she is still dealing with resentment towards her father for ditching her and her mom to go live his best life. And she really, really doesn't want to date and fall in love.
But then a Ride Share brings her T.J.
Here's why I love the title of the book: The Pick-Up is definitely referencing the Uber app, but T.J.'s brother Tyler kind of also comes across as a Pick-Up Artist coach to his little bro.
Thankfully, T.J. is too pure. He's like a sexy cinnamon roll.
Mari and T.J. have immediate chemistry, but Mari is wary (hehe)- they're both from out of state, she's not looking for a boyfriend, her dad cheated on her mom and then her mom went off the deep end.
Sometimes things are destined, and sometimes you have to make things happen.
Absolute love for this book!
Mari is visiting Chicago for Lollapalooza, a chance to see her favorite singer, hang out with her stepsister and see her Dad. Mari is struggling with personal issues- things are rough at home with her mom, her relationship with her best friend is strained, and she is still dealing with resentment towards her father for ditching her and her mom to go live his best life. And she really, really doesn't want to date and fall in love.
But then a Ride Share brings her T.J.
Here's why I love the title of the book: The Pick-Up is definitely referencing the Uber app, but T.J.'s brother Tyler kind of also comes across as a Pick-Up Artist coach to his little bro.
Thankfully, T.J. is too pure. He's like a sexy cinnamon roll.
Mari and T.J. have immediate chemistry, but Mari is wary (hehe)- they're both from out of state, she's not looking for a boyfriend, her dad cheated on her mom and then her mom went off the deep end.
Sometimes things are destined, and sometimes you have to make things happen.
Absolute love for this book!
December 25, 2021
super cute! read this in one sitting
- very feel-good
- mari and tj are jasldfjksd adorable
- instalovey but also i liked it
- dual pov worked rly well
cw: parental abuse (physical & emotional), suicide ideation (mentioned)
- very feel-good
- mari and tj are jasldfjksd adorable
- instalovey but also i liked it
- dual pov worked rly well
cw: parental abuse (physical & emotional), suicide ideation (mentioned)
August 14, 2021
First of all, thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks for gifting me an electronic galley of The Pick-Up in exchange for my honest review.
Miranda Kenneally is an auto-buy author for me for her quick-paced, emotional romances involving strong female main characters. Many of her books are centered around various sports, and I actually think those are my favorites even though I'm not a sporty person at all. Music also features in a couple of her books, including this newest one The Pick-Up.
The Pick-Up takes place over Lollapalooza weekend in Chicago and is the first time Kenneally uses dual POVs for Mari, a small-town Tennessee girl visiting her stepsister Sierra for the concert, and TJ, a shy but extremely hot guy who is starting at UChicago in the fall and whose super-bro brother Tyler keeps insisting needs to get laid. They meet on a ride to the concert, sparks fly, etc.
I love the idea of books that happen in constrained periods of time, a night or a weekend in this case, because everything is extremely quick paced and there's no time for boredom. On this, Kenneally delivers. Things keep happening at breakneck speed so there's never a dull moment. However, for a romance, this brings a big challenge: insta love.
This book was the epitome of insta love. And I'm sure many readers will lap it up, but it wasn't for me. It felt very forced and while Mari and TJ kept saying how they'd never felt like this with anyone before and how they were different with each other than they were in their daily lives, it just rang hollow. I didn't feel the deep, emotional connection. Not even after they shared heavy, emotional things with each other.
Perhaps in this case, the dual POV worked against the plot, because we saw the same moments from both sides and it just felt like we weren't getting more information, just the same from another source. And in order to keep the book moving through the one weekend, plot points were skimmed that would have added depth.
Mari and TJ were cute characters, but nothing about them stuck to my brain or my heart. It's been a couple of hours since I finished, and they're starting to fade. They felt very, to use a word that was overused at one point in the book, cookie cutter.
Mari, child of a bad divorce, is scared to love because her Mom is a wreck who takes out her anger on her daughter and is verbally, and once physically, abusive. TJ, who grew up always compared to his older and very successful sibling, is shy and limitingly insecure despite being artistic, kind, and – as we are told 7 billion times – very hot.
The resolution for both Mari's and TJ's problems felt very fast and they healed their emotional wounds in a couple of pages. Not the most believable. Their love connection was decidedly more lust and even that was handled in a kind of juvenile way.
In terms of setting, on the one hand, since I love Chicago, it was nice to see a book set there and to have major Chicago spots be discussed (the Bean, Madison Avenue, the lake, you know). But at the same time, why set a book over the course of a festival weekend, which lasts three days, and use the festival so little? It felt like the festival was an aside, not the key setting. I would have liked to see it more because I feel like that's more original than a quick tour of Chicago.
Overall, this wasn't my favorite Miranda Kenneally book. It might be my least favorite. It was still enjoyable, but it felt too saccharine and not sufficiently impactful. I loved Mari's relationship with her sister Sierra. I enjoyed seeing TJ and his brother open up at the end and talk in a way we often don't see cishet men do in media. I wish there'd been more of those two relationships and levels of emotional connection.
TW: parental abuse, trauma, negative body talk, miscarriage of a parent, divorce.
Miranda Kenneally is an auto-buy author for me for her quick-paced, emotional romances involving strong female main characters. Many of her books are centered around various sports, and I actually think those are my favorites even though I'm not a sporty person at all. Music also features in a couple of her books, including this newest one The Pick-Up.
The Pick-Up takes place over Lollapalooza weekend in Chicago and is the first time Kenneally uses dual POVs for Mari, a small-town Tennessee girl visiting her stepsister Sierra for the concert, and TJ, a shy but extremely hot guy who is starting at UChicago in the fall and whose super-bro brother Tyler keeps insisting needs to get laid. They meet on a ride to the concert, sparks fly, etc.
I love the idea of books that happen in constrained periods of time, a night or a weekend in this case, because everything is extremely quick paced and there's no time for boredom. On this, Kenneally delivers. Things keep happening at breakneck speed so there's never a dull moment. However, for a romance, this brings a big challenge: insta love.
This book was the epitome of insta love. And I'm sure many readers will lap it up, but it wasn't for me. It felt very forced and while Mari and TJ kept saying how they'd never felt like this with anyone before and how they were different with each other than they were in their daily lives, it just rang hollow. I didn't feel the deep, emotional connection. Not even after they shared heavy, emotional things with each other.
Perhaps in this case, the dual POV worked against the plot, because we saw the same moments from both sides and it just felt like we weren't getting more information, just the same from another source. And in order to keep the book moving through the one weekend, plot points were skimmed that would have added depth.
Mari and TJ were cute characters, but nothing about them stuck to my brain or my heart. It's been a couple of hours since I finished, and they're starting to fade. They felt very, to use a word that was overused at one point in the book, cookie cutter.
Mari, child of a bad divorce, is scared to love because her Mom is a wreck who takes out her anger on her daughter and is verbally, and once physically, abusive. TJ, who grew up always compared to his older and very successful sibling, is shy and limitingly insecure despite being artistic, kind, and – as we are told 7 billion times – very hot.
The resolution for both Mari's and TJ's problems felt very fast and they healed their emotional wounds in a couple of pages. Not the most believable. Their love connection was decidedly more lust and even that was handled in a kind of juvenile way.
In terms of setting, on the one hand, since I love Chicago, it was nice to see a book set there and to have major Chicago spots be discussed (the Bean, Madison Avenue, the lake, you know). But at the same time, why set a book over the course of a festival weekend, which lasts three days, and use the festival so little? It felt like the festival was an aside, not the key setting. I would have liked to see it more because I feel like that's more original than a quick tour of Chicago.
Overall, this wasn't my favorite Miranda Kenneally book. It might be my least favorite. It was still enjoyable, but it felt too saccharine and not sufficiently impactful. I loved Mari's relationship with her sister Sierra. I enjoyed seeing TJ and his brother open up at the end and talk in a way we often don't see cishet men do in media. I wish there'd been more of those two relationships and levels of emotional connection.
TW: parental abuse, trauma, negative body talk, miscarriage of a parent, divorce.
August 18, 2024
AHHHHH! This book made me crazy! I #1 thought it was really interesting that Mari was described IDENTICAL to me: brown curly hair, pale skin and cute rounded glasses hahah. I digress. I LOVED TJ and Mari’s relationship the SECOND it started. TJ was insecure of his body and Mari was in love with his appearance and didn’t care. TJ never stopped talking about how cute Mari was even when she was sunburnt. Also THIS AUTHOR. KNOWS. HOW. TO. WRITE. ROMANCE. It’s actually shocking how when they look into each others eyes, they both were entranced, and even though they were both shy, they MADE THEMSELVES make a move. Their kisses were described as bringing life to each other, and like they never wanted it to stop. HOWEVER, I was ON THE EDGE of my seat waiting for them to STAY TOGETHER LIKE COME ON GUYS MAKE A DECISION. Her mom made my blood boil too (since I relate to having a parent like that) and the fact that they lived a couple of states away. But the ending actually seemed realistic, I enjoyed this book heavily.
5/5 stars 💕
5/5 stars 💕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2021
I wanted to start off by thanking Netgalley and the publisher for getting me an early copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The Premise:
Mari is visiting her dad and stepsister in Chicago for the weekend and is going to a new music festival. On the way there she meets TJ in a ride share and they decide to spend some time together at the festival. After having a great time together they get separated before they could exchange contact information. Now they both have to figure out if they had a connection that could turn into something more, or if it was nothing. But in order to do that, they have to find each other again.
This book was a very fast, fun, and cute read. The characters did have a lot of cliches, but honestly I was living for it. I was totally rooting for Mari and TJ, even though I felt like they got together very quickly. But for a short book that is less than 300 pages that is to be expected. I felt like the author did a great job of still making them well rounded characters for the short time that we as readers had to see them. I loved the alternating point of views from Mari and TJ, and I was totally rooting for them both the whole time.
Honestly, I would have loved a longer book that dove more into both of their backstories, and home lives. I loved Mari's relationship with Sierra, her step sister, and was very interested in the dynamic she had with the rest of her family. Same thing with TJ, I would have loved to see what his relationship was like with his parents and even his brother Tyler, since I feel like a lot of that was glossed over.
Overall this book was a very fun read, and if you are looking for a quick and cute romance story this is defiantly for you. I read it in only a day and enjoyed every moment of it! Make sure to check it out on it's release date, September 1st 2021.
The Premise:
Mari is visiting her dad and stepsister in Chicago for the weekend and is going to a new music festival. On the way there she meets TJ in a ride share and they decide to spend some time together at the festival. After having a great time together they get separated before they could exchange contact information. Now they both have to figure out if they had a connection that could turn into something more, or if it was nothing. But in order to do that, they have to find each other again.
This book was a very fast, fun, and cute read. The characters did have a lot of cliches, but honestly I was living for it. I was totally rooting for Mari and TJ, even though I felt like they got together very quickly. But for a short book that is less than 300 pages that is to be expected. I felt like the author did a great job of still making them well rounded characters for the short time that we as readers had to see them. I loved the alternating point of views from Mari and TJ, and I was totally rooting for them both the whole time.
Honestly, I would have loved a longer book that dove more into both of their backstories, and home lives. I loved Mari's relationship with Sierra, her step sister, and was very interested in the dynamic she had with the rest of her family. Same thing with TJ, I would have loved to see what his relationship was like with his parents and even his brother Tyler, since I feel like a lot of that was glossed over.
Overall this book was a very fun read, and if you are looking for a quick and cute romance story this is defiantly for you. I read it in only a day and enjoyed every moment of it! Make sure to check it out on it's release date, September 1st 2021.
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January 17, 2023The Pick-Up is a fluffy-on-the-surface story that's basically a teen dream of romance. Mari and TJ meet in a rideshare on the way to Lollapalooza for the weekend, and they mutually instacrush hard. They spend the whole weekend hanging out, surprisingly little of it actually at the festival, but they have a great time roaming around Chicago seeing the sights.
(Sidebar: My Chicago-native boyfriend, however, would like me to point out that deep dish is not the only Chicago pizza and is, in fact, the inferior Chicago pizza. Ahem.)
The romance is cute and very first love, and as is typical with Kenneally, a bit steamy. Obviously they just have a weekend, so it's very HFN. But it's adorable how they do a bunch of touristy things together and get to know each other. Also, if you love a romantic boy and a commitment-phobic girl, heyo this one is for you.
However, despite the sheer fluffness of most of it, there is a pretty serious plot here about Mari's family. TJ also works some stuff out with his brother, but it's much less intense. Mari's mother has become abusive, and she's trying to figure out what to do, because part of her wants to side with her mother (who was cheated on and left by her husband) and part of her wants to get away. Definitely not all happy feels in here, but Kenneally does manage to tackle this without taking the fluffy book solidly into dark territory or losing the overall brightness of it.
While this isn't my favorite Kenneally (which tbh would be hard because I have some serious love for several of them), it's still a delight. The audiobook narration is also excellent, so I would recommend that format heartily, if you enjoy reading with your ears.
(Sidebar: My Chicago-native boyfriend, however, would like me to point out that deep dish is not the only Chicago pizza and is, in fact, the inferior Chicago pizza. Ahem.)
The romance is cute and very first love, and as is typical with Kenneally, a bit steamy. Obviously they just have a weekend, so it's very HFN. But it's adorable how they do a bunch of touristy things together and get to know each other. Also, if you love a romantic boy and a commitment-phobic girl, heyo this one is for you.
However, despite the sheer fluffness of most of it, there is a pretty serious plot here about Mari's family. TJ also works some stuff out with his brother, but it's much less intense. Mari's mother has become abusive, and she's trying to figure out what to do, because part of her wants to side with her mother (who was cheated on and left by her husband) and part of her wants to get away. Definitely not all happy feels in here, but Kenneally does manage to tackle this without taking the fluffy book solidly into dark territory or losing the overall brightness of it.
While this isn't my favorite Kenneally (which tbh would be hard because I have some serious love for several of them), it's still a delight. The audiobook narration is also excellent, so I would recommend that format heartily, if you enjoy reading with your ears.
November 18, 2021
Author Miranda Kenneally already has 10 great YA romances under her belt, and The Pick-up is a time-sensitive love story set in Chicago. Main characters Mari and TJ serve as the quirky, complex couple who meet in a rideshare on the way to Lollapalooza. While both are rooted in their respective shyness and insecurity, they take a chance on each other at the music festival, marking the sudden beginning of what Mari thinks is a summer fling. TJ, however, wants to pursue something more serious, despite him and Mari being from different states. The stakes are high, the time is short and the drama is abundant. There is also a sweet relationship that Mari has with her stepsister Sierra which makes room for conversation about the divorce that left Mari in Tennessee with her abusive mother. This is a realistic meet-cute that will have readers longing for one of their own!
April 19, 2021
Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of The Pick-Up in exchange for an honest review.
I don't normally start off reviews like this, but hello! I'm a flaming homosexual! Straight, cheesy romance is 1000% not my genre which means if I somehow managed to like it and it is your genre, you should definitely read this. It's cheesy and insta-lovey but in a really cute romcom way instead of a creepy over the top way which was really fun. I do wish Mari and TJ had more obviously different character voices for when we're in their perspectives, but all in all this was a fun time.
I don't normally start off reviews like this, but hello! I'm a flaming homosexual! Straight, cheesy romance is 1000% not my genre which means if I somehow managed to like it and it is your genre, you should definitely read this. It's cheesy and insta-lovey but in a really cute romcom way instead of a creepy over the top way which was really fun. I do wish Mari and TJ had more obviously different character voices for when we're in their perspectives, but all in all this was a fun time.
August 8, 2021
***Thank you to Netgalley for providing a e-ARC in exchange for an honest review***
Miranda Kenneally really balances family drama, and a story of first love so wonderfully in her latest release "The Pick-Up". Mari is in Chicago visiting her father for the first time in a long time, and is excited to attend Lollapalooza with her step-sister Sierra. On their ride share Mari meets T.J.. Over the course of one weekend Mari and T.J. help each other be the most authentic versions of themselves while facing family troubles and stresses head on for the first time. I loved this book. The alternating chapters allows the reader time with both characters to really connect with them as individuals so we can root for them finding each other. This was at times cute, heartfelt, fun, and real.
Miranda Kenneally really balances family drama, and a story of first love so wonderfully in her latest release "The Pick-Up". Mari is in Chicago visiting her father for the first time in a long time, and is excited to attend Lollapalooza with her step-sister Sierra. On their ride share Mari meets T.J.. Over the course of one weekend Mari and T.J. help each other be the most authentic versions of themselves while facing family troubles and stresses head on for the first time. I loved this book. The alternating chapters allows the reader time with both characters to really connect with them as individuals so we can root for them finding each other. This was at times cute, heartfelt, fun, and real.
November 6, 2022
I totally related to this book. The idea of being in a relationship is just so scary. I don't know how you all do it. But for the most part this book was a very safe ride. Nothing really exciting happened and it was kind of predictable. I also hated the constant use and mention of social media because ugh (yes, even though I'm currently using it).
February 9, 2023
good job @ holden, not a bad pick, but not the best pick
August 9, 2021
While I really enjoyed the story for what it was, I do wish it had been a touch longer so there could have been more time spent getting to know these characters and experience their inner turmoil on a more intimate level. But I still really liked the premise a lot, and it did leave me with a smile on my face by the end.
April 13, 2022
I really liked the music aspect but I felt like the main characters relationship was just lust so I didn't love them.
April 14, 2022
Fine, but missing a lot of the charm I expect from Kenneally at this point.
May 19, 2023
DNF. i got through 30 pages of this book and i got THE BIGGEST!!!! ICK!!!! OF!!!! ALL!!!! TIME!!!!
May 30, 2021
idk if this is an author from wattpad but it sure does feel like a wattpad book!
November 2, 2021
DNF @ 51%
OMG This was the worst written book I’ve ever read
OMG This was the worst written book I’ve ever read
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November 2, 2023Trigger & Content Warnings:
Physical & emotional child abuse
Suicidal ideation mentioned
Physical & emotional child abuse
Suicidal ideation mentioned
June 8, 2022
I'll be the first to admit that I didn't think I would like Miranda Kenneally's new YA novel The Pick-Up as much as I did. I've never read a Kenneally book before and didn't know what to expect, but figured this book to be written in typical YA-fashion with characters that aren't quite believable and true-to-life (Don't you find that protagonists in YA novels always seem to have it waaaay more together than we adults do? Who had this extraordinary amount of insight as a teenager? Certainly not me!) So I was pleasantly surprised to not only learn that The Pick-Up is engaging and interesting, but also features relatable characters grappling with real emotions and problems.
The premise of The Pick-Up is pretty simple. Mari, a Tennessee native, is in Chicago for the Lollapalooza festival, while also visiting her dad who now lives on Chicago's Gold Coast. She is headed to the event with her stepsister Sierra when, to save money, they pick-up brothers, TJ and Tyler, in their rideshare. Mari immediately catches TJ's eye, and she has to admit, the attraction is mutual. When the two decide to hang out together at the festival, they have no idea that it is the start of an epic weekend that will change their lives forever.
There's a lot to like about The Pick-Up, but I loved Mari and TJ and their relationship the most. I found both of these characters to be authentic and realistic, and more similar to your typical teenager than most YA books write them to be. But as much as I liked their characters separately, I absolutely adored them together! Their new "insta-love" relationship is cute and quirky, and I loved how they interacted with each other. Although this book takes place over a short period of time - one weekend - Kenneally gives her characters the space they need to get to know one another without ever letting the narrative get dull or insipid. I loved how, along with learning about each other's personalities and preferences, Mari and TJ also later address real issues in their lives, such as dealing with Mari's parents' divorce and her mother's subsequent anger issues, as well as TJ feeling coerced to live the life his parents are choosing for him instead of pursing his dream.
Love aside, The Pick-Up also has a really fun setting and storyline! The book starts out at the high-energy and exciting Lollapalooza festival and later moves on to a variety of famous locales around Chicago. Kenneally brings Chicago to life in this novel, immersing us in the festival, while also exposing us to the sights and sounds of The Windy City. I also loved how she kept the pace of this book moving - it is only 250 pages long - journeying seamlessly from one event to the next without ever losing my interest or confusing me in the process.
Give The Pick-Up a try if you like fast-paced, concise YA novels that feature appealing, original characters and an engaging story that takes place in a vibrant setting.
Availability: Book
Rating: ***** Stars (I loved it)
Reviewer: Brooke, Public Relations Librarian
ARE YOU AND THIS BOOK A GOOD MATCH?
DISCOVER MORE WITH NOVELIST APPEALS!
GENRE: Contemporary Romances
TONE: Angst-Filled; Romantic
STORYLINE: Character-Driven
WRITING STYLE: Engaging
LOCATION: Chicago, Illinois
SUBJECT: Abusive Women; Blended Families; Car Pools; Dating; Dysfunctional Families; Family Problems; Interpersonal Attraction; Love; Men-Women Relations; Mothers & Daughters; Respect; Ridesharing; Seventeen-Year-Old Girls; Sexual Consent; Teenage Artists; Teenage Boy/Girl Relations; Teenage Romance; Teenagers; Virgins
The premise of The Pick-Up is pretty simple. Mari, a Tennessee native, is in Chicago for the Lollapalooza festival, while also visiting her dad who now lives on Chicago's Gold Coast. She is headed to the event with her stepsister Sierra when, to save money, they pick-up brothers, TJ and Tyler, in their rideshare. Mari immediately catches TJ's eye, and she has to admit, the attraction is mutual. When the two decide to hang out together at the festival, they have no idea that it is the start of an epic weekend that will change their lives forever.
There's a lot to like about The Pick-Up, but I loved Mari and TJ and their relationship the most. I found both of these characters to be authentic and realistic, and more similar to your typical teenager than most YA books write them to be. But as much as I liked their characters separately, I absolutely adored them together! Their new "insta-love" relationship is cute and quirky, and I loved how they interacted with each other. Although this book takes place over a short period of time - one weekend - Kenneally gives her characters the space they need to get to know one another without ever letting the narrative get dull or insipid. I loved how, along with learning about each other's personalities and preferences, Mari and TJ also later address real issues in their lives, such as dealing with Mari's parents' divorce and her mother's subsequent anger issues, as well as TJ feeling coerced to live the life his parents are choosing for him instead of pursing his dream.
Love aside, The Pick-Up also has a really fun setting and storyline! The book starts out at the high-energy and exciting Lollapalooza festival and later moves on to a variety of famous locales around Chicago. Kenneally brings Chicago to life in this novel, immersing us in the festival, while also exposing us to the sights and sounds of The Windy City. I also loved how she kept the pace of this book moving - it is only 250 pages long - journeying seamlessly from one event to the next without ever losing my interest or confusing me in the process.
Give The Pick-Up a try if you like fast-paced, concise YA novels that feature appealing, original characters and an engaging story that takes place in a vibrant setting.
Availability: Book
Rating: ***** Stars (I loved it)
Reviewer: Brooke, Public Relations Librarian
ARE YOU AND THIS BOOK A GOOD MATCH?
