What do you think?
Rate this book
Pick Up Games
When Mick Webber gets a new job hosting a college basketball show, he is less than thrilled to learn he will be co-hosting with Cara Jones, a pretty brunette trying to get over her failed engagement. From the start it is clear the two will not be playing nice, and work soon turns into a battlefield. But as the season progresses and the two are forced to work together more closely, they begin to see that first impressions can often be deceiving. In this riveting story about the game of love, you ll find yourself holding your breath to see what the scoreboard says when the clock runs out.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
1 person is currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Marcia Argueta Mickelson
7 books64 followersMarcia Mickelson was born in Guatemala and moved to the U.S. as an infant. She began writing her first novel her senior year of high school and finished it more than ten years later.
Marcia graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelors Degree in American Studies. She is the author of YA novels The Huaca and Where I Belong.
She has also written 3 inspirational women's novels: Star Shining Brightly, Reasonable Doubt, and Pickup Games.
Marcia currently resides in Texas with her husband and three sons.
Marcia graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelors Degree in American Studies. She is the author of YA novels The Huaca and Where I Belong.
She has also written 3 inspirational women's novels: Star Shining Brightly, Reasonable Doubt, and Pickup Games.
Marcia currently resides in Texas with her husband and three sons.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 6, 2009
If you've read "Reasonable Doubt" by Marcia Mickelson, you'll definitely want to grab a copy of "Pickup Games" and find out what happened to Mick, the young man wrongfully accused of his girlfriend's murder. And if you haven't read "Reasonable Doubt," well, whatcha waiting for?
"Pickup Games" takes place five years after Mick Webber's girlfriend, Avery, was stabbed to death in her locker room. Mick was deeply in love with her and his grief over her death was made worse by the accusations against him. Five years later, he has put his life back together ... somewhat. He's afraid to commit to a relationship, preferring instead to date a girl once, but not twice, and he is heavily involved in his career. His goals keep him focused away from the pain, and that's how he likes it.
When Cara Jones comes into his life, he's not sure what to think. They've been asked to co-host a local television sports show about the college teams' rise to the championship, and Mick feels cheated that he's been asked to work with a co-star - he thought the show was his alone. Cara is his match intellectually and in her knowledge of sports, and for a time, he feels irritated, but the more they work together, he realizes that maybe she's just what he needs.
I enjoyed the story and read it in just a few sittings. I did find some editing errors, but overall, this novel is Marcia's best to date.
"Pickup Games" takes place five years after Mick Webber's girlfriend, Avery, was stabbed to death in her locker room. Mick was deeply in love with her and his grief over her death was made worse by the accusations against him. Five years later, he has put his life back together ... somewhat. He's afraid to commit to a relationship, preferring instead to date a girl once, but not twice, and he is heavily involved in his career. His goals keep him focused away from the pain, and that's how he likes it.
When Cara Jones comes into his life, he's not sure what to think. They've been asked to co-host a local television sports show about the college teams' rise to the championship, and Mick feels cheated that he's been asked to work with a co-star - he thought the show was his alone. Cara is his match intellectually and in her knowledge of sports, and for a time, he feels irritated, but the more they work together, he realizes that maybe she's just what he needs.
I enjoyed the story and read it in just a few sittings. I did find some editing errors, but overall, this novel is Marcia's best to date.
August 21, 2009
I had given up on LDS fiction a long time ago but this book has shown me that it's not all corny. A friend is the author and I have to say I was very impressed.
May 20, 2010
I won a copy of Marcia Mickelson's novel Pickup Games several months ago and meant to write a review. But somehow it fell off of my to-do list. In fact, I realized I have not done any book reviews for over a month. Sorry for being such a slacker! But now I am back on the job and Pickup Games is definitely worth mentioning.
From the back of the book:
Since the murder of his fiancee, the only security in Mick Webber's life is sports. His excitement for living builds when he lands a promising job on a college basketball show--until he learns he has a female co-host.
Cara Jones has her own package of problems from a failed relationship and little patience for the male egos in the arena. Right from the start, careers collide.
Pickup Games will have you on the edge of your seat, jumping up to cheer and yelling at the refs when life isn't fair.
Pickup Games has a very fun storyline, especially if you like basketball. There is a nice balance of romance, humor, and even a bit of mystery. Cara's character depicts a strong, yet feminine, woman succeeding in a traditionally male profession. This is somewhat unique, particularly in LDS literature. I find her very likable and well written. Mick's character is charming and fun; he has interesting past experiences that motivate his behaviors. I was not quite sure a real person would be able to work through some of his problems as quickly as Mick was able to do in the book--but that fantasy is often why we read.
Marcia Mickelson is also the author of Reasonable Doubt and Star Shining Brightly.
From the back of the book:
Since the murder of his fiancee, the only security in Mick Webber's life is sports. His excitement for living builds when he lands a promising job on a college basketball show--until he learns he has a female co-host.
Cara Jones has her own package of problems from a failed relationship and little patience for the male egos in the arena. Right from the start, careers collide.
Pickup Games will have you on the edge of your seat, jumping up to cheer and yelling at the refs when life isn't fair.
Pickup Games has a very fun storyline, especially if you like basketball. There is a nice balance of romance, humor, and even a bit of mystery. Cara's character depicts a strong, yet feminine, woman succeeding in a traditionally male profession. This is somewhat unique, particularly in LDS literature. I find her very likable and well written. Mick's character is charming and fun; he has interesting past experiences that motivate his behaviors. I was not quite sure a real person would be able to work through some of his problems as quickly as Mick was able to do in the book--but that fantasy is often why we read.
Marcia Mickelson is also the author of Reasonable Doubt and Star Shining Brightly.
June 10, 2009
5 years after he was wrongfully accused of murdering his girlfriend, former basketball star Mick Webber thinks he has finally achieved the dream of hosting his own sports show. His excitement is short-lived when he is, instead, asked to co-host a Utah-based college basketball show with a woman as his co-anchor. Cara Jones is beautiful, smart and knowledgeable about college sports. Cara has her own heartache and coming to Salt Lake is her chance to start over. She didn't expect to deal with a stubborn, womanizing co-anchor.
Predictably, there is conflict between them, as they struggle to overcome their own issues and get along with each other. A light, yet thought-provoking, easy LDS read. This one is perfect when you want to escape with something entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
While it's a sequel to Marcia's earlier novel, Reasonable Doubt, this one stands alone. I haven't read Reasonable Doubt, but I plan to as soon as I can get a copy!
Predictably, there is conflict between them, as they struggle to overcome their own issues and get along with each other. A light, yet thought-provoking, easy LDS read. This one is perfect when you want to escape with something entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
While it's a sequel to Marcia's earlier novel, Reasonable Doubt, this one stands alone. I haven't read Reasonable Doubt, but I plan to as soon as I can get a copy!
September 14, 2009
enjoyable and fast read. In Reasonable Doubt, Mick was accused of murdering his fiance. After being exonerated, he is still dealing with the love of guilt after 5 years. He is now a sports reporter for a salt Lake station. He has the opportunity to have a talk show, but he has a woman co-host, Cara. She is a tennesse basketball star, LDS, and coming out of the hurt from being left at the temple alter. She doesn't trust guys, especially Mick because he is the pronounced "date them once and never call back playboy" of the ward. They disagree about everything which makes the show a success and a real friendship ensues as they both let their guard down and let their true selves shine through. Mick deals alot with letting go of the past and embracing the future. Letting go of the guilt of going on without Avery and letting love back into his life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2010
This was a quick, light hearted Mormon romance. It was a nice escape from the heavier "classics" I've been reading lately. I don't normally read LDS novels, they tend to grate on my nerves a little, in general. But I've read Marcia's other novels and thought I'd give this one a try. I'm not all that into college b-ball, but I still found that element of the story very enjoyable and creative. Our hero and heroine were likeable, but I wish their relationship had taken longer to bud. I felt like I bearly got to know them and then they were in love and getting engaged. I would have liked to be able to savor that process a little longer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2009
After reading Pick Up Games I was happily surprised. It was very different than my initial impressions. The title does not go with the book, it is so much deeper than what is suggested. This is a romance that takes awhile for the two main characters to get together, but I really liked it that way. This made the story so more believable than some romances.If you are looking for a book with a satisfying end, you will indeed find it here.
You can read a more in depth review at my blog:
http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot....
You can read a more in depth review at my blog:
http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot....
August 11, 2009
Sequel to Reasonable Doubt but can be a stand-alone book. Having read RD, you understand more of Mick's reasons and back ground.
Mick Webber (from RD)is a sports broadcaster looking for his big break and his own show. The boss decided to set up a new show with Mick teamed up with a female co-host doing local sports in more detail. Mick gets off to a bad start with his co-host when he tries to pick her up (not knowing who she is). Some thought provoking events but mostly light and enjoyable. Enjoyed it especially after rereading Reasonable Doubt.
Mick Webber (from RD)is a sports broadcaster looking for his big break and his own show. The boss decided to set up a new show with Mick teamed up with a female co-host doing local sports in more detail. Mick gets off to a bad start with his co-host when he tries to pick her up (not knowing who she is). Some thought provoking events but mostly light and enjoyable. Enjoyed it especially after rereading Reasonable Doubt.
December 7, 2010
I'm not much of a critic but I know what I like. My wife will tell you I read very few books. I planned on reading this book sooner, but I forgot about it until I saw it on the bookshelf. I believe that the Lord places good people and good books in your path to help you along the way. This book is one of those. I needed a reminder and I read that reminder.
Thanks Marcia for a great book.
Truly, thank you.
Thanks Marcia for a great book.
Truly, thank you.
March 24, 2015
As I read 'Pickup Games' by Marcia Mickelson I fell in love with it from the first word all the way to the last. It constantly had me intrigued and wanting to read more. The constant rivalry between the two main characters, Mick and Cara, made it easy to follow and understand the whole time. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys sports and a simple love story that has an ending that is unpredictable.
July 28, 2009
Fun sequel to Reasonable Doubt--though they can be read totally independent of each other. Mick has been acquitted of his fiancee's murder for several years, but the scars still feel fresh to him. When he's paired with a female co-host of a sports show, he wants nothing to do with her, but romance buds in the midst of trouble. Great read!
October 18, 2009
Very quick, clean, romantic, LDS book. It was a cute story about two sportscasters who were thrown together for a new show. They both brought some baggage to the mix, but worked it out. I do have to note that I read the author's previous novel, REASONABLE DOUBT, and was surprised to find out that this novel was about one of the characters from that book.
October 8, 2009
A sweet romance that was well-written with layers that you don't often see in these kinds of books as well as an unusual topic.
My one big complaint is the horrid cover--I pity the poor author (who certainly had no say in it). The graphic designer must have been on something.
My one big complaint is the horrid cover--I pity the poor author (who certainly had no say in it). The graphic designer must have been on something.
October 28, 2009
Fun. Predictable (as most romantic comedies are) but enjoyable and different from others with the sports aspect of it.
I didn't know it was a sequel, and I haven't read anything else by her. I'll have to see if the library has the others.
I didn't know it was a sequel, and I haven't read anything else by her. I'll have to see if the library has the others.
November 2, 2009
The premise of this story was great, and I loved the unique "not-your-average" plot. The thing I'd hope to see Mickelson's next book is more "showing" and scene creating. Several times we were given a laundry list of events.
July 28, 2010
Good story and I liked the characters, but if you don't like sports at all, then you won't like this book because there's a lot of basketball in it. It was the sequel to another book that I thought that I had read but hadn't, but that really didn't matter.
July 3, 2009
It's like having the BYU and Utah rivalry on camera. It really helps you get into the book if you've read "Reasonable Doubt" first.
August 3, 2009
Cute story about the game of basketball, and starting over. I didn't know it was a sequel, so I haven't read the first book, but it was a great read by itself. I loved the friendship as it evolved...
August 12, 2010
Just mediocre...Not much substance to the story.
I liked the characters, so I guess that was why I stuck it out to the end.
Lame title....just doesn't fit the story at all.
I liked the characters, so I guess that was why I stuck it out to the end.
Lame title....just doesn't fit the story at all.
September 4, 2009
The story was ok but I have to admit I'm not a big sports fan and this book has a LOT of basketball in it. I did end up skimming a lot of those parts just from lack of interest in them.
October 16, 2009
Thought this was very cute story. It was a pretty predictable ending but I still enjoyed it.
Moral Note: Clean
Moral Note: Clean
October 24, 2009
Too much sports in this book. I guess I should have had a good clue from the name of the book, but I am not a sports enthusiast. Sports lovers (basketball) would love this book.
February 19, 2010
Amateurish writing. Boy meets girl story. Not really worth your time.
May 10, 2017
I'm a sucker for most books on basketball.
November 8, 2010
I really liked the first book, but for me the problem with this was unrealistic dialogue and the editing wasn't tight enough. I felt there was at least 30% of the book that should have been cut.
July 20, 2011
Cute. Fun. Clean.
June 13, 2016
Fun story of two broadcasters who don't like each other to start with and then they do.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews