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Nights in Bliss, Colorado #6
Pure Bliss
Bliss, Colorado, gave Hope McLean a second chance at life, but she's hiding a dark secret.
Raised as brothers, James Glen and Noah Bennett always dreamed of finding a woman to share their lives on the Circle G ranch. James would run the ranch, while Noah served the town of Bliss as the resident vet. But when a woman came between the brothers, Noah fled for New York City and James was left to struggle for the ranch's survival alone.
Now that Noah has returned, he will do anything to repay his debt to James. When he sees Hope, he knows she is the woman they both have been waiting for. But just as their love begins to bloom, a nightmare from Hope's past returns to claim her.
To save Hope, and themselves, they will have to reclaim the brotherhood that was shattered and fight for their future.
Raised as brothers, James Glen and Noah Bennett always dreamed of finding a woman to share their lives on the Circle G ranch. James would run the ranch, while Noah served the town of Bliss as the resident vet. But when a woman came between the brothers, Noah fled for New York City and James was left to struggle for the ranch's survival alone.
Now that Noah has returned, he will do anything to repay his debt to James. When he sees Hope, he knows she is the woman they both have been waiting for. But just as their love begins to bloom, a nightmare from Hope's past returns to claim her.
To save Hope, and themselves, they will have to reclaim the brotherhood that was shattered and fight for their future.
310 pages, Paperback
First published March 16, 2012
400 people are currently reading
1036 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Oak
46 books1,681 followersA lifetime devotee to the written word, Sophie published her first novel this year. Prior to becoming a novelist, she worked in theater and comic books. She lives in Fort Worth, Texas with her husband and three precocious children, who wonder when mom is going to write a book they will be allowed to read. Her answer: probably never. Sophie believes in happy endings for everyone, no matter how extreme the story. Her stories may feature some of the fringe elements of sexuality, but at heart they are always about love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
March 2, 2019
4 STARS
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, this series is one of my favorite guilty pleasure reads. It packs emotion with sizzling hot MFM romance, wonderfully broken and multi-layered characters, and a perfectly paced suspenseful underlayer to make for one page-turner of a read!
James has been a character that I've been curious about since he first made an appearance in the series. I loved the fact that James himself was the son of a triad family dynamic. Sharing is pretty much in his blood. And while Noah isn't his brother by blood, their fathers shared their stepmother, and showed them that a happy relationship with three people is possible. Noah and James are brothers in all ways that count. That is until a woman comes between them and severs a bond that they thought was unbreakable.
Years later, James is still not over the wound his brother's leaving left. None of his relationships have been more than a night spent between the sheets. Which is also why he's been avoiding Hope, because he knows without even trying, that she'd be so much more. But when a promise to keep her safe puts him fully in his crosshairs, he knows he can't stay away. Then the sudden reappearance of his brother throws everything for a loop, especially when he seems to want Hope as much as he does.
I really loved Noah, even more than James at times. This man had his heart and trust broken by a gold digger, and yet he doesn't let that color his future. He still believes in love and happily ever after, and while his ex wife left a stain, she didn't ruin him. I adored him for this. James is definitely the cynical one in this relationship. I loved the push and pull he and Noah have with Hope. They truly fought like two siblings only could over a desired possession. But Hope was having none of it. I loved that she gave as good as she got. She's not afraid to put either brother in his place.
There's the added layer of suspense with Hope's past and the mystery of what happened. I couldn't wait to unravel all of her secrets and to see what happened to make her run so fast and hide.
Pure Bliss was everything I've come to expect from Lexi Blake; sexy, suspenseful, emotional, and a total page turner. I can't wait for more in this series!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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She’s going to learn her place.” Hope gasped, an irritated sound. “And where is that?”
“Between us, baby,” James said, taking over where Noah had left off. “Always between us.”
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, this series is one of my favorite guilty pleasure reads. It packs emotion with sizzling hot MFM romance, wonderfully broken and multi-layered characters, and a perfectly paced suspenseful underlayer to make for one page-turner of a read!
James has been a character that I've been curious about since he first made an appearance in the series. I loved the fact that James himself was the son of a triad family dynamic. Sharing is pretty much in his blood. And while Noah isn't his brother by blood, their fathers shared their stepmother, and showed them that a happy relationship with three people is possible. Noah and James are brothers in all ways that count. That is until a woman comes between them and severs a bond that they thought was unbreakable.
Years later, James is still not over the wound his brother's leaving left. None of his relationships have been more than a night spent between the sheets. Which is also why he's been avoiding Hope, because he knows without even trying, that she'd be so much more. But when a promise to keep her safe puts him fully in his crosshairs, he knows he can't stay away. Then the sudden reappearance of his brother throws everything for a loop, especially when he seems to want Hope as much as he does.
I really loved Noah, even more than James at times. This man had his heart and trust broken by a gold digger, and yet he doesn't let that color his future. He still believes in love and happily ever after, and while his ex wife left a stain, she didn't ruin him. I adored him for this. James is definitely the cynical one in this relationship. I loved the push and pull he and Noah have with Hope. They truly fought like two siblings only could over a desired possession. But Hope was having none of it. I loved that she gave as good as she got. She's not afraid to put either brother in his place.
There's the added layer of suspense with Hope's past and the mystery of what happened. I couldn't wait to unravel all of her secrets and to see what happened to make her run so fast and hide.
Pure Bliss was everything I've come to expect from Lexi Blake; sexy, suspenseful, emotional, and a total page turner. I can't wait for more in this series!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
July 16, 2019
Pure Bliss is Hope, James and Nate's story. I actually missed the side characters in this one. I felt this book focused more on the main trio and less of the town. I love the crazy side characters in this town so I actually wished there was more. The people of this town are entertaining. What little we did get, I enjoyed very much. As for our main trio, for me it was less entertaining. Their story was more serious. Hope was hiding a big secret and James and Nate were constantly fighting between each other. I still enjoyed the book and it did read very fast, it just isn't in my top favorite of this series.
March 12, 2012
We've met James Glen several times in Bliss books, and now we get his story. Until now, we've known him as the man who saved Jen and Callie in One to Keep, and the man who saved Holly in Found in Bliss. He's also the man-whore who has slept with just about every woman in Southern Colorado.
We've met Hope several times as well. Hope's appearances in the Bliss books have shown her to be quiet but sassy, and perhaps a bit troubled.
When James's brother, Noah, comes back to town, there are immediate sparks between Hope and Noah, making James a little upset. James has always been interested in Hope, but he hasn't acted on his desires because of his numerous responsibilities at his ranch.
I almost always have a favorite guy in menage books, but even after reading this one three times, I can't decide if I like Noah or James better. They are just both so endearing. James is sweet and sexy, the loyal one who stayed to see his parent's dream through. And Noah is hot and Dom and broken, and understands what it's like to screw up, something Hope has done a lot of.
This book also starts a big crossover between the Texas Sirens series and the Bliss series. Trev, from Siren in Waiting, has bought into the Circle G, and he, Bo, and Beth are now Bliss residents. Trev plays a big role in this book, and all I can say about him is that I wish he was a real person and I knew him. He's that awesome.
Pure Bliss is a lovely book about family and coming home. It's about dealing with the ghosts of the past and finding a way to forgive yourself for the things you did when you were young. It's a great addition to the Bliss series.
We've met Hope several times as well. Hope's appearances in the Bliss books have shown her to be quiet but sassy, and perhaps a bit troubled.
When James's brother, Noah, comes back to town, there are immediate sparks between Hope and Noah, making James a little upset. James has always been interested in Hope, but he hasn't acted on his desires because of his numerous responsibilities at his ranch.
I almost always have a favorite guy in menage books, but even after reading this one three times, I can't decide if I like Noah or James better. They are just both so endearing. James is sweet and sexy, the loyal one who stayed to see his parent's dream through. And Noah is hot and Dom and broken, and understands what it's like to screw up, something Hope has done a lot of.
This book also starts a big crossover between the Texas Sirens series and the Bliss series. Trev, from Siren in Waiting, has bought into the Circle G, and he, Bo, and Beth are now Bliss residents. Trev plays a big role in this book, and all I can say about him is that I wish he was a real person and I knew him. He's that awesome.
Pure Bliss is a lovely book about family and coming home. It's about dealing with the ghosts of the past and finding a way to forgive yourself for the things you did when you were young. It's a great addition to the Bliss series.
May 27, 2013
This one was such a disappointment for me. Part of it because I haven't liked what we have seen of James, mostly him being a man-whore. The other, bigger part, is that I was so annoyed with the bickering between James and Noah. I get that they were brothers, that James felt betrayed by Noah, and that Noah felt ashamed, but come on. I get it, these boys have issues, I don't need to be hit over the head with it. I liked Hope, but I feel like she got short changed with who she ended up with.
December 13, 2015
Read it, loved it..
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July 18, 2019
This was book 6 in the
"Nights in Bliss, Colorado"
series. Hope McLean has been on the run for eight years she has been in Bliss for a year she is finally learning to live again when little things start to happen she knows its time to leave Hope has some secrets. James Glen and Noah Bennett were raised together they grew up in Bliss on The triple G ranch their fathers were married to the same woman who raised them. Noah comes back to Bliss farther moving to NYC with his then wife Ally who only wanted him for his money. James who stayed worked the ranch in a losing battle until he took on a partner Trev McNamara bought part of the ranch. When Noah meets Hope after her car breaks down he knows that he wants her. James who is the manwhore of Bliss turned her down when she asked him out. When James see her with his brother he knows that its time for him to step up. Christian Grady has found his wife he has waited eight years and he is going to make her pay. Christian is a con man someone who formed a cult to hide the fact that he is running drugs and women he is willing to do anything to get what he wants. Christian killed a woman and Hope witnessed it he uses Hope's friend Lucy to get information out of her about Hope. This was a good read Noah who became a Dom while he was away he and James had a lot to work out Noah left him for a woman each was jealous of the other and it was Hope that brought them together. When Christian kidnaps Lucy he uses her and his minions to get Hope to come to him. The sex scenes in this book were hot. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
November 15, 2021
The story started out by drawing you into a plot of treachery and pain and suffering and loss. We loved the little town that was full of these eclectic people but, one thing is for sure, that are just one big extended family full of oddities.
James has been living a half of life since his brother walked out of his life and that of his families.Jame's coping mechanism has been countless women and loneliness. On the brighter side of things, he wants the one girl he knows he needs to fill the void missing from his life but, is afraid of laying claim to her because his heart is broken due to his brother betrayal of leaving him over a gold digging conniving women who knew to play on one's emotional conflicts.
I found James to be all alpha and brash and sexy as sin, and also someone who does not trust easily and one who runs from any kind of intimacy.
I found Hope to be sweet and kind and loving and wallowing in self-pity but, also has taken responsible for the mess she has made of her life and is striving to change that. Our heart went out to Hope for the things she endures and the betrayals she experienced and the constant fear she lived in because of her past.
Noah I found to be a little cocky had a sense of humor and was sexy as sin but, also is a changed man from the man he had been when living in Bliss in the past he now has darkness within him now.
We love the romance that developed between these two estranged brothers and one women perfect for them and the only one who will be able to mend the riff between the two as well as mend the heart for all parties involved.
We loved the plot, the drama and the love triangles as well as the poly relationships with the BDSM elements. Furthermore, we loved the characters and their unique relationships, but what's more, we love the alpha men and their over bearing possessiveness and protective instincts. Not only that, but we loved that this town came together to protect someone in need and that was in trouble, both the men and the women, and proved they always have each other's backs.
Overall, we loved the story from beginning to end as the drama unfolded and the character's kept us enmeshed in the story and turning the pages. The story was about healing and forgiveness and right the wrongs of the past but, most of all, finding the love of your life and the one woman to make you whole once again and hopefully achieving your happily ever after.
James has been living a half of life since his brother walked out of his life and that of his families.Jame's coping mechanism has been countless women and loneliness. On the brighter side of things, he wants the one girl he knows he needs to fill the void missing from his life but, is afraid of laying claim to her because his heart is broken due to his brother betrayal of leaving him over a gold digging conniving women who knew to play on one's emotional conflicts.
I found James to be all alpha and brash and sexy as sin, and also someone who does not trust easily and one who runs from any kind of intimacy.
I found Hope to be sweet and kind and loving and wallowing in self-pity but, also has taken responsible for the mess she has made of her life and is striving to change that. Our heart went out to Hope for the things she endures and the betrayals she experienced and the constant fear she lived in because of her past.
Noah I found to be a little cocky had a sense of humor and was sexy as sin but, also is a changed man from the man he had been when living in Bliss in the past he now has darkness within him now.
We love the romance that developed between these two estranged brothers and one women perfect for them and the only one who will be able to mend the riff between the two as well as mend the heart for all parties involved.
We loved the plot, the drama and the love triangles as well as the poly relationships with the BDSM elements. Furthermore, we loved the characters and their unique relationships, but what's more, we love the alpha men and their over bearing possessiveness and protective instincts. Not only that, but we loved that this town came together to protect someone in need and that was in trouble, both the men and the women, and proved they always have each other's backs.
Overall, we loved the story from beginning to end as the drama unfolded and the character's kept us enmeshed in the story and turning the pages. The story was about healing and forgiveness and right the wrongs of the past but, most of all, finding the love of your life and the one woman to make you whole once again and hopefully achieving your happily ever after.
March 6, 2019
“𝐖𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧’."
𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘀, part of the incredible 𝑁𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝐵𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑠, 𝐶𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑜 series by Lexi Blake, has been re-released with brand new content! I was over the moon excited to read Hope, James, and Noah’s story for the second time. I don’t know what it was, but this one hit me square in the feels…hard! Maybe because I remember these characters so vividly and what they have all been through. It doesn’t really matter because I’m in love with this feeling! There is quite a bit going on here, because you’re dealing with three main characters, but with a writing style like Lexi’s, the words flow smoothly and perfectly, you can’t help but to become entranced with every single word. It’s a sexy read. It’s an exciting and suspenseful read. It’s hilarious, sweet, romantic, and it’s just bursting with heart! Reading these books are like coming home and I can’t wait to experience it all over again.
🅖🅡🅐🅑 🅘🅣 🅗🅔🅡🅔
Amazon → https://amzn.to/2UmRrjH
B&N → https://bit.ly/2AyAQCh
Apple → https://apple.co/2EY8Eg2
Kobo → https://bit.ly/2D9pmHR
𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘀, part of the incredible 𝑁𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝐵𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑠, 𝐶𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑜 series by Lexi Blake, has been re-released with brand new content! I was over the moon excited to read Hope, James, and Noah’s story for the second time. I don’t know what it was, but this one hit me square in the feels…hard! Maybe because I remember these characters so vividly and what they have all been through. It doesn’t really matter because I’m in love with this feeling! There is quite a bit going on here, because you’re dealing with three main characters, but with a writing style like Lexi’s, the words flow smoothly and perfectly, you can’t help but to become entranced with every single word. It’s a sexy read. It’s an exciting and suspenseful read. It’s hilarious, sweet, romantic, and it’s just bursting with heart! Reading these books are like coming home and I can’t wait to experience it all over again.
🅖🅡🅐🅑 🅘🅣 🅗🅔🅡🅔
Amazon → https://amzn.to/2UmRrjH
B&N → https://bit.ly/2AyAQCh
Apple → https://apple.co/2EY8Eg2
Kobo → https://bit.ly/2D9pmHR
March 10, 2019
I love the feeling I seem to get every time I dive into a Lexi Blake book. I get excited and instantly pulled into the story. I want to spend every moment wrapped up in the story until the last word is read. And I fall in love with the characters along the way.
I felt all that with Pure Bliss. I loved returning to this insanely entertaining Colorado town. Visiting with all the residents I've already met and getting to know other residents better than I did before is nice. And it's always entertaining when newcomers arrive in town. This book gave me a coming home kind of feeling.
James and Noah were really great characters as a product of the Bliss lifestyle. They were different in their temperaments and mannerisms but they had a great connection that had nothing to do with the physical. They were raised as brother even if they didn't share blood and they were raised knowing how good things can be when you share. Reading as they waded through their family baggage added a whole different dimension to the story. Hope is a perfect fit for this town with her secrets and kind heart and open mind. The three of these characters together is romance lovers perfection.
This whole story was a thrilling adventure with a little suspense, lots of laughs and so much love. I absolutely loved this newest installment and look forward to the next time I get to return to Bliss.
March 6, 2019
James and Noah grew up together, raised as brothers they were also best friends and always planned to spend their lives together, hoping to find a woman who would be willing to share them both. Unfortunately it was a woman who came between them and Noah left everything, including James, behind to marry her. He's been gone for five years now and although his marriage was a disaster it has taken him a long time to pluck up the courage to come home and face his brother. Life has been difficult for James since his brother left, he had to sell half of the family ranch just to get by and he's never quite gotten over the sense of betrayal he felt when Noah walked out on him. James has been half in love with Holly ever since she walked into Bliss but unwilling to risk having his heart broken all over again he prefers to spend his time with women looking for nothing more than a few nights of fun.
Holly escaped from an abusive ex and spent years on the run before she felt safe enough to settle down in Bliss. Only her boss, Nate, knows the full details of her past but she has made friends and Bliss is finally starting to feel like home. She's been attracted to James since they first met but he turned her down once and she's not going to risk a second rejection. Then Noah returns home and she suddenly finds herself torn between two brothers, she could have everything she ever wanted if she's only brave enough to reach for it. It's only when she realises her past is about to catch up with her that everything she dreams of comes crashing down around her. Now it's up to James and Noah to put the past behind them and work together to keep Hope safe.
I love spending time in Bliss, it's always fun to catch up with the quirky characters around town and see how previous couples and triads are getting along now. We've already seen quite a bit of James and Hope in the series. James is a bit of a player who has worked his way through most of the single women not just in Bliss but also in the surrounding towns, he's never made promises he doesn't keep though so he hasn't left a trail of broken hearts behind him. He's also a hard worker who has done his best to run his family ranch and a protector who has put himself in harm's way multiple times to protect others in previous books. Holly we knew less about, she's friendly with most of the previous heroines but she's always kept very quiet about her background and as we start to find out everything that she has been through it was easy to understand why she wanted to forget her past.
I thought Holly and James were a great fit but they definitely needed someone like Noah to come along and bring them both together. Holly made a move on James once and was hurt by his rejection so there was no way she would have attempted to pursue him again without Noah's influence and James was too scared of getting hurt to risk any kind of long term relationship. Noah balances them both out, he's been through a lot but he's learned from his mistakes and when he sees a potential for happiness he grabs it with both hands. It took some time for James and Noah to deal with their issues but their friendship is definitely stronger because of that and together they will do whatever is needed to protect Holly from her past.
As with all of the books in this series you're definitely in for a hot read with this one, Lexi Blake writes brilliant triad relationships and Pure Bliss was another great example of that. These three generate a lot of heat but there is also genuine friendship and caring beneath it so it makes their relationship very easy to believe in. Throw in a mystery, some danger and the whole town coming out to protect one of their own and you're left with another great instalment in this series. I'm already eagerly awaiting the next one!
Holly escaped from an abusive ex and spent years on the run before she felt safe enough to settle down in Bliss. Only her boss, Nate, knows the full details of her past but she has made friends and Bliss is finally starting to feel like home. She's been attracted to James since they first met but he turned her down once and she's not going to risk a second rejection. Then Noah returns home and she suddenly finds herself torn between two brothers, she could have everything she ever wanted if she's only brave enough to reach for it. It's only when she realises her past is about to catch up with her that everything she dreams of comes crashing down around her. Now it's up to James and Noah to put the past behind them and work together to keep Hope safe.
I love spending time in Bliss, it's always fun to catch up with the quirky characters around town and see how previous couples and triads are getting along now. We've already seen quite a bit of James and Hope in the series. James is a bit of a player who has worked his way through most of the single women not just in Bliss but also in the surrounding towns, he's never made promises he doesn't keep though so he hasn't left a trail of broken hearts behind him. He's also a hard worker who has done his best to run his family ranch and a protector who has put himself in harm's way multiple times to protect others in previous books. Holly we knew less about, she's friendly with most of the previous heroines but she's always kept very quiet about her background and as we start to find out everything that she has been through it was easy to understand why she wanted to forget her past.
I thought Holly and James were a great fit but they definitely needed someone like Noah to come along and bring them both together. Holly made a move on James once and was hurt by his rejection so there was no way she would have attempted to pursue him again without Noah's influence and James was too scared of getting hurt to risk any kind of long term relationship. Noah balances them both out, he's been through a lot but he's learned from his mistakes and when he sees a potential for happiness he grabs it with both hands. It took some time for James and Noah to deal with their issues but their friendship is definitely stronger because of that and together they will do whatever is needed to protect Holly from her past.
As with all of the books in this series you're definitely in for a hot read with this one, Lexi Blake writes brilliant triad relationships and Pure Bliss was another great example of that. These three generate a lot of heat but there is also genuine friendship and caring beneath it so it makes their relationship very easy to believe in. Throw in a mystery, some danger and the whole town coming out to protect one of their own and you're left with another great instalment in this series. I'm already eagerly awaiting the next one!
November 4, 2023
Now don't get me wrong, it wasn't terrible. It's still Lexi Blake. But damn, I expected so much more. That's why it took me 4 damn days to read this book. Normally I'd have it done in 1/2 that time.
Mainly where we're wrong for me was Nate was such an asshole to Noah. I get the past, I get some of the reasons why. But if you're going to hold on to that much resentment, how in the hell can you let it go just all of a sudden?
And then, what Laura went thru, after the phone call to Hope, totally skipped that whole scene all together.
You might be thinking, it sounds like I didn't like it at all.
This is still Lexi Blake, one of my favorite authors. She is funny, she keeps you engaged even when you're irritated with the book. I love the way she keeps you updated with all the past couples & brings in the whole town out to help out. Damn if that isn't the small town country way of life, I don't know what is.
I'd happily move to Bliss, Colorado. And, I will definitely still be back for more of this series.
February 1, 2026
Another Member for Rachel's Club
Oh, the drama. From the beginning, James Glen and Noah Bennett had a woman getting between them. Although, at the start of this book, it wasn't in a fun, smexy way. As much as it gets me when people let a relative stranger drive that kind of wedge between them, I appreciate seeing the impact to both men years later. It's real and understandable.
When Noah returned, I loved that not only did he have an instant attraction to Hope McLean, but he wasted zero minutes in openly pursuing her, unlike his brother who was waiting to get his life and ranch back on track. The extra push to act made for some entertaining moments.
How long had it been since he’d had anything but vanilla sex?
-- James Glen
The way the forgiveness came about is true to character and realistic. I love it when they set everything aside to pleasure or protect Hope. I mean, they had priorities. Sure, they may have been slightly self-serving, but what were two men in need of some... guidance with affairs of the heart to do? LOL 😆
I loved getting a glimpse into a couple of future Bliss heroes and look forward to their story. I really do wish this place existed. I'd pick everything up tomorrow to live surrounded by these people. 🤗
I listened to the audio book. The narrators, Kitty Bang and Lee Samuels, continue to do a wonderful job with this series. I hope that one day, it'll switch to duet narration, but until then, I'm happy with this. 🎧💛🎧
Story: 4 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.8x
H1 & 2 = 30s?; h = 27
February 25, 2019
Pure Bliss (Nights in Bliss, Colorado #6) by Sophie Oak & Lexi Blake
4 stars
M/F/M Romance
Triggers: Attempted Murder, Cult mentality, Stalking, Kidnapping
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
James and Noah were always brothers until a woman was able to squeeze between them and divide their loyalty. Despite wanting what was best for his family, James was not able to convince Noah that Ally just wanted them for what they could buy her, not because she loved them.
Years later, when James has made it with his ranch and Noah still hasn't returned, the last thing that James expects is that Noah return with James' long time crush, Hope being carried in Noah's arms.
Hope found a place in Bliss and with her friends, despite being somewhat lonely, she loves living there. She loves her job and her self made family. Her past continues to haunt her and she really only told one person about it. But, when glimpses of her past come back to taunt and stalk her, it will take all of her strength not to run. Her family will have to convince her that they are worth staying.
James and Noah's issues were the majority of this story. And, while I can understand that they had a lot to work out, it seemed like their fight was drawn out to the point of being petty. I wanted more of the relationship between James, Noah and Hope, but with all of the bickering and putting each other against the other, it was very juvenile feeling.
I loved all of the characters in this book and thought that they helped to move the story along. Despite me wanting more between the trio for the romance, I did like that they each had chemistry individually and when they came together, it was explosive.
I loved this book in the series and can't wait for the next one. I love all of the Bliss couples.
4 stars
M/F/M Romance
Triggers: Attempted Murder, Cult mentality, Stalking, Kidnapping
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
James and Noah were always brothers until a woman was able to squeeze between them and divide their loyalty. Despite wanting what was best for his family, James was not able to convince Noah that Ally just wanted them for what they could buy her, not because she loved them.
Years later, when James has made it with his ranch and Noah still hasn't returned, the last thing that James expects is that Noah return with James' long time crush, Hope being carried in Noah's arms.
Hope found a place in Bliss and with her friends, despite being somewhat lonely, she loves living there. She loves her job and her self made family. Her past continues to haunt her and she really only told one person about it. But, when glimpses of her past come back to taunt and stalk her, it will take all of her strength not to run. Her family will have to convince her that they are worth staying.
James and Noah's issues were the majority of this story. And, while I can understand that they had a lot to work out, it seemed like their fight was drawn out to the point of being petty. I wanted more of the relationship between James, Noah and Hope, but with all of the bickering and putting each other against the other, it was very juvenile feeling.
I loved all of the characters in this book and thought that they helped to move the story along. Despite me wanting more between the trio for the romance, I did like that they each had chemistry individually and when they came together, it was explosive.
I loved this book in the series and can't wait for the next one. I love all of the Bliss couples.
March 9, 2019
I wasn't a big fan of James most of the time. He was just kind of a jerk. I think I had a harder time believing them in a MFM relationship because they seemed to fight all the time.
However, I did like Noah and Hope. I also liked the added danger that Hope's past brought so that helped me overcome my issues with James. Hope dealing with her former addiction added some depth to her story. You see these characters as flawed people trying to redeem themselves and that makes them more relatable.
However, I did like Noah and Hope. I also liked the added danger that Hope's past brought so that helped me overcome my issues with James. Hope dealing with her former addiction added some depth to her story. You see these characters as flawed people trying to redeem themselves and that makes them more relatable.
November 4, 2020
This book was probably my least favourite in the Bliss series & it still gets 4 stars. Mostly because it’s extremely well written, I love the mystery, the hotness & of course Bliss itself. The only thing I had against this book was Noah. No idea why but I didn’t like his character haha & he didn’t grow on me throughout the book.
April 25, 2012
Originally posted at: http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
Nothin’ says lovin’ like having the psycho ex-husband Hope thought was dead and buried show up to claim his mate. This slice of crazy has no idea who he’s dealing with when he decided to take on the residents of Bliss. I think Hope put it best when she said Sherriff “Nate just expects everyone is carrying concealed”. One of the key dynamics about a Bliss book is the chance of someone dying at some point is almost 100% guaranteed, but that isn’t “the story”. Homecoming, Healing, Forgiveness, Love and Passion are the true themes of this novel. I couldn’t put it down!
Noah left Bliss several years ago feeling like he knew where his destiny was leading him. A farce of a marriage and ten million dollars blown later he’s returned to a home that barely resembles the place he remembered. Fear of rejection and no small amount of pride stand between him and the opportunity to reclaim his remaining family and a woman who inspires him to believe in love (or at the very least lust) at first sight.
Noah doesn’t hold a candle to Hope in the “fear of the past catching up" department. A naïve girl with aspirations of being a supportive preacher’s wife quickly spiraled into nightmare fuel when she witnessed the evil in his heart. Hope has little to no trust in herself but dreams (fantasizes, really) of being safe, secure and snug between two original Bliss brothers. Noah and James have an uphill battle to convince her that what they offer is what they all need. Oh well, if talking won’t work there’s always spanking…and ropes…and toys. Sometimes it’s good to be bad. Hope may have doubts and fears but she’s no shrinking violet. She has an inner strength when it’s most needed and, if Rachel gets them printed, the t-shirt to prove it.
Local playboy, James Glen, is the third piece to this triad. Noah had it pretty rough when he left Bliss but he honestly doesn’t have a clue what his leaving did to James. Little by little Ms. Oak pealed back the layers of this complicated hero. The James that most of the single female population of Bliss County knows is a façade. The man underneath is barely holding it all together. If not for the help of his friends in Bliss he would have lost everything, including his legacy, a long time ago. I had to smile when James started making up reasons to spend time with Hope. He’s convinced himself it’s his “duty”, his “responsibility”, and his vow to Logan that keeps him near Hope. He just wants to be sure she’s safe. Right.
Ms. Oak knits the lives of her heroes and their woman into such a close tapestry over the length of a book it’s not unlike watching a weaver sit at a loom to create a masterpiece. The threads are loose initially as she slowly draws them together, tighter and tighter, with colorful descriptions, intricate details, fantastic tension and clever dialogue. The end result is a family, nontraditional except in Bliss, with a bond that can’t be broken even in death. I like how Henry puts it “They don’t simply share a woman. They share a life.” Smart man. Speaking of Henry, don’t underestimate this young man when it comes to those he loves, particularly Nell. After all, everyone in Bliss has a story and he wasn’t always a pacifist.
If you’ve ever read a Sophie Oak book prior to Pure Bliss you know to expect lots of kinky hot sex. Pure Bliss is no exception but I honestly think if Ms. Oak chose to write the book with closed doors it would be just as entertaining and worth the read. With some books I’ve read, the focus is more on how often and how many ways the lead characters can hook up than creating memorable characters and telling their story. Ms. Oak makes James, Noah and Hope fight for their HEA but the growth and bond they experience was actually tangible to me. I was connected, vested, to the story from the moment Hope is brought to the Circle G.
As an aside, I challenge Bliss fans to pick out the potential heroes and/or heroines for future stories. I can’t be sure of course but I met a couple of hunky new mechanics, a sexy waitress at Trio, a hot ski instructor was mentioned and we know Michael and Logan will surely be front and center before too long. I can’t wait!! Ms. Oak has a clever way of entwining not only her other two series into a story but I also spotted a couple of subtle shout-outs to fellow Siren authors.
There are so many fantastic stories centered in Bliss, CO and more to come. Stop wasting time and pack your bags for one more unforgettable trip to Pure Bliss.
Nothin’ says lovin’ like having the psycho ex-husband Hope thought was dead and buried show up to claim his mate. This slice of crazy has no idea who he’s dealing with when he decided to take on the residents of Bliss. I think Hope put it best when she said Sherriff “Nate just expects everyone is carrying concealed”. One of the key dynamics about a Bliss book is the chance of someone dying at some point is almost 100% guaranteed, but that isn’t “the story”. Homecoming, Healing, Forgiveness, Love and Passion are the true themes of this novel. I couldn’t put it down!
Noah left Bliss several years ago feeling like he knew where his destiny was leading him. A farce of a marriage and ten million dollars blown later he’s returned to a home that barely resembles the place he remembered. Fear of rejection and no small amount of pride stand between him and the opportunity to reclaim his remaining family and a woman who inspires him to believe in love (or at the very least lust) at first sight.
Noah doesn’t hold a candle to Hope in the “fear of the past catching up" department. A naïve girl with aspirations of being a supportive preacher’s wife quickly spiraled into nightmare fuel when she witnessed the evil in his heart. Hope has little to no trust in herself but dreams (fantasizes, really) of being safe, secure and snug between two original Bliss brothers. Noah and James have an uphill battle to convince her that what they offer is what they all need. Oh well, if talking won’t work there’s always spanking…and ropes…and toys. Sometimes it’s good to be bad. Hope may have doubts and fears but she’s no shrinking violet. She has an inner strength when it’s most needed and, if Rachel gets them printed, the t-shirt to prove it.
Local playboy, James Glen, is the third piece to this triad. Noah had it pretty rough when he left Bliss but he honestly doesn’t have a clue what his leaving did to James. Little by little Ms. Oak pealed back the layers of this complicated hero. The James that most of the single female population of Bliss County knows is a façade. The man underneath is barely holding it all together. If not for the help of his friends in Bliss he would have lost everything, including his legacy, a long time ago. I had to smile when James started making up reasons to spend time with Hope. He’s convinced himself it’s his “duty”, his “responsibility”, and his vow to Logan that keeps him near Hope. He just wants to be sure she’s safe. Right.
Ms. Oak knits the lives of her heroes and their woman into such a close tapestry over the length of a book it’s not unlike watching a weaver sit at a loom to create a masterpiece. The threads are loose initially as she slowly draws them together, tighter and tighter, with colorful descriptions, intricate details, fantastic tension and clever dialogue. The end result is a family, nontraditional except in Bliss, with a bond that can’t be broken even in death. I like how Henry puts it “They don’t simply share a woman. They share a life.” Smart man. Speaking of Henry, don’t underestimate this young man when it comes to those he loves, particularly Nell. After all, everyone in Bliss has a story and he wasn’t always a pacifist.
If you’ve ever read a Sophie Oak book prior to Pure Bliss you know to expect lots of kinky hot sex. Pure Bliss is no exception but I honestly think if Ms. Oak chose to write the book with closed doors it would be just as entertaining and worth the read. With some books I’ve read, the focus is more on how often and how many ways the lead characters can hook up than creating memorable characters and telling their story. Ms. Oak makes James, Noah and Hope fight for their HEA but the growth and bond they experience was actually tangible to me. I was connected, vested, to the story from the moment Hope is brought to the Circle G.
As an aside, I challenge Bliss fans to pick out the potential heroes and/or heroines for future stories. I can’t be sure of course but I met a couple of hunky new mechanics, a sexy waitress at Trio, a hot ski instructor was mentioned and we know Michael and Logan will surely be front and center before too long. I can’t wait!! Ms. Oak has a clever way of entwining not only her other two series into a story but I also spotted a couple of subtle shout-outs to fellow Siren authors.
There are so many fantastic stories centered in Bliss, CO and more to come. Stop wasting time and pack your bags for one more unforgettable trip to Pure Bliss.
April 28, 2012
Finally this book showed up on Amazon so I was able to buy it and read it. It was worth the wait. This is another lovely work by Ms. Oak. James, Hope and Noah fit perfectly together. They are brought together with a little help from Hope's past. I think Bliss is a trouble magnet. Seems like everyone there is a hiding from a bad past. There is always a killer around. Why don't they just declare the town as a witness protection location? It has enough people who are former law enforcement or more.
I love this town Bliss and how the people help one another. Ms. Oak really gets this message across with the community rallying around Hope. Between the food cooked and the men with shotguns, I'm not sure which one makes me feel more warm fuzzies. It's cute all around.
The sex in this book is good. I think this is the first one of Ms. Oak's where I wasn't as entranced by the sex. I wanted to know what would happen next more...the plot had me pulled in a bit more. I think it's because I knew the sex was going to be there and that it would be a smexy threesome - M/F/M style. I think also because of my change in tastes, the M/F/M menages aren't as good for me anymore. I want some interaction between the men.
Nevertheless, this is a hot smexy story which moved in a nice easy pace. There were no major surprises. Everything question was answered and every issue was satisfactorily resolved. The conclusion with Hope's mother becoming involved was unnecessary yet it enhanced my enjoyment. I do want to learn more about Henry and this new set of mechanics. Nell is a loon, but Henry is a hot quiet man. It's those quiet ones we need to watch out for! I would love it if Ms. Oak wrote a little collected works with short stories on these secondary characters who will never receive a full book of their own. Henry & Nell, Stella and Stef's father, Logan's two mothers, even the two Rogers would be fun.
I recommend this book to menage lovers who enjoy a good romantic suspense story and some light hot kinky sex.
I love this town Bliss and how the people help one another. Ms. Oak really gets this message across with the community rallying around Hope. Between the food cooked and the men with shotguns, I'm not sure which one makes me feel more warm fuzzies. It's cute all around.
The sex in this book is good. I think this is the first one of Ms. Oak's where I wasn't as entranced by the sex. I wanted to know what would happen next more...the plot had me pulled in a bit more. I think it's because I knew the sex was going to be there and that it would be a smexy threesome - M/F/M style. I think also because of my change in tastes, the M/F/M menages aren't as good for me anymore. I want some interaction between the men.
Nevertheless, this is a hot smexy story which moved in a nice easy pace. There were no major surprises. Everything question was answered and every issue was satisfactorily resolved. The conclusion with Hope's mother becoming involved was unnecessary yet it enhanced my enjoyment. I do want to learn more about Henry and this new set of mechanics. Nell is a loon, but Henry is a hot quiet man. It's those quiet ones we need to watch out for! I would love it if Ms. Oak wrote a little collected works with short stories on these secondary characters who will never receive a full book of their own. Henry & Nell, Stella and Stef's father, Logan's two mothers, even the two Rogers would be fun.
I recommend this book to menage lovers who enjoy a good romantic suspense story and some light hot kinky sex.
March 25, 2012
I LOVE Bliss, Colorado, the residence of some of the funniest and truly "different" people on the planet, and all of whom seem to be icons of real people who exist in some fashion and to some degree in all our lives. Sophie Oak has just put them all in one locality, and there never seems to be a time when we as readers aren't chuckling or laughing outright at the antics of people who have come to accept and truly respect their differences. We have encountered both Hope and James in previous books but now Noah comes home--a "soul brother" to James but a man who was conned by a beautiful face with the heart of solid flint who took him for the entire inheritance their dads had left them. Now he has come home to "face the music" and hope he can retrieve the relationship with James that truly sustained them both. Their respective involvement with Hope only seems to add to the distrust and anger that separates them, but as is often the case, both in fiction as well as real life, the "close call" situation brings them face to face with the destructive nature of their refusal to put aside their past. I don't think I stopped laughing for the longest time over the scene where Noah is riding in the back of the pick-up, driven by his angry brother, with Noah hanging on for dear life and a comedy of occurrences going on around them that just keeps on getting funnier. And Sophie Oak keeps on reeling us in with her wonderful stories and unlikely stories, with her insistence that her characters are real and must deal realistically with the relationship challenges all people face in one way or the other. This story is about family and trust and honesty--there is no recovery without honesty, they say in AA. Hope must learn this, and James and Noah must come face to face with their own self-lying, too. Just a fabulous book--I would give it far more stars if I could.
March 24, 2012
Another great addition to the series. I enjoyed the suspense in this one, though I did think it was a little on the insta-love side. I don't generally like that in contemporaries. I can believe in massive lust, but love? Anyhoo... within meeting 24 hours of Noah, he's banging her up against a wall. Granted, he'd already decided she was something special, and she was trying to put distance between them because of her past. But what better way to point out you're not leaving than banging her against a wall? :-) Especially with your brother -- who has the hots for her but thinks he has nothing to offer a woman so he won't make a move -- watches. And apparently the whole diner below can hear. Oops! And yet, it was a little hot. So James get back at Noah by making Noah watch he and Hope in the little playroom Trevor has set up. And within a week, she's professing her love for both the boys. I mean, it's good they're in Bliss, where threesomes are the norm. I'm thinking if this was someplace like Chicago, she'd have had a bit more trouble talking herself into being with both of them. But this is Bliss... it's totally normal.
I was glad that Hope got to take her own revenge on Christian. I only hope that Lucy isn't too screwed up as a result of her experience. Then again, maybe the new guys can help her out with that, huh? Or maybe the brooding FBI agent up on the mountain will come out of his stupor to join up with a couple. Maybe he'll end up crossing over to the Siren series, since Ms. Oak is fond of mixing characters and series? I did think it was funny that the alternate planes world of her Faery Story trilogy were mentioned! She does a great job of weaving all of her worlds together in one way or another!
I was glad that Hope got to take her own revenge on Christian. I only hope that Lucy isn't too screwed up as a result of her experience. Then again, maybe the new guys can help her out with that, huh? Or maybe the brooding FBI agent up on the mountain will come out of his stupor to join up with a couple. Maybe he'll end up crossing over to the Siren series, since Ms. Oak is fond of mixing characters and series? I did think it was funny that the alternate planes world of her Faery Story trilogy were mentioned! She does a great job of weaving all of her worlds together in one way or another!
May 7, 2012
A trip to Bliss, Colorado is always something I look forward to. The quirky characters and lovely mountain setting are a great way to escape. This trip was no exception, the fun, laughter, and camaraderie were all there. Particularly at the Woo Woo Fest - I loved it!
James, Noah, and Hope were characters whose HEA was worth rooting for and celebrating. I particularly enjoyed the clueless internal dialog that Sopie Oak wrote for the men. Even the bad guy's psychopathic cluelessness had some humor to it.
I suppose my only complaint would be James. I felt for him, I really did - his brother abandoned him, his parent's deaths and his ranch's financial struggles - he's had it rough. Unfortunately, my sympathy dried up along the way as his "woe is me" shtick went on a bit too long. James is rigid in his opinions, and unforgiving of human frailties. Of course, he doesn't stay that way - but there were several moments that I wanted to slap him upside the head and yell, "Get over it man! You aren't the only one who's suffered - enough already!!!
Still, listening to a bit of whining is little enough to pay for a wonderful visit with old friends, and new one's whose stories I'm anxious to read in the (hopefully near) future.
James, Noah, and Hope were characters whose HEA was worth rooting for and celebrating. I particularly enjoyed the clueless internal dialog that Sopie Oak wrote for the men. Even the bad guy's psychopathic cluelessness had some humor to it.
I suppose my only complaint would be James. I felt for him, I really did - his brother abandoned him, his parent's deaths and his ranch's financial struggles - he's had it rough. Unfortunately, my sympathy dried up along the way as his "woe is me" shtick went on a bit too long. James is rigid in his opinions, and unforgiving of human frailties. Of course, he doesn't stay that way - but there were several moments that I wanted to slap him upside the head and yell, "Get over it man! You aren't the only one who's suffered - enough already!!!
Still, listening to a bit of whining is little enough to pay for a wonderful visit with old friends, and new one's whose stories I'm anxious to read in the (hopefully near) future.
September 15, 2012
Sophie Oak still has an engaging and enjoyable writing style, with quirky and tangible character, but unfortunately this book feels very formulaic and uninspired. She seems to have taken the flack she got for changing the theme in One to Keep badly, which has caused the Bliss series to become very predictable.
Just for clarification; I don't consider this to be a bad book, but it's not one I would recommend to anyone else as it didn't add anything new from previous books and it will likely be my last book in this series as I prefer not to know how the book will end when I've just gotten a few pages in. I will however try something else by Sophie Oak.
Just for clarification; I don't consider this to be a bad book, but it's not one I would recommend to anyone else as it didn't add anything new from previous books and it will likely be my last book in this series as I prefer not to know how the book will end when I've just gotten a few pages in. I will however try something else by Sophie Oak.
March 2, 2022
This one was good, but not as good as the others have been. I feel like I'm left wanting a lot. We didn't get quite the same amount of fun and humour. It was there, but just not up to the previous books. I think I really hated that James was knowingly hurting Hope by being a stubborn idiot. Most of the other guys were also stubborn, but they didn't necessarily know that what they were doing was hurting the girl. And I just wanted more. More fun-loving James. More about Noah, seeing him with animals. It was like him being a vet was just a side thing, and as someone who loves animals I was excited to read about a vet hero.... I kept thinking he would help with Red. Just, anything more. Not enough. Or maybe I wasn't in the right mood. Who knows. It just seemed more formulaic than the previous books I've read by Ms. Oak. Maybe I need an Oak break.
January 14, 2013
A return to the world of threesomes in Bliss, =) always a treat.
James has been struggling with the ranch, his brother left him for a woman and the troubles just kept coming, so he never got the time to pursuit the one he wanted, Hope. Meanwhile he lived the life of a man-whore, but was up front about it.
Hope came to Bliss a year ago, with troubles from the past and an addiction to alcohol. Now someone from her past is back to cause more than trouble, and when James´ brother Noah returns, they all come entangled in each other.
Smutty fluff and suspense.
James has been struggling with the ranch, his brother left him for a woman and the troubles just kept coming, so he never got the time to pursuit the one he wanted, Hope. Meanwhile he lived the life of a man-whore, but was up front about it.
Hope came to Bliss a year ago, with troubles from the past and an addiction to alcohol. Now someone from her past is back to cause more than trouble, and when James´ brother Noah returns, they all come entangled in each other.
Smutty fluff and suspense.
June 17, 2022
Writing seemed uneven, and I wasn't a fan of the characters. I liked the Hs re-connecting but it took so long. I didn't like either of the men, both were self absorbed and not very smart. Sadly so was the poor h, she had no power and I can't see her gaining it for her cave men either. I like the series but I didn't like the characters as they seemed to all be victims.
March 29, 2013
Noah and James raised as brother, one women whose spent the last eight years on the run. Together they can learn to forgive themselves as well as each other. I LOVE Bliss and as soon as I find the real town I'm going.
March 24, 2012
Fantastic book... Sophie Oak knows how to tell a wonderful story and this series ROCKS!!!!
May 3, 2012
yada yada yada times three with a bit of story thrown in.
July 29, 2017
1.5 I like these characters. I even like them together. However, too much was forgiven too quickly and too easily.
March 1, 2019
I was given a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is the story of two estranged brothers and the woman who brings them back together. Rancher James has fancied Hope since she arrived in Bliss. It takes his brother’s return and immediate interest in Hope before James is willing to do anything about his own attraction to Hope. This is the story of James, Noah and Hope and the barriers they have to overcome to make a life together.
There is a strange morality in this book that I’m still trying to unpick. The relationships between the men in each triad are slightly disturbing. I really didn’t get on with the whole ‘I love you and can’t live without you’ but ‘no homo’ thing. The firm boundary that the men in each triad don’t touch each other sexually is reinforced a few times in this story. James and Noah can be emotionally intimate but never physically intimate - which is slightly ridiculous given they spend a good part of the book naked together. There’s a whiff of homophobia to this approach to a menage that I really don’t like.
I’m also still trying to get my head around the controlling and possessive approach the men in Bliss all seem to have to the women in their lives. Both good guys and bad guys mention innocence, virginity and purity far too many times for my liking. Poor Hope runs from one controlling relationship into another that sometimes doesn’t seem much better. The women are supposed to be strong in this series but they all seem to unquestioningly accept the need of the men in their lives to protect them and to be responsible for them. Ultimately, there is an uncomfortable tension between traditional Bible Belt alpha men and their little ladies and the few grittier moments when the women are afforded some power and autonomy.
This story was originally released in 2012 under a pen name. I can really appreciate the way Lexi Blake’s writing has developed over the past seven years. Blake’s more recent writing is free from conservative moralising and her women are powerful and autonomous. Her men are allowed to fancy each other. But this isn’t a million miles from the Thieves and Hunter books. It’s not hard to see how the women in this series have the potential to become fantastic characters like Zoey and Kelsey - the characters here just lack some complexity and subtlety.
This was a really slow read for me. I struggled to get into the story and I found James and Noah’s patronising and controlling approach to Hope pretty offputting. I’m not a big BDSM fan and I didn’t find the controlling bedroom scenes very sexy. There isn’t much romance in this book - it’s an insta love story that kinda skips the whole courtship thing. The suspense storyline builds a little too slowly and unfolds a little bit too predictably for me.
This is the story of two estranged brothers and the woman who brings them back together. Rancher James has fancied Hope since she arrived in Bliss. It takes his brother’s return and immediate interest in Hope before James is willing to do anything about his own attraction to Hope. This is the story of James, Noah and Hope and the barriers they have to overcome to make a life together.
There is a strange morality in this book that I’m still trying to unpick. The relationships between the men in each triad are slightly disturbing. I really didn’t get on with the whole ‘I love you and can’t live without you’ but ‘no homo’ thing. The firm boundary that the men in each triad don’t touch each other sexually is reinforced a few times in this story. James and Noah can be emotionally intimate but never physically intimate - which is slightly ridiculous given they spend a good part of the book naked together. There’s a whiff of homophobia to this approach to a menage that I really don’t like.
I’m also still trying to get my head around the controlling and possessive approach the men in Bliss all seem to have to the women in their lives. Both good guys and bad guys mention innocence, virginity and purity far too many times for my liking. Poor Hope runs from one controlling relationship into another that sometimes doesn’t seem much better. The women are supposed to be strong in this series but they all seem to unquestioningly accept the need of the men in their lives to protect them and to be responsible for them. Ultimately, there is an uncomfortable tension between traditional Bible Belt alpha men and their little ladies and the few grittier moments when the women are afforded some power and autonomy.
This story was originally released in 2012 under a pen name. I can really appreciate the way Lexi Blake’s writing has developed over the past seven years. Blake’s more recent writing is free from conservative moralising and her women are powerful and autonomous. Her men are allowed to fancy each other. But this isn’t a million miles from the Thieves and Hunter books. It’s not hard to see how the women in this series have the potential to become fantastic characters like Zoey and Kelsey - the characters here just lack some complexity and subtlety.
This was a really slow read for me. I struggled to get into the story and I found James and Noah’s patronising and controlling approach to Hope pretty offputting. I’m not a big BDSM fan and I didn’t find the controlling bedroom scenes very sexy. There isn’t much romance in this book - it’s an insta love story that kinda skips the whole courtship thing. The suspense storyline builds a little too slowly and unfolds a little bit too predictably for me.
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