Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler

Hardcover, 378 pages
Release Date: January 3, 2012
Published by : Simon Pulse
Series? Standalone
Source: Library
For fans of: Chicklit, Contemporary, Romance, LOL, Realistic Fiction, & YA

Once upon a time, Hudson knew exactly what her future looked like. Then a betrayal changed her life, and knocked her dreams to the ground. Now she’s a girl who doesn’t believe in second chances… a girl who stays under the radar by baking cupcakes at her mom’s diner and obsessing over what might have been.

So when things start looking up and she has another shot at her dreams, Hudson is equal parts hopeful and terrified. Of course, this is also the moment a cute, sweet guy walks into her life… and starts serving up some seriously mixed signals. She’s got a lot on her plate, and for a girl who’s been burned before, risking it all is easier said than done.

It’s time for Hudson to ask herself what she really wants, and how much she’s willing to sacrifice to get it. Because in a place where opportunities are fleeting, she knows this chance may very well be her last…


*MY THOUGHTS*
     By the look of this cover, I was expecting something very girly and sweet. And that’s exactly what I got. A girl who’s fighting with different wars in her family, friends, as well as in herself. As a child Hudson was the prima dona ice skater. Her dad was her biggest supporter. But one day she finds a piece of clothing in her room that changes her entire world. She gives up skating and acts as though she never did it to begin with. Then one day out of the blue, something comes and turns her world upside down all over again. Along the way there’s this gorgeous guy who is making life a lot harder than it needs to be. 
     First off, I want to say that I love this cover. The colors go great and I love the heart with the puzzle pieces. I just wish it had a cupcake on it instead of a cookie. Only because a HUGE chunk of the story is about cupcakes. Every chapter features one. (Note: Be sure to have something to nibble on when you read this, because it will indeed make you hungryyyy.)
     I also really liked this refreshing bit of realistic fiction. Everything was done like a movie. From the ice skating, to the hockey, to the females and their fights between friends. It was extremely believable and even taught me a thing or two about two sports I knew nothing about before hand. 
     The best thing about this book was the characters. Bug was sooo cute and so funny. I pictured him with some huge glasses that magnified his eyes like a real bug. And I loved that he was so smart. Its not normal that characters are that age and at that level. Then there was Josh. He was definitely swoon worthy. With me being such a music fanatic, I would have fallen for him with that first jump drive. As for Dani, I really didn’t know what to think about her. Although she was nice, she was also a little needy too. It was like she couldn’t do anything without Hudson. It just seemed a little awkward for me. Lastly, Hudson was an amazing MC. I was immersed in her snark and sarcasm. Her wit made the book. 
     The one thing I did not like about the book was everyone’s selfishness. It just seemed like everyone was more into what they wanted and didn’t care about Hudson. Like she had so much on her shoulders and she was just a teenager. I understand that she didn’t want something, but at the same time she needed to figure it out for herself. Not have everyone mad at her because she wanted to do it.
     This book was the perfect winter read. With all the snow and ice it more than made up for the lack of cold weather here in Texas. Although the weather in the book was cold, Bittersweet didn’t fail to warm me up with love and laughter. (Ok maybe that was a bit corny, but its 100% true lol)