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The Bliss List

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#1 Go on vacation by myself.
#2 Eat alone in a nice restaurant.
#3…you get the point.
It’s my Bliss List, and I intend to check every item off before the ink dries on my divorce papers.


I’m Charlie Heywood—no, Emerson—Charlie Emerson, and after a dismal ten-year marriage, I need a change. So, making what might be the most impulsive decision I’ve ever made, I book a two-week vacation in The Bahamas…alone.

I need to find myself. To uncover who I truly am. To complete my Bliss List.

Everything is going great until a dark, handsome stranger steps in to rescue me from some unwanted attention of the male variety…by pretending to be my boyfriend. Hunter Lane is gorgeous, charming, and funny—everything I’d want in a man, if I were looking.

Which I’m not.

Turns out, Hunter’s a country music superstar who’s supposed to be lying low and not getting photographed with random women while his agent cleans up his latest scandal. Oops.

As the paparazzi descend on our island resort, Hunter needs me to keep pretending. And in return, he’ll help me check as many items off my list as we can manage over the next two weeks. Even maybe…

#11 Have a one-night stand with a hot stranger.

Nope. Stop it, Charlie. Not happening. Right?

261 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 2022

168 people are currently reading
1931 people want to read

About the author

Piper James

37 books287 followers
Piper James lives in Idaho with her husband, two teenage sons, two cats, and a dog.

Her favorite things are romance novels, coffee, potato chips, and her Jeep Wrangler…and her family, of course. Seriously. She loves her family more than coffee and her jeep. *exaggerated wink*

When she’s not writing, she watches ghost shows and spends most of her time trying to convince her family their house is haunted. Because it is.

She wrote YA paranormal romance for 6 years under the name Wendi Wilson before giving into her desire to write spicy romcoms, and it was the best career decision she’s ever made…until she decides to write a book about the ghosts. Because they are definitely real.

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5 stars
408 (37%)
4 stars
431 (39%)
3 stars
206 (18%)
2 stars
42 (3%)
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9 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
Profile Image for Kate Brown.
357 reviews24 followers
July 15, 2022
The Bliss List by Piper James
Publication Date: 05/20/2022
Date Read: 07/08/2022 - 07/09/2022
Format: eBook (Kindle Unlimited)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: NA
Characters: Charlie Emerson & Hunter Lane
CW: infidelity, bullying, body shaming
Rating (❤️/👍/🤷‍♀️:👎/❌): 👍
Spice: open door
Would I Recommend?: yes

This was really good I flew threw it. Charlie has just gotten out of a 10 year marriage (total douchebag ex) and is on vacation finding her bliss. Hunter is hiding from the paparazzi after he was set up to look bad in the press. He’s a famous country singer. They meet at a bar and are photographed together. The next day he asks her to fake date him for his image and he will help her check items off her bliss list. It was funny and cute and emotional. Definitely had some steamy moments, it’s an open door romance for sure. If you need a quick beach read vibe book, check this out!
Profile Image for Chantel Dixon.
17 reviews4 followers
November 3, 2022
This was such a good book. I loved the main character, Charlie, and enjoyed reading about her journey for self discovery after years of a bad marriage and divorce. She finds love in unexpected place and in a very short period of time. Typical fake dating trope in this book, but some great unexpected twists! The female empowerment in this book is so good, mixed with great spice 🌶️ and humor… great book!!
Profile Image for Kathryn.
47 reviews8 followers
August 16, 2023
4.5 stars!!

loved this book but it had such a slow start it was hard get through the beginning but once it picked up it was so good!!
Profile Image for LIBRARYOFRHI.
26 reviews
May 25, 2023
I enjoyed this SO MUCH! I was belly chuckling and sobbing - this was the exact roller coaster of emotions that I didn't know I needed right now.

This story follows Charlie as she navigates through the process of finding herself and her bliss again after finalising her divorce. Armed with a holiday in the Bahamas and a 'Bliss List' of things she would like to accomplish in her newfound freedom.
Meanwhile Hunter Lane, a famous country western star finds himself at the same hotel, but in hiding from the paparazzi after yet another scandal (I swear it isn't his fault. B*tches be crazy).

A series of events finds the two fake dating in order to help fix Hunter's bad boy image and in return Hunter helps Charlie to cross off the items on her list.

This was such a fantastic read and I flew through it so quickly. I genuinely connected with Charlie so much throughout this and it was a sort of healing for me to watch this romance blossom. Hunter. Lane. Daddy. This man was literally made for Charlie and everything she needed after her horrible marriage to that dead man walking. The way he holds space for her, the way he disarms her beliefs about herself and adores her. Everything about that man was PERFECT TO ME.

Watching Charlie find herself through this book and overcome her confidence issues - stunning. Healing. Truly had an impact on me in a way I won't forget. I will be rereading my annotations of this for a while to come.

Such a well written read and truly one of my favourites of the year. So unexpected and underhyped.
Profile Image for Sarah R.
149 reviews3 followers
July 23, 2022
Sweet and predictable

This was fine, generic romcom, no real conflict, bad ex gets their comeuppance etc etc. Easy read, characters were likeable enough. Only gripe for me is that it was a bit insta love which is not my favourite trope, but it was good enough.
Profile Image for Karen.
5,385 reviews74 followers
May 16, 2022
I sort of love the idea of making a bucket list (or Pinterest board) of items you'd love to do after a transition from a tragedy or big event.

This gal divorced her husband after she caught him cheating. She takes some of the proceeds from sale of their marital home and books a trip to the Bahamas.

Meets country star who is "hiding out".

I enjoyed the book. It's pretty sweet.
Profile Image for rach.
468 reviews36 followers
July 27, 2022
This was one of the cutest books. I just felt pure bliss while reading. Hunter is a gem and the way he was with Charlie melted my heart.

F Scott we hate that man!!

Read if you like:
• Fake dating
• celebrity romance
• country music
• cheesy romances
Profile Image for Myndi .
1,562 reviews51 followers
July 26, 2023
I loved this book! With some fake romance and a bit of rock star romance, it was superbly enjoyable. I also liked the body positivity and how the female main character was learning her own worth. This is a wonderful romance and definitely worth the read.
Profile Image for Julie.
160 reviews
May 19, 2023
Easy beach read

Sometimes you want go read to escape and I found myself chuckling a few times. Picked this for a Bahama trip. Cute and quick with sizzle
Profile Image for Leah Beardslee.
78 reviews7 followers
August 23, 2022
Loved the main character and her journey of self-discovery. The romance was sweet and sexy. Fun read!
Profile Image for Haley Solberg.
29 reviews
July 9, 2024
A fun, fast paced romance. Short, sweet and to the point. A perfect beach read.
Profile Image for * illy . ♡.
87 reviews9 followers
July 23, 2022
i’d be straight up lying if i said i didn’t want to be worshipped the way hunter worships charlie holy shit
Profile Image for Maren.
235 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2024
A good beach/summer read. It was cute and I enjoyed reading it, but overall it was a bit too soppy and Hunter was too perfect in my opinion. Also, all the things we learned about Charlie’s ex and her marriage were so cringe, like who behaves like this in a relationship? Really toxic.
Profile Image for Jennifer Wilson.
799 reviews9 followers
May 17, 2022
Ok, I’m so excited whenever I know author is writing another book, as I’ve loved all of them. And I was so excited to read this one. And I just have to say, it was absolutely amazing. From start to end, I was hooked and I could not put this book down. I loved these characters, and this world that was created. Charlie is this shy, women that has been stuck in a marriage with an ass of an ex husband for ten years. The best thing that man did was cheat on her. She takes that as a sign to start living her life and doing thing she never has before. It was such an amazing experience watching her grow, and become this confident, beautiful person. And Hunter, he’s such a sweet man. Doing everything he can to reassure Charlie, where her ex husband made her feel less than. And helping her mark of things that she wants to do. I just can’t say enough about how much I loved this book. It’s funny, and sweet, and will definitely make you want to reach into a book and beat a that stupid ex. And lots of spicy scenes. I 100% recommend this. It is soo freaking amazing.
Profile Image for Natalie.
9 reviews
August 26, 2022
I'm telling you, this novel sounds like it was either written by a 5th grader or a cheugy semi-illiterate Millennial. The writing is SO bad. There are lines like "sucks monkey balls" and "bizzatchi" I'm sorry but it's not funny and just...weird lol
The characters are OK but I think it would've been better if it was only written from Charlie's perspective. Hunter's perspective was cringe-y and the character didn't sound very authentic. All in all, the concept for this book was cute but was not executed in a way that I enjoyed.
I now know that Piper James' writing and my reading taste do. not. mesh.
Profile Image for Sunshine.
98 reviews12 followers
October 23, 2022
I'm not usually one for rom-coms but I adored this book. So sweet and I am in love with Hunter
Profile Image for Kaie.
72 reviews1 follower
November 6, 2022
A bit too insta-love for me, but otherwise a cute rom-com. I feel like this could have been a better execution because the idea was good, but some things were just lacking..
Profile Image for Christine MKEreads.
146 reviews5 followers
August 18, 2022
You guessed it, this was another booktok impulse read! 😂 This book was so cute!! I love fake dating and this book was no exception.

Recently divorced Charlie embarks on a journey to rediscover herself after getting out of a horrible 10 year marriage. She creates a “Bliss List” and sets out on her first ever solo vacation. Everything is going according to plan until she starts receiving some unwanted attention. Enter our tall, dark, handsome stranger, Hunter. Hunter rescues Charlie by pretending to be her boyfriend. But plot twist, Hunter is actually a country music superstar and once the paparazzi find them, he asks her to keep up the ruse. He’s mid-scandal and although he’s innocent in the whole situation, he can use all the help he can get cleaning up his reputation. In return, he will help her check as many items off that list as they can! But will this fake relationship actually stay fake?

I loved Charlie so much. She was so relatable and I loved how she was slowly becoming stronger and more confident as each day of her vacation went on! Hunter, I don’t even like country music but he had me daydreaming of finding my own country superstar! He’s gorgeous, charming, funny and exactly what Charlie needs! Despite being such different people, they are so perfect together! I love that they helped each other grow as individuals. They helped each other find the bliss that they never thought they were capable of 🥹 This is the perfect summer or vacation read!
Profile Image for Emaan.
371 reviews4 followers
August 9, 2024
Oh man, I just whizzed through this one. I was in bliss reading this, pun intended.

I liked Charlie a lot. She was really trying to grow and I loved to see her break free of her ex-husband’s mind games. She really deserved happiness, and for her, that was Hunter.

I also really liked Hunter. Despite his current situation, he was charismatic and easygoing. He had it bad for her, always hyping her up, wanting to make sure she was happy.

The chemistry between the two was strong. This was obvious in the way they interacted. Charlie understandably had a skewed view of men thanks to her ex-husband, a point she even made herself, but she and Hunter were always comfortable with each other.

The third act conflict would’ve been frustrating, but part of me understood. Recovery from any trauma isn’t smooth, and there are times one will fall back. I should know, I’ve been in that position many times. I felt for both of them.

I knew Scott would probably make an appearance at one point, but I couldn’t help but feel that the last minute addition of him in the plot was kind of clumsy, but it definitely made things interesting. I grew to being unable to stand that guy, and having him on the pages did nothing to quell that animosity.

TW: references to a past toxic marriage
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Monae Doyle.
1,489 reviews5 followers
May 9, 2024
This was a short cute Summer read.

This story is set in the Bahamas. It is about a woman named Charlie Heywood. After a dismal ten year marriage to an awful guy Charlie decides to take a vacation alone. Charlie decides to take a two week vacation to the Bahamas….alone. She is given drinks in order and relax. She is quite drunk as she arrives to her vacation in which she pukes on her cab driver.

She ends up meeting a guy named Hunter Lane at her vacation spot. He is a country singer who is hiding out. He starts to notice Charlie. He ends up asking for her help in order to clean up his reputation as a playboy. He asks her to be his pretend girlfriend while they are there. He finds out that she made a list of things that she wants to do while on vacation. Hunter tells her that he will help her with her list if she pretends to be his girlfriend. She ends up having to stay in his room with him and pretend that they are boyfriend/girlfriend. This story was funny and spicy 🌶️. I liked their banter and seeing them doing some of the things on her list. They ended up falling for each other along the way. I liked reading this book.
Profile Image for Jessica.
228 reviews9 followers
May 3, 2022
If y'all don't run to any book written by Piper James and devour them IMMEDIATELY! She writes the most relatable women and the men... SWOON! Hunter and Charlie are no exception.
Charlie has recently divorced from a douchecanoe verbally abusive dude, who be honest, we all wanna sucker punch in the junk by chapter 5...
She created a Bliss List. All the things she wants to do to learn who she is outside of her marriage and rediscover what makes her happy. So she gets hammered, hops a plane, vacation vomits, and meets Hunter (*cue the swoon) who is a country artist looking to revamp his image after a scandal.
He offers to help Charlie check as many items off her list as he can in their two weeks together, in exchange for a for-the-cameras relationship. And then he falls for her. Because who wouldn't? You'll see...
Dolphins, karaoke, orgasms, and hilarity ensure.
I haven't LOL-ed at a book this much in a while. It's perfect!
So, as I said, RUN and buy this book. You won't be disappointed.
Also, her ex gets what's coming to him... don't worry
Profile Image for Savannah.
302 reviews7 followers
May 8, 2022
My favorite comfort writer does it again! After a failed ten year marriage Charlie Heywood...no wait Emerson (Its still new to her and something completely relatable) is on her own in the Bahamas. She has a bliss list, things she wants that will help her find her bliss and is determined to find herself.
Hunter Lane Country's ex bad boy is in hiding in the Bahamas and determined to stay far away from women. They got him into trouble in the first place. One look at the blonde puking all over the bus driver has him reconsidering things though.
After a mishap together, the two of them decide to pretend to date to help his image and the previous scandal blow over. This gives them time for them to get to know each other and for them to work on her list together. This is heart warming, sweet, spicy, and laugh out loud hilarious. Get this book today and find your bliss.

I received a free copy and in exchange am leaving an honest review.
64 reviews21 followers
July 17, 2024
This was… not good. One of my biggest pet peeves in books is when antagonists are made into caricatures. I get it, Charlie’s ex-husband is terrible. His character is so far-fetched that it’s unbelievable. Sure, maybe he’s never gone down on her or given her an orgasm in the 10+ years they’ve been together but he also doesn’t let her eat fun food? Or pick a movie? Doesn’t like her nickname? It goes on and on…
Hunter, the MMC, is so bland and boring. He’s also super cringey. He wrote a song for her that just gave me second-hand embarrassment, I almost didn’t finish the last couple of pages of the book.
The spicy scenes were not even worth the mention. They felt awkward and the author seemed like she was trying too hard.
A few other pet peeves that were present in this book:
- Insta-love (seriously no tension)
- Extremely insecure FMC
- Secondary characters who serve no purpose
Profile Image for T.L. McDonald.
Author 10 books102 followers
April 9, 2022
OMG! This might be my most favorite book ever by the oh so talented Piper James. Seriously, this book has everything, and the two main characters are absolutely perfect. I loved the growth Charlie underwent in this book, starting off so unsure of herself as she went in search of her bliss—the things that would make her happy and confident in who she is, and who she wants to be. And as for Hunter, there is no better book boyfriend than him. He’s so sweet, fun, and caring. And he and Charlie complemented each other so well, the both of them being what the other needed. I could go on and on, but I won’t because I don’t want to give anything away. I can’t wait to read whatever Ms. James writes next.
40 reviews
May 2, 2022
This book had me feeling all the feels. I related to Charlie so much from having experienced a crappy partner who dimmed my light over the years and doing what I needed to get my shine back. Charlie takes a paradise vacation by herself when she runs into Hunter, an incognito country music star hiding from the press after some recent troubles back in Nashville. After a creepy dude hits on Charlie at the bar and Hunter steps in, they become fast friends and must pretend to be in a relationship when Hunters location is leaked to the press. Fake dating is a favorite sweet-romance trope of mine! I love the spicy scenes as they required Charlie’s complete consent each step of the way. Another must read!
Profile Image for MelissaReads7997.
156 reviews
May 6, 2022
📚Book Review 📖

“Bliss List” by Piper James
Release date May 13, 2022

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

***
Charlie is on a journey of self discovery. After the end of her horrible marriage, she is heading to the Bahamas to check items off her “Bliss List”. Country music star, Hunter, is hiding out from some bad press in the same Bahamian resort. When they are photographed together, Charlie agrees to be his fake girlfriend and Hunter agrees to help her check experiences off her list.
***
This was my FAVORITE book from this author so far! I was hooked from the start and really loved seeing Charlie wash off the lies and control of her ex and begin to love herself and see the person she was. Hunter was such a sweetheart from the beginning. He was great at taking Charlie’s cues and doing what was best for her. Top notch book boyfriend.
This book had no unnecessary drama and no cringeworthy moments. I am a little disappointed that this is a standalone because I would have loved to get to know Charlie’s bestie better in a story of her own.


TW: Narcissistic ex. Cheating ex. Body image issues.
HEA
🌶
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews

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