Alice French is an emotional wreck. She’s left her toxic lover. She’s probably going to lose her job. She’s even about to ruin her expensive heels when she stumbles upon a barely conscious stranger one night…
All Alice wants to do is go home and lick her wounds, but she’s compelled to help. Who is this strange man? Why is he mumbling about a pig? And why can’t she stop flirting with Ash, the gorgeous A&E doctor? Alice needs to sort her life out, but when it comes to Ash and her disarming smile, things could be about to get a whole lot messier.
As Alice delves into the mystery, she starts to see her life with newfound clarity, and unexpected possibilities bloom.
Threaded with humour, heart, and intrigue, this sapphic story explores a life transformation with a side of romance!
Pip Landers-Letts is an emerging queer author of contemporary sapphic fiction. Her work explores themes of love, loss and transformation, by blending emotional honesty with warm, character-driven storytelling.
Pip won the 2025 Kindle Storyteller Award with her sophomore novel, Pyg, a retelling of George Bernard Shaw's play, Pygmalion, told through a modern queer lens.
Pip lives in Warwickshire with her wife, and their two ‘kids’ Mouse (the cat) and Roux (the dog). When she’s not hanging out with her imaginary friends, Pip loves travelling, being in the mountains, making delicious food – and eating it, pouring good wine – and drinking it.
Pip plans to continue writing funny, flawed sapphic protagonists because queer characters deserve stories that are expansive, richly layered, and full of possibility.
You can find Pip online in all of the usual places (including her website, where you can get a FREE Sapphic Short Story when you subscribe to her newsletter). Do reach out and say ‘Hi’, she’d love that.
What a beautifully written book! I adored Alice and her journey of self-love and healing after her unfortunate experience with her ex-lover, Francesca. The development of her relationship from friends to lovers was beautifully portrayed, and I was rooting for Alice and Ash to be together throughout the book.
I also cherished the relationship between Alice and George, as well as his character development. I enjoyed the past and present timelines and the overall narrative. It was an enjoyable and entertaining read, and I was sad to see it end.
I found the story to be thoroughly enjoyable and wonderfully written; it was a superb and incredible read. I highly recommend this beautiful book.
Great job on your second book, Pip. I can't wait for what you will bring us next!
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
When I first read the blurb, my slanted eyes made me think it was about a woman falling for a man with a pig. It's definitely sapphic. Alice French's story is told in parallel with Jon Doe's. Landers-Lett has this ability to navigate through time and chapters, making you read one chapter after another like a guilty pleasure. I was rooting for Alice and Ash so hard, while needing Alice to get her life together, although my down-to-earth nature wished she took more time for herself. I also wanted to know what happened to Georges. Alice is a mess of a woman; two years in a toxic relationship, and I couldn't help judging and blaming her for her bad decisions. I don't know how, but I still really liked her, and seeing her taking back her life was really satisfying. Landers-Letts delivers another perfectly paced and engaging book that mixes love story and life story. I really enjoyed it.
I received an ARC for Pyg by Pip Landers and I don’t know what it was about the book but I couldn’t pace myself, I just wanted to know what happens next.
The main character, Alice, was so messy and all over the place, that she came off as relatable and endearing. Despite her dumpster fire of a life, she wasn’t annoying like one of those characters who wallow in self pity and loves playing victim.
It’s a two timeline read which pads the story and adds a bit more texture to the characters and storyline. Speaking of texture, one of the characters revived the “Dr Gregory House” in me and I unconsciously started trying to diagnose the character’s personality disorder. That was fun!
Generally, Pyg by Pip Landers was a fun read with existential crisis and family at the core of all the mess.
Pyg is one of those rare books that hooks you with its charm and then shocks you with its layers and one that will definitely stay with me and in my mind for a while to come. From the very first page, I was pulled into Alice’s world—her voice is fresh, smart, awkward in the most endearing way, and sooooo relatable. I felt like I was right there with her, overthinking, second-guessing, and trying to make sense of the messes around (and inside) her.
The dynamic between Alice and Ash is literally so amazing. I adored their friendship foundation, especially the way Alice battles with herself about how attractive she finds Ash while trying to shove those feelings aside in the name of “just friends.” It was so real—funny, frustrating, and deeply human. Watching that tension play out was one of the highlights of the book for me.
And then there’s George. The way his relationship with Alice blossoms is so cute and unexpectedly tender. I especially loved figuring out what the hell happened to him and noticed how I tried to guess how maybeee he could've ended where Alice found him at the beginning.
Speaking of mystery—WOW. The twists and turns had me flipping back pages and gasping out loud. As I mentioned trying to piece together what really happened to George became its own obsession, and just when I thought I had it figured out, the story threw another curveball.
I liked this novel a lot, but wow it’s a strange one to talk about! Ill just say that there was a lot going on in this novel. The writing was well done and had my attention from the first chapter, as well as the characters which were definitely the highlight of the novel. These are some messy folks, and it was entertaining to see how everything played out. We got a character that I loved, and several more that I loved to hate.
The plot was good; it was somehow incredibly simple but also complicated? Thankfully if you read carefully (chapter headings!) it wasn’t confusing. This novel had romance, mystery, and a whole lot of drama.
I gave this one 5-stars and I think it deserves it, but it might be a lower 5-stars if that makes sense. There was a dual timeline/story in this novel and ill say that one of them had me a lot more interested than the other. There were some other elements of this novel that I wish we had gotten just a bit more of. All said though, it was a great read and I would recommend it for sure.
Pip Landers-Letts's recent novel, Pyg, is fantastic! Following a dramatic breakup, Alice French is driving home in the dark when she spots something in the road. Little does Alice know this encounter is about to change her life forever, especially as events put her in the sights of a caring and compassionate doctor, Ash.
I was dubious of the two timelines, but they blended well and enhance the mystery. I found the characters well-developed, and their personal growth is very well-portrayed. This friends-to-lovers mystery showcases brilliant writing and meticulous plotting. I’ve been on one hell of an emotional rollercoaster, from pure laugh out loud moments, witty banter, to intense drama, and that toxic ex who really got to me; I can't even mention her name, but now can’t get her out of my mind!
Is this a book I would recommend to others? Without a doubt!
Took a chance on this book because I loved the cover-I know-never judge a book by its cover but in this case the book was even more amazing than the cover! I’ll definitely be reading more from Pip!! 5 🌟
Okay, I really enjoyed this audiobook—like, delightfully swept away by it! Pyg by Pip Landers-Letts is one of those stories that surprises you in the best way. It's sapphic, it's smart, it's heartfelt... and it’s refreshingly different. From the very beginning, I could tell this wasn’t going to be your standard romance—and that’s exactly what made it so fun to listen to!
We meet Alice at her absolute low point (we’ve all been there, right?), heels sinking, heart bruised, fresh out of a messy relationship with a toxic ex. And then bam—she literally stumbles onto a half-conscious stranger mumbling about a pig. Yes, a pig! That’s the kind of quirky, unexpected moment that kicks off this wild, warm, and surprisingly moving ride.
But what really made this unique and a nice change of pace was the dual timeline. Interwoven with Alice’s present-day chaos is the brotherly bond between George and Bernard—two boys growing up together, navigating life side-by-side. Their bond is so tender and real, and watching that brotherhood unfold added so much emotional depth. It’s not just background noise—it’s part of the heart of the story, and it gives the whole book this extra layer of warmth and nostalgia. I adored it.
And let’s not forget about the romance with Ash! Gorgeous, grounded, and totally swoon-worthy, she brings this calming energy into Alice’s life that just clicks. Their relationship starts slowly, as friends, but it grows into something beautiful and authentic. I found myself grinning every time they were on the page together (or, well, in my ears).
Now—Marisa Calin? An absolute queen. Her narration is phenomenal. She doesn’t just read the book—she performs it in a stellar fashion. Every voice is distinct, her emotion feels so genuine, and those little touches—like the sound shifts for voicemails or phone calls—made the audiobook feel immersive in a way that’s rare. She really brought this story to life. I could listen to her forever, honestly.
So if you're looking for a sapphic audiobook that feels totally fresh, a little quirky, a lot heartfelt, and full of charm—Pyg is it. It’s got romance, it’s got mystery, it’s got a surprising depth of friendship, and it left me smiling like a goof when it ended.
Highly recommend giving this one a listen—especially if you’re in the mood for something that breaks the mold in the best way.
I have absolutely no idea how to define this book. It's not quite a romance, not quite a mystery, not quite a coming of age?
It was a lot lighter and less gripping than I thought it would be after reading the blurb, so I wasn't particularly overwhelmed by it. But the characters were fun and sweet, and it's easy to root for Alice and Asha to get together. So overall not bad, and I'll be looking forward to reading more from the author.
Another beautiful and engaging story with very realistic characters that I was invested in from the moment I started reading. Pip has a wonderful way of bringing characters and their personalities to life on a page and this story was so full of sensitivity, intensity, emotion and fun. Cleverly taking you between future and past events to knit the story together. Another great novel from Pip and can't wait for number 3!!
I generally enjoy character-driven novels, but sometimes they can be a bit of a miss for me. That was not the case with Pyg. There is a mystery aspect with the main character, Alice, finding a man in the middle of the road. He has amnesia, so there is this big question over what happened to him. I was so intrigued and couldn’t stop reading because I needed to know what happened to him.
Along with that, there are two different POVs and multiple timelines. The story tells the man’s backstory using first person, and Alice’s POV is in third person. I thought this was an interesting way to approach it, and it also made the narration feel unique.
Also, the book title? I was actually so confused by it, but it made so much sense once I started reading.
I loved the romantic side plot between Alice and Asha. There is some Desi rep, and I enjoyed that both characters were mature adult women (even if Alice is a bit of a mess… she’s trying her best!). There is some spice in the book. Though I will say, the majority of spicy scenes are actually with Alice’s ex and part of the backstory rather than the main couple which is more slowburn-y. I thought their relationship was very genuine and caring. It was really nice to read.
I really enjoyed the writing style and the humor within the book. Overall, just an incredibly enjoyable read. I loved getting to know Alice (and the mystery man!). If you’re into general/lit fic, character driven novels, with some romance, this is definitely worth the read!
(beware potential spoilers below)
Micro-tropes ✨ Texts on page ✨ Closeted LI ✨ Help Dressing
Content Warnings (may not be all inclusive) stalking/phone tracking (by an ex), amnesia, spanking, parental abandonment, pet death (off page), arranged marriage, fatal car accident, religious expectations, broken bone, cheating, manipulation
I have now also listened to the audiobook and Marisa Calin is amazing as always so a listen is highly recommended.
This was an enjoyable read I can really recommend. Lots of layers and timelines to keep track of and for sure I enjoyed the current one with Alice and Ash the most and wanted so much more of that. That did not mean I wasn’t interested in the story about George and Pyg, but Alice’s story from a lesbo-nymph with Fran to something so much more with Ash was way more interesting. Alice is a real mess to start with but thanks to finding and rescuing George she is moving away from a rut and realizes she deserves so much more than the horrible Fran I will never ever understand that she was so attracted to. Ash is so wonderful in comparison so great for Alice she finally fins someone like that.
I received a free ARC from the author and leave a review voluntarily.
I enjoyed the writing and the story so much. I’m just sitting over here watching American democracy die and I just needed an escape and this proved to be what I needed. I figured northern England & George Bernard Shaw references would be the way to go. Two timelines and two narratives can’t be easy to write and Pip pulled it off so well. George’s story is told in first person, in the past, and Alice’s narrative was third person and jumped around from the current timeline to the recent past. Alice is such a wide-eyed, hot mess and what I love is that she never beats herself up for her messiness. She does, in the end, learn to value herself and stands up for herself. Her character arc was really fun and her kindness towards George really gives away what kind of person she wants to become.
The villains, dear lord. Pip did a tremendous job of making several really nasty characters. I despised Fran right away and there is nothing redeemable about her. I don’t think that even the great Lee Winter could turn Fran into a person that anyone could love. There are other, more complicated and yes, tragic antagonists, that are to be discovered, hated and pitied. There’s found family, scruffy dogs, discovering your self-worth and overcoming heartbreak and loss.
I took a star away because there was too much spicy time spent on Fran and not enough smutty time given to Ash.
I liked, but didn’t love, this contemporary sapphic romance set in England. Actually, it’s partly a romance and partly a mystery, as our main character Alice tries to learn the identity of an older man she finds collapsed in the road. She brings him to the hospital and meets hot lesbian doc Asha.
The structure of the book is all over the place: first present day, then three months before, then 1968, then 1957, then back to present day, etc. We get parallel stories: one of messy, 40something Alice as she tries to leave a toxic relationship, and one of the mystery man. I found both strands compelling, but I don’t think it quite worked as a deeply emotional romance. So, be prepared for that. It is a very slow burn, which isn’t a bad thing, but I wanted more of a payoff.
All the same, I’ll 100% read another book by this author.
Pip Landers-Letts’ Pyg is a delightful and heartfelt sapphic romance that weaves together themes of love, self-discovery, and perseverance in a way that’s both uplifting and deeply relatable. The novel follows a woman navigating the ups and downs of life and relationships, from enduring a toxic partnership where she’s treated more like an object or toy than an equal, to the serendipitous encounter that introduces her to Ash-a turning point that blossoms into a genuine, empowering love. What stands out most is how light-hearted the story feels, even amid its more emotional moments. The protagonist’s journey is infused with humor and wit, providing plenty of comic relief through her quirky experiences and inner monologues. I found myself immediately connecting with the main character; her vulnerabilities and determination made me root for her every step of the way as she seeks—and ultimately finds—her true love. The characters are so easily relatable, drawing from real-life struggles and triumphs that many readers will see echoes of in their own lives. Overall, Pyg is a beautiful testament to personal growth and the transformative power of love. It’s an easy, engaging read that’s perfect for anyone looking for a feel-good story with depth.
The popular style of alternating character viewpoints (and timelines) is handled successfully here. The secondary storyline helps see the main character for the good person she is- which makes you root for her to get out of her toxic relationship!
I received an ARC of this, and it was a fun read. Now, I'm off to finish the author's first novel!
Joining Alice’s whirlwind and slightly chaotic journey, I was hooked from the get go. Listening to PYG on audiobook I was captivated and impressed by the array of voices that Marisa Calin adapted and enhanced. Each one was clearly articulated with a precision that enhanced the story.
I’ve struggled to complete a book this year, but PYG had me enthralled and entertained throughout. With quirky one liners and a realistic amount of mayhem, I laughed out loud on more than one occasion.
The relationship between each character was executed well and I genuinely grinned far too many times whilst out driving. I must have looked a right nutter. I’d love to see a second instalment! I’m not sure if that’s something that’s in the works, but I honestly don’t think I’ve seen quite enough of Alice, Ash and Fran just yet.
For me, this was a superb introduction to the writing of Landers-Letts and I’m waiting patiently to see/hear/paw over more. I’m sure I’ve managed to annoy everyone this week by constantly mentioning the story, but it’s genuinely worth a read. If you love sapphic romance with a bit of spice, humour and a somewhat slow burn, this book should be on your list.
Another fabulous story from Pip, well worth your TBR.
The thing I like most about Landers-Lett is her ability to craft well-rounded characters that have good depth and feel real. Their issues resonate, their life choices make sense. Consequently the story hangs together well, taking you on a gentle but fascinating journey through the lives of her main characters. Pyg delivers on that in spades. The dual timelines fit together perfectly, counterbalancing the characters and providing a wonderful sense of mystery throughout the story.
I’m really looking forward to see what Pip writes next. She really hitting her stride.
Such a good book and so well written! You know it’s good when the characters lure you in and even when not reading the book, they are spinning in your mind! I couldn’t read it fast enough to find out what happens next! All the characters have a depth and are complex which make this addictive - superb!
I was kindly sent an advanced reader copy of PYG by Pip Landers-Letts and below is my honest review.
I loved this book! I’m a sucker for a sapphic romance and this was incredible.
The story follows Alice (a hot mess but we love her) as she navigates life following a breakup with her toxic lover. It features a dual timeline so we also follow George’s story. The dual timeline is executed flawlessly with the chapters seamlessly transitioning between past and present. It really gives you a feel of their lives.
There were definitely parts that tugged on my heart strings, it made me feel all sorts of emotions! (Fran.. if you know, you know 👀).
I really enjoyed the premise of the story, the pacing was fantastic and the chapter names are iconic.
Highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a sapphic romance!
Unless you're new to my page, you may have noticed that I loved Pip's previous book, 'The Weight of What Was', rather a lot. Which made reading her new book slightly nerve wracking. What if I hated it? What if it was good, but didn't live up to my expectations? Argh. But there was no need to worry at all. I loved it. Just as much as the first. Oh wow. What a book
I think you should take a moment to appreciate how pretty this cover is, but only a moment. Because you need to go and read the book ASAP.
I loved the dual timeline of this story. The air of mystery about who this man is and his backstory. The revealing of why Alice was in such an awful relationship. Just perfect. Google tells me this is a retelling of Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw, which I'm ashamed to admit I have never read. However, despite that, I really liked the obvious references to it via the names of characters.
The trouble with loving a book is that in find it really hard to write a good review that isn't just a load of waffle. So what did I love about this book? It's about making new friends, but also difficult pasts and how that can affect us as adults. I loved George, and my heart went out to the child he was. I could see a lot of myself in Alice. It's always nice to read a book with a female main character who's of a similar age to oneself and doesn't have their life in order. It makes me feel more ordinary. And the level of spice was just right.
Honestly my words can't do some stories justice, so just trust me and read it for yourselves.
This is my first book by Pip Landers-Letts and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
✨ We get two timelines in this book. One set now and the other in the 1960's which adds some mystery.
One night Alice French is driving back home from a stressful night with her toxic Ex & stumbles upon something/someone in the road.
To be fair she's braver than me because I'm not sure I'd have stopped out there on a back road in the middle of nowhere 😂.
From this one good Samaritan deed her life changes for the better when she meets the beautiful Doctor Ash Khurana.
Can Alice move on from her messy 2 year relationship, find a better job and finally get her life on track?. Her 'friendship' with Ash is definitely the start she needs.
Like I said I've not had a chance to read anything by Pip but I'm now a total convert and really love her writing style!.. This book also has plenty of humour, which is a big plus for me.
For transparency, I was gifted an ecopy of the book—thank you for a great read, Pip! The story begins with Alice on a rebound from Fran, the egotistical ex with a penchant for red wine and spice in the bedroom. Alice almost runs over George (a furry-clad stranger in the middle of the road) and takes him to A&E, where she meets Ash, the polar opposite of Fran (thank God!). And thus, the blossoming of a super sapphic slow-burn romance. Alongside that, there's the befuddlement of George's side story. Who is he, and how did he come to be in a heap in the middle of the road? The chapters (numbers and headings) and the jumps in timeline slightly confused me to begin with, but as I read on, all became apparent.
A great story laced with wit and humour. I was rooting for Alice and Ash from the get-go, and loved Alice's character arc in particular. Have a read yourself—it's fab!
I loved Alice French on page one. Her reactions in the first scene felt so real, and that carried through to the whole book. Every character we interact with is dynamic and human, from Alice to Eleanor, even Fran. Speaking of Fran, I loved her too. Not as a character per se because she is not a good guy, but for how she was written. There is nothing more compelling than a well written antagonist. It is easy to see how Alice could have gotten where she was and why it continued to be so difficult for her to walk away.
The chemistry between Alice and Ash is palpable immediately. Their flirting was perfect, as was the progression of their relationship. The way they show up for one another, open and nonjudgmental throughout, was refreshing and delightful.
Now of George and company. The flashback scenes were so beautifully compelling. The foreshadowing with Henry Higgins (Serendipity was such a neat chapter), the misery personified that was Sylvia, everything about Eleanor, George’s relationship with Bernard. And Pyg! The hope and joy that dogs can provide even through hardship was depicted beautifully. I was rooting for George the whole time, really feeling for him and hoping for the best possible outcome at every turn. Wanting to see how things turned out for him was a huge part of why this book was so hard to put down.
All in all Pyg was a lovely book. If you like your romances with a good bit of plot and complex, layered characters this is a good one for you.
Another absolutely brilliant novel by Pip Launders-Letts! Having throughly enjoyed her first beautifully written novel ‘The Weight of What Was’ I had been eagerly waiting for her next release and ‘Pyg’ did not disappoint. The balance between romance, humour and friendship was perfect. Pip’s creative ability to bring her characters alive is fantastic - Alice is brilliantly hilarious and adorable, Ash so sweet and someone you want to have as a friend, Fran is the despicable person who’s toxic impact you can unfortunately relate to having experienced it yourself. A completely enjoyable and addictive book, and already looking forward to the next one!
PYG is a fun and fabulous book loosely based on Pygmalion by Shaw. The author did a wonderful job of building characters and scenes to bring you fully into the book reflecting the joy and pain that the characters felt! The blending of George and Alice’s stories brought home the challenges life brings but how one good deed can change so many. Pyg was a delightful read and I fully recommend it, also the cover art is fire!
Lovely story, 2 recently single, doctor & PA, meet over the unconscious body of a man who’s lost his memory. The two stories interweave and are sad but delightful. Highly recommended.
I loved Alice’s transformational journey, growing in confidence and comfort in her own skin throughout. I appreciated the sapphic retelling of Pygmalion weaved into Alice’s story and I loved to hate Fran! The vulnerability between each of the main characters is weaved with humour, and the chemistry between Alice and Ash leaps off the pages. A wonderful page turner!