Pit and a Peach

by Anna Pollock

CONRAD SUTHERLAND has spent the last six years of his life doting on his influencer of a girlfriend. While Conrad doesn’t subscribe to social media, he’s been so absorbed in her life, he has a hard time knowing where she begins and he ends. That is until she breaks up with him in two minutes flat in hopes of a clean break.

Now, Conrad is trying to mope in peace, feeling the weight of his loneliness sink into every facet of his life. He attempts to pour himself into his work at North Star Magazine, but the bubbly new associate editor won't stop asking him questions about his day. Little does he know that their friendship is about to blossom, and in order for him to turn over a new leaf, he'll have to leave some things in the past.

For every peach, there comes a pit. For Conrad, the key will be knowing the difference.

Genres: Romance

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2024

About the author

Anna Pollock is a community lover and high school theater director when she’s not writing heated and wholesome stories about romance. She grew up in rural Minnesota where she currently resides with her orange and white cat, Kinston. Stay tuned for more stories centered around the hope and heartbreak of loving and being loved as a full human.

Reviews

[Farda Hus · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

Peach : This was such a "normal person" kind of love story that we can all relate to.
Pit : Conrad was a whiny man.

Peach : It was sweet.
Pit : The story and the characters were kind of... forgettable.

Peach : The “peach and pit of the day” part was really cute. I’d love to try it with my loved ones.
Pit : There were definitely some cringe moments.

Note: Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Tahera · Rating 3 out of 5]

The entire story is told from Conrad's POV which was one interesting aspect of the book.

The other was the concept of choosing/talking about a 'Pit' (low point) and a 'Peach' (high point) of the day that Maeve introduces to Conrad during their car rides to and from their workplace and these conversations turned out to be some of the best moments of the book.

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Braseberry Press and the author Anna Pollock for the digital ARC of the book.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫

[Rasa || beviltiska_romantike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly, I loved this sweet, if a tad angsty story, it grabbed my attention from the opening pages and I simply could not put it down. The story tells about Conrad Sutherland, who suddenly finds himself left by his long-term girlfriend. While submerging himself into work to cope with the heartbreak, he meets a new co-worker, who happens to live in the same building as Conrad and offers carpooling to work.
Did I love that the story is told from a guy's POV? Absolutely. And especially from such a grumpy one, who feels so relatable and vulnerable, and quickly grows on you. Meanwhile, Maeve, FMC, sometimes annoyed me by being indecisive and stupidly stubborn, maybe because it's all too familiar, haha. However, Maeve's idea of a peach ant a pit, day's high and low, at the end of the day and sharing it with your people is just brilliant, I really want to try it with my kids. 4.5/5

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

[Aubrey Daly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I WILL COME BACK AND EDIT AND ADD MORE! I think this book is a 3.5 for me but I rounded up to the 4. I reserve to lower as I sit with it a little more I can adjust the score up if necessary.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 Normal People as well as One Day by David Nicholls One Day with the on again and off again relationship dynamic as well as the real world turmoil each character is facing.

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

[Tay · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Bookskee · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[W · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Pit and a Peach" follows Conrad, a man who works at a magazine company and is currently faced with the aftermath of a breakup of his long-term relationship. He meets Maeve, his cheerful coworker who ends up changing his life. His breakup is the start of many realizations in his life, including his relationships with his friends and family.

I had mixed opinions with this one. I think a lot of people would love it, but I don't think it was for me (but I really wanted to love it). Starting with the pacing of the book, it jumps in pretty quickly and then jumps forward--there's a lot of "a few weeks passed" that left me wanting more, and the ending also seemed kind of rushed.

I felt a similar issue with the characters. I could tell that Conrad and Maeve had complexities, and I loved that about them. I had mixed feelings on Conrad, because while I did find his POV hard to read at times (more showing than telling in his narration), there were certainly times where I empathized with him, too. However, maybe it's the length of the book, but those complexities (particularly with Maeve) didn't seem as fleshed out as I would've liked to see. Still, I loved seeing Conrad's relationships heal with his friends at work and his sister. I also appreciated the diverse cast of characters.

As messy as their relationship was, though, it was also so cute and sweet to see the characters finding each other and finding themselves. I think I just wanted more of that. The themes of the book were great. I LOVED the entire concept of a pit and a peach for each day (the epilogue was so cute). What also resonated with me was the idea that we are constantly LIVING LIFE and not to put our lives on hold or feel like we're in a waiting period.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!

[Ciara · Rating 3 out of 5]

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. He 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.

[Lucy Hayton · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

Anna Pollock’s Pit and a Peach offers a refreshing take on the romance genre by narrating the story from the perspective of the male protagonist. Conrad Sutherland, who works in magazine pagination, finds his life turned upside down when his influencer girlfriend of six years, Lacie, abruptly ends their relationship. The novel follows Conrad as he navigates the murky waters of heartbreak and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, forming an unexpected connection with Maeve, a cheerful and bubbly new associate editor at his workplace.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, particularly its unique choice of narrative viewpoint. Experiencing a romance story from Conrad's perspective was a refreshing change. I found him to be a likeable character, and I grew especially fond of his dry sarcasm and grumpy demeanour, which provided an interesting contrast to Maeve’s positivity and liveliness. .

However, I felt that some of the supporting characters lacked memorability, with the exception of Conrad’s sister, George. I would have liked to see a deeper exploration of the connection between his childhood trauma—stemming from his emotionally immature parents—and his struggles with relationships in adulthood.

I also found the pacing of the story to be uneven. While the first half was engaging, the latter half felt rushed and somewhat overlooked, which detracted from the overall experience.

That said, the concept of choosing a ‘pit’ and a ‘peach’ from one’s day was a lovely takeaway and something I’ll be adopting in my own life.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Zoe Lipman · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

This was really surprising to me, I mean, I expected to like it, but I didn't know it would be this much!

This was a super short and relaxing romance. It was super cute and a lot of fun. And I never thought I'd describe a book as relaxing before (maybe because I've never read a relaxing book, I guess), but this really was so chill to read. I wasn't overly stressed at any point, I just felt like I was having a really nice and relaxing time.

This follows Conrad (who works at a magazine), Conrad has just been dumped by his influencer girlfriend because he's not into being an influencer like she is. But things turn around for Conrad when there's a new employee at the magazine and they get along very well.

This felt very slice-of-life, but in a really modern way.

The characters felt like real people with real problems and realistic ways of dealing with those problems.

This book was super short, you could read it in a single sitting if you wanted to. And I do think the cover and concept behind the peach and pit thing is super cute. And I like how there was a little epilogue "chapter" at the end with a list of peaches and pits (you'll understand what that means once you've read the book if, like me, you'd never heard that phrase before).

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Madhu · Rating 2 out of 5]

I desperately wanted to like this book. The characters and settings are charming but the plot does not flow naturally. By the end, the story felt rushed and the leads were getting annoying and not properly developing. The writing in certain portions were rambled and in cohesive.

I think there were many opportunities to develop Conrad and Maeve as individuals in order for the reader to connect with them. A rom com written with a male POV is uncommon, but it adds to the appeal of the story. However, there is little character development or growth in Conrad post his relationship with Lacie. It was odd that a character, who is introduced as the unhappy and forgotten boyfriend, is shocked when his girlfriend breakups with him. His relationship with is family has so many plot holes (particularly with his parents) and it never delves into the impact on him and his siblings in a detailed or empathetic storyline. It also seems unusual that he has no friends at or outside of work before Maeve.

There are so many more refined details that would add to this story. The side characters including the co-workers and Conrad's sister were a great add on.

[Stas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC!

2.5⭐️
I almost DNFed this book about 40 pages in because the main character felt like such an irredeemable whiny twerp. There was a lot of condescension for his current gf who's only personality trait seemed to be Annoying. His dry sarcasm and poor choices eventually grew on me a bit, but our FMC had a bit too much manic pixie dream girl in her. She's simultaneously sweet and cute and made of sunshine and conducting an emotional affair. I almost wish they didn't end up together but they deserve each other with their mess and chaotic relationship behavior. All whining said and done still rounded to 3 stars because I had fun hating them. This isn't a romcom it's a tale of some of the messiest unhappiest people you know finding love with each other. Also the references were SOOOO specific and will date this book to death in the future. Do we really think the negroni spagliato with prosecco meme is going to have lasting influence? My girl Chappell Roan did get a shout out though which I accept. Read this for fun and chaos! It's a pretty quick read after the first 50 pages.

[Tariq Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s very demure and cutesy. The way the book is written is very easy to read as it’s short book but it does pack a punch with all the scenes the characters pass through. Their is a lot of emotions that pervades the story from the very beginning which is good, it shows the author knows how to write angst.

I would not be surprised if the author watches a lot of Christmas lifetime and hallmark movies as this book reads like one with the office romance. I can easily see this book being turned into a movie like one of those where they cast a very hot male lead to play Conrad and a very cute girl to play Mauve.

My one critic is that I could not believe I was reading from a male perspective as men don’t analyze situations the way women do. So I struggled in the first few characters to understand if I was reading a male perspective. I even wondered if I was reading a lesbian romance at first because men don’t think the way women do. The author needs to learn this, it’s the only reason this book is getting three stars from me. Otherwise it’s a good way to spend a few hours reading.

[Megen Tromp · Rating 4 out of 5]

**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.

[Emily ♒️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

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. There was nothing extraordinary about this story, but it had all of the elements in the details of how it was told. 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 read many books by this author! More people need to know about this book– and quick. My pit was that it's over, but my peach is that I got to read and experience the story of Conrad and Maeve 🤍

[Nicole Chipp · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kim Loves Reading! · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a fun read, and the main characters were well developed. They had all the emotions, we all have when life is messy, sometimes it comes out in grumpy way, or we wear our heart on our sleeve. Conrad is trying to hide from life after his heart is broken, but a new associate editor who forces him out well hidden shell.

Conrad's influencer girlfriend decides she no longer sees a future with him and breaks up with him. Since his life has revolved around her, he does not even know who he is. That is until a new employee where he works forces him to talk to her. At first it annoys him; he just wants to be left alone. But has their friendship grows he comes to looking forward to work and giving her ride. When things start to progress into something more than friendship, can Conrad put his heart back out there?

Thank you to NetGalley and Braseberry Press for a copy of the story for my honest review.

[Coco · Rating 2 out of 5]

2* an eye catching book cover

This is most unusual as it's written from a man's point of view. Regrettably I couldn't empathise with Conrad. He's work driven and aloof, not socialising with his colleagues in the magazine was particularly unusual. For six years he was a doormat to his self-absorbed girlfriend who ignored Conrad when they were out, even belittling his job - good riddance she's gone. When they break up Conrad is more upset that he's missing companionship of someone (anyone) than actually missing his girlfriend and he soon becomes fixated with his new colleague Meave.

It's encouraged me to consider my pit and peach moments each day, but I still found the plot uninspiring and bland. For me the book was more pit than peach.

eARC generously supplied by Braseberry Press and NetGalley, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 :)

[Chelsea Rouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the premise of this book and I always enjoy a unique POV. The specific mentions to Minneapolis landmarks, roads, culture were a treat as someone who frequents the area. The writing was wonderful and I LOVED the every day life you were exposed to without becoming bored. Something that is hard to accomplish in novels.

You can tell the author is passionate about her beliefs on societal issues but I felt they were inserted in ways to make a point rather than to fit within the narrative in a productive way. The main character’s personality was hard to keep up with at times.

This was an engaging love story without all the spice - another great feat to accomplish.

Thanks to Netgalley for the copy! Opinions are my own.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Luna Gerrits · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an adorable love story that i hadnt expected from the cover. I dont know what i was expecting but definitely not 2 cute imperfect characters falling imperfectly in love. I love these characters, their stories, their side characters ngl, i love their chemistry, and their story. I was hoping it would turn out this way.
While i hadnt heard of Anna Pollock before, i definitely wish i had, since the book is well written, easy to read, and fun overall.

Thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review

[Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful and thought-provoking romance between colleagues at a Minnesotan magazine company. I really enjoyed the progression of their relationship, but my absolute favorite part has to be the titular phrase. The fmc always asks her friends for their pit and peach of the day, aka a low and a high from the day. I love the sentiment behind it, and it's a great reminder to end each day focused on the positives.

Thank you to the publisher for the e-copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little gem of a book about learning to love (and live) again.
It was refreshing to read something that was entirely from the male protagonist's point of view. The entire thing felt like a gentle rollercoaster ride and Conrad's voice made you feel like you were right there with him and Maeve, witnessing everything. Yes, it's a slow-burn romance, but it's also a book about learning to be vulnerable, opening yourself up to new things, and learning how to face up to uncomfortable feelings and situations.
I'd do anything to experience this book for the first time again.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

🍑🍑🍑🍑🍑

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!

[Ro U]

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!

[jacatac &#x1065a;⋆˚ʚɞ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a surprisingly enjoyable read °❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

- Conrad spends six years wrapped up in his influencer girlfriend’s world, only to get dumped in two minutes flat. Now, he’s trying to figure out who he is without her. But just when he’s ready to give up, a bubbly new co-worker starts showing up in his life, pushing him to move forward. -

The peach-and-pit metaphor was chefs kiss—it’s all about recognizing the good and letting go of the bad.

[zopo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure how this one was still available to me, despite being published already, but I'm not complaining! This one was cute in a normal person kind of way. I found it pretty relatable and easy to read. While not the most exciting, I loved little bits like the "pit and the peach of the day." I thought the POV in the MMC's perspective was super interesting and kept me wanting more. Plus, we love grumpy x sunshine trope.

Thanks to NetGalley and Braseberry Press for the eARC!