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Bittersweet
Anna Kirkpatrick isn’t looking for love. Being a single mom to Bowan, her eight-year-old autistic son, takes up all of her time…leaving no room for romance. Willing to do anything to help her son come out of his shell, Anna agrees to take Bowan to cooking classes with a world class chef.
Motorcycle-riding pastry chef Leo Mancini isn’t exactly searching for
“the one”, either. After losing every penny he had, his business, and
his girlfriend, he’s moved to northern Idaho to sulk, restart his
career, and pay his sister back for a loan that no amount of money
could ever really suffice.
When Anna and Leo discover that Bowan’s fondness for the kitchen
extends beyond his peculiar cookbook collection, Leo quickly becomes the one person who can break through his barriers. But will Leo and Anna’s attraction lead to more than just a weekly cooking lesson?
Motorcycle-riding pastry chef Leo Mancini isn’t exactly searching for
“the one”, either. After losing every penny he had, his business, and
his girlfriend, he’s moved to northern Idaho to sulk, restart his
career, and pay his sister back for a loan that no amount of money
could ever really suffice.
When Anna and Leo discover that Bowan’s fondness for the kitchen
extends beyond his peculiar cookbook collection, Leo quickly becomes the one person who can break through his barriers. But will Leo and Anna’s attraction lead to more than just a weekly cooking lesson?
95 pages, ebook
First published April 28, 2012
8 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Brooke Moss
20 books342 followers"I write because if I don't...my head will explode, and ruin the drapes." ♥
Brooke writes complex, character-driven stories about kismet, reunited lovers, first love, and the kind of romance that we should all have the chance at finding. She prefers her stories laced with some humor just for fun, and enough drama to keep her readers flipping the pages, and begging for more.
When Brooke isn't spinning tales, she spends her time drawing/cartooning, reading, watching movies then comparing them to books, wrangling five kids, mugging on one hubby she lovingly refers to as her "nerd", and attempting to conquer the Mount Everest of laundry that is the bane of her existence.
Brooke is also an avid Autism Awareness advocate, and a passionate foster/adoptive mother, who loves to share her experiences with anyone who will listen.
Find Brooke elsewhere on the web at www.brookemoss.com
Brooke writes complex, character-driven stories about kismet, reunited lovers, first love, and the kind of romance that we should all have the chance at finding. She prefers her stories laced with some humor just for fun, and enough drama to keep her readers flipping the pages, and begging for more.
When Brooke isn't spinning tales, she spends her time drawing/cartooning, reading, watching movies then comparing them to books, wrangling five kids, mugging on one hubby she lovingly refers to as her "nerd", and attempting to conquer the Mount Everest of laundry that is the bane of her existence.
Brooke is also an avid Autism Awareness advocate, and a passionate foster/adoptive mother, who loves to share her experiences with anyone who will listen.
Find Brooke elsewhere on the web at www.brookemoss.com
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 19, 2012
Any love story that features a motorcycle-riding pastry chef giving cooking lessons to an eight-year-old autistic child with sensory issues is a-okay in my world.
Add to that the fact that the author is donating 100% of all proceeds to Autism Speaks and it was a win-win for me. (I’m buying a copy for my oldest daughter, a special education major.)
Anna Kirkpatrick is funny, sweet and fiercely protective of her son, Bowan. When Bowan’s therapist discovers that he collects cookbooks and has a fondness for the kitchen, she suggests that Bowan take cooking lessons from her brother, Leo, a world class pastry chef at the Coeur d’ Alene Resort.
Leo is a little rough around the edges – he curses, has tattoos, and rides a motorcycle – but somehow this arrangement works for all three of them. Leo turns out to be a terrific guy and the way he thoughtfully works with Bowan makes him especially endearing. Bowan idolizes Leo. Anna adores him as well.
I love that Brooke Moss included a short epilogue from Leo’s POV. Pure genius!
This was a wonderful book and very quick to read with only 95 pages ...one of my all-time favorites. I can't wait to read it again.
Add to that the fact that the author is donating 100% of all proceeds to Autism Speaks and it was a win-win for me. (I’m buying a copy for my oldest daughter, a special education major.)
Anna Kirkpatrick is funny, sweet and fiercely protective of her son, Bowan. When Bowan’s therapist discovers that he collects cookbooks and has a fondness for the kitchen, she suggests that Bowan take cooking lessons from her brother, Leo, a world class pastry chef at the Coeur d’ Alene Resort.
