Once Upon a Time in Bliss

Lexi Blake · Sophie Oak

Jul 2019 · Nights in Bliss, Colorado Book 8 · DLZ Entertainment LLC

About this ebook

Re-released in a second edition with new content.

 

Go back in time to Bliss’s first happily ever after…

CIA operative John Bishop arrived in Bliss, Colorado, seeking a respite from the high-stakes game of blood and lies that sent him to the worst corners of the world. A week playing the role of vacationing professor Henry Flanders would recharge his batteries, 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?

Ratings and reviews

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.

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.  

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.

About the author

Lexi Blake is the author of contemporary and urban fantasy romance. She started publishing in 2011 and has gone on to sell over two million copies of her books. Her books have appeared twenty-six times on the USA Today, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists. She lives in North Texas with her husband, kids, and two rescue dogs.