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Bitter Taste
Join 13 USA Today, WSJ, and Amazon bestselling authors and get a taste of some of today's hottest dark, enemies to lovers, mafia, and bully romance books.
Love is Patient. Love is Kind.
That's the way the saying goes, right?
Yeah, not always. Sometimes love is brutal.
Savage.
Ruthless.
Bitter.
Bitter Taste is a Steamy New Adult Romance Sample Collection perfect for readers struggling from a book hangover who need some inspiration on what to read next.
Love is Patient. Love is Kind.
That's the way the saying goes, right?
Yeah, not always. Sometimes love is brutal.
Savage.
Ruthless.
Bitter.
Bitter Taste is a Steamy New Adult Romance Sample Collection perfect for readers struggling from a book hangover who need some inspiration on what to read next.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2021
152 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Daniela Romero
34 books1,029 followersDaniela Romero is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She enjoys writing steamy, new-adult and paranormal romance that delivers an emotional roller coaster sure to take your breath away.
Her books feature a diverse cast of characters with rich and vibrant cultures in an effort to effectively portray the world we all live in. One that is so beautifully colorful.
Daniela is a Bay Area native though she currently lives in Washington State with her sarcastic husband and their three tiny terrors.
In her free time, Daniela enjoys frequent naps, binge reading her favorite romance books, and is known to crochet while watching television because her ADHD brain can never do just one thing at a time.
Stop by her website to find all the fun and unique ways you can stalk her. And while you’re there you can check out some free bonus scenes from your favorite books, learn about her Patreon, order signed copies of her books, and swoon over her gorgeous alternative cover editions.
www.daniela-romero.com
You can join her newsletter by visiting
https://hi.switchy.io/VIP
Her books feature a diverse cast of characters with rich and vibrant cultures in an effort to effectively portray the world we all live in. One that is so beautifully colorful.
Daniela is a Bay Area native though she currently lives in Washington State with her sarcastic husband and their three tiny terrors.
In her free time, Daniela enjoys frequent naps, binge reading her favorite romance books, and is known to crochet while watching television because her ADHD brain can never do just one thing at a time.
Stop by her website to find all the fun and unique ways you can stalk her. And while you’re there you can check out some free bonus scenes from your favorite books, learn about her Patreon, order signed copies of her books, and swoon over her gorgeous alternative cover editions.
www.daniela-romero.com
You can join her newsletter by visiting
https://hi.switchy.io/VIP
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Want to read
September 4, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/4/2021)! 🎁
October 30, 2021
This is primarily going to be a list of synopses and content warnings... obviously the content warnings are going to be incomplete for the full books, but are good for the samples/previews within.
This is a collection of samples/previews of primarily New Adult books; mostly set in post-secondary/early-20s age group but a few 17/18 yo/senior year of high school settings, too.
Of the ENTIRE thing, we had one openly queer character (a secondary one, from what I could tell) and one character specified as a POC (a male lead!).
Given this is a set of dark/bully/enemies-to-lovers, you can expect a lot of traumatised female protags, some prior to the start of the books but some being actively tormented by their male counterparts.
---
The Words - Ashley Jade (out March 2022)
CWs: alcoholism, child abuse (physical/verbal), parental abandonment, fatshaming, bullying (not by protag)
Would read the full book. Gifted student forced to tutor 'bad boy.'
The Savage - Daniela Romero (out March 2022)
CWs: attempted suicide, coercion, revenge porn (threat), gang rape (past), PTSD, addiction (pills, alcoholism; mention), invasion of privacy
Cecilia was raped over the summer by frat guys. Starts back at uni, meets guy who saved her after sui attempt. POC male lead! Saviour complex bullshit.
...will still def read. In spite of the laundry list of trigger warnings, one of the more interesting samples in the collection. I'm actually annoyed to have to wait until March, since I'll probably have forgotten about it by then.
Brutal Heir - Eden O'Neill
CWs: animal attack (dog), animal death (violent), date rape (mention), statutory rape (mention), suicide (shooting)
I feel like I've read this book? Or one very much like it. Greer shows up at a frat party with BMOC, runs into Knight, who got her mum fired from her job & left them homeless. Which is naturally not the way he remembers it. This sample is the very definitely of #ThatEscalatedQuickly.
Going to give the full book a shot just to see if I have, in fact, already read it.
Sweet Possession - Lucy Smoke & AJ Macey
CWs: torture (non-graphic), sex trafficking (mention), murder (shooting), domestic violence (off screen), alcoholism (off screen), stalking
NYC mob princess turns her father into the cops after witnessing him murder someone, winds up in WitSec & up to her eyes in debt. Three friends from her old life have been watching her, though, waiting for a chance to reclaim her.
Reverse harem! Overtones of D/s there at the end of the sample. It was just long enough to get me interested.
Blurred Lines - LA Cotton
CWs: toxic masculinity/misogyny, rape culture
Short story. Senior yr HS. School paper editor published exposé on preferential treatment for football team last year, and now she has to shadow the quarterback in some serious bothsidesism bullshit. Toxic sports-related masculinity from coach, who repeatedly calls the players ladies. Players joke she's going to be their whore for the year. One spikes her drink with something unspecified at a party, leading to her being half-naked and dancing... just so he could humiliate her. I stopped reading at that point.
Hard fucking pass. Did not finish. Fuck this author. You can write these genres/tropes without going full-on "boys will be boys" rape culture apologist about it.
Finley's Claim - Atlas Rose & Raven Scott
CWs: physical violence, gun violence
Daughter of mob money launderer is more or less tossed at mob boss's son, then a few years later winds up at elite mob institution/school when her father hatches a plan to get them out. Kind of cat and mouse feel. Definitely want to read this one.
Anyone But You - Jerica Macmillon
CWs: toxic masculinity
Rock star & the new assistant! Starts with mistaken identity. Fifth (& last) in series. Looks good!
Sweet Little Nothing - LK Farlow
CWs: rape (non-graphic flashbacks), PTSD, attempted suicide (pills), absent/negligent mother
FIRST OPENLY QUEER CHARACTER! (Friend of female protag is multisexual.)
Deeply traumatised female protag. Her rapist/stepbrother's bff is the male protag, and he's in the same city she's going to college in. And, of course, is out for revenge because she ruined her stepbrother's life with her accusations.
Skipping this one. There are intriguing elements to it, but stepsibling rape and victim blaming are a no-go combination for me. (This is a personal limit, not one relating to the quality of the author's work.)
Immoral Confessions - R Holmes
CWs: Bible quotes, Catholic school, parental fatshaming
Senior yr HS. The mousy prep & the school's bad boy. She's in the library after hours, overhears him & his friends discussing a house they burned down. She runs, he chases.
I'm *so* in.
Devious Game - Bri Blackwood
CWs: kidnapping?
This was too short to really get a too feel for what the full book would be like. Female protag is running through the woods after a kidnapping attempt? Maybe? Then flashback to high school grad 3 yrs prior. Then another flashback to 3 mos ago when she arrives back in her hometown.
Very meh.
Crown of Thorns - EM Snow
CWs: teen drinking, fatshaming, classism
Senior yr HS. Newly merged, now coed boarding schools. Poor girl among the rich kids. Second series in the same universe; should likely not be read without reading first series, Angelview Academy.
I was right there ready to dive in, until I found out that last part. I don't feel like reading a full series just to get to this book.
This is a collection of samples/previews of primarily New Adult books; mostly set in post-secondary/early-20s age group but a few 17/18 yo/senior year of high school settings, too.
Of the ENTIRE thing, we had one openly queer character (a secondary one, from what I could tell) and one character specified as a POC (a male lead!).
Given this is a set of dark/bully/enemies-to-lovers, you can expect a lot of traumatised female protags, some prior to the start of the books but some being actively tormented by their male counterparts.
---
The Words - Ashley Jade (out March 2022)
CWs: alcoholism, child abuse (physical/verbal), parental abandonment, fatshaming, bullying (not by protag)
Would read the full book. Gifted student forced to tutor 'bad boy.'
The Savage - Daniela Romero (out March 2022)
CWs: attempted suicide, coercion, revenge porn (threat), gang rape (past), PTSD, addiction (pills, alcoholism; mention), invasion of privacy
Cecilia was raped over the summer by frat guys. Starts back at uni, meets guy who saved her after sui attempt. POC male lead! Saviour complex bullshit.
...will still def read. In spite of the laundry list of trigger warnings, one of the more interesting samples in the collection. I'm actually annoyed to have to wait until March, since I'll probably have forgotten about it by then.
Brutal Heir - Eden O'Neill
CWs: animal attack (dog), animal death (violent), date rape (mention), statutory rape (mention), suicide (shooting)
I feel like I've read this book? Or one very much like it. Greer shows up at a frat party with BMOC, runs into Knight, who got her mum fired from her job & left them homeless. Which is naturally not the way he remembers it. This sample is the very definitely of #ThatEscalatedQuickly.
Going to give the full book a shot just to see if I have, in fact, already read it.
Sweet Possession - Lucy Smoke & AJ Macey
CWs: torture (non-graphic), sex trafficking (mention), murder (shooting), domestic violence (off screen), alcoholism (off screen), stalking
NYC mob princess turns her father into the cops after witnessing him murder someone, winds up in WitSec & up to her eyes in debt. Three friends from her old life have been watching her, though, waiting for a chance to reclaim her.
Reverse harem! Overtones of D/s there at the end of the sample. It was just long enough to get me interested.
Blurred Lines - LA Cotton
CWs: toxic masculinity/misogyny, rape culture
Short story. Senior yr HS. School paper editor published exposé on preferential treatment for football team last year, and now she has to shadow the quarterback in some serious bothsidesism bullshit. Toxic sports-related masculinity from coach, who repeatedly calls the players ladies. Players joke she's going to be their whore for the year. One spikes her drink with something unspecified at a party, leading to her being half-naked and dancing... just so he could humiliate her. I stopped reading at that point.
Hard fucking pass. Did not finish. Fuck this author. You can write these genres/tropes without going full-on "boys will be boys" rape culture apologist about it.
Finley's Claim - Atlas Rose & Raven Scott
CWs: physical violence, gun violence
Daughter of mob money launderer is more or less tossed at mob boss's son, then a few years later winds up at elite mob institution/school when her father hatches a plan to get them out. Kind of cat and mouse feel. Definitely want to read this one.
Anyone But You - Jerica Macmillon
CWs: toxic masculinity
Rock star & the new assistant! Starts with mistaken identity. Fifth (& last) in series. Looks good!
Sweet Little Nothing - LK Farlow
CWs: rape (non-graphic flashbacks), PTSD, attempted suicide (pills), absent/negligent mother
FIRST OPENLY QUEER CHARACTER! (Friend of female protag is multisexual.)
Deeply traumatised female protag. Her rapist/stepbrother's bff is the male protag, and he's in the same city she's going to college in. And, of course, is out for revenge because she ruined her stepbrother's life with her accusations.
Skipping this one. There are intriguing elements to it, but stepsibling rape and victim blaming are a no-go combination for me. (This is a personal limit, not one relating to the quality of the author's work.)
Immoral Confessions - R Holmes
CWs: Bible quotes, Catholic school, parental fatshaming
Senior yr HS. The mousy prep & the school's bad boy. She's in the library after hours, overhears him & his friends discussing a house they burned down. She runs, he chases.
I'm *so* in.
Devious Game - Bri Blackwood
CWs: kidnapping?
This was too short to really get a too feel for what the full book would be like. Female protag is running through the woods after a kidnapping attempt? Maybe? Then flashback to high school grad 3 yrs prior. Then another flashback to 3 mos ago when she arrives back in her hometown.
Very meh.
Crown of Thorns - EM Snow
CWs: teen drinking, fatshaming, classism
Senior yr HS. Newly merged, now coed boarding schools. Poor girl among the rich kids. Second series in the same universe; should likely not be read without reading first series, Angelview Academy.
I was right there ready to dive in, until I found out that last part. I don't feel like reading a full series just to get to this book.
November 1, 2021
*
Read more of my reviews at Whoo Gives A Hoot
*
Stories Read...
The Savage by Daniela Romero
The Words by Ashley Jade
Brutal Heir by Eden O'Neill (read full length story)
Blurred Lines by L.A. Cotton
Sweet Little Nothing by LK Farlow
Immoral Confessions by R. Holmes (read full length story)
Stories Read...
The Savage by Daniela Romero
The Words by Ashley Jade
Brutal Heir by Eden O'Neill (read full length story)
Blurred Lines by L.A. Cotton
Sweet Little Nothing by LK Farlow
Immoral Confessions by R. Holmes (read full length story)
September 4, 2021
Tempting Bully Romance Samples!!
The Words by Ashley Jade "Phoenix and Lennon"
Diving into this delicious 3 chapter sample of Ashley Jade's The Words, I found myself totally drawn to this dark bully romance! Finishing off the third chapter, my jaw is hanging open, my heart craving more and I don't know how I will last until release day next March!! Loved it!!
Looking forward to checking out all the collection by these talented authors!!
The Words by Ashley Jade "Phoenix and Lennon"
Diving into this delicious 3 chapter sample of Ashley Jade's The Words, I found myself totally drawn to this dark bully romance! Finishing off the third chapter, my jaw is hanging open, my heart craving more and I don't know how I will last until release day next March!! Loved it!!
Looking forward to checking out all the collection by these talented authors!!
September 27, 2021
Repeats?
Ummm, got a few repeats going on in this anthology from a couple of authors that was in the “Hot Summer School Nights” anthology. I guess that happens. Still enjoyed the buffet of sneak peeks and looking forward to reading the full version when these are all available.
Ummm, got a few repeats going on in this anthology from a couple of authors that was in the “Hot Summer School Nights” anthology. I guess that happens. Still enjoyed the buffet of sneak peeks and looking forward to reading the full version when these are all available.
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September 25, 2021
This was a perfect sampler of upcoming bully and enemies to lovers books. There is one full novella inside that was okay but the first few chapters of other books being released soon was the best part. Now I have even more books on my TBR because I love enemies to lovers. Bully books are a bit hit or miss for me but I liked most of these samples. Of course the ones I like best aren’t out until 2022 but at least I have something to look forward to.
This book was free on Amazon 9/23/21 so that’s why it gets 5 stars. I’d hope it was always free because who wants to pay for a bunch of samples but who knows.
This book was free on Amazon 9/23/21 so that’s why it gets 5 stars. I’d hope it was always free because who wants to pay for a bunch of samples but who knows.
August 30, 2021
Variety is the spice of life
This was a great selection of stories by these amazing authors.
Anthologies are a great way to dive into experiencing new authors. There were definitely a few new ones for me in this and I’m excited to see what else they have to offer. Amazing unforgettable reads that are the perfect tease and build up for the full length stories.
This was a great selection of stories by these amazing authors.
Anthologies are a great way to dive into experiencing new authors. There were definitely a few new ones for me in this and I’m excited to see what else they have to offer. Amazing unforgettable reads that are the perfect tease and build up for the full length stories.
August 31, 2021
Bitter Taste: A Dark, Bully, and Enemies to Lovers Collection is a great anthology with a collection of short stories. This includes series starters with a few sample chapters or series spin offs, which is a nice way to find a new author or book you’d like to read. I only read a few of the stories, but it did give me an indication of stories I’d like to further read.
September 21, 2021
Better than I thought
Most anthologies don't live up to the hype, but this one is really good. I read all of the samples, and I habe read at least three of the books included here. The samples of the ones I have not read are good and I am looking forward to increasing my TBR library.
Most anthologies don't live up to the hype, but this one is really good. I read all of the samples, and I habe read at least three of the books included here. The samples of the ones I have not read are good and I am looking forward to increasing my TBR library.
November 12, 2021
Well, this was a nice little treat to read and to be inspired on my delightful journey, to find new and talented authors to compliment my collection of books.
While I know I will be reading some of the full length books that were featured in this sample, some of the others weren't for me, but I truly appreciate the hard work of all the authors.
While I know I will be reading some of the full length books that were featured in this sample, some of the others weren't for me, but I truly appreciate the hard work of all the authors.
August 31, 2021
Great intro to some fabulous stories
Ashley Jade - The Words
Lennon and Phoenix. Easy one click. Well written sneak peek. Now I’m dying to read more 🖤
LA Cotton - Blurred Lines. Love everything about this series.
Ashley Jade - The Words
Lennon and Phoenix. Easy one click. Well written sneak peek. Now I’m dying to read more 🖤
LA Cotton - Blurred Lines. Love everything about this series.
September 4, 2021
The Words by Ashley Jade
4*
Phoenix is the hot guy everyone wants to be with.
Lennon is the nerdy girl everyone wants to pick on.
Two complete opposites that are thrown together to help the other.
Wow I can't wait to read more from them asap.
Great introduction to a new story.
4*
Phoenix is the hot guy everyone wants to be with.
Lennon is the nerdy girl everyone wants to pick on.
Two complete opposites that are thrown together to help the other.
Wow I can't wait to read more from them asap.
Great introduction to a new story.
October 16, 2021
Not "Bitter" at All
Thoroughly enjoyed almost every preview in this collection! Plan on getingt several of the ones i liked the most as soon as budget allows. More like these please. Thanks.
Thoroughly enjoyed almost every preview in this collection! Plan on getingt several of the ones i liked the most as soon as budget allows. More like these please. Thanks.
November 25, 2021
Love finding new authors
I totally enjoyed these snippets off books some authors I knew and some were new to me. Almost all went on my tbr and definitely one clicked a few. Go read it this
I totally enjoyed these snippets off books some authors I knew and some were new to me. Almost all went on my tbr and definitely one clicked a few. Go read it this
January 24, 2023
What a tease!!!
Even though they were teasers, I can't wait to get my hands on these books. So far I look forward to The Savage by Daniela Romero, and Blurry by L.A..Cotton, but I can't wait to read the rest of these authors fabulous works.
Even though they were teasers, I can't wait to get my hands on these books. So far I look forward to The Savage by Daniela Romero, and Blurry by L.A..Cotton, but I can't wait to read the rest of these authors fabulous works.
September 5, 2021
DNF
once I realised that this was not in fact short stories but excerpts or “teasers” for upcoming books to be released in 2022 I didn’t see the point In bothering.
once I realised that this was not in fact short stories but excerpts or “teasers” for upcoming books to be released in 2022 I didn’t see the point In bothering.
September 11, 2021
Five stars
I bought this book purely for l.a. cotton's book and it really didn't disappoint. Can't wait to read the rest.
I bought this book purely for l.a. cotton's book and it really didn't disappoint. Can't wait to read the rest.
October 5, 2021
Awesome
I found some very good reads in this book. Such a helpful read. I now have great books to indulge in.
I found some very good reads in this book. Such a helpful read. I now have great books to indulge in.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews