Review of Bitter Sweet by Hattie Williams

I absolutely adore novels that explore flawed, deeply human characters and gosh does Bitter Sweet deliver. This is an unforgettable, messy, emotionally-charged coming-of-age story that spirals through obsession, vulnerability, and self-discovery. At its heart is 23-year-old Charlie, just beginning her career in publishing. Full of promise but carrying the weight of past trauma. Charlie’s world begins to slide from under her feet when she meets Richard Aveling, an older, charismatic client whose presence is as intoxicating as it is dangerous.

Their relationship is scandalous, all consuming, and emotionally lopsided—forms the novel’s beating, bruised heart. I often found myself on the edge of my seat, wincing as Charlie made decisions I wanted to scream at her for… but I got it. Her desire to feel seen, to be wanted, and the way Richard so expertly pulls her into his orbit. We’ve all been there, armoring the older man who we feel would make us wise beyond our years, and this is no different to Richard, he’s magnetic, yes, but also manipulative, and the power dynamic is anything but equal. He is, without a doubt, the gas to the light.

What makes Bitter Sweet so compelling is the rawness with which Charlie is written. She’s imperfect, impulsive, and heartbreakingly human. I wanted to wrap her up in a hug and tell her she’d be okay—even when she wasn’t making the right choices. Her journey is jagged, filled with peaks and troughs, but that’s what made it so authentic.

This isn’t a light read, but it’s an incredibly affecting one. If you’re drawn to character-driven stories that examine toxic love, power, and emotional growth with unflinching honesty, Bitter Sweet will stay with you long after the final page.

Reviewed by Danielle

Published on 03/07/25 by Orion

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