A review by sharontherese
Bitter Sweet Heart by H. Hunting

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!