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Far From the World We Know
How far must you run to escape the past?
Laura Baker has just moved to the small Texas town of Nelson for a life of solitude and recovery after a traumatic event that has scarred her irreversibly. But her chosen isolation is difficult to maintain after she meets Tess Douglas, the charming editor of the town paper. Tess is determined to break down the walls Laura has built up around herself. As their friendship develops, so do their feelings for each other.
Will Tess be able to get past Laura’s defenses? And will Laura allow herself to love, and live, again? Find out in this powerful new novel by the chart-topping author of Seasons of Love, Release the Stars and At the Water’s Edge.
Word count: 59.000 words
Laura Baker has just moved to the small Texas town of Nelson for a life of solitude and recovery after a traumatic event that has scarred her irreversibly. But her chosen isolation is difficult to maintain after she meets Tess Douglas, the charming editor of the town paper. Tess is determined to break down the walls Laura has built up around herself. As their friendship develops, so do their feelings for each other.
Will Tess be able to get past Laura’s defenses? And will Laura allow herself to love, and live, again? Find out in this powerful new novel by the chart-topping author of Seasons of Love, Release the Stars and At the Water’s Edge.
Word count: 59.000 words
220 pages, Paperback
First published April 12, 2016
108 people are currently reading
884 people want to read
About the author
Harper Bliss
138 books2,361 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
April 10, 2020
I liked both Laura and Tess but I didn't like them together. The storyline and side characters were interesting and the writing was incredible as is always the case with Harper Bliss books but how can I enjoy a romance book if I don't feel the chemistry between the MCs.
May 18, 2016
This was just OK. It's was written well, Harper Bliss obviously is a talented author, the book just didn't really go anywhere. One character was broken down and dealing with her last abusive relationship. The other was an overly excited bubbly woman with a perfect life (except for being single) and perfect family. They were such opposites, that it was difficult to picture them together. I didn't really feel the chemistry at all. And the relationship was very one sided. One character seeming in love, the other not wanting any part of a relationship. It was like 'can we date?' 'No!' 'Can we start dating now?' 'No.' 'Well what about now, can we finally date?' 'Okay, you twisted my arm, yes we can date.' Next the book changed to 'no we can't have sex yet', then 'nope we still can't have sex.' Until, 'Oh you actually look hot in a t-shirt and panties, so we can have sex now.' Ugh, this was not what I'm looking for when I read a LesFic romance.
Maybe others will like this better than me, it wasn't bad, just not what i was looking for.
Maybe others will like this better than me, it wasn't bad, just not what i was looking for.
July 22, 2019
3.5
It was alright... I did enjoyed the story, but there was no chemistry at all between the MC. There just 2 polar opposites
It was alright... I did enjoyed the story, but there was no chemistry at all between the MC. There just 2 polar opposites
April 29, 2016
By far my favorite Bliss book to date. Right up front I’ll let you know that this is a romance. It is NOT erotica. There are a couple very tasteful sex scenes, but this story is far from being about sex.
Laura has just moved to a small town in Texas after a devastating event that occurred with her ex. She is almost immediately spotted by fellow small town lesbian, Tess, who immediately comes off too strong for Laura’s liking; given that she is nursing a very, very, very broken heart. As well as battling some serious demons from her past. You find out pretty early in the book the kinds of events that have led her to where she is now, but just in case you don’t want to know, here’s the tag:
While Tess is ever vigilant in her chase of Laura, Laura eventually has to come clean to her so she can understand why she has so many hang-ups, and no desire to get into a relationship any time soon. Realizing how damaged Laura is, Tess resolves to be the best friend she can be to Laura, while trying to keep her ever growing feelings for her in check. She understands how badly Laura needs someone who won’t judge her for things that have happened in her past, and allow her to see herself as a worthwhile human being, who deserves love and honesty.
I loved Tess’s character. The way she’s there for Laura, even though she is developing these really hard to contain emotions, is so wonderful. She puts herself aside to be a good friend to someone who needs it, at the risk of their own heart. She is patient and understanding with Laura, and when Laura finally tells her the dark secrets she’s been keeping, she even keeps the secret from her twin sister. Whom she never hides anything from. Serious respect for this woman.
I seriously enjoyed the character development and thought Harper wrote very realistic people with realistic problems. The things that go through Laura’s head, with regards to her past relationship, can be understood and felt by anyone who has been through a violent relationship. I would daresay that even if you’ve never experienced it before, Harper has written the character so well that I feel it really does give an accurate portrayal of the mental and emotional health/stability of someone going through that. The feelings of betrayal, never being good enough, or feeling like you deserve the treatment you’ve received; that you’re not worthy of real love. To be so madly in love with someone, but be able to hate them with the same veracity. It’s all there, and is represented so well.
The ending is also very well done, and I really appreciated the “time-lapse” epilogue so we can see how far they’ve come.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys f/f romance, and a good, solid character driven story.
Many thanks the Harper Bliss and Ladylit Publishing for providing me with an ARC of Far From the World We Know, in exchange for my honest review.
Laura has just moved to a small town in Texas after a devastating event that occurred with her ex. She is almost immediately spotted by fellow small town lesbian, Tess, who immediately comes off too strong for Laura’s liking; given that she is nursing a very, very, very broken heart. As well as battling some serious demons from her past. You find out pretty early in the book the kinds of events that have led her to where she is now, but just in case you don’t want to know, here’s the tag:
While Tess is ever vigilant in her chase of Laura, Laura eventually has to come clean to her so she can understand why she has so many hang-ups, and no desire to get into a relationship any time soon. Realizing how damaged Laura is, Tess resolves to be the best friend she can be to Laura, while trying to keep her ever growing feelings for her in check. She understands how badly Laura needs someone who won’t judge her for things that have happened in her past, and allow her to see herself as a worthwhile human being, who deserves love and honesty.
I loved Tess’s character. The way she’s there for Laura, even though she is developing these really hard to contain emotions, is so wonderful. She puts herself aside to be a good friend to someone who needs it, at the risk of their own heart. She is patient and understanding with Laura, and when Laura finally tells her the dark secrets she’s been keeping, she even keeps the secret from her twin sister. Whom she never hides anything from. Serious respect for this woman.
I seriously enjoyed the character development and thought Harper wrote very realistic people with realistic problems. The things that go through Laura’s head, with regards to her past relationship, can be understood and felt by anyone who has been through a violent relationship. I would daresay that even if you’ve never experienced it before, Harper has written the character so well that I feel it really does give an accurate portrayal of the mental and emotional health/stability of someone going through that. The feelings of betrayal, never being good enough, or feeling like you deserve the treatment you’ve received; that you’re not worthy of real love. To be so madly in love with someone, but be able to hate them with the same veracity. It’s all there, and is represented so well.
The ending is also very well done, and I really appreciated the “time-lapse” epilogue so we can see how far they’ve come.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys f/f romance, and a good, solid character driven story.
Many thanks the Harper Bliss and Ladylit Publishing for providing me with an ARC of Far From the World We Know, in exchange for my honest review.
August 22, 2016
Far From the World We know By Harper Bliss
Laura fled Chicago after a life changing and traumatic event that has left her life in turmoil. She literally bumps into Tess. Tess is attracted to Laura for the moment she see's her but Laura isn't interested in anything more than friendship. Tess knows what she feels and isn't ready to give up on Laura .....
This book had me hooked from the start. The story had an awesome twist and identified a rather large issue between Laura and her former life. Harper has done this in other novels like 'At the Waters Edge' which highlighted a mental health issue. This is a brave move and leaves you feeling like the love story is more true to life and i identify better with the characters.
I loved the characters but especially took a shine to Tess. She is everything that makes a good Lesbian heroine. Her non stop 'Douglas' personality made me laugh but also made me cheer her on every time she tried to win Laura's heart.
As seems to be the trend with anything i read from Harper Bliss i've given this novel 5*****
Can't wait for the next Harper Bliss novel.
Laura fled Chicago after a life changing and traumatic event that has left her life in turmoil. She literally bumps into Tess. Tess is attracted to Laura for the moment she see's her but Laura isn't interested in anything more than friendship. Tess knows what she feels and isn't ready to give up on Laura .....
This book had me hooked from the start. The story had an awesome twist and identified a rather large issue between Laura and her former life. Harper has done this in other novels like 'At the Waters Edge' which highlighted a mental health issue. This is a brave move and leaves you feeling like the love story is more true to life and i identify better with the characters.
I loved the characters but especially took a shine to Tess. She is everything that makes a good Lesbian heroine. Her non stop 'Douglas' personality made me laugh but also made me cheer her on every time she tried to win Laura's heart.
As seems to be the trend with anything i read from Harper Bliss i've given this novel 5*****
Can't wait for the next Harper Bliss novel.
May 18, 2016
Definitely not my kinda book! I gave it 2 stars because no one can deny that Harper bliss writing style is just amazing! Other than that, the story was very boring, characters had 0 chemistry, story was not believable at all.. One woman chasing another for the first half of the book for no reason whatsoever!Unfortunately I couldn't wait for this book to end so I start reading another gone.
November 2, 2020
It's an OK read, but seriously misses the mark. Two characters told 1st person, and when you have polar opposites this is permissible, but at the same time, one id so sweet and sacharine and the other so broken that is doesn't form well, not for me.
In the first instances of meeting Tess, it reads as though she has already decided that Laura is the one. desperate or what! There is too much time with the two characters covering the same stuff.
In the first instances of meeting Tess, it reads as though she has already decided that Laura is the one. desperate or what! There is too much time with the two characters covering the same stuff.
March 28, 2025
I did enjoy this. It’s a theme I don’t read much in sapphic books. I listened to this on Audible. Narrated by Charlotte North who did a great job at telling the story.
This book does mention a past abusive partner but nothing to graphically descriptive.
Written in first person with 2x POV’s. Small town. Opposites attract. Healing from trauma. Couple of spicy scenes.
This book does mention a past abusive partner but nothing to graphically descriptive.
Written in first person with 2x POV’s. Small town. Opposites attract. Healing from trauma. Couple of spicy scenes.
June 25, 2019
I usually really enjoy Harper Bliss books. She wrote one of my favorite books of all time...Once in a Lifetime. Her characters are usually very well developed, the plot lines interesting and the sex scenes hot.
Having said that, this one didn't really do it for me. In fact, I read this several days ago but didn't have time to write the review. I had to go back and skim because I honestly didn't remember the book one way or the other.
So, It wasn't horrible-because I remember those. Nor was it great-because I really remember those. It was OK.
Having said that, this one didn't really do it for me. In fact, I read this several days ago but didn't have time to write the review. I had to go back and skim because I honestly didn't remember the book one way or the other.
So, It wasn't horrible-because I remember those. Nor was it great-because I really remember those. It was OK.
December 12, 2017
3.5 stars. I read three Harper Bliss books in a row this weekend. This was probably my favorite of the three. All three were well written, all three told plots I’ve not encountered often, and all three were fairly enjoyable. But I also had a really hard time connecting with the characters in all three.
July 9, 2025
Laura Baker has relocated from Chicago to Nelson. It's a welcome change of scenery and escape from a past that she cannot forget. Tess Douglas was born and raised in Nelson. She's bright, bubbly and outgoing.
I didn't feel the chemistry between Laura and Tess. The numerous reminders of a past event that happened in Laura's life (and relate to her ex wife), for me, was a bit too much especially as it falls under a trigger warning. That being said, it does have some interesting side characters that are pivotal to the story.
I didn't feel the chemistry between Laura and Tess. The numerous reminders of a past event that happened in Laura's life (and relate to her ex wife), for me, was a bit too much especially as it falls under a trigger warning. That being said, it does have some interesting side characters that are pivotal to the story.
February 16, 2021
3.5 star ratings
This is not a book whose main character one may like immediately...infact, it took me getting to the end to warm up to Laura. But again pain with distrust is a terrible form of cancer....it eats you from within and makes you lose life even before it takes one towards death.
The author really did a great job expressing this for Laura but I felt really sorry for Tess(I applaud her tenacity) and wondered if real persons exist with that much endurance.
I think the only reason i am not going all out for a 4 star rating is just due to my own emotions towards this story...asides my emotions, it really does deserve 4 stars. Well written.
This is not a book whose main character one may like immediately...infact, it took me getting to the end to warm up to Laura. But again pain with distrust is a terrible form of cancer....it eats you from within and makes you lose life even before it takes one towards death.
The author really did a great job expressing this for Laura but I felt really sorry for Tess(I applaud her tenacity) and wondered if real persons exist with that much endurance.
I think the only reason i am not going all out for a 4 star rating is just due to my own emotions towards this story...asides my emotions, it really does deserve 4 stars. Well written.
March 21, 2017
This story is told in first person present tense, which is not my preferred style of narration but when done right I can cope. Harper gets it right, although I will suffice to say in this story, at times both heroines sounded so much the alike I had to remind myself who was who.
I’ve read numerous books by Harper, she most definitely knows how to tell a compelling tale. The story of Laura and Tess is a long slow burn, which is understandable given the horrendous event Laura lived through prior to moving to Nelson to take care of her sick Aunt. I can only begin to imagine the guilt a survivor of such a thing would endure. My heart went out to her.
Tess saw something in Laura long before she forgave herself and deemed herself worthy of finding love. The amount of times Laura pushed Tess away frustrated the hell out of me, even though I understood her reluctance to let down the walls she’d built around her heart. Tess’s patience and unwavering support endeared me to her more. She was a real sweetheart!
To add to the harrowing event Laura endured, we then discover her parents are fundamentalists who cut their daughter out of their lives years ago. While I’m sure this is all too common an occurrence, the book took a turn for the worst when it entered into religion. I avoid debating the topic like the plague so don’t care for such content in a fictional world either. That ones on me, I’m sure many others will be nodding along in understanding and/or sympathy.
There’s no heat factor until well after the 60% mark, but again given the nature of the story it wouldn’t have been right for the ladies to fall straight into bed together. And in true Harper fashion once the ladies did become intimate the pages sizzled.
I very much enjoyed reading about more middle-aged women, who dealt with life’s issues in a mature way.
The story is very moving, and will be sure to tug at readers heartstrings and melt their panties. I recommend it to lovers of emotional reads with a little bit of heat thrown in for good measure.
Copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve read numerous books by Harper, she most definitely knows how to tell a compelling tale. The story of Laura and Tess is a long slow burn, which is understandable given the horrendous event Laura lived through prior to moving to Nelson to take care of her sick Aunt. I can only begin to imagine the guilt a survivor of such a thing would endure. My heart went out to her.
Tess saw something in Laura long before she forgave herself and deemed herself worthy of finding love. The amount of times Laura pushed Tess away frustrated the hell out of me, even though I understood her reluctance to let down the walls she’d built around her heart. Tess’s patience and unwavering support endeared me to her more. She was a real sweetheart!
To add to the harrowing event Laura endured, we then discover her parents are fundamentalists who cut their daughter out of their lives years ago. While I’m sure this is all too common an occurrence, the book took a turn for the worst when it entered into religion. I avoid debating the topic like the plague so don’t care for such content in a fictional world either. That ones on me, I’m sure many others will be nodding along in understanding and/or sympathy.
There’s no heat factor until well after the 60% mark, but again given the nature of the story it wouldn’t have been right for the ladies to fall straight into bed together. And in true Harper fashion once the ladies did become intimate the pages sizzled.
I very much enjoyed reading about more middle-aged women, who dealt with life’s issues in a mature way.
The story is very moving, and will be sure to tug at readers heartstrings and melt their panties. I recommend it to lovers of emotional reads with a little bit of heat thrown in for good measure.
Copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2016
Far From the World We Know is beautifully written, with perfect pacing, and a story that is interesting and emotional. The sex is very well written, but it’s not overly erotic, which was exactly right for this book. Harper Bliss doles out information about Laura and her past so carefully that to talk about it would spoil the experience of reading the story (so much so, in fact, that I was tempted to turn in a review that just said “Don’t read anything about it; just read the book!”). I’m notorious for reading ahead, but I never did with Far From the World We Know because I knew it would be a mistake.
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/far-w...
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/far-w...
December 2, 2025
my thoughts alternated back and forth from "OH, BROTHER!" to "GIVE ME A BREAK!"
April 24, 2025
3.5 stars
October 28, 2024
Such a real book about real people about experiences and abuse but how we can process that abuse and change our way of loving and having the ability to love after abuse but also a really charming tale about two lesbians getting together with a fond friendship at first learning to trust another person again then it turning into something romantic with a beautiful ending…The best ending I’ve ever read 10 out of 10 would recommend
February 21, 2017
After immersing myself within a few of Bliss's novellas I wanted to test Harper and read one of her full novels, and I must admit I was not disappointed. When looking through Harper's other books this one peaked my interest, hence my reasoning for choosing it.
Click here to read my full review of this book. :)
Click here to read my full review of this book. :)
April 2, 2025
The only two available lesbians in a small town: one is carefree and full of chutzpah, the other is still processing her trauma and just moved there. Can I, as the famous poet once said, Make It Any More Obvious?
I looked at the blurb for this book and vocalized "yeah I'm into trauma", which about sums up what I'm usually looking for in a story. I want an emotional conflict with a history; I want that conflict to create tension between the leads, and I want them to work with each other to either get past their conflict or learn to live alongside it.
And these two women talk about their fears, they push past each other's walls, they communicate their needs and their hurts, they respect each other's boundaries. The have support circles that don't just push them towards each other - I appreciated the hesitancy and worry that both their situations cause in the people who love them.
The emotional high and low points didn't hit me as strongly as I would expect - maybe that's on me for not being able to connect to their trauma, or maybe it's a writing issue. Either way, I found that the book fascinates me, in a way that I find difficult to put into words.
The book's blurb does not specify the trauma in it, so I won't either. But the question I came away from in the end is simply: does the book not hit me as hard, because it doesn't want to? Maybe this book is more of a "survivor fantasy" than an angst fueled romance. Maybe Harper wants to handle this topic by showing healing in a safe space, where people are supportive and loving, and those that aren't - are handled with support from those that are.
If that was the plan, I hope this book found its audience. In the meantime I'll stay here, forever fascinated.
I looked at the blurb for this book and vocalized "yeah I'm into trauma", which about sums up what I'm usually looking for in a story. I want an emotional conflict with a history; I want that conflict to create tension between the leads, and I want them to work with each other to either get past their conflict or learn to live alongside it.
And these two women talk about their fears, they push past each other's walls, they communicate their needs and their hurts, they respect each other's boundaries. The have support circles that don't just push them towards each other - I appreciated the hesitancy and worry that both their situations cause in the people who love them.
The emotional high and low points didn't hit me as strongly as I would expect - maybe that's on me for not being able to connect to their trauma, or maybe it's a writing issue. Either way, I found that the book fascinates me, in a way that I find difficult to put into words.
The book's blurb does not specify the trauma in it, so I won't either. But the question I came away from in the end is simply: does the book not hit me as hard, because it doesn't want to? Maybe this book is more of a "survivor fantasy" than an angst fueled romance. Maybe Harper wants to handle this topic by showing healing in a safe space, where people are supportive and loving, and those that aren't - are handled with support from those that are.
If that was the plan, I hope this book found its audience. In the meantime I'll stay here, forever fascinated.
June 4, 2017
Finally, a good lesbian romance
It was very nice to get to read a nice lesbian romance without an utterly ridiculous, contrived situation. Yes, one of the characters does have an unusually dark past, but it's not unbelievable (except that friends and family didn't know). Also, Tess hits the nail on the head by joking that her and Laura are the only two eligible lesbians in town. These plot points can be chalked up to twists of fate, especially as you get to know the infectious Tess. She is by turns hapless, irritating, sincere, bumbling and charming. She is the life of this story and her family members, what we read of them, are nearly as charming. Laura takes a bit of getting used to, but once you do, you can't help seeing her through Tess' eyes. The story does drag a bit in the beginning. Will Laura let Tees in. It's a foregone conclusion. Even though the relationship has inevitable written all over it, it's still fun to watch. Sex scenes have a curious remote intimacy to them. While the inner thoughts of the characters feel almost intrusively intimate, descriptions of the actual act seem a bit clinical. Despite the few short cummings, Far From the World We Know is well worth reading.
It was very nice to get to read a nice lesbian romance without an utterly ridiculous, contrived situation. Yes, one of the characters does have an unusually dark past, but it's not unbelievable (except that friends and family didn't know). Also, Tess hits the nail on the head by joking that her and Laura are the only two eligible lesbians in town. These plot points can be chalked up to twists of fate, especially as you get to know the infectious Tess. She is by turns hapless, irritating, sincere, bumbling and charming. She is the life of this story and her family members, what we read of them, are nearly as charming. Laura takes a bit of getting used to, but once you do, you can't help seeing her through Tess' eyes. The story does drag a bit in the beginning. Will Laura let Tees in. It's a foregone conclusion. Even though the relationship has inevitable written all over it, it's still fun to watch. Sex scenes have a curious remote intimacy to them. While the inner thoughts of the characters feel almost intrusively intimate, descriptions of the actual act seem a bit clinical. Despite the few short cummings, Far From the World We Know is well worth reading.
October 16, 2019
Far from the World We Know
Another great story from author Harper Bliss..This time about two different women.One who has moved to a small town following the death of her wife but also to stay with her aunt Molly who has moved to a nursing home. Laura is a graphic designer but is struggling with it. Then she meets Tess who bumps into her with her shopping trolley and true to get her story but Laura doesn't want to know .Now the story really. begins. covers a number of issues that are dealt with sympathy and love.Tess. Is a cowgirl but also editor of the local paper but ask her to help her to design a new look for the paper but refuse bb,Now the story really want you to find out what happens next.
Harper Bliss writes with compassion and more .Hopefully we will get the story of Cowgirl Sherry and Rachel the best friend ,Yes Please
But also how she says THANK You to all People that help her especially her Wife. and Readers including Me.
,5++ stars looking forward to her next book..
Another great story from author Harper Bliss..This time about two different women.One who has moved to a small town following the death of her wife but also to stay with her aunt Molly who has moved to a nursing home. Laura is a graphic designer but is struggling with it. Then she meets Tess who bumps into her with her shopping trolley and true to get her story but Laura doesn't want to know .Now the story really. begins. covers a number of issues that are dealt with sympathy and love.Tess. Is a cowgirl but also editor of the local paper but ask her to help her to design a new look for the paper but refuse bb,Now the story really want you to find out what happens next.
Harper Bliss writes with compassion and more .Hopefully we will get the story of Cowgirl Sherry and Rachel the best friend ,Yes Please
But also how she says THANK You to all People that help her especially her Wife. and Readers including Me.
,5++ stars looking forward to her next book..
April 7, 2020
This divine woman with a heart so big she had room in it to revive mine.
Ultimately a good-ish story with a lacklustre execution. Nothing wrong with it, but after reading a fair amount of Harper Bliss books, I found it to be very much just. More of the same. Mediocre lesbian romance, nothing to complain about. Except when there was. Laura changed tack way faster than I would have wanted or expected, Tess coming on so strong in the beginning wasn't appealing, it was too short for me to get a sense of any real chemistry, the dialogue was very plastic... There was just nothing to really LOVE about this book, which is a shame. The premise and the past that Laura was running from really was unique and heart-wrenching. But the writing and the characters and everything were just... blah!
Listened to the audiobook as read by Charlotte North, and at least that was a treat. She just has one of those voices that I like. Her Texan accent was super charming (though I can't be the judge on whether it was actually, you know, good).
Meh overall. 2.5 stars.
Ultimately a good-ish story with a lacklustre execution. Nothing wrong with it, but after reading a fair amount of Harper Bliss books, I found it to be very much just. More of the same. Mediocre lesbian romance, nothing to complain about. Except when there was. Laura changed tack way faster than I would have wanted or expected, Tess coming on so strong in the beginning wasn't appealing, it was too short for me to get a sense of any real chemistry, the dialogue was very plastic... There was just nothing to really LOVE about this book, which is a shame. The premise and the past that Laura was running from really was unique and heart-wrenching. But the writing and the characters and everything were just... blah!
Listened to the audiobook as read by Charlotte North, and at least that was a treat. She just has one of those voices that I like. Her Texan accent was super charming (though I can't be the judge on whether it was actually, you know, good).
Meh overall. 2.5 stars.
May 16, 2025
4.5 stars. Looking through the reviews I’m definitely in the minority on this one because I thought this was really good! I will admit that I thought the beginning was a bit rough but that’s because I was cringing on Tess’s behalf. She was way too pushy with Laura and it was a bit uncomfortable however once she realized that her forwardness was putting Tess off she did calm down thank God.
I ended up loving both characters so much. Tess is the epitome of sunshine, she wears her heart on her sleeve whereas Laura is very closed off due to her heartbreaking past. Their relationship is a super slow burn as Laura has to really overcome her trauma and I liked the pace that everything went. I loved the chemistry between them and while they’re polar opposites they absolutely worked. Tess was just what Laura needed and I thought it was beautiful watching Laura slowly start to open up to her. It was very sweet. Overall, I loved this and I’m glad that I picked it up. It's on the heavier side but the romance really balanced it out and I loved the side characters as well. Great read.
I ended up loving both characters so much. Tess is the epitome of sunshine, she wears her heart on her sleeve whereas Laura is very closed off due to her heartbreaking past. Their relationship is a super slow burn as Laura has to really overcome her trauma and I liked the pace that everything went. I loved the chemistry between them and while they’re polar opposites they absolutely worked. Tess was just what Laura needed and I thought it was beautiful watching Laura slowly start to open up to her. It was very sweet. Overall, I loved this and I’m glad that I picked it up. It's on the heavier side but the romance really balanced it out and I loved the side characters as well. Great read.
October 17, 2018
I've gone on a bit of a Harper Bliss kick lately, and I think Far From the World We Know is the best of her books that I've read so far. I feel she has created very relatable characters in Tess and Laura, especially Tess. What woman in the lesbian world hasn't seen a beautiful woman and prayed "Please God, let her be a lesbian", and then done the internal (or sometimes external) happy dance when it turns out she is on the team. I like Tess' family, and especially enjoyed the dynamic between Megan and her husband. Perhaps the most impressive part of this story is Harper's delicate handling of Laura's abusive past, and acknowledgment that many times the victim feels culpable for the consequences of the relationship.
I enjoy Harper Bliss' writing, and look forward to reading more of her work.
I enjoy Harper Bliss' writing, and look forward to reading more of her work.
June 2, 2019
In this book we have two main characters, one of which fled Chicago after the end of an abusive marriage. Laura is broken, tormented by her past really, and in the course of this book she struggles to come to terms with her past and future.
I think this process of mental health and struggle to become one’s self again could have been a bit more gradual and less intertwined with Tess. All her progress only seems to be because of this woman she bumps into in the supermarket and falls head over heels. They become friends, colleagues and in the end lovers.
It feel a tiny bit forced on Tess’ part, because she is so determined and lacks any character development, where Laura has plenty.
I liked the book, but it could have been so much more.
I think this process of mental health and struggle to become one’s self again could have been a bit more gradual and less intertwined with Tess. All her progress only seems to be because of this woman she bumps into in the supermarket and falls head over heels. They become friends, colleagues and in the end lovers.
It feel a tiny bit forced on Tess’ part, because she is so determined and lacks any character development, where Laura has plenty.
I liked the book, but it could have been so much more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2020
I was looking forward to this book, as I tend to enjoy Harper Bliss books. This is a well written book and includes characters who are nice and understanding towards each other. That is a big plus for me. I like the way each of the 2 MCs rotate 1st person perspective, with each chapter. I find this fun. But I have to say, I wasn’t able to connect or become emotionally connected to the MCs. Then the end seemed rushed. This surprised me, tbh. This slow burn romance has angst and the backstory for Laura is intense. I can appreciate that Bliss acknowledged the time, trust and patience it would take for someone in Laura’s position to come around to dating. I really wish I liked the story more than I did. But I’m glad I didn’t overlook it. Still a Harper Bliss fan.
May 14, 2024
First love LGBTQ story... it was okay, and I thought it was an interesting background of Laura's, but nothing that I was so connected with. Trauma, I completely understand in a relationship. I am not sure what I wanted, maybe more of a back and forth of past and present ... I felt as if the story was just told very sequence but nothing with the thrill or gasp. Tess is an amazing person to wait .. and worth through all of it to "get the girl," but again, the storyline was flat. It got intense at the end once ... able to move, and the ending was sweet, but typical Uhaul truck ending. Loved the line, took a life, and gave a life, which was beautiful.. but so rushed at the end. Overall, I'm not sure if I'd read this author again ... 🤔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2017
I chanced upon Harper's books via a free read and have been devouring them as I can afford them. Harper's characters are real, honest and I love reading her work. This one hit a little close to home regarding some similarities to Laura and the things you go through when a partner is cruel. I loved the build up to Laura & Tess and their trials and tribulations as they navigated their way through life. We need more people like Rachel & Tess in this world and more parents like the Douglas's! I read this book in a day thanks to a long haul bus ride! Can't wait to read another of Harper's amazing stories full of characters that come to life - reading the letter in the story made me cry!
March 13, 2022
3.5 though rounding up as it was one of those sweet weekend reads that I didn’t want to put down. Bliss did a pretty good job of interweaving Laura’s domestic abuse backstory and subsequent PTS without emotionally overloading the reader. Comparably, I felt Tess’ backstory was remarkably under-developed, and she was oddly dodgy about it given what it wound up being about. Tess’ family were precious all on their own, and if you were ever a queer person who grew up in a conservative area of the country, this is the HEA story will you give you a warm fuzzy feeling. I may read it again just for that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2025
1/5 🌶️
My first Harper Bliss book. It was meh. Got tired of reading the same thoughts over and over. I also had some difficultly understanding why Tess liked Laura, it also felt like her character had no substance without any form of real backstory.
Thoughts/reactions I had while reading:
1. Wtf happened to you?
2. Tess is giving Barbra Jean vibes from Reba and it’s both annoying and am living for it
3. Pop off, Queen 👊🏼
4. There’s far too much internal monologue happening during this 🌶️ scene
My first Harper Bliss book. It was meh. Got tired of reading the same thoughts over and over. I also had some difficultly understanding why Tess liked Laura, it also felt like her character had no substance without any form of real backstory.
Thoughts/reactions I had while reading:
1. Wtf happened to you?
2. Tess is giving Barbra Jean vibes from Reba and it’s both annoying and am living for it
3. Pop off, Queen 👊🏼
4. There’s far too much internal monologue happening during this 🌶️ scene
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