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greenteabookme's review
5.0
Wow, where to even begin. This series / Helena’s writing just keeps getting better and better and it gets all my 5 stars!!. I always enjoy returning to this world and hanging out with my original loves of Alex and Violet never mind all their friends and everyone’s children, but every book in this series just keeps the story evolving further and deeper, that they are SO MUCH more than just a ‘sports romance’ series.
Bitter Sweet Heart was so real and emotional and parts hit super close to home. I really didn’t remember much about Maverick from Lavenders book as he isn’t a character that struck me with lots of personality in her book. And Clover was such a unique heroine with so much life experience, Helena did a great job of yet again introducing such exciting and new stories and dynamic characters! Without going into spoiler territory, I’ll just say that Clovers story of the abusive ex-husband and all that it entailed, is so close to my own story, that I was chilled to the bone in some parts and just really felt seen and heard in the writing.
The entire Pucked series and all the offshoots and branches of it make my heart sing, and Bitter Sweet Heart is no exception. Can’t believe I have to wait now for the next book in the series
Bitter Sweet Heart was so real and emotional and parts hit super close to home. I really didn’t remember much about Maverick from Lavenders book as he isn’t a character that struck me with lots of personality in her book. And Clover was such a unique heroine with so much life experience, Helena did a great job of yet again introducing such exciting and new stories and dynamic characters! Without going into spoiler territory, I’ll just say that Clovers story of the abusive ex-husband and all that it entailed, is so close to my own story, that I was chilled to the bone in some parts and just really felt seen and heard in the writing.
The entire Pucked series and all the offshoots and branches of it make my heart sing, and Bitter Sweet Heart is no exception. Can’t believe I have to wait now for the next book in the series
mycatismybookmark's review against another edition
4.0
"Sometimes you have to forge a new path so you can find your own light."
Profoundly emotional─be prepared to feel all the feels and be left with a book hangover─intensely heartfelt and dynamic. Clover and Maverick are and unlikely pair but their past and present life experiences bring them together in ways neither expected.
Now I'm not a reader that's drawn to student/professor or age-gap romances, so if you're not either I will clarify─these may be spoilery, but not too much─some points:
1) Maverick and Clover meet in the summer at the lake
2) Clover is only coincidentally Maverick's professor when she subs in for his creative writing professor while taking a temp job at his university
3) Maverick in 21 and Clover is 29 (I don't think and eight year age gap is all that much, especially considering how mature Maverick is)
4) Neither point 2 or 3 are mentioned ad nauseam, those are not the focuses of their story
Can you read Bitter Sweet Heart as a stand-alone? Maybe. But I like reading Little Lies (Lavender (Maverick's younger sister) and Kody's (Maverick's best friend) would give far more insight and complexity to Maverick's character and story.
H. Hunting has created a wonderfully intimate (and not just in the romantic sense) relationship. I adore the depth of maturity, compassion, support and care not only in regards to Maverick and Clover's relationship, but Maverick's relationship and bonds with his family and friends. These are truly special characters she's created.
Note: there are some subject matters and experiences that some readers may find sensitive. Please be aware of any content warnings. Be kind to yourself and take your mental and emotional health into consideration before beginning any story.
Profoundly emotional─be prepared to feel all the feels and be left with a book hangover─intensely heartfelt and dynamic. Clover and Maverick are and unlikely pair but their past and present life experiences bring them together in ways neither expected.
Now I'm not a reader that's drawn to student/professor or age-gap romances, so if you're not either I will clarify─these may be spoilery, but not too much─some points:
1) Maverick and Clover meet in the summer at the lake
2) Clover is only coincidentally Maverick's professor when she subs in for his creative writing professor while taking a temp job at his university
3) Maverick in 21 and Clover is 29 (I don't think and eight year age gap is all that much, especially considering how mature Maverick is)
4) Neither point 2 or 3 are mentioned ad nauseam, those are not the focuses of their story
Can you read Bitter Sweet Heart as a stand-alone? Maybe. But I like reading Little Lies (Lavender (Maverick's younger sister) and Kody's (Maverick's best friend) would give far more insight and complexity to Maverick's character and story.
H. Hunting has created a wonderfully intimate (and not just in the romantic sense) relationship. I adore the depth of maturity, compassion, support and care not only in regards to Maverick and Clover's relationship, but Maverick's relationship and bonds with his family and friends. These are truly special characters she's created.
Note: there are some subject matters and experiences that some readers may find sensitive. Please be aware of any content warnings. Be kind to yourself and take your mental and emotional health into consideration before beginning any story.
hella_thao's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
threadingfibers's review against another edition
5.0
"Sometimes you have to forge a new path so you can find your own light.”
Oh Mav!
Oh Mav!
lauren_soderberg's review
5.0
“You’re more than a craving; you’re a need.”
Bitter Sweet Heart proves once again that Helena Hunting (writing as H. Hunting) is a master at weaving wit with angst in this beautifully crafted novel.
Maverick Waters has always put everyone’s needs before his own, whether it’s out on the ice as a hockey player or at home with his siblings. His senior year of college is meant to be the final stretch before his career begins, but when a beautiful woman literally floats right into him, his plans are irrevocably altered. Clover Sweet is starting over, taking a temporary job as a professor, far away from her abusive ex. One thing she could never have predicted was that her steamy one-night stand would end up as a student in her class.
One of the things that Hunting always does adeptly is to present characters so fully sketched that they literally leap off the page. Readers were already introduced to Maverick in Little Lies, and the way in which the author unravels his character in this book is both surprising and satisfying. Hunting also treats trauma with such caring and sensitivity; you feel as if you are on the emotional journey with the characters. I laughed, I cried, my heart broke and then it mended. I felt emotionally invested the entire length of the novel.
Maverick and Clover make so much sense together, even though the obstacles in their path to partnership often seem insurmountable. And, my oh my, the steaminess! These two protagonists share palpable chemistry. Maverick’s wonderful, cinnamon roll energy makes consent and safety sexy, and I am all the way gone for that fictional man. Clover’s inner strength is inspiring, and the ways in which these two support and care for each other is utter perfection.
Couple all of that with the fact that readers are treated with cameos from the Pucked and All In series, and readers will be Helena Hunting universe heaven. (I also cannot wait for BJ’s book, whenever it may grace us with its presence.)
Readers who enjoy an expansive and epic character journey are in for a treat. This is one of my favorites reads of 2022.
Thank you to the author for generously providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Bitter Sweet Heart proves once again that Helena Hunting (writing as H. Hunting) is a master at weaving wit with angst in this beautifully crafted novel.
Maverick Waters has always put everyone’s needs before his own, whether it’s out on the ice as a hockey player or at home with his siblings. His senior year of college is meant to be the final stretch before his career begins, but when a beautiful woman literally floats right into him, his plans are irrevocably altered. Clover Sweet is starting over, taking a temporary job as a professor, far away from her abusive ex. One thing she could never have predicted was that her steamy one-night stand would end up as a student in her class.
One of the things that Hunting always does adeptly is to present characters so fully sketched that they literally leap off the page. Readers were already introduced to Maverick in Little Lies, and the way in which the author unravels his character in this book is both surprising and satisfying. Hunting also treats trauma with such caring and sensitivity; you feel as if you are on the emotional journey with the characters. I laughed, I cried, my heart broke and then it mended. I felt emotionally invested the entire length of the novel.
Maverick and Clover make so much sense together, even though the obstacles in their path to partnership often seem insurmountable. And, my oh my, the steaminess! These two protagonists share palpable chemistry. Maverick’s wonderful, cinnamon roll energy makes consent and safety sexy, and I am all the way gone for that fictional man. Clover’s inner strength is inspiring, and the ways in which these two support and care for each other is utter perfection.
Couple all of that with the fact that readers are treated with cameos from the Pucked and All In series, and readers will be Helena Hunting universe heaven. (I also cannot wait for BJ’s book, whenever it may grace us with its presence.)
Readers who enjoy an expansive and epic character journey are in for a treat. This is one of my favorites reads of 2022.
Thank you to the author for generously providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
xxbooksilovexx's review
4.0
Another great story by Helena Hunting. Reverse Age Gap has become of on my absolute favorite tropes. Clover and Maverick are Hot! Excellent narration by Andi Arndt & Zachary Webber.
romancebookloverinseattle's review against another edition
5.0
Bitter Sweet Heart is such a heartwarming, steamy and fabulous romance. I wasn't sure how I'd like it, since reverse age gaps aren't typically my jam, but this was just fantastic from the first page to the last. Maverick was absolutely stellar - caring, protective, attentive and works to put others needs before his own, almost to a fault. When Bitter Sweet Heart opens, Maverick is on track to play in the NHL after graduation, and on one of his last days of summer before his final year in college he meets Clover. They hit it off, have immediate chemistry and attraction and spend a night together. Months later, Clover takes a position as a visiting professor and takes over someone else's class only to have Maverick in there as her student. As if this isn't complication enough, Clover has a past that also adds another layer of complication.
Helena Hunting did such an amazing job of weaving together characters and a plot that I was thoroughly hooked into and invested in reading until the end. I somehow missed the first book in this series, about Maverick's sister and his best friend, but plan on jumping into it as soon as I can. I'm also looking forward to what I hope are more books in this world!
Helena Hunting did such an amazing job of weaving together characters and a plot that I was thoroughly hooked into and invested in reading until the end. I somehow missed the first book in this series, about Maverick's sister and his best friend, but plan on jumping into it as soon as I can. I'm also looking forward to what I hope are more books in this world!
melinda1962's review against another edition
5.0
Such great representation of gaslighting and anxiety by our two main characters in this book. Clover was isolated and gaslighted by her husband who refuses to give her a divorce. Maverick has spent his live to date doing what he thinks his parents want him to do. The anxiety of following in his famous father’s footsteps is debilitating his performance on the ice. The messages in this book are great. Live your life how you want to because it’s the only one you get.
filthylittlereader's review against another edition
5.0
“I’ve never felt this connected to anyone before. It feels like you live not only in my heart, but in my soul as well.”
If there was ever a book that embodied the quote, “love conquers all” it’s this one. Helena Hunting delivers another compelling and angsty installment in the Lies, Hearts and Truth series! Bitter Sweet Heart was a reverse age gap student teacher romance but at the same time, it was so much more. It had this incredible depth that just stole my breath.
“You really do live up to your name.”
“How do you mean?”
“You’ve never been one to conform. You make your own rules. And you never take the path of least resistance.”
I never could’ve imagined all that laid within the charming, happy go lucky playboy that was Maverick Waters. He was matured beyond his twenty one years. Seeing inside in his mind, seeing the pain and guilt he harbored was heartbreaking. He carried a heavy burden on his shoulders that stemmed from traumatic events at a young age. Protective and devoted, he was selfless to the point of self sacrifice. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for the people he loved. His journey to self-forgiveness was a hard fought one. This is Maverick at both his most vulnerable and strongest and it was a truly beautiful thing.
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For coming into my life. For teaching me that I’m stronger than I think. For saving me.”
“I didn’t save you. You saved yourself.”
“Because you taught me how.”
Clover Sweet, her name says it all because she had the most caring spirit. Something in her soul just understood Mav’s and from there, their connection was indisputable. She was the love, acceptance and salve that he needed. His safe place to land. She wanted nothing but the best for Maverick. His wholeness and happiness meant everything to her.
Even with the odds seemingly stacked against them, I admired the determination they shared to have the love they both deserved. They healed each other and had a love that surpassed any and all constraints including those of age and societal opinions.
“It’s what you do, Maverick. Unconsciously, consciously, you protect everyone around you. Which begs the question, who protects you?”
This story explored the effects of trauma, the way it not only shapes a person’s present and future but their whole mindset and the choices they make whether consciously or subconsciously. With Maverick, we see the effects of trauma not only on the person directly affected but those close to them. Helena did a genuinely flawless job with how this subject was written.
This book had it all, steam, heart, passion, angst and emotion in spades. Just an absolute phenomenal read.
If there was ever a book that embodied the quote, “love conquers all” it’s this one. Helena Hunting delivers another compelling and angsty installment in the Lies, Hearts and Truth series! Bitter Sweet Heart was a reverse age gap student teacher romance but at the same time, it was so much more. It had this incredible depth that just stole my breath.
“You really do live up to your name.”
“How do you mean?”
“You’ve never been one to conform. You make your own rules. And you never take the path of least resistance.”
I never could’ve imagined all that laid within the charming, happy go lucky playboy that was Maverick Waters. He was matured beyond his twenty one years. Seeing inside in his mind, seeing the pain and guilt he harbored was heartbreaking. He carried a heavy burden on his shoulders that stemmed from traumatic events at a young age. Protective and devoted, he was selfless to the point of self sacrifice. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for the people he loved. His journey to self-forgiveness was a hard fought one. This is Maverick at both his most vulnerable and strongest and it was a truly beautiful thing.
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For coming into my life. For teaching me that I’m stronger than I think. For saving me.”
“I didn’t save you. You saved yourself.”
“Because you taught me how.”
Clover Sweet, her name says it all because she had the most caring spirit. Something in her soul just understood Mav’s and from there, their connection was indisputable. She was the love, acceptance and salve that he needed. His safe place to land. She wanted nothing but the best for Maverick. His wholeness and happiness meant everything to her.
Even with the odds seemingly stacked against them, I admired the determination they shared to have the love they both deserved. They healed each other and had a love that surpassed any and all constraints including those of age and societal opinions.
“It’s what you do, Maverick. Unconsciously, consciously, you protect everyone around you. Which begs the question, who protects you?”
This story explored the effects of trauma, the way it not only shapes a person’s present and future but their whole mindset and the choices they make whether consciously or subconsciously. With Maverick, we see the effects of trauma not only on the person directly affected but those close to them. Helena did a genuinely flawless job with how this subject was written.
This book had it all, steam, heart, passion, angst and emotion in spades. Just an absolute phenomenal read.