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Sarina Bowen
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Bittersweet (True North: Small Town Romance Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Sarina Bowen (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 8,220 ratings

Fall in love with Vermont in this USA Today bestselling series.


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

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

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

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

Warning: This stand-alone novel contains growly alpha farmers, gourmet yumminess, a steamy outdoor shower and proof that farmers don't mind getting dirty.

"Fantastic." USA Today

"Smart, funny and super sexy, Bittersweet is full of the kind of writing that makes Sarina Bowen one of my favorite author crushes." Author Sarah Mayberry.
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  1. Book 1 of 8
    True North: Small Town Romance
  2. Print length
    350 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    June 14, 2016
  6. File size
    1.8 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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  1. “At the risk of freaking you out, because you don’t like it when I say these things…” He stole a glance at me and then returned his eyes to the road. “I love you, princess. You’re the sweet that balances out my natural tannins.”
    Highlighted by 237 Kindle readers
  2. Marry me, my brain offered up as I gawked at her bloodied hands and bright smile.
    Highlighted by 231 Kindle readers
  3. “But if you get discouraged…if you need a day off from trying, I’ll be here where you can find me.”
    Highlighted by 180 Kindle readers
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4.4 out of 5 stars 8,220
4.4 out of 5 stars 8,220
4.4 out of 5 stars 8,220
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come here, princess
Fantastic - USA Today
In a world of abundant romance novels
Welcome to Vermont!

Editorial Reviews

Review

✦ Best Romance of June Goodreads Romance Newsletter
✦ I can't believe this was my FIRST Sarina Bowen book! How did I get by without this author in my life?! I'VE BEEN MISSING OUT. Bittersweet felt as if it was written just for me. I was IN IT from the opening page, spellbound by the sweet, charming, and sexy feels inside this romance. Angie's Dreamy Reads
✦ Fantastic. USA Today
✦ Smart, funny and super sexy, Bittersweet is full of the kind of writing that makes Sarina Bowen one of my favorite author crushes. Author Sarah Mayberry.
✦ The streak continues with Bittersweet! Bowen delivers exceptional writing, story flow and undeniable chemistry. Jenn Gaffney of Garden of REden
✦ Bittersweet is a must read! Anneliese of On The Run Book Reviews
✦ 5 Stars. Sarina Bowen is becoming a new favorite of mine. I didn't want the book to end. Jacqueline's Reads
✦ I read this in one sitting...and it moved across the page and my mind's eye like a dream. Wendy of The Star Angels Reviews
✦ 5 Stars!EXTREME SEXY MAN AHEAD Renita of The Book Nerd Life
✦ So fantastically awesome. I can't even begin to tell you how in love I am with Griffin and his family and how wonderful Audrey is. It was such a sweet, fun story that was incredibly well written. I was smiling the entire time! A must read for sure!!! About that Story

From the Author

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  • News of new releases
  • Sneak peeks and teasers
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Copy and paste this link into your browser's address bar to sign up: sarinabowen.com/signup Dear Readers,The True North series comes to you in four stand-alone books. Jump in anywhere. They're hot, sweet and hilarious. Grumpy farmers. Opinionated women. Terrific food. Think: lumbersexuals and excellent beer. Beards are optional but encouraged. The True North CollectionEach book can stand alone. But if you want to read in the precise order, it is:Bittersweet (#1)Steadfast (#2)Keepsake (#3)Bountiful (#4)Speakeasy (#5)Fireworks (#6)And more soon!

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01G6493MO
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tuxbury Publishing LLC
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 14, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.8 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 350 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1942444152
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 8 ‏ : ‎ True North: Small Town Romance
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 8,220 ratings

About the author

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Sarina Bowen

Sarina Bowen

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Never miss a new book or sale! Subscribe to Sarina's newsletter at: http://geni.us/SBsignup

Sarina Bowen's contemporary and LGBT romance novels have hit the USA Today bestsellers list twenty times. Formerly a Wall Street derivatives trader, Sarina holds a BA in economics from Yale University. She lives in New Hampshire with her family, nine chickens, and far too much hockey gear.

She would be honored to connect with you at http://www.sarinabowen.com

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
8,220 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this romance book highly readable and entertaining, with a wonderful love story that features great chemistry between the main characters. They appreciate the humor, particularly the snarky banter, and enjoy the delicious food and cider scenes. Customers praise the writing quality, with one noting how it feels homey, and they value the family bond, with one review highlighting the nice amount of interaction with other family members. The ending receives mixed reactions, with some enjoying the second chance story while others find it uninteresting.

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367 customers mention "Readability"362 positive5 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as delightful and wholly entertaining.

"...freaking book....yeah, THIS BOOK was absolutely fantastic, amazing, EPIC, it was funny, and SEXY as all get out, it was PERFECT in every single way..." Read more

"...is my first book by Sarina Bowen, the story was good, a lot of great moments and great characters to enjoy....." Read more

"...It was amazing, sweet, hot, lovely...." Read more

"...Their blend of writing was compelling and captivating so I was excited to see if Sarina Bowen's solo-writing would be just as enthralling...." Read more

237 customers mention "Romance"237 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in this book, describing it as a sweet and wonderful love story with plenty of passion.

"...Griff, OH LORD, this man was just the epitome of SEX, SWEETNESS, just every single thing that I love and adore about my leading male characters!!!..." Read more

"...n't help but fall in love with Griffins family, they'll are cheerful, welcome and helpful.. she felt like she was home, preparing food for the..." Read more

"...She begins to see her self-worth and value. I simply delighted in their relationship and how they make each other better...." Read more

"...Their sexual encounters start early on, some might have a problem with that since it seems a bit insta...." Read more

193 customers mention "Character development"190 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting the chemistry between the main characters and how the secondary characters enrich the story.

"...Great storyline, GREAT characters including the whole secondary cast, GREAT writing as the storyline flowed perfectly and seamlessly from start..." Read more

"...Sarina Bowen, the story was good, a lot of great moments and great characters to enjoy....." Read more

"...As much as I love the main characters, the secondary characters in the story are just as fantastic!..." Read more

"...The secondary characters are brilliant. Griff's mother is the role model of a mom you want your boyfriend to have...." Read more

118 customers mention "Humor"118 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, particularly its snarky banter and funny moments.

"...yeah, THIS BOOK was absolutely fantastic, amazing, EPIC, it was funny, and SEXY as all get out, it was PERFECT in every single way possible!..." Read more

"...Audrey can't help but fall in love with Griffins family, they'll are cheerful, welcome and helpful.. she felt like she was home, preparing food for..." Read more

"...I couldn't be happier. This author's humorous writing style draws you in and doesn't let you go, it's irresistable and exactly what I need to escape..." Read more

"...This book was engrossing, unputdownable, and just a lot of fun...." Read more

109 customers mention "Taste"109 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the taste of the book, particularly noting the delicious food and cider scenes, with one customer highlighting the perfect balance of sweet and savory elements.

"...Griff, OH LORD, this man was just the epitome of SEX, SWEETNESS, just every single thing that I love and adore about my leading male characters!!!..." Read more

"...It was amazing, sweet, hot, lovely...." Read more

"...This book will put you in the mood for all kinds of things. Food, hard cider, a man like Griff...." Read more

"...She was the epitome of a perfect balance of sweet and sassy…OH THE SASSY!!..." Read more

94 customers mention "Writing quality"94 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting that it draws readers in and features beautifully described lovemaking scenes.

"...storyline, GREAT characters including the whole secondary cast, GREAT writing as the storyline flowed perfectly and seamlessly from start until..." Read more

"...Their blend of writing was compelling and captivating so I was excited to see if Sarina Bowen's solo-writing would be just as enthralling...." Read more

"I love Sarina Bowen's books. Her writing is beautiful and addicting...." Read more

"...She’s so good at writing realistic, complicated relationships with real human beings, not just walking stick figures. And sex...." Read more

67 customers mention "Family bond"67 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the strong family bond in the book, with multiple reviews highlighting the nice amount of interaction between family members and their devotion to each other.

"...The secondary characters of this books, Griffins family are amazing!..." Read more

"...He is a great romantic hero. He is loyal and cares about his family, giving up his possible future to take care of siblings and the farm shows how..." Read more

"...And even outside of the steamy chemistry, I loved the conversations they had, and how they tempered the other...." Read more

"...You knew they were struggling, but the family was united and you believed that whatever was thrown their way, they could get through it...." Read more

57 customers mention "Ending"33 positive24 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the ending of the book, with some appreciating the heartwarming story set in a small town and enjoying the second chance narrative, while others find it uninteresting and lacking drama.

"...She’s so good at writing realistic, complicated relationships with real human beings, not just walking stick figures. And sex...." Read more

"...Where the story fell short for me was the pacing...." Read more

"...It truly is a fun book with a great ending and a great introduction to all these other awesome characters that I can't wait to learn more about." Read more

"...The plot details aren't anything complicated or exciting but it doesn't have to be...." Read more

BITTERSWEET
1 out of 5 stars
BITTERSWEET
This is the 1st book I read by Sarina Bowen. I'm sorry I stopped reading this story at chapter 3 because it didn't grab my interest.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • JosP
    5.0 out of 5 stars 5 PLUS Fan-freaking-tastic Stars!!!!!! LOVED every second of it:)
    Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    5 PLUS Fan-freaking-tastic Stars!!!!!!

    OMG....first, I wanna shout out that I actually got to finish this masterpiece....FINALLY after starting last week. Yeah, last week, since then I have literally had NO down time to invest in this book. I say that because I don't want to read 5-10 min, put down and keep repeating. Oh no, especially because this book was so worthy of uninterrupted time to be able to devour at a slow and enjoyable pace, lol:)

    OK, on to review. OMG, this book....this freaking book....yeah, THIS BOOK was absolutely fantastic, amazing, EPIC, it was funny, and SEXY as all get out, it was PERFECT in every single way possible! I mean the sexual tension, the sexual chemistry was over the top.....panty melting, squirm in your seat, butterflies in your belly, sexy tingly chills up and down your spine...... SEXY!!!!!!!

    I cannot believe that I waited so long to read this...damn it, lolololol!!!! If I had only known but sometimes I tend to "fall" for all the "hyped-up" books and a lot of times I end up disappointed or just not that crazy about it as the majority BUT this book....oh boy, THIS BOOK was so darn true to the "hype" everywhere, lol, yes it was everything the "hype" had said and more!!!!! AND to top it off, it was my first read by this author!!!! Gosh, where the hell have I been all these years.....I am now an official fan and she has now been placed on my go-to author reads in the future.

    Griff, OH LORD, this man was just the epitome of SEX, SWEETNESS, just every single thing that I love and adore about my leading male characters!!! I am telling you that you have to read it to believe it and appreciate him because there are NO words that do him the justice he so deserves!!!!!! When I say I want a Griff of my own, oh hell yes, I wish that dreams came true, lololololol!!!!!!

    Now, on to Audrey, oh gosh did I LOVE this girl. Her backstory was so damn heartbreaking to read and I had tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat on a few instances for this beautiful, spirited and sassy girl! I adored her as much as Griff and these two were utter and complete PERFECTION together. I mean they were IT for each other, there was NO doubt EVER about it!!!!

    Great storyline, GREAT characters including the whole secondary cast, GREAT writing as the storyline flowed perfectly and seamlessly from start until finish! When I say I LOVED this book, that is an understatement, again, no words can do my feelings justice:)

    Congrats Author Sarina Bowen, I am so hooked on your writing that I will be reading anything and everything from you going forward!!!!!! Brilliantly written, a sheer literary masterpiece and I am in awe of your work:)
    One person found this helpful
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  • Thelma
    4.0 out of 5 stars The beginning of a great story!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Bittersweet is my first book by Sarina Bowen, the story was good, a lot of great moments and great characters to enjoy..

    Audrey came from a wealthy family who didn't want to support her anymore. After she left college, her own mother disowned her, not believing in her dreams to be a Chef... Trying to make her way on the culinary industry, she is determine to get a permanent job as a chef.. but the company she is working, doesn't want to give her a chance, they constantly say she is not good, and she needs more experience.. making her feel like nobody really believes in her..

    Audrey drives to Vermont seeking for cheap local organic products that can help her with "a project".. after 5 years of not seeing each other Griffing meets Audrey in the weirdest circumstances.. her car stuck in a ditch in the middle of the road, a road that lead to his family farm..

    Griffin is in charge of his family farm, with a lot of siblings to feed, he doesn't have time for anything or anybody, his life is about the farm, the hard work, the animals and his cider.. he was a very talented hard working man.. with big dreams and a future that just got stuck in the middle of the road..

    Audrey and Griffin story started long time ago, when they were just in college, this time they have a second chance to finally be together or to finally say goodbye.. both have diffrent lives and experiences.. so many has happened.. their love started slowly but their attraction was very palpable, since the very beginning... even if they haven't seen each other in years, Audrey and Griffin still have some feelings going on.. and time is about to prove it..

    Audrey stays for a while in Vermont after not having any luck on changing her tire.. leaving her no choice than to spend a few days with Griffins family.. Watching how they work and the amazing relationship between them, Audrey can't help but fall in love with Griffins family, they'll are cheerful, welcome and helpful.. she felt like she was home, preparing food for the Shipleys was a delight..

    The secondary characters of this books, Griffins family are amazing! they have a huge part on the story, they'll really make you laugh .. you can feel the union, the closeness.. it really makes you want to have a family like that..

    It was a great journey, I really enjoy this book.. I cant wait to find out more about the rest of the characters...
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • SG
    5.0 out of 5 stars A sweet, fun, emotional read
    Reviewed in Canada on May 27, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    A well written story with some interesting, relatable characters and an intriguing storyline. This story will make you frustrated, laugh, cry, and sigh. You'll find a bit of drama, some angst and uncertainty, twists and turns, good friends, a passionate second chance, an undeniable attraction that sizzles, love, and a great HEA
    Report
  • Sonia Negi
    5.0 out of 5 stars 2017 What I loved most about her books are the characters I had ...
    Reviewed in India on November 18, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Bittersweet (True North Book 1) ★★★★★ from Amazon Customer on 18 November, 2017

    What I loved most about her books are the characters

    I had been wanting to read this book for a long time. The cover page of Bittersweet was fascinating enough to me to build a desire to read it. And I did read it last month. What a read! Sarina Bowen is a goddess of sensual writings. What I loved most about her books are the characters, which are regular people. They are beautiful and handsome(we expect them to be) but they are regular, struggling and normal people like you and me. They are not people with phenomenal powers with filthy richness. One can immediately connect with the characters as one can find their own reflection in the characters. Audrey feels her life is a failure. She, despite of having an only child of a wealthy mother, struggles though her career and her personal life. Griffin too is struggling through many things in life but the thing that keeps her up is his family. They both complete each other in one way or another.
    Report
  • Mamaoie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very good read
    Reviewed in Spain on January 31, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Brilliant book. A friend recommended it. Wasn't sure to begin with but glad I gave it a chance. Gets a bit steamy to
    Report
  • M. J. Yuan
    5.0 out of 5 stars As good as a holiday in Vermont
    Reviewed in Australia on March 24, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    You can almost taste the produce in this warm story about our couple and the farm family they belong to.
    Report
  • ana paula medeiros
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful start of the series
    Reviewed in Brazil on June 24, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Griff and Audrey's story is sweet, sexy and worderful.
    I read this book in 24 hours, so excited about the writting and their engaging story.
    They met in college and life separated them. After a couple of years they met again in different positions, she is a recently graduated chef and he as an apple farmer following the steps of his father and taking care of a whole family.
    Once you start you cannot stop reading and it is that good!
    I recommend!
    Report

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