June, 1852. A preacher’s daughter with a secret. An outlaw running from the gallows. A love story spanning oceans and deserts and years.
Abby Proctor has made her choice—she’s racing back to Wry to save Joey “JT London”, the outlaw she’s fallen in love with. But time is running out—the ghosts of Abby’s past are giving chase, they’re not going to let her go without a fight, and Joey is a wanted woman with a target on her back.
Then, Joey disappears.
But Abby is determined to find her, and along the way, she might even find herself.
Ally North (she/her) has been writing fiction her entire life, but recently, during the pandemic, she began writing sapphic romance out of pure chaotic boredom and discovered an untried knack for the genre. She lives in America, but occasionally she lives in England. When she isn’t writing, Ally can be found cooking with obscene amounts of garlic, traveling someplace new, rescuing animals and feeding Jean-Claude, the wild possum who lives under her shed.
I’ll start this with I’m not one for historical romances, in fact, I hadn’t read any until this series and holy shit. Between the storyline, the steam, the emotions, and the suspense, I couldn’t get enough. I also couldn’t stop crying after one part, like for real I was in tears for half of this book, so be prepared. In the end, it’s worth all of them. Okay, going to try to recover some more because I’m still wrecked.
Bloom Town: Exodus by Ally North is the stunning sequel to Bloom Town: Genesis, and it delivers an even deeper, more emotional ride that left me breathless. Picking up right where the first book left off, BT Exodus wastes no time plunging us back into the Wild West, as Abby Proctor races against time to save Joey “JT London,” the outlaw who has captured her heart.
Transparently, I got these books because the covers were too gorgeous to pass up, and after reading the synopsis, it was one of the fastest one-clicks of my life. Little did I know how much I would fall in love with this series. Ally North has truly cemented herself as a must-read author for me, and BT Exodus solidifies her mastery of storytelling, character development, and romance.
One of the many things I loved about this book is how it brings the West to life. North’s world-building is impeccable, making you feel the vastness of the desert, the grit of the chase, and the danger lurking around every corner. But as with BT Genesis, this novel is so much more than just a romance. It’s about found family, resilience, and the power of choice. North continues to show how the family you choose can bring more love and peace than the one you’re born into, and that theme is woven beautifully into every character’s journey.
The character development in BT Exodus might even richer than in the first book. Is that possible?! Abby truly shines in this one—her strength, grit, and determination leap off the page as she steps fully into her power. Abby’s evolution from a preacher’s daughter running from oppression to a fiercely independent woman building the life and family she chooses is nothing short of inspiring. Her ability to handle the aftereffects of trauma and still pursue love and freedom is a testament to the resilience of womanhood, and I admired her so much throughout the book.
And then there’s Joey—my strong, broody, sexy, wounded outlaw. Her growth in BT Exodus was stunning to watch. Joey is still that complex, magnetic character who had me swooning in BT Genesis, but seeing her vulnerability and healing journey in this sequel made me fall for her even harder. Have I mentioned I have the BIGGEST crush on her? Because I do! Her character arc is beautifully written, and the push and pull between her and Abby had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Of course, this book wouldn’t be complete without its sizzling romance. The slow burn in BT Exodus is INTENSE. The chemistry between Abby and Joey is undeniable, and the way North builds it up is nothing short of masterful. The spice and steam are off the charts—from slow burn re-connection to dirty talk and praise kink (in a historical novel—YES PLEASE), this book delivers on every level. The passion between these two characters is scorching, but it’s the emotional depth of their connection that truly sets the romance apart.
BT Exodus also dives deep into the aftermath of trauma, and North handles these themes with incredible care. The way Abby, Jack, Olive, and Lewis grapple with their pasts while trying to carve out a future together makes this an emotional roller coaster of a read. And let me tell you—the ending? Oh. My. Gosh. Ally North broke me into pieces and then lovingly pieced me back together with this conclusion.
"My pieces aren't gone, they're scattered. Find them for me? Put them back together" - OH MY HEART!!!!!!!
It’s a satisfying, beautiful HEA, but getting there is a journey that will leave you breathless.
I can’t recommend this series enough. Ally North has a new die-hard fan in me. Bloom Town is one of my top 5 reads this year, and I’ll be talking about this series forever. I’m not even ashamed to admit that I devoured both books in a matter of DAYS. I immediately started book two the second I closed book one.
If you’re a fan of sapphic western romance, clear your weekend and get both Bloom Town: Genesis and Exodus. Trust me—you’re going to want to dive right in and experience this unforgettable love story. I need more work from Ally North like yesterday!!
Book one had more emotion and passion in it. This finale had a more sedate tone with the struggles Abby and the kids went through. Both books kept me interested with the plot twists and lots of steam mixed in. Good book for those who like historical fiction with a western backdrop.
What am I supposed to do now? How do I move on from this story?
I read both books back to back, and now I'm sad it's over. Maybe I should have saved this one, savoured it more, I don't know.
What Genesis has of adventure and action, Exodus has introspection and self learning. This book was a healing journey from start to finish, visiting every stage of grief and exploring it intricately.
You don't feel Joey's absence because she's never really gone. In the minds of Abby and the children, Joey was still a driving force through the story until her return. But that doesn't take anything away from Abby's arc of overcoming and becoming. She built a life for herself and the children. She faced her demons head-on, freeing herself from guilt and shame and anger. It was just the most beautiful way of showing that you absolutely can get on with your life and learn from the past and still love fiercely and faithfully.
Another thing I enjoyed about this story was that Joey was 100% held accountable for her actions. There was no easy escape. There was no "nevermind, she's back, and all is forgiven." She was confronted and questioned, and she had to set her story straight to earn back the love and trust of her family. Which is simply lovely to see on the page.
For me, especially, the fact that the story had a lengthy pay-off was just elating. There are not many things that annoy me more than a story that finishes the very moment your MCs find their way back to one another. And Bloom Town: Exodus blessed me with chapter upon chapters of rebuilding, relearning, getting things back on track. You really get to see the happily ever after, and I could not be more grateful for this.
I absolutely adored this story, I'm certainly getting physical copies of the books and I will most definitely be thinking about Abby and Joey and their little family for a long time.
This will probably be a bit rambling because I read this a while ago.
I thought book one was really good but not great. mostly because it’s written in such a way that even though it’s a historical romance, it doesn’t feel like one. I gave it three stars.
where the story really shines for me is in book 2, which is a bit surprising because it does the one thing I hate in romances, it separates the leads for a large portion of the story. The redeeming moment is the absolutely amazing, exciting, edge of your seat scene in the middle where they are reunited. I don’t think I’ve read an action sequence that good in a long time. I was seriously blown away. And that scene alone took book 2 to a five star read. I have a little nitpick with the ending as well. I wish they had described a bit more of the play at the very end.
“Happiness and love are not finite goods to be bartered and rationed. They expand upon each other; they grow and touch others and shed light into dark corners. You should want happiness all the more for the sorry state of the world so that you can share it.”
I had some difficulty with this one. Although it was written well, I found that the story lacked. To be honest, all of the characters upset me in their own way. Joey was a coward and did something unforgivable. Abby based her whole life around a woman she knew for two weeks and still wanted her after Joey made it extremely hard for Abby. No one really thanked Abby for everything she did, and I felt she was extremely unappreciated. Abby made her whole life around fixing what Joey messed up. All of this of course is opinion based and I know many who enjoyed the second book in the series, but I was kind of bored for a lot of it and really just annoyed. Joey and Abby used sex to literally resolve everything and didn’t actually talk about their issues much, which was a bummer because I read for the storyline not the sex scenes.
The story did shed light to a lot of things that needed to be talked about such as homophobia and religion. I loved Lewis, people similar to Lewis are often times misunderstood and the author told his story brilliantly. I’m giving it a three because of the overall story, but I did feel like there were a lot of flaws.
This book has everything! Gun fights, trains, Christians with an agenda, horses, freshly built gallows, a demonic chicken fuelled only by rage, a deed to land in California, the worst dad ever, dark secrets, and most surprisingly ga* women (shh don’t tell the men, it makes them religious). Oh, and smut.
Welcome back, briefly, to Wry! A quaint desert wasteland where the masc lesbian of MY dreams is dwelling. But brooding as she may be, she does have a heart. Will she overcome the very gay urge to be emotionally unavailable to a woman who is clearly in love with her? There’s also other plot stuff happening in between, too. And it’s equally as important! Reckon you’re just going to have to read the book and find out what that is 🤠
I’m rating this 5 mysterious lesbian outlaws out of 5
It’s hard to write a review for this book, when Bloom Town Genesis and Exodus only work as a pair, but they are really different. Genesis is mostly behind closed doors with Abby having her eyes opened on life. This part is Abby learning to live the hard, real life outside of Stillwater and without Joey, even if she really got lucky with Frex. I just could not stop reading as long as she wasn’t fine. Sure, Joey is charismatic, and what she has been through, her choices and imperfections make her the perfect character to fantasize about. But Abby was my favorite. She grew up in a community that lied to her her whole life, manipulated her to control her, but she is open-minded, so smart, and she never acts on impulse even in the worst situations.She is brave and resilient and terribly honest with herself, even in her weakest moments. Watching her struggling was hard, but seeing her blooming was amazing. The reunion scene made my jaw drop, and what came after was so soothing. Bloom town: exodus gave a beautiful and sweet ending to this story; it has the perfect amount of twists to keep you hooked. Bloom town duology is the kind of books that lingers after you read it, each one of its characters carving a spot in the reader’s heart. I can’t believe this duology was North’s debut work; it absolutely deserves its hype, and I will definitely follow this amazing storyteller’s work in the future.
This was kind of a let down for me for a few reasons.
1. Joey is gone for 75% of the book 2. I really disliked Abby’s story. She knew Joey for two weeks and then spent a year pining and trying to fix everything for her. 3. I really disliked bow Jack’s storyline was handled. What do you mean all of his issues just go away when Joey comes back? He got to a really dark space and became awful and it all just vanished? 4. The ending kind of just petered out. 5. So many “convenient” things happened. It got a little ridiculous. 6. Why was every single person except’s Abby’s family so okay with two women being together. That was such a stretch for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Bloom Town: Exodus was not an easy read. This time around the characters had to deal with the reality of their situation. “Happily ever after” took an indefinite leave of absence and now they are left with the aftermath to deal with.
Since we are reading from Abby’s pov we get to experience this character’s survival from being a naive preacher’s daughter to whatever evolution her circumstances and her decisions turned her out to be. This woman is fierce af and I’m not saying she’s infallible either. She loves hard, she works hard and she’s a proper model to look up to.
I say it again, this was not easy to read but going through the trenches with characters makes you feel more connected with them. I’ve cried and laughed so many times with them. The author did so great with the emotions and the psychology that was poured into this book.
I read the Haunting of Bly Manor fanfic (Dani X Jamie) this was originally the second part of before it got rewritten. Excellent work. Can definitely recommend.
This is just reminding myself why I shelved it how I shelved it (I have trouble not seeing the original fanfic when I read novels based on fanfictions I read)
I probably cried for the majority of this haha, but every tear was worth it. For a book to pull so throughly on my emotional heart strings… well let’s just say it’s left quite an impression. I loved the journey, the characters, and most of all the ending. It was just beautiful. Well worth a read :)
There are many many reasons these books resonated with me. On scary familiar levels 😭 I felt all types of nostalgia. I felt every emotion know to man kind. I fell so in love with these characters, with this world. I don't want to say goodbye, I hate that it's over but what a beautiful ride it was. I'm absolutely devastated in the best way and I'll be grieving the loss of these books for a while... I don't think I'll be moving on for a bit... there is a hole missing. I'm heartbroken in the best way. I'm going to miss this family so deeply it hurts. I already miss them. That last line utterly gutted me and left me uncontrollably sobbing. I'm so in awe of the beauty in every page. Her writing was phenomenal, the story was phenomenal. The details were phenomenal. The characters, all of them. EVEN THE CHICKEN 😭😭😭🤚 I'll miss you Mrs B! 😭
Olive... You courageous little thing. You kept my spirit so high, I could only dream of having a little girl half as perfect as you.
Lewis, you keep practicing your alphabet, and keep Ellas cheeks warm with kisses.
Jack—you pain in my bl00dy ass, you blew me away. You're right. You can choose.
Abby, Oh how I saw so much of myself in you. Mind over matter. It's always saved my life and it saved yours too. Love is love, I'm so happy you found it.
Frex? Everyone needs a father like you. I loved you to pieces. Thank you for the home you gave me 😭
The Newe, thank you for showing the world what pure selflessness looks like.
Ben & Esther, you were the most amazing friends 😭
Moon... Yeah I can't even finish this sentence because I'm crying.
and last but not least... Joey. You broke my heart a million different ways, you made me scream and cry and laugh and blush, but most importantly, you showed me that bettering yourself is possible. (Not that you needed to. You were perfect just as you were.) You were never poison. You were special, always. And an incredible fucking mother.
I want to boot up RDR just to feel close to them. This journey was something everyone needs to experience. Drop whatever you're doing and read these books 😭 I promise you, you will not regret it. The emotional rollercoaster is no joke, I spent the majority of the second book sobbing my heart out. The ending was so perfect, it was so deserved, they deserved that beautiful ending after everything they went through. I felt like Abby— I felt like a proud mama.
I experienced the full range of emotions reading this duology. ohhhh my goodness.
the world building was incredible! the details had the scenery splayed out in my head like a movie scene. so so gorgeous. the characters were all so well written; the way they changed and evolved was riveting. I adored how every detail had purpose in a way I haven’t seen in a book in a long time.
not to mention the everything between abby and joey… phew!!! well!!! I just have so much I could say but instead I’ll just constantly recommend this book to anyone looking for a new sapphic read. especially if you love historical fiction as much as I do.
I don’t know what to say. A tear was found on my cheek as I read the last few sentences of this book. Immediately feeling empty after.
What do you mean this is it?? All the angst, fear, anger, tears and pain I endured and displayed through the first 200 pages just for there to not be 300 more of just pure bliss and happiness!!??
I needed more Joey and Abby— they are the sun and fucking moon LITERALLY, I needed more “I love you’s” from Joey. I needed more slice of life! I will find rare silvers author if you just bring them back to me! just for a bit longer please.. I need my wives and surrogate kids!!
Every single ”I miss you” uttered between Abby and Joey was just a hidden ”I love you” and the knowing of such really just squeezes my heart. I love them so much!
If this series isn’t the standard to what you want in a found family, then I don’t know what I can tell you honestly! An odd bunch of people, hurt and wronged and angry or repressed. All coming together, loving each other through all. Bonding and understanding. Each character has substance and a part, no matter how small and It’s just all too good and I don’t think I’ll be over them— us readers found family— for a while..
Wow! And I thought book one took me on a journey! Oh my, this was an emotional rollercoaster. Firstly, do not read this book till you have read the first book, Bloom Town: Genesis. I don’t want to say too much as I don’t want to spoil it but this book picks right up after that cliffhanger. And it kicks off hell a blazing!! 20% in, I was sobbing and let me tell you, I can count on one hand how many books have made me shed actual tears! I am not a crier. And Mrs. beelzebub is a freaking menace! But hilarious 🤣 (IYKYK). I adored this duo so much! And what a fantastically wonderful ending!
Ally is an incredible author and the storytelling is pure perfection! I can’t wait to see what else she writes, I will for sure buy it instantly 😍
This book is written in third person with one main POV. It follows on from book one Bloom Town: Genesis. Second chance romance, healing, new beginnings and 3 spicy scenes.
This is a review for both books 1 and 2 of Bloom Town which you should just read like one.
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What a wonderful adventure.
One of the sweetest, sexiest, most exciting and most romantic epic novels I've read. I was addicted .. to the characters, to their chemistry, to the adventure, keeping me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Such a beautifully written, well woven story of love. It depicts the struggles of life while still being undoubtedly about hope. The writing is both lyrical in some way and extremely organic in others. Dialogues feel real, characters and relationships evolve beautifully, realistically.
I never thought I'd envy life in the west in the 1850's but here we are. Bloom Town sounds like the most happy place. Joey and Abby are so made for one another, and the way they care for their chosen family is extremely touching and honestly I just couldn't stop crying in some parts.
The author has so much respect for life, for others, for other cultures, I was really humbled.
This should be made a movie. Loved it. Gonna miss it.
Highlights of this book: humor, adventure, character growth, family. Loved this series, and will miss all the quirky characters especially Olive, and even the crazy chickens.
Beware spoilers. Don't read this unless you've read the book. You've been warned.
I'm a little angry. The first book hooked me in, and it had a few great moments. This had a few good moments, but nothing great. Everything just....worked out. Eventually. But only because Abby struggled until she almost broke. And when things were truly starting to become a bloody mess, with hitting kids and the kids fighting and Jack stealing a gun and wanting to kill quite a lot of people.... And then Joey appears and everything just.....works out. Jack forgets he was going to commit mass murder, and Olive is happy again and there's practically no mention of her sickness after that. I mean, what? What even was that? How did everything just become alright? How did everything just tie up nicely like that?
I liked Abby in this. She fought hard, tooth and nail and every available object, to save Lewis, to take care of the children, to fix things. And she gets almost nothing in return. Selfless.
Frex is way too good to be true. Do men like this exist?
Joey? F*ck off. You claimed to love Lewis and the kids, but you were fine leaving them all behind for months on end, despite knowing that Lewis had been sold to a mine. Every ounce of anger towards Joey is valid. You were forgiven way too easily. And your explanation about leaving was nonsense. Selfish.
But I get it. Everyone loves a happily ever after, but....same with the first book, I just can't help wondering how nail-biting these two books would have been if they'd been written with more realism.
I really liked the first book. I had a hard time getting through this, and all my predictions came true, so there were no real surprises. Everything gets neatly wrapped up. Too neatly. With bows and flowers and everything.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Bloom Town: Genesis was so full of passion, and quite good spice, that occurred over a short period of time. Exodus gave me no such pleasure. While Abby was able to come into her own, it was a little bit of a bummer that she was never able to enjoy her growth in any way until Joey showed back up. I get that Joey was a part of her, but Joey shouldn’t have been everything to everyone.
I liked Fred and his arc, but I didn’t get all the stuff with the chicken. Yes, there’s a lot of time devoted to a chicken. There was no spice until around 80%, which could have been ok, except Joey and Abby had very little page time together prior to that.
Ok book #2 I could not put down... finished it in less than 24 hours! I really hope there is a 3rd book. I just love this family. Thank you for this series! Highly recommend!
i was not kidding when i was FORCING all my friends to read this cuz imo “it’s better that half the books i’ve ever read!” and i’m still standing by it now that it actually is a book.
I loved this from beginning to end what the fuck I actually wanted so much more 😭😭😭😭 they’re married and they have their family and they have bloom town i can’t do this anymore 😭😭😭😭😭
I’ll say it right away—yes, I absolutely loved this second book. If you loved Genesis, you’re going to read Exodus. So maybe there’s no point in writing a spoiler-free review. You’re going to read it because you need to after the ending of book one, and you’re going to read it all the way through because you’ll need to—every step of the way. Holding your breath.
Now, spoilers:
The emotions are there—so much so that this book is one of those that gets under your skin and leaves you dazed, because when you close it, your heart is still stuck inside its pages.