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Love Me Like You Shouldn't
Not yet published
Expected 18 Feb 26- GenresLesbian
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 18, 2026
106 people want to read
About the author
Harper Bliss
140 books2,402 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 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 1, 2026
This book completely hooked me from beginning to end. It’s a beautifully layered, emotionally charged story about two women whose lives collide at exactly the wrong and right moment.
Avery, an actress on the brink of fame, is navigating the pressure of sudden visibility while still carrying deep wounds from her family history. Then there’s Dr. Nic, a brilliant, reserved psychiatrist still grieving the loss of her wife. She’s convinced that the part of her capable of deep connection died right along with her partner.
Their patient‑doctor dynamic sets the stage for a forbidden, slow‑burn tension that feels both intimate and impossible. The chemistry between them is electric, tender, and yes, wonderfully steamy. Like really steamy , but then again Harper Bliss is the queen of steam :)
The supporting cast was another highlight. Getting to reconnect with characters from previous books felt like slipping back into a familiar circle of friends.
I really enjoyed this one! Highly recommend read with a solid 5 star rating.
I revived an ARC from the author.
Avery, an actress on the brink of fame, is navigating the pressure of sudden visibility while still carrying deep wounds from her family history. Then there’s Dr. Nic, a brilliant, reserved psychiatrist still grieving the loss of her wife. She’s convinced that the part of her capable of deep connection died right along with her partner.
Their patient‑doctor dynamic sets the stage for a forbidden, slow‑burn tension that feels both intimate and impossible. The chemistry between them is electric, tender, and yes, wonderfully steamy. Like really steamy , but then again Harper Bliss is the queen of steam :)
The supporting cast was another highlight. Getting to reconnect with characters from previous books felt like slipping back into a familiar circle of friends.
I really enjoyed this one! Highly recommend read with a solid 5 star rating.
I revived an ARC from the author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Heartfelt, intense, unforgettable
Harper is truly a master when it comes to writing forbidden romances, and this book is yet another powerful reminder of why her stories linger long after the final page. From the very first chapter, I was completely intrigued, hooked in that quiet but relentless way where you know you’re about to experience something special. The kind of story that pulls you in and refuses to let go.
There are so many things to love about this book, it’s hard to know where to start. The story is beautifully developed, unfolding at a pace that allows every moment to matter. The characters are deep, dimensional, and incredibly human; you don’t just read about them, you feel them. Their emotions, doubts, desires, and fears come through so vividly that it’s impossible not to become emotionally invested.
This is a heartfelt story in the truest sense. It stirs strong emotions, touches sensitive places, and explores longing and connection with such care and intensity. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, sizzling, electric, and perfectly balanced with tenderness. Every interaction feels charged with meaning, making their relationship both intoxicating and unforgettable.
By the time I reached the end, I realized just how deeply invested I had become. I was so absorbed in the story that words almost fail me, because some books are better felt than explained. All I can truly say is that this is a great book, one that stays with you. Harper has done it again, and I already know this is a story I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Harper is truly a master when it comes to writing forbidden romances, and this book is yet another powerful reminder of why her stories linger long after the final page. From the very first chapter, I was completely intrigued, hooked in that quiet but relentless way where you know you’re about to experience something special. The kind of story that pulls you in and refuses to let go.
There are so many things to love about this book, it’s hard to know where to start. The story is beautifully developed, unfolding at a pace that allows every moment to matter. The characters are deep, dimensional, and incredibly human; you don’t just read about them, you feel them. Their emotions, doubts, desires, and fears come through so vividly that it’s impossible not to become emotionally invested.
This is a heartfelt story in the truest sense. It stirs strong emotions, touches sensitive places, and explores longing and connection with such care and intensity. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, sizzling, electric, and perfectly balanced with tenderness. Every interaction feels charged with meaning, making their relationship both intoxicating and unforgettable.
By the time I reached the end, I realized just how deeply invested I had become. I was so absorbed in the story that words almost fail me, because some books are better felt than explained. All I can truly say is that this is a great book, one that stays with you. Harper has done it again, and I already know this is a story I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love Me Like You Shouldn’t is a steamy, forbidden romance that had me hooked from the very first page. Avery and Nic are both well-developed characters with clear strengths and flaws that make them feel real. Although the start of their relationship falls into ethically gray territory, it’s handled thoughtfully and feels believable. Rather than dwelling on the negatives, the story focuses on how both characters learn and grow from their choices. Their chemistry is undeniable, and I appreciated how much time the story took to let them grow—both individually and together as a couple.
The supporting cast is plentiful, and it was great getting to revisit all of them. I loved how interconnected everyone is and how fun it was to catch up with each character. They also provided Nic and Avery with the support and love they needed throughout the story.
Overall, Love Me Like You Shouldn’t is an engaging, emotional, and steamy read that balances romance with meaningful character growth. With strong chemistry, thoughtful handling of a forbidden relationship, and a wonderful supporting cast, this story is both entertaining and heartfelt. I would definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy forbidden romances with depth, strong character development, and a satisfying emotional journey.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The supporting cast is plentiful, and it was great getting to revisit all of them. I loved how interconnected everyone is and how fun it was to catch up with each character. They also provided Nic and Avery with the support and love they needed throughout the story.
Overall, Love Me Like You Shouldn’t is an engaging, emotional, and steamy read that balances romance with meaningful character growth. With strong chemistry, thoughtful handling of a forbidden relationship, and a wonderful supporting cast, this story is both entertaining and heartfelt. I would definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy forbidden romances with depth, strong character development, and a satisfying emotional journey.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy
Harper Bliss's newest, upcoming sapphic romance novel, Love Me Like You Shouldn't, is good, very good. "Catastrophic chemistry", from the blurb/promotional materials, is an understatement: risky premise, wonderful execution, very spicy (for a Harper Bliss novel, and she executes it brilliantly)!
I really enjoyed my time with this one, the set up was great - definitely had the potential to be "a Marmite read" (like A Family Affair was), for some, but for me it worked well; the only thing I would have liked to see more of is, funnily enough, more conflict and more internal-fighting before the MCs crossed the rubicon: all things considered, things went quite swimmingly for them (it could've been a bit longer with a bit more angst/slow-burn, but that's personal taste).
A fun, spicy read with lots of great characterisation. Definitely one of my favourites by Harper Bliss!
Love Me Like You Shouldn't is out now on the Bliss Shop (i.e. direct from the author), and it will be available from other retailers on 18 February 2026; the audiobook (narrated by Abby Craden) will be out in March!
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
She’s not here because she’s my client—that’s just the unfortunate fact of how we met.
I really enjoyed my time with this one, the set up was great - definitely had the potential to be "a Marmite read" (like A Family Affair was), for some, but for me it worked well; the only thing I would have liked to see more of is, funnily enough, more conflict and more internal-fighting before the MCs crossed the rubicon: all things considered, things went quite swimmingly for them (it could've been a bit longer with a bit more angst/slow-burn, but that's personal taste).
A fun, spicy read with lots of great characterisation. Definitely one of my favourites by Harper Bliss!
Love Me Like You Shouldn't is out now on the Bliss Shop (i.e. direct from the author), and it will be available from other retailers on 18 February 2026; the audiobook (narrated by Abby Craden) will be out in March!
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The heart wants what the heart wants.
Sometimes in life, you reach a point where you have to follow your heart. You have no choice.
However, you have to bear the consequences and live with them.
In the case of actress Avery Hall and Dr. Nic Forbes, their professional relationship is that of therapist and client, and this comes with strict ethical boundaries.
This relationship—or rather, the imbalance between the client's vulnerable situation and the therapist's not insignificant position—can otherwise cause harm.
There are boundaries that must be respected for good reason.
