Title: Bittersweet
Author: Sarina Bowen
Series: True North #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2016
The title of this novella is surprisingly well suited. There are many moments of bittersweet moments throughout, and moments of “almost” that had you leaning forward in your seat. But mostly, you have Griff (bitter) and Audrey (sweet). Rather than being a story with a great Meet Cute, this was one where the lead couple have a past. Those first getting to know you moments where still there, but with a lot more sexualising tension than other tales.
Vermont is such a stunning backdrop to this romance. It felt like the turning of the seasons and long drives down winding roads. I love when the setting to a story feels like a whole extra character, it just gives you a whole other dimension to love. Plus, how could two people not fall in love in such a glorious, small-town setting?
Living in rural Australia, the whole farm-to-table idea is fairly familiar. We have a lot of local restaurants and producers who emphasise the locality of their products. It’s not something that I’ve seen much in the stories I read though. I got pretty swept away by the food mentioned throughout this to be honest. I’m an absolute sucker for tales which involve yummy, yummy food peppered throughout. Contrasting this feeling of homeliness and comfort and locality, was the evil corporate bastards. I mean, they did good in that they are the vessel for reconnection between Audrey and Griff, but still… evil corporate bastards.
This whole story was absolutely beautiful, and as with all romances, there is that strong moment of “oh no” when everything unravels. Luckily, Griff isn’t too epically moronic when things go wrong. I mean, I was expecting the angst to be stretched out, and was incredibly grateful when it wasn’t. Sometimes it’s nice to have a good, simple read with a wonderful, happy ending.
Earth and Skye 
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