What do you think?
Summer's End
Kann Liebe von einem Moment auf den anderen alles verändern?
Nach dem Verlust ihrer Partnerin entscheidet Marianne sich, abgeschieden auf einer tropischen Insel in Thailand zu leben. Bis eines Tages Emily Kane auftaucht, die erst einmal auch nur eine weitere Urlauberin in Mariannes kleinem B&B zu sein scheint. Bis zwischen den beiden Frauen Gefühle ins Spiel kommen.
Emily hat allerdings mit ihren eigenen Dämonen zu kämpfen. Können die beiden gemeinsam ihren Weg zurück ins Glück finden?
Nach dem Verlust ihrer Partnerin entscheidet Marianne sich, abgeschieden auf einer tropischen Insel in Thailand zu leben. Bis eines Tages Emily Kane auftaucht, die erst einmal auch nur eine weitere Urlauberin in Mariannes kleinem B&B zu sein scheint. Bis zwischen den beiden Frauen Gefühle ins Spiel kommen.
Emily hat allerdings mit ihren eigenen Dämonen zu kämpfen. Können die beiden gemeinsam ihren Weg zurück ins Glück finden?
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2013
About the author
Harper Bliss
163 books2,534 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
January 17, 2017
Oh.my.gawd. This is a seriously wonderful story! I am not usually into age-gap stories. It’s not that I don’t understand that love happens despite social conventions (well, duh!), and it’s not even the icky mother-daughter porn images. For me, it’s that I extrapolate. Twenty-four and forty-one is different; years later, sixty and seventy-seven would be difficult. I always want an HEA to really last a long, long time. Health and libido issues that will be inevitable with age…I just can’t get my head around two people aging at such different rates.
But, back to this story….the age differences make sense, or at least work well here. For 24-year old Emily, coming out to herself is made easier by confiding in an older (yet hot!) woman who assures her that being lesbian is ok. For 41-year old Marianne, she is ready to begin life again, just as Emily becomes ready to begin life again. It works….surprisingly well.
“Can five days change your life? Once, a split second had changed her life, so yes, five days could definitely do the trick.” Generally, insta-love is artificial, and only works in an erotic short-story. In “Summer’s End”, as short as the book is, we have enough time to learn the back stories of the characters that we believe in their attraction, affection…and even their love. I was really struck by Marianne’s back story. How much of our lives are spent avoiding mistakes, and when a mistake is made, how much of the rest of our lives are defined by one mistake? After all the good choices we make, why are people so willing to pounce on a mistake? I was so glad to see that even after a terrible consequence of a mistake, Marianne is ready to accept love in her life again.
When Marianne says “You were right all along, We have to try.”, I just want to slap the authors of longer books, who use the extra words to avoid communication and effort, rather than recognize that women seeking love in their life really are more willing to try than run. Yes, I’m looking at you, Maggie Cummings with your damned frustrating “Serious Potential”.
There are many more great lines in this book. Referring to her noticeably erect nipples under a t-shirt, Marianne says “My fault entirely, They’re not usually so… disobedient.”. Errr…WOW!
Words get considerably less subtle, and the heat level of “Summer’s End” is very hot, and very enjoyable!!
5* for this great book!
But, back to this story….the age differences make sense, or at least work well here. For 24-year old Emily, coming out to herself is made easier by confiding in an older (yet hot!) woman who assures her that being lesbian is ok. For 41-year old Marianne, she is ready to begin life again, just as Emily becomes ready to begin life again. It works….surprisingly well.
“Can five days change your life? Once, a split second had changed her life, so yes, five days could definitely do the trick.” Generally, insta-love is artificial, and only works in an erotic short-story. In “Summer’s End”, as short as the book is, we have enough time to learn the back stories of the characters that we believe in their attraction, affection…and even their love. I was really struck by Marianne’s back story. How much of our lives are spent avoiding mistakes, and when a mistake is made, how much of the rest of our lives are defined by one mistake? After all the good choices we make, why are people so willing to pounce on a mistake? I was so glad to see that even after a terrible consequence of a mistake, Marianne is ready to accept love in her life again.
When Marianne says “You were right all along, We have to try.”, I just want to slap the authors of longer books, who use the extra words to avoid communication and effort, rather than recognize that women seeking love in their life really are more willing to try than run. Yes, I’m looking at you, Maggie Cummings with your damned frustrating “Serious Potential”.
There are many more great lines in this book. Referring to her noticeably erect nipples under a t-shirt, Marianne says “My fault entirely, They’re not usually so… disobedient.”. Errr…WOW!
Words get considerably less subtle, and the heat level of “Summer’s End” is very hot, and very enjoyable!!
5* for this great book!
January 7, 2019
You can’t go wrong with Harper Bliss.. I needed a short romance and that’s what I got exactly :) straight to the point, nicely predictable and full of passion ..
July 7, 2020
Another steamy Harper Bliss novel, this time a shorter one.
More age gap holiday romance, this time with two British expats in Thailand.
Emily is a 24 year old who left a long term boyfriend before their upcoming marriage because she was coming to terms with her sexuality (and the expectant life of her upper crust parents that lead no passion for her).
She goes travelling in Asia and meets Marianne a 41 year old owner of a lodge where she stays who has a walled up heart from past hurt she insists on punishing herself for as she lives her life in isolation. Never letting anyone too close. Never allowing herself happiness.
Emily breaks down the walls and armour Marianne was able to hold up for so long. As Marianne helps bring Emily out her own clarity and confidence. Both bring out the best in eachother as they are able to start anew.
More age gap holiday romance, this time with two British expats in Thailand.
Emily is a 24 year old who left a long term boyfriend before their upcoming marriage because she was coming to terms with her sexuality (and the expectant life of her upper crust parents that lead no passion for her).
She goes travelling in Asia and meets Marianne a 41 year old owner of a lodge where she stays who has a walled up heart from past hurt she insists on punishing herself for as she lives her life in isolation. Never letting anyone too close. Never allowing herself happiness.
Emily breaks down the walls and armour Marianne was able to hold up for so long. As Marianne helps bring Emily out her own clarity and confidence. Both bring out the best in eachother as they are able to start anew.
October 10, 2017
3.4 stars. It's short, too short. And I never thought I'd say this but Bliss style works better when she writes from first person view. Or maybe it's just the shortness of it. Hard to say. I guess my biggest mistake was to read this one right after In the Distance There Is Light which was such a great book that explored it's subject matter deeply.
Meanwhile Summer's End has no meaningful supporting cast and presents the issues in an overly simplified way. It reads almost as a summary. These things happened, therefore here we are, let's romance. I wanted to dive deep again and all I got was a quick, simple read. It's good for what it is but that's it. I just wish it was as engaging as In the Distance There is Light.
Therefore I give it 3.4 stars. It's not a 4 star book for me but it's better than some books that I've given 3 stars in the past.
Meanwhile Summer's End has no meaningful supporting cast and presents the issues in an overly simplified way. It reads almost as a summary. These things happened, therefore here we are, let's romance. I wanted to dive deep again and all I got was a quick, simple read. It's good for what it is but that's it. I just wish it was as engaging as In the Distance There is Light.
Therefore I give it 3.4 stars. It's not a 4 star book for me but it's better than some books that I've given 3 stars in the past.
September 10, 2018
A wonderfully written short romance of finding yourself and living life again.
December 24, 2023
I picked this short novella to try and reach my reading challenge. I seem to be having a thing for Harper Bliss lately as well. I liked the setting in Thailand and this had some very hot scenes. I didn’t feel relatable to either character, they were both just ok.
February 25, 2014
All of Me and Wetter left a bad impression on me, but I'm glad I gave this author another chance. It's really hard to find a f/f book that is good for the heart and, well, to other parts of the body. ;)
The age difference between Emily and Marianne was the reason I decided to read this book. I knew this story was going to be sweet and hot, and I was not disappointed. When Marianne found her confidence and started showing her dirty talk, I went straight to heaven. *sigh*
________________________________________________________________________________________
Nah:
> They cry a lot. Is it really necessary to cry during sex, for example? No. Just… No. So there you are, having the best sex of your life, and you start to cry? Really? Get your shit together!
> The "I-don't-deserve-to-be-happy-again" thing.
> This story is too short. I wanted more!
Yay:
> Graphic language.
> Banter.
> Dual POV.
> Age gap!
> Sex on the beach.
> Sex toys.
> Marianne prefers not to wear a bra. *grins*
> Emily is a top.
The age difference between Emily and Marianne was the reason I decided to read this book. I knew this story was going to be sweet and hot, and I was not disappointed. When Marianne found her confidence and started showing her dirty talk, I went straight to heaven. *sigh*
“I owe you a slow fuck, I believe.” Marianne squeezed her nipples again. “Have you ever done it on a pristine Thai beach, Emily?” A small smile played around Marianne’s lips. “It’s glorious.”
“Turn around and face the ocean,” Marianne whispered. “I want you to see it when I fuck you.”
________________________________________________________________________________________
Nah:
> They cry a lot. Is it really necessary to cry during sex, for example? No. Just… No. So there you are, having the best sex of your life, and you start to cry? Really? Get your shit together!
> The "I-don't-deserve-to-be-happy-again" thing.
> This story is too short. I wanted more!
Yay:
> Graphic language.
> Banter.
> Dual POV.
> Age gap!
> Sex on the beach.
> Sex toys.
> Marianne prefers not to wear a bra. *grins*
> Emily is a top.
December 26, 2013
Two women running away from their pasts- what could go right? Emily leaves posh London to travel the world and discover exactly who she is meant to be. Marianne has banished herself to a secluded and tropical island after a horrific accident. When Emily boards at Marianne's small hotel sparks fly but will their pasts get in the way?
Pack your bags readers because Harper Bliss takes us overseas to tropical Ko Samui.
Not only is the setting on an idyllic island, but the descriptive passages really provoke the reader's senses. At times I could feel the stifling heat and the water drying instantly after a quick swim. I could almost taste the chill of a cold beer as I sat a far distance away from the characters.
Ko Samui is the perfect location for Emily to momentarily forget about the mess she left in London and to indulge in the perfect getaway. However, Emily's last hurrah becomes complicated as she begins to fall for seasoned Marianne. Marianne is the experienced yet hip older woman who wears graphic tees and is always up for adventure. The two seem like an unlikely match but their passion ignites and places the two in a situation where both must face difficult situations.
There was a lot of emotion jam-packed into this book as it tackled serious topics yet still maintained a light and happy perspective. Both characters begin their journey as broken and find their strength in each other. Marianne probably has the most difficult time overcoming her past and feeling that she deserves happiness. Be prepared- Marianne is quite emotional and sheds many tears. Emily has the dreaded task of coming out to her parents and picking up the pieces of how her life was mapped for her. Marianne and Emily definitely deserve a happily ever after-but will they get it?
Pack your bags readers because Harper Bliss takes us overseas to tropical Ko Samui.
Not only is the setting on an idyllic island, but the descriptive passages really provoke the reader's senses. At times I could feel the stifling heat and the water drying instantly after a quick swim. I could almost taste the chill of a cold beer as I sat a far distance away from the characters.
Ko Samui is the perfect location for Emily to momentarily forget about the mess she left in London and to indulge in the perfect getaway. However, Emily's last hurrah becomes complicated as she begins to fall for seasoned Marianne. Marianne is the experienced yet hip older woman who wears graphic tees and is always up for adventure. The two seem like an unlikely match but their passion ignites and places the two in a situation where both must face difficult situations.
There was a lot of emotion jam-packed into this book as it tackled serious topics yet still maintained a light and happy perspective. Both characters begin their journey as broken and find their strength in each other. Marianne probably has the most difficult time overcoming her past and feeling that she deserves happiness. Be prepared- Marianne is quite emotional and sheds many tears. Emily has the dreaded task of coming out to her parents and picking up the pieces of how her life was mapped for her. Marianne and Emily definitely deserve a happily ever after-but will they get it?
March 5, 2014
I was given this book for a honest review by the Author but had to buy it as well just to keep in my collection. I truly enjoyed to this the two characters and how the writing went back in forth from their own perspectives. It was so moving and I felt every emotion they were feeling and feeling like I was right there witnessing first hand. My only complaint is that it ended to soon ;) and now since I have it my collection I can reread to my hearts content.
Read
March 23, 2020Please please make the age gap romance trend stop.
DNF
First nearly abandoned it when the MCs meet and we find that one “is the same age as my mother”.
But I persevered.
Then I nearly quit when we find out “I’m 24” and “I’m 41.” 17 years is a hella gap.
But I persevered.
Then I read that the younger one sat with one leg tucked under in a way that made her “look 10 years younger”. Cool, cool. So that’s 14.
I only made it a short while before she “wiped beer off her chin in a sweet and almost child-like gesture”.
And I quit. I have a big problem with age gap romances , so there’s that to overcome for me. But the way the younger MC was described as so naive and childlike and innocent ruined any enjoyment for me.
Well, there’s no arguing about taste. This is just not for me.
DNF
First nearly abandoned it when the MCs meet and we find that one “is the same age as my mother”.
But I persevered.
Then I nearly quit when we find out “I’m 24” and “I’m 41.” 17 years is a hella gap.
But I persevered.
Then I read that the younger one sat with one leg tucked under in a way that made her “look 10 years younger”. Cool, cool. So that’s 14.
I only made it a short while before she “wiped beer off her chin in a sweet and almost child-like gesture”.
And I quit. I have a big problem with age gap romances , so there’s that to overcome for me. But the way the younger MC was described as so naive and childlike and innocent ruined any enjoyment for me.
Well, there’s no arguing about taste. This is just not for me.
October 7, 2016
Steamy in places, but sweet connection between the characters. Nice build up for a on holiday/vacation romance. lots of back story angst.
December 23, 2013
Harper Bliss is officially my go to author for FF Erotic Romances! She has a beautiful writing style and knows how to steam up the pages.
This was an emotional story, with one of the main characters finally accepting her sexuality and 'coming out' and the other learning to love again, after a life changing tragic event, and her subsequent self imposed isolation.
The only reason I didn't rate this book as 5 stars was, that I personally, found it hard to get my head around the age differences between the two main characters.
This was an emotional story, with one of the main characters finally accepting her sexuality and 'coming out' and the other learning to love again, after a life changing tragic event, and her subsequent self imposed isolation.
The only reason I didn't rate this book as 5 stars was, that I personally, found it hard to get my head around the age differences between the two main characters.
April 27, 2014
I loved this one. Great characters, beautiful displays of vulnerability on both of their parts, and it's super hot. I think longer works by this author are her best.
August 11, 2019
A nice and easy, sexy and heartbreaking read. Really liked this one.
March 8, 2018
3.5*
Bliss always writes well. I know, before I start, that I will find no errors, the writing is clean and well crafted. It is a good reputation to have. That said, it is down to the story, and in some ways it is too reminiscent of another Harper Bliss holiday romance story which I read a few months ago.
The start of the story didn't engage me at first, but I am glad to say I persisted and read it all the way through. The sex parts are plentiful and well written. For most authors I just skim the sex, but I always read sex in a Bliss story (my guilty pleasure I think).
Maybe if/when I read this again I will feel differently and be more generous. It's short enough.
I also prefer stand alone stories too.
Bliss always writes well. I know, before I start, that I will find no errors, the writing is clean and well crafted. It is a good reputation to have. That said, it is down to the story, and in some ways it is too reminiscent of another Harper Bliss holiday romance story which I read a few months ago.
The start of the story didn't engage me at first, but I am glad to say I persisted and read it all the way through. The sex parts are plentiful and well written. For most authors I just skim the sex, but I always read sex in a Bliss story (my guilty pleasure I think).
Maybe if/when I read this again I will feel differently and be more generous. It's short enough.
I also prefer stand alone stories too.
September 11, 2021
Sexy age-gap sapphic romance between the owner of a B&B and a guest passing through. Marianne blames herself for the death of her partner & plans to never let love in again. Enter 24-year old Emily who turns out to be more than Marianne can resist.
July 12, 2019
A good book to be read in a line waiting to be called in the DMV (as I've done). But only that. For a short book, I think the Author was many many times "wordy". But... I enjoyed.
December 23, 2013
Every story I read of Harper's makes me like her more. This truly is a great romance read, which honestly I don't typically like romance stories, but Harper has just the right mix of sex, heartache, and character development. This means the romance is just part of the story and not the end all for everything. Harper doesn't rely on just tugging at certain heart strings, she really tries to make her characters as relate-able as possible which is apparently really hard to do given how many stories are out there that rely solely on lots and lots of sex and nothing more. The two MC's in the story each have their own life altering events that they are trying to deal with and I found both of their back stories to be truly compelling. I also really enjoy the fact that there is a 15 year difference between the two women. It puts into perspective that regardless of age everyone has their own crap they have to deal, as well as love having no age limits (super cliche of me, I know). Marianne and Emily were given a rare and wonderful opportunity to find love and redemption. As well as someone in each other that can help them see past their own insecurities and self imposed unworthiness.
A truly inspirational, hopeful, and happy read.
On a side note; I've never wanted to really visit Asia but Harper's descriptions of the beautiful locations in her stories make me want to pack it all up and move to a B&B on the beach. :)
**I received a free e-copy of Harper Bliss' Summers' End in exchange for my honest review.
A truly inspirational, hopeful, and happy read.
On a side note; I've never wanted to really visit Asia but Harper's descriptions of the beautiful locations in her stories make me want to pack it all up and move to a B&B on the beach. :)
**I received a free e-copy of Harper Bliss' Summers' End in exchange for my honest review.
September 27, 2014
Massively escapist, pretty steamy and well written.
Why not a higher rating? The plot and background stories of the main characters jarred with me. I understand why the author wrote the plot in the way she did, it just felt a bit too contrived for me.
Probably a reflection of my state of mind when I read this...
Why not a higher rating? The plot and background stories of the main characters jarred with me. I understand why the author wrote the plot in the way she did, it just felt a bit too contrived for me.
Probably a reflection of my state of mind when I read this...
February 8, 2021
It was kinda meh. Not bad, but I just couldn't find anything actually interesting about the story.
May 5, 2019
3.5 stars - rounding it up to 4 stars for the hot sex scenes. I got this for free when I signed up for the author's newsletter. This was a short erotic romance set (mostly) in Thailand. I really loved the first part, but the second one didn't grab my attention as much. Except for a particular scene, with a particular toy. It was the first book I read by this author and I will certainly read more. I really enjoyed her writing.
February 2, 2022
I picked this up as a freebie when I was doing research for one of my stories: I had a character who liked to read romantic novels and ultimately reveals a lot about herself through her book collection. Slight problem: I’d never read a lesbian romantic novel before!
It turns out that that the books of Harper Bliss were perfect for what I had in mind. (Victoria Stanton is a fictional character, but she’s also a Big Fan of Harper Bliss.) That I also enjoyed the story was a bonus. Well-written, with good pacing and building tension that had me rooting for Emily and Marianne to sort themselves out and make it happen.
It turns out that that the books of Harper Bliss were perfect for what I had in mind. (Victoria Stanton is a fictional character, but she’s also a Big Fan of Harper Bliss.) That I also enjoyed the story was a bonus. Well-written, with good pacing and building tension that had me rooting for Emily and Marianne to sort themselves out and make it happen.
May 6, 2019
4 stars | HOT.
August 9, 2018
This book reminds me of a book I enjoyed very much by Lise Gold. The book is called Lily’s Fire. I am saying they have the same story lines but the location, the sense of loss when their time together is up, is somewhat similar.
That said, I loved the book. It is a May-December romance that makes perfec sense. Harper Bliss is so good keeping the reader engaged, I highly recommend it.
That said, I loved the book. It is a May-December romance that makes perfec sense. Harper Bliss is so good keeping the reader engaged, I highly recommend it.
February 22, 2022
I wasn't riveted. There wasn't a lot about the story that was engaging, I just felt like I was flipping virtual pages until it said The End. It wasn't bad, just not engaging.
Harper Bliss' wording sometimes throws me off, the way she structures her sentences, so I often find myself re-reading a sentence to make sure I understand it. And truthfully, that is a little annoying.
The characters were okay, but nothing I fell in love with. And the abrupt POV switches did not help. Also, I know this is a small point, but I must add: when Emily comes out to her parents, and her mom goes from 'how did you become a lesbian?' to 'I just want you to be happy', felt kind of abrupt. Not that she was being mean or anything, but she sounded so stuck in the idea that her daughter couldn't possibly be a lesbian, and was either confused or had been 'turned' while she was away. To have her suddenly go to hugs and loving words just felt sudden. But maybe that ties back into the character development.
Harper Bliss' wording sometimes throws me off, the way she structures her sentences, so I often find myself re-reading a sentence to make sure I understand it. And truthfully, that is a little annoying.
The characters were okay, but nothing I fell in love with. And the abrupt POV switches did not help. Also, I know this is a small point, but I must add: when Emily comes out to her parents, and her mom goes from 'how did you become a lesbian?' to 'I just want you to be happy', felt kind of abrupt. Not that she was being mean or anything, but she sounded so stuck in the idea that her daughter couldn't possibly be a lesbian, and was either confused or had been 'turned' while she was away. To have her suddenly go to hugs and loving words just felt sudden. But maybe that ties back into the character development.
August 19, 2022
"Emotion engulfed her, like a shot of heroine in her veins."
I have to admit, I laughed out loud at this typo. But it made me wish that Harper Bliss (and her ilk) would put even just a tenth of the effort she puts into marketing and self-promotion into finding a decent copy editor and/or proofreader.
Here's the formula:
(1) Write a list of a half dozen or so different types of sex acts.
(2) String them together with a thin romance plot - in this case, young woman freshly coming out meets older woman still mourning the loss of her former lover.
And, voila!
I have to admit, I laughed out loud at this typo. But it made me wish that Harper Bliss (and her ilk) would put even just a tenth of the effort she puts into marketing and self-promotion into finding a decent copy editor and/or proofreader.
Here's the formula:
(1) Write a list of a half dozen or so different types of sex acts.
(2) String them together with a thin romance plot - in this case, young woman freshly coming out meets older woman still mourning the loss of her former lover.
And, voila!
June 17, 2024
This one was a very nice summer read. The book was shorter than usual for Harper Bliss books, but was long enough to capture this age-gap holiday romance. Getting over grief, giving love a chance, and discovering yourself all over again.
Harper Bliss does not disappoint. I really like her books and will definitely read anything she writes in the future.
Harper Bliss does not disappoint. I really like her books and will definitely read anything she writes in the future.
February 2, 2024
Meeting an older hot woman on a Thai island paradise. Ending 3 months exploring Asia and returning to London in a week. How to make this sapphic awakening really last.
Thoroughly enjoyed the re read. Harper Bliss does 5he age gap falling in love really well
Thoroughly enjoyed the re read. Harper Bliss does 5he age gap falling in love really well
April 9, 2014
What can I say? Everything I love about Haper's writing is present here...emotional baggage, self-doubt, tender compassion and love and hot scenes all rolled into a great story.
June 13, 2014
Great sex scenes... eh on the story... did I mention... STEAMY sex scenes???
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews