Bittersweet

True North #1

by Sarina Bowen

New cover edition found here.

The new series is set in Vermont. True North is populated by the tough, outdoorsy mountain men that populate the Green Mountain State. They raise cows and they grow apples. They chop a lot of wood, especially when they need to blow off steam. (Beards are optional but encouraged.)

If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the orchard.

The last person Griffin Shipley expects to find stuck in a ditch on his Vermont country road is his ex-hookup. Five years ago they’d shared a couple of steamy nights together. But that was a lifetime ago.

At twenty-seven, Griff is now the accidental patriarch of his family farm. Even his enormous shoulders feel the strain of supporting his mother, three siblings and a dotty grandfather. He doesn’t have time for the sorority girl who’s shown up expecting to buy his harvest at half price.

Vermont was never in Audrey Kidder’s travel plans. Neither was Griff Shipley. But she needs a second chance with the restaurant conglomerate employing her. Okay—a fifth chance. And no self-righteous lumbersexual farmer will stand in her way.

They’re adversaries. They want entirely different things from life. Too bad their sexual chemistry is as hot as Audrey’s top secret enchilada sauce, and then some.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, Second Chance, New Adult, Adult

349 pages, ebook

First published June 14, 2016

About the author

Sarina Bowen is the 24-time USA Today bestselling and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary fiction, including: The Five Year Lie, the True North series, and the Brooklyn Hockey series. She's the co-author of Him/Us and the WAGs series with Elle Kennedy. And more!

You can find a complete reading order list of Sarina's books on her website. Or see what's coming next from Sarina, and sign up for her newsletter so you don't miss a new book or a deal.

Reviews

[Angie - Angie's Dreamy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

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I can't believe this was my FIRST Sarina Bowen book! How did I get by without this author in my life?! I'VE BEEN MISSING OUT. Bittersweet felt as if it was written just for me. I was IN IT from the opening page, spellbound by the sweet, charming, and sexy feels inside this romance. In fact, it felt as though I flat out melted all over the pages. I swooned hard. So hard, I tumbled into a FULL ON BOOKISH LOVE FEST!!!!!!! Hot flushes, sweet blushes, pitter patters inside my chest, oohhsss and ahhhssss, all of that hit me. There was so much RIGHT with this book. So many things I couldn't get enough of. I LOVED it. I loved it so much, I decided I needed to make a Bittersweet list. So here it goes:

ANGIE'S LOVE LIST:

1. THE WRITING:
Let me be real, writing is important to me as a reader. It's the single most important part of a book! If the writing isn't my taste, I can't read it. I'm easily annoyed by things. And it doesn't take much to turn me off. BUT this... I loved it. Sarina's writing style is crisp, clean, not overly detailed. There was no excessive inner monologue. No moments of rambling where I wanted to edit stuff out. I never rolled my eyes. NOT A SINGLE TIME. It was WINNING. Seamless. Perfection to me, at least.

2. THE SEX:
HOLY F--K!!! **laughs** Bittersweet was HOT!
I'm talking hottttttttt!
So much hotter than I thought it would be.
I was expecting a lightly steamy read. I don't know why, but the depth of HEAT in this novel was a delightful surprise. I love my books scorching. And as I was reading, it became clear that this was full on yummy!!!!! I couldn't get enough. I guarantee you'll have IVG's (Involuntary vaginal clenches)!!!

THEY ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!!!!!!

Griffin is full out goosebumps, eyelash flutters, and tummy dips. HE IS SEXY, ROUGH, ALPHA HEAVEN!

** Cue teaser **
“Oh fuck,” he panted. He grabbed a fistful of my hair. “Take more,” he ordered. “Suck me.”
The rasp of his voice pulsed through my body, filling me with desperation. And his musky, salty taste made my head spin. I was going to give him just what he wanted, because I wanted it, too. <<---- Ahhhhh. See?

That's just a tiny taste of what's to come. Things get so much hotter. This book felt nuclear at moments, but also emotional. <<---- Yes!THE FEELLLSSSS! The sex was more than lust, it was more than carnal! It was sweet and tender, too, lovely really! God! I'm getting tingles just thinking of it.

3. THE DIALOGUE:
I love easy dialogue and sassy banter. It's another thing that's important to me in a book. It's something I look for. And sometimes an author has a knack for it. Sarina Bowen is that author. The conversations between these characters seemed so natural. And as I was reading I felt planted in EVERY scene.

I was ON the farm.
I was AT the dining room table.
I was IN the kitchen.
I was STEAMING UP the sheets with Griff **giggles**

I believed the conversations. I felt invested in them, apart of them. I can't explain how smooth it felt. It was just RIGHT!

4. THE PLOT:
SO UNIQUE!!! For me this story-line was so unique. And I think that's another reason I felt so dazzled by it. I've can't ever remember falling for a story about a farmer!!!!!!!!!! EVER. And I can't explain how endearing that was. I ADORED Griff and Audrey quirks. It made them so special to me. I DELIGHTED in the location this story took place. An APPLE farm, in Vermont? AMAZING. It was CHARMING. HOMEY. I loved the feel of it. It had spark. It had magic.

5. THE CHARACTERS:
Audrey is INCREDIBLE. She's relatable, easy to love, fiery, independent, driven. She had me smiling and shedding tears. Audrey is a STRONG character who doesn't let other people's expectations define who she is. She's refreshing and bewitching.

And Griffin.
GRIFFIN.
GRIFFFINNNNNNNNNN!!!!!! ***cue heart eyes, tap dancing, jazz hands, major swoon overload***

Our grumpy alpha is down right decadent. My heart dipped a million times. He. Is. So. Swoony! I wanted to LIVE right there in that bunkhouse. Hahaha. I wanted to make a home in his arms. He's fierce, too. Protective. Compelling. Divine. Moody. He puts others before himself. He cares deeply for his family. He's a provider. A MAN!!!!!!!! A REAL man. And he proved himself to me so much.

Between him and Audrey, I became attached. I fell in love with their chemistry. I wanted all the good things for them. I rooted for them. And once I added in the other characters, I became completely invested in EVERYONE.

Really I could go on and on and on. But I won't. I already feel like this review is a mess of swoony crazy. I'll just say this, every morsel this author fed us was delicious. I never wanted it to end! This book made me hungry for more. I wanted to keep reading. I didn't want to leave this world. And when it was over, I mourned it. It gave me the BIGGEST book hangover. It's been days since I finished and it's still a book I think about daily. I want to re-read it. I NEVER re-read. I want put a copy of it on my shelf and just stare at it. It's deliciousness that is more than addictive.

Bittersweet is a pleasure to read and every page felt like a treat. I HIGHLY recommend it to everyone. I cannot see a single person not falling in love. It was just too damn good.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!



I’ve yet to read a Sarina Bowen book I haven’t enjoyed and Bittersweet is no exception. It’s a second chance romance between chef Audrey and farmer Griff.

“Holy Cannoli. I was cuddling the world's grumpiest farmer.”


Griff starts out as the world’s grumpiest farmer, but he has a lot on his plate. He’s in charge of running his family’s farm, something he didn’t think he would have to do at this point in his life. All those responsibilities are stressful and stress makes people grumpy, so there you have it. Audrey is working in Boston trying to get her foot in the door with a company that could potentially invest in a restaurant for her. She is doing lots of odd jobs as an intern of sorts and one of those odd jobs is to go to Vermont and find farm fresh products for the restaurants.

When Audrey gets to Vermont, the last thing she expects to find is Griff Shipley. Griff and Audrey had a little something going on in college, but it was short lived and she hadn’t seen him since. When they’re together again, their attraction is even stronger. Sparks fly. I loved seeing Audrey bring out that other side of Griff.

Not only did I enjoy Audrey and Griff’s story, but I loved the part that Griff’s entire family played in the book. They were fantastic with Audrey and gave her that sense of family she had always wanted. Also, I liked how things worked out with Audrey’s mother. Meeting Jude and Zach was great and I’m super happy we are getting books for both of them!

This is a perfect read for fall, with the apple orchards, the cider and all that jazz. If you’re looking for a heartwarming, sexy read- I recommend this one!

[Patty ~ Wrapped Up In Reading Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

*****3.75 STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}


The minute Griff Shipley had taken off his shirt, my body turned traitor. And by the time he put his mouth on me, whatever self-restraint I'd had flew away on the sweet Vermont breeze.








I had never read anything by Sarina Bowen but I knew that her books were very popular amongst my reading obsessed friends. So I jumped at the chance to read this one and was completely psyched especially since I knew this would be a second chance romance which is one of my favorite tropes. It did end up being an enjoyable read but there were some things about it that left me a little unsatisfied and disappointed.




First off, the story’s pace was entirely too slow in the beginning for me. I know the story is set in the farmlands of Vermont and that the heroine was an aspiring Chef, but GEEZ, I could have done without all the minutia with regards to organic farming and the cooking recipes!! I’m a city girl through and through, so these things just don’t appeal to me. That being said, I am sure there are tons of readers who will appreciate all these details. You do get some insightful information. Due to the slowness of pace, I wasn’t feeling the connection between the hero and heroine. I actually didn’t even care for them all that much. Also, there were a couple of scenes with a pig that just didn’t sit well with me and I seriously think I may never eat any kind of pork again. I’m actually considering becoming a vegetarian!! And to top it all off, there isn’t an epilogue and the next book is about one of the secondary characters. I’m assuming all the players in this book will make appearances in the next, but I still wish there had been an epilogue.



I will say that as soon as I hit the 28% mark in the story, I started to enjoy it. Things started to click into place. I even felt myself beginning to swoon over Griff. Griffin Shipley runs his family’s Organic farm in Vermont. He had a shot at being in the NFL right after he graduated from college, but when his father suddenly passed away, he took on the responsibility of running the family business and taking care of his mother, and younger siblings. He’s a good guy with a tough outer exterior. Audrey Kidder is an aspiring chef who had been a socialite until she was cut off by her mother after having dropped out of college. She’s trying to prove her worth to her new employer in hopes that when the time comes they will help her open up her own restaurant. They’ve sent her on an impossible task, which is to travel up to Vermont and meet up with all the local Organic farmers to buy their produce at ridiculously low prices.



When Audrey makes it to Vermont, she ends up getting a flat tire on one of the farms on her list. To her utter shock and dismay, the owner of Shipley farms happens to be the hot football player she had a fling with in college. Griff recognizes her right away and instantly the two are at odds with each other. It seems they didn’t leave off on the best of terms but only because they both had the wrong perception of each other at that time. The animosity between the two is a sure sign that the schmexy is going to blow your mind and I am happy to say it surely did for this reader!! Take this down ladies…the shower scene at the 28% mark!! If you remember anything from this review at all, it’s the shower scene that will melt your panties right off of you!!



While Audrey and Griff try to get a handle on their livelihoods they’re also trying to grapple with the emotions that are starting to develop for one another. Audrey thinks that she is nothing more than a casual fling for Griff and he doesn’t know how a relationship would work between them given his responsibilities with the farm and the fact that Audrey lives in Boston.



My heart definitely warmed up to Griff after the shower scene and once the chemistry between the two started to ignite, I even found myself liking Audrey. I was rooting for the two to have an HEA that included a big house, with two kids and a dog, but sadly since there wasn’t an epilogue I’ll just have to use my imagination and assume that is how things end up for them.



BITTERSWEET is available now. It’s definitely worth reading for the scorching hot schmexiness!!!




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[Jennifer Kyle]

DNF @55 %

I loved this story in theory however, the actually story itself fell so very flat for me. The CIDER making (the word cider used - 172 times) and the just okay love connection left me struggling to go on. The setting was beautiful, the characters sadly held nothing special for me and the farm talk was ENDLESS.

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*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Accepting The Choices Made Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free-Start Of The Series AND IT'S FREE!!!
LIMITED TIME-DON'T WAIT!!!
This was such a wonderful read...with all the quality and complexity you have come to expect of Sarina Bowen's writing. There is a type of ease you feel with a Bowen... you know whatever she puts out it will strike you deep and true...For she is a writer who does not need gimmicks or manipulations to make her point. She just sets the wheels in motion and takes you on a ride that will open your minds and hearts.

Bittersweet is so perfect that as I write this review, I am taken aback. For our main characters, both have to handle the bitter... to get to the sweet... and just like in our real lives... this is a common occurrence. We can plan and expect things to happen as we have dreamed... but in an instant, all of what we thought was to be our "time in the sun", is taken away and we are forced to make the "right" decisions and go down a different path. This happens in careers and in personal relationships.

Griffin Shipley was the Vermont farm boy who became the football player at Boston College. He had the scholarship, fraternity, and reputation of the big guy on campus. That was what everyone saw yet he was more than that. He was part of a family that had dairy cows and apple orchards. He was torn, knowing his time outside of farming or the decision to work the land with his dad was going to be limited...He had one opportunity to see what else was out there and was going to make the most of it. He made it onto a professional football team; he was about to have his chance and then received the news his dad had died...There was no decision to weigh...his family needed him and he stepped up.

Audrey Kidder has been told since the time she was very, very little she was a disappointment. With a single Executive Career Mother by her own choosing, Audrey heard day in and day out how things were supposed to be...organized, perfect, focused, and no need for men. Women were to be out in the corporate world proving every day they could do everything a man could do and better. Whether it was intended or not...her mother set up an environment of cold, distance, and guaranteed for a difficult relationship between them...for Audrey loved all the little girl things not encouraged... like cooking. In fact, after she flunked out of two colleges, endured her mother's wrath of being cut off financially and emotionally (although there never was really any emotional support to speak of), Audrey found her calling all on her own. Cooking.

She worked her way through Culinary School, earning top kudos, and was on her way to being a professional chef of merit. It just hasn't happened yet. She is stuck in an important internship with a restaurant group that keeps putting her in positions not suited for her. She is a talented chef... not a desk jockey. Having her do the front of the house and handle the computerized reservation program is not her thing. Ordering shipments on a system no one has taught her is a recipe for the disaster which happened. This pattern of putting her where she shouldn't be is not helping her game plan for even doing this internship. This company does a contest every year for up-and-coming chefs; it is a pitch for what their establishment would be... and if picked, they will back the proposal. This is what Audrey is working for... as she is sure she will have the pitch which will be picked.

But first, she has to handle her latest snafu. She is sitting in the boss's corporate office expecting to be fired for the mistaken peace offering to the staff at the last assignment. Instead of hearing you're fired, she is told she is to go to Vermont; approach all the organic farmers and order their crops for the group. Farm to Table is the big, new thing in eateries. The group has a list of farms to buy from, the set prices, and she is told.... this is it. If she cannot make miracles happen and acquire all the goods then her ass is grass... period.

Again...she is being sent to do something she is not prepared for... Audrey sighs... sucks it up and goes forth...

As she drives a rental to the first farm, she has the continued bad luck of her car twisting on gravel and ending with a flat tire halfway in a ditch. Naturally. She is bent with her ass in the air reaching for her purse and phone on the floor of the passenger side when she hears the deep voice of Griffin Shipley saying " Audrey Kidder?" when she turns around...

Oh, this is not going to be good...Audrey never forgot the college senior football player she had hooked up with when she was a freshman. She had been in a bad place with her high school sweetheart cheating on her. Griffin was there at the right time and place for her to be open to his sweet charms. Unfortunately, she never responded to his calls or texts when he wanted to take her out after the hookups. She had shut him out. Now he was here, looking at her and he was oh so much more handsome and built than ever before.

And he was Grumpy.

Of course, he was Grumpy... He had the responsibility of the farm, the land, and figuring out how to make all the profit he can to get the college tuition saved for his brothers and sister. Organic farming wasn't a walk in the park. It was rewarding, sure... but mother nature was not an easy ally; there was a reason chemical pesticides had been invented. They killed all the natural bugs and diseases which destroyed the apples, vegetables, and anything else which grew. They made people conditioned to think all the things they ate had to look a certain way...perfect without a blemish... forgetting it was the taste that was important. This type of farming took every waking moment in a person's life...and Griffin had no time for a past freshman hook up from 5 years ago... no matter how cute, charming, sassy or great she may have been.

Griffin and Audrey exchange words...he being the man he is, helps her by arranging his main guy to handle her car and they go up to the farm where Audrey meets his family. On the way, she explains why she is there, what the offer is for his apples and we see the writing on the wall...

Both are equally intrigued by each other and how the years have shaped them...physically and mentally. We see how the company has given her a price point that is insulting to the farmers she will be approaching... a way to set her up for failure due to their crappy reputation in handling farmers in the past. We also see the determination of Audrey to figure out how to make this crap assignment work because her eye on that prize of backing for her own restaurant is her goal.

This book had it all. Incredible character development... the insight into all of the main characters plus the secondary ones. Nothing was just hinted at and then left hanging...you got all the pathos and heart of these people. You knew who they were; the pain and disappointments, the frustration of having to take on the mantle before being ready... the want of just being let to do what you know you are great at...all of these things and more were there without you feeling manipulated or pushed.

Griffin was a man I could picture; he was complex in his straightforward way...he knew what he needed to do...had come to terms with his choices and understood he was going to make some difficult decisions for the family if they were to be profitable and make it. He respected his mother and siblings. He was good with his friends. We saw him go through the realization he could possibly have more in his personal life and when he went all in...Gahhhh, swoon. Plus he was sexy as hell.

Audrey was the perfect choice for Griffin and he was for her. His ability to SEE her for the delight she was, to encourage her and give her the space to make her own decisions was equally as sexy as their times together. Audrey was extremely strong and talented. Yes, there was pain at the core from her childhood and mother...but she rose and became her own person in spite of it. She recognized all of the hardship added to who she was. She was a three-dimensional person.

The other characters in this tale were all living, breathing, and fully formed. The family, all of the components add heart... Mom, Grandpa, brothers, sisters, and cousins. The farmhands- each had their own little part... with seeds firmly planted in our minds to blossom when the time is right (more books, heh heh).

But the main secondary character was the farm... with all of the knowledge acquired and shared about organic growing...of all the different types of apples...of making of cider and the blending. How the machinery for milking can be as important as the tractors for turning the land...all of it brought home how important farming is and how we all take so much for granted.

As you can tell I loved this book. I adored all of the characters, even when I thought they may have missed a step or two in how business was done...I was ok with it because of how all of it came together. I read this in one sitting...and it moved across the page and my mind's eye like a dream.

I am so excited Sarina Bowen is doing this series and the next installment is going to be equally great... How do I know, you may ask... Well, I met the character in this book and feel as if I know him already. His story is a compelling one and...Hell, Bowen is writing it. Need I say more...I don't think so. In the meantime, read BitterSweet... I promise you will be oh, so glad you did.

Bittersweet (True North, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Steadfast (True North, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Keepsake (True North #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Bountiful (True North #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Speakeasy (True North, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Fireworks (True North, #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Heatland (True North, #7)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Waylaid (True North, #8)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
An Abundance of Riches...
My kindle is locked and loaded...
Ready to get my Bittersweet on...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh, how shall I put this...
Taking a gander at this cover makes me wonder...

Why are the men in my world not like this...

The good news is I can have these types of men any time I want...
Sarina Bowen makes it so...

This New Series, True North, has all the promise of her smart, sensual writing...
With a Lumbersexual farmer and past sorority girl turn smokin' hot woman...

I am ready to have her deliver on it...

Bittersweet (True North, #1)

A gifted copy was provided by author for an honest review.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Jilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cute.
If you like lumbersexuals, this one will really hit the spot. The guy is a total hipster with a beard making organic, specialized, small batch brews of specialty apple cider. I think some vegan chick who makes protest signs and wears retro dresses with an earring through her nose like a bull will non-dairy cream her pants over this dude.



His name is Griff, of course. Her name is Amanda, and they hooked up in college for sex twice. They are so enlightened and cool. She's a chef, but also a struggling intern with a rich barracuda mother who cut her off for following her dreams. Now, she is out at Griff's farm trying to buy his sweet sweet organic apples at a discount price for the corporation she works for. Of course, the corporation is evil! Duh!


Well, she needs a damn phone, mini-coopers are cute, whole foods has a good vegan selection, and the thrift store banned her for throwing red paint on the fur coats even though they were fake. How was she supposed to know? Sheesh. Cut her a break.

So, the two of them hook-up again, and oh, wait, he isn't a vegan after all, he's one of those organic farmers who eats his own pets farm animals because that is so much better. Yeah, killing an intelligent animal that you nurtured all of its life and have named, while you look it in the eye, makes you a much better person than those who buy unknown animal pieces at the grocery store. If you don't know the name of the animal you are eating, you are part of the problem, not the solution.

Here's their adorable re-meet/cute:

"Come on. If you want to talk about apples, it has to be while I'm working. I have a pig to kill. You can watch."

"Are you sure?" I snapped. "I mean - meow. There must be a whole lot of girls in line ahead of me to watch that."

So... she's a psycho too, then?
Well, only if you consider it a little odd that she gets all turned on as they kill and butcher a pig together and then has outdoor shower sex with him while they are washing all of the pig's blood off of their bodies.


Who isn't?

Of course there is angst - they are hipsters. But, don't worry. You will get your HEA. They've been doing HEA's since before it was cool.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

So easy to listen to...

****Changing it up to 4.5 Stars****

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that I actually enjoyed the audio more than reading it myself. This doesn't happen very often, but Saskia Maarleveld and Tod Branson really brought Bittersweet to life for me. Audrey's frustrations and defeats were well portrayed and I felt her anguish and disappointment. With Griffin, his gruff personality made him more lovable and I couldn't help but laugh at his sookie-la-la tanties. I guess you can't be responsible and mature 24/7.

Maybe I've matured since the first time reading Bittersweet and that's why I enjoyed it more? There's a little part of me that recognised the everyday struggles it takes to balance your burdens and try and get ahead too.

Maybe, it's because I know all of the True North gang now and the start of this series reminds me of how it all started.

I really enjoyed listening to Bittersweet and I look forward to listening to more True North in the future.



**********

The bitter…and the sweet side of family commitments.

It’s amazing what you’ll do for your family. Some of us accept the bitter with the sweet side of family commitments, knowing that we’re better off with...than without. Unfortunately, sometimes you don’t know what you’re missing until you don’t have it or it’s taken away. In Bittersweet both the main characters have family and commitments that can be bitter but can also be sweet.

Griffin had plans for his future until Griffin’s father died from a heart attack at age 49 (way too young) and has to return to his family's farm and takes over the running of it. He loves his family and doesn’t resent returning but he does feel the burden and responsibility of funding his brother and sisters education. He wants them to have the same opportunity and choices he was given…even though he had to put his dreams to the side.

The farm does OK but there’s always room for improvement and always the worry that a crop can be hit by a disaster. Griffin hopes to move more into the cider making business but the outlay and risks have him worried. His life is busy from sunup to sundown and there definitely isn’t room in his life for a relationship. Imagine his surprise when a hook-up from his past gets stuck in the ditch on his property.

Aubrey doesn’t seem to be having much luck. All her life she’s been told that she doesn’t have what it takes to make a success of her life…by her mother. Nice…. Mummy dearest is a workaholic, man-hating, corporate, businesswoman who can’t understand how she created a daughter who wants to …COOK!! THE HORROR!!

Aubrey and Griffin meet again when Aubrey is sent with an abysmal offer to buy produce from Griffin. The more time Griffin and Aubrey spend together the more they realise that the chemistry that sizzled in College is still there. Griffin wants Aubrey and would love her to be part of his life but he knows that Aubrey has dreams of opening her own restaurant and he doesn’t want to hold her back. Aubrey is falling for Griffin but self-doubts hold her back.

The steamy times were plenty and the connection between Griffin and Aubrey jumped off the pages. Griffin can be quite grumpy but the more time he spends around Aubrey, the more he seems to relax and smile.

At times I did feel it dragged a little and I wanted both Griffin and Aubrey to just get to it already. Luckily, it would pick back up and I’d have another chuckle at either Aubrey’s mistakes or Griffin’s cranky behaviour.

I will definitely be reading more of the series in the future.

[ren ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Come closer. Farmers like to get dirty.”

I’m so glad Bittersweet was able to hold my attention... especially after DNF’ing 3 books. I guess it turns out I was in the mood for a small-town romance with a hunky sexy bearded farmer. The author did a brilliant job in transporting my mind to the countryside (and almost convinced me to go find a sexy farmer of my own, I mean, there’s no shortage here in NZ, but I digress…).

🌾 Characters 🌾

Griff (27) was such an ADORABLE hero! His responsibleness in taking over the farm after his fathers’ death instead of pursuing a career in football was commendable. Gotta love a man who is hardworking and wants to take care of his family! He’s also quite hilarious in his own way; I loved how he would air his grievances when saying grace and all his Star Wars references. He’s genuinely one of the good ones… (well, except for the time he had a fuck buddy…)

Audrey (22) was a pretty cute heroine. She rubbed me the wrong way at first because she seemed very bratty and spoiled but when she started opening up about her relationship with her mom and her inability to live up to her mother’s expectations, my hear softened towards her a little bit. I’m not a huge fan of the misunderstood rich girl trope but even though Audrey was far from being my favorite character, she was sweet and fun… perfect for Griffin and his family.

🌾 The Romance 🌾

I was as good at resisting Griff Shipley as Homer Simpson was at resisting a donut.

Griff and Audrey were so cute together! I really enjoyed their banter, and the way Audrey was able to make Griff smile with her unique brand of humor. There were lots of sweets moments between them and the chemistry was off the charts. I wasn't expecting there to be so many sexy times and pretty early on too. Also, knowing that Griff had really fallen in love with her all those years ago made me smile so freakin’ hard!!

🌾 Other Thoughts/Criticisms 🌾

All the secondary characters were so interesting and well written too! And a well written family-oriented story is always going to win extra points in my book. Their antics and their jokes were so fun to read about – I laughed so hard when the younger brother was making jam to the song ‘Pump Up the Jam’! Griff’s family was such a delight. I also loved the other characters that helped out on the farm – Jude and Zach are definitely characters I can’t wait to get to know. I'm ecstatic to know Jude's book is next!

I don’t have many complaints about Bittersweet. Overall, it was a very cute read. If I had to nit-pick, I would say this book could’ve cut down on 50 pages or so because it’s a relatively low-angst, low-drama sort of story so it did feel like it dragged on at times. Also, I wish Griff had been grumpier! We’re told throughout the story that he’s gruff and abrasive, but I didn’t get that vibe at all. Granted, he’s 100% smitten with Audrey so we only get to see his cute teddy bear side.

Bittersweet was my first Sarina Bowen book and it won’t be my last. If you’re in the mood for a romantic countryside getaway and you want to delve into a sweet small-town romance, this book might be up your alley. If you have no interest in farms… then you might want to skip this one because there’s A LOT of farm stuff going on. Word of warning, they do kill a pig at one point…

Rating: 3.75/5

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 3 out of 5]

*2.5 stars*

All of my friends LOVE this book so I was bummed to find that I liked it, but I couldn't muster enough enthusiasm about it to want to really... read it.

This book was a disappointment for me. Okay, okay, I'm being a bit harsh. This book was plenty good, and I enjoyed the dirty talk from what's-his-name, tall and beardy (ahh, Griff!), but after my intense winning streak from Sarina Bowen, I was expecting GOLD.

I have... issues... with M/F contemporary romance. More often than not, I feel really underwhelmed by them. I've discovered a loophole in that trend (HOCKEY!), but this book is more evidence that my bias against contemporaries is alive and well.

I think part of the problem that I had with this book (which, I want to state again, I LIKED), is the food/cooking aspect. This may sound snobbish, but I'm used to very, very good food. My husband is a creative and excellent cook, and I live just outside of NYC, which is a mecca for cutting edge cuisine. I found Audrey to be a little lackluster in the food department, to be honest (I know, I'm SO ANNOYING). I'm super picky about my books with chef MCs, and I kept thinking, "Audrey doesn't sound like she should have her own Boston restaurant..."

Also, I'm a little over the "poor little rich girl" storyline. I found myself not liking Audrey more and more as the book went on. She seemed helpless and irresponsible, and she just irked me.

While this story was entertaining and I really liked Griff, I actually don't think I'll continue on with the series. Which is a shame, because I want to lick those covers.

[Rachel L · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

“Holy Cannoli. I was cuddling the world's grumpiest farmer.”



Sarina Bowen is an author I adore and I will read absolutely anything she writes. That being said, this was not my favorite book by her but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Bittersweet is a second chance romance between a farmer and a chef.

Audrey is doing her best to keep her job and please her corporate bosses when she is sent to the countryside to purchase produce. What she doesn't expect is to run into her college hook up on a farm in the middle of nowhere. Griff is just as surprised to see Audrey. While the attraction between the two of them is obvious, many outside factors are at play that put the breaks on any kind of serious relationship between them.



“She and I were a dangerous combination. We needed cautionary signs like the ones hanging in the tractor shed over the cans of diesel fuel. WARNING: COMBUSTIBLE.”

So the one thing that really stood out to me about this book? It was frickin hot! Seriously the steamy scenes were amazing and the chemistry between this couple was so tangible. I liked reading about the differences between their two upbringings, farm life is definitely a topic covered immensely in this book. In fact, don't go into this book hungry because the food descriptions might as well be food porn for the reader.

What didn't work for me mostly was the pacing and the lack of decision from either main character. The book was a little too slow for my tastes, and by that I don't mean slow burn. Also Audrey had a lot of insecurities that I felt were brushed under the rug quickly at the end instead of the characters hashing them out. I really wanted Griff to help her through them but that didn't happen which I feel could bring up issues for them later, but maybe that's me overthinking it.

Anyways if you want a hot and sexy summertime romance read, this is the book for you! Oh and I am DYING to read the next book. I am so excited for that character!!!

"I love you, princess. You're the sweet that balances out my natural tannins."

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review

[Dee Montoya · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 STARS*****


(ARC provided by author )
(BR with Mel)

Sarina Bowen does it again!!!! She's created a new story with sexy characters, in a very charming setting that captivated me to no end. Forget about Farm-to-table, more like Farm-to-panty, delicious story that will leave you lusting after a hot farmer, and hungry for more....




Griffin Shipley was a football star in college, and just when he was on the cusp of getting the football career he'd always wanted, his father dies, and Griffin has to move back to Vermont to manage the family farm.

Years later he enjoys the work he does at the farm, he is very proud of his accomplishments and has even developed a passion for making cider. One day while out doing some harvesting, Griffin notices a car stuck in a ditch on his farm, and he gets the surprise of a lifetime when he realizes that the woman with the car troubles is no other than his college hook-up, Audrey Kidder.

Audrey is a city girl with big dreams. After failing too many times in college, she put herself through Culinary school, even against her mother's wishes. Alone and with no money, Aubrey decides to embark on her dream of being the chef of her own restaurant. She knows it won't be easy, especially without her mother's help and money, but she is ready to finally claim her freedom and do exactly what she loves.

Aubrey works for a restaurant company, where in order to get her dream, she has to pass a few stepping stones along the way. That's how she found herself on a Vermont Farm, staring into the beautiful eyes of the man she once had a very sexy one-night stand with when she was in college.

Aubrey needs beautiful organic produce, and Griffin can provide her with that, and much more. They start working together, but the rawness of the work, the delicious food and aromas of the land, and the insane chemistry will inevitably bring these two characters together, and their passion will burn high. But can Audrey put her dreams behind, for love? Can love be enough for this couple or will careers get in the way?
Read this delicious story and find out...


This book was very entertaining, once you start, you won't want to do anything else but read it from start to finish. That is the magic pen of Sarina Bowen, always tempting, and always sexy.

[Leticia (jerseygirlsbookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I love you, princess. You’re the sweet that balances out my natural tannins.”
I've read a few books by Sarina Bowen and I've had this one on my Kindle for a while. It drew me in this week. And there is no way I could ever give this book anything other than 5 stars.
I love the way Sarina writes her stories and weaves her tales. I find myself wanting to read more and more each time, and now I can't believe it took me this long to pick up this series!

"This man would be the death of me. There was nothing he had that I didn’t want more of."
Griffin. I can't even. I love my heroes grumpy and grouchy. I love my heroes bearded. Protective. Supportive. Griff is all of this and more. The guy who left his own dreams behind to help his family and took on responsibilities he wasn't ready for. The guy who would always put them, and their farm, first, even before his own happiness. There's so much to Griffin I love.

"There was nothing I wouldn’t have given her at that moment. Skin to skin with her was the only place I ever wanted to be."
I really liked Audrey. I can kind of see where she's coming from. When you've spent your life being told you're a disappointment and a fuck-up, it's hard to fight it, and push back. And you start believing those people, even if you don't want to. Audrey felt very real to me, someone who could have had it easy if she only followed what her mother had set out for her. But she'd rather follow her dreams than settle.

"She and I were a dangerous combination. We needed cautionary signs like the ones hanging in the tractor shed over the cans of diesel fuel. WARNING: COMBUSTIBLE."
When Audrey gets a job that takes her to Vermont to find some produce for her employers, the last thing she expects is to find Griffin there, a blast from the past from her time at the university. They hooked up back then, but it never went anywhere. She made her way through culinary school. He's a farmer. Maybe they never expected their lives to ever come together again, but here we are.

"His burly body surrounded me. Thick arms boxed me in. Muscled legs held mine tightly together. I’d been immobilized in the most perfect way."
Griffin's being his grumpy self, Audrey's making fun of him, and they slowly make their way into each other's lives and hearts. His family is adorable, and they welcome her with open arms – the supportive, encouraging Shipley family is the family she never had. The setting for the book is breathtaking, and I can almost see the orchard underneath all the stars. Damn. Can I live there please?

"You know you’ve got it bad for someone when watching him pull on his jeans makes you heartsick."
The book is sweet in all the right places. This book is hot in all the right places too – I mean, the outdoor shower scene, come on! These two just have this undeniable chemistry that just works. I sometimes wish Audrey could see what was in front of her, but it was refreshing to see the male character falling first, and hard. It was heartwarming to see him caring for her, and letting her follow her dreams, even if it meant not having her.

“But if you get discouraged…if you need a day off from trying, I’ll be here where you can find me.”
Griffin is the first person that sees Audrey for who she really is. Audrey is the first person to make Griffin want and feel like he deserves someone in his life to love and who loves him back.
And their story was just spot-on for me.

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former rich-girl Audrey never really knew what to do with her life.
She tried college, twice. Didn't work out.
After that, her Boston-royalty mom cut her off from the family money.
And Audrey found her passion on her own...she went to culinary school and became a chef.
Only she's not really working as a chef yet. She's interning at this huge Restaurant-group, BPG, as the girl for everything. Everything she's not really talented for.
They send her off to Vermont to talk farmers into selling their fine products to Boston restaurants.

That's where she runs into Griffin. Again.
They had a little - and verrry hot - two-week-affair five years ago.
And the attraction is still there.

So between fighting about cider prices and Audrey cooking in Griff's mom's kitchen, there will be some very sexy moments.



But can a farmer from Vermont and an up-and-coming cooking legend from Boston ever get their Happy Ending with each other??

═════════════════════




Oooohh - the cover!
Such a hot cover-guy. Even though he kinda had me thinking of some kind of shapeshifter-vampire-werewolves book at first☺ I think the cover - even though it's really hot - is a tiny bit too dark for this happy-sunny-apple-cider story.

And I LoOoOoOoVED the story!
I can't even find enough words to say how much I loved this book!!!!

Griff and Audrey are sooo adorable!

Griffin, the brooding, grouchy, quiet farmer. Who's had to worry about the family farm ever since his dad died and he had to give up his football future. But who is now so very adorably proud of his cider and everything he achieved.

And this cute former rich sorority girl, who finally knows what she wants to do with her life.

It's just too cute to watch them argue and make up.

And I loved how Audrey felt right at home with Griff's family. She only ever had her not very loving, single mom and cooks and maids growing up. She was never allowed in the kitchen. But Griff's mom lets her do whatever she wants in the kitchen.

You just want Griffin and Audrey to hurry the eff up and get married, so that she can move in there and cook for the farm. But of course it's not as simple as that. She's dreaming of owning her own restaurant ... in Boston.

This book had everything a great romance needs.
VERRY funny and adorable and even some very moving scenes and of course

.... lots of SEXY times!!!!



I'm not really good with words and writing, so I can't really express how much I adored this book. But I did. You should go and read it asap. Or not - because I wouldn't mind keeping Griff and his cider all for myself ☺☺☺

And I loved all the supporting characters - Griff's family and the farm-helperlings... perfect cast!
I wouldn't mind seeing this series on HBO one day ☺☺☺

Can't wait to see what Jude will tell us in the next book!

BITTERSWEET was an amazingly funny & adorable & sexy & moving Romance! What's not to love about a hot & adorable bearded apple farmer? I'm planning of moving there asap, get rid of Audrey and move in with Griff to 'make cider' for the rest of our lives!!! ☺ Sorry Audrey ☺

♡ ♡
♡ ♡

[Astrid - The Bookish Sweet Tooth · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 "You had me at Star Wars" Stars


Prettier Review @ Vanilla & Spice Books





Sarina Bowen, I bow to you. Who would have thought that I would fall under the spell of a gruff and grouchy farmer?


Audrey didn't have a happy childhood. Her mother is cold at best and has always been giving her the impression that she is a constant failure. She dropped out of college, never really finished anything until she found her calling in cooking, the only thing she thinks she's good at. Audrey works for a chain of restaurants hoping that one day she will be a chef at her own. She puts up with the most absurd projects in order to keep her job because she wants to show her mother that she can take care of herself. One of these projects is the farm-to-table project of the company she works for. Her boss sends her to Vermont to convince local farmers to sell their produce.

Griffin used to be a football player in college. He had a career ahead and had been drafted to play professionally when he had to take over his family's farm after his father passed away unexpectedly. Sacrificing his dream and taking up the responsibility of becoming the head of his family wasn't easy but Griff finds solace in his passion for making cider and takes pride in the high quality he produces. One day a woman he knows intimately from college visits him with a proposition to sell his cider for an offendingly low price. Despite his irritation for this offer the attraction they felt when they hooked up in college surfaces again with a force. But Griff doesn't have time for a relationship and Audrey lives in Boston. Additionally she works for she Dark Side so there is no way this can work. Or can it?

I flipped her over and kissed her. She wrapped her arrms around me immediatel. This right there was my five-year plan. I didn't know how it was going to work out yet. But I wasn't giving up.

Griff is the kind of guy who makes it impossible for real men to live up to a book boyfriend. Not gonna lie, he is EXACTLY the guy I would fall for. He is this grouchy and gruff, bearded, handsome guy who didn't just settle for taking over the farm and the responsibilities that come with it. He has made the best out of the hand life has dealt him. He is a sexy, endearing, deeply caring and responsible man with a sense of humor to boot (watch out for the scene in which he tells everybody that he likes Audrey, good times!). And the best thing...the BEST THING...he is a Star Wars fan - on page 3 I came across the first SW reference and I knew that this was going to be good.

“He turned toward me wearing a typical, piercing Griff frown. It was so potent it should probably be its own word. Griffrown.”

Audrey is this slightly quirky, funny and adorable girl who seems flighty at times. Her mother never went easy on her, criticizing eveything she did in the past. I think that's why I went easy on her. I found a lot of myself in her, how I was when I was young. (I wasn't irresponsible by any means but being a jack of all trades means having a widely spread field of interests. This paired with an easily sparked enthusiasm made it hard for me to focus on just one thing. But I disgress).
Audrey's sense of humor is clever and she successfully riles up her former college hook-up.

“Holy Cannoli. I was cuddling the world's grumpiest farmer.”

Audrey and Griffin have an undeniable chemistry that jumps at you the minute they meet again. Their sexual encounters start early on, some might have a problem with that since it seems a bit insta. I can explain it to myself with them drawing a lot from their memory.

Every hour she spent in Vermont served to remind me of exactly how hot for her I'd been in college, too

.

The secondary characters are brilliant. Griff's mother is the role model of a mom you want your boyfriend to have. Sarina Bowen gives us a nice impression of the personalities of Griff's siblings, his cousin and his employees Zach and Jude. The latter two will be heroes in the next two books and I can already tell that Jude's will make my heart ache.

HIM was the first book I read written by this author in collaboration with a favorite of mine, Elle Kennedy. Their blend of writing was compelling and captivating so I was excited to see if Sarina Bowen's solo-writing would be just as enthralling. I couldn't be happier. This author's humorous writing style draws you in and doesn't let you go, it's irresistable and exactly what I need to escape life for a bit. Thank you for a fabulous time on a farm in Vermont, Ms. Bowen. The core message of the story I take away is that plans change and it's ok to change your mind.

TLTR? Pure Awesomesauce.

[TheCrazyWorldOfABookLover · Rating 3 out of 5]

NOW LIVE! | http://amzn.to/1U6Cuen



Going to make this review short and sweet.

Bittersweet is about Griff - a hot bearded farmer from Vermont who lives with his vivacious and sweet-as-pie family.

Audrey works for a corporate restaurant company and is also a chef, and is sent to Griff's farm as a buyer. Griff and Audrey shared a brief fling in college but seeing each other again only reminds them both how hot they were for one another all those years ago.

I seriously ADORED Griff. He was the perfect hero. Sexy, strong, selfless, and wasn't scared to show Audrey exactly how he felt. Audrey was a sweet and funny heroine, and together these two were perfect.

"There was nothing I wouldn't have given her at that moment. Skin to Skin with her was the only place I wanted to be."

The story was easy paced, humorous, low on the drama, and just an all around happy read. There was a good amount of farm talk which I surprisingly found really interesting. But why not 5 stars? Well some parts were just a little bit cheesy for my taste. But I did really enjoy this overall and anyone looking for a fun sweet read would most definitely enjoy this one.

Bittersweet is out June 14th !

*ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review



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[MELISSA *Mel Reader* · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 "I Like Audrey. A lot" Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
(BR with Dee)



Griffin Shipley is a 27 yr. old organic farmer living in Tuxbury, Vermont. After playing football in college, his NFL dreams were cast aside when his father suddenly passed away. For the last three years Griff has run Shipley Farms alongside his mother helping care for the farm & his siblings. They have apples, ciders & dairy, but cider is Griff's passion and the part of the farm he hopes to expand.



Griff gets a little excitement in his life when his old college hook-up Audrey Kidder shows up on his doorstep. Audrey is a trained chef in Boston who works for a big restaurant group that wants to put fresh produce in their restaurants. They send Audrey to Vermont to negotiate prices with the farmers.

Audrey is surprised when she comes face to face with the gorgeous football player she was so hot for back in college. She hasn't seen Griff in five years, but she still remembers every delicious thing he did to her body. The spark between them is still there, & when they finally surrender to their lust for one another they are just as compatible physically as they were before. Their connection is so strong & they can't seem to get enough of each other.



-Damn. Why did this man have to be so freaking attractive?

-"Don't know what it is about you, princess."

-"You make me crazy."

-Skin to skin with her was the only place I ever wanted to be.

-"You kill me. Every damn time. Just you."



What begins as amazing casual sex soon turns into more, as they both start falling for one another. Things are complicated since they live in different places & lead totally different lives. Griff never thought he would have time for a girlfriend with his demanding schedule, but he's starting to see a future with Audrey. This was a sexy fabulous book! I really enjoyed it & look forward to reading more in this series.

[Jacqueline's Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Farmer me Stars Please

Sarina Bowen is becoming a new favorite of mine. I read some of her book in the Ivy Years series and I loved them. I went into Bittersweet blindly and I read it in one sitting. When I finished, I could have easily read it again. Bittersweet is a pure romance book, it was sweet, interesting and I didn’t stop reading until the last page.

What I loved most about Bittersweet was the way it was written. The flow as nice and the pace was easy. I enjoyed the characters and I loved the concept and theme of the book. Griff is a farmer. Just think tanned, muscles and a hot beard. Yup and Yes!

I loved Griff. He’s exactly the kind of Hero I picture in romance books. He loves and cares for his family, he puts everyone before him, yet he’s strong, smart and he loves what he does. I can’t think anything more attractive than that.

Audrey and Griff shared a mild fling in college, its years later and Audrey shows up on Griff’s farm land. Audrey is a chef, but she’s also a buyer. Griff’s farm is on her list to purchase produce from and both are surprise to see each other.

“Every hour she spent in Vermont served to remind me of exactly how hot for her I’d been in college, too”

I loved Audrey and Griff’s relationship. There’s some nice banter and the chemistry is very apparent. Of course, they are attracted to each other, but Audrey is just there on business and Giff doesn’t want to take it any further.

Throughout the book we know that Griff’s farm isn’t doing well and he struggles to keep it in the black. Audrey also struggles with her job, since she wants to simply cook, not buy food for her company. I liked how both have problems, it adds to the story and it kept me glued to the book.

I learned a lot in this book about farming and I really enjoyed those parts too. I felt like the book was real and it really connected me to the story, not many authors can do that. I found it cute when Griff slaughter a pig in front of Audrey and she didn’t bat an eye, she actually wanted to butcher it, I couldn’t stop laughing.

“Audrey was unnecessarily beautiful. She was like butterflies I saw every day hovering over the meadow – they were more stunning than all the other pollinators. It didn’t really seem fair to the bees who did the same work”

I didn’t want the book to end and I could have read hundreds more pages of Audrey and Griff. I was consumed in their world and I am so happy Sarina Bowen too me there.

A must read!

An ARC was provided


Bittersweet #1 AMAZON - B&N - iBOOKS - KOBO - GOOGLE

Steadfast #2 AMAZON

[Tami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Es war ganz nett, aber wirklich nicht atemberaubend. Gefühlt gab es keine inhaltlichen Höhepunkte - dafür von anderen Höhepunkten zu viele haha (okay, vielleicht nicht zu viele, aber Sarina Bowen schreibt diese Szenen total pornomäßig derb. Finde ich furchtbar).
Langweilig war es nicht, aber es war zu flach, als dass ich es jemals rereaden würde.

[S.M. West · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Princess STARS

Love me a man that respects the earth, mother nature and is not afraid to get a little dirty!! This was a fun, sexy read.

Griffin Shipley and Audrey Kidder have history. A couple hooks-up in college and then they both went their own ways. But when fate, circumstance or just plain old life has them meeting again, they both can't forget the hot chemistry that brought them together in the first place. And they can't deny that it's still there.



If you're a foodie or have a real appreciation for food to table cooking, nature, produce and sexy farmers, you'll really enjoy this! Griffin is sexy and an all around stand up guy. Seriously, you can't help but love him. And Audrey is funny, determined and cute. These two together were a lot of fun.



This is a romance novel at it's best. In it’s simplicity of execution with lovable characters, a good paced, straightforward story with laughs, romance and not much angst.



“Every touch was a command, as if I’d been placed on this earth to pleasure him. Judging from the way my body responded to his touch, perhaps I had.”

If you're looking for a feel good romance, you have to meet this hot sexy farmer and cute chef! I'm looking forward to Zach and Jude's stories.

**ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.**

For more reviews and blog posts.

[Chelsea (chelseadolling reads) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've had this on my kindle for years and finally decided to give it a go and honestly this is another one that was just okay! I didn't hate it, but I don't care enough to carry on with the series. I do think I'll maybe give Sarina Bowen another shot at some point because I've enjoyed some of her other work and know she is a super beloved author, but this was not the series for me. Meh!

CW: death of a loved one, toxic mother/daughter relationship

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

***3.5 Stars***

I finally started this True North series by Sarina Bowen. I have been hearing so much about it, and I was intrigued with a series that was about sexy farmers who fall in love! There are not too many books out there on this subject...at least not ones that I have read...so I decided to give it a go!

I am very glad that I did, I can tell that as this series progresses I am going to fall more and more in love with it. I was very impressed with this author's writing. She is very descriptive, and is able to paint a very clear picture in my head of what the scene is supposed to look like, and what the characters are trying to portray. The funny thing about that is it is also why I only rated the book a 3.5 stars. I found that the book had way too much description on the actual farming life, and the makings of cider...and all sorts of paragraphs devoted to organic apples and veggies. Don't get me wrong, it is a subject that can be very interesting and informative; but not when I'm reading a romance! LOL Other than that though, the other parts of the story held me captivated, and just really made me feel good emotions inside.

I fell in love with the relationship between "Grumpy Griffin Shipley" and Audrey Kidder. I will admit that sometimes I didn't fully care for Audrey. No particular reason, she just wasn't my favorite heroine; however I really liked Griffin! He has such a loyal side, and seeing him want to support his family the way he did, was so admirable.
This series seems to be a lot about family,friendship and the ties that are built between them. I loved the secondary characters, and I can't wait to read Jude's book next!!

I am very glad that I have decided to take this journey in Vermont; and I am very eager to get to know all of the characters more and more. The sex scenes that are in the story need to be mentioned as well! They are steamy, and hot, and a sizzling addition to an already intriguing book!!

[NMmomof4 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

Overall Opinion: This was a sweet, sexy, and low-drama read. I loved the second chance romance aspect, and how the broody H turned into a big softie. There were some things that seemed to distract from the romance and main storyline (like all of the parts about cooking and apples/cider), but I get why the author put all that in. I appreciated the ensemble of supporting characters, and the family oriented (even, dare I say, Kristen Ashley) feel. So even though I didn't love it, I liked it more than "just ok" 3 stars...and 4 seems like too much, so I'm going with the 3.75 rating.

Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Audrey and Griffin's story. Audrey is an intern for a large restaurant investment firm. She is wanting to earn a spot to be a chef, and as a last chance is given the task of taking several farms in Vermont to sell their produce/items at a cheap price to the restaurants. She didn't expect one of this farmers to be an ex hook-up from college, Griffin. Griffin is shocked to find Audrey as well, because he never forgot her. The connection and strong attraction that was there in college returns full force, and they cannot deny what they feel. There are some great family moments, some sexy times, and a little family/farm drama...but they get a HFN ending.

POV: This alternated between Audrey and Griffin's POV.

Overall Pace of Story: Good. I thought it flowed well, and I never skimmed.

Instalove: No. They took time to develop stronger feelings.

H rating: 4 stars. Griffin. I liked him. I appreciated how he took care of his family and the h. I also liked that he was a little hurt that the h didn't call him back in college, because he was wanting to pursue an actual relationship with her.

h rating: 3 stars. Audrey. I liked her determination and outlook on life. I did get a little annoyed with her stories about her Mom and childhood...but that's me being a cold hearted B ;)

Sadness level: Low. No tissues needed.

Push/Pull: Mild They are mutually invested in the relationship. The h does back off some towards the end because of their less than ideal situation, and the H pursues her to get her back.

Heat level: Moderate. They have some hot chemistry and scenes.

Descriptive sex: Yes

Safe sex: Yes. Condoms are used, and then after a birth control and std status talk they go without. The H mentions never being without before, but I don't recall the h saying the same.

OW/OM drama: Mild The H had a f-buddy that manages the local bar, so both the h and H see her. He broke it off before reuniting with the h, because the OW started to drop hints that she was wanting more than he wanted to give to the relationship. The OW gets jealous of h, but once they talk and the OW realizes that the H really cares for the h she backs off -- so it's really mild.

Sex scene with OW or OM: No

Cheating: No

Separation: Yes They had first met and casually hooked up in college. After being separated both of them had other partners. When they are reunited, they separate a few more times when the h goes back to Boston. No mention of other partners during these separations.

Possible Triggers: Mild h was cheated on in college, controlling parent, suggestions of a manwhore H in college (no specific details), H had a f-buddy that was around, and drug addiction/incarceration by side character.

Closure: This had ok closure, but I wanted more! I felt like there were some unanswered questions and not enough concrete commitments made in their relationship (but I'm really picky). I would call it a HFN ending.

How I got it: It was part of my scribed subscription.

Safety: Safe

- Does Not have cheating
- Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
- Does Not have the H or h pushing away
- Does have a few separations between the h and H
- Does Not have abuse
- Does Not have OTT sad parts
- Does Not have a HEA ending

[Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread 2/2021

I had to do it after reading Roommate. Wasn't ready to leave Tuxbury just yet and... I may or may not be continuing on with the series. Like I don't have review books waiting for me or anything.



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Oh book, how I love thee… directly to the favorites shelf you go.



I don’t want to jump the gun or anything but I think Sarina Bowen is going to be one of my go to comfort authors. I’ve only read one other thing by her (Him) which was co-authored but I got the same comfy cozy feels from it as well. Her writes feel homey to me. I had a grin on my face the entire time I was devouring this book.

This appealed to me for several reasons. OK… mostly it was the grumpy lumbersexual organic farmer with a healthy appreciation for Star Wars who’s a Red Sox fan!



But also because it includes a lot of topics that are important to me personally - environmental issues, sustainability, farm to market, making organic foods affordable for the poor, second chances for felons and recovering addicts as well as academia vs. vocational schools - without being preachy. You’d think with all that going on it’d make for a heavy read, but it isn’t. That was the best part and I even learned a thing or two! I love when that happens!

Audrey’s got some baggage from a less than stellar mother but she’s a fighter and a feisty one at that. She’s also a chef and loves nothing more than cooking for the people she cares about which is something that also appealed to me. Griff is gaga over her and getting to experience that firsthand kinda turned my innards to goo.

Audrey was unnecessarily beautiful. She was like the butterflies I saw every day hovering over the meadow- they were more stunning than all the other pollinators.

So romantic! Who doesn’t want to be called the most stunning pollinator?

As for Griff and Audrey, their relationship development was a pleasure to read. She’s perky to his grouchy, outgoing to his prickly and they have great snarky banter. They’re cute, feed off each other and bring out the best in one another. She makes him less of a grumperton and he makes her feel like she belongs, something she's never felt before. They make each other happy and that made me happy.

Plus, they’re hot for each other. Griff’s got a dirty dirty mouth and he’s bossy during the sexytimes. Sexytimes I didn’t have to wait through a million and one push/pull/coy moments to get to either. Bless you, Sarina Bowen.

I just wanted to fuck all that sass right out of her. I wanted to shut her up with my mouth and my hands until she came apart on my cock.

I do love a story that includes great secondary characters and Griff’s family, Jude and Zach made this experience even more fulfilling. They love Audrey as much as Audrey loves them, so it was heartwarming to see her folded into the family she’s always deserved so seamlessly.

I’ve already got Jude’s story cued up on the kindle and I recommend this for romance addicts, lumbersexual fans and foodies.

[Anniebananie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mensch war das schön! Das Buch hat bei mir so eine tolle Stimmung erzeugt. Es war wie heimkommen. Total atmosphärisch beschrieben und mit tollen Charakten gefüllt. Und ich liebe die Zitate, vor allem das vorm ersten Teil des Buches ("Obst sieht einfach besser aus als Gemüse. Außerdem, wenn man Obst verfaulen lässt, wird es zu Wein. Ein Rosenkohl würde das niemals tun." - P. J. O'Rourke)! Der Schreibstil war einfach super angenehm und flüssig. Außerdem musste ich nicht nur das ganze Buch über leicht grenzdebil Lächeln, sondern auch das ein oder andere Tränchen verdrücken. Es gab nur ein oder zwei Szenen, die mir nicht so sehr zugesagt haben und für die es den einen Stern Abzug gab. Und jetzt mal Butter bei die Fische Ladies: Griffin Shipley?! O M G! 😍 und auch sämtliche Nebencharaktere haben mich für sich einnehmen können, allem voran Jude und Zac. Ich freu mich so auf den zweiten Teil mit Jude und auf Vermont und hoffentlich ein Wiedersehen mit dem Shipleyclan und Audrey! Darauf jetzt ein Gläschen Cider 😉🍷

[Jeannine Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** FREE *****



Stupidity is the only excuse I have for not reading this sooner. The reviews were sort of mixed for this one and to be honest, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the setting being on a farm in Vermont (seems stupid but I just didn't know how I'd connect). And even though it's only been out less than a month, I'm pissed I didn't read it sooner. I don't know why I was worried--I love this author and she's one of my absolute favorites. I'm sorry I ever doubted you, Sarina Bowen.



Bittersweet was a low-drama read but it kept me highly invested! I was a walking zombie at work today, but did I care?



The writing, the characters, and the storyline were just flawless. Not that I was surprised by the writing or the storyline, but I still love how she works her characters. I love how she doesn't vilify any of her characters for the sake of making writing easier. They all have flaws as well as redeeming qualities.

And Audrey and Griffin were freaking EXPLOSIVE. Like seriously some of the best chemistry I've ever read.



I really enjoyed watching them fall in love. I could see how some would see it as a relationship that was more on the physical side, but I didn't feel that way. I could really feel how much they cared about one another, mainly in ways that weren't always obvious. It was a bunch of little things they did. And I swooned over Griffin and how he treated Audrey. He wasn't afraid to admit his feelings. He wanted her, he stuck with it, and pursued her with everything he had. And I was pretty much dying when he went around telling everyone how much he liked her when she was feeling insecure about their relationship.

“Just taking Audrey for a hike before lunch. Because I like her a lot. Even when she’s talking.”

“I’ll have cheese,” I agreed. “Which I like, but not as much as I like Audrey.”

“Good work guys,” Griff said. “And I need to mention how much I like Audrey.”

“Hi Mom,” I said, setting the rice down on the table. “I like Audrey. A lot.”

Yeah, I swooned hard. I can't wait for the rest of this series. Like, seriously, is it next week yet? Because I need Steadfast!!

[Christie«SHBBblogger» · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: Bittersweet
Series: True North
Author: Sarina Bowen
Release date: June 14, 2016
Cliffhanger: No
HEAYes



I think I may be one of the last bloggers out there to have never read a book by Sarina Bowen. Sad, but true. After hearing the praise for her books for so long, I knew I had to sign up for this first book in her brand new series.

I had to think long and hard about what I would rate this book, I had some conflicted feelings over it. I don't want anyone to be dissuaded from checking this story out based on my final rating. Not that a 3.5 is bad, but it's sometimes viewed as so. I can honestly say that everyone's enthusiasm for Sarina Bowen's writing is well-grounded. I loved certain aspects of this story and I was thoroughly entertained by the humor. When it comes down to it though, the romance felt like it was missing something for me.

Audrey is a talented chef that is bound and determined to finally make a success of her life. After many failures and a lifetime of disappointing her mother, she wants to prove that she has what it takes to excel all on her own without her trust fund or her mother's influence. She dreams of one day owning her own restaurant and working for the unethical restaurant conglomerate is her first stepping stone toward that. Once again, she's on the verge of failure, and in order to save her job, she must go to Vermont and get several farmers' agreement to sell their produce for rock bottom prices.

Griffin is one of those farmers. Former college hook-up, huge, bearded, and grumpy, he's not going to be an easy customer. Not only is he offended at the outrageous price her boss is offering for his products, he's holding some hurt feelings over how they left things in college. Although he had a huge crush on her, he made a major botch of how he approached her back then, and their paths were headed in two separate directions anyway. It was never the right time or place for them.



They had an immediate physical attraction once again and some inconvenient yearnings, but it seemed they were doomed to never have a chance to explore what could be. She lives in Boston, he's the head of the family now and has to keep their farm running successfully into the future. I really loved Griffin. He was a really unique and endearing character. He was loyal and the most hard working hero I've seen. The sacrifices of his personal life and his dream of playing professional football were admirable. I loved his gruff exterior that didn't even remotely conceal his soft heart. He was like a big teddy bear that tried to growl ferociously and didn't quite pull it off.

Audrey was a relatable type of heroine. I imagine there are many women that can identify with having failed at life and wanting to prove that they could move past their mistakes. At least in one point in their lives. She had a difficult childhood with a cold parent whom she had nothing in common with. She never felt understood or supported and that only contributed to her determination to reach her dreams no matter what the cost. I loved her sassiness and her sense of humor, she really had me smiling on so many occasions. There was a scene where Griffin had to butcher a pig and her response to the situation was totally unexpected. Not only did she not get disgusted, but she jumped right in and helped him.

Marry me, my brain offered up as I gawked at her bloodied hands and bright smile. Note to self-don't cross Audrey again, at least not if there's a well-sharpened chef's knife in the vicinity.

The chemistry between Griffin and Audrey was extremely well done and executed. They're sure to get readers' temperatures rising and hearts racing.



While I was loving the humor and it was keeping me well entertained, I never felt a strong excitement for the H/h in the first half as a couple. Looking back at it and trying to understand why, I think their relationship fell fast into the physical with not enough development into their deeper emotional connection. While they did have some internal dialogue wishing for more, I couldn't help but feel that their (extremely hot) hook-ups followed by falling back into antagonists and friends wasn't totally working for me. Maybe it's my overly romantic heart working overtime, but I could have used more here.

As well, I think Audrey's stubbornness in working for such a vile company not very respectable. Even knowing that she would be hurting the hard working families that her boss is trying to swindle, she goes along with it until almost the end. It wasn't until they almost ruined Griffin's family farm that she woke up and kicked them to the curb. I understand that she wanted to prove herself, but even at the cost of these honest, hardworking people?

I absolutely, positively fell in love with this group of secondary characters. Griffin's family was so lovable, and the future of the series was constructed so well with the groundwork of everyone's backstories. I'm most definitely sold on continuing with the rest of the series and seeing what the future holds for all of them. The unique characters and the entertaining humor are sure to be a hit with everyone.

FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON:

[maggieandteddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread 1/2019. Audible version. I love Audrey's voice, a tad too soft, but otherwise perfect (I need Bluetooth in my car!) Griff's voice sounds Southern, but I liked him more as the story went on. Griff & Audrey fight their attraction longer than I remembered. Their chemistry was off the charts.
I have to say that this is the BEST first book of a series that I have ever read/listened to.
I mentioned in my original review about gruff Griff. Wow, he sure has a LOT to deal with at such a young age. Audrey needed to be needed and belong. Griff needed to love. He didn't think that he ever would. Then.......... Audrey.
PS. God bless the Shipleys for giving Jude a 2nd chance. <3
5 Apple Cider Donut Stars.
*************************************
[this was the kindle book review]:
FREAKIN' good read! Review to follow. Never wanted it to end! ************************
Here's my review:
EASILY 5 STARS! *****
I initially didn't think too much about this book. The cover didn't really appeal to me at first.
I really liked the blurb & I had a feeling that I would like this story about a grumpy farmer.
The story alternates the H, Griffin & the h, Audrey's POV.
"Griff" is sort of gruff but a really good guy at heart. He's the eldest of 4 & the head of his household-along with his widowed mom. The setting is Vermont-mostly Griffin's family's farm. They grow apples for cider and other produce and also some dairy cows.
Meanwhile Audrey is on her "last chance" job as a chef in a very stressful, trendy restaurant in Boston. Audrey has more bad luck than Ziggy or Charlie Brown.
Fortunately, Audrey's mom is a stock holder in the restaurant's parent corporation. Audrey doesn't get fired. She gets assigned to travel to organic farms in rural Vermont-to get produce for the restaurants.
Ahh-- the meet cute. Make that the meet cute-again. Audrey & Griff "knew" each other in college (where Audrey briefly attended). Audrey wasn't a serious student, but Griff sure remembers her! She remembers him too.
There's no over- done sniping or arguing. They actually become friends. Audrey comes to his family's farm to buy apples. She really becomes part of their family.
I loved their chemistry. Audrey is very sweet & no not perky but...just really fun to be around. Griff's family and employees love her. Audrey doesn't turn her nose up at Griff's earthy occupation. She gets right in there and helps out. I even liked the pig episode.
The story had some slight slow downs in the middle. I didn't mind one bit! This is what I would describe as a character(s) driven story. I loved loved Griff. Mmm hmmm. What a guy. So hmmm. Griff & Audrey were going in two different directions. What to do, what to do?
I loved the supporting characters. Griff's mom is very sweet. (almost reminded me of the mom in Lydia Michaels' McCullough Mountain series ). Zach and Jude were great & Griff's sister & brother had some great parts.
The villain, you guessed it: Audrey's mom. Not full on horns bitchy, but frigid, unemotional.
I loved being in the middle of this book. I took an extra long time to read it. I never wanted to leave Vermont. I never thought that I would ever say that. This was a really great love story with a realistic slice of rural farm life. No yuppies or hipsters like I feared. (Yeah, I'm from SoCal, and we have our nuts & flakes, so New Englanders, don't throw apples at me!)
I'll be reading more books by this author. I borrowed this book-I want to OWN it now.
I don't want to give it back :(
I'm ready for book 2 (Jude- their summer farm hand's story). Bring it!

[Nicola · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a what can be described as a love-hate relationship with Bittersweet. Actually hate is the wrong word and a bit extreme, but you catch my drift.

"Come closer. Farmers like to get dirty."

Loved:

• Griffin Shipley (he's a farmer, I have a thing for farmers and he's a grouch, love me a grumpy man)
• The beautiful backdrop of Vermont.
• The secondary characters - Griff's family are fabulous.
• The chemistry between Griff and Audrey.
• The dual POV.

Loved-not-so-much:

• Didn't connect hugely to Audrey as a character. She was a bit of a contradiction of herself at times.
• Expected more heading into the end: all was a bit easy and lacked fight.



However the parts I enjoyed outweighed those I didn't and my first outing with Sarina Bowen was enjoyable enough, it just didn't blow me away and went a bit OTT in terms of the farming. But, she has done a good job in setting the wheels in motion for Jude and Zach's stories which I'm looking forward to reading.

I'll leave you with Griff's biggest fear in life.

[ambsreads · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

Bittersweet was a fast and fluffy read. There wasn't much to the book which helped me fly through it. Which, I didn't hate. I enjoyed elements of the book - such as the farm, food and family - but it was filled with tropes. However, this tropes didn't necessarily leave a bad taste in my mouth like others. Because of that this book was a close three stars, only falling short due to the insta-love between the main characters, Griffin and Audrey.

The highlight of this book was definitely the comedy and humour that was present throughout. I definitely had a good laugh throughout when parts like

“YEAH, it was official. I was going to be single for the rest of my fucking life. The guy who’d kill a pig in front of a pretty girl is the guy who will die lonely.”

came up. Provided an amusement factor that the book would have been lacking without.

Overall, there isn't a lot to say about Bittersweet, it was simply a light and fluffy book that was amusing. I will probably continue the series because I'm more curious about both Jude and Zach than i was Griffin.

[Ezi Chinny · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is how I felt after listening to this audiobook. Just like dancing. It had all the ingredients you need for an awesome book: humor, food, drink, family, great chemistry and captivating writing.
Audrey Kidder was hoping to get her an opportunity to show her culinary skills but the restaurant owner won’t give her a turn in the kitchen. He finally agreed to let her have more opportunities if she could get some farmers to sign a deal selling their organic crops at a price favorable to the restaurant. Audrey drove from Boston to Vermont and the first farmer she ran into was her ex-hookup from college, Griffin Shipley.

Griff is now the inadvertent patriarch of his family farm. Even his enormous shoulders feel the strain of supporting his mother, his three siblings, and a dotty grandfather. He doesn't have time for the flame, who has shown up expecting to buy his harvest at half price.
The struggle to make sure that trade isn’t comprised by their attraction to each other ensues. For Griff, it is paramount that the farm is financially secure because so many people are dependent on the farm’s success. Audrey has finally found the career where she feels confident and fulfilled, so it is imperative that she finds a way to do well and demonstrate to everyone she isn’t a screw up.

The push and pull of love versus occupation is a clash as old as time. I certainly think of produce (bruised or not) in a different way because I never really gave the farmers a second thought when I go to the supermarket.Now I will look at fruits differently.

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Griff and Audrey’s second chance came at a better time for the both of them. Life has forced them to mature and it showed this time around. What makes this story superb is the storytelling! Sarina Bowen isn’t wordy, it is just fluid, clear and gripping. This is not an audiobook that you will want to stop until you finish it. The characters are fleshed out well, the plot is developed and the almost everyone is likable. The supporting cast really added flavor to this story. I look forward to learning more about their individual struggles.
I think the author is on to something really special with this series and I am already listening to book 2: .