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Release the Stars
Can love be measured in percentages?
After her girlfriend leaves her for a man, broken-hearted novelist Charlie Cross moves from New York to Los Angeles to work on a TV show based on her books. Charlie vows to never date any woman who isn’t a hundred percent certain of being a lesbian. But when she is seduced by gorgeous bisexual cooking show host Ava Castaneda, whom she’s had a celebrity crush on for ages, Charlie is forced to review her belief in percentages because true love could very well be on the line.
After her girlfriend leaves her for a man, broken-hearted novelist Charlie Cross moves from New York to Los Angeles to work on a TV show based on her books. Charlie vows to never date any woman who isn’t a hundred percent certain of being a lesbian. But when she is seduced by gorgeous bisexual cooking show host Ava Castaneda, whom she’s had a celebrity crush on for ages, Charlie is forced to review her belief in percentages because true love could very well be on the line.
240 pages, ebook
First published December 16, 2015
151 people are currently reading
897 people want to read
About the author
Harper Bliss
139 books2,363 followersHarper Bliss is a best-selling lesbian romance author. Among her most-loved books are the highly dramatic French Kissing and the often thought-provoking Pink Bean series. She is the co-founder of My LesFic, a weekly newsletter offering discount deals on lesbian fiction.
Harper lived in Hong Kong for 7 years, travelled the world for a bit, and has now settled in Brussels (Belgium) with her wife and photogenic cat, Dolly Purrton.
Together with her wife, she hosts a weekly podcast called Harper Bliss & Her Mrs.
Harper lived in Hong Kong for 7 years, travelled the world for a bit, and has now settled in Brussels (Belgium) with her wife and photogenic cat, Dolly Purrton.
Together with her wife, she hosts a weekly podcast called Harper Bliss & Her Mrs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
March 4, 2017
Charlie is over-the-top unlikeable. She makes bad decisions that hurt people she supposedly loves, and she focuses every conversation with her friends on herself. As much as I enjoy alcohol and being with people who enjoy alcohol, Charlie clearly has a drinking problem.
Other than being the main character in a book, it’s not clear why her former lover, her friends, and Ava all love her, want to spend time with her, and have such faith that she is a wonderful person. She consistently treats them very badly, and meeting Charlie for the first time as the book begins, the reader wonders why would anyone want to be anywhere near this poster girl for neuroses and insecurity? But it’s this sense of “why?”, and Harper Bliss’ wonderful writing, that made me stick with the book, and ultimately enjoy it.
At some point in the past, in the present, and almost certainly in the future, we’ve had friends who are being self-destructive. We know they themselves must want to change before they can be a better person, we can’t do it for them. But we do want to stick with them and be ready to lend a hand, a shoulder or an embrace when they are finally ready. At some point, many of us have been like Charlie – at least a little, hopefully not full-blown! We’ve made a bad decision, we’ve said something hurtful, we’ve lived for a week or a month too long in a bubble of unhappiness. Those are the times that separate friends from acquaintances.
Although the book is told from Charlie’s point of view, it’s the people around Charlie that make the book an enjoyable read. We share their points of view when they mock Charlie's 100% rule, even as Charlie insists to herself and her friends that it is important to her. It feels good to know that old friends don’t desert Charlie during the months she withdraws. It also feels good that new people, Liz, Ava and even Josie are remarkably kind and understanding of Charlie. Their motivations for friendship and love are less clear than the motivations of long-term friends like Nick and Jason, but hey – it’s a work of fiction and I wish there were more people like them in the world!!
I’m glad when Charlie finally emerges from her prison of “self-pity and fear” – an HEA is absolutely essential in my liking a book.
Some people have written very articulate reviews showing why they rate this book 1* or 2*. I can understand their remarks, and in the real world I’d probably also be likely to meet Charlie, dislike her and move out of her orbit. As a work of romantic fiction, though, I do think the author did a good job of encouraging us, even new to meeting Charlie, to stick with her until she grows as a person and becomes the likable mildly-flawed person that most of us are. Ava said at one point, that she stuck with Charlie because she only sees the good in people. Impossible to do in real life, but wonderful to read in romantic fiction.
I recommend the book, I liked the narrator, and btw – the sex scenes were hot!, so it’s 4* from me.
Other than being the main character in a book, it’s not clear why her former lover, her friends, and Ava all love her, want to spend time with her, and have such faith that she is a wonderful person. She consistently treats them very badly, and meeting Charlie for the first time as the book begins, the reader wonders why would anyone want to be anywhere near this poster girl for neuroses and insecurity? But it’s this sense of “why?”, and Harper Bliss’ wonderful writing, that made me stick with the book, and ultimately enjoy it.
At some point in the past, in the present, and almost certainly in the future, we’ve had friends who are being self-destructive. We know they themselves must want to change before they can be a better person, we can’t do it for them. But we do want to stick with them and be ready to lend a hand, a shoulder or an embrace when they are finally ready. At some point, many of us have been like Charlie – at least a little, hopefully not full-blown! We’ve made a bad decision, we’ve said something hurtful, we’ve lived for a week or a month too long in a bubble of unhappiness. Those are the times that separate friends from acquaintances.
Although the book is told from Charlie’s point of view, it’s the people around Charlie that make the book an enjoyable read. We share their points of view when they mock Charlie's 100% rule, even as Charlie insists to herself and her friends that it is important to her. It feels good to know that old friends don’t desert Charlie during the months she withdraws. It also feels good that new people, Liz, Ava and even Josie are remarkably kind and understanding of Charlie. Their motivations for friendship and love are less clear than the motivations of long-term friends like Nick and Jason, but hey – it’s a work of fiction and I wish there were more people like them in the world!!
I’m glad when Charlie finally emerges from her prison of “self-pity and fear” – an HEA is absolutely essential in my liking a book.
Some people have written very articulate reviews showing why they rate this book 1* or 2*. I can understand their remarks, and in the real world I’d probably also be likely to meet Charlie, dislike her and move out of her orbit. As a work of romantic fiction, though, I do think the author did a good job of encouraging us, even new to meeting Charlie, to stick with her until she grows as a person and becomes the likable mildly-flawed person that most of us are. Ava said at one point, that she stuck with Charlie because she only sees the good in people. Impossible to do in real life, but wonderful to read in romantic fiction.
I recommend the book, I liked the narrator, and btw – the sex scenes were hot!, so it’s 4* from me.
February 12, 2017
Release the Stars by Harper Bliss
I have just reread this book again for the fifth time if not more and just realised that i hadn't actually put into words how much i enjoyed it the first time i read it.
My Synopsis
Charlie is coming out of the worst break ups imaginable... Not only has her girlfriend left her but she's left her for a man... The ultimate betrayal in Charlie's eyes. Charlie is a writer and is given the opportunity to move from New York to Los Angeles to work on a TV series that is based on her most notable novel. When in LA she meets the beautiful and charismatic Ava. Ava is a television star and one that Charlie has had a major crush on for years. Both woman are attracted to one another from there introduction however Ava is Bisexual and Charlie can't be with another woman who could possibly leave her again for a man...... But love always finds a way right?
My Review
Harper does it again! Written extremely well l. I felt like I was living part of the story from the beginning. If you want to know more i highly suggest you read the Novel. Not only Read the novel but clear your schedule and grab a nice bottle of vino because once you start 'Release the Stars' you will struggle to put it down. I'm hoping that Harper does a follow up novel for this one.
Check out full review at my website: https://lesreveur.com/2016/08/25/rele...
I have just reread this book again for the fifth time if not more and just realised that i hadn't actually put into words how much i enjoyed it the first time i read it.
My Synopsis
Charlie is coming out of the worst break ups imaginable... Not only has her girlfriend left her but she's left her for a man... The ultimate betrayal in Charlie's eyes. Charlie is a writer and is given the opportunity to move from New York to Los Angeles to work on a TV series that is based on her most notable novel. When in LA she meets the beautiful and charismatic Ava. Ava is a television star and one that Charlie has had a major crush on for years. Both woman are attracted to one another from there introduction however Ava is Bisexual and Charlie can't be with another woman who could possibly leave her again for a man...... But love always finds a way right?
My Review
Harper does it again! Written extremely well l. I felt like I was living part of the story from the beginning. If you want to know more i highly suggest you read the Novel. Not only Read the novel but clear your schedule and grab a nice bottle of vino because once you start 'Release the Stars' you will struggle to put it down. I'm hoping that Harper does a follow up novel for this one.
Check out full review at my website: https://lesreveur.com/2016/08/25/rele...
February 3, 2020
This book pissed me off beyond measure for the first half or so. Charlie is obnoxious with her "must be 100% lesbian" rule and I wanted to give up. However, I always like Harper Bliss so I stuck it out and I'm glad I did. Everyone around Charlie knows her rule is stupid and it's great to see when she figures it out too.
My only other beef is that I want more of Ava and what she's thinking.
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/relea...
My only other beef is that I want more of Ava and what she's thinking.
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/relea...
December 17, 2021
I was surprised when I looked up how many books I've read by Harper Bliss so far to see that I've only read one other book. I've could have sworn I've read more. But that only means I got a big back catalog to go through. The main character was very annoying and quite unlikeble but somehow Harper Bliss made the story to be still very compelling, readable and actually likeable reading experience overall. Excited that my book app have quite a few books to binge.
August 26, 2016
Ugh. Okay. As a story, I'd probably give it 3.5 or 4 stars. The writing is good, the characters are complicated and complex, and it tackles hard things and pushes the characters, emotionally. It's not really a great romance novel, though... it's instalove followed by lots of angst and drama, and Ava is too perfect and too accepting of Charlie's general horrible-ness. I had a hard time believing anyone would find Charlie worth dating, given the way she treats people. But most of the romantic relationship isn't about falling in love or happy things... it's all so overrun with jealousy and paranoia and petty drama that I was frustrated rather than swoony-happy for them.
But I absolutely, hands-down, hated the protagonist. Ava deserved way better than her. Her friends deserved better than her. She was a wreck. So, to Charlie, I give 2 stars. Maybe even 1.5 stars. I simply CANNOT.
So let's go on a little rant.
I understand that Charlie was hurting from her breakup . I get that. She was hurt and sort of lashing out at bi/pan/polysexual (hereon called bisexual cause y'know. brevity.) people... but I also don't buy that. Some of the comments she makes about "gold star lesbians," and the way she judges people and needs to know their "percentages" when first meeting them, and her complete disregard for others' sexuality (she continually calls Ava straight, when Ava has told her multiple times SHE IS NOT STRAIGHT. Ava doesn't claim a label at any point, but she clearly points out that she has had relationships with women, she's interested in women, she's interested in CHARLIE, and yet Charlie keeps saying she's straight)... she says Ava is a "fucking cliche" for experiencing attraction and dating women along the way, and just... omgggg. This woman is a biphobic asshat. Bar none. 100%. Biphobic. Asshat. Her constant prejudice cannot be explained away by being hurt - it's too pervasive, and the insults and slurs come too quickly for her. It's awful.
If any person you are pursuing a romantic relationship with flat-out disrespects your identity and sexuality... DON'T DATE THEM. Run, Ava, Run!
Beyond that, she was horrible to the people in her life. CAN WE TALK ABOUT JOSIE??? She asks this woman out, then spends that whole date thinking about someone else, being irritated that she isn't 100% perfect like Ava, and texts Ava instead of spending time with her date, then tries to get a kiss goodnight? Then she tries to make it up to her, sets up another date with her, and runs off with someone else immediately after. Like... she's sitting here whining that bisexual people are hurtful to those they date when she, a gold-star lesbian of special magic and wonder, treats Josie like garbage.
She treats her friends the same way... joining the softball team then never showing up or participating. All of her conversations with Nick and Liz are all about her and her problems. Ugh. She just is such an obnoxious human being. Why does anyone put up with her. It drives me crazyyyy.
Ava's dedication to Charlie makes zero sense. Throughout the book, we learn NOTHING about Charlie that is positive. She's a writer, but we don't even get to read or hear about anything she's written until the last 20% of the book. It's always just sort of a fact, not explored. Other than that... what does she have going for her? She sometimes has good flirty joke comments? Because I mean... she's selfish, awkward, mopey, rude, prejudiced, etc. sure. These are all character traits she exhibits throughout the book. But I can't think of a single positive thing she did... the whole time? What is it about her that makes Ava want her around so much? There is no evidence in the book that she's even worth having a polite conversation in an elevator with... lol.
And she drinks. A lot. A LOT. Every single scene in this book, except for one that occurs in an office setting, she is drinking, and her friends are having to keep her from getting drunk. I was half hoping someone would stage an intervention for this woman.
I knew, going into this book, there was going to be some biphobic attitudes, but I thought the character would come around, and things would turn out wonderfully. But that's not... I mean, I really don't think Charlie changed. At all. She had some breakthroughs, and made some slight headway, but you just get the feeling that in a year or two, she and Ava are going to go through a huge breakup and Charlie will spiral back into this until she tricks some woman into thinking she is not a giant papercut with lemon juice pretending to be a human being.... ugh.
I can probably count the characters I hated this much on one hand, and Charlie is DEFINITELY on the list. Gah. I kept reading this book because it's well-written and I hoped that she'd get her act together, but she didn't. At all. She barely pulled it together at the end, but not in any real, meaningful way, in my opinion. Ahg. *throws things*
But I absolutely, hands-down, hated the protagonist. Ava deserved way better than her. Her friends deserved better than her. She was a wreck. So, to Charlie, I give 2 stars. Maybe even 1.5 stars. I simply CANNOT.
So let's go on a little rant.
I understand that Charlie was hurting from her breakup . I get that. She was hurt and sort of lashing out at bi/pan/polysexual (hereon called bisexual cause y'know. brevity.) people... but I also don't buy that. Some of the comments she makes about "gold star lesbians," and the way she judges people and needs to know their "percentages" when first meeting them, and her complete disregard for others' sexuality (she continually calls Ava straight, when Ava has told her multiple times SHE IS NOT STRAIGHT. Ava doesn't claim a label at any point, but she clearly points out that she has had relationships with women, she's interested in women, she's interested in CHARLIE, and yet Charlie keeps saying she's straight)... she says Ava is a "fucking cliche" for experiencing attraction and dating women along the way, and just... omgggg. This woman is a biphobic asshat. Bar none. 100%. Biphobic. Asshat. Her constant prejudice cannot be explained away by being hurt - it's too pervasive, and the insults and slurs come too quickly for her. It's awful.
If any person you are pursuing a romantic relationship with flat-out disrespects your identity and sexuality... DON'T DATE THEM. Run, Ava, Run!
Beyond that, she was horrible to the people in her life. CAN WE TALK ABOUT JOSIE??? She asks this woman out, then spends that whole date thinking about someone else, being irritated that she isn't 100% perfect like Ava, and texts Ava instead of spending time with her date, then tries to get a kiss goodnight? Then she tries to make it up to her, sets up another date with her, and runs off with someone else immediately after. Like... she's sitting here whining that bisexual people are hurtful to those they date when she, a gold-star lesbian of special magic and wonder, treats Josie like garbage.
She treats her friends the same way... joining the softball team then never showing up or participating. All of her conversations with Nick and Liz are all about her and her problems. Ugh. She just is such an obnoxious human being. Why does anyone put up with her. It drives me crazyyyy.
Ava's dedication to Charlie makes zero sense. Throughout the book, we learn NOTHING about Charlie that is positive. She's a writer, but we don't even get to read or hear about anything she's written until the last 20% of the book. It's always just sort of a fact, not explored. Other than that... what does she have going for her? She sometimes has good flirty joke comments? Because I mean... she's selfish, awkward, mopey, rude, prejudiced, etc. sure. These are all character traits she exhibits throughout the book. But I can't think of a single positive thing she did... the whole time? What is it about her that makes Ava want her around so much? There is no evidence in the book that she's even worth having a polite conversation in an elevator with... lol.
And she drinks. A lot. A LOT. Every single scene in this book, except for one that occurs in an office setting, she is drinking, and her friends are having to keep her from getting drunk. I was half hoping someone would stage an intervention for this woman.
I knew, going into this book, there was going to be some biphobic attitudes, but I thought the character would come around, and things would turn out wonderfully. But that's not... I mean, I really don't think Charlie changed. At all. She had some breakthroughs, and made some slight headway, but you just get the feeling that in a year or two, she and Ava are going to go through a huge breakup and Charlie will spiral back into this until she tricks some woman into thinking she is not a giant papercut with lemon juice pretending to be a human being.... ugh.
I can probably count the characters I hated this much on one hand, and Charlie is DEFINITELY on the list. Gah. I kept reading this book because it's well-written and I hoped that she'd get her act together, but she didn't. At all. She barely pulled it together at the end, but not in any real, meaningful way, in my opinion. Ahg. *throws things*
August 30, 2020
I don't know, I think I set too high a standard for Harper Bliss and she just doesn't hit it. Per se, nothing wrong, but I got bored and flicked though some bits that didn't really interest me. None of the characters grabbed me. Sorry.
December 28, 2015
I laughed, I cried (almost, I'm not really a crier per se), I got so freaking angry I wanted to reach into my Kindle and smack Charlie across the face. All in all an amazing first novel from an already favorite author.
I really enjoyed the premise of this story; girl gets left by girlfriend for a man. Now girl won't consider dating anyone else unless they are 100% lesbian so as not to get left for a man, again.
Harper's stories always come off very realistic to me. I could absolutely picture all of the characters and could easily picture a lot of people I know in the characteristics and behaviors of the cast, which just adds that much more realism. I think we've all been the victim of putting too harsh of boundaries on ourselves to try and keep something traumatic from happening again so Charlie's concerns and lack of confidence is completely understandable. I really appreciated watching her character deal with her past issues and change her thought dynamics. It was never easy for her, which it wouldn't be to anyone, but she really showed the strength to try and push through her reservations.
Anyone who has ever jumped into a relationship head first, regardless of the possible consequences, will totally understand Charlie's fears. I think that also makes her character development that much richer because it's so easy to relate.
Highly recommended to fans of f/f romance.
I was provided an arc of this story in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed the premise of this story; girl gets left by girlfriend for a man. Now girl won't consider dating anyone else unless they are 100% lesbian so as not to get left for a man, again.
Harper's stories always come off very realistic to me. I could absolutely picture all of the characters and could easily picture a lot of people I know in the characteristics and behaviors of the cast, which just adds that much more realism. I think we've all been the victim of putting too harsh of boundaries on ourselves to try and keep something traumatic from happening again so Charlie's concerns and lack of confidence is completely understandable. I really appreciated watching her character deal with her past issues and change her thought dynamics. It was never easy for her, which it wouldn't be to anyone, but she really showed the strength to try and push through her reservations.
Anyone who has ever jumped into a relationship head first, regardless of the possible consequences, will totally understand Charlie's fears. I think that also makes her character development that much richer because it's so easy to relate.
Highly recommended to fans of f/f romance.
I was provided an arc of this story in exchange for my honest review.
July 31, 2018
A pretty good read 3.5*
So overall I enjoyed the read but not with a ton of frustration toward Charlie and a bit of a loss of Jo's need to be her friend. I'm not gonna lie I did want to snack Charlie once or twice or ten times throughout the book. Thank goodness for characters like Liz and Ava or else I think I think I may have stopped reading it.
So overall I enjoyed the read but not with a ton of frustration toward Charlie and a bit of a loss of Jo's need to be her friend. I'm not gonna lie I did want to snack Charlie once or twice or ten times throughout the book. Thank goodness for characters like Liz and Ava or else I think I think I may have stopped reading it.
March 11, 2017
Ok, did any of you actually like Charlie? I didn't. She wallows in self-pity, is over the top jealous, insecure, self-centered and more times than one a real pain in the ass.
God, I wanted to slap some sense into her more than once. What does Eva see in her?
This is a sentiment that repeatedly crossed my mind while listening:
Dear Eva, obviously you're a much better person than I am and you have infinitesimal more patience and more forgiveness in your heart than I probably would have.
But hey I did root for her. I wanted her to get unstuck in this vicious circle of self-destruction.
What more is there to say?
I would have probably enjoyed the book more if I hadn't heard it. It might be just in my mind, but I didn't care for the narrator's voice. Charlie's unlikable character together with the voice just made me not like her more.
God, I wanted to slap some sense into her more than once. What does Eva see in her?
This is a sentiment that repeatedly crossed my mind while listening:
Dear Eva, obviously you're a much better person than I am and you have infinitesimal more patience and more forgiveness in your heart than I probably would have.
But hey I did root for her. I wanted her to get unstuck in this vicious circle of self-destruction.
What more is there to say?
I would have probably enjoyed the book more if I hadn't heard it. It might be just in my mind, but I didn't care for the narrator's voice. Charlie's unlikable character together with the voice just made me not like her more.
February 9, 2017
How would you behave if the woman you have lived with for seven years dumps you for a man?
In Charlie's case, not so great. She's reeling from the betrayal. Good thing she has a couple of solid friends who refuse to let her wallow in her misery. Over (many) drinks she rationalizes her convictions that she will from now on only date gold star lesbians. She's learned her lesson.
When she is introduced to celebrity chef Ava at a party, a woman she has had a crush on for years, she is enchanted and conflicted. What to do, what to do?
Bliss does a great job of giving us a grumpy Charlie confronted with the irresistible Ava who may or may not be straight. Instead of the usual formula of conflict at the 75% mark which breaks up the couple, Charlie struggles with her feelings and attraction towards Ava right from the start. Ava in her role as femme fatale doesn't make Charlie's emotional battles any easier. It is hard not to fall for Ava. I know I did.
I like how the author resolved the conflict and had fun with the cast of characters as a whole.
One word of caution. Don't try to match drink for drink with our leading ladies as you read this novel. There are not enough livers available for transplant and you'll need one.
In Charlie's case, not so great. She's reeling from the betrayal. Good thing she has a couple of solid friends who refuse to let her wallow in her misery. Over (many) drinks she rationalizes her convictions that she will from now on only date gold star lesbians. She's learned her lesson.
When she is introduced to celebrity chef Ava at a party, a woman she has had a crush on for years, she is enchanted and conflicted. What to do, what to do?
Bliss does a great job of giving us a grumpy Charlie confronted with the irresistible Ava who may or may not be straight. Instead of the usual formula of conflict at the 75% mark which breaks up the couple, Charlie struggles with her feelings and attraction towards Ava right from the start. Ava in her role as femme fatale doesn't make Charlie's emotional battles any easier. It is hard not to fall for Ava. I know I did.
I like how the author resolved the conflict and had fun with the cast of characters as a whole.
One word of caution. Don't try to match drink for drink with our leading ladies as you read this novel. There are not enough livers available for transplant and you'll need one.
December 6, 2016
Normally I thoroughly enjoy the books I read by Harper Bliss who has written one of my all time favorite series French Kissing Series Box Set: Seasons 1-3.
However I had a really hard time finishing this novel. Charlie in my opinion really is a horrendous human being and I really don't understand how Ava could forgive her so easily and take her back after the way Charlie treated her. It makes me wonder if Ava has some self-esteem issues.
Also speaking as a bisexual woman, the bi phobia in this book is just stifling. The complete and utter disrespectful way she keeps referring to Ava as straight when Ava clearly said she wasn't, just kept getting on my nerves.
Plot wise I found the story only so-so, the sex scenes were hot I guess but because I loath Charlie so much I just couldn't get behind it. The scenes that were meant to be seductive were therefor just lost me. I had high hopes for this book but will definitely never be re-reading this.
However I had a really hard time finishing this novel. Charlie in my opinion really is a horrendous human being and I really don't understand how Ava could forgive her so easily and take her back after the way Charlie treated her. It makes me wonder if Ava has some self-esteem issues.
Also speaking as a bisexual woman, the bi phobia in this book is just stifling. The complete and utter disrespectful way she keeps referring to Ava as straight when Ava clearly said she wasn't, just kept getting on my nerves.
Plot wise I found the story only so-so, the sex scenes were hot I guess but because I loath Charlie so much I just couldn't get behind it. The scenes that were meant to be seductive were therefor just lost me. I had high hopes for this book but will definitely never be re-reading this.
September 10, 2018
This was an entertaining and infuriating read for me. The whole story/plot is entertaining and the infuriating part is just down to Charlie who was just so insecure that it’s bordering to the point of paranoia! Story was on Charlie’s POV - would have been great if there were more insights on Ava, other than she’s way to patient when it comes to Charlie and hot as hell. I liked the build-up between Ava and Charlie, their flirting and loved Ava’s for her patience with Charlie. I mean twice she was left hanging by Charlie and still have it in her to accept Charlie for the 3rd time! Secondary characters in the story are just as wonderful - the supporting friends, Liz and Nick. A HEA in the end with Charlie finally getting her act together with some help from her ex, Jo.
November 16, 2024
و پایان blissverse (تا اینجا). این اولین کتابیه که هارپر بلیس توی این دنیا نوشته و در اصل شروع ماجراهای همهی آدماییه که من تا اینجا ازشون خوندم.
خب کتابای دیگه از زاویه دید جفت شخصیتاست ولی این کتاب فقط از زاویه دید چارلیه. در حالت عادی باید این قضیه از داستان کم کنه ولی چارلی خیلی دوست داشتنی و جذابه و زاویه دیدش از ایوا یه توصیف خیلی سکسی و پر از رمز و رازه که داستان رو قویتر میکنه.
خیلی به همدیگه میومدن و ایوا خیلی قشنگ بلد بود توی اتاق خواب و خارج ازش چارلی رو از محوطهی امنش بیاره بیرون و بهش یاد بده بعضی وقتا تاکیدش روی کنترل رو کنار بذاره و اینقدر سعی نکنه همه چیزو کنترل کنه.
و خب این کتاب تنها کتابی بود که تا حدودی به کینک دام و ساب و دستبند زدن و اینا اشاره کرد و خیلییی خوب بود.
نقطهی خیلی خوبی بود برای تموم کردن لیست کتابای این نویسنده و بی صبرانه منتظر چاپ شدن کتاب بعدیم😁
خب کتابای دیگه از زاویه دید جفت شخصیتاست ولی این کتاب فقط از زاویه دید چارلیه. در حالت عادی باید این قضیه از داستان کم کنه ولی چارلی خیلی دوست داشتنی و جذابه و زاویه دیدش از ایوا یه توصیف خیلی سکسی و پر از رمز و رازه که داستان رو قویتر میکنه.
خیلی به همدیگه میومدن و ایوا خیلی قشنگ بلد بود توی اتاق خواب و خارج ازش چارلی رو از محوطهی امنش بیاره بیرون و بهش یاد بده بعضی وقتا تاکیدش روی کنترل رو کنار بذاره و اینقدر سعی نکنه همه چیزو کنترل کنه.
و خب این کتاب تنها کتابی بود که تا حدودی به کینک دام و ساب و دستبند زدن و اینا اشاره کرد و خیلییی خوب بود.
نقطهی خیلی خوبی بود برای تموم کردن لیست کتابای این نویسنده و بی صبرانه منتظر چاپ شدن کتاب بعدیم😁
August 24, 2019
This would have been a 5 star read, but Charlie's character had me so confused. I don't know whether to like her or hate her. Irrespective of that, this book is great, I mean I love this author and I expect nothing less from her.
December 18, 2015
The wonderful part about picking up a Harper Bliss book is that you know you're in safe hands - a Bliss book is never going to be a one or two star read.
With that said, this is one of those books where I really struggled to know what score to give it - because I found the lead character and our main lens, teeth-gratingly annoying and this really impacted my enjoyment of the book at the whole...In any book with romance as one of its main storyline backbones, you have to want the romance to happen... and I just didn't feel like Charlie had grown enough as a person to deserve a happy ever after (even some hot sex was pushing it!). Having said that, any character that I can dislike so intently must have been well written.
As per usual, there are some hot scenes and solid enough story. But it's definitely not one of my Bliss favourites.
Bliss fans should definitely still pick up a copy - I was lucky enough to get an ARC but I wouldn't have begrudged the money had I paid for it - But those new to Bliss' work should probably check out something else first.
3.25 stars.
With that said, this is one of those books where I really struggled to know what score to give it - because I found the lead character and our main lens, teeth-gratingly annoying and this really impacted my enjoyment of the book at the whole...In any book with romance as one of its main storyline backbones, you have to want the romance to happen... and I just didn't feel like Charlie had grown enough as a person to deserve a happy ever after (even some hot sex was pushing it!). Having said that, any character that I can dislike so intently must have been well written.
As per usual, there are some hot scenes and solid enough story. But it's definitely not one of my Bliss favourites.
Bliss fans should definitely still pick up a copy - I was lucky enough to get an ARC but I wouldn't have begrudged the money had I paid for it - But those new to Bliss' work should probably check out something else first.
3.25 stars.
December 29, 2020
A good read about a woman with so much insecurities, she drives away the women who love her very much.
December 24, 2015
Well!!!
Harper has done it again. Whenever I start reading one of her books I find work of all kind and communication with people further from my mind. Harper yet again grabbed me from the first to the last word. Unable to put it down. Loved it. It's an excellent story funny, interesting and a very enjoyable journey. Thanks Harper for yet another great read.
Harper has done it again. Whenever I start reading one of her books I find work of all kind and communication with people further from my mind. Harper yet again grabbed me from the first to the last word. Unable to put it down. Loved it. It's an excellent story funny, interesting and a very enjoyable journey. Thanks Harper for yet another great read.
January 4, 2016
4.5 stars
There’s no denying Harper has the gift of the gab when penning lesbian erotica. I have read and enjoyed many of her short stories. When seeking out well written lesbian erotica Harper is my go to author, and the scenes in this story did not disappoint! Early on I thought she was going to venture into something I’m not a fan of in ‘short’ FF stories. However, by the end of the story I was going – do it, do it, do it. And when they did, wow holy shit cakes. Thank goodness I have a kindle, as it was one handed reading!
Moving on to the plot, because yes behind the steam there was a well thought out story. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered such a self-deprecating character as Charlie. My heart went out to her, to a point. I get self-doubt, I know what it is like to have your heart trampled on and wonder if you deserve love, or even want to put your heart on the line again. A huge amount of page time is given to those very issues, for me it got a little old towards the end.
Charlie has some wonderful friends. They were supportive while not pandering to her insecurities, in fact she was told more than once to get over herself. I loved Liz! Everyone needs a friend like her! Her gay friend Nik was forthcoming but often came across as a bit of a jerk to me. Even though his heart was in the right place.
And of course we have the lovely Ava! I fell in love with her character and found myself hoping she had the patience to deal with Charlies emotional needs. The events that unfolded after the auction hurtled the story towards a wonderful conclusion.
I hovered between four and five stars for my rating. If I was to rate it on the delivery alone it’d get five hearts, hands down. But I also rate on my reading enjoyment, and due to the fact that Charlie grated on my nerves, I’d only rate it four stars. So I settled in the middle.
Copy provided in exchange for an honest review
There’s no denying Harper has the gift of the gab when penning lesbian erotica. I have read and enjoyed many of her short stories. When seeking out well written lesbian erotica Harper is my go to author, and the scenes in this story did not disappoint! Early on I thought she was going to venture into something I’m not a fan of in ‘short’ FF stories. However, by the end of the story I was going – do it, do it, do it. And when they did, wow holy shit cakes. Thank goodness I have a kindle, as it was one handed reading!
Moving on to the plot, because yes behind the steam there was a well thought out story. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered such a self-deprecating character as Charlie. My heart went out to her, to a point. I get self-doubt, I know what it is like to have your heart trampled on and wonder if you deserve love, or even want to put your heart on the line again. A huge amount of page time is given to those very issues, for me it got a little old towards the end.
Charlie has some wonderful friends. They were supportive while not pandering to her insecurities, in fact she was told more than once to get over herself. I loved Liz! Everyone needs a friend like her! Her gay friend Nik was forthcoming but often came across as a bit of a jerk to me. Even though his heart was in the right place.
And of course we have the lovely Ava! I fell in love with her character and found myself hoping she had the patience to deal with Charlies emotional needs. The events that unfolded after the auction hurtled the story towards a wonderful conclusion.
I hovered between four and five stars for my rating. If I was to rate it on the delivery alone it’d get five hearts, hands down. But I also rate on my reading enjoyment, and due to the fact that Charlie grated on my nerves, I’d only rate it four stars. So I settled in the middle.
Copy provided in exchange for an honest review
October 30, 2022
I’ve had this book in my queue for awhile and generally love Harper Bliss stories, but this was a total let down for me. Charlie has a major hang up for “gold stars” only which is truly offensive, carries around a major chip on her shoulder and basically has only a couple writing creds to name but magically manages to attract an engaging, warm, determined, and sexy producer, not once but twice—the second time after Charlie abandoned her due to her own insecurities and obvious mistrust. What possibly attracted Ava to Charlie is baffling, and imaginary. I get it, it’s a fiction story, but be a little grounded in possibility, for chrissakes!
Why even mention the softball team? Seems like a separate, unnecessary side story.
I was also increasingly annoyed by the repeated use of Charlie’s name over all others.
Struggled to finish this and skimmed a few pages.
SMH. Disappointing.
Why even mention the softball team? Seems like a separate, unnecessary side story.
I was also increasingly annoyed by the repeated use of Charlie’s name over all others.
Struggled to finish this and skimmed a few pages.
SMH. Disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2025
2.5⭐️ Ergh, I really dislike writing less than positive reviews, but this storyline is lack lustre and Charlie is just so incredibly unlikeable! I mean lots of us have been there, in a defeatist insecure dark hole post a hard break up, but gosh Charlie takes it to a whole new self absorbed level. Ava, whilst certainly more likeable, is one-dimensional. And finally, the fact Charlie’s clear drinking problem remained entirely unacknowledged, was disturbing. For me, a miss, from Bliss, this time sadly.
December 22, 2015
Lets Get Cooking
Ms. Bliss has challenged herself to writing a book a month for a year. This is an amazing goal to set but she is off to an excellent start with Release the Stars.
Charlie is a successful writer whose books are being made into a TV series. Feeling betrayed, Charlie is trying to get over her ex who left her for and married a man. She is obsessed with finding a girlfriend who is 100 % lesbian. One day her BFF Nick takes her to a dinner party hosted by Charlie's celebrity crush and a woman she has lusted over for years, TV chef, Ava.
The women hit it off and a friendship is quickly formed and before long it looks like something much more personal could and would happen if only Charlie will just let go of her fear and her ideal 100 % lesbian woman.
I really loved the story line in this book. Who doesn't dream of a chance with her celebrity crush and having that crush want you in the same way?
The main characters in this tale are great and the secondary characters are wonderful adding to the story. Charlie is so easy to love while being totally frustrating at the same time. She is scared, angry, a bit lost but mostly hurt and confused. She isn't able to see her role in the breakup, instead focusing the pain and anger toward her ex and the man she married. I think we all have blinders like that on at some point in our lives. Its easier to deny and blame than take a good look at the whole picture. It is only after Ava and Nick call her on it (more than once) that she actually takes a real look at the situation. After talking to her ex she is finally able to move on letting herself be free from all the weight she had been carrying.
She was a damsel in distress and Ava her knight with shining cookware. Ava is sweet, charming and genuine. She is also patient, gentle and determined to win her Lady's heart no matter the cost to her own heart. I just adored her to pieces!
It was a pleasure to see Charlie grow the heck up and change her way of seeing things. I enjoyed how their relationships friendly and romantically, developed and strengthened. I loved this precious romance and eagerly await Ms. Bliss' next book in the series.
Ms. Bliss has challenged herself to writing a book a month for a year. This is an amazing goal to set but she is off to an excellent start with Release the Stars.
Charlie is a successful writer whose books are being made into a TV series. Feeling betrayed, Charlie is trying to get over her ex who left her for and married a man. She is obsessed with finding a girlfriend who is 100 % lesbian. One day her BFF Nick takes her to a dinner party hosted by Charlie's celebrity crush and a woman she has lusted over for years, TV chef, Ava.
The women hit it off and a friendship is quickly formed and before long it looks like something much more personal could and would happen if only Charlie will just let go of her fear and her ideal 100 % lesbian woman.
I really loved the story line in this book. Who doesn't dream of a chance with her celebrity crush and having that crush want you in the same way?
The main characters in this tale are great and the secondary characters are wonderful adding to the story. Charlie is so easy to love while being totally frustrating at the same time. She is scared, angry, a bit lost but mostly hurt and confused. She isn't able to see her role in the breakup, instead focusing the pain and anger toward her ex and the man she married. I think we all have blinders like that on at some point in our lives. Its easier to deny and blame than take a good look at the whole picture. It is only after Ava and Nick call her on it (more than once) that she actually takes a real look at the situation. After talking to her ex she is finally able to move on letting herself be free from all the weight she had been carrying.
She was a damsel in distress and Ava her knight with shining cookware. Ava is sweet, charming and genuine. She is also patient, gentle and determined to win her Lady's heart no matter the cost to her own heart. I just adored her to pieces!
It was a pleasure to see Charlie grow the heck up and change her way of seeing things. I enjoyed how their relationships friendly and romantically, developed and strengthened. I loved this precious romance and eagerly await Ms. Bliss' next book in the series.
Read
December 29, 2015I’ve lost count of how many stories I’ve read by Harper Bliss, but I do know that Release the Stars is one of my favorites. Charlie is the type of character you want to knock some sense into. And she’s in need of a reassuring hug. Ava is the type of woman many of us dream about. Watching them collide is a wonderful ride, with lots of ups and downs, and some blistering hot sex scenes. Well worth a read.
March 8, 2024
3.5 Stars
Harper Bliss books are a comfort read for me. There’s a formula/cadence the author follows that is familiar and not too emotionally threatening which is why I like reading their stories. Sometimes, the stories are a bit subdued that it’s too safe for my liking. Release the Stars is not too loud but not too tame, I guess. I kinda liked the main character’s struggle and eventual development.
Harper Bliss books are a comfort read for me. There’s a formula/cadence the author follows that is familiar and not too emotionally threatening which is why I like reading their stories. Sometimes, the stories are a bit subdued that it’s too safe for my liking. Release the Stars is not too loud but not too tame, I guess. I kinda liked the main character’s struggle and eventual development.
November 14, 2024
How ironic that I’d read or listened to every book in the “Bliss-verse” but this one and I believe it’s the first in the series!
The main draw for this for me was Abby Craden re-recorded the audiobook and I love how she performs Bliss’s books.
Charlie and Ava were familiar to me from other books in this universe and I’m glad I got to know more about Charlie from other books because she was quite annoying in this one. At times I wasn’t exactly sure why Ava fell so hard for her, but the heart wants what it wants.
Abby performed the love scenes beautifully. Good lord! 🔥🔥🔥🔥 I LOVED her voice for Ava. Very sexy.
If I was going to start the series over again I probably would start with this one. This isn’t the best of them, but it’s a fun intro into their world.
The main draw for this for me was Abby Craden re-recorded the audiobook and I love how she performs Bliss’s books.
Charlie and Ava were familiar to me from other books in this universe and I’m glad I got to know more about Charlie from other books because she was quite annoying in this one. At times I wasn’t exactly sure why Ava fell so hard for her, but the heart wants what it wants.
Abby performed the love scenes beautifully. Good lord! 🔥🔥🔥🔥 I LOVED her voice for Ava. Very sexy.
If I was going to start the series over again I probably would start with this one. This isn’t the best of them, but it’s a fun intro into their world.
January 7, 2018
I’ve only started reading Harper Bliss’s books recently, and I’m really, really enjoying them. This is as well written as any of them, but I found Charlie a touch unlikeable (though also very realistic and believable, so that’s another testament to good writing).
December 8, 2019
Charlie Sucked
I want to write a really helpful review but ultimately I think I just didn’t care about Charlie getting a happy ending. Unfortunately, the author didn’t give her any redeeming qualities (outside of being a successful writer?) even though there were plenty of opportunities. She was a shit friend to Liz and Nick, a shit teammate to everyone, a shit date to Josie (twice!), and then a shit girlfriend to Ava and Jo. There’s just nothing good about her. I just didn’t care?
I want to write a really helpful review but ultimately I think I just didn’t care about Charlie getting a happy ending. Unfortunately, the author didn’t give her any redeeming qualities (outside of being a successful writer?) even though there were plenty of opportunities. She was a shit friend to Liz and Nick, a shit teammate to everyone, a shit date to Josie (twice!), and then a shit girlfriend to Ava and Jo. There’s just nothing good about her. I just didn’t care?
December 31, 2015
Really enjoyed this story. The main character Charlie is very flawed but her friends are a great support for her and she learns a lot about herself and her flaws. Even with her flaws Charlie is very likable.
December 17, 2015
I have been a big fan of Harper's work for a while now and this is definitely my favorite story by Harper so far. I loved it!
January 17, 2024
Okay, I was very close to not finish this book. The main character Charlie is so annoying it drives me crazy. She is mean to everyone around her and biphobic. I know, she has issues, but is anyone this crazy???? She gets some insights in the end but it took her too long for my liking. I had to skip some parts of her being dramatic and the victim, it was too much lol.
I finished it because I loved the love interest: Ava. She is sweet and understanding. And she is way too nice to Charlie.
I finished it because I loved the love interest: Ava. She is sweet and understanding. And she is way too nice to Charlie.
Read
September 22, 2024Due to health circumstances, I wasn't able to fully attend while listening. While it was a wonderful comfort to have, I am not in a position to rate it. I look forward to listening again when I can really enjoy it.
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