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.

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.

I really really enjoyed this book. I thought it was super interesting to tell the story from the MMC point of view for most of the story. You don’t see that very often and it gave this story an edge above others. Overall, it was a pleasant read and I’m glad to have received an ARC.

"“Are the best years behind me?” And I categorically think, no! They’re in front of us, but only if we believe it." I saw this quote on Anna Pollock her website and I was immidiatly sold to read this book. I enjoyed it very much. I really liked that it is written from the man's POV. And i definitly have a soft spot for Conrad.

Such a cute book! Interesting choice to have only the MMC POV for the majority of the book, but it was well written. Hoping to catch Anna's other book soon!

**Book Review: Pit And Peach by Anna Pollock**

Rating: ★★★★☆

I thoroughly enjoyed this book as it is primarily told from the MMC’s POV. It’s a nice breath of fresh air being able to have a peek into a Males’ emotions and thoughts.

Pit and Peach does phenomenal at conveying personal growth and changing emotions. Oh, and we can’t forget about the immersive world building!

Overall, this story was heartfelt and an emotional rollercoaster (the good one). If you like a sweet slow burn with very minimal spice, this one’s for you!

*DISCLAIMER* This is NOT a paid review. This was a voluntary early access read made possible by NetGalley the Publisher and Author Anna Pollock. I want to extend a huge thank you for allowing me access to this E-Arc! I hope my review provides helpful insight.

*PLATFORMS* This review is available on Barnes & Nobles (if applicable), Amazon, Walmart, NetGalley, GoodReads & Facebook.

I'll simply say that this story ended up not being my cup of tea. It actually was very out of comfort zone, in a negative way.
I didn't feel engaged or invested in anything. And I'm not gonna blame the author or the story or the writing, nothing.
I simply choose to believe I'm not the target audience for this book.

This was an interesting read. It’s not often one reads (or writes!) a romance novel exclusively from the MMC’s POV.

I’m really not sure what else to say about this book, except that I enjoyed it, and I like the “pit and peach” concept.

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘽𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙮 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.

I loved this book told fully from the Male POV! Conrad has been hurt but he remains kind an thoughtful and not afraid to show his emotions when he's hurting. Meeting Maeve He finally learns what he loves and needs and is willing to put his heart on the line again as long as he won't be taken for granted.
If you are looking for a sweet/cute, slow-burn page turner with a tiny sprinkle of spice at the end this is it.