Re-released in a second edition with new content.Go back in time to Bliss’s first happily ever after… especially if he found a gorgeous woman to occupy his time.
Nell Finn has spent her life focused on helping others, but when she meets the tall and mysterious Henry Flanders, she can’t stop imagining what he might do for her. When Nell and her mother are threatened, Henry comes to her, offering his protection and comfort.
But as the threats escalate out of control, Henry discovers that the beautiful and innocent Nell is much more than a plaything. Can he save the woman he loves without exposing the secrets that would drive her away?
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In Once Upon a Time in Bliss, Lexi Blake takes readers back to a time before Bliss became a safe haven for so many – one where they could be themselves and fully experience life in all its glory, without judgment and with the protection that seems to come with being in a town that is willing to fight for each and everyone of its members.
In some ways, Nell Finn is the matriarch of Bliss, in the sense of what she believes in and how those ideals seem to transfer to the town as a whole, so being able to get into her head and understand her through her own perspective allowed readers to truly see what drives her, what frames her outlook on life, and what has her offering assistance to anyone who needs it.
Henry Flanders has always been an intriguing character, so to see how Henry came to be as well as the man he was before he arrived in Bliss and saw Nell for the amazing woman she is brought things full circle. What I found most interesting about the dynamics of Henry and Nell is just how different their outlooks were and how finding what they both desperately needed in each other allows them to transform into the characters readers have seen throughout this entire series.
Being back in Bliss, Colorado, always feels like returning home, catching up with old friends and being introduced to new residents who are sure to bring a bit of danger and mystery to this already unusual and quirky town. But in Nell and Henry’s story, readers get to see the path that was taken to shape Bliss’ present-day and how important its history is for understanding both the town and its inhabitants.
4 Poison Apples
Step back into the world of Bliss……
The life of a CIA operative is full of chaos and hidden secrets. It’s a world of the dark and deadly, and a hard life to step away from. John Bishop needs to decompress from his world in the CIA. He seeks refuge in the town of Bliss, Colorado while sporting an alias to keep his identity under wraps. With thoughts of carefree fun centered around this escape, John takes on the persona of Henry Flanders to blend in with the residents.
With a life revolving around helping others, Nell Finn can’t help but to find herself drawn to Henry. A dreamer at heart – Nell is always trying to help change the injustices in the world around her. This advocacy lands Nell in the middle of chaos, and it also lands Nell’s mother into the trouble that follows. Henry finds that he cannot turn a blind eye to the trouble that is brewing for Nell. In spite of his determination to have no attachments, Henry finds that Nell means more to his hardened heart that she should.
Once again – Lexi Blake takes her fans to the wonderful town of Bliss, Colorado with a bit of a prequel. The events in this novel take readers back to the past to fill fans in on characters from the past. It was a juicy treat that I think fans of the series will devour from cover to cover. As I always say…..you can’t step away from Bliss without longing to discover more about this unusual town and its residents. Once Upon a Time in Bliss was no exception!!
OMG Nel and Henry, just omg
Let’s go back in time to the story of when Henry met Nell and both of their lives changed forever in so many ways.
What I loved most about this story was knowing everything that has happened since in Bliss and thinking about what’s still to come.
I have to say out of all the wonderful Bliss Character’s Nell has always been my absolute favorite and that is even stronger after reading Once Upon a Time in Bliss it was just that good a story.
Henry/John is such an intriguing character I’m looking forward to so much more from Bliss.
Once Upon a Time in Bliss by Lexi Blake is book 8 in the Nights in Bliss, Colorado Series. This is the story of John Bishop aka ‘Henry Flanders’ and Nell Finn.
John is this CIA agent who just wants time away from his super secret job and high pressure life. He comes to Bliss and pretends to be mild mannered Henry Flanders while he unwinds and visits his friend that lives in Bliss. It’s there that he meets Nell. Nell is a sweet woman and I was so glad to see how John/Henry fell in love for Nell. Her story is sad and heartbreaking but I was glad to see how John/Henry jumped right in to help Nell. The story flowes and with the twists and turns, feels, intrigue, suspense, steamy romance, BDSM moments , and epic action packed adventure. The HEA is fabulous and the ending was amazing!!!
This is why I love reading the stories where Bliss is featured because there are great characters. Ms. Blake knows how to make her characters shine bright and her plots feel so realistic. I can’t wait for the next book.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *********
ONCE UPON A TIME IN BLISS by Lexi Blake is book 8 in the Nights in Bliss, Colorado Series. This is the story of John Bishop ‘Henry Flanders’ and Nell Finn. I have read (and Loved!) the previous books which I think added to my enjoyment of this book seeing the previous characters…but you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
John is a CIA agent looking for down time from all the stress and excitement of his job. Thinking to go visit his friend in Bliss for a while to do the recharging. Shortly after getting in Bliss he meets Nell who is in danger along with her mother. Of course there is an immediate attraction and protectiveness that kicks off in John. But he is using a different name and occupation in his down time which adds to the untruthfulness of who John is which adds to the drama of their feeling becoming stronger.
This book and whole series is nothing but good reading… hot and funny too.
Once Upon a Time in Bliss brings us all the way back to the beginning of Bliss and we finally get Nell and Henry’s story. If you have read any other books in this series then you know all about the craziness that is Nell and her protests, and views on the world in general. You have also probably fallen in love with her and Henry and if you didn’t, you are sure to after this book!
This book has all of the steaminess and love that we have come to expect from Bliss but it also shows how sometimes life throws curve balls at you and you have roll with the punches. I couldn’t stop my emotions from running rampant and I definitely couldn’t put it down!
If you read any book in the Bliss series, then this is it!!
Once Upon a Time in Bliss is the 8th book in Nights in Bliss, Colorado. I want to go to Bliss! I know that isn’t my first time of wanting to live there. I wish it was a real town.
Do you ever as a reader read the dedication? I do, each and every one of Lexi Blake/Sophie Oak books have had a dedication that is very moving. As good as the book itself, only much shorter.
This is John Bishop aka Henry Flanders and Nell Finn’s story. Both Nell and John have been in previous books so it’s great to get their stories. This is their story on how they got together.
I love Nell she is an advocate and fights for things she believes in via protests. Even when she gets people wanting to kill her.
John needs some time away from his job as a CIA operative and takes a respite in Bliss as Henry Flanders. Henry has sworn to protect Nell.
I love this series and I am always looking forward to the next installment. Now I am looking forward to Logan, Georgia and Seth’s story coming September 10. So not too long of a wait and you can read each of the books in this series as standalones and no cliffhanger but there is an ending that does make you want to read the next book!
This is the book I have been waiting for since I first met Professor Henry Flanders aka CIA operative John Bishop in Bliss Colorado. I admit, I was ridiculously excited to see how Henry and Nell found their happy ever after.
Arriving for a week of respite and vacation in the small own of Bliss, John Bishop acts the role of Henry Flanders. Needing some downtime, if a no strings fling happened to fall into his lap, he’d happily partake in some fun. What he found, however, was Nell Finn, a dreamer focused on making the world a better place . . . who just happens to be the object of a threat that may be more lethal than anyone expects.
While Henry offers his protection and assistance, he quickly comes to realize that Nell means much more to him than she should. And, he’ll need to find a way to protect her without exposing his real identity and without leaving them both heartbroken when he’s forced to leave Bliss behind forever.
What can I say except that I loved watching John Bishop die and Henry Flanders be born and everything that went along with the transformation! John is such a battle hardened agent who has seen and done terrible things in the name of his country. Finding that his soul mate is a dreamer and optimist is beyond unexpected . . .but it works so well in giving him a different way to view the world he’s been protecting for so long.
Nell truly is a dreamer. She knows she can’t fix everything, but she truly believes she can and will make a difference one person and cause at a time. Her way of viewing the world is incredibly unique, and somewhat dangerous. Henry knows she needs a strong and sneaky dom to both support her dreams and to keep her safe. And, I love that this realization gave him a rebirth and a second chance at life.
And, Bliss . . .if only it were a real place. I want to be there and to be a part of a town so invested in and accepting of each other. I particularly loved seeing Logan and Seth as young men . . .especially knowing the heartbreaking events headed Seth’s way in a few years since this book is a flashback. This gave so much insight into their characters and I can’t wait to see how their story plays out in the next Bliss book.
Fans of Bliss will adore Henry and Nell’s story. 5 stars.
“Things don’t change unless you make them change, Mr. Flanders. You can’t do that by running away every time the going gets tough.”
The waiting has finally ended and we now officially have Henry and Nell’s story. And what a story it is. Unbelievable chemistry that I never thought possible between a woman set on to save the world around her and with a man who’s past has trained him to be the rough and mighty alpha he is today. The love is poured out between the two and it’s passionate and oh, so beautiful to witness.
I am pretty sure Once Upon a Time in Bliss is one of my favorite stories from this amazing little series.
Sophie Oak does it again with another great book. I will say it over and over again, I want to live in Bliss Colorado!!
Nell, sweet Nell, is the town protester against everything bad for animals, humans and the world. Then Henry Flanders comes to town and miss innocent suddenly has unpure thoughts… Henry, AKA John Bishop, CIA and Black Ops killer came to town to get away for a couple of weeks to visit his friend who is retired CIA. He now runs the nudist colony on the mountain.
When the two of them meet it is an instant chemistry. What was once innocent, grows into the start of a D’s and sub relationship. It’s a really hot read!!!
Loved reading about these characters as the book goes back six years before the first book. You get to learn about all the characters before reading about their stories in the past seven books.
Recommend all the books in this series as you will laugh your ass off and fall in love with all the characters. Nell and Henry’s story was awesome!
3.75 stars–ONCE UPON A TIME IN BLISS is the eight instalment in Lexi Blake (aka Sophia Oak) contemporary, adult NIGHTS IN BLISS, COLORADO erotic, BDSM, romance series focusing on the town of Bliss, Colorado. This is former US Army soldier/ CIA operative John Bishop aka Henry Flanders, and activist Nell Finn’s story line. ONCE UPON A TIME IN BLISS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. The story line takes place six years earlier.
NOTE: ONCE UPON A TIME IN BLISS is the re-release of the 2013 novel written as Sophia Oak with additional content.
Told from dual third person perspectives ( Nell and Henry) ONCE UPON A TIME IN BLISS is the prequel story line focusing on former US Army soldier/ CIA operative John Bishop aka Henry Flanders, and activist Nell Finn, a couple who have regularly played secondary and supporting characters throughout the series. John Bishop needs some down time from his latest CIA assignment so when his friend and former CO Bill Hartman offered a few days of R&R at his Bliss, Colorado nudist resort Bishop arrived under the name Henry Flanders, in an effort to remain anonymous and out of the line of fire of the US Government but things don’t go according to plans when a local resident and her mother become the victim of a stalker intent on destroying their lives. Enter activist Nell Finn, and the woman with whom Henry would fall in love. What ensues is the building romance between Henry and Nell, and the potential fall-out as Nell’s stalker makes good on his threats.
Henry Flanders aka John Bishop is a Dominant by nature, and meeting the naïve and innocent Nell Flanders stirs something deep without our hero’s heart but John doesn’t do relationships, and his time in Bliss, Colorado comes with an expiry date.
Nell Flanders is an idealist; a dreamer; a optimist who is hoping to change the world one protest at a time but it is Nell’s continuing protests that have stirred the ire of someone who doesn’t want to be disturbed.
The relationship between Nell and Henry is one of immediate attraction but once again, John doesn’t do relationships but Henry is considering all available options including his own happily ever after with our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate with some light spanking and discipline scenarios.
We catch a glimpse of several familiar faces including a younger version of Seth Stark and Logan Green, and Jamie and Noah, and of course Ian Taggart.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN BLISS reveals some of the background and introduction between Nell and Henry, as well as the possibility of John Bishop’s past catching up with our story line hero. The premise is engaging and entertaining; the romance is seductive and steamy; the characters are sexy, sassy and energetic.
John is a CIA operative and goes to Bliss, Colorado for a week for vacation. What he doesn’t expect is Nell Finn. Nell is a vegan, earth saving protester. Her mother is dying of cancer and they moved to Bliss a couple of months ago. Someone broke into her and her mother’s cabin and destroyed it. John / Henry Flanders, a history professor, promises to find the culprit. He knows he has to leave because he belongs to the government and has made some bad enemies. But while he’s there, he plans to play with Nell all he can. He is a Dom and he recognizes a sub when he meets one and Nell is submissive in the bedroom. They have wild sex and Henry has never felt the way he feels about Nell. She’s fallen for him but won’t beg him to stay. Will John/Henry go back to his job or will he stay with the woman he loves?
This story takes place six years ago. We have always read about Henry and Nell but now we finally see how they met. Be prepared for a couple of cold showers. A little sad so keep those Kleenex’s nearby. A little funny too. I kept stopping and doing something else because I didn’t want the story to end. It is sooooo gooood.
I read my first Sophie Oak book almost ten years ago. Back then I didn’t know Sophie Oak and Lexi Blake were one in the same person, but once I did learn that little tidbit, I can’t say it shocked me to know that two of my favorite authors were the same person. It did however, help solve the mystery that had been plaguing me where Lexi’s series’ took off, but Sophie’s world sat on the back burner with no new books being published. As a fan that devoured everything that Sophie Oak had written I was quite distraught when Sophie’s books basically vanished and she stopped writing them. Again, little did I know that my favorite author/s had been with me all along, just hiding in plain sight.
It wasn’t until 2018 that once Lexi received her rights back on those original books that she was able to spruce them up, add a new chapter or two, and really claim both of her names. This was a happy day for a huge fan of both Lexi and Sophie’s worlds. Not only did Lexi spruce things up, she was able to do it by blending in her already beloved worlds. This wasn’t just good news, this was GREAT news!
Not only has she brought new life to her well loved Bliss characters (and Siren series), but she has been incorporating Bliss into her other series too. Ian Taggart fits right in with many of the fellow residents of Bliss, along with those in the Siren series. The connection between these worlds is easy to follow when you know and love all the characters, hence this newest update to Once Upon A Time in Bliss. A young Ian makes an appearance, along with many other beloved characters, making this one of my favorite Bliss novels.
Henry Flanders has always been an enigma to the residents living in Bliss, CO, but for those who have read the Masters and Mercenaries series you may recognize the name John Bishop. A ruthless CIA operative. Where did he go and how did he disappear?
Bliss is a protective town, full of odd people, but people take the task of protecting their own very seriously. If Henry has secrets he wants to keep hidden there is no better place to hide them then in Bliss. Henry/John has seen so much death he has no idea how to live a life outside of the CIA. He believes there is no out aside from death himself, but if there was a way he’d want to spend it living beside the one person who has ever made him feel anything, Nell Finn. Nell is the only person he’s ever felt the need to settle down with and live out his days in somewhat normalcy. Or at least Bliss normalcy.
Nell Finn is a vegan, protesting, anti-killing, basically anti-everything that John Bishop has done with his life-person. However, she is drawn to Henry Flanders like a moth is drawn to a flame. His domineering presence calls to her, which goes against her normal feminist thinking, but she’s okay with it because Henry seems to need her loving protection. What she also needs is someone looking into the destruction that happened to her home. Yes, she’s used to receiving threats, she gets them all the time, no one exactly likes being protested against, but this time someone trashed her house and she isn’t exactly sure who. Henry may only be in town for a few days, but he’s determined to help. As much as she believes in doing things for herself, she appreciates his help and his good looks don’t exactly hurt either.
Somehow, the two of them click and together they balance each other out. He likes protecting her and understands her need to make the world a better place. She likes comforting him and understands his need to make her world a better place. Their love is a beautiful compromise.
Once Upon A Time In Bliss is a go back in time book, which has honestly been so much fun to read. The book is filled with characters both from Bliss and Masters and Mercenaries before they found their mates, before chaos rained down on their worlds and caused some of them to become hardened. This is a story before everything began and yet if you know both worlds we know what happens to each person Henry and Nell run into. In truth normally catch up in any book is my favorite part, but this is even better because I loved chuckling at some of the silly things people said, knowing what was in store for them. It was also whimsical about how carefree they were before situations changed their emotional state. There are so many changes to come down the line, this story really hit home about what hasn’t changed yet.
I loved Henry and Nell’s story, because they are a huge dichotomy of love interests and have always made me laugh. Through every Bliss story I wondered how they ended up together, question answered. Plus, this story is a wonderful trip down memory lane.
If you love both the Bliss series and the Master and Mercs series, this book is a MUST read!!