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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.
stephsromancebooktalk's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
layla87's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 rounded up because of the audio.
I didn't love this as much as the first one but it was still sweet and sexy.
I didn't love this as much as the first one but it was still sweet and sexy.
eajohnston's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely LOVED Maverick and Clover's story.
We first meet Maverick in Little Lies (Kodiak and Lavender's story). Mav is Lavender's older brother and Kodiak's best friend. In Little Lies, we saw glimpses of Maverick being checked out and not around as much and this story will explain why.
Towards the end of summer, Clover and Maverick meet and hook up at a party. It ends great, but they never expect to see each other again. And they don't, until Maverick walks into his class and his new professor is Clover. The attraction is still there for both of them, but they decide that they won't act on it until Clover is no longer Mav's professor at the end of the semester.
Both Clover and Maverick are dealing with some heavy stuff. Clover is dealing with her husband, who she has been separated from for over a year, who just won't go away and sign the divorce papers. Maverick is dealing with guilt and past trauma regarding his family - both Lavender's kidnapping and his fear of living in his fathers shadow. I love how all of their issues were dealt with and handled.
Maverick was such a heavy character, what I wasn't expecting. He had the weight of the world on his shoulders and was always there for everyone in his life.
As always with these books, I loved seeing past characters! Especially Alex and Violet. I really loved how we got to see more of Alex as a father in this book, which we only saw a little of in Lavender's book.
I absolutely cannot wait for the next installment in this series!! BJ is my favorite side character thus far and I can't wait to see him get his HEA and also his parents (Randy and Lily) as they are my favorites from the Pucked series.
We first meet Maverick in Little Lies (Kodiak and Lavender's story). Mav is Lavender's older brother and Kodiak's best friend. In Little Lies, we saw glimpses of Maverick being checked out and not around as much and this story will explain why.
Towards the end of summer, Clover and Maverick meet and hook up at a party. It ends great, but they never expect to see each other again. And they don't, until Maverick walks into his class and his new professor is Clover. The attraction is still there for both of them, but they decide that they won't act on it until Clover is no longer Mav's professor at the end of the semester.
Both Clover and Maverick are dealing with some heavy stuff. Clover is dealing with her husband, who she has been separated from for over a year, who just won't go away and sign the divorce papers. Maverick is dealing with guilt and past trauma regarding his family - both Lavender's kidnapping and his fear of living in his fathers shadow. I love how all of their issues were dealt with and handled.
Maverick was such a heavy character, what I wasn't expecting. He had the weight of the world on his shoulders and was always there for everyone in his life.
As always with these books, I loved seeing past characters! Especially Alex and Violet. I really loved how we got to see more of Alex as a father in this book, which we only saw a little of in Lavender's book.
I absolutely cannot wait for the next installment in this series!! BJ is my favorite side character thus far and I can't wait to see him get his HEA and also his parents (Randy and Lily) as they are my favorites from the Pucked series.
jamie_w's review against another edition
5.0
4.5⭐️ - narration perfection and we just don’t get enough reverse age gaps. And especially ones with a strong and likable FMC. I will say that the only thing keeping this from being a 5 is the overreaction about the sauna.
I love that we get more angst and emotion in this series vs the Pucked series. They are both so good but also so different. I also love how we get to know all of the characters more in each book. We got to see more of Lavender and Kody - but also see them thru the eyes of other characters and how their relationship impacted everyone. I think it gives more depth to each book.
I truly loved the dynamic between Maverick and Clover. Their instant chemistry was amazing and didn’t feel forced. I thought their connection felt organic and so steamy. It was also very sex positive. Which I don’t think we see hardly at all in MF.
Clover was real and relatable. Of course she didn’t want to jeopardize her career by continuing anything with Maverick, especially as she was trying to get out of a horrible marriage. I thought that was also handled so well. We see how terrible her ex was and never felt like she was betraying her vows. That man simply refused to sign the papers. I did think she was way too harsh about the sauna incident but maybe that was part of her trust issues due to her ex. But she was a goner for Mav tho - rightful so. He respected her boundaries and also treated her so well. She never sacrificed herself for him which I really respected because so often we see the FMC throw everything away to be with the MMC. I also loved the way Clover handled Maverick’s mom - ooh it would’ve been easy to go off but she was assertive while also being respectful.
Maverick was such a complex character for someone so young. He truly was an old soul. He carried so much responsibility for others on his shoulders but did it silently. He was finally able to share his secret pain with Clover. We see him grow more and more with her positive influence. They did bring out the best in each other. I loved how he loved her. But they were also represented as equals even though they were 8 years apart. He valued Clover’s opinion and she never treated him as a child or talked down to him. Maverick loved with his whole being and felt things on such a deep level. The scene with his father toward the end broke my heart but was so necessary for them to heal.
Lastly, the sex in this book was perfection!! Altho, the constant reference to his dick being a third leg or the size of a beer can was ridiculous. Funny but ridiculous- especially in the car between Mav and his parents. I will say that if more authors could write that slow, lazy sex, I’d be super appreciative. That hits different!! It was very arousing. Oh and the way that Maverick wanted to prep Clover but also make sure she was comfortable and gloriously satisfied was what we all want!!
I love that we get more angst and emotion in this series vs the Pucked series. They are both so good but also so different. I also love how we get to know all of the characters more in each book. We got to see more of Lavender and Kody - but also see them thru the eyes of other characters and how their relationship impacted everyone. I think it gives more depth to each book.
I truly loved the dynamic between Maverick and Clover. Their instant chemistry was amazing and didn’t feel forced. I thought their connection felt organic and so steamy. It was also very sex positive. Which I don’t think we see hardly at all in MF.
Clover was real and relatable. Of course she didn’t want to jeopardize her career by continuing anything with Maverick, especially as she was trying to get out of a horrible marriage. I thought that was also handled so well. We see how terrible her ex was and never felt like she was betraying her vows. That man simply refused to sign the papers. I did think she was way too harsh about the sauna incident but maybe that was part of her trust issues due to her ex. But she was a goner for Mav tho - rightful so. He respected her boundaries and also treated her so well. She never sacrificed herself for him which I really respected because so often we see the FMC throw everything away to be with the MMC. I also loved the way Clover handled Maverick’s mom - ooh it would’ve been easy to go off but she was assertive while also being respectful.
Maverick was such a complex character for someone so young. He truly was an old soul. He carried so much responsibility for others on his shoulders but did it silently. He was finally able to share his secret pain with Clover. We see him grow more and more with her positive influence. They did bring out the best in each other. I loved how he loved her. But they were also represented as equals even though they were 8 years apart. He valued Clover’s opinion and she never treated him as a child or talked down to him. Maverick loved with his whole being and felt things on such a deep level. The scene with his father toward the end broke my heart but was so necessary for them to heal.
Lastly, the sex in this book was perfection!! Altho, the constant reference to his dick being a third leg or the size of a beer can was ridiculous. Funny but ridiculous- especially in the car between Mav and his parents. I will say that if more authors could write that slow, lazy sex, I’d be super appreciative. That hits different!! It was very arousing. Oh and the way that Maverick wanted to prep Clover but also make sure she was comfortable and gloriously satisfied was what we all want!!
ramblingsofabookworm's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I am almost always an age gap fan, and this is one to add to the pile. Maverick was a wonderful character- kind & always thinking of others. It made total sense he ended up with someone older. I did enjoy several of the twists and turns, and I look forward to the other characters stories!
ja123's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
kaitlin_durante's review against another edition
4.0
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Bitter Sweet Heart by H Hunting is the second book in the Lies, Hearts & Truths series. Maverick Waters comes from hockey royalty and his future’s path has been set since childhood. He is entering his senior year and is shocked to find his summer hookup is now his creative writing professor. Clover Sweet never expects Maverick to walk into her classroom after their steamy night together. She tries to set boundaries between but the chemistry between the two ignites anytime they are alone together. Clover and Maverick try to put their feelings to the side but their emotions continue to get in the way as their lives continue to be complicated. With intense feelings and the future unknown Clover and Maverick must decide if their connection is worth pursuing.
Maverick Waters has always been weighed down by his famous father’s legacy and the trauma of the past. He has struggled and instead of voicing his concerns, he has always put everyone else first. Clover is the first person he feels is in his life just for him and he clings to the strong bond they have. He understands Clover’s concerns about her career given their positions as student and professor but wants to protect her even if they can only be just friends. With his future in hockey approaching quickly, Maverick finds himself questioning what he truly wants and Clover proves to be the sounding board he never knew he needed. With intense chemistry in the bedroom and being able to provide emotional support in private Maverick finds himself unable to walk away from Clover without a fight.
“Maverick.” It’s not just his name, but I feel the weight of it in my heart. Because it’s not a plea or an admonishment, it’s filled with longing and desire. With need.
Clover Sweet is trying to build her life back up after a shotgun wedding and even quicker divorce. She is excited to teach at the university but is thrown off immediately when Maverick walks through the door. She decides to put up as many boundaries as possible to keep things professional but Maverick’s unexpected protective nature and sweet gestures continue to break down the walls. Clover is the first person in Maverick’s life to see him as the individual he is rather than Alex Waters’ son and future NHL player. This provides a stronger basis for Clover and Maverick to build their relationship. But their relationship is hard from the start as not only her ex stands in the way of them working towards something permanent.
We already know we have chemistry. I feel it every time I look at you. And there’s this pull. It’s different. Not like anything I’ve experienced before.
The next generation of Pucked children are finding their partners but not without a battle. Maverick and Clover are fighting an uphill battle with their age difference and Clover’s position on power as Maverick’s professor. Their romance goes through rocky moments and is filled with angst and drama.
4 stars for Maverick and Clover battling the odds towards a future together.
Bitter Sweet Heart by H Hunting is the second book in the Lies, Hearts & Truths series. Maverick Waters comes from hockey royalty and his future’s path has been set since childhood. He is entering his senior year and is shocked to find his summer hookup is now his creative writing professor. Clover Sweet never expects Maverick to walk into her classroom after their steamy night together. She tries to set boundaries between but the chemistry between the two ignites anytime they are alone together. Clover and Maverick try to put their feelings to the side but their emotions continue to get in the way as their lives continue to be complicated. With intense feelings and the future unknown Clover and Maverick must decide if their connection is worth pursuing.
Maverick Waters has always been weighed down by his famous father’s legacy and the trauma of the past. He has struggled and instead of voicing his concerns, he has always put everyone else first. Clover is the first person he feels is in his life just for him and he clings to the strong bond they have. He understands Clover’s concerns about her career given their positions as student and professor but wants to protect her even if they can only be just friends. With his future in hockey approaching quickly, Maverick finds himself questioning what he truly wants and Clover proves to be the sounding board he never knew he needed. With intense chemistry in the bedroom and being able to provide emotional support in private Maverick finds himself unable to walk away from Clover without a fight.
“Maverick.” It’s not just his name, but I feel the weight of it in my heart. Because it’s not a plea or an admonishment, it’s filled with longing and desire. With need.
Clover Sweet is trying to build her life back up after a shotgun wedding and even quicker divorce. She is excited to teach at the university but is thrown off immediately when Maverick walks through the door. She decides to put up as many boundaries as possible to keep things professional but Maverick’s unexpected protective nature and sweet gestures continue to break down the walls. Clover is the first person in Maverick’s life to see him as the individual he is rather than Alex Waters’ son and future NHL player. This provides a stronger basis for Clover and Maverick to build their relationship. But their relationship is hard from the start as not only her ex stands in the way of them working towards something permanent.
We already know we have chemistry. I feel it every time I look at you. And there’s this pull. It’s different. Not like anything I’ve experienced before.
The next generation of Pucked children are finding their partners but not without a battle. Maverick and Clover are fighting an uphill battle with their age difference and Clover’s position on power as Maverick’s professor. Their romance goes through rocky moments and is filled with angst and drama.
4 stars for Maverick and Clover battling the odds towards a future together.
daisyknox's review against another edition
5.0
More reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder
I was excited for Maverick’s story because the Pucked series is one of my absolute favorites and this book delivered. It’s not really set in the same world because the kids are all grown and away at college so it’s new and different, but the original characters play important roles, which I love. Maverick’s story is shaped by his childhood and family: how he was raised, things that happened and how they still affect him now. He struggles at times but he’s too busy taking care of everyone around him to ever admit it and he certainly never lets anyone see it, until Clover.
Everything was innocent enough when they met, but that changed a few weeks later and there’s nothing they can do about it. She’s his professor so nothing can happen between them, but it’s not like they can just turn off their feelings. Clover is strong and independent but she has a real weak spot for Maverick, despite the danger to her career. Maverick feels guilty because he knows Clover has far more to lose, but he can’t stay away from her.
Clover is great and I liked everything about her but Maverick Waters is next level awesome. He’s definitely higher on the book boyfriend list than Alex because Maverick is everything. There’s a lot of angst here beyond the forbidden attraction. He has a traumatic past he’s never really come to terms with and struggles with his place in the world. Sure, he’s good at hockey but is he really good enough to get drafted? Or are teams knocking on his door because his dad is Alex Waters? She has a psycho ex who did a number on her psyche but they’re both grounded and open enough to help each other overcome. I loved everything about Maverick and Clover’s story and couldn’t get enough of it.