I loved how simple and at the same time, interesting this book seemed. I fell in love with the characters a few pages in and the story drew me in. All in all, it was a simple, enjoyable read that wasn't too long, the perfect beach read. I look forward to reading more stories like this :)

Pit and a Peach by Anna Pollock is a compelling story of love and self-discovery. Initially, Conrad comes across as unlikeable, but as the story progresses and his layers are revealed, he becomes a deeply relatable character. I found myself gradually understanding and rooting for him, especially in his relationship with Maeve. The concept of "pit and a peach" effectively symbolizes the duality within each character, adding depth to their development. This novel is a heartfelt exploration of complex emotions, with moments that made me both laugh and cry.

Thanks to NetGalley and Braseberry Press for providing the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“Pit and a Peach” is a perfect romance story told from the male’s POV. It presents a simple yet deeply engaging narrative of two people falling in love while navigating their individual challenges. This novel encapsulates the essence of what a romance should offer: sweetness, humor, heartbreak, redemption, and, of course, love.

The characters are exceptionally relatable, reflecting real-life struggles and triumphs, which allowed me to form a profound emotional connection with the story. The narrative’s authenticity made me reflect on my own life, prompting me to contemplate my daily “pit” and “peach”—a testament to the book's lasting impact.

The author’s writing style is harmonious and consistent, making for a fast and easy read. The flow of the prose is so captivating that I found it difficult to put the book down. The blend of light-hearted moments with profound emotional depth creates a balanced and compelling romance that resonates on many levels. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a heartfelt, relatable romance. 5/5 stars.

This book was great! I love romance books, and this one was no exception! The characters were wonderful and realistic, the plot was well written, and the setting was gorgeous. I cannot wait until this is published so everyone can read it!

i started my galley of this book on a sunday evening (i like to try and finish up what i've been reading that week on sundays and start a new book) and VERY uncharacteristically for me stayed up late to finish it that night! it's a very sweet and unconventional take on a romcom - told from a male character's POV but the pacing and structure were just really done well. there's a little bit that didn't fully land for me, and some small things i didn't love about conrad as a character - like i wish he'd had more introspection about how his fluctuations in mood/temperament affected people close to him, for instance - but overall, loved it, was rooting for all the characters.

Pit and a Peach is centered around Conrad Sutherland who works in magazine pagination and finds himself recently single after a six-year relationship with "influencer" Lacie ends abruptly. Conrad resolves to feeling sorry for himself/focusing on work until enter stage left, new-hire Maeve, who is outgoing and bubbly and just so happens to live in the same apartment building..

Initially, I found the concept of the "pit" and "peach" slightly cheesy but as the story developed and the characters along with it, it grew on me. Also special mention to "enjoyment insurance" - I will absolutely be using that in my real life, so thank you Anna <3

It was refreshing to have an alternative POV and admittedly, I was intrigued with the concept of a fully male perspective until I realised wait, actually I don’t want that perspective, especially not in fictional romance. *Let me read in a state of delusional, please*
However, credit where credit is due, Pollock did a fantastic job of capturing (from my experience anyway) the epitome of male behaviours in relationships and professional settings.

Speaking of Conrad, I found it hard to empathise with him as a character because of his inconsistencies. It would have been nice, given we were already reading his point of view, to get his actual thoughts and feelings as there was a huge disconnect between his beliefs and behaviours. Without that context, it just seemed like he had the emotional intelligence of a pea..

The conversational writing style made for an easy read but unfortunately, verged on overly cheesy at times (genuinely grimaced at "fuck-er-ino"). Nevertheless, this was a cute, easy-going romance with themes of family, relationships and politics. A perfect by-the-pool read.

Pit and a Peach is a novel that sits perfectly in the intersection of artful writing and comfortable, thoroughly enjoyable, reading.

In very Maeve fashion, this is less of a review than it is a love letter. This novel was a bone deep five-star from the moment I laid eyes on the stunning cover, a feeling that was only validated more the further I read. If six stars were an option it would be an easy choice. Pit and a Peach is an immediate addition to my highly selective Amazon Wishlist.

The story and the characters felt so tangible. Both Maeve and Conrad felt real and human. They were messy and honest, all while being an absolute pleasure to read about. Getting to see Conrad’s thoughts play out, including asides and his pricks of almost child-like jealousy added a lighthearted element to the novel. Plus, it didn’t hurt that I related so well to Conrad’s job and his occupational pain points.

The use of only the MMC’s POV in a romance novel was so refreshing and, with Conrad being so much more than just a pair of lustful eyes and a head full of dirty thoughts directed at the FMC, it was done so wonderfully. For those, like myself, who typically reach for a dual POV romance, I assure you that we were far from robbed of that gratification.

An honorable mention to the exceptional execution of the grumpy x sunshine (pit x peach) trope. Maeve is the sun, while still being a dynamic human being; and Conrad is, as Anna Pollock said herself, “a lil sh*t” but he’s not a complete a**hole just for the sake of a trope.

My favourite aspect of this is entire novel was *drumroll please* the role of food in the telling of this story. Food, restaurants, and coffee became tools to share culture, create connection, make memories, and heal. There’s a special brand of intimacy that comes with sharing a meal and laughter, having someone make you a coffee without having to ask “cream or sugar?”, and being able tell from the look on someone’s face that their stomach is smiling.

In addition to all that was so excellently done in Pit and a Peach, the unique epilogue was the perfect ending to this story.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Braseberry Press for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I added this to my library because it was auto-approved for anyone, but I got accepted for more advanced reader copies than I thought I would for the time being so unfortunately this has to get moved down the totem pole in terms of priority.

Will update here if I do get around to reading it prior to the release! Predicted rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is one of those books that I wish I had never read. I say this only to say that I really want to read it all over again, and have no memory of what it's about. I very much enjoyed this book and didn't want it to end.

This book is all about personal growth and dealing with new emotions that come along with every day life. This story was extremely heartfelt and felt like it brought your emotions all over the place, but in a good way.

This book's POV is from the male main character, which is nice to see for a change. I think that's why I liked the book as much as I did. It's very different from the majority of books that are out there. It was also nice to see that it wasn't over loaded with spice, in fact, there was minimal spice in this book.

If you like world building and slow burns - you need to read this book!

I liked that this was a bit of a slow burn. Conrad splits with his girlfriend at the start of the book. Then he meets Maeve. That seems to open him up to more people. Instead of fake relationships with his instagram girlfriend he forms close and good friendships.
The pit and peach idea is cute and when Maeve says it helps her learn about people I think it helps the reader too.

Thanks Netgally and Braseberry Press for the ARC!

This book kind of caught me by surprise! It was a quicker read than I was expecting, and a male POV was a change from the normal romance. I found myself really rooting for Conrad and Maeve's growing love story, and also found myself trying to identify a peach and a pit in my own day.

I could have used a little more spice (lol, what can I say, I love spice!) but it didn't detract from how adorable this book was! Recommended!

I loved this book, the characters were so raw and real. It was a really nice to read a romance book that was written from a male perspective. Conrad is such an interesting character, and he goes through a lot in the novel and having this from him perspective allows us to really experience his thoughts and emotions through it all.

The time that passes in this novel is very realistic and allows the characters to really take you with them on an emotional journey. Conrad and Mauve have Grumpy and Sunshine vibes and they balance each other out nicely. Mauve really brings out the positivity in Conrad and Conrad is a nice reality check for Mauve.

This book is the good kind of emotional roller coaster, has minimal spice and is a lovely slow burn romance.

I would read this book again. 5 stars.

Thank you for Netgally and the publisher for an ARC :)

🍑🍑🍑🍑🍑

All the peaches! And all the stars! I LOVED this book! It was so cute and refreshing.

I really hope there’s a book two but I know there won’t be. I just don’t want to let go yet!

Do yourself a favor and go read this book! It is well written and I connected with the characters and story so much.

It’s a kick your feet up and giggle book while also making sure you have tissues at the ready.

Thank you NetGallery for the ARC!

A sweet read!

Pit and a Peach was a light and enjoyable read for the summer. Having a romance be solely from a male perspective was quite enjoyable! I loved how sweet and vulnerable Conrad was, and his developing relationship with Maeve was nice to watch unfold. Unfortunately, it fell a bit flat in some places for me, and I don't think it will be memorable enough for me to recommend to others unless they want something specifically from a male POV or about finding love again after a long term relationship ended.

3.5/5 stars (rounded up).

What was your lowest point today and what was your highest? Better yet, what was your pit and what was your peach?

This adorable romance book follows Conrad and Maeve as they navigate being coworkers, neighbors, and friends while also individually handling break-ups, trauma, and conflict management.

This book reminded me of Normal People by Sally Rooney and One Day by David Nicholls with the on-again and off-again relationship dynamic as well as the real-world turmoil each character faces.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Grumpy x Sunshine trope featured in this book. Personally, I struggled with only hearing the male main character's POV (the grumpy character) for the majority of the story. Ultimately, I was emotionally invested and rooting for the characters to find their happy ending!

So, I guess it's been awhile since I read an entire novel from the POV of a man. Honestly, this one made me remember how cute men can be. I know that sounds harsh, but it's true! Conrad (was this name on purpose?) admits he's had a pretty easy go of it for his entire life, even though some things have been less than perfect. Watching him deal with a breakup and subsequent questioning of his life was pretty refreshing. Men deserve to have big feelings, to cry, to be excited about things, and to be loved. It was also nice to see him finally stand up for himself and make Maeve get her shit together.

Side note: I know this will probably get some hate, but I really liked how the story of his family went. We're still in it, obviously, but 2016 impacted so many people in so many ways. I was wondering when it would start showing up here.

Pit and a Peach is a total gem! I wasn't expecting much from the title, but Anna Sutherland completely blew me away. The characters feel like old friends, the story is a rollercoaster of emotions, and the writing is pure magic. It’s one of those books that stays with you long after the final page. Don't miss out on this fantastic read!

After reading a bunch of mediocre thrillers this book was a sight for sore eyes. Cute but not overloading with cuteness. Conrad was a grumpy main character but that made him believable. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this free ARC.

This was my kind of romance. This had all of the elements of vulnerability, sensitivity, grief of a relationship, and being so unaware of yourself. It was laced with conversations about what it means to be a person, how to feel in tough situations, and the people we turn towards in those moments. The authors decision to write this in the POV of the MMC was an exceptional choice and I think added much needed layers, especially in the scope of a man– it was a different kind of stubbornness, a different kind of air to it. I found this book to be a rollercoaster but such an enjoyable one. I would reach many books by this author! More people need to know about this.

Thank you to Anna Pollock and Braseberry Press via NetGalley for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I ate this book up! I’m so happy to come across Anna Pollock and will be checking out any future books by her. I found her characters to be well-developed and endearing even when they so frustrating or cruel stuff. The main character of this book is Conrad. He’s a man who has clearly lost his identity while in his current relationship. He loves his job, has some relatable bouts of anxiety, and is truly a grump on the outside but a cinnamon roll on the inside. I loved being inside his head and experiencing falling in love with him.

This book is fairly short (around 200 pages), but I thought the author did a great job of eliminating any unnecessary components to the story. I also thought the author wrote a relatable story that is set in our current day. It’s a book that is solidly set right now and in a few years it will be a little time capsule.