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linmjenk's review against another edition
4.0
It's surprisingly cute novel. Nothing exciting, still in the YA ballpark but cute.
michelle_pink_polka_dot's review against another edition
5.0
Hudson was on her way to becoming a professional ice skater... a favorite for the upcoming Regionals and a shot at Nationals. That all changes when she realizes her parents marriage is falling apart faster than she can do do a sit-spin.
3 years later and Hudson is just fine with hanging out in her mother's diner making gourmet cupcakes. That is until she gets a letter about a scholarship competition... a second chance for her to fulfill her dreams!?! She knows her mom would freak, so she makes secret arrangements to help the struggling Wolves Hockey Team in exchange for some ice time. Did I mention these are hot hockey guys??? Hudson soon finds out that juggling cupcakes, waitress duty, hockey practice, figure skating practice, helping with her little bro, friendships, and boys is NOT easy. But this is her dream right??
Sarah Ockler is amazing!! I thought Twenty Boy Summer was awesome and this book just blew that one way! There were so many great things about it I don't even know where to start.
Ok, Hudson is an amazing character. She isn't perfect, but she's dealing with so much! It really made me angry at times the amount of responsibility her mother put on her. She was responsible for paying the gas bill? What 17 year old has to do that? And her mother put all the stress of the failing diner on her too. I just didn't think that is something a high school kid should have to worry about. I get it that this happens all the time in real life, but that doesn't make it right.
And then we have Dani. I liked her at first because she was funny and lovable, but then I'm sorry she became a BAD FRIEND. I didn't think that Hudson did anything for her to abandon her like she did.
Now we get to the hockey boys... oh those hockey boys. I love sexy boys in books and there was plenty in this one. Hudson has a crush on Josh, but when it looks like he has a girlfriend, she starts giving in to another boy's (Will) interests. A lot of people might think she should've waited for Josh, but that's one of my favorite parts of this book... that she didn't. I have totally been there. Liked one guy, but when he didn't seem interested went for another one I didn't like as much, only to have the first guy start pursuing me and then it's too late and I'm like Damn! That stuff happens all the time and why should she wait around? She had a semi-past with Will and so it was worth seeing what was up with him. I liked her more for it.
The BEST BEST BEST part of this book was the little brother, Bug as she calls him. He was so freaking cute and quirky, I fell in love! His little hamster Mr. Napkins, and how he uses his hamster to tell Hudson how he feels... ahhh it's just too cute!
Bottom line: This is an amazing winter read. Snowy Watonka is the perfect setting for a day when you're snow in and want to read. But I think the book is good for anytime of the year because the story is just that good and the writing is so beautiful. (I forgot to mention how awesome the writing is in this book... so witty and perfect!)
My Polka Dot Blog:
http://pinkpolkadotbookblog.blogspot.com
3 years later and Hudson is just fine with hanging out in her mother's diner making gourmet cupcakes. That is until she gets a letter about a scholarship competition... a second chance for her to fulfill her dreams!?! She knows her mom would freak, so she makes secret arrangements to help the struggling Wolves Hockey Team in exchange for some ice time. Did I mention these are hot hockey guys??? Hudson soon finds out that juggling cupcakes, waitress duty, hockey practice, figure skating practice, helping with her little bro, friendships, and boys is NOT easy. But this is her dream right??
Sarah Ockler is amazing!! I thought Twenty Boy Summer was awesome and this book just blew that one way! There were so many great things about it I don't even know where to start.
Ok, Hudson is an amazing character. She isn't perfect, but she's dealing with so much! It really made me angry at times the amount of responsibility her mother put on her. She was responsible for paying the gas bill? What 17 year old has to do that? And her mother put all the stress of the failing diner on her too. I just didn't think that is something a high school kid should have to worry about. I get it that this happens all the time in real life, but that doesn't make it right.
And then we have Dani. I liked her at first because she was funny and lovable, but then I'm sorry she became a BAD FRIEND. I didn't think that Hudson did anything for her to abandon her like she did.
Now we get to the hockey boys... oh those hockey boys. I love sexy boys in books and there was plenty in this one. Hudson has a crush on Josh, but when it looks like he has a girlfriend, she starts giving in to another boy's (Will) interests. A lot of people might think she should've waited for Josh, but that's one of my favorite parts of this book... that she didn't. I have totally been there. Liked one guy, but when he didn't seem interested went for another one I didn't like as much, only to have the first guy start pursuing me and then it's too late and I'm like Damn! That stuff happens all the time and why should she wait around? She had a semi-past with Will and so it was worth seeing what was up with him. I liked her more for it.
The BEST BEST BEST part of this book was the little brother, Bug as she calls him. He was so freaking cute and quirky, I fell in love! His little hamster Mr. Napkins, and how he uses his hamster to tell Hudson how he feels... ahhh it's just too cute!
Bottom line: This is an amazing winter read. Snowy Watonka is the perfect setting for a day when you're snow in and want to read. But I think the book is good for anytime of the year because the story is just that good and the writing is so beautiful. (I forgot to mention how awesome the writing is in this book... so witty and perfect!)
My Polka Dot Blog:
http://pinkpolkadotbookblog.blogspot.com
merlin_reads's review against another edition
3.0
First off, this book contains hockey which automatically upped it's potential. And it started every chapter with cupcakes (names and descriptions). I want to try them all, it's ridiculous.
Hudson always had one dream, to be a figure skater. When her personal life comes crashing down around her, she blows the one chance she has - taking everyone down with her. Fast forward, her father's left, there's no more skating, and it seems Hudson is doomed to live her mother's life and run the family diner. When a secret skate session has her literally running into the co-captain of the school's hockey team, it looks like Hudson may be getting that second chance at the life she always wanted. But is it what she wants?
Okay, here's the thing. When writing a cutesy, high school love story about redemption and growth, you want people to root for your main character. And that was really hard here. Hudson wasn't likable most of the time. She lied, she blew off her friends and family, for what? For her dream that she wouldn't share with anyone? Instead of a dream it became an obsession. And it was all she saw.
There were times where I felt sorry for her. The way her mom leaned on her too much would be hard for any teenager who wants more, but for every time I felt sorry for her, by the next page, I was mad at her. She basically did everything wrong.
What I did like was the friendships the story told. Her connection with the hockey team was fun to read. I loved her relationship with her younger brother, Bug, as well. That kid is gold. And in true cupcake fashion, the ending was very sugary sweet.
Hudson always had one dream, to be a figure skater. When her personal life comes crashing down around her, she blows the one chance she has - taking everyone down with her. Fast forward, her father's left, there's no more skating, and it seems Hudson is doomed to live her mother's life and run the family diner. When a secret skate session has her literally running into the co-captain of the school's hockey team, it looks like Hudson may be getting that second chance at the life she always wanted. But is it what she wants?
Okay, here's the thing. When writing a cutesy, high school love story about redemption and growth, you want people to root for your main character. And that was really hard here. Hudson wasn't likable most of the time. She lied, she blew off her friends and family, for what? For her dream that she wouldn't share with anyone? Instead of a dream it became an obsession. And it was all she saw.
There were times where I felt sorry for her. The way her mom leaned on her too much would be hard for any teenager who wants more, but for every time I felt sorry for her, by the next page, I was mad at her. She basically did everything wrong.
What I did like was the friendships the story told. Her connection with the hockey team was fun to read. I loved her relationship with her younger brother, Bug, as well. That kid is gold. And in true cupcake fashion, the ending was very sugary sweet.
blburslem's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 Stars
I expected to like this more than I did. I hated Hudson, I hated the way she let her dad treat her, I hated the way she interacted with her mom, I think cupcakes and ice skating is overdone, I couldn't for the life of my understand why she was with Will when it was clear she liked Josh from page 1.
I expected to like this more than I did. I hated Hudson, I hated the way she let her dad treat her, I hated the way she interacted with her mom, I think cupcakes and ice skating is overdone, I couldn't for the life of my understand why she was with Will when it was clear she liked Josh from page 1.
colo's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I think Josh was the saving grace of this entire book tbh. He was a loser but like in the best way possible. He’s like the loser you date and will be obsessed with you (in a good way) and be all about you. Like we need more guys like him. Anyways. Hudson was annoying but also so relatable in the sense of knowing but not really knowing what she wants or where she belongs. I think this book is good for teenagers who are in high school and kind of need reassurance on that high school isn’t everything. It will end and I promise that you’ll have a great time after
zoet's review against another edition
3.0
I gave this book three stars because while the writing and the story's main plot points were enjoyable- the overall book was just so. damn. erratic.
Sarah Ockler literally tries to shove SO MUCH into a mere 378 pages that when certain things weren't distracting, other things were just unnecessary.
Ockler tried to highlight a love triangle, father issues, a family's divorce, the main character's love for ice skating, the main character's love for cupcake baking, family values, friendships, the mother's attachment to their family restaurant that's just getting by, hockey, and finding oneself.
Now by all means, I love some good themes in a novel, but when you have so many going on all at once. Each theme just loses its meaning, and I as a reader, got a little bit exhausted.
I just finished this book today, so maybe I need to let it really sink in before I further this review anymore- but basically I'd just like to say that this book wasn't ALL it was praised to be.
Yes it makes you crave for cupcakes-- but it's not this big deal, awesome novel that's a MUST READ. It's sort of a book that's "eh" and that I read in a day. Nothing special but nothing totally horrendous.
Sarah Ockler literally tries to shove SO MUCH into a mere 378 pages that when certain things weren't distracting, other things were just unnecessary.
Ockler tried to highlight a love triangle, father issues, a family's divorce, the main character's love for ice skating, the main character's love for cupcake baking, family values, friendships, the mother's attachment to their family restaurant that's just getting by, hockey, and finding oneself.
Now by all means, I love some good themes in a novel, but when you have so many going on all at once. Each theme just loses its meaning, and I as a reader, got a little bit exhausted.
I just finished this book today, so maybe I need to let it really sink in before I further this review anymore- but basically I'd just like to say that this book wasn't ALL it was praised to be.
Yes it makes you crave for cupcakes-- but it's not this big deal, awesome novel that's a MUST READ. It's sort of a book that's "eh" and that I read in a day. Nothing special but nothing totally horrendous.
saffie95's review against another edition
4.0
Firstly, this book made me crave cupcakes REAL BAD
Secondly, I heard/read that the Disney movie Ice Princess was based off of this book, but I don't see it
Finally, it's just really cute
Secondly, I heard/read that the Disney movie Ice Princess was based off of this book, but I don't see it
Finally, it's just really cute
readingundertheradar's review against another edition
4.0
See the whole thing on my blog at http://www.happybookloversblog.com
Nothing like a good ice skating/hockey story to cool off the summer. This book had many great things going for it, so I'm going to break it down by subject.
Storyline — Tons of points for having a one-of-a-kind topic to talk about. Hudson had a reputation at school for baking stellar cupcakes, but she also used to compete in figure skating competitions. So she was practicing in secret and is actually mauled over by Josh B., a star hockey player at her school. They become friends, and she starts training with the team, trying to help their game improve, all while rocking it out at her mom's diner and keeping up with the cupcakes. A teeny bit predictable, but hey, I really didn't care because of the interesting frontline anyway.
Characters — I really liked the dynamic with Hudson and the hockey team. It wasn't just she knew Josh and Will and that was it. She bonded with the whole team, and they had parties together, and there was such a great group energy with all of them together. Of course, I was annoyed with Hudson for the way she treated her best friend Dani toward the middle of the book, but we were clearly supposed to be annoyed. And then there's the whole Will/Josh fiasco that made me want to punch them all, but I was still okay with it because I knew that was the way we were supposed to feel.
Other stuff — I did feel a little bad for Hudson because her mom pinned so much on her. She was in charge of paying the babysitter to watch her little brother, running the diner, and paying the bills (one of which she missed and got yelled at for it). Just seemed like a lot on her plate, and I wanted to give her a break. But I was proud of Hudson's growth and realization, all that cool stuff. Writing was excellent (not that I'd expect anything less), and I enjoyed the whole thing.
Final Consensus: Worth the time, buy if you're a Sarah Ockler fan.
Nothing like a good ice skating/hockey story to cool off the summer. This book had many great things going for it, so I'm going to break it down by subject.
Storyline — Tons of points for having a one-of-a-kind topic to talk about. Hudson had a reputation at school for baking stellar cupcakes, but she also used to compete in figure skating competitions. So she was practicing in secret and is actually mauled over by Josh B., a star hockey player at her school. They become friends, and she starts training with the team, trying to help their game improve, all while rocking it out at her mom's diner and keeping up with the cupcakes. A teeny bit predictable, but hey, I really didn't care because of the interesting frontline anyway.
Characters — I really liked the dynamic with Hudson and the hockey team. It wasn't just she knew Josh and Will and that was it. She bonded with the whole team, and they had parties together, and there was such a great group energy with all of them together. Of course, I was annoyed with Hudson for the way she treated her best friend Dani toward the middle of the book, but we were clearly supposed to be annoyed. And then there's the whole Will/Josh fiasco that made me want to punch them all, but I was still okay with it because I knew that was the way we were supposed to feel.
Other stuff — I did feel a little bad for Hudson because her mom pinned so much on her. She was in charge of paying the babysitter to watch her little brother, running the diner, and paying the bills (one of which she missed and got yelled at for it). Just seemed like a lot on her plate, and I wanted to give her a break. But I was proud of Hudson's growth and realization, all that cool stuff. Writing was excellent (not that I'd expect anything less), and I enjoyed the whole thing.
Final Consensus: Worth the time, buy if you're a Sarah Ockler fan.
ilovebakedgoods's review against another edition
2.0
Like the rating says, "It was ok." Little things irritated me and that knocked this down from a 3 star "I liked it." It was okay, not horrible but I was annoyed by all the misunderstandings and lack of communication between people, annoyed at Hudson's mom for putting so much pressure on Hudson to help keep the diner afloat (Hello? Your diner, mom, not your child's), annoyed that Hudson's best friend got mad at Hudson for trying to work toward her goal, leaving little time for girl's nights. As for the so-called love interest, Josh, I just didn't see the attraction, or feel it or whatever. Why did she like him again? This book focused more on her quasi-relationship with a different dude altogether, but she kept pining over Josh, whom we barely saw her with more than a meet-cute here, meet-cute there. Not a horribly written book, just not what I was expecting.
alyjensen24's review against another edition
5.0
Okay, to start off, I must admit that I was hesitant to read this even from the moment I picked it up at a used book store for $2. I'd read Twenty Boy Summer about two months earlier and had loved it. I loved the idea of a small town with a cute diner. Before starting this, I searched up some reviews. Not all were good... Some said the main character, Hudson, was angsty and rude. Others said it was not as good as Twenty Boy Summer. Yes, Hud was a little rebellious and standoffish at some points, but I surprisingly loved that about her. She was real. She was a real character with real feelings and real emotions and real reactions. She went through rough times with her best friend Dani, which happens in real life. We all through times when you drift away from the person you are always with. What matters is where you go from that point. Do you fix it or do you let it continue? Hud and Dani fixed their relationship, and that was the most important thing for them. They simply couldn't imagine life without each other.
There is a love triangle in Bittersweet. I know what you're thinking, "Oh my gosh, another love triangle? Can YA get anymore predictable?" Okay, I admit that it was predictable, but somehow it was different. Her relationship with Josh had me smiling from ear to ear from the moment their lives collided - literally. I loved every minute of them together. When he was too timid to make a move, I was basically screaming at him. When things were awkward between them, I felt awkward, too. I simply connected with them. I was in love with the idea of them being together. Hudson knew she was in love with him since they bumped into him, she just couldn't admit it. When she finally did, I was jumping up and down. I was so excited for them to be together. But, then there was Will. Will traipsed in and ruined everything from the start. I felt personally hurt when Hudson went back to Will. I couldn't stand them together. He used her. They were bad for each other. Kara knew that from the start. I knew from the beginning of Bittersweet that Hud and Josh were meant to be together.
All the reviews I saw told me that I would love Bug, her little brother. I don't know why I didn't. I didn't think he was a necessary character in the story. He didn't really add anything special. Although I do admit there were some cute moments between them.
Overall, I absolutely adored and devoured this book. Bittersweet is the perfect contemporary, probably more intended for the winter but nonetheless. It is the perfect length, not too short but not too long. Everyone who loves contemporary should read this. It is a journey. It is real. You will fall in love with the characters and their love.
There is a love triangle in Bittersweet. I know what you're thinking, "Oh my gosh, another love triangle? Can YA get anymore predictable?" Okay, I admit that it was predictable, but somehow it was different. Her relationship with Josh had me smiling from ear to ear from the moment their lives collided - literally. I loved every minute of them together. When he was too timid to make a move, I was basically screaming at him. When things were awkward between them, I felt awkward, too. I simply connected with them. I was in love with the idea of them being together. Hudson knew she was in love with him since they bumped into him, she just couldn't admit it. When she finally did, I was jumping up and down. I was so excited for them to be together. But, then there was Will. Will traipsed in and ruined everything from the start. I felt personally hurt when Hudson went back to Will. I couldn't stand them together. He used her. They were bad for each other. Kara knew that from the start. I knew from the beginning of Bittersweet that Hud and Josh were meant to be together.
All the reviews I saw told me that I would love Bug, her little brother. I don't know why I didn't. I didn't think he was a necessary character in the story. He didn't really add anything special. Although I do admit there were some cute moments between them.
Overall, I absolutely adored and devoured this book. Bittersweet is the perfect contemporary, probably more intended for the winter but nonetheless. It is the perfect length, not too short but not too long. Everyone who loves contemporary should read this. It is a journey. It is real. You will fall in love with the characters and their love.