This week’s big news is that That Woman Next Door is out now in ebook and print! The book is a slow-burn opposites attract with lots of lesbian processing. Harper is still not writing so she’s been occupying herself on Instagram.   We enjoyed the new season of Sex Education a lot, even though it was a bit more serious than previous seasons. It’s definitely more educational than the Sex Ed we got in school. We also watched the first episode of Alma's Not Normal on the BBC.   Caroline’s book this week is The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller, which might not be for everyone, but she enjoyed so much.   Tune in again next time for a new episode of Harper Bliss & Her Mrs.  Get in touch with us with your questions, comments, or suggested topics at harperblissandhermrs@gmail.com.  Get some free books by subscribing to the Harper Bliss mailing list. For more on Harper Bliss visit www.harperbliss.com

Harper Bliss & Her Mrs

#116: Harper Fancies Herself a Comedian

There is lots of audio news this week! About That Kiss (narrated by Abby Craden) is now available everywhere, and At Your Most Beautiful (narrated by Angela Dawe) is now out as well.   That Woman Next Door is going through the very last proofread before going to the retailers and Harper is enjoying it so much. She’s still not writing so she’s been on Instagram much more, which is not necessarily working out.   We rewatched season one of The L Word: Generation Q in preparation for when season two is available to us, and Harper wonders if there are armpit hair merkins.   Tune in again next time for a new episode of Harper Bliss & Her Mrs.  Get in touch with us with your questions, comments, or suggested topics at harperblissandhermrs@gmail.com.  Get some free books by subscribing to the Harper Bliss mailing list. For more on Harper Bliss visit www.harperbliss.com

#115: Harper Had to Choose Between Angelina and Padma

In this week’s episode, Caroline has tooth ailments. Harper is still on a writing break, but working on the final edits on That Woman Next Door, which will be out in ebook, audio, paperback AND a swanky hardcover.  She’s also trying to be social-media-savvy. Harper is with book idea, but she has to wait a few weeks before she can begin writing it. Meanwhile, the Two Hearts Trilogy read along is still happening in the Facebook Group.   We’re enjoying Vigil on the BBC, which stars queer lady favourite Suranne Jones. We’ve also been watching old Silent Witness episodes. Harper has had some fan fiction in her head for years about Sam Ryan and Jane Tennyson (Prime Witness or Silent Suspect?) Harper has discovered a new favourite podcast: the Period Power podcast.   Caroline’s book of the week is All Adults Here by Emma Straub, which has quite a bit of queer content and was very enjoyable.   Tune in again next time for a new episode of Harper Bliss & Her Mrs.  Get in touch with us with your questions, comments, or suggested topics at harperblissandhermrs@gmail.com.  Get some free books by subscribing to the Harper Bliss mailing list. For more on Harper Bliss visit www.harperbliss.com

#114: Harper Is Pregnant With Idea

Apologies for skipping last week. Visiting friends and cat sitting duties made it impossible to record an episode.   That Woman Next Door is available for pre-order here! Harper reveals the story behind the unfortunate naming choice of one of its characters.   Harper's two attempts at writing Pink Bean 11 didn’t work out so she’s taking an extended break from writing. She’s decided to organise another read along in her Facebook group, this time of Two Hearts Trilogy. Join the group to participate. And don’t forget to answer the three questions to gain entry!   Tv shows we loved recently: The Unusual Suspects (Miranda Otto is so much better than Nicole K.), The Chair (with Holland Taylor for the queer lady interest), and F*** You Very, Very Much (a hilarious Flemish show about messy Millennials.) And we rewatched the first two seasons of Sex Education which is excellent. Plus it has Gillian Anderson, so what’s not to like.   Caroline’s book of the week is This Must Be the Place by Maggie O’Farrell, which she loved.    Tune in again next time for a new episode of Harper Bliss & Her Mrs.  Get in touch with us with your questions, comments, or suggested topics at harperblissandhermrs@gmail.com.  Get some free books by subscribing to the Harper Bliss mailing list. For more on Harper Bliss visit www.harperbliss.com

#113: Harper Dies of Embarrassment During the Episode

We’re back after a relaxing holiday in Brittany. We’ll be going back soon!   About That Kiss, narrated by the great Abby Craden, is out in audio in most places (not Audible or Amazon.) And Harper posted her fantasy casting on her blog.   Harper’s next book finally has a title and it’s not Difficult Women. The editor suggested Two Lesbians Processing. It will be available for pre-order here.  However, her next next book is proving to be a bit of a struggle.   Harper doesn’t like tv shows where the characters are too nice, so she loved The White Lotus.   In reading news, Harper has been devouring books by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Caroline’s read of the week is Minor Dramas and Other Catastrophes by Kathleen West, which she chose because of the cover.   Tune in again next time for a new episode of Harper Bliss & Her Mrs.  Get in touch with us with your questions, comments, or suggested topics at harperblissandhermrs@gmail.com.  Get some free books by subscribing to the Harper Bliss mailing list. For more on Harper Bliss visit www.harperbliss.com

#112: Harper Was Followed by One of Her Characters

About That Kiss is out now everywhere! It could be your feel-good read of the summer :-) Harper is feeling the launch stress. Another new release is the German translation of A Lesson in Love, Die Erfahrung von Liebe.   Harper finally typed THE END on Difficult Women, which is set in Brittany, which is where we’re going on holiday.   We watched season four of Unforgotten, and loved it, but the end left Caroline reeling. We also started rewatching Homeland, starting at season four, which has Laila Robins. Harper has a rant about Ted Lasso.   Caroline’s book this week is Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi. It’s a beautiful book about difficult topics, gorgeously written and very compelling.   Tune in again next time for a new episode of Harper Bliss & Her Mrs.  Get in touch with us with your questions, comments, or suggested topics at harperblissandhermrs@gmail.com.  Get some free books by subscribing to the Harper Bliss mailing list. For more on Harper Bliss visit www.harperbliss.com

#111: Harper Has Stuck Her Head Even Farther Up Her Own Behind

We record this episode on our National Holiday and also the 21st anniversary of our first meeting. Harper is feeling the stress of finishing her current first draft and preparing for a launch next week. Thank goodness for her punching bag. The first two chapters of About That Kiss are available to read on the blog.   We had a movie night in which we watched two very different films: Gunpowder Milkshake and Let Them All Talk. We enjoyed both in different ways. We’ve also been on a streak of teenage/high school shows: Gossip Girl, Never Have I Ever and Young Royals.   Caroline’s book of the week is Hostage by Clare Mackintosh. The premise was good, but unfortunately the book didn’t deliver. But, spoiler alert, next week’s book will get a rave review!   Tune in again next time for a new episode of Harper Bliss & Her Mrs.  Get in touch with us with your questions, comments, or suggested topics at harperblissandhermrs@gmail.com.  Get some free books by subscribing to the Harper Bliss mailing list. For more on Harper Bliss visit www.harperbliss.com

#110: Harper Will Be an Easier Woman Tomorrow

Caroline’s birthday was celebrated profusely which led us to not be able to record a podcast last week, for which we apologise.   The Village Romance Series is on sale for a few days, get it now! Harper’s editor loved About That Kiss and gave it the perfect review. It will be out in two weeks!   Harper is rereading her Pink Bean books and really loved No Other Love (Book 6). She’s now on Love Without Limits, and thinks she must have been crazy writing that book.   We absolutely loved the new season of This Way Up and are now rewatching Fleabag. We also started watching Manifest, but Caroline has many grievances about it.   Caroline’s book of the week is traditionally published lesbian fiction: Cow Girl by Kirsty Eyre. A fun, light read.   Tune in again next time for a new episode of Harper Bliss & Her Mrs.  Get in touch with us with your questions, comments, or suggested topics at harperblissandhermrs@gmail.com.  Get some free books by subscribing to the Harper Bliss mailing list. For more on Harper Bliss visit www.harperbliss.com

#109: Harper Likes It When Things Are About Her

In this week’s episode, Harper talks about her Difficult Women (working title), but she doesn’t know yet how they’ll get together. This book may also have brought her to take on a new (violent) hobby.   About That Kiss is getting its final touches and will be out on 27 July. The editor loved it! And Harper reveals which book she’ll work on when she’s done with the difficult women.   Our shout-out of the week is to the Flemish Government for their PSA with two middle-aged lesbians.   In between all the football we managed to binge the new and last season of Bosch. Another show we’re enjoying is This Is Pop on Netflix. Harper made Caroline sit through a Celine Dion concert on YouTube. A major televisual letdown was Sex/Life. Even Carmen from The L Word can’t make it watchable.   This week it’s Harper’s turn to recommend a book: The Secret to Superhuman Strength by Alison Bechdel. It’s a true piece of art.   Tune in again next time for a new episode of Harper Bliss & Her Mrs.  Get in touch with us with your questions, comments, or suggested topics at harperblissandhermrs@gmail.com.  Get some free books by subscribing to the Harper Bliss mailing list. For more on Harper Bliss visit www.harperbliss.com

#108: Harper Is Toppling the Patriarchy One Punch At a Time

We’re back after a short getaway in the countryside, which was so nice. We even went for an outdoor run early in the morning! In other fun news: we booked tickets to go see Celine Dion in 2022!   Harper’s next two audiobooks have been cast and lesfic audiobook fans will be happy.   This week’s shoutout is an attempted hommage to sexy Scottish accents.   We enjoyed the last season of Master of None, which has great houseporn. Harper has started watching Death in Paradise as her go-to-sleep show. This show was compared to Celine Dion, so it makes sense. This YouTube video rang so true for us, and it has a great Celine Dion joke.    Caroline’s book of the week is Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason, which deals with mental health issues while being very funny. Another five-star read!   Tune in again next time for a new episode of Harper Bliss & Her Mrs.  Get in touch with us with your questions, comments, or suggested topics at harperblissandhermrs@gmail.com.  Get some free books by subscribing to the Harper Bliss mailing list. For more on Harper Bliss visit www.harperbliss.com

#107: Harper and Her Mrs Are Annoying Middle-Aged Lesbians

Harper celebrated her birthday over lunch with the ladies from Ylva Publishing, which was lots of fun. And thanks to Carrie for the unexpected prezzie! Her next book, About That Kiss, is about to be sent to the editor, before we take a few days off next week. And she’s decided to take up her previously discarded book and try to finish it. Our favourite podcasters Fi and Jane made a hilarious video to announce their upcoming book.   We watched season two of Feel Good, which we highly recommend. We’ve also started on the reboot of In Treatment.  Caroline’s book this week is Rachel’s Holiday by Marian Keyes. It’s one of her first novels and deals with addiction, which sounds heavy, but it’s a lovely, hopeful book.   Tune in again next time for a new episode of Harper Bliss & Her Mrs.  Get in touch with us with your questions, comments, or suggested topics at harperblissandhermrs@gmail.com.  Get some free books by subscribing to the Harper Bliss mailing list. For more on Harper Bliss visit www.harperbliss.com

#106: Harper Felt Like Such a Cat Lady

We were absent for two weeks for the best possible reason: Harper wrote a new book! And she had so much fun doing it. She has also discovered the joy of reading her own books, which she’s never done before. This has led to her doing a group readalong of If You Kiss Me Like That in her Facebook Group.   During our two weeks absence we watched a lot of TV. We loved It’s a Sin but tears were shed. We also enjoyed the third and final season of Shrill. And our highlight was Mare of Easttown with a stellar performance from Kate Winslet (and the whole cast.)    Caroline’s book of the week is How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House by Cherie Jones. It’s a beautifully written book, but a hard read that won’t be for everyone.   Tune in again next time for a new episode of Harper Bliss & Her Mrs.  Get in touch with us with your questions, comments, or suggested topics at harperblissandhermrs@gmail.com.  Get some free books by subscribing to the Harper Bliss mailing list. For more on Harper Bliss visit www.harperbliss.com

#105: Harper Is Her Own Favourite Author

We’re back after our absence last week, brought on by Harper’s current at-home writing retreat. She’s going all-out on writing a Hollywood romance and is making amazing progress, because of not doing anything else or reading any news.   After the season finale of Line of Duty, we rewatched the first three seasons of Unforgotten and a desperate to watch the fourth one. We also started on Dexter again, which is very bloody. Caroline's book of the week is Good Company by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney. A pleasant read that gets 4.5 stars. Harper, on the other hand, is reading an iconic lesbian romance.   In other exciting news, we’ve both had our first vaccine jab and were able to go have dinner at a restaurant for the first time in months. And we welcomed a new member in our family.   Tune in again next time for a new episode of Harper Bliss & Her Mrs.  Get in touch with us with your questions, comments, or suggested topics at harperblissandhermrs@gmail.com.  Get some free books by subscribing to the Harper Bliss mailing list. For more on Harper Bliss visit www.harperbliss.com

#104: Harper Is Smitten With Her New Niece

This week we talk about our little glamping break in the woods. Before the break, Harper made a difficult choice about her work-in-progress.   We’ve been obsessed with Line of Duty and rewatched the previous seasons. We started Mare of Easttown and we wish we hadn’t because there’s only one episode a week!    Caroline managed to finish a very long book in the woods: Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart. It’s a difficult read at times, but a beautiful book that deserves many stars.   Tune in again next week for a new episode of Harper Bliss & Her Mrs.  Get in touch with us with your questions, comments, or suggested topics at harperblissandhermrs@gmail.com.  Get some free books by subscribing to the Harper Bliss mailing list. For more on Harper Bliss visit www.harperbliss.com

#103: Harper Has Been Overly Sex-Educated

Harper is over the launch stress of At Your Most Beautiful and is very grateful to everyone who bought it.  Some unusual events are disrupting her work-in-progress. Next in Line for Love is on sale for a limited time.   We binged two shows over the weekend: The One (interesting and suspenseful) and Everything's Gonna Be Okay (very funny and touching.) We also enjoyed the first episode of Rebel as we both have a deep love for Katey Sagal.   Caroline’s book tip of the week is her favourite book of all times, which she’s read many times: The Secret History by Donna Tartt.   Tune in again in two weeks for a new episode of Harper Bliss & Her Mrs.  Get in touch with us with your questions, comments, or suggested topics at harperblissandhermrs@gmail.com.  Get some free books by subscribing to the Harper Bliss mailing list. For more on Harper Bliss visit www.harperbliss.com

#102: Harper Was Discovered Thanks to Drag Queen Fanfic

Best-selling lesbian romance author Harper Bliss and her wife Caroline talk about their journey in writing and publishing. And television. And their cat.