Reviews

Bittersweet by Sarina Bowen

rcrmv's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny lighthearted

4.0

sisignora's review against another edition

Go to review page

lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

kjodice's review against another edition

Go to review page

lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

reeyabeegale's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

It’s an okay book, I’ve been wanting to read it since I got a copy of it last year but only got to it this month because I was in a slump — I still am actually. I did think this book will pull me out of my slump, it did but not a lot.

Anyway, I liked the idea of a countryside story, and especially the cider business. The characters were okay, not super memorable but not flat as well. One person I did like a lot was Jude, I’m so interested to know what will happen to him and I’m glad that the next book is about him.

I recommend this book if you want a quick and light read. I will read the next book in the series this year, hopefully I’ll get through all of them soon.

freadomlibrary's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Actual rating 3.5 stars

a_reader_obsessed's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

4 M/F Stars

If you know me well, you know I don’t often delve back into the world of M/F easily or often. However, Sarina Bowen is the rare author that grabs me, and I was curious to see if her M/F stories could live up to her fabulous M/M ones. It sure doesn’t hurt that this is loosely tied to [b:Goodbye Paradise|34527470|Goodbye Paradise (Hello Goodbye, #1)|Sarina Bowen|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1489172725s/34527470.jpg|44640142].

Sooooo, in the realm of M/F, I’m giving this a solid 4 stars. The female character, who is often the reason why I no longer read these kinds of stories on the regular, was thankfully not annoying, not stupid, and didn’t play frustrating mind games. I so appreciate that - you just don’t know how much I do.

As usual, the male protagonist here is what contributes to most of the points. Griff is a grump, but he has totally valid reasons. He’s a yummy giant, albeit not as gentle as some, but still warm and gooey under that curmudgeon crust, and he’s held a torch for Audrey for many years. It’s serendipity that she shows up on his property trying to buy his farm-ery goods. When the opportunity to mix business with pleasure arises, neither is too hesitant to indulge. *wink wink *

While these two get it on, they also try to fulfill their everyday obligations and accomplish their future goals. Griff wants more financial stability despite an ever dicey and fickle market for what he produces. He’s under an extreme amount of pressure, and a wrong decision can result in devastating consequences. Audrey wants to prove her own self reliance and make it big so she can eventually have her own restaurant. She, however, has to climb her way to the top, working as a peon for a big food and restaurant conglomerate. They’ve tasked her to get organic foodstuffs at rock bottom prices, and Griff and his fellow community farmers are understandably a hard sell. Can they reconcile these possible conflicts of interest while trying to forge something more meaningful between them?? Of course they can.

Though M/F is no longer my go to, this did make me smile, it consistently made me snort in amusement, and the smex was hot if I do say so myself. Griff is a confident sexy beast of a lover, and he’s not shy with his moves or his words. I’m also thankful for the minimal relationship melodrama because that’s just not necessary to tell a good story - thank you Sarina!

To be honest, I’m scared to move on and ruin my afterglow as the next hints at much more serious matter. I think I’ll stew in the good vibes and leave well enough alone for now - I'll save the tough decisions for later!

darktwistedreads's review

Go to review page

emotional lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

It was a fast, but fun read.
I personally don't like 'baby' as a term of endearment.
I also didn't really like how the FMC didn't really feel like she was good enough most of the book, but other than that I quite enjoyed the different characters and the storyline.

marieintheraw's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Good chemistry, but the driving forces aren't exactly the smarts decisions.

livsliterarynook's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

sarahlreadseverything's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Only just a three for me. This was sweet and I loved the tight-knit family and farming themes, but the plot arc was predictable. I think it also just re-emphasised why the more serious style of contemp romance isn't really for me, there's just to much unjustifiable angst.

*Hits the "Apple Orchard" box for The Ripped Bodice Summer Romance Bingo challenge 2020*