Pit and a Peach

PIT AND A PEACH is a sweet, soft and juicy read that I more than adored! Conrad, bless his heart, is going through a breakup after a 6-year relationship. Although a very hard worker, he isn't the type to go out of his way to connect with his fellow co-workers. He goes from not taking the time to know Maeve's name to noticing himself noticing little things Maeve does that he can't stop thinking about. When it comes to Maeve, his peach is he starts looking forward to his daily commute after agreeing to drive Maeve to work, since finding out they live in the same apartment complex, and spending time with her... His pit is she has a boyfriend. (You're supposed to start with the pit and end with the peach, but in this case, I flipped it to make it dramatic and more enticing for you to read).

I really liked that the story was only told from the male's point of view which allows the reader to get to know Conrad that much more. I have a soft spot for Conrad, and I liked seeing Conrad stand up for himself and not willing to settle for less than he desires.

Also as someone who is from Minnesota and enjoys food, I simply ate this book up!!!

I appreciated the reminder that we are all alive right now and don't need to wait for start living. I am inspired to start implementing the "pit and a peach" exercise into my own daily life! So happy to have found this author and looking forward to reading whatever the author writes next!!

Many thanks to Braseberry Press and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

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.

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!

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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!

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 :)

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.

5/5 Stars ⭐️

"Pit and Peach" by Anna Pollock is a refreshing breath of air in the romance genre, offering a story told from a man's point of view. Conrad, the main character, is the kind of guy you'll find yourself rooting for from start to finish—he's charming, relatable, and could easily become your next book boyfriend.

What makes this novel stand out is its blend of fun and angst, balanced perfectly to keep you engaged. It's the kind of story that makes you giggle and smile, and you might even find yourself kicking your feet in delight as you read. The plot is both cute and realistic, with the "pit and peach" idea playing a significant role throughout, adding depth and continuity to the narrative.

The romance is sweet, and while there's only one mild spice scene, it fits seamlessly into the story. The focus remains on the characters and their journey, and frankly, the book doesn't need any more spice to be thoroughly enjoyable.

I highly recommend "Pit and Peach" to anyone who loves a good romcom. It's a unique and delightful read that will leave you smiling long after you've turned the last page.