Title: Bittersweet
Author: Sarina Bowen
First published June 14, 2016
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.04
Overview
Welcome to Vermont’s True North, where the air is crisp and the men are rugged. Meet Audrey Kidder, a determined woman with a chip on her shoulder and a fifth chance to prove herself to her employer.
The last thing she expects is to run into her ex-hookup, Griffin Shipley, on a country road. Griff is now the head of his family farm, struggling to keep it afloat.
The two clash over business, but their undeniable chemistry refuses to be ignored. As they work together, they discover that their desires for life may not be so different after all.
But can they overcome their past mistakes and the challenges of the present to build a future together? Find out in Bittersweet, a steamy romance that will leave you craving more.
About the Author
Meet Sarina Bowen, a prolific author with over three dozen books under her belt. She has reached the pinnacle of success as a twenty-four-time USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.
Her portfolio includes the beloved True North series, Brooklyn Hockey, and the popular collaboration with Elle Kennedy. Sarina’s impressive repertoire also boasts a range of other captivating series that are sure to pique your interest.
If you’re on the hunt for a particular storyline such as a friends-to-lovers romance or a secret baby plot, Sarina’s books are conveniently categorized by trope and style. Stay up-to-date with all the latest news, releases, and exclusive deals by subscribing to her newsletter.
Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the magic of Sarina Bowen’s storytelling.
Editoral Review
Sarina Bowen’s contemporary romance novel, Bittersweet, is a powerful exploration of love, loss, and the journey to self-discovery. Bowen is a talented author who has made her mark in the romance genre through her ability to craft nuanced characters and compelling plotlines.
With Bittersweet, Bowen has once again delivered a captivating story that will resonate with readers long after they turn the final page. Set in Vermont, Bittersweet follows the story of Audrey Kidder, a young woman who has recently returned to her hometown after a failed attempt at making it in the big city.
When Audrey joins the staff of the Shipley family farm, she crosses paths with Griff Shipley, her former flame from high school. Despite the years that have passed, the attraction between Audrey and Griff burns as brightly as ever.
However, as Griffin struggles to keep the family farm afloat amidst mounting debt, the two must navigate a web of family dynamics, financial pressures, and personal demons that threaten to tear them apart. What sets Bittersweet apart from other romance novels is Bowen’s masterful character development.
Audrey and Griff are multidimensional, fully realized individuals with flaws, fears, and dreams that readers can relate to. Bowen avoids the cliches and stereotypes often present in the romance genre, instead crafting a narrative that is grounded in realism and authenticity.
Moreover, she manages to create a believable and immersive small-town setting that serves as the perfect backdrop for Audrey and Griff’s love story. Moreover, the pacing of Bittersweet is pitch-perfect.
From the opening pages, Bowen draws the reader into Audrey and Griff’s world and never lets go. The narrative moves at a steady clip, keeping the reader invested in the story without ever feeling rushed or overstretched.
The result is a novel that is both engaging and thoroughly satisfying. To be sure, Bittersweet is not without its flaws.
While the novel’s themes of perseverance, self-discovery, and the complexity of relationships are timeless, the book does not push any boundaries in terms of originality. Bowen’s prose, while competent, does not stand out as particularly lyrical or poetic.
However, these minor quibbles do little to detract from the overall excellence of the novel. In conclusion, Bittersweet is a must-read for anyone who loves a good romance novel.
Bowen’s deft handling of character, pacing, and setting make for an immersive and deeply satisfying read. Fans of Bowen’s work will not be disappointed, and newcomers to the genre will find much to enjoy in this accessible and beautifully crafted novel.
The book earns a solid four stars out of five, and I highly recommend it to anyone in search of a heartwarming and emotionally resonant story.
