French Kissing: Season Four

French Kissing #15-18

by Harper Bliss, Abby Craden (Narrator)

Paris...City of lights, City of love...City of drama!

Two years have passed since Dominique Laroche was elected president of France at the end of French Kissing: Season Three. She and Steph are living together at the Elysée, but their relationship is strained by the demands of Dominique's job.

When a rising star of the opposition proposes a new law that would affect lesbians' right to have children, Dominique is torn between her personal feelings and her party's political line.

Feminist radio host Aurore Seauve is advising the opposition on the new law proposal but finds herself more caught up in the intrigue at the Elysée than she wants to be, not in the least because of her interest in Dominique's uptight chief of staff, Solange.

Zoya Das has moved from Sydney to Paris to be with her new love, Camille, and is finding it difficult to settle into her new country, new language, and new job. Meanwhile Camille is finding out the hard way that not all her colleagues are comfortable with an out and proud lesbian at work, even if she is friends with the president.

Relationships will be tested, loyalties will be questioned, and assumptions will have to be set aside as both familiar and new characters navigate the turbulent waters of love - and politics.

Warning: This title contains sensual language, ladies making love, overconsumption of French wine, and heated discussions on feminism and the right to orgasm.

Genres: Romance, Lesbian, Audiobook, Contemporary, LGBT, Lesbian Romance

8 pages, Audible Audio

First published March 9, 2018

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

[Nikki "The Crazie Betty" V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m truly surprised I ended up enjoying this as much as I did. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve loved the entire French Kissing series, but knowing that S4 was going to have cross-over characters from the Pink Bean series worried me a little. Since I’ve only read the 1st book of the PB series.

But, I have no idea why I was worried. Camille, Zoya, and Aurore were entirely new characters to me, and yet, Harper has such a way with words and with crafting characters that I was able to fall into their story easily. Although it was strange to not hear anything from the French Kissing OGs (Juliette, Nadia, Margot, and Claire), Harper made up for it with strong stories featuring the other ladies. The drama that Dominique and Steph go through is very relatable from a relationship standpoint (obviously not the life standpoint as I have no idea what it’s like to be the President of France or its First Lady), and I really enjoyed seeing them really have to fight for their relationship. And Solange, what to say about Solange? I was so happy to get some more story on her, and even get a short little POV from her at the end! I hope we get another season with more of her in it.

Ultimately, I came away from French Kissing Season 4 remember truly how much I adore Harper’s stories and her writing. It’s time to get into Pink Bean :D

Thank you to the author for providing a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book damn near made me swoon! I've enjoyed all the installments so far, but season 4 is by far my favourite and for a few reasons:

1. Not only are Steph and Dominique—my favourite couple in the series—major players in this season, but we finally get Dominique's perspective too! I'm thrilled to say that Harper Bliss did NOT disappoint when she let us in on Dominique's thought processes. These ladies are still my favourite and I could happily read book after book with them. I absolutely adored how their storyline ended!

2. Camille and Zoya's book was my favourite out of the Pink Bean series, so I was curious to see how they'd end up connecting with the rest of the ladies in French Kissing. I appreciated getting to see how Zoya was settling into life in France, and the side story with Camille's bigoted coworker was interesting.

3. Solange was such a pain in Steph's ass in the last season that I was also curious to see what would happen with her. Such a delicious thawing ice queen storyline though, and I loved the opposites-attract aspect of her relationship with Aurore. I hope we see more of them in the future as well, since Aurore felt like such a natural addition to the group of friends, even as she brought something new and fresh to the series.

I listened to the audio version, and like the others, Abby Craden was the perfect choice. I have no idea if she got Zoya's Australian accent correct (I suspect she didn't), but even that didn't bother me a lot. I highly recommend listening to it.

For anyone wondering, Juliette, Nadia, Margot and Claire don't have their own main storylines in this season, but they're around enough that it's satisfying to see where they're at now.

If you haven't read anything in the French Kissing series, start at the beginning and just make your way through it. Season 4 is wonderful, but you really do need to experience the first three seasons first.

[emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

oooooooookay.

i've been waffling between a 3 and a 2 stars... and i think to just be honest abt enjoyment level, it's gotta be a 2?? but it's rounded up, like 2.5, probably.

I FEEL BAD ABT THAT. bc look, this is perfectly fine and i think others will enjoy it more than me and maybe even if i was in a different mood i would enjoy it more, too??? idk. but the truth is i think this series (and maaaaybe this author? i haven't loved anything i've read of hers so far, just been kinda average enjoyment abt it. (i've read, A Breathless Place, About that Kiss, At Her Most Beautiful, and this series, i think). there have just been a lot of little things that rub me the wrong way all piling up in this series, and that's real bummer. i think one of the things that felt odd with this one, for me, was i just didn't rlly care abt Cami/Zoya and they felt rlly out of place?? like they were perfectly FINE, i liked them both fine, they're relationship was sweet, but it also felt shoved in there randomly in order to shift focus away from Juliette/Nadia and Claire/Margot for... whatever reason??? that felt like an odd choice for me, bc (from my perspective at least) we left book 3 kiiiinda on a cliffhanger with juliette being like, SO WE'RE GONNA PROTECT STEPH AND DO PR SHIT LET'S GO! and then this one is just, oh yeah it's two years later and we don't care abt them anymore?? for me, personally, it was a strange choice in a series full of strange choices.

speaking of a series full of strange choices, A GOOD THING!! we FINALLY!! get dominique's pov after me being DEEPLY annoyed for 3 books that we didn't. so, i was glad to finally see that, then ALSO annoyed that we didn't get solange's until riiiiight at the very end for a hot second. i don't understand the author's choice to consistently pick one character out of the three main couples to leave out, but it's a frustrating one for me.

i think, truly, my main disconnect with this book (and the series as a whole) is that i don't rlly like ANY of the characters very much, so it's hard to root for them as couples and ppl. steph, in this one, RLLY annoyed me consistently. i fully understood her frustrations having her life suddenly be in the public eye so much, and being forced to be around conservatives when that's very much not her vibe, BUT ALSO babe, you knew ALLLLLL of this going in, and the way you reacted to it (and to... a lot of things throughout the series, for me) were so fucking childish and irritating and in real life i would kinda hate this woman. the SECOND main disconnect with this series and me is.... everyone falls In Love Capital Letters wayyyyyy too fucking fast for my tastes. case in point here, Solange/Aurore. i didn't rlly like them. i found aurore's whole... i like to date/turn straight women thing.... fucking irritating and the way she and steph nettled solange the whole time got on my nerves, and then suddenly they have sex and there In LOve, it's just... not for me.

i'm being VERY negative, which i hate doing, bc i know how much work is put into writing a book and a series, and it's well written in a lot of ways and i do think other ppl will enjoy this a lot more than i did! but it wasn't rlly for me. i probably will eventually pick up and read book 5... maybe?? idk. def not now, bc i'm getting burnt out and too negative on this series, and i feel bad abt it. so, some other time.

[Tere · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, drama. But beats anything like the L Word any day. Looking forward to the next season. Listened to this one-narrated by Abby Craden, who is fantastic.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here I go again! I'm a sucker for a well written book and I always fall into a rabbit hole of intense reading until the last page when it's a darn good series. So trust me, this series is that awesome because I barely moved from my bed when I started to read this drama filled addition to the series. Do you wanna know why I am so in love with this season in particular? Well, let's just say that I am a huge fan of the Pink Bean Series as well and I was delighted to see some of the ladies from that series in this story. This author always gives me entertaining characters, enough angst to keep me at the edge of my couch or bed and I don't know how she does this but this superb author always manages to ignite the wanderlust spirit within me with her vivid descriptions of Paris, the elegant restaurants and the delicious wine! Even though I got caught up in Dominique and Steph's world, I loved every moment of reading about Camille, Zoya, Aurore and Solange. I can't wait to start reading the next book in this captivating series!

[lauraღ · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Being with her is worth the step back I've had to take in my own career, even my own life. Because to me it doesn't feel like a step back, as long as I'm walking in step with her."

A fun read! It's been a while since I read an instalment in this series, and I always have a good time with it. A lot of ups and down, a few spots of drama, which I really liked. I have to admit, the first three seasons dealt with my favourite couples (Juliet/Nadia, Claire/Margot) and now that they both have their happily ever afters and are just in the margins of this book, I enjoyed it a bit less. I do like all the couples in this book, just not as much as the originals. Each couple had their own little storyline/drama.

I've always liked Dominique and Steph, and continued to do so, though as always, I don't like politics in my romance. Especially since Dominique is far to the right. I appreciated the plot of her questioning her alignment, and if I read more in the series, I hope that continues. I read and enjoyed Camille and Zoya's story in the Pink Bean Series, and loved seeing them again. They had the least amount of drama, which I appreciated, because they're so pure and MFEO. As for the completely new character, Aurore... I enjoyed her romance so much! I didn't remember a lot about Solange, but I'm beginning to realise I have a soft spot for toaster oven romances. It took a good long while for things to happen, but it was well worth the wait.

Listened to the audiobook as read by Abby Craden who, as always, could read the back of a cereal box and get heart eyes from me.

3.5 stars. No big wow factor, but it was an objectively good time.

[currentlyreadingbynat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this series but was thrown when new characters were introduced in Season Four. I also missed Nadia, Margot, Claire and Juliette. Thankfully, Steph and Dominique still featured prominently and I was still intrigued by all the ups and downs of this little group of lesbians living and loving in Paris.

Looking forward to listening to Season Five but also sad that I've nearly finished this series!

[vacatedboat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time that I’ve gone straight to the audio edition of a Harper Bliss release. I’m not sure if this has clouded my opinion, so fair warning on that. Abby Craden is an amazing narrator, as always, but I think I’ve listened to way too many of her narrations. There is so much political talk in Season 4 that sometimes I was reminded way too much of Radclyffe’s ‘Honor Series.’

In regards to the book, this is Bliss, so of course it’s well written and thought out. The storyline is a good addition to the previous 3 seasons. One of the biggest positives for my personal tastes is that a good portion of this is dedicated to the unintentional seduction of an uptight hard-ass. I love a good melting-the-ice-queen story. Other than age gap, it’s my favorite romance theme.

I did miss Claire and Margot, but Dominique and Steph’s continuing journey of fighting and growing and thoroughly loving one another was highly enjoyable. Their strong, independent personalities continue to flourish, but somehow they maintain their ability to compromise within a relationship even if it is a rocky road. I loved this portion of the story because how could I not? It’s Steph and Dominique.

One huge positive was the addition of Aurore’s POV, but (as much as I hate to admit it) Zoya and Camille bored me. I think the homesick and workplace harassment storylines are important, but they just didn’t hold my interest here. If I was in the midst of one of their chapters, I just kept hoping the next chapter would be from Aurore’s POV. Since all of the couples in French Kissing are all so nice and settled, it was refreshing to have a new character to spice up their world.

At the end of the day, it’s Harper Bliss, so of course I recommend ‘French Kissing: Season 4.’ The only regret I have is that I probably should have read it before listening to the audio-version.

[Doreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't say that lesbian soap opera is my favourite genre.

I bought the trilogy collection of French Kissing: Season 1 - 3. I really disliked the characters and storylines in it. French Kissing: Season 4 demonstrated an improvement to the series, but it's not the best effort from Harper Bliss. The only interesting character, in my opinion, from Season 4 is a crossover from the Pink Bean series. I like Zoya Das enough to continue reading about her experiences acclimating to Paris, but feeling heartsick from missing Australia. Likewise, Aurore Seauve made an interesting, though self sabotaging, addition to the ensemble of dramatic characters. She added fresh and destabilizing energy to the mix of personal and professional entanglements. The rest of the storylines, featuring the returning players, served as little more than filter to this short novel.

[Balthazaar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was charmed by this series from the first page of the first volume. And I set aside listening to this one, until I could really enjoy it. And enjoy it I did.

This wraps up the story of Dominique and Stephanie (with walk on parts from some new and old characters). And while there’s nothing much new in this, D&S get their HEA which they deserve. And a couple of others get what they deserve too.

For me, it’s perhaps not as strong as the other volumes. I thought some of Steph’s issues were really a revisit to her old problems.

The structure, slipping between characters and perspectives, gives this series great pace. And the narrator makes it a great listen (tho I thought the Aussie accent was a bit off ... and I feel bad saying that because I would listen to Abby Craden read the phone book under any other circumstances).

All in all this was a fitting end to a series I thoroughly enjoyed. Well worth exploring ... from the start.

[Kristy Drexel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Harper hit it out of the park. She puts so much passion into her writing you feel it all over. I liked where she went with this storyline. It’s not what I was expecting and that made it even better. I’m sad that it ended but I’m really hoping that there are more episodes to come.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

once again it's an amazing book. I was blown away. And will probably starts the whole series over again just to revisit everyone again very soon.
I loved it...

[MatchaJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as sexy as previous seasons. I missed OG Margot and Claire! Didnt think i would love Solange but i am almost bought over. Almost..

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been reading many books from new authors lately, so it was a pleasure to open the Kindle to Season 4 and return to a familiar world. As usual, this is very well-written. This season revolves around Camille and Zoya, Steph and Dominique, and two newcomers, Solange and Aurore. There is much going on. Zoya is homesick, Camille has problems at work, Juliette and Nadia are planning a wedding, and Steph isn’t feeling the love from Dominique. Steph feels like she’s not supported at home and that Dominique takes Solange’s side over hers too much. Dominique is feeling overwhelmed and Solange is feeling the pressure, too. During this period, Steph meets Aurore through Camille who is Aurore’s longtime friend. Steph and Aurore hit it off immediately.

Despite all the issues, the women all love their partners. They might have arguments, but they still care. It was a joy to read about mature women working through their problems and solving them. Not only that, they gave and accepted help from their friends and lovers. They also had intelligent discussions of topical political issues. I don’t see that much in any book.

I received an ARC for an honest review.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t know this book would have a crossover with the PB series, it took me a little while to figure it out (shame on me!).

I liked the addition of the new characters for this series but I did feel like I was missing the originals. I would have loved to read some more about the wedding. More on Dominique and her stress level of ruling a country, having a “new” love and her children. Steph as a First Lady is pretty prominent in all that she misses, but we don’t really have the same interaction between the friends as in previous instalments of this series. I think Nadia could have been a great help for Steph in finding her way as First Lady.

It’s good that Steph and Dominique fight for their relationship. I like how Solange seems to be a bit of a bitch and let’s loose a bit in the end. Aurore seems free spirited, would like to read more about her and the socialist party and a budding friendship with Dominique and Steph (intrigues).

I don’t really care for Zoya and Camille, I find them a bit dull. But who knows, might be something when the other characters get more involved.

[Marty Preslar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great entry in the series... perhaps the best yet. Why? It seems that peoples lives are getting a bit happier! Is there still drama? Of course! Some of the regulars from the earlier seasons are no longer perspective characters, however. Why is that? Well, that's probably because they are either happily married or about to be and have no more drama in their lives, right? I enjoyed that the drama in the lives of the new main cast wasn't suspicions of infidelity, but rather other issues that come along with life as a couple or, in the case of the two newest characters, something more akin to what we've seen in the Pink Bean series: late bloomer awakening of sexual orientation (or at least fluidity of said orientation). The story also deals with LGBTQ+ political issues in a serious manner in two of the story lines, handling both institutionalized discrimination and workplace harassment quite well. Highly recommended... if you've read the rest of the series, of course!

[Just One More Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had things to do.

I had plans. Such plans. I was going to go out, get my hair cut, I was going to catch up on some emails, and generally doing boring things that equated to working from home.
But then I got in the bath and started reading Harper Bliss’ latest season of French Kissing, and there I remained and my plans got pushed to the side as I read more and more of the book and my bath water got colder and colder.

This is a ‘reboot’: we see new characters introduced and the original cast making cameo appearances. I was uncertain how it would work, but I needn’t have been because it all fitted together so seamlessly. I look forward to season five.

[NGM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

I love this series, I'm a big fan of Mrs. Bliss and I strongly recommend any of her books, i can assure you that you won't regret it. The only reason i gave this book, three stars is because it wasn't as good as the others in the series, I think it needed a bit more depth and maybe a little bit more angst, but overall, it was ok. I hope we can keep reading more about Dominique & Steph(even though I didn't like Steph very much in this one) and more of Aurore&Solange and maybe a bit more of Juliette, i just love her.

[Alena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading more about Zoya and the others from the book she first appeared in. I’m guessing most of the others are from earlier books of this series but I don’t really think I missed a lot not having read them.

Didn’t really need what Solange brought to the story and had some issues with the language. It’s a bit messy in that it is written in English, playing in France and one character doesn’t speak French very well. By the end I was a bit annoyed by the little French sprinklings here and there.

[Anita Bethel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stranger Things Have Happened

I gave this book a 5 star rating because of its depth. Harper knows how to effectively transition from scene to scene and not lose the reader. She's very effective at keeping the sauce.

I absolutely love the french kissing ladies and Steph and Dominique are two of my favorites. Can't wait for their upcoming nuptials and the drama that's sure to be present from the MRL.....

[sarah king · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Winner!

I love this series and the Pink Bean series is just as awesome. I've read everything out there by Harper Bliss - most more than once! If you love really great Lesbian romance stories then I would highly recommend any books by this author and her novellas are even more sizzling ; )

[Kaarin Keski-Korhonen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hopefully not the end of the series

Truly a lesbian soap series that hooked me from the beginning. Enough of romance, politics and the way sex is included as a part of the storyline works great for me. I definitely recommend reading this series for anyone that loves a good “dyke drama”

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable cross over with the pink bean characters. It worked well and didn’t feel shoe horned. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next instalment.... fortunately I don’t have to as it is next on my TBR pile. Add it to yours – but only if you have read the others first. Not just because these do not work as a stand-alone – but also because you would be missing good books! ARC

[Lesbian Romance Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to live in a world created by Harper Bliss with supportive and empowered women who are friends. Sure there's drama but not so crazy out there situations.

We follow the introduction of previous side characters. The characters are older and established women trying to find love and keep love.

[Jessica Roberson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I've missed these ladies. I like the additions to the cast and of course the merging of the Pink Bean series with this one. I eagerly look forward to more. This series is a home run.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

This is a very entertaining and loving story. Solange and Aurora’s relationship was a surprise. They have some hot love scenes. As always, the president and Steph are great together. This story is well written with a great ending.

[Kayla Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Omg, I hope there will be another book after this one! I didn't think that adding some new people to this would make me so happy, but I would LOVE to read more of Solange and Aurore. I absolutely loved that Aurore melted the ice queen!

[JERRY L. DOUGLAS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful women

I think u have an amazing talent. And u use it well.
The way u capture the moods and the bedroom scenes makes it like the reader is there. And the women’s personality’s wonderful to read.
I could go on and on but don’t want to give u a big head.🤣🤣

[Em Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastique...all those French Woman, plus an Aussie and all that love. This is such a great series.

[Mishael · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good, yet I feel like the magic of the earlier seasons of French Kissing was missing.