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Bittersweet
An intimate tale of love, sex and loss.
What happens when the line between love and despair is blurred? Sabrina must find out if she has room in her heart for both. Her devoted, disabled husband has planned a Valentine’s Day to remember. Her biggest surprise – that unrestrained passion can heal her deepest wound. If Sabrina can let ecstasy wash away her pain, she will have been given the most valuable Valentine’s gift of all: a love that endures through eternity.
What happens when the line between love and despair is blurred? Sabrina must find out if she has room in her heart for both. Her devoted, disabled husband has planned a Valentine’s Day to remember. Her biggest surprise – that unrestrained passion can heal her deepest wound. If Sabrina can let ecstasy wash away her pain, she will have been given the most valuable Valentine’s gift of all: a love that endures through eternity.
44 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2010
About the author
Alyssa Turner
31 books579 followersAlyssa Turner is every woman and like no other. The one who stares into space while standing in sensible shoes at the supermarket, and you wonder what she might be thinking. Few things make her smile like the rush of creativity—she’s addicted. When she isn’t writing, she’s cooking dinner or washing clothes…or dreaming up her next delicious scene. She enjoys writing in several sub-genres, including ménage and sci-fi and has several full-length epublications currently available. Her debut publication was a short in Best Women's Erotica 2011, edited by Violet Blue. More shorts appear in print anthologies from Xcite Books and Cleis Press, with the illustrious editors, Miranda Forbes and Rachel Kramer Bussel.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 14, 2010
I’ve been surprised by a few erotic romance writers in the last few months and Alyssa Turner is one of them. I have to admit though that I’m a reader who loves the details in a story. Prolonged scenes full of sensualism, heated dialogues or really delving in to the mind of a character is what brings me to my reader’s happy place. Still, even though Alyssa Turner only gave me a 53 page long story she gave me all of that in the core and with an intensity I love. In mere pages I understood there was a combustible spark between Keith and Sabrina, igniting some fierce emotions. Over a period of time it resulted in a deep love, even if the trope was one of a newly appointed professor at the NYU and his student, which felt a bit corny at first.
I was quickly fast forward to the time where they were married for years but catastrophe had struck in the form of a car accident which left Keith paralyzed from the waist down. Because the story is told from Sabrina’s point of view I initially got to understand how it affected her and how she now perceived their once strong relationship. It is then that Keith comes with an outrageous proposal. Since a while he has a new assistant, Evan, and Keith wants him to give to Sabrina what he can’t anymore.
Well, up till then I was engaged in the story. Curious how this situation would play itself out. It is only pages later that Keith explains his reasoning behind his proposal that Evan should take his place. From there on out there were such conflicting emotions in me. At one hand I understood that Keith and Sabrina had a different outlook on life but what about their love? At one hand I got titillating new emotions blooming with Sabrina but also her devastating pain and a love that is tried and tested. The rawness of the emotions washed over my via the writing voice of Alyssa Turner. I had some initial reluctance to accept the new budding feelings from Sabrina and yet, the proposal, the choices made, it was all born from the love Sabrina and Keith feel.
Keith who is this strong driven personality is stuck in heart breaking circumstances. I got his desperation, his endless love for his wife and his happiness at finding a part lost between him and Sabrina. In between there is Evan, never diminishing the love between this strong pair but supportive, promising a new beginning and to feel a spectrum of emotions again for the first time. The somewhat unorthodox relationship exposed individual wants and needs which captivated me in both its intricacy and its simplicity. Like Keith said to Sabrina:
“That’s what you think you should be doing. Sometimes you have to let your instincts take the lead. There is nothing wrong with your sensibilities or what they are telling you.”
“Stop trying to make this sound so easy.” He sighed, twisting a lock of my hair around his finger. “But it is, Sabrina. It’s as simple as we make it.”
I’m not saying BITTERSWEET is a perfect story. The quickness of storytelling diminishes some of the flow. Some scenes could’ve used more elaboration to create a deeper connection to the characters. Even though I would’ve enjoyed to have the author explore Sabrina’s double edged feelings even more in this novella I believe the saying “sometimes less is more” fits this story to a tee. What captivated me from the get-go are the conflicting emotions due to a terrible situation. It evoked such strong emotions with me! Alyssa Turner places her characters in the most devastating situations and still manages to let love shine in all its facets. The title is very apt for the story because even though I was torn in two it is the dose of realism that lends a beauty to the story and it struck a chord with me.
I was crying and smiling by the end for the three characters I loved to meet for this short time. Alyssa Turner evokes powerful emotions with her novella; BITTERSWEET. I hope to hear more from her!
I was quickly fast forward to the time where they were married for years but catastrophe had struck in the form of a car accident which left Keith paralyzed from the waist down. Because the story is told from Sabrina’s point of view I initially got to understand how it affected her and how she now perceived their once strong relationship. It is then that Keith comes with an outrageous proposal. Since a while he has a new assistant, Evan, and Keith wants him to give to Sabrina what he can’t anymore.
Well, up till then I was engaged in the story. Curious how this situation would play itself out. It is only pages later that Keith explains his reasoning behind his proposal that Evan should take his place. From there on out there were such conflicting emotions in me. At one hand I understood that Keith and Sabrina had a different outlook on life but what about their love? At one hand I got titillating new emotions blooming with Sabrina but also her devastating pain and a love that is tried and tested. The rawness of the emotions washed over my via the writing voice of Alyssa Turner. I had some initial reluctance to accept the new budding feelings from Sabrina and yet, the proposal, the choices made, it was all born from the love Sabrina and Keith feel.
Keith who is this strong driven personality is stuck in heart breaking circumstances. I got his desperation, his endless love for his wife and his happiness at finding a part lost between him and Sabrina. In between there is Evan, never diminishing the love between this strong pair but supportive, promising a new beginning and to feel a spectrum of emotions again for the first time. The somewhat unorthodox relationship exposed individual wants and needs which captivated me in both its intricacy and its simplicity. Like Keith said to Sabrina:
“That’s what you think you should be doing. Sometimes you have to let your instincts take the lead. There is nothing wrong with your sensibilities or what they are telling you.”
“Stop trying to make this sound so easy.” He sighed, twisting a lock of my hair around his finger. “But it is, Sabrina. It’s as simple as we make it.”
I’m not saying BITTERSWEET is a perfect story. The quickness of storytelling diminishes some of the flow. Some scenes could’ve used more elaboration to create a deeper connection to the characters. Even though I would’ve enjoyed to have the author explore Sabrina’s double edged feelings even more in this novella I believe the saying “sometimes less is more” fits this story to a tee. What captivated me from the get-go are the conflicting emotions due to a terrible situation. It evoked such strong emotions with me! Alyssa Turner places her characters in the most devastating situations and still manages to let love shine in all its facets. The title is very apt for the story because even though I was torn in two it is the dose of realism that lends a beauty to the story and it struck a chord with me.
I was crying and smiling by the end for the three characters I loved to meet for this short time. Alyssa Turner evokes powerful emotions with her novella; BITTERSWEET. I hope to hear more from her!
May 27, 2012
5.0 out of 5 stars A Powerful Tale of Love - A Must-Read!, May 26, 2012
By
Kali Maddox
This review is from: Bittersweet - An intimate tale of love, sex and loss (Kindle Edition)
The only adequate word I can find to sum this book up with is - Amazing! When I sat down to read it, I was thinking something more along the lines of a break-up or separation leading their way to finding love again, so I was completely unprepared for what this short brought to me.
Alyssa Turner delivers a powerful, intimate, and, at times, heart-wrenching look into this couples' lives. She allows you to experience the strength of their bond and love, their hopes and shattered dreams, their joy, their heartbreak, and their rejuvenation in such a short time that you find yourself helplessly glued to the pages, desperate to find out what happens next.
The connection, love, and sacrifices that the main couple, Sabrina and Keith, have for eachother is a precious thing to find, and we are invited to take part in it - if only for a short time.
The erotic scenes provided for us are hot, sweet, kinky, and tender all in their turn. It adds another delicious level of enjoyment while reading this.
And I just have to say - Keith - You Rock! (You'll understand when you read it!)
Very rarely do i find myself this emotionally involved in a story, particularly a short, but her masterful writing and intense characters and storyline beg of you to follow them through to the end, then still leave you wanting more - And I *do* hope there will be more to this.
Alyssa Turner was a new author to me when picking this up, and I proudly say that I *will* be coming back for more!
Bravo!!
By
Kali Maddox
This review is from: Bittersweet - An intimate tale of love, sex and loss (Kindle Edition)
The only adequate word I can find to sum this book up with is - Amazing! When I sat down to read it, I was thinking something more along the lines of a break-up or separation leading their way to finding love again, so I was completely unprepared for what this short brought to me.
Alyssa Turner delivers a powerful, intimate, and, at times, heart-wrenching look into this couples' lives. She allows you to experience the strength of their bond and love, their hopes and shattered dreams, their joy, their heartbreak, and their rejuvenation in such a short time that you find yourself helplessly glued to the pages, desperate to find out what happens next.
The connection, love, and sacrifices that the main couple, Sabrina and Keith, have for eachother is a precious thing to find, and we are invited to take part in it - if only for a short time.
The erotic scenes provided for us are hot, sweet, kinky, and tender all in their turn. It adds another delicious level of enjoyment while reading this.
And I just have to say - Keith - You Rock! (You'll understand when you read it!)
Very rarely do i find myself this emotionally involved in a story, particularly a short, but her masterful writing and intense characters and storyline beg of you to follow them through to the end, then still leave you wanting more - And I *do* hope there will be more to this.
Alyssa Turner was a new author to me when picking this up, and I proudly say that I *will* be coming back for more!
Bravo!!
Read
January 31, 2011This book did not work for me at all. Paralyzed husband sends his wife out with his friend for a day of fun. But before all this, the wife likes to undress in front of a mirror so the friend can get a glimpse. And then they kiss and she lusts after the friend during their special day out. That crosses a line for me. Later she learns her husband only has a few months to live, and he tells her he wants her to end up with his friend. In the next breath, the friend and her are having sex.
Soooo not for me.
Soooo not for me.
March 24, 2012
5 STARS
This is a great sensual, yet emotionally filled story. For being such a short quick read, there was no lack of detail or passion. This story takes you on a journey of love and loss and finding happiness again. Entire review posted here: http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...
This is a great sensual, yet emotionally filled story. For being such a short quick read, there was no lack of detail or passion. This story takes you on a journey of love and loss and finding happiness again. Entire review posted here: http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...
January 10, 2013
Oh. My. God.
I think this may be one of the most aptly named stories I've ever read. This was the most intensely happy sad story I've ever read. I feel like bawling as I write this.
Keith and Sabrina met when Sabrina was Keith's college student. They debated the finer points of Keith's specialty, and those debates built a fierce respect growing into lust for each other. While it was surely frowned upon, they began a relationship which led to an insanely happy marriage. Until Keith's life -- and therefore Sabrina's -- was completely upended by a near-fatal accident that resulted in partial paralysis. All of their plans for their future together were derailed.
Since the accident, Keith was dying a little each day, despite Sabrina's attempts to change that direction. Every day another part of his personality began to wane. It was killing Sabrina to watch it happen. His latest assistant, Evan, is close to Sabrina's age. They haven't talked much beyond regular pleasantries, but there's a definite attraction between the two... one that neither would ever act on.
But Keith has other ideas. He's colluded with Evan to take Sabrina out for Valentine's Day since Keith doesn't feel like he can give her the day she deserves. Plus, he knows they have this attraction, the recognition of which sort of stuns them both. But they go out and have a nice day. A brief, accidental kiss happens, but nothing more. Until they get home and Keith pushes for more.
I can't go into much more without spoiling it. The love between Keith and Sabrina was so strong and beautiful. What he set in motion and why... I can't imagine being in that situation and making those decisions. How hard it must have been, for all of them. Just exactly the name of the story: bittersweet, but in the most bitter sense of the word.
I think this may be one of the most aptly named stories I've ever read. This was the most intensely happy sad story I've ever read. I feel like bawling as I write this.
Keith and Sabrina met when Sabrina was Keith's college student. They debated the finer points of Keith's specialty, and those debates built a fierce respect growing into lust for each other. While it was surely frowned upon, they began a relationship which led to an insanely happy marriage. Until Keith's life -- and therefore Sabrina's -- was completely upended by a near-fatal accident that resulted in partial paralysis. All of their plans for their future together were derailed.
Since the accident, Keith was dying a little each day, despite Sabrina's attempts to change that direction. Every day another part of his personality began to wane. It was killing Sabrina to watch it happen. His latest assistant, Evan, is close to Sabrina's age. They haven't talked much beyond regular pleasantries, but there's a definite attraction between the two... one that neither would ever act on.
But Keith has other ideas. He's colluded with Evan to take Sabrina out for Valentine's Day since Keith doesn't feel like he can give her the day she deserves. Plus, he knows they have this attraction, the recognition of which sort of stuns them both. But they go out and have a nice day. A brief, accidental kiss happens, but nothing more. Until they get home and Keith pushes for more.
I can't go into much more without spoiling it. The love between Keith and Sabrina was so strong and beautiful. What he set in motion and why... I can't imagine being in that situation and making those decisions. How hard it must have been, for all of them. Just exactly the name of the story: bittersweet, but in the most bitter sense of the word.
November 8, 2010
To the Lady readers of romance, first you must read this new novella by Alyssa Turner. You will enjoy the story because it has everything necessary to please even the most critical member of the gentler sex. A very strong woman lead; not one, but two hot men; a truly unique and absolute love between a husband and wife and yet … well, just trust me. Read it! Second, you MUST temper you expectations of the man in your own life. Not many of us are up to these standards. But there is always hope. I felt compelled to give this one my highest rating for a first time title. Now I’m just waiting to see how Ms Turner plans to follow it! Not an easy task! Five hearts ♥♥♥♥♥
November 7, 2010
The term "unselfish love" takes on a whole new meaning with this story. I truly wasn't prepared for my strong emotional reaction. The concept of the story itself was a WOW, but then add an unexpected twist or two in the plot, and you've got an amazing combination. Any story that can draw out physical responses from me (such as knots in the stomach and tears) deserves a 5 star rating! I loved everything about this book - my only disappointment was that it wasn't longer. I will definitely be looking to read more by this very talented author!!!
January 11, 2013
I liked this book VERY much. The title says it all, it is a bittersweet story. I won't retell the blurb, but I have to say it worked. The emotional piece was huge. Where Keith and Sabrina were in their relationship made what happened with Evan believable. You could feel the weight of the emotion throughout and the sex scenes were just a bonus on top. I loved it, I'd recommend it, but know it's not a quickie, it's got too much meat on it for that. Looking forward to By Surprise.
April 16, 2013
The story is just as it's title, bittersweet... In the face of tragedy, Keith comes up with a plan for his wife. But will it be one that she will expect or accept?
Touching & enjoyable story that I read in one sitting...
Touching & enjoyable story that I read in one sitting...
Read
April 28, 2016I can't stand these kinds of stories because I always think about my own husband and I'm just really freaked out by what happened here. I can't even imagine any of it. So not going to rate it, but I don't recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews