jkowalski87's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
kfriend's review
5.0
Emotional, angsty, impactful, addictive. I loved this story!
H. Hunting with writes characters with such specificity and complexity. Beautifully broken characters trying to make sense of pain and joy in equal measure, characters who are figuring themselves out and how they fit in their own world. Characters who are somehow both decidedly unique and memorable yet feel effortlessly relatable all at once. All because of Helena's uncanny ability to capture the essence of her characters' humanness- the universality of the way they feel and experience the world.
And this is such a beautiful tale of characters who are broken finding healing and wholeness in each other- even though they find it in the very last place they anticipate it, or that is even permissible. There is a potential of taboo here, but I loved how Helena leaned away from it- kept the story about the substance of these characters’ hearts rather than the the construct of their more illicit beginning.
Clover and Maverick are EVERYTHING together. The chemistry, the emotional connection, the challenges and bliss. I love how intimately their souls connect. And Mav- my heart. What a hero- a man trying to be everything to everyone else with nothing for himself. A testament to the power of secondary trauma- how deeply and subversively it can impact others. His vulnerability is the heart and soul of this story. I love how perfect these two were for each other- how through each other they see themselves better, even when it’s not easy.
I love this world, I love these characters, and this book captured my heart and soul. So swoony, so emotively rich, so very beautiful. And getting to see how the whole crew played such an amazing part of the story- the family ensemble adding in just the perfect way. Ah, I can’t get enough.
H. Hunting with writes characters with such specificity and complexity. Beautifully broken characters trying to make sense of pain and joy in equal measure, characters who are figuring themselves out and how they fit in their own world. Characters who are somehow both decidedly unique and memorable yet feel effortlessly relatable all at once. All because of Helena's uncanny ability to capture the essence of her characters' humanness- the universality of the way they feel and experience the world.
And this is such a beautiful tale of characters who are broken finding healing and wholeness in each other- even though they find it in the very last place they anticipate it, or that is even permissible. There is a potential of taboo here, but I loved how Helena leaned away from it- kept the story about the substance of these characters’ hearts rather than the the construct of their more illicit beginning.
Clover and Maverick are EVERYTHING together. The chemistry, the emotional connection, the challenges and bliss. I love how intimately their souls connect. And Mav- my heart. What a hero- a man trying to be everything to everyone else with nothing for himself. A testament to the power of secondary trauma- how deeply and subversively it can impact others. His vulnerability is the heart and soul of this story. I love how perfect these two were for each other- how through each other they see themselves better, even when it’s not easy.
I love this world, I love these characters, and this book captured my heart and soul. So swoony, so emotively rich, so very beautiful. And getting to see how the whole crew played such an amazing part of the story- the family ensemble adding in just the perfect way. Ah, I can’t get enough.
kfriend's review against another edition
5.0
Emotional, angsty, impactful, addictive. I loved this story!
H. Hunting with writes characters with such specificity and complexity. Beautifully broken characters trying to make sense of pain and joy in equal measure, characters who are figuring themselves out and how they fit in their own world. Characters who are somehow both decidedly unique and memorable yet feel effortlessly relatable all at once. All because of Helena's uncanny ability to capture the essence of her characters' humanness- the universality of the way they feel and experience the world.
And this is such a beautiful tale of characters who are broken finding healing and wholeness in each other- even though they find it in the very last place they anticipate it, or that is even permissible. There is a potential of taboo here, but I loved how Helena leaned away from it- kept the story about the substance of these characters’ hearts rather than the the construct of their more illicit beginning.
Clover and Maverick are EVERYTHING together. The chemistry, the emotional connection, the challenges and bliss. I love how intimately their souls connect. And Mav- my heart. What a hero- a man trying to be everything to everyone else with nothing for himself. A testament to the power of secondary trauma- how deeply and subversively it can impact others. His vulnerability is the heart and soul of this story. I love how perfect these two were for each other- how through each other they see themselves better, even when it’s not easy.
I love this world, I love these characters, and this book captured my heart and soul. So swoony, so emotively rich, so very beautiful. And getting to see how the whole crew played such an amazing part of the story- the family ensemble adding in just the perfect way. Ah, I can’t get enough.
H. Hunting with writes characters with such specificity and complexity. Beautifully broken characters trying to make sense of pain and joy in equal measure, characters who are figuring themselves out and how they fit in their own world. Characters who are somehow both decidedly unique and memorable yet feel effortlessly relatable all at once. All because of Helena's uncanny ability to capture the essence of her characters' humanness- the universality of the way they feel and experience the world.
And this is such a beautiful tale of characters who are broken finding healing and wholeness in each other- even though they find it in the very last place they anticipate it, or that is even permissible. There is a potential of taboo here, but I loved how Helena leaned away from it- kept the story about the substance of these characters’ hearts rather than the the construct of their more illicit beginning.
Clover and Maverick are EVERYTHING together. The chemistry, the emotional connection, the challenges and bliss. I love how intimately their souls connect. And Mav- my heart. What a hero- a man trying to be everything to everyone else with nothing for himself. A testament to the power of secondary trauma- how deeply and subversively it can impact others. His vulnerability is the heart and soul of this story. I love how perfect these two were for each other- how through each other they see themselves better, even when it’s not easy.
I love this world, I love these characters, and this book captured my heart and soul. So swoony, so emotively rich, so very beautiful. And getting to see how the whole crew played such an amazing part of the story- the family ensemble adding in just the perfect way. Ah, I can’t get enough.
pendygal80's review against another edition
4.5
Loved this one! Clover and Maverick made for such a cute couple and I was rooting so hard for them. Though there were obviously moments when it seemed they might not be able to make it work, I really enjoyed watching their relationship evolve. They had so many grown up, we're going to talk things out, conversations and I was happy to see it. And despite their age difference Maverick and Clover made sense as a couple; I just kind of adored them. Also, they made Scrabble hot.
shiiddytiiddy's review
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-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
5.0
kidisitor's review against another edition
5.0
A lifetime of guilt has prevented him from allowing himself to be happy, truly happy with his life, but after a one night stand (which surprisingly turns into more,) he's found the person who can help settle his demons.. with a little help from his family. This book is so much more than the romance. His demons are running his life and it will shatter your heart. She has some personal issues as well, but hers are out in the open and not buried deep in her soul like his are. Both are wonderful characters with no major flaws. Of course, the side characters are just as wonderfully written. We get to see a softer side of them all. Some heavier conversations are had. If you are familiar with the Pucked World, this is Maverick's book. (Alex and Violet's second born.) If you are unfamiliar, you can follow this story fine, but there is a lot of mention of things that have happened in the past. I would highly suggest you read Little Lies first, at the very least. The Pucked Series by Helena Hunting features the parents of the younger cast of characters that are featured in this series. For the full experience, you will want to read them first, but once again, not necessary in order to follow along with this book. As you might expect, there is sexual content and plenty of talk about peen. ;) He is Alex Waters son after all, and lets just say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. (You'll have to read Pucked if you wanna know more about that.) :D This is an emotional read (even with some humor thrown in,) so you may want to read in private. It alternates between POVs.
macole22's review
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sharontherese's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
5.0
Yet again, Hunting delivers a character-driven novel with all the smiles and emotional hooks. But before anything, the cover has to be mentioned. Isn't it stunning? And the title for Maverick Waters and Clover Sweet's rollercoaster of a tale couldn't have been more perfect.
I was smitten with Maverick Waters a while back, and after finishing Little Lies, the first standalone in the Lies, Hearts & Truths series, I couldn't wait for Hunting to tell his story. So, it's time to see if there's not only a woman who'd be able to bring him to his knees but also find out how he's coping with past and present issues.
Maverick and Clover's first encounter had me grinning from ear to ear. But let’s fast forward a bit—surprise! They find themselves in an awkward situation which needs addressing. Although Maverick gave me the impression of being flirtatious and lighthearted, there’s much more to him than meets the eye. Family and friends have always banked on him, and it won’t take long before Clover realises he has a beautiful soul.
That said, I wholly understood Clover’s reasons for trying to keep Maverick at arms-length. However, in even the most heart-wrenching scenes, the author's tender touch is there, and it wouldn’t be Hunting without her humour, which often softens real-feel angsty moments.
Unfortunately, Maverick carries a heavy weight on his shoulders. Ooh, my poor heart! I learnt why he felt as he did only after Hunting ups the pace of this fast-moving forbidden romance. Not forgetting the family dynamics, a couple of heart-to-hearts throw light on a poignant memory. But what Maverick truly wants whilst trying to live up to his father’s expectations is complicated since letting his loved ones down isn’t in his book either.
Unfailingly observant about the goings-on around him, Maverick’s cousin made me sit up and listen to what he had to say. Yeap, I’d go to the moon and back for BJ any day! How could I not finish this review without touching on the flowing banter, character development and steaminess? Wit, snappy comebacks and not-so-subtle advice arose at just the right time. Meeting up with the gang I’ve learnt to love was a delight, and last but not least—the sizzling chemistry. My oh my! Has Hunting built heat into her latest offering, or what?
Enthralling, impassioned and awe-inspiringly moving, Bitter Sweet Heart is romance at its finest. Bravo, Hunting!
poppykins's review
3.0
i feel like the author was hammering home how much of a good guy maverick was it made him feel......boring LOL.