In her debut novel Pick-Up, Nora Dahlia masterfully weaves together the complexities of modern parenting, workplace dynamics, and unexpected romance. Set against the backdrop of Brooklyn’s school pick-up scene and a luxurious Caribbean resort, this enemies-to-lovers story offers a fresh perspective on finding love in the midst of life’s beautiful mess.
The Story That Captivates
At the heart of Pick-Up is Sasha Rubinstein, a divorced mom juggling freelance video production work with single parenthood. Her carefully managed life starts unraveling when she repeatedly clashes with Ethan Jones – an infuriatingly handsome dad from her children’s school who seems to thwart her at every turn, from snagging the last school hoodie to claiming coveted after-school program spots.
What begins as a series of antagonistic encounters evolves into something more complex when Sasha lands a potentially life-changing job producing content for Escapade Magazine. The catch? The assignment takes her to an exclusive Caribbean island resort where her new boss turns out to be none other than Ethan himself.
Strengths & Stellar Moments
Dahlia’s writing shines brightest in her authentic portrayal of modern parenting challenges. The morning school rush scenes, complete with forgotten permission slips and missed “Silly Sock Day” notifications, will resonate deeply with any parent who has navigated the educational system’s endless demands.
The author demonstrates particular skill in developing multifaceted characters who feel remarkably real:
Sasha’s struggle to maintain her identity beyond motherhood while protecting her children is beautifully rendered
Ethan’s evolution from “Demon Dad” to a complex character dealing with his own parenting challenges feels organic
The supporting cast, especially Celeste and Derek, add depth to the story without overshadowing the main romance
Romance That Sizzles
The chemistry between Sasha and Ethan is electric, building through delicious tension and witty banter. Their shower scene at the resort is particularly memorable, striking the perfect balance between steamy and sweet. The way their relationship develops from antagonism to attraction to something deeper feels earned rather than forced.
Areas for Improvement
While largely successful, the novel does have a few minor weaknesses:
The subplot involving Ethan’s ex-wife Kaitlin’s sabotage of Sasha’s school communications occasionally stretches credibility
Some readers might find the resolution of the workplace conflict a bit too neat
The pacing in the middle section could be tighter, particularly during some of the resort scenes
Standout Elements
The novel excels in several unique aspects:
Setting: The contrast between hectic Brooklyn school life and the serene Caribbean resort provides excellent atmospheric variety
Dialogue: The banter between characters feels natural and often genuinely funny
Professional Elements: The behind-the-scenes look at content production and magazine publishing adds interesting depth
Family Dynamics: The realistic portrayal of co-parenting and blended family challenges sets this romance apart
Writing Style & Voice
Dahlia’s voice is fresh and contemporary, with a natural wit that never feels forced. Her descriptions are vivid without being purple, and she has a particular talent for capturing the small moments that make up daily life. The alternating perspectives between Sasha and Ethan (with occasional glimpses into Kaitlin’s point of view) work well to round out the story.
Similar Books & Audience Appeal
Fans of Emily Henry’s Beach Read and Christina Lauren’s The Unhoneymooners will find much to love here. The book should particularly appeal to readers who enjoy:
Contemporary romance with realistic conflicts
Stories featuring parents finding love
Workplace romance with actual workplace dynamics
Enemies-to-lovers tropes with legitimate reasons for the initial animosity
Impact & Memorable Moments
Several scenes stand out for their emotional impact:
The cotton candy duty at the school festival
The first kiss under the stars
The confrontation at the Harvest Festival
The final planetarium scene
Final Verdict
Pick-Up by Nora Dahlia is smart blend of romance and reality. While not perfect, its strengths far outweigh its minor flaws. Dahlia has created a thoroughly modern romance that acknowledges the complexities of contemporary life while still delivering the emotional satisfaction romance readers crave.
Recommendations & Reader Notes
This book is ideal for:
Parents navigating the school system
Romance readers seeking mature characters with real-life complications
Fans of witty dialogue and slow-burn attraction
Anyone who appreciates a good enemies-to-lovers story with actual substance
Closing Thoughts
As a debut novel, Pick-Up announces Nora Dahlia as a promising new voice in contemporary romance. Her ability to balance humor with heart, and romance with reality, suggests exciting possibilities for future works. While some plot elements might strain credulity, the emotional truth at the core of the story rings absolutely authentic.
The novel’s exploration of second chances – not just in love, but in career and self-discovery – resonates particularly well in our current cultural moment. Through Sasha and Ethan’s journey, Dahlia reminds us that it’s never too late to rewrite our own stories, even if the path includes a few wrong turns and missed pick-ups along the way.