This Foreign Affair

The Pink Bean #4

by Harper Bliss

Can passion bridge ten thousand miles?

Television presenter Zoya Das is reeling from a painful breakup. When she’s called to solve a problem at a rental flat she owns, sparks fly between her and her French guest Camille Rousseau. A short holiday fling before Camille flies back to Paris could be just the thing to help Zoya’s recovery.

But what happens when Zoya and Camille develop deeper feelings for each other and are faced with the prospect of being in love on opposite sides of the world?

64,000 words

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, LGBT, Lesbian Romance, Lesbian, Fiction, Lesbian Fiction

ebook

First published May 7, 2017

About the author

Harper 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.

Reviews

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know what the best thing about reading a book I love is? I don't feel the need to justify what I loved about it.

This is 4th in the Pink Bean series and probably my second favorite, book 1 holds first place in my heart.

If you're looking for a feel good story, devoid of convoluted BS, with some imaginative, smoking hot scenes, this is the book for you!!

I received an ARC of this story which did not factor into my rating, anyone who follows my reviews will know that.

UGH, did I just justify my rating? I think I kinda did, lol.

[Tere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoya Das is a journalist with her own television show in Australia. She is still finding her footing even six months after her partner of 16 years broke off the relationship. A serendipitous event puts Camille Rousseau, a scientist, in her path and the connection is immediate. The only problem is Camille is a week away from returning home, all the way in Paris, France. The holiday fling that feels like so much more may just be what Zoya needs to start a new chapter in her life.

This was a very good story. The mains are likable, very mature characters as should be at close to 50 years old. The book is told in first person from Zoya’s POV. Have I mentioned I love first person POV? Because I do! But I digress...the story flows and the feelings are so raw one can not help but get swept by the emotions of the characters and cheer her along when there is joy and reassure her when there is insecurity. Camille on the other hand, we get to know through Zoya. She is kind, level headed and one also easily becomes her champion. She is coming off a divorce and showing her true self after postponing it to raise a family and be part of the political world her husband belongs to. The only conflict in this story is the obvious long distance relationship woes. Camille has grown up children and a newborn granddaughter. Zoya has worked her entire life for the opportunity of hosting her own show. Clearly both characters have their own well defined lives and it was great to see Zoya work through all of that as she strives to make sense of this relationship. Kudos to this author for tackling some difficult topics with great poise and unnecessary drama.

This is book number four of the Pink Bean Series but it works beautifully as a stand alone. I listened to this one, narrated by Angela Dawe, a wonderful talent. In a somewhat unfortunate event, I had just listened to French Kissing Season 4 (narrated by Abby Craden, another phenomenal narrator) and it was quickly apparent that Zoya and Camille where indeed part of the French Kissing universe. Surprisingly, this fact encouraged me to listen to the book instead of discouraging it. And I am glad it did as it was totally worth it.

A great story that will not disappoint romance fans. 4.5 stars.

[Jane Shambler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me get this out first. I love this author and never have I experienced a book that I did not like by her. I do not know how she does it but every time she seems to knock the proverbial nail on the head. Harper was one of the first lesbian authors I read and she really did set the bar very high.

Yet again she has hit another thoroughly enjoyable series. I'll admit French Kissing is my overall favorite but The Pink Bean series comes a very close second.

This book is number four but I would rate it as my least favorite but not by much. It took me longer to get immersed in to this one. I loved books 1 and 3, with 2 coming next. This one I feel started slower and was about Zoya a TV personality meeting Camille from France while holidaying in Australia. Zoya was present in previous Pink Bean books but never as a major character.

Well the basic story is they meet, fall in love and live happily ever after. But there is more to it than that. It's complicated. You need to read it to truly understand the romance and meaning of the book. It is a good book and you will not be wasting time reading it.

Harper mentioned at the end that a new season of French Kissing will be available in 2018 with Zoya and Camille joining it. I can't wait. Enjoy!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoya and Camille are my favourite couple that Harper Bliss has written so far (I almost said “ever” and then remembered that she’s still cranking out several books a year, so they may be dethroned soon). They’re both super sexy, accomplished women in their late 40s, and watching each of them make space for the other in their lives is so satisfying. I particularly appreciated seeing how vulnerable they got, because it made them feel so real. And given that the entire book is told in the first person from Zoya’s perspective, I’m also happy that I never felt like I didn’t understand Camille or her motivations. I loved Camille’s maturity, because it meant she had the confidence to be authentic with Zoya right from the get-go.

Full review: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/forei...

[pipsqueakreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long distance relationships.

This story is about two older people in their 50s who engage in a passionate one-night stand that eventually turns into an unexpected whirlwind romance.

Zoya is a television journalist who has recently gotten out of a 16-year relationship. While she isn't actively looking to get into a new one, she doesn't object to a one night stand when the opportunity presents itself. Camille is a recently divorced French woman renting Zoya's AirBnB during the last lag of her vacation. Camille asks Zoya out and they end up having a passionate week together until the end of Camille's vacation when they start declaring their love for each other and promise to make the distance work.

This romance is angst-free and the only obstacle to their relationship was probably the logistics of long distance relationships. But even that wasn't a big issue because the characters are pretty decisive people. This story is generally heartwarming and pleasant to read although I'm not sure if readers who typically dislike instalove romances would enjoy this one quite as much.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Pink Bean series and I still like it. It's the story about Zoya and Camille with Zoya's POV.

I don’t believe in instalove, and for that, this wasn’t my favorite Pink Bean book. I wasn’t convinced of them falling love that fast. But this is the only complaint about this story.

What I really liked, was how Zoya was dealing with the problems of a long-distance relationship. Her uncertainty about Camille’s intentions, her thoughts about falling in love that fast and if Camille really feels the same way, what she should do and how much she should risk for the possibility of an HEA.

The characters from the previous books only have short appearances, except Caitlin. And another thing what makes this different to the other books is, they don’t spend much time in the Pink Bean Café, some time not even in Sydney.

My rating 3.5 stars

[Gaby LezReviewBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 of the Pink Bean series by this author which are all connected but can be read as standalone as there aren’t many spoilers from other books. Most of the series (except for book 3) has been narrated by Angela Dawe, who made them incredibly exciting.

audible
Aussie Television presenter Zoya Das is recovering from a nasty divorce when she meets Camille Rousseau, a French tourist visiting Australia. Sparks fly between them and, in the short time they share together, both women experience deep feelings for each other. But as they live thousands of miles apart, is their relationship doomed from the start?

I really enjoyed this book especially the way Ms. Bliss dealt with the long-distance relationship. A long time ago I personally experienced something similar to the characters’ story and I felt that this book exactly describes all the hurdles that people in that situation have to endure. The angst of the separation, the loneliness, the trepidation of time going by fast when being together and very slow whenever apart… Ms. Bliss handles all this very realistically.

Not only this book features mature characters (in around their 50s), but also an interracial couple which is not that common in lesfic. Ms. Bliss exploits very well the cultural and language differences and Angela Dawe makes Camille sound like the definition of French sensuality. I’m hardly an expert in the French language but Ms. Dawe makes it sound natural.

Both characters are really well fleshed out and, as usual in Harper Bliss’s stories, the chemistry is sizzling hot. This author is one of the best writers of sex scenes in lesfic and this book is no exception. There is also a coming out story that is handled really well.

Fans of the French Kissing series by this author will be happy to hear that Dominique and Steph make an appearance in this book. Additionally, Zoya and Camille story continues in French Kissing Season 4 so it’s better to read this one first.

I applaud Ms. Bliss’s decision to get Angela Dawe to narrate this book. As usual, Ms. Dawe does an amazing job. The challenge with this book, and the whole series, is the amount of different female characters, a problem that Ms. Dawe solves effortlessly. Everything in her narration is excellent, from the distinctive voices to the performance of different emotions. It’s a real treat to listen to. You can always start with this audiobook but I suggest starting with book 1 as they are all very enjoyable. 5 stars.

Length: 6 hrs and 32 mins

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

“This Foreign Affair (Pink Bean #4)” was written by Harper Bliss…at least, that’s what it says on the cover. I now suspect that Harper Bliss is yet another alias for Bridget Essex. I challenge anyone familiar with Essex’s works to read/listen to “Foreign Affair” and not recognize the plot, the characters, the inner thinking, the lush language, and of course, the instalove as classic Essex. Well, the challenge really won’t work, because of the “Pink Bean” setting being used, and Caitlin being prominently featured, and Zoya having been introduced previously.

MC Zoya is still reeling with hurt and anger at her partner of some 15 years having left her after cheating on her for a year. MC Camille is on a multi-month foreign trip to find herself. Camille’s children are now out of the house, and she is ready to leave her philandering husband and begin a new chapter of her life as the lesbian she realizes she is.

Over the course of five days, they each become convinced they’ve found true love. Harper herself used the five-day exposure to write of true love, in “Summer’s End”. In that book as well, one of the character’s came out as lesbian. Despite the age differences, and therefore life experience differences, in “Summer’s End”, I believed in the love story. In “This Foreign Affair”, I really didn’t buy the love story, as often happens with Essex’s stories.

With Camille, we have a woman who goes on a trip to prepare for life as a lesbian, and who initiates things with Zoya. After a multi-month trip she just now asks a woman out on a date? And then decides she is in love, and doesn't want to date anyone else? I like Camille, she’s open, funny, she loves her children and loves sex (and porn!). She’s best friends with the lesbian president of France. She’s gorgeous. She’s from a foreign land. She’s the perfect, amazing woman that Essex writes of when she writes of Knights from other worlds, werewolves and an angel. We know she’s perfect, because the book is in first person POV from Zoya’s POV, and Zoya lets us know with every thought and breath that Camille is perfect.

Zoya herself is the human woman Essex usually presents us with. She’s filled with self-doubt and frequently wonders if she can live up to the amazing Camille. After trusting former gf Rebecca and having her trust betrayed, one of the first things she does with Camille is decide to trust her completely and agrees to make a sex tape together. Say what? That agreement is made all the more surprising when they later discuss porn. Zoya is shocked (shocked!) to learn that Camille enjoys watching porn. Zoya, it turns out, really doesn’t enjoy seeing herself on their video, while Camille can’t wait to make more, and encourages Skype sex until they can be in bed together again, which Zoya is nervous about. So…instalove, lots of sex, but VERY different attitudes toward being comfortable with sex! It’s interesting that it’s Camille, the newly out lesbian, who is much more aggressive than lifetime lesbian Zoya.

What Zoya determines from their different views toward sexual exploration and comfort is that she’s a prude, and she decides that perhaps former gf Rebecca really did need to go elsewhere for gratification, so she forgives the cheating, lying bitch. Geez.

It’s fun when we’re allowed to join Zoya and Camille in bed; they do have fun sexy times together. It’s Camille’s first time with a woman, and long-time lesbian Zoya has the best sex of her life, of course. While there are several fun intimates scenes, for most of the book we are living inside Zoya’s head. Inside that head we listen to her overthinking everything as much as Erin in Essex’s “The Guardian Angel”.

Zoya’s trip to Paris is described so very similarly as Holly or Josie’s trips to Agrotera in Essex’s “The Knight’s Legends Series”. It’s foreign, mysterious, intimidating and it draws her in like a poem.

For someone who has spent 10 years at the top of her game in a male dominated field, Zoya is remarkably insecure about herself. I don’t remember her as being insecure in preview Pink Bean books, I remember her as being famous and successful, but I suppose she really didn’t have a big role until now. Her friend Caitlin has an interesting role in “Foreign Affair”. She pushes Zoya into accepting Camille’s request for date. That makes sense, as Caitlin is renowned for her belief in multiple relationships and pushing Zoya into a one-night stand is consistent with her character.

Oddly, career-focused, monogamy-averse Caitlin then advises Zoya that a career is only a job, and she should embrace a relationship with far-away Camille. I would have thought Caitlin would tell Zoya that she was experiencing a rebound sex fling, and that she should date more women. Later, as Zoya tells Caitlin she’s thinking of moving to Paris, Caitlin then says “no no no, I refuse to let you move to Paris”. Consistency isn’t Caitlin’s strong point, it seems. But, it turns out that Caitlin wishes Josephine would spend more time with her, so she’s having a relationship issue herself and is insecure in her own new monogamous relationship, so that may be less advice to Zoya than it is a hint of a plot to come in a future Pink Bean book.

Well, this has been a long review, and I’ve spent as much or more time talking about Essex and her books as I have about Harper and “This Foreign Affair”. Hmmm, odd that I say Essex not Bridget but I say Harper not Bliss. Ooops….distracted again.

I enjoyed “This Foreign Affair” on the strength of the language, and the fantastic narration by Angela Dawe. Once again I wish for half star ratings. “This Foreign Affair” wasn’t so frustrating that I want to rate it 3*, but for me it’s not the 5* book that many of my goodread friends enjoyed. I do recommend it, as part of the Pink Bean series, and overall I’m rounding up to 4*; not down to 4*.

ps - the drinking word for "This Foreign Affair" is "instinct" - be sure to tell your friends!

[Kay read by Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Foreign Affair (The Pink Bean, #4) by Harper Bliss: Book 4 took a turn and I liked it. The first half fit the pattern the same characters doing their thing and growing in richness as I found it. I have loved the strong character development and actual history each character has been assigned. The characters feel now like old friends. In each book someone new is added as in real life and you watch the Pink Bean folks adapt to the new friends. The twist in this book takes us away from the Pink Bean.

Camille and Zoya who we met in a past book are seen developing away from the coffee shop. It adds character to the series when the settings change. In an earlier book, we went back in time to childhood, and Sheryl's history was brought out and we walked in her shoes.

The books have always revolved around two women working on or in their relationship and the journey they take to get there. I like the plots because they feel organic and not made up to increase your stress level. The women discuss instead of thinking "Oh she won't like me so I will be hot for her and never say a word."

This is a good read a bit tenser than the others because of many complications and how they will all be resolved before love can take over. There is more about this couple in the series 'French Kissing Book 4'. This was a good read. The worst part is I finished it at four in the morning. 5 stars and I am 25% through the next book.

[Les Rêveur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 in the Pink Bean Series by Harper Bliss

MY REVIEW
This book is sexy with a capital S! From the first time they meet, Zoya and Camille’s sexual attraction was palpable I could almost touch it. Camille is my favourite character to date in the pink bean series! Every time she speaks in French I swoon and she’s so honest and true to her heart when it comes to Zoya!

I was actually quite moved by the storyline itself and how both characters didn’t create undue angst, they just worked at making their love a success. For me it’s all in the writing and the way Harper Bliss is able to bring you into the story almost like you’re also a friend and patron of the Pink Bean.

I have always had a soft spot for Mickey in the first book in the series however this book took over book one as my favourite and you could almost read it as a stand alone, although its a great series so I wouldn’t recommend it.

Loved it. And can’t wait to read it all over again.

5 stars

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another wonderful entry in the Pink Bean series. TV journalist Zoya Das is recovering from the break-up of a long-term relationship when she meets Camille, a french tourist. Sparks fly.

[Yoly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very nice story, different, but nice :)
Apparently I need go to read French Kissing now...

[Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just fun and sexy. Older women finding love. Oh yeah!

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book, and one of my favorite ones. Harper Bliss tells us a simple story but at the same time very complex, as the feelings and decisions that the characters have to deal with. Both characters, Zoya and Camille, have to go through a long distance relationship and decide if it's worth taking a risk on the relationship. In my opinion, Bliss' merit is that she knows how to tell a story, and how to develop two amazing and intense characters.

[Ted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book. Loved the French Kissing tie ins. Was really cool to see Steph and Dominique again. Some things detracted and others added back. All in all, good feels.

[Elske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again a very nice romance. I’ve read books 1-4 and 8 now and liked them all. Great series.

[LeeBookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoya embarks on what she believes to be a one-night stand with Camille who is vacationing in Australia from France.
I really enjoyed that the main characters were close to 50 and both figuring out what the next stage in their life would look like. Oh and they were HOT together. Harper Bliss can sure write a sex scene.
Audiobook Note: Angela Dawe narrated this book so perfectly. Her French accent for Camille was so hot in itself.

[Maggie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a way too rare and delightful sight to see grown characters that actually communicate and are willing to make sacrifices for the person they love. My favorite pink bean book is still the third one, but this was a solid one and so very enjoyable read as well.

[Corrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

review will follow soon

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, my true rating for this floats somewhere around a 4.25, but it's close enough to a 4.5 that I'm happy to round up.

This was so very fluffy. It's both a pro and a con, and which side wins out is a matter of opinion. It was very easy to get through the book, but then there was essentially no conflict, and I doubt I'll retain much of the plot. That's what I mean by fluffy. My idea of the pace is all skewed because of the variable spurts I read in, but I'm glad the book wasn't any longer than it was. There was barely enough plot to cover the word count that it did. For most of the book, I felt a little confused as to how I had gotten to where I was, and I'm not sure what I found lacking. The relationship was mostly constrained by time, so of course things were a little rushed at the beginning, and trying to take advantage of their proximity when they had it meant a whole lot more sex than anything else.

A more specific piece of criticism: all of the Paris part was just a little bland, a little disappointing. I thought it contributed nothing except to the realism of the book, because we couldn't jump straight from one week affair to... the end. But between the weird time skips during the longer Paris stay and the second one only shown retrospectively in narration, I thought those could have been both compressed and combined, with more focus on the initial week in Sydney. It's just, even with the minimal angst, the plot points could have been configured in a more exciting way.

Still, lest this review sounds like it's justifying a 2 star rating instead of a 4.5, I had no trouble believing the relationship. Something about them seemed to transcend the page. I really can't point to any one passage to explain why, but I couldn't summon a shred of cynicism at the speed of emotional connection or at the way the book ends. I really liked Zoya and Camille as individuals, and I mostly liked the supporting cast, although I'm not sure if I care enough to keep reading the Pink Bean series. The writing resonated with me a lot more than usual from Harper Bliss, and may actually be my favourite from her, so I'm really glad I took a bit of a chance on it. And it worked out well that lighthearted vibes were needed in my life right now.

I guess I might be digging into the French Kissing series to see more of these two.

[Ameliah Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Masterpiece
TFA is the fourth book in the Pink bean series. Each of the books are wonderful standalones featuring the different people who consider the Pink Bean a home away from home. This time the lovely and exotic Zoya is in the spotlight. Zoya first appears in the third book, Everything Between Us. In this book Zoya is trying to get her feet under her after her longtime partner leaves her for another woman.

Ms Bliss’ writing gets better and better with each book she writes. The way she can make her characters come to life is amazing. I truly feel like I am visiting old friends and am a part of each of the stories she pens. Her writing is brilliant and poignant. The dialog is so intense during the tender moments, (even better than the love making and that’s just…WOW!!) I actually felt the intensity of the love so much that I cried with the strength of her words.
This book is a true gift and not to be missed.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was special to me because I spent 6 years in a long distance relationship. It reminded me of all horrors I experienced during that period. I say "I" because, unfortunately, I was the one who did all the trips and sacrifices.
"This Foreign Affair" is a light summer read, which is funny, well written and very erotic.
It made me also sad at times, knowing exactly what both main characters had to go through.
I was very glad to see Stephanie and Dominique from "French Kissing" series. Looking forward to reading "French Kissing, season 4" where also Zoya and Camille will appear and hope to learn more about their life in Paris.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think so far this one my least favorite from the Pink Bean Series.... It didn't really go with the whole Series, like the other ones did and felt more like a stand alone.
It was well written and the characters were well developed, like in the other books of tear series - however there was just something missing for me...

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite of the Pink Bean series. For me I think it was the characters they were just so lovable and the romance was just right for me.

[Jaie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this as much as so many other reviewers did. I did like the characters, but I knew exactly where the story was going from the get-go.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love this tale of finding love again. As someone who has endured long distance relationships, I found Zoya and Camille’s story especially poignant.

[Renate · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pink Bean series got me hooked and now in A Foreign Affair we also get to meet Dominique and Stephanie from French Kiss again..what a pleasure!
Zoya and Camille..a great addition to this series and I am sure eventually they turn up in a future adventure even if it's just a quick trip back to Sydney to visit old friends...
I highly recommend this fun read !

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Foreign Affair by Harper Bliss is a sweet but moving romance novel about a long-distance romance, encased with the kind of love that builds bridges all the way to the other side of the world.

This Foreign Affair is the fourth book in The Pink Bean Series, set in and around a coffee shop in Sydney Australia. You can read this fourth book in the series as a standalone book without any issues. The minor characters from one book are featured in the next one and their stories are brought to life.

This fourth installment in the series was a fun romantic read. The chemistry between Zoya and Camille is sizzling. It’s an entrancing journey filled with courage to happily ever after, stories that Harper writes so well.

I recommend this book to everyone who loves love.

[Shelley · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s hard for me to believe this had more than 4 stars on goodreads. Given that I love all things with a French connection, I really wanted to enjoy this. I felt like this book was poorly edited and had such an unbelievable plot that I couldn’t suspend reality just to enjoy the story. It was a bunch of sex scenes strung together without much of a story line to go with it. I should have abandoned it early on, but I kept thinking, surely, this HAS to get better with all of those great rankings. Sadly, it just didn’t do it for me. At least it was quick to get through. *sigh*

[T.B. Markinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful story and fab addition to the series.