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Nikki Ash
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The Pickup: a Secret Pregnancy, Football Romance (Imperfect Love Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Nikki Ash (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 4,873 ratings
Somebody once said we don’t decide who we love.
The world decides for us.
But I disagree.
I believe love is a decision.
Who we love, how we love.
It’s in our control--in our hands.
I grew up having no clue about the true meaning of love.
Money. Cars. Houses. Status. Fame.
That’s what love means to the people around me.
It wasn’t until the woman I picked up in a bar came back into my life and showed me love can be so much more.
So, what’s the problem?
The woman I’m falling in love with believes in fairytales.
She compares everything to a storybook and wants the happily-ever-after.
So while she’s stuck on recreating stories that have already been told, page by page, I’m showing her it’s time we write our own book.
Nobody ever said the journey of falling in love would be easy, just that it would be worth it.

The Pickup is a standalone secret pregnancy, football romance
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  1. Book 1 of 6
    Imperfect Love
  2. Print length
    311 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    February 7, 2019
  5. File size
    1.1 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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  1. “She’s the woman I’m going to fall in love with, and who’s going to fall in love with me.”
    Highlighted by 972 Kindle readers
  2. I believe love is a decision. Who we love, how we love. It’s in our hands. I grew up having no clue about the true meaning of love.
    Highlighted by 832 Kindle readers
  3. “My happily-ever-after is wherever you are. If it means we move, then Reed and I will be right there beside you. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
    Highlighted by 724 Kindle readers
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Editorial Reviews

Review

The Pickup is low drama with a whole lot of heart. It's just one of those easy reads that keep a smile on your face. -Tabitha, Divas Book Lounge

A modern-day fairy tale with lots of hot steamy scenes and the ending leaving you wanting more. Loved every page. -Elisha, Goodreads reviewer

Nikki Ash is my go to author and I am happy to say she delivered another touchdown with this book! I am so in love with this book and characters! -Andrea, Goodreads reviewer

Nikki Ash once again captures your attention with this story from page one. Olivia, Nick and all their friends will keep you entertained and begging for more. -Nicole, Goodreads reviewer

The characters in this story are absolute perfection. This story will have you swooning and praying for fairytales to come true. -Meg, Goodreads reviewer

Perfect combination of drama and secrets to keep you intrigued and entertained!--Kori, Goodreads reviewer

Nikki Ash never fails to bring out all my emotions with her writing. And let me tell you, The Pickup brought out A TON of them. My heart hurt, I raged, I cried, my heart melted, I laughed so hard it hurt, I fell madly in love and did I mention raged? Seriously though, Nikki Ash had me hooked immediately with this one truly hitting me right in the feels almost immediately and her writing kept me hooked all the way to the very end. -Britt, Red Hatter Book Blog

Once again I am blow away with how much I enjoyed another one of Nikki Ash's books. Her writing has every aspect that makes a perfect book for me. From the very beginning I am hooked and her characters have been some of my all-time favorites. Her heroes are sexy and alphas with a softer side that makes me swoon even more.-Christine, Just Love my books

I have been ruined for days from this book hangover I am having! It was EVERYTHING! The feels were amazing, the action was on point, the scenes steamy, the love story there, oh my gosh I devoured this book and want more. -Kelly, Goodreads reviewer

A delightfully captivating sports romance, The Pickup by Nikki Ash was absolutely heart melting! I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't put the book down, Nikki Ash had me in a trance with this story. -Up All Night With Books Blog

Totally addictive and swoony, worthy of over a five star rating! The Pickup not only has amazing main characters with great chemistry, but their supporting characters will easily keep you hooked and wanting to know them more. -Viridiana, Goodreads Reviewer

About the Author

Nikki Ash resides in South Florida where she is an English teacher by day and a writer by night. When she's not writing, you can find her with a book in her hand. From the Boxcar Children, to Wuthering Heights, to the latest single parent romance, she has lived and breathed every type of book. While reading and writing are her passions, her two children are her entire world. You can probably find them at a Disney park before you would find them at home on the weekends!
 
Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out.- Pam Allyn

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07MC4NFXP
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Amazon Digital Services (February 7, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 7, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.1 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 311 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 4,873 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Nikki Ash

Nikki Ash

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Nikki Ash resides in South Florida where she is an English teacher and mom by day and a writer by night. When she’s not writing, you can find her with a book in her hand. From the Boxcar Children to Wuthering Heights to the latest Single Parent Romance, she has lived and breathed every type of book.

While reading and writing are her passions, her two children are her entire world. You can probably find them at a Disney park before you would find them at home on the weekends!

Connect with Nikki!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authornikkiash

Reading group: www.facebook.com/groups/booksbynikkiash

Instagram: www.instagram.com/authornikkiash

Website: www.authornikkiash.com

TikTok: TikTok.com/@authornikkiash

For any questions or concerns, please email: authornikkiash@gmail.com

Professional Inquiries:

I am represented by SBR Media. For inquiries regarding foreign rights, audio, and other media outlets, please contact Ena Burnette.

Ena@sbrmedia.com

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4,873 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this romance book addictive and thoroughly entertaining, with a sweet love story centered around Nick and Olivia. The writing style is quick and easy to read, and customers appreciate the steamy moments and great chemistry between the characters. They describe the book as adorable and sweet, with one customer noting how it pulls readers into the story immediately.

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58 customers mention "Readability"58 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thoroughly entertaining and totally addictive, with one customer noting it's a must-read from author Nikki Ash.

"I love this book...." Read more

"...Also excited to read the next book after that cliffhanger." Read more

"...I liked the book overall and thought it was interesting and a real page turner." Read more

"...The story is a slow burn, but I didn’t mind. I enjoyed the build-up and seeing where Olivia and Nick’s relationship went...." Read more

53 customers mention "Storyline"46 positive7 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of this romance book, particularly Nick and Olivia's story, with one customer noting how it pulls readers in immediately.

"There was some angst at first but this book is definitely filled with romance and getting even at people that have wronged the couple...." Read more

"...but I suppose I liked the book overall and thought it was interesting and a real page turner." Read more

"...As usual, Nikki pulls you into the story immediately. No slow burn, and I loved it. I loved every word in the story of Nick Shaw and Olivia Harper...." Read more

"This was such a fun read. I love a good sports romance and it’s even better when it’s football...." Read more

17 customers mention "Character development"17 positive0 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, with one customer particularly appreciating the banter between them.

"...I don’t know how plausible it was but the villains were especially villainous and the people we were meant to like were more or less likeable...." Read more

"...I also like the supporting characters that were introduced, Killian and Giselle...." Read more

"...Still, this was a fun read that had me connecting with the characters, and I’m really looking forward to reading Killian and Giselle's book when it..." Read more

"...The Pickup not only has amazing main characters with great chemistry, but their supporting characters will easily keep you hooked and wanting to..." Read more

14 customers mention "Sweetness"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book sweet and adorable, with one customer noting that Celeste wasn't portrayed as a mean girl.

"...It was a cute and spicy read and I really enjoyed it." Read more

"book was cute but not very entertaining. couldn't wait for m.c. to stand up for himself!! pretty predictable & lacked in suspenfullness." Read more

"...Plus the amazing eye candy with their yummy covers ♡" Read more

"...Nick & Liv have some things to figure out & the way they do so was very sweet & had the right amount of steam...." Read more

11 customers mention "Writing style"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, describing it as well-written and a quick, easy read.

"...Nikki Ash’s writing style is witty, and the book flowed so smoothly that I didn’t realise how quickly time went while I was reading it...." Read more

"Liked the book, quick easy read! Read this while at the beach and it went by so easily and quickly!" Read more

"Nikki Ash's writing is do good. It keeps you hooked. What a good story, Nick and Olivia. This was a good book to read." Read more

"Loved everything about this book. It's written so well and i mean the characters amazing. Nicks parents are something...." Read more

10 customers mention "Romance"10 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, particularly the characters Nick and Liv, with one customer noting the heart-tugging connection between them.

"...Nick meets Olivia one night. They have a blast together, and Nick feels a real connection, but Olivia leaves without contact...." Read more

"...Nick was a great guy. He probably had the most honest response to what Olivia told him about the baby...." Read more

"...It's written so well and i mean the characters amazing. Nicks parents are something...." Read more

"...Such an amazing story. Love how Nick and Olivia ends up together. Love how caring Nick is with his son. Worth the read" Read more

8 customers mention "Steamy content"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the hot and steamy moments in the book.

"...She gave us drama, heat, and romance...." Read more

"...The chemistry between Nick and Olivia was hot and oh so heavy, but Nick had a lot to sort out, and while Olivia wasn’t going out of her way to make..." Read more

"...For the most part, it’s adorable and yet, still have hot and steamy moments...." Read more

"...It was wholesome and funny but, at the same time, it was hot and steamy...." Read more

7 customers mention "Chemistry"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the chemistry between the characters in the book.

"...I loved Olivia and Nick together. They had a great chemistry. I liked their relationship. They had a way about themselves...." Read more

"...The Pickup not only has amazing main characters with great chemistry, but their supporting characters will easily keep you hooked and wanting to..." Read more

"...Nick and Liv had sizzling chemistry right from the start! I couldn’t stand his best friend in the story and I tolerated her by the end!..." Read more

"...I loved their chemistry and that the story has drama but it wasn't over top. It’s a solid 4 stars for me." Read more

Love! Love! Love!
5 out of 5 stars
Love! Love! Love!
**ARC REVIEW** ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟 Nikki, Nikki, Nikki!!!! Ahhhh I just wanted to go through this book and hug Nick and at the same time torture his parents!!! Can someone have the worst luck in Love? At the same time have the worst parents? Who only think of themselves and not about the well being or happiness of their only son! Nick is a star football player who believes in Love and not in the wealth his parents are drowned in. Going through the worst experiences in relationships and his career on hold. He puts love in the back burner and starts a new take on life. Live to Live and forget about love! In the process he meets Olivia and she's like no other.. After their one night he gets a taste of what he's been doing and Olivia is gone... She's gone with something unexpected... After an accidental meet several months later... It all starts... This book is full of all kinds of feels! Steamy scenes and complicated situations. You will get hooked from Page 1!!! So in love with Olivia and Nick... Can't wait for Book 2 Giselle & Killian!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Kayshala Culpepper
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sexy an compelling
    Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I love this book. Nick is a man longing to be loved, which he's been deprived of growing up, and Olivia is a girl seeking a fairytale they get together, and it's almost magical when they open up to love writing your own story is beautiful.
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  • Jennifer McBain
    4.0 out of 5 stars oooo sports romance with some spice
    Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    There was some angst at first but this book is definitely filled with romance and getting even at people that have wronged the couple. Also excited to read the next book after that cliffhanger.
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  • J-Phi
    3.0 out of 5 stars Messy but sweet…
    Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I kind of liked this overall. The premise is that both professional American football quarterback, Nick, and wealthy heiress and art expert, Liv, are hopeless romantics in search of the Disney happily ever after sort of love but have had their hopes betrayed multiple times. After a one night stand when they meet on a night out, Liv gets pregnant but doesn’t know Nick’s identity as a famous American football player until she runs into him at a game only to find he’s now engaged and seems nothing like the guy she spent the night with. After multiple betrayals in the past, they have to work on trusting each other to co-parent their child and see if there can be anything between them.

    The thing is that this was a breezy enjoyable read. I don’t know how plausible it was but the villains were especially villainous and the people we were meant to like were more or less likeable. I can’t say I was particularly passionate about any of the characters but I suppose I liked the book overall and thought it was interesting and a real page turner.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • The Bee Spot72
    5.0 out of 5 stars He Falls First
    Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    RATING: 4.5/5

    Nick’s parents have been involved with his football career since he could throw the ball as a kid. But they control every aspect of his personal and business life, encouraging him to clean up his playboy persona after he went on a binge after his longtime girlfriend suddenly leaves him. Nick meets Olivia one night. They have a blast together, and Nick feels a real connection, but Olivia leaves without contact. Nine months later, Olivia shows up with a surprise that Nick is reluctant to own up to. What’s even messier is that Nick is engaged to someone else.

    Nick struggles with trust issues, and he and Olivia share feelings for each other. “The Pickup” goes through many ups and downs as Olivia and Nick find their way back together, overcoming many obstacles. The story is a slow burn, but I didn’t mind. I enjoyed the build-up and seeing where Olivia and Nick’s relationship went. I also like the supporting characters that were introduced, Killian and Giselle. It took some time for me to warm up to Celeste, but I think there is more to her. The spice is there, but as I mentioned, it is a slow burn. Nick is the guy who falls first and is willing to do any thoughtful, sweet thing to win Olivia back.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Cassandra
    4.0 out of 5 stars Hot NFL dad, sign me up
    Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Plot: 4/5
    World Building: 4/5
    Cover: 3.5/5
    Hero: 4/5
    Heroine: 4/5
    Spice: 2.5/5
    Pulls at heart strings: 3.5/5
    Page Turner: 3/5
    Witty/Comedy: 1/5
    Ending: 3.5/5
    Triggers: 3/5
    Overall view: 3.75/5

    Tropes: sports romance 🏈 (MMC is a football player) and surprise pregnancy 🤰

    HEA: Yes
    Multiple POVs: Yes
    Third act breakup: No
    Hero: Nick
    Heroine: Olivia

    🚨 May contain spoilers so please read at your own risk 🚨

    Brief Summary: Nick and Olivia cross paths 🚸 at a nightclub 💃 one night. Olivia is fresh from a breakup so she thinks one-night is best to get over her ex. Nick is in his playboy ways as he is over falling in love 💔 What neither want to admit is they wanted more than just one night until circumstances happen where they are forced to deal with one another again and this is where our story begins....

    My thoughts:

    I loved that right from the start Olivia challenged 🥊 Nick. And at the beginning of the book 📖 she had no problem challenging him and towards the end of the book she challenged anyone who wasn't supportive of him 👏

    I felt so bad 😔 for Nick being from a family that only cared about his money💰 and status.

    I loved 💕 that Olivia was looking for a fairytail 👸 like her parents' marriage but Nick, when he finally wins her over tells her it's time they write their own fairytail ✍️

    I absolutely loved 💗 the reference to all of the Disney fairytails. As I love my Disney fairytails too👑

    I loved💘 that Olivia was a strong mother 🤱and she supported Nick in becoming the Dad that he always wanted in his life. It was just wonderful to see a positive ➕️ co-parenting situation even though it wasn't ideal.

    I was so happy😊 when Nick finally decided to fight 🥊 for love ❣️ again and he did everything he could to win that fight.

    I loved the angst with Celeste but I didn't entirely love her character😐

    Overall, this was a good read 👍 and I recommend it for anyone who loves a surprise baby with a hot NFL player daddy🏈
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Dana Crossland
    5.0 out of 5 stars loved it!
    Reviewed in Canada on May 11, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Disney fairytale in the making! I loved Nick and Olivia! They were perfect for each other it just took some time to find each other. Such a great story! Loved it
    Report
  • Cliente Kindle
    3.0 out of 5 stars Fofinho e coração quentinho
    Reviewed in Brazil on September 17, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Um romance simples e fofo
    Nick tem uma noite quente com uma desconhecida q acaba sumindo no dia anterior, devido a isso desiste do amor e começa um noivado falso com sua melhor amigo, sem sexo.
    Acaba que nove meses depois a menina que ele dormiu encontra ele, super grávida!
    É uma história sobre se apaixonar e encontrar o verdadeiro caminho para a vida.
    Report
  • Amazon カスタマー
    2.0 out of 5 stars cliché
    Reviewed in Japan on December 24, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    the plot is full of cliché and end for the other book.
    Report
  • yoneidis
    5.0 out of 5 stars El dinero no te da la felicidad
    Reviewed in Spain on April 27, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Nick es un jugador de football de éxito, pero sus padres sólo lo quieren por el dinero que gana y por las apariencias. Sus novias le dejan o porque dedica mucho tiempo al football o porque sus padres interfieren mucho en su vida. El quiere que lo quieran por el, no porque el que tiene o por lo que puedan ganar al estar con él.
    Una noche conoce a una chica y pasa toda la noche con ella. Ella le hace creer por un momento que puede haber algo más entre ellos, pero cuando se levanta a la mañana siguiente sólo y con una nota de agradecimiento, decide que se rinde.
    9 meses después la chica aparece y está embarazada y dice que el bebé es suyo. El ahora está prometido con otra. Y el cree que uso protección todas las veces que estuvieron juntos, así que como va a hacerse cargo ahora de un niño que no sabe siquiera que es suyo?
    Me da mucha pena Nick, tan buena gente y rodeado de tanto aprovechado.
    Report
  • Mara A.
    5.0 out of 5 stars good read
    Reviewed in Germany on April 21, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I read this book in a day and did not want to lay it down. It was soo sweet and cute. Such good chemistry!
    Report

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