DISCOVER MORE WITH NOVELIST APPEALS!
GENRE: Contemporary Romances
TONE: Angst-Filled; Romantic
STORYLINE: Character-Driven
WRITING STYLE: Engaging
LOCATION: Chicago, Illinois
SUBJECT: Abusive Women; Blended Families; Car Pools; Dating; Dysfunctional Families; Family Problems; Interpersonal Attraction; Love; Men-Women Relations; Mothers & Daughters; Respect; Ridesharing; Seventeen-Year-Old Girls; Sexual Consent; Teenage Artists; Teenage Boy/Girl Relations; Teenage Romance; Teenagers; Virgins
November 18, 2021
The Pick-Up by Miranda Kenneally is a fast paced story that revolves around two people who met during the weekend at a music festival. This book is very cheesy and I just didn't really feel the chemistry between the characters. It was love at a rideshare and at first the premise sounds really interesting but reading the book is a totally different story. Not exactly in a good way.
When I first read this book, I totally had the impression that this was an adult, romance book. But a few certain things that happened in the book made me question the genre. That's when I searched about it and finally found out that this book is YA after all. It should be a quick and fun read - the weekend of their lifetime at the music festival, seeing their favourite artists live and finding love but there's just something I find amiss.
The characters obviously have their inner conflicts they couldn't run away from and that made their relationship a tad more complicated. One is afraid of commitment by the surrounding she grew up in and the other lacks courage to fight what he wants. Put the two together brings a whole lot of mess and I get to see it all on fold as a reader.
I truly wanted to like this book but it is what it is. I couldn't root for the characters, just the beginning when they lost each other and find the other again. After that, I couldn't care less. So, I won't recommend you to pick up this book.
When I first read this book, I totally had the impression that this was an adult, romance book. But a few certain things that happened in the book made me question the genre. That's when I searched about it and finally found out that this book is YA after all. It should be a quick and fun read - the weekend of their lifetime at the music festival, seeing their favourite artists live and finding love but there's just something I find amiss.
The characters obviously have their inner conflicts they couldn't run away from and that made their relationship a tad more complicated. One is afraid of commitment by the surrounding she grew up in and the other lacks courage to fight what he wants. Put the two together brings a whole lot of mess and I get to see it all on fold as a reader.
I truly wanted to like this book but it is what it is. I couldn't root for the characters, just the beginning when they lost each other and find the other again. After that, I couldn't care less. So, I won't recommend you to pick up this book.
September 24, 2021
I picked this book up on a whim because the male protagonist shares his nickname with one of my characters and honestly the first half was too over-the-top and cliché, so much so, that I honestly felt like I was reading a wattpad romance. It improved only slightly as the plot progressed.
The characters were the typical dorky, slightly geeky and inexperienced-in-relationships teenagers. TJ was the classic hot guy and Mari was the effortlessly cute girl. Though, I liked the depth there was to the personalities of the characters or well the main protagonists, anyway. The side characters were just that, side characters, with little personality of their own beside progressing the plot. There was also a little family drama on the side, which, didn't really pan out for much and was only referenced to when the author wanted to create tension between the lovers. On the other hand, there was a very realistic depiction of your parents' choices affecting your life (intentionally or unintentionally).
The plot was sort of a unique concept and kinda unbelievable on certain levels but I'll give it a pass because teenage love is honestly unpredictable. I also loved the sweet chemistry between the mcs and additionally Mari's relationship with her step-sister. It was a nice departure from the evil step-sister trope. This book was honestly very average and forgettable. It was the kind of light romance you pick up when you want to enjoy a break.
Highlight of the book: Mari describing TJ's d*** as 'silky'. I just can't get that phrase out of my mind, sorry.
Rating: 3 out of 5
QOTD: What's your go-to genre when you want to kick back with a light read?
The characters were the typical dorky, slightly geeky and inexperienced-in-relationships teenagers. TJ was the classic hot guy and Mari was the effortlessly cute girl. Though, I liked the depth there was to the personalities of the characters or well the main protagonists, anyway. The side characters were just that, side characters, with little personality of their own beside progressing the plot. There was also a little family drama on the side, which, didn't really pan out for much and was only referenced to when the author wanted to create tension between the lovers. On the other hand, there was a very realistic depiction of your parents' choices affecting your life (intentionally or unintentionally).
The plot was sort of a unique concept and kinda unbelievable on certain levels but I'll give it a pass because teenage love is honestly unpredictable. I also loved the sweet chemistry between the mcs and additionally Mari's relationship with her step-sister. It was a nice departure from the evil step-sister trope. This book was honestly very average and forgettable. It was the kind of light romance you pick up when you want to enjoy a break.
Highlight of the book: Mari describing TJ's d*** as 'silky'. I just can't get that phrase out of my mind, sorry.
Rating: 3 out of 5
QOTD: What's your go-to genre when you want to kick back with a light read?
May 31, 2021
I loved this rom-com which was set in Chicago and centered around the Lollapalooza music festival. Told from alternating points of view, we have Mari who is in town from Tennessee to see her dad and attend the festival with her stepsister. We also have TJ, who lives in Wisconsin and is in town to visit his brother and go to the festival. When the girls take a rideshare to the festival on Friday, they are joined by two brothers who are also on their way to the festival. And sparks fly.
A super cute story. I loved all of the Chicago references like landmarks and food (I grew up in Chicago and if there's one thing I really miss, it's Lou Malnati's). I could see this as a fun movie. Guaranteed to be a fun,quick read. You'll be cheering for Mari and TJ.
A super cute story. I loved all of the Chicago references like landmarks and food (I grew up in Chicago and if there's one thing I really miss, it's Lou Malnati's). I could see this as a fun movie. Guaranteed to be a fun,quick read. You'll be cheering for Mari and TJ.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2021
An angsty YA romance that takes place over a weekend at Lalapalooza and honestly portrays the ups and downs of teenage life and the difficulty of finding oneself whilst navigating dating. An emotional journey that touches on child abuse, divorce, and sexuality, and one of Kenneally’s more serious books.
TJ and Mari meet on a ride share on their way to Lalapalooza and hit it off almost immediately. While trying to figure out family relationships and a weekend filled with festival craziness, TJ and Mari must explore what they want from their new relationship and if they are ready to face their future, whether it be on their terms or someone else’s.
The whole time I was reading this book I kept thinking about how all the scenarios and discussions felt authentic and age appropriate. Kenneally explores sex and the loss of innocence and the heartbreaking reality of families that fail. It’s like Keanneally pulled a page from my own teenage life. An absorbing and genuine romance and one I won’t soon forget.
TJ and Mari meet on a ride share on their way to Lalapalooza and hit it off almost immediately. While trying to figure out family relationships and a weekend filled with festival craziness, TJ and Mari must explore what they want from their new relationship and if they are ready to face their future, whether it be on their terms or someone else’s.
The whole time I was reading this book I kept thinking about how all the scenarios and discussions felt authentic and age appropriate. Kenneally explores sex and the loss of innocence and the heartbreaking reality of families that fail. It’s like Keanneally pulled a page from my own teenage life. An absorbing and genuine romance and one I won’t soon forget.
May 15, 2022
When I saw that one of my favorite authors had written a new book, I just knew I had to read it. Lucky for me, it was available as an e-book at my local library system.
Its not what I expected. It is still a good book but I guess it was a bit…darker? But it’s still a good book. It kept me reading, it didn’t have me take five days to read it, so it’s good.
For parents, if your child wants to read this, i would recommend 12+. And they have to be mature enough, this book has some scenes and also includes mature topics.
Its not what I expected. It is still a good book but I guess it was a bit…darker? But it’s still a good book. It kept me reading, it didn’t have me take five days to read it, so it’s good.
For parents, if your child wants to read this, i would recommend 12+. And they have to be mature enough, this book has some scenes and also includes mature topics.
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