Harper Bliss

This is an LGBTQ love story about two women who fall in love after losing a man they both love. I listened to the audio book for this. This book made me very uncomfortable listening to it, and it had nothing to do with the romance between two women. I have no issue with that. The issue that I had was who these 2 women were to each other prior to the relationship that made this so uncomfortable. Here's a quick back story of who Sophie and Delores were to each other prior to their show more relationship:

1. Ian's biological mother was a lesbian. When Ian was 5 years old Delores entered their lives. Delores was Ian's mother's life partner. Ian considered both of them as his mothers. Present day Ian's biological mother died from Cancer some years back.

2. Sophie and Ian are a straight couple. They are in love, but decided against marriage as a way to honor his mother because his mother wasn't allowed to marry the person that she loved (Delores). Sophie and Ian live together and have been a couple for 5 years.

3. Ian is involved in an accident and dies instantly. Sophie (who is 30) and Delores (who is 56) are both mourning for Ian, and they find comfort in each other. That comfort turns into a hot steamy romance.

So essentially she is doing her dead boyfriend's mom. That just seemed wrong on so many levels. show less

It has been a long time since a book has touched me as much as this one. And as I devoured this novel, I asked myself why? What does this book have that other Harper Bliss novels don't? And why does this book feel so damn personal to me? How could I put this book down when the author's words blow me away? These questions made me keep reading because I wanted to find the answers.

I consider myself a Harper Bliss fan, even though I haven’t read all of her novels (yet). I love the way she show more often tackles controversial or uncomfortable topics (eye on you “In Distance There Is Light“). But in “That Woman Next Door”, she went to another, new, entirely personal level. And not only did the story feel so realistic, but I felt a little bit represented myself.

The story follows two main characters. The first is Olivia Chevalier, a 44-year-old book translator who lives alone in Brittany's rural area. She has no problem living so isolated from others. In fact, she embraces it.

The second character is Marie Dievart, a 56-year-old self-proclaimed womaniser who works as a successful neurosurgeon in Brussels. But after something unexpected happens in the operating theatre one day, she decides to do a sabbatical to clear her head.

When the reclusive, introverted Olivia meets the extraordinary Marie, who states that her hobby is "women", her life is turned upside down. Are they really as different as they seem?

I must confess that I had tears in my eyes for a moment in the middle of the book because Olivia's character was so wonderfully complex and realistic. She lived as her unapologetic self, and that's exactly how it should be.

Everyone constantly accused her of always being alone and lonely. But Olivia never felt alone. She was happy with her cats, her job and her poetry. She was just living her true self. And oh god, I could relate to her so much. But when I got to the author's note at the end of the book, I cried.

"I might as well have hung my soul out to dry, for all the world to see, that's how much of myself is portrayed in the character of Olivia." - Harper Bliss.

And when she said that this book was "too revealing and private to become a true reader's favourite", I had to disagree with her. Because, dear Harper Bliss, this book is going on my favourite book pile. Thank you.

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I don't care how much I like someone, if they tried to tell me my own sexuality? I'd drop them like a hot fucking rock. The assumption that someone will leave you, before you really even know them? Yeah, it's a good sign for some need of THERAPY and some self-assessment.

Also, the fact that Charley was more bent out of shape about Ava sleeping with Eric as an insecurity thing, and not a freaking health concern is what bugs me.... I don't understand why Ava pursued Charley so much either, show more there really wasn't the chemistry nor were we show Ava's motivation. I personally wouldn't spend as much time pursuing someone who seems hell bent on defining me and my entire way of life.

I personally wouldn't give this book higher than a three.... but I did enjoy the subtle power dynamics in the sex scenes, without that, and even with Charley's small growth and development I would have written this off as a 1 star at best. I think this is the final nail in the coffin for me with Ms. Bliss's books, we just don't see eye to eye. Some of her spicy content is really good, but for the most part she comes off as a much older generation of gay, and therefore sticks with some really stereotypes and doesn't even seem to mind that. I really think that writing a book in 2016 about a MC having an obsession with be a gold star lesbian, is gross... couldn't there have been a different want to write this story line than this? show less

What a lovely read for a relaxing weekend while it snowed quietly outside. If you are looking for an endearing story with only a little angst and a happy ending, you are safe here. Unlike other Harper Bliss stories, there are no controversial aspects that try to break taboos. "About That Kiss" is a simple story between two actresses in their late 40s. A few points even reminded me of Lee Winter's "Breaking Character", although these two books don't have too much in common in terms of show more content.

One of the two main characters is Ida Burton, who is fighting her way back to the top of Hollywood after her last movies were no longer box office hits. The other is Faye Fleming, and unlike Ida, she's the talk of the town these days, racking up award after award.

Because of her recent lack of success, Ida agrees to star alongside Faye in a romantic comedy to save her career. But their lives are turned upside down after they both like their on-screen kiss a little too much. (That's also how I always imagine my favourite couple handling their kiss on screen. Yes, I'm looking at you, Cate Blanchett. A girl can dream.)

However, this is an easy read that sheds light on an important topic. Namely, how two women in their late 40s discover themselves and can finally be their true selves. It's never too late to find yourself, learn new things and, most importantly, find love.

As always in a Harper Bliss novel, the characters were extremely endearing. I especially fell in love with Faye. She is the kind of co-star any actor could wish for!

An excellent rom-com book, with little angst and a happy ending.

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