What do you think?
Rate this book
My Darling Clementine
In My Darling Clementine, Clem Dennison, 23, lives as a man among men, passing as a male prospector in California where she is a respected author writing popular articles about the gold rush and the colorful people of the wild west. After a disturbing visit back east, she makes plans to return to the gold fields, joining a late-season wagon train headed for Sacramento.
Kizzy Walker, 18, arrives in Independence, Missouri as a single woman, alone, her only plan to chase the gold fever driving her west. Recognizing Clem as a woman who is passing, Kizzy chases her into the dark night to confront her, inadvertently becoming a target for ruthless men.
Clem rescues the inexperienced, beautiful, impulsive woman, and finds herself in a passionate embrace. Kizzy scandalizes them both by giving her a key to her hotel room, asking her to visit after everyone’s asleep. When Clem takes that chance, she meets a woman unlike any other.
No one else has ever seen through Clem before, much less thrown themselves into her arms. She agrees to take Kizzy with her to California and teach her how to pan for gold, if the fascinating woman will marry her the next day, so they can travel in the wagon train as man and wife.
Kizzy Walker, 18, arrives in Independence, Missouri as a single woman, alone, her only plan to chase the gold fever driving her west. Recognizing Clem as a woman who is passing, Kizzy chases her into the dark night to confront her, inadvertently becoming a target for ruthless men.
Clem rescues the inexperienced, beautiful, impulsive woman, and finds herself in a passionate embrace. Kizzy scandalizes them both by giving her a key to her hotel room, asking her to visit after everyone’s asleep. When Clem takes that chance, she meets a woman unlike any other.
No one else has ever seen through Clem before, much less thrown themselves into her arms. She agrees to take Kizzy with her to California and teach her how to pan for gold, if the fascinating woman will marry her the next day, so they can travel in the wagon train as man and wife.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2025
10 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Genta Sebastian
32 books70 followersGenta Sebastian runs with scissors, always laughs without shame, sometimes writes naked, and can’t help dreaming big.
A multiple award-winning author, she sometimes writes Sapphic romances, like the Troublemaker series:
When Butches Cry (2nd ed. rel. August, 2023)as:
A Troublemaker Never Cries
A Troublemaker May Surprise (rel. August, 2023)
A Troublemaker Sometimes Lies (exp. rel. date Nov. 2023)
A Troublemaker in Her Eyes (exp. rel. date May, 2024)
She’s also written two novels for children living in Rainbow Families: Riding the Rainbow (GCLS award winner 2015) for middle-school readers, and A Man’s Man for Young Adults.
She stepped into the horror genre with: We Don’t Say Gay in Tranquility Bay! a trigger-warning horror story with a twist.
Lost is a novelette right out of the Twilight Zone. A grieving widow finds a strange child lost in a snowstorm, made of snow and ice.
But she started out writing wlw (women loving women, i.e. lesbian) erotica short stories that range from super-hot sexy sci-fi Martian/Human first contact, to culinary cunnilinguists, to drag kings, to college and tropical vacations, exotic settings, unforgettable characters, and quirky situations. These stories are fully adult and not intended for young audiences.
See her Amazon Author Page for current releases.
A multiple award-winning author, she sometimes writes Sapphic romances, like the Troublemaker series:
When Butches Cry (2nd ed. rel. August, 2023)as:
A Troublemaker Never Cries
A Troublemaker May Surprise (rel. August, 2023)
A Troublemaker Sometimes Lies (exp. rel. date Nov. 2023)
A Troublemaker in Her Eyes (exp. rel. date May, 2024)
She’s also written two novels for children living in Rainbow Families: Riding the Rainbow (GCLS award winner 2015) for middle-school readers, and A Man’s Man for Young Adults.
She stepped into the horror genre with: We Don’t Say Gay in Tranquility Bay! a trigger-warning horror story with a twist.
Lost is a novelette right out of the Twilight Zone. A grieving widow finds a strange child lost in a snowstorm, made of snow and ice.
But she started out writing wlw (women loving women, i.e. lesbian) erotica short stories that range from super-hot sexy sci-fi Martian/Human first contact, to culinary cunnilinguists, to drag kings, to college and tropical vacations, exotic settings, unforgettable characters, and quirky situations. These stories are fully adult and not intended for young audiences.
See her Amazon Author Page for current releases.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 24, 2025
4 Stars
Two women seemingly fated to meet. Having different motivations but the same goal: to escape the cage society has built for women of their time.
My favourite part of the story was the detailed way the author outlined their travel. The author conscientiously included details that were later shown to be important such as materials needed for cooking, clothing, types of food, etc. The whole thing was obviously well researched and it showed in the writing.
Spice wise, the author did not hold back. What I admire about the topic of sex in the story was the characters’ unabashed way of questioning and exploring the roles they previously played, what they want and what they are willing to try outside their comfort zone.
My Darling Clementine, first book in the duology by Genta Sebastian is just teaser to Clem and Kizzy’s adventures and I can’t wait to read the next!
Two women seemingly fated to meet. Having different motivations but the same goal: to escape the cage society has built for women of their time.
My favourite part of the story was the detailed way the author outlined their travel. The author conscientiously included details that were later shown to be important such as materials needed for cooking, clothing, types of food, etc. The whole thing was obviously well researched and it showed in the writing.
Spice wise, the author did not hold back. What I admire about the topic of sex in the story was the characters’ unabashed way of questioning and exploring the roles they previously played, what they want and what they are willing to try outside their comfort zone.
My Darling Clementine, first book in the duology by Genta Sebastian is just teaser to Clem and Kizzy’s adventures and I can’t wait to read the next!
November 18, 2025
I was enthralled throughout this book! I can’t wait to continue to read about Clem and Kizzy’s journey!!
I thoroughly enjoyed the historical references, supplies and relationships. Of course the sapphic content was well done and I loved how Clem and Kizzy navigated not only each other but also themselves in their new situation and relationship.
I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them and how they reach a hea! Highly recommend!
I thoroughly enjoyed the historical references, supplies and relationships. Of course the sapphic content was well done and I loved how Clem and Kizzy navigated not only each other but also themselves in their new situation and relationship.
I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them and how they reach a hea! Highly recommend!
Read
February 5, 2026I hate to mess with queer books finding their audience so I'm avoiding the official rating, but it's two stars from me. Half-baked, if that, with rampant anachronism; it felt like modern-day characters awkwardly cosplaying with just a few props and the directive to involve nipples a lot. What plot there was strained credulity. Usually once I'm 2/3 of the way through a book I go ahead and finish it, but I just couldn't.
If you're looking for absorbing, fast-moving plot and great masc/femme characters in a well-researched book about the Oregon Trail, I'd recommend Jae's Backwards to Oregon instead. Other good sapphic westerns include Bloom Town and Lucky Red.
If you're looking for absorbing, fast-moving plot and great masc/femme characters in a well-researched book about the Oregon Trail, I'd recommend Jae's Backwards to Oregon instead. Other good sapphic westerns include Bloom Town and Lucky Red.
February 12, 2026
It didn't feel like I was reading a historical story; both characters seem very modern.
January 21, 2026
An exciting adventure!
Clem has been living as a man and passing as a prospector and author of articles about the Gold Rush. She meets Kizzy, when she leaves home and travels to Independence in hopes of following her dream to chase the gold as everyone else seems to be doing. Kizzy is young and alone, which the second she arrives leaves her in need of rescue from the men in town who think she is there for something else. Clem rescues her and as their plans align, they hatch a plan to travel together and chase the dream together.
I loved Kizzy from the second she was introduced! For the times, she was free and daring. She challenged everything a woman was expected to be and did it unapologetically. That was okay where she was protected in her home town by the status of her father as the local priest.
Condemned by him for her wicked ways, Kizzy is determined to prove she can make it on her own and get away from his judgement, but even with her own smarts and some advice from her mother she was not prepared for what she found the second she got on that train. I was glad she met Clem and took a chance to trust that she would protect her and help her achieve her dreams, but she still could have been wrong about who Clem was upon their first meeting. Her naivety made me nervous for her.
Clem had lots of experience and was more than happy to share all she had learned with Kizzy. It showed what a kind and caring person she was, but she was carrying some heaviness of her own, and was always worried she’d get caught out in her lie. She was protective a bit at first, but something about Kizzy had her opening up and putting a lot of trust in someone who could have ruined everything for her. They did share a connection, something about the way they thought and were so forward for the times, that just worked and I was excited to join them in this adventure.
This story is in two parts, so I am excited to read the next part, but this has definitely set up for an exciting adventure and leant to having some wonderful moments. It showcased how strong women always survive and succeed!
Clem has been living as a man and passing as a prospector and author of articles about the Gold Rush. She meets Kizzy, when she leaves home and travels to Independence in hopes of following her dream to chase the gold as everyone else seems to be doing. Kizzy is young and alone, which the second she arrives leaves her in need of rescue from the men in town who think she is there for something else. Clem rescues her and as their plans align, they hatch a plan to travel together and chase the dream together.
I loved Kizzy from the second she was introduced! For the times, she was free and daring. She challenged everything a woman was expected to be and did it unapologetically. That was okay where she was protected in her home town by the status of her father as the local priest.
Condemned by him for her wicked ways, Kizzy is determined to prove she can make it on her own and get away from his judgement, but even with her own smarts and some advice from her mother she was not prepared for what she found the second she got on that train. I was glad she met Clem and took a chance to trust that she would protect her and help her achieve her dreams, but she still could have been wrong about who Clem was upon their first meeting. Her naivety made me nervous for her.
Clem had lots of experience and was more than happy to share all she had learned with Kizzy. It showed what a kind and caring person she was, but she was carrying some heaviness of her own, and was always worried she’d get caught out in her lie. She was protective a bit at first, but something about Kizzy had her opening up and putting a lot of trust in someone who could have ruined everything for her. They did share a connection, something about the way they thought and were so forward for the times, that just worked and I was excited to join them in this adventure.
This story is in two parts, so I am excited to read the next part, but this has definitely set up for an exciting adventure and leant to having some wonderful moments. It showcased how strong women always survive and succeed!
November 30, 2025
Drivel
I’ve got a theory that one way to distinguish fanfic is by the sheer quantity of extraneous detail. This book goes on and on and on and on about things like attire and what the mains packed into their covered wagon for the long journey West (the list is repeated at least twice!). Meanwhile, there’s no suspense. And then the author comes to a screeching halt midway in and announces that the reader must buy the next installment to hear the rest of the story. Say, what?! If she wasn’t so repetitive with the boring, extraneous details, she easily could’ve fit the entire story into one thin volume.
There are some good novels in the Western sub-genre of Sapphic romance. (Claudia Cravens’ debut novel, Lucky Red, comes to mind.) This isn’t one. If you’re going to go historical, you need to make at least some minimal effort to be true to the period, for example in regard to grammar and vocabulary. These two mains – Clem (who’s masquerading as a man) and her young faux-wife Kizzy – talk as if they’re in the 21st century, not the mid-19th century. As in: “When speaking of me to others you can never use feminine pronouns.”
The other thing that was wild was Clem’s lack of caution, given the fact that a woman could easily get herself killed back then if caught masquerading as a man. Clem and Kizzy were practically exhibitionists when it came to their sexual escapades.
Also, the level of predatory behavior by men seemed exaggerated. On a wagon train, folks are in it together, and must try to get along as a community. Instead, when Clem walks away for half a second, some guys grab Kizzy and try to rape her. Then the wagon train’s leader, even though he’s a friend of Clem’s, allows them to stay on. Totally unbelievable.
I was steered wrong by this book’s off-the-charts positive star ranking. But now I see that that it’s based on only 16 ratings (9 reviews), and since the book just came out I’m thinking the inflated rating likely reflects the Goodreads flaws of ARC’s and friends writing reviews. Kinda sucks, though.
I’ve got a theory that one way to distinguish fanfic is by the sheer quantity of extraneous detail. This book goes on and on and on and on about things like attire and what the mains packed into their covered wagon for the long journey West (the list is repeated at least twice!). Meanwhile, there’s no suspense. And then the author comes to a screeching halt midway in and announces that the reader must buy the next installment to hear the rest of the story. Say, what?! If she wasn’t so repetitive with the boring, extraneous details, she easily could’ve fit the entire story into one thin volume.
There are some good novels in the Western sub-genre of Sapphic romance. (Claudia Cravens’ debut novel, Lucky Red, comes to mind.) This isn’t one. If you’re going to go historical, you need to make at least some minimal effort to be true to the period, for example in regard to grammar and vocabulary. These two mains – Clem (who’s masquerading as a man) and her young faux-wife Kizzy – talk as if they’re in the 21st century, not the mid-19th century. As in: “When speaking of me to others you can never use feminine pronouns.”
The other thing that was wild was Clem’s lack of caution, given the fact that a woman could easily get herself killed back then if caught masquerading as a man. Clem and Kizzy were practically exhibitionists when it came to their sexual escapades.
Also, the level of predatory behavior by men seemed exaggerated. On a wagon train, folks are in it together, and must try to get along as a community. Instead, when Clem walks away for half a second, some guys grab Kizzy and try to rape her. Then the wagon train’s leader, even though he’s a friend of Clem’s, allows them to stay on. Totally unbelievable.
I was steered wrong by this book’s off-the-charts positive star ranking. But now I see that that it’s based on only 16 ratings (9 reviews), and since the book just came out I’m thinking the inflated rating likely reflects the Goodreads flaws of ARC’s and friends writing reviews. Kinda sucks, though.
November 19, 2025
4.2
Genta Sebastian’s My Darling Clementine is a fierce, romantic ride through a world where women risk everything to live authentically.
My Darling Clementine is a sweeping historical romance set in 19th-century America during the age of westward expansion and the Gold Rush. The story follows two strong-willed young women; Keziah (“Kizzy”), the rebellious daughter of a preacher who refuses to hide her attraction to women, and Clementine (“Clem”), a determined prospector and writer carving out a life while disguising herself as a man.
As each sets out on her own journey of survival, independence, and self-discovery, their paths lead them away from the constraints of family expectations and small-town gossip toward the promise—and perils—of the American frontier. Themes of identity, love, resilience, and chosen family weave through their struggles, as they search not just for fortune, but for a place in the world where they can live authentically.
I really enjoyed the vivid historical setting and the bold heroines at the heart of My Darling Clementine. Genta Sebastian captures the grit of frontier life, small-town scandal, and the courage it takes for women to live authentically in a restrictive time. Both Kizzy and Clem are strong, memorable characters, and I loved watching their journeys unfold. The romance is heartfelt and genuine, though the story often places more weight on adventure and survival than on swoony intimacy. For me, that balance worked, but readers expecting a sweeping love story may be surprised. Overall, it’s a compelling, refreshing take on queer historical romance with plenty of heart. Very reminiscent of Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters.
Genta Sebastian’s My Darling Clementine is a fierce, romantic ride through a world where women risk everything to live authentically.
My Darling Clementine is a sweeping historical romance set in 19th-century America during the age of westward expansion and the Gold Rush. The story follows two strong-willed young women; Keziah (“Kizzy”), the rebellious daughter of a preacher who refuses to hide her attraction to women, and Clementine (“Clem”), a determined prospector and writer carving out a life while disguising herself as a man.
As each sets out on her own journey of survival, independence, and self-discovery, their paths lead them away from the constraints of family expectations and small-town gossip toward the promise—and perils—of the American frontier. Themes of identity, love, resilience, and chosen family weave through their struggles, as they search not just for fortune, but for a place in the world where they can live authentically.
I really enjoyed the vivid historical setting and the bold heroines at the heart of My Darling Clementine. Genta Sebastian captures the grit of frontier life, small-town scandal, and the courage it takes for women to live authentically in a restrictive time. Both Kizzy and Clem are strong, memorable characters, and I loved watching their journeys unfold. The romance is heartfelt and genuine, though the story often places more weight on adventure and survival than on swoony intimacy. For me, that balance worked, but readers expecting a sweeping love story may be surprised. Overall, it’s a compelling, refreshing take on queer historical romance with plenty of heart. Very reminiscent of Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters.
November 29, 2025
This was a very interesting story centering on the love and romance between two young women on the wagon train to California. Clementine dresses and passes as a man and marries Keziah to help her reach her gold mining dreams. It is a marriage of convenience but they fall in love anyway. It’s well written and the world building is pretty good; you do feel like you are in the dusty boom towns along with Clem and Kizzy. While their meeting is far from traditional, their love story feels real and true and beautiful. This book deals with the ways they accept each other and help each other grow. While set in the 1840s, there is plenty of spice in this book! Who knew the Gold Rush could be so sexy? Because it is set during a time where women were not valued for anything other than being submissive wives and mothers, I spent most of the book waiting for the inevitable discovery of Clem’s gender or their taboo lesbian relationship and the resulting fallout. Thankfully that didn’t happen and this book is mostly a happy, spicy little sapphic western about two women finding love while chasing their dreams.
November 25, 2025
So well written as to pull you into the shoes of Kizzy and Clem and their unlikely, uncommon, and oh so lucky coupling begins and develops, this first half of the Clementine duology is just wonderful! The way the two are able to play off of each other with sharp banter and keep the other on their toes, is excellent.
Watching the way Clem orchestrates some of the events in Independence reminds me of the mastermind in some of the classic heist movies. Just manipulating moving pieces behind the scenes, making sure that everything is moving where it needs to at the proper time. And you never know it's happening until just the necessary moment.
But, most of all, the developing love story between the two women is what makes this book shine. The moments of individual vulnerability and weakness shown are poignant and powerful. I can't wait for Dreadful Sorry, Clementine, because I need to know what happens to the Dennisons.
Watching the way Clem orchestrates some of the events in Independence reminds me of the mastermind in some of the classic heist movies. Just manipulating moving pieces behind the scenes, making sure that everything is moving where it needs to at the proper time. And you never know it's happening until just the necessary moment.
But, most of all, the developing love story between the two women is what makes this book shine. The moments of individual vulnerability and weakness shown are poignant and powerful. I can't wait for Dreadful Sorry, Clementine, because I need to know what happens to the Dennisons.
November 19, 2025
This is a beautiful story. Love blossoms against the harsh and deadly backdrop of the American frontier. Both our main characters have a rich backstory, and are genuinely likeable. While Clem presents as our butch and Kizzy is our femme, in their private relationship, these roles take a back seat, allowing them to bond, learn and grow together. This also lets us see just how strong and vulnerable both can be. I absolutely ate this up and am itching to read book 2.
November 26, 2025
Who doesn’t love a steamy western?
With Kizzy’s watchful eye, she sees through Clem’s facade. Even with her religious upbringing, Kizzy is a force to be reckoned with, and Clem defies societal standards by being uniquely herself. With the intentions of escaping, these ladies strike up a deal to head out west.
The couple has so much chemistry and I can’t wait to see what journey they embark on in the second book!!
With Kizzy’s watchful eye, she sees through Clem’s facade. Even with her religious upbringing, Kizzy is a force to be reckoned with, and Clem defies societal standards by being uniquely herself. With the intentions of escaping, these ladies strike up a deal to head out west.
The couple has so much chemistry and I can’t wait to see what journey they embark on in the second book!!
February 6, 2026
over too soon
I love a book that ends too soon. The shock that comes when I realize that the last word I read was the LAST word of the book! Every time a book leaves me feeling stunned it is the same reaction. I look for a next one. And happily, I can put you at ease, there is a next one.
This story is rich with characters and settings that are engaging. I want to know what comes next.
Happy reading!
I love a book that ends too soon. The shock that comes when I realize that the last word I read was the LAST word of the book! Every time a book leaves me feeling stunned it is the same reaction. I look for a next one. And happily, I can put you at ease, there is a next one.
This story is rich with characters and settings that are engaging. I want to know what comes next.
Happy reading!
February 14, 2026
This book has way too much cis nonsense for me to enjoy it. Like the author has Clem constantly allude to being trans masc (rather than just presenting masc), but then get 'fixed' by a lesbian relationship. DNF right at the point where she said "Hey I've been a stone top all my life, but since I meet you yesterday, I can suddenly accept my body". Miss me
January 20, 2026
The 1840s were a time for men. The best way for women to cope was to pass as a man. Then there is the wagon ride journey setting off for California with a new wife and a wagon. Can't wait for book 2
October 11, 2025
This book had me from the beginning. I loved the story very much. The relationship between the MCs was fantastic. I liked how strong the women were.
December 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Clem and Kizzy are both such strong characters, both fiercely independent and neither wishes to be restrained by the rules of society. They kick back in very different ways and come together to make a great couple who complement each other. The story has been well crafted and does a great job of depicting the era and keeping things believable. I was disappointed when the book ended but I'm really pleased to know that there is a follow-on book which will continue their journey along the trail. It was wild west, sweet and sexy all rolled into one and I can't wait to read more.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews