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The Pink Bean #2
Beneath the Surface
ASIN B07BL5K9SG moved to the most recent edition here
The path of true love never did run straight.
Twenty years ago, Kristin Park and Sheryl Johnson were brought together by wine. Is wine also what will tear them apart today?
Beneath the Surface goes back in time to the moment Kristin and Sheryl first meet, and offers a revelatory glimpse into the ups and downs of their seemingly perfect relationship.
Grab a cup of coffee--or a glass of wine--and find out what really happens behind the closed doors of The Pink Bean.
Don't miss this brand new instalment, and origin story, 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.
The path of true love never did run straight.
Twenty years ago, Kristin Park and Sheryl Johnson were brought together by wine. Is wine also what will tear them apart today?
Beneath the Surface goes back in time to the moment Kristin and Sheryl first meet, and offers a revelatory glimpse into the ups and downs of their seemingly perfect relationship.
Grab a cup of coffee--or a glass of wine--and find out what really happens behind the closed doors of The Pink Bean.
Don't miss this brand new instalment, and origin story, 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.
228 pages, ebook
First published December 1, 2016
203 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
Harper Bliss
139 books2,385 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 130 reviews
June 7, 2018
Ok read! frustrated and disappointed with both writing & storyline -- was really expecting much better in this follow-up second series but nothing really pan out as such with either their so called chemistry that was so energetic in the very first book-- i just got bamboozled i guest to the end of the story..(exhausted)
September 10, 2017
Ok read! disappointed with the storyline..think i was anxious for better writing and chemistry with this couple and the supporting characters...
May 2, 2017
I was apprehensive starting Pink Bean #2 (“Beneath the Surface”), because several reviewers commented that the story of Kristin and Sheryl’s relationship was “dark”. I generally don’t like books with excessive angst – I read/listen for pleasure, and generally want to enjoy escapist romances rather than suffer through realistically painful themes of real life such as betrayal, abuse, addiction or just plain bad luck. We were certainly given numerous hints to Sheryl drinking excessively in Pink Bean #1, and I didn’t want to read/listen to a depressing book.
While this book does portray very real-world situations, I found it to be an immensely joyful celebration of the power of love and friendship in overcoming obstacles to happiness. Events, often out of our control, occur to us in life, and we are greatly influenced, if not fundamentally shaped, by those events. Really, though, it’s how we react or respond to events that ultimately determines how much power those events have over us. Further, recognizing that events, and our reactions to events, affect our friends and loved ones, and that we are not alone when celebrating or despairing, is so very important.
There are four distinct parts to Pink Bean #2. The first 35% takes us back nearly 20 years before Pink Bean #1 to 1997, when brash and confident 28yo Sheryl meets sexually insecure 30yo corporate cutie Kristin. Instalove ensues, but it is a sweet and enjoyable story. We don’t get the feeling that Harper Bliss is rushing into romance for the MCs as much as we feel that we’re being led to the heart of the book – what happens after HEA?
The next 15% of the book occurs ten years later. In 2007 Kristin has moved up in the corporate world, and is a workaholic with her eye on being CEO. Typical relationship struggles are well presented: how does a partner balance being supportive of her lover while experiencing quiet desperation and growing anger of things unsaid? Feeling desperately lonely, Sheryl, a former teetotaler, begins drinking. It’s a very realistic portrayal of beginning to drink for wrong reasons.
The book leaps ahead once again, seven years to 2014. The next 20% presents an idyllic period in the lives of the MCs. They’ve rededicated their lives to each other. Kristin turned down a major career opportunity, and ended up leaving the wine company. Relationships with work evolves as fluidly and often unpredictably as relationships with people; I was so happy Kristin chose Sheryl. It’s still important for Kristin to have activity and goals, and she starts thinking of an indie coffee shop as a business opportunity. Together, they open Pink Bean. Interestingly, this part of the book now overlaps the timeframe of Pink Bean #1! That was unexpected, and it works very well for us to re-experience earlier observations of Sheryl and Kristin, but now from their POVs.
The final 30% of the book begins with Sheryl’s happy world being shattered when her once-alcoholic father suddenly appears, announces he’s dying and wants to learn of her life. Old memories of physical abandonment by her mother, who suicided when she was 12yo, and mental abandonment by her alcoholic father rise to the surface. Sheryl begins drinking heavily to ease the painful memories; she remembers being unloved, and feels undeserving of Kristin’s love. Kristin gives Sheryl space rather than confronting her with concerns about the drinking. I had difficulty understanding why, at age 45, Sheryl would react so self-destructively. But, I applaud Harper Bliss for the portrayal. I think everyone fails to understand why a loved one succumbs to depression. We want to help, but by not really understanding, we struggle to identify an appropriate path for help.
Sheryl struggles to accept her addiction, but Kristin finally yet gently forces her to admit she has a problem, and must stop drinking. Moderation won’t work for her. In a way, the couple has reversed roles…it is now Kristin trying to balance being supportive as she endures growing desperation for Sheryl’s mental state. As much as this section of the book is indeed real-world, and presents a difficult struggle, though, it is filled with such a sense of love, support and optimism that I just couldn’t find it “dark”.
I was so glad to see the other characters from Pink Bean provide unconditional and non-judgmental support for Kristin and Sheryl. In some ways, coming out as an alcoholic is, perhaps, similar to coming out as a lesbian. Many in society will condemn, won’t understand, or will wonder why you “chose” to be what you are. We do have free will, and we do make choices in our lives. But there are many things that we do not choose that still are a part of what makes us who we are. Being lesbian, or anywhere on the LGBT spectrum, can be joyous or painful depending upon our support network. Having a painful childhood, and/or being an alcoholic can never be joyous, but with friends and loved ones, this book does a wonderful job of showing us that life can still be filled with promise and love and happiness.
Thanks for a wonderful book, Harper Bliss! Easily 5* even without adding points for the wonderful narrator, Angela Dawe.
PS – Pink Bean #3 (“Everything Between Us”) will be released on audio July 11th. I was surprised to see that Angela Dawe is replaced by another narrator, and I asked Harper Bliss about that decision. She graciously responded! She and Tantor Audio “decided to go with a different narrator for PB#3 because it’s written in 1st person point of view (and present tense) so very different from #1 and #2. Angela will (I hope) be back for later PB books in 3rd person.” WOW! With all the audiobooks I’ve listened to, I don’t think I’ve ever really considered how much thought an author puts into selecting a narrator, other than is she talented.
PPS – I also expressed hope that Amber would have her own story. Harper Bliss teased with “Might be working on something Amber-related right now…”. Yay!!!!!!!!!!
While this book does portray very real-world situations, I found it to be an immensely joyful celebration of the power of love and friendship in overcoming obstacles to happiness. Events, often out of our control, occur to us in life, and we are greatly influenced, if not fundamentally shaped, by those events. Really, though, it’s how we react or respond to events that ultimately determines how much power those events have over us. Further, recognizing that events, and our reactions to events, affect our friends and loved ones, and that we are not alone when celebrating or despairing, is so very important.
There are four distinct parts to Pink Bean #2. The first 35% takes us back nearly 20 years before Pink Bean #1 to 1997, when brash and confident 28yo Sheryl meets sexually insecure 30yo corporate cutie Kristin. Instalove ensues, but it is a sweet and enjoyable story. We don’t get the feeling that Harper Bliss is rushing into romance for the MCs as much as we feel that we’re being led to the heart of the book – what happens after HEA?
The next 15% of the book occurs ten years later. In 2007 Kristin has moved up in the corporate world, and is a workaholic with her eye on being CEO. Typical relationship struggles are well presented: how does a partner balance being supportive of her lover while experiencing quiet desperation and growing anger of things unsaid? Feeling desperately lonely, Sheryl, a former teetotaler, begins drinking. It’s a very realistic portrayal of beginning to drink for wrong reasons.
The book leaps ahead once again, seven years to 2014. The next 20% presents an idyllic period in the lives of the MCs. They’ve rededicated their lives to each other. Kristin turned down a major career opportunity, and ended up leaving the wine company. Relationships with work evolves as fluidly and often unpredictably as relationships with people; I was so happy Kristin chose Sheryl. It’s still important for Kristin to have activity and goals, and she starts thinking of an indie coffee shop as a business opportunity. Together, they open Pink Bean. Interestingly, this part of the book now overlaps the timeframe of Pink Bean #1! That was unexpected, and it works very well for us to re-experience earlier observations of Sheryl and Kristin, but now from their POVs.
The final 30% of the book begins with Sheryl’s happy world being shattered when her once-alcoholic father suddenly appears, announces he’s dying and wants to learn of her life. Old memories of physical abandonment by her mother, who suicided when she was 12yo, and mental abandonment by her alcoholic father rise to the surface. Sheryl begins drinking heavily to ease the painful memories; she remembers being unloved, and feels undeserving of Kristin’s love. Kristin gives Sheryl space rather than confronting her with concerns about the drinking. I had difficulty understanding why, at age 45, Sheryl would react so self-destructively. But, I applaud Harper Bliss for the portrayal. I think everyone fails to understand why a loved one succumbs to depression. We want to help, but by not really understanding, we struggle to identify an appropriate path for help.
Sheryl struggles to accept her addiction, but Kristin finally yet gently forces her to admit she has a problem, and must stop drinking. Moderation won’t work for her. In a way, the couple has reversed roles…it is now Kristin trying to balance being supportive as she endures growing desperation for Sheryl’s mental state. As much as this section of the book is indeed real-world, and presents a difficult struggle, though, it is filled with such a sense of love, support and optimism that I just couldn’t find it “dark”.
I was so glad to see the other characters from Pink Bean provide unconditional and non-judgmental support for Kristin and Sheryl. In some ways, coming out as an alcoholic is, perhaps, similar to coming out as a lesbian. Many in society will condemn, won’t understand, or will wonder why you “chose” to be what you are. We do have free will, and we do make choices in our lives. But there are many things that we do not choose that still are a part of what makes us who we are. Being lesbian, or anywhere on the LGBT spectrum, can be joyous or painful depending upon our support network. Having a painful childhood, and/or being an alcoholic can never be joyous, but with friends and loved ones, this book does a wonderful job of showing us that life can still be filled with promise and love and happiness.
Thanks for a wonderful book, Harper Bliss! Easily 5* even without adding points for the wonderful narrator, Angela Dawe.
PS – Pink Bean #3 (“Everything Between Us”) will be released on audio July 11th. I was surprised to see that Angela Dawe is replaced by another narrator, and I asked Harper Bliss about that decision. She graciously responded! She and Tantor Audio “decided to go with a different narrator for PB#3 because it’s written in 1st person point of view (and present tense) so very different from #1 and #2. Angela will (I hope) be back for later PB books in 3rd person.” WOW! With all the audiobooks I’ve listened to, I don’t think I’ve ever really considered how much thought an author puts into selecting a narrator, other than is she talented.
PPS – I also expressed hope that Amber would have her own story. Harper Bliss teased with “Might be working on something Amber-related right now…”. Yay!!!!!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2018
Very dark. Very boring. No chemistry. Good writing.
May 17, 2017
4.5 STARS rounded up to 5 STARS
Spoilers ahead...
This book is the second book in Bliss's Pink Bean series, following the owners of The Pink Bean, Kristin & Sheryl over their nearly 20 year relationship. It is certainly not your typical romance. It is written in blocks of time - 1997: when they meet, 2007: Kristin's work hours and travel puts a strain on their marriage and Sheryl begins drinking, 2014: Kristin quits her job and opens up The Pink Bean and 2016 Sheryl's drinking come to a head after her father visits her after decades of being absent.
This book has a much different tone than the first. Definitely darker. I liked how Bliss skipped years - though the changes in their relationship were gradual we see the effects when things come down and the couple needs to make changes. I liked that Bliss made both characters culpable and not one is only to blame.
I will admit I wasn't really liking the book as we read how their relationship is strained. We see the ugly sides of both - Kristin the workaholic and Sheryl the alcoholic. I was getting angry at Kristin because she kept telling Sheryl that she didn't have a drinking problem when clearly she was heading in that direction. Or maybe it was clearer to the reader?
It was weird, but it wasn't until I finished the book and was deciding how to rate the book that I realized just how much my life paralleled Sheryl's. I guess because of my age (50s) I have dealt with those issues long, long ago and have put it way behind me. My Mom died when I was born, at age 9 I went to live with my older sister and later in his life, my dad was a functioning alcoholic. Because of that, I am careful to drink only occasionally and only a glass or two. So you see, Sheryl's story isn't that unusual.
Spoilers ahead...
This book is the second book in Bliss's Pink Bean series, following the owners of The Pink Bean, Kristin & Sheryl over their nearly 20 year relationship. It is certainly not your typical romance. It is written in blocks of time - 1997: when they meet, 2007: Kristin's work hours and travel puts a strain on their marriage and Sheryl begins drinking, 2014: Kristin quits her job and opens up The Pink Bean and 2016 Sheryl's drinking come to a head after her father visits her after decades of being absent.
This book has a much different tone than the first. Definitely darker. I liked how Bliss skipped years - though the changes in their relationship were gradual we see the effects when things come down and the couple needs to make changes. I liked that Bliss made both characters culpable and not one is only to blame.
I will admit I wasn't really liking the book as we read how their relationship is strained. We see the ugly sides of both - Kristin the workaholic and Sheryl the alcoholic. I was getting angry at Kristin because she kept telling Sheryl that she didn't have a drinking problem when clearly she was heading in that direction. Or maybe it was clearer to the reader?
It was weird, but it wasn't until I finished the book and was deciding how to rate the book that I realized just how much my life paralleled Sheryl's. I guess because of my age (50s) I have dealt with those issues long, long ago and have put it way behind me. My Mom died when I was born, at age 9 I went to live with my older sister and later in his life, my dad was a functioning alcoholic. Because of that, I am careful to drink only occasionally and only a glass or two. So you see, Sheryl's story isn't that unusual.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2023
Going back in time.
This is a well-written second book of the Pink Bean series. It can be read as a standalone even though characters from other books appear here too.
This story takes us back in time to witness Kristen and Sheryl fall in love as well as some of the key moments of their life as a couple. To everyone else, Kristen and Sheryl are the "perfect couple" but behind closed doors, their lives are in actual fact far from perfect. Harper Bliss explores the many facets of a relationship, including the importance of communication and the need to compromise. It also explores priorities as a couple and what it takes to be a supportive partner. And what made me fall in love with this story is how Kristen and Sheryl's partnerships remain so solid even in the face of obstacles that test their relationship.
Thumbs up! Much better than the first book, in my opinion.
This is a well-written second book of the Pink Bean series. It can be read as a standalone even though characters from other books appear here too.
This story takes us back in time to witness Kristen and Sheryl fall in love as well as some of the key moments of their life as a couple. To everyone else, Kristen and Sheryl are the "perfect couple" but behind closed doors, their lives are in actual fact far from perfect. Harper Bliss explores the many facets of a relationship, including the importance of communication and the need to compromise. It also explores priorities as a couple and what it takes to be a supportive partner. And what made me fall in love with this story is how Kristen and Sheryl's partnerships remain so solid even in the face of obstacles that test their relationship.
Thumbs up! Much better than the first book, in my opinion.
June 17, 2017
Kristin and Sheryl are the center pillars of the women whose lives intertwine at the Pink Bean Coffee shop. It is wonderful to see their story.
I loved this story! It was so well written and emotional, like you would expect anything less than that from Ms. bliss, right?! Duh! Anyway, I thought this was one of the most beautiful love stories I’ve read in ages.
I loved how this strong, sensual and dynamic pair meet and fall in love. I enjoyed the glimpses into their formative years allowing the reader to really know them and how they became the women they were at their first meeting to their eventual commitment to each other that would span nearly twenty years.
Watching Kristin and Sheryl as they grew and changed was a privilege. Sometimes the changes were for the better and sometimes for worse but even in their darkest hours they were together for whatever life had in store. They persisted and their love continues to deepen.
Even though this amazing couple aren’t real they are an inspiration and I look forward to seeing what is next for this beautiful couple and the people of the Bean.
I loved this story! It was so well written and emotional, like you would expect anything less than that from Ms. bliss, right?! Duh! Anyway, I thought this was one of the most beautiful love stories I’ve read in ages.
I loved how this strong, sensual and dynamic pair meet and fall in love. I enjoyed the glimpses into their formative years allowing the reader to really know them and how they became the women they were at their first meeting to their eventual commitment to each other that would span nearly twenty years.
Watching Kristin and Sheryl as they grew and changed was a privilege. Sometimes the changes were for the better and sometimes for worse but even in their darkest hours they were together for whatever life had in store. They persisted and their love continues to deepen.
Even though this amazing couple aren’t real they are an inspiration and I look forward to seeing what is next for this beautiful couple and the people of the Bean.
March 10, 2021
3 Stars - Audible version - Really good book I would not listen to again
I think it this is a good foundational book for the series since it is about the owners of the Pink Bean. It has some really important themes: true love, long term relationships and how they change and take work to maintain, a partner with addiction (wow was that spot on). It was a good book, and I am glad I read/listened to it, but I would not say I really enjoyed the experience. I never really connected with Christine or Cheryl. I didn't really get their chemistry when they first got together. When you miss that romance/chemistry/pulling-for-them-as-a-couple boat, then it 100% effects your overall enjoyment of the story.
On to book 3!
I think it this is a good foundational book for the series since it is about the owners of the Pink Bean. It has some really important themes: true love, long term relationships and how they change and take work to maintain, a partner with addiction (wow was that spot on). It was a good book, and I am glad I read/listened to it, but I would not say I really enjoyed the experience. I never really connected with Christine or Cheryl. I didn't really get their chemistry when they first got together. When you miss that romance/chemistry/pulling-for-them-as-a-couple boat, then it 100% effects your overall enjoyment of the story.
On to book 3!
December 23, 2016
4.5 stars
I absolutely loved book 1, No Strings Attached, so was super excited to discover it was only the first in a brand new series by Harper Bliss, and book 2 did not disappoint.
Although it took me a minute or two to recall that the heroines in this story are the founders of The Pink Bean coffee shop. Kristen appeared here and there in book one, as did Sheryl but they were far from central characters, therefore I found myself totally enthralled with how they came to be a couple and their eventual business investment.
This story is told in third person and from dual point-of-view, my preferred style of narration, as it allows me to become absorbed by the characters. Although, Harper has a way of doing that despite tense and POVs. But I digress...
While I admired Kristen, my heart went out to Sheryl. Without giving too much away, this story deals with addiction, not only how it affects the addict but also the impact it has on their loved ones. Not only that, but when a loved one enables the addiction thinking they are being kind. It also brought home the fact that an addict fights the battle every day and even after 10 years can relapse!
There are a couple of adult scenes, and as much as I adore such content, in this story I didn’t linger on those pages, too absorbed in the bigger picture.
The one thing I admit I struggled with was the huge time jumps, from 1997 to 2007 and then 2007 to 2014. I can normally cope with big leaps in time, but where the story picked back up in 2007 left me wondering what on earth happened during those years, that brought about such a transformation in one of the characters. With that said, by the end of the book everything fell into place and I turned the last page smiling and sated.
I feel this story can be read as a standalone, and would happily recommend both books to all and sundry. More please, Harper.
Copy generously provided by Ladylit Publishing
I absolutely loved book 1, No Strings Attached, so was super excited to discover it was only the first in a brand new series by Harper Bliss, and book 2 did not disappoint.
Although it took me a minute or two to recall that the heroines in this story are the founders of The Pink Bean coffee shop. Kristen appeared here and there in book one, as did Sheryl but they were far from central characters, therefore I found myself totally enthralled with how they came to be a couple and their eventual business investment.
This story is told in third person and from dual point-of-view, my preferred style of narration, as it allows me to become absorbed by the characters. Although, Harper has a way of doing that despite tense and POVs. But I digress...
While I admired Kristen, my heart went out to Sheryl. Without giving too much away, this story deals with addiction, not only how it affects the addict but also the impact it has on their loved ones. Not only that, but when a loved one enables the addiction thinking they are being kind. It also brought home the fact that an addict fights the battle every day and even after 10 years can relapse!
There are a couple of adult scenes, and as much as I adore such content, in this story I didn’t linger on those pages, too absorbed in the bigger picture.
The one thing I admit I struggled with was the huge time jumps, from 1997 to 2007 and then 2007 to 2014. I can normally cope with big leaps in time, but where the story picked back up in 2007 left me wondering what on earth happened during those years, that brought about such a transformation in one of the characters. With that said, by the end of the book everything fell into place and I turned the last page smiling and sated.
I feel this story can be read as a standalone, and would happily recommend both books to all and sundry. More please, Harper.
Copy generously provided by Ladylit Publishing
September 2, 2018
The title of this book perfectly captured the relationship of Kristin and Sheryl. To the outside world they had the perfect relationship but like all things in life things are not always what they seem. The disease of alcoholism does not discriminate and even the most stoic of women like Sheryl can slowly become its victim. I really enjoyed their courage, love and undying devotion to their love while they struggled over decades on how to first come to terms with the reality the Sheryl was a alcoholic and then fighting the disease together. I thought this was a really good glimpse into the journey of families dealing with alcoholism. The love story of the MCs was also very sweet and inspiring as through it all they refused to fail each other even in the most trying of times. I highly recommend this book.
May 31, 2022
As my mommy used to say, if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.
May 13, 2018
I love this serie.
After book 1 was a an easy read, this one has some aspects which are not that easy. There are some issues with substance abuse and child neglect.
It was great to see, how the two women mastered every hurdle in their relationship.
I'm looking forward to the Pink Bean #3.
My rating 4 stars
After book 1 was a an easy read, this one has some aspects which are not that easy. There are some issues with substance abuse and child neglect.
It was great to see, how the two women mastered every hurdle in their relationship.
I'm looking forward to the Pink Bean #3.
My rating 4 stars
July 8, 2018
Nice read. Very well written book. Recommend
March 5, 2021
Review of Beneath the Surface by Harper Bliss, Audiobook narrated by Angela Dawe
This is book 2 of the Pink Bean series which follows the lives of a group of lesbian friends living in Sidney, Australia. Angela Dawe narrates most of the series (at the moment formed by 10 books) which is a great opportunity to enjoy the talent and versatility of this narrator. You can start the series at any point as the books are all standalone but there are some connections with the other books that might act as spoilers.
Kristin Park and Sheryl Johnson have been in a relationship for twenty years but Kristin’s tendency to put her career first and Sheryl’s problems with alcohol threaten to tear them apart. Will their love be strong enough to overcome the obstacles life has thrown at them?
This is quite a dark and angsty read. The story goes back and forth between the time when Sheryl and Kristin met while still in their 20s and the present time after two decades of being in an established relationship. The story is told in third person from both main characters’ point of view which is customary in this series.
Both leads are well fleshed out and complex characters and Ms. Bliss takes them on a journey where they both will grow and change. The journey itself is quite dark, Ms. Bliss pulls no punches when describing Sheryl’s alcohol abuse and her struggle to come to terms with her past of an abusive father and a depressive mother.
The ‘love conquers all’ trope is hard to pull off but I think that Ms. Bliss did a very good job at it by not simplifying or minimising the consequences of alcohol abuse for both the alcoholic and their loved ones. So, despite this is a romance, the story isn’t a light read and the characters’ journey to their happily ever after (or happily for now) is a bumpy one but the way the story is written makes it worth it.
Angela Dawe narrates this book which was a very smart choice. Very few narrators can convey the emotional roller coaster that these characters go through in a convincing way. Ms. Dawe performed all the emotional moments outstandingly and interpreted all the different characters’ voices and personalities in a distinctive way. A big part of my decision to listen to this whole series is because of Ms. Dawe’s name on the cover. Once again, she didn’t disappoint. 4.5 stars.
Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins
This is book 2 of the Pink Bean series which follows the lives of a group of lesbian friends living in Sidney, Australia. Angela Dawe narrates most of the series (at the moment formed by 10 books) which is a great opportunity to enjoy the talent and versatility of this narrator. You can start the series at any point as the books are all standalone but there are some connections with the other books that might act as spoilers.
Kristin Park and Sheryl Johnson have been in a relationship for twenty years but Kristin’s tendency to put her career first and Sheryl’s problems with alcohol threaten to tear them apart. Will their love be strong enough to overcome the obstacles life has thrown at them?
This is quite a dark and angsty read. The story goes back and forth between the time when Sheryl and Kristin met while still in their 20s and the present time after two decades of being in an established relationship. The story is told in third person from both main characters’ point of view which is customary in this series.
Both leads are well fleshed out and complex characters and Ms. Bliss takes them on a journey where they both will grow and change. The journey itself is quite dark, Ms. Bliss pulls no punches when describing Sheryl’s alcohol abuse and her struggle to come to terms with her past of an abusive father and a depressive mother.
The ‘love conquers all’ trope is hard to pull off but I think that Ms. Bliss did a very good job at it by not simplifying or minimising the consequences of alcohol abuse for both the alcoholic and their loved ones. So, despite this is a romance, the story isn’t a light read and the characters’ journey to their happily ever after (or happily for now) is a bumpy one but the way the story is written makes it worth it.
Angela Dawe narrates this book which was a very smart choice. Very few narrators can convey the emotional roller coaster that these characters go through in a convincing way. Ms. Dawe performed all the emotional moments outstandingly and interpreted all the different characters’ voices and personalities in a distinctive way. A big part of my decision to listen to this whole series is because of Ms. Dawe’s name on the cover. Once again, she didn’t disappoint. 4.5 stars.
Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins
September 24, 2017
This was a serious read, and I really liked it. It is a well-written story chronicling a long-term relationship between Kristin and Sheryl. Sheryl has severe family of origin issues, and she and Kristin also face the typical issues of long-term relationships.
April 12, 2017
Review to follow...
February 12, 2017
I'm rating this book 3.5 stars.
I enjoyed Sheryl and Kristin in the first book and was interested to read about their story. I find stories about couples that span over 10 to 20 years can be hard to base a story on them and fully capture the complexities of being in a long term couple.
I had to wait a bit to write my review because I was unsure on what to say. The best I can come up with is that I enjoyed the book but struggled to completely connect with the couple and their story. I struggled to completely see what pulled these two together in the first place. Attraction yes, but what made it the long lasting romance that they ended up having? I couldn't grasp that. I also found that as we jumped to different times in their relationship the story focused more so on the difficult times than providing a balance of good and bad. I guess I wanted more balance in the couples story showing us why they wanted to keep fight for each other.
Even though the above may have suggested I didn't enjoy the book I did, I think I may have been hoping for more. As someone who is in a long term relationship I love stories about couples over the span of their relationship as I find it a good opportunity to reflect on my own relationship. So I did feel I was still able to do that with this book. Also as an Australian who isn't much of a drinker I can completed relate to the aspect of the story on how much alcohol plays such an important role in our social settings.
I am looking forward to the next book in the story and am keen to see who it will be about!
I enjoyed Sheryl and Kristin in the first book and was interested to read about their story. I find stories about couples that span over 10 to 20 years can be hard to base a story on them and fully capture the complexities of being in a long term couple.
I had to wait a bit to write my review because I was unsure on what to say. The best I can come up with is that I enjoyed the book but struggled to completely connect with the couple and their story. I struggled to completely see what pulled these two together in the first place. Attraction yes, but what made it the long lasting romance that they ended up having? I couldn't grasp that. I also found that as we jumped to different times in their relationship the story focused more so on the difficult times than providing a balance of good and bad. I guess I wanted more balance in the couples story showing us why they wanted to keep fight for each other.
Even though the above may have suggested I didn't enjoy the book I did, I think I may have been hoping for more. As someone who is in a long term relationship I love stories about couples over the span of their relationship as I find it a good opportunity to reflect on my own relationship. So I did feel I was still able to do that with this book. Also as an Australian who isn't much of a drinker I can completed relate to the aspect of the story on how much alcohol plays such an important role in our social settings.
I am looking forward to the next book in the story and am keen to see who it will be about!
January 10, 2023
Beneath the Surface (The Pink Bean #2) by Harper Bliss: Sheryl and Kristin and the struggles of their relationship are the main focus. We see Amber, Martha, and Josephine along with meeting Caitlyn. This second book is not as lively as book one. This lays out some individual and couple historical context for the series. I liked it well enough and provides a great foundation for whatever comes next. This book does deal with a struggle with addiction. It is handled as well as can be expected to show the difficulty. This I just a note in case someone has an issue and would decide to avoid it. Beneath the Surface, does deal with life and relationship and how they can be faced while love is tested. I give it 4 ½ stars I will call it four.
May 14, 2017
Pure Bliss Magic
Another serious issue tackled head on with compassion and understanding. Harper Bliss doesn't shy away from the important and often controversial topics. This new series of the Pink Bean is truly wonderful. I'd argue it's one off if not the best series she's written to date. It's funny, it's amusing at times but most of all there is truth behind it. Excellent read and hard to put down. Really enjoyed it, I hope you do too. Number one is excellent too.
Another serious issue tackled head on with compassion and understanding. Harper Bliss doesn't shy away from the important and often controversial topics. This new series of the Pink Bean is truly wonderful. I'd argue it's one off if not the best series she's written to date. It's funny, it's amusing at times but most of all there is truth behind it. Excellent read and hard to put down. Really enjoyed it, I hope you do too. Number one is excellent too.
June 19, 2017
A beautiful story about life and it's struggles, well written and equally well narrated.
March 15, 2017
So I usually really enjoy pretty much anything Harper writes. Once in a Lifetime is one of my all time favorite books. Having said that, this story was a departure from her usual fare. This was IMO somewhat darker and left me feeling a little down and stressed out. Sheryl's battle with her demons was difficult to read.
July 12, 2017
I enjoyed this book a lot more than the the first one in the series. It was a very emotional story, it even made me cry a few times :)
May 17, 2017
4 stars.
Harper Bliss is hit or miss for me. Her Pink Bean series has been mostly a hit. I've re-read #1 and now #2, but this time around the audio versions. It's ether because of re-reading them back to back and therefore I caught most of the references to #1 or just the audio - I think I enjoyed it a smidgen more the second time around.
A unique story (for me) as we follow a 20 year relationship in which both MC's are both at "fault" when the relationship hits rocky patches. Kristen's ambition and work ethic puts a strain on the relationship and likewise Sheryl's past and growing alcohol dependence.
I'm looking forward to re-reading the audio version of #3 and it looks like #4 print edition is coming soon. Yea!
BTW: I mostly listen to audiobooks while at work. I've discovered that listening to a book I've already read makes it easier to concentrate on my work at the same time. Or I've hit some rough patches of new audiobooks that are at the moment DNF.
Harper Bliss is hit or miss for me. Her Pink Bean series has been mostly a hit. I've re-read #1 and now #2, but this time around the audio versions. It's ether because of re-reading them back to back and therefore I caught most of the references to #1 or just the audio - I think I enjoyed it a smidgen more the second time around.
A unique story (for me) as we follow a 20 year relationship in which both MC's are both at "fault" when the relationship hits rocky patches. Kristen's ambition and work ethic puts a strain on the relationship and likewise Sheryl's past and growing alcohol dependence.
I'm looking forward to re-reading the audio version of #3 and it looks like #4 print edition is coming soon. Yea!
BTW: I mostly listen to audiobooks while at work. I've discovered that listening to a book I've already read makes it easier to concentrate on my work at the same time. Or I've hit some rough patches of new audiobooks that are at the moment DNF.
December 23, 2016
Even better than Pink Bean Book 1
Although I really enjoyed NO STRINGS ATTACHED, this second book in the series touched on deeper issues and a deeper love between a couple over the span of nearly two decades as opposed to a couple falling in love, the end. The way these two women remained commited to their relationship through both good times and bad as they both changed over the years was heart-warming. Although they faced different issues, this story reminded me of one of my favorites by Georgia Beers, OLIVE OIL AND WHITE BREAD. It too told the story of the relationship between two women over the span of a couple decades and how their love endured the ups and downs they encountered. I find much more substance to these stories than those that fit a typical recipe of women meeting, fighting their attraction for each other and then giving in to live happily ever after. Well done once again, Harper. I look forward to the third installment.
Although I really enjoyed NO STRINGS ATTACHED, this second book in the series touched on deeper issues and a deeper love between a couple over the span of nearly two decades as opposed to a couple falling in love, the end. The way these two women remained commited to their relationship through both good times and bad as they both changed over the years was heart-warming. Although they faced different issues, this story reminded me of one of my favorites by Georgia Beers, OLIVE OIL AND WHITE BREAD. It too told the story of the relationship between two women over the span of a couple decades and how their love endured the ups and downs they encountered. I find much more substance to these stories than those that fit a typical recipe of women meeting, fighting their attraction for each other and then giving in to live happily ever after. Well done once again, Harper. I look forward to the third installment.
September 11, 2021
Beneath the Surface is Book 2 in the Pink Bean series by Harper Bliss. I felt like this was kinda epic in scope. The book takes us through different periods of time in the 20-year relationship between Kristin and Sheryl. This story wasn’t all sunshine & roses but neither is life. It showed how they evolved for better or for worse through the years, and also touched on some effects of early trauma. But their love for each other was never in doubt and I found that really beautiful.
December 23, 2016
Beneath the Surface by Harper Bliss is a deeply moving romance novel about true love, the kind of love that even in the direst of circumstances gives the support a loved one needs.
Harper takes us back in time when Kristin Park and Sheryl Johnson first meet twenty years ago up until the present day. She takes us, yet again, on a journey full of emotions, through good times and bad and captures the characters feelings perfectly. It’s a journey filled with despair, sacrifices, hope and unconditional love to happily ever after, stories that Harper writes so well.
Beneath the Surface is the second book in The Pink Bean Series, set in and around a coffee shop in Sydney Australia. You can read this second 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. The first one in the series No Strings Attached is a brilliant coming-out-later-in-life romance novel.
Harper Bliss writes excellent romances. They draw you in, engage your mind and capture your heart. Well written, well-paced and with an excellent balance of internal monologue, dialogue, and sexual encounter, this will definitely be on my re-reading pile.
On a final note, as with any book published by Harper Bliss and Ladylit Publishing, this book is of an exceptionally high quality.
Harper takes us back in time when Kristin Park and Sheryl Johnson first meet twenty years ago up until the present day. She takes us, yet again, on a journey full of emotions, through good times and bad and captures the characters feelings perfectly. It’s a journey filled with despair, sacrifices, hope and unconditional love to happily ever after, stories that Harper writes so well.
Beneath the Surface is the second book in The Pink Bean Series, set in and around a coffee shop in Sydney Australia. You can read this second 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. The first one in the series No Strings Attached is a brilliant coming-out-later-in-life romance novel.
Harper Bliss writes excellent romances. They draw you in, engage your mind and capture your heart. Well written, well-paced and with an excellent balance of internal monologue, dialogue, and sexual encounter, this will definitely be on my re-reading pile.
On a final note, as with any book published by Harper Bliss and Ladylit Publishing, this book is of an exceptionally high quality.
December 30, 2016
Good book
I enjoyed reading this book and learning about the women's behind the pink bean. It was interesting to read about the way both women changed and grew.
I enjoyed reading this book and learning about the women's behind the pink bean. It was interesting to read about the way both women changed and grew.
September 23, 2025
this hurt my heart in all the ways possible. the characters felt so real, they had such genuine real problems and such a complex relationship. there were definitely moments where i felt we didn’t get quite enough on a particular topic, but overall, i loved this. i loved seeing their relationship evolve, and showing that it’s not all sunshine and roses when you’ve been together so long. i really felt for sheryl when kristen was away working and missing important milestones, as i had a relationship end for that exact reason.
everything with sheryl’s parents had my heart breaking, and seeing her father i knew was going to be rough, but damn.
kristen was there for her so much, and while she made some very frustrating decisions, she stepped up and became the partner sheryl needed.
sheryl admitting she was an alcoholic, and that she needed help, and brought all of her friends had me absolutely sobbing.
overall. i loved this book so much, and i cannot wait to continue the series with their love story being the beginning
everything with sheryl’s parents had my heart breaking, and seeing her father i knew was going to be rough, but damn.
kristen was there for her so much, and while she made some very frustrating decisions, she stepped up and became the partner sheryl needed.
sheryl admitting she was an alcoholic, and that she needed help, and brought all of her friends had me absolutely sobbing.
overall. i loved this book so much, and i cannot wait to continue the series with their love story being the beginning
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2017
Excellent story!
What an excellent story! A long time ago in the early 60s there was aJack Lemon Lee Remick movie titled The Days Of Wine And Roses. This story reminded me so much of that movie. This was a love story between Kristin and Sheryl that trascended a span of 20 years from the start of their love to the middle when they started struggling with the relationship and what it was doing to Sheryl and Kristin emotionally and finally to the present when their love for each other helped them overcome the tragedy of addiction/alcoholism. It was a very dark story but told with a lot of love and positivity through the very end. I would have to say that this is one of Harper Bliss's best book ever. Well done!
What an excellent story! A long time ago in the early 60s there was aJack Lemon Lee Remick movie titled The Days Of Wine And Roses. This story reminded me so much of that movie. This was a love story between Kristin and Sheryl that trascended a span of 20 years from the start of their love to the middle when they started struggling with the relationship and what it was doing to Sheryl and Kristin emotionally and finally to the present when their love for each other helped them overcome the tragedy of addiction/alcoholism. It was a very dark story but told with a lot of love and positivity through the very end. I would have to say that this is one of Harper Bliss's best book ever. Well done!
October 22, 2019
Liked it. Didn’t love it. The characters were cool and the narrator brought the best, out of the story for me. There is room for a serious theme in a romance. I guess I wasn’t expecting it here. And while it was well told, I’m not sure I would have been attracted to the theme.
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