"Bitter Sweet" follows Charlie, a 23-year-old publicity assistant at a prestigious London independent publishing house who becomes entangled in an illicit affair with Richard Aveling, a 56-year-old married author she has long idolized. Richard represents not only literary greatness but also a connection to her late mother, who cherished his work. As their relationship intensifies, Charlie finds herself forced to hide this consuming affair from everyone she cares about, ultimately discovering that losing Richard threatens to unravel far more than just their relationship.

I gave this book five stars, though I struggle to articulate precisely why. Reading "Bitter Sweet" was like witnessing a car crash from which you cannot turn away—you feel deep empathy for the protagonist's immaturity, vulnerability, and what appears to be clinical depression, yet you remain simultaneously maddened and riveted by her choices. The 24-year-old Charlie proves infuriating in her consistently poor decisions, yet she remains undeniably relatable. Her profound loneliness and crushing insecurity create genuinely heartbreaking moments that linger long after reading.

Hattie Williams demonstrates exceptional skill in her prose, which cuts directly to the emotional core while maintaining remarkable restraint. The writing never feels overwrought or indulgent, instead achieving that rare balance of being both emotionally devastating and precisely controlled. There is a specific line about an ink well that will stay with me for a while. Williams excels particularly in her detailed portrayal of the publishing world, creating an authentic atmosphere that feels lived-in rather than researched. The specificity of the 2009-2010 time period—from song references to cultural touchstones—adds layers that ground the narrative in a particular moment.

The audio narration deserves special recognition for its exceptional quality. The narrator skillfully navigates multiple British accents, from northern to posh Queen's English (received pronunciation) to east London inflections. This accent variation significantly enhances the listening experience, bringing distinct voice to each character and adding depth to the social dynamics at play. For readers who appreciate strong narration, this audiobook delivers particularly well.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars, but i'm rounding up because of the ending

bitter sweet tells the tale of a young woman just getting her start in the literary world who begins an affair with an esteemed author she's held on a pedestal since she was kid, a man who's 30+ years older than her. though the main focus of the story was about the affair, everything in this book traces back to charlie, the 23 year old young woman who has so, so much trauma. it wasn't any easy book to read, because charlie was so burdened with past trauma that made her relationship with richard even more toxic than expected. she was likable, but so, so misguided at times (a lot). once i got into the book about 30% in, it was really hard to put down; i constantly found myself asking "how could this possibly end for her?"

i probably would've rated it lower, just because i found the middle pretty repetitive and frustrating, but the ending really got me. charlie's story goes to show how important a good support system is, even when you think you don't have one. (also that therapy is always the answer!) i'll definitely keep an eye out for what hattie williams comes out with next.

I cannot believe this book is a debut novel because it certainly doesn’t read like one.

Bitter Sweet is more than a book about a younger woman who has an affair with an older, married man — which is the focus of the plot — it is about rediscovering one’s identity, consent, navigating grief and depression, the loss of girlhood as a result of grief, friendship, and growing up.

Bitter Sweet is poignant and careful with its themes and the characterization of Charlie, the main character and narrator. There were times while reading that I was certainly frustrated with Charlie, but her desperation as a result of her insecurity was an aspect I related to.

Charlie’s relationship with Richard becomes her everything — an unhealthy attribute. It is quite obvious from the start that Richard is taking advantage of Charlie, and manipulating in subtle ways which I think makes the narration much more sad.

Overall, I don’t know if this was an enjoyable read, but it is a book I thought highly of.

Bitter Sweet was such a unique read - I am always drawn to coming of age stories where the girl makes toxic decisions (I know, I know), and this was an excellent debut from Hattie Williams. I was completely captivated with Charlie's decisions and wanted to scream at her and shake her at times and then at others, I just wanted to give her a hug.

It is impossible to critique the "style" of Bitter Sweet without considering the "substance." While Bitter Sweet has crisp and razor sharp writing, a tense (and intense) plot, and interesting characters, it is hard to get past the fact that the main male character is the poster child for "narcissist." So selfish and self centered is Richard, you can't fathom what Charlie sees in him, especially to the depths she feels. What Bitter Sweet needs more of is background into Charlie's mental health to understand why she behaves as she does. While we know Charlie's beloved mom died when Charlie was a teenager, as traumatic as this event was, it doesn't seem to fully explain her overwhelming devotion to Richard. Bitter Sweet is a cautionary tale about handing over your entire life to one person to the exclusion of family, friends, and career. The compassion and kindness of Charlie's best friends, Eddy & Ophelia, somewhat balances out Richard's inflated sense of self importance and total lack of empathy for anyone else, but in the end the story winds up with an abundance of bitter and very little sweet.

I expected to love this novel, based on the synopsis but I found it so poorly written that it was a struggle to finish.

I really enjoyed this raw coming of age story. The book had such strong characterization that it was easy to become invested in the main character, who was very likable despite her flaws. The side characters, especially the friendships, were a bright light throughout the story and were also well fleshed out. The pacing of the book was at times a bit slow, but overall the story was compelling, touching, and poignant. Recommend!

I featured Bitter Sweet in my July 2025 new releases video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5JWYTfUVq4, and though I have not read it yet, I am so excited to and expect 5 stars! I will update here when I post a follow up review or vlog.

I truly dont have enough good things to say about this book. I still can't wrap my mind around the fact that this is a debut novel!! This author wrote such a beautifully complex story, one that I will be thinking about for a good long while.

Bitter Sweet follows Charlie, a young book publicist, starting off her career in publishing, who gets to work with one of the most famous and powerful male authors in the industry. Charlie quickly forms a crush on him and when he starts to notice her, she will do anything for his attention. They start seeing each other, despite Richard having a wife and her fear of other people in the publishing industry finding out about their relationship. But throughout the entire book, Charlie is vying to keep Richard's attention, dealing with his wrath when things don't get his way, and forced to live through the ups and downs of being his dirty secret.

I loved how Charlie worked in the publishing industry, it felt so cool to see some of the behind the scenes. I felt every emotion with Charlie as she tried to convince Richard to love her and discovering throughout the book that she was not in a healthy relationship. I mostly related to Charlie's struggle with her mental health. The way the author depticted depression and suicidal ideation and thoughts was SO real and felt like it was plucked out of my head. For those of us who suffer with depression and have dealt with bad relationships or fallouts from relationships in the past, I think you will really connect to the lows and feelings Charlie dealt with. I loved how Charlie had a group of friends and family surrounding her, who supported her and cared for her, and SHOWED UP when she was in her darkest spots, even when they hated that she was with Richard and in a bad relationship.

I could go on, but just READ THIS BOOK if you like literary fiction, contemporary fiction, messy characters, and great mental health rep!! Thanks to Ballantine Books for the free book.

I was so captivated by this story! Oh sweet Charlie! I have a hard time reading books about women making horrible decisions and at parts, this book left me quite uncomfortable. I was captivated by the writing. It was superb and Charlie came to life so viscerally. I so wished to hug her but I’m glad her story didn’t end when it did. I so wish every story like this had the perfect ending but some don’t. All in all, a beautiful story. Hattie has a new fan in me!

This book is a rollercoaster of emotions. I had a hard time liking the main character, Charlie, at first as I found her annoyingly negative and self doubting. Then I wanted to scream at her for her bad decision to start a relationship with her employer’s client, Richard, 30 years her senior and married. I could not believe that she didn’t see how selfish, controlling and toxic he was. I wanted him gone. But then after a while it all made sense, and I started to feel for Charlie and really cared for her. Her character was developed beautifully. This book is a dark romance, but also about grief, childhood trauma, mental health, depression and real friendship. It’s bitter and sweet. Luckily, Charlie had a wonderful group of supportive friends and family, and I too could not help but rooting for her. Following her for over a year, I grew quite fond of her and wouldn’t mind reading how her life continued. I have no good words for Richard though. This is a wonderful and intense debut. The story pulled me in, and I couldn’t put the book down. The cover is beautiful. The writing style is superb, and I’m looking forward to the author’s next chapter. Note to self: do not work in publishing- lol.
Thank you Netgalley, @Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine/Ballantine Books and #hattiewilliams for gifting me this ARC. I truly enjoyed reading it, and the above is my honest review and my own opinion. 4⭐️

"Every day, that little boy whom I'd felt so distant from, whom I'd refused to recognize as being my family, brought me a little closer to life and the world that I now inhabited."

Bitter Sweet. Wow. The cover. The book. If you love reading about messy women and power dynamics, this is for you.

It's 2010ish, Charlie doesn't expect much from herself. She suffered a tragic loss of her mother that affected her performance and social development in sixth form. She attended a lower tier uni--not Cambridge or Oxford as she was gunning for. When she scored a position in a publishing house in PR. And, she recently learned, no big deal, that she would be assisting Richard Aveling's release. Richard, who her mother and her had idolized. Richard, was Charlie's North Star in dealing with her mother's sudden death.

When Richard bestows his attention on her, Charlie falls head first into a situationship that feels like love. There is a thirty year age gap and an IMMENSE power imbalance. Richard claims his marriage is in name only, he's leaving.

Will Charlie be able to keep the metaphorical and physical balls in the air while excelling in her job and her relationship.

Bitter Sweet wasn't what I thought. It is a gorgeous love story of found friendship, family, and a portrait of mental health. I found the intricacies of how the British healthcare system dealt with Charlie fascinating. And, I loved her mentor at the publisher. This one had so many layers. Dispel judgment, please. Just listen to Charlie and her story. What a gift.

I read about 20% and was kind of bored, the premise sounded interesting but this one wasn't hitting for me.

Fast paced almost thriller ish feel to it! Must know what happens asap feeling…keeps you wanting more. Super relateble and transparent female MC who has you longing to give her a big hug!

I was drawn to the cover and the premise of a messy 23 year old working in publishing that falls in love and has a affair with a much older famous author. This book reminded me of "The Rachel Incident" and I think I spent more time comparing and contrasting between the books then needed. Overall, I think I liked "The Rachel Incident" more.

It was hard for me to connect with Charlie with her terrible choices and clinical depression and I found myself distracted while reading. I am sure others will enjoy it and I look forward to future books from Hattie Williams.

3.5 stars but rounding down.

Thank you for the advanced reader copy Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books and Netgalley.

“It must be a small club to be a part of, to have loved and then lost someone whom the whole world has a piece of. Maybe that's why no one ever warns you”

This is an uncomfortable, raw story that everyone should read. Charlie is 23 and just starting out as an assistant in the publishing world. One day, she meets her literary idol, a man who is powerful, married, more than 30 years her senior and very interested in her. In her ordinary self, as she sees herself.
Charlie struggles with her mental health and the loss of her mother. And yet, she finds herself drawn to Richard like a moth to a flame.

I really enjoyed this book for its honest and realistic portrayal of how abuse, manipulation, and isolation often begin little by little and how can things can spiral out of control. More so when there are power and money imbalance shaping the dynamics.

This story is a textbook case of emotional and psychological abuse, so please make sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in.

Charlie is 23 and landed her dream job in the publishing industry. Ok, maybe not dream job, but it’s the start! The fact she is getting to loosely work with one of her favorite authors is a huge plus. When he takes her advice on the book, Charlie is shocked, but her attraction for him only grows. Sure, there are 30 years between them, and he is married, but when he makes his intentions clear, Charlie can’t imagine saying no.

Oh man did I hate Richard with a deep passion in my soul! This is a story of a young woman falling for the older, and more successful older man. This is the story of man older married man taking advantage of his position of power with a young woman. This story follows along as the affair begins, and continues on, leading Charlie to imagine there is the possibility of real future. Outside the affair of it all, I really loved how Williams handled Charlie’s mental health. She did a really great job of accurately describing how debilitating depression can be. This one was a bit more character driven than I usually go for, but I really enjoyed it!

Thank you to @ballantinebooks for my gifted copy of this book!

Ohhh Charlie, I love you. Ohhh Richard, I hate your guts. Like so much.

We’ve all been Charlie before so it’s hard to judge her stupid choices but I loved reading her journey. Her struggle with mental illness and her relationships with her best friends, Ophelia and Eddy, and her other found family were my favorite parts to read. Richard on the other hand……

This was such a beautifully written story - I really can’t wait to read whatever Hattie Williams writes next.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

Charlie was naive and clearly in over her head, which makes her journey both compelling and heartbreaking to watch unfold. Eddy and Ophelia's loyalty and level-headedness provided a grounding presence for Charlie, I loved their friendship.
I appreciated the portrayal of abortion and depression—how it can be all-consuming and affect every part of your life, from relationships to your sense of self. I was constantly anticipating when things would hit the fan. It was frustrating to see how certain people and institutions failed to protect or speak up when it mattered most—it felt true to how often those failures play out in real life.
Thanks to Random House for the ARC

I really wanted to like this one, but maybe some other time I will pick it back up again! I love a coming of age story with emotional themes of grief and relationships, but I just couldn't get into this one. I could still see that it will be for other people and that many other will enjoy Bitter Sweet. I just couldn't connect to our main character Charlie and found her to be pretty unlikeable which is why I eventually decided not to finish this one.