From bestselling author Ella Fields comes an all new standalone. An emotional new adult romance that proves love is worth fighting your demons for.Toby Hawthorne was an enigma.One I didn’t factor into my college plans.I wasn’t looking for love.I wasn’t not looking for it either.And in that state of in-between, he found me.Unaware of the battle he fought everyday, I fell fast. By the time I found … fought everyday, I fell fast.
By the time I found out, it was too late.
Because I wanted everything.
Every broken, lost part of him.
I knew I couldn’t fix him.
I could only love him.
But I should’ve known better than to think that was enough.
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Pippa seems like she’s got it all together. She is a great friend, and a fierce protector. From the outside, Toby Hawthorne has it all together. He gets good grades, and he is a major asset to their college football team. Both have secrets, and their secrets are not something they want other people to know. Neither was looking for love, but it came out of nowhere and knocked them both out. When Pippa finds out what Toby is hiding, she is too far gone, she can’t stop it now. But when a blow up happens, Pippa has to ask herself, is Toby worth the pain?
This book touches on a very sensitive and sometimes hard to write topic, because mental illness affects people differently and the people around them differently. Ella handle it with such grace and skill, and the way she writes is honestly breathtaking. She has a way of talking about this tough topic but still has other parts that just lift you up! You could feel the emotion and the pain that Toby and Pippa (as well as the other characters) were dealing with throughout the entire story. You also couldn’t help but root for the two to figure it out. I also couldn’t help but root for Pippa’s dad as well! The way that these two love each other through it all, was something that was so beautiful to read. I appreciate the way that Ella makes you want to punch people and hug them all on the same page! Well done Ella, this book was amazing!
Ella Fields is a master of angst-filled storylines. Poor Toby and Pippa were so tortured it hurt to read their book a lot of the time. My heart ached for them as they tried to find their way through. I really appreciated the way Fields tackled the heavy subject of mental illness. She gave an honest and real account of what so many people deal with every day, but are too ashamed to talk about. I absolutely loved the characters in this book. I was glad to see characters that had been introduced in the previous book and to meet new characters. I can’t wait ronread the next book in this series. Hopefully it will answer questions raised in this one. I would definitely recommend this book to every one!
I loved this book! I have been struggling with anxiety for a couple of years to the point of not wanting to leave my home. It’s not fun, and I truly believe that many people hide it. I loved Pippa and Toby! I felt this story needs to be read by everyone. Pippa’s experiences with her father almost made her miss her life with Toby! I am so glad I read this story!
“Let me touch your lips with mine.”
We’re five months into the year and many great stories have been published. I fell in love with many of them. Unexpectedly but unashamedly. Bittersweet Always is, without question, one of them.
Ella Fields delivers an emotionally raw and heartfelt story so wonderfully and beautifully. Bittersweet Always ignited my heart, shattered it into tiny pieces and repaired it haphazardly, only to destroy it again. Over and over.
In Suddenly Forbidden, I admired Daisy’s roommate Pippa, a fierce friend and intelligent young woman. And oh how easy it was to fall in love with Toby, Quinn’s roommate and teammate, with his flirtatious charms and seeming easygoing attitude.
“I knew you had your demons, Toby, and I know it’s got to hurt, but I never thought you’d let them hurt me too.”
Many novels attempt to explore mental illness, which is often stigmatised and generally an overall difficult subject for society to approach. Some authors succeed in this exploration; others simply don’t, but Ms Fields conquers this issue with integrity and honesty. She doesn’t sweep mental illness under the figurative rug, but she also doesn’t sugar coat it. Bittersweet Always is raw. Real.
Both heart warming and heart wrenching.
Ms Fields writing is intoxicating and flawless. It is eloquent, with every word written across the pages having significant importance and meaning. It will seep deep into your bones, weave its way through your psyche. You will feel every emotion through her words, her descriptions, but especially through her amazing characters.
“I want you to breathe me, to inhale to thoughts of me, and for you to exhale anything that stops me from overtaking every part of you. I want…” His breath stuttered, head rising to rest his forehead on mine. “To do to you exactly what you’ve done to me.”
When we were introduced to Toby Hawthorne in Suddenly Forbidden, I knew he would create an interesting story. He is complex; he is human. Demons haunt Toby, pushing him towards a dangerous path of self destruction and self hatred. His inner struggles and turmoil are handled with utmost respect and empathy, making every scene powerfully represented.
Pippa is an amazing character. A fierce friend to Daisy and the light to Toby’s darkness, she is forgiving, selfless and mature despite her young age. Having watched her own mother suffer from loving someone with mental illness, Pippa is scared to experience something as heartbreaking.
She will learn through firsthand experience love isn’t easy. And that’s one of my favourite things about Bittersweet Always. Its realistic and brutally honest representation of relationships, what it truly means to love someone, especially someone who cannot love their self.
I absolutely adore Pippa and Toby’s story. It is beautiful; both heart warming and heart wrenching; pure, honest but also dark, terrifying. It is real. Passionate. Intense. They have an intoxicating, all consuming love. Ms Fields is an amazing story teller who handles every sensitive topic with poise and grace. You cannot fault her ability to write.
Bittersweet Always is the second book in the Gray Springs University series by Ella Fields. It took me a while to even pick up this book because I was still so affected by the first book, I wasn’t in the right mindset to dive into this. But I’m glad I took the time to get my head on right because this story deserved my undivided attention.
I loved the story, the characters, and the development within the book. The way it discussed mental health was flawless. It was executed perfectly and was so informative, it made me crave more. It was hard reading about Toby and his suffering. Not only because it was hard to understand but because it was painful to read. I hated reading about what he was going thru, but I loved his love for Pippa was something that overcame his struggle.
I’m in love with all the characters in the Gray Springs University life because of how close everyone is. Everyone has their secrets and personal struggles but they are all loyal to a T. I never want to leave this world. And though, there were parts in the book I felt dragged and lost me, I appreciated the overall story. Definitely, recommend this baby!
#BittersweetAlways #EllaFields #GraySpringsUniversity #NewAdult #Standalone #MentalHealth #BestFriends #SportsRomance #CollegeLife #Favourites #BookReview #TonganBookLover
WOW. This book was one of the most emotional and heartbreaking books I have ever read but Ella Fields could not have done a better job. I was absolutely gutted and was hooked to every page. I cried and I ached and was just destroyed by the brilliance of Toby and Pippa’s story!
I absolutely love romance stories but this author took it to another level with the story as she showed a raw depiction of mental illness and how it affected this couple. I smiled and swooned and thought Toby was SO endearing and sweet but there were times I wanted to throw my kindle at the hurdles this couple faced. I loved how this couple had to work for the happy ending but by no means was it an easy road. This was honestly such a hard story to read but it was such a rewarding experience. Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
I really don’t know where to start with this review, this will be a book that i will always remember and it will stay with me and in my heart for a very long time.
The base is this story is about a subject that no one likes talking about or admitting it and when an author writes such a beautiful novel regarding this subject it should make anyone feel like you know what “your ok” and if your need help then that’s ok too.
Not only was the writing amazing being such a sensitive subject the author did nothing but honour and be so considerate to what a lot of people suffer from and i think she did an amazing job.
As the synopsis says Toby Hawthorne is an enigma and it was not wrong, what some one like him must go through day to day i couldn’t help but feel so sorry for him and i knew it would take him to hit rock bottom before he would realise how much he was suffering but also how it effected the people around him. I loved the growth of Toby’s character throughout the book and it was so good to see him be happy.
The one person i felt sorry for was Pippa she just broke my heart not only dealing with her father but then to fall in love with a man who she feared would turn into someone similar to her father would have been hard to walk away from. She really was a precious character and i for all the hurt and suffering she went though she really turned into a strong woman and i loved that.
We knew from Suddenly Forbidden that this was going to be an awesome book but it was so much more than i could have expected, it was beautiful and heartbreaking and you got all the feels from this book that you ache for from everybook.
Absolutely loved this story and everyone needs to get into this series, it was so good to get Quinn and Daisy in there to just continue thier story. I would recommend this book and series to anyone and everyone.
Loved loved loved it. A massive 5 beautiful Stars for this novel.
We first meet Pippa and Toby in Suddenly Forbidden ( Book 1); and you could already tell that their story would be one that would grab you from the start. I was hooked from the first chapter. It was hinted in book one that Toby suffers from mental illness so I knew that this book would be more of a heavy read because of the subject matter, but if anything it added so much more depth to Toby’s character. Ella does an amazing job in approaching such a sensitive subject. We really get a good understanding of what someone goes through and I think it added so much more to their story. While reading all I kept thinking was that Pippa was such a strong character and that all she wanted to do was help Toby but at the same time she showed such vunerability simply because she finally let her guard down and got to know her father again after he left as a result of this own battle with depression.
There are so many ups and downs thoughout the book, but one thing that remains a constant is the love that both Pippa and Toby have for one another. Throughout Toby’s recovery and finding a balance of with her father and coming to terms with who she is Pippa knows what she wants and goes after it. She just wants Toby to do the same, although his journey is not an easy one Pippa is always in the back of his mind.
…even among all the chaos, my soul will always recognize yours.” He kissed my hair again. “Never doubt that, no matter what
Bittersweet Always will pull at your heartstrings right from the start and you will become so invested in Pippa and Toby’s happily ever after you will stay up late to finish the book, but at the same time you wouldn’t want it to end!! Great job Ella!! Can’t wait for the next installment!
*4-4,5 stars*
I’ve just discovered this author and this is my second read from her. I really enjoyed reading this one. It was a heartfelt story that will pull on your heartstrings; a story that you can definitely relate to. It had all the feels!
Toby has been having a rollercoaster of emotions ever since he was a little boy; going through ups and downs but trying to held his head up high. But no matter how hard he tries to keep bad thoughts away, he’s not really coping. Until he meets Pippa. She seems to be the only one to quiet down the racing thoughts going on inside his head but will it be enough to get him to overcome all of his fears and doubts?…
Pippa is doing her best to walk her own path and trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life. And when she meets Toby there’s an instant attraction between them. Will their love be enough for them to hold on and be happy?…
Ok, so I needed a few days to find the right words to review this book properly. I already wrote Ella Fields a message to tell her, how much I love this story.
Ella Fields can do fantastic things with words. She’s able to create feelings – good and bad. She makes you laugh and cry, she makes you love and hate her characters.
I really love how she creates situations where you don’t know if you should love or hate a person. Like with this story. Oh man, how I felt with Pippa, how I loved and hated Toby with and for her (even if he is not a bad person and he’s so strong most of the time, even if he couldn’t change his situation). I was torn like her. Because Toby is really adorable , he’s not 100% responsible for his actions. And then came chapter 44. And chapter 44 wrecked me , I was so sad (for both of them), but I could so relate to Pippas feelings!!!!
They are both so strong and at the same time so weak. I love how they handle their situation, how they both believe in each other and sometimes how they lose their faith. And then they make desicions and stick together and they can conquer everything. They deserve to be together, they deserve to be loved and they deserve each other. It’s so amazing to read how they need each other.
Another amazing book by Ella Fields, please don’t stop writing.
Okay, let me say this first. I would read a cereal box from front to back if that was what Ella Fields chose to write, such is my belief in and love of her words.
I am continually awed by the exceptional talent of this author and every new book of hers I read not only reaffirms and elevates that sentiment, but as she takes on even more difficult subjects and owns them, she in turn owns my emotions and captivates my mind, and she has indeed accomplished that with Bittersweet Always.
I was so looking forward to catching up with Pippa and Toby again after meeting them in Suddenly Forbidden. Their side story left me bereft and yearning for resolution for them, and we take up their story in a perfect parallel of Book 1, from their beginning, told seamlessly in dual POV in this standalone.
Pippa is a fabulous heroine; strong, stubborn and fierce, the girl you want in your corner in a crisis, with enough sass and snark to disarm and charm, and yet she has a closet of demons that have shaped her resolve. But even she has a fight on her hands with Toby.
Toby Hawthorne, you beautifully complex, salaciously naughty, sweet, tortured boy!
From our first introduction, he comes at us, and Pippa like a cannonball, and despite her vale arguments to the contrary, quickly disarms our heroine.
They are the perfect soulful pairing of hearts but it’s their minds that get in the way in this angst filled tale, one damaged by history and experience and the other by circumstance and illness.
I was astounded at Ella’s masterful depiction of the particular mental health issue that she covers here.
So many authors tackle depression and anxiety and their effects on people’s lives, but this is the first time I’ve seen the chaotic mind be showcased in such vivid detail, that I felt my own true angst for the characters as it tore apart their love and lives. And I LOVED that it was not so easily repaired!
There was true loss, devastating actions and justified consequences and ultimatums that made this story so very sadly realistic.
There is something for everyone in this almost Shakespearean tragedy-like tale of love, and as if she was sympathetic to my suffering Ella left me healed and sated with it’s beautiful ending.
5 is honestly not enough stars!!
Wow…this story was an emotional ride. I laughed, I got angry and I shed a few tears. This is a raw and real depiction of living and loving someone with mental illness.
This story broke my heart at times. Toby was a young college football player with his own demons. Pippa was a freshman just starting out. Young, beautiful, driven and strong.
Toby sees Pippa and that’s it for him. He was a player but now he set his eye on her. And what Toby wants, Toby gets, but Pippa makes him work for it.
Their sexual tension and physical attraction transcends everything. They fall hard. But Toby’s demons won’t be side-lined for long. And trying to outrun them never works. You have to face down the devil to defeat him.
This story is about the struggle to live, to be “normal” when tour own mind is fighting against you. The honesty and pain was so tangible that at times I found it difficult to keep going. These two fought through hell to be together and get their happy ending.
This was truly beautiful and will be a story I never forget.
Toby and Pippa were awesome in the first book of the series and o was excited to get their book. The author did a great job when it came to the mental health aspect of the story. Toby seemed so real at times. Being in his head was truly a gift. I could have read this whole book from his POV and been completely happy about it. The pace of the story followed some of book 1, but we also get different things that had me hooked. I’m interested to see where the series is going to go. We know who’s book will be next with a twist I didn’t see coming. 4 stars #2OCCJD
Once again Ella Fields has captivated me whole body, heart, and soul with yet another one of her stories. I still can’t believe that it has taken me this long to read her books, but now that I have started there is no way I am stopping until I reach the end of her backlist! Her storytelling is beautifully unique and unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. She is hands down going to be another one of my top one-click authors from here on out. She is forever stuck with me, whether she wants to be or not .
Move over Daisy and Quinn because Pippa and Toby have entered the picture now…and they may have just dethroned you, but don’t worry I still love you both so freaking much! My love for Pippa first began back in Suddenly Forbidden and continued to blossom throughout my reading of Bittersweet Always. I thought I loved her before, but nothing could compare to the feelings I had towards her during this story. Her character was just EVERYTHING and I was left breathless scene after scene witnessing her strength. Now Toby…oh my dear sweet Toby. Just like Pippa you managed to wiggle your way deep inside my heart and firmly planted yourself there to stay. I wept for you the entire time I read this story and in many ways I felt as if I experienced all of your struggles towards mental health right alongside you. Your journey spoke to me and will hold a special place in my heart for years to come.
If I thought Daisy and Quinn’s story pulled on my heartstrings, then Pippa and Toby’s story obliterated them into nothingness. These two are both strong and their strength left me breathless time and time again! Their story has a lot of unexpected twists and turns with some dark times in between. This might not be an easy book to read for some readers because it does deal with some sensitive sides to mental health, but Ella Field writes it in such a way that it makes an impact in our lives. This story is a MUST READ for all New Adult/College fans!
Where do I start? I think like everyone else who has read this story I am absolutely blown away.
Toby and Pippa’s story deals with a sensitive topic – and it’s done so with perfection.
My heart broke for them both at times, dealing with it the best and only way they knew how.
I loved how Toby’s friends rallied around for him when he think they wouldn’t.
This book is like a magnet and once you start reading it, it’s hard to stop until the end.
I was bought to tears many times so make sure you have tissues ready.
I can’t speak highly enough about it. Definitely worth more than 5 stars and the title suits it perfectly.
Bittersweet Always was a beautifully written story about what it’s like to love someone with a mental illness. The struggles. The ups and downs. There were parts where my heart broke. Parts when my heart soared. Loved it the whole was through.
I enjoyed the first book in the series, but I loved this one even more. I just want to give Toby and Pippa a great big squeeze hug. I thought the subject matter in the book was written so brilliantly. My heart was breaking left and right for these two. It really got me feels a feelin’. I can not wait for the next book to come out. This is really a fantastic series!
From the first book I read by Ella Fields, she became a favorite. She is my instant 1-Click author no matter the topic. Ella writes complex emotions like no other. Life caused me to take much longer than normal to read Bittersweet Always, and as frustrating as it was (I hated putting it down!) I’m glad, because it forced me to marinate in the chaos, sadness, joy, pain, confusion, and love that is felt from beginning to end.
As you read, you can feel just how muddied Toby’s thoughts are. Constant chaos, with a broken filter that allows random thoughts to poor out… even when he knows they are off the mark. Ella’s writing allows us to feel the noise that is constantly in Toby’s head. I felt his struggle, pain, and ultimate his victory as though it were my own.
Pippa was a favorite character when we first met her in Suddenly Forbidden. She’s sharp, witty, and caring. And she’s fallen in love with the last person her heart should have allowed.
“You’re allowed to love someone who’s hurt you.”
But perhaps its just that reason she has the ability deep inside to have the strength both she and Toby need.
“Loving him would always be bittersweet, but I knew then that the sweet would always outweigh the bitter.”
” Love wasn’t glorious. It was messy, unfair, and a burden at times.”
BitterSweet Always tell the story of Pippa and Toby. If you already read Suddenly Forbidden, you’d meet them as Quin and Daisy’s friends. In this book one of the first thing i notice was, although you can totally read it as a total standalone, but Ella write it like interconnected. A big word for me, i hope i get it right lol. In BitterSweet, you can also see what happened to Quin and Daisy in the background through Pippa and Toby POV. And i must say its interesting. Make me going back and forth between BitterSweet and Suddenly Forbidden just to see that moment from four POV. I know…i’m that strange nerd lol.
Anywaaaay Pippa and Toby. From Suddenly Forbidden, i already anticipating their story. Cause like in BitterSweet you’d get a bit of their story since they happened mostly at the same time in their college.
And i must say reading this book is not easy. Its…BitterSweet. reading from Toby POV..just hard. I have never know there are name for all the negative thoughts you have for your self or other person. That unworty, unsafe, untrust, all of those uncontrol anger…
And to see that from the person POV, to feel how vulnerable he is…i give my best salutte to they who seek help.
But sometime we forgot all of the people around that person. Their love ones. Pippa, his dad, his friends… It hurt to see all they have to endure for that one person.
Thank God Pippa stand her ground. I cried hard for that moment cause i know that wasn’t easy for her. But being love and love someone doesn’t mean you would take anything from that person including crap, isn’t. And Toby, yes he make mistakes. Yes, he hurt so many people who love him along the way. But to finally come clean and admitted he have problem and do what it takes to be better…i admire that.
Over all…you really really have to read this book. Ella Fields know how to write so many feels in her books. She done it again and again. Always prepare box of tissue when reading her books. Cause Ella Fields sure know how to spell LOVE DO CONGQUERS ALL although Love wasn’t always glorious. It was messy, unfair, and a burden at times
HOLY HELL!!!!!!!!!
I honestly don’t know how anyone will come back after reading this book!!!
There was so much heartbreak and pain radiating off the pages in this book that my heart literally ached after I finished!
What an amazingly heartfelt and agonizing story of something we all know about but often don’t give enough voice to today!
I cannot even begin to tell you the imprint this story has left on me!
Pippa and Tobey were always going to be a book that would hurt!
He was such a different character from what you normally read that, for all his issues and trials, it was refreshing – reading something so real and relevant!
The way Ella Fields has written this book is so respectful and honest, blindingly open in dealing with an issue that touches so many people in our world today!
I can’t tell you how much this book will turn your heart upside down and twist you inside out!
It was amazing!
Beautiful!
Heartbreakingly painful!
Tragic, traumatic and poignant and eye opening and fuck I can’t even stop…!!!!!
I could go on and on about the scars this book will leave on your soul!!!
It was so powerful and moving!
What an amazing story about being true and honest and open to the kind of strength loving someone and letting them love you in return can bring!
Ella Fields – GAMECHANGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That is all!!!!!!!!!