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The Pink Bean #1
No Strings Attached
ASIN moved from less recent edition here
The path of true love never did run straight
Twenty years ago, Kristin Park and Sheryl Johnson were brought together by wine. Is wine also what will tear them apart today?
Beneath the Surface goes back in time to the moment Kristin and Sheryl first meet, and offers a revelatory glimpse into the ups and downs of their seemingly perfect relationship.
Grab a cup of coffee—or a glass of wine—and find out what really happens behind the closed doors of The Pink Bean.
Don't miss this brand new instalment, and origin story, of best-selling lesbian romance author Harper Bliss' much-loved Pink Bean series.
The path of true love never did run straight
Twenty years ago, Kristin Park and Sheryl Johnson were brought together by wine. Is wine also what will tear them apart today?
Beneath the Surface goes back in time to the moment Kristin and Sheryl first meet, and offers a revelatory glimpse into the ups and downs of their seemingly perfect relationship.
Grab a cup of coffee—or a glass of wine—and find out what really happens behind the closed doors of The Pink Bean.
Don't miss this brand new instalment, and origin story, of best-selling lesbian romance author Harper Bliss' much-loved Pink Bean series.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2016
597 people are currently reading
1420 people want to read
About the author
Harper Bliss
139 books2,385 followersHarper Bliss is a best-selling lesbian romance author. Among her most-loved books are the highly dramatic French Kissing and the often thought-provoking Pink Bean series. She is the co-founder of My LesFic, a weekly newsletter offering discount deals on lesbian fiction.
Harper lived in Hong Kong for 7 years, travelled the world for a bit, and has now settled in Brussels (Belgium) with her wife and photogenic cat, Dolly Purrton.
Together with her wife, she hosts a weekly podcast called Harper Bliss & Her Mrs.
Harper lived in Hong Kong for 7 years, travelled the world for a bit, and has now settled in Brussels (Belgium) with her wife and photogenic cat, Dolly Purrton.
Together with her wife, she hosts a weekly podcast called Harper Bliss & Her Mrs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
March 29, 2018
Ok read! Just the same old lesbian style storyline and storytelling with nothing else extra to add. Whatever the synopsis says then that's how the story really went (blah,blah)--i skipped many chapters just to get to the ending..
**'I believe in the democracy of storytelling..'
**'I believe in the democracy of storytelling..'
September 10, 2017
Ok read! not much to write about same old lesbian story...from all the hyped reviews and the synopsis i took a chance on this series and here is my mistake again i really could not get into this first book,no connecting with the story at all,i even skipped a few pages and chapter to get to the end..
July 20, 2016
I enjoyed Harper’s start to her new series “The Pink Bean”, but unlike apparently everyone else on here, it wasn’t my absolute favorite.
I very much appreciated this being a story about being true to yourself, and how it’s never too late to find your own happiness. The characters are very real and very easy to identify with. I was enthralled watching Micky go through her lesbian puberty, and by watching her friends and co-workers go through their own troubles and dealing with their own relationships and lives. Again, very real and easy to empathize with. Micky falls in love quickly with the very first woman to take her lesbian v-card. This is all very cliché in most lesbian stories but this one felt different because we’re already privy to the fact that Micky hasn’t been happy for a long time. She’s in her 40’s and doesn’t want to just wait around and waste her time. She wants to find the person that she is truly happy with, and happy with herself being around. She finds this in an, unfortunately, no strings attached relationship. What will happen when it is revealed that Micky doesn’t want a no strings attached relationship? She wants a real relationship with the woman that insists on no relationships, and who is going to be leaving the country in a little less than a year anyway? You will have to read and find out, but I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
My reason for knocking one star off is a purely personal issue and has absolutely zero to do with the author, or abilities as an author, or the overall story presented in No Strings Attached. Just some very specific things within the book that I really struggled to deal with. Again, let me repeat myself for the haters out there, this is a personal feeling and is not meant as a judgement to the author or her characters.
So here we go.
Being bi is more difficult to deal with than many people realize. Not only are you generally not accepted by the straight community, but you aren’t fully accepted into the gay community either. You haven’t made up your mind on which “side” you’re on; or you’re promiscuous and just want to sleep with everyone. If you’re a woman, and you end up with a man, everyone just knows that you were really straight all along and just being selfish by, again, not picking a side. If you’re a woman, and you end with another woman, everyone just knows that you were a lesbian all along and just couldn’t admit it.
So, now having given some of the background on my thought process, here is what I had a hard time with in this book. Micky says multiple times that she was attracted to her husband, that she loved her husband. So why is it so so so important for her to identify as lesbian? Why does it matter? Why does Amber insist that she need to say this out loud so she can deal with it? I just don’t understand why. Now, I will also say that I may not understand this because I don’t identify as straight or lesbian. And I really can understand someone finally realizing years into their relationship that they’ve been lying to themselves all this time. But was it because she’s always been a lesbian? Or because she realized that she had more complex emotions towards both genders than she originally thought and felt like she needed to understand that other side of her? It could’ve been either and yet I feel like she was forced into picking a side. I truly don’t believe this was the intention of the author, or that this is even remotely close to what the actual story is telling about Micky. All I know is that it affected me so much because of my own experiences. People trying to force me into a box because that’s where they thought I fit, and were uncomfortable with anything else.
I love Harper Bliss as an author so much, and this definitely won’t deter me from loving her and her work still. I was just really surprised by my own apparent lack of having dealt with past issues of my own, to the point that this story sparked feels I definitely wasn’t expecting, and really couldn’t deal with. Honestly I should just say “Thank you Harper. I may have a had a hard time understanding some things that happened in the story, but you showed me that I haven’t dealt with my past as well as I thought I had. I appreciate that you were able to open my eyes to some things that I need to work on in my personal life.”
I received an ARC of this story for free from the author in exchange for my honest review.
I very much appreciated this being a story about being true to yourself, and how it’s never too late to find your own happiness. The characters are very real and very easy to identify with. I was enthralled watching Micky go through her lesbian puberty, and by watching her friends and co-workers go through their own troubles and dealing with their own relationships and lives. Again, very real and easy to empathize with. Micky falls in love quickly with the very first woman to take her lesbian v-card. This is all very cliché in most lesbian stories but this one felt different because we’re already privy to the fact that Micky hasn’t been happy for a long time. She’s in her 40’s and doesn’t want to just wait around and waste her time. She wants to find the person that she is truly happy with, and happy with herself being around. She finds this in an, unfortunately, no strings attached relationship. What will happen when it is revealed that Micky doesn’t want a no strings attached relationship? She wants a real relationship with the woman that insists on no relationships, and who is going to be leaving the country in a little less than a year anyway? You will have to read and find out, but I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
My reason for knocking one star off is a purely personal issue and has absolutely zero to do with the author, or abilities as an author, or the overall story presented in No Strings Attached. Just some very specific things within the book that I really struggled to deal with. Again, let me repeat myself for the haters out there, this is a personal feeling and is not meant as a judgement to the author or her characters.
So here we go.
Being bi is more difficult to deal with than many people realize. Not only are you generally not accepted by the straight community, but you aren’t fully accepted into the gay community either. You haven’t made up your mind on which “side” you’re on; or you’re promiscuous and just want to sleep with everyone. If you’re a woman, and you end up with a man, everyone just knows that you were really straight all along and just being selfish by, again, not picking a side. If you’re a woman, and you end with another woman, everyone just knows that you were a lesbian all along and just couldn’t admit it.
So, now having given some of the background on my thought process, here is what I had a hard time with in this book. Micky says multiple times that she was attracted to her husband, that she loved her husband. So why is it so so so important for her to identify as lesbian? Why does it matter? Why does Amber insist that she need to say this out loud so she can deal with it? I just don’t understand why. Now, I will also say that I may not understand this because I don’t identify as straight or lesbian. And I really can understand someone finally realizing years into their relationship that they’ve been lying to themselves all this time. But was it because she’s always been a lesbian? Or because she realized that she had more complex emotions towards both genders than she originally thought and felt like she needed to understand that other side of her? It could’ve been either and yet I feel like she was forced into picking a side. I truly don’t believe this was the intention of the author, or that this is even remotely close to what the actual story is telling about Micky. All I know is that it affected me so much because of my own experiences. People trying to force me into a box because that’s where they thought I fit, and were uncomfortable with anything else.
I love Harper Bliss as an author so much, and this definitely won’t deter me from loving her and her work still. I was just really surprised by my own apparent lack of having dealt with past issues of my own, to the point that this story sparked feels I definitely wasn’t expecting, and really couldn’t deal with. Honestly I should just say “Thank you Harper. I may have a had a hard time understanding some things that happened in the story, but you showed me that I haven’t dealt with my past as well as I thought I had. I appreciate that you were able to open my eyes to some things that I need to work on in my personal life.”
I received an ARC of this story for free from the author in exchange for my honest review.
June 11, 2018
On a rare occasion, I've resumed a book that I kinda left hangin' because a tidal wave of life swept over me. But, it happened!
Harper Bliss is a splendid, highly competent writer. And this book, while not a favorite of mine, would be a gem for those going through the coming out process or anyone wanting a deeper understanding. There's a good lesson in there, too: don't wait too long to pursue your truth, but dont beat yourself up if you take longer than you'd anticipated.
I wasn't particularly enchanted with Micky, Robin, or any character, really. For once, I was more invested in the main character's outside circumstances than the romance. She and Robin didn't woo me. Actually, Robin didn't have a personality to me. Oh, well. I'll keep on with this series!
Regardless, this may be the right fit for you. I'm forever a supporter of women over 40 getting their sexy on!
Harper Bliss is a splendid, highly competent writer. And this book, while not a favorite of mine, would be a gem for those going through the coming out process or anyone wanting a deeper understanding. There's a good lesson in there, too: don't wait too long to pursue your truth, but dont beat yourself up if you take longer than you'd anticipated.
I wasn't particularly enchanted with Micky, Robin, or any character, really. For once, I was more invested in the main character's outside circumstances than the romance. She and Robin didn't woo me. Actually, Robin didn't have a personality to me. Oh, well. I'll keep on with this series!
Regardless, this may be the right fit for you. I'm forever a supporter of women over 40 getting their sexy on!
February 15, 2020
This is book one of Harper Bliss’s series ‘The Pink Bean’, all stories centered in a gay-friendly coffee shop in Sidney, Australia. Micky Ferro has recently divorced from her husband and now that her children are teenagers she has more free time at her disposal. On the first anniversary of her divorce, Micky’s best friend convinces her to take a job as a barista at The Pink Bean cafe. There she meets the aloof but gorgeous Robin who will make her question her own sexuality…
I really enjoyed this story, though based on the title, I was expecting something different. ‘No Strings Attached’ suggests a relationship that evolves from friends with benefits to a committed relationship. Even though this is the case, the story isn’t centered much on this issue but more on Micky’s coming-out journey of self-discovery and acceptance. So if you are looking for a novel like Gerri Hill’s ‘No strings’ you’ll be disappointed but, personally, I’ve enjoyed this one as much.
The audiobook version is narrated by Angela Dawe, who read the whole series of nine books except for book three which is narrated by Melissa Moran. I’m an unapologetic fan of Ms. Dawe who, in my opinion, is easily top three in the list of the best lesfic narrators. Her performances of Lee Winter’s books are absolutely fantastic. So, even if this book’s theme doesn’t appeal to you, it’s worth just listening to Ms. Dawe bringing this story to life.
I really like when narrators can perform all the characters’ voices differently and Ms. Dawe is one of them. Not only she can voice different female characters, but also the male ones and she can even perform them according to their personalities and ages. This story isn’t particularly heavy in showcasing the characters’ emotions, it’s more the introspective kind, something that comes through perfectly in Ms. Dawe’s narration. As usual, Ms. Bliss works her magic in the chemistry department and the main characters’ interactions are sizzling hot. The sex scenes are well written and even performed better.
Duration: 6 hours. Not available on Scribd or Audible Escape but if you like introspective coming-out stories it’s worth a listen.
Overall, a very good lesbian coming out audiobook. 4.5 stars.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
I really enjoyed this story, though based on the title, I was expecting something different. ‘No Strings Attached’ suggests a relationship that evolves from friends with benefits to a committed relationship. Even though this is the case, the story isn’t centered much on this issue but more on Micky’s coming-out journey of self-discovery and acceptance. So if you are looking for a novel like Gerri Hill’s ‘No strings’ you’ll be disappointed but, personally, I’ve enjoyed this one as much.
The audiobook version is narrated by Angela Dawe, who read the whole series of nine books except for book three which is narrated by Melissa Moran. I’m an unapologetic fan of Ms. Dawe who, in my opinion, is easily top three in the list of the best lesfic narrators. Her performances of Lee Winter’s books are absolutely fantastic. So, even if this book’s theme doesn’t appeal to you, it’s worth just listening to Ms. Dawe bringing this story to life.
I really like when narrators can perform all the characters’ voices differently and Ms. Dawe is one of them. Not only she can voice different female characters, but also the male ones and she can even perform them according to their personalities and ages. This story isn’t particularly heavy in showcasing the characters’ emotions, it’s more the introspective kind, something that comes through perfectly in Ms. Dawe’s narration. As usual, Ms. Bliss works her magic in the chemistry department and the main characters’ interactions are sizzling hot. The sex scenes are well written and even performed better.
Duration: 6 hours. Not available on Scribd or Audible Escape but if you like introspective coming-out stories it’s worth a listen.
Overall, a very good lesbian coming out audiobook. 4.5 stars.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
April 20, 2021
4.5 stars
I have read and enjoyed many books by Harper, I couldn’t tell you my favorite, until now. No Strings Attached jumped to the top of the list. The story is told in third person, past tense and from Micky’s point-of-view. Which allowed me to become closely acquainted with her.
The story telling is so vivid, so realistic, I’m sure many, many readers will find themselves able to relate to the struggles, Micky, a woman in her forties, has to deal with coming out later in life. Not only to her two teenage children, but to her ex who she’s still on friendly terms with, her mother, and everyone else who is important to her.
The teenagers added a layer of depth to the story but by no means overwhelmed it. The coffee shop setting and cast of characters were wonderful. Amber is the type of best friend everyone needs. I adored her.
Micky’s first lesbian encounter, with a woman who insisted on a ‘no strings attached’ hook-up, had my inner lesbian purring in erotic bliss. For most of the story I didn’t know if these two would get past their individual hang-ups so to speak. My one quibble would be that I never really got to know Robin, yet at the same time, I realize it wasn’t her story. I did like how the story showed no matter how set in their ways a person might be, love can win out.
The ending left me satisfied and wanting more at the same time. I can’t wait to see who features in book two. I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a well penned, emotional, heart-warming story.
Copy kindly provided in exchange for an honest review
EDIT - what was wrong with the original cover? I can't say I'm digging the new one ;(
I have read and enjoyed many books by Harper, I couldn’t tell you my favorite, until now. No Strings Attached jumped to the top of the list. The story is told in third person, past tense and from Micky’s point-of-view. Which allowed me to become closely acquainted with her.
The story telling is so vivid, so realistic, I’m sure many, many readers will find themselves able to relate to the struggles, Micky, a woman in her forties, has to deal with coming out later in life. Not only to her two teenage children, but to her ex who she’s still on friendly terms with, her mother, and everyone else who is important to her.
The teenagers added a layer of depth to the story but by no means overwhelmed it. The coffee shop setting and cast of characters were wonderful. Amber is the type of best friend everyone needs. I adored her.
Micky’s first lesbian encounter, with a woman who insisted on a ‘no strings attached’ hook-up, had my inner lesbian purring in erotic bliss. For most of the story I didn’t know if these two would get past their individual hang-ups so to speak. My one quibble would be that I never really got to know Robin, yet at the same time, I realize it wasn’t her story. I did like how the story showed no matter how set in their ways a person might be, love can win out.
The ending left me satisfied and wanting more at the same time. I can’t wait to see who features in book two. I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a well penned, emotional, heart-warming story.
Copy kindly provided in exchange for an honest review
EDIT - what was wrong with the original cover? I can't say I'm digging the new one ;(
July 29, 2016
Wasn't a surprise for me to enjoy this because I'm a big fan of Harper Bliss.. Really liked the plot.. Some books lately seem to neglect the fact that coming out is indeed one of the toughest things any gay/lesbian go through. It was a good refresher to read about it and the struggle one goes through.
One thing that was missing and that's mainly why this book was a solid 4 and not 5 is a bit of depth in Robin's side of the story. Maybe because she was my favorite character I wanted more? She's just such an interesting character that all along while I was reading I was hoping for more.
Great book! Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
One thing that was missing and that's mainly why this book was a solid 4 and not 5 is a bit of depth in Robin's side of the story. Maybe because she was my favorite character I wanted more? She's just such an interesting character that all along while I was reading I was hoping for more.
Great book! Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
March 20, 2023
Midlife crisis.
This is the first book in Harper Bliss' flagship series, the Pink Bean. I actually bought Books 1 to 9 back in 2021 that was sold as one book instead of multiple ones but I thought I should review each story on its own so here goes my first review.
The Pink Bean is a coffee shop in Australia catered to the sapphic crowd and this series revolves around the characters who either own, work at or patronise the place. The first book is a short romance novel about coming out later in life and it follows the post-divorce journey of a middle-aged woman called Micky. A year after her divorce, Micky tries to make changes to her life and secures a job at the Pink Bean. This is where she meets Robin, a customer from America. Robin fails to make a good first impression but is given a chance when she asks Micky out. They start a sexual relationship but this is temporary on both sides because Robin will eventually leave the country and Micky finds it hard to come out to her teenage children. This becomes a problem though when they start to feel more for each other.
This is a simple romance that's easy to read, and the sex scenes, which Bliss has always had a flair for writing, are incredibly hot. However I also found this story to be a bit incomplete due to the single POV that it is written in. I read about Robin through Micky's eyes and found her to be interesting but I feel like I don't know her well enough.
This isn't Bliss' best for me but it is good enough that I want to keep reading the series.
This is the first book in Harper Bliss' flagship series, the Pink Bean. I actually bought Books 1 to 9 back in 2021 that was sold as one book instead of multiple ones but I thought I should review each story on its own so here goes my first review.
The Pink Bean is a coffee shop in Australia catered to the sapphic crowd and this series revolves around the characters who either own, work at or patronise the place. The first book is a short romance novel about coming out later in life and it follows the post-divorce journey of a middle-aged woman called Micky. A year after her divorce, Micky tries to make changes to her life and secures a job at the Pink Bean. This is where she meets Robin, a customer from America. Robin fails to make a good first impression but is given a chance when she asks Micky out. They start a sexual relationship but this is temporary on both sides because Robin will eventually leave the country and Micky finds it hard to come out to her teenage children. This becomes a problem though when they start to feel more for each other.
This is a simple romance that's easy to read, and the sex scenes, which Bliss has always had a flair for writing, are incredibly hot. However I also found this story to be a bit incomplete due to the single POV that it is written in. I read about Robin through Micky's eyes and found her to be interesting but I feel like I don't know her well enough.
This isn't Bliss' best for me but it is good enough that I want to keep reading the series.
July 31, 2016
3.5 stars. Great start for a new series by Harper. A quick enjoyable read. I enjoyed all the characters in this book from the best friend Amber to Mickie's sullen teenage children and of course Mickie herself. We meet her a year after her divorce from a man whom she was married for 20ys or so and her journey at 44 to admitting to herself (and others) that she was attracted to women. She does hit the jackpot when her first date is with the gorgeous (of course) "no strings attached" Robin. Although there was some angst and uncertainty, I liked that it was just enough and short of becoming wallowing.
March 27, 2021
Neither most of the characters nor the romance was anything special. How were they 'falling in love' without even having one genuine conversation. I didn't like the way everything was resolved so easily. Robin was the most interesting thing about this book. The more I saw her, the more I liked her. I am still gonna read other books in the series, hopefully they are better.
June 7, 2018
Giving 4 or 5 stars to Harper Bliss is what I usually do, but this time – and I know I am in the minority here - I am struggling to get there. I guess even a favorite author can produce a mediocre book when she puts her mind to it and No Strings Attached (The Pink Bean #1) is one of those. There was very little plot. The main characters failed to impress and had little personality. Bliss did a lot of repeating and padding to get to her magic 60K word-count and even the sex scenes couldn’t improve it all. I am used to so much better from her (I truly hope the second book will be more enjoyable because I was really looking forward to this series).
f/f explicit
Themes: yawn… it even managed to put Book Club Buddie D. to sleep, coming out angst on repeat, hausfrau finds her inner lesbian, sometimes less is more.
3 stars
f/f explicit
Themes: yawn… it even managed to put Book Club Buddie D. to sleep, coming out angst on repeat, hausfrau finds her inner lesbian, sometimes less is more.
3 stars
December 24, 2016
Very enjoyable coming out story by Harper. I generally enjoy her books and this one was no different.
A good solid romance with great character development.
A good solid romance with great character development.
December 3, 2017
This is Micky’s book and she’s beautifully written. Her identity had long centred on her roles as wife and mother. Carving out an identity apart from her family and coming to terms with her sexuality in her 40s isn’t easy, and the blend of hope, fear, and vulnerability is authentic and relatable. Her self-consciousness at the difference between her body and Robin’s younger, fitter body was particularly well done.
Robin is very different from Micky, comfortable with casual relationships as her job takes her from country to country. She may be ready to lay down roots, but her desire for home appears to be more about place than person. Opening herself to the possibility of a long-term relationship is huge, and I loved how she grew to make a space in her life for Micky and her family.
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/no-st...
Robin is very different from Micky, comfortable with casual relationships as her job takes her from country to country. She may be ready to lay down roots, but her desire for home appears to be more about place than person. Opening herself to the possibility of a long-term relationship is huge, and I loved how she grew to make a space in her life for Micky and her family.
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/no-st...
January 10, 2023
No Strings Attached (The Pink Bean, #1) by Harper Bliss: This is a reread. I will read the entire series. This book has a great story and also sets up some of the characters we meet at a coffee shop named Pink Bean. The owners Kristin and Sheryl. In book one, you might expect them to be the MCs. They are not. Micky and Robin take the lead along with a yoga instructor named Amber. We also meet Martha and Josephine and Micky's family. The book takes on a journey through romance, friendship, the greater lesbian community, and family. It is intricate and serious and humorous. I love that the words show communication, caring, sharing, and support in an honest way. My favorite line in the book is this. Micky reached for Robin’s neck and pulled her close. “I want you,” she said. “Forget about the drink. Take me to bed.” The book is 5 stars and a very enjoyable read.
February 21, 2024
Standard late bloomer coming out. Not bad.
February 1, 2019
I don't generally leave negative reviews, but I just could not get past the idea that the main character had never had a job. Never. "I've never worked a day in my life," she states. HOW?? Whu-? H - Huhh? Not a part time job in high school or college? Seriously? Even Princess Eugenie has a freakin' job! Ok, so maybe our heroine is a fabulously wealthy trust fund baby, but - no interests she wants to pursue? Why did she bother going to college?? I have a pretty good ability to suspend disbelief: werewolves, sure, vampire sorority sisters, no problem, monarchs from made up European countries that somehow missed both world wars, why not? But -- I just -- a middle-aged divorced mother of two teenagers who gets a job at a coffee shop because she's...bored. I just can't care or sympathise with someone so bland.
July 22, 2016
There are authors that make me biased while reviewing them, and Harper Bliss is one of them. Or she's just that good when it comes to writing sexual tension, chemistry build-up, yearning, lusting for another person... Love her characters! Love them! I would probably eagerly wait to read any novel or novelette Harper Bliss publishes, and would gladly recommend her to the keen readers of lesbian romance/erotica.
June 23, 2017
Nice book.
Interesting cast of characters and setting combined with good dialogue and a reasonable premise.
While all of above is true, it took me some time to finish as if I'm honest it didn't really grab me and drive me to hurry to the end.
Still I will pickup the next in the series to see where this group of books go.
Interesting cast of characters and setting combined with good dialogue and a reasonable premise.
While all of above is true, it took me some time to finish as if I'm honest it didn't really grab me and drive me to hurry to the end.
Still I will pickup the next in the series to see where this group of books go.
April 21, 2017
This was a very sweet romance with very likable main characters and interesting side characters. This is the first book in a series, all of which (three so far) feature characters who work at an LGBT friendly coffee shop in Sydney, Australia, The Pink Bean. Book one, “No Strings Attached”, is the first of the books to arrive as an audiobook.
“No Strings Attached” features Micky; her thoughts, her family and her friends as she struggles to understand, at age 44, a growing awareness that she is attracted to women. Other books have addressed the issue of coming out after decades of a hetero marriage, and while Harper Bliss isn’t addressing the issue in any particularly new way, she does so in a very enjoyable way.
Micky’s best friend is a lesbian, and helps gently push her to understand, accept and act upon her desires. It’s nice that while Amber has been out and proud for decades, she’s not militant that Micky come out of the closet, to herself or to anyone else, in any timeframe but her own. I enjoyed being inside Micky’s head as she struggled whether to call herself a lesbian, and as she struggled with how and when to come out to her ex husband, her mother and her two teenage children. The struggle felt very real, but without the unnecessary excessive angst so often written into lesfic.
There are plenty of steamy scenes between Micky and Robin (yay!!), but it was wonderful that Micky recognizes her initial attraction is based on lust…not instalove. Robin is presented as a sexy, successful woman who has non-relationship rules…but who acknowledges that her rules just might be based on not having yet met the right woman. As a serial monogamist, she is a more likable person than many women in lesfic: the “player” who has sex with disposable women until meeting “the one”.
Micky’s best friend Amber has a significant role, and we learn as much, perhaps more, about her interesting personality and her quirks than we do about Robin. I am surprised that neither book two nor book three feature Amber as the next MC. Perhaps book four??
With the intersecting lives of several lesbians at the Pink Bean, and the feel-good story, there are many elements of “No Strings Attached” that remind me of Melissa Braden’s SOHO Savvy series (but with MUCH less angst), Georgia Beers’ Puppy Love series (also with less angst), or, to a smaller degree, Maggie Cummings “Bay West Social” community.
I liked the book very much, and would very much like The Pink Bean to be my neighborhood coffeehouse. The narrator did a super fantastic job with both dialogue and voicing Micky’s internal thoughts. The book itself would be a 4-5*, but with the great narration, the audiobook is definitely 5* - highly recommended and fun to relisten to!
“No Strings Attached” features Micky; her thoughts, her family and her friends as she struggles to understand, at age 44, a growing awareness that she is attracted to women. Other books have addressed the issue of coming out after decades of a hetero marriage, and while Harper Bliss isn’t addressing the issue in any particularly new way, she does so in a very enjoyable way.
Micky’s best friend is a lesbian, and helps gently push her to understand, accept and act upon her desires. It’s nice that while Amber has been out and proud for decades, she’s not militant that Micky come out of the closet, to herself or to anyone else, in any timeframe but her own. I enjoyed being inside Micky’s head as she struggled whether to call herself a lesbian, and as she struggled with how and when to come out to her ex husband, her mother and her two teenage children. The struggle felt very real, but without the unnecessary excessive angst so often written into lesfic.
There are plenty of steamy scenes between Micky and Robin (yay!!), but it was wonderful that Micky recognizes her initial attraction is based on lust…not instalove. Robin is presented as a sexy, successful woman who has non-relationship rules…but who acknowledges that her rules just might be based on not having yet met the right woman. As a serial monogamist, she is a more likable person than many women in lesfic: the “player” who has sex with disposable women until meeting “the one”.
Micky’s best friend Amber has a significant role, and we learn as much, perhaps more, about her interesting personality and her quirks than we do about Robin. I am surprised that neither book two nor book three feature Amber as the next MC. Perhaps book four??
With the intersecting lives of several lesbians at the Pink Bean, and the feel-good story, there are many elements of “No Strings Attached” that remind me of Melissa Braden’s SOHO Savvy series (but with MUCH less angst), Georgia Beers’ Puppy Love series (also with less angst), or, to a smaller degree, Maggie Cummings “Bay West Social” community.
I liked the book very much, and would very much like The Pink Bean to be my neighborhood coffeehouse. The narrator did a super fantastic job with both dialogue and voicing Micky’s internal thoughts. The book itself would be a 4-5*, but with the great narration, the audiobook is definitely 5* - highly recommended and fun to relisten to!
June 29, 2016
Beyond 5 stars! I am in love with this book.
Micky has been divorced for a year and shares custody of her two teenage kids with her ex husband. She and her best friend, a lesbian named Amber, like to go to the Pink Bean for coffee and chats. One day Micky accepts a job at the Bean and begins to realize she has feelings for a woman. This is her journey.
No Strings Attached is a beautifully written coming out story. It is by far the best book on the subject that I have ever read and it is my new favourite Harper Bliss novel. It is emotional, fulfilling, uplifting, tender and so very genuine. This important story resonates deeply with me. I am sure that most women who love women anywhere along the spectrum can relate to this amazing book. I fell in love with Micky. I remember the struggle from first realization to coming out to a child and parents to the first time with a woman and the first love. The love making in this story was wonderfully portrayed. The first time scene was HOT, HOT, HOT! In true Harper Bliss fashion the other sex scenes are just as amazing if not more so. They left me breathless and wanting. This story is a lovely work of art and I am most grateful for it.
Micky has been divorced for a year and shares custody of her two teenage kids with her ex husband. She and her best friend, a lesbian named Amber, like to go to the Pink Bean for coffee and chats. One day Micky accepts a job at the Bean and begins to realize she has feelings for a woman. This is her journey.
No Strings Attached is a beautifully written coming out story. It is by far the best book on the subject that I have ever read and it is my new favourite Harper Bliss novel. It is emotional, fulfilling, uplifting, tender and so very genuine. This important story resonates deeply with me. I am sure that most women who love women anywhere along the spectrum can relate to this amazing book. I fell in love with Micky. I remember the struggle from first realization to coming out to a child and parents to the first time with a woman and the first love. The love making in this story was wonderfully portrayed. The first time scene was HOT, HOT, HOT! In true Harper Bliss fashion the other sex scenes are just as amazing if not more so. They left me breathless and wanting. This story is a lovely work of art and I am most grateful for it.
January 27, 2018
2.5 stars for the plot, bumped up to 4 for the audiobook.
This is my first time listening to narrator, Angela Dawe, and I must say, hearing that voice narrating such hot sex scenes deserves 5 stars all on its own. :) Anywho...although it was interesting hearing about a divorced barista coming out at 44 years old, the plot itself was underwhelming and the dialogue was dull at times. Just your average lesfic romance, nothing special. Bliss fan or not, you won't go wrong copping this audiobook as a distraction while on the tube.
This is my first time listening to narrator, Angela Dawe, and I must say, hearing that voice narrating such hot sex scenes deserves 5 stars all on its own. :) Anywho...although it was interesting hearing about a divorced barista coming out at 44 years old, the plot itself was underwhelming and the dialogue was dull at times. Just your average lesfic romance, nothing special. Bliss fan or not, you won't go wrong copping this audiobook as a distraction while on the tube.
August 17, 2018
DNF @ 69%
DNF because I don't give a single fuck about this story or the characters (hell, who am I kidding, it's just Micky, because her love interest is MIA). I'm bored and tired and I'm not in the mood to keep "trying" with a book right now. I need a book that sweeps me away, not a book that makes me NOT WANT TO PICK UP MY DAMN KINDLE AT ALL.
I don't care for the romance, which is entirely MIA. They've spent a handful of pages together and it's 69% and they are NOT CURRENTLY TOGETHER AT ALL, PERIOD.
I don't care about the characters and while it's 3rd POV it's limited 3rd POV from Micky's POV only and we never get anything about the woman who is (I assume!) going to be her partner forever and ever. I'm not connecting with either of them, even on the most basic of levels.
I don't care for how this book reaaaaaaally pushes the "if a woman likes another woman then she MUST be a lesbian, there is no other option here!" Like, if Micky truly identifies herself as a lesbian, and has no interest in men, that's fine! But I feel like she's been pushed from day one that even though she was with her husband for years and loved him she's now A Lesbian (caps and all). I'm just pissed at the bi-erasure, even if Micky herself might not consider herself bi (or pan even).
Also, there's a part where Micky's son says something racist at the table and the daughter calls it out and asks Micky to do something about it and she's just like "Let it go, sweetie" and moves on without saying one damn thing to the son about what he said/thinks. WTF? NO. That was the final straw, the point where I wasn't even interested in power-skimming to the end to call this one "read". I'm just dropping it and returning it. Thankfully it was a KU book. I really don't know that I'll read the author again.
DNF because I don't give a single fuck about this story or the characters (hell, who am I kidding, it's just Micky, because her love interest is MIA). I'm bored and tired and I'm not in the mood to keep "trying" with a book right now. I need a book that sweeps me away, not a book that makes me NOT WANT TO PICK UP MY DAMN KINDLE AT ALL.
I don't care for the romance, which is entirely MIA. They've spent a handful of pages together and it's 69% and they are NOT CURRENTLY TOGETHER AT ALL, PERIOD.
I don't care about the characters and while it's 3rd POV it's limited 3rd POV from Micky's POV only and we never get anything about the woman who is (I assume!) going to be her partner forever and ever. I'm not connecting with either of them, even on the most basic of levels.
I don't care for how this book reaaaaaaally pushes the "if a woman likes another woman then she MUST be a lesbian, there is no other option here!" Like, if Micky truly identifies herself as a lesbian, and has no interest in men, that's fine! But I feel like she's been pushed from day one that even though she was with her husband for years and loved him she's now A Lesbian (caps and all). I'm just pissed at the bi-erasure, even if Micky herself might not consider herself bi (or pan even).
Also, there's a part where Micky's son says something racist at the table and the daughter calls it out and asks Micky to do something about it and she's just like "Let it go, sweetie" and moves on without saying one damn thing to the son about what he said/thinks. WTF? NO. That was the final straw, the point where I wasn't even interested in power-skimming to the end to call this one "read". I'm just dropping it and returning it. Thankfully it was a KU book. I really don't know that I'll read the author again.
March 9, 2021
4 Stars - Audible version - Great narration by Angela Dawe
I love a good late-bian story. I felt the chemistry and enjoyed the couple's journey to their HEA.
I love a good late-bian story. I felt the chemistry and enjoyed the couple's journey to their HEA.
July 13, 2021
everything that happens in this book is something that happens TO micky. not only that, but she’s wildly naive and ignorant for her age.
her best friend basically tells her to identify as a lesbian and she just goes ok i guess i’m gay now. a woman who was somewhat rude to her asks her out and she says yes. the women then says they’ll only have a friends with benefits relationship (which micky doesn’t even understand?) but she goes with it regardless of the fact that it isn’t what she wanted. there are very few character descriptions throughout, but for some reason two very weird comments about asian characters? and it also felt very biphobic in how everyone was either gay or straight, and there was no room for anyone to identify as anything else.
i know this book was written by a lesbian but it felt very out of touch and outdated. will not be continuing the series.
her best friend basically tells her to identify as a lesbian and she just goes ok i guess i’m gay now. a woman who was somewhat rude to her asks her out and she says yes. the women then says they’ll only have a friends with benefits relationship (which micky doesn’t even understand?) but she goes with it regardless of the fact that it isn’t what she wanted. there are very few character descriptions throughout, but for some reason two very weird comments about asian characters? and it also felt very biphobic in how everyone was either gay or straight, and there was no room for anyone to identify as anything else.
i know this book was written by a lesbian but it felt very out of touch and outdated. will not be continuing the series.
March 22, 2021
Cute okay book. My only problem or main problem was the way they tiptoed around the word bisexual. Micky more so jumped to the conclusion that she was a lesbian even though she had been attracted to a man. Now I’m not saying that isn’t totally impossible but not for a second had she even considered that she was bisexual. The word bisexual in fact was in the book only once. I’m not saying that it’s not possible for her to be lesbian after having been with a man but the whole sexuality awakening seemed rushed but hey I guess when it’s right you know it.
Would’ve loved to see her consider her options instead of immediately labelling herself.
Would’ve loved to see her consider her options instead of immediately labelling herself.
October 27, 2023
It wasn't awful, but I have to admit I was confused as to why an audiobook set in Australia, in which all but one character is Australian was narrated by an American? While I commend the narrator for not doing Aussie accents for the characters if she wasn't able to, I can't help but feel that maybe it would have made more sense for there to be an... I don't know... Australian narrator maybe?
It really distracted me from the story, which was a shame.
It really distracted me from the story, which was a shame.
July 18, 2016
I've read many books by Harper Bliss and I have to say this is one of my favorites. I love how she develops the characters. I'm the type of reader who thinks character development makes a novel successful and when I feel like I know the characters in real life than the author has succeeded. Bravo Harper Bliss. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
September 5, 2024
2 ★ I’m going on a Harper Bliss hiatus. For the foreseeable future.
December 19, 2024
3.5 Stars for No Strings Attached (audiobook) by Harper Bliss read by Angela Dawe.
A recently divorced mother of two is looking for more out of life. She gets a new job and that leads her to open up to new relationships. She meets a younger woman who stirs her passions opens her up to new possibilities.
This story is taking place in Australia and no one has an Australian accent. I definitely would have rated it higher if the narration would have sounded right.
A recently divorced mother of two is looking for more out of life. She gets a new job and that leads her to open up to new relationships. She meets a younger woman who stirs her passions opens her up to new possibilities.
This story is taking place in Australia and no one has an Australian accent. I definitely would have rated it higher if the narration would have sounded right.
January 13, 2019
It's definitely a good reminder how much more difficult it must be for women to come out after they are married to a man and find themselves in a life they no longer identify with. Over all it was an interesting topic, since I was never in that situation. The book get's only 4 stars because I missed the change of viewpoint. I got so used to being able to see and read about the thought process of the other main character that this almost felt like a restriction here.
Never the less it was worth the read just because of the reminder that the coming out process is a deeply personal affair and that the path is almost always individually unique.
Never the less it was worth the read just because of the reminder that the coming out process is a deeply personal affair and that the path is almost always individually unique.
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