But what do you do when both want each other so badly and are powerless against the attraction and the feelings that arise between them?
Avery is also very famous as the latest hottie in Hollywood, and Nic Forbes is no stranger to the spotlight either.
After all, she's the therapist for the rich and famous!
So it's hardly something that can be kept secret...or is it?
The undeniable attraction between these two, the explosive physical intimacy they develop for each other, was extremely steamy and beautifully written.
I could hardly put it down. Phew!
I loved everything about this book!
Another favorite of mine by Harper Bliss! Thank you so much!
Sometimes in life, you reach a point where you have to follow your heart. You have no choice.
However, you have to bear the consequences and live with them.
In the case of actress Avery Hall and Dr. Nic Forbes, their professional relationship is that of therapist and client, and this comes with strict ethical boundaries.
This relationship—or rather, the imbalance between the client's vulnerable situation and the therapist's not insignificant position—can otherwise cause harm.
There are boundaries that must be respected for good reason.
But what do you do when both want each other so badly and are powerless against the attraction and the feelings that arise between them?
Avery is also very famous as the latest hottie in Hollywood, and Nic Forbes is no stranger to the spotlight either.
After all, she's the therapist for the rich and famous!
So it's hardly something that can be kept secret...or is it?
The undeniable attraction between these two, the explosive physical intimacy they develop for each other, was extremely steamy and beautifully written.
I could hardly put it down. Phew!
I loved everything about this book!
Another favorite of mine by Harper Bliss! Thank you so much!
Review of advance copy
Harper Bliss is back, and this one is a scorcher!🔥
One of the reasons I keep coming back to Bliss is that she never plays it safe. She pushes boundaries, leans into controversial pairings, and serves up deliciously morally grey situations. And honestly, I eat that up! There’s something irresistible about messy emotions and devastatingly beautiful women who refuse to fit into society’s neat little boxes.
This story follows a gorgeous therapist in her 50s who slowly unravels under the pull of her mid-30s client… lesbian, rich, famous, and impossible to ignore! The attraction is undeniable, the ethical lines are blurred, and the emotional fallout is intense. Watching a life you thought was stable start to crack open? I’m SO here for it! 👏🏼
If, like me, you enjoy your romance with a dash of danger and a shovel of spice, do yourself a favour and pick this one up immediately! 🌶️
This one is 💯 going on my bookshelf!
One of the reasons I keep coming back to Bliss is that she never plays it safe. She pushes boundaries, leans into controversial pairings, and serves up deliciously morally grey situations. And honestly, I eat that up! There’s something irresistible about messy emotions and devastatingly beautiful women who refuse to fit into society’s neat little boxes.
This story follows a gorgeous therapist in her 50s who slowly unravels under the pull of her mid-30s client… lesbian, rich, famous, and impossible to ignore! The attraction is undeniable, the ethical lines are blurred, and the emotional fallout is intense. Watching a life you thought was stable start to crack open? I’m SO here for it! 👏🏼
If, like me, you enjoy your romance with a dash of danger and a shovel of spice, do yourself a favour and pick this one up immediately! 🌶️
This one is 💯 going on my bookshelf!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Please do not be put off by the tag lines, forbidden and hot. This is both but sooo much more.
I am only 17% in but this book has already made me think and reconsider my views! Not on the book. I knew going in to it Bliss writes hot, always hot with humanity, this is no different. It has already made me reconsider some of my opinions on repercussions of being gay in the 21st century.
One main curses constantly. At the beginning it distracted me. I appreciate cursing as an emphasis but not every few words. However 25% and it just is. Mission creep is real!
Although the relationship is forbidden it doesn't feel too bad with the circumstances and the professional relationship is immediately terminated. I totally get why it is forbidden.... but..... and that is one of the strengths of this novel!
I am only 17% in but this book has already made me think and reconsider my views! Not on the book. I knew going in to it Bliss writes hot, always hot with humanity, this is no different. It has already made me reconsider some of my opinions on repercussions of being gay in the 21st century.
One main curses constantly. At the beginning it distracted me. I appreciate cursing as an emphasis but not every few words. However 25% and it just is. Mission creep is real!
Although the relationship is forbidden it doesn't feel too bad with the circumstances and the professional relationship is immediately terminated. I totally get why it is forbidden.... but..... and that is one of the strengths of this novel!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love Me Like You Shouldn’t is another wonderful book by Harper Bliss. I admire Harper because her books don't play it easy. she likes to push boundaries and address controversial topics and couples that would supposedly be off-limits.
Avery and Nicola are a famous client and a therapist couple who weren't supposed to fall in love because of professional ethics, but they do, because that's life after all.
This book has many spicy and steamy acenes; the scenes are very good. Harper is one of the best authors who write steamy scenes; she never disappoints in the heat and romance.
P.S.: I loved learning more about my favorite couples: Ida and Faye and Stella and Kate of About That Kiss and A Family Affair. I love the BlissVerse.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Avery and Nicola are a famous client and a therapist couple who weren't supposed to fall in love because of professional ethics, but they do, because that's life after all.
This book has many spicy and steamy acenes; the scenes are very good. Harper is one of the best authors who write steamy scenes; she never disappoints in the heat and romance.
P.S.: I loved learning more about my favorite couples: Ida and Faye and Stella and Kate of About That Kiss and A Family Affair. I love the BlissVerse.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I will be honest and say that I have read and/or listened to most of Harper Bliss’s books and the ones part of the BlissVerse extra dear to me. Love Me Like You Shouldn’t is a great addition to this universe and I really enjoyed reading about Nic and Avery, they were fire together. Unfortunately I never really saw the love of their life kind of connection, it was more an insta lust kind of thing. It is a bit telling that my main swooning moment in the book was when I got a bit more of Stella and Kate’s family life and love, A Family Affair is and remains my favourite Harper Bliss book after all.
With that said I really look forward to the audiobook version of this book, Abby Craden narrating all those spice scenes between Nic and Avery is something to look forward to.
With that said I really look forward to the audiobook version of this book, Abby Craden narrating all those spice scenes between Nic and Avery is something to look forward to.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This booked hooked me from the first paragraph. Their patient‑doctor dynamic. The internal and external dialogue surrounding how we view ourself as part of the community, where is steams from and how it affect how we show up resonated. Its Harper so the chemistry was electric, the love making was steamy and the drama was well what do you expect from a relationship between a therapist and patient. Also loved the inclusion of character in the last few books. Another HIT.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Harper Bliss delivers another stunning forbidden romance. From the first page, the story pulls you in with quiet, undeniable force.
The characters feel real — flawed, tender, deeply human. Their emotions land sharply, and their connection sparks with an intensity that’s impossible to ignore.
We also reconnect with characters from previous books, catching up with their lives.
A great read and I highly recommend. I received an ARC for an honest review.
The characters feel real — flawed, tender, deeply human. Their emotions land sharply, and their connection sparks with an intensity that’s impossible to ignore.
We also reconnect with characters from previous books, catching up with their lives.
A great read and I highly recommend. I received an ARC for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Wow what an incredible story, Harper Bliss never disappoints this story captured my attention in every way ,their connection was embedded beautifully throughout the story what unfolds was written with so much depth making you fall in love with them, I couldn't put it down definitely must read congratulations
Review of advance copy received from Author
After my initial hesitance in reading this story, I was able to enjoy it. Crossing the line between therapist and client was a bit hard for me to get over. I kept reading because I wanted to know how Avery and Nic resolved this issue. In the end, it was a nice resolution for both of them. If you want to know how these two women overcame their anxieties and became a couple, read this story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
For some reason this didn’t massively drawn me in as Harpers usually do. I enjoyed the book, I’m glad I read it and I’ll probably read it again, but I didn’t get invested in the characters.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews