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I Hope That I Don't Fall in Love With You
They swiped right for fun, but instead found a love they never expected
Tired of disappointing dates with men, Dakota is convinced true love has passed her by. But when her lesbian friends convince her to include women in her dating app options, she instantly hits it off with NYPD detective Jack.
Although Jack makes it clear relationships aren't her thing, Dakota's warmth and charm prove irresistible. Soon, what was meant to be just a one-night stand turns into an intoxicating affair neither saw coming.
When deeper feelings emerge, Jack's emotional walls go up. Can she and Dakota turn their undeniable connection into something more, or will their different backgrounds and painful past experiences get in the way?
I Hope That I Don't Fall In Love With You is a tender yet steamy story about risking your heart again to find your unexpected soulmate.
Grab your copy of this sizzling one-night-to-forever sapphic romance now!
Tired of disappointing dates with men, Dakota is convinced true love has passed her by. But when her lesbian friends convince her to include women in her dating app options, she instantly hits it off with NYPD detective Jack.
Although Jack makes it clear relationships aren't her thing, Dakota's warmth and charm prove irresistible. Soon, what was meant to be just a one-night stand turns into an intoxicating affair neither saw coming.
When deeper feelings emerge, Jack's emotional walls go up. Can she and Dakota turn their undeniable connection into something more, or will their different backgrounds and painful past experiences get in the way?
I Hope That I Don't Fall In Love With You is a tender yet steamy story about risking your heart again to find your unexpected soulmate.
Grab your copy of this sizzling one-night-to-forever sapphic romance now!
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 25, 2023
96 people are currently reading
1065 people want to read
About the author
Harper Bliss
131 books2,313 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 129 reviews
January 6, 2024
4.25 ⭐️
Dakota has dipped back into the dating pool after her failed marriage to Chase. But all her dates have been disastrous. When her friends suggest she should look for women on her dating app, she agrees after a brief hesitation. Because, why not? And so she meets NYPD detective Jack, the perfect woman for her experiment, as she's only after one-night stands.
After a night neither of them could have imagined in their wildest dreams and an incredible intimacy, both are reluctant to say goodbye, even though they had laid their cards on the table and only wanted one night together. However, this turns out to be more difficult than expected. Both women are deeply impressed by the other and can't stop thinking about each other. Who dares to take the first step towards a second date?
Two women who fight against their hearts and at some point must realize that they are fighting a losing battle against love. Jack in particular has problems admitting her feelings, giving up her self-imposed principles, and letting Dakota get close to her. Jack is also unable to deal with the special family situation in which Dakota lives, not to mention the fact that Dakota is also in a different sphere financially. The internal dialogues, the fears, the conversations with friends and family, until the realization that what she is fighting against, deep down inside, is what she wants, is beautifully written. Dakota also has a lot to think about. What to make of her infatuation with Jack, what she wants from her, and what she is prepared to give.
And of course not to forget the hot and lustful sex and love scenes. Especially the first and second night - hot as hell.
What always delights and impresses me is when authors can incorporate MCs from their other books into a new story and even play an important role in matchmaking.
Entertaining, sexy, steamy, and a pleasure to read.
Dakota has dipped back into the dating pool after her failed marriage to Chase. But all her dates have been disastrous. When her friends suggest she should look for women on her dating app, she agrees after a brief hesitation. Because, why not? And so she meets NYPD detective Jack, the perfect woman for her experiment, as she's only after one-night stands.
After a night neither of them could have imagined in their wildest dreams and an incredible intimacy, both are reluctant to say goodbye, even though they had laid their cards on the table and only wanted one night together. However, this turns out to be more difficult than expected. Both women are deeply impressed by the other and can't stop thinking about each other. Who dares to take the first step towards a second date?
Two women who fight against their hearts and at some point must realize that they are fighting a losing battle against love. Jack in particular has problems admitting her feelings, giving up her self-imposed principles, and letting Dakota get close to her. Jack is also unable to deal with the special family situation in which Dakota lives, not to mention the fact that Dakota is also in a different sphere financially. The internal dialogues, the fears, the conversations with friends and family, until the realization that what she is fighting against, deep down inside, is what she wants, is beautifully written. Dakota also has a lot to think about. What to make of her infatuation with Jack, what she wants from her, and what she is prepared to give.
And of course not to forget the hot and lustful sex and love scenes. Especially the first and second night - hot as hell.
What always delights and impresses me is when authors can incorporate MCs from their other books into a new story and even play an important role in matchmaking.
Entertaining, sexy, steamy, and a pleasure to read.
January 8, 2024
Reading, having forgotten the blurb as I read it a while before I’m not sure if one main is a late bloomer or is bi and experienced but she seemed to pretty quickly give in to her friends suggestion that she try a lady date. The word experiment was used, but her friends are gay, as is her ex husband, so I can understand why she is open……. And not just for other people. Latebian, as author surmises it…… I can’t decide if I like that or not. I do however like the start of this book!
The first intimate scene is really long and also progresses character…… So if you skim read these scenes, don’t. (Tho’ I am sure many Bliss fans savour these scenes.) I usually like there to be a relationship established before seeing it expressed on the page, but this certainly displayed more of the characters, in all ways.
Although there is the barrier of one night can’t be more ‘till it is, the first half of the book doesn’t really have tension. Then there is a plot development that had me raise my eyebrows. Not major but unexpected.
It all feels a little flat. There is not for me, the usual colour of Bliss characters or indeed the emotional link I usually feel with her characters.
Normally it’s nice when you have a catch up with characters from other books but it didn’t quite work for me I think because no character was established. I wonder if I was someone who hadn’t read these other books if I would think these walk-ons were one dimensional.
This is a good book, it held my interest but it didn’t have the same heart as many other of Bliss books have had.
The first intimate scene is really long and also progresses character…… So if you skim read these scenes, don’t. (Tho’ I am sure many Bliss fans savour these scenes.) I usually like there to be a relationship established before seeing it expressed on the page, but this certainly displayed more of the characters, in all ways.
Although there is the barrier of one night can’t be more ‘till it is, the first half of the book doesn’t really have tension. Then there is a plot development that had me raise my eyebrows. Not major but unexpected.
It all feels a little flat. There is not for me, the usual colour of Bliss characters or indeed the emotional link I usually feel with her characters.
Normally it’s nice when you have a catch up with characters from other books but it didn’t quite work for me I think because no character was established. I wonder if I was someone who hadn’t read these other books if I would think these walk-ons were one dimensional.
This is a good book, it held my interest but it didn’t have the same heart as many other of Bliss books have had.
March 21, 2024
Update after audiobook listen. Still enjoyed it, managed not to spontaneously combust. I’ll consider that a win. 🙂
This one isn’t dual first person like her other recent books in the Blissverse. With all the cameos in this one, it’s definitely fantasy sapphic material. Fun seeing characters in her other books pop up here!
4.5 stars
This book has one of the longest, hottest love scenes in sapphic fiction and I am all about it!
The story itself is quite enjoyable - Bliss manages to write entertaining, original novels one after another. And she always brings the spice. As many novels as she's written, she manages to keep them fresh too. Amazing. I can't WAIT to hear Abby Craden do this one. Bring on the smelling salts, folks. I may not recover.
This one isn’t dual first person like her other recent books in the Blissverse. With all the cameos in this one, it’s definitely fantasy sapphic material. Fun seeing characters in her other books pop up here!
4.5 stars
This book has one of the longest, hottest love scenes in sapphic fiction and I am all about it!
The story itself is quite enjoyable - Bliss manages to write entertaining, original novels one after another. And she always brings the spice. As many novels as she's written, she manages to keep them fresh too. Amazing. I can't WAIT to hear Abby Craden do this one. Bring on the smelling salts, folks. I may not recover.
January 19, 2024
Different from Harper’s usual style, this book offers a refreshing take on the complexities of new relationships. It starts with Dakota, a woman experimenting post-divorce, who is encouraged by her friends to try dating women. She swipes right on Jack, a lesbian detective known for her preference for casual encounters. What starts as a simple experiment and a one-night stand quickly escalates into something neither can walk away from.
Despite their agreement for a no-strings-attached night, Dakota and Jack find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. The story navigates through the maze of their conflicting desires, social differences, and personal baggage. Jack, in particular, faces a challenging journey of self-discovery and re-evaluating her beliefs and lifestyle.
The novel is steamy, with intense scenes that serve to deepen the plot rather than just add spice. The chemistry between Dakota and Jack is palpable, making their struggle against their growing feelings all the more engaging.
What sets this book apart is not just the sizzling chemistry but also the exploration of class, family dynamics, and self-identity. Overall, this is a captivating story of two women grappling with unexpected love, societal norms, and personal demons. It's a tale that goes beyond the usual romance tropes. Another great book from Harper Bliss.
Many thanks to Harper Bliss and BookFunnel for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Despite their agreement for a no-strings-attached night, Dakota and Jack find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. The story navigates through the maze of their conflicting desires, social differences, and personal baggage. Jack, in particular, faces a challenging journey of self-discovery and re-evaluating her beliefs and lifestyle.
The novel is steamy, with intense scenes that serve to deepen the plot rather than just add spice. The chemistry between Dakota and Jack is palpable, making their struggle against their growing feelings all the more engaging.
What sets this book apart is not just the sizzling chemistry but also the exploration of class, family dynamics, and self-identity. Overall, this is a captivating story of two women grappling with unexpected love, societal norms, and personal demons. It's a tale that goes beyond the usual romance tropes. Another great book from Harper Bliss.
Many thanks to Harper Bliss and BookFunnel for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2025
I genuinely have no idea how people enjoy this.
Had I been reading this physical I would have DNFed.
I was so close to ripping my own hair out while listening to this.
Dakota must be the most annoying character I've ever read about.
And sadly the voice the Narrator used for her was also extremely annoying.
I literally hated her so much.
All she talked about was her gay ex husband and how incredible he was.
Girl you sure you're not still into him? Cause I wouldn't talk like that about an ex otherwise.
Mentioning it once or twice, fine. But she brought it up every 5 minutes.
And how many times do they need to talk about how gorgeous Dakota apparently is?? Surely not every 2 minutes.
The romance (if you can even call it that) wasn't believable or developed either.
All they did was have sex.
Genuinely despised everything about this book, so I sadly don't have anything positive to say.
Had I been reading this physical I would have DNFed.
I was so close to ripping my own hair out while listening to this.
Dakota must be the most annoying character I've ever read about.
And sadly the voice the Narrator used for her was also extremely annoying.
I literally hated her so much.
All she talked about was her gay ex husband and how incredible he was.
Girl you sure you're not still into him? Cause I wouldn't talk like that about an ex otherwise.
Mentioning it once or twice, fine. But she brought it up every 5 minutes.
And how many times do they need to talk about how gorgeous Dakota apparently is?? Surely not every 2 minutes.
The romance (if you can even call it that) wasn't believable or developed either.
All they did was have sex.
Genuinely despised everything about this book, so I sadly don't have anything positive to say.
October 29, 2024
دقیقا نمیدونم چرا ولی به دلایل زیاد و کوچیکی این کتاب مورد علاقم نبود. اول چیزی که خیلی دوست داشتم رو بگم. یه عالمه از شخصیتهایی که توی کتابای هارپر بلیس ازشون خونده بودم یا بهشون اشاره شده بود توی این کتابم بودن و یه اکیپ دوستانه رو تشکیل داده بودن!
جیمی و مَک که آشناییم با هارپر بلیس و دنیاش از اونا و کتاب still the one شروع شد و توی هیچکدوم از کتابای دیگه نبودن در نتیجه دلم خیلیی براشون و براب دیدن رابطشون تنگ شده بود.
ایزی و لیلا که توی کتاب جیمی و مک به عنوان دوستاشون بودن.
سیدی قشنگم از کتاب and then she kissed me...
و این فوقالعاده بود که همشون توب یه دنیائن و کنار همدیگهن!
ولی از اون طرف رابطهی جک و داکوتا خیلی دلنشین نبود برام. شروعش رو دوست نداشتم، پیشرفتش خیلی باب میلم نبود و بریک آپ توش برای من خیلی...اذیت کننده بود. هم به خاطر تجربهای که اخیرا داشتم و هم چون بعدش دیگه دلم نمیخواست باهم باشن و به نظرم لیاقت داکوتا بیشتر بود.
در کل بخشایی داشت که خیلی ازشون لذت بردم و بخشایی که اذیتم کردن.
جیمی و مَک که آشناییم با هارپر بلیس و دنیاش از اونا و کتاب still the one شروع شد و توی هیچکدوم از کتابای دیگه نبودن در نتیجه دلم خیلیی براشون و براب دیدن رابطشون تنگ شده بود.
ایزی و لیلا که توی کتاب جیمی و مک به عنوان دوستاشون بودن.
سیدی قشنگم از کتاب and then she kissed me...
و این فوقالعاده بود که همشون توب یه دنیائن و کنار همدیگهن!
ولی از اون طرف رابطهی جک و داکوتا خیلی دلنشین نبود برام. شروعش رو دوست نداشتم، پیشرفتش خیلی باب میلم نبود و بریک آپ توش برای من خیلی...اذیت کننده بود. هم به خاطر تجربهای که اخیرا داشتم و هم چون بعدش دیگه دلم نمیخواست باهم باشن و به نظرم لیاقت داکوتا بیشتر بود.
در کل بخشایی داشت که خیلی ازشون لذت بردم و بخشایی که اذیتم کردن.
March 23, 2024
Liked this book, kinda wish Jack stood on business though.
Should’ve kept the boundaries regarding Chase and the kids.
Not to knitpick, but the book title is also not…
Anyways- good as always from Harper bliss!
Should’ve kept the boundaries regarding Chase and the kids.
Not to knitpick, but the book title is also not…
Anyways- good as always from Harper bliss!
January 23, 2024
Very nice
May 12, 2024
2.5
I’m not really sure how I feel about this book.
The book has the simplest of premises, which is not necessarily a bad thing if explored correctly, but in this case it was an issue for me.
We follow Jack (short for Jacqueline), an NYPD detective who only does one-night stands, and Dakota, the ex-wife of the gay head of a multi-million dollar company. Dakota’s looking for hookups after her divorce (when her ex-husband came out a few years ago) and her experiences with Tinder men so far have been very disappointing. So her friends (all women in same-sex relationships) convince her to switch her Tinder preferences to women and “experiment”. So, of course, she matches with Jack. And the only conflict is that Jack is not willing to be in a relationship because of her dangerous job and how her father died on the force when she was seventeen.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not opposed to a book where the main conflict is internal, where a character is unwilling to be better, where their demons are keeping them from happiness. Those are actually my favorite stories. However, it felt like this particular book needed more conflict or more of a plot.
We were just seeing them fuck again and again and then read their internal dialogues (Dakota being like yeah yeah my experiment, i’m so horny — and Jack being yeah yeah my hook up situation because we definitely CAN’T be more than that) that were incredibly repetitive. And I just COULDN’T with how repetitive the whole “I’m just into one-night stands” was. WE GET IT, YOU’RE A COMMITMENTPHOBE BECAUSE OF TRAUMA, can we get moving, please?? I’m begging you.
The book was basically insufferable internal monologues + never ending sex scenes + them going to like three dinners or “special” events with friends/family. It lacked dynamism, it lacked more conflict and a better plot. It was very static.
Also, I feel like it was a little on the short side, and although that was good because there wasn’t much more to tell (maybe it was too long for the amount of plot available), I wished it was longer with much more things to explore, with more conflict and plot. The potential is there, but the execution was lacking.
I also lowkey hated Dakota’s thing with her sexual orientation. I get it that she thought she was straight, and then she realized she wasn’t. But she had the typical moments of thinking “I don’t like women, I like you” AFTER internally being like “I’m guessing I’m bisexual”. SHE THOUGHT IT and then she acted like she hadn’t, like she “didn’t know”, like she was allergic to call it what it was. And I get it that some people really dislike naming their sexual orientation for whatever reason and although I disagree, I respect it. However, this felt less of a “I don’t want to say it” and more like “I won’t do it because.. reasons”. It made no sense, none whatsoever. And it infuriated me. Slightly related but I also hated so much how they called it an experiment well after their first long night together. It bothered me but I get it, that DID made sense, unlike the whole bisexual thing.
I also don’t get why they are in love. They are certainly attracted to each other, they have good sexual chemistry, they “have the hots” for each other (like they themselves said), but I don’t buy they are IN LOVE. Maybe because we didn’t explore their romantic side enough, as we spent too much time in their bed.
I almost DNFd this, not gonna lie. But it did have positives:
1. Totally personal but I guess right now I needed to read about a character whose fears made them say no to romantic love. So that was for me.
2. I liked the sex scenes. They were hot, so props. I’m just personally not super fan of more sex than love in my romance books. Sometimes it felt more like erotica than romance and I skimmed through the last few scenes.
3. I was very intrigued and liked a lot the dynamic and relationship between Dakota, her ex-husband, his husband and their daughters.
4. It was easy to read.
I think a lot of people will love this book, specially if they want steamy scenes. But it’s not totally for me.
Also, I think I had very high expectations because I ADORED “A Breathless Place” by this author (full of drama and internal conflict, proving this one could’ve been awesome). I think she can shine much more and that’s why I’ll keep reading her. It’s a shame I didn’t love this one as much.
I’m not really sure how I feel about this book.
The book has the simplest of premises, which is not necessarily a bad thing if explored correctly, but in this case it was an issue for me.
We follow Jack (short for Jacqueline), an NYPD detective who only does one-night stands, and Dakota, the ex-wife of the gay head of a multi-million dollar company. Dakota’s looking for hookups after her divorce (when her ex-husband came out a few years ago) and her experiences with Tinder men so far have been very disappointing. So her friends (all women in same-sex relationships) convince her to switch her Tinder preferences to women and “experiment”. So, of course, she matches with Jack. And the only conflict is that Jack is not willing to be in a relationship because of her dangerous job and how her father died on the force when she was seventeen.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not opposed to a book where the main conflict is internal, where a character is unwilling to be better, where their demons are keeping them from happiness. Those are actually my favorite stories. However, it felt like this particular book needed more conflict or more of a plot.
We were just seeing them fuck again and again and then read their internal dialogues (Dakota being like yeah yeah my experiment, i’m so horny — and Jack being yeah yeah my hook up situation because we definitely CAN’T be more than that) that were incredibly repetitive. And I just COULDN’T with how repetitive the whole “I’m just into one-night stands” was. WE GET IT, YOU’RE A COMMITMENTPHOBE BECAUSE OF TRAUMA, can we get moving, please?? I’m begging you.
The book was basically insufferable internal monologues + never ending sex scenes + them going to like three dinners or “special” events with friends/family. It lacked dynamism, it lacked more conflict and a better plot. It was very static.
Also, I feel like it was a little on the short side, and although that was good because there wasn’t much more to tell (maybe it was too long for the amount of plot available), I wished it was longer with much more things to explore, with more conflict and plot. The potential is there, but the execution was lacking.
I also lowkey hated Dakota’s thing with her sexual orientation. I get it that she thought she was straight, and then she realized she wasn’t. But she had the typical moments of thinking “I don’t like women, I like you” AFTER internally being like “I’m guessing I’m bisexual”. SHE THOUGHT IT and then she acted like she hadn’t, like she “didn’t know”, like she was allergic to call it what it was. And I get it that some people really dislike naming their sexual orientation for whatever reason and although I disagree, I respect it. However, this felt less of a “I don’t want to say it” and more like “I won’t do it because.. reasons”. It made no sense, none whatsoever. And it infuriated me. Slightly related but I also hated so much how they called it an experiment well after their first long night together. It bothered me but I get it, that DID made sense, unlike the whole bisexual thing.
I also don’t get why they are in love. They are certainly attracted to each other, they have good sexual chemistry, they “have the hots” for each other (like they themselves said), but I don’t buy they are IN LOVE. Maybe because we didn’t explore their romantic side enough, as we spent too much time in their bed.
I almost DNFd this, not gonna lie. But it did have positives:
1. Totally personal but I guess right now I needed to read about a character whose fears made them say no to romantic love. So that was for me.
2. I liked the sex scenes. They were hot, so props. I’m just personally not super fan of more sex than love in my romance books. Sometimes it felt more like erotica than romance and I skimmed through the last few scenes.
3. I was very intrigued and liked a lot the dynamic and relationship between Dakota, her ex-husband, his husband and their daughters.
4. It was easy to read.
I think a lot of people will love this book, specially if they want steamy scenes. But it’s not totally for me.
Also, I think I had very high expectations because I ADORED “A Breathless Place” by this author (full of drama and internal conflict, proving this one could’ve been awesome). I think she can shine much more and that’s why I’ll keep reading her. It’s a shame I didn’t love this one as much.
February 24, 2024
Entertaining book: unusual family arrangements frighten off the Police Officer as it would anyone! Worth a read.
May 13, 2024
I really enjoyed this book, with one night stand to forever, rich girl poor girl , coming out late in life themes seamlessly woven into a great love story. Both MCs are beautiful, kind, smart and independent professionals, one a successful architect with twin daughters from her billionaire ex husband, the other the hot and tough NY detective. This is love at first sight, the attraction between the couple is so strong that nothing can keep them apart. A low angst, heartwarming romance and a true delight to read.
April 4, 2024
I have mixed thoughts on this one. I listened to the audio on Scribd/Everand and Abby Craden was her fantastic best.
I loved Jacks character and wished to have more of her POV. I totally get how she wasn’t comfortable with Dakota’s living situation. It’s nice for connivence that She lived in the same house as her ex and his husband but way too much togetherness for me as well.
Dakota was ok but she was too indecisive on what she wanted in her relationships. And that she was still in love with her ex ?????
As others have said, this was very hot🔥🔥🔥and a unique spin on antics in the bedroom. And later Jack’s thoughts and reasoning was a new and refreshing take on the subject.
Very nice to see old characters woven into the story. Some I had forgotten except for Elizabeth Adler.
I loved Jacks character and wished to have more of her POV. I totally get how she wasn’t comfortable with Dakota’s living situation. It’s nice for connivence that She lived in the same house as her ex and his husband but way too much togetherness for me as well.
Dakota was ok but she was too indecisive on what she wanted in her relationships. And that she was still in love with her ex ?????
As others have said, this was very hot🔥🔥🔥and a unique spin on antics in the bedroom. And later Jack’s thoughts and reasoning was a new and refreshing take on the subject.
Very nice to see old characters woven into the story. Some I had forgotten except for Elizabeth Adler.
April 7, 2025
➥ 3.5 stars ⋆˚࿔
i honestly don’t really have much to say about this book, the only reason i gave it 3.5 stars is because it took me a whole month to finish it and it usually takes me a lot less time, but the story wasn’t that captivating so it took me longer than usual (and near the end i was honestly just forcing myself to finish it). i did appreciate the characters and their depth though! and the side characters as well<3 maybe i’ll read mac & jamie and izzie & leila’s books because now i’m curious to know more about them.
i also really liked dakota & jack’s chemistry, sometimes the main characters have no chemistry but it definitely wasn’t the case for them!!
➥ favorite quote :
“Maybe the real question she had to ask herself was whether she wanted to fall in love or not—and if she still had a choice in the matter. Probably not. And was that really so bad?”
➥ my playlist for this book (might add more songs over time) :
dakota & jack || i hope that i don’t fall in love with you
i honestly don’t really have much to say about this book, the only reason i gave it 3.5 stars is because it took me a whole month to finish it and it usually takes me a lot less time, but the story wasn’t that captivating so it took me longer than usual (and near the end i was honestly just forcing myself to finish it). i did appreciate the characters and their depth though! and the side characters as well<3 maybe i’ll read mac & jamie and izzie & leila’s books because now i’m curious to know more about them.
i also really liked dakota & jack’s chemistry, sometimes the main characters have no chemistry but it definitely wasn’t the case for them!!
➥ favorite quote :
“Maybe the real question she had to ask herself was whether she wanted to fall in love or not—and if she still had a choice in the matter. Probably not. And was that really so bad?”
➥ my playlist for this book (might add more songs over time) :
dakota & jack || i hope that i don’t fall in love with you
January 2, 2024
this was fun!! and very dramatic.
i love harper bliss’ characters most of the time but idk why dakota and jack didn’t completely click for me, but good book!
i love harper bliss’ characters most of the time but idk why dakota and jack didn’t completely click for me, but good book!
July 4, 2024
4,5 ✨
August 23, 2024
Absolutely love this, the normal hot scenes were a bit more timid. And I loved it. 😊
January 20, 2024
Harper Bliss is one of my very favorite authors. No matter the storyline or characters, there's a 99% chance of her books being five stars for me. I Hope That I Don't Fall in Love With You is no exception. The twists and turns just keep coming. My favorite part of this one is that there are so many crossovers with characters from other books, but nothing feels contrived. The thing about her characters is that you love them so much that you're excited to see them again.
And I'd be remiss to not mention that early sex scene that covers multiple chapters. Whew!!
And I'd be remiss to not mention that early sex scene that covers multiple chapters. Whew!!
July 19, 2024
2,5 ⭐
Гарний, гарячий секс, все інше – неймовірно жахливе.
Я не знаю, про що саме казати, бо тут було жахливо все: від героїв до обставин, в котрі вони потрапляють.
Те, що повинно бути комедією, стає абсурдом.
Пошуки "своєї орієнтації" безумовно важлива тема, особливо те, що показують її вже не для підліткового віку, а на прикладі більш дорослої жінки, яка вже була одруженою і мала двох дітей...
Але нерішучість Дакоти дратує всю книгу, коли вона знову металася між тим, що вона відчуває і ким вона є, коли чудове слово "бісексуальність" вирішує більшу частину її проблем. Але ні.
І тим паче мені не подобається, що головна героїня продовжила жити з новим чоловіком свого колишнього, однією сім'єю, така собі трохи кончена "шведська родина" + двоє дітей (і мене бісить, що вона не розуміє обурення своєї партнерки на цю тему, бо "не забирати сім'ю у 14річних дівчат" не так, бляха, працює 🤬)
Дакота явно не заслуговує такої жінки, як Джек. Хай спочатку сходить до психолога та пропрацює свої проблеми зі стосунками.
Книзі не вистачало динаміки, не вистачало логічного конфлікту та кращого сюжету. Все було дуже статично та безглуздо.
Єдине, що не викликало в мені запитань у цій книзі – сцени сексу. Вони гарячі, досить детальні й хімія між героїнями відчувається на якомусь неймовірному рівні (хоча мені вони сподобались саме від лиця Джек, а не Дакоти)
Гарний, гарячий секс, все інше – неймовірно жахливе.
Я не знаю, про що саме казати, бо тут було жахливо все: від героїв до обставин, в котрі вони потрапляють.
Те, що повинно бути комедією, стає абсурдом.
Пошуки "своєї орієнтації" безумовно важлива тема, особливо те, що показують її вже не для підліткового віку, а на прикладі більш дорослої жінки, яка вже була одруженою і мала двох дітей...
Але нерішучість Дакоти дратує всю книгу, коли вона знову металася між тим, що вона відчуває і ким вона є, коли чудове слово "бісексуальність" вирішує більшу частину її проблем. Але ні.
І тим паче мені не подобається, що головна героїня продовжила жити з новим чоловіком свого колишнього, однією сім'єю, така собі трохи кончена "шведська родина" + двоє дітей (і мене бісить, що вона не розуміє обурення своєї партнерки на цю тему, бо "не забирати сім'ю у 14річних дівчат" не так, бляха, працює 🤬)
Дакота явно не заслуговує такої жінки, як Джек. Хай спочатку сходить до психолога та пропрацює свої проблеми зі стосунками.
Книзі не вистачало динаміки, не вистачало логічного конфлікту та кращого сюжету. Все було дуже статично та безглуздо.
Єдине, що не викликало в мені запитань у цій книзі – сцени сексу. Вони гарячі, досить детальні й хімія між героїнями відчувається на якомусь неймовірному рівні (хоча мені вони сподобались саме від лиця Джек, а не Дакоти)
May 4, 2025
This was fine. My biggest issue with this was that it's two people who are heavily in lust with each other and somehow we're always thinking about falling in love. It's never believable to me that these two characters have much in common or to talk about aside from lots and lots of sex, which may be enjoyable to some, but not really to me. The whole thing just feels like casual sex, then friends with benefits and along the way somehow we skip to love without having much of a conversation or communicating or even liking each other much aside from the incessant sex dates.
January 12, 2024
It’s a well written book, but for me it lacked something.
January 14, 2024
Harper Bliss never shy’s away from any subject and she didn’t in this book. Dakota, a straight woman experimenting on Tinder with a lesbian, has a billionaire ex-husband who came out gay, blended family, you really would need a medal getting involved in that situation. Jack, a hardened NYC lesbian detective does like a one night stand and the chemistry between the two of them was off the charts. Sometimes you just have to throw your rule book out the window and follow your heart.
June 1, 2025
I got through this book quickly, but that had more to do with the pacing and simplicity of the plot than with being fully engrossed. While the chemistry between the main characters was present, it lacked the emotional depth I was hoping for. Their connection felt more like lust than love, and the romantic development never quite felt convincing.
The conflict, while clearly intended to drive the story forward, didn’t add much substance for me. Jack’s back-and-forth attitude became tiresome, and by the end, I found myself increasingly frustrated with her character. Dakota’s sudden ease in falling for a woman after a seemingly heterosexual life also felt a bit rushed and under-explored, there was little emotional unpacking or reflection on what that shift might mean for her.
It’s not a bad book by any means, but it isn’t my favourite of Bliss’s work. There are plenty of steamy scenes, but ultimately, the story didn’t offer enough plot or character depth to keep me fully invested.
The conflict, while clearly intended to drive the story forward, didn’t add much substance for me. Jack’s back-and-forth attitude became tiresome, and by the end, I found myself increasingly frustrated with her character. Dakota’s sudden ease in falling for a woman after a seemingly heterosexual life also felt a bit rushed and under-explored, there was little emotional unpacking or reflection on what that shift might mean for her.
It’s not a bad book by any means, but it isn’t my favourite of Bliss’s work. There are plenty of steamy scenes, but ultimately, the story didn’t offer enough plot or character depth to keep me fully invested.
March 20, 2024
As other reviews have stated, this entry into the Blissverse seems "fine" but lacks that certain je ne sais quoi of the best of Harper. However, I think I may "sais quoi"--at least in part.
In short, I'd say it is missed opportunities. Some may see it as several violations--of varying degrees of severity--of a relatively modern understanding of the dramatic principle of Chekov's Gun. For example:
1. Jack Russo is a cop. This is a profession that typically provides significant drama for a story. I know that Harper has Jack specifically think how routine a real cop's daily life is compared to a TV show, in this case, one from the Blissverse, which gives her an excuse to have a cameo from Sadie Ireland (And Then She Kissed Me). However, she does have a Jack arrest a killer and her own father was killed in the line of duty.
While the latter has a significant impact on Jack's behavior, both events occur off-page and receive minimal description. Sure, too much delving into Jack's cop life could make Dakota's life seem twee by comparison--but, then again, the contrast could have fueled more genuine conflict. Further, if something from Jack's cop life put her (or worse, Dakota and family) in danger, it would have given her a more solid foundation for her reluctance to be in a relationship that she clearly wanted. Instead, it is Dakota that gets injured in an admittedly silly way (slipping on a piece of paper because she worse heels to a construction site). Life turns on a dime, it's true. It's the random stuff that really knocks you for a loop. However, in this case, it felt more like a narrative and character development shortcut.
2. The Van Ness Evil Empire. Okay, it's not. Or, at least, it wasn't confirmed as such. However, several of Jack's group do think that it is one. Moreover, yes, you can rest assured that a century old financial empire and megacorporation has done many unsavory things (but whatever). In the book, their distrust of Dakota (more pointedly, Chase Van Ness and his family), comes across as judging a book by its cover and unfair biases.
This would be fine (discounting the, "you're being so unfair to those billionaires. They have a tough life too!" sentiment), except when Chase learns Jack is a detective, he immediately jokes about her being undercover to get dirt on the corporation. When Dakota asks if there is anything to hide, Chase's response is presented with such negating flat firmness, it came across like Michael in The Godfather, "No I didn't have Carlo killed." Sure. So, the reader may have had some level of expectation for some scandal from this--but no. It's just a tease that leaves the reader feeling like one does when a sneeze fails.
3. This one is more of a personal peeve, but I was let down by a book titled, "I Hope That I Don't Fall in Love with You" that didn't reference the classic Tom Waits song of the same name (and that Harper clearly used as thematic inspiration). Yet, it does reference another famous song from the '70s, but it is Art Garfunkel's "Bright Eyes" which Jack says was her father's favorite song.
Look, Garfunkel has a clear, ethereal voice, but that treacly song is difficult to get through. It was written for the animated movie Watership Down, and the author, Richard Adams' reportedly hated the song. I get it. It's like listening to a four-minute sigh. Besides, the Tom Waits song was right there! It might have been a little on the nose, but Jack's romantic life was a mirror of the first four verses of that song, and finally she experienced the fifth at the end. Even without picking the proper song, at the very least, I'd like to hear how a tough Brooklyn-Italian career cop's favorite song was a wispy ballad made for a movie about rabbits and sung by a Jewish kid from Queens. But, no. I didn't get that either.
4. Dakota is too Ready and Willing. This is a toaster oven romance. One of the supporting characters mentions it. However, the initial erotic chapter was from Jack's point of view. Then, when it shifts to Dakota, she's not only eager to try everything (I can understand that, if she thought it was a one-time deal) but she was also skilled at it. She takes the lead, topping Jack. There was no hesitation. No clumsiness. I think that would have helped readers connect better to her and sympathize with her experiences. There was no true discovery or growth. It was instantaneous. Consequently, this also made her "I'm not gay" and other comments later, seem even sillier.
5. Family and Friends Fail to Foil Fully.
The reader is warned repeatedly about the stuffy conservative Van Ness ways and how they didn't approve of Chase's sexuality and would look poorly upon Dakota's awakening. Nothing happened.
Marley (sp? I listened to the audiobook) has a particular disdain for the Van Ness family and distrusts Dakota because of it. Yes, she voices her concerns to Jack, but then Dakota and Marley figure it all out off-page. Why waste time with conflict when we can jump straight to the resolution?!
Dakota's two daughters (twins, ugh, why that trope but a cop's life is presented realistically?) I believe their names were Forced Tension and Convenient Conflict. Wait, it was Aubrey and Peyton. Aubrey walks in on Dakota and Jack in bed, because of course she does. They act more like eight-year-olds than teens, barging in without knocking. Yeah, yeah kids do that. It happens once to push another mini-breakup and that's it. The daughters only exist to justify Dakota's behaviors and residence. They have no depth. No agency. Such as it is, I'd have found Dakota living with Chase and Corey without kids to be a far more interesting situation to explain to Jack, who could barely grasp the simple concept of remaining friends with an ex after having had kids with them.
Nick Flakes: Jack's partner, Nick, "can't make it" to the big Jack and Dakota celebration? He has to work! It's as if the reader is supposed to believe Harper doesn't have 100% control of what the characters do. So the most important person in Jack's work life never interacts with anyone else in her life because...no. That's it. That's the reason.
6. Gratuitous Cameos Cause Consternation. As noted, Sadie (And Then She Kissed Me) pops up twice to tweak Jack's fangirl nose. More significantly, Mac and Jamie (Still the One) and Izzy and Leila (A Breathless Place) are (somehow) good friends and (implausibly) neighbors of Dakota. They are presented as friends to link the Blissverse and provide fan service, but they aren't necessary either. That is, while they help Dakota shine brighter by association, their personal experiences are not referenced to help guide Dakota.
For example, although Jamie is the primary pusher of the first meeting and relationship, somehow it never occurs to her or Mac that their own tumultuous relationship history might help a confused Dakota. Readers may recall that Jamie abruptly dumped Mac for another woman on the eve of their wedding, took most of their friends with her, and was absent for ten years. Of course, they reunited once Jamie wanted Mac back and thought Mac should get over it and eventually Mac was peer-pressured into agreeing that a true love such as that shouldn't be denied. Hmm. Then again, maybe that wouldn't have helped Dakota. Still, it could have been used to show her that, a couple can overcome difficulties. Instead, their advice was little more than, "Just give her a call, why don't you?" Instead of continuing to develop these characters and provide depth to this story, they are just plug and play. They could be anyone Harper deemed rich and famous.
In short, I'd say it is missed opportunities. Some may see it as several violations--of varying degrees of severity--of a relatively modern understanding of the dramatic principle of Chekov's Gun. For example:
1. Jack Russo is a cop. This is a profession that typically provides significant drama for a story. I know that Harper has Jack specifically think how routine a real cop's daily life is compared to a TV show, in this case, one from the Blissverse, which gives her an excuse to have a cameo from Sadie Ireland (And Then She Kissed Me). However, she does have a Jack arrest a killer and her own father was killed in the line of duty.
While the latter has a significant impact on Jack's behavior, both events occur off-page and receive minimal description. Sure, too much delving into Jack's cop life could make Dakota's life seem twee by comparison--but, then again, the contrast could have fueled more genuine conflict. Further, if something from Jack's cop life put her (or worse, Dakota and family) in danger, it would have given her a more solid foundation for her reluctance to be in a relationship that she clearly wanted. Instead, it is Dakota that gets injured in an admittedly silly way (slipping on a piece of paper because she worse heels to a construction site). Life turns on a dime, it's true. It's the random stuff that really knocks you for a loop. However, in this case, it felt more like a narrative and character development shortcut.
2. The Van Ness Evil Empire. Okay, it's not. Or, at least, it wasn't confirmed as such. However, several of Jack's group do think that it is one. Moreover, yes, you can rest assured that a century old financial empire and megacorporation has done many unsavory things (but whatever). In the book, their distrust of Dakota (more pointedly, Chase Van Ness and his family), comes across as judging a book by its cover and unfair biases.
This would be fine (discounting the, "you're being so unfair to those billionaires. They have a tough life too!" sentiment), except when Chase learns Jack is a detective, he immediately jokes about her being undercover to get dirt on the corporation. When Dakota asks if there is anything to hide, Chase's response is presented with such negating flat firmness, it came across like Michael in The Godfather, "No I didn't have Carlo killed." Sure. So, the reader may have had some level of expectation for some scandal from this--but no. It's just a tease that leaves the reader feeling like one does when a sneeze fails.
3. This one is more of a personal peeve, but I was let down by a book titled, "I Hope That I Don't Fall in Love with You" that didn't reference the classic Tom Waits song of the same name (and that Harper clearly used as thematic inspiration). Yet, it does reference another famous song from the '70s, but it is Art Garfunkel's "Bright Eyes" which Jack says was her father's favorite song.
Look, Garfunkel has a clear, ethereal voice, but that treacly song is difficult to get through. It was written for the animated movie Watership Down, and the author, Richard Adams' reportedly hated the song. I get it. It's like listening to a four-minute sigh. Besides, the Tom Waits song was right there! It might have been a little on the nose, but Jack's romantic life was a mirror of the first four verses of that song, and finally she experienced the fifth at the end. Even without picking the proper song, at the very least, I'd like to hear how a tough Brooklyn-Italian career cop's favorite song was a wispy ballad made for a movie about rabbits and sung by a Jewish kid from Queens. But, no. I didn't get that either.
4. Dakota is too Ready and Willing. This is a toaster oven romance. One of the supporting characters mentions it. However, the initial erotic chapter was from Jack's point of view. Then, when it shifts to Dakota, she's not only eager to try everything (I can understand that, if she thought it was a one-time deal) but she was also skilled at it. She takes the lead, topping Jack. There was no hesitation. No clumsiness. I think that would have helped readers connect better to her and sympathize with her experiences. There was no true discovery or growth. It was instantaneous. Consequently, this also made her "I'm not gay" and other comments later, seem even sillier.
5. Family and Friends Fail to Foil Fully.
The reader is warned repeatedly about the stuffy conservative Van Ness ways and how they didn't approve of Chase's sexuality and would look poorly upon Dakota's awakening. Nothing happened.
Marley (sp? I listened to the audiobook) has a particular disdain for the Van Ness family and distrusts Dakota because of it. Yes, she voices her concerns to Jack, but then Dakota and Marley figure it all out off-page. Why waste time with conflict when we can jump straight to the resolution?!
Dakota's two daughters (twins, ugh, why that trope but a cop's life is presented realistically?) I believe their names were Forced Tension and Convenient Conflict. Wait, it was Aubrey and Peyton. Aubrey walks in on Dakota and Jack in bed, because of course she does. They act more like eight-year-olds than teens, barging in without knocking. Yeah, yeah kids do that. It happens once to push another mini-breakup and that's it. The daughters only exist to justify Dakota's behaviors and residence. They have no depth. No agency. Such as it is, I'd have found Dakota living with Chase and Corey without kids to be a far more interesting situation to explain to Jack, who could barely grasp the simple concept of remaining friends with an ex after having had kids with them.
Nick Flakes: Jack's partner, Nick, "can't make it" to the big Jack and Dakota celebration? He has to work! It's as if the reader is supposed to believe Harper doesn't have 100% control of what the characters do. So the most important person in Jack's work life never interacts with anyone else in her life because...no. That's it. That's the reason.
6. Gratuitous Cameos Cause Consternation. As noted, Sadie (And Then She Kissed Me) pops up twice to tweak Jack's fangirl nose. More significantly, Mac and Jamie (Still the One) and Izzy and Leila (A Breathless Place) are (somehow) good friends and (implausibly) neighbors of Dakota. They are presented as friends to link the Blissverse and provide fan service, but they aren't necessary either. That is, while they help Dakota shine brighter by association, their personal experiences are not referenced to help guide Dakota.
For example, although Jamie is the primary pusher of the first meeting and relationship, somehow it never occurs to her or Mac that their own tumultuous relationship history might help a confused Dakota. Readers may recall that Jamie abruptly dumped Mac for another woman on the eve of their wedding, took most of their friends with her, and was absent for ten years. Of course, they reunited once Jamie wanted Mac back and thought Mac should get over it and eventually Mac was peer-pressured into agreeing that a true love such as that shouldn't be denied. Hmm. Then again, maybe that wouldn't have helped Dakota. Still, it could have been used to show her that, a couple can overcome difficulties. Instead, their advice was little more than, "Just give her a call, why don't you?" Instead of continuing to develop these characters and provide depth to this story, they are just plug and play. They could be anyone Harper deemed rich and famous.
March 18, 2024
(3.5 stars) i really wanted to like this book because of the raving reviews that it got. when i actually started the book, i forced myself to get through the first two or three chapters because there was just this disconnect. and don't get me wrong, i still stuck through to the end and actually enjoyed both of the characters... but there was something about this book that it just lacked? i felt that it fell flat to my expectations, based on what other people were saying. 306 pages yet i'm not sure how we even got from A to B? maybe i just read too fast and didn't give my brain time to process what happened, but maybe it also just... didn't give me what i wanted. there was no color, no building, and no "falling". it felt that the falling in love aspect just happened immediately. in my opinion.
however, despite all of the cons, it was still very well written, the characters kept me going. jack had depth, dakota felt very "what you see is what you get" and there was nothing much else behind her. but i liked her! she was cute!
i'm just not sure this book would be a recommended one. that being said, i enjoyed the writing style. i liked what i read, i just didn't love it. however, this book doesn't deter me from reading another from the author.
however, despite all of the cons, it was still very well written, the characters kept me going. jack had depth, dakota felt very "what you see is what you get" and there was nothing much else behind her. but i liked her! she was cute!
i'm just not sure this book would be a recommended one. that being said, i enjoyed the writing style. i liked what i read, i just didn't love it. however, this book doesn't deter me from reading another from the author.
January 21, 2024
A HOT toaster oven/ rich girl/ regular girl love story. Dakota is divorced from her billionaire gay husband. She's had poor luck on the dating scene until her lesbian friends tell her to swipe right for a beautiful lesbian. Jack is on Tinder for first date only, when she swipes right on Dakota 'a profile. Their first night together is magical. Where they both keep thinking about each other. But Jack has rules.
This is a book you can't put down. It is a 5 star love story.
This is a book you can't put down. It is a 5 star love story.
July 3, 2025
2.5 stars
Enjoyed the first half more than the second. The story had a lot of potential, but it dragged on in the middle. At some point, the scenes between the main characters just felt like a really long will-they-won’t-they dance.
I was really pissed at Jack and her issues for a good chunk of the book, but I guess I’m glad things worked out in their favor.
Enjoyed the first half more than the second. The story had a lot of potential, but it dragged on in the middle. At some point, the scenes between the main characters just felt like a really long will-they-won’t-they dance.
I was really pissed at Jack and her issues for a good chunk of the book, but I guess I’m glad things worked out in their favor.
January 17, 2024
When Dakota swipes right on a woman, at the encouragement's of her friends, who knew meeting Jack and, a night of the best sex of her life, would lead to an unexpected turn in her life. Dakota shares a house with her ex husband and gay partner along with her two kids. She also believed she was most definitely straight! However Jack completely railroads her thoughts and beliefs. Jack doesn’t want a relationship of any kind, never has, never will! The two are polar opposites but neither can get over their first night or the thought of subsequent nights together. A truly enjoyable, well written story that you won’t be able to put down!
January 19, 2024
Great read. I love how the story draws out the complexity todays dating scene. A story of self discovery and the conflicts of new and unexpected love . The characters are well thought out and you find yourself cheering for most of them. Once again we get to see how the lives of characters in her previous books are unfolding.
Another great book from Harper Bliss.
Another great book from Harper Bliss.
January 21, 2024
I didn't want this to end and was torn between not being able to put it down and wanting to drag it out. I loved the 2 main characters and the supporting characters.
January 21, 2024
Couldn't put it down....
Another wonderful story from Harper Bliss! As with all her books, this too is filled with rich characters and an interesting story arc.
Another wonderful story from Harper Bliss! As with all her books, this too is filled with rich characters and an interesting story arc.
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