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The Pink Bean #3
Everything Between Us
The only size that matters is your heart's.When PhD student and Pink Bean barista Josephine Greenwood meets her feminist idol Caitlin James she's starstruck. But when Caitlin starts showing a more than friendly interest in her, Josephine can't believe Caitlin's advances are genuine. Her issues with her own body and how people see her threaten to cut off any prospect of romance before it has the chance to blossom. Will Caitlin be able to break down the walls Josephine has built around herself and open her mind to the possibility of romantic happiness? Don't miss this new instalment of best-selling lesbian romance author Harper Bliss' much-loved Pink Bean series. Every book in this series can be read as a stand-alone without having read the other instalments.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2017
162 people are currently reading
460 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
July 14, 2017
“Everything Between Us” felt like an assignment done for a creative writing class, where many incompatible elements were thrown together and had to be used….sort of like those Top Chef shows.
We have:
MC#1 - Nearly 50yo feminist book author and renowned player Caitlin, who fervently dislikes monogamy - because the sex gets boring after awhile, openly only wants open relationships. Despite being an academic, she’s very rich, as well as gorgeous. Best friend since college days with Pink Bean co-owner Sheryl.
MC#2 - Josephine, 28yo PhD candidate who TAs for Sheryl, and also works for her at the Pink Bean. Josephine’s thesis is on Body Positivity, but she has a VERY negative view of her own body, and let’s us know her self-image at every opportunity. Yes, she is fat (she says she’s triple the size of a slight girl, which would put her in the 250-330 pound range), but I can’t tell if Harper wants us to join Josephine at disliking her size, or to accept her despite her size. Frankly, her size is irrelevant to me….it’s her negative, self-doubting, personality I disliked.
Amber returns - pretty much to let Josephine know she and Caitlin slept together, and she’s still distrusting of Caitlin.
Micky (from Pink Bean #1) returns - with a personality transplant. Instead of the insecure divorced housewife who’s never worked, and mother of two teenagers who finds herself attracted to a woman…she’s now a teasing, taunting, bitchy coworker.
The story is essentially that sex-focused Caitlin really wants Josephine, and Josephine can’t understand why. I couldn’t really figure out why either was the right fit for each other either. Caitlin is not the type to go for personality, and an open-sex relationship doesn’t sound like the basis for anything good for Josephine, with all of her insecurities.
Perhaps Harper Bliss, with all her talents, is rushing out these Pink Bean books a bit too fast. Yes, the Pink Bean is a forum for characters that make us think - divorced straight woman falling for a girl, an alcoholic partner, and now a person with low self esteem because of her body. But the characters and story just didn’t come together in this one….it just felt too artificial - that creative writing assignment comes to mind again. 2* for the book.
BUT - because this book is first person POV, Harper changed the narrator to Melissa Moran. WOW what a great voice! Perhaps she was chosen because Josephine has a terrific singing voice, and the narrator makes us believe that. Perhaps she was chosen to help us see past Josephine’s body into her heart and soul. Well, as I said, I didn’t particularly like Josephine, or understand why she thinks non-relationship Caitlin will be good for her self-image….but WOW did I like the narrator’s voice! She earns an extra star for the audiobook, so 3* it is.
We have:
MC#1 - Nearly 50yo feminist book author and renowned player Caitlin, who fervently dislikes monogamy - because the sex gets boring after awhile, openly only wants open relationships. Despite being an academic, she’s very rich, as well as gorgeous. Best friend since college days with Pink Bean co-owner Sheryl.
MC#2 - Josephine, 28yo PhD candidate who TAs for Sheryl, and also works for her at the Pink Bean. Josephine’s thesis is on Body Positivity, but she has a VERY negative view of her own body, and let’s us know her self-image at every opportunity. Yes, she is fat (she says she’s triple the size of a slight girl, which would put her in the 250-330 pound range), but I can’t tell if Harper wants us to join Josephine at disliking her size, or to accept her despite her size. Frankly, her size is irrelevant to me….it’s her negative, self-doubting, personality I disliked.
Amber returns - pretty much to let Josephine know she and Caitlin slept together, and she’s still distrusting of Caitlin.
Micky (from Pink Bean #1) returns - with a personality transplant. Instead of the insecure divorced housewife who’s never worked, and mother of two teenagers who finds herself attracted to a woman…she’s now a teasing, taunting, bitchy coworker.
The story is essentially that sex-focused Caitlin really wants Josephine, and Josephine can’t understand why. I couldn’t really figure out why either was the right fit for each other either. Caitlin is not the type to go for personality, and an open-sex relationship doesn’t sound like the basis for anything good for Josephine, with all of her insecurities.
Perhaps Harper Bliss, with all her talents, is rushing out these Pink Bean books a bit too fast. Yes, the Pink Bean is a forum for characters that make us think - divorced straight woman falling for a girl, an alcoholic partner, and now a person with low self esteem because of her body. But the characters and story just didn’t come together in this one….it just felt too artificial - that creative writing assignment comes to mind again. 2* for the book.
BUT - because this book is first person POV, Harper changed the narrator to Melissa Moran. WOW what a great voice! Perhaps she was chosen because Josephine has a terrific singing voice, and the narrator makes us believe that. Perhaps she was chosen to help us see past Josephine’s body into her heart and soul. Well, as I said, I didn’t particularly like Josephine, or understand why she thinks non-relationship Caitlin will be good for her self-image….but WOW did I like the narrator’s voice! She earns an extra star for the audiobook, so 3* it is.
March 25, 2023
Body positivity and ethical non-monogamy.
The third book of the Pink Bean series is certainly refreshing as it explores two interesting topics - body positivity and open relationships.
This story is about Josephine and Caitlyn, two familiar characters to the series. Jo is a barista at the Pink Bean and is working on her PhD thesis in body positivity and as a TA in gender studies. Jo is also a plus-sized woman struggling with her body image. Caitlyn is Sheryl's friend, a bit of a legend in gender studies and a new regular to the Pink Bean. She's also an advocate for ethical non-monogamy and has a reputation of playing the field.
I didn't think that placing these two topics in one story would be a good idea because it sounds terribly complicated for one couple but Harper Bliss actually made it work. I'm not a personal fan of open relationships but I thought Caitlyn expressed her opinion about monogamy clearly and doesn't push her opinions on Jo. In fact, setting this aside, I thought Caitlyn was in general, a very pleasant character who was really patient with Jo and was a really good partner to help Jo with her self-esteem and body image issues.
A surprisingly enjoyable read.
The third book of the Pink Bean series is certainly refreshing as it explores two interesting topics - body positivity and open relationships.
This story is about Josephine and Caitlyn, two familiar characters to the series. Jo is a barista at the Pink Bean and is working on her PhD thesis in body positivity and as a TA in gender studies. Jo is also a plus-sized woman struggling with her body image. Caitlyn is Sheryl's friend, a bit of a legend in gender studies and a new regular to the Pink Bean. She's also an advocate for ethical non-monogamy and has a reputation of playing the field.
I didn't think that placing these two topics in one story would be a good idea because it sounds terribly complicated for one couple but Harper Bliss actually made it work. I'm not a personal fan of open relationships but I thought Caitlyn expressed her opinion about monogamy clearly and doesn't push her opinions on Jo. In fact, setting this aside, I thought Caitlyn was in general, a very pleasant character who was really patient with Jo and was a really good partner to help Jo with her self-esteem and body image issues.
A surprisingly enjoyable read.
March 22, 2017
3.5 stars
As always when picking up a book by Harper Bliss I know it’s going to pull on my emotions, this one was no different, however it pulled on more of my angry emotions than feel good ones.
This story is told in first person, present tense, something I’m not a huge fan of but Harper manages to do well. However, being stuck in someone’s head who starts to grate on your last nerve isn’t a good thing.
Initially, I thought I’d found a kindred spirit in Josephine. Most women who have struggled with their weight, and societies views on being overweight, will be able to relate. My heart went out to Jo when she recalled her mother moving the pavlova out of her reach, and other little things that were done to help but did more harm.
So while I could relate, for the most part, I felt the issue was overdone. When Jo started saying things like, “Am I some sort of pity project for you? Or do you get a weird kick out of dating a fat girl?” and making many other self-deprecating comments, when Caitlin showed her nothing but desire and kindness, it wore damn thin. Jo’s beloved younger sister was born with Down Syndrome, and while I’m sure her love for her sister was supposed to endear Jo to the reader it made me dislike her more! One would think having a sister born with a disability would put life a little more into perspective.
Moving on, there are a lot of subplots going on – convincing Jo she should sing, a lovely poem Caitlin recites that the reader isn’t privy to the lyrics, Jo’s flatmate and her boyfriend making the decision to move in together, two of the heroines from a previous Pink Bean story talking of moving in together, the issue of not being able to orgasm with a partner, and to cap it off Caitlin doesn’t believe in monogamy and Jo does.
In summary, this story felt like a filler to me. Sure there were some touching moments and it’s well written, but there were so many loose threads, and due to my dislike of Jo, I didn’t ‘love it’.
Will I read the next in the series? Of course. I loved books 1 & 2 and as the saying goes, you can’t please all the people (me) all the time.
Copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
As always when picking up a book by Harper Bliss I know it’s going to pull on my emotions, this one was no different, however it pulled on more of my angry emotions than feel good ones.
This story is told in first person, present tense, something I’m not a huge fan of but Harper manages to do well. However, being stuck in someone’s head who starts to grate on your last nerve isn’t a good thing.
Initially, I thought I’d found a kindred spirit in Josephine. Most women who have struggled with their weight, and societies views on being overweight, will be able to relate. My heart went out to Jo when she recalled her mother moving the pavlova out of her reach, and other little things that were done to help but did more harm.
So while I could relate, for the most part, I felt the issue was overdone. When Jo started saying things like, “Am I some sort of pity project for you? Or do you get a weird kick out of dating a fat girl?” and making many other self-deprecating comments, when Caitlin showed her nothing but desire and kindness, it wore damn thin. Jo’s beloved younger sister was born with Down Syndrome, and while I’m sure her love for her sister was supposed to endear Jo to the reader it made me dislike her more! One would think having a sister born with a disability would put life a little more into perspective.
Moving on, there are a lot of subplots going on – convincing Jo she should sing, a lovely poem Caitlin recites that the reader isn’t privy to the lyrics, Jo’s flatmate and her boyfriend making the decision to move in together, two of the heroines from a previous Pink Bean story talking of moving in together, the issue of not being able to orgasm with a partner, and to cap it off Caitlin doesn’t believe in monogamy and Jo does.
In summary, this story felt like a filler to me. Sure there were some touching moments and it’s well written, but there were so many loose threads, and due to my dislike of Jo, I didn’t ‘love it’.
Will I read the next in the series? Of course. I loved books 1 & 2 and as the saying goes, you can’t please all the people (me) all the time.
Copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2017
4 STARS. I put down the book I was reading to read this one as soon as I heard it was available. I love this series.
At first I first I had a hard time liking Josephine. I think it is because she doesn't really like herself. However, she has a lot going for her, yet she doesn't see it - she is a Ph.D student who TAs for a top & tough Professor (Sheryl from Book 2), in spite of the fact that she doesn't have a runners body, she is able to run Kilometers every morning, she works every spare minute at the Pink Bean to pay for her younger sister's schooling and other talents. We never really learn just how over weight she is and I don't doubt that she is, however she is an elephant in her own eyes. She also interprets every look that people give her as disgust - again I'm sure some may be true but not all. Huh... I think I started to like her better when she started liking herself more.
Although I've read a number of Harper Bliss's books, I think this series feels more character driven and relatable (to me) and I like the MCs more. Oh, one other thing, I like that most of the characters are older. Jo is one of the youngest at 28 and most of the others are older - I calculate that Caitlin is at least 12-14 years older than Jo. I hope there are more stories coming.
Btw - was Micky always a troublemaker (for lack of a better term)? She borders on obnoxious at times.
At first I first I had a hard time liking Josephine. I think it is because she doesn't really like herself. However, she has a lot going for her, yet she doesn't see it - she is a Ph.D student who TAs for a top & tough Professor (Sheryl from Book 2), in spite of the fact that she doesn't have a runners body, she is able to run Kilometers every morning, she works every spare minute at the Pink Bean to pay for her younger sister's schooling and other talents. We never really learn just how over weight she is and I don't doubt that she is, however she is an elephant in her own eyes. She also interprets every look that people give her as disgust - again I'm sure some may be true but not all. Huh... I think I started to like her better when she started liking herself more.
Although I've read a number of Harper Bliss's books, I think this series feels more character driven and relatable (to me) and I like the MCs more. Oh, one other thing, I like that most of the characters are older. Jo is one of the youngest at 28 and most of the others are older - I calculate that Caitlin is at least 12-14 years older than Jo. I hope there are more stories coming.
Btw - was Micky always a troublemaker (for lack of a better term)? She borders on obnoxious at times.
August 23, 2018
I like the Pink Bean series. I wish we would have a cafe like the Pink Bean in the city where I live. There are so many different women, which all have their place in this series. What I liked most about Everything Between Us was, that not every character is a perfect woman, like beautiful and with a body to die for. This one is about Josephine, the PhD student, who works part-time at the Pink Bean and the feminist Caitlin.
Josephine isn't happy with her body, she carries to much weight, but too little self-confidence. She can't understand what Caitlin sees in her. Caitlin is nearly twenty years older than Josephine, she came back home after ten years working in the US. After meeting Jo at the Pink Bean, she feels drawn to her and she can see the true Josephine. Is she able to bring Jo to see herself with Caitlin's eyes?
It's written from Josephine's POV, and this is good. Bliss is able to bring the feelings of the protagonists in between the pages. You can feel Jo struggles with her uncertainties and body issues. And you can also feel how she slowly overcomes her fears.
Beautiful story with an end which is a little rushed, but I'm sure we will learn more about the two in the next books as well as about all the other women from this group.
My rating 4 stars
Josephine isn't happy with her body, she carries to much weight, but too little self-confidence. She can't understand what Caitlin sees in her. Caitlin is nearly twenty years older than Josephine, she came back home after ten years working in the US. After meeting Jo at the Pink Bean, she feels drawn to her and she can see the true Josephine. Is she able to bring Jo to see herself with Caitlin's eyes?
It's written from Josephine's POV, and this is good. Bliss is able to bring the feelings of the protagonists in between the pages. You can feel Jo struggles with her uncertainties and body issues. And you can also feel how she slowly overcomes her fears.
Beautiful story with an end which is a little rushed, but I'm sure we will learn more about the two in the next books as well as about all the other women from this group.
My rating 4 stars
March 14, 2017
The best book in the Pink Bean series and quite possibly the best story I've read by Harper Bliss so far. Bravo!
March 16, 2021
3 stars - Well written and narrated. I did not really care for either MC so.... yeah.
So far, the first book in the Pink Bean series has been my favorite. I really liked it.
In the third book we learn more about Josephine, 28 yo barista at the Pink Bean. She is a big girl and her whole internal life is spent obsessed with it. She feels she is judged everywhere she goes by how she looks. No one could find her attractive because of how she looks. No one could fall in love with her because of her weight. It even affects her ability to "let go" when being intimate with someone. You guys. I am a big girl. I get it, I really do, but damn girl. It just got tiring to read about. I guess it was supposed to be ironic that she is a PhD student who's thesis is on Body Positivity but it just seemed a bit crazy that she isn't able to apply anything she is researching to herself? It was not interesting to me that her main character traits where being insecure about being fat and stressing over it 24/7. I never saw what the hell Caitlyn was so captivated by that made her fall in love with Josephine and pursue her so diligently. I am big but I still think I am pretty and I have a killer personality. I am kind and fun to be around. I just didn't get any of that from Jo. I never got the attraction or chemistry between them at all.
I am taking a break from the Pink Bean for a bit, but I will most likely keep trying since they are on sale for 3 books for 1 audible credit. I cant resist a deal. lol.
So far, the first book in the Pink Bean series has been my favorite. I really liked it.
In the third book we learn more about Josephine, 28 yo barista at the Pink Bean. She is a big girl and her whole internal life is spent obsessed with it. She feels she is judged everywhere she goes by how she looks. No one could find her attractive because of how she looks. No one could fall in love with her because of her weight. It even affects her ability to "let go" when being intimate with someone. You guys. I am a big girl. I get it, I really do, but damn girl. It just got tiring to read about. I guess it was supposed to be ironic that she is a PhD student who's thesis is on Body Positivity but it just seemed a bit crazy that she isn't able to apply anything she is researching to herself? It was not interesting to me that her main character traits where being insecure about being fat and stressing over it 24/7. I never saw what the hell Caitlyn was so captivated by that made her fall in love with Josephine and pursue her so diligently. I am big but I still think I am pretty and I have a killer personality. I am kind and fun to be around. I just didn't get any of that from Jo. I never got the attraction or chemistry between them at all.
I am taking a break from the Pink Bean for a bit, but I will most likely keep trying since they are on sale for 3 books for 1 audible credit. I cant resist a deal. lol.
March 30, 2017
Exceptional!
This is the second book by Harper that I can honestly say I related too on a very personal basis. It managed to open my eyes and say so it's not just me! It's extremely well written. The topic is handled with sincerity and compassion, and maybe a little humour (it made me smile and even laugh a time or two). Even though the story is of a serious nature, it isn't hard to read. In fact I only started it last night and only put it down because I was tired and needed sleep. You know, when the words become blurry and you forget what you read :). I have enjoyed all three books in the series and it's also allowed me as a reader the opportunity to get to know all the characters that frequent the coffee shop. They are all very realistic. It's well worth your time. The author has a very fluid writing style and manages to involve you in her story by making her characters feel like friends. Just a footnote I sing like a cat in pain :). I know you're curious!!! Read you'll understand the footnote and probably end up loving the book too. Enjoy!
This is the second book by Harper that I can honestly say I related too on a very personal basis. It managed to open my eyes and say so it's not just me! It's extremely well written. The topic is handled with sincerity and compassion, and maybe a little humour (it made me smile and even laugh a time or two). Even though the story is of a serious nature, it isn't hard to read. In fact I only started it last night and only put it down because I was tired and needed sleep. You know, when the words become blurry and you forget what you read :). I have enjoyed all three books in the series and it's also allowed me as a reader the opportunity to get to know all the characters that frequent the coffee shop. They are all very realistic. It's well worth your time. The author has a very fluid writing style and manages to involve you in her story by making her characters feel like friends. Just a footnote I sing like a cat in pain :). I know you're curious!!! Read you'll understand the footnote and probably end up loving the book too. Enjoy!
July 8, 2018
As the first two book in this series, well written and well edited. Nice warm age gap romance. Curious about how their relationship will develop given one character’s feeling about monogamy. Maybe this’ll come back in another book in this series.
March 29, 2017
Good read as usual from Harper!
January 12, 2023
Being a person who has struggled with her weight my whole life, I can sympathize with Josephine. Knowing what she was going through mentally and Caitlin finding her attractive was amazing! Their journey together is inspiring. I cant wait to read the rest of the series. 5 stars!!
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October 4, 2017Disclaimer: I'm thin.
So, this book has a *ton* of fatmisia of the internalized type, and it's an acceptance narrative at that. It does basically every single thing I've ever read on a "what not to do when writing a fat protagonist" list. It's... I have no idea how much this is the author writing her own experiences with fatness and how much this is an attempt at Allyship. I guess the best praise I can give it is that it doesn't seem to be coming from a place of mean-spiritedness? Fat readers beware, and thin readers should probably skip this.
Also, the protagonist has a sister with Down's syndrome and it's... total Inspiration bullshit. Also, the audiobook narrator does the... voice, for her. You know the one I'm talking about. Dear abled people: Never, ever do this. No matter how good your intentions are, attempting to imitate disabled speech is patronizing at best but usually deeply insulting. (I do not have Down's syndrome but I do have autism which affects my speech.)
So, this book has a *ton* of fatmisia of the internalized type, and it's an acceptance narrative at that. It does basically every single thing I've ever read on a "what not to do when writing a fat protagonist" list. It's... I have no idea how much this is the author writing her own experiences with fatness and how much this is an attempt at Allyship. I guess the best praise I can give it is that it doesn't seem to be coming from a place of mean-spiritedness? Fat readers beware, and thin readers should probably skip this.
Also, the protagonist has a sister with Down's syndrome and it's... total Inspiration bullshit. Also, the audiobook narrator does the... voice, for her. You know the one I'm talking about. Dear abled people: Never, ever do this. No matter how good your intentions are, attempting to imitate disabled speech is patronizing at best but usually deeply insulting. (I do not have Down's syndrome but I do have autism which affects my speech.)
July 1, 2017
Everything Between Us is written in the first person from Jo’s perspective and we spend a lot of time in her head. Joining along as Jo’s self esteem issues bump up against Caitlin’s very obvious attraction to her is sometimes uncomfortable and sad, but it means we also get to experience her growth as she truly starts to believe Caitlin. I like that Harper Bliss wrote realistically about what it can be like to not have a perfect body, no matter how hard you battle against it. Even more than that, I love that Jo didn’t lose the weight by the end of the book and instead worked on her internalized garbage.
Full review: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/every...
Full review: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/every...
July 16, 2017
Another wonderful story by Harper Bliss. What is it with this woman making me cry?! :)
This one was as emotional as Beneath the Surface but with a completely different theme.
This one was as emotional as Beneath the Surface but with a completely different theme.
January 10, 2023
Everything Between Us (The Pink Bean #3) by Harper Bliss: I am writing this just after I finished reading. This for me is a book about the possibilities if we believe in ourselves. It jumps in head first into positivity. The characters are for this Josaphine and Caitlin are the main focus. The book showed me trust, patience, care, and love. It caused me to understand how swallowed up a person can be if they show disdain for themself. How hard would it be to face the world when you can't face yourself in a mirror? I enjoyed every word and savor all the lovely thoughts. One character who will remain nameless aggravated me many times. I know it is on my Kindle but I cried from page 108 until I finished page 121. So, I was a wimp but had good reason. If could give one club the story is about how wonderful and serious love is. 5 stars A big bravo to Harper Bliss on this one.
October 5, 2017
I liked that characters in this book dealt with serious sexual and self-image issues. It's very well written, as is to be expected for any book by Harper Bliss. However, I was surprised when the book ended a little abruptly. I literally turned the page, and there it was -- 'The End'. I hope we will hear more about these characters in future Pink Bean books.
April 30, 2017
Didn't want it to end :(
January 16, 2019
Another solid book in the series. It's interesting to see the internal transformation Josephine does. Really liked the honesty Jo and Caitlin develop within their relationship. Which of course is a core foundation for any successful relationship. For me the main topic is: how to overcome your inner worst critic? Which I believe everyone has to learn to deal with at least once a day. So I think this is a very relatable topic. Definitely enjoyed the read.
March 21, 2017
I found this book to be very thought-provoking. In this series Bliss has tackled a few complex topics within each book I have found them to be too short for the topics even though they are medium in length. I found this books topic to be powerful and well done in that being in Josephine’s head was at times depressing, to experience that level of insecurities I found very confronting. So personally I found the length to be too short when I would have liked to explore the topics further.
I found the pairing interesting very insecure with very secure. I thought it worked well when showing the growth that Josephine had taken in the book. I would have liked to have seen what Caitlin had gotten from Josephine in the relationship. I think it was subtly outlined in the experience of receiving Josephine’s trust was a great and special gift however I personally would have liked it to be more evident.
In our society we throw around the word fat a lot with many people having different meanings. In following Josephine’s POV and her insecurities she painted a particular picture of herself to me as the reader. What I would have liked is to have seen her through someone else’s eyes which I think would have made an important point of insecurities and what we see in our selves can be so very different to reality. I think that would have been a powerful point. I appreciate the importance of keeping the main aspect and most of the story in her POV but even a chapter at the end possibly.
The aspect that I couldn’t quite get around was the insecure person with someone who believed in open relationships. Now to be honest I don’t know a lot about open relationships and was keen to see it from Caitlin’s prospective what that meant but in the end found it vague. This making it difficult to truly get on board with the concept when Josephine was so grateful for what Caitlin had done for her, what would she sacrifice in the future due to this. I think open relationships are only for those who truly believe and are committed to this line of thought. Not that Josephine couldn't get on board in the future as her confidence grows. I didn’t really like how the topic was left undecided till later in the relationship. That is something I would have liked to be explored further with this couple to better understand the concept and to feel more comfortable with the two as being compatible.
I enjoyed the read and it really gave me some things to think about. Biggest complaint is I wanted it to be longer so that we could have gone further in-depth of the topics.
I found the pairing interesting very insecure with very secure. I thought it worked well when showing the growth that Josephine had taken in the book. I would have liked to have seen what Caitlin had gotten from Josephine in the relationship. I think it was subtly outlined in the experience of receiving Josephine’s trust was a great and special gift however I personally would have liked it to be more evident.
In our society we throw around the word fat a lot with many people having different meanings. In following Josephine’s POV and her insecurities she painted a particular picture of herself to me as the reader. What I would have liked is to have seen her through someone else’s eyes which I think would have made an important point of insecurities and what we see in our selves can be so very different to reality. I think that would have been a powerful point. I appreciate the importance of keeping the main aspect and most of the story in her POV but even a chapter at the end possibly.
The aspect that I couldn’t quite get around was the insecure person with someone who believed in open relationships. Now to be honest I don’t know a lot about open relationships and was keen to see it from Caitlin’s prospective what that meant but in the end found it vague. This making it difficult to truly get on board with the concept when Josephine was so grateful for what Caitlin had done for her, what would she sacrifice in the future due to this. I think open relationships are only for those who truly believe and are committed to this line of thought. Not that Josephine couldn't get on board in the future as her confidence grows. I didn’t really like how the topic was left undecided till later in the relationship. That is something I would have liked to be explored further with this couple to better understand the concept and to feel more comfortable with the two as being compatible.
I enjoyed the read and it really gave me some things to think about. Biggest complaint is I wanted it to be longer so that we could have gone further in-depth of the topics.
May 10, 2019
4.5 stars |
March 29, 2017
Not many Les-Fic books that talk about the issues in here so it was very refreshing and very well liked.
June 30, 2019
Okay, so I had to go back in the story since listened to to the fourth book first. ‘Everything Between Us’ is the third installment in the ‘Pink Bean Series’, currently comprised of nine titles.
Josephine Greenwood is a PhD student in the gender studies department. Her thesis is about body positivity, however, Josephine is very aware she is not the slender type and finds it hard to move past her own body image. Enter Caitlin James, an accomplished gender studies professor moving back to Australia after a ten year hiatus in the US. Caitlin is drawn to Josephine but her advances are met with incredulity. Can Josephine move past her relationship woes and give Caitlin a chance?
This story has so many tropes! It definitely takes us through a couple of topics that are not often discussed in lesfic, weight/self image and failure to achieve orgasm during sex. These are the main ones and make an age gap romance, rich/poor romance and open relationship romance tropes take a back seat and be almost a non issue. Actually, the financial and open relationship is even more of an issue than the age gap, which is such a well known trope in lesfic. The self image topic was refreshing, and being someone who has struggled with it for most of my life, felt almost validating. The story was narrated using my favorite, first person POV, from Josephine’s perspective. It allows the reader to connect with all her insecurities and the stories that founded them. The other interesting topic regarding the ability to reach orgasm during intercourse was also well depicted and come on, how many out there write about it? We are used to reading about first encounters and kisses that are mind blowing, marathons, perfect fits, etc. Rarely we get glitches that the characters have to work through. Kudos to Ms Bliss for tackling these.
My only disappointment with this story was that it felt unfinished. The main issue being Caitlin does not believe in monogamy and it is obvious Josephine does. That is one big difference and one that there was no compromise achieved. Now, this is a series and already I know there is a quick mention of these characters in book four. I shall continue to listen to see if there is more of an ending to the tale.
This audiobook is included in Audible’s Romance Package, recently renamed Audible Escape. It is narrated by Melissa Moran, who did an acceptable job. While the voices were great and did not find one that grated on me, the two mains were a little too similar and at times I had to figure out who said what. Overall though I would recommend it.
Another solid novel by Harper Bliss with non traditional tropes. 4 stars
Josephine Greenwood is a PhD student in the gender studies department. Her thesis is about body positivity, however, Josephine is very aware she is not the slender type and finds it hard to move past her own body image. Enter Caitlin James, an accomplished gender studies professor moving back to Australia after a ten year hiatus in the US. Caitlin is drawn to Josephine but her advances are met with incredulity. Can Josephine move past her relationship woes and give Caitlin a chance?
This story has so many tropes! It definitely takes us through a couple of topics that are not often discussed in lesfic, weight/self image and failure to achieve orgasm during sex. These are the main ones and make an age gap romance, rich/poor romance and open relationship romance tropes take a back seat and be almost a non issue. Actually, the financial and open relationship is even more of an issue than the age gap, which is such a well known trope in lesfic. The self image topic was refreshing, and being someone who has struggled with it for most of my life, felt almost validating. The story was narrated using my favorite, first person POV, from Josephine’s perspective. It allows the reader to connect with all her insecurities and the stories that founded them. The other interesting topic regarding the ability to reach orgasm during intercourse was also well depicted and come on, how many out there write about it? We are used to reading about first encounters and kisses that are mind blowing, marathons, perfect fits, etc. Rarely we get glitches that the characters have to work through. Kudos to Ms Bliss for tackling these.
My only disappointment with this story was that it felt unfinished. The main issue being Caitlin does not believe in monogamy and it is obvious Josephine does. That is one big difference and one that there was no compromise achieved. Now, this is a series and already I know there is a quick mention of these characters in book four. I shall continue to listen to see if there is more of an ending to the tale.
This audiobook is included in Audible’s Romance Package, recently renamed Audible Escape. It is narrated by Melissa Moran, who did an acceptable job. While the voices were great and did not find one that grated on me, the two mains were a little too similar and at times I had to figure out who said what. Overall though I would recommend it.
Another solid novel by Harper Bliss with non traditional tropes. 4 stars
September 26, 2025
i’m thinking a 3.5? not sure. overall, i enjoyed the book and it had a lot of cute moments and good spice scenes, but jo started to frustrate me some. she would say some very out of left field things to caitlin and everytime caitlin would be like where on earth did you get that, bc she never once tried to make jo feel like anything less than everything.
on the other hand tho, i really did like the story of jo finding her confidence and being able to trust caitlin and let herself enjoy it and be in the moment, and her journey there was sweet.
on the other hand tho, i really did like the story of jo finding her confidence and being able to trust caitlin and let herself enjoy it and be in the moment, and her journey there was sweet.
January 23, 2018
I’m a little unsure how to rate this. It was well written and I appreciated the characters. But it was also too short and didn’t really come to a satisfying conclusion. I suppose it is part of a sequel so I would hope we’ll see these characters again, but it was a little awkward to cut their story off when there seem to be a number of different paths they could go down in the future.
November 9, 2024
I love this book, the fact that it addressed body issues but also the possibility of letting go and falling in love.
March 7, 2017
Well, well, well. If it's one thing Mrs. Bliss does well it's that love fixes stuff. I mean it. It's pretty much a guarantee with her novels. So this was an ARC copy. But when this hits the store? Grab it. The story is about Josephine and her almost painful insecurity with body image, and well it extends much further than that. Her story with Caitlin isn't one that's going to be forgotten any time soon. This one is definitely on my read again stack. Brilliant. Simply brilliant.
September 19, 2018
I had a real hard time connecting with this book in an otherwise great series so far. The insta-attraction by Caitlin to Josephine didn’t make sense and likely because we never got Caitlin’s point of view since this was a first person point of view through Josephine’s eyes. Because it was so out of character from what we knew of her, I felt as though Bliss needed to show us why she was so drawn to Josephine and continued to pursue her despite being rebuffed on multiple occasions. We know why Josephine fell for Caitlin-she was an admitted fan girl, but Caitlin? I just didn’t believe in them as a couple. I also think Bliss really failed to establish Josephine’s superior knowledge and educational intellect on body-related issues other than making it very clear she was an overweight female. It was a really disjointed part of the book. Overall I think this would have been a much better story if it was told via third person rather than by Josephine.
July 4, 2018
I enjoyed the first two Pink Bean books (about Mickey and Robin and then Kristen and Sheryl), but I didn't like this one as much. I didn't mind the switch to first person narration. But I felt there were too many issues for one short book. Fat positivity, low self-esteeem, non-monogamous relationships, age differences, etc. Also while I understood that Josephine liked Caitlin, as hero?, I never really understood why Caitlin liked Josephine.
I'll read more of this series, especially while I have a kindle unlimited trial, but this wasn't my favorite.
I'll read more of this series, especially while I have a kindle unlimited trial, but this wasn't my favorite.
August 30, 2018
Thought provoking!
This is a very well written book that brings a little discussed topic at the forefront of the relationship between Caitlyn and Josephine. Everywhere you turn, women are bombarded by unrealistic (and often unreal) images of feminine beauty. With this book, Harper Bliss has captured the anguish and pain that leave so many women, especially BBW, feeling inadequate. However, it can be amazing when love enters the game and changes the rules, erasing self-doubt and boosting confidence and happiness. This book is worthy of your must read list.
This is a very well written book that brings a little discussed topic at the forefront of the relationship between Caitlyn and Josephine. Everywhere you turn, women are bombarded by unrealistic (and often unreal) images of feminine beauty. With this book, Harper Bliss has captured the anguish and pain that leave so many women, especially BBW, feeling inadequate. However, it can be amazing when love enters the game and changes the rules, erasing self-doubt and boosting confidence and happiness. This book is worthy of your must read list.
April 1, 2017
This was an amazing book, I love Harper Blisses writing and the pink bean series and this third book was as great as the first two. Josephine is such a relatable character for me as I've dealt with self esteem and body issues all my life, and it was nice to have a character who shares those same worries. Very well written and I suggest all lovers of Lesbian romance, Harper bliss and just books in general should read this
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