kaitlin_durante 's review for:

Bitter Sweet Heart by H. Hunting
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.