What do you think?
Rate this book
A Family Affair
Best-selling lesbian romance author Harper Bliss brings you a deliciously impossible love story about falling for the one person you can’t have.
Kate has been married to Kevin for ten years, but their failed journey to parenthood has left their relationship on the brink. As Kevin tries to heal by remodeling their home, Kate finds herself living in her mother-in-law’s pool house. And having to spend a lot of time with Kevin’s spoiled sister.
Stella is preparing for a career-defining audition, but is happy to welcome her brother and his wife to the house—even though she thinks Kate doesn't like her all that much.
With Kevin away, Kate and Stella bond over secret crushes, hot movie stars, and glitzy celebrity parties.
Until one night, after too many shots of tequila, their bonding goes a step too far…
Get your copy now and join Kate and Stella on their thrillingly unexpected journey to love!
Kate has been married to Kevin for ten years, but their failed journey to parenthood has left their relationship on the brink. As Kevin tries to heal by remodeling their home, Kate finds herself living in her mother-in-law’s pool house. And having to spend a lot of time with Kevin’s spoiled sister.
Stella is preparing for a career-defining audition, but is happy to welcome her brother and his wife to the house—even though she thinks Kate doesn't like her all that much.
With Kevin away, Kate and Stella bond over secret crushes, hot movie stars, and glitzy celebrity parties.
Until one night, after too many shots of tequila, their bonding goes a step too far…
Get your copy now and join Kate and Stella on their thrillingly unexpected journey to love!
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2022
439 people are currently reading
3075 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 363 reviews
August 25, 2022
Cheating.
The main relationship in this book is born from cheating so if you have strong views about infidelity, please stay away from this. But for others who are game to try this out, this is available on KU.
Harper Bliss has always had the ability to turn a controversial romance into a beautiful one and this one is no different. I try to keep an open mind about the topic of cheating when it comes to novels but my enjoyment of such stories is, by and large, dependent on a couple of factors, including how invested I am in the main characters and how I feel about the person being cheated on. For this one, I felt very little sympathy for Kate's husband, Kev, the guy who was being cheated on, so I'm good on that front. Kev isn't a bad guy but there were obvious cracks in his marriage to Kate and he was hardly around.
This book has multiple layers of controversy as Kate's love interest is Kev's sister, Stella, but this story turned out to be far less awkward than it should have been. I thought it was handled well. This might be because the story isn't about the thrill of infidelity and the relationship between Kate and Stella isn't all about lust and raging hormones. There was some vulnerability in Kate's mental state while she tried to come to terms with her infertility and the comfort that Stella brought to her is worth acknowledging. Then there were also lengthy discussions on their situation and plenty of internal processing that revealed feelings such as guilt.
I wouldn't say this story is perfect. I thought Kate and Stella fell in love much too quickly and easily and I would have liked it if they had been given more time to develop their attraction and feelings. But I did enjoy what Bliss had to offer.
The main relationship in this book is born from cheating so if you have strong views about infidelity, please stay away from this. But for others who are game to try this out, this is available on KU.
Harper Bliss has always had the ability to turn a controversial romance into a beautiful one and this one is no different. I try to keep an open mind about the topic of cheating when it comes to novels but my enjoyment of such stories is, by and large, dependent on a couple of factors, including how invested I am in the main characters and how I feel about the person being cheated on. For this one, I felt very little sympathy for Kate's husband, Kev, the guy who was being cheated on, so I'm good on that front. Kev isn't a bad guy but there were obvious cracks in his marriage to Kate and he was hardly around.
This book has multiple layers of controversy as Kate's love interest is Kev's sister, Stella, but this story turned out to be far less awkward than it should have been. I thought it was handled well. This might be because the story isn't about the thrill of infidelity and the relationship between Kate and Stella isn't all about lust and raging hormones. There was some vulnerability in Kate's mental state while she tried to come to terms with her infertility and the comfort that Stella brought to her is worth acknowledging. Then there were also lengthy discussions on their situation and plenty of internal processing that revealed feelings such as guilt.
I wouldn't say this story is perfect. I thought Kate and Stella fell in love much too quickly and easily and I would have liked it if they had been given more time to develop their attraction and feelings. But I did enjoy what Bliss had to offer.
August 24, 2022
4.5☆
A Family Affair is a perfect title for Harper Bliss's new story and in her unique way, Bliss can turn around what should be an impossible situation into a romance like no other author.
Kate suffers greatly from the fact that she and her husband Kevin cannot have children, they had tried everything, including IVF, but it was not to be. This has caused a rift in the relationship that is difficult to repair. Both are grieving big time in different ways. Kevin withdraws completely from Kate and Kate feels totally abandoned and alone on her own, since her husband, whom she needs right now like never before, is neither emotionally nor physically available.
I can't imagine how desperate Kate must feel in this situation. She is extremely vulnerable and her emotions are all over the place, while her defense mechanism is off. As she spends more and more time with Stella, her sister-in-law, an actress who is on the verge of a breakthrough and whom she had always judged as spoiled and superficial, she has to admit to herself that Stella is a very empathetic and caring person with whom she enjoys spending time. Joking about common celebrity crushes, going to a celebrity party together, relaxing in the jacuzzi, and having a tequila night make Kate forget her whole misery for a while and makes her receptive to unexpected feelings and a surprising attraction.
The story is told alternately from the point of view of Kate and Stella giving us a glimpse into their minds. I liked reading about the arguments and self-criticism of the main characters regarding their situation, their actions, and their feelings. Both women are profound and endearing and I couldn't help but cheer for them.
Cheating is a hard thing to accept and digest. Kevin is understandably no exception, even if he is partly to blame for the whole situation. In the type of situation Kate is in, I can understand how a flirtation can go too far. How the two of them handle everything afterward is all the more important as cheating for months on end is an absolute no-go. Kate and Stella fight against their feelings, blame themselves, and chew on their own guilt. But we can't control when and with whom we fall in love. Will the family break up or will time heal the wounds? Read for yourself, A Family Affair is Haper Bliss at her best. This book is emotional, exciting, and filled with hot sex scenes.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
A Family Affair is a perfect title for Harper Bliss's new story and in her unique way, Bliss can turn around what should be an impossible situation into a romance like no other author.
Kate suffers greatly from the fact that she and her husband Kevin cannot have children, they had tried everything, including IVF, but it was not to be. This has caused a rift in the relationship that is difficult to repair. Both are grieving big time in different ways. Kevin withdraws completely from Kate and Kate feels totally abandoned and alone on her own, since her husband, whom she needs right now like never before, is neither emotionally nor physically available.
I can't imagine how desperate Kate must feel in this situation. She is extremely vulnerable and her emotions are all over the place, while her defense mechanism is off. As she spends more and more time with Stella, her sister-in-law, an actress who is on the verge of a breakthrough and whom she had always judged as spoiled and superficial, she has to admit to herself that Stella is a very empathetic and caring person with whom she enjoys spending time. Joking about common celebrity crushes, going to a celebrity party together, relaxing in the jacuzzi, and having a tequila night make Kate forget her whole misery for a while and makes her receptive to unexpected feelings and a surprising attraction.
The story is told alternately from the point of view of Kate and Stella giving us a glimpse into their minds. I liked reading about the arguments and self-criticism of the main characters regarding their situation, their actions, and their feelings. Both women are profound and endearing and I couldn't help but cheer for them.
Cheating is a hard thing to accept and digest. Kevin is understandably no exception, even if he is partly to blame for the whole situation. In the type of situation Kate is in, I can understand how a flirtation can go too far. How the two of them handle everything afterward is all the more important as cheating for months on end is an absolute no-go. Kate and Stella fight against their feelings, blame themselves, and chew on their own guilt. But we can't control when and with whom we fall in love. Will the family break up or will time heal the wounds? Read for yourself, A Family Affair is Haper Bliss at her best. This book is emotional, exciting, and filled with hot sex scenes.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2022
4.5 stars
Updated review for audiobook version: My feelings remain the same and Abby Craden brings these characters to life as wonderfully as she does all of Bliss's books!
I love that Harper Bliss is writing celeb romances because it's apparent she's having great fun doing it! I don't know if she considers them a series or not, but many of hers lately have connecting characters and they're all told in dual first person. This one has cameos from characters from About That Kiss and The Duet.
When I learned that this was going to be an oh-so-scandalous story about a woman falling for her sister-in-law, my first reaction was "Ooooohh... That will be hard to pull off. Let's see what Harper does with it." It's like a cardinal rule of sapphic fiction that cheating is a no-no. But Harper, being the terrific storyteller she is, figures out a way. I'll admit - there were times when I wondered how up-and-coming movie starlet Stella and interior designer Kate could possibly get their HEA, so I was intrigued and invested.
While the circumstances were less than ideal, the story was handled with sensitivity. Nobody was a terrible person or wanted to cause anyone pain or heartache. Life happened and this was the result. Pretty realistic, it seemed to me. It's certainly a story that provides food for thought. I said this once in an early review of a different book, but it remains true today. We all have (sometimes very strong) ideas about how we would handle something if it should happen to us, but nobody really knows until it does. Because that very well may change your perspective.
Harper's books have become must-reads for me and I always enjoy them. I recommend this one, but would definitely read About That Kiss and The Duet first to get full enjoyment out of it.
Updated review for audiobook version: My feelings remain the same and Abby Craden brings these characters to life as wonderfully as she does all of Bliss's books!
I love that Harper Bliss is writing celeb romances because it's apparent she's having great fun doing it! I don't know if she considers them a series or not, but many of hers lately have connecting characters and they're all told in dual first person. This one has cameos from characters from About That Kiss and The Duet.
When I learned that this was going to be an oh-so-scandalous story about a woman falling for her sister-in-law, my first reaction was "Ooooohh... That will be hard to pull off. Let's see what Harper does with it." It's like a cardinal rule of sapphic fiction that cheating is a no-no. But Harper, being the terrific storyteller she is, figures out a way. I'll admit - there were times when I wondered how up-and-coming movie starlet Stella and interior designer Kate could possibly get their HEA, so I was intrigued and invested.
While the circumstances were less than ideal, the story was handled with sensitivity. Nobody was a terrible person or wanted to cause anyone pain or heartache. Life happened and this was the result. Pretty realistic, it seemed to me. It's certainly a story that provides food for thought. I said this once in an early review of a different book, but it remains true today. We all have (sometimes very strong) ideas about how we would handle something if it should happen to us, but nobody really knows until it does. Because that very well may change your perspective.
Harper's books have become must-reads for me and I always enjoy them. I recommend this one, but would definitely read About That Kiss and The Duet first to get full enjoyment out of it.
August 15, 2022
You know how people say it’s a fine line between love and hate. This book lives on that line and I think it will result in some polarising opinions.
A taboo romance, a forbidden love, I like those, what I don’t like is cheating. Bliss is very upfront about this plot in the book, it’s only fair I mention it from the get go as well. If I can just disregard the cheating, which I’m not saying I can easily do, I kind of like this romance. Although I don’t get where the love comes from so sudden, I mostly understand the lust and the comfort parts of it and those I enjoy. Kate has been married to Kevin for a decade, they’ve been trying to conceive and just been failing. Failing at not only conceiving, but being a married couple, enjoying each other, communicating, and finding comfort with the person you’re supposed to find that with. They move in with Kevin’s mom while he renovates their house to deal with his emotions (strange). Kevin’s sister Stella is 29 and still lives at home with her mom. She’s an aspiring actor (I’m purposely using actor as it is preferred to use that over actress nowadays). Kate always thought Stella was a spoiled mommy’s girl, but when they find themselves wasted and alone with their mutual disappointments floating around they find comfort with each other. How they actually go from being friendly to lovers to love is a bit too much for me, especially the last step. They’ve gone from barely knowing each other and not particularly liking each other to a couple nights together to love? It’s astounding really.
As long as I can sorta forget about the cheating, which is handled quite alright, maybe, disregard the I love you, I can really enjoy this book. Oh, final remark on the cheating; Stella has been closed off for love for three years because her then girlfriend cheated on her with her best friend, of course she turns around and does the same thing to her brother.
This story is complicated I suppose, Bliss attempts to handle it all carefully and make it enjoyable, but I’m sure it’ll result in very polarising reviews and feelings about what is and what isn’t allowed. I don’t condone cheating, never will, and I would much prefer it if it wasn’t in the books I read, but it’s life and it’s complicated and sometimes stuff happens.
*ARC provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review*
A taboo romance, a forbidden love, I like those, what I don’t like is cheating. Bliss is very upfront about this plot in the book, it’s only fair I mention it from the get go as well. If I can just disregard the cheating, which I’m not saying I can easily do, I kind of like this romance. Although I don’t get where the love comes from so sudden, I mostly understand the lust and the comfort parts of it and those I enjoy. Kate has been married to Kevin for a decade, they’ve been trying to conceive and just been failing. Failing at not only conceiving, but being a married couple, enjoying each other, communicating, and finding comfort with the person you’re supposed to find that with. They move in with Kevin’s mom while he renovates their house to deal with his emotions (strange). Kevin’s sister Stella is 29 and still lives at home with her mom. She’s an aspiring actor (I’m purposely using actor as it is preferred to use that over actress nowadays). Kate always thought Stella was a spoiled mommy’s girl, but when they find themselves wasted and alone with their mutual disappointments floating around they find comfort with each other. How they actually go from being friendly to lovers to love is a bit too much for me, especially the last step. They’ve gone from barely knowing each other and not particularly liking each other to a couple nights together to love? It’s astounding really.
As long as I can sorta forget about the cheating, which is handled quite alright, maybe, disregard the I love you, I can really enjoy this book. Oh, final remark on the cheating; Stella has been closed off for love for three years because her then girlfriend cheated on her with her best friend, of course she turns around and does the same thing to her brother.
This story is complicated I suppose, Bliss attempts to handle it all carefully and make it enjoyable, but I’m sure it’ll result in very polarising reviews and feelings about what is and what isn’t allowed. I don’t condone cheating, never will, and I would much prefer it if it wasn’t in the books I read, but it’s life and it’s complicated and sometimes stuff happens.
*ARC provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review*
September 1, 2022
4+ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Relationships with former in-laws… probably acceptable. Relationship with an in-law who still has ties with their spouse and said spouse happened to be your sibling whom you are close with and fond of? Well, that is a different ball game altogether and a big NO. And if this is a plot that you can read through, then please, by all means, do read!
I really enjoy reading A Family Affair and wanted to see how the author is going to spin it. It’s angsty, it’s heartbreaking, it’s funny, it has wonderful secondary characters, cameo appearances from earlier books, great family dynamics with hilarious banters. There is not one bad bone in the book and with the taboo romance, everyone got hurt in the mess.
The one thing that irked me was the quick turnaround for Kate, from simply being tolerant of Stella (an upcoming actress), who Kate thought is a spoiled brat to being in love with Stella…all within the short time that she spent with Stella while staying under the same roof; granted she was in a vulnerable, emotional state and the one constant that she can rely on when no one was around was Stella. I’m not condoning what transpired between Kate and Stella but I guess the heart wants what the heart wants.
Available in KU - 25/08/2022
Relationships with former in-laws… probably acceptable. Relationship with an in-law who still has ties with their spouse and said spouse happened to be your sibling whom you are close with and fond of? Well, that is a different ball game altogether and a big NO. And if this is a plot that you can read through, then please, by all means, do read!
I really enjoy reading A Family Affair and wanted to see how the author is going to spin it. It’s angsty, it’s heartbreaking, it’s funny, it has wonderful secondary characters, cameo appearances from earlier books, great family dynamics with hilarious banters. There is not one bad bone in the book and with the taboo romance, everyone got hurt in the mess.
The one thing that irked me was the quick turnaround for Kate, from simply being tolerant of Stella (an upcoming actress), who Kate thought is a spoiled brat to being in love with Stella…all within the short time that she spent with Stella while staying under the same roof; granted she was in a vulnerable, emotional state and the one constant that she can rely on when no one was around was Stella. I’m not condoning what transpired between Kate and Stella but I guess the heart wants what the heart wants.
Available in KU - 25/08/2022
August 23, 2022
I think I might be the only lesfic reader who doesn't worry about a cheating storyline. For me, it's just another way fiction reflects real life, and sometimes cheating does occur so why shouldn't it be featured in books too? I think Harper Bliss was very, very brave though as I'm sure she'll get a bit of push back due this one. Hats off to Bliss for writing and publishing this book!
Stella and Kate are sisters-in-law who haven't really gotten to know one another. When Kate moves into the pool house where Stella lives with her mother, their connection grows and a love affair begins.
Although it sounds quite sordid when it's written that way, it truly doesn't feel like it when reading it. Although I felt for Kate's husband, Kevin, the chemistry between Kate and Stella felt so organic and real. I couldn't help but want them together - no matter what the cost.
There are some incredible moments in this book, and there are also some seriously cringeworthy scenes too. A great novel and I hope that you won't be put off by the cheating storyline to give it a try.
Many thanks to Harper Bliss for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Stella and Kate are sisters-in-law who haven't really gotten to know one another. When Kate moves into the pool house where Stella lives with her mother, their connection grows and a love affair begins.
Although it sounds quite sordid when it's written that way, it truly doesn't feel like it when reading it. Although I felt for Kate's husband, Kevin, the chemistry between Kate and Stella felt so organic and real. I couldn't help but want them together - no matter what the cost.
There are some incredible moments in this book, and there are also some seriously cringeworthy scenes too. A great novel and I hope that you won't be put off by the cheating storyline to give it a try.
Many thanks to Harper Bliss for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2022
No matter whether you enjoy Bliss’ writing or not, no one can say she doesn’t take risks. Yes, some of her stories are eyebrow arching, but she manages to pull them off convincingly. This one was no exception. It was like the accident you can’t stop looking at, or in this case, listening too. Narrated by Craden, this one kept me ignoring the world until I was able to finish it.
October 26, 2022
unfortunately, this wasn't for me.
it had all the right ingredients: forbidden romance, an appropriate age gap, the gays™, an up & coming actress in la. and yet, i was left dissatisfied.
the main problem with a family affair, for me at least, was that i felt nothing towards any of the characters. mainly because they were all so one-dimensional. everything i learnt was based solely on one of two things; (1) wanting but being unable to have babies, or (2) being a family. every conversation involved either these two topics or was about the affair. there was no sustenance.
okay fine, there doesn't need to be that much sustenance, if there is; tension thick enough to cut with a knife, clear and unwavering chemistry and some witty banter. a family affair barely had one of the three; a few funny moments in the dialogue between kate and stella. other than that, it was bone dry. i wasn't convinced, and since there was no other real plot, i found myself skipping or skimming paragraphs.
i also thought i was stuck on a carousel. it was all so repetitive. i can only read so much about how you really want a baby and how kevin keeps knocking down walls.
i did think the fallout, how it was all handled and the guilt/shame was done quite well - it's a tricky topic to write about, so hats off to anyone that can pull it off. and bliss does do it some justice. i just wish i cared about any of them.
it had all the right ingredients: forbidden romance, an appropriate age gap, the gays™, an up & coming actress in la. and yet, i was left dissatisfied.
the main problem with a family affair, for me at least, was that i felt nothing towards any of the characters. mainly because they were all so one-dimensional. everything i learnt was based solely on one of two things; (1) wanting but being unable to have babies, or (2) being a family. every conversation involved either these two topics or was about the affair. there was no sustenance.
okay fine, there doesn't need to be that much sustenance, if there is; tension thick enough to cut with a knife, clear and unwavering chemistry and some witty banter. a family affair barely had one of the three; a few funny moments in the dialogue between kate and stella. other than that, it was bone dry. i wasn't convinced, and since there was no other real plot, i found myself skipping or skimming paragraphs.
i also thought i was stuck on a carousel. it was all so repetitive. i can only read so much about how you really want a baby and how kevin keeps knocking down walls.
i did think the fallout, how it was all handled and the guilt/shame was done quite well - it's a tricky topic to write about, so hats off to anyone that can pull it off. and bliss does do it some justice. i just wish i cared about any of them.
August 14, 2022
Angst. Forbidden love. Angst. Oh, did I mention angst?
If you read the blurb from the author, you essentially know what kind of book this is — a story about Kate, who is married (albeit very rocky) to Kevin, and falls for Stella, who is Kevin’s sister. If you’re in the mood for a complicated, angsty forbidden love story then this is one to pick up.
If you read the blurb from the author, you essentially know what kind of book this is — a story about Kate, who is married (albeit very rocky) to Kevin, and falls for Stella, who is Kevin’s sister. If you’re in the mood for a complicated, angsty forbidden love story then this is one to pick up.
Read
August 22, 2022Just can’t finish this one.
December 17, 2023
4.5⭐️ I listened to the audio on this and wow…Abby Craden continues to amaze me with her talent. Harper Bliss is becoming one of my top five sapphic writers. She’s talented and wise with her storytelling. Seems I can relate to all of her books and characters.
September 22, 2022
3,5 stars
To be honest I am surprised that I liked this story for the most part since I really hate cheating. I guess it was handled quite well here.
The dual first person writing was amazing and all the characters were likable and relatable. They were also flawed, but who isn't?
The middle part of the book was too much angst and drama for my taste, but the story had a satisfying ending and left me feeling good instead of anxious.
To be honest I am surprised that I liked this story for the most part since I really hate cheating. I guess it was handled quite well here.
The dual first person writing was amazing and all the characters were likable and relatable. They were also flawed, but who isn't?
The middle part of the book was too much angst and drama for my taste, but the story had a satisfying ending and left me feeling good instead of anxious.
November 2, 2022
Well. Bliss certainly seems to like writing things that challenge reader perspectives.
The infidelity here was one thing, and I did eventually wrap my head around it, but Stella’s outlook of “they couldn’t help themselves” just didn’t work for me. It felt like a transparent attempt to assuage her own guilt by her pardoning her ex like that.
I still liked the book because it really made me think, but I didn’t necessarily enjoy the romance because of all the thinking.
3.5 stars
The infidelity here was one thing, and I did eventually wrap my head around it, but Stella’s outlook of “they couldn’t help themselves” just didn’t work for me. It felt like a transparent attempt to assuage her own guilt by her pardoning her ex like that.
I still liked the book because it really made me think, but I didn’t necessarily enjoy the romance because of all the thinking.
3.5 stars
December 25, 2022
Super steamy, taboo af, and all in Abby Craden's smooth voice? Yes.
I really liked the realism of the obstacles that Stella and Kate faced in getting together, the obstacles presented a genuinely near-impossible situation so the will-they-won't-they of it was tangible. Both characters were well-written and their chemistry was great. Sometimes more than two sex scenes can be - dare I say it - a bit excessive, but it was delicious here and I love the way each encounter evolved with their situation as well.
Audiobook is 100% the way to go on this one, Abby's performance is perfect!
I really liked the realism of the obstacles that Stella and Kate faced in getting together, the obstacles presented a genuinely near-impossible situation so the will-they-won't-they of it was tangible. Both characters were well-written and their chemistry was great. Sometimes more than two sex scenes can be - dare I say it - a bit excessive, but it was delicious here and I love the way each encounter evolved with their situation as well.
Audiobook is 100% the way to go on this one, Abby's performance is perfect!
unfinished
August 30, 2022This isn't marked as a series, but I found enough hints and traces to track down About That Kiss as a prior story. I'm not sure how relevant that is to this one, but maybe bear that in mind? I’d have gone there first, but it’s so expensive I decided to continue with this one anyway (because it’s in KU).
I hate stories with cheating, but have heard that Bliss is pretty good at making the controversial things work. And there are lots of different ways for cheating to happen, some worse than others. So we have the cheat scene and it was . . . not the worst. And they felt remorse and seemed to be getting ahead of it. And then they cheat again and it was . . . yeah, not good. And they’re caught. And I couldn’t take the fallout.
And yeah, Kate’s husband is being a snot and it’s clear their marriage is damaged and Kate is feeling despair and grief and is left to work all that out on her own. Making her terribly lonely in a very difficult time. She needs someone and he isn’t there. But cheating in cold blood is not how it works and I couldn’t get past that.
No rating because I knew what this was when I picked it up. I gave it a shot anyway and it’s not the book’s (or author’s) fault it wasn’t something I can get on with.
I hate stories with cheating, but have heard that Bliss is pretty good at making the controversial things work. And there are lots of different ways for cheating to happen, some worse than others. So we have the cheat scene and it was . . . not the worst. And they felt remorse and seemed to be getting ahead of it. And then they cheat again and it was . . . yeah, not good. And they’re caught. And I couldn’t take the fallout.
And yeah, Kate’s husband is being a snot and it’s clear their marriage is damaged and Kate is feeling despair and grief and is left to work all that out on her own. Making her terribly lonely in a very difficult time. She needs someone and he isn’t there. But cheating in cold blood is not how it works and I couldn’t get past that.
No rating because I knew what this was when I picked it up. I gave it a shot anyway and it’s not the book’s (or author’s) fault it wasn’t something I can get on with.
January 23, 2023
I’ve skipped this book on KU knowing the topic includes cheating. But while working on a jigsaw puzzle it was available as an audio from the library so I gave it a chance. The premise is Kate and husband Kevin have been married for ten years. But after years of failed attempts at parenthood their marriage is on the rocks. He is mentally and physically absent dealing with it by remodeling their home in addition to his work. They move into his mothers pool house leaving Kate mostly alone. Enter Kevin’s younger sister Stella, an aspiring actress, who is starting to catch some breaks. The two women have never been close but are now spending time together.
The book isn’t going make me believe that cheating is ever the answer. I can understand their first time together as drunken comfort. But the second time is a choice. And how it jumps from there to professions of love is a stretch. But for an angsty read it does give a lot of viewpoints with lots of drama. Stella is interesting as the only previous love of her life left her by cheating with a best friend. She gains some understanding of the heart wants what it wants.
The story makes a decent romance out of a not great situation. But even after deciding the marriage has run its course, I’d have respected the characters more if they waited till legalities were done before being together. I’m glad to have listened to the story and it entertained me while doing my puzzle. And I’m still not sure what attracted Stella to Kate in the first place.
The book isn’t going make me believe that cheating is ever the answer. I can understand their first time together as drunken comfort. But the second time is a choice. And how it jumps from there to professions of love is a stretch. But for an angsty read it does give a lot of viewpoints with lots of drama. Stella is interesting as the only previous love of her life left her by cheating with a best friend. She gains some understanding of the heart wants what it wants.
The story makes a decent romance out of a not great situation. But even after deciding the marriage has run its course, I’d have respected the characters more if they waited till legalities were done before being together. I’m glad to have listened to the story and it entertained me while doing my puzzle. And I’m still not sure what attracted Stella to Kate in the first place.
October 16, 2022
I like a lot of the books Bliss had written. And I did like this one, but not as much as some of her others. So 3.4 stars.
April 15, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up because of the drrrammmaaa.
July 14, 2025
2.5 stars
I was so excited about this book and couldn't wait to finally start reading it. I had heard so many good things about the author Harper Bliss and this book. But after a few pages came the disillusionment. I liked the theme of falling in love with your spouse's sister, but then cheating straight away... that's a difficult topic and I think a red flag for many people. I really struggled with it and found it hard to concentrate on the romance between the two women. Also, it all happened very quickly and considering Kate has been married to Kevin for 10 years, the pace was unbelievable.
I liked Stella! Her character was just incredibly likeable and I felt very sorry for her that she got into this emotional mess and conflict with her brother. I also liked the family dynamic with her mother's new boyfriend.
I'm torn with the rating. There were things I liked, but also a lot of things that unfortunately didn't work for me at all. If cheating is a red flag for you, then it's not for you.
Thanks to Netgalley and Ylva Verlag for providing a review copy.
I was so excited about this book and couldn't wait to finally start reading it. I had heard so many good things about the author Harper Bliss and this book. But after a few pages came the disillusionment. I liked the theme of falling in love with your spouse's sister, but then cheating straight away... that's a difficult topic and I think a red flag for many people. I really struggled with it and found it hard to concentrate on the romance between the two women. Also, it all happened very quickly and considering Kate has been married to Kevin for 10 years, the pace was unbelievable.
I liked Stella! Her character was just incredibly likeable and I felt very sorry for her that she got into this emotional mess and conflict with her brother. I also liked the family dynamic with her mother's new boyfriend.
I'm torn with the rating. There were things I liked, but also a lot of things that unfortunately didn't work for me at all. If cheating is a red flag for you, then it's not for you.
Thanks to Netgalley and Ylva Verlag for providing a review copy.
July 22, 2024
5 stars. The drama! I love mess and this was absolutely m e s s y. I loved every angsty moment of it from start to finish. This is a romance between Kate and Stella. Kate is married to Stella's older brother and has been for ten years but Kate and her husband, Kevin have been trying to have a baby through IVF with no positive results and it has really taken a toll on their marriage. Both are deeply unhappy and Kevin’s way of coping is by pulling away from Kate and becoming obsessed with renovating their home leaving her on her own pretty much emotionally.
Kate stays at Kevin’s mother’s house where Stella is also staying. Stella is an up and coming actress and a lesbian. Her previous relationship ended when her girlfriend cheated on her with her bestfriend which I thought was interesting. She knew exactly what being cheated on felt like and how badly it hurt so it just made it feel even more messed up that she did the same thing to her brother. Though I will say that everything isn’t just black and white, there was a lot of layers to everything which I appreciated. Stella and Kate’s chemistry was fantastic and I liked how their relationship developed. It came out of a place of almost desperation for Kate and Bliss did a great job in letting us see her thought process. I was absolutely hooked. I also appreciate that Kevin wasn't demonized or made to come across as some abusive asshole. He wasn't a bad guy at all. He just coped with everything in his own way that ended up being detrimental to their marriage. It was easy to empathize with him when shit hit the fan while still wanting Kate and Stella to get their HEA.
I loved both women and I was all in on their romance. Not sure what that says about me but whatever. The tension between them was so good and every stolen moment between them kept me on my toes. It's wonderfully written. This book totally worked for me but I can see why it wouldn’t for others. I love a good taboo romance as those tend to always deliver on the delicious angst and this definitely did with a lovely HEA added on top. Wonderful read.
Kate stays at Kevin’s mother’s house where Stella is also staying. Stella is an up and coming actress and a lesbian. Her previous relationship ended when her girlfriend cheated on her with her bestfriend which I thought was interesting. She knew exactly what being cheated on felt like and how badly it hurt so it just made it feel even more messed up that she did the same thing to her brother. Though I will say that everything isn’t just black and white, there was a lot of layers to everything which I appreciated. Stella and Kate’s chemistry was fantastic and I liked how their relationship developed. It came out of a place of almost desperation for Kate and Bliss did a great job in letting us see her thought process. I was absolutely hooked. I also appreciate that Kevin wasn't demonized or made to come across as some abusive asshole. He wasn't a bad guy at all. He just coped with everything in his own way that ended up being detrimental to their marriage. It was easy to empathize with him when shit hit the fan while still wanting Kate and Stella to get their HEA.
I loved both women and I was all in on their romance. Not sure what that says about me but whatever. The tension between them was so good and every stolen moment between them kept me on my toes. It's wonderfully written. This book totally worked for me but I can see why it wouldn’t for others. I love a good taboo romance as those tend to always deliver on the delicious angst and this definitely did with a lovely HEA added on top. Wonderful read.
August 29, 2023
Kevin and Kate have tried to have a baby for years with no success. Kevin’s way of coping is to completely renovate their already perfect house forcing Kate to have to move into her mother in law’s pool house. While Kev avoids Kate, Kate begins to spend time with his little sister Stella. Kate has always considered Stella to be a spoiled brat but quickly learns that Stella completely different than she’d always assumed. Stella and Kate begin to connect on a deeper level and a night of too much tequila sparks a passion neither was prepared for.
Kate and Stella are multidimensional characters who have been through a lot over the past few years. Kate’s journey to become a mother has been tortuous and her husband has cast her aside. She finds in Stella, not only a support system but a soulmate. Stella has been trying to get her big break in Hollywood, but it’s been a struggle. In Kate she, too, finds a support system and a soulmate.
Harper Bliss tells the story from both Stella and Kate’s first person points of view. This is an important aspect to the story because the reader is able to be a part of both characters’ feelings, emotions, and actions.
Falling in love with your brother’s wife is quite a taboo topic that most authors wouldn’t touch with a ten foot pole but Harper Bliss took on the challenge did a wonderful job. Through Stella and Kate she was able to show that sometimes the choices we make while socially unacceptable, are right for us. Sometimes we need to choose our own happiness even though we have to hurt the ones we love most.
This is a really well written book. I loved catching up with Faye and Ida, meeting Mary and Nathan, and being a part of Kate and Stella’s journey to happiness. While cheating is a major plot point in this book, our author has done an excellent job of showing the reality of the situation and handled it with care. Well done Harper Bliss! You’ve penned another winner!!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Kate and Stella are multidimensional characters who have been through a lot over the past few years. Kate’s journey to become a mother has been tortuous and her husband has cast her aside. She finds in Stella, not only a support system but a soulmate. Stella has been trying to get her big break in Hollywood, but it’s been a struggle. In Kate she, too, finds a support system and a soulmate.
Harper Bliss tells the story from both Stella and Kate’s first person points of view. This is an important aspect to the story because the reader is able to be a part of both characters’ feelings, emotions, and actions.
Falling in love with your brother’s wife is quite a taboo topic that most authors wouldn’t touch with a ten foot pole but Harper Bliss took on the challenge did a wonderful job. Through Stella and Kate she was able to show that sometimes the choices we make while socially unacceptable, are right for us. Sometimes we need to choose our own happiness even though we have to hurt the ones we love most.
This is a really well written book. I loved catching up with Faye and Ida, meeting Mary and Nathan, and being a part of Kate and Stella’s journey to happiness. While cheating is a major plot point in this book, our author has done an excellent job of showing the reality of the situation and handled it with care. Well done Harper Bliss! You’ve penned another winner!!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2022
Only Harper Bliss could turn falling in love with your sister-in-law into a sapphic romance that doesn’t feel distasteful at all.
Kate has been relocated to her mothers-in-law’s pool house to wait out her husband, Kevin’s need to fight his demons in the form of renovating their home. Alone, with her sadness, Kate begins to spend her spare time with Stella, Kevin’s much younger sister.
Stella, self-confessed ‘Mommy’s Girl,’ has faced rejection after rejection on her journey to become a Hollywood star. Hanging out with her once distant sister-in-law helps her through her doubts and concerns while taking Kate’s mind off her absent husband.
Telling the story in first person narrative from both Kate and Stella’s perspectives was a successful way for Bliss to ensure the reader understands that neither woman would purposefully choose the path that seems to be pre-destined for them. Because really, is it possible not to be with the love of your life if they choose you as well?
Family Affair has less angst and more personal growth. It is a beautifully told story, with a range of characters who intertwine to bring depth and meaning to a subject that could potentially contain a lot of hurt and resentment. Pick up the latest release by Harper Bliss with an open mind and a willingness to accept that sometimes from pain comes the greatest happiness and you won’t be left disappointed.
Kate has been relocated to her mothers-in-law’s pool house to wait out her husband, Kevin’s need to fight his demons in the form of renovating their home. Alone, with her sadness, Kate begins to spend her spare time with Stella, Kevin’s much younger sister.
Stella, self-confessed ‘Mommy’s Girl,’ has faced rejection after rejection on her journey to become a Hollywood star. Hanging out with her once distant sister-in-law helps her through her doubts and concerns while taking Kate’s mind off her absent husband.
Telling the story in first person narrative from both Kate and Stella’s perspectives was a successful way for Bliss to ensure the reader understands that neither woman would purposefully choose the path that seems to be pre-destined for them. Because really, is it possible not to be with the love of your life if they choose you as well?
Family Affair has less angst and more personal growth. It is a beautifully told story, with a range of characters who intertwine to bring depth and meaning to a subject that could potentially contain a lot of hurt and resentment. Pick up the latest release by Harper Bliss with an open mind and a willingness to accept that sometimes from pain comes the greatest happiness and you won’t be left disappointed.
August 28, 2023
I was interested to see how Bliss would handle the plot she has come up with for this book. Right from the start her characters are engaging and have different voices so that even with the alternative point of view chapters I always know who I am reading. There are also some beautifully crafted sentences dealing with a life challenge. Bliss writes sizzling scenes and somehow managed to move the plot forward without pulling me out the scenes. If you sometimes skim these scenes, don’t. You would miss well crafted writing and more access to the characters. Bliss handled a difficult subject well. She didn’t skirt away from the hurt selfish actions cause, she also didn’t make the mains blameless, or indeed the ex the baddy. A good book that held my interest throughout, I loved the shades of grey.
May 20, 2023
Things I didn’t like about this book:
• MCs fell in love wayyy too quickly, especially since it’s supposed to be enemies to lovers trope
• severe lack of chemistry between MCs
• other characters all seemed to suggest that cheating is okay as long as the reason is love
• forgiveness came too easy, there was very minimal pushback and MCs husband moved on super fast
• husband put a lot of blame on himself
• annoying characters
• very little depth to the story even though some deep topics could’ve been really delved into
Things I did like about this book:
• lesbians
• MCs fell in love wayyy too quickly, especially since it’s supposed to be enemies to lovers trope
• severe lack of chemistry between MCs
• other characters all seemed to suggest that cheating is okay as long as the reason is love
• forgiveness came too easy, there was very minimal pushback and MCs husband moved on super fast
• husband put a lot of blame on himself
• annoying characters
• very little depth to the story even though some deep topics could’ve been really delved into
Things I did like about this book:
• lesbians
August 27, 2022
It took me a while to get through this romance. Felt insta-love-ish and I had a hard time understanding how they could fall in love so quickly. Plus, you fall in love with your brother's wife? This was just really different than other Bliss romances and even though I am giving this a 4star, I wish the circumstances of this romance were different. It was still really well written, and it flowed rather well. I know some people have problem reading romances with cheating so if that's a hard no for you, skip this one. I was on the fence, and I am still on the fence after finishing.
September 7, 2022
4.5 stars, what can I say, I love a good taboo romance, and Harper Bliss knows how to write them. Really solid start and build up between the leads, chemistry was excellent, just wish the transition from lust to love didn’t feel so rushed.
July 16, 2024
What the… that’s what was going on in my head as I turned the pages. I didn’t expected that ending at all but I was very hooked only a few pages in. Loved it, even with all the sensible subjects.
1st read : ebook
2nd read : audiobook. Loved the narration.
1st read : ebook
2nd read : audiobook. Loved the narration.
December 24, 2022
I don’t vibe with cheating 🤷♀️
May 1, 2023
why do i subject myself to this type of torture?
November 23, 2022
I wasn't sure about this one, and now it's probably my favorite Harper Bliss book so far! I really appreciated the dual perspective, especially for this storyline where I was often saying to myself, "What are they thinking!" Sometimes love just happens to you, and there are no pain-free options. Life is messy and complicated and sometimes without even realizing it, you cross a line and can't go back. There are a lot of things happening in the background of this story, but the evolution of the relationship between Stella and Kate is center stage.
Stella is a struggling actor who lives still lives in her mother's Hollywood home. She finally landed a decent role in a movie, and gets to kiss another woman on screen, but that doesn't mean all the offer are rolling in. The ups and down of auditions and callbacks are intense.
Kate and her husband have been trying to conceive for years and many rounds of IVF. Broken down by multiple pregnancy losses Kate's husband renovates their house, sending them to live in his mom's pool house. He's never around, but his sister Stella is.
Kate and Stella go from civil sister-in-laws to good friends and then quite suddenly to tentative lovers to deeply in love rather quickly. This is the part that I could not quite wrap my mind around, but it was incredibly interesting to listen to it play out. Other than this one affair, the characters all seems to have impeccable integrity, and loads of emotional maturity. While I think sometimes that can leave stories feeling hollow, I think in this case it allows the full focus to be on the emotional turmoil and dilemma of this one situation from each person's perspective. This is not a gritty examination of the lies we tell ourselves, but a glimpse into how one family handles pain, some poor decisions, and shocking truths as earnestly as possible.
Throughout the book I imagined myself in each person's perspective. Stella, Kevin (her brother), Kate (his wife...at first), Stella and Kevin's mom, her boyfriend...it was interesting to imagine what kind of grief, pain, and love a situation like this is conceived of.
I just could not put this book down. The story captured my attention, and held it to the very end. As always, Abby Craden's narration brings these characters to life! If you're on the fence about audiobooks, give this one a try!
Stella is a struggling actor who lives still lives in her mother's Hollywood home. She finally landed a decent role in a movie, and gets to kiss another woman on screen, but that doesn't mean all the offer are rolling in. The ups and down of auditions and callbacks are intense.
Kate and her husband have been trying to conceive for years and many rounds of IVF. Broken down by multiple pregnancy losses Kate's husband renovates their house, sending them to live in his mom's pool house. He's never around, but his sister Stella is.
Kate and Stella go from civil sister-in-laws to good friends and then quite suddenly to tentative lovers to deeply in love rather quickly. This is the part that I could not quite wrap my mind around, but it was incredibly interesting to listen to it play out. Other than this one affair, the characters all seems to have impeccable integrity, and loads of emotional maturity. While I think sometimes that can leave stories feeling hollow, I think in this case it allows the full focus to be on the emotional turmoil and dilemma of this one situation from each person's perspective. This is not a gritty examination of the lies we tell ourselves, but a glimpse into how one family handles pain, some poor decisions, and shocking truths as earnestly as possible.
Throughout the book I imagined myself in each person's perspective. Stella, Kevin (her brother), Kate (his wife...at first), Stella and Kevin's mom, her boyfriend...it was interesting to imagine what kind of grief, pain, and love a situation like this is conceived of.
I just could not put this book down. The story captured my attention, and held it to the very end. As always, Abby Craden's narration brings these characters to life! If you're on the fence about audiobooks, give this one a try!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 363 reviews