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Bitter Honey
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 11, 2026
4.5 ⭐
Bitter Honey was an incredible mm Romance read that has a storyline that has you invested from the start and keeps you gripped to the very end. I loved everything about this book and absolutely devoured it in a couple of days.
This was such an emotional read that has so much depth throughout the storyline you felt every emotion while reading. The chemistry intention throughout the book between the characters was powerful and kept me turning the pages.
Overall, this was a remarkable read and I can't wait to read more by this author.
Bitter Honey was an incredible mm Romance read that has a storyline that has you invested from the start and keeps you gripped to the very end. I loved everything about this book and absolutely devoured it in a couple of days.
This was such an emotional read that has so much depth throughout the storyline you felt every emotion while reading. The chemistry intention throughout the book between the characters was powerful and kept me turning the pages.
Overall, this was a remarkable read and I can't wait to read more by this author.
September 7, 2026
Christopher seems to have it all – a great career as a well-respected deputy district attorney, a loving family, and a hot, attentive boyfriend. However, looking closer not everything is as it seems. Julian, his boyfriend comes across as loving but behind closed doors he is manipulative, controlling and Christopher suspects he might be unfaithful. Christopher loves Julian and is placating him as much as he can, but something is about to break.
When asked by a colleague to take an early court appearance for them, Christopher unexpectedly sees someone from his past which shocks him to his core because (1) the man was the love of his life when he was 15 and (2) he is meant to be dead. As his current love life implodes around him, Christopher investigates the mystery man to uncover if he is in fact the Mat from his childhood and why he is living his life as a different person. This leads to a darker place than expected as Mat is trapped in a life with a criminal family and is unable to leave.
Christopher must decide if Mat is worth risking his life and career to save, whether he truly belongs with Julian and how he can come out the other side of this emotional rollercoaster with his heart and sanity intact.
I was hooked on this story from the start. I was 100% Team Mat as Julian was a lying, mean and hurtful guy who blamed others for his mistakes. Mat was such a vulnerable man who dealt with so much trauma for most of his life and I was rooting for him to have a better future. Christopher lost the love of his life so young that I felt he was willing to accept the bad treatment from Julian as he wanted to keep any love he could find but he deserved way more. I felt the sexual abuse side of the story was treated with empathy and compassion as Christopher’s character was patient and caring of Mat when he was triggered as they got closer. The pair were so adorable together as well which made hope for a happy ending for them. Overall, it was an emotional, tense, and intriguing story and I look forward to reading more from this author.
When asked by a colleague to take an early court appearance for them, Christopher unexpectedly sees someone from his past which shocks him to his core because (1) the man was the love of his life when he was 15 and (2) he is meant to be dead. As his current love life implodes around him, Christopher investigates the mystery man to uncover if he is in fact the Mat from his childhood and why he is living his life as a different person. This leads to a darker place than expected as Mat is trapped in a life with a criminal family and is unable to leave.
Christopher must decide if Mat is worth risking his life and career to save, whether he truly belongs with Julian and how he can come out the other side of this emotional rollercoaster with his heart and sanity intact.
I was hooked on this story from the start. I was 100% Team Mat as Julian was a lying, mean and hurtful guy who blamed others for his mistakes. Mat was such a vulnerable man who dealt with so much trauma for most of his life and I was rooting for him to have a better future. Christopher lost the love of his life so young that I felt he was willing to accept the bad treatment from Julian as he wanted to keep any love he could find but he deserved way more. I felt the sexual abuse side of the story was treated with empathy and compassion as Christopher’s character was patient and caring of Mat when he was triggered as they got closer. The pair were so adorable together as well which made hope for a happy ending for them. Overall, it was an emotional, tense, and intriguing story and I look forward to reading more from this author.
September 8, 2026
Christopher is a deputy district attorney .
15 years ago he lost Matthew , the love of his life, in a terrible accident and his body was never found . He always felt like part of him was missing and has never got over it .
One day whilst covering a colleagues trial, he gets the shock of his life when person on trial is his dead ex .
From then on he discovers a world of corruption and danger he desperately tries to get Matthew out of .
Oh my god this book was amazing .
It was full of everything you want. A Labrador MMC, a couple of villains , the dark, broken , brooding guy who feels no one will ever want him. It had danger, corruption, spice ( minimal but wasn’t needed . The context made it beautiful)
The plot was insane and I read this in one evening. I couldn’t put it down. The story was beautiful and at one point had me crying and scared to continue !!
I took off half a star because Julian (Christopher’s ex) used pet names and I hated every mention of it !!
SECOND CHANCES
MM ROMANCE
LOVE TRIANGLE (of sorts)
SECRET IDENTITY
MAFIA FAMILY VIBES
CORRUPTION
HEALING AFTER TRAUMA
Thank you love books tours !!
15 years ago he lost Matthew , the love of his life, in a terrible accident and his body was never found . He always felt like part of him was missing and has never got over it .
One day whilst covering a colleagues trial, he gets the shock of his life when person on trial is his dead ex .
From then on he discovers a world of corruption and danger he desperately tries to get Matthew out of .
Oh my god this book was amazing .
It was full of everything you want. A Labrador MMC, a couple of villains , the dark, broken , brooding guy who feels no one will ever want him. It had danger, corruption, spice ( minimal but wasn’t needed . The context made it beautiful)
The plot was insane and I read this in one evening. I couldn’t put it down. The story was beautiful and at one point had me crying and scared to continue !!
I took off half a star because Julian (Christopher’s ex) used pet names and I hated every mention of it !!
SECOND CHANCES
MM ROMANCE
LOVE TRIANGLE (of sorts)
SECRET IDENTITY
MAFIA FAMILY VIBES
CORRUPTION
HEALING AFTER TRAUMA
Thank you love books tours !!
September 2, 2026
Even as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I’ll admit I sometimes have blind spots. Like, I somehow never really considered what abuse looks like between same-sex partners, so it was an absolute shock in Bitter Honey.
I usually gauge by the blurb how much I want to give away, and I've already given away more in my intro that I would normally want to - but it was important because this book really made me think. Even those of us who have done the work and tons of soul-searching sometimes overlook things. And it is really important to see representation of all kinds in media and literature.
There are three gay and possibly one bisexual character in this story, and they are all humanly flawed. They show pain, growth, and character development, and real human storylines. Sure, some of the situations challenge reality; that is the nature of fiction. But the author has done a great job of creating realistic queer characters, and I hope to see more beautiful stories like this one soon.
There were several love stories in this - including a love triangle, one of my big guilty pleasures - and they were all well thought out and developed. They faced big, real challenges, including how t navigate family expectations and adult responsibilities. This is an amazingly adult story - not just in the spicy sense, which it is very much that - but in navigating grown-up issues. Probably one of the biggest being nostalgia and how big a part the past plays in our lives sometimes, and how much it can haunt us if we let it. The author dealt with that issue beautifully.
Content Warnings: As already noted, there is domestic abuse/partner abuse in this book. Other CWs: violence, child abuse, non-consensual violent sexual contact, death/murder and death of a loved one and a child, obsession, alcohol use, smoking, injury, bodily harm, natural disaster, and possibly more.
I usually gauge by the blurb how much I want to give away, and I've already given away more in my intro that I would normally want to - but it was important because this book really made me think. Even those of us who have done the work and tons of soul-searching sometimes overlook things. And it is really important to see representation of all kinds in media and literature.
There are three gay and possibly one bisexual character in this story, and they are all humanly flawed. They show pain, growth, and character development, and real human storylines. Sure, some of the situations challenge reality; that is the nature of fiction. But the author has done a great job of creating realistic queer characters, and I hope to see more beautiful stories like this one soon.
There were several love stories in this - including a love triangle, one of my big guilty pleasures - and they were all well thought out and developed. They faced big, real challenges, including how t navigate family expectations and adult responsibilities. This is an amazingly adult story - not just in the spicy sense, which it is very much that - but in navigating grown-up issues. Probably one of the biggest being nostalgia and how big a part the past plays in our lives sometimes, and how much it can haunt us if we let it. The author dealt with that issue beautifully.
Content Warnings: As already noted, there is domestic abuse/partner abuse in this book. Other CWs: violence, child abuse, non-consensual violent sexual contact, death/murder and death of a loved one and a child, obsession, alcohol use, smoking, injury, bodily harm, natural disaster, and possibly more.
September 7, 2026
I was introduced to this author way back in 2023 when I read some of their YA fantasy books.
After finishing off the whole of The Rise Of Penumbra series earlier this year, I was really intrigued to see what they would write next and when I spotted this new release, I couldn't wait to dive in.
As you know, I always go into books blind, having not read the blurb or anything really, so it was quite a shock to find that this book was very much a different genre.
And, I was definitely not mad about this!
This story deals with some really tough topics, definitely some that I'm yet to read about too.
Please do check the content info before diving into this, but for me, I really think that this was a much needed representation that I've not seen before.
This was a heart-wrenching story - just like I love them - and sees Christopher, who on the outside is very much a successful and happy man - but the more the story unfolds, the more comes to light about his very tough life behind closed doors.
Although this was, at times, a difficult read, I really found myself completely invested in what was happening to Christopher.
The relationship dynamic between him and Julian highlights that mental and emotional abuse really can happen anywhere and we see the effect it had on both Christopher himself as well as those around him too.
This was so well written - with sensitivity when needed and passion and spice too that contrasted perfectly and balanced out the darker themes.
Such a different read but one I really enjoyed working through.
I once again, cannot wait to see more from this author in the future.
After finishing off the whole of The Rise Of Penumbra series earlier this year, I was really intrigued to see what they would write next and when I spotted this new release, I couldn't wait to dive in.
As you know, I always go into books blind, having not read the blurb or anything really, so it was quite a shock to find that this book was very much a different genre.
And, I was definitely not mad about this!
This story deals with some really tough topics, definitely some that I'm yet to read about too.
Please do check the content info before diving into this, but for me, I really think that this was a much needed representation that I've not seen before.
This was a heart-wrenching story - just like I love them - and sees Christopher, who on the outside is very much a successful and happy man - but the more the story unfolds, the more comes to light about his very tough life behind closed doors.
Although this was, at times, a difficult read, I really found myself completely invested in what was happening to Christopher.
The relationship dynamic between him and Julian highlights that mental and emotional abuse really can happen anywhere and we see the effect it had on both Christopher himself as well as those around him too.
This was so well written - with sensitivity when needed and passion and spice too that contrasted perfectly and balanced out the darker themes.
Such a different read but one I really enjoyed working through.
I once again, cannot wait to see more from this author in the future.
September 4, 2026
Bitter Honey was full of emotion and a thought-provoking read. Yona Katz does such a great job showing how complicated toxic relationships can become and how difficult it can be to recognize your own worth when someone has spent so long tearing you down.
Christopher is a deputy district attorney who seems to have the perfect life on the outside, but behind closed doors, his relationship with Julian is anything but perfect. The emotional manipulation, hurt, and constant push and pull between them was hard to read at times, but it also made Christopher’s journey that much more powerful.
Then Mat, a ghost of his past, comes back into Christopher’s life, bringing the past rushing back in and forcing him to confront things he had buried for years. It’s not an easy journey for them because of who Mat is now. The danger is lurking and just waiting to tear them apart again. I loved watching Christopher slowly start to find himself again and realize that love shouldn't leave you constantly questioning your worth.
Christopher’s journey wasn’t easy, and it definitely wasn’t perfect, which made it feel so much more real. Check your triggers: there are themes of emotional, psychological, and physical abuse that can be difficult at times.
Christopher is a deputy district attorney who seems to have the perfect life on the outside, but behind closed doors, his relationship with Julian is anything but perfect. The emotional manipulation, hurt, and constant push and pull between them was hard to read at times, but it also made Christopher’s journey that much more powerful.
Then Mat, a ghost of his past, comes back into Christopher’s life, bringing the past rushing back in and forcing him to confront things he had buried for years. It’s not an easy journey for them because of who Mat is now. The danger is lurking and just waiting to tear them apart again. I loved watching Christopher slowly start to find himself again and realize that love shouldn't leave you constantly questioning your worth.
Christopher’s journey wasn’t easy, and it definitely wasn’t perfect, which made it feel so much more real. Check your triggers: there are themes of emotional, psychological, and physical abuse that can be difficult at times.
September 7, 2026
An absolutely gorgeous M/M romance that had so much more than I expected!
It had amazing characters especially Christopher. I was so drawn to him. It hurt me knowing how little he thought about himself and how he accepted cruel, manipulative behaviour from his partner, just because he desired to be loved.
It was even better when Christopher started to grow and realise he deserved better! I loved chapter 10 & 11!
On the subject of amazing characters, we then have Mat and this is where it truly gets complicated and dark! He has a heartbreaking past that finally starts to unravel putting both him and Christopher in danger.
I adored the dynamic and chemistry between Mat & Christopher. It was tentative at first but grows and becomes something deep and beautiful.
This was a fantastic read that had me hooked and my fingers crossed throughout hoping for a happily Ever After and, as I’m not read many of this genre, I truly didn’t know if that would happen!
I do have to say, Julian is a complete BEEP! 🤣
Fantastic book, great characters and exciting (with a little spice that I enjoyed).
It had amazing characters especially Christopher. I was so drawn to him. It hurt me knowing how little he thought about himself and how he accepted cruel, manipulative behaviour from his partner, just because he desired to be loved.
It was even better when Christopher started to grow and realise he deserved better! I loved chapter 10 & 11!
On the subject of amazing characters, we then have Mat and this is where it truly gets complicated and dark! He has a heartbreaking past that finally starts to unravel putting both him and Christopher in danger.
I adored the dynamic and chemistry between Mat & Christopher. It was tentative at first but grows and becomes something deep and beautiful.
This was a fantastic read that had me hooked and my fingers crossed throughout hoping for a happily Ever After and, as I’m not read many of this genre, I truly didn’t know if that would happen!
I do have to say, Julian is a complete BEEP! 🤣
Fantastic book, great characters and exciting (with a little spice that I enjoyed).
September 8, 2026
This really wasn't what I was expecting, but still it was an enjoyable read.
I felt that from the cover that this was going to be a MM spicy tale and most likely focusing on a relationship of three or potentially a love triangle. What it actually focuses on is Christopher and how he becomes inviegled in an attempt to take down a mysterious criminal boss, while also trying to hold down a relationship.
At first we meet Chris in a relationship with Julian, red flags all over the shop!
Then we meet Conor, who turns out to actually be Mat who Chris knew as kids. I cant say more about this without major spoilers but its a really interesting scenario!
There were a couple of romantic scenes but nothing overly explicit so it didnt quite hit the mark of a romance for me.
I really loved the character of Audrey, though there was a while I was like oh how good would it be if she was actually the mole 🤣
I wish we had just had another couple of chapters, I would have liked to see how Mat dealt with going home and explaining things, and I'd have also liked to see what happened next for everyone.
Its got lots of action and keeps a good pace with short, snappy chapters.
I felt that from the cover that this was going to be a MM spicy tale and most likely focusing on a relationship of three or potentially a love triangle. What it actually focuses on is Christopher and how he becomes inviegled in an attempt to take down a mysterious criminal boss, while also trying to hold down a relationship.
At first we meet Chris in a relationship with Julian, red flags all over the shop!
Then we meet Conor, who turns out to actually be Mat who Chris knew as kids. I cant say more about this without major spoilers but its a really interesting scenario!
There were a couple of romantic scenes but nothing overly explicit so it didnt quite hit the mark of a romance for me.
I really loved the character of Audrey, though there was a while I was like oh how good would it be if she was actually the mole 🤣
I wish we had just had another couple of chapters, I would have liked to see how Mat dealt with going home and explaining things, and I'd have also liked to see what happened next for everyone.
Its got lots of action and keeps a good pace with short, snappy chapters.
Read
September 3, 2026Thank you to LBT for having me on this book review tour and for my gifted copy of this epub.
This was a pretty good read. It was a very powerful read ! Had so much to it.
I really loved Christopher he was so well done and I really admired him. He picks up a case and well it really makes him have to confront his past and his demons which we don’t like to do. I know I don’t. I’m the worst at it. I know I am. I can’t help it just who I am. I just I can’t. I get so panicky and just sick to my to my stomach.
I really liked the writing style of this book found it so well done and how this book explores so much in one book. Legit it deals with love and careers and secrets and all the juicy things that make a book so good.
I really related to Christopher I did. I thought he kinda reminded me of myself cause I am a lot like him. I really am.
Also the tension in this book was so strong. I loved how it just kept me on my toes wanting more.
I love this author and I can’t wait to read more by her !!
This was a pretty good read. It was a very powerful read ! Had so much to it.
I really loved Christopher he was so well done and I really admired him. He picks up a case and well it really makes him have to confront his past and his demons which we don’t like to do. I know I don’t. I’m the worst at it. I know I am. I can’t help it just who I am. I just I can’t. I get so panicky and just sick to my to my stomach.
I really liked the writing style of this book found it so well done and how this book explores so much in one book. Legit it deals with love and careers and secrets and all the juicy things that make a book so good.
I really related to Christopher I did. I thought he kinda reminded me of myself cause I am a lot like him. I really am.
Also the tension in this book was so strong. I loved how it just kept me on my toes wanting more.
I love this author and I can’t wait to read more by her !!
September 24, 2026
Bitter Honey is a contemporary M/M romance that explores emotional intimacy, tension, and connection through a character driven narrative. Yona Katz builds a story centered on relational dynamics and personal vulnerability, allowing the emotional stakes between the leads to shape the pacing and tone. The strength of the book lies in its focus on emotional push and pull, where attraction, conflict, and internal hesitation are given space to develop naturally. This creates a reading experience that is driven more by character psychology and relational depth than external plot mechanics. This is a compelling romance for readers who enjoy emotionally grounded M/M stories with emphasis on character development, romantic tension, and the gradual unfolding of connection.
September 5, 2026
Bitter Honey is a MM romance story. It gives you insight on toxic relationships. And throws you headfirst into love lost and love gained. And the way the author does is it truly remarkable.
While Audrey was my favorite character of the book, (every book needs that strong female character to push them through difficult times.) Christopher, our main character, has so much about him. His strength, his love, the way he helps other even if he feels like hes falling apart .
If you like MM romance, with a lot of romance and a bit of suspense this story is perfect.
While Audrey was my favorite character of the book, (every book needs that strong female character to push them through difficult times.) Christopher, our main character, has so much about him. His strength, his love, the way he helps other even if he feels like hes falling apart .
If you like MM romance, with a lot of romance and a bit of suspense this story is perfect.
September 4, 2026
Bitter Honey is a romance/suspense novel featuring Christopher, a young and successful veterinarian. His life appears to be perfect: ideal parents, a great job, a hopeful future. But appearances are not always true. Events crack his beautiful façade, a hidden past is exposed, and his perfect world begins to crumble. Can he make the tough decisions and choose his own path? All the key tropes of lost love, past trauma, and HEA work together in this contemporary love story.
September 5, 2026
A good read.
Bitter Honey by Yona Katz.
This was a good read. I did like the cover of this book. This is the second book I've read by this author. I did like Christopher straight away. I wasn't sure how I felt about Julian. This was a very emotional read. I'm looking forward to what this author will bring out next. It was very well written. Check your triggers: there are themes of emotional psychological, and physical abuse that can be difficult at times.
Bitter Honey by Yona Katz.
This was a good read. I did like the cover of this book. This is the second book I've read by this author. I did like Christopher straight away. I wasn't sure how I felt about Julian. This was a very emotional read. I'm looking forward to what this author will bring out next. It was very well written. Check your triggers: there are themes of emotional psychological, and physical abuse that can be difficult at times.
September 19, 2026
Bitter Honey has an intriguing title and a strong presence within the M/M romance category. At 350 pages, it offers romance readers a substantial reading experience, and its current 4.40 Goodreads rating from 20 ratings and 14 reviews reflects an encouraging level of reader engagement. It’s a title that should have plenty of room to connect with more readers who actively seek out M/M romance.
July 31, 2026
Tense, heartfelt, gripping and emotional. This m/m romance was also full of suspense with a gripping plot at its centre.
From the outside Christopher's life seems impeccable. But, as we dig deeper into his life and Christopher's long buried past resurfaces, more than just cracks show. His world is shattered.
I instantly liked Christopher. There was something so sweet about him that made me feel protective. I felt anger reading the dynamic between him and his boyfriend.
After someone from his past returns, the book really starts to become more intense. As well as a sweet second chance love there is a really compelling storyline. I really enjoyed the story, the characters and the writing.
From the outside Christopher's life seems impeccable. But, as we dig deeper into his life and Christopher's long buried past resurfaces, more than just cracks show. His world is shattered.
I instantly liked Christopher. There was something so sweet about him that made me feel protective. I felt anger reading the dynamic between him and his boyfriend.
After someone from his past returns, the book really starts to become more intense. As well as a sweet second chance love there is a really compelling storyline. I really enjoyed the story, the characters and the writing.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews