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Bittersweet
Erotic chocolatier Brandon makes all sorts of tempting and tasty creations that celebrate love and sex. Too bad he's given up on finding love for himself after his last lover told him he wasn't worthy of a real relationship just before he dumped him. When David picks up an order of chocolates for his best friend's wedding, he wonders if the muscular, tattooed Brandon will taste sweet or bittersweet... After David finds out that Brandon is gay, he needs to step up and let the sexy chocolatier know he’s interested, but can he screw up the courage to do it?
58 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2009
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80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 17, 2009
Bittersweet is the first book I’ve read by Maura Anderson. I know I have another book by her in my TBR files that I need to wipe off the cobwebs and read, because I really liked this author and her style of writing.
At first glance this looks like an opposites attract storyline, and to some extent it is. But as the story progresses there is more of a “don’t judge a book by its cover” theme. I really enjoyed the story, and I liked the heroes Dave and Brand. Even the secondary characters were interesting, and they have a pretty major role in the story and in the hero’s lives too.
Brandon is an expert at making people happy. He’s well known for working and creating delicious chocolate creations, and has a sterling reputation among his customers. Brandon has put everything into his business, especially since his bad breakup with his ex-boyfriend.
Brand has a tendency to be attracted to men in suits, which is totally opposite of the image he projects. After all Brand looks like he belongs more on the back of a motorcycle than the Erotic Chocolatier that he is.
David’s best friend is about to be married. As Man of Honor he’s been put in charge of picking up the exotic chocolates that was ordered from Brandon’s shop. The moment that Dave lays eyes on Brand he’s immediately taken with the sexy tattooed hunk of a man. Thinking that his cooperate image isn’t what Brand is looking for, he misses his opportunity and leaves without at least getting Brandon’s number, leaving both men longing for each other’s company and wishing they had made some kind of move on one another.
Thanks to a meddling best friend they might have a chance to get to know each other after all.
I have a feeling or call it a hope that Bittersweet is just the beginning of Dave and Brand’s story. Although it ends on a positive note, it was over way too quick and it ended rather abruptly. Plus, Brand and Dave don’t even get to really fool around much except some hot groping in the bathroom. There really isn’t much conversation between them. It’s just hinted at as a general assumption as they sit together at the rehearsal dinner and the wedding reception.
I really liked these heroes and I wanted so much more from them! I’m hoping that Ms. Anderson is bringing more of them too us, or I will really be disappointed.
3.5 stars
At first glance this looks like an opposites attract storyline, and to some extent it is. But as the story progresses there is more of a “don’t judge a book by its cover” theme. I really enjoyed the story, and I liked the heroes Dave and Brand. Even the secondary characters were interesting, and they have a pretty major role in the story and in the hero’s lives too.
Brandon is an expert at making people happy. He’s well known for working and creating delicious chocolate creations, and has a sterling reputation among his customers. Brandon has put everything into his business, especially since his bad breakup with his ex-boyfriend.
Brand has a tendency to be attracted to men in suits, which is totally opposite of the image he projects. After all Brand looks like he belongs more on the back of a motorcycle than the Erotic Chocolatier that he is.
David’s best friend is about to be married. As Man of Honor he’s been put in charge of picking up the exotic chocolates that was ordered from Brandon’s shop. The moment that Dave lays eyes on Brand he’s immediately taken with the sexy tattooed hunk of a man. Thinking that his cooperate image isn’t what Brand is looking for, he misses his opportunity and leaves without at least getting Brandon’s number, leaving both men longing for each other’s company and wishing they had made some kind of move on one another.
Thanks to a meddling best friend they might have a chance to get to know each other after all.
I have a feeling or call it a hope that Bittersweet is just the beginning of Dave and Brand’s story. Although it ends on a positive note, it was over way too quick and it ended rather abruptly. Plus, Brand and Dave don’t even get to really fool around much except some hot groping in the bathroom. There really isn’t much conversation between them. It’s just hinted at as a general assumption as they sit together at the rehearsal dinner and the wedding reception.
I really liked these heroes and I wanted so much more from them! I’m hoping that Ms. Anderson is bringing more of them too us, or I will really be disappointed.
3.5 stars
February 11, 2012
As Reviewed from Top 2 Bottom Reviews:
http://top2bottomreviews.wordpress.co...
Tattooed, tall, dark and handsome, Brandon Williams looks more like a bad boy than a successful chocolatier. His candy shop has an excellent reputation for having delicious and creative chocolate confections, and he takes immense pride in what he does. Unfortunately, when it comes to his love life, his biker-bad-boy appearance has caused other men to treat him more like a piece of meat than the gentle, caring person he really is. Even his ex-boyfriend didn’t take him seriously; instead he chose to show Brandon off to his friends as some troublemaker biker on his arm instead of appreciating him for who he really is on the inside. Because of this, Brandon is often mistrustful of other men, particularly the smart, good looking, and well-dressed ones. But when sexy, smart and immaculately suited up, David Sterling arrived to pick up a particularly naughty order for a bachelorette party; Brandon is immediately attracted to him. He’s surprised and more than a little suspicious of David’s flirtatious behavior, instead choosing to believe that David is just as superficial as the other men he’s met. As time goes by and because of well-intentioned friends, Brandon soon realizes he was wrong, but will he be able to work through his insecurities and take a chance on finding something special with David after all?
Bittersweet by Maura Anderson is a fun, sexy, fast-paced story that I really enjoyed. Both Brandon and David are very likeable, beautifully flawed and interesting heroes that breathe off of the written page. Although I really came to care for both men, I admit the Brandon captured my heart the most. He’s gentle and almost wears his emotions on his sleeve, causing him to sometimes act first before he thinks things through. I really loved watching both men take that step to trust each other and what I hope is the beginning of a very loving relationship between them.
I do wish the book was longer. Just when things get interesting between Brandon and David the story comes to an end and left me wanting more. Bittersweet, definitely screams to have a sequel, and I hope that Ms. Anderson will continue writing more about these fascinating characters. I would also like to point out, because this is the beginning of a relationship, there is not a lot of sexual activity between the two characters. They do some very heavy making out in a bathroom and that’s about it. But the sexual chemistry between them does sizzle as the story progresses, and because of the buildup of Brandon in particular learning to trust again, it was still very appropriate and well-paced, but I’m still going to keep my fingers crossed for a sequel.
Reviewed By: Gabbi
http://top2bottomreviews.wordpress.co...
Tattooed, tall, dark and handsome, Brandon Williams looks more like a bad boy than a successful chocolatier. His candy shop has an excellent reputation for having delicious and creative chocolate confections, and he takes immense pride in what he does. Unfortunately, when it comes to his love life, his biker-bad-boy appearance has caused other men to treat him more like a piece of meat than the gentle, caring person he really is. Even his ex-boyfriend didn’t take him seriously; instead he chose to show Brandon off to his friends as some troublemaker biker on his arm instead of appreciating him for who he really is on the inside. Because of this, Brandon is often mistrustful of other men, particularly the smart, good looking, and well-dressed ones. But when sexy, smart and immaculately suited up, David Sterling arrived to pick up a particularly naughty order for a bachelorette party; Brandon is immediately attracted to him. He’s surprised and more than a little suspicious of David’s flirtatious behavior, instead choosing to believe that David is just as superficial as the other men he’s met. As time goes by and because of well-intentioned friends, Brandon soon realizes he was wrong, but will he be able to work through his insecurities and take a chance on finding something special with David after all?
Bittersweet by Maura Anderson is a fun, sexy, fast-paced story that I really enjoyed. Both Brandon and David are very likeable, beautifully flawed and interesting heroes that breathe off of the written page. Although I really came to care for both men, I admit the Brandon captured my heart the most. He’s gentle and almost wears his emotions on his sleeve, causing him to sometimes act first before he thinks things through. I really loved watching both men take that step to trust each other and what I hope is the beginning of a very loving relationship between them.
I do wish the book was longer. Just when things get interesting between Brandon and David the story comes to an end and left me wanting more. Bittersweet, definitely screams to have a sequel, and I hope that Ms. Anderson will continue writing more about these fascinating characters. I would also like to point out, because this is the beginning of a relationship, there is not a lot of sexual activity between the two characters. They do some very heavy making out in a bathroom and that’s about it. But the sexual chemistry between them does sizzle as the story progresses, and because of the buildup of Brandon in particular learning to trust again, it was still very appropriate and well-paced, but I’m still going to keep my fingers crossed for a sequel.
Reviewed By: Gabbi
October 30, 2009
David Sterling meets Brandon Williams when he goes to Brandon's shop to pick up an order of X-rated chocolate treats for his best friend's wedding shower. When he sees the sexy tattooed man he is instantly attracted but he's in a hurry and without knowing if the other man is gay David doesn't act on his attraction. For his part Brandon is definitely attracted but wary as his penchant for men in suits has let him down badly in the past.
This lovely novella, 58 pages long, is a nicely written story. David and Brandon are interesting and appealing characters and as the focus of the story changes from one to the other I came to like them both very much. I also enjoyed the secondary characters, especially Chris, who is the bride and David's best friend, as well as Shirlee, Brandon's assistant. From that first rushed meeting to dancing together at the wedding reception this story is about getting past preconceptions and onto the possibility for a shared future. There is one sexy scene in a bathroom but other than that the focus of the book is on the characters themselves and not on sex. Also, there is no HEA but rather the potential for one.
Overall this was a sweet and satisfying story that I really enjoyed reading. I would have loved for this to have been a longer story but nevertheless I was quite satisfied. Hopefully at some point Maura Anderson will write a bit more about Brandon and David and their future together.
This lovely novella, 58 pages long, is a nicely written story. David and Brandon are interesting and appealing characters and as the focus of the story changes from one to the other I came to like them both very much. I also enjoyed the secondary characters, especially Chris, who is the bride and David's best friend, as well as Shirlee, Brandon's assistant. From that first rushed meeting to dancing together at the wedding reception this story is about getting past preconceptions and onto the possibility for a shared future. There is one sexy scene in a bathroom but other than that the focus of the book is on the characters themselves and not on sex. Also, there is no HEA but rather the potential for one.
Overall this was a sweet and satisfying story that I really enjoyed reading. I would have loved for this to have been a longer story but nevertheless I was quite satisfied. Hopefully at some point Maura Anderson will write a bit more about Brandon and David and their future together.
February 11, 2012
Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/
What a sexy and fun short read this was. Brandon is a chocolatier living a lonely life since his stuffed suit of a partner dumped him because of his biker look. He spends all of his time at his shop dreading the return to his house. Only Brand's two cats are there to meet him at the door. Handsome David is running errands for his best friend's wedding and has to pick up chocolates from Brand's shop. David is immediately attracted to the tatooed chocolatier but Brand is afraid that David is just another suit. A hot kiss and some maneuvering by the bride to be has the two men thinking that they really do have a lot in common. Ms Anderson pulled two wonderful main characters out of her box of candy. Dave and Brand make a good couple and both Chris and Shirlee are a riot. The story has a feel good flow to it and is a perfect read for any Valentine.
What a sexy and fun short read this was. Brandon is a chocolatier living a lonely life since his stuffed suit of a partner dumped him because of his biker look. He spends all of his time at his shop dreading the return to his house. Only Brand's two cats are there to meet him at the door. Handsome David is running errands for his best friend's wedding and has to pick up chocolates from Brand's shop. David is immediately attracted to the tatooed chocolatier but Brand is afraid that David is just another suit. A hot kiss and some maneuvering by the bride to be has the two men thinking that they really do have a lot in common. Ms Anderson pulled two wonderful main characters out of her box of candy. Dave and Brand make a good couple and both Chris and Shirlee are a riot. The story has a feel good flow to it and is a perfect read for any Valentine.
September 3, 2011
Dave goes to pick up some chocolate treats for his best friend's (girl) wedding and meets Brand, the owner of the shop who is just his type. Biker bad-boy. They are both attracted but when Dave makes a move Brand shuts him down after having a bad experience with his ex who was a "suit". Dave's friend manipulates the situation so they can get together and eventually Brand admits he judged him unfairly and they get together at the wedding rehearsal dinner and the wedding the next day. My complaints about this book? Too freaking short. Please I need more than a tease and there was no use of chocolate on body parts. Humph. Would love to see more of these guys. I didn't even find out what the tattoos look like. More please. No, I don't want to use my imagination (although the cover is nice), I want details.
January 18, 2010
This was a sweet get-together story, no pun intended. Do not read if you are on a diet! The background theme is chocolate. At fifty-six pages it is a quick and satisfying read, even if we never get to 'see' Brand's tattoos apart from the cover picture. The story proceeds smoothly from start to finish with plenty of amusing lines to keep you smiling (if the chocolate wasn't enough to do that). It deserves an 'aaww' because it is sweet without being sickly or fluffy, a difficult line for any author to follow.
February 21, 2011
I feel I'm being very generous giving this 3 stars. Not because I didn't like it though; I did, or at least I was on my way to doing so. I was enjoying the story, found the characters interesting and was fairly intrigued by their doings and then... it ended. I've read a fair amount of short stories but normally I get more out of them, I don't read for 50 pages expecting something to happen or for the characters to get together and then it's all over by page 58. A HFN is fine as long as we get to see even a little bit of what the future holds for the MC, but that wasn't the case.
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December 31, 2015NUUUUUUUUUUU........ Honestly, that's not even something I always look for, but for some reason it was rrrlllyyy important to me for this story. Argggh.
All in all, this was nice... not superb, but it could be really good with a little more work. This is a book that, for me, isn't amazing itself but encourages me to check out the author's other work.
All in all, this was nice... not superb, but it could be really good with a little more work. This is a book that, for me, isn't amazing itself but encourages me to check out the author's other work.
July 2, 2011
Very good m/m romance about a chocolatier making chocolates for a bridal shower who becomes fascinated by the man of honor when he picks up the chocolates. This is also part of the Hot Comfort collection.
February 14, 2012
Sweet story of opposites attract, but at a second glance maybe they aren't so different after all.
Brand and Dave are cute and I would have loved more from them, and I missed a bit of chocolate play in the book! ;)
Brand and Dave are cute and I would have loved more from them, and I missed a bit of chocolate play in the book! ;)
September 17, 2009
Short but sweet with some very realistic protags that I really enjoyed meeting...
Daisiemae and Brenda sums it very well...
E.H>
Daisiemae and Brenda sums it very well...
E.H>
January 31, 2012
Still enjoyable after another time read. Really enjoy Brand and Dave. I also loved the two female characters Chris and Shirlee.
June 29, 2011
The first encounter between David & Brandon was very cute, the characters were likable and had back stories, sadly is too short.
April 20, 2012
An enjoyable read that made me crave hunky, sexy men...and chocolate.
April 9, 2013
Cute but forgettable. I crave chocolate truffles now.
December 16, 2013
3.5 stars
October 22, 2019
Short but quite satisfying.
May 12, 2014
Cute and quirky but also kind of short and rushed. A little more background and character development would've been appreciated. Nice ending tho.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2010
Not sex just hand and blowjob
January 5, 2012
I really enjoyed this one, but it did end abruptly. Would love a sequel.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews