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

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 4,672 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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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 4.2 out of 5 stars 4,672 ratings

About the author

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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
4,672 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoyed the book's engaging storyline and characters. They found the romance sweet and realistic, with drama and steamy scenes. The writing style was described as well-crafted and easy to read. Readers appreciated the chemistry between the main characters and the villains. Overall, they felt the book had an adorable and romantic feel.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

60 customers mention "Readability"60 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it engaging with a good storyline and plot twists. The book has the right amount of banter, light emotion, and spice. Readers appreciate the author's writing style and how the story flows smoothly. Overall, they describe the book as sweet, funny, and addictive.

"...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

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

"...Thank you Nikki Ash, for another amazing read." Read more

52 customers mention "Storyline"45 positive7 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline. They find the romance sweet and realistic, with drama and steamy scenes. The book draws them in from the start with its well-written plot and characters. It's a second chance romance that keeps readers entertained until the end.

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

"A funny and sweet sports romance. Nick just wants to be seen and loved, while everyone around him wants what they can give him...." Read more

"This was so so good and the story lines and plot twist omg nikki hit it out of the park with this one I definitely recommend this book" Read more

17 customers mention "Character development"17 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the well-developed characters and their banter. They appreciate the storyline, romance, drama, and steamy sex scenes. The villains are described as villainous.

"...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

"...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

"...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

11 customers mention "Writing style"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing style engaging and easy to read. They describe the book as a quick, easy read with amazing characters.

"...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. They love how Nick and Olivia end up together, and they feel a real connection between them. The parents of Nick are also mentioned as interesting. Overall, readers describe the book as heartwarming and emotional.

"...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 book's steamy content. They mention it starts off hot and engaging, then keeps them hooked throughout.

"...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 enjoy the chemistry between the main characters.

"...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

4 customers mention "Adorability"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's cuteness and the fact that Celeste isn't a mean girl like in other stories.

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

"100/10 recommend, I love them so much nick and olivia r so adorable I would read again 100 percent...." Read more

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

"...I also like the Celeste wasn't the mean girl like she would be in most stories." 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

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2023
    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
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2024
    This was such a fun read. I love a good sports romance and it’s even better when it’s football. I also loved the fact that Liv wasn’t just the girl being rescued either and Nick said it perfectly that they were writing their own story. She had more money than him and didn’t need the football superstar. The real plot twists at the end I saw coming but I didn’t expect the extreme they went. I was so mad for Nick but I’m glad Liv got her own princess fairytale. I can’t wait to read about Giselle and Killian though.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2025
    book was cute but not very entertaining. couldn't wait for m.c. to stand up for himself!! pretty predictable & lacked in suspenfullness.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2025
    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.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2023
    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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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2019
    Tired of being controlled, but never loved by, his parents all of his life, when Nick Shaw suffers a potentially career ending injury, is finally fed up with being nothing but dollar signs and fame to them, and acknowledges everyone in his life for what they are. When it comes time to make some decisions about his future, he takes off to visit his college teammate and friend and starts to make choices for what best for himself and his life.

    Olivia Harper has always known love, the love between her parents, then the love between her father and step-mother. She knows that’s the kind of love she wants for her life. One impulsive night, puts her on a course with Nick that has them speeding fast and out of control into love.

    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. She gave us drama, heat, and romance. The Pickup is a journey of loss, love, and living life on one’s own terms, while opening yourself up to love.

    Every new release from Nikki Ash has me finding my new favorite couple, and The Pickup is nothing different. Nick and Liv are definitely my new favorite couple, I couldn’t stop reading and at the end I wanted more. Thank you Nikki Ash, for another amazing read.
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Cliente Kindle
    3.0 out of 5 stars Fofinho e coração quentinho
    Reviewed in Brazil on September 17, 2023
    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.
  • Mara A.
    5.0 out of 5 stars good read
    Reviewed in Germany on April 21, 2024
    I read this book in a day and did not want to lay it down. It was soo sweet and cute. Such good chemistry!
  • Aayushma Singh
    4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful!
    Reviewed in India on March 10, 2023
    Nikki Ash again proved that second chance romance are amazing and so beautiful.
    This story has everything from an epic love story to a dramatic one.
    Olivia and Nick had a wonderful story even though they weren't so successful at first time but second time is a charm.
  • Ian Foster
    5.0 out of 5 stars The pickup
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 7, 2022
    The pick up
    This is a great book thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
    Lots of situations and relationships of the so/so !!??
  • yoneidis
    5.0 out of 5 stars El dinero no te da la felicidad
    Reviewed in Spain on April 27, 2020
    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.

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