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247 reviews for:

Bitter Sweet Heart

H. Hunting

4.18 AVERAGE


Absolutely loved!

I'm always a bit uncertain about teacher/student romances--like boss/subordinate ones, there's a fine line between might-be-inappropriate-but-ultimately-is-mostly-OK and hell no, that is not OK. Since this is [a:H. Hunting|20310078|H. Hunting|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1590748899p2/20310078.jpg], though, I decided to give Bitter Sweet Heart a chance. And I am so glad I did!

Maverick (I am right there with you, Violet, re: the changed view of Tom Cruise) and Clover's story put me through the wringer, y'all. It was sweet, it was freaking hawt, it was heartbreaking, it made my heart happy, and it even made me cry some happy tears there toward the end. A veritable roller coaster of feels, if you will. Please tell me there's going to be more in this series!

I don't want to give anything away, especially since the blurb only focuses on one aspect of the story, but I will say that both Mav and Clover went through a lot in the course of this book. Mav especially had a lot to work through and figure out, and goodness, was he tortured by it. I'm so glad he had Clover and his family and friends in his corner--even when he wasn't being exactly forthcoming with some or all of them--and I absolutely loved the direction he decided to go in the end. It was perfect, both for him and for Clover.

Not having read the first book yet (Lavender and Kody's story, [b:Little Lies|53452304|Little Lies (Lies, Hearts & Truths, #1)|H. Hunting|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1598542220l/53452304._SX50_.jpg|83268860]--don't worry, it's already in my KU library) meant I was a little behind in understanding most of the drama in Mav's past and the Maverick/Lavender/Kody dynamic. It wasn't fatal--everything is revealed eventually, and of course Clover didn't know about it either--but I do think that if you at all suspect that you are going to read this (which I cannot recommend enough--read it!) starting with the first book in the series wouldn't be a bad idea. It does work as a standalone, but I think you'll love it even more with the foundation that book one will give you.

And then when you're done, you can join me in waiting oh-so-patiently for the next book! ;)

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
ninjareader's profile picture

ninjareader's review

4.0

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Method: ebook
Rating: 4/5 stars
H rating: 4/5 - Maverick
h rating: 4/5 - Clover
Drama: 3/5
Thoughts: Loved this! Great read!

I was immediately hooked on this book! Helena has created a huge wonderful family. I love reading more and more about them. The story between Clover and Maverick has many hills, valleys and curves. They navigate them so incredibly well. They communicate well. Maverick saves the day many times. And I love how he always make sure Clover is safe. There is a student teacher aspect to this story but it was done very well. This book always has some great spice.

In addition I really love that Maverick didn’t do what was expected of him. What Maverick and Clover did with their careers, amazing! Love how supportive everyone was. And that birthday party. The perfect ending!!

Oh. My. Mav. Bitter Sweet Heart is the kind of book that grabs your heart, squeezes tight, and doesn’t let go. It’s emotional, funny, a little taboo, and SO swoony.

Maverick Waters is living under the weight of expectations as the son of a hockey legend. He’s focused on making it to the NHL, but one summer fling with a gorgeous stranger flips his world upside down. Fast forward to his senior year, and surprise—Clover Sweet, his one-night stand, turns out to be his creative writing professor.

What I loved:
- Maverick: This guy has layers. He’s a hockey star with a huge heart, and his struggles with guilt and pressure made me want to hug him forever. Plus, his dirty gentleman vibe?

suericker's review

2.75
emotional tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

There are those types of relationships that you grow accustom to and you chose to love that person. Or on the other hand, there are those loves that smack you right in the face and you have no other option but to be tied to this person for every minute of every day until forever ends. That's the kind of connect between Maverick and Clover. It doesn't matter that there is a small age gap, within the bigger picture, it's not relevant. They are better people when together, encouraging the other to fulfil their dreams.

Mav is sort of like a middle child, with an older brother and twin younger sister and brother. If you have not read Little Lies, that is the tale of his sister Lavender and his best friend Kody. There was an incident back when they were kids that has shaped them all growing up and becoming adults. For Maverick, he takes a lot of the blame of what went down, and he strives daily to keep every one he loves safe. He even will bend over backwards for a total stranger to make sure they are not harmed.

Clover is similar, but also is one that needs protection from a past relationship. It's not what keeps Mav coming back to meet up with Clover, but it is at the back of his mind. Things are tricky for them, her being his professor, but they are wise and smart about it. I really liked Clover and couldn't see anyone else best suited to being with Maverick.

It's not a short story, that's for sure, but it will be one that not only gives you a HEA with Mav and Clover, but keeps you updated on the other kids. The time line lapse over with Little Lies some, but it's a different perspective as well. I was totally on board with the way things ending in this book, the outcome was completely keeping true to Mav's character and something that he gave a lot of thought to. I know Clover would stand by her man in wherever he decided to go, which makes her the best supporting partner he could hope for. Not sure who is next, but I am definitely intrigued to know all about River and his man, as well as BJ and who he finds love with.
medium-paced

This series so far has been everything!! Helena has brought her usual writing style and so much more to make a great mix of chemistry filled books with great characters, that can be super relatable and all the feels. Maverick and Clover’s story is the perfect combination of all those things. This series truly keeps getting better and better by the book and I can’t wait to see where it goes with BJ’s book!

Bitter Sweet Heart is book for readers who like their romance with a bit of grit and a lot of substance. Book two in the Lies, Hearts & Truths series, this story explores the impact of childhood trauma on the whole family. We see how the trauma Lavender endured in Little Lies impacted her big brother, Maverick. We also see how Clover's past relationship trauma impacts her life and her decisions when it comes to a relationship with Maverick. I really appreciated Hunting's thoughtful approach to this exploration.

While living with past trauma is a heavy theme, this story is undoubtedly a romance between Maverick and Clover. The two have undeniable chemistry in this forbidden love, age-gap, (older woman, younger man) romance - though they do definitely try to deny that chemistry.

This book is a second-generation romance. Maverick (and Lavender, River and Robbie) are children of Pucked's Alex and Violet. It's interesting to see Alex and Vi in their roles as parents. While some of the things they do and say aren't always loveable, Hunting keeps them very true to the characters and does an excellent job of portraying what parents seem like through their teenagers' eyes.

It's also fun to note that this story takes place at the same time as Little Lies. So readers see what Maverick is up to while things are going down with Lavender and Kodiak.
fast-paced