What do you think?
Rate this book
At the Water’s Edge #1.5
It Takes Two
What if the love of your life proposes but you’re not the marrying kind?
Ella and Kay are living happily ever after in Northville, but when Kay asks Ella to marry her, their happiness is threatened by Ella’s past.
Will Ella be able to overcome her fear of tying the knot and give Kay what she wants more than anything?
Find out in this sequel to Harper Bliss' heartfelt novel At the Water’s Edge.
Ella and Kay are living happily ever after in Northville, but when Kay asks Ella to marry her, their happiness is threatened by Ella’s past.
Will Ella be able to overcome her fear of tying the knot and give Kay what she wants more than anything?
Find out in this sequel to Harper Bliss' heartfelt novel At the Water’s Edge.
58 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2015
About the author
Harper Bliss
140 books2,457 followersHarper Bliss is a best-selling lesbian romance author. Among her most-loved books are the highly dramatic French Kissing and the often thought-provoking Pink Bean series. She is the co-founder of My LesFic, a weekly newsletter offering discount deals on lesbian fiction.
Harper lived in Hong Kong for 7 years, travelled the world for a bit, and has now settled in Brussels (Belgium) with her wife and photogenic cat, Dolly Purrton.
Together with her wife, she hosts a weekly podcast called Harper Bliss & Her Mrs.
Harper lived in Hong Kong for 7 years, travelled the world for a bit, and has now settled in Brussels (Belgium) with her wife and photogenic cat, Dolly Purrton.
Together with her wife, she hosts a weekly podcast called Harper Bliss & Her Mrs.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 4, 2016
I actually liked this more than the original book. It's lighter, very sweet a nice follow up. Kay is just a sweetheart, a great companion to Ella as she's grown from the dark place she was at at the beginning of At the Water's Edge. Ella's a much happier, stronger person. I'm glad we got this update.
January 24, 2021
Very nice follow up to At the Water’s Edge.
November 2, 2015
‘It Takes Two,’ the follow-up novella to ‘At the Water’s Edge,’ reminds me of why I love stories by Harper Bliss. Her stories are filled with original and well-developed characters. Her tales have heart. And they’re sexy as hell. ‘It Takes Two’ hits all the right marks in a short amount of time. I hope Bliss continues Ella and Kay’s story.
March 2, 2023
3.5-ish. i’m in sap era. don’t perceive me! 😅
October 31, 2015
This is a continuation of the story about Ella and Kay from At the Water’s Edge. I already feel like I know all of the characters in this story since I have now read At the Water’s Edge twice. I am very happy that Harper decided to continue with this story of love between Ella and Kay. I would highly recommend reading At the Water’s Edge before reading It Takes Two. Like At the Water’s Edge this story touches on some important issues, but doesn’t get preachy about them. Being a Harper Bliss story, there is exceptional romance, captivating drama and of course hot lesbian sex. What more can you ask for.
February 13, 2016
Wonderful ending to Kay and Ella's story.
June 24, 2025
Quick follow up to At the Water's Edge.
July 15, 2019
At the Water's Edge, the first book of the "series", is an excellent book in every way. It brings a sensible subject that the Author, with her writing and plot, brought in a great story. But... the real question is: the sequence was really necessary? And the answer is: no.
October 31, 2015
Detailed score: 3 on its own - 3.75 rounded up as a welcome companion piece to At the Water's Edge.
I would strongly recommend that readers first read At the Water's Edge before considering picking up this book - it certainly should not be used in reverse - or don't treat it as a 'if I like this, I'll try the full length version'. To do so would, I respectfully suggest, destroy your potential enjoyment of both pieces.
If you have read ATWE, though, this review is easy: if you liked it, buy this novella -- it compliments the original story nicely. If you didn't like ATWE then there's nothing here to make you change your mind. Our characters haven't changed much in the two years that have passed since the end of ATWE and where this novella picks up.
As you'd expect from a Bliss book, there are a couple of erotic scenes thrown in there but, again like ATWE, these are more intense rather than particularly erotic. Not every Bliss fans cuppa.
Ultimately this is a short piece over I. A heartbeat but definitely worth picking up for a read over your lunch break :)
I would strongly recommend that readers first read At the Water's Edge before considering picking up this book - it certainly should not be used in reverse - or don't treat it as a 'if I like this, I'll try the full length version'. To do so would, I respectfully suggest, destroy your potential enjoyment of both pieces.
If you have read ATWE, though, this review is easy: if you liked it, buy this novella -- it compliments the original story nicely. If you didn't like ATWE then there's nothing here to make you change your mind. Our characters haven't changed much in the two years that have passed since the end of ATWE and where this novella picks up.
As you'd expect from a Bliss book, there are a couple of erotic scenes thrown in there but, again like ATWE, these are more intense rather than particularly erotic. Not every Bliss fans cuppa.
Ultimately this is a short piece over I. A heartbeat but definitely worth picking up for a read over your lunch break :)
November 2, 2015
Sweet and Gentle
Kay and Ella have been together for three years and life is good. Ella is a teacher at the local high school and Kay is still running her family campgrounds. Kay wants to take things to the next level but will Ella be as ready?
This is a very sweet romantic drama that starts off fast and hard...and steamy. It changes POV from Ella to Kay but the changes are clearly marked so as not to confuse. There are a lot of I love you mush talk, happiness, support with just enough angst to keep me hooked. Ella needs to make a serious decision and as afraid as she is to do that, she doesn't let those fears keep her from doing what she needs to do for her and Kay. Even if these decisions mean finally talking to her mother and dealing with the last of her childhood baggage. Her strength is encouraging and gives a lesson to be remembered. This is just a beautiful story.
This book is a follow up to Ms. Bliss' At The Waters Edge but makes a fine stand alone as well.
Kay and Ella have been together for three years and life is good. Ella is a teacher at the local high school and Kay is still running her family campgrounds. Kay wants to take things to the next level but will Ella be as ready?
This is a very sweet romantic drama that starts off fast and hard...and steamy. It changes POV from Ella to Kay but the changes are clearly marked so as not to confuse. There are a lot of I love you mush talk, happiness, support with just enough angst to keep me hooked. Ella needs to make a serious decision and as afraid as she is to do that, she doesn't let those fears keep her from doing what she needs to do for her and Kay. Even if these decisions mean finally talking to her mother and dealing with the last of her childhood baggage. Her strength is encouraging and gives a lesson to be remembered. This is just a beautiful story.
This book is a follow up to Ms. Bliss' At The Waters Edge but makes a fine stand alone as well.
July 20, 2020
A brilliant sequel to At the Water’s Edge
At The Water’s Edge was a profoundly powerful novel for me. Ella and I shared too many similarities in life. I’ve read and reread At The Water’s Edge multiple times. Discovering It Takes Two was a blessing for me. I had wanted to know what became of Ella and Kay. The novels’ subjects were a gift to me and I am eternally grateful. Sadly, I’m still looking for a “Kay” to lighten my life. I enthusiastically and unequivocally recommend this and all of Harper’s works. I’ve been fortunate to read most of them. Her writings are all a very good read. Thank you Peace!
At The Water’s Edge was a profoundly powerful novel for me. Ella and I shared too many similarities in life. I’ve read and reread At The Water’s Edge multiple times. Discovering It Takes Two was a blessing for me. I had wanted to know what became of Ella and Kay. The novels’ subjects were a gift to me and I am eternally grateful. Sadly, I’m still looking for a “Kay” to lighten my life. I enthusiastically and unequivocally recommend this and all of Harper’s works. I’ve been fortunate to read most of them. Her writings are all a very good read. Thank you Peace!
June 17, 2017
Juicy!
This short novel is well written, with characters most of us can relate to. I don't do spoilers in reviews, so I'll just day that Harper Bliss got a single run dinger (fellow baseball fans know what that means) with this novella.
This short novel is well written, with characters most of us can relate to. I don't do spoilers in reviews, so I'll just day that Harper Bliss got a single run dinger (fellow baseball fans know what that means) with this novella.
September 29, 2017
Nice
Ella and Kay have so much love between them. Ella suffered from depression and Kay was so good and kind to her. This story is well written with great love scenes. Great ending. I love all of Harper's books. Keep them coming.
Ella and Kay have so much love between them. Ella suffered from depression and Kay was so good and kind to her. This story is well written with great love scenes. Great ending. I love all of Harper's books. Keep them coming.
November 5, 2018
Awesome book
I loved this book because it showed you that it's possible to love someone back and not lose who you are. I'm so happy that Ella finally decided what was good for her and not live in the past.
I loved this book because it showed you that it's possible to love someone back and not lose who you are. I'm so happy that Ella finally decided what was good for her and not live in the past.
August 22, 2019
All the Way Home
Ella and Jay have been together for three years and they’ve never been happier. Nevertheless there’s one more step for Jay to be completely happy. Can Emma take a leap of faith and move past her heritage. Wonderful end of the romance. Recommend author.
Ella and Jay have been together for three years and they’ve never been happier. Nevertheless there’s one more step for Jay to be completely happy. Can Emma take a leap of faith and move past her heritage. Wonderful end of the romance. Recommend author.
July 17, 2020
Short but Perfect
Loved this "finish up" novella in the Ella and Kay story. Perfectly done and yes, wouldn't mind reading more. The Bliss books do that to me, could always keep going even the actual story is complete.
Loved this "finish up" novella in the Ella and Kay story. Perfectly done and yes, wouldn't mind reading more. The Bliss books do that to me, could always keep going even the actual story is complete.
May 5, 2018
Quick
This is a short story that brings back Ella and Kay. Nice to see how their story ends? I wonder if there will another.
This is a short story that brings back Ella and Kay. Nice to see how their story ends? I wonder if there will another.
August 27, 2018
This is a great storyline
Do like this novella and continuation of the novel. Great characters and storyline. Look forward to more in this series of others by Harper Bliss.
Do like this novella and continuation of the novel. Great characters and storyline. Look forward to more in this series of others by Harper Bliss.
May 15, 2019
If I had to convince my girlfriend to marry, oh well, that's just sad.
December 4, 2019
Loved this sequel. It was great
December 8, 2019
Loved it! Read it in 2 days!
June 19, 2023
Didn’t realise this was a sequel novella!
November 2, 2015
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
It Takes Two is a novella from author Harper Bliss and is the sequel to her full-length novel, At the Water's Edge. I highly suggest that you read the books in order so that you have the complete back story as to how Ella Goodman and Kay Brody fall in love and why Ella has an aversion to marriage. I loved At the Water's Edge and felt that the book ended quite well, but I confess that this novella serves as the perfect exclamation point to what is an overall beautiful love story about overcoming one's past to have a future.
To be honest, I felt exactly like Kay did when Ella turned down her proposal. I was expecting a yes, maybe not with the usual tears, but an affirmative reply, nonetheless. But Ella's issues are deeply rooted and while she and Kay may be happy, she had to truly confront the questions still nagging her and get the answers she may not have realized she was seeking all along. As always, nothing comes easy for these two, but they're being together in every way that they want and need is what makes all the struggles worth it.
If you read my review for At the Water's Edge, you'll remember my mentioning that Kay was my favorite character, and she still is here. However, Ella won me over, and I think it has to do with her fully acknowledging her issues and actually doing something about them rather than leaving them be and accepting them as a part of her. She becomes whole in this sequel and her journey finally feels as if it's come full circle. If you enjoyed At the Water's Edge, make sure you read It Takes Two as well. Five stars. ♥
Note: This ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
It Takes Two is a novella from author Harper Bliss and is the sequel to her full-length novel, At the Water's Edge. I highly suggest that you read the books in order so that you have the complete back story as to how Ella Goodman and Kay Brody fall in love and why Ella has an aversion to marriage. I loved At the Water's Edge and felt that the book ended quite well, but I confess that this novella serves as the perfect exclamation point to what is an overall beautiful love story about overcoming one's past to have a future.
To be honest, I felt exactly like Kay did when Ella turned down her proposal. I was expecting a yes, maybe not with the usual tears, but an affirmative reply, nonetheless. But Ella's issues are deeply rooted and while she and Kay may be happy, she had to truly confront the questions still nagging her and get the answers she may not have realized she was seeking all along. As always, nothing comes easy for these two, but they're being together in every way that they want and need is what makes all the struggles worth it.
If you read my review for At the Water's Edge, you'll remember my mentioning that Kay was my favorite character, and she still is here. However, Ella won me over, and I think it has to do with her fully acknowledging her issues and actually doing something about them rather than leaving them be and accepting them as a part of her. She becomes whole in this sequel and her journey finally feels as if it's come full circle. If you enjoyed At the Water's Edge, make sure you read It Takes Two as well. Five stars. ♥
November 2, 2015
It Takes Two
Harper Bliss, in this short book, writes the sequel to her deeply moving last novel, titled "At the Water's Edge". I, for one, was very glad as I wasn't quite ready to let go of Kay and Ella and their story . But here they are again three years after Ella returned home to the only place she could remember being happy, the West Waters Resort, a place that she has since been unable to leave. You could read this book without reading the first. But if you haven't read the first book, then you surely should. Otherwise you will not appreciate how far Ella has travelled in her journey back to being whole. Unlike Kay, you will not know Ella's "darkest secrets and most desperate thoughts". You will not understand the love that has grown between them or why Ella was unable to answer when Kay asked to marry her. She cannot say yes because she has vowed never to marry and she can't say no either because that would hurt Kay. So she has conversations: with Kay, with Patty and lastly with her mother. It's the conversation with her mother which affects her the most. She then quite turns the tables on Kay. How she does that you will have to read to find out. The chapters are turn about in Kay's or Ella's voice which is a clever way of understanding how each of them is feeling. Harper's writing is as accomplished as ever and her love scenes are like no-one else's, erotic but tender at the same time. I don't think I have ever read anything of Harper's that wasn't worth reading and this little book deserves all of five stars.
Harper Bliss, in this short book, writes the sequel to her deeply moving last novel, titled "At the Water's Edge". I, for one, was very glad as I wasn't quite ready to let go of Kay and Ella and their story . But here they are again three years after Ella returned home to the only place she could remember being happy, the West Waters Resort, a place that she has since been unable to leave. You could read this book without reading the first. But if you haven't read the first book, then you surely should. Otherwise you will not appreciate how far Ella has travelled in her journey back to being whole. Unlike Kay, you will not know Ella's "darkest secrets and most desperate thoughts". You will not understand the love that has grown between them or why Ella was unable to answer when Kay asked to marry her. She cannot say yes because she has vowed never to marry and she can't say no either because that would hurt Kay. So she has conversations: with Kay, with Patty and lastly with her mother. It's the conversation with her mother which affects her the most. She then quite turns the tables on Kay. How she does that you will have to read to find out. The chapters are turn about in Kay's or Ella's voice which is a clever way of understanding how each of them is feeling. Harper's writing is as accomplished as ever and her love scenes are like no-one else's, erotic but tender at the same time. I don't think I have ever read anything of Harper's that wasn't worth reading and this little book deserves all of five stars.
November 6, 2015
This was a really great story. It is a sequel to Harper Bliss' At the Water's Edge so if you haven't read that yet, make sure to pick it up first. It's a great emotional and romantic read!
True to the first book, It Takes Two takes on real life scenarios and the feelings that us normal folks have when we experience them. The question for this story is Why do I/don't I want to be married? For a lot of us that question has an easy answer, but for some it's not so simple. And we definitely see that in this story. The characters are completely realistic and their behaviors match to those they exhibited in the first book. It's amazing how often the characters we read about in one book become completely different people in the next book with no rhyme or reason. That is definitely not the case here. I loved how Ella and Kay communicate with each other and try so desperately to compromise with each other, like any great couple. They work through their own issues but are also smart enough to realize that you can't just be an old dog who can't learn new tricks when it comes to relationships. They try to understand themselves and one another.
Anyway, wonderful heart-felt, romantic story that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys romance. This is a f/f romance so if that bothers you in any way, this is not the story for you. But I truly feel the relationship that Ella and Kay share transcends the line between hetero and LGBTQIA. Loved it.
Thank you Ladylit for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
True to the first book, It Takes Two takes on real life scenarios and the feelings that us normal folks have when we experience them. The question for this story is Why do I/don't I want to be married? For a lot of us that question has an easy answer, but for some it's not so simple. And we definitely see that in this story. The characters are completely realistic and their behaviors match to those they exhibited in the first book. It's amazing how often the characters we read about in one book become completely different people in the next book with no rhyme or reason. That is definitely not the case here. I loved how Ella and Kay communicate with each other and try so desperately to compromise with each other, like any great couple. They work through their own issues but are also smart enough to realize that you can't just be an old dog who can't learn new tricks when it comes to relationships. They try to understand themselves and one another.
Anyway, wonderful heart-felt, romantic story that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys romance. This is a f/f romance so if that bothers you in any way, this is not the story for you. But I truly feel the relationship that Ella and Kay share transcends the line between hetero and LGBTQIA. Loved it.
Thank you Ladylit for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 1, 2016
This is such a great book, it brings two people closer together and shows how in love they are. As soon as I was a few sentances into this book I was hooked. Harper Bliss writes such amazing work. If you havent already read this or any or Harper Bliss's books then you should start too.
Ella and Kay are happily living together and have a great relationship but after Kay asks Ella to marry her, Ella is so unsure because in her eyes she doesn't see herself ever getting married. For days Ella just seems so confused in what to do because everything was going well with both of them but now that this has happened she's not so sure where she sees herself. Ella doesn't exactly believe in getting married due to how her parents marriage is, and she thinks she's part to blame for that but she wants to make Kay happy more than anything.
Kay lost her parents quite a while back so the one thing that she wants more than anything is to let her heart be happy and she feels that she has found that with Ella, even though she didn't exactly say no to Kay when she asked her Kay still feels really hurt because she knows that she wants to spend the rest of her life with Ella. Will Kay be able to help Ella overcome her fear of marriage and what will the one chat that Ella has with her mother do.
Ella and Kay are happily living together and have a great relationship but after Kay asks Ella to marry her, Ella is so unsure because in her eyes she doesn't see herself ever getting married. For days Ella just seems so confused in what to do because everything was going well with both of them but now that this has happened she's not so sure where she sees herself. Ella doesn't exactly believe in getting married due to how her parents marriage is, and she thinks she's part to blame for that but she wants to make Kay happy more than anything.
Kay lost her parents quite a while back so the one thing that she wants more than anything is to let her heart be happy and she feels that she has found that with Ella, even though she didn't exactly say no to Kay when she asked her Kay still feels really hurt because she knows that she wants to spend the rest of her life with Ella. Will Kay be able to help Ella overcome her fear of marriage and what will the one chat that Ella has with her mother do.
January 20, 2018
Form follows function
The stories are the same only the names have been changed. The stories and experiences may ring true for some, for some it is all a sexual fantasy written and re worded in differing scenes. It is not written as romance although it may have started out as a lesbian romance with erotic elements, but the lusting and lusting goes on and on to boredom. I am sorry to say this is not one of this authors best works. The two stars was given for excellent technical writing and editing skills. Harper can really write a well thought out lesbian mystery novel that I feel she would excel more than in the erotic zone.
The stories are the same only the names have been changed. The stories and experiences may ring true for some, for some it is all a sexual fantasy written and re worded in differing scenes. It is not written as romance although it may have started out as a lesbian romance with erotic elements, but the lusting and lusting goes on and on to boredom. I am sorry to say this is not one of this authors best works. The two stars was given for excellent technical writing and editing skills. Harper can really write a well thought out lesbian mystery novel that I feel she would excel more than in the erotic zone.
November 2, 2015
This was a beautiful Novella written as a follow up to "At The Waters Edge". It really has you rooting for Ella and Kay to work things out between them. Having read many books by this particular author I find this story to be one of my favorites. Not only would I recomend reading this story but I'd say start with "At The Water's Edge" if you have a chance. But even if you don't this Novella stands on its own.
October 31, 2015
I absolutely loved this additional epilogue to At the Water's Edge. It was great to revisit these characters and find out how their lives and relationships developed after the book ended. This was a quick and delightful read!
November 6, 2015
One of my favorite authors
This is one of my favorite authors, but I just couldn't get into this sequel. It felt repetitive. I think I was looking for a bit more in Ella and Kay's story.
This is one of my favorite authors, but I just couldn't get into this sequel. It felt repetitive. I think I was looking for a bit more in Ella and Kay's story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews