Two Hearts Together

Two Hearts Trilogy #2

by Harper Bliss

After finding their way to each other in Two Hearts Alone, Zoe and Anna must now navigate the waves of a budding relationship, and the scrutiny that comes with living in a small town.

Will Zoe be be able to make the compromises needed to be with Anna?

Or will Anna’s anxieties get the better of her and doom the relationship before it even has time to flourish? 

Find out in part two of this brand new novella trilogy by lesbian romance best-seller Harper Bliss.

Please note that this is the second part of a three-part story. You need to have read part one, Two Hearts Alone, to enjoy this book. The third novella, Two Hearts Forever, will be out on 7 April 2020. 

Genres: Romance, Lesbian Romance, LGBT, Audiobook, Lesbian, Novella, Queer

105 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2020

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

[Gaby LezReviewBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two of the Two Hearts Trilogy by Harper Bliss which should be read in chronological order. As in book one, I have to warn readers that even though this book doesn’t end in a cliffhanger, it doesn’t conclude the story either. So if you want a happy resolution, you’d need to commit to reading book three. Having said that, book three ‘Two Hearts Forever’ is being released in April (2020) or you can get the complete trilogy in a box set then.

The story is set in the fictional small town of Donovan Grove where Anna Gunn lives and works. Anna is a loner and her life is carefully planned in a strict routine which is challenged when Zoe Perez arrives from NYC to open a bookstore in town. Zoe is sociable, gorgeous and is determined to break down Anna’s carefully constructed walls. But soon she’ll discover that Anna is as appealing as complicated… After they decide to give dating a chance, they both soon discover that Anna’s neurological disorder and Zoe’s difficulties in dealing with it get in the way of their happily ever after.

As in book one, don’t expect the usual sexy content that is present in many of Ms. Bliss’s novels, ‘Two Hearts Together’ by itself isn’t a romance either, it explores in-depth Anna’s mental health issues and how they affect her world and the people who surround her. In some parts, it’s not an easy read but it gives a good idea of the life challenges for people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and how hard it is also for people around them.

As I said in my review of book one, this trilogy looks like as if it was conceived as one long book and then divided into three novellas. I’m not sure the reasons behind this decision but, in my personal view, you are better off buying the whole series and reading it as a whole. ‘Two Hearts Together’ is hard to review because this story makes little sense without the other two books. If you have to judge this book isolated from the other two, then it reads like an in-depth chronicle of the daily trials and tribulations of a person with ASD, which, as you can guess, isn’t a fluffy read.

Having read books one and two now, I’ve got the feeling that the story is going in a good direction so, I’m gonna give it the benefit of the doubt and hope that Ms. Bliss will wrap it up nicely in book 3. So far, so good. 4 stars.

ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com

[Luce · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars for the novella, Two Hearts Together, Book 2 of Two Hearts trilogy by Harper Bliss. The trilogy of has since been gathered in one volume.

I think I enjoyed this middle part of the trilogy the best. Anna and Zoe navigate their budding romance. Unfortunately, Anna’s anxiety and particularities gets in the way. With encouragement and support of her brother, Anna starts seeing a therapist. Years previous she had been diagnosed of being on the Autism scale but she resisted seeing a therapist. But this time Anna wants to make her relationship with Zoe work.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2...

So Interesting and engaging... Gotta move on to Book 3 now... Can’t afford to not read Book 3!!

Available in Scribd

[JWG1973UK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I RECEIVED AN ARC COPY OF THE BOOK DIRECT FROM THE AUTHOR AND VOLUNTARILY LEAVING MY REVIEW.

THIS IS BOOK TWO OF THE TRILOGY. IT IS NOT A STAND-A-LONE. IN ORDER TO GET FULL ENJOYMENT OF THE SERIES IT IS ADVISED TO READ BOOK ONE FIRST.

WE ARE BACK IN DONOVAN GROVE WITH ZOE AND ANNA. WE FIND OUT A LITTLE MORE ABOUT ANNA AND HER CONDITION. THIS WAS A HEART WRENCHING READ FOR ME. I JUST THINK THAT ANNA IS A WONDERFUL CHARACTER AND THAT THE AUTHOR HAS DONE WELL IN WRITING THE CHARACTER. IT IS GOOD TO READ HOW SHE IS DEALING WITH HER CONDITION AND HOW HER FRIENDS AND FAMILY ARE DEALING WITH IT (THE ONES THAT KNOW ABOUT IT). WILL ANNA FIND HAPPINESS IN A RELATIONSHIP WITH ZOE? WILL SHE FINALLY ACCEPT THAT SHE MAY NEED HELP? ZOE IS SO SUPPORTIVE TO ANNA BUT CAN ANNA HANDLE IT? I WOULD DEFINITELY READ THE BOOK. I HAD READ IT IN A COUPLE OF HOURS, I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN. I NOW (IM)PATIENTLY AWAIT THE LAST INSTALLMENT.

[Corrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two Hearts Together by Harper Bliss is the second of the Two Hearts Trilogy and need to be read in chronological order for it to be the complete story. I chose for the audio book version (all available on Scribd) and I think I will wait with writing a full review until I’ve listened to all three.

Part 2 is all about Zoe and Anna navigating their fledgling relationship and Anna’s ASD while the whole town is watching.

Narration is done by Tanya Eby (Anna) and Melissa Moran (Zoe). The chapters are alternating between Anna and Zoe’s pov. Because it’s basically one book cut into three parts the audio book is rather short. Two Hearts Together is only 2 hours.

4 Stars

[Kexx · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's really part two of a novel - so I shall review as such on book 3 - Two Hearts Forever.

[Ban · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm in love with these characters and I especially love the fact that there's a character on the autism spectrum in this story. Anna is amazing. I can't wait to read the next part.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the middle novella in the Two Hearts Trilogy. It goes by fast. I have to admit that while I liked it, I enjoyed the first book much better. Anna and Zoe each have accepted that they are attracted to the other and are dating. Friends and family members play a larger role in this volume, to advance the story and depict Anna’s reaction to people, including Zoe, talking about her. Since she is very private, she’s not happy. In my opinion, this book is a deep dive into Anna’s psyche. This does serve to illuminate her ASD, so there’s a purpose for it, but she also has to learn how to cope with her diagnosis. In some places, the story is sad as both wonder if they can be with each other. Zoe wants to support Anna but Anna has a difficult time letting anyone in. Fortunately, Anna has a loving family who want to help her, and Zoe as well. I really want to see where Harper takes the story in the next novella.

I received an ARC for an honest review.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars. This is the second book in the two hearts trilogy. In this book, Anna and Zoe navigate their relationship as they start to develop feelings for one another. Anna also has to tell her family she is seeing Zoe, as it is becoming more serious and required due to her mother inviting Zoe over for Sunday lunch.

This book was okay, I enjoyed the first one more and this one seemed to drag a little in the middle. I still enjoyed watching where the characters are going and will continue to read the series. Anna and Zoe's relationship continues to grow and progress and Anna definitely changes a little in this book. This book is filled with drama as it seems like the middle of a long book and not a separate story.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I thought this series couldn't get any better, I was proven wrong from the moment I re-entered Anna and Zoe's world. I am pleased beyond measure that this author has given me a realistic slow-burn romance that features characters who are dealing with their own emotional baggage while they are trying to keep their blossoming relationship alive and well. I must say that this author has a bad habit of giving me heart-tugging stories that I will always treasure and I don't think I'll ever forget Zoe and Anna. At this very moment I am counting down the days until the next book will be released because I can't wait to meet up with these lovely ladies and Hemingway again!

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

This is the second book in the Two Hearts trilogy. Do yourself a favor and read all three books back to back! You'll want to see the whole of Anna and Zoe's story at once.

One of the things I loved about this trilogy is it's a story of love and working through difficulties when the two people in the relationship are very different but very committed. Anna is on the autistic spectrum and sees herself as disabled. She's introverted in the extreme finding it difficult to spend much time with others. Zoe is a mother, a Latina, a bookstore owner, new to town and very much a people person. The trilogy chronicles their meeting and the progression of their relationship through fun and through difficult situations. The journey is well worth the read.

Pay special attention to the author's note at the end of book 3.

[Rachel Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up because I needed a short romance for a reading challenge and I didn’t realize it was part of a series. Oops! Based on reviews, apparently it was pretty necessary to read the first book. That could explain the slight lack of character development since this was supposed to be a novella in the series.

All that to say, it was still a cute read and wasn’t hard to follow without reading the first one. I doubt I’ll read this series though. It just isn’t my usual genre and wasn’t interesting enough to add to my never ending TBR.

[Joann · Rating 5 out of 5]

One day

Well I am totally hooked. Starting book 3 today. This story of Anna and Zoe is so awesome. I cannot wait to finish.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes our differences bring closer at heart.

This story is just so delightfully rich in wit, humor and real life struggles. Anna is just the picture of someone very different but oh so loveable. Zoe is the outgoing, speak her mind, kind of woman Anna can feel her heart spark. The very beautiful way autism is being shared with so much love and education is a bonus gift of the story. I love these characters, the love spark between them is so good. I can't wait for book 3. I started this book this morning and had it finished before lunch. This series is a good read that touches the heart. A MUST READ

[Nyki Mancera · Rating 4 out of 5]

again…challenging…

This part of their story was one of the hardest to read and witness. There is something very intriguing as well as endearing about Anna. And Zoï knows just how to get Anna to look deeper within herself and challenge what she believes herself to be. That comes with a major trigger that spins Anna out of control.

I could relate to Zoï so well when her and Anna were talking and Anna didn’t want “anyone” saying “anything” about her without her being present. She takes that as people talking behind her back, but she cannot recognize that she does that all the time when others aren’t present that she is speaking about. Of course to her it isn’t the same. She also takes their caring as kindness as something negative and it sets her off. I was with Zoï when she expressed that being with Anna in this way has become difficult and makes it harder to be with her.

Zoï also has needs, wants, and insecurities of her own. And all of their relationship can’t be centered around Anna and having to tread ever so lightly meaning that Zoe’s needs aren’t fulfilled in this relationship as well. I probably would have walked away because Anna isn’t helping make it easier to be with her. Relationships are already tough to navigate and this layer makes it even more challenging and needs to be handled with care. It’s got to be difficult trying to figure where the land mines are.

Is Anna worth it? I don’t know. I guess it depends on if she is willing to put in the work. Is Zoï worth it? You bet she is. However, I actually think Cynthia would have been the better fit, if she wasn’t seeing someone. Not that Anna doesn’t deserve happiness. She does. This opinion is coming from someone with a neuro-divergent child and other family members that are as well. It takes a lot of work and a lot of patience and understanding.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second novella in the Two Hearts Trilogy and I was really looking forward to go back to this smalltown-romance. I really, really like Zoe and Anna and their story, just right from the first page I fell in love with them.

It was obvious from the first book that the relationship will need some hard work from both sides and with this novella the struggle gets real. There are boundaries and borders which both characters need to overcome, they need to find their ways to handle things.

I really like Anna and her behaviour is kind of educational for all people who never got in touch with Autism. It's great and cute and horrible at the same time to see her struggle, to see her fall in love and fall apart. Sometimes I whish I could just hug her - but she might not like that at all.

Zoe is great and such a foxy lady. Super cute, super hot and so nice, so understanding, but she knows what she wants and this is good and understandable after the way the things with her ex went.

So the story was truely believable and I just could not put my Kindle down. Can't wait for the next and final novella!

[Mari Stark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This trilogy is going beyond amazing!!!

And wow this second book was a very emotional and intense one. I love very much the deepness and character development. Harper is expressing all the struggles related to the self-acceptance masterfully. It isn’t an easy road and it is fascinating to hear both sides of the story. I was so mad at Zoe even when I understand where she’s coming from, I think she was being too harsh and a little unfair; but maybe sometimes it is what’s needed to react and move on. Was hard to watch Anna through her guilt trip, I am glad she has a supportive family. It's clear both have a long path to walk, but it's always better done together. Give time and patience to learn from each other.

This book by being so personal takes it to another level. Well done Ms Harper, you deserve a standing ovation. I am eager for the third and final book of Anna and Zoe’s story.

I highly recommend this trilogy. Fair warning you got to read the three of them to enjoy the full experience of this series.


ARC received in exchange for an honest review

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a standalone novella, to get into the story you need to read the first one as well.

I read the first instalment of the trilogy and it was truest fantastic, this second one is great, but not as good as the first.

There’s some more emotional entanglement, which also causes more frustrations. Zoe is trying her best to understand Anna, but they are total opposites. I actually got a little annoyed with Zoe, she is reading a book to try and understand ASD more, but it seems like she does the exact opposite of what one should do. As if she purposely wants to antagonise Anna. I don’t appreciate this part of the story. In the first book they seem to have this genuine connection and understanding of each other’s feelings, only to have the exact opposite be true is this novella.

I do like the bigger involvement of Anna’s family and friends. They seem like a fun and understating bunch.

The writer does a good job pointing out the differences between the two women, while still being able to connect them together.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

[Ameliah Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Two of Three
Zoe and Anna are back in the follow up to Two Hearts Alone. This is NOT a standalone. You need to read part one for this to make sense.
Anna is so paranoid about people finding out she is dating Zoe. She is still letting her fears and insecurities dictate her life and while Zoe is trying to understand and educate herself, Anna certainly isn’t making things easy.

I am still crazy about this series and this couple!!!! I LOVE the depth of the real feeling emotions that come through the wonderful writing. I like the struggle Anna is going through and the way Zoe is so supportive and wants the very best for Anna. And Anna’s desire for Zoe, the things she will do for that woman… Sigh. This is another great read by this incomparable author and I am so impatient for the next book…. Come on April!!!

[Valerie Kapp]

How will it end?

“Two Hearts Together”, the second book in Harper Bliss’ The Two Hearts Trilogy, kept me engaged in the ongoing story of Anna and Zoe’s relationship. I read the book in one sitting.
Harper Bliss’ writing gives you insight into how extreme anxiety mixed with self-loathing and self pity can impact a person’s self-esteem and perception of the world around them. Harper takes you there and you can feel Anna’s struggle as well as Zoe’s frustration. Will their perceived disconnect not allow them to move forward in their relationship?
It appears Zoe’s daughter’s relationship with her boyfriend is a bridge for a second chance for Anna and Zoe.
Will the second chance finally lead to more than a kiss, but more importantly, will it lead to Anna allowing herself to be loved for who she is?

[Mx Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story! Harper Bliss takes us further into the emotional journey of Zoe and Anna’s relationship in Two Hearts Together (LadyLit Publishing, 2020). Relationships can be hard, but they can be made harder by the obstacles we put in the way and Bliss writes about this beautifully.

I read this in one-sitting because I did not want to miss one moment of Zoe and Anna’s journey. I chuckled. I ached. I smiled and I rejoiced. Bliss takes you on a rollercoaster of emotion and you are happy for it. (laugh)
I cannot wait for the next step in Zoe and Anna’s relationship...or book should I say. This one went down too fast and smooth.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

[Nia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The heartwarming story continuous!
The fresh relationship of Zoe and Anna have to fight first difficulties and hurtles. Anna fights with her own obstacles and doubts of herself and Zoe tries to be a help or just be there for Anna.
It's not so simple if the person you love cut you out or is not in a possition to explain herself. How can you love someone that thinks, that she's not loveable? How do you let someone in, if you think you are not worth it?
Well, these two extremly sweet love birdies are trying to find a deep way to one another, but their way will not be easy!
Harper Bliss did a great job explaining the complexitiy of Anna's Autism and the doubts and struggles that comes with it.
Great story, please read!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more of a review for this "trilogy," which is really more of one romance book split into three volumes. This book is similar to many small-town, feel-good, romance novels, which is a good thing, because it is meant to be, except that it also carves a space out in that subgenre for a lesbian couple, including one person diagnosed with ASD. I appreciate the representation in these books a lot, even if, like many good and enjoyable romance books and movies, it feels like it's moving at breakneck speed. Obviously the experience of all lesbians and all ASD people can't be represented in one book, but I'm so glad that the author wrote this #ownvoices story, especially because the characters' relationships with their families plays an important role.

[Lisa B · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book of the Two Hearts Trilogy, and you most definitely must have read the first book before picking up this one.
If you liked the first book you will enjoy this one. I’m sorry to say that I’m still not a great fan of Anna and her relentless self pity. She made MY anxiety levels go off the scale and I found myself skimming much of her sections just to get through it. The question is, do I care enough to read Book 3? I still love Hemingway though :)
I was given an advance review copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Danielle Elias · Rating 5 out of 5]

So worth the wait. I found myself on a roller coaster begging, angry and sympathizing with both characters at the same time. I was angry with Zoe for what i saw as a lack of patience with Anna but at the same time in relationships we all have to do whats best for us. I was please that Anna starting working toward being a better version of herself and i was also happy that Zoe's change of heart was not the result of her knowing that. A great look into the life of someone in the spectrum of ASD. Love all the secondary characters and cant wait for book 3.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I looked forward to part 2 of this series.
I already loved part 1. But part 2 was brilliant. I cannot properly explain what this series does to me but it is a special experience. Perhaps also a certain recognizability in Anna's thought world (I am a great introvert person myself) that makes this book so special for me. Harper you've written a gem with this series, can't wait for part 3, but I'm also a bit sad that part 3 brings the book to an end, from me you can make a never-ending version of it!

[KarenC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many of the authors I read and follow talk about how hard the middle third of a story is to write. This book is, in essence, the middle third of a story, which we'll get to finish in a month or so. Never let it be said that Harper Bliss shies away from the tough stuff. All the characters, from the MCs, to their family members, are extremely well developed in the two parts we've gotten so far. Anna and Zoe can't stay away from each other, and we certainly don't want them do. I know I'm certainly excited for the HEA that (I hope and feel certain) is coming next.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an emotional journey in part two. Anna can't quite believe she is "worthy" of love and becomes her own worst enemy. Showing vulnerability is her biggest weakness and she shuts out Zoe who truly cares for her and is trying so hard to understand her and educate herself. Only Anna's brother, Jamie, is able to take her to a therapist to seek the help she deserves.

I am blown away by the sensitivity in which Harper tells this story. It is so poignant, loving and inspiring. I'm so eager for the next book!!!

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The second book in the trilogy picks up right where the first book ends. In fact, it’s so seamless, it might as well be combined with the first part. I’m still not sure why this book is broken into three parts because there’s really not enough plot to warrant it and Harper Bliss seems to have no desire to actually conclude storylines. So overall, this book was just okay. I’m not super motivated to read the last part, but I will just to see how the “series” (or 3 incomplete parts of the novel) ends.

[AL · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story the second book of the new series of Harper Bliss so definitely isn't a stand alone book as the story continues to explore further the relationship of the two main characters. I don't know how she is doing it but I really wanted to read more and more, as turning every page was adding to this wonderful story involving the whole city and a very smart dog. So now I am counting the days to release the third and final book so to know what is happening with the absolutely wonderful characters. Just pure excellence!!!