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Bittersweet

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From two USA Today bestselling authors comes a tale of miscommunication and muffins.

Romy Love knows weddings. As the author of a hugely successful wedding blog, you’d think she’d have love covered. It is her last name, after all.
When it comes to her big day, Romy has the flowers picked out, a dress collecting dust in the back of her closet, and a preacher on standby. There’s just one problem: the groom doesn’t know it yet.

Romy has eyes for the Italian coffee god and single dad who owns the bakery in her building—she also has plans for his delicious buns—but in order to get her happily-ever-after, she has a few things to check off her list first:

Lose twenty pounds

Take over the blogging world one wedding at a time

Make Coffee Hottie fall in love with me


Yeah, this shouldn’t be difficult at all.

Unknown Binding

First published May 1, 2018

105 people are currently reading
503 people want to read

About the author

Carmen Jenner

46 books3,098 followers
Carmen Jenner is a USA Today and international bestselling author.

A hardcore red lipstick addict and a romantic at heart, Carmen enjoys books—duh!—long walks through Sephora, tattooed boys, and eyeliner so sharp it could kill a man. She lives in small-town, Australia, where she wrangles her two children, a French Bulldog named Busy, her Jungle Jag Python named Bunny, and her very own manchild.

Carmen always gives her characters the HEA they deserve, but not before ruining their lives completely first … because what’s a happily ever after without a little torture?

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5 stars
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81 (20%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
Profile Image for Sofia Lazaridou.
2,864 reviews136 followers
August 18, 2018
Let me tell you something about this book that most people won't. Up to 43% Elio and Romy spend their time flirting with each other and never saying how they feel out loud. Due to a couple of situations that led to huge misunderstandings neither of them wants to have a romantic relationship with the other and Romy moves on to another man. At 43%! From the 43% mark 'till the 85th she is dating another man. And she also sleeps with him. Her reason for sleeping with him is her kiss with Elio. Does this make sense to you? In order to fix her sort of cheating, she sleeps with the guy she dates and he is hiding an anaconda in his pants. But the act itself wasn't good and that's where I stopped skimming the book. She slept with the other guy when the book was 73% done while she had only kissed the hero. What had started as a sweet book became sour and bitter which actually explains the title. Of course, the other dude turned out to be a douche and at the 85% mark, Elio and Romy become sort of romantically involved. Doesn't that describe a great romance story? I want to know which author wrote the first part of the book, so I can follow her work and which author wrote the second part, so I can avoid her future works. The book turned out to be awful.
Profile Image for Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.•.
2,429 reviews239 followers
May 1, 2018
Romy lives and breathes weddings. She has a very successful blog where she shares advice and tips for those planning their special day. She knows exactly what she wants for her own special day but all she needs now is a groom.

Romy has the hots for the gorgeous barista who makes her coffee every day but she just lacks the confidence to do anything about it. Surely he is out of her league? She will continue to admire him from afar and daydream about what could have been.

When Elio begins to flirt with her, well she thinks he is flirting, she begins to think that maybe he is interested in her. Romy is enjoying this newfound banter and is cautiously going along with it waiting for the other shoe to drop. Elio is just a nervous as Romy but she has no idea he has the same issues that she harbours.

Silly assumptions seem to be the theme of this story, especially when Romy makes the biggest one of all, leaving Elio confused and hurt about who he thought she was.

Both Elio and Romy have issues from past relationships that they have carried around them for years. These two have a real chance at something beautiful if they can let go of the negative ‘what if’s’ and believe in what can be.

This was one of those stories that made me go ‘awww’ out loud when I finished reading it.
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,103 reviews1,416 followers
May 2, 2018
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

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Carmen Jenner and Lauren K. McKellar treats readers to four and half cups of sugary sweetness!!! There was nothing Bittersweet about their latest release as this book was fun, sweet, adorable, sexy, and playful. It is the kind of read that will warm your hearts as it wasn’t an over the top drama kind of romance. What’s not to love about a wedding blogger crushing on the hot barista, who happens to own the coffee shop? Did I also mention that the coffee hottie also has his eyes set on her too? So what happens when these two finally discover their attraction was strong like a cup of java?

Bittersweet_Jenner_Mc_Kellar_Tease_Goddess

So if you are a fan of sweet and sticky as molasses romance then this book is definitely for you. Yes, the book may have the predictable outcome but Jenner and McKellar tosses in a few surprises to keep readers entertained in this adorable and sexy romance.




 photo MICHELLE1_zps3515xymk.jpg Carmen Jenner Bittersweet


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Profile Image for ItaPixie.
1,276 reviews149 followers
May 4, 2018

Bittersweet was such a pleasure to read,it's sweet, cute, funny and I've said sweet??

Romy is a wedding blogger and Elio is her favorite barista,they seem perfect for each other but their insecurities and their previous bad love experiences put a brake on their growing attraction.
I've really enjoyed these characters journey and I couldn't help but to cheer for them from start to end.

I hope to read more from this author duo because I need the story of two certain supporting characters.


Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author

Profile Image for Meegz Reads.
1,530 reviews128 followers
May 8, 2018
*4 Stars*

ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a fast and enjoyable read. I liked both main characters, but I wanted to smack their heads together so that they would speak to each other and communicate clearly.

I pretty much liked all the characters apart from one, and you'll know who that is when you read it yourself, trust me.

There were a lot of sweet and a lot of funny moments, and some moments you just wanted to smack someone on the head. Everything played out in a fairly smooth fashion though, without dragging the book on too much.

There is a huge message about body image in this one, which I absolutely loved, because of how big of an issue body image is these days. We all struggle with it, we can all relate to Romy, and the way these ladies have written it into this book, is awesome. It was very well done.

Romy and Elio as main characters are both pretty awesome, and all round this was just an easy read.

Would recommend.

Review also on my blog - Bittersweet - Carmen Jenner & Lauren McKellar

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Profile Image for ✰  BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰.
3,030 reviews12 followers
April 26, 2018
ARC received for an honest review

Two of my favourite Aussie authors have come together to write Bittersweet.

And what a delightfully sweet story it is.

Romy and Elio's story is all kinds of cute and adorable, and right from the get go I wanted Romy to get her


I love how adorkably cute they are around each other. Watching them circle each other, neither admitting they want the other. You just want to smoosh them together.

There is a little darling of a scene stealer that will absolutely grab your heart and run away with it. I am still waiting for them to bring mine back.

I adored that there wasn't any OTT drama with this story. Sure, our lovelies had their trials, but no drama for dramas sake.

I like most of the secondary characters - believe me, there is one you will absolutely hate! You will know who they are as soon as you meet them!

I couldn't help but smile as I read Bittersweet. I laughed, I smiled, I wanted to throw my kindle at people. But most of all, I kept turning each page, needing to know what would happen next.

Bittersweet was a wonderful way to spend a few hours, lazing on the couch with a nice hot cuppa.

I hope these lovely ladies collaborate again in the future.


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Profile Image for Alecia (The Staircase Reader).
1,111 reviews76 followers
May 3, 2018
description

Bittersweet is a novel about one womans journey towards finding love and one man's journey of single fatherhood.

Romy is a wedding blogger with her only goal being to catch the eye of the hot barista at the coffee shop beneath her apartment.

Elio has watched Romy, flirted with Romy, and seriously crushed on Romy. but after his ex walked away from him and their daughter he's hesitant on bringing someone else into his daughter's life until he's sure it's real.

Romy and Elio's story is cute as hell and at times overwhelmingly frustrating. Being completely honest, these two needed a smack up side the head a few times!

Carmen Jenner and Lauren K. McKellar are both new to me authors, which is always exciting for me! After reading Bittersweet, I will definitely be keeping my eye on future reads!

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Profile Image for Lisa.
1,055 reviews23 followers
May 11, 2018
Went into this one completely blind. It was a pretty easy read which was enjoyable. Great characters that I’m sure you’ll fall in love with quickly.
Profile Image for Aiade Guerra.
31 reviews16 followers
May 6, 2018
The first half was amazing, I was ready to give it 4, maybe 4.5 stars. I loved the characters and can't wait to have the next story set in the same universe (Nico and Bianca, anyone?)

However, miscommunication and stupid (stupid, STUPID!) decisions took too much space and I was left wishing there was something more, maybe a longer epilogue.

It's still a nice reading for an afternoon.
Profile Image for Brie.
303 reviews22 followers
July 13, 2024
Carmen Jenner and Lauren K. McKellar delivered a bittersweet read that kept me laughing and eating up the inner monologue of the heroine like those scrumptious desserts our hero likes to bake so much!

Romy Love was hilarious, her mind set in the beginning of the book gave me more than a few laughs to the point I loved being in her head. Elio is cautious, and his reasons warrant that, but he knows what he wants and though he takes a slow approach with Romy it all made sense to me.

Though Bittersweet gave me the comical touch I love in a romantic comedy, my hopes were set too high and ultimately a novel that held so much potential for me seemed to fall flat instead. My biggest issue is that after finishing the novel I now feel as if the blurb is a little misleading. The synopsis gives us a warning that there will be miscommunication, and oh boy was there. Yet it was a very simple miscommunication that could have been easily fixed with an actually conversation taking place between the hero and the heroine. A miscommunication that ultimately pushed said heroine into moving on past her infatuation with the hero and into a relationship with someone who was essentially an asshole. But that wasn't the misleading part to me. It was being told that the hero has a daughter, and me automatically assuming the heroine would know this too, but she doesn't. She makes her own assumptions, in a way just like I did.

One matchmaking Nonna, a sassy little girl named Coco, the hate to love vibe brewing between two secondary characters, the tadbit of unexpected angst in this lighter toned novel, the first 43% of the book, and the authors' ability to tackle society's views on body image are some of the bonuses that made Bittersweet an okay read for me!
Profile Image for Liz.
3,716 reviews64 followers
May 5, 2018
I have read books separately from each of these authors, so when I heard they were teaming up on a story together, I knew I had to read it. Bittersweet by Carmen Jenner and Lauren K. McKellar was a sweet and charming read with lots of laugh out loud moments.

Romy Love’s life is all about weddings, as a successful wedding blogger, you would think her love life would be perfect. But it is not. Even if she has the wedding dress, the one she planned on wearing on her wedding day, before everything fell apart. But that single dad who rans the bakery/coffee shop downstairs from where she lives may be able to change all that.

Elio has been a single dad for a long time and the most important thing to him has always been Coco, his daughter. But Romy has wormed her way into his heart, but he has no idea how to let her in. He has to think about his daughter first and foremost. But he was so sweet, caring and had a big heart.

I loved Roy and Elio so much. Romy was smart but was vulnerable and had insecurities. But Elio has a way of bringing out the best in her. She has wanted Elio for so long but has no idea how he feels. But when he starts flirting with her, can it mean what she wants it to mean? They have such strong chemistry and connection. I loved the secondary characters so much as well, including Elio’s sister and Coco so much.

I really enjoyed reading Bittersweet by Carmen Jenner and Lauren K. Keller. It was funny and charming. I loved Elio, Romy and Coco so much. Coco was so sweet and stole the show many times. The story was romantic, and a light read with a bit of angst and a great read!

4.5 stars. Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.

Happy reading!
Profile Image for Rhiannon St. Clair.
387 reviews11 followers
April 30, 2018
***I received an ebook copy from the author at no cost***

This is a comedic, cute, and fun romance story.

There's so many sugary sweet scenes in this book. Romy and Elio do this dance, this push and pull with one another, and it's so obvious (to everyone but them it seems) that they feel something for one another.

I laughed throughout most of this story. The banter between characters is well-written and made the relationships even more relatable.

There were a few parts where I was on the edge of my chair and wanted to smack someone too, but those were few and far between, lol. And that's a testament to how well the writers did with crafting the story, in my opinion!

I loved how close Elio and his family were. The scenes where it was him, B, and Coco made my heart melt and turned me into a pile of swooning mush. And Elio is an amazing hero. He's passionate about what he does, is completely dedicated to his family, and is also full of romance and love.

Romy was very relatable. She's a curvy girl, she has her fair share of insecurities, and a semi-problematic relationship with her parents. She's also successful and passionate, and has so much love to give to the right person.

Bittersweet has the perfect blend of drama, romance, and comedy. There's even a teeny, weenie sprinkling of angst, but the faint of heart need not be worried, because the authors deliver a sugary sweet HEA.

Oh, and ... visiting a pumpkin patch will forever make me smile from here on out.

This is an easy read that's perfect for kicking off your summer reading season!

Four stars to this book!
Profile Image for Stacey (sassysreadingnook).
640 reviews74 followers
May 8, 2018

Wedding blogger and a coffee God, yep, I was sold!

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are lovable, fun and easy to connect with (though they do require a good slappin' from time to time lol). If you enjoy your stories with lots of sweetness and angst, then I highly recommend grabbing book!

These two authors have done a wonderful job together, I know I'll be looking out for more of their stories.
Profile Image for Lauren.
6,131 reviews57 followers
May 4, 2018
Bittersweet is a romantic comedy that was written by Carmen Jenner and Lauren K McKellar. Although I have read some of Carmen Jenner’s stories, this book is the first of Lauren K McKellar’s that I have read. I found the writing style fairly easy to follow, the characters loveable and the storyline enjoyable.
I will admit that I did find the first few chapters of this story slow. It was a slow start but as the story progresses, it flows easily. After the first few chapters of this story, I was hooked. I devoured this story in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. I liked Romy but I wanted to shout at her to go and get her man. I liked Elio and I understood his reservations but I wanted him to give Romy a chance at letting him and Coco into her lives.
The chemistry between Romy and Elio is clear to see, I just wish that there were more scenes of them as a couple.
I disliked Marc but some of the stuff he said, I couldn’t help but laugh at (the bedroom scene). I hated his arrogance and how he wasn’t that nice to Romy. I wanted to shout at Romy to open her damn eyes and bin Marc off.
I love Coco, she is hilarious! I liked that she instantly bonded with Romy. Some of the things that she said had me in stitches of laughter.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and a nice read. I hope that Nico and Bianca get a story; the banter between them is hilarious.
Profile Image for Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’.
3,425 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book

What an enjoyable read. Frustrating but enjoyable. I love these two characters but I seriously wanted to wack Elio and Romy and tell them to just speak to each other.
Romy has a blog all about love and weddings and planning your wedding, and all she wanted was her own happily ever after, and maybe it's the hottie in the coffee shop she frequents. If only she would have the courage to tell him how she feels. But after what happened with her ex, Romy knows that Elio won't be interested in someone like her.
Elio has been listing after Romy for a while but he's scared of how she would react when she finds out he's a single dad. And he will do anything to protect his little girl. But can he trust Romy with his heart and his little girl.
A lot of miscommunications and a lot of longing looks, can these two get their issues sorted before it's too late? Or will Romy find her happiness with someone else

Lots of angst and suspense and all they needed was to be open and honest with each other. Awesome story. Can't wait to see if the best friend andthe sister gets their own book☺️❤️

Reviewed on behalf of
FMR Book Grind
Profile Image for Marika.
4,852 reviews100 followers
May 6, 2018
This story was so very sweet and so much fun!
Romy is a wedding blogger..she lives and breathes weddings..and coffee.
She is still single but she has her eyes on the hottest baker..Elio!
Elio who is italian, bakes like a God and looks like one too.
The story is in dual Povs and I enjoyed reading both sides of the story.
There's chemistry and longing, miscommunication and some minor drama, a awesome sister and a noisy nonna, and the cutest little girl ever.
I loved that Elio was so focused on the little girl and wanted a serious relationship from the get go.
Romy lacked confidence in some aspects but she is the sweetest.
Great story, a pleasure to enjoy will all senses, a complete feast!
Profile Image for Andrea Fleury.
1,015 reviews80 followers
June 11, 2019
Hot Italian baker

Very romantic. A sexy barista and a wedding blogger. She lives in an apartment above his show. She loves his coffee his muffins and him. He has a secret.
Profile Image for MillsyLovesBooks.
807 reviews36 followers
May 2, 2018
I love Carmen Jenner reads but this is my first time of reading Lauren K. McKellar. That will definitely be changing i'll be checking out her books. But Carmen Jenner will always be a must read author her books always pull me in heart and mind.

Bittersweet is an adorably sweet read, great banter with two characters that are wanting a relationship. But are also very cautious when it comes to matters of the heart.

Romy is a wedding blogger and a self confessed coffee and muffin addict. She loves nothing more than spending her day blogging. Getting her daily fix from the coffee shop/bakery in her building. It also has left her pinning for the barista Elio, who she thinks is way out of her league.

Elio owns and works in the coffee shop, he loves his job the bakery is everything to him. One of his highlights of the day is when his favourite customer comes in. Romy isn't just his favourite customer, she's slowly becoming someone he could see himself having a future with. There's just one thing that is holding him back, and that is his world... his daughter.

Having been burned in the past by love has left both Romy and Elio lacking the confidence to take that next step and start something new with someone. From this we get a nice slow burn read with misunderstandings. That had me wanting to slap them both upside the head. But also wanting to wrap my arms around them telling them everything would be ok.

This book had it all from hilarious to swoon worthy moments. It's romance warmed my heart and left a smile on my face. With some great characters that pulled on my heart strings. And please tell me Bianca is getting a book? Because the side characters especially her where amazing and added to the great comedy banter!

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Profile Image for Bexxy.
294 reviews90 followers
September 12, 2021
Bittersweet is a Romantic Comedy about a heartbroken girl who's in love with love and weddings and a heartbroken boy who's in love with her.

I can taste it on the tip of my tongue, that bittersweet mix of earth and something darker, something sexier, something altogether intoxicating. From the time I wake until I lay my head on the pillow at night, coffee consumes most of my mental real estate, right alongside weddings.

Coffee.

Weddings.

And my favorite barista.


Romy is a girl after my own heart. A passion for love, blogging, coffee and muffins. And the hot Italian Barista who works downstairs.

Romy breathes, writes and dreams about love but is single and desperate to mingle! She spends her days writing about everyone else's weddings and giving advice from her favourite spot in the Cafe down stairs. Romy has had a crush on Elio for the better part of a year but is too afraid to make a move.

Elio is the hot Italian barista with a secret. He's sweet, he's sexy, he bakes and he makes the best coffee for miles. And he's flirting with Romy... Or is he?

Bittersweet was just that, equal parts bitter and equal parts sweet. Both Romy and Elio have had past relationships that have left them a little heartsore and a little tender. Bittersweet was full of flirting, banter and misunderstandings.

Carmen Jenner & Lauren K. McKeller's writing was seamless. I couldn't tell where one started and one ended. Having read almost all of Carmen's collection and being new to Lauren's writing I thought I would easily be able to tell there different styles but they gelled so well I wouldn't have know it was written by two different authors if there were no names on the front.

One of my favourite parts of Bittersweet was reading Romy's blog posts! They're were so sweet, inspiring and genuine!

Whatever lingerie you choose, make sure it’s sex-appropriate. This is not the time for those granny panties, ladies, no matter how much they suck your stomach in! In fact, throw those out right now, because if your man needs you to wear them, he’s not the man for you.

Love,

Romy


I really enjoyed Bittersweet and the different characters involved in Romy and Elio's story. One character was absolutely adorable and completely stole every scene she was apart of! The miscommunication and misunderstandings were frustrating to no end but fitted in perfectly with Romy and Elio's story.

However there was one decision that Romy made that took away from the story for me. I was so disappointed in her! In saying that, it's a decision that many of us have probably made and regretted just as much as she did!

Bittersweet is a perfect late night read, once you start it, you can't put it down! Every decision that Romy and Elio make keeps you on your toes and guessing how and if they will get there happier ever after!
Profile Image for Shabby  -BookBistroBlog.
1,941 reviews987 followers
April 28, 2018
A tummy clutching, hilarious story about miscommunication, muffins and madness



Endearing characters, extremely funny situations, an inappropriate heroine who blurts before she thinks and a hot barista and you have a perfect Rom-com with sexual tension simmering on a burner in Elio's modern kitchen. This guy can whip up delicate rose water flavoured desserts and orgasmic pasta in a heartbeat and his buns are to die for!!!
His body is amazing . His shoulders are broad, lined with muscle, and those abs— you could bake a tart on them ; they’re smoking hot. Two delicious lines of a V disappear into his jeans, pointing to the Promised Land.
Sign me up.
Take me to church.
I’m converted.




In fact his buns and muffins are what Romy can't wait to sink her teeth into every morning. Alas only manages muffins.....yet!! So in between writing a wedding blog and stalking(read staring with heart eyes and gooey heart) Elio, she is also trying to loose weight, much to her carb-stuffing mouths consternation. She has carb withdrawals!!
“Seems you got an extra helping of sass with that ass, huh?”



It's a perfect setup for another laugh-out-loud story by a very witty Carmen . Shabby fell in love with Cake, so shabby ran to pick this book and shabby laughed all the way to the end. It's a racy, raunchy, rip-roaring read, unputdownable, and utterly delectable. Go. Buy. The. Book!
there's a particular sex scene, shabby swears- DO NOT DRINK LIQUIDS while motorboating it...sorry, sorry....shabby meant reading it. It's so funny, shabbh gigglesnorted in gym and ppl stared at her like she was mental...



And then there Marc Moretti...he has a huuuuuge.......muscles. his appearance always made me laugh and he is a perfect stereotypical trainer, pumping iron kinds!!
reading all the hot as coffee, sex scenes, shabby was shouting -"Shabby's coming...shabby's coming"!!!
You'll get it when you read it.
4.5 Coco & Womy stars
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Profile Image for Vivi Chatzikiriakou.
286 reviews25 followers
May 3, 2018
" If you embody in words the witty mind of Carmen's Jenner and the romantic spirit of Lauren's K. McKellar then you will experience reading the majorly sweet story of Bittersweet. Never before coffee and muffins sound so delicious! "


Book rates: 4+stars
Plot: 4stars
Characters: 4+starts
Writing: 4+stars
Pacing: 4stars
Cover: 5stars


Hero: Elio Moretti
Heroine: Romy Love

"I received a complimentary copy of this book and have volunteered to leave a review."

Just like the synopsis, Bittersweet has got this humorous aura hanging in the air. After all, Romy Love is the kind of woman who could send herself up when being in uncomfortable situations. And being swooning for the hot bakery owner, Elio, is a daily routine for her. Although her voluptuous self is kind of shy, Romy is ready to take the first step and open her heart up to Elio. However, when she finally came around that thought, Romy stepped in a scene that knock her dreams over.

What a roller coaster! A constant emotional change from hot to cold and vise versa. And what a couple! Romy and Elio, have their turns on narration and, oh boy, it's crystal clear that they are perfect match for each other, chemistry and same interests to the full, yet they are lacking on communication. I like how the story develops, revealing step by step Romy's and Elio's feelings but there are also, the uncertainties and fears not to be brokenhearted again. I fell in love with Elio's character just like Romy's, but I have decided not to reveal details about him because I don't want to spoil the story. What I can share tho is that he is a kind, thoughtful and caring man, making it damn hard not to swoon over him myself.

Bittersweet is a beautiful rom-com story. It keeps matters breezy and fun, while the romance rises to the hilt of explosion. Who wouldn't enjoy reading a story when maffins, cupcakes and sex are involved after all? Where Carmen Jenner and Lauren K. McKellar are engaged in a story you are meant to be addicted to it. And Bittersweet is one of them. Until next time, enjoy your free time reading great books with the most unforgettable stories.

Vivi

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Profile Image for Suzanne.
1,448 reviews24 followers
May 1, 2018

3.5 Elio can bake for me any day Stars!

Be prepared for talk of scrumptious baked treats and the gorgeous man who creates them. If you’re a coffee drinker, you’ll be weak at the knees after meeting Elio. If you haven't picked up on it yet, Bittersweet introduces a man who is perfection personified. The kind of guy you take home to meet the family, a definite keeper.

Romy doesn’t miss Elio’s goodness and spends her mornings appreciating his coffee and muffins. The only problem is neither Romy or Elio are game enough to make the first move. On the sidelines, though, their family and friends are not so subtly dropping lead weight hints to try and get them to together. Despite all their efforts, m
3.5 Elio can bake for me any day Stars!isunderstandings and miscommunication blow the chances of a romance.

In an attempt to get her life back on track, Romy heeds a late night advertisement to get into shape. We’ve all succumbed to the lure of a new fitness plan no matter what shape we’re in. Happiness doesn’t materialise because you slim down or firm up, it surfaces when positive thoughts overtake the negative ones. It takes a few rude and cutting comments for Romy to understand she was always worthy of happiness.

The missed opportunities create a void nothing else can fill. Life continues and a plot twist turns the story around and from this point on I was a contented reader. In between hope and despair, the alternate points of view from Elio and Romy bring home the loss both are feeling.

A darling 4 year old Coco asks the questions adults hold back on. She is an adorable charmer, instantly winning over the adults surrounding her. My struggle was with her lisp and at times dialog which I found beyond her years. Maybe there are children out there that sound like that but none of the ones I have ever known have. It wasn’t enough to annoy, rather took me aback when I came across her talking.

There’s lots of fun and quirky moments as well as corny lines among the hiatus in romance. Happiness was always within reach and once it was embraced then everything fell into place. With lots of home truths, a bit of fine tuning and a lot of courage to step out of the comfort zone, Bittersweet was a good mix of good and bad.

Profile Image for Renee.
5,205 reviews73 followers
May 4, 2018
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Romy Love knows weddings. As the author of a hugely successful wedding blog, you would think she would have love covered. It is her last name after all. When it comes to her big day, Romy has the flowers picked out, a dress collecting dust in the back of her closet, and a preacher on standby. There's just one problem, the groom doesn't know it yet. Romy has eyes for the Italian coffee god and single dad who owns the bakery in her building--she also has plans for his delicious buns-but in order to get her happily-ever-after, she has a few thing to check off her list first. Lose twenty pounds. Take over the blogging world one wedding at a time. Make Coffee Hottie fall in love with her. You, this should not be difficult at all.

This book is so much fun to read. You are going to fall so in love with Romy. I found her to be real and funny and self conscious when she probably didn't need to really be. She has a huge addiction to coffee and muffins and thank goodness there is a bakery/coffee shop attached to the bottom floor of the building she lives in. This is where she meets Elio, the Italian hottie who owns the bakery and where Romy spends most of her days working on her wedding blog. Each has secrets and past pain but most of all they are attracted to each other and neither has the nerve to tell the other. That is until a hug misunderstanding comes and tears everything they thought they knew all to pieces. Will they ever be able to have what they really want? Well, you have to read to find that out. Trust me you don't want to miss this book. It will have you giggling and swooning and at times on the edge of your seat as you won't see some things coming. I will warn you though that Coco and Elio are going to steal your heart and your not going to want it back at all. This is not a long read and I had so much fun reading it. Don't miss Bittersweet!!!
Profile Image for Miriam.
737 reviews39 followers
May 4, 2018
Elio is perfect. For Romy. Except... Well, she has hangups. Lots of them. So does he, she just doesn't know it. What starts as flirting--Romy's kind of up in the air about that at first because why, oh why, would a man like Elio flirt with a woman like her?--leads to more flirting and comfortable banter. But that's it.

The hangups and assumptions puts a sudden stop to everything growing between them which led to confusion, hurt, and wasted time.

Anyone in a relationship knows that communication is incredibly important. However, anyone in a relationship probably also knows that it isn't always easy to communicate with the one you like and/or love. Especially at the beginning stage of the relationship. There's fear of saying too much, saying the wrong thing, saying it wrong, so the words stay on the tip of the tongue instead of being spoken.

And what is unsaid can be just as damaging as what is said.

That wasted time I mentioned? It was a doozy and led to an eye opener. It also led to a chance for Elio and Romy to clear the air and, essentially, start over while picking up where they'd left off. The attraction sky rocketed from there because they were in it for real this time, leaving nothing to chance, instead holding tight to the forever after they wanted, needed, deserved.

I enjoyed this story. Except for that moment of wasted time, it's a predictable read. But engaging. No skipping ahead, no skimming the pages. It was delightful, enlightening, and amusing to see inside both Elio and Romy's heads as they navigated their way from strangers to friends to lovers.

Received from publisher for an honest review
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews445 followers
May 1, 2018
Bittersweet is a fast, sweet and exciting story that hooks the reader from the very beginning and keeps the reader enthralled until the very end. Both main characters are very likable and relatable. This is a light, funny romance with extremely funny situations , tons of angsty sweet scenes and the main characters were so sugary sweet and addictive that I totally fell in love with them. Romy and Elio have this push/pull about their romance that even though I am yelling at my kindle , saying enough already, I still find their slow burn romance addictive and sweet. The two hot Aussie authors have this great writing chemistry that I wouldn’t have known it was co-authored because it really appeared to be written in one voice. They totally and completely nailed this story. I loved the main characters and the secondary characters were just as amazing as the main. If I had any criticism, I would have liked a followup to see how the sweet couple were doing after the story ended but it’s a small crit overall. Their love story is amazing and it also shows that what you think you need, you really don’t unless its LOVE. This story has it all- drama, angst, heartbreak, misunderstandings, sexual chemistry, sweetness, tension and true love. This book is a hoot and I loved every moment. This is a true MUST READ!!!!


My Rating: 4.7 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
Profile Image for Sandy.
289 reviews10 followers
May 4, 2018
**4.00 Blushes**

Wedding. Weddings. Weddings. They are quite literally Romy Love’s bread and butter. She gives tips and advice on her own popular lifestyle/wedding blog. Except her own big day bit the dust when she found out her fiancée was still looking for love in all the wrong places.

Elio is the very sweet and sexy Italian Romeo who owns the café under her apartment where she works from every morning. Being a curvy girl Romy is charmed by Elio’s delicious handmade baked goods. Though she’s not immune to his big shoulders, soulful eyes and killer smile.

Romy's had her heart broken – her self-esteem is at a low point. She can’t believe that this gorgeous man could be attracted to a girl like her. Elio was betrayed by his wife and left to raise his little girl alone. Surprise! He is very attracted to her but he’s got baggage.

A comedy of errors and hurtful misunderstanding lead these two down the wrong road. Romy undergoes an emotional metamorphosis and Elio comes to understand that he needs to fight to get what he wants.

Carmen Jenner and Lauren K. McKellar make a great combination! They gave us a story that is equal parts laugh out loud funny, sweet, sexy perfection. P.S. the little darling known as Coco will melt your heart into an ooey gooey mess.
Profile Image for Mandie Foxylutely.
948 reviews96 followers
May 4, 2018
Romy loves everything weddings, she lives and breathes the romance and the love that surrounds weddings. So much is her passion for weddings, she runs her own successful blog advising soon to be wed lovers. But one thing that seems to be lacking in Romy’s life is her own Prince Charming and somebody to sweep her off her feet. She fantasises about Elio who owns the coffee shop below her apartment where she spends most of her days writing her blog with intermittent swooning at the hot barista. She knows she has no chance with the handsome man but when he starts to possibly flirt with her, could this be a chance for her dreams to come true?

This was a sweet and slow burn romance with lots of distance between the pair when things got a little murky and misunderstanding were played out. There was a slight curveball I didn’t see coming but looking back I felt this was a little too far fetched. The storyline didn’t really need it either as it had enough substance to stand as a pure sweet (but hot) romance.

Overall though an engaging and pleasant read and I loved both characters and Elio’s family (apart from one!) Three and a half stars.
Profile Image for A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog.
2,816 reviews171 followers
April 29, 2018
Bittersweet is a light, funny romance that had me smiling from the start.

I enjoyed the pace of this novel and the story is well thought out and concise. There were a lot of predictable outcomes, however, a few little elements were welcome surprises. I am not a fan of an epilogue, but I particularly liked this one as it wrapped things up without the future for our couple mapped out to the nth degree.

The story is told from dual points of view, mainly from our heroine, Romy, but Elio gets to share as well. I loved this aspect of the novel, even though I wanted to bang these characters heads together, a lot. A series of assumptions and miss communications lead to an interesting journey for this pair. Another notable positive for Bittersweet are the sex scenes. They are hot, but still realistic enough to be believable.

I have read and loved, many of Carmen Jenner's novels, however, this was my first experience with Lauren K Mckellar. I will be checking out her back catalogue, and I recommend this book be the starting point for others looking for a well written romance.
Profile Image for Vania Nunes.
2,348 reviews52 followers
April 30, 2018
Romy was a Wedding Blogger, called Love, Romy.
Her life revolved around love, marriage and happily ever after, but her personal life could not be further from that.
She'd lost her fiancé, Jeremy, and still stubbornly kept her wedding dress on, hoping she'd still wear it.
She had a crush on the owner of the cafeteria under her apartment, Elio, from an Italian family, in addition to being a divine barista, cooked wonderfully well.
However, as Romy did not have the body of the catwalk models - and Elio was gorgeous as those magazine cover model!!! - she was sure would never have a chance with him.

What Romy did not know was that Elio was fascinated by her.
Each time she went to his Café, and ate his muffins making those sexy noises, he had blue balls. But Elio had a secret in his life and did not know if Romy would be the right woman to accept it.

In a great game of misunderstanding, the couple thinks that one can not be with the other, until the great truth appears.
How to resist a woman so loving, funny and who loved his food?
How to resist a handsome, charming, sexy man (with that Italian accent) and that still can cook like the gods?

Have fun with Bittersweet and run to the nearest Cafeteria to pick up your muffin!!!
5 stars

ARC provided by Blog Tour team
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