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The Pink Bean #1-3
Pink Bean Series #1-3
ASIN moved from less recent edition here
Sydney is full of coffeeshops, but none as exciting, and full of drama, as the Pink Bean.
First meet Micky, a newly divorced mother of two, who in No Strings Attached is claiming her independence by taking a job at the Pink Bean and exploring a new side to herself.
Then there's Kristin and Sheryl, the owners of the Pink Bean. Beneath the Surface will take you back in time to follow their journey and discover the origin story of Sydney's pinkest coffee shop.
Finally, get to know Josephine, long-time barista at the Pink Bean, as she attempts to get over her insecurities and opens herself up to love in Everything Between Us.
Grab an espresso (or a flat white) and settle down for nearly 700 pages of heartwarming, dramatic and steamy lesbian romance, like only best-selling author Harper Bliss can craft.
Sydney is full of coffeeshops, but none as exciting, and full of drama, as the Pink Bean.
First meet Micky, a newly divorced mother of two, who in No Strings Attached is claiming her independence by taking a job at the Pink Bean and exploring a new side to herself.
Then there's Kristin and Sheryl, the owners of the Pink Bean. Beneath the Surface will take you back in time to follow their journey and discover the origin story of Sydney's pinkest coffee shop.
Finally, get to know Josephine, long-time barista at the Pink Bean, as she attempts to get over her insecurities and opens herself up to love in Everything Between Us.
Grab an espresso (or a flat white) and settle down for nearly 700 pages of heartwarming, dramatic and steamy lesbian romance, like only best-selling author Harper Bliss can craft.
690 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2018
143 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Harper Bliss
139 books2,364 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 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 21, 2018
I read these books individually on KU and then when I got some vouchers I bought the first box set because I really loved Beneath The Surface and I wanted to be able to return to it in the future.
No Strings Attached (the first in the series) is a story of a latebian falling in love with her first female encounter. There were so many tropes in this novel that I was surprised that I continued on with the rest of the series. Upon reading Beneath The Surface I was so glad I continued.
Bliss’ second novel in the series was a wonderful surprise after No Strings Attached. It tells the story of a twenty, or so, year relationship. The honeymoon and romance of falling in love and then the trials and tribulations of remaining in it. This book felt so real, so honest, that I believe - without knowing the author - so much of her soul must have gone into the story telling.
The final of the first three, Everything Between Us, switches to a first person narrative. I found this quite painful to read, first for the writing style and secondly because I found Josephine a hard character to like. Josephine, thankfully, addresses the dichotomy of her own character (the fact that she preaches about body image and self worth, yet seems to have none) and for that I think that redeemed her. I continued reading for Caitlin. I was curious as to what she would see in Josephine - and Bliss answers this by giving Caitlin her own first person narrative later in the series - though, even on completing the novel, I think Caitlin just wanted to ‘save the damsel’ if not ‘fix her.’
I thoroughly recommend reading Underneath The Surface as a stand alone and forget the rest in the series.
No Strings Attached (the first in the series) is a story of a latebian falling in love with her first female encounter. There were so many tropes in this novel that I was surprised that I continued on with the rest of the series. Upon reading Beneath The Surface I was so glad I continued.
Bliss’ second novel in the series was a wonderful surprise after No Strings Attached. It tells the story of a twenty, or so, year relationship. The honeymoon and romance of falling in love and then the trials and tribulations of remaining in it. This book felt so real, so honest, that I believe - without knowing the author - so much of her soul must have gone into the story telling.
The final of the first three, Everything Between Us, switches to a first person narrative. I found this quite painful to read, first for the writing style and secondly because I found Josephine a hard character to like. Josephine, thankfully, addresses the dichotomy of her own character (the fact that she preaches about body image and self worth, yet seems to have none) and for that I think that redeemed her. I continued reading for Caitlin. I was curious as to what she would see in Josephine - and Bliss answers this by giving Caitlin her own first person narrative later in the series - though, even on completing the novel, I think Caitlin just wanted to ‘save the damsel’ if not ‘fix her.’
I thoroughly recommend reading Underneath The Surface as a stand alone and forget the rest in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2018
3.5 rating
If you like reading short romance novels in the afternoon these books are perfect for you! The stories are easy to read and fun. I love the representation of lgbtq+ characters from a lesbian author. I loved the characters as well, they seem like the kind of women you could sit down and spend the afternoon with.
If you like reading short romance novels in the afternoon these books are perfect for you! The stories are easy to read and fun. I love the representation of lgbtq+ characters from a lesbian author. I loved the characters as well, they seem like the kind of women you could sit down and spend the afternoon with.
May 18, 2023
This collection includes the first three books in the Pink Bean series: No Strings Attached, Beneath the Surface, Everything Between Us.
In "No Strings Attached" we meet Mickey, a divorced mother of two who realizes she's not happy. As a barista in "Pink Beans" she meets Robin....
"Beneath the Surface" tells the story of Kristin and Sheryl in two-time levels. The one in which they met, and the current
timeline are where problems in the relationship where communication has almost stopped. Only when Kristin opens Pink Beans does their relationship change for the better again.
In "Everything Between Us" PhD student of Sheryl and barista Josephine meets her idol, Caitlin James, in Pink Beans. Jo's low self-esteem and the walls she has built to protect her heart make it difficult for Caitlin to convince her of her advances. Jo learns to take risks.
I listened to the collection in stages and despite the breaks in between, I was able to follow the stories well. For someone for whom English is not the first language, it was easy for me to understand everything. This is not to say that the stories of the women are not profound. In the meantime, I have read and listened to a few books by Harper Bliss and have never been disappointed.
The first two books were narrated by Angela Dawe, and the third by Melissa Moran. Angela Dawe is the favorite among the speakers right now, but I think Melissa Moran also spoke well. I had a good listening experience with both speakers.
In "No Strings Attached" we meet Mickey, a divorced mother of two who realizes she's not happy. As a barista in "Pink Beans" she meets Robin....
"Beneath the Surface" tells the story of Kristin and Sheryl in two-time levels. The one in which they met, and the current
timeline are where problems in the relationship where communication has almost stopped. Only when Kristin opens Pink Beans does their relationship change for the better again.
In "Everything Between Us" PhD student of Sheryl and barista Josephine meets her idol, Caitlin James, in Pink Beans. Jo's low self-esteem and the walls she has built to protect her heart make it difficult for Caitlin to convince her of her advances. Jo learns to take risks.
I listened to the collection in stages and despite the breaks in between, I was able to follow the stories well. For someone for whom English is not the first language, it was easy for me to understand everything. This is not to say that the stories of the women are not profound. In the meantime, I have read and listened to a few books by Harper Bliss and have never been disappointed.
The first two books were narrated by Angela Dawe, and the third by Melissa Moran. Angela Dawe is the favorite among the speakers right now, but I think Melissa Moran also spoke well. I had a good listening experience with both speakers.
July 6, 2020
Great Stories
Don't miss getting to read about the amazing people in this box set. There's great writing, great storytelling, and just the right amount of drama that's perfectly worked out.
I didn't happen to read the Pink Bean in order as I need to scoop up deals when I find them and I can say the order doesn't have to be followed. I've already read 7 - 9 and it didn't take away my enjoyment of 1 - 3 one bit.
Interesting tide bit: the line "if you kiss me like that" is in book one AND it's the title of the latest Bliss book release. Consistent theme over the years? Oh yes! But stunningly different stories. Love every single one.
Don't miss getting to read about the amazing people in this box set. There's great writing, great storytelling, and just the right amount of drama that's perfectly worked out.
I didn't happen to read the Pink Bean in order as I need to scoop up deals when I find them and I can say the order doesn't have to be followed. I've already read 7 - 9 and it didn't take away my enjoyment of 1 - 3 one bit.
Interesting tide bit: the line "if you kiss me like that" is in book one AND it's the title of the latest Bliss book release. Consistent theme over the years? Oh yes! But stunningly different stories. Love every single one.
June 6, 2020
4.5 stars. The first three books of a wonderful series. I have read them all separately and I really enjoyed this chance to experience them via Audiobook, though it was a pity the characters all had American accents when the books are set in Australia. Another thing, wear headphones or keep the volume down if grannie is about, books one and three in particular can get quite hot!
April 27, 2021
Review and rating for the first book, as my checkout was returned before I could finish the rest. While predictable, it was light and fluffy enough, with entertaining characters. I haven't read much Australian fiction, but in terms of setting, it was rather light. Might come back to finish the rest later.
July 26, 2025
I enjoy the Pink Bean Series. It's fun and silly but also tuches on difficult topics. I like that there are different generations and body types. It's nice seeing a series set in Australia. Though one little nit picking point, you can't buy alcohol at a grocery shop in Australia only at bottalo's. So bread, cheese and wine got at one shop wouldn't happen. But overalll good story.
September 19, 2018
Three Romance Stories
The history of The Pink Bean is a twisting saga that leads to love but not without some wrongs turns. Persistence and caring hearts seem to lead to answers. Lots of passion and love.
The history of The Pink Bean is a twisting saga that leads to love but not without some wrongs turns. Persistence and caring hearts seem to lead to answers. Lots of passion and love.
March 31, 2020
Such a sweet series. Quick, sexy, easily-digestible reads with characters you want to be real so you can hang out with them. Love Harper Bliss.
August 24, 2020
Loved the stories - looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
April 26, 2022
Three very different stories, each one of them brilliant! Loving this series so far, can't wait to read more about the pink bean community!
April 30, 2025
Three great books in one, all interconnected with a diverse and interesting group of women. Easy to listen, great value for money and the perfect read for a lazy weekend.
June 4, 2023
I really enjoyed the three stories and getting a glimpse of each plus seeing those that were in the early stories progress in the later ones. Robin and Micky are great with Micky just figuring out who she is and opening herself to new possibilities. Learning more about Kristin and Sheryl’s start was great. Jo and Caitlin were great. I can totally understand where Jo comes from and glad she found Caitlin and found her trust and strength in the relationship.
September 9, 2018
The first three books of an amazing series. Very attractive characters and very nice stories. So interested stories.
February 7, 2025
Such beautiful stories.
Micky and Robin - hot couple! Neither of them expected the other.
Kristen and Sheryl - the strength of their love is truly moving.
Josephine and Caitlyn - complete opposites! Caitlyn helps Jo discover her confidence and self-worth is very heartwarming.
Micky and Robin - hot couple! Neither of them expected the other.
Kristen and Sheryl - the strength of their love is truly moving.
Josephine and Caitlyn - complete opposites! Caitlyn helps Jo discover her confidence and self-worth is very heartwarming.
March 25, 2019
Another great read by Harper Bliss.
I simply love the Pink Bean series and can't wait to start book 4! Great diverse characters and an always engaging story line.
I simply love the Pink Bean series and can't wait to start book 4! Great diverse characters and an always engaging story line.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews