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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5 Star Review Once Upon A Time In Bliss (Nights In Bliss Colorado# 7) by Sophie Oak
I have been waiting for CIA operative John Bishop’s aka Henry Flanders story from the first time he was mentioned. He intrigued me so much and I was so excited when I knew that this was his book.
I have always loved the character of Nell Finn, so innocent and yet such a passionate advocate for the causes she supports.
I loved learning the history of how Nell and Henry came to be and this story was every thing I hoped for and so much more.
Henry has led a life of sacrifice, surrounded by death. Taking a much needed break in Bliss, Colorado he meets the intriguing and obviously submissive Nell. When danger lands on Nell and her mother’s door step, Henry does what he does best, investigates and protects. Can Henry keep Nell safe?
I loved seeing all the characters that I have come to love when they were young and before they found their significant others.
Even though you know Henry and Nell end up together, it doesn’t stop the emotions from flowing as they face the heartbreak of separation.
It is because you get to see glimpses of previous characters and catch up on their lives. I love the quirkiness of the characters who call Bliss home and I cannot wait for the next adventure in Bliss.
This may well be my favourite book in the series which says something as I have loved every book on this series.
I’m in Bliss again! We go back in time and get the story of Henry Flanders aka John Bishop and Nell Finn. It is a beautiful love story of a hardened CIA Agent and a woman who naive and trying to save the world by protesting anything that may harm it. I love the transformation of both Henry and Nell. He learns there is light and hope in this world and Nell learns she can be submissive in the bedroom and can let Henry take care of her and still keep her feminist card. Henry/John knows he can’t stay in Bliss but Nell is in danger and it’s a fight to keep her safe. Action, suspense, alien hunting, the crazy residents, the “naturist” community and hot steamy scenes are waiting for you in Bliss.
Choose again
The raw, pure emotion of this book certainly packs an emotional punch. I am a blathering mess by the end, but it also has it’s classic Bliss moments. There are those LOL’s that only Bliss can offer, and Sawyer saying ‘are you kidding me’ as things escalate in Hell on Wheels is a perfect example of that
Haven’t read anything in the series? Don’t worry, you are in for a treat! This is the original couple of this quaint and crazy town. We travel back in time to see who they were, how they met, and what they went through to be together. Henry and Nell, pacifists, intellectuals, deep thinkers. Bliss’ power couple of the current generation, so in love while everyone else finds their way to happiness. There road was rocky, and the tears flow, but it is cleansing and beautiful, because these two connect tighter, stronger, and perfectly, and your soul sings at their happily ever after!
This is another great book by the amazing Lexi Blake (writing as Sophie Oak) and an amazing addition to the Nights in Bliss series. If you follow my reviews, you definitely know that I am a huge Lexi Blake fan and will read everything her incredible mind thinks of. And Once Upon a Time in Bliss is not an exception. This story is set slightly in the past and it’s the story of how Nell and Henry came to be. I have to say, it wasn’t exactly what I expected it would be but that only made it more special. But as it can be expected, there was danger, suspense, a little bit of heartbreak and a lot of hotness 😀
I’ve wanted to know Nell and Henry’s story from the first moment when I met them in one of the previous books. At the time, they seemed so different that I just wanted to find out how they got together. And to be fair, after reading the book, I definitely know that they are different as night and day. But as they say, opposites attract. And that;s exactly the case here.
When Nell and Henry meet for the first time, she is as innocent and hopeful of life as he is jaded and disillusioned. But from the first moment their eyes cross, it is obvious that the chemistry between them is undeniable. And the truth is that, they can give each other what they need. Whereas, Henry can bring excitement, adventure and a lot of naughtiness in to Nell’s life, she can give him love, acceptance and hope for the future. Of course, things are never as easy as they seem and unfortunately, danger honor and commitments stay in the way of Nell and Henry’s HEA. Until the people they love, their family in Bliss, helps them find a way to be together.
So, if you are looking for a romance with a naughty twist, heartbreak and hope and of course revisiting with some of our favorite characters, before they found their HEA, this is the book for you. And if you haven’t read any of the books in the series, you can still enjoy this one as a standalone. Though, I can guarantee that you will want to read the rest of the books 😀
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
I love Bliss! I wanted Henry and Nell’s story for a while! I knew Nell’s story, and we would get Henry’s in bits and pieces. I wanted to know how they met and fell in love! We get that story here, and much more. I wish Bliss was a real place! I love these characters! How they connect over 3 series amazes me! I can’t wait for more!
4 Going Back to the Beginning Stars!!!
Having just started reading Ms. Blake’s work in the last couple of years I’ve loved getting to read this entire series as she’s re-released the books with some updating. But I have to say, this book has become my favorite because we get to see Nell and Henry and how they became a couple.
While Nell is quite quirky, she’s the perfect woman for Henry. She’s got so much love to give and this man is pretty broken and we find out why he moved to Bliss and exactly how much influence Nell had on all his decisions.
Another thing I loved so much about this book is that we get to see some of my favorite characters when they were younger and all their idiosyncrasies. I found myself chuckling quite a bit at some of these scenes.
Overall, this is definitely a must read book and series. It has all the elements I love in a book and some I’ve grown to love, especially the characters that are in ménage relationships. Ms. Blake definitely heats up the pages with her love scenes and I’ll never be tired of visiting Bliss, CO!
Can I Visit Bliss ? just one time? because every time I read one of these books it makes me want to visit this place even more. Once Upon A Time in Bliss was just fantastic it was sexy, addicting and so very swoonworthy. Lexi Blake continues to wow me with this book and I was just so sad to put it down when I reached the end. Henry and Nell Story was just so much fun to read and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next Bliss story.
The more time I spend in Bliss, CO, the more I fall in love with this town, it’s special way of life, and its quirky and endearing population. Author Lexi Blake obviously loves this town and its inhabitants, too, and it shows. The stories are a unique blend of intrigue, romance, and shenanigans, and, once I start one, I’m all in.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN BLISS has found a special place in my heart. How could I not love Nell Finn? Her innocence, her convictions, her desire to take care of others, make her so dear. And Henry Flanders, finding his place in Bliss, as one does, finding the home that he hasn’t had in a very long time, and the love that he never saw coming, is just what Nell needs.
Lexi has given this little town and these characters so much heart that it’s impossible not to fall in love with all of it. And the mystery aspect, the part that keeps me flipping pages, is a great counter to the slightly odd love story. This is a world that I will happily visit again and again. If you’ve never read one of Lexi’s books, the Nights In Bliss series is a great place to start. Settle in and get to know the folks here; I guarantee that you’ll want to visit often.
4.5 Stars
Once Upon a Time in Bliss by Sophie Oak(Lexi Blake) is the eighth book in the Nights in Bliss, Colorado series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I do suggest reading the others as well. I love this series so much and when I heard Nell and Henry(John) were getting their own book, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. Even with knowing how it turns out, I was glued to the pages unable to put it down.
Needing a reprieve from his job, John heads to Bliss to his friends nudist colony. While there, he meets Nell who is his exact opposite in every way. But the connection and the attraction cannot be ignored. He was just looking for some quiet but what he found was a home and a beautiful woman.
I loved Nell and Henry’s story so much! I loved seeing how they got together and I was not expecting Henry’s past. Everything flowed well and I am so excited for the next book in the series. I highly recommend reading this book!
This is an exciting read that takes us back to the beginning of this action packed and thrilling series. I really enjoyed this quick and highly entertaining adventure filled with danger, secrets, undeniable passion and heart pounding twists… Great reading!
At long last, I finally know how Henry and Nell got together! And dear lord, it’s a glorious story!
Once Upon a Time in Bliss is a flashback to when John Bishop tried to hide from the CIA and play pretend as a real, quiet, sexy AF college professor. He was just looking for some down time, some quiet. He never counted on falling in love with local activist Nell Finn. And certainly never planned for just how much she’d rock his world.
Nell’s been biding her time in Bliss, Colorado. She moved there to give her mother peace of mind and to be surrounded by love as she succumbed to the cancer that was slowly killing her. Nell was more than happy to do this, she loved her mother fiercely and would do anything she asked. But Nell was no wall flower. She was a busy woman—protesting anything and anyone who threatened the earth and her delicate ecosystem. She was a force to be reckoned with. But she’s also single and lonely. And after meeting sexy AF Henry Flanders, she knows he’s just what she needs and she’s set her sights on him.
But in the meantime, someone has set there sights on her, nd now she’s a target—a target who’s life is threatened. And Henry will stop at nothing to figure out who’s threatening her and put an end to him. Literally.
I loved the give and take between Nell and Henry. And loved how their relationship unfolded, and how they’ve been the stable, quiet, peaceful couple through the other books in this series . . . little did we know! And it definitely gives new meaning to when Nell responded with “Yes, Henry” in the other stories. LOL
This series just keeps getting better and better
Book 8 in the series, timeline wise, this is a prequel telling Nell and Henry’s story. While you could read this as a standalone, there are a lot of Easter eggs with hints in them to the previous stories, so I’d recommend reading the series in order.
This is really the story of how world-weary, close-to-burnout, CIA operative John Bishop gets transformed by Nell (with a little help from Bliss itself) into Henry Flanders, doting husband and fellow activist. Bishop is taking a break from his job, and, using the cover name Henry Flanders, is visiting an old friend in Bliss when he meets Nell, and nothing is the same (for simplicity’s sake, I’ll just refer to him as Henry for the rest of this review).
I admit I was a little judgy towards Nell in the earliest books, but I adored her here. Nell may be a submissive but she’s no pushover, and I have to admire the strength of her views. The author gave me a much needed reminder about how much we need the Nells of this world working towards change and I was cheering her on as she was ranting against Henry and his cynicism; Nell and her outlook against Henry the cynical Dom was like the irresistible force against the immovable object—and the immovable object gave way, lol.
Of course, there are all the wonderful, quirky inhabitants of Bliss to help things along (and I LOVED all those Easter eggs about their stories I mentioned earlier). Add in suspense, heartbreak, and the connection between Henry and Nell that starts out as chemistry but quickly morphs into a life-altering something more, and this was one of those books I didn’t want to put down, but didn’t want to end, either.
This series just keeps getting better and better—I thought Chasing Bliss was my favorite but with the perfect mix of humor, heat, heartbreak and suspense, this has surpassed it. A can’t miss it read for series fans. 5+ stars
B2B Kelly
I absolutely loved this book. Although it is book 8 in the series it is set six years earlier and includes so many characters who have already told their stories.
Nell and Henry’s story was a true love story, full of chemistry and some added suspense which allows Henry to come to the rescue. Reading this really gabve an insight into the quirky characters that we know as Nell and Henry.
5 Stars
Henry and Nell are the couple that lost screams “Bliss, Colorado” to me. When I think of this series, they are the couple I think of most. Getting to see them from their beginning, understanding how Henry became the man he is and how Henry and Nell came to be a couple is fun, flirty, funny and down right HOT! I enjoyed this visit to Bliss and cannot wait to go back!!
Cara – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
I can’t get enough of these Bliss books. Every one of them draws you in and doesn’t let you go. John/Henry and Nell are the couple that started it all and this book goes back to tell their story. It lives up to everything I expected and even surpassed it. I loved it! I received this book in exchange for an honest review
Once Upon A Time in Bliss is book 8 in the Night in Bliss series, but it is actually a wonderful walk back in time to see where Henry and Nell’s love story began. These two characters are ones we have come to know and love but their past has some fun and interesting surprises.
This book can read this as a standalone, but if you have had the opportunity to read the earlier books in the series it will definitely make this story even better.
I have been a fan of this whole series and it was so much fun to get a chance to experience some of the characters when they were younger.
The Queen of Menage and BDSM does it again!! I swear I am moving to Bliss! The weather is perfect and the romance is ever better! Henry and Nell’s story Wes so amazing! FIVE HUGE STARS!!
Who is Bishop? Where was he 6 years ago? Who does he work for or what kind of work does he do? We do get to catch up with Tag and wilder. At first, I was not sure about my feelings for Bishop, but as I read on in the book, my feelings started to change towards him. Seth is so funny when Bishop goes to him for assistance. What ultimately does Bishop do and why for Nell? I liked Flanders! Such a good guy. What profession did he tell us that he did? Where does he hail from? Why do Bill and Seth like him? What message does Bill send to Bishop with the help of a Dawson brother? Read and see!
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin’ With M. Brennan.
For Lexi Blake fans Nell and Henry Flanders are a favorite couple. This marvelous romantic tale relates the onset of their love story. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Lexi Blake book without a measure of suspense and danger added to the mix. Once Upon A Time in Bliss is not the end of Nell and Henry’s story. There’s more to come so they get their happy for now.
At first It’s hard to reconcile the hard bitten CIA operative John Bishop with the mild mannered Henry Flanders, at first. For Bishop, Bliss in almost an alien world. It’s so far removed from the dar underbelly of humanity in which he operates. Nell Finn is the antithesis of everything in Henry’s world. She is sweet, naive and innocent yet at her core is a steely resolve. She’s a dreamer but changing the world in her fashion, one protest at a time. Developing feelings for Nell wasn’t in the cards for Henry. He wasn’t that guy but it happened despite his best intentions.
‘Once Upon A Time In Bliss’ is the eighth book in the Bliss Colorado series, and the second book I have read by Lexi Blake. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and I completely and utterly adored getting to know more of the residents of this small town.
Blake always creates unique and intriguing characters, some which had me laughing out loud, but this does not deflect from the main plot of John Bishop meeting Nell Finn.
John is a CIA agent who lands himself in Bliss looking for some respite from his job and the stresses and strains that come with it. He is disguised as Henry Flanders a history professor. So when Nell knocks at Henry’s friend Bills house saying that someone has destroyed her cabin, the mystery begins. Henry is infatuated and unable to take his eye off Nell. He wants to step in and protect her and her mother from danger, but to what cost?
Nell is a powerful woman who stands up for what she believes in, and I loved her as a character. Her romance with John is just perfect!
As this is my second read from the Bliss series, it can be read as a stand-alone, but you will totally want to to immerse yourself in this literary world.
The perfect evening read, and ideal for people who love reading small town romances with lots of drama and mystery.