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The Duet
Best-selling sapphic fiction author Harper Bliss brings you an intoxicating tale of love and music, where the boundaries between performance and reality blur.
Prepare to be swept away by the electrifying tale of Lana Lynch, an iconic queer rock star, and Cleo Palmer, her eager support act. Harper Bliss invites you into a world where music ignites passion and where a duet has the power to change lives forever.
The Lady Kings, a legendary band led by Lana Lynch, have remained in the shadows since the sudden loss of Lana's partner a decade ago. Now, they're ready for an epic comeback tour. But there's a catch—they must bring along a young and hip support band, The Other Women.
When Cleo Palmer and her band receive the opportunity of a lifetime to join their lifelong heroes on tour, they can hardly contain their excitement. The prospect of sharing the stage with the iconic Lady Kings and the enigmatic Lana Lynch is a dream come true, especially for Cleo, who idolizes the queer legend.
However, Cleo soon realizes that Lana has something unexpected in store for her. Night after night, Lana invites Cleo to join her in a sensual duet that sets the stage ablaze. What began as a thrilling performance soon becomes so much more, leaving Cleo to grapple with the intensity of their connection.
Age differences, contrasting life experiences, and the turmoil of band politics threaten to pull them apart. Can Lana and Cleo navigate the challenges and find their way to each other when the spotlights fade?
The Duet is an intoxicating blend of love, music, and self-discovery. Don't miss this captivating romance that will leave you longing for an encore.
Grab your copy now!
Prepare to be swept away by the electrifying tale of Lana Lynch, an iconic queer rock star, and Cleo Palmer, her eager support act. Harper Bliss invites you into a world where music ignites passion and where a duet has the power to change lives forever.
The Lady Kings, a legendary band led by Lana Lynch, have remained in the shadows since the sudden loss of Lana's partner a decade ago. Now, they're ready for an epic comeback tour. But there's a catch—they must bring along a young and hip support band, The Other Women.
When Cleo Palmer and her band receive the opportunity of a lifetime to join their lifelong heroes on tour, they can hardly contain their excitement. The prospect of sharing the stage with the iconic Lady Kings and the enigmatic Lana Lynch is a dream come true, especially for Cleo, who idolizes the queer legend.
However, Cleo soon realizes that Lana has something unexpected in store for her. Night after night, Lana invites Cleo to join her in a sensual duet that sets the stage ablaze. What began as a thrilling performance soon becomes so much more, leaving Cleo to grapple with the intensity of their connection.
Age differences, contrasting life experiences, and the turmoil of band politics threaten to pull them apart. Can Lana and Cleo navigate the challenges and find their way to each other when the spotlights fade?
The Duet is an intoxicating blend of love, music, and self-discovery. Don't miss this captivating romance that will leave you longing for an encore.
Grab your copy now!
262 pages, Paperback
Published May 2, 2022
126 people are currently reading
662 people want to read
About the author
Harper Bliss
139 books2,384 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 155 reviews
November 2, 2022
What‘s not to love? Beautiful written story and outstanding narration by Abby Craden. Age-gap romance with two well crafted MCs. And I think that age-gap romances work best when the two MCs have chemistry and some life experiences in common as it is in this book. So 5 stars ⭐️ from me.
August 1, 2022
This one was pretty good. I won’t deny all of their chemistry, I want to point out that we never see them get to know one another beyond that. And that disappointed me a lot. There’s a lot of talking about how attracted they are to the other and such, but they don’t really ever go beyond that and their duet when they’re together.
I also couldn’t believe how much Joan, Lana’s former wife and band mate, was mentioned. I checked and she’s mentioned 105 times…I seriously thought she’d only been dead a year or two but to find out it’s been 10 years kind of blew my mind.
Bliss is known for her steamy scenes so I was also surprised that two times I actually forgot I was reading a sex scene. The characters would go off on some inner monologue while in the middle and I literally forgot they were hooking up. Lol
I also couldn’t believe how much Joan, Lana’s former wife and band mate, was mentioned. I checked and she’s mentioned 105 times…I seriously thought she’d only been dead a year or two but to find out it’s been 10 years kind of blew my mind.
Bliss is known for her steamy scenes so I was also surprised that two times I actually forgot I was reading a sex scene. The characters would go off on some inner monologue while in the middle and I literally forgot they were hooking up. Lol
June 30, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
I'm not always a fan of age gap romances, but Harper Bliss is a master in this genre. And I can't define exactly what it is, but she is also one of those few authors who always pulls me into her story with the first few sentences.
The Lady Kings, the legendary female rock band that opened doors for many other women in the music scene, had not been on stage for ten years. The sudden death of the guitarist threw not only her wife, the lead singer of the band, Lana off the track. But now they are ready for a big comeback tour. They will be joined on tour by the already successful and hip queer band The Other Women.
Cleo, singer, and frontwoman of The Other Women, is over the moon when Lana asks her if she would sing a duet with her as an encore at the end of each concert. She almost can't believe that she will be on stage with her lifelong idol. From the very first performance, the duet is the highlight of every concert evening, and the fans are blown away. The more they're on stage together, the more intense it gets, and more and more real feelings creep in. But first insecurity and appreciation of the idol hold one back, the other does not dare to admit feelings. But someday they can’t resist any longer.
Cleo quickly realizes that her feelings are more than just an idolization of Lana. But band politics threaten to destroy the budding love. Lana tries to fight this attraction, it feels like she is cheating on her late wife Joan, and there is also the big age difference. She could easily be Cleo’s mother, but what she feels has nothing to do with motherly love. Also, the fact that the two women are in totally different places in life doesn't make it any easier for both. Would this relationship even have a chance? What's for sure, is, that the sparks fly high like fireworks, the chemistry between them is skyrocketing and the sex is hot.
But not only the story of the two singers is captivating, but also all the hustle and bustle of a tour. The many different personalities and characters that meet, who are on the road for weeks in the tour bus, and have almost no privacy are excellently shown. All the minor and major frictions, and disagreements, but also the deep friendships and the elation after an almost perfect concert evening are entertaining and fascinating. The story also lives from the diversity of the supporting cast.
A wonderful, mostly light and entertaining, character-driven love story in the spotlight of the music scene, spiked with just a little bit of drama. An age-gap romance unlike any other that only Harper Bliss can make work. A perfect summer book.
I'm not always a fan of age gap romances, but Harper Bliss is a master in this genre. And I can't define exactly what it is, but she is also one of those few authors who always pulls me into her story with the first few sentences.
The Lady Kings, the legendary female rock band that opened doors for many other women in the music scene, had not been on stage for ten years. The sudden death of the guitarist threw not only her wife, the lead singer of the band, Lana off the track. But now they are ready for a big comeback tour. They will be joined on tour by the already successful and hip queer band The Other Women.
Cleo, singer, and frontwoman of The Other Women, is over the moon when Lana asks her if she would sing a duet with her as an encore at the end of each concert. She almost can't believe that she will be on stage with her lifelong idol. From the very first performance, the duet is the highlight of every concert evening, and the fans are blown away. The more they're on stage together, the more intense it gets, and more and more real feelings creep in. But first insecurity and appreciation of the idol hold one back, the other does not dare to admit feelings. But someday they can’t resist any longer.
Cleo quickly realizes that her feelings are more than just an idolization of Lana. But band politics threaten to destroy the budding love. Lana tries to fight this attraction, it feels like she is cheating on her late wife Joan, and there is also the big age difference. She could easily be Cleo’s mother, but what she feels has nothing to do with motherly love. Also, the fact that the two women are in totally different places in life doesn't make it any easier for both. Would this relationship even have a chance? What's for sure, is, that the sparks fly high like fireworks, the chemistry between them is skyrocketing and the sex is hot.
But not only the story of the two singers is captivating, but also all the hustle and bustle of a tour. The many different personalities and characters that meet, who are on the road for weeks in the tour bus, and have almost no privacy are excellently shown. All the minor and major frictions, and disagreements, but also the deep friendships and the elation after an almost perfect concert evening are entertaining and fascinating. The story also lives from the diversity of the supporting cast.
A wonderful, mostly light and entertaining, character-driven love story in the spotlight of the music scene, spiked with just a little bit of drama. An age-gap romance unlike any other that only Harper Bliss can make work. A perfect summer book.
January 5, 2024
4 Stars for The Duet (audiobook) by Harper Bliss read by Abby Craden.
A young rockstar’s dream comes true when her band gets to open for the all female group that inspired her. Things turn hot when the two singers do a duet to finish the show. And now they have the rest of the tour to get to know each other.
A young rockstar’s dream comes true when her band gets to open for the all female group that inspired her. Things turn hot when the two singers do a duet to finish the show. And now they have the rest of the tour to get to know each other.
June 25, 2022
This audiobook was right up my alley
I love Harper Bliss’s books, they have all the ingredients that I enjoy reading in romance: superb chemistry, sweet romance, the right amount of drama, and hot sex. Add to that combination a group of endearing characters from other books, a vibrant music setting and a great narrator, and this audiobook was a perfect match for me.
The Lady Kings and their singer, Lana Lynch, are coming back on a tour after ten years of absence from the stage due to the sudden death of Lana’s wife and guitarist. For their comeback tour, they choose a young but famous band called The Other Women. Lana invites the lead singer Cleo Palmer to sing a duet with her for every night’s show encore. What follows is an incredible on-stage chemistry that slowly trickles off-stage. But Lana and Cleo are very different in many aspects and band politics threaten to get in the way of a potential romantic connection…
This is a fantastic characters’ chemistry study. Leave it to Ms. Bliss to put two very different women on a stage singing a duet together, and make their chemistry explosive. Lana and Cleo couldn’t be more different in age (Harper Bliss’s specialty), personality, and life experience, but as it normally happens in this author’s books, opposites attract fiercely. The way the attraction is written, from their first meeting to the end, is absolutely fantastic.
In the background of the romance, there is the interesting setting of two bands on a tour. Mix a few queer people sharing the stage, backstage and road trips, and you have the perfect recipe for drama. Ms. Bliss describes this situation very well and it introduces an almost infinite source of conflict. The politics and disputes behind each band were as engaging as the romance.
There are a few cameo appearances of characters from other books by Harper Bliss, my favourites, Izzy and Leila from A Breathless Place. If you’ve read that book (which I highly recommend) or listened to the audiobook narrated by Abby Craden, you’ll be happy to catch up with the lives of these characters.
The audiobook version was narrated by the fantastic Abby Craden who did as usual an amazing job. I know that a great part of my overall enjoyment of this audiobook was her performance of the different range of emotions, the distinctive voices of each character, and the nuances of the narrative tone throughout the book. Harper Bliss was very smart to choose Abby Craden’s narration as her performance style is perfect for Ms. Bliss’s work. 4.5 stars.
Length: 6 hours, 5 minutes
Available in Scribd
I love Harper Bliss’s books, they have all the ingredients that I enjoy reading in romance: superb chemistry, sweet romance, the right amount of drama, and hot sex. Add to that combination a group of endearing characters from other books, a vibrant music setting and a great narrator, and this audiobook was a perfect match for me.
The Lady Kings and their singer, Lana Lynch, are coming back on a tour after ten years of absence from the stage due to the sudden death of Lana’s wife and guitarist. For their comeback tour, they choose a young but famous band called The Other Women. Lana invites the lead singer Cleo Palmer to sing a duet with her for every night’s show encore. What follows is an incredible on-stage chemistry that slowly trickles off-stage. But Lana and Cleo are very different in many aspects and band politics threaten to get in the way of a potential romantic connection…
This is a fantastic characters’ chemistry study. Leave it to Ms. Bliss to put two very different women on a stage singing a duet together, and make their chemistry explosive. Lana and Cleo couldn’t be more different in age (Harper Bliss’s specialty), personality, and life experience, but as it normally happens in this author’s books, opposites attract fiercely. The way the attraction is written, from their first meeting to the end, is absolutely fantastic.
In the background of the romance, there is the interesting setting of two bands on a tour. Mix a few queer people sharing the stage, backstage and road trips, and you have the perfect recipe for drama. Ms. Bliss describes this situation very well and it introduces an almost infinite source of conflict. The politics and disputes behind each band were as engaging as the romance.
There are a few cameo appearances of characters from other books by Harper Bliss, my favourites, Izzy and Leila from A Breathless Place. If you’ve read that book (which I highly recommend) or listened to the audiobook narrated by Abby Craden, you’ll be happy to catch up with the lives of these characters.
The audiobook version was narrated by the fantastic Abby Craden who did as usual an amazing job. I know that a great part of my overall enjoyment of this audiobook was her performance of the different range of emotions, the distinctive voices of each character, and the nuances of the narrative tone throughout the book. Harper Bliss was very smart to choose Abby Craden’s narration as her performance style is perfect for Ms. Bliss’s work. 4.5 stars.
Length: 6 hours, 5 minutes
Available in Scribd
June 28, 2022
4.5 stars
Being out of the spotlight for ten years after the death of one of their bandmates, the Lady Kings led by lesbian icon Lana Lynch are launching a comeback tour. To boost interest, they will be touring with hot queer band The Other Women. Lynch isn't initially sold on needing an opening act, but when she sees impressive lead singer Cleo Palmer perform, she appreciates her talent and realizes the Lady Kings may actually grow their audience with them in tow. Lana recruits Cleo to join her for a sensual duet of her chart-topping hit for the closing number of the show, and the younger singer is only too happy to oblige. Their chemistry is off the charts, but Lana is initially oblivious to it. It wasn't just a band mate, but her wife that she lost a decade before, and since she is 54 and Cleo 29, it doesn't occur to her that what they're experiencing on stage is anything more than a performance. But could it be?
When there's an age gap this significant, stories have to be well written for me to buy in. In this case, it works. Both women are successful lead singers in their respective bands and that alone makes them able to relate to each other in a way that few others could. This story is a snapshot of the few months of the tour, so we don't see long term. And while we don't see much personal interaction beyond what is related to the tour, I expect we may see updates on these characters in future books. We get a lovely Easter egg in this one and while I won't spoil it for those that haven't read it, I love that Bliss gives us these gifts.
Celeb romances are my favorite trope and Harper Bliss has been spoiling the heck out of me with them in the last few years! It's obvious she has lots of fun with them because they are sexy and a joy to read! Bliss announced that Abby Craden is recording the audiobook version, so we have that to look forward to as well! Enjoyed this in one sitting.
Being out of the spotlight for ten years after the death of one of their bandmates, the Lady Kings led by lesbian icon Lana Lynch are launching a comeback tour. To boost interest, they will be touring with hot queer band The Other Women. Lynch isn't initially sold on needing an opening act, but when she sees impressive lead singer Cleo Palmer perform, she appreciates her talent and realizes the Lady Kings may actually grow their audience with them in tow. Lana recruits Cleo to join her for a sensual duet of her chart-topping hit for the closing number of the show, and the younger singer is only too happy to oblige. Their chemistry is off the charts, but Lana is initially oblivious to it. It wasn't just a band mate, but her wife that she lost a decade before, and since she is 54 and Cleo 29, it doesn't occur to her that what they're experiencing on stage is anything more than a performance. But could it be?
When there's an age gap this significant, stories have to be well written for me to buy in. In this case, it works. Both women are successful lead singers in their respective bands and that alone makes them able to relate to each other in a way that few others could. This story is a snapshot of the few months of the tour, so we don't see long term. And while we don't see much personal interaction beyond what is related to the tour, I expect we may see updates on these characters in future books. We get a lovely Easter egg in this one and while I won't spoil it for those that haven't read it, I love that Bliss gives us these gifts.
Celeb romances are my favorite trope and Harper Bliss has been spoiling the heck out of me with them in the last few years! It's obvious she has lots of fun with them because they are sexy and a joy to read! Bliss announced that Abby Craden is recording the audiobook version, so we have that to look forward to as well! Enjoyed this in one sitting.
August 3, 2022
I read this in just a couple hours! I couldn't put it down. Cleo and Lana are perfect together and I absolutely adored them. This book was sexy, fun and exactly what I needed. I haven't read a lot of Harper Bliss's books, but this is easily my favorite.
October 11, 2022
Gig tour romance.
I’m not really into celebrity romances. Average lifestyle fellas are usually closer to my heart. Nevertheless, books are designed to have readers feel something extraordinary, which hardly ever happens in real life. Harper Bliss described a story which I will definitely remember for a long time.
Two front women of rock bands are on tour while one group is a support band, considerably younger and less seasoned but just as talented as the senior band. Both groups find the tour to be a fantastic experience. The opportunity for the young people to perform in front of their heroes is fantastic. Following the passing of one of their members, the elder group views the trip as a triumphant comeback. The musicians strive to give the audience a special gift, as is frequently the case with live music. As a result, the last song is a duet between the two front women of the two bands. The game begins.
I’ve been to a few live concerts when there was a great synergy between the performers and the audience. It’s incredible to feel those emotions during a live concert. Every sound, gesture, and note has a completely new meaning when the singer is on stage looking at us and talking to us. Now let’s imagine such turmoil with a double impact with two powerful characters interacting with one another on stage. Harper Bliss depicted such an event perfectly. In so many words and details, I’ve attended a spectacular gig. I felt every minute of each performance, the ups and downs of MCs and the drama that appears when two sensitive and ambitious female artists touch each other’s souls.
I’m not really into celebrity romances. Average lifestyle fellas are usually closer to my heart. Nevertheless, books are designed to have readers feel something extraordinary, which hardly ever happens in real life. Harper Bliss described a story which I will definitely remember for a long time.
Two front women of rock bands are on tour while one group is a support band, considerably younger and less seasoned but just as talented as the senior band. Both groups find the tour to be a fantastic experience. The opportunity for the young people to perform in front of their heroes is fantastic. Following the passing of one of their members, the elder group views the trip as a triumphant comeback. The musicians strive to give the audience a special gift, as is frequently the case with live music. As a result, the last song is a duet between the two front women of the two bands. The game begins.
I’ve been to a few live concerts when there was a great synergy between the performers and the audience. It’s incredible to feel those emotions during a live concert. Every sound, gesture, and note has a completely new meaning when the singer is on stage looking at us and talking to us. Now let’s imagine such turmoil with a double impact with two powerful characters interacting with one another on stage. Harper Bliss depicted such an event perfectly. In so many words and details, I’ve attended a spectacular gig. I felt every minute of each performance, the ups and downs of MCs and the drama that appears when two sensitive and ambitious female artists touch each other’s souls.
June 30, 2022
4.5 stars
Being out of the spotlight for ten years after the death of one of their band mates, the Lady Kings led by lesbian icon Lana Lynch are launching a comeback tour. To boost interest, they will be touring with hot queer band The Other Women. Lynch isn't initially sold on needing an opening act, but when she sees impressive lead singer Cleo Palmer perform, she appreciates her talent and realizes the Lady Kings may actually grow their audience with them in tow. Lana recruits Cleo to join her for a sensual duet of her chart-topping hit for the closing number of the show, and the younger singer is only too happy to oblige. Their chemistry is off the charts, but Lana is initially oblivious to it. It wasn't just a band mate, but her wife that she lost a decade before, and since she is 54 and Cleo 29, it doesn't occur to her that what they're experiencing on stage is anything more than a performance. But could it be?
When there's an age gap this significant, stories have to be well written for me to buy in. In this case, it works. Both women are successful lead singers in their respective bands and that alone makes them able to relate to each other in a way that few others could. This story is a snapshot of the few months of the tour, so we don't see long term. And while we don't see much personal interaction beyond what is related to the tour, I expect we may see updates on these characters in future books. We get a lovely Easter egg in this one and while I won't spoil it for those that haven't read it, I love that Bliss gives us these gifts.
Celeb romances are my favorite trope and Harper Bliss has been spoiling the heck out of me with them in the last few years! It's obvious she has lots of fun with them because they are sexy and a joy to read!
UPDATE FOR AUDIOBOOK RELEASE: Abby Craden has the perfect low, gravelly voice for Lana Lynch and while I felt the age gap more in this audio version due to band politics, I still enjoyed it very much. At six hours, it's a great choice between longer books. Craden has become Bliss's go-to narrator and I am very happy for that! Between the writing and narration, I felt like I could actually see them performing on stage and it was a hot mental image indeed!
Being out of the spotlight for ten years after the death of one of their band mates, the Lady Kings led by lesbian icon Lana Lynch are launching a comeback tour. To boost interest, they will be touring with hot queer band The Other Women. Lynch isn't initially sold on needing an opening act, but when she sees impressive lead singer Cleo Palmer perform, she appreciates her talent and realizes the Lady Kings may actually grow their audience with them in tow. Lana recruits Cleo to join her for a sensual duet of her chart-topping hit for the closing number of the show, and the younger singer is only too happy to oblige. Their chemistry is off the charts, but Lana is initially oblivious to it. It wasn't just a band mate, but her wife that she lost a decade before, and since she is 54 and Cleo 29, it doesn't occur to her that what they're experiencing on stage is anything more than a performance. But could it be?
When there's an age gap this significant, stories have to be well written for me to buy in. In this case, it works. Both women are successful lead singers in their respective bands and that alone makes them able to relate to each other in a way that few others could. This story is a snapshot of the few months of the tour, so we don't see long term. And while we don't see much personal interaction beyond what is related to the tour, I expect we may see updates on these characters in future books. We get a lovely Easter egg in this one and while I won't spoil it for those that haven't read it, I love that Bliss gives us these gifts.
Celeb romances are my favorite trope and Harper Bliss has been spoiling the heck out of me with them in the last few years! It's obvious she has lots of fun with them because they are sexy and a joy to read!
UPDATE FOR AUDIOBOOK RELEASE: Abby Craden has the perfect low, gravelly voice for Lana Lynch and while I felt the age gap more in this audio version due to band politics, I still enjoyed it very much. At six hours, it's a great choice between longer books. Craden has become Bliss's go-to narrator and I am very happy for that! Between the writing and narration, I felt like I could actually see them performing on stage and it was a hot mental image indeed!
February 3, 2024
Too much jealousy for me in this one and the age gap was huge 24 years! I couldn’t get into either character either. Especially Lana and her infatuation with Cleo. It needed more character development for me to buy in.
I’ve been a huge Harper Bliss fan and I did like reading about other characters that I’ve enjoyed reading in her other books.
I listened to the audio and Abby Craden did a good job as always.
Others have liked this one, so give it a chance.
I’ve been a huge Harper Bliss fan and I did like reading about other characters that I’ve enjoyed reading in her other books.
I listened to the audio and Abby Craden did a good job as always.
Others have liked this one, so give it a chance.
November 4, 2024
این کتاب Daisy Jones and the six بود اگه دیزی و بیلی جفتشون دختر بودن و بیلی مجرد بود. که یکی از قشنگترین ترکیبها بود.
دقیقا مثل اون کتاب صحنههای مورد علاقم وقتایی بودن که لانا و کلویی توی کنسرت روی صحنه بودن و chemistry بینشون اینقدررر زیاد بود که همه میدیدنش (به جز خود لانا). یه جایی هست که وسط اجراشون کلویی اینقدر توی حس آهنگه که سرشو میذاره روی شونهی لانا و آهنگو از ته دلش میخونه و من اینجوری بودم که...اوه سلام دیزی اینجا چیکار میکنی؟
کاملا مشخص بود که بدون توجه به فاصلهی سنیشون یا شخصیتهای متفاوتشون و همه ی اینا، کلویی و لانا سولمیت بودن. برای همدیگه فوقالعاده بودن و بی نهایت همدیگه رو درک میکردن. تازه اگه همهی اینا کافی نبود، به همدیگه کتابای sapphic میدادن که طرف مقابل بخونه و ازش لذت ببره!
لانا فکر کنم یکی از شخصیتهای مورد علاقم توی کل کتاباییه که خوندم. یه شخصیت کاملا بالغه که توی رابطه درک میکنه همه چیزو. نیازهای کلویی رو درک میکنه، جاهایی که حتی حق داره ناراحت یا عصبانی شه بازم درک میکنه، الکی بحث نمیکنه و به معنی واقعی کلمه عاقل و بالغه.
یه صحنهای هست که با وجود اینکه خودش هنوز نمیخواسته رابطشونو پابلیک کنه، چون کلویی به نظر غمگین و خسته و تنها میاد، پشت صحنهی sound check بغلش میکنه و اینقدر عمیقه که همه میفهمن باهمن و من واقعا به یه لانا نیاز دارم که بغلم کنه.
Knowing how fleeting life can really be, how it can all slip through your fingers in a matter of seconds, I open my arms to Cleo.Hesitation crosses her face. “It’s okay,” I repeat. “Come here.” I let her come to me. I don’t want her to feel as though she has to hug me in front of everyone. It’s all optional.
Cleo exhales slowly, then bridges the remaining distance between us. She folds her arms around my waist and puts her head against my shoulder. I close my arms and hold her tight.
I’m keenly aware of a shift in the atmosphere around us. All work has stopped and everyone is looking at us.
تنها چیزی که توی این کتاب خیلی دوست نداشتم دلیلی بود که نمیتونستن باهم باشن و به نظرم رفتار بند کلویی خیلی بچگونه بود و جوری که کلویی هندلش کرد هم خیلی بچگونه بود. ترجیح میدادم این بخشش عوض شه ولی با وجود این عاشق این کتاب و وایبش شدم.
دقیقا مثل اون کتاب صحنههای مورد علاقم وقتایی بودن که لانا و کلویی توی کنسرت روی صحنه بودن و chemistry بینشون اینقدررر زیاد بود که همه میدیدنش (به جز خود لانا). یه جایی هست که وسط اجراشون کلویی اینقدر توی حس آهنگه که سرشو میذاره روی شونهی لانا و آهنگو از ته دلش میخونه و من اینجوری بودم که...اوه سلام دیزی اینجا چیکار میکنی؟
کاملا مشخص بود که بدون توجه به فاصلهی سنیشون یا شخصیتهای متفاوتشون و همه ی اینا، کلویی و لانا سولمیت بودن. برای همدیگه فوقالعاده بودن و بی نهایت همدیگه رو درک میکردن. تازه اگه همهی اینا کافی نبود، به همدیگه کتابای sapphic میدادن که طرف مقابل بخونه و ازش لذت ببره!
لانا فکر کنم یکی از شخصیتهای مورد علاقم توی کل کتاباییه که خوندم. یه شخصیت کاملا بالغه که توی رابطه درک میکنه همه چیزو. نیازهای کلویی رو درک میکنه، جاهایی که حتی حق داره ناراحت یا عصبانی شه بازم درک میکنه، الکی بحث نمیکنه و به معنی واقعی کلمه عاقل و بالغه.
یه صحنهای هست که با وجود اینکه خودش هنوز نمیخواسته رابطشونو پابلیک کنه، چون کلویی به نظر غمگین و خسته و تنها میاد، پشت صحنهی sound check بغلش میکنه و اینقدر عمیقه که همه میفهمن باهمن و من واقعا به یه لانا نیاز دارم که بغلم کنه.
Knowing how fleeting life can really be, how it can all slip through your fingers in a matter of seconds, I open my arms to Cleo.Hesitation crosses her face. “It’s okay,” I repeat. “Come here.” I let her come to me. I don’t want her to feel as though she has to hug me in front of everyone. It’s all optional.
Cleo exhales slowly, then bridges the remaining distance between us. She folds her arms around my waist and puts her head against my shoulder. I close my arms and hold her tight.
I’m keenly aware of a shift in the atmosphere around us. All work has stopped and everyone is looking at us.
تنها چیزی که توی این کتاب خیلی دوست نداشتم دلیلی بود که نمیتونستن باهم باشن و به نظرم رفتار بند کلویی خیلی بچگونه بود و جوری که کلویی هندلش کرد هم خیلی بچگونه بود. ترجیح میدادم این بخشش عوض شه ولی با وجود این عاشق این کتاب و وایبش شدم.
October 22, 2024
This book was a decent read, with the alternating POVs of Lana and Cleo adding depth and balance to the story.
But I just didn’t connect with the development of their relationship. Around the midway point, their romance suddenly escalated from 0 to 100, which felt jarring and rushed. After that, their dynamic became inconsistent, swinging between intense longing and cold detachment as external drama—mostly involving meddling bandmates—caused friction. For Cleo, it seemed like a case of hero worship, while for Lana, the relationship felt more like a convenient distraction. At no point did their bond truly feel like genuine love to me.
On a positive note, I loved the cameo of Izzy and Leila from A Breathless Place—one of my favorite couples from Harper Bliss's books! It was a nice touch that kept me engaged.
But I just didn’t connect with the development of their relationship. Around the midway point, their romance suddenly escalated from 0 to 100, which felt jarring and rushed. After that, their dynamic became inconsistent, swinging between intense longing and cold detachment as external drama—mostly involving meddling bandmates—caused friction. For Cleo, it seemed like a case of hero worship, while for Lana, the relationship felt more like a convenient distraction. At no point did their bond truly feel like genuine love to me.
On a positive note, I loved the cameo of Izzy and Leila from A Breathless Place—one of my favorite couples from Harper Bliss's books! It was a nice touch that kept me engaged.
September 20, 2022
I flew through this novel - I just couldn't put it down. The Duet is set on the road while two bands tour together, so there's an array of different characters but at no point does it get confusing - it just adds to the storyline. Although Lana is pegged as rockstar royalty, I really enjoyed getting to know Cleo Palmer and the way she's an emerging icon in her own right.
There is a bit of hero worship initially by Cleo towards Lana, and Lana is still reeling from the death of her wife, Joan. I will admit that it felt like their relationship was moreso due to their mutual physical attraction, but I still really enjoyed it.
Overall, I thought there was a perfect amount of drama and steam within The Duet. I definitely recommend a read - particularly if you're into celebrity romances with two powerhouse musicians.
There is a bit of hero worship initially by Cleo towards Lana, and Lana is still reeling from the death of her wife, Joan. I will admit that it felt like their relationship was moreso due to their mutual physical attraction, but I still really enjoyed it.
Overall, I thought there was a perfect amount of drama and steam within The Duet. I definitely recommend a read - particularly if you're into celebrity romances with two powerhouse musicians.
October 18, 2024
If you’re looking for a romance book that only focuses on the romance between two people and is pretty spicy, then this is the book for you! It was a super easy read, with no giant plot besides the two lovers getting together. It was a pretty cute book, some nice characters. It just was a super short book and not a lot else going on. It was a good read but I don’t feel super passionate about it either way. 5/10
June 24, 2025
I enjoyed it but a lot of the conversations between the younger band, and the cause of third act breakup felt far too juvenile to becoming from 30 year olds I'm sorry. these people acted like secondary school students.I liked the tension between Cleo and Lana though, they were very sexy. The way Lana's grief wasn't suddenly swept aside the moment she got together with Cleo made me really happy.
June 16, 2022
5 ⭐. This was a welcome surprise and quickly became one of my favorite books of 2022. Harper Bliss' books, they don't always work for me, but this one does and I loved every minute of it. I'm also glad I read "A breathless place", which is such an emotionally difficult book, but now we meet Izzy and Leyla again. There's also mention of Faye Fleming and Ida Burton.
Lana Lynch, lead singer of the famous lesbian band The Lady Kings, and Cleo Palmer, lead singer of the newly famous band the other Women and lifelong fan of The Lady Kings, have insane chemistry. When Lana asks Cleo before the tour to sing a duet with her to close the concert, Cleo is thrilled.
The duet is a mostly light book in terms of topics and conflict, but what I really liked was the relatively intimate setting on tour and the emotional journey for the characters.
The age gap between Lana (54)and Cleo (29) is huge, but they are both mature and communicate really well and it works perfectly. It also helps that the book is told from both perspectives in the first person. It's harder for Lana, because this tour is not easy on her - it's the first tour in a decade and before that the band played with their guitarist Joan, Lana's wife, who suddenly died. Memories lurk behind every corner, but also she has a very hands on respective of live now and very much lives in the moment because she knows how fleeting life is.
Cleo, however, tries to keep together the band, which comes with its own drama and relationships when two lesbian bands tour together.
Abby Craden‘s narration was outstanding and oh so sexy.
Lana Lynch, lead singer of the famous lesbian band The Lady Kings, and Cleo Palmer, lead singer of the newly famous band the other Women and lifelong fan of The Lady Kings, have insane chemistry. When Lana asks Cleo before the tour to sing a duet with her to close the concert, Cleo is thrilled.
The duet is a mostly light book in terms of topics and conflict, but what I really liked was the relatively intimate setting on tour and the emotional journey for the characters.
The age gap between Lana (54)and Cleo (29) is huge, but they are both mature and communicate really well and it works perfectly. It also helps that the book is told from both perspectives in the first person. It's harder for Lana, because this tour is not easy on her - it's the first tour in a decade and before that the band played with their guitarist Joan, Lana's wife, who suddenly died. Memories lurk behind every corner, but also she has a very hands on respective of live now and very much lives in the moment because she knows how fleeting life is.
Cleo, however, tries to keep together the band, which comes with its own drama and relationships when two lesbian bands tour together.
Abby Craden‘s narration was outstanding and oh so sexy.
August 27, 2022
I enjoyed this Bliss' book pretty much. Her writing style never disappoint and it was an entertaining story
4 Stars
4 Stars
August 2, 2022
The Duet
Extremely talented Harper Bliss tells a wonderful story. It's heartfelt and full of chemistry. I love her books and will continue to follow her.
Extremely talented Harper Bliss tells a wonderful story. It's heartfelt and full of chemistry. I love her books and will continue to follow her.
September 18, 2022
Oh mi gud
Crazy. Crazy love. Intense emotions. Amazing story. Makes me want to actually see these performances but also jealous that I will just be another fan. God.
I love how names from charactersfrom previous books make appearances. Though I think Lana made it before her book?..no.?.
On a side note: Best friends can be toxic. Hihi. I was waiting for Cleo to pull a, "What about my happiness? Am I not your best friend" monologue. But, well we can't have it all.
Crazy. Crazy love. Intense emotions. Amazing story. Makes me want to actually see these performances but also jealous that I will just be another fan. God.
I love how names from charactersfrom previous books make appearances. Though I think Lana made it before her book?..no.?.
On a side note: Best friends can be toxic. Hihi. I was waiting for Cleo to pull a, "What about my happiness? Am I not your best friend" monologue. But, well we can't have it all.
May 6, 2022
Harper Bliss has this amazing ability to introduce us to her characters and then let's us get swept away with them, by sharing their inner most thoughts and feelings through the most superb use of characterisation I have ever seen.
Lana is taking her band The Lady Kings on a epic comeback tour, and they bring along younger, hot right now band The Other Woman. Rock 'N' Roll antics ensue.
Lana invites The other Women lead singer Cleo to perform a Duet at the end of each gig and sparks inevitably fly. The Duet is an age-gap romance about the challenges of finding yourself when you thought you had already. Of accepting that you fall for who you fall for, and the intricacies of being in a band, with friends who are as close as family. Of opening yourself to possibilities and being prepared to live in the moment. To choose what is right for you regardless of expectations or opionion.
Harper Bliss has yet again delivered a beautiful heartfelt story, full of chemestry, emotions and self discovery.
Lana is taking her band The Lady Kings on a epic comeback tour, and they bring along younger, hot right now band The Other Woman. Rock 'N' Roll antics ensue.
Lana invites The other Women lead singer Cleo to perform a Duet at the end of each gig and sparks inevitably fly. The Duet is an age-gap romance about the challenges of finding yourself when you thought you had already. Of accepting that you fall for who you fall for, and the intricacies of being in a band, with friends who are as close as family. Of opening yourself to possibilities and being prepared to live in the moment. To choose what is right for you regardless of expectations or opionion.
Harper Bliss has yet again delivered a beautiful heartfelt story, full of chemestry, emotions and self discovery.
April 5, 2025
miks täält löytyy vaa rumal kannel tää kirja? i’m on a hunt for a good lesbian romance because i’m craving for one mut tääkää ei ihan täyttäny mun vaatimuksia. kemiaa löyty ja artists falling for each other on erittäin up my alley mut täst suhteen kehityksest puuttu kokonaan syvempi emotionaalinen yhteys eikä nää hahmot ikinä oikeest tutustunu toisiinsa. tää silti viihdytti mua ihan hyvin postausta editoidessa ja voipi olla et saan ehkä ign puolelleki piakkoin postattuu pitkästä aikaa. anyway if you have lesbian romance recs please let me know i am desperate. ja okei hyvää täs kirjas oli myös abby craden lukijana!
March 9, 2025
EG LOVE DET E ET MINDRE KLEINT COVER PÅ STORYTEL (d e lenge siden eg har vært borti ei bok me karakterer som har så lite dybde å der alle e nesten akkurat samme person, gørrkjedelig)
October 27, 2024
WHY THE AGE GAP? This was a cute book and I liked the vibe but the 20+ year age gap was too much 😭 The drama was so high school but I feel like the book acknowledged it so I guess its ok (?) I feel like it could've had more substance overall 3.5 stars
May 4, 2022
I’m a sucker for an age-gap romance, thrown in celebrities and I’m sold! Our mains, Lana and Cleo, both talented lead singers for their respective bands, teamed up to rock concert goers socks’ off with a killer duet to end each show. (I loved that Lana had written and sung the song originally with Isabel Adler from A Breathless Place!) Cleo had idolized Lana for years and over the course of several weeks of singing the duet, her feelings grew. Lana was entirely clueless and when the lightbulb finally went off, sparks flew! This is a well written read that could be read on a lazy Sunday afternoon!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2022
Three stars feels quite generous but two seems too low. This story covers about two months of time as these two queer, predominately female bands are on tour together for that duration so it moves quite fast. It feels like two parallel space-time continuums are in play: the present day of touring, singing together, drama, and the MCs, Lanna & Cleo, falling in something described as love but behaving more like lustful magnetism. The second continuum of Lanna reanimating and emotionally disentangling from her previous relationship with her deceased wife who died suddenly ten years prior.
In the end, felt like a fling and will be interesting if this story gets interwoven into future Bliss storylines.
In the end, felt like a fling and will be interesting if this story gets interwoven into future Bliss storylines.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2024
A simple and easy read, good if you are looking for something quick without much depth. There are many side characters as two full bands and crew are included in the story but this created a lack of development of any of them.
Having listened to the audiobook of this novel Abby Craden gets the MVP for her performance as I would have most likely not finished it if I was reading the hard copy.
Not painfully cheesy as some romances and therefore remained enjoyable in its simplicity.
Having listened to the audiobook of this novel Abby Craden gets the MVP for her performance as I would have most likely not finished it if I was reading the hard copy.
Not painfully cheesy as some romances and therefore remained enjoyable in its simplicity.
March 7, 2024
I enjoyed this book for what it was, but felt like there was too much time spent on surrounding drama and not enough time on the two main characters.
Also, the cover is so much nicer on Kobo Plus. It makes a difference!
Also, the cover is so much nicer on Kobo Plus. It makes a difference!
May 8, 2022
Wonderful age-gap romance
Lana Lynch, the lead singer of the Lady kings, has been mourning the death of her wife and guitarist of the band for ten years. After so long they decide is time to have a comeback tour, taking a band of young women that are making their own name. Cleo Palmer and her band The Other Women have idolised The Lady Kings all their lives and she, particularly Lana. So, when the opportunity to become their opening act comes their way, they’re thrilled to take it. Lana is amazed by Cloe’s voice, so she invites her to sing the closing song, just the two of them. A sensual song that was originally sung by Lana and Isabel Adler, takes a very different feeling. When Cloe accepted, she never thought about what was coming her way. Their strong chemistry is unexpected.
I loved it from the start, so promising and the development was everything I hoped for. It’s always good to hear or even just read a bit about characters from other books, here there’s the mention of Faye Fleming and Ida Burton, as well as Isabel Adler.
It’s an intense and emotional brilliant story. This is one of those books that the moment you start reading you know will strike every chord, a masterpiece and will make you feel in love with it, also will stay with you forever.
I was so captivated by the story, that I could see it folding before my eyes and it was simply amazing. Harper's writing is flawless and engaging. Harper is the best at writing age gap stories; this is definitely one of her best.
That chemistry between Lana and Cleo, to say is amazing and absolutely sizzling hot is an understatement. They’re perfect together. And even in those times when you could feel the age gap playing a role, their chemistry was undeniable. There was a point I could understand Lana completely and thought Cleo and her band were acting a little overdramatic and like they were still in high school, but Harper is very good going through the story and sorting out the bumps on the road.
Was great to see Isabel Adler again, I loved her in A Breathless Place".
I love the fuzzy, happy feeling I'm left with after reading this magnificent book. Highly recommended
It’s a beautiful, amazing and simply brilliant read.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
Lana Lynch, the lead singer of the Lady kings, has been mourning the death of her wife and guitarist of the band for ten years. After so long they decide is time to have a comeback tour, taking a band of young women that are making their own name. Cleo Palmer and her band The Other Women have idolised The Lady Kings all their lives and she, particularly Lana. So, when the opportunity to become their opening act comes their way, they’re thrilled to take it. Lana is amazed by Cloe’s voice, so she invites her to sing the closing song, just the two of them. A sensual song that was originally sung by Lana and Isabel Adler, takes a very different feeling. When Cloe accepted, she never thought about what was coming her way. Their strong chemistry is unexpected.
I loved it from the start, so promising and the development was everything I hoped for. It’s always good to hear or even just read a bit about characters from other books, here there’s the mention of Faye Fleming and Ida Burton, as well as Isabel Adler.
It’s an intense and emotional brilliant story. This is one of those books that the moment you start reading you know will strike every chord, a masterpiece and will make you feel in love with it, also will stay with you forever.
I was so captivated by the story, that I could see it folding before my eyes and it was simply amazing. Harper's writing is flawless and engaging. Harper is the best at writing age gap stories; this is definitely one of her best.
That chemistry between Lana and Cleo, to say is amazing and absolutely sizzling hot is an understatement. They’re perfect together. And even in those times when you could feel the age gap playing a role, their chemistry was undeniable. There was a point I could understand Lana completely and thought Cleo and her band were acting a little overdramatic and like they were still in high school, but Harper is very good going through the story and sorting out the bumps on the road.
Was great to see Isabel Adler again, I loved her in A Breathless Place".
I love the fuzzy, happy feeling I'm left with after reading this magnificent book. Highly recommended
It’s a beautiful, amazing and simply brilliant read.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
January 12, 2025
2.5
**"Decepcionante y Poco Memorable"**
Después de haber leído varios libros de Harper Bliss, tenía muchas ganas de leer *The Duet*, pero lamentablemente resultó ser mi menos favorito. Las escenas de sexo, que suelen ser un punto fuerte en sus historias, me parecieron aburridas y estaban cargadas de largos monólogos internos que hicieron que el ritmo fuera demasiado lento. En algunos momentos, incluso olvidé lo que estaba leyendo.
La mención constante de Joan, incluso durante los momentos íntimos con Cleo, se sintió fuera de lugar y arruinó la conexión entre ellas. Además, los compañeros de la banda eran infantiles, egoístas e inmaduros, lo que dificultaba creer en la dinámica de la historia.
¿Y Lana? Una estrella de rock como ella cayendo en el drama de Cleo con la banda sin establecer límites o decirle to fuck off… simplemente no fue creíble. Su paciencia y calma parecían exageradas, casi irreales.
Muy insta love, tampoco se cree que cuando Cleo estaba triste los amigos lo notaran o piensen en ella … todo muy rápido. Pensé que el primer beso sería en el escenario tipo después de alguna discusión ta que tanto dice i should have kiss her .. nah boring
Como alguien que ha disfrutado de seis libros de Harper Bliss, este fue una gran decepción. *The Duet* carece de la chispa y la profundidad emocional que suelo buscar en su trabajo.
**"Decepcionante y Poco Memorable"**
Después de haber leído varios libros de Harper Bliss, tenía muchas ganas de leer *The Duet*, pero lamentablemente resultó ser mi menos favorito. Las escenas de sexo, que suelen ser un punto fuerte en sus historias, me parecieron aburridas y estaban cargadas de largos monólogos internos que hicieron que el ritmo fuera demasiado lento. En algunos momentos, incluso olvidé lo que estaba leyendo.
La mención constante de Joan, incluso durante los momentos íntimos con Cleo, se sintió fuera de lugar y arruinó la conexión entre ellas. Además, los compañeros de la banda eran infantiles, egoístas e inmaduros, lo que dificultaba creer en la dinámica de la historia.
¿Y Lana? Una estrella de rock como ella cayendo en el drama de Cleo con la banda sin establecer límites o decirle to fuck off… simplemente no fue creíble. Su paciencia y calma parecían exageradas, casi irreales.
Muy insta love, tampoco se cree que cuando Cleo estaba triste los amigos lo notaran o piensen en ella … todo muy rápido. Pensé que el primer beso sería en el escenario tipo después de alguna discusión ta que tanto dice i should have kiss her .. nah boring
Como alguien que ha disfrutado de seis libros de Harper Bliss, este fue una gran decepción. *The Duet* carece de la chispa y la profundidad emocional que suelo buscar en su trabajo.
August 31, 2022
This is my third book in Bliss Verse and while I enjoyed the switch from Hollywood to Rock, the relationship wasn’t as believable as I wanted. There were a couple things that threw me off. First, I wasn’t sure beyond an intense singing connection why they liked each other. Second, the drama with the bandmates and how Cleo handled it felt really immature. Third, the memory of Lana’s wife was so poignant the way it was woven in but I did wonder if Lana was ready and how Cleo felt about her grief. Last, a few things happened to quickly/suddenly. I wanted more exploration of the age gap, more physical descriptions of the women, and a little less interior exposition. Harper Bliss is a gorgeous writer so any book of hers is a pleasure to read but the meat of this story was lacking for me. I listened to it, and Abby Craden does a wonderful job bringing both characters and the bands to life.
Short summary: rockstar Lana lost her wife suddenly 10 years ago, now she’s back on tour, singing a sexy duet with the young front lady of their opening band. Cleo is living the dream, opening for her idol the Lady Kings. But night after night singing with Lana leads to feelings she can’t have but can’t ignore.
Short summary: rockstar Lana lost her wife suddenly 10 years ago, now she’s back on tour, singing a sexy duet with the young front lady of their opening band. Cleo is living the dream, opening for her idol the Lady Kings. But night after night singing with Lana leads to feelings she can’t have but can’t ignore.
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