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And Then She Kissed Me
TV cop Sadie Ireland needs a break from her Hollywood life. She heads home to the beach town where she grew up to celebrate her 40th birthday with her family. Devon Douglas can’t believe it when she comes face-to-face with Sadie again. They were inseparable in high school until Devon did something she has regretted for more than twenty years—she ruined their friendship on a lovestruck whim. Sadie is as dazzling as Devon remembers—and she can still hold her own surfing the wild waves of Clearwater Bay. Devon’s first priority is her five-year-old son, but getting to know Sadie all over again is taking up more and more of her headspace. Sadie is inexplicably drawn to Devon. It could be nostalgia. It could be remnants of their old friendship flaring up. But what if it’s more than that? Best-selling lesbian romance author Harper Bliss brings you a steamy, big-hearted romance about two women who used to be best friends, until a teenage crush destroyed it all. Get your copy now and join Devon and Sadie on their sizzling, twisty trip down memory lane!
302 pages, Paperback
Published January 27, 2022
144 people are currently reading
2472 people want to read
About the author
Harper Bliss
138 books2,361 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 240 reviews
March 3, 2024
RTC
Omg my day has started out so stressful! Can't manage to start any of my heavy reads... so I'm going for a light sapphic romance - short and sweet. 💙💛💜💗🌊🏄♀️☀️
Omg my day has started out so stressful! Can't manage to start any of my heavy reads... so I'm going for a light sapphic romance - short and sweet. 💙💛💜💗🌊🏄♀️☀️
May 8, 2022
4.5 stars for the audiobook
Bringing Abby Craden into the mix always ratchets up an experience! I'm constantly amazed by how well Harper can craft original love scenes after publishing so many books. Abby delivers them - in addition to the rest of the work - so beautifully. I really appreciate that she's always all in, in every aspect.
Original review of ebook:
4.25 stars
I enjoyed this nice, second chance "beach read" kind of story. Television star Sadie Ireland goes back home to celebrate her 40th birthday and take some time off during her hiatus and finish recovering from the breakup of her marriage. Though it is her intention to primarily spend time with her twin brother, older sister and father, she also reconnects with her best high school friend Devon Douglas. Well - they WERE best friends and inseparable until Devon acted upon feelings that weren't reciprocated by Sadie.
While Devon has done well and moved on with her life in the decades since, she's never truly gotten over Sadie. And when they meet up again, their old connection feels as strong as ever. And possibly even more than that.
This is a sweet read - not terribly deep or angsty. It's not meant to be. It's about discovering who you are and what's important. I like that it was told in dual first person so the reader gets to know what both MCs are thinking and feeling. I also liked that Devon was a non-traditional MC with a child and an unusual extended family.
Ida and Fay from About That Kiss are referred to more than once in the story since they are in semi-similar Hollywood circles. Since About That Kiss is one of my favorite listens of 2021, I got a big kick out of that.
This is one of those books that's great to spend a lazy afternoon with.
Bringing Abby Craden into the mix always ratchets up an experience! I'm constantly amazed by how well Harper can craft original love scenes after publishing so many books. Abby delivers them - in addition to the rest of the work - so beautifully. I really appreciate that she's always all in, in every aspect.
Original review of ebook:
4.25 stars
I enjoyed this nice, second chance "beach read" kind of story. Television star Sadie Ireland goes back home to celebrate her 40th birthday and take some time off during her hiatus and finish recovering from the breakup of her marriage. Though it is her intention to primarily spend time with her twin brother, older sister and father, she also reconnects with her best high school friend Devon Douglas. Well - they WERE best friends and inseparable until Devon acted upon feelings that weren't reciprocated by Sadie.
While Devon has done well and moved on with her life in the decades since, she's never truly gotten over Sadie. And when they meet up again, their old connection feels as strong as ever. And possibly even more than that.
This is a sweet read - not terribly deep or angsty. It's not meant to be. It's about discovering who you are and what's important. I like that it was told in dual first person so the reader gets to know what both MCs are thinking and feeling. I also liked that Devon was a non-traditional MC with a child and an unusual extended family.
Ida and Fay from About That Kiss are referred to more than once in the story since they are in semi-similar Hollywood circles. Since About That Kiss is one of my favorite listens of 2021, I got a big kick out of that.
This is one of those books that's great to spend a lazy afternoon with.
April 24, 2022
And then she Kissed me by Harper Bliss, narrated by Abby Craden
The collaboration between Harper Bliss and Abby Craden is always very promising. And then she Kissed me makes for a quick but very enjoyable listen, a great way to spend a weekend or part of your summer holidays.
Sadie Ireland is back home from LA where she's a successful actress in a very popular TV show. Having recently divorced, she's looking forward to reconnecting with her family and celebrating her 40th birthday. But she wasn't counting on meeting her old best friend Devon Douglas. Their friendship was cut short when Devon tried to kiss Sadie when they were sixteen. Twenty-four years later, their reconnection brings not only the potential of rekindling their friendship but also the chance to explore an unexpected attraction...
This is a second chance, coming out, celebrity romance by Harper Bliss. Second-chance romance is a fantastic trope to build up from a past connection, show character growth and establish the idea of a couple that was meant for each other despite the odds. The author did a great job to capture this reconnection and developing a romantic relationship.
Ms. Bliss is usually very good at building chemistry between the main characters and this novel is no exception. There is a clear imbalance in where both main characters stand at the beginning of the story. Devon is a lesbian who was once in love with Sadie, a straight girl who rejected her more than twenty years ago and who is now a successful actress living in LA. Even though this is a coming-out story, the focus isn't on sexual identity but more on how both characters reconnect with each other and how they reconcile their past to build a future.
Both main characters are very well fleshed out with very different family backgrounds and personal situations to overcome. Their chemistry together is good from the start but it builds up stronger with every interaction. As usual, Ms. Bliss consolidates this with excellent intimate scenes. Family plays an essential role in this story and the cast of secondary characters strengthens this. Additionally, if you've read A Breathless Place by this author (another celebrity romance that I highly recommend), you can catch up with Izzy and Leila's news.
The story setting is in a small seaside town in Northern California, a special place to practice surfing which plays a very important role to help the main characters reconnect and strengthen their bond. It also gives the vibe of a relaxed environment and a happy place for both Sadie and Devon.
Abby Craden has narrated a good number of books by Harper Bliss and is an ideal performer for both the emotional and the sizzling parts that are always present in her stories. As the novel is written in first person from the point of view of both main characters in alternate chapters, Ms. Craden found the perfect voices that reflect their personalities. There's a range of emotions that the characters go through and Ms. Craden performed the different levels of intensity like the pro she is. 4.5 stars.
Length: 6 hours, 46 minutes
Available in Scribd
The collaboration between Harper Bliss and Abby Craden is always very promising. And then she Kissed me makes for a quick but very enjoyable listen, a great way to spend a weekend or part of your summer holidays.
Sadie Ireland is back home from LA where she's a successful actress in a very popular TV show. Having recently divorced, she's looking forward to reconnecting with her family and celebrating her 40th birthday. But she wasn't counting on meeting her old best friend Devon Douglas. Their friendship was cut short when Devon tried to kiss Sadie when they were sixteen. Twenty-four years later, their reconnection brings not only the potential of rekindling their friendship but also the chance to explore an unexpected attraction...
This is a second chance, coming out, celebrity romance by Harper Bliss. Second-chance romance is a fantastic trope to build up from a past connection, show character growth and establish the idea of a couple that was meant for each other despite the odds. The author did a great job to capture this reconnection and developing a romantic relationship.
Ms. Bliss is usually very good at building chemistry between the main characters and this novel is no exception. There is a clear imbalance in where both main characters stand at the beginning of the story. Devon is a lesbian who was once in love with Sadie, a straight girl who rejected her more than twenty years ago and who is now a successful actress living in LA. Even though this is a coming-out story, the focus isn't on sexual identity but more on how both characters reconnect with each other and how they reconcile their past to build a future.
Both main characters are very well fleshed out with very different family backgrounds and personal situations to overcome. Their chemistry together is good from the start but it builds up stronger with every interaction. As usual, Ms. Bliss consolidates this with excellent intimate scenes. Family plays an essential role in this story and the cast of secondary characters strengthens this. Additionally, if you've read A Breathless Place by this author (another celebrity romance that I highly recommend), you can catch up with Izzy and Leila's news.
The story setting is in a small seaside town in Northern California, a special place to practice surfing which plays a very important role to help the main characters reconnect and strengthen their bond. It also gives the vibe of a relaxed environment and a happy place for both Sadie and Devon.
Abby Craden has narrated a good number of books by Harper Bliss and is an ideal performer for both the emotional and the sizzling parts that are always present in her stories. As the novel is written in first person from the point of view of both main characters in alternate chapters, Ms. Craden found the perfect voices that reflect their personalities. There's a range of emotions that the characters go through and Ms. Craden performed the different levels of intensity like the pro she is. 4.5 stars.
Length: 6 hours, 46 minutes
Available in Scribd
January 25, 2022
This is one of those light and steamy Harper Bliss books that I actually prefer from this author. Nothing is too complicated, and things might even be a bit too simple and perfect, but I like it that way.
Sadie comes home for an extended period of time for the first time in what seems forever. At her birthday party, she is re-introduced to Devon. Her best friend from high school, up until the point they were no longer best friends. Devon tried to kiss Sadie when they were 16, that didn't end so well. Now, 24 years later, the world is a different place and Sadie finds herself inexplicably drawn to her former best friend. Devon is cool and calm, but Sadie is her soft spot, she always was and always will be. So much so it gets referred to too many times in my opinion. As a feminist life coach Devon should know better I guess or shouldn't be smitten like a teenager high on hormones. But as I said, I like it this simple and just infatuated with each other. I think that is where I like Bliss's work best. Aside from the immensely beautiful and very different A Breathless Place.
As said it all is super easy, Sadie just divorced her husband of 7 years, and for everyone knows she is straight. But she's gay for Devon and everyone just shrugs and is ok with it. If only real life were that easy. Especially for a TV star Sadie is supposed to be. Also, Devon has a 5-year-old and it's just ok he's there and now Sadie is too. I mean, it's nice for things to be easy and to just fit, but that just isn't the case with kids.
I was in the mood for something easy and light, this book does have issues, sure, but it delivered on what I was in the mood for. It's easy, light and steamy in true Harper Bliss fashion. It also has me longing for sunshine and perfect surfing conditions and I don't even surf...
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
Sadie comes home for an extended period of time for the first time in what seems forever. At her birthday party, she is re-introduced to Devon. Her best friend from high school, up until the point they were no longer best friends. Devon tried to kiss Sadie when they were 16, that didn't end so well. Now, 24 years later, the world is a different place and Sadie finds herself inexplicably drawn to her former best friend. Devon is cool and calm, but Sadie is her soft spot, she always was and always will be. So much so it gets referred to too many times in my opinion. As a feminist life coach Devon should know better I guess or shouldn't be smitten like a teenager high on hormones. But as I said, I like it this simple and just infatuated with each other. I think that is where I like Bliss's work best. Aside from the immensely beautiful and very different A Breathless Place.
As said it all is super easy, Sadie just divorced her husband of 7 years, and for everyone knows she is straight. But she's gay for Devon and everyone just shrugs and is ok with it. If only real life were that easy. Especially for a TV star Sadie is supposed to be. Also, Devon has a 5-year-old and it's just ok he's there and now Sadie is too. I mean, it's nice for things to be easy and to just fit, but that just isn't the case with kids.
I was in the mood for something easy and light, this book does have issues, sure, but it delivered on what I was in the mood for. It's easy, light and steamy in true Harper Bliss fashion. It also has me longing for sunshine and perfect surfing conditions and I don't even surf...
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
March 28, 2023
4.5 Stars for And Then She Kissed Me (audiobook) by Harper Bliss read by Abby Craden.
Can these two women rekindle their relationship and more after it was derailed back in high school? This is a great romance set in Hollywood with some surfing thrown in for fun.
Can these two women rekindle their relationship and more after it was derailed back in high school? This is a great romance set in Hollywood with some surfing thrown in for fun.
January 31, 2022
4.25 stars
I enjoyed this nice, second chance "beach read" kind of story. Television star Sadie Ireland goes back home to celebrate her 40th birthday and take some time off during her hiatus and finish recovering from the breakup of her marriage. Though it is her intention to primarily spend time with her twin brother, older sister and father, she also reconnects with her best high school friend Devon Douglas. Well - they WERE best friends and inseparable until Devon acted upon feelings that weren't reciprocated by Sadie.
While Devon has done well and moved on with her life in the decades since, she's never truly gotten over Sadie. And when they meet up again, their old connection feels as strong as ever. And possibly even more than that.
This is a sweet read - not terribly deep or angsty. It's not meant to be. It's about discovering who you are and what's important. I like that it was told in dual first person so the reader gets to know what both MCs are thinking and feeling. I also liked that Devon was a non-traditional MC with a child and an unusual extended family.
Ida and Fay from About That Kiss are referred to more than once in the story since they are in semi-similar Hollywood circles. Since About That Kiss is one of my favorite listens of 2021, I got a big kick out of that. It reminded me that I need to listen to that again.
This is one of those books that's great to spend a lazy afternoon with.
I enjoyed this nice, second chance "beach read" kind of story. Television star Sadie Ireland goes back home to celebrate her 40th birthday and take some time off during her hiatus and finish recovering from the breakup of her marriage. Though it is her intention to primarily spend time with her twin brother, older sister and father, she also reconnects with her best high school friend Devon Douglas. Well - they WERE best friends and inseparable until Devon acted upon feelings that weren't reciprocated by Sadie.
While Devon has done well and moved on with her life in the decades since, she's never truly gotten over Sadie. And when they meet up again, their old connection feels as strong as ever. And possibly even more than that.
This is a sweet read - not terribly deep or angsty. It's not meant to be. It's about discovering who you are and what's important. I like that it was told in dual first person so the reader gets to know what both MCs are thinking and feeling. I also liked that Devon was a non-traditional MC with a child and an unusual extended family.
Ida and Fay from About That Kiss are referred to more than once in the story since they are in semi-similar Hollywood circles. Since About That Kiss is one of my favorite listens of 2021, I got a big kick out of that. It reminded me that I need to listen to that again.
This is one of those books that's great to spend a lazy afternoon with.
April 9, 2024
I enjoyed this one very much. Dual narration by Devon and Sadie, who were best friends in high school before Devon kissed her best friend at 16 and ended that. Sadie is back in their home town on the California North Coast for her 40th birthday with her twin brother Sam. She is an established Hollywood star in an ongoing tv series, while recently being divorced from her co-star. Our story starts there and progresses with personal and family drama on the way.
A well written story with well developed characters make for a very readable romance. 4+ stars.
A well written story with well developed characters make for a very readable romance. 4+ stars.
December 28, 2023
Listened to the audiobook. Bliss and Abby Craden are perfection. I also liked this because I spent a week recently nearby the local in the book, which made visualizing the action scenes easy.
July 6, 2023
4⭐️
Easy and enjoyable book. The steamy celebrity, friends to lovers, and second chance romance is the perfect book for the summer.
Easy and enjoyable book. The steamy celebrity, friends to lovers, and second chance romance is the perfect book for the summer.
May 19, 2024
Hell yeah for FMCs who are 40.
This was a cute, sapphic romance with lots of family and surfing.
3.5 ⭐️
(I’m in a review slump so this review is crap I know…)
This was a cute, sapphic romance with lots of family and surfing.
3.5 ⭐️
(I’m in a review slump so this review is crap I know…)
January 30, 2023
4/10
if i ever hear
"big old lez"
"such a lez"
or just "lez"
in my life ever again
it'll be too soon.
didn't like the story? it wasn't really interesting, didn't find any of the characters fun no matter how much i wanted to. everything felt very forced.
ah it was so annoying as well going in circles
and going in circles
and going in
and going
and
ehh
("but you're straight", "you're sadie ireland" boo hoo, a million times. i actually wanted to turn the audiobook off every time something similar popped up)
and there was too much sex going on while literally they had no chemistry at all. towards the end i just ended up skipping those scenes.
s*it i thought i was homoph*bic cause i didn't want them together at all
no, i'm very much gay - the problem are the characters.
idk i guess i just really don't vibe with harper bliss
though i did like about that kiss when i read it.
5/10 audio
am i tired of audiobooks or am i tired of abby craden?
if i ever hear
"big old lez"
"such a lez"
or just "lez"
in my life ever again
it'll be too soon.
didn't like the story? it wasn't really interesting, didn't find any of the characters fun no matter how much i wanted to. everything felt very forced.
ah it was so annoying as well going in circles
and going in circles
and going in
and going
and
ehh
("but you're straight", "you're sadie ireland" boo hoo, a million times. i actually wanted to turn the audiobook off every time something similar popped up)
and there was too much sex going on while literally they had no chemistry at all. towards the end i just ended up skipping those scenes.
s*it i thought i was homoph*bic cause i didn't want them together at all
no, i'm very much gay - the problem are the characters.
idk i guess i just really don't vibe with harper bliss
though i did like about that kiss when i read it.
5/10 audio
am i tired of audiobooks or am i tired of abby craden?
October 16, 2024
ب�� این کتاب، Harper Bliss وارد لیست نویسندههای موردعلاقهم شد...
ژانر رمنس معمولا مورد علاقهی من نیست ولی جدیدا فهمیدم sapphic رمنس خیلی دوست داشتنیه. جوری که رابطهی بین دخترا توصیف میشه، عشق بینشون، شدت کشش بینشون، توصیفات جذاب صحنههای سکشوال بینشوت خیلی خوبه. مخصوصا کتابای این نویسنده.
عاشق جوریم که شکل گرفتن روابط رو مینویسه و توی این دوتا کتابی که ازش خوندم یه بک گراندی هم بوده بینشون و مشکلات قبلیشون رو هم مجبور شدن حل کنن.
یکی از بهترین بخشاش اینه که کتابایی که مینویسه همه توی یه دنیائن. از طریق هالیوود به هم وصل شدن و اسم شخصیتهای کتابهای دیگه میاد. مثلا توی اونیکی کتابی که خوندم، یکی از صحبتها با ایزی ادلر و لانا دوست بود. دوین و سیدی این کتاب هم توی یکی از صحنههاشون به آهنگ ایزی و لانا گوش میدن و خب ایزی و لانا کتاب خودشون رو دارن.
دونه دونه میخوام همهی کتاباشو بخونم.
ژانر رمنس معمولا مورد علاقهی من نیست ولی جدیدا فهمیدم sapphic رمنس خیلی دوست داشتنیه. جوری که رابطهی بین دخترا توصیف میشه، عشق بینشون، شدت کشش بینشون، توصیفات جذاب صحنههای سکشوال بینشوت خیلی خوبه. مخصوصا کتابای این نویسنده.
عاشق جوریم که شکل گرفتن روابط رو مینویسه و توی این دوتا کتابی که ازش خوندم یه بک گراندی هم بوده بینشون و مشکلات قبلیشون رو هم مجبور شدن حل کنن.
یکی از بهترین بخشاش اینه که کتابایی که مینویسه همه توی یه دنیائن. از طریق هالیوود به هم وصل شدن و اسم شخصیتهای کتابهای دیگه میاد. مثلا توی اونیکی کتابی که خوندم، یکی از صحبتها با ایزی ادلر و لانا دوست بود. دوین و سیدی این کتاب هم توی یکی از صحنههاشون به آهنگ ایزی و لانا گوش میدن و خب ایزی و لانا کتاب خودشون رو دارن.
دونه دونه میخوام همهی کتاباشو بخونم.
May 10, 2023
I liked this one. Easy story.
We have an actress, Sadie, who goes back to her roots and reunites with her former best friend, Devon, who was her best friend until she “crosses the line” and kissed her.
From kids to adults (early 40s) we see how life changes and people discover themselves.
There are many characters, parents, siblings, friends, person you decide to have a kid with, this person’s partner... and so on.
We have an actress, Sadie, who goes back to her roots and reunites with her former best friend, Devon, who was her best friend until she “crosses the line” and kissed her.
From kids to adults (early 40s) we see how life changes and people discover themselves.
There are many characters, parents, siblings, friends, person you decide to have a kid with, this person’s partner... and so on.
January 30, 2022
What a fun celebrity romance! Throw in a little second chance, and this is a great easy read. Hot chemistry as usual, plus interesting background on being a major TV actress. Sadie and Devon are such a wonderful couple. You can never miss with a Harper Bliss romance.
August 31, 2023
Another great read from Harper Bliss. It says something when I can read three or four books in a row by the same author. I'll be taking a little break now, but I've enjoyed them.
August 17, 2025
3.5 ⭐
I’m honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, especially since many of Harper’s other works haven’t really been my cup of tea—but this one definitely changed that!
Right from the start, I felt the chemistry between Devon and Sadie. Their history added an extra layer of excitement as I kept wondering how they would move past their “mistakes.” I also got some wonderful found-family vibes from Sadie’s siblings and Devon’s friends, Hunter and Bobby. Another highlight was Devon’s son, Finn. Normally, I struggle with stories involving children, so at first I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy that dynamic, but their sweet surfing lessons and little moments together won me over completely.
I also really appreciated Sadie’s journey of self-discovery—not just in terms of her sexuality, but also in how she re-evaluated her priorities and realized she always had a safe place to return to. Devon, on the other hand, was just so kind and warm-hearted. I loved watching her slowly learn to trust again, even with the risk of heartbreak. The way she forgave their past and gave Sadie another chance felt genuine and moving.
Overall, I thought the characters were solid and their relationship was built in a way that felt both natural and believable. That said, there were a few moments where their feelings seemed to escalate a little too quickly. I wouldn’t call it “rushed,” exactly, but the pacing could have slowed down here and there. Still, this book was a total win for me—I had such a good time with it!
I’m honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, especially since many of Harper’s other works haven’t really been my cup of tea—but this one definitely changed that!
Right from the start, I felt the chemistry between Devon and Sadie. Their history added an extra layer of excitement as I kept wondering how they would move past their “mistakes.” I also got some wonderful found-family vibes from Sadie’s siblings and Devon’s friends, Hunter and Bobby. Another highlight was Devon’s son, Finn. Normally, I struggle with stories involving children, so at first I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy that dynamic, but their sweet surfing lessons and little moments together won me over completely.
I also really appreciated Sadie’s journey of self-discovery—not just in terms of her sexuality, but also in how she re-evaluated her priorities and realized she always had a safe place to return to. Devon, on the other hand, was just so kind and warm-hearted. I loved watching her slowly learn to trust again, even with the risk of heartbreak. The way she forgave their past and gave Sadie another chance felt genuine and moving.
Overall, I thought the characters were solid and their relationship was built in a way that felt both natural and believable. That said, there were a few moments where their feelings seemed to escalate a little too quickly. I wouldn’t call it “rushed,” exactly, but the pacing could have slowed down here and there. Still, this book was a total win for me—I had such a good time with it!
April 26, 2024
After a divorce, and now on hiatus, Sadie Ireland has come home. Devon Douglas doesn't know what she'll do if/when she sees Sadie for the first time in 24 years since their friendship broke.
Devon has been in love with Sadie and when they were 16, she kissed Sadie, only to have her face slapped and no more friendship. Now Sadie's back, and Devon has a kid, Finn who is 4. What will happen?
This is a wonderful friends to lovers/2nd chance love story. You'll love the main characters and the secondary characters too. 5 stars!
Devon has been in love with Sadie and when they were 16, she kissed Sadie, only to have her face slapped and no more friendship. Now Sadie's back, and Devon has a kid, Finn who is 4. What will happen?
This is a wonderful friends to lovers/2nd chance love story. You'll love the main characters and the secondary characters too. 5 stars!
February 21, 2024
Run-of-the-mill best friends to lovers. Not bad.
May 30, 2022
Compared to some of the other books I have read by this author, this was very tame! And I like that HB is so prolific and can ease between gosh darned sweet down home books like this and a series like say, French Kissing, more raw, steamy, etc..
This book fell into two categories for me: first half = strong, engaging, and second half = meh. Hence the 3.25 rating, I did like it, but the ending was somewhat unfulfilling. The first half delved into the MCs history, but also included the family dynamics, which I enjoyed. And the SURFING, wow, it was not overdone, but something about how the author set the stage for the sunset surfs, how connected each were to the water, weaving ocean analogies throughout the book to describe the couple's connection to each other, it just worked really well. I did like both characters and their chemistry was strong, the sex scenes though unexpectedly tame. The last half felt slow and highly predictable, but I'd happily read the first half again! :)
This book fell into two categories for me: first half = strong, engaging, and second half = meh. Hence the 3.25 rating, I did like it, but the ending was somewhat unfulfilling. The first half delved into the MCs history, but also included the family dynamics, which I enjoyed. And the SURFING, wow, it was not overdone, but something about how the author set the stage for the sunset surfs, how connected each were to the water, weaving ocean analogies throughout the book to describe the couple's connection to each other, it just worked really well. I did like both characters and their chemistry was strong, the sex scenes though unexpectedly tame. The last half felt slow and highly predictable, but I'd happily read the first half again! :)
March 20, 2022
This book had me with surfing. I mean, a woman on a surfboard is absolutley an aesthetic I like. And Then She Kissed Me gives me not one but two women on surfboards. Add a return-to-hometown, estranged BFFs-to-lovers, and a second-chance romance into the mix, and I'd swear Harper Bliss wrote this book just for me.
Sadie Ireland has returned to long-neglected home town in Northern California for her and her twin brother's 40th birthday. But she's also looking for some time to lay-low and recouperate from her divorce from her co-star on a long-running and highly successful TV show. Coming home has always been difficult for Sadie, who along with her siblings, is still feeling the impact of her mother's decision to walk out on the family when she was still a kid. But Sadie needs her family right now. She needs a place to go where she's not just Sadie the TV star, but she's Sadie the sister and Sadie the daughter--where she can lose herself in the ocean waves of her childhood and figure out how to move on after her failed marriage. And, then, Devon Douglas, her high school best friend--the girl Sadie turned her back on in a cruel way--shows up at her birthday party, and home becomes even more complicated.
Devon remembers everything about her past with Sadie, even if she's sure Sadie doesn't remember after they see each other again for the first time in over 20 years. And even though Devon has moved past what happened on the beach that day when they were teenagers, seeing Sadie brings back complicated feelings she had long set aside. But it's too easy to fall back into friendship with Sadie. It's too easy to remember the good times they had--mostly in the water. It's too easy to feel lonely when Sadie--her Sadie--is back but is also this now-famous stranger. And Devon can't go back to whirlwind of emotions, especially now that she has her son to consider.
I love friends-to-lovers romances. I love when two people connect in a way that's more than just about physical attraction. And while I definitely feel the connection and chemistry between Sadie and Devon, my one real complaint with this book is that there was too much sex. I don't mean to imply that it's all sex--it most definitely isn't. What I mean is that where there were opportunities for Sadie and Devon to have a meaningful moment--an understanding and connection that moves beyond the physical--Bliss seemed to always let them just go for it. And I think it would have served the story in better ways if one or two of those moments didn't go that route. I would have preferred a honest conversation, a sofa or bed cuddle, hand holding and/or shy glances. Sometimes that says more than another sex scene does, as if that's the only way two people can be intimate. And this is what's keeping me from rating it any higher.
Sadie Ireland has returned to long-neglected home town in Northern California for her and her twin brother's 40th birthday. But she's also looking for some time to lay-low and recouperate from her divorce from her co-star on a long-running and highly successful TV show. Coming home has always been difficult for Sadie, who along with her siblings, is still feeling the impact of her mother's decision to walk out on the family when she was still a kid. But Sadie needs her family right now. She needs a place to go where she's not just Sadie the TV star, but she's Sadie the sister and Sadie the daughter--where she can lose herself in the ocean waves of her childhood and figure out how to move on after her failed marriage. And, then, Devon Douglas, her high school best friend--the girl Sadie turned her back on in a cruel way--shows up at her birthday party, and home becomes even more complicated.
Devon remembers everything about her past with Sadie, even if she's sure Sadie doesn't remember after they see each other again for the first time in over 20 years. And even though Devon has moved past what happened on the beach that day when they were teenagers, seeing Sadie brings back complicated feelings she had long set aside. But it's too easy to fall back into friendship with Sadie. It's too easy to remember the good times they had--mostly in the water. It's too easy to feel lonely when Sadie--her Sadie--is back but is also this now-famous stranger. And Devon can't go back to whirlwind of emotions, especially now that she has her son to consider.
I love friends-to-lovers romances. I love when two people connect in a way that's more than just about physical attraction. And while I definitely feel the connection and chemistry between Sadie and Devon, my one real complaint with this book is that there was too much sex. I don't mean to imply that it's all sex--it most definitely isn't. What I mean is that where there were opportunities for Sadie and Devon to have a meaningful moment--an understanding and connection that moves beyond the physical--Bliss seemed to always let them just go for it. And I think it would have served the story in better ways if one or two of those moments didn't go that route. I would have preferred a honest conversation, a sofa or bed cuddle, hand holding and/or shy glances. Sometimes that says more than another sex scene does, as if that's the only way two people can be intimate. And this is what's keeping me from rating it any higher.
February 1, 2022
When I pick up a Harper Bliss book to read I anticipate it to be a well-written book with a well thought out plot. This book was no exception. While this is a celebrity romance it is also a book of second chances.
The two main characters are well developed mature women. They both have some issues, as well all do. They live their live doing their best and trying their hardest to be the best people they can be. Also, their chemistry flies off the page. This book is beyond sexy. The supporting characters were also thought out well and were really fun to learn about throughout.
If you are looking for something light, low-angst book with a lot of sexy, this is a great choice.
Bliss also mentions characters from other books and that is fun to read as well.
The two main characters are well developed mature women. They both have some issues, as well all do. They live their live doing their best and trying their hardest to be the best people they can be. Also, their chemistry flies off the page. This book is beyond sexy. The supporting characters were also thought out well and were really fun to learn about throughout.
If you are looking for something light, low-angst book with a lot of sexy, this is a great choice.
Bliss also mentions characters from other books and that is fun to read as well.
February 6, 2022
This was a very sweet second chance romance. Although not as angsty as a few of my last reads by Harper Bliss, I still really liked it. I especially liked both Devon and Sadie as individuals, and then as a pair. I adored reading about their relationships with their family members, including Devon with her son and Sadie with her twin brother. This is a light, feel-good romance that would make a wonderful beach read.
Many thanks to Harper Bliss for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to Harper Bliss for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2023
Loved the book and the erotic scenes made me quite wet indeed! This is another truly delightful F/F love story by Harper Bliss. The two main characters, Sadie and Devon, pursue a second chance in the beach town of their youth. You will definitely not be disappointed. XOXOXOs to Harper Bliss for another well written sapphic adventure:)
March 1, 2024
1.7 ~ cute but meh
August 7, 2022
I was bored. I wish that some plot point dove deeper than it did. It's odd to me that the main problem of the story is about them questioning Sadie's sexuality but Sadie didn't have any thoughts or explanation except that "It just happened.".
All they do is fuck each other. I don't even understand why they're with each other except that they're both attracted to each other.
All they do is fuck each other. I don't even understand why they're with each other except that they're both attracted to each other.
February 6, 2024
Loved it!
Harper Bliss can just flat out write a lovely romance. This is yet another story that I love. Sadie & Devon have been drawn to each other their whole lives. And fortunately they found their way back to each other when they were ready. Great story!
Harper Bliss can just flat out write a lovely romance. This is yet another story that I love. Sadie & Devon have been drawn to each other their whole lives. And fortunately they found their way back to each other when they were ready. Great story!
February 18, 2025
4⭐️ I effortlessly devoured this. Light, fun, and hot - a perfect, feel-good, escape read.
June 19, 2025
Another solid romance novel from Harper Bliss: low angst and pretty fluffy. Both leads are well written and consistent throughout; Clearwater Bay is a great setting and there was a thoroughly enjoyable cast of characters. This is a must read before the upcoming This Is Who I Am [ARC review going up as soon as its Goodreads page is live], imo. Solid 4/5 stars!
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March 30, 2022DNF at 53%. I’ve been trying to finish this book for 10 days now. It’s not gonna happen.
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