Leo is a little rough around the edges – he curses, has tattoos, and rides a motorcycle – but somehow this arrangement works for all three of them. Leo turns out to be a terrific guy and the way he thoughtfully works with Bowan makes him especially endearing. Bowan idolizes Leo. Anna adores him as well.
I love that Brooke Moss included a short epilogue from Leo’s POV. Pure genius!
This was a wonderful book and very quick to read with only 95 pages ...one of my all-time favorites. I can't wait to read it again.
May 17, 2012
My Review:
Did you read that second paragraph..."motorcycle-riding pastry chef"?? OMG, this is like the perfect guy.
This is a really sweet, fun story. The story features an 8 yo autistic boy who has issues with textures and having things on his hands. The only time he's really comfortable with those things is when he's cooking. So when his therapist's big brother, who just happens to be a chef, moves to town, she enlists his aid for Bowan and Anna.
Leo is a cursing, tattooed, motorcycle guy...certainly not the type you expect to work well with a kid, but it works...for all three of them. I liked the way this story was put together. I like books that feature chefs, but Leo is all hard-edges so it's hard to see how this is going to work. The fact that it does makes him especially endearing. I like his character...a LOT...for how he is with Bowan, but especially how he is with Anna...just a fabulous guy.
On the other hand there's Anna who has to put her son first...in everything. You have to admire her courage and tenacity. If a situation isn't going to work for Bowan, she puts him first. There were moments when my heart simply ached for her.
The best part of this book was most definitely the epilogue. The change in POV was brilliant and I finished the story with a smile on my face!
Did you read that second paragraph..."motorcycle-riding pastry chef"?? OMG, this is like the perfect guy.
This is a really sweet, fun story. The story features an 8 yo autistic boy who has issues with textures and having things on his hands. The only time he's really comfortable with those things is when he's cooking. So when his therapist's big brother, who just happens to be a chef, moves to town, she enlists his aid for Bowan and Anna.
Leo is a cursing, tattooed, motorcycle guy...certainly not the type you expect to work well with a kid, but it works...for all three of them. I liked the way this story was put together. I like books that feature chefs, but Leo is all hard-edges so it's hard to see how this is going to work. The fact that it does makes him especially endearing. I like his character...a LOT...for how he is with Bowan, but especially how he is with Anna...just a fabulous guy.
On the other hand there's Anna who has to put her son first...in everything. You have to admire her courage and tenacity. If a situation isn't going to work for Bowan, she puts him first. There were moments when my heart simply ached for her.
The best part of this book was most definitely the epilogue. The change in POV was brilliant and I finished the story with a smile on my face!
May 10, 2012
Bittersweet is one of those stories, which with just a few pages (about 95pdf),those pages tell a story about a woman who has gone through alot, and still strong, holding on.
Anna's husband left her as soon as he knew their son Bowan was autistic. After that, the full responsibility falls on Anna's shoulders. She is persistent, strong, given up most of her dreams for her child. Bowan is a sweet child, who finds his peace and becomes animated than usual in the kitchen. And then Anna meets Leo (oh, Leo *sigh*) and Bowan adores him as well, as they continue with their cooking sessions.
It was really good to see Leo, who seems to have this playboy facade, but is really soft at, how the two fall in love. How Leo falls inlove with both Anna and adore Bo. Finally Anna finds love. :) and so does Leo who went through some hard times before meeting Anna.
A wonderful novella, a fairy tale in nature. I love Brooke's writing style, and really look forward to read The Carnyher upcoming contemporary romance. Highly recommended.
Anna's husband left her as soon as he knew their son Bowan was autistic. After that, the full responsibility falls on Anna's shoulders. She is persistent, strong, given up most of her dreams for her child. Bowan is a sweet child, who finds his peace and becomes animated than usual in the kitchen. And then Anna meets Leo (oh, Leo *sigh*) and Bowan adores him as well, as they continue with their cooking sessions.
It was really good to see Leo, who seems to have this playboy facade, but is really soft at, how the two fall in love. How Leo falls inlove with both Anna and adore Bo. Finally Anna finds love. :) and so does Leo who went through some hard times before meeting Anna.
A wonderful novella, a fairy tale in nature. I love Brooke's writing style, and really look forward to read The Carnyher upcoming contemporary romance. Highly recommended.
May 23, 2012
Anna Kirkpatrick hasn’t had it easy. After her and her now ex-husband found out about their son he left. He shortly stopped come to see Bowen. Anna takes Bowen to see a therapist Gianna Mancini. When she is leaving she sees a man walk in to the waiting room he took her breath away. He had a bright bluebird on his neck. The only thing that impresses her is his looks. Later that night when Gianna calls her to ask if her brother Leo Mancini can help with Bowen. He is chef and Bowen loves to cook that is the only time he is fine with things on hands. Anna agrees.
When she goes to the first cooking lesson she can’t stop her thoughts about how handsome Leo is. She hasn’t felt this way about anyone for a long time. He is bringing up feeling that scare her. She thinks he would want nothing to do with her. When he makes his move on her she get weak in the knees.
I don’t normally read short stories because it can take me awhile to get into a new book. I have read The What if Guy and fell in love with it. So I wanted to read Bittersweet. I wasn’t disappointed! You are pulled in from the first paragraph and it keeps you wanting more. I read a lot and Brooke Moss writes the best love stories. She makes you fall in love with her characters right away.
When she goes to the first cooking lesson she can’t stop her thoughts about how handsome Leo is. She hasn’t felt this way about anyone for a long time. He is bringing up feeling that scare her. She thinks he would want nothing to do with her. When he makes his move on her she get weak in the knees.
I don’t normally read short stories because it can take me awhile to get into a new book. I have read The What if Guy and fell in love with it. So I wanted to read Bittersweet. I wasn’t disappointed! You are pulled in from the first paragraph and it keeps you wanting more. I read a lot and Brooke Moss writes the best love stories. She makes you fall in love with her characters right away.
June 3, 2012
Brooke Moss has done it again. Having a nephew with autism, I enjoyed reading this from a mother's take on trying to handle a special needs child, a man that wasn't always sympathetic, and life in general. It tugged on my heart strings in a big way. Please do miss out on this beautiful short story that just makes you feel damn good at the end. Oh, and there are yummy sweets created by a really hot baker. Don't miss out! :)
June 3, 2012
I read this as part of the Love Knows No Bounds anthology and I absolutely loved it. As a mother of a son who has some sensory issues it totally hit a nerve with me and even had me close to tears. Excellent work
March 17, 2013
Holy cow! This novella was so good! yes it was only 95 pages but it sure did pack a punch. BITTERSWEET is the story of Anna. She is a single mom with a special needs son named Bowen. Bowen's father left them as soon as Bo was diagnosed. His therapist comes up with an idea that will help Bo and it involves her brother Leo who is a chef. Gianna, the therapist has left out one important fact. Her brother is one hot motorcycle riding chef! This is where the story will tug at your heart strings.
This story is so funny and sweet. Brooke has done it again. My only complaint is that the story was over before I was ready to be finished with Anna and Leo and Bo. I found myself laughing out loud and holding my breath while reading BITTERSWEET. I fell in love with Leo almost from the start and Bowen stole my heart without me knowing it! Awesome job Brooke, please write more. Your stories consume me.
May 31, 2012
Thought I already submitted a review but apparently it got lost in cyber space...This story was again **amazing** short enough that I was able to read it in a few hours one weekday afternoon, even with the distraction of children and supper to be made.
I believe I have read about the real life chef used for this character's inspiration on Brooke's blog, gotta say, if the real thing is anything akin to the character, sign me up for his fan club!
Just enough awkwardness, self doubt, conflict and finally...open discussion to keep me on the edge of my seat AND the proceeds help support a great cause! Win - Win! Can't wait for Brooke's next book!
I believe I have read about the real life chef used for this character's inspiration on Brooke's blog, gotta say, if the real thing is anything akin to the character, sign me up for his fan club!
Just enough awkwardness, self doubt, conflict and finally...open discussion to keep me on the edge of my seat AND the proceeds help support a great cause! Win - Win! Can't wait for Brooke's next book!
May 29, 2012
Bittersweet is a captivating short read. I absolutely love the fact that Brooke Moss wrote a short, but meaningful story about a single mom with a special needs child. I have several friends who have children with Autism. These kids are some of the kindest kids I know. Many parents, siblings, and other family members feel ashamed to have lives of their own when the Autistic child requires so much themselves. This is a shame, because every individual needs time for themselves as well. This book is a delightful story of one such lady who must realize that her own happiness will actually further her son's progress.
August 28, 2015
Downloaded for free from Amazon.co.uk
This was an okay adult contemporary romance story, and it was interesting to read about a child with Asperger's syndrome. We got a bit of a misunderstanding and a blossoming romance, and a 'happily-ever-after' at the end, although it was all fairly predictable.
6 out of 10
This was an okay adult contemporary romance story, and it was interesting to read about a child with Asperger's syndrome. We got a bit of a misunderstanding and a blossoming romance, and a 'happily-ever-after' at the end, although it was all fairly predictable.
6 out of 10
June 5, 2012
Another one of Brooke Moss' wonderful stories!!!! It pulled me in the very first page, and I didn't want to stop reading! I loved it! It brought tears to my eyes, gave me butterflies, and melted my heart! Thank you, Brook!!
May 17, 2012
What a great short story! The characters were very engaging. And I grew to love them, even in the short amount of time I had with them. It made me want more!
May 17, 2012
Food, life's challenges, loving your kids, and making a new start.....I love a bbok that makes me laugh out loud and makes my family look at me like I'm crazy!
May 20, 2012
Brooke Moss has done it again! WHY oh WHY did it have to end... Sexy chef? With a sensitive side? Perfection! Such a heartwarming read, LOVED it!
May 28, 2012
A quick, easy read! Brooke Moss is seriously talented!!
February 27, 2013
What a cute short story! I fell in love with the characters in such a short time.
August 16, 2023
Anna is a single mother of an eight-year-old son, Bowen with Asperger's syndrome. His father left her with Bowen year before and each new experience is a major accomplishment for Bowen with his inability to socialize, problems with touching soft or sticky things and noise tolerance. One thing he likes to do is cook. Gianna, his physical therapist suggests an increase in therapy sessions but Anna can't handle it financially.
Gianna's brother Leo moves to town and he is a desert chef. Gianna arranges for Bowen to go cook with Leo a couple of times per week. This is a great success with Bowen and Anna watches from the corner of the professional kitchen where he works. Leo is rough around the edges, hot with tattoos and they fall for each other but have problems getting a relationship started with lack of communication until they really talk.
The best part of the book was the descriptions of how Bowen, with his special needs is the major part of the plot and story line. The deep understanding shown by Gianna, Anna and Leo giving Bowen the patience and understanding he needs to find his place in our world is awe inspiring and makes Bittersweet a lovely story worth reading.
Gianna's brother Leo moves to town and he is a desert chef. Gianna arranges for Bowen to go cook with Leo a couple of times per week. This is a great success with Bowen and Anna watches from the corner of the professional kitchen where he works. Leo is rough around the edges, hot with tattoos and they fall for each other but have problems getting a relationship started with lack of communication until they really talk.
The best part of the book was the descriptions of how Bowen, with his special needs is the major part of the plot and story line. The deep understanding shown by Gianna, Anna and Leo giving Bowen the patience and understanding he needs to find his place in our world is awe inspiring and makes Bittersweet a lovely story worth reading.
September 19, 2018
Sweet romance
I worked with special needs adults and children. It is a wonderful experience but it can test your patience. People who have a special need child are my heros. And I received more than I ever have back. Laughter and love are incredible gifts and come from slowing down and appreciating different, not better not worse but beauty.
I worked with special needs adults and children. It is a wonderful experience but it can test your patience. People who have a special need child are my heros. And I received more than I ever have back. Laughter and love are incredible gifts and come from slowing down and appreciating different, not better not worse but beauty.
November 28, 2019
Great book
I loved this book and great it 5 stars. It is a great book that has a special needs children as the main character, which we usually don’t see often portraying the main character. I would recommend to any parents of a child with a disability. I am a person with a disability, and am proud to work with them as a teachers assistant. I love this book, and it touched me.
I loved this book and great it 5 stars. It is a great book that has a special needs children as the main character, which we usually don’t see often portraying the main character. I would recommend to any parents of a child with a disability. I am a person with a disability, and am proud to work with them as a teachers assistant. I love this book, and it touched me.
May 30, 2012
A great love story. Review coming soon.
September 22, 2015
Loved it!
August 1, 2016
Ok book
This was a good book to read. I only wish it was longer to read. I hope to read more from this author.
This was a good book to read. I only wish it was longer to read. I hope to read